bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wall Shear Stress Estimation of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Febina J. , Sikkandar Mohamed Yacin , Sudharsan N. M.
Published: June 2018

An attempt has been made to evaluate the effects of wall shear stress (WSS) on thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Aneurysm is an excessive localized swelling of the arterial wall due to many physiological factors and it may rupture causing shock or sudden death. The existing imaging modalities such as MRI and CT assist in the visualization of anomalies in internal organs. However, the expected dynamic behaviour of arterial bulge under stressed condition can only be effectively evaluated through mathematical modelling. In this work, a 3D aneurysm model is reconstructed from the CT scan slices and eventually the model is imported to Star CCM+ (Siemens, USA) for intensive CFD analysis. The domain is discretized using polyhedral mesh with prism layers to capture the weakening boundary more accurately. When there is flow reversal in TAA as seen in the velocity vector plot, there is a chance of cell damage causing clots. This is because of the shear created in the system due to the flow pattern. It is observed from the proposed mathematical modelling that the deteriorating WSS is an indicator for possible rupture and its value oscillates over a cardiac cycle as well as over different stress conditions. In this model, the vortex formation pattern and flow reversals are also captured. The non-Newtonian model, including a pulsatile flow instead of a steady average flow, does not overpredict the WSS (15.29 Pa compared to 16 Pa for the Newtonian model). Although in a cycle the flow behaviour is laminar-turbulent-laminar (LTL), utilizing the non-Newtonian model along with LTL model also overpredicted the WSS with a value of 20.1 Pa. The numerical study presented here provides good insight of TAA using a systematic approach to numerical modelling and analysis.
Development of a SCAR Marker-Based Diagnostic Method for the Detection of the Citrus Target Spot Pathogen Pseudofabraea citricarpa
Authors: Yang Yuheng , Hu Junhua , Chen Fajing , Ding Dekuan , Zhou Changyong
Published: June 2018

Target spot, a recently observed citrus disease that is caused by Pseudofabraea citricarpa, can cause substantial economic losses in citrus production. In this study, a 797 bp marker specific to Ps. citricarpa was identified via random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. The primer pair Pc-SFP/Pc-SRP, which was designed from RAPD amplicons, was utilized as a sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker. This marker identified Ps. citricarpa with a single and distinct band of 389 bp but did not amplify DNA from other tested fungal species. The PCR assay was highly sensitive to the target DNA at picogram levels and could reliably amplify Ps. citricarpa sequences with the Pc-SFP/Pc-SRP primer pair. The SCAR marker that was identified in the present study can facilitate rapid decision-making and precise disease forecasting and management.
Nonlinear Green’s Functions for Wave Equation with Quadratic and Hyperbolic Potentials
Authors: Khurshudyan Asatur Zh.
Published: June 2018

The advantageous Green’s function method that originally has been developed for nonhomogeneous linear equations has been recently extended to nonlinear equations by Frasca. This article is devoted to rigorous and numerical analysis of some second-order differential equations new nonlinearities by means of Frasca’s method. More specifically, we consider one-dimensional wave equation with quadratic and hyperbolic nonlinearities. The case of exponential nonlinearity has been reported earlier. Using the method of generalized separation of variables, it is shown that a hierarchy of nonlinear wave equations can be reduced to second-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations, to which Frasca’s method is applicable. Numerical error analysis in both cases of nonlinearity is carried out for various source functions supporting the advantage of the method.
Epidemiology of Hip Fractures in Two Regions of Ukraine
Authors: Povoroznyuk V. V. , Grygorieva N. V. , Kanis J. A. , McCloskey E. V. , Johansson H. , Strafun S. S. , Korzh M. O. , Vaida V. M. , Klymovytsky F. V. , Forosenko V. S. , Vlasenko R. O.
Published: June 2018

Worldwide, the number of hip fractures, the most important osteoporotic complication in the elderly, continues to increase in line with the ageing of the population. In some countries, however, including the Ukraine, data on the incidence of hip fracture are limited. This article describes the first analysis to characterize the incidence of hip fracture in the Ukrainian population from the age of 40 years. It is based on data from two regional studies, namely, the Vinnitsa city study and the STOP study, which were performed during 1997–2002 and 2011-2012 years, respectively. Hip fracture incidence rates were demonstrated to increase with increasing age. The rates were higher among younger men than women, however, with a female preponderance from the age of 65 years upwards. The incidence of hip fractures in Ukraine is 255.5 per 100,000 for women aged 50 years and older and 197.8 per 100,000 for men of the corresponding age. Overall, the incidence of hip fracture was comparable with data from neighboring countries, such as Poland and Romania. Hip fractures constitute a serious healthcare problem in Ukraine, and changes in healthcare are required to improve the management and long-term care of osteoporosis and its complications.
Modulation of Immune-Inflammatory Responses in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Emerging Molecular Targets
Authors: Li Hanrong , Bai Shuling , Ao Qiang , Wang Xiaohong , Tian Xiaohong , Li Xiang , Tong Hao , Hou Weijian , Fan Jun
Published: June 2018

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a deadly vascular disease in human, is a chronic degenerative process of the abdominal aorta. In this process, inflammatory responses and immune system work efficiently by inflammatory cell attraction, proinflammatory factor secretion and subsequently MMP upregulation. Previous studies have demonstrated various inflammatory cell types in AAA of human and animals. The majority of cells, such as macrophages, CD4+ T cells, and B cells, play an important role in the diseased aortic wall through phenotypic modulation. Furthermore, immunoglobulins also greatly affect the functions and differentiation of immune cells in AAA. Recent evidence suggests that innate immune system, especially Toll-like receptors, chemokine receptors, and complements are involved in the progression of AAAs. We discussed the innate immune system, inflammatory cells, immunoglobulins, immune-mediated mechanisms, and key cytokines in the pathogenesis of AAA and particularly emphasis on a further trend and application of these interventions. This current understanding may offer new insights into the role of inflammation and immune response in AAA.
A Novel Hybrid T-Type Three-Level Inverter Based on SVPWM for PV Application
Authors: Tuluhong Ayiguzhali , Wang Weiqing , Li Yongdong , Xu Lie
Published: June 2018

We describe several, recently reported, new topologies and compare them with each other, in order to find out the optimal multilevel grid-connected inverter topology. Then, we classify these topologies according to the basic unit which predecessors proposed. Eventually, we propose the hybrid T-type inverter topology structure, which is composed of two best basic units. This structure takes full advantage of the two components, to reduce the harmonic content and the power loss of the converter and improve the conversion efficiency of the system. At the same time, the space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) method is used to simulate the proposed topology in the MATLAB/SIMULINK platform, while the loss of each semiconductor switch is calculated using MELCOSIM software. The results show that the proposed structure is superior to the most widely used topology, i.e., the diode clamped and the T-type three-level circuits.
ESA CCI Soil Moisture Assimilation in SWAT for Improved Hydrological Simulation in Upper Huai River Basin
Authors: Liu Yongwei , Wang Wen , Liu Yuanbo
Published: June 2018

The assimilation of satellite soil moisture (SM) products with coarse resolution is promising in improving rainfall-runoff modeling, but it is largely impacted by the data assimilation (DA) strategy. This study performs the assimilation of a satellite soil moisture product from the European Space Agency (ESA) Climate Change Initiative (CCI) in a physically based semidistributed hydrological model (SWAT) in the upper Huai River basin in China, with the objective to improve its rainfall-runoff simulation. In this assimilation, the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) is adopted with full consideration of the model and observation error, the rescaling technique for satellite SM, and the regional applicability of the hydrological model. The results show that the ESA CCI SM assimilation generally improves the streamflow simulation of the study catchment. It is more effective for low-flow simulation, while for very high-flow/large-flood modeling, the DA performance shows uncertainty. The less-effective performance on large-flood simulation lies in the relatively low dependence of rainfall-runoff generation on the antecedent SM as during which the SM is nearly saturated and the runoff is largely dominated by precipitation. Besides, the efficiency of DA is deteriorated by the dense forest coverage and the complex topography conditions of the basin. Overall, the ESA CCI SM assimilation improves the streamflow simulation of the SWAT model in particular for low flow. This study provides an encouragement for the application of the ESA CCI SM in water management, especially over low-flow periods.
Impacts of Biodiesel Applied to the Transportation Fleets in the Greater Houston Area
Authors: Du Hongbo , Huque Ziaul , Kommalapati Raghava R.
Published: June 2018

Houston, the fourth largest metropolis in the US, currently experiences severe air pollution. Major pollutants, such as VOCs, CO, NOx, PM, SOx, CH4, and CO2, are released from the transportation fleets. To decrease fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions from fleet vehicles, more and more biodiesel is used in vehicles in the Houston metropolis. The GREET model was used for simulating the fuel cycle emissions of diesel vehicles using different biodiesel blends in Houston. The fuels examined were diesel-biodiesel blends of B0, B5, B20, B50, B80, and B100. The energy and water use and emissions from vehicles fueled with the blends were investigated. The study shows that the reductions in GHG emissions are significant at the Well-to-Pump stage, and all the emissions, except GHGs and NOx, reduce at the Pump-to-Wheel stage. The overall Well-to-Wheel analysis shows that biodiesel is beneficial for both passenger cars and heavy duty trucks. However, the benefits are more pronounced for passenger cars compared to heavy duty vehicles. When 50% of diesel passenger cars and HDDTs are switched to B20 in the Greater Houston area in 2025, the daily GHG emissions will be reduced by 2.0 and 712.1 CO2-equivalent tonnes, respectively.
Thermo-Magneto-Solutal Squeezing Flow of Nanofluid between Two Parallel Disks Embedded in a Porous Medium: Effects of Nanoparticle Geometry, Slip and Temperature Jump Conditions
Authors: Sobamowo M. G. , Akinshilo A. T. , Yinusa A. A.
Published: June 2018

The various applications of squeezing flow between two parallel surfaces such as those that are evident in manufacturing industries, polymer processing, compression, power transmission, lubricating system, food processing, and cooling amongst others call for further study on the effects of various parameters on the flow phenomena. In the present study, effects of nanoparticle geometry, slip, and temperature jump conditions on thermo-magneto-solutal squeezing flow of nanofluid between two parallel disks embedded in a porous medium are investigated, analyzed, and discussed. Similarity variables are used to transform the developed governing systems of nonlinear partial differential equations to systems of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Homotopy perturbation method is used to solve the systems of the nonlinear ordinary differential equations. In order to verify the accuracy of the developed analytical solutions, the results of the homotopy perturbation method are compared with the results of the numerical method using the shooting method coupled with the fourth-order Runge–Kutta, and good agreements are established. Through the approximate analytical solutions, parametric studies are carried out to investigate the effects of nanoparticle size and shape, Brownian motion parameter, nanoparticle parameter, thermophoresis parameter, Hartmann number, Lewis number and pressure gradient parameters, slip, and temperature jump boundary conditions on thermo-solutal and hydromagnetic behavior of the nanofluid. This study will enhance and advance the understanding of nanofluidics such as energy conservation, friction reduction, and micromixing of biological samples.
The Conformal Flow of Metrics and the General Penrose Inequality
Authors: Han Qing , Khuri Marcus
Published: June 2018

The conformal flow of metrics has been used to successfully establish a special case of the Penrose inequality, which yields a lower bound for the total mass of a spacetime in terms of horizon area. Here we show how to adapt the conformal flow of metrics, so that it may be applied to the Penrose inequality for general initial data sets of the Einstein equations. The Penrose conjecture without the assumption of time symmetry is then reduced to solving a system of PDE with desirable properties.
Equestrian Injury Presentations to a Regional Trauma Centre in Ireland
Authors: Abdulkarim A. , Juhdi A. , Coffey P. , Edelson Lily
Published: June 2018

Background. The Irish Equestrian industry provides over 12,500 full time job equivalents contributing in excess of €454 million to the Irish economy annually. For such an important industry there is a paucity of information relating to equestrian injuries.Aims. The aim of this study was to determine the demographics, characteristics, and outcomes of equestrian related injuries presenting to the emergency department of a regional trauma centre in Ireland over the course of one year.Methods. Retrospective analysis of all 30,700 presentations to the emergency department (ED) of the Midland Regional Hospital (MRH) Tullamore in 2013 was performed to identify equestrian related presentations. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, radiology results, management, and follow-up data were collected and analysed using Microsoft Excel software.Results. A total of 149 equestrian related presentations were identified during the study period. There were significantly more females involved in equestrian injuries than males (58% versus 42%). Falling from a horse contributed to significantly more presentations and admissions than any other cause. 36% of presentations were associated with a radiological abnormality. Types of injuries identified included skeletal fractures (27.5%), joint dislocation/subluxation (5%), concussion (12.5%), and splenic laceration/intraperitoneal haemorrhage (1%). Admission or transfer to tertiary care was required for 18% of equestrian injuries. Only 43% of presentations were discharged back to primary care from the emergency department.Conclusion. This study identifies a high incidence of morbidities associated with equestrian presentations. In addition we recognised populations at risk of specific injuries and described high-risk mechanisms of injury.
Geostatistical Analysis Methods for Estimation of Environmental Data Homogeneity
Authors: Danilov Aleksandr , Pivovarova Inna , Krotova Svetlana
Published: June 2018

The methodology for assessing the spatial homogeneity of ecosystems with the possibility of subsequent zoning of territories in terms of the degree of disturbance of the environment is considered in the study. The degree of pollution of the water body was reconstructed on the basis of hydrochemical monitoring data and information on the level of the technogenic load in one year. As a result, the greatest environmental stress zones were isolated and correct zoning using geostatistical analysis techniques was proved. Mathematical algorithm computing system was implemented in an object-oriented programming C #. A software application has been obtained that allows quickly assessing the scale and spatial localization of pollution during the initial analysis of the environmental situation.
The Effect of Breed, Gender, and Acid Stimulation in Dog Saliva Proteome
Authors: Lucena Sónia , Coelho Ana V. , Capela-Silva Fernando , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Lamy Elsa
Published: June 2018

Saliva gained interest as a potential noninvasive source of biomarkers in humans and that interest starts to be extended also to other animal species. For this purpose, the knowledge of the salivary proteome in healthy conditions and the factors that affect it and how they affect it are necessary. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect that gender and breed have in saliva proteome and the changes in it induced by stimulation with acid. Saliva from 4 different purebred dogs (Portuguese Podengo, Greyhound, Rafeiro Alentejano, and Beagle) of both genders was collected without and after stimulation with lemon juice. SDS-PAGE and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) profiles were compared and the proteins of interest in-gel digested and identified by mass spectrometry. Acid stimulation decreased total protein concentration and the relative amounts of some protein bands/spots. Gender appeared to have minimal effect in saliva proteome, whereas the influence of breed varies. Beagles and Portuguese Podengos were the two breeds with higher differences. In conclusion, stimulation procedures and dog breed should be considered in data analysis when using salivary proteins for diagnostic purposes.
Effect of Skin Model on In Vitro Performance of an Adhesive Dermally Applied Microarray Coated with Zolmitriptan
Authors: Ameri Mahmoud , Lewis Hayley , Lehman Paul
Published: June 2018

Franz cell studies, utilizing different human skin and an artificial membrane, evaluating the influence of skin model on permeation of zolmitriptan coated on an array of titanium microprojections, were evaluated. Full thickness and dermatomed ex vivo human skin, as well as a synthetic hydrophobic membrane (Strat-M®), were assessed. It was found that the choice of model demonstrated different absorption kinetics for the permeation of zolmitriptan. For the synthetic membrane only 11% of the zolmitriptan coated dose permeated into the receptor media, whilst for the dermatomed skin 85% permeated into the receptor. The permeation of zolmitriptan through full thickness skin had a significantly different absorption profile and time to maximum flux in comparison to the dermatomed skin and synthetic model. On the basis of these results dermatomed skin may be a better estimate of in vivo performance of drug-coated metallic microprojections.
Adaptive Fuzzy Synchronization of Fractional-Order Chaotic Neural Networks with Backlash-Like Hysteresis
Authors: Fu Wenqing , Liu Heng
Published: June 2018

An adaptive fuzzy synchronization controller is designed for a class of fractional-order neural networks (FONNs) subject to backlash-like hysteresis input. Fuzzy logic systems are used to approximate the system uncertainties as well as the unknown terms of the backlash-like hysteresis. An adaptive fuzzy controller, which can guarantee the synchronization errors tend to an arbitrary small region, is given. The stability of the closed-loop system is rigorously analyzed based on fractional Lyapunov stability criterion. Fractional adaptation laws are established to update the fuzzy parameters. Finally, some simulation examples are provided to indicate the effectiveness and the robust of the proposed control method.
Designing a Cocreated Intervention with African American Older Adults for Hypertension Self-Management
Authors: Wright Kathy D. , Still Carolyn H. , Jones Lenette M. , Moss Karen O.
Published: June 2018

Hypertension is a lifelong disease that requires self-management. Additionally, there are disparities in hypertension self-management that disproportionately affect African Americans. Interventions designed in collaboration with older adults have the potential to improve hypertension self-management. The purpose of this design paper is to describe the process in which African American older adults and nurse researchers cocreated an intervention to address stress in the self-management of hypertension. A semistructured interview guide was used to elicit feedback on self-management behaviors to cocreate an intervention with the participants. Participants provided constant iterative feedback on the design used for the intervention. Participants prioritized the content and mode of delivery. African American older adults with hypertension (N=31; 87% women) participated in two focus group sessions. The primary stressors identified by the group that influenced their blood pressure self-management were as follows: (a) measuring blood pressure and using home blood pressure monitors; (b) difficulty communicating with family and friends; (c) sleep management and pain at night; and (d) healthy eating. Based on the participants’ feedback, we created four biweekly (2-hour) group sessions that incorporated their suggestions and addressed their concerns. Health care providers can use this technique to engage African American older adults in participant-centered hypertension self-management.
Exact Traveling Wave Solutions of Certain Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations Using the G′/G2-Expansion Method
Authors: Sirisubtawee Sekson , Koonprasert Sanoe
Published: June 2018

We apply the G′/G2-expansion method to construct exact solutions of three interesting problems in physics and nanobiosciences which are modeled by nonlinear partial differential equations (NPDEs). The problems to which we want to obtain exact solutions consist of the Benny-Luke equation, the equation of nanoionic currents along microtubules, and the generalized Hirota-Satsuma coupled KdV system. The obtained exact solutions of the problems via using the method are categorized into three types including trigonometric solutions, exponential solutions, and rational solutions. The applications of the method are simple, efficient, and reliable by means of using a symbolically computational package. Applying the proposed method to the problems, we have some innovative exact solutions which are different from the ones obtained using other methods employed previously.
Iatrogenic Splenic Laceration Presenting as Syncope
Authors: Thiyagarajan Dhanalakshmi , Jeanmonod Rebecca
Published: June 2018

Millions of colonoscopies are performed annually for routine health maintenance in the United States. Patients commonly have adverse events from colonoscopy preparation, anesthesia, and procedural complications. We report a case of syncope secondary to iatrogenic splenic laceration from colonoscopy.
Assessing User Transparency with Muscle Synergies during Exoskeleton-Assisted Movements: A Pilot Study on the LIGHTarm Device for Neurorehabilitation
Authors: Chiavenna Andrea , Scano Alessandro , Malosio Matteo , Molinari Tosatti Lorenzo , Molteni Franco
Published: June 2018

Exoskeleton devices for upper limb neurorehabilitation are one of the most exploited solutions for the recovery of lost motor functions. By providing weight support, passively compensated exoskeletons allow patients to experience upper limb training. Transparency is a desirable feature of exoskeletons that describes how the device alters free movements or interferes with spontaneous muscle patterns. A pilot study on healthy subjects was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of assessing transparency in the framework of muscle synergies. For such purpose, the LIGHTarm exoskeleton prototype was used. LIGHTarm provides gravity support to the upper limb during the execution of movements in the tridimensional workspace. Surface electromyography was acquired during the execution of three daily life movements (reaching, hand-to-mouth, and hand-to-nape) in three different conditions: free movement, exoskeleton-assisted (without gravity compensation), and exoskeleton-assisted (with gravity compensation) on healthy people. Preliminary results suggest that the muscle synergy framework may provide valuable assessment of user transparency and weight support features of devices aimed at rehabilitation.
Ultrasound-Guided Combined Interscalene-Cervical Plexus Block for Surgical Anesthesia in Clavicular Fractures: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Balaban Onur , Dülgeroğlu Turan Cihan , Aydın Tayfun
Published: June 2018

Objective. We aim to report our experiences regarding the implementation of the ultrasound-guided combined interscalene-cervical plexus block (CISCB) technique as a sole anesthesia method in clavicular fracture repair surgery. Materials and Methods. Charts of patients, who underwent clavicular fracture surgery through this technique, were reviewed retrospectively. We used an in-plane ultrasound-guided single-insertion, double-injection combined interscalene-cervical plexus block technique. During the performance of each block, the block areas were visualized by using a linear transducer, and the needles were advanced by using the in-plane technique. Block success and complication rates were evaluated. Results and Discussion. 12 patients underwent clavicular fracture surgery. Surgical regional anesthesia was achieved in 100% of blocks. None of the patients necessitated conversion to general anesthesia during surgery. There were no occurrences of acute complications. Conclusions. The ultrasound-guided combined interscalene-cervical plexus block was a successful and effective regional anesthesia method in clavicular fracture repair. Prospective comparative studies would report the superiority of the regional technique over general anesthesia.
Crotoxin Isolated fromCrotalus durissus terrificusVenom Modulates the Functional Activity of Dendritic Cells via Formyl Peptide Receptors
Authors: Freitas A. P. , Favoretto B. C. , Clissa P. B. , Sampaio S. C. , Faquim-Mauro E. L.
Published: June 2018

TheCrotalus durissus terrificusrattlesnake venom, its main toxin, crotoxin (CTX), and its crotapotin (CA) and phospholipase A2(CB) subunits modulate the immune system. Formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) and lipoxin A4(LXA4) are involved in CTX’s effect on macrophages and neutrophils. Dendritic cells (DCs) are plasticity cells involved in the induction of adaptive immunity and tolerance maintenance. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of CTX, CA or CB on the maturation of DCs derived from murine bone marrow (BM). According to data, CTX and CB—but not CA—induced an increase of MHC-II, but not costimulatory molecules on DCs. Furthermore, CTX and CB inhibited the expression of costimulatory and MHC-II molecules, secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and NF-κBp65 and p38/ERK1/2-MAPK signaling pathways by LPS-incubated DCs. Differently, CTX and CB induced IL-10, PGE2and LXA4secretion in LPS-incubated DCs. Lower proliferation and IL-2 secretion were verified in coculture of CD3+cells and DCs incubated with LPS plus CTX or CB compared with LPS-incubated DCs. The effect of CTX and CB on DCs was abolished in cultures incubated with a FPRs antagonist. Hence, CTX and CB exert a modulation on functional activity of DCs; we also checked the involvement the FPR family on cell activities.
Multiobjective Optimization for a Wireless Ad Hoc Sensor Distribution on Shaped-Bounded Areas
Authors: Céspedes-Mota Armando , Castañón Gerardo , Martínez-Herrera Alberto F. , Cárdenas-Barrón Leopoldo Eduardo
Published: June 2018

Resource efficiency in wireless ad hoc networks has become a widely studied NP-problem. This problem may be suboptimally solved by heuristic strategies, focusing on several features like the channel capacity, coverage area, and more. In this work, maximizing coverage area and minimizing energy consumption are suboptimally adjusted with the implementation of two of Storn/Price’s Multiobjective Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm versions. Additionally, their extended representations with the use of random-M parameter into the mutation operator were also evaluated. These versions optimize the initial random distribution of the nodes in different shaped areas, by keeping the connectivity of all the network nodes by using the Prim–Dijkstra algorithm. Moreover, the Hungarian algorithm is applied to find the minimum path distance between the initial and final node positions in order to arrange them at the end of the DE algorithm. A case base is analyzed theoretically to check how DE is able to find suboptimal solutions with certain accuracy. The results here computed show that the inclusion of random-M and completion of the algorithm, where the area is pondered with 60% and the energy is pondered with 40%, lead to energy optimization and a total coverage area higher than 90%, by considering the best results on each scenario. Thus, this work shows that the aforementioned strategies are feasible to be applied on this problem with successful results. Finally, these results are compared against two typical bioinspired multiobjective algorithms, where the DE algorithm shows the best tradeoff.
Tensile Mechanical Properties and Failure Modes of a Basalt Fiber/Epoxy Resin Composite Material
Authors: He Jingjing , Shi Junping , Cao Xiaoshan , Hu Yifeng
Published: June 2018

Uniaxial tensile tests of basalt fiber/epoxy (BF/EP) composite material with four different fiber orientations were conducted under four different fiber volume fractions, and the variations of BF/EP composite material failure modes and tensile mechanical properties were analyzed. The results show that when the fiber volume fraction is constant, the tensile strength, elastic modulus, and limiting strain of BF/EP composite material all decrease with increasing fiber orientation angle. When the fiber orientation angle is constant, the tensile strength, elastic modulus, and limiting strain of BF/EP composite material all increase with increasing fiber volume fraction. A certain degree of fiber clustering appears in the epoxy resin when the basalt fiber volume fraction is >1.2%. The fiber equidistribution coefficient and clustering fiber content were used to characterize the basalt fiber clustering effect. With the increase of fiber volume fraction, the clustering fiber content gradually increased, but the fiber equidistribution coefficient decreased. Meanwhile, based on Tsai theory, a geometric model and a tensile mechanical model of the clustering fiber are established. By considering the fiber clustering effect, the BF/EP composite material tensile strength is calculated, and the calculated values are close to the experimental results.
Impact of Malocclusions on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Early Adolescents in Ndola, Zambia
Authors: Anthony Severine N. , Zimba Kayembe , Subramanian Balakrishnan
Published: June 2018

The study aimed to assess the prevalence of malocclusions and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among early adolescents in Ndola, Zambia. It used a random sample of 384 primary school children aged 12–14 years. The Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form 19 (COHIP-SF19) was used to assess OHRQoL, and the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) was used to examine dentofacial anomalies. The chi-square test was used to study whether there was a statistically significant association between variables and multivariate logistic regression for the influence of sociodemographic and malocclusions on OHRQoL. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Participants’ sociodemographics were 53.6% female, 41.7% aged 13 years, and 43.5% from grade six. The overall reported impact on OHRQoL was 11.7%, which was significant (p<0.001) by age and sex, and higher in females than males. The overall prevalence of malocclusions was 27.9%, which was significant (p=0.005) by sex, and higher in males than females. Children with malocclusions reported significant (p<0.001) negative oral health impact compared to the children without malocclusions. Spacing, diastema, and crowding were most prevalent malocclusions that showed clear inverse association with OHRQoL. The study findings provide indications that malocclusions are negatively associated with OHRQoL among Zambian early adolescents.
Association between HDL Cholesterol Levels and the Consumption of Vitamin A in Metabolically Healthy Obese Lebanese: A Cross-Sectional Study among Adults in Lebanon
Authors: Zalaket J. , Hanna-Wakim L. , Matta J.
Published: June 2018

Objectives. Previous studies show the association between vitamin A and elevation of plasma triglyceride concentrations. However, limited information exists on the association between vitamin A and plasma HDL cholesterol concentrations. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between plasma HDL cholesterol levels and vitamin A intake in 57 metabolically healthy obese (MHO) Lebanese. Methods. Out of the 112 adult obese participants who had completed anthropometric and biochemical data, 57 (22 males and 35 females) aged 18–62 years old are metabolically healthy and their data are included in this study. A valid semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ) was used to test vitamin A intake among other antioxidants. The participants were recruited from the database of three dietary clinics across Lebanon. Results. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to measure the strength of the relationship between vitamin A and plasma HDL cholesterol levels. There was a significant positive correlation (P value = 0.0225) between vitamin A consumption and HDL cholesterol serum levels in obese participants; when vitamin A levels decrease, HDL levels decrease more in female than in male participants. Conclusion. The association between dietary vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant, and high HDL levels is shown in MHO but should be further exploited in future studies.
Mobile Personalized Service Recommender Model Based on Sentiment Analysis and Privacy Concern
Authors: Xiao Liang , Guo Fei-Peng , Lu Qi-Bei
Published: June 2018

The existing mobile personalized service (MPS) gives little consideration to users’ privacy. In order to address this issue and some other shortcomings, the paper proposes a MPS recommender model for item recommendation based on sentiment analysis and privacy concern. First, the paper puts forward sentiment analysis algorithm based on sentiment vocabulary ontology and then clusters the users based on sentiment tendency. Second, the paper proposes a measurement algorithm, which integrates personality traits with privacy preference intensity, and then clusters the users based on personality traits. Third, this paper achieves a hybrid collaborative filtering recommendation by combining sentiment analysis with privacy concern. Experiments show that this model can effectively solve the problem of MPS data sparseness and cold start. More importantly, a combination of subjective privacy concern and objective recommendation technology can reduce the influence of users’ privacy concerns on their acceptance of MPS.
RNA Detection Based on Graphene Field-Effect Transistor Biosensor
Authors: Tian Meng , Xu Shicai , Zhang Junye , Wang Xiaoxin , Li Zhenhua , Liu Huilan , Song Ruihong , Yu Ziheng , Wang Jihua
Published: June 2018

Graphene has attracted much attention in biosensing applications due to its unique properties. In this paper, the monolayer graphene was grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Using the graphene as the electric channel, we have fabricated a graphene field-effect transistor (G-FET) biosensor that can be used for label-free detection of RNA. Compared with conventional method, the G-FET RNA biosensor can be run in low cost, be time-saving, and be miniaturized for RNA measurement. The sensors show high performance and achieve the RNA detection sensitivity as low as 0.1 fM, which is two orders of magnitude lower than the previously reports. Moreover, the G-FET biosensor can readily distinguish target RNA from noncomplementary RNA, showing high selectivity for RNA detection. The developed G-FET RNA biosensor with high sensitivity, fast analysis speed, and simple operation may provide a new feasible direction for RNA research and biosensing.
Indications for Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Pancreatic Drainage: For Benign or Malignant Cases?
Authors: Uchida Daisuke , Kato Hironari , Saragai Yosuke , Takada Saimon , Mizukawa Sho , Muro Shinichiro , Akimoto Yutaka , Tomoda Takeshi , Matsumoto Kazuyuki , Horiguchi Shigeru , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: June 2018

Background and Aims. Recurrent pancreatitis associated with pancreatic strictures requires treatment with endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP), but it is sometimes technically unsuccessful. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic drainage (EUS-PD) was developed as an alternative to a surgical approach after failed ERP; however, the indications for EUS-PD are unclear. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of EUS-PD and established the indications for EUS-PD. Methods. A total of 15 patients had indications for EUS-PD for recurrent pancreatitis due to pancreatic strictures. There were eight patients with benign pancreatic strictures and seven with malignant pancreatic strictures. The success rate, adverse events, and long-term outcomes were evaluated. Results. The technical success rates of benign and malignant strictures were 75% (6/8) and 100% (7/7), respectively, and clinical success was achieved in 100% (6/6) and 87.5% of cases (6/7), respectively. Rendezvous procedures were performed in two patients with benign strictures. The adverse event (AE) rate was 26.7% (4/15) and included cases of peritonitis, bleeding, and stent migration. Reinterventions were performed in three patients with benign strictures and two with malignant strictures. Conclusions. EUS-PD was an appropriate treatment for not only benign strictures but also malignant strictures with recurrent pancreatitis after failed ERP. However, the AE rate was high, and reinterventions were required in some cases during long-term follow-up. The indications for EUS-PD should be considered carefully, and careful follow-up is needed.
Evoked and Ongoing Pain-Like Behaviours in a Rat Model of Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Griffiths Lisa A. , Duggett Natalie A. , Pitcher Ann L. , Flatters Sarah J. L.
Published: June 2018

Paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain is a major dose-limiting side effect of paclitaxel therapy. This study characterises a variety of rat behavioural responses induced by intermittent administration of clinically formulated paclitaxel. 2 mg/kg paclitaxel or equivalent vehicle was administered intraperitoneally on days 0, 2, 4, and 6 to adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Evoked pain-like behaviours were assessed with von Frey filaments, acetone, or radiant heat application to plantar hind paws to ascertain mechanical, cold, or heat sensitivity, respectively. Motor coordination was evaluated using an accelerating RotaRod apparatus. Ongoing pain-like behaviour was assessed via spontaneous burrowing and nocturnal wheel running. Mechanical and cold hypersensitivity developed after a delayed onset, peaked approximately on day 28, and persisted for several months. Heat sensitivity and motor coordination were unaltered in paclitaxel-treated rats. Spontaneous burrowing behaviour and nocturnal wheel running were significantly impaired on day 28, but not on day 7, indicating ongoing pain-like behaviour, rather than acute drug toxicity. This study comprehensively characterises a rat model of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy, providing the first evidence for ongoing pain-like behaviour, which occurs in parallel with maximal mechanical/cold hypersensitivity. We hope that this new data improve the face validity of rat models to better reflect patient-reported pain symptoms, aiding translation of new treatments to the clinic.
A Robust Passive Intrusion Detection System with Commodity WiFi Devices
Authors: Ding Enjie , Li Xiansheng , Zhao Tong , Zhang Lei , Hu Yanjun
Published: June 2018

In recent years, due to the rapidly growing capacities of physical layer, device-free passive detection holds great importance for a broad range of application. Most recent works focus on motion detection, intrusion detection, and vital sign with commodity WiFi devices in the indoor environment. Conventional device-free motion detection techniques, which utilize received signal strength (RSS), may suffer from coarse granularity and high variability problems. In resorting to the finer-grained channel state information (CSI), we propose PhaseMode, a novel approach for device-free motion detection leveraging CSI phase difference data between adjacent antenna pairs. We implement our approach on commercial WiFi devices and validate its performance. We conduct experiments in different test periods of three indoor environments; the results show that the proposed scheme achieves an average accuracy over 99.4% of motion detection in different scenarios.
Comparison between Collagen and Lidocaine Intramuscular Injections in Terms of Their Efficiency in Decreasing Myofascial Pain within Masseter Muscles: A Randomized, Single-Blind Controlled Trial
Authors: Nitecka-Buchta Aleksandra , Walczynska-Dragon Karolina , Batko-Kapustecka Jolanta , Wieckiewicz Mieszko
Published: June 2018

Background and Objective. A novel option for myofascial pain (MFP) management and muscle regeneration is intramuscular collagen injections. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of intramuscular injections of collagen and lidocaine in decreasing MFP within masseter muscles. Methods. Myofascial pain within masseter muscles was diagnosed on the basis of the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (II.1.A. 2 and 3). A total of 43 patients with diagnosed MFP within masseter muscles were enrolled to the study (17 male and 26 female, 40 ± 3.8 years old) and randomly divided into three groups. The first group received injections using 2 ml of collagen MD Muscle (Guna), the second group received 2 ml of 2% lidocaine without a vasoconstrictor, and the third group 2 ml of saline as a control (0.9% NaCl). All patients received repeated injections at one-week intervals (days 0 and 7). The visual analogue scale was used to determine pain intensity changes during each follow-up visit (days 0, 7, and 14) in each group. The masseter muscle activity was measured on each visit (days 0, 7, and 14) with surface electromyography (sEMG) (Neurobit Optima 4, Neurobit Systems). Results. We found that sEMG masseter muscle activity was significantly decreased in Group I (59.2%), less in Group II (39.3%), and least in Group III (14%). Pain intensity reduction was 53.75% in Group I, 25% in Group II, and 20.1% in Group III. Conclusions. The study confirmed that intramuscular injection of collagen is a more efficient method for reducing myofascial pain within masseter muscles than intramuscular injection of lidocaine.
Stability of the Wave Equation with a Source
Authors: Jung Soon-Mo , Min Seungwook
Published: June 2018

We prove the generalized Hyers-Ulam stability of the wave equation with a source, uttx,t-c2uxxx,t=fx,t, for a class of real-valued functions with continuous second partial derivatives in x and t.
CRP Stimulates GDF15 Expression in Endothelial Cells through p53
Authors: Kim Yoonseo , Noren Hooten Nicole , Evans Michele K.
Published: June 2018

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a multifunctional, secreted protein that is a direct target gene of p53. GDF15 is a prospective biomarker of cardiovascular disease (CVD). C-reactive protein (CRP), like GDF15, is implicated in inflammation and an independent biomarker of CVD. However, the molecular interactions between GDF15 and CRP remain unexplored. In women, we found a significant relationship between hsCRP and GDF15 serum and mRNA levels. In vitro treatment of cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) with purified CRP or transfection of a CRP plasmid into HAECs induced GDF15 expression. Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that CRP significantly increased the levels of GDF15 promoter luciferase activity, indicating that CRP induces GDF15 transcription. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays confirmed that p53 was recruited to both p53 binding sites 1 and 2 in the GDF15 promoter in response to CRP. We have uncovered a linkage between CRP and GDF15, a new clue that could be important in the pathogenesis of endothelial inflammation.
Metabolic Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, and Normal Elderly: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Cheng Chih-Kuang , Tsao Yu-Chien , Su Yuan-Chih , Sung Fung-Chang , Tai Hsu-Chih , Kung Woon-Man
Published: June 2018

Background. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) share many risk factors. Evidence suggests that metabolic risk factors are important to AD; however, their association with DLB is unclear. The risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) associated with AD and DLB is also uncertain. Thus, this nationwide, population-based study was designed to evaluate the metabolic and CVD risks in AD and DLB. Materials and Methods. Data were obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. AD patients, DLB patients, and normal control (NC) individuals from 1996 to 2013 were enrolled for risk assessment. Results. In total, 7544 NC individuals, 1324 AD patients, and 562 DLB patients were enrolled. Participants with one or more metabolic risk factors had significantly higher odds of AD or DLB. No significant differences in metabolic risk factors were observed between DLB and AD patients. AD patients had a lower risk of CVD (aHR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.59–0.76, p value < 0.001) and coronary artery disease (CAD) (aHR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.51–0.69, p value < 0.001) than NC. DLB patients had a higher risk of ischemic stroke (aHR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.68–3.06, p value < 0.001) than NC. Conclusion. Metabolic risk factors are important in AD and DLB. Patients with AD might have a lower risk of CAD and ischemic strokes. Patients with DLB might have a higher risk of ischemic stroke.
Numerical Analysis of Occupant Head Injuries in Impacts with Dump Truck Panel
Authors: Wang Shence , Liu Deshun , Cai Zhihua
Published: June 2018

The human head will inevitably impact on the panel causing injury due to the inertia during dump truck collisions or emergency braking. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze the effects of panel design parameters on occupant head injuries via simulations using finite element (FE) models of a human head and a dump truck cockpit. Special focus was applied to understand how panel type (soft and hard), elastic modulus of the filling and frame, and the fixing distance for the soft panel could affect head injuries in head-to-panel impacts under different impact conditions (impact speed and location). Simulation results show that a soft panel is beneficial for head protection in impacts with the truck instrument panel, and a soft panel using a lower filling elastic modulus, lower frame elastic modulus, and longer fixing distance is helpful for head injury prevention. The findings also indicate that the head peak acceleration and maximum skull stress are more sensitive to the fixing distance and elastic modulus of frame than elastic modulus of the filling of the panel. Moreover, these trends are not affected by changing the impact speed and impact location. The findings of this study suggest that a safer panel design for head injury prevention should firstly have a long fixing distance and then followed by using softer filling and frame materials.