bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONCUSSION IN RUGBY UNION: IMPROVED REPORTING, A MORE CONSERVATIVE APPROACH OR AN INCREASED RISK?
Authors: Cross Matthew , Trewartha Grant , Kemp Simon , Fuller Colin , Taylor Aileen , West Stephen , Stokes Keith
Published: August 2017

Background

Epidemiology studies from 2002 to 2011 reported a stable concussion incidence in professional Rugby Union. From 2011, multiple player welfare initiatives have been introduced to increase the awareness, identification and management of concussion.

Objective

To investigate the incidence of reported concussion and players' time to return to play following match concussions in professional Rugby Union.

Design

In a five-season (2011–2016) prospective cohort study, match concussions and the time taken for players to return to play were recorded. The seasonal incidences of concussion were calculated alongside all injury incidence and contact injury incidence (both excluding concussion) and mean player body mass and height.

Setting

English Premiership Professional Rugby Union.

Participants

788 players.

Independent Variables

Player match exposure (hours).

Main Outcome Measurement

Match injury incidence (concussion and all injuries) was calculated as injuries/1000 player-hours with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Mean incidence of time-loss match concussions over the period was 10.4 (95% CI: 9.4–11.5). The incidence increased year-on-year: 2011–12, 5.1 (95% CI: 3.8–6.9); 2012–13, 6.7 (95% CI: 5.1–8.7); 2013–14, 10.5 (95% CI: 8.5–13.0); 2014–15, 13.4 (95% CI: 11.1–16.2); 2015–16, 15.9 (95% CI 13.2–19.1). This rise occurred in the absence of any significant change in the incidence of all time-loss injuries, contact time-loss injuries and player size.

Conclusions

Since 2011, the reported incidence of concussion in professional Rugby Union has risen season-by-season, highlighting the need for a focused injury prevention strategy. It is not possible to separate the effect of an improvement in reporting practice from an inherent increased risk of concussion, but the stable incidence of other time-loss injuries and player size over the same period suggests that changes in reporting behaviour, a lowering of the diagnostic threshold and increased awareness have all had a major influence on the reporting of concussion in recent years.
ECG OF INDIAN ATHLETES–ESC VS SEATTLE CRITERIA
Authors: Dande Jahnavi , Mallick Anirban
Published: August 2017

Background

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) released recommendations in 2010 for the interpretation of 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG) in athletes. In 2013, the ‘Seattle Criteria’ was published with the aim to improve sensitivity of ECG screening.

Objective

To compare the sensitivity of these two criteria for Indian athletes.

Design

Cross sectional ECG data of the female athletes was collected during preparticipation screening. Any athletes with known cardiovascular disease was excluded from the study.

Setting

ECG was recorded during their entry in the national camp in 2014–15 at the National Institute of Sports. Written informed consent was obtained before the study.

Patients (or Participants)

The study population consisted of 63 elite female athletes (30 footballers and 33 from athletics) with mean age, height, weight, BMI of 22.71 (SD- 3.30) years, 157.38 (SD- 4.20) cm, 52.29 (SD- 3.87) kg, 21.77 (SD- 1.67) kg/m2respectively along with mean training age of 9.79 (SD- 3.08) years. None of them was having any known cardiovascular disorder.

Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors)

The standard 12 lead ECG (RMS vesta 302i) was collected by a physician.

Main Outcome Measurements

All ECGs had been evaluated and compared as per ESC and Seattle criteria by single investigator.

Results

12 (19%) [7(11.1%) with long QT syndrome and 5 (7.9%) with T wave inversion] and 3 (4.8%) [T wave inversion] athletes had abnormal ECG according to ESC and Seattle criteria respectively. Only one (1.5%) among them was detected cardiomyopathy by further investigations. The reduction was due to reclassification of 7 (11.1%) athletes with a redefined QTc interval, 2 (3.1%) with T wave inversion isolated to V1–2.

Conclusions

Using Seattle criteria for the athletes of Indian origin, the false positive ECG has been reduced from 17.5% to 3.3% but still the same athlete with cardiac abnormality can be identified.
CHANGES IN TORQUE-ANGLE PROFILES OF THE HAMSTRINGS AND HAMSTRINGS-TO-QUADRICEPS RATIO FOLLOWING TWO HAMSTRINGS STRENGTHENING EXERCISE INTERVENTIONS IN FEMALE HOCKEY PLAYERS
Authors: Delextrat Anne , Bateman James , Jos Vanrenterghem , Daniel Cohen
Published: August 2017

Background

Field hockey is characterised by high rates of hamstings strain injuries (HSI). While the Nordic Hamtrings (NH) is the most commonly used exercise in the prevention and rehabilitation of HSI, no study has investigated its isolated benefits compared to other well-established exercises in hockey players.

Objective

To compare the effects of two hamstring strengthening interventions (nordic hamstrings (NH)vs.eccentric leg curl (ELC)) on the hamstrings torque-angle profiles and functional hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio (Hecc:Qcon) in female hockey players.

Design

A randomised-control trials with repeated measures was used.

Settings

The intervention for this study was used during practice sessions of university-level hockey players.

Participants

Female university-level players were randomly allocated to a NH (n=9, age: 19.7±1.4 years; height: 168.4±4.4 cm; body mass: 66.2±7.2 kg), ELC (n=8, age: 19.5±1.0 years; height: 168.1±3.4 cm; body mass: 66.7±4.5 kg), and C (n=8, age: 19.6±1.4 years; height: 169.9±7.5 cm; body mass: 70.7±13.0 kg) groups.

Main Outcome Measurements

Isokinetic concentric strength tests of the quadriceps (Qcon), eccentric strength of the hamstrings (Hecc) at 120°.s−1, and Hecc:Qcon.

Interventions

Six-week intervention with ELC, NH or no (C) exercises performed three times weekly, before redoing the baseline strength assessments. Analyses of variance with repeated measures were used to assess the effects of angle, group and time on outcome measures.

Results

Significant increases were observed in Heccand Hecc:Qconafter the NH (+29.9% and +27.8%) and ELC (+30.5% and +38.3%) in the non-dominant leg only. Furthermore, significant shifts in the hamstrings eccentric APT towards a longer muscle length were shown in both legs (14.3 to 28.6%).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that NH and ELC both resulted in significant improvements in peak and muscle length specific neuromuscular risk factors in the weaker limb, thereby reducing interlimb peak strength asymmetries.
RISK FACTORS FOR OVERUSE SHOULDER INJURIES AMONG 329 ELITE HANDBALL PLAYERS: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY
Authors: Andersson Stig H. , Bahr Roald , Clarsen Ben , Myklebust Grethe
Published: August 2017

Background

Shoulder injuries are common among handball players and are dominated by overuse characteristics.

Objective

Assess the effect of three previously identified risk factors for shoulder problems (reduced glenohumeral rotation, external rotation weakness and scapula dyskinesis).

Design

Prospective cohort.

Setting

Twenty-three handball teams (12 male; 11 female) from the two upper divisions in Norway followed for one competitive season (7 months).

Participants

Of 333 players with a team contract, 329 (age 17–47) entered the study (168 male; 161 female); 39 of these dropped out (21 male; 18 female).

Assessment of Risk Factors

Prior to the 2014–2015 season we assessed glenohumeral internal and external rotation range of motion, isometric internal and external rotation, as well as scapular dyskinesis.

Main Outcome Measurements

Prevalence and severity of shoulder problems registered monthly using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire. We used the average severity score for each player as the outcome measure in a multivariable logistic regression model to investigate associations between candidate risk factors and shoulder injury.

Results

The average season prevalence of shoulder problems was 20% (95% CI 15% to 26%) among men and 26% (95% CI 26% to 27%) among women; the average prevalence of substantial problems was 7% (95% CI 6% to 7%) and 9% (95% CI 8% to 11%) among men and women, respectively. Significant associations were found between internal rotation motion (OR 1.16 per 5° change, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.34) and isometric external:internal rotation strength ratio <80% (OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.01 to 9) and shoulder injury. Scapula dyskinesis was not associated with shoulder injury (OR 1.36, 95% CI 0.41 to 4.50).

Conclusions

This study confirms that external rotation weakness is associated with shoulder injury and should be incorporated in injury prevention programmes, while exercises targeting internal rotation motion and scapula dyskinesis should be excluded.
HAMSTRING MUSCLE INJURY IS THE FIRST INJURY DIAGNOSIS DURING MAJOR ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Authors: Edouard Pascal , Branco Pedro , Alonso Juan-Manue
Published: August 2017

Background

During top-level international athletics championships, thigh muscle tear (hamstring muscle tear in particular) was the most commonly reported injury diagnosis. However, there has been no detailed characterisation of hamstring muscle injuries at this top level of athletics, which represent the main challenge for athletes and their stakeholders.

Objective

To analyse the incidence and characteristics of hamstring muscle injuries (hamstring injuries) occurring during top-level international athletics championships.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

9 international athletics championships from 2007 to 2015; Elite athletics level.

Participants

A total of 8212 registered athletes.

Main Outcome Measurements

Prevalence and incidences of hamstring injuries in male and female athletes.

Results

Hamstring injury frequencies were significantly higher in male (19.3%) than female (13.5%) athletes (Chi2=6.1; p=0.01). Hamstring injuries represented 39.8% of all muscle injuries and 74.6% of all thigh muscle injuries, without any differences in the distribution between male and female athletes. The rate of hamstring injuries per 1000 registered athletes was significantly higher in male (22.4±3.4) than in female (11.5±2.6) athletes (relative risk (RR)=1.94; 95% CI: 1.42–2.66, moderate effect size). Overuse with sudden onset was the main cause of hamstring injuries, followed by non-contact trauma. Hamstring injury incidences were higher in combined events, sprints, and hurdles than in other events for male athletes, and in combined events, sprints and hurdles than in other events for female athletes.

Conclusions

During 9 top-level international Athletics championships, hamstring injury was the most common injury diagnosis (19.3% in male and 13.5% female athletes), with a two fold higher risk in males than females. Athletes in explosive-power events and male athletes seem to be more at risk of hamstring muscle injuries. Injury prevention strategies should be sex-specific including screening of athletes at risk, particular attention to athletes at risk and to small signs, and adapted physical and strengthening conditioning.
PRESENCE OF ABNORMAL FINDINGS WITHIN SPORTS PRE-PARTICIPATION CARDIOVASCULAR SCREENING
Authors: Freitas João , Andrade Renato , Pereira Rogério , Leal Ana , Saavedra Cátia , Pais Nuno , Marques Diana , Lopes Isabel , Loureiro Nuno , Maia Paulo , Costa Ovídio , Espregueira-Mendes João
Published: August 2017

Background

Sports pre-participation cardiovascular screening remains a challenging topic, without consensus amongst the scientific community. Sports pre-participation cardiovascular screening with electrocardiogram (ECG) is not systematically included in the United States of America. However, in some European countries both ECG and echocardiogram are requested. These asymmetric proceedings are related with the ongoing discussion on health-related benefits effectiveness and costs.

Objective

Define the proportion of cardiovascular screening exams which require complementary cardiovascular exams in addition to the routine electrocardiogram performed by the athletes. Moreover, it was intended to analyze the influence of the complementary cardiovascular exams results' in the decision making for medical clearance.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Nonprofessional to elite athletes.

Patients (or Participants)

Between 2014 and 2015, a total of 862 athletes performed sports pre-participation cardiovascular screening.

Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors)

All the athletes underwent a cardiovascular screening, including medical history, physical examination and 12-lead electrocardiogram. In case of cardiovascular diseases suspicion, complementary cardiovascular exams (echocardiogram and cardiac stress test) were solicited.

Main Outcome Measurements

As main outcomes were considered the need for complementary cardiovascular exams according the Seattle criteria (%), presence of abnormalities in these complementary cardiovascular exams (%) and decision for medical clearance (%).

Results

From the 862 athletes, 54 (6%) required complementary cardiovascular exams, of which 8 (0.9%) showed abnormal cardiovascular findings. Three athletes (0.3%) did not get medical clearance to participate in sports.

Conclusions

The sports pre-participation cardiovascular screening with ECG required complementary cardiovascular exams in 6% of the cases and 0.3% were not cleared to participate in sports. The decision was based in the most up-to-date knowledge of life threatening cardiac clinical conditions and supports a life-preventive measure to 3 young persons over an approximate cost of 12000€.
ORAL HEALTH OF UK ATHLETES AND IMPACT ON PERFORMANCE
Authors: Gallagher Julie
Published: August 2017

Background

Previous research indicates that poor oral health is common in elite athletes and is associated with negative self-reported impacts on wellbeing, training and performance. However the strength of evidence is limited.

Objective

We aimed to conduct a methodologically robust study of oral health, the determinants of oral health and associated self-reported impacts across different sports using a trained and calibrated examiner and validated outcome measures.

Design

Cross-sectional observational clinical and questionnaire study of representative samples of elite (Olympic and professional) athletes.

Setting

Athlete medical and training facilities.

Participants

300 UK athletes aged 18 years and over, on podium placement/potential programmes or participating as professional athletes.

Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors)

We measured dental caries, erosion, periodontal health, wisdom teeth infections, self-reported oro-facial trauma, oral health preventive and risk behaviours and potential for behaviour change.

Main Outcome Measurements

We used validated clinical indices for caries, erosion and periodontal health. Self-reported impact on athlete performance was measured using a modification of the OSTRC overuse injury questionnaire.

Results

One third (33%) of athletes had caries into dentine and 35% had erosion with dentine exposed in at least one tooth. One quarter (24%) had chronic inflammatory periodontitis, however only 6% reported oro-facial trauma related to their sport. Many athletes (49%-83%) reported consumption of sports drinks, bars and gels during training and competition. Most (96%) athletes reported good oral hygiene habits. One third (34%) reported a negative impact on performance.

Conclusions

UK elite athletes have significant levels of oral disease with one third reporting a negative impact. Despite most athletes reporting beneficial oral health behaviours, additional health promotion and preventive measures are required to mitigate risk factors and reduce self-reported performance impacts.
MAN-MADE JUMPS IN TERRAIN-PARKS AND THE RISK OF SEVERE SKI-PATROL REPORTED INJURIES IN ALPINE SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS
Authors: Goulet Claude , Hamel Denis , Tremblay Benoit , Audet Olivier , Hagel Brent E.
Published: August 2017

Background

Two ski areas in Québec, Canada, removed man-made jumps from their terrain parks (TPs) from seasons 2007–08 to 2009–10. Jumps were reintroduced starting in season 2010–11.

Objective

To determine if man-made jumps in TPs are associated with severe alpine ski and snowboard injuries.

Design

Retrospective study using ski-patrol Injury Report Forms (IRFs).

Setting

All ski areas with a TP in Québec.

Patients (or Participants)

Skiers and snowboarders who reported to the ski patrol with a TP injury during seasons 2000–01 to 2014–15, at all Québec ski areas with TP (two where jumps were removed, and others without jump removal).

Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors)

Risk factor data and injury outcomes were collected through IRFs.

Main Outcome Measurements

Severe injuries were defined based on type of injury or ambulance evacuation. The proportions of severe injuries before jump removal (2000–01 to 2006–07) and during jump reintroduction (2010–11 to 2014–15) were compared with proportions during jump removal (2007–08 to 2009–10). Logistic regression analysis was used to adjust the comparisons for age, sex, skill level, helmet use, and type of activity. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to account for potential ski area clustering of outcomes.

Results

At the hills that removed jumps (4,006 IRFs analysed), the crude proportion of severe TP injuries was 19.3% before removal, 14.5% during removal, and 24.3% at reintroduction. The odds of severe injury were higher before removal (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.03–1.87) and during reintroduction (AOR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.52–2.37). At other hills over the same time period (21,449 IRFs), there was no change before (23.7%) and during (22.0%) jump removal (AOR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.94–1.21), but the proportion of severe injuries increased after reintroduction (26.4%; AOR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.10–1.43).

Conclusions

Results suggest that removing man-made jumps from TPs may prevent severe injuries.
Neighbor Rupture Degree of Transformation Graphs Gxy−
Authors: Bacak-Turan Goksen , Oz Ekrem
Published: August 2017

A vulnerability parameter the neighbor rupture degree can be used to obtain the vulnerability of a spy network. The neighbor rupture degree of a noncomplete connected graph [Formula: see text] is defined to be [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is any vertex subversion strategy of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is the number of connected components in [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] is the maximum order of the components of [Formula: see text]. In this study, the neighbor rupture degree of transformation graphs [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of path graphs, cycle graphs, wheel graphs, complete graphs and complete bipartite graphs are obtained.
Several Classes of Boolean Functions with Four-Valued Walsh Spectra
Authors: Sun Zhiqiang , Hu Lei
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we give constructions of several classes of Boolean functions with four-valued Walsh spectra, which are derived from the indirect sum construction. The Walsh spectra and spectrum distributions of these functions are determined. The result of functions with four-valued Walsh spectra derived from Bent functions is used to research Bent functions and o-polynomials. By investigating the indirect sum, we also give constructions of plateaued functions and functions with five-valued Walsh spectra.
Autocorrelation of the Modified Binary Two-Prime Sidelnikov Sequence
Authors: Ke Pinhui , Ye Zhifan , Zhou Zhengchun , Shen Jian
Published: August 2017

Two-prime Sidelnikov sequence introduced by Brandstätter et al. in 2010 was shown to enjoy nice pseudorandom properties. It was shown to be balanced only in the case [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are twin primes or [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are cousin primes with [Formula: see text]. In the case [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are two distinct primes, a modification of the binary two-prime Sidelnikov sequence is proposed in this paper. We show that the new defined sequence is always balanced. And we also study the autocorrelation of the new defined sequence showing that it possesses nice autocorrelation feature.
BY MOLECULE ANCHORING TO PREPARE THE ULTRATHIN Ni LAYER WITH ELECTROCATALYTIC ACTIVITY TOWARD GLUCOSE
Authors: ZHOU MAO , LIANG XIAOCAI , MIAO YUQING
Published: August 2017

The preparation of ultrathin Ni layer onto the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by molecule anchoring method was studied in this paper in which two steps were involved: molecule anchoring (GCE-M) and ultrathin Ni layer adsorption (GCE-M-Ni). The result showed that by simply anchoring some molecules (purpald, bismuthiol I, DPTA, EDTA-2Na, ferrotitanium and thiourea) onto the surface of GCE, the adsorption of Ni layer would be improved relatively, thus improving the electrocatalytic ability of GCE toward sucrose, fructose and glucose. It was believed that the anchoring of these molecules helped the following adsorption of Ni layer. Good electrocatalytic characteristics for sugars oxidation of GCE-purpald-Ni were observed in this work with the immediate response, wide linear range from 0[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M to 800[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M and low detection limit down to 0.49[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M for the sensing of total sugar (TS) concentration. The common interfering molecule such as ascorbic acid was proved of no interfering effect on the detection. Also, GCE-purpald-Ni was successfully applied to detect TS concentration in orange juice samples with high recovery rate of more than 85%. It is concluded that the molecule anchoring method can be used to the adsorption of ultrathin Ni layer onto the surface of GCE and works as one of the promising nonenzymatic sensings toward sugars.
IMPLEMENTATION OF A SMARTPHONE WIRELESS GYROSCOPE PLATFORM WITH MACHINE LEARNING FOR CLASSIFYING DISPARITY OF A HEMIPLEGIC PATELLAR TENDON REFLEX PAIR
Authors: LEMOYNE ROBERT , MASTROIANNI TIMOTHY
Published: August 2017

The patellar tendon reflex response provides fundamental means of assessing a subject’s neurological health. Dysfunction regarding the characteristics of the reflex response may warrant the escalation to more advanced diagnostic techniques. Current strategies involve the manual elicitation of the patellar tendon reflex by a highly skilled clinician with subsequent interpretation according to an ordinal scale. The reliability of the ordinal scale approach is a topic of contention. Highly skilled clinicians have been in disagreement regarding even the observation of asymmetric reflex pairs. An alternative strategy incorporated the ubiquitous smartphone with a software application to function as a wireless gyroscope platform for quantifying the reflex response. Each gyroscope signal recording of the reflex response can be conveyed wirelessly through Internet connectivity as an email attachment. The reflex response is evoked through a potential energy impact pendulum that enables prescribed targeting and potential energy level. The smartphone functioning as a wireless gyroscope platform reveals an observationally representative gyroscope signal of the reflex response. Three notably distinguishable attributes of the reflex response are incorporated into a feature set for machine learning: maximum angular rate of rotation, minimum angular rate of rotation, and time disparity between maximum and minimum angular rate of rotation. Four machine learning platforms such as the J48 decision tree, K-nearest neighbors, logistic regression, and support vector machine, were applied to the patellar tendon reflex response feature set incorporating a hemiplegic patellar tendon reflex pair. The J48 decision tree attained 98% classification accuracy, and the K-nearest neighbors, logistic regression, and support vector machine achieved perfect classification accuracy for distinguishing between a hemiplegic affected leg and unaffected leg patellar tendon reflex pair. The research findings reveal the potential of machine learning for enabling advanced diagnostic acuity respective of the gyroscope signal of the patellar tendon reflex response.
A Study on Evaluation of ADPI and Ventilation Performance of a Small Auditorium with Unevenly Arranged Return Diffusers
Authors: Kwon Yong-il
Published: August 2017

The ventilation performance and thermal comfort characteristics on placing the supply or return diffusers for the air distribution systems applied to an auditorium with high ceiling heights must be inherently considered. A numerical study has been conducted to simulate the airflow and ventilation characteristics in a small auditorium with the uniformly installed supply diffusers on the ceiling surface, and with the unevenly installed return diffusers on the side wall of the stage, the left and rear wall. It is the objective of the present study to investigate the effects of various air distribution system parameters on air diffusion performance index (ADPI), air change efficiency and scale of ventilation efficiency NO.4 (SVE4) of return diffusers in the auditorium with the movable audience seat on the flat floor. This paper focuses mainly on the effect of the unevenly installed return diffusers on the low part of the side wall of the auditorium with the movable audience seat.
Clinical Effects of Laser Acupuncture plus Chinese Cupping on the Pain and Plasma Cortisol Levels in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Lower Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lin Mu-Lien , Wu Jih-Huah , Lin Chi-Wan , Su Chuan-Tsung , Wu Hung-Chien , Shih Yong-Sheng , Chiu I-Ting , Chen Chao-Yi , Chang Wen-Dien
Published: August 2017

Objectives. Chronic nonspecific lower back pain (LBP) is a common disease. Insufficient data is currently available to conclusively confirm the analgesic effects of laser acupuncture on LBP. This study evaluated the effectiveness of laser acupuncture plus Chinese cupping in LBP treatment. Methods. Patients with chronic nonspecific LBP were enrolled for a randomized controlled trial and assigned to the laser acupuncture group (laser acupuncture plus Chinese cupping) and control group (sham laser plus Chinese cupping). Laser acupuncture (808 nm; 40 mW; 20 Hz; 15 J/cm2) and Chinese cupping were applied on the Weizhong (BL40) and Ashi acupoints for 5 consecutive days. Plasma cortisol levels were assessed before and after the 5‐day treatment session. The visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded at baseline and throughout the 5‐day treatment session. Results. After the treatment session, the plasma cortisol levels and VAS scores decreased significantly in both groups. In the laser acupuncture group, the VAS scores decreased significantly on days 4 and 5, and an enhanced reduction in VAS scores was observed. Conclusion. Laser acupuncture plus Chinese cupping at the Weizhong (BL40) and Ashi acupoints effectively reduced pain and inflammation in chronic nonspecific LBP. This therapy could be a suitable option for LBP treatment in clinical settings.
Time between First and Second Posttonsillectomy Bleeds
Authors: Hussain Sheriza , O’Connell Ferster Ashley P. , Carr Michele M.
Published: August 2017

Objective. To determine the time between first and recurrent posttonsillectomy hemorrhages (PTHs) and find factors related to multiple PTHs. Methods. Retrospective chart review. Results. Of 112 patients, 91 had one PTH, while 21 had recurrent PTHs. Patients with recurrent bleeds had significant differences (P<0.05) in indication for tonsillectomy (47.6% had recurrent tonsillitis), prior cardiac conditions (28.6%), transfusions (9.5%), and hematology consults during the initial PTH visit (19%). Bleeding occurred at a mean of 6.1 (range 1–13) days for the first episode and 10 (range 9–18) days for the second episode as compared to 6.65 (range 1–18) days for those who bled once. Recurrent PTH patients were less likely to have had surgical control of the initial bleed (P<0.05). Patients who bled at 7 days or later were more likely to bleed again within one day (OR 23.0, RR 12). Regression analysis showed that age, failure to have operative control of PTH, and surgical indication were most important in predicting recurrent PTH. Conclusions. Operative control of PTH is associated with a better outcome than monitoring alone. Patients with PTH within 7 days of tonsillectomy are likely safe to discharge soon after treatment; those who bleed after 7 days should be monitored longer.
Static and Dynamic Strain Monitoring of Reinforced Concrete Components through Embedded Carbon Nanotube Cement-Based Sensors
Authors: D’Alessandro Antonella , Ubertini Filippo , García-Macías Enrique , Castro-Triguero Rafael , Downey Austin , Laflamme Simon , Meoni Andrea , Materazzi Annibale Luigi
Published: August 2017

The paper presents a study on the use of cement-based sensors doped with carbon nanotubes as embedded smart sensors for static and dynamic strain monitoring of reinforced concrete (RC) elements. Such novel sensors can be used for the monitoring of civil infrastructures. Because they are fabricated from a structural material and are easy to utilize, these sensors can be integrated into structural elements for monitoring of different types of constructions during their service life. Despite the scientific attention that such sensors have received in recent years, further research is needed to understand (i) the repeatability and accuracy of sensors’ behavior over a meaningful number of sensors, (ii) testing configurations and calibration methods, and (iii) the sensors’ ability to provide static and dynamic strain measurements when actually embedded in RC elements. To address these research needs, this paper presents a preliminary characterization of the self-sensing capabilities and the dynamic properties of a meaningful number of cement-based sensors and studies their application as embedded sensors in a full-scale RC beam. Results from electrical and electromechanical tests conducted on small and full-scale specimens using different electrical measurement methods confirm that smart cement-based sensors show promise for both static and vibration-based structural health monitoring applications of concrete elements but that calibration of each sensor seems to be necessary.
Robust Fault Detection and Estimation in Nonlinear Systems with Unknown Constant Time‐Delays
Authors: Yan Wenxu , Xu Dezhi , Shen Qikun
Published: August 2017

This paper studies the problem of fault detection and estimation in nonlinear time‐delayed systems with unknown inputs, where the time‐delays are supposed to be constant but unknown. A new fault detection filter, which can estimate online the time‐delays, is first introduced. Then, a reference residual model is proposed to formulate the robust fault detection filter design problem as an H∞ model‐matching problem. Furthermore, by a novel robust adaptive fault estimation algorithm, the classical assumption that the time derivative of the output error should be known is removed. In addition, applying a robust H∞ optimization control technique, sufficient conditions for the existence of the fault detection filter (FDF) are derived in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI). Finally, simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Morse Taper Connection Implants Placed in Grafted Sinuses in 65 Patients: A Retrospective Clinical Study with 10 Years of Follow-Up
Authors: Mangano Francesco , Bakaj Renata , Frezzato Irene , Frezzato Alberto , Montini Sergio , Mangano Carlo
Published: August 2017

Purpose. To investigate the 10-year survival and complication rates of Morse taper connection implants (MTCIs) placed in grafted sinuses.Methods. This study reports on patients treated with maxillary sinus augmentation (with the lateral window technique (LWT) or the transalveolar osteotomy technique (TOT)) and installed with MTCIs supporting fixed restorations (single crowns (SCs) and fixed partial dentures (FPDs)), in two dental clinics. The outcomes of the study were the 10-year implant survival and complication rates.Results. Sixty-five patients (30 males and 35 females) with a mean age of 62.7 (±10.2) years were installed with 142 MTCIs: 79 fixtures were inserted with the LWT and 63 were placed with the TOT. After ten years, five implants failed, for an overall survival rate of 96.5%. Three implants failed in the LWT group, for a survival rate of 96.3%; two implants failed in the TOT group, for a survival rate of 96.9%. The 10-year incidence of biologic complications was 11.9%. Prosthetic complications were all technical in nature and amounted to 7.6%.Conclusions. MTCIs seem to represent a successful procedure for the prosthetic restoration of the grafted posterior maxilla, in the long term. This study was registered in the ISRCTN registry with number
ISRCTN30772506.
Experimental Verification for Cable Force Estimation Using Handheld Shooting of Smartphones
Authors: Zhao Xuefeng , Ri Kwang , Wang Niannian
Published: August 2017

Currently, due to the rapid development and popularization of smartphones, the usage of ubiquitous smartphones has attracted growing interest in the field of structural health monitoring (SHM). The portable and rapid cable force measurement for cable-supported structures, such as a cable-stayed bridge and a suspension bridge, has an important and practical significance in the evaluation of initial damage and the recovery of transportation networks. The extraction of dynamic characteristics (natural frequencies) of cable is considered as an essential issue in the cable force estimation. Therefore, in this study, a vision-based approach is proposed for identifying the natural frequencies of cable using handheld shooting of smartphone camera. The boundary of cable is selected as a target to be tracked in the region of interest (ROI) of video image sequence captured by smartphone camera, and the dynamic characteristics of cable are identified according to its dynamic displacement responses in frequency domain. The moving average is adopted to eliminate the noise associated with the shaking of smartphone camera during measurement. A laboratory scale cable model test and a pedestrian cable-stayed bridge test are carried out to evaluate the proposed approach. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using smartphone camera for cable force estimation.
Influence of Processing Conditions on the Mechanical Behavior and Morphology of Injection Molded Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) 85:15
Authors: Melo Liliane Pimenta de , Salmoria Gean Vitor , Fancello Eduardo Alberto , Roesler Carlos Rodrigo de Mello
Published: August 2017

Two groups of PLGA specimens with different geometries (notched and unnotched) were injection molded under two melting temperatures and flow rates. The mechanical properties, morphology at the fracture surface, and residual stresses were evaluated for both processing conditions. The morphology of the fractured surfaces for both specimens showed brittle and smooth fracture features for the majority of the specimens. Fracture images of the notched specimens suggest that the surface failure mechanisms are different from the core failure. Polarized light techniques indicated birefringence in all specimens, especially those molded with lower temperature, which suggests residual stress due to rapid solidification. DSC analysis confirmed the existence of residual stress in all PLGA specimens. The specimens molded using the lower injection temperature and the low flow rate presented lower loss tangent values according to the DMA and higher residual stress as shown by DSC, and the photoelastic analysis showed extensive birefringence.
Leukemic Ischemia: A Case of Myocardial Infarction Secondary to Leukemic Cardiac Involvement
Authors: Fursevich Dzmitry , Zuchowski Colin , Limback Joseph , Kendall Melissa , Ramirez Ashley , Fanaian Naim , Burt Jeremy
Published: August 2017

We report a case of a 39-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with acute chest pain while being in remission from T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Cardiac markers were elevated and EKG revealed ischemic changes compatible with acute myocardial ischemia. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) showed calcium-free coronary arteries and soft tissue myocardial infiltration suggestive of cardiac leukemia. A bone marrow biopsy confirmed recurrence of T-ALL, and patient was successfully treated with chemotherapy. We discuss the prospective diagnosis of myopericardial leukemic involvement and the role of CCTA in diagnosis and perform a literature review.
Adaptive Neural Output Feedback Control for Uncertain Robot Manipulators with Input Saturation
Authors: Mei Rong , Yu ChengJiang
Published: August 2017

This paper presents an adaptive neural output feedback control scheme for uncertain robot manipulators with input saturation using the radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) and disturbance observer. First, the RBFNN is used to approximate the system uncertainty, and the unknown approximation error of the RBFNN and the time-varying unknown external disturbance of robot manipulators are integrated as a compounded disturbance. Then, the state observer and the disturbance observer are proposed to estimate the unmeasured system state and the unknown compounded disturbance based on RBFNN. At the same time, the adaptation technique is employed to tackle the control input saturation problem. Utilizing the estimate outputs of the RBFNN, the state observer, and the disturbance observer, the adaptive neural output feedback control scheme is developed for robot manipulators using the backstepping technique. The convergence of all closed-loop signals is rigorously proved via Lyapunov analysis and the asymptotically convergent tracking error is obtained under the integrated effect of the system uncertainty, the unmeasured system state, the unknown external disturbance, and the input saturation. Finally, numerical simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive neural output feedback control scheme for uncertain robot manipulators.
Simulation‐Based Early Prediction of Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar Trajectories and Real‐Time Optimization for Counter‐RAM Systems
Authors: Ramezani Arash , Rothe Hendrik
Published: August 2017

The threat imposed by terrorist attacks is a major hazard for military installations, for example, in Iraq and Afghanistan. The large amounts of rockets, artillery projectiles, and mortar grenades (RAM) that are available pose serious threats to military forces. An important task for international research and development is to protect military installations and implement an accurate early warning system against RAM threats on conventional computer systems in out‐of‐area field camps. This work presents a method for determining the trajectory, caliber, and type of a projectile based on the estimation of the ballistic coefficient. A simulation‐based optimization process is presented that enables iterative adjustment of predicted trajectories in real time. Analytical and numerical methods are used to reduce computing time for out‐of‐area missions and low‐end computer systems. A GUI is programmed to present the results. It allows for comparison between predicted and actual trajectories. Finally, different aspects and restrictions for measuring the quality of the results are discussed.
Using UAV-Based Systems to Monitor Air Pollution in Areas with Poor Accessibility
Authors: Alvear Oscar , Zema Nicola Roberto , Natalizio Enrico , Calafate Carlos T.
Published: August 2017

Air pollution monitoring has recently become an issue of utmost importance in our society. Despite the fact that crowdsensing approaches could be an adequate solution for urban areas, they cannot be implemented in rural environments. Instead, deploying a fleet of UAVs could be considered an acceptable alternative. Embracing this approach, this paper proposes the use of UAVs equipped with off-the-shelf sensors to perform air pollution monitoring tasks. These UAVs are guided by our proposed Pollution-driven UAV Control (PdUC) algorithm, which is based on a chemotaxis metaheuristic and a local particle swarm optimization strategy. Together, they allow automatically performing the monitoring of a specified area using UAVs. Experimental results show that, when using PdUC, an implicit priority guides the construction of pollution maps by focusing on areas where the pollutants’ concentration is higher. This way, accurate maps can be constructed in a faster manner when compared to other strategies. The PdUC scheme is compared against various standard mobility models through simulation, showing that it achieves better performance. In particular, it is able to find the most polluted areas with more accuracy and provides a higher coverage within the time bounds defined by the UAV flight time.
Using Modified Intelligent Experimental Design in Parameter Estimation of Chaotic Systems
Authors: Shourgashti Zahra , Keshvari Hamid , Panahi Shirin
Published: August 2017

Computational modeling plays an important role in prediction and optimization of real systems and processes. Models usually have some parameters which should be set up to the proper value. Therefore, parameter estimation is known as an important part of the modeling and system identification. It usually refers to the process of using sampled data to estimate the optimum values of parameters. The accuracy of model can be increased by adjusting its parameters to the optimum value which need a richer dataset. One simple solution for having a richer dataset is increasing the amount of data, but that can be costly and time consuming. When using data from animals or people, it is especially important to have a proper plan. There are several available methods for parameter estimation in dynamical systems; however there are some basic differences in chaotic systems due to their sensitivity to initial condition (butterfly effect). Accordingly, in this paper, a new cost function which is proper for chaotic systems is applied to the chaotic one-dimensional map. Then the efficiency of a newly introduced intelligent method experimental design in extracting proper data is investigated. The results show the success of the proposed method.
Eyelid Edema: A Rare Cause of a Common Sign
Authors: Soares Andreia , Almeida Cristina , Freitas Cristina , Sales-Sanz Marco , Ribeiro Sara
Published: August 2017

We report a 48-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency room with right eyelid edema, with 3 days of evolution. She had suffered minor trauma to this eye one week before. She reported episodes of right eyelid swelling of spontaneous resolution since the occurrence of a traumatic brain injury 5 years ago. Ophthalmological examination showed a soft and painless eyelid edema of the right eye. Brain computed tomography showed an area of bone discontinuity of the orbital roof with brain herniation and a CSF leak into the eyelid (blepharocele). Magnetic resonance confirmed the result of TC and revealed an area of frontal encephalomalacia. Ibuprofen (800 mg/day) was prescribed, with complete resolution within 20 days. She was evaluated by Neurosurgery with no indication of surgery due to the resolution of the edema and absence of symptoms. Blepharocele is a rare entity that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unilateral eyelid edema. It can be secondary to an orbital fracture or congenital lesion.
Lipschitz-Type and Bloch-Type Spaces of Pluriharmonic Mappings in a Hilbert Space
Authors: Liu Yong
Published: August 2017

We investigate some properties of pluriharmonic mappings in an infinite dimensional complex Hilbert space. Several characterizations for pluriharmonic mappings to be in Lipschitz-type and Bloch-type spaces are given, which are generalizations of the corresponding known ones for holomorphic functions with several complex variables.
Validation of the DAPT score in patients randomized to 6 or 12 months clopidogrel after predominantly second-generation drug-eluting stents
Authors: Harada Yukinori , Michel Jonathan , Lohaus Raphaela , Mayer Katharina , Emmer Roberto , Lena Lahmann Anna , Colleran Roisin , Giacoppo Daniele , Wolk Annabelle , Berg Jurrien M. ten , Neumann Franz-Josef , Han Yaling , Adriaenssens Tom , Tölg Ralph , Seyfarth Melchior , Maeng Michael , Zrenner Bernhard , Jacobshagen Claudius , Wöhrle Jochen , Kufner Sebastian , Morath Tanja , Ibrahim Tareq , Bernlochner Isabell , Fischer Marcus , Schunkert Heribert , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Mehilli Julinda , A. Byrne Robert , Kastrati Adnan , Schulz-Schüpke Stefanie
Published: August 2017

The DAPT score is a recently-proposed decision tool for guiding optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). It showed modest accuracy in prior derivation and validation cohorts of patients with ≥12 months DAPT. This study was aimed to evaluate the validity of the DAPT score in a cohort of patients with 6 or 12 months DAPT after implantation of predominantly second-generation drug-eluting stents. We analyzed data of patients enrolled in the ISAR-SAFE trial. Patients were classified into low (<2) or high (≥2) DAPT score groups. Primary ischaemic (all-cause death, myocardial infarction, definite stent thrombosis or stroke) and bleeding (TIMI major or minor) outcomes were analyzed in the low and high DAPT score groups. Data of 3976 patients were available for DAPT score calculation. 2407 patients (60.5%) were classified in the low DAPT score group and 1569 patients (39.5%) in the high DAPT score group. In the low DAPT score group there were no significant differences between 6 and 12 months DAPT regarding ischaemic (1.0% vs. 1.4%, HR=0.74, 95% CI, 0.35–1.57; p=0.43) or bleeding outcomes (0.3% vs. 0.8%, HR=0.44, 95% CI, 0.13–1.42; p=0.17). In the high DAPT score group there were also no significant differences between 6 and 12 months DAPT regarding ischaemic (1.9% vs. 1.8%, HR=1.02, 95% CI, 0.49–2.14; p=0.96) or bleeding (0.3% vs. 0.5%, HR=0.51, 95% CI, 0.09–2.78; p=0.44) outcomes. In conclusion, the DAPT score failed to show a differential treatment effect in patients receiving 6 or 12 months DAPT after contemporary drug-eluting stent implantation.
Assessment of cervical cancer screening and its periodicity in a city of Santa Catarina state
Authors: Trindade Griselda B. , Manenti Sandra A. , Simões Priscyla W. , Madeira Kristian
Published: August 2017

Study Model: Prevalence Study. Study objective: To determine the prevalence of the abnormal cervical cancer screening test (PAP) and regularity in repeat it. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study. 3,425 women, users of the Brazilian Unified Health System, and 9,436 cytopathology, conducted from November 2003 to January 2014, were studied. Results: The median age was 35 years (25.0 to 46.0, 25 to 75% percentile). In the first PAP, 2.7% of women examined had alterations in epithelial cells. The atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance (ASC-US) (n = 54; 1.7%), and low-grade intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) (n = 24; 0.7%) were the most frequent alterations found. During the observed period, 87 new abnormal PAPs were found, totalling 173 altered tests in 9436 analysed. Regarding regularity of test, 58.5% patients repeated the second PAP. Conclusions: There was a preferential profile of young women, and the diagnosis of ASC-US was the most frequently found. Lactobacillus, especially in young women, was the main bacterial flora