bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tests on Pretrained Superelastic NiTi Shape Memory Alloy Rods: Towards Application in Self‐Centering Link Beams
Authors: Xu Xian , Cheng Guangming , Zheng Junhua
Published: April 2018

Austenitic shape memory alloy has potential applications in self‐centering seismic resistant structural systems due to its superelastic response under cyclic tension. Raw austenitic SMA needs proper pretreatments and pretraining to gain a stable superelastic property. In this paper, tests are carried out to investigate the effects of pretraining, pretreatments, loading rate, and strain amplitude on the mechanical performance on austenitic SMA rods with a given size. The tested rods are to be used in a new concept self‐centering steel link beam. Customized pretraining scheme and heat treatment are determined through the tests. The effects of loading rate and strain amplitude are investigated. A simplified stress‐strain model for the SMA rods oriented to numerical simulations is obtained based on the test results. An example of using the simplified material model in numerical analysis of a self‐centering steel link beam is conducted to validate the applicability of the model.
Synchronized Survey Scan Approach Allows for Efficient Discrimination of Isomeric and Isobaric Compounds during LC-MS/MS Analyses
Authors: Masike Keabetswe , Madala Ntakadzeni
Published: April 2018

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry- (LC-MS-) based multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) methods have been used to detect and quantify metabolites for years. These approaches rely on the monitoring of various fragmentation pathways of multiple precursors and the subsequent corresponding product ions. However, MRM methods are incapable of confidently discriminating between isomeric and isobaric molecules and, as such, the development of methods capable of overcoming this challenge has become imperative. Due to increasing scanning rates of recent MS instruments, it is now possible to operate MS instruments both in the static and dynamic modes. One such method is known as synchronized survey scan (SSS), which is capable of acquiring a product ion scan (PIS) during MRM analysis. The current study shows, for the first time, the use of SSS-based PIS approach as a feasible identification feature of MRM. To achieve the above, five positional isomers of dicaffeoylquinic acids (diCQAs) were studied with the aid of SSS-based PIS method. Here, the MRM transitions were automatically optimized using a 3,5-diCQA isomer by monitoring fragmentation transitions common to all five isomers. Using the mixture of these isomers, fragmentation spectra of the five isomers achieved with SSS-based PIS were used to identify each isomer based on previously published hierarchical fragmentation keys. The optimized method was also used to detect and distinguish between diCQA components found in Bidens pilosa and their isobaric counterparts found in Moringa oleifera plants. Thus, the method was shown to distinguish (by differences in fragmentation patterns) between diCQA and their isobars, caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) glycosides. In conclusion, SSS allowed the detection and discrimination of isomeric and isobaric compounds in a single chromatographic run by producing a PIS spectrum, triggered in the automatic MS/MS synchronized survey scan mode.
Extending Coronectomy Indications to Third Molars with Taurodontism to Prevent Paresthesia and Mandible Fracture
Authors: Mendes Polianne Alves , Neiva Isabela Moreira , Brasileiro Cláudia Borges , Souza Ana Cristina Rodrigues Antunes , Souza Leandro Napier
Published: April 2018

Taurodontism is considered a dental anomaly responsible for a morphoanatomical change in the shape of the tooth in which the roots are reduced in size but the body of the tooth is enlarged and bulky. The aim of this paper is to present a case of a 25-year-old female patient with taurodontism of mandibular partially erupted third molars, presenting a high risk of angle fracture and paresthesia in case of their removal, treated by means of coronectomy. The postoperative period was uneventful and the patient remained in follow-up for 12 months. In conclusion, the identification of third molars with higher risk of complications related to their extractions is the key to consider conservative measures to avoid problems. Coronectomy is a relatively simple technique that should be taken into account when considering bulky, deeply located third molars with a high risk of paresthesia or mandibular fracture, even in presence of taurodontism.
Cardiogenic Shock: An Unusual Initial Presentation of Churg-Strauss Syndrome
Authors: Apirami M. , Pratheepan J. A. , Kumanan T. , Guruparan M. , Selvaratnam G.
Published: April 2018

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare autoimmune condition, characterized by necrotizing extravascular eosinophil rich granulomatous inflammation of the tissues and disseminated small-medium sized vessel vasculitis in a patient with bronchial asthma and tissue eosinophilia. Though pulmonary involvement is the predominant feature of CSS, extra pulmonary involvement, in particular, cardiac involvement, denotes an adverse outcome. Here we report a 50-year-old female who presented with cardiogenic shock due to an acute coronary event as the initial manifestation of CSS. A subsequent coronary angiogram revealed normal epicardial coronaries. She was a patient with bronchial asthma and developed vasculitic rash, bilateral sensory motor polyneuropathy, and migratory peripheral lung field shadows in the background of peripheral eosinophilia during the course of the illness. She was diagnosed as having CSS based on ACR criteria and aggressively treated with immunosuppressants according to her Five-Factor Score and has shown prompt response to therapy. This case report adds to the literature another rare initial presentation of CSS to the existing array of its clinical manifestations.
Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma Arising from Endometriosis in the Groin: Wide Resection and Reconstruction with a Fascia Lata Tensor Muscle Skin Flap
Authors: Yoshida Shozo , Onogi Akira , Kuwahara Masamitsu , Uchiyama Tomoko , Kobayashi Hiroshi
Published: April 2018

We herein report a case of clear cell carcinoma arising from endometriosis in the groin in a 53-year-old woman. The findings of MRI and FDG/PET-CT indicated a malignant tumor, and surgical biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma of the female genital tract. The tumor including a part of the abdominal rectus muscle and rectus sheath, subcutaneous fat, skin, and the right inguinal ligament was resected en bloc. The defect in the abdominal wall was reconstructed with a fascia lata tensor muscle skin flap. The tumor was composed of clear cell adenocarcinoma arising from extrapelvic endometriosis. The patient received chemotherapy with gemcitabine and carboplatin for 6 cycles and had no evidence of recurrence 7 months after the treatment. We herein described the diagnosis and surgical management of endometriosis-associated carcinoma in the groin.
A Case of Acute Autoimmune Hepatitis Superimposed on Chronic Hepatitis B Infection
Authors: Sostre Vanessa , Patel Hiren G. , Mohamed Abdalla , Volfson Ariy
Published: April 2018

Autoimmune hepatitis has been associated with chronic HCV infection, but there are only few cases reported of HBV infection as a possible trigger. We present a case of a young male who was diagnosed with acute autoimmune hepatitis superimposed on existent chronic HBV infection. A 30-year-old Hispanic male with no past medical history presented to the hospital with complaints of few days of generalized weakness. Laboratory findings were significant for elevated liver enzymes: AST, 1164 U/L; ALT, 1461 U/L; total bilirubin, 2 MG/DL; and alkaline phosphatase, 75 IU/L. Extensive workup was done to find the etiology for elevated liver enzymes. Only blood work that came back positive was for chronic HBV infection and elevated immunoglobulin G (IgG) level 1937 mg/dL. HBV viral load was 42,900,000 IU/mL. The patient was started on tenofovir 300 mg daily. Liver biopsy was done which was consistent with autoimmune hepatitis. Prednisone 60 mg daily was started. Six months later, blood work showed completely normal liver enzymes and total IgG. Hepatotropic viruses have been proposed as triggering factors for several autoimmune diseases. There are theories suggesting that similarity in viral epitope and self-proteins expression on liver cells’ surface causes a cross-reactive immunologic response and possible viral-induced autoimmune hepatitis.
Myelitis due to Coccidioidomycosis in an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Vaysman Tetyana , Villaflores Sean , Estrella Carlyn , Radhakrishna Suman , Liu Antonio
Published: April 2018

Myelitis of the spinal cord is an uncommon presentation of disseminated coccidioidomycosis. Most infected patients present subclinically, but patients, especially those who are immunocompromised, may progress to disseminated disease. We present a 50-year-old immunocompetent patient with no significant past medical history exhibiting symptoms of altered mental status, dizziness, headache, nausea, and quadriplegia. Upon investigation with lumbar puncture, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture, and coccidioidal antibody studies, the patient was found to have acute coccidioidomycosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain demonstrated meningeal enhancements suggestive of meningitis, and further MRI study of the cervical spine revealed myelitis. Treatment with IV fluconazole for 2 weeks and IV voriconazole therapy over 3 weeks yielded limited improvement. The presentation of myelitis due to coccidioidomycosis infection is very rare and has infrequently reported in the literature. Awareness of this potentially fatal complication in immunocompetent patients can aid in faster recognition and treatment.
Chemical Characterization and Oxidative Stability of Medium- and Long-Chain Fatty Acid Profiles in Tree-Borne Seed Oils
Authors: Kim Da-Som , Kim Hoe-Sung , Lee Kyoung-Tae , Hong Dong-Lee , Cho Sung-Rae , Pan Jeong Hoon , Park Yong Bae , Lee Yang-Bong , Kim Jae Kyeom , Shin Eui-Cheol
Published: April 2018

This study was undertaken to evaluate chemical characteristics and oxidative stability of tree-borne seed oils. A total of 15 different fatty acids were identified in six tree-borne seed oils, which included seven types of saturated fatty acids, four types of monounsaturated fatty acids, and four types of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Japanese camphor tree (JCT) had a high content of medium-chain fatty acids (97.94 ± 0.04%), in which fatty acid composition was distinct from those of the other five plant seed oils. Overall, contents of tocopherols, a type of fat-soluble vitamin, ranged between 3.82 ± 0.04 mg/100 g and 101.98 ± 1.34 mg/100 g, respectively. Phytosterol contents ranged from 117.77 ± 1.32 mg/100 g to 479.45 ± 4.27 mg/100 g, respectively. Of all tree-borne seed oils, β-sitosterol was the phytosterol at the highest concentration. Contents of unsaponifiables were between 0.13 ± 0.08 and 2.01 ± 0.02, and values of acid, peroxide, and p-anisidine were between 0.79 ± 0.01 and 38.94 ± 0.24 mg KOH/g, 3.53 ± 0.21 and 127.67 ± 1.79 meq/kg, and 2.07 ± 0.51 and 9.67 ± 0.25, respectively. Oxidative stability of tree-borne seed oils was assessed through measurement of oxidation-induction periods. These results should serve as a foundation to identify the potential of tree-borne seed oils in industrial application as well as in providing fundamental data.
Successful Use of a Multidisciplinary Approach to Treat a Perforated Duodenal Malignant Lymphoma in an Elderly Patient
Authors: Takagishi Tomoko , Niimi Yuta , Matsuki Goshi , Nagano Shinta , Hinami Junsuke , Kajiwara Masaaki , Kaneko Kiyoshi , Kubota Yoshihiro , Nakai Osamu
Published: April 2018

Treatment of duodenal malignant lymphoma is difficult due to life-threatening complications such as intestinal obstruction, perforation, and pancreatitis. Thus, multidisciplinary procedures are required alongside surgical intervention. Contrast abdominal CT images of a 75-year-old female suffering from vomiting revealed thickening of the duodenal wall (from the second to third segment). Gastrojejunostomy and biopsy identified the tumor as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. A diagnosis of stage II duodenal lymphoma was made. The lymphoma continued to grow, resulting in jaundice and intestinal perforation, which was first treated with two cycles of rituximab and antibiotics. Thereafter, less intensive chemotherapy (two cycles each of R-mini-CHP, CHP, and R-CHOP) was administered, which led to significant improvement upon assessment by PET-CT. Residual lymphoma was treated with consolidation radiotherapy (50 Gy in 25 fractions) over 5 weeks after chemotherapy. The patient attained a complete response and has been disease-free for more than 4 years. Thus, duodenal perforated lymphoma can be treated successfully using a multidisciplinary approach that combines surgery, immunochemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
A Detection Algorithm for the BOC Signal Based on Quadrature Channel Correlation
Authors: Qian Bo , Zheng Guolei , Feng Yongxin
Published: April 2018

In order to solve the problem of detecting a BOC signal, which uses a long-period pseudo random sequence, an algorithm is presented based on quadrature channel correlation. The quadrature channel correlation method eliminates the autocorrelation component of the carrier wave, allowing for the extraction of the absolute autocorrelation peaks of the BOC sequence. If the same lag difference and height difference exist for the adjacent peaks, the BOC signal can be detected effectively using a statistical analysis of the multiple autocorrelation peaks. The simulation results show that the interference of the carrier wave component is eliminated and the autocorrelation peaks of the BOC sequence are obtained effectively without demodulation. The BOC signal can be detected effectively when the SNR is greater than −12 dB. The detection ability can be improved further by increasing the number of sampling points. The higher the ratio of the square wave subcarrier speed to the pseudo random sequence speed is, the greater the detection ability is with a lower SNR. The algorithm presented in this paper is superior to the algorithm based on the spectral correlation.
Threading the Needle: Intrapelvic Displacement of a Femoral Neck Fracture through the Obturator Foramen
Authors: Prabhakar Gautham , Kusnezov Nicholas , Rensing Nicholas , Abdelgawad Amr
Published: April 2018

Despite timely and appropriate management, displaced femoral neck fractures are often devastating injuries for the young patient. The risk of negative sequelae is further amplified with increasing displacement and vertical fracture patterns. Open anatomic reduction with rigid internal fixation is essential to maximize the healing potential in displaced fractures of the femoral neck. Successful primary osteosynthesis of significantly displaced femoral neck fractures in the young patient has been reported in the literature. We present a unique case of open reduction and internal fixation of a high-energy femoral neck fracture with extrusion of the head through the obturator foramen into the pelvis without associated acetabular or pelvic injury.
Structural and Optical Properties of α-Quartz Cluster with Oxygen-Deficiency Centers
Authors: Li Yin , Chen Xi , Yang Chuanghua , Wu Liyuan , Zhang Ru
Published: April 2018

The structural and optical properties of α-quartz cluster with oxygen-deficiency centers (ODCs) defects have been investigated based on the density functional theory (DFT). For cluster models with ODC(I) defect, with the increasing of cluster size and shape, the equilibrium length of Si-Si bond decreases. The excitation peaks of cluster models with ODC(I) defect are from 6.87 eV to 7.39 eV, while the excitation peaks of cluster models with ODC(II) defect are from 5.20 eV to 5.47 eV. We also study the interconversion between ODCs (≡Si-Si≡ bond and divalent Si) induced by UV irradiation. Our study predicted the existence of a metastable structure of ODC(I) for the first time in literature. Our results are in good agreement with the previous results and provide strong theoretical support to the viability of the processes.
Spin-Wave-Driven Skyrmion Motion in Magnetic Nanostrip
Authors: Zhang Guangfu , Tian Ye , Deng Yangbao , Jiang Dongchu , Deng Shuguang
Published: April 2018

The photon-assisted magnetic recording utilizes the ultrafast laser to excite the spin wave in the magnetic nanostructures and accordingly switch its magnetization state. Here, by means of micromagnetic simulation, the motion of magnetic skyrmions, a topologically protected chiral magnet with few nanometer size, induced by the spin wave is studied. It is found that the magnetic skyrmion can move in the same direction of spin-wave propagation, which is first accelerated and then decelerated exponentially. The magnetic skyrmion motion originated from the robust coupling of the spin waves with the skyrmion, through the SW’s linear momentum transfer torque acting on the skyrmion. Besides amplitude, the reflectivity of the spin wave by skyrmion has tremendous impact on the velocity of skyrmion motion. The skyrmion velocities are mainly determined by the reflectivity, when the spin-wave amplitude is almost identical. Our results give guidance for the design and development of spin-wave control spintronics.
UPLC-MS/MS Method for Simultaneous Determination of Three Major Metabolites of Mequindox in Holothurian
Authors: Liu Huihui , Ren Chuanbo , Han Dianfeng , Huang Hui , Zou Rongjie , Zhang Huawei , Xu Yingjiang , Gong Xianghong , Zhang Xiuzhen , Li Yanshen
Published: April 2018

This study developed an ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the detection of three major metabolites of mequindox, including 3-methyl-quinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid, 1-desoxymequindox, and 1,4-bisdesoxymequindox (MQCA, 1-DMEQ, and BDMEQ), in holothurian. Target analytes were simplified with ultrasound-assisted acidolysis extracted without complicated enzymolysis steps. After that, each sample was centrifuged and purified by an Oasis MAX cartridge. Then, the processed samples were separated and monitored by UPLC-MS/MS. This developed method has been validated according to FDA criteria. At fortified levels of 2, 10, and 20 μg/kg, recoveries ranged from 82.5% to 93.5% with the intraday RSD less than 7.27% and interday RSD less than 11.8%. The limit of detection (LOD) of all the three metabolites ranged from 0.21 to 0.48 μg/kg, while the limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.79 to 1.59 μg/kg. On application to commercial samples, 14 of 20 samples were detected positive for the three target analytes, with positive rate at 70 percentage. The result indicated that this method was specific, sensitive, and suitable for the quantification and conformation of the three major metabolites of MEQ in holothurian.
Heart Failure and Hypothermia in an Infant: Pseudocyanide Syndrome?
Authors: Baird J. Scott
Published: April 2018

Purpose. Mixed or central venous oxygen saturation has not been described during concurrent heart failure and hypothermia in children, both of which may be associated with hyperlactatemia. This report of an infant with heart failure and hypothermia is significant for increased inferior vena cava (IVC) oxygen saturation and hyperlactatemia.Case Report. A 36-day-old female was fussy for a day and then developed respiratory distress. In the Pediatric ER, she was tachycardic (260 beats/minute) and hypothermic (32.4 degrees C) with prolonged capillary refill and faint distal pulses. Adenosine was given twice via an intraosseous line for supraventricular tachycardia, with conversion to sinus rhythm. Blood drawn from an IVC catheter was significant for uncorrected (for temperature) oxygen saturation of 94% and lactate 18 mmol/L; corrected and uncorrected IVC oxygen saturation early during rewarming were >90%. During rewarming, declines in uncorrected IVC oxygen saturation and lactate correlated. Hypothermia and hyperlactatemia resolved after 10 and 12 hours.Conclusions. Concurrent heart failure and hypothermia in an infant were associated with increased IVC oxygen saturation and hyperlactatemia, similar to lab findings associated with a mitochondrial toxin such as cyanide. Improvement of heart failure and hypothermia were associated with resolution of these lab abnormalities, thus helping to rule out mitochondrial toxins. Additional reports may help better define a pseudocyanide syndrome in this setting.
Flexural Behavior of Corroded Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete Beams
Authors: Ye Taoping , Cao Wanlin , Zhang Yixuan , Yang Zhengwen
Published: April 2018

Recycling concrete not only reduces the use of virgin aggregate but also decreases the pressure on landfills. As a result, recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) is extensively recommended for new construction projects. However, the flexural behavior of corroded reinforced recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) beams is uncertain. The experimental research presented in this paper was performed to investigate the flexural behavior of corroded reinforced RAC beams compared to that of corroded reinforced natural aggregate concrete (NAC) beams and consequently explore the possibility of using RAC beams in corrosive environments. Four different percentages of RCA in total mass of coarse aggregate in concrete mixtures (0%, 33%, 66%, and 100%) and two different concrete strengths (C30, C60) were the governing parameters. The electrochemical method was adopted to accelerate steel corrosion. Full‐scale tests were performed on eight simply supported beams until the failure load was reached. Comparison of load‐deflection behavior, crack patterns, failure modes, ductility, and ultimate flexural capacity of corroded reinforced NAC and RAC beams was made based on the experimental results obtained. The comparison results show that the flexural behavior of corroded reinforced RAC beams with an appropriate percentage of RCA is satisfactory compared to the behavior of NAC beams.
Acute Gastric Volvulus Causing Splenic Avulsion and Hemoperitoneum
Authors: Cavanagh Yana , Carlin Neal , Yuridullah Ruhin , Shaikh Sohail
Published: April 2018

Gastric volvulus is an abnormal, potentially life-threatening, torsion of the stomach. The presence of complications such as hemoperitoneum increases the diagnostic urgency; however it can also mask the presentation of gastric volvulus. We encountered a 66-year-old female who presented with symptomatic gastric outlet obstruction and was found to have hemoperitoneum and splenic avulsion on imaging. In our case, hemoperitoneum was a clinical red herring as initial imaging concentrated on the presence of hemoperitoneum and was nondiagnostic of gastric volvulus. Interestingly, our patient experienced complete resolution of her presenting symptomatology following placement of a nasogastric tube. Furthermore, endoscopic evaluation revealed no overt pathology to explain outlet obstruction. In light of these findings, gastric torsion was strongly suspected. A repeat CT scan was confirmatory, elucidated reduction of the stomach to its anatomic position, retroactively diagnosing a gastric volvulus. This case is unusual in its presentation and setting. The patient presented with two rare complications of gastric volvulus, hemoperitoneum and splenic avulsion. Additionally, ten years prior to this presentation the patient had a temporary gastrostomy tube. Gastropexy with a gastrostomy is the treatment for gastric volvulus and should have been preventative of her presentation with torsion. Furthermore, the gastric volvulus was not initially recognized radiographically due to the presence of masking radiographic findings. This case serves to highlight the utility of clinical acumen and maintain a high index of suspicion for gastric volvulus in all cases presenting with Borchardt’s triad.
The Course of Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Use of Self in Norwegian Occupational Therapy Students: A 10-Month Follow-Up Study
Authors: Schwank Kathrin , Carstensen Tove , Yazdani Farzaneh , Bonsaksen Tore
Published: April 2018

Background. Occupational therapy students need to develop self-efficacy for managing the therapeutic relationship in practice. This study examined the 10-month trajectories of Norwegian students’ self-efficacy for use of self. Methods. Eighty-nine students completed self-efficacy questionnaires related to the use of self after a workshop and at 3- and 10-month follow-up. Changes on the three outcome measures (self-efficacy for therapeutic mode use, for recognizing clients’ interpersonal characteristics, and for managing interpersonal events) were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA. Results. Across the follow-up period, the students improved their self-efficacy for therapeutic mode use (partial η2 = 0.44, p<0.001), for recognizing clients’ interpersonal characteristics (partial η2 = 0.81, p<0.001), and for managing interpersonal events (partial η2=0.32, p<0.001). Conclusion. The increased self-efficacy for use of self that was found at 3-month follow-up was maintained at 10-month follow-up. The results indicate that students may experience a boost in self-efficacy for therapeutic use of self after a brief workshop and that these changes can be sustained over time.
A Case of Impalement Brain Injury That Could Achieve Good Neurological Outcome by Introducing Early Sedation and Immobilization Strategy
Authors: Takayama Wataru , Yamasaki Kaho , Endo Akira , Otomo Yasuhiro
Published: April 2018

Impalement brain injury is rare, and the initial management of this condition is not well-established. We present a case of a well-managed brain injury caused by impalement with a metal bar. A 29-year-old man whose head had been impaled by a metal bar was transferred to our hospital. Upon arrival, he was agitated, with an unsteady gait and prominent odor of alcohol on his breath. He exhibited normal vital signs and neurological findings, except for his level of consciousness. To address the risk of secondary brain injury caused by movement of the foreign body, we immediately administered a sedative agent and muscle relaxant after the initial neurological evaluation. The imaging evaluation revealed the insertion of a metal bar into the right frontal lobe at a depth of >100 mm through the frontal bone; however, there was no apparent major vessel injury-related complication. Three hours after arrival at the hospital, a craniotomy was performed to remove the foreign body. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged after rehabilitation without any neurological deficits. The strategy of immediate immobilization to prevent the secondary brain injury is important in the initial management of a patient who has survived an impalement brain injury and presented to an emergency department.
Teachers’ Perceptions of Inclusion in a Pilot Inclusive Education Program: Implications for Instructional Leadership
Authors: Mngo Zachary Y. , Mngo Agnes Y.
Published: April 2018

The opinions of general education secondary school teachers in seven select schools involved in a pilot inclusive education program in the Northwest Region of Cameroon were sought. The findings reveal that most teachers in Cameroon still prefer separate special education institutions to inclusive ones. These conclusions contradict earlier research which showed that resistance to integrated classrooms was emanating from beliefs and customs. Teachers with some training on teaching students with disabilities and more experienced and highly educated teachers were more supportive of inclusive education indicating that resistance to the practice is linked to inadequate or complete lack of teachers’ preparedness. Younger, less experienced teachers with no training in special education indicated less enthusiasm regarding the benefits of inclusion, their ability to manage integrated classrooms, and teach students with disabilities. The implication of these findings for future research, institutional support systems, institutional policies, and overall instructional leadership is discussed in this article.
The Potential of Graphene as an Adsorbent for Five Pesticides from Different Classes in Rape Oil Samples Using Dispersive Solid-Phase Extraction
Authors: Madej Katarzyna , Janiga Katarzyna , Piekoszewski Wojciech
Published: April 2018

Isolation conditions for five pesticides (metazachlor, tebuconazole, λ-cyhalothrin, chlorpyrifos, and deltamethrin) from rape oil samples were examined using the dispersive solid-phase graphene extraction technique. To determine the optimal extraction conditions, a number of experimental factors (amount of graphene, amount of salt, type and volume of the desorbing solvent, desorption time with and without sonication energy, and temperature during desorption) were studied. The compounds of interest were separated and detected by an HPLC-UV employing a Kinetex XB-C18 column and a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water flowing in a gradient mode. The optimized extraction conditions were: the amount of graphene 15 mg, desorbing solvent (acetonitrile) 5 mL, time desorption 10 min at 40°C, and amount of NaCl 1 g. The detection limit for metazachlor, tebuconazole, λ-cyhalothrin, and chlorpyrifos was 62.5 ng·g−1, and for deltamethrin, it was 500 ng·g−1. The obtained results lead to the conclusion that graphene may be successfully used for the isolation of the five pesticides from rape oil. However, their determination at low concentration levels, as they occur in real oil samples, requires the employment of appropriately highly sensitive analytical methods, as well as a more suitable graphene form (e.g., magnetically modified graphene).
Review of Fatigue Assessment Methods for Welded Steel Structures
Authors: Fuštar Boris , Lukačević Ivan , Dujmović Darko
Published: April 2018

Due to high stress concentrations, welded joints represent the most common locations of fatigue crack initiation in steel structures that are prone to fatigue. Welding affects material properties by the process of heating, cooling, and combining basic and additional material. Since welding is the primary process of joining elements in steel structures, it is obvious that fatigue assessment during the design and maintenance process becomes inevitable. There are many fatigue assessment methods of welded joints, but their precision remains questionable. This paper represents a review of the most common fatigue assessment methods used for welded steel joints. As a result of this review, areas that require additional research are highlighted.
The Acoustical Behavior of Contra-Rotating Fan
Authors: Wu Juan , Kou Ziming , Liu Jing
Published: April 2018

The noise produced by a contra-rotating ventilator can cause injury to humans. Therefore, it is important to reduce noise caused by ventilators. In this study, the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) model was used to simulate the acoustics of four different axial impeller spacing points based on the unsteady flow field through a FBD No. 8.0 contra-rotating ventilator. Experiments were conducted to verify the correctness of the numerical model. Meanwhile, the Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) drives the two motors of 55 kW to give the impellers different speeds to distinguish different conditions. The results showed that the main noise source of the ventilator was the two rotating impellers and the area between them. For the same axial space, the noise decreased with the increase of flow rate and then decreased. And the amplitude of the discrete pulse increased gradually. It can be concluded that the vortex acoustics decreased gradually with the increase of flow rate and the rotating acoustics were the major contributor. With the axial distance increasing, the noise caused by the two impellers was weak, and the frequencies of sound pressure level moved toward medium- and low-frequency bands gradually. The suitable axial space could reduce noise and improve the working environment.
Isolated Rupture of the Teres Major Muscle When Water Skiing: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Cousin Julien , Crenn Vincent , Fouasson-Chailloux Alban , Dauty Marc , Fradin Philippe , Gouin Francois , Venet Guillaume
Published: April 2018

Isolated lesions to the teres major muscle are rare. They generally occur in patients participating in sports such as baseball, tennis, or boxing. We report the case of a sports patient who suffered an isolated injury to the teres major while water skiing. The clinical presentation was confirmed by MRI. Conservative treatment was chosen and consisted of brief analgesic immobilization, followed by rehabilitative treatment. The rapid recovery of this patient with normal isokinetic strength evaluation at 6 months was interesting for objectifying full muscle recovery. Our results and the data from the literature suggest that functional rather than surgical treatment is preferable in isolated lesions to the teres major muscle.
Feasibility of Muscle Synergy Outcomes in Clinics, Robotics, and Sports: A Systematic Review
Authors: Taborri Juri , Agostini Valentina , Artemiadis Panagiotis K. , Ghislieri Marco , Jacobs Daniel A. , Roh Jinsook , Rossi Stefano
Published: April 2018

In the last years, several studies have been focused on understanding how the central nervous system controls muscles to perform a specific motor task. Although it still remains an open question, muscle synergies have come to be an appealing theory to explain the modular organization of the central nervous system. Even though the neural encoding of muscle synergies remains controversial, a large number of papers demonstrated that muscle synergies are robust across different tested conditions, which are within a day, between days, within a single subject, and between subjects that have similar demographic characteristics. Thus, muscle synergy theory has been largely used in several research fields, such as clinics, robotics, and sports. The present systematical review aims at providing an overview on the applications of muscle synergy theory in clinics, robotics, and sports; in particular, the review is focused on the papers that provide tangible information for (i) diagnosis or pathology assessment in clinics, (ii) robot-control design in robotics, and (iii) athletes’ performance assessment or training guidelines in sports.
Skeletal Muscle Lymphoma Presenting with Chronic Compartment Syndrome of Leg after Trauma
Authors: Li Jhong-You , Li Chung-Liang , Lu Chun-Kuan
Published: April 2018

Compartment syndrome may be acute or chronic based on the clinical course and etiology. Here, we report the first known case to be diagnosed with skeletal muscle-derived B-cell lymphoma presenting with chronic compartment syndrome after trauma. A 62-year-old woman sought medical attention due to a one-month history of painful left lower leg swelling and paresthesia of the medial side of the foot after falling over. The patient underwent fasciotomy and debridement under the preoperative diagnosis of fasciitis and myositis with associated compressive neuropathy. Preoperative laboratory tests were within normal limits. Postoperative pathologic examination and bone marrow aspiration revealed B-cell lymphoma with bone marrow involvement postoperatively. Tumor lysis syndrome took place, presenting with drowsiness, poor appetite, and oliguria, after the operation along with multiple organ failure. Awareness of the differential diagnoses of compartment syndrome in such clinical situation is crucial because it may lead to different examination and treatment plan preoperatively.
The Difference in Interleukin-19 Serum on Degrees of Acne Vulgaris Severity
Authors: Mochtar Moerbono , Murasmita Alamanda , Irawanto M. Eko , Julianto Indah , Kariosentono Harijono , Waskito Fajar
Published: April 2018

Introduction. Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial disease. Recent study showed that inflammation does have a central role in the formation of both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions in acne vulgaris. There are various findings of proinflammatory cytokines related to acne vulgaris, but no previous study correlate interleukin- (IL-) 19 to acne vulgaris. This pilot study aims to look at difference in IL-19 serum concentration on degrees of severity of acne vulgaris. Methods. This is an analytical observational cross-sectional study. Sample subjects were patients with acne vulgaris who met the inclusion criteria. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) study was applied to measure IL-19 serum. Result. Analysis test found statistically significant difference between IL-19 serum concentration of group of patients with mild acne vulgaris and that of group of patients with severe acne vulgaris. Moreover, analysis revealed significant difference between IL-19 serum concentration of group of patients with moderate acne vulgaris and that of group of patients with severe acne vulgaris. Conclusions. There are differences in serum levels of IL-19 on the severity of acne vulgaris. The significant difference might show that inflammation has a core role in severity of acne vulgaris, and IL-19 might potentially be related to acne vulgaris.
Numerical Analysis for the Progressive Failure of Binary‐Medium Interface under Shearing
Authors: Cao Rihong , Tang Wenyu , Lin Hang , Fan Xiang
Published: April 2018

Binary‐medium specimens were fabricated using the particle flow code, and the shear strength, dilatancy, and failure behavior of the binary‐medium specimens with different bond strength ratios (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0) under different normal stresses were studied. Numerical results show that the bond strength ratio and normal stresses considerably influence the shear strengths of binary‐medium interface. Shear strength increases as the bond strength ratio and normal stress increase. The dilation of interfaces with high bond strength ratios is more evident than those of interfaces with lower bond strength ratios, and the curves for the high bond strength ratio exhibit remarkable fluctuations during the residual stage. At increased normal stress and bond strength ratio, the peak dilation angle shows decreasing and increasing trends successively. In this study, the specimens exhibited three kinds of failure modes. In mode II, the sawtooth experienced shear failure, but some tensile cracks appeared on the interface of the binary‐medium. In mode III, no sawtooth was cut off, indicating tensile failure on the interface. At a low bond strength ratio, damage or failure is mostly concentrated in the upper part of the model. Failure parts gradually transfer to the lower part of the model when the bond strength ratio and normal stress increase. Furthermore, evident tensile cracks occur on the interface. When the bond strength ratio reaches 1.0, the failure mode of the specimen gradually transforms from sheared‐off failure to chip‐off failure. The number of microcracks in the specimens indicates that the lower the bond strength ratio, the more severe the damage on the specimens.
Computational Study of Liquid Film Evaporation along a Wavy Wall of a Vertical Channel
Authors: Najim Monssif , Feddaoui M’barek , Nait Alla Abderrahman , Charef Adil
Published: April 2018

A numerical study of mixed convection heat and mass transfer along a vertical channel with a wavy wall is performed. The wavy wall is heated by a constant flux, while the other is adiabatic. The discretisation of equations in both liquid and gas phases is realised using an implicit finite difference scheme. Results of simulation compare the effect of multiple parameters, especially amplitude and characteristic length of the curve, on the liquid film evaporation process. The results indicate that heat and mass transfer is enhanced by increasing the amplitude and number of wall waves. Moreover, a very small value of waves amplitude of the wall may reduce the sensible heat and mass transfer.
Retrospective Analysis of Spectrum of Presentation and Treatment Outcome in Extremity Sarcomas: A Single-Centre Experience
Authors: Bansal Saurabh , Das Kunal , Jain Navneet , Nautiyal Vipul , Gupta Meenu , Shirazi Nadia , Verma Sanjiv , Ahmad Mushtaq , Saini Sunil
Published: April 2018

Introduction. The most common site for soft tissue sarcoma is extremity. As complete surgical resection is possible in majority, outcome of this subset is relatively better. There is paucity of data regarding extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS) from sub-Himalayan and hilly geographical regions. Materials and Methods. Retrospective analysis was done for extremity STS visiting the study center over a period of 5 years. Data were collected and analyzed for demography, disease characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcome. Result. Extremity STS constituted 32.8% of all STS enlisted. Most common subtype noted was pleomorphic STS. Metastatic disease at presentation was noted among 7/43 cases with lung being the most common metastasis site. Wide local excision was done in 37 cases while amputation was required in 5 cases. Adjuvant radiotherapy was given in 27 cases while 18 cases received adjuvant chemotherapy. At median follow-up of 47 months, the overall survival and event-free survival were noted as 47.64% and 41.49%, respectively. Conclusion. This study depicts single-center experience of extremity STS. The population analyzed was from sub-Himalayan region with significant lost to follow-up. Pooling of data from different centers has been advocated to derive conclusive results.
Reduction of Liver Span and Parameters of Inflammation in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients Treated with Lycosome Formulation of Phosphatidylcholine: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Petyaev Ivan M. , Dovgalevsky Pavel Y. , Chalyk Natalia E. , Klochkov Victor A. , Kyle Nigel H. , Bashmakov Yuriy K.
Published: April 2018

Twenty-nine newly diagnosed individuals with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) remaining on habitual dietary regimen were supplemented with regular or lycosome formulations of phosphatidylcholine (PC) during a pilot, randomized, double-blinded clinical study. After two months of oral PC intake (450 mg daily) the liver size as well as serum levels of hepatic enzymes and markers of inflammation were evaluated by ultrasonography and biochemical analysis. It was shown that there was a statistically significant reduction of medians for the Mid-Clavicular liver size from 16.0 cm (95/5% CI: 17.1/15.5) to 15.1 cm (95/5% CI: 17.2/14.4, P=0.021) in participants ingesting the lycosome-formulated PC (L-PC) whereas regular formulation of PC (R-PC) had only a marginal effect on this parameter (P=0.044). A similar tendency was observed in the Mid-Sternal liver size. Moreover, there was a reduction of medians for ALT values at the end point of the study (P=0.026) after ingestion of L-PC, while R-PC had no statistically significant effect. On the other hand, ingestion of both formulations was accompanied by reductions in values for Inflammatory Oxidative Damage (IOD) and oxidized LDL in serum. However, L-PC had superior activity in these terms, presumably due to the presence of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, in the L-PC-Lycosome structure. C-reactive protein level was moderately decreased (reduction of medians from 6.5 [95/5% CI: 7.7/5.8] mg/L to 5.1 [95/5% CI: 5.6/4.3] mg/L) only after ingestion of L-PC. The greater efficacy of L-PC seen in NAFLD volunteers may reflect improved bioavailability of PC owing to better protection of the microencapsulated PC from gastrointestinal enzymes and possibly enhanced hepatic delivery of L-PC particles.
Wearable Sensor-Based Location-Specific Occupancy Detection in Smart Environments
Authors: Khan Md Abdullah Al Hafiz , Roy Nirmalya , Hossain H. M. Sajjad
Published: April 2018

Occupancy detection helps enable various emerging smart environment applications ranging from opportunistic HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) control, effective meeting management, healthy social gathering, and public event planning and organization. Ubiquitous availability of smartphones and wearable sensors with the users for almost 24 hours helps revitalize a multitude of novel applications. The inbuilt microphone sensor in smartphones plays as an inevitable enabler to help detect the number of people conversing with each other in an event or gathering. A large number of other sensors such as accelerometer and gyroscope help count the number of people based on other signals such as locomotive motion. In this work, we propose multimodal data fusion and deep learning approach relying on the smartphone’s microphone and accelerometer sensors to estimate occupancy. We first demonstrate a novel speaker estimation algorithm for people counting and extend the proposed model using deep nets for handling large-scale fluid scenarios with unlabeled acoustic signals. We augment our occupancy detection model with a magnetometer-dependent fingerprinting-based localization scheme to assimilate the volume of location-specific gathering. We also propose crowdsourcing techniques to annotate the semantic location of the occupant. We evaluate our approach in different contexts: conversational, silence, and mixed scenarios in the presence of 10 people. Our experimental results on real-life data traces in natural settings show that our cross-modal approach can achieve approximately 0.53 error count distance for occupancy detection accuracy on average.
Preprocedural Mean Platelet Volume Level Is a Predictor of In-Stent Restenosis of the Superficial Femoral Artery Stents in Follow-Up
Authors: Karauzum Kurtulus , Bildirici Ulas , Dervis Emir , Karauzum Irem , Baydemir Canan
Published: April 2018

Background. The mean platelet volume (MPV), the most commonly used measure of the platelet size, is a cheap and easy-to-use marker of the platelet activation. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between preprocedural MPV and other hematologic blood count parameters and in-stent restenosis in patients with superficial femoral artery (SFA) stenting.Methods and Results. The consecutive 118 patients who successfully underwent endovascular stenting of the SFA were enrolled retrospectively in the study. The mean follow-up was 23 ± 12 months. The in-stent restenosis was observed in 42 patients (35.6%). There were no statistically significant differences between the restenosis group and no-restenosis group in terms of age, gender, and smoking (p=0.116,p=0.924, andp=0.428, resp.). In the restenosis group, the MPV level was markedly higher than that in the no-restenosis group, and it was statistically significant (p<0.001). According to the ROC curve analysis, the optimal cutoff value of the MPV to determine the restenosis was >8.7 fL, and the level of the MPV >8.7 fL was a strong predictor of the restenosis (p<0.001) in logistic regression analysis.Conclusions. The measurement of the preprocedural MPV levels may help to identify high-risk patients for development of the in-stent restenosis. These patients may benefit from an aggresive antiplatelet therapy and close follow-up.
3D Printing Applications in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Authors: Hsu Megan R. , Haleem Meraaj S. , Hsu Wellington
Published: April 2018

3D printing (3DP) technology continues to gain popularity among medical specialties as a useful tool to improve patient care. The field of spine surgery is one discipline that has utilized this; however, information regarding the use of 3DP in minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is limited. 3D printing is currently being utilized in spine surgery to create biomodels, hardware templates and guides, and implants. Minimally invasive spine surgeons have begun to adopt 3DP technology, specifically with the use of biomodeling to optimize preoperative planning. Factors limiting widespread adoption of 3DP include increased time, cost, and the limited range of diagnoses in which 3DP has thus far been utilized. 3DP technology has become a valuable tool utilized by spine surgeons, and there are limitless directions in which this technology can be applied to minimally invasive spine surgery.