bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Model for Estimation of Spatial Averaging Path Length
Authors: Njemčević Pamela , Lipovac Adriana , Lipovac Vlatko
Published: July 2018

In mobile communication systems, the transmitted RF signal is subject to mutually independent deterministic path loss and stochastic multipath and shadow fading. As at each spatial location mostly the composite signal samples are measured, their components are distinguished by averaging out the multipath‐caused signal level variations, while preserving just the ones due to shadowing. The prerequisite for this is the appropriateness of the local area averaging path length that enables obtaining the local mean (composed of mean path loss and shadow fading) and the multipath fading as difference between the composite signal sample and the local mean. However, the so far reported analytical approaches to estimation of the averaging path length are based on considering either the multipath or just the shadow fading, with applicability limited to only specific topologies and frequencies. Therefore, in this paper, the most widely used Lee analytical method is generalized and improved by considering multipath and shadowing concurrently, so providing the general closed‐form elementary‐function based estimation of the optimal averaging path length as a function of common multipath and shadow fading parameters characterizing particular propagation environment. The model enables recommendations for the optimal averaging length for all propagation conditions facing the mobile receiver.
High Prevalence of Sarcopenia in HIV-Infected Individuals
Authors: Echeverría Patricia , Bonjoch Anna , Puig Jordi , Estany Carla , Ornelas Arelly , Clotet Bonaventura , Negredo Eugenia
Published: July 2018

Background. Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome that leads to a loss of functionality and mortality. Methods. We assessed the prevalence of sarcopenia in HIV-infected patients attended in our HIV Unit who had at least two DXA scans from 2000 to 2016 (1,720 DXA scans from 860 individuals). Sarcopenia was determinate according to appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASM) calculated as the ratio between skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) by DXA and height2 (kg/m2). We stratified patients by gender and age (<40, 41-50, and >50 years) and according to the interval between DXAs (≤3, 3-7, 7-10, >10 years). The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 19. Results. Median (IQR) age was 52 (47; 57) years, and 76% were male. The median (IQR) time with HIV infection was 8 (3; 15) years. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 25.7% (95% CI, 22.8-28.7), more prevalent in those aged >50 years (27.8%). Stratifying by gender, 43% of women aged >50 years presented sarcopenia compared with 8.8% of men. The frequency of sarcopenia increased from 37.6% to 49.4% when interval between DXA was 7-10 years (n=109), significantly higher in women than in men (p=0.016). In addition to the traditional risk factors, time with HIV infection was associated with sarcopenia [RR 1.780 (95% CI, 1.314-2.411), p=0.001]. Conclusion. The prevalence and progression of sarcopenia in HIV-infected patients were high, mainly among women. Further studies are necessary to assess the best approaches to prevent this condition and its consequences.
Acupuncture Rescues Cognitive Impairment and Upregulates Dopamine-β-Hydroxylase Expression in Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion Rats
Authors: Xiao Ling-Yong , Yang Jing-Wen , Wang Xue-Rui , Ye Yang , Yang Na-Na , Yan Chao-Qun , Liu Cun-Zhi
Published: July 2018

Alteration of dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) contributes to cognitive function. Acupuncture has been shown to affect DA and NA in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) rats. However, the effect of acupuncture on DA-β-hydroxylase (DBH), the biosynthetic enzyme of NA, remains unknown. In CCH rats we established chronic hypoperfusion by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (two-vessel occlusion, 2VO) and treated them with acupuncture. Acupuncture displayed beneficial effects on hippocampus-dependent memory impairments, including nonspatial and spatial memory. That is also reflected in hippocampus long-term-potentiation (LTP). Moreover, DBH expression in the hippocampus and DBH activity in cerebrospinal fluid were upregulated after acupuncture treatment. In conclusion, these in vivo findings suggest that acupuncture exerts a therapeutic effect on hippocampus-dependent memory and hippocampus LTP in CCH rats, which may be partially related to the modulation of DBH in the hippocampus.
A Modified Nonlinear Modal Synthesis Scheme for Mistuned Blisks with Synchronized Switch Damping
Authors: Liu Jiuzhou , Li Lin , Fan Yu , Huang Xingrong
Published: July 2018

In the authors’ previous work (MSSP 2017), we show that the synchronized switch damping based on negative capacitor (SSDNC) is a good candidate for vibration suppression of tuned blisks. In this paper, we consider the mistuned case and propose an efficient numerical approach to accelerate the required statistical analysis. Although SSDNC is a type of nonlinear piezoelectric damping, through an in-depth nonlinear modal analysis, we show that the modal information of the system remains unchanged with respect to the nonlinear modal amplitude. Based on this, an accelerated nonlinear component modal synthesis (NCMS) method is proposed to predict and further analyse the dynamic characteristics of the nonlinear system. The precision and efficiency of the proposed method is compared with that of the multiharmonic balance method. The stochastic characteristics of the blisk are studied with two sources of mistuning. The first one is random stiffness mistuning and the second one is capacitance mistuning. The investigation is carried out with different mistuning levels and under different engine-order excitations. The results show that the NCMS method can accurately predict the forced response of the mistuned blisk with SSDNC, and the calculation cost can be considerably reduced. Two advantages of the SSDNC technique applied to the mistuned blisk have been revealed in the statistical view. The first one is that the SSDNC can suppress the amplified vibration induced by the mistuning of the blisk significantly. The second one is that the vibration-suppression performance of SSDNC is insensitive to the mistuning of the blisk and that of the electrical circuits.
Anthropometrics, Metabolic Syndrome, and Mortality Hazard
Authors: Krakauer Nir Y. , Krakauer Jesse C.
Published: July 2018

Independent indices (height, body mass index, a body shape index, and hip index) derived from basic anthropometrics have been found to be powerful predictors of mortality hazard, especially when the attributable risks are summed over these indices to give an anthropometric risk index (ARI). The metabolic syndrome (MS) is defined based on the co-occurrence of anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory criteria and is also widely employed for evaluating disease risk. Here, we investigate correlations between ARI and MS in a general population sample, the United States Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Baseline values of ARI and MS were also evaluated for their association with mortality over approximately 20 years of follow-up. ARI was found to be positively correlated with each component of MS, suggesting connections between the two entities as measures of cardiometabolic risk. ARI and MS were both significant predictors of mortality hazard. Although the association of ARI with mortality hazard was stronger than that of MS, a combined model with both ARI and MS score as predictors improved predictive ability over either construct in isolation. We conclude that the combination of anthropometrics and clinical and laboratory measurements holds the potential to increase the effectiveness of risk assessment compared to using either anthropometrics or the current components of MS alone.
EESS: An Energy‐Efficient Spectrum Sensing Method by Optimizing Spectrum Sensing Node in Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks
Authors: Jin Zilong , Qiao Yu , Liu Alex , Zhang Lejun
Published: July 2018

In cognitive radio sensor networks (CRSNs), the sensor devices which are enabled to perform dynamic spectrum access have to frequently sense the licensed channel to find idle channels. The behavior of spectrum sensing will consume a lot of battery power of sensor devices and reduce the network lifetime. In this paper, we aim to answer the question of how many spectrum sensing nodes (SSNs) are required. In order to achieve this, SSN ratio effects on the accuracy of spectrum sensing from the perspective of network energy efficiency are analyzed first. Based on these analyses, the optimal SSN ratio is derived for maximizing the network lifetime by optimizing the cooperative detection probability (CDP). Simulation results show that the optimal SSN ratio can guarantee the spectrum sensing performance in terms of detection and false alarm probabilities and effectively extend the network lifetime.
Test on the Stabilization of Oil‐Contaminated Wenzhou Clay by Cement
Authors: Yu Chuang , Liao Raoping , Zhu Chaopeng , Cai Xiaoqing , Ma Jianjun
Published: July 2018

Oil‐contaminated soils have been paid much attention due to the reclamation of industrial lands in coastal cities of China. As known, oil‐contaminated soils are inapplicable for construction due to their weak engineering properties, thus leading to the requirement of remediation and reclamation for oil‐contaminated sites. This study presents an experimental investigation on the stabilization of contaminated soils with Portland cement. Investigations including the Atterberg limits, unconfined compressive strength, direct shear strength, and microstructure of cement‐stabilized soils have been carried out, verifying the suitability of applying cement to improve engineering properties. Experimental results show that the geotechnical properties of contaminated soil are very poor. With the application of cement, the liquid limit and plasticity index of contaminated soil samples decrease dramatically, and the strength of treated soils has been improved. Experimental results from scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicate that cement‐stabilized oil‐contaminated soil is featured with a stable supporting microstructure, owing to the cementation between soil particles. This also confirms the applicability of cement to be served as an additive to treat oil‐contaminated soils.
Performance of Adaptive Noise Cancellation with Normalized Last-Mean-Square Based on the Signal-to-Noise Ratio of Lung and Heart Sound Separation
Authors: Al-Naggar Noman Q. , Al-Udyni Mohammed H.
Published: July 2018

The adaptive algorithm satisfies the present needs on technology for diagnosis biosignals as lung sound signals (LSSs) and accurate techniques for the separation of heart sound signals (HSSs) and other background noise from LSS. This study investigates an improved adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) based on normalized last-mean-square (NLMS) algorithm. The parameters of ANC-NLMS algorithm are the filter length Lj parameter, which is determined in 2n sequence of 2, 4, 8, 16, … , 2048, and the step size (μn), which is automatically randomly identified using variable μn (VSS) optimization. Initially, the algorithm is subjected experimentally to identify the optimal μn range that works with 11 Lj values as a specific case. This case is used to study the improved performance of the proposed method based on the signal-to-noise ratio and mean square error. Moreover, the performance is evaluated four times for four μn values, each of which with all Lj to obtain the output SNRout matrix (4 × 11). The improvement level is estimated and compared with the SNRin prior to the application of the proposed algorithm and after SNRouts. The proposed method achieves high-performance ANC-NLMS algorithm by optimizing VSS when it is close to zero at determining Lj, at which the algorithm shows the capability to separate HSS from LSS. Furthermore, the SNRout of normal LSS starts to improve at Lj of 64 and Lj limit of 1024. The SNRout of abnormal LSS starts from a Lj value of 512 to more than 2048 for all determined μn. Results revealed that the SNRout of the abnormal LSS is small (negative value), whereas that in the normal LSS is large (reaches a positive value). Finally, the designed ANC-NLMS algorithm can separate HSS from LSS. This algorithm can also achieve a good performance by optimizing VSS at the determined 11 Lj values. Additionally, the steps of the proposed method and the obtained SNRout may be used to classify LSS by using a computer.
Linc00518 Contributes to Multidrug Resistance Through Regulating the MiR-199a/MRP1 Axis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Chang Liang , Hu Zhuang , Zhou Zhenyu , Zhang Hui
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been validated to be pivotal mediators in multidrug resistance (MDR) of various cancers. This study aims to explore the roles and molecular mechanisms of linc00518 implicated in chemoresistance in breast cancer. Methods: Expressions of linc00518, miR-199a and MRP1 were evaluated by RT-qPCR or western blot. IC50 values of adriamycin (ADR), vincristine (VCR) and paclitaxel (PTX) were determined by XTT assays and cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Luciferase reporter and RIP assays were employed to detect the interaction of linc00518, miR-199a and MRP-1. Results: linc00518 expression increased nearly 2 fold and MRP1 level elevated about 2.5 fold in breast cancer tissues as compared to that in adjacent normal tissues. Also, almost 2 fold upregulation of linc00518 and MRP-1 expressions was observed in MCF-7 cells than in MCF-10A cells. Additionally, linc00518 level was almost 2.5 fold higher and MRP1 level was about 2 fold increased in ADR-resistant MCF-7 cells (MCF-7/ADR) than in parental cell line MCF-7. Linc00518 knockdown enhanced chemosensitivity to ADR, VCR and PTX, and boosted ADR-, VCR- and PTX-induced apoptosis in MCF-7/ADR cells. miR-199a inhibitor conferred chemoresistance to ADR, VCR and PTX in MCF-7/ADR cells, and suppressing miR-199a reversed multi-drug susceptibility induced by linc00518 knockdown. Furthermore, linc00518 could act as a molecular sponge of miR-199a to repress MRP1 expression. MRP1 depletion increased the sensitivity of MCF-7/ADR cells to ADR, VCR and PTX, and this effect was attenuated following miR-199a inhibition or linc00518 overexpression. Also, linc00518 silencing increased ADR-mediated anti-tumor effect in vivo. Conclusions: linc00518 downregulation reduced MDR by regulating miR-199a/MRP1 axis in breast cancer.
CD24 is a Potential Biomarker for Prognosis in Human Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Jing Xuan , Cui Xiangrong , Liang Hongping , Hao Chonghua , Yang Zhining , Li Xiaogai , Yang Xiaojuan , Han Chongyang
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: CD24 is a highly glycosylated mucin-like antigen on the cell surface, which has recently emerged as a novel oncogene and metastasis promoter. We performed bioinformatics analysis to investigate whether CD24 can serve as a prognostic indicator in breast cancer. Methods: CD24 expression was assessed using SAGE Genie tools and Oncomine analysis. The PrognoScan database, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, and bc-GenExMiner were used to identify the prognostic roles of CD24 in breast cancer. Results: We found that CD24 was more frequently overexpressed in breast cancer than in normal breast tissue and correlated with worse prognosis. Meanwhile, high CD24 expression was associated with increased risk of HER2, basal-like, triple-negative breast cancer, and higher Scarff-Bloom-Richardson grade. Data mining in multiple big databases confirmed a positive correlation between CD24 mRNA expression and SDC1 mRNA expression in breast cancer tissue. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that CD24 overexpression is more common in breast cancer than in corresponding normal tissue. In addition, CD24 and SDC1 can serve as prognostic indicators for breast cancer. However, large-scale and comprehensive research is needed to further confirm these results.
Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan Versus Irbesartan in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Haynes Richard , Judge Parminder K. , Staplin Natalie , Herrington William G. , Storey Benjamin C. , Bethel Angelyn , Bowman Louise , Brunskill Nigel , Cockwell Paul , Hill Michael , Kalra Philip A. , McMurray John J.V. , Taal Maarten , Wheeler David C. , Landray Martin J. , Baigent Colin ,   On behalf of the UK HARP-III Collaborative Group
Published: July 2018

Background:

Sacubitril/valsartan reduces the risk of cardiovascular mortality among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, but its effects on kidney function and cardiac biomarkers in people with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease are unknown.

Methods:

The UK HARP-III trial (United Kingdom Heart and Renal Protection-III), a randomized double-blind trial, included 414 participants with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 20 to 60 mL/min/1.73 m
2
who were randomly assigned to sacubitril/valsartan 97/103 mg twice daily versus irbesartan 300 mg once daily. The primary outcome was measured GFR at 12 months using ANCOVA with adjustment for each individual’s baseline measured GFR. All analyses were by intention to treat.

Results:

In total, 207 participants were assigned to sacubitril/valsartan and 207 to irbesartan. Baseline measured GFR was 34.0 (SE, 0.8) and 34.7 (SE, 0.8) mL/min/1.73 m
2
, respectively. At 12 months, there was no difference in measured GFR: 29.8 (SE 0.5) among those assigned sacubitril/valsartan versus 29.9 (SE, 0.5) mL/min/1.73 m
2
among those assigned irbesartan; difference, -0.1 (0.7) mL/min/1.73 m
2
. Effects were similar in all prespecified subgroups. There was also no significant difference in estimated GFR at 3, 6, 9, or 12 months and no clear difference in urinary albumin:creatinine ratio between treatment arms (study average difference, -9%; 95% CI, -18 to 1). However, compared with irbesartan, allocation to sacubitril/valsartan reduced study average systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 5.4 (95% CI, 3.4–7.4) and 2.1 (95% CI, 1.0–3.3) mm Hg and levels of troponin I and N terminal of prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (tertiary end points) by 16% (95% CI, 8–23) and 18% (95% CI, 11–25), respectively. The incidence of serious adverse events (29.5% versus 28.5%; rate ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.75–1.53), nonserious adverse reactions (36.7% versus 28.0%; rate ratio, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.96–1.90), and potassium ≥5.5 mmol/L (32% versus 24%,
P
=0.10) was not significantly different between randomized groups.

Conclusions:

Over 12 months, sacubitril/valsartan has similar effects on kidney function and albuminuria to irbesartan, but it has the additional effect of lowering blood pressure and cardiac biomarkers in people with chronic kidney disease.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.isrctn.com
. Unique identifier: ISRCTN11958993.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Pediatric Versus Adult Brain Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: Chen Ching-Jen , Ding Dale , Kano Hideyuki , Mathieu David , Kondziolka Douglas , Feliciano Caleb , Rodriguez-Mercado Rafael , Grills Inga S. , Barnett Gene , Lunsford L. Dade , Sheehan Jason P. ,   on behalf of the International Gamma Knife Research Foundation
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose—

The aim of this international, multicenter, retrospective matched cohort study is to directly compare the outcomes after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) in pediatric versus adult patients.

Methods—

We performed a retrospective review of patients with AVM who underwent SRS at 8 institutions participating in the International Gamma Knife Research Foundation from 1987 to 2014. Patients were categorized into pediatric (<18 years of age) and adult (≥18 years of age) cohorts and matched in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores. Favorable outcome was defined as AVM obliteration, no post-SRS hemorrhage, and no permanently symptomatic radiation-induced changes.

Results—

From a total of 2191 patients who were eligible for inclusion in the overall study cohort, 315 were selected for each of the matched cohorts. There were no significant differences between matched pediatric versus adult cohorts with respect to the rates of favorable outcome (59% versus 58%;
P
=0.936), AVM obliteration (62% versus 63%;
P
=0.934), post-SRS hemorrhage (9% versus 7%;
P
=0.298), radiological radiation-induced changes (26% versus 26%;
P
=0.837), symptomatic radiation-induced changes (7% versus 9%;
P
=0.383), or permanent radiation-induced changes (2% versus 3%;
P
=0.589). The all-cause mortality rate was significantly lower in the matched pediatric cohort (3% versus 10%;
P
=0.003).

Conclusions—

The outcomes after SRS for comparable AVMs in pediatric versus adult patients were not found to be appreciably different. SRS remains a reasonable treatment option for appropriately selected pediatric patients with AVM, who harbor a high cumulative lifetime hemorrhage risk. Age seems to be a poor predictor of AVM outcomes after SRS.
The webspinning sawfly genus Neurotoma (Hymenoptera, Pamphiliidae) of South Korea: Neurotoma silla sp. nov. and a key to species
Authors: SHINOHARA AKIHIKO , CHOI JIN-KYUNG , LEE JONG-WOOK
Published: July 2018

Neurotoma silla sp. nov. is described and illustrated from South Korea. It belongs to the N. saltuum subgroup of the N. nemoralis group and is well characterized by the large size, the mostly black body with mostly black antennae and partly pale yellow legs, the densely punctate but nearly glabrous head with smooth interspaces between punctures, and the sharply carinate occipital carina. Six species of Neurotoma are known now from South Korea, including three species endemic to the country. A key to the South Korean species of Neurotoma is given.
“As We Grow, It Will Become a Priority”: American Mobile Start-Ups’ Privacy Practices
Authors: Chen Wenhong , Huang Gejun , Miller Joshua , Lee Kye-Hyoung , Mauro Daniel , Stephens Bryan , Li Xiaoqian
Published: July 2018

Privacy has become a crucial issue of the digital age, with significant social, political, and economic ramifications. A growing body of literature has dedicated to the patterns, causes, and consequences of individuals’ privacy concerns, skills, and practices. Advancing a producer’s perspective, this research draws on in-depth interviews with 45 tech entrepreneurs to examine privacy practices of mobile start-ups in the United States. Results reveal (a) factors that contribute to the problematic status of privacy issues and (b) whether and how entrepreneurs leverage privacy management as a competitive advantage. Results show that data are widely seen by entrepreneurs as a potentially profitable asset. Privacy practices are networked and thus pose challenges for privacy management as different parties may have different privacy practices. Fast-moving technologies often leave government regulations behind, making them look outdated or irrelevant to many entrepreneurs. For most start-ups not specialized in identity, privacy, or anonymity service, privacy is neither a core business strategy nor a top concern. Only a few mobile ventures have leveraged privacy management as a competitive advantage and designed their products from the ground up concerned about privacy. Most entrepreneurs adopt a building-the-plane-while-flying-it approach: as business grows, privacy policies and practices would evolve. Many entrepreneurs fail to recognize the significance of privacy policies and practices as they lack the awareness, bandwidth, and capacity. Growth and monetization pressures from investors are perceived as more urgent and important than privacy and security issues. Offering a richer account of the power structure that shapes mobile entrepreneurs’ privacy practices and their challenges of managing privacy in a data-driven digital economy, our work advances the existing literature dominated by stories of the individual consumers.
Negotiating femininities on campus: Sexuality, gender and risk in an HIV environment
Authors: Bhana Deevia , Pillay Janet
Published: July 2018

Objective:

In South Africa, Black African women between the ages of 15 and 24 years are especially vulnerable to HIV. The heterosexual transmission of the disease is exacerbated by social and cultural conditions that perpetuate gender relations of inequality. Problematic conceptualisations of femininity increase sexual risk. The objective of this article is to examine the ways in which undergraduate university Black African female students make meaning of gender and sexuality on campus and the social processes through which femininities are produced.

Design:

Qualitative research study.

Setting:

University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Method:

In total, 10 in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 25 Black African undergraduate female students aged between 18 and 24 years old.

Results:

Campus life was conceived as a place of heterosexual freedom, sexual enjoyment and engagement with dating relationships. Relationships were forged based on romantic notions of love and versions of femininity based on trust lead to sexual risk and unwanted pregnancy. In the context of material inequalities, ‘sugar daddy’ relationships further limited female students’ ability to negotiate safe sex. The overall climate on campus was structured along gender power inequalities. Female students feared and were victims of verbal, physical assault and sexual coercion. The lack of campus security exacerbated female students’ vulnerability to violence on campus.

Conclusion:

Addressing the specific meanings expressed by Black African female students on campus can help to improve the effectiveness of campus-based health education interventions promoting safe sex, gender equality and student safety.
Mental Illness, the Media, and the Moral Politics of Mass Violence
Authors: Duxbury Scott W. , Frizzell Laura C. , Lindsay Sadé L.
Published: July 2018

Objectives:

We examine how news media portrays the causes of mass shootings for shooters of different races. Specifically, we explore whether White men are disproportionately framed as mentally ill, and what narratives media tend to invoke when covering mass shootings through the lens of mental illness as opposed to other explanatory frames.

Methods:

The study examines a unique data set of 433 news documents covering 219 mass shootings between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2015. It analyzes the data using a mixed methods approach, combining logistic regression with content analysis.

Results:

Quantitative findings show that Whites and Latinos are more likely to have their crime attributed to mental illness than Blacks. Qualitative findings show that rhetoric within these discussions frame White men as sympathetic characters, while Black and Latino men are treated as perpetually violent threats to the public.

Conclusions:

Results suggest that there is racial variability in how the media assign blame to mass shooters. While Black men and Latinos are cast as violently inclined, White men are treated as victims or sympathetic characters. Results also indicate that there are noteworthy differences in how blame is assigned to Black men and Latinos.
Effects of proprioceptive training on the incidence of ankle sprain in athletes: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: de Vasconcelos Gabriela Souza , Cini Anelize , Sbruzzi Graciele , Lima Cláudia Silveira
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To investigate how dynamic neuromuscular control, postural sway, joint position sense, and incidence of ankle sprain are influenced by balance training in athletes compared with the control group in randomized clinical trials.

Data sources:

The search strategy included MEDLINE, Physical Therapy Evidence Database, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were published by June of 2018.

Methods:

RCTs that evaluate the effectiveness of proprioception in these outcomes: dynamic neuromuscular control, postural sway, joint position, and the incidence of ankle sprains in athletes aged between 18 and 35 years. Two reviewers independently screened the searched records, extracted the data, and assessed risk of bias. The treatment effect sizes were pooled in a meta-analysis using the RevMan 5.2 software. Internal validity was assessed through topics suggested by Cochrane Collaborations.

Results:

Of the 12 articles included ( n = 1817), eight were in the meta-analysis ( n = 1722). The balance training reduced the incidence of ankle sprains in 38% compared with the control group ( RR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.43–0.90). In relation to the dynamic neuromuscular control, the training showed increase in the distance of reach in the anterior (0.62 cm, 95% CI: 0.13–1.11), posterolateral (4.22 cm, 95% CI: 1.76–6.68), and posteromedial (3.65 cm, 95% CI: 1.03–6.26) through the Star Excursion Balance test. Furthermore, training seems to improve postural sway and joint position sense.

Conclusion:

Balance training reduces the incidence of ankle sprains and increases dynamic neuromuscular control, postural sway, and the joint position sense in athletes.
Neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally down-regulated 4-like: a new biomarker in the pathophysiology of endometrial cancer
Authors: Yilmaz Ercan , Gul Mehmet , Melekoglu Rauf , Inci Coskun Ebru , Sahin Nurhan , Gul Semir , Bastemur Ayse Gulcin , Ciplak Baris
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Endometrial cancer is the most frequent tumor of the female genital tract. Ubiquitin is a small protein (8.5 kDa) found in all eukaryotic cells, binds to substrate proteins via a three-phase enzymatic pathway referred to as ubiquitination and plays an important role in cellular stability. Neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally down-regulated 4-like (NEDD4L) functions in the last phase of this enzymatic process. In this study, we investigated NEDD4L protein expression in endometrial cancer.

Methods

The study participants were divided into patients with benign endometrial pathologies (Group 1, n = 23), patients with endometrial hyperplasia (Group 2, n = 21) and patients with endometrial cancer (Group 3, n = 20). NEDD4L expression was detected by immunohistochemical staining and H scores were calculated to standardize staining intensity. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 16.0.

Results

NEDD4L expression levels according to H scores were significantly lower in patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer compared with those with benign endometrial pathologies.

Conclusion

NEDD4L is involved in maintaining cell stability, and reduced NEDD4L expression as a result of gene mutation may disrupt this balance in favor of tumorigenesis.
Delineating the perceived functional regions of London from commuting flows
Authors: Shen Yao , Batty Michael
Published: July 2018

Well-connected urban areas defined by different types of urban flow define the boundaries reflecting the relatedness of places in terms of their functionality. Yet, attempts to define cities and their communities based on aggregated data normally neglect the inherent differences between different groups of people. Based on the disaggregated flow data, this study detects community structures in the London Metropolitan Area perceived by different occupations by using the multi-level modularity optimisation algorithm. The results show the difference between our perceptions of different functional regions across occupations. The higher managerial groups have a more global sense than the lesser managerial occupations who have more segmented and local perceptions regarding their functional regions. This is well illustrated by the shift of the documented modularity scores across groups. Although the transport network and various natural boundaries do play a part in the locational patterns of the derived communities, it is found that the relative self-containment of functional regions is interpreted differently by different occupations. This kind of representation is of great value in advancing our knowledge regarding how different places are perceived by different occupations with all the implications for future commuting that future planning for housing and employment will bring.
Comprehensive Exploratory Analysis of Truck Route Choice Diversity in Florida
Authors: Luong Trang D. , Tahlyan Divyakant , Pinjari Abdul R.
Published: July 2018

This study presents a comprehensive exploratory analysis of truck route choice diversity in the state of Florida, for both long-haul and short-haul truck travel segments. It employs six metrics to measure three different dimensions of diversity in truck route choice between any given origin–destination (OD) pair. These dimensions are: (a) number of distinct routes used to travel between the OD pair, (b) the extent of overlap (or lack thereof) among the routes, and (c) the evenness (or dominance) in the usage of different unique routes. The diversity metrics were applied to a large database of 73,000 truck routes derived from 200 million GPS records. Descriptive analysis and statistical modeling of the diversity metrics offered insights into the determinants of various dimensions of truck route choice diversity between any OD pair. The results are useful for improving choice set generation algorithms for truck route choice modeling and in truck route policies and investments.
Distracted Driving Behaviors and Beliefs among Older Adults
Authors: Hill Linda , Baird Sara , Engelberg Jessa K. , Larocca Jacob , Alwahab Uns , Chukwueke Jasmine , Engler Anne-Marie , Jahns Jana , Rybar Jill
Published: July 2018

Distracted driving, and especially cell phone use, is a prevalent contributor to crashes. Older drivers have an increased risk of committing safety errors while driving, especially with distraction. The objective of this study was to characterize phone-related distractions in older drivers (age > 65) and identify intervention strategies likely to reduce cell distraction. A 64-question survey was offered online and on paper. A distracted driving scale (DDS) was created by summing responses on 11 distracted driving questions related to phone use (possible score range 0 to 44). Linear regression was performed to identify variables associated with a higher DDS score. A total of 363 older drivers completed the survey; the mean age was 73 and 56% were female. 60% of older adults reported using their cell phone while driving at least some of the time. Participants perceived their own ability as capable or very capable when driving and using: handheld phone (40%); hands-free phone (78%); other tasks (38%) while driving. 32% of older adults who drive minors reported driving while distracted. 30% of those who work felt obligated to take work-related calls. Variables associated with distracted driving include younger age, driving more miles, perceived hands-free skill, smart phone ownership, and being employed or self-employed. State laws and potential loss of insurance coverage with distracted driving were cited as effective penalties. Older adults are engaging in distracted driving, including with minors in the car. Education, state laws, and altering insurance coverage may mitigate this behavior.
Toward longitudinal studies of hemodynamically induced vessel wall remodeling
Authors: Bozzetto Michela , Brambilla Paolo , Rota Stefano , Ene-Iordache Bogdan , Sironi Sandro , Remuzzi Giuseppe , Remuzzi Andrea
Published: July 2018

Introduction:

Autogenous arteriovenous fistula is the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis, but it has high rates of non-maturation and early failure due to vascular stenosis. Convincing evidence supports a key role of local hemodynamics in vascular remodeling, suggesting that unsteady and disturbed flow conditions may be related to stenosis formation in arteriovenous fistula. The purpose of our study was to explore the feasibility of coupling contrast-free magnetic resonance imaging and computational fluid dynamics in longitudinal studies to identify the role of local hemodynamic changes over time in inducing vessel wall remodeling in arteriovenous fistula.

Methods:

We acquired contrast-free magnetic resonance imaging of arm vasculature at 1 week and 6 weeks after arteriovenous fistula creation in a 72-year-old patient. We then generated three-dimensional models and evaluated lumen cross-sectional area of arteriovenous fistula limbs. We performed high-resolution computational fluid dynamics to evaluate changes in local hemodynamics over time.

Results:

Our contrast-free magnetic resonance imaging protocol provided good quality images in a short scan duration. We observed a homogeneous dilatation in the proximal artery, while there was a more pronounced lumen dilatation in the venous outflow as compared to a limited dilatation in the juxta-anastomotic vein. Furthermore, we observed a slight stabilization of the flow pattern over time, suggesting that vascular outward remodeling accommodates the flow to a more helicoidally phenotype.

Conclusion:

Coupling contrast-free magnetic resonance imaging and high-resolution computational fluid dynamics represents a promising approach to shed more light in the mechanisms of vascular remodeling and can be used for prospective clinical investigations aimed at identifying critical hemodynamic factors contributing to arteriovenous fistula failure.
Catechesis, Mystagogy, and Pedagogy
Authors: Johnson-Miller Beverly C. , Espinoza Benjamin D.
Published: July 2018

A renewed alignment with the church’s historic ministry of catechesis necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the God-centered, experiential, lifelong, communal, and mission-centered nature of catechesis. Ancient church practice of educating the affections, in contrast to post-Enlightenment intellectual indoctrination, requires mystagogical immersion of the human heart and life in the love of God. Mystagogical catechesis prevents the formation of superficial faith through pedagogical practices that: recognize the liturgical nature of faith and life; engage the whole person; aim for the heart; envision the journey; provoke wonder; and cultivate worship.
Mechanisms of diazinon effects on impaired spermatogenesis and male infertility
Authors: Harchegani Asghar Beigi , Rahmani Alireza , Tahmasbpour Eisa , Kabootaraki Hamid Bakhiari , Rostami Hossein , Shahriary Alireza
Published: July 2018

Diazinon (DZN) is an organophosphate insecticide that has cytotoxic and pathological effects on the reproductive system. It causes a wide variety of pathological effects on the reproductive system such as testicular atrophy, disturbance in sex hormones, impaired spermatogenesis, low quality of sperm, and fertility problems. However, molecular and cellular mechanisms of its adverse effects are not well understood. General events such as testicular damage, inflammation, mitochondrial deficiency, DNA fragmentation, disintegration of sperm plasma membrane, apoptosis, and cell death are observed in DZN-exposed animals. Oxidative stress (OS) induced by reactive oxygen species may be a main mechanism, which can be associated with sperm DNA fragmentation, reduced integrity of sperm cell membrane, apoptosis, depletion of antioxidants, and subsequently poor sperm quality and male infertility. Therefore, identification of these pathways may provide valuable information regarding the mechanisms of DZN action on the male reproductive system. In this review, we aim to discuss the proposed cellular and molecular mechanisms of DZN action on male reproductive system, the importance of OS and mechanisms by which DZN induces OS and depletion of other antioxidants.
The Consequences of Crime in Company: Co-Offending, Victim–Offender Relationship, and Quality of Violence
Authors: Lantz Brendan
Published: July 2018

Peers influence offending, both directly through co-offending and indirectly through information and advice. Despite such findings, there has been only limited research into the ways in which the presence of other offenders (i.e., accomplices) may impact criminal behavior, especially violence. Drawing on research on small group behavior, this study explores the relationship between the presence of co-offenders and offense severity, focusing on weapon use and victim injury. More specifically, this research hypothesizes that, owing to a diffusion of responsibility and other group processes, crimes committed by groups are more severe than crimes committed by a single offender and that crimes committed by large co-offending groups are particularly severe. This research also proposes that anonymity is an important mechanism behind this relationship and tests the hypothesis that the relationship between groups and offense severity varies according to the victim–offender relationship. Using National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) data, the results indicate that (a) offenses committed by groups of offenders are more likely than offenses committed by a single offender to be severe (i.e., involve a weapon, result in injury); (b) as the size of the co-offending group increases, the likelihood of offense severity also increases; and (c) whether the victim is known to the offender is an important predictor of the relationship between co-offending and offense severity.
The Process of Adjusting to Divorce After Leaving Violent Marriages: A Case Study of Iranian Women
Authors: Nikparvar Fatemeh , Stith Sandra , Dehghani Mohsen , Liang Jia Grace
Published: July 2018

Despite growing international attention to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), there is little systemic information available regarding the process of adjusting to divorce after leaving violent marriages among Iranian women. Despite the strong religious discouragement and social stigma associated with divorce in Iran, divorce has always been recognized as a possible outcome of marriage. This qualitative study was conducted to understand the process that nine Iranian women who left violent marriages went through after divorce. The data came from two interviews with each participant and interviewer’s notes that were taken during the interview. The data were analyzed using phenomenology and themes related to adjusting to divorce after experiencing IPV were identified. The process of adjusting to divorce seemed to occur in phases, that is, “initial experience after divorce,” “searching for stability/challenges/resources,” and “the process of developing new identity but still not being at peace.” Each phase consists of subthemes and boundaries between these phases were fluid and adjustment was an ongoing process. This process was a journey for these Iranian IPV victims, which was dependent on their financial situation, emotional support, having a child or not, and their psychological health. These findings can help Iranian women who are in the process of adjustment to divorce to make sense of their experience. Also, findings provide a framework for researchers and clinicians in their work with female survivors of violent marriages. By testing these findings, researchers will be able to develop a theory regarding healing and disentanglement process. Clinicians need to understand the role of internalized stigma and how they can help their clients who are seeking to adjust after leaving violent marriages in Iran to reduce internalized stigma of divorce and challenge some of negative cultural beliefs against divorced women. Implications and suggestions for future research and clinicians are provided.
Curing of epoxy/alkyd blends in self-healing coating
Authors: Shahabudin Nurshafiza , Yahya Rosiyah , Gan Seng Neon , Sonsudin Faridah
Published: July 2018

Self-healing of polymeric material using microcapsules has been developed to repair microcracks within the materials. The self-healing character is reflected from the curing behavior of the material. In this work, curing study of alkyd/epoxy blend was carried out by replacing part of amine hardener with alkyd in the epoxy formulation. The inclusion of alkyd in the epoxy blend resulted in higher degree of curing and higher thermal stability compared to the alkyd-free blend, as evidenced from higher heat of reaction values of differential scanning calorimetry and maximum degradation temperature at 379°C, respectively. Self-healing reaction of epoxy coating as evaluated by Fourier-transform spectroscopy revealed that the 914 cm−1 peak attributed to C–O–C of epoxy has decreased, as the epoxide group was consumed in the reaction. Appearance of a new peak at 1631–1632 cm−1 in the cured coating confirmed that the epoxide has reacted with the carboxylic acid group of alkyd to form ester.
Aerodynamic noise prediction of passenger vehicle with hybrid detached eddy simulation/acoustic perturbation equation method
Authors: Zhong Liyuan , Li Qiliang , Wang Yigang , Yang Zhigang
Published: July 2018

Aerodynamic noise significantly affects the ride comfort of vehicle. A hybrid method combining detached eddy simulation and acoustic perturbation equations was used together with wind tunnel experiment to perform the aerodynamic noise investigation of a passenger vehicle. A good agreement of exterior overall sound pressure level and turbulent pressure spectra was found between the experiment and simulation with 260 million cells. Both turbulent and acoustic pressures were used as power input in statistical energy analysis, and the predicted interior noise is consistent with the experiment. The turbulent and acoustic pressures show a closely related spatial distribution, while the distribution patterns are different due to the distinction in their ways of propagation. The turbulent pressure travels downstream together with flow, while the acoustic pressure radiates homogeneously. Through statistical energy analysis, the major aerodynamic noise sources are identified as underbody for frequencies under 200 Hz and windows above 200 Hz, respectively. Finally, the studies of mesh resolution show that the finer mesh with 260 million cells can provide better results, while the coarser mesh with 90 million cells performs relatively poorly.
Optimal layout method of distributed locking device of satellite based on plant root growth theory
Authors: Wang Gang , Yang Fei , Yue Honghao , Jiang Shengyuan
Published: July 2018

The method of determining the optimal direction of satellite locking point is extended from the mechanical stability principle of plant roots growth under external loads. The method of topological optimization of the number and location of satellite locking units was proposed based on the adventitious root growth pattern of monocotyledons. Inspired by the fibrous root growth rhythm, the method for topological optimization of the effective contact interface shape of the satellite locking units is presented. A satellite finite element model and three-dimensional spring support model are established to lay the foundation for system frequency analysis. Parallel algorithm is used to optimize the position of the main locking points. One-dimensional search method is adopted to select the growth positions of the secondary locking points with the goal of maximizing fundamental frequency of the system. The relationship between the locking stiffness and system fundamental frequency is explored. Finally, the optimization results of this method are compared with those of conventional methods; the comparison demonstrated that the fundamental frequency of the locking system is significantly enhanced by the proposed method.
A mechanical hand for prosthetic applications: multibody model and contact simulation
Authors: Cosenza Chiara , Niola Vincenzo , Savino Sergio
Published: July 2018

The dynamical behavior study of a mechanical hand is a fundamental issue to verify its possible application as a prosthetic hand. Simulation approaches are widely used to predict the dynamics of mechanical components. In the context of mechanical hands, the multibody model represents a useful tool to predict the finger dynamics and therefore the phalanx rotations before the prototyping. The phalanx rotations drive the finger closure sequence and, consequently, influence the grasping ability of the whole mechanical hand. This article discusses the main theoretical aspects dealing with the design of a mechanical hand for prosthetic application and the solutions offered by multiple simulation approaches.