bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Turbulent Transfer Model Applied to Geodolite Measurements
Authors: Fraser C. S.
Published: July 2019

This paper reports on an application of the Turbulent Transfer Model (TTM) for the atmospheric reduction of long-range geodolite EDM measurements. To apply the TTM, additional meteorological parameters must be determined. For this application, the sensible heat flux, which is central to the modeling of the vertical temperature gradient, has been empirically modeled. The atmospheric reduction obtained with the TTM is compared to both the distance corrected for refraction by the standard reduction technique, and the “true” distance which has been determined using temperatures measured along the wave path by an aircraft. The results indicate that the TTM can yield a significant improvement in accuracy over the standard reduction for long-range electrooptical EDM. To attain this improvement only a few additional, and mainly qualitative field observations need to be recorded.
Stability Monitoring of the Energy, Mines and Resources Canada Facilities at Priddis, Alberta
Authors: Teskey W. F. , English J. J. H.
Published: July 2019

This paper describes the methodology applied in the stability monitoring, by means of a three-dimensional survey network, of Energy, Mines and Resources Canada facilities at Priddis, Alberta. In the paper, configuration of the monitoring survey network and observations within the network are given. The design of monumented stations and targets is also presented, as well as preparations required for observing the network. The adjustment of separate epochs and the localization of movements between epochs are outlined. Finally, recommendations on methodology are given which are generally applicable to any situation in which movements are to be monitored by means of a survey network.
Hyperbolic Grids and TM Coordinates
Authors: Shmutter B.
Published: July 2019

Procedures for converting hyperbolic to TM coordinates and for preparing charts with hyperbolic lattices are discussed. The presented transformation is simple, it does not require any significant computational effort and can easily be executed on a microcomputer in real time. A computed example illustrates the discussion. A method of charting hyperbolic lines of position is also shown.
Subdivision of a Quadrilateral for a Specified Area
Authors: Stoughton Herbert W.
Published: July 2019

The subdivision of parcels of land is a primary problem of the land surveyor. The subdivision of a quadrilateral (four-sided plane figure) to satisfy simultaneously a specified area and another requirement (i.e., specified frontage, sideline bearing) is a common assignment. The English language surveying literature does not contain a detailed discussion of this problem. Utilizing elementary trigonometrical and geometrical mathematics, this paper presents a set of formulas to subdivide a quadrilateral for any condition and specified area.
ASSESSMENT OF ESTIMATION METHODS AND FIELD PROCEDURES FOR INERTIAL NETWORKS
Authors: Arden D. A. G. , Alberta Calgary , Schwarz K. P.
Published: July 2019

Inertial field procedures and postmission adjustment methods were compared and tested in the Gimli test network in southern Manitoba. This network has excellent GPS-derived ground control and a dense network of inertial traverses that make the testing of different alternatives possible. It has also been selected as one of the two test networks of the Special Study Group 1.77 of the International Association of Geodesy on the “Utilization of Inertial Techniques for Geodesy” and this paper is a contribution to the work of this group. Of the methods compared, adjustment of filtered data gives the best results. Adjustment of smoothed traverses suffers from the effects of sytematic errors introduced to the data by the smoothing process. Neither of the field procedures tested was found to be superior to the others. However, considerable savings in measurement time and costs could be achieved by using single runs along the peripheral traverses instead of the usual double runs. Cost savings of up to 20 percent are possible with only a marginal effect on the accuracy.
OPEN SEASON ON MONUMENTS?
Authors: Doig J. F.
Published: July 2019

A person removed the two monuments and ancillary markings of a disputed boundary. He was charged by the Crown Prosecutor for the district with unlawfully removing the monuments, an indictable offence with liability of five years imprisonment. He was found guilty but given an absolute discharge and no restitution required. The case is a landmark one because it may be the only one of its kind in Canada. It offers no deterrence to further offences of the same kind. Since the judge was clearly reluctant to enter a criminal conviction, it is submitted that the offence should be classed as a less serious civil or summary offence with virtually automatic restitution required.
ACCUMULATION OF THE CHOLESKY SQUARE ROOT IN HELMERT BLOCKING
Authors: Junkins D. R. , Steeves R. R.
Published: July 2019

The Helmert blocking method is being used in the present effort to readjust North American geodetic networks. Combining this method with the Cholesky computational method enables the efficient solution of very large systems of linear equations. A by-product of this approach is a “partial” Cholesky square root for each Helmert block. This paper demonstrates that the Cholesky square root for the entire system of normal equations can be constructed from partial Cholesky square root blocks that are produced during the Helmert block adjustment, even though various reorderings of the unknown parameters are necessary throughout the computations. The entire Cholesky square root can be used to compute the inverse of the normal equation coefficient matrix, which is needed for post-adjustment statistical analyses.
LARGE-SCALE AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SYSTEMS FOR FOREST SAMPLING IN CANADA
Authors: Spencer Ray D.
Published: July 2019

Large-scale aerial photography is a tool that can provide relevant, timely and cost-effective information on forest quantities and conditions to improve planning and management.

Accordingly, Canadians have pioneered two different photographic approaches: the first uses synchronized twin vertical cameras with a fixed airbase; the second approach uses a single camera with tilt recorder and a radar or laser altimeter. The paper discusses the development of these approaches for forest sampling in Canada.
COMPUTERIZED SOLUTION FOR LAND SUBDIVISION
Authors: Shmutter B. , Doytsher Y.
Published: July 2019

Various problems arise in the process of replanning a land settlement and preparing a new cadastral map. These concern the processing of data digitized from maps, the intersecting of layers of information, and the preparation of data for graphical display.

A software system for solving these problems has been developed and an account of its main features and examples illustrating the solutions are presented.

The system can be executed on small computers (personal computers for example), is efficient and elevates cadastral mapping to a high level of automation.
Initial wave function of the universe is arbitrary
Authors: Kaya Ali
Published: July 2019

We consider quantization of the gravity-scalar field system in the minisuperspace approximation. It turns out that in the gauge fixed deparametrized theory where the scale factor plays the role of time, the Hamiltonian can be uniquely defined without any ordering ambiguity as the square root of a self-adjoint operator. Moreover, the Hamiltonian degenerates to zero and the Schrödinger equation becomes well behaved as the scale factor vanishes. Therefore, there is no technical or physical obstruction for the initial wave function of the universe to be an arbitrary vector in the Hilbert space, which demonstrates the severeness of the initial condition problem in quantum cosmology.
An Application-Level Method of Arbitrary Synchronization Failure Detection in TTEthernet Networks
Authors: Tang Xue Qian , Li Qiao , Lu Guangshan , Xiong Huagang , He Feng
Published: July 2019

Precise distributed clock synchronization is important for Time-Triggered Ethernet (TTEthernet) in which fail-arbitrary synchronization failure cannot be treated by existed protocols unless every synchronization node is equipped with a dedicated clock monitoring. A novel method was presented to detect arbitrary synchronization failure by some application-level routines which make distributed decisions mainly by monitoring the protocol control frames (PCFs). An arbitrary failure node can be exactly detected and located by the routine resided on each of the Compression Masters based on the concerned accusation messages sent from Synchronization Masters or Synchronization Clients. The proposed method can make up the weak points on the detection of the arbitrary failure node of the existed fault-tolerant synchronization mechanism and enhance the synchronization node to resist the arbitrary failure for TTEthernet. By our SAL-based model checking, this method had been formally verified to have a fail-arbitrary detection capacity even in a standard integration configuration. Simulations imply that the quality of the whole clock synchronization is effectively improved after the failure node has been isolated.
CONDITIONAL MONTE CARLO SCHEME FOR STABLE GREEKS OF WORST-OF AUTOCALLABLE NOTES
Authors: RAKHMONOV FIRUZ , RAKHMONOV PARVIZ
Published: July 2019

It is well known that the application of Monte Carlo method in pricing of products with early termination feature results in a high Monte Carlo error and unstable greeks; see Fries & Joshi (2011). We develop a Monte Carlo scheme that utilizes a special structure of worst-of autocallable notes and produces stable greeks. This scheme clearly demonstrates the variance reduction in Monte Carlo scheme and can be used in pricing of multi-asset worst-of autocallable notes with any number of underlying assets. We suggest an algorithm and analyze its performance for an autocallable note on four assets. The suggested algorithm allows one to calculate stable greeks (delta, gamma, vega and others) and substantially reduce the computational effort to achieve the desired accuracy in comparison to standard Monte Carlo algorithm.
ANTECEDENTS TO INNOVATION IN EMERGING MARKETS: EVIDENCE FROM INDIA
Authors: FUAD MOHAMMAD , JAIN ARUN KUMAR
Published: July 2019

Firms utilise both internal and external knowledge reservoirs in order to innovate. This study explores the drivers of innovation specifically, role of business groups, alliances, degree of internationalisation and financial slack on innovation. Hypotheses are tested using patent data on a sample of Indian firms. Group affiliation, financial slack and degree of internationalisation are found to positively impact innovation output. This study contributes towards the nascent literature on innovation in the Indian context.
Mathematical analysis of a tuberculosis model with imperfect vaccine
Authors: Egonmwan A. O. , Okuonghae D.
Published: July 2019

Since 1921, the Bacille Calmette–Guerin (BCG) vaccine continues to be the most widely used vaccine for the prevention of Tuberculosis (TB). However, the immunity induced by BCG wanes out after some time making the vaccinated individual susceptible to TB infection. In this work, we formulate a mathematical model that incorporates the vaccination of newly born children and older susceptible individuals in the transmission dynamics of TB in a population, with a vaccine that can confer protection on older susceptible individuals. In the absence of disease-induced deaths, the model is shown to undergo the phenomenon of backward bifurcation where a stable disease-free equilibrium (DFE) co-exists with a stable positive (endemic) equilibrium when the associated reproduction number is less than unity. It is shown that this phenomenon does not exist in the absence of imperfect vaccine, exogenous reinfection, and reinfection of previously treated individuals. It is further shown that a special case of the model has a unique endemic equilibrium point (EEP), which is globally asymptotically stable when the associated reproduction number exceeds unity. Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis are carried out to identify key parameters that have the greatest influence on the transmission dynamics of TB in the population using the total population of latently infected individuals, total number of actively infected individuals, disease incidence, and the effective reproduction number as output responses. The analysis shows that the top five parameters of the model that have the greatest influence on the effective reproduction number of the model are the transmission rate, the fraction of fast disease progression, modification parameter which accounts for reduced likelihood to infection by vaccinated individuals due to imperfect vaccine, rate of progression from latent to active TB, and the treatment rate of actively infected individuals, with other key parameters influencing the outcomes of the other output responses. Numerical simulations suggest that with higher vaccination rate of older susceptible individuals, fewer new born children need to be vaccinated, in order to achieve disease eradication.
Toward dendrite-free alkaline zinc-based rechargeable batteries: A minireview
Authors: Cao Xin , Xia Huan , Zhao Xiangyu
Published: July 2019

Alkaline zinc-based rechargeable batteries (AZRBs) are competitive candidates for future electrical energy storage because of their low-cost, eco-friendliness and high energy density. However, plagued by dendrites, the AZRBs suffer from drastic decay in electrochemical properties and safety. This review elucidates fundamentals of zinc dendritic formation and summarizes the strategies, including electrode design and modification, electrolyte optimization and separator improvement, for suppressing zinc dendritic growth.
Heavy quarkonium potential at nonzero temperature in the instanton liquid model
Authors: Musakhanov M. M. , Rakhimov N. R.
Published: July 2019

Within the framework of the instanton Liquid Model (ILM) we evaluate the heavy quark [Formula: see text] potential at finite temperature. The potential in the ILM has two components: direct instantons contribution and the ILM modified one-gluon exchange contribution. The dynamical ”electric” mass [Formula: see text], which was generated by rescattering of the gluons from the ILM instantons, was taken into account.
Application of the theory of open quantum systems in nuclear physics
Authors: Sargsyan V. V. , Kanokov Z. , Adamian G. G. , Antonenko N. V.
Published: July 2019

Projectile-nucleus capture by a target nucleus at bombarding energies in the vicinity of the Coulomb barrier is treated with the reduced-density-matrix formalism. The effects of dissipation and fluctuations on the capture process are taken self-consistently into account within the quantum model suggested. The excitation functions for the capture in the reactions [Formula: see text]O, [Formula: see text]F, [Formula: see text]Mg, [Formula: see text]Si, [Formula: see text]S, [Formula: see text]Ca, [Formula: see text]Ti, [Formula: see text]Cr [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]Pb are calculated and compared with the experimental data.
On the fluorine nucleosynthesis in AGB stars in the light of the 19F(p,α)16O and 19F(α,p)22Ne reaction rate measured via THM
Authors: Palmerini S. , D’Agata G. , La Cognata M. , Pizzone R. G. , Indelicato I. , Trippella O. , Vescovi D.
Published: July 2019

In the last years the [Formula: see text]O and the [Formula: see text]F([Formula: see text],p)[Formula: see text]Ne reactions have been studied via the Trojan Horse Method in the energy range of interest for astrophysics. These are the first experimental data available for the main channels of [Formula: see text]F destruction that entirely cover the energy regions typical of the stellar H- and He- burning. In both cases the reaction rates are significantly larger than the previous estimations available in the literature. We present here a re-analysis of the fluorine nucleosynthesis in Asymptotic Giant Branch stars by employing in state-of-the-art models of stellar nucleosynthesis the THM reaction rates for [Formula: see text]F destruction.
Plasma magnetosphere of slowly rotating magnetized neutron star in branewold
Authors: Javlon Rayimbaev , Bobur Turimov , Satimbay Palvanov
Published: July 2019

The analytical expression for Goldreich-Julian (GJ) charge density at the polar cap of magnetized neutron star has been obtained in braneworlds for inclined neutron star through solving Maxwell equations and shown that the value of GJ charge density decreases with increasing the value of the brane charge. The analytical expressions for scalar potential and parallel electric field on the region greater than the polar cap region of the neutron star have also been obtained by solving Poisson equation in braneworlds.
Magnetized Reissner–Nordström black hole restores cosmic censorship conjecture
Authors: Shaymatov Sanjar
Published: July 2019

We investigate the effect of magnetic field on the process of overcharging magnetized Reissner–Nordström black hole. It is well known that a four dimensional charged black hole could be overcharged. Contrary to this, we show that a magnetized charged black hole could not be overcharged beyond threshold value of the magnetic field. This occurs because the magnetic field does not allow for particle to reach black hole horizon. Thus magnetic field beyond its threshold value could restore the cosmic censorship conjecture.
What Is Hard about Teaching Machine Learning to Non-Majors? Insights from Classifying Instructors’ Learning Goals
Authors: Sulmont Elisabeth , Patitsas Elizabeth , Cooperstock Jeremy R.
Published: July 2019

Given its societal impacts and applications to numerous fields, machine learning (ML) is an important topic to understand for many students outside of computer science and statistics. However, machine-learning education research is nascent, and research on this subject for non-majors thus far has only focused on curricula and courseware. We interviewed 10 instructors of ML courses for non-majors, inquiring as to what their students find both easy and difficult about machine learning. While ML has a reputation for having algorithms that are difficult to understand, in practice our participating instructors reported that it was not the algorithms that were difficult to teach, but the higher-level design decisions. We found that the learning goals that participants described as hard to teach were consistent with higher levels of the Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes (SOLO) taxonomy, such as making design decisions and comparing/contrasting models. We also found that the learning goals that were described as easy to teach, such as following the steps of particular algorithms, were consistent with the lower levels of the SOLO taxonomy. Realizing that higher-SOLO learning goals are more difficult to teach is useful for informing course design, public outreach, and the design of educational tools for teaching ML.
Imaging, Visualization, and Computation in Developmental Biology
Authors: Cutrale Francesco , Fraser Scott E. , Trinh Le A.
Published: July 2019

Embryonic development is highly complex and dynamic, requiring the coordination of numerous molecular and cellular events at precise times and places. Advances in imaging technology have made it possible to follow developmental processes at cellular, tissue, and organ levels over time as they take place in the intact embryo. Parallel innovations of in vivo probes permit imaging to report on molecular, physiological, and anatomical events of embryogenesis, but the resulting multidimensional data sets pose significant challenges for extracting knowledge. In this review, we discuss recent and emerging advances in imaging technologies, in vivo labeling, and data processing that offer the greatest potential for jointly deciphering the intricate cellular dynamics and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our discussion of the emerging area of “image-omics” highlights both the challenges of data analysis and the promise of more fully embracing computation and data science for rapidly advancing our understanding of biology.
Ruptured Superficial Femoral Artery Anastomotic Pseudoaneurysm after 30 Years
Authors: Baldwin D. , Mashbari H. , Chow K. L. , Sarhan M.
Published: July 2019

Introduction. Anastomotic pseudoaneurysms are a complication of vascular reconstructive surgery with the majority in the femoral region. Although rare, ruptured femoral anastomotic pseudoaneurysms have high mortality and require emergency surgery. Case Presentation. A 60-year-old male with a history of a left leg crush injury was treated with a superficial femoral artery interposition vein graft 30 years ago. He presented nowadays with a three-day history of severe pain in his left thigh. CT angiography demonstrated a ruptured anastomotic pseudoaneurysm with contrast extravasation into an intramuscular hematoma. He had significant scarring from his previous surgeries which made the leg hostile for an open repair. Therefore, percutaneous access selectively cannulated the left iliofemoral vasculature. An angiogram showed a distal superficial femoral artery pseudoaneurysm. Subsequently, two 10mmx15cm Viabahn covered stents (Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) were placed bridging healthy superficial femoral artery. A completion angiogram demonstrated no extravasation into the pseudoaneurysm. The patient recovered and was discharged home two days postoperatively. Conclusion. Ruptured femoral anastomotic pseudoaneurysms are traditionally repaired with open pseudoaneurysm excision and arterial reconstruction, although endovascular repair has been reported. Furthermore, most femoral anastomotic pseudoaneurysms form less than 10 years after initial operation. We present a unique case of ruptured superficial femoral artery pseudoaneurysm, 30 years after the initial operation. Endovascular stents offer effective treatment for ruptured anastomotic pseudoaneurysms.
Analysis of Heat Transfer Characteristics of Fractured Surrounding Rock in Deep Underground Spaces
Authors: Chen Liu , Chu Yujie , Zhang Yu , Han Fei , Zhang Jie
Published: July 2019

The study of fluid‐heat coupling in deep fractured surrounding rock is the basis of design, safety, and extraction of geothermal energy of deep underground spaces. The heat transfer and fractured media seepage theories were employed to establish a three‐dimensional unsteady model for fluid‐heat coupling heat transfer in fractured surrounding rock. Using COMSOL multiphysics simulation software, the temperature field of the fractured surrounding rock was determined. Furthermore, the influences of ventilation time, Darcy’s velocity, fracture aperture, and thermal conductivity coefficient of the surrounding rock on the fractured surrounding rock temperature field distribution were investigated. The results of the numerical simulation show that the ventilation time and fracture have a major impact on the temperature field distribution of the fractured surrounding rock. As ventilation time is 200 days, an average water temperature in centerline of the fracture decreases 9.4 K as Darcy’s velocity increased from 3e‐4m/s to 2e‐3m/s. As ventilation time is 200 days, an average water temperature in centerline of the fracture decreases 5.3 K as fracture aperture increased from 3 mm to 9 mm. A set of experimental devices for fluid‐heat coupling heat transfer in surrounding rock with a single fracture was designed and built to validate the numerical simulation results. Numerical simulation results are, in general, in agreement with the experimental results.
A Case of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia That Developed in the Therapeutic Course of Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Nonaka Taketoshi , Harada Makoto , Sumi Masahiko , Ishii Wataru , Ichikawa Tohru , Kobayashi Mamoru
Published: July 2019

Background. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) causes thrombocytopenia via an immunological mechanism, resulting in severe organ injury due to arterial-venous thrombosis. HIT often develops in hemodialysis patients owing to heparin use. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a systemic vasculitis, and cases of AAV complicated with HIT are rare. In addition, it mostly occurs in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Case Presentation. An 87-year-old woman presented with rapidly progressive renal failure and severe leg edema. She was diagnosed with AAV and treated with glucocorticoid and heparin calcium to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Eight days after the start of heparin calcium, her platelet count decreased and the anti-platelet factor 4-heparin complex antibody was strongly positive (>5.0 U/mL; the cutoff point of the anti-platelet factor 4-heparin complex antibody evaluated by the latex turbidity assay is 1.0 U/mL). She was diagnosed with HIT and treated with argatroban. Subsequently, her platelet counts increased gradually. Conclusion. We encountered a case of HIT that developed prior to the induction of hemodialysis in the clinical course of AAV. When AAV clinical course presents thrombocytopenia, the possibility of HIT should be considered.
The Effect of Midyear Report Cards on Colonoscopy Quality Measures
Authors: Suradkar Kunal , Lebwohl Benjamin , Kiran Ravi P. , Lee-Kong Steven
Published: July 2019

Introduction. Since 2011, our institution has distributed annual reports, in June, to providers with personalized data regarding adenoma detection rate (ADR), colonoscope withdrawal time (CW), and cecal intubation (CI) rate, using standardized reporting systems. We examined the impact of distribution of individualized reports at the midpoint of each year on colonoscopy outcomes in the latter half of each year. Methods. Providers with endoscopy privileges, performing ≥20 colonoscopies/year, at our center throughout a five-year period (2011-2015) were included. The three metrics recorded and reported were ADR, CW, and CI using standard benchmark rates. The mean values of each metric from January through June (1st half) and July through December (2nd half) were calculated. Curve estimation test was used to determine the significance of ADR in the respective time period. Results. Fifteen providers were eligible for the study. Collective ADR in the 1st half of all years was 26.9% and in the second half of all years was 28.1% (p=0.476). CW for all years was more than 9 minutes while CI was above 90% for all providers. There was no significant increase in the CI and CW during the 5-year study period. Overall, ADR increased from 26.43% (2011) to 33.47% (2015) (p=0.137). When examining ADR during each of the 12 months following the June report cards, there was no month-to-month trend observed (p=0.893). Conclusion. Endoscopists at our institutions met/exceeded the quality metrics in the first half of each year from the beginning of the study. Routine reporting may maintain, but not improve, outcomes. Long-term studies to determine if periodic feedback to endoscopists improves the quality of endoscopy as per national standards for detection of early colorectal cancers are required.
Swelling Resistance and Water-Induced Shape Memory Performances of Sisal Cellulose Nanofibers/Polyethylene Glycol/Citric Acid Nanocellulose Papers
Authors: Zhang Zuocai , Li Yuqi , Song Laifu , Ren Li , Xu Xu , Lu Shaorong
Published: July 2019

In this work, a kind of nanocomposite paper was obtained by evaporation-induced self-assembly of a mixture of sisal cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the matrix and citric acid (CA) as a cross-linking agent. The CNF/PEG/CA paper exhibited good water swelling resistance which could be controlled by changing the concentration of CA. In addition, this nanocomposite paper exhibited good mechanical properties and water-induced shape memory performance. In particular, when the dosage of CA was 30 wt.%, the tensile strength and the tensile modulus of the CNF/PEG/CA paper after swelling were 25.2 MPa and 813.0 MPa, respectively. Further, this nanocomposite showed great potential for water-induced shape memory materials with fast response speed. The shape recovery rate (Rr) of the CNF/PEG/CA paper reached 90.2% with 30 wt.% CA after being immersed in water for 11 s. It is anticipated that our current work can be used to exploit more efficient methods to overcome the poor water swelling resistance of the cellulose-based shape memory materials.
A Novel Radiotherapy Approach for Keloids with Intrabeam
Authors: Yang Xiaojing , Shao Yuhui , Yu Weiwei , Zhang Xiulong , Sun Yi , Zhang Lihua , Li Hongling , Yang Xinmiao , Fu Jie
Published: July 2019

Background. Keloids are hard nodules or plaques formed by excessive proliferation of connective tissue. Radiotherapy, widely used in various benign and malignant skin diseases, is an effective treatment for keloids. This work evaluates Intrabeam photon radiotherapy in the management of keloids. Methods. Fourteen patients who have undergone Intrabeam radiotherapy for a total of 15 sites of keloids were followed up. Twelve cases were first onset and the other two had recurrent diseases. Thirteen patients underwent surgical resection of keloids before radiotherapy. One relapsing patient received only 2 rounds of radiation therapy as she could not be reoperated. Radiotherapy was divided into 2 sessions on days 0 and 3 after surgery. The dose was 4 or 5 Gy each time for 3 min 14 s to 12 min 1 s. In addition, we compared our data to the recurrence of keloids in fourteen patients who had previously been exposed to electron beam using conventional accelerators. Results. We analyzed the treatment for adverse reactions and recurrence. In the Intrabeam group, one patient developed superficial skin ulcers a month after treatment. No one experienced wound rupture, bleeding, infection, skin contractures, or obvious hyperpigmentation. None of the fourteen cases showed any recurrence so far after on median 22.5 months of follow-up. Five patients in the electron beam group relapsed 3 to 10 months after treatment. Conclusion. Here, Intrabeam photon radiotherapy was shown to be an effective treatment for keloid scars and it is therefore recommended for management of this disease.
Exercise Combined with Electrotherapy Enhances Motor Function in an Adolescent with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type III
Authors: Gobbo Massimiliano , Lazzarini Sara , Vacchi Laura , Gaffurini Paolo , Bissolotti Luciano , Padovani Alessandro , Filosto Massimiliano
Published: July 2019

Background. Electrotherapy is widely used in physical therapy to increase muscle mass, improve motor function, and assist physical activity in several neurologic conditions. However, concerning Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), limited evidence exists on the role of electrotherapy as an adjunct for improving muscle strength and function. Case Report. An adolescent (13 y.o.) with SMA type III underwent an 18-week strengthening program divided into two stages. During Phase I (weeks: 1-8), a home-based program for quadriceps strengthening through neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) was provided. In Phase II (weeks: 9-18), at-home NMES was combined with functional electrical stimulation (FES) assisting volitional cycling for a broader, systemic conditioning. The treatment improved patient’s structural and functional motor outcomes (quadriceps circumference and strength, Tinetti scale, and Hammersmith scale) as well as independence in stair climbing. Clinical Rehabilitation Impact. The purpose of this report is to raise awareness of the potential role of electrotherapy to help improving motor performance in SMA patients and, secondly, to foster further research aimed at assessing the actual contribution this intervention may have as an add-on therapy to existing care.
Particle Production via Dirac Dipole Moments in the Magnetized and Nonmagnetized Exponentially Expanding Universe
Authors: Dogan Semra Gurtas , Gecim Ganim , Sucu Yusuf
Published: July 2019

In the present paper, we solve the Dirac equation in the 2+1 dimensional exponentially expanding magnetized by uniform magnetic field and nonmagnetized universes, separately. Asymptotic behaviors of the solutions are determined. Using these results we discuss the current of a Dirac particle to discuss the polarization densities and the magnetization density in the context of Gordon decomposition method. In this work we also calculate the total polarization and magnetization, to investigate how the magnetic field affects the particle production. Furthermore, the electric and the magnetic dipole moments are calculated, and based on these, we have discussed the effects of the dipole moments on the charge distribution of the universe and its conductivity for both the early and the future time epoch in the presence/absence of a constant magnetic field and exponentially expanding spacetime.
Modified Fermions Tunneling Radiation from Nonstationary, Axially Symmetric Kerr Black Hole
Authors: Pu Jin , Lin Kai , Zu Xiao-Tao , Yang Shu-Zheng
Published: July 2019

In this paper, by applying the deformed dispersion relation in quantum gravity theory, we study the correction of fermions’ tunneling radiation from nonstationary symmetric black holes. Firstly, the motion equation of fermions is modified in the gravitational space-time. Based on the motion equation, the modified Hamilton-Jacobi equation has been obtained by a semiclassical approximation method. Then, the tunneling behavior of fermions at the event horizon of nonstationary symmetric Kerr black hole is investigated. Finally, the results show that, in the nonstationary symmetric background, the correction of Hawking temperature and the tunneling rate are closely related to the angular parameters of the horizon of the black hole background.
Design of a Control Chart Based on COM‐Poisson Distribution for the Uncertainty Environment
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Al-Marshadi Ali Hussein
Published: July 2019

This paper will introduce the neutrosophic COM‐Poisson (NCOM‐Poisson) distribution. Then, the design of the attribute control chart using the NCOM‐Poisson distribution is given. The structure of the control chart under the neutrosophic statistical interval method will be given. The algorithm to determine the average run length under neutrosophic statistical interval system will be given. The performance of the proposed control chart is compared with the chart based on classical statistics in terms of neutrosophic average run length (NARL). A simulation study and a real example are also added. From the comparison of the proposed control chart with the existing chart, it is concluded that the proposed control chart is more efficient in detecting a shift in the process. Therefore, the proposed control chart will be helpful in minimizing the defective product. In addition, the proposed control chart is more adequate and effective to apply in uncertainty environment.
Vibration Reliability Evaluation of Main Fan Spindle Bearings
Authors: Pang Xiaoxu , Qiu Ming , Ye Liang , Chen Lihai
Published: July 2019

Based on an analysis of failure causes, the axial force is the main reason why spindle bearings vibrate abnormally and cause frequent failures of the main fans in mines. In this paper, the probability density function of the spindle bearing vibration was established through the bootstrap maximum entropy method, the Lagrangian multiplier and the empirical coefficient were introduced, and models of the upper‐ and lower‐bound functions of the probability density and the true value function of the failure probability were established. The true value function and interval estimation values of vibration reliability were obtained on the basis of maximum entropy. The analysis results showed that the estimation true values of vibration decreased with an increase in the empirical coefficient. When the empirical coefficient was less than 0.1, the estimated true value decreased sharply. When the empirical coefficient was greater than 0.1, the vibration value decreased linearly with the empirical coefficient. When the empirical coefficient was 0.1, the estimated true value was 0.85 mm/s2, which is consistent with the change in the actual vibration value. Therefore, when the main fan is fault predicted, the vibration value should be 0.85 mm/s2 as the basis for judgment and then the theoretical basis for the fault diagnosis of the spindle bearing are provided.
Factors Affecting Psychological Distress among People Living with HIV/AIDS at Selected Hospitals of North Shewa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Basha Elyas Admasu , Derseh Behailu Tariku , Haile Yohannes Gebre Egziabher , Tafere Gedion
Published: July 2019

Background. The new advances for the treatment of HIV infection using Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) have dramatically improved disease prognosis. However, they are living longer with a chronic condition that increases the risk for psychiatric and psychosocial problems. Various studies have linked HIV/AIDS with a number of psychological problems, depression being the most common. Moreover, studies have found that chronically ill people are at increased risk of psychological problems. Thus, this study aimed at assessing the level of psychological distress and its associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS in selected Hospitals of North Sowa Zone of Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2017.Method. Institution based cross-sectional study design with systematic random sampling method was used. Data was collected by structured interviewer-based Amharic version questionnaire. A total of 422 people living with HIV/AIDS were involved in the study from 1 to 30 May 2017. Data analysis was done with the help of a computer program (SPSS version 16.0). Binary logistic regression analysis was used for bivariate and multivariate analysis. The strength of the association was presented by odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval.Result. The prevalence of psychological distress was 7.8% (95% CI: 5.25%, 10.39%). Being female (AOR = 3.02; 95% CI: 1.16, 7.82), illiterates (AOR = 3.91; 95% CI: 1.31, 6.45), participants who currently use alcohol (AOR = 2.70; 95% CI: 1.23, 5.88), respondents whose CD4 count is less than 500 cells/μl (AOR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.02, 5.11), and participants who are considered stigmatized (AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.11, 5.22) were positively associated with psychological distress.Conclusion. The prevalence of psychological distress was low as compared to other studies conducted in Ethiopia. This may affect the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Being female, illiteracy, alcohol use, and having lower CD4 count and perceived stigma increased the odds of psychological distress. Thus, concerned stakeholders should collaborate on the integration of HIV/AIDs treatment and mental health services.
Interleukin-18 Expression Increases in the Aorta and Plasma of Patients with Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Hu Haiying , Zhang Guangtai , Hu Huanli , Liu Wenjing , Liu Jixiang , Xin Shuanli , Zhao Xiufeng , Han Liying , Duan Liping , Huang Xinshun , Chang Chao
Published: July 2019

Background. Interleukin- (IL-) 18 is a proinflammatory cytokine related to cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and atherosclerosis. This study is aimed at determining whether IL-18 is related to aortic dissection (AD) and identifying the underlying mechanisms. Methods. IL-18 expression in human aorta samples from AD (n=8) and non-AD (NAD, n=7) patients was measured. In addition, the IL-18, IL-6, interferon- (IFN-) γ, and IL-18-binding protein (IL-18BP) concentrations in plasma samples collected from the NAD and AD patients were detected. The effects of IL-18 on macrophage differentiation and smooth muscle cell (SMC) apoptosis were investigated in vitro. Results. IL-18 expression was significantly increased in the aorta samples from the AD patients compared with those from the NAD patients, especially in the torn section. Aortic IL-18 was mainly derived from macrophages and also partly derived from CD4+ T lymphocytes and vascular SMCs. Plasma IL-18, IFN-γ, and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the AD group than in the NAD group, and the IL-18 levels were positively correlated with the IFN-γ and IL-6 levels. In addition, plasma IL-18BP and free IL-18 levels were also elevated in the AD group. Linear regression analysis showed that the IL-18 level was independently associated with the presence of AD. In addition, anti-mouse IL-18-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (anti-IL-18 nAb) inhibited angiotensin II-induced M1 macrophage differentiation and SMC apoptosis in vitro. Conclusion. IL-18 may participate in AD by regulating macrophage differentiation and macrophage-induced SMC apoptosis.
A Case of Reverse Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Incited by a Spinal Subdural Hematoma
Authors: Sanchez Kyle , Glener Steven , Esplin Nathan E. , Okorie Okorie N. , Parikh Amay
Published: July 2019

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a rare syndrome of transient, reversible left ventricular systolic dysfunction. It mimics myocardial infarction clinically and includes elevated cardiac enzymes, but echocardiography reveals apical ballooning and basal hyperkinesis. Infrequently, midventricular or even reverse Takotsubo patterns have been described, involving ballooning of the basal heart without the characteristic ‘Takotsubo’ appearance. There are cases in the literature that support a connection between reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (r-TTC) and neurological insults as inciting factors. We report a case of r-TTC in an otherwise healthy 23-year-old man presenting with back pain, urinary retention, bradycardia, and hypertension. Troponin levels and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were elevated, and echocardiogram revealed an ejection fraction (EF) of less than 20%. In addition, MRI demonstrated a spinal subdural hematoma from T1-S1 with no cord compression. Repeated echocardiogram demonstrated an EF of 20-25% with a reverse Takotsubo pattern of cardiomyopathy. With supportive care, his clinical picture improved with normalization of cardiac enzyme and BNP values. This case represents a r-TTC presenting as heart failure in a young, apparently healthy male likely incited by a spinal subdural hematoma. To our knowledge, it is the first of its kind reported.
Effects of Gegen Dingxuan Capsule on behavior, X-Ray Signs of the Cervical Spine, and Humoral Factor Levels in a Rat Model of Cervical Vertigo
Authors: Feng Guang-kui , Ma Xian-jun , Chen Yin-yi , Wang Li , Du Qain , Shi Ru-yue , Meng Zi
Published: July 2019

Objective. To investigate the effects of Gegen Dingxuan capsule on behavior, X-ray signs of the cervical spine, and levels of norepinephrine (NE), nitric oxide (NO), endothelin (ET-1), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the plasma of a rat model of cervical vertigo and additionally to clarify the underlying mechanisms of action. Method. A total of 40 male SPF Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to blank control, model, Sibelium, and Gegen Dingxuan capsule groups, with 10 rats in each group. A rat model of cervical vertigo was produced by physically damaging the cervical spine, thereby perturbing its stability. After cervical spine surgery, rats in the Sibelium and Gegen Dingxuan capsule groups were administered Sibelium and Gegen Dingxuan capsule, respectively. After 4 and 8 weeks of administration, balance beam test was used to assess behavior, lateral X-ray images of the cervical spine were taken and scored, and the plasma levels of NE, NO, ET-1, and CGRP were measured. Results. After 4 and 8 weeks of drug administration, the balance beam test scores in the Gegen Dingxuan capsule group were significantly higher than those in the Sibelium group. The radiographic scores were significantly lower in the Gegen Dingxuan capsule group than those in the Sibelium group at 8 weeks. Plasma NE, NO, ET-1 levels, and ET-1/CGRP ratio were significantly decreased in the Gegen Dingxuan capsule group compared with the model group. No significant difference was found between the Sibelium and Gegen Dingxuan capsule groups. Plasma CGRP levels were significantly increased in the Gegen Dingxuan capsule group compared with the model group and were significantly decreased compared with the Sibelium group. Conclusions. Gegen Dingxuan capsule improves behavior, radiographic scores, reduces plasma levels of NE, NO, ET-1, and the ET-1/CGRP ratio, and increases plasma CGRP levels. Gegen Dingxuan capsule may improve outcome in the rat model of cervical vertigo by ameliorating cervical facet joint disorder, relieving cervical muscle spasm and vasospasm, increasing blood supply, and regulating humoral factor levels.
Long Noncoding RNA FAM225A Promotes Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Tumorigenesis and Metastasis by Acting as ceRNA to Sponge miR-590-3p/miR-1275 and Upregulate ITGB3
Authors: Zheng Zi-Qi , Li Zhi-Xuan , Zhou Guan-Qun , Lin Li , Zhang Lu-Lu , Lv Jia-Wei , Huang Xiao-Dan , Liu Rui-Qi , Chen FoPing , He Xiao-Jun , Kou Jia , Zhang Jian , Wen Xin , Li Ying-Qin , Ma Jun , Liu Na , Sun Ying
Published: July 2019

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) play important roles in the tumorigenesis and progression of cancers. However, the clinical significance of lncRNAs and their regulatory mechanisms in nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis (NPC) are largely unknown. Here, based on a microarray analysis, we identified 384 dysregulated lncRNAs, of which, FAM225A was one of the most upregulated lncRNAs in NPC. FAM225A significantly associated with poor survival in NPC. N(6)-Methyladenosine (m6A) was highly enriched within FAM225A and enhanced its RNA stability. FAM225A functioned as an oncogenic lncRNA that promoted NPC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, tumor growth, and metastasis. Mechanistically, FAM225A functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for sponging miR-590-3p and miR-1275, leading to the upregulation of their target integrin β3 (ITGB3), and the activation of FAK/PI3K/Akt signaling to promote NPC cell proliferation and invasion. In summary, our study reveals a potential ceRNA regulatory pathway in which FAM225A modulates ITGB3 expression by binding to miR-590-3p and miR-1275, ultimately promoting tumorigenesis and metastasis in NPC.

Significance:

These findings demonstrate the clinical significance of the lncRNA FAM225A in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and the regulatory mechanism involved in NPC development and progression, providing a novel prognostic indicator and promising therapeutic target.
Targeting Cancer Cell Metastasis by Converting Cancer Cells into Fat
Authors: Ishay-Ronen Dana , Christofori Gerhard
Published: July 2019

Cancer is a systemic heterogeneous disease that can undergo several rounds of latency and activation. Malignant tumors evolve through dynamic responses to microenvironmental signals and development of resistance following therapeutic interventions. Cancer cell adaptation is required for cell survival during metastatic dissemination and outgrowth. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a major role in facilitating cell plasticity in cancer and allows cancer cells to escape chemotherapies and targeted therapies through dedifferentiation and signaling adaptation processes. In our recent study, we showed that breast cancer cells that have undergone EMT can be terminally differentiated into adipocytes using the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone combined with the MEK inhibitor trametinib. The conversion of invasive cancer cells into adipocytes repressed primary tumor invasion and metastasis formation in mouse models of breast cancer. The transdifferentiated cancer cell–derived adipocytes were growth-arrested and lost their cellular plasticity. These results indicate the high potential of utilizing the increased cell plasticity inherent to invasive cancer cells for transdifferentiation therapy.