bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving access to services through a collaborative learning system at East London NHS Foundation Trust
Authors: Shah Amar , Chitewe Auzewell , Binley Emma , Alom Forid , Innes James
Published: July 2018

Early intervention following initial referral into healthcare services can have a significant impact on the prognosis and outcomes of patients. Long waiting times and non-attendance can have an immediate and enduring negative impact on patients and healthcare service providers. The traditional management options in reducing waiting times have largely revolved around setting performance targets, providing financial incentives or additional resourcing. This large-scale quality improvement project aimed to reduce waiting times from referral to first appointment and non-attendance for a wide range of services providing primary and secondary care mental health and community health services at East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT). Fifteen community-based teams across ELFT came together with the shared goal of improving access. These teams were diverse in both nature and geography and included adult community mental health teams, child and adolescent mental health services, secondary care psychological therapy services, memory services, a musculoskeletal physiotherapy service and a sickle cell service. A collaborative learning system was developed to support the teams to come together at regular intervals, share data, test and scale-up ideas through quality improvement and have access to coaching from skilled improvement advisors in the ELFT central quality improvement team. Over the course of the 2-year project, waiting time from referral to first face-to-face appointment reduced from an average of 60.6 days to 46.7 days (a 23% reduction), non-attendance at first face-to-face appointment reduced from an average of 31.7% to an average of 20.5% (a 36% reduction), while referral volume increased from an average of 1021 per month to an average of 1280 per month (a 25% increase).
Ensuring appropriate assessment of deemed consent in Wales
Authors: Parsons Jordan Alexander
Published: July 2018

Albertsen, in his recent article, offers an assessment of the recently introduced opt-out system for organ donation in Wales. However, he focuses on whether concerns raised prior to the enactment of the new system have been realised, rather than any positive impact on the number of actual donors. This side-lining of the main issue has resulted in a strangely positive portrayal of a system that has not yet yielded the results hoped for. Further, his failure to examine data over a number of years—instead opting for just 2—fails to even provide a fair assessment of the concerns he acknowledges.
Comparison of intracranial aneurysm flow quantification techniques: standard PIV vs stereoscopic PIV vs tomographic PIV vs phase-contrast MRI vs CFD
Authors: Roloff Christoph , Stucht Daniel , Beuing Oliver , Berg Philipp
Published: July 2018

Image-based hemodynamic simulations to assess the rupture risk or improve the treatment planning of intracranial aneurysms have become popular recently. However, due to strong modeling assumptions and limitations, the acceptance of numerical approaches remains limited. Therefore, validation using experimental methods is mandatory.

In this study, a unique compilation of four in-vitro flow measurements (three particle image velocimetry approaches using a standard (PIV), stereoscopic (sPIV), and tomographic (tPIV) setup, as well as a phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) measurement) were compared with a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. This was carried out in a patient-specific silicone phantom model of an internal carotid artery aneurysm under steady flow conditions. To evaluate differences between each technique, a similarity index (SI) with respect to the velocity vectors and the average velocity magnitude differences among all involved modalities were computed.

The qualitative comparison reveals that all techniques are able to provide a reasonable description of the global flow structures. High quantitative agreement in terms of SI and velocity magnitude differences was found between all PIV methods and CFD. However, quantitative differences were observed between PC-MRI and the other techniques. Deeper analysis revealed that the limited resolution of the PC-MRI technique is a major contributor to the experienced differences and leads to a systematic underestimation of overall velocity magnitude levels inside the vessel. This confirms the necessity of using highly resolving flow measurement techniques, such as PIV, in an in-vitro environment to individually verify the validity of the numerically obtained hemodynamic results.
Guillain-Barré syndrome mimicking botulism in early disease course
Authors: Durcan Robert , Murphy Olwen , Reid Valerie , Lynch Tim
Published: July 2018

A 42-year-old man, returning to Europe after a 2-month stay in China, reported cough and runny nose. Five days later, he developed neck discomfort and rapidly evolving weakness, spreading from his arms to the facial, bulbar and neck muscles, and then the legs. He developed dysphagia and breathlessness, and was intubated in the emergency department. Cerebrospinal fluid showed mildly elevated protein. On day 2 he had fixed dilated pupils, with absent oculocephalic reflexes, and a flaccid upper limb paralysis. MR scans of the brain and spinal cord were normal. The early features of descending weakness, bulbar involvement and fixed dilated pupils made it difficult to distinguish between Guillain-Barré syndrome and botulism, and early investigations were inconclusive. We initially gave both botulinum antitoxin and intravenous immunoglobulin, but initially delayed plasma exchange as this would have removed the botulinum antitoxin. Diagnostic testing for botulism has low sensitivity, so we urge pre-emptive treatment if it is clinically suspected.
A maternal low-protein diet and neonatal overnutrition result in similar changes to glomerular morphology and renal cortical oxidative stress measures in male Wistar rats
Authors: Pedroza Anderson , Ferreira Diorginis Soares , Santana David F. , da Silva Pedro Thiago , de Aguiar Júnior Francisco Carlos Amanajás , Sellitti Donald F. , Lagranha Claudia J.
Published: July 2018

There is a strong correlation between inadequate gestational and postpartum nutrition and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. The present study investigated the effects of a maternal low-protein diet and neonatal overfeeding on the oxidative balance and morphology of the renal cortex of male Wistar rats. Two independent protocols were used. First, pregnant Wistar rats received diets containing either 17% (normal protein) or 8% (low protein) casein throughout pregnancy and lactation. Second, the litter size was reduced by one-third on the third postnatal day to induce overnourishment in offspring. At 30 days, the oxidative balance and morphology of the renal cortex were analyzed. There was a small but significant increase in renal corpuscle area in the low protein (LP, 5%) and overnutrition (ON, 8%) groups. Glomerular tuft area also increased in LP (6%) and ON (9%), as did glomerular cellularity (LP, +11%; ON, +12%). In the oxidative stress analyses, both nutritional insults significantly elevated lipid peroxidation (LP, +18%; ON, +135%) and protein oxidation (LP, +40%; ON, +65%) while significantly reducing nonenzymatic antioxidant defenses, measured as reduced glutathione (LP, –32%; ON, –45%) and total thiol content (LP, –28%; ON, –24%). We also observed a decrease in superoxide dismutase (LP, –78%; ON, –51%), catalase (LP, –18%; ON, –61%), and glutathione S-transferase (only in ON, –44%) activities. Our results demonstrate that nutritional insults, even those of a very different nature, during perinatal development can result in similar changes in oxidative parameters and glomerular morphology in the renal cortex.
Modelling desiccation crack geometry evolution in clayey soils by analytical and numerical approaches
Authors: Vo Thi Dong , Pouya Amade , Hemmati Sahar , Tang Anh Minh
Published: July 2018

In the present work, the development and geometry of desiccation cracks are studied by using a finite element code including cohesive joints elements. The numerical results show that cracking occurs sequentially to form different crack families. The propagation of each crack at the onset suddenly reaches an ultimate depth. The cracks in each family appear simultaneously and reach an identical ultimate depth. From the numerical results and additional analytical analysis, empirical correlations are proposed to predict the spacing and crack depth as a function of suction applied on the top surface, the soil parameters, and the desiccation rate. The proposed model shows that higher suction is required to initiate cracks at a higher value of soil tensile strength. In addition, there is a general trend of larger spacing and deeper cracks for a slower desiccation rate. Finally, empirical relations are evaluated by comparing them with in situ experimental observations published previously.
Analysis of rectangular hollow section trusses
Authors: Tousignant Kyle , Packer Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2018

A database of 26 previous full-scale experiments on rectangular hollow section (RHS) trusses is supplemented by nine tests on a 10-metre-span, simply supported, RHS Warren truss, reported herein. Measured axial forces, bending moments and truss deflections are compared to four 2D, elastic, frame-analysis models consisting of: (i) all joints pinned and concentric; (ii) all joints rigid and concentric; (iii) pin-ended webs connected eccentrically to continuous chords; and (iv) rigid-ended webs connected eccentrically to continuous chords. On average, all four models predict sufficiently accurate axial force distributions and deflections under elastic loading. However, all four models under-predict bending moment magnitudes. Implications for RHS truss analysis according to the “detailed method” of CSA S16-14 are discussed, and recommendations for modelling are made.
Mechanics of foraging success and optimal microhabitat selection in Alaskan Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus)
Authors: Bozeman Bryan B. , Grossman Gary D.
Published: July 2018

Most fishes residing in temperate streams in the Northern Hemisphere are drift-feeders. Despite this fact, little is known about the mechanisms of drift-feeding itself. We used Alaskan Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus), an abundant boreal drift-feeder, to examine the effects of water velocity on several aspects of drift-feeding behavior and test predictions of the Grossman et al. (2002) net energy intake model for microhabitat choice. Water velocity had a negative effect on prey capture, a positive effect on holding velocity, and little effect on reactive distance. We also found that dominance was a better predictor of prey capture success than size rank, although neither of these variables influenced holding velocity or reactive distance. The Grossman et al. (2002) model successfully predicted holding velocities of grayling in one Alaskan stream, but not another. Model failure might have occurred due to higher turbulence, increased predation, or interspecific competition with Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma). These results help inform the study of habitat selection in drift-feeding fishes as well as management and conservation of Arctic grayling.
Vertical distribution of fine-root area in relation to stand age and environmental factors in black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) forests of the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Zhang Zhongdian , Huang Mingbin , Zhang Yongkun
Published: July 2018

To examine the spatiotemporal characteristics of the distribution of fine-root area and its relationship with stand age and environmental factors in black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) on the Chinese Loess Plateau, black locust stands were selected at four sites along a precipitation gradient. Four stands of different ages and a transect along the hillslope were also selected at one of the sites. With increasing stand age, fine-root area at the tree level increased exponentially, and the rooting pattern tended to be deeper for trees up to 15 years old and then shallower thereafter. The temporal changes of fine-root distribution could be quantified using stand age and soil nutrients. At the hillslope scale, fine-root area index (FRAI) was lower while the rooting pattern was deeper in the middle slope than in the upper and lower slopes, and the fine-root distribution could be quantified using elevation and soil properties. At the regional scale, FRAI decreased substantially while exhibiting similar rooting patterns with decreasing soil water and nutrient availability along the precipitation gradient. Humidity index represented the regional environmental variation and could be used to quantify FRAI. These findings will be helpful for improving quantification of fine roots and enhancing the accuracy of ecohydrological models.
Bulk soil bacterial community structure and function respond to long-term organic and conventional agricultural management
Authors: Bakker Matthew G. , Looft Torey , Alt David P. , Delate Kathleen , Cambardella Cynthia A.
Published: July 2018

Understanding how soil microbiomes respond to management is essential to maximizing soil health. We contrasted microbiomes in bulk soil under long-term organic and conventional management in a grain production setting. Management category significantly impacted the relative abundances of 17% of the most abundant taxa. Both conventional and organic management favored particular taxa, but these effects were not reflected in summary richness and diversity indices. Management systems also lead to differences in soil edaphic properties, including pH and nutrient status; this may have been the mechanism by which change in the prokaryote community was enacted. Community change between years of sampling was less pronounced, with only 6 taxa differentially abundant among years. Management category also impacted the abundance of functional genes related to the production and consumption of greenhouse gases. Particulate methane monooxygenase genes were more frequent in soil under organic management, while soluble methane monooxygenase genes were more frequent in soil under conventional management in 1 of 2 years. Nitrous oxide reductase genes were significantly less abundant in soils under second-year alfalfa than in soils under corn. This work highlights the ability of agricultural management to enact broad rearrangements to the structure of bulk soil bacterial communities.
Fracture of monolayer germanene: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Le Minh-Quy
Published: July 2018

Molecular dynamics simulations with Tersoff potential were performed to study the fracture properties of monolayer germanene at 300 K. The two-dimensional (2D) Young’s modulus, 2D tensile strength and axial strain at the tensile strength of pristine monolayer germanene are about 36.0 and 37.5 N/m; 5.1 and 4.6 N/m; 21.4 and 15.9%, in the zigzag and armchair directions, respectively. Griffith theory was applied to compute the critical stress intensity factor. Compared to monolayer graphene, the critical stress intensity factor of monolayer germanene is much smaller. Fracture pattern and effects of the initial crack length on the fracture properties are also studied. Results are useful for future design and applications of this 2D material.
A first-principles study of the properties of two novel Si3P4 phases
Authors: Yang Ruike , Chai Bao , Wei Qun , Zhang Dongyun
Published: July 2018

The structural, elastic, electronic and optical properties of two novel phases Si3P4 with tetragonal and orthorhombic structures are studied by first-principles calculations according to density function theory (DFT). For novel structures t-Si3P4 and o-Si3P4, the elastic constants results show that they are mechanically stable. The phonon dispersion spectra confirm that they are dynamically stable. The forming enthalpies prove their thermodynamic stability. The mechanical properties, such as the bulk modulus B, shear modulus G, Pugh ratio k, Young’s modulus E and Poisson’s ratios [Formula: see text] are calculated. The results show that t-Si3P4 has better anti-deformation ability than o-Si3P4, and t-Si3P4 is harder than o-Si3P4. The Poisson’s ratio values of t-Si3P4 and o-Si3P4 are 0.16 and 0.35, and the Pugh ratio values, k, are 0.88 and 0.33. For t-Si3P4, the Pugh ratio k [Formula: see text] 0.57 indicates that it behaves in a brittle manner. For o-Si3P4, it owns the better plasticity. The directional dependence of the Young’s modulus indicates that o-Si3P4 is more anisotropic than t-Si3P4. The calculated band structures show that the two novel phases are semiconductors, and the narrow indirect bandgaps are 1.847 and 0.158 eV by using PBE0. The densities of states (DOS) indicate that the P ‘p’ and Si ‘p’ play major roles in two phases total DOS. The results of the optical properties, such as the dielectric functions, absorption spectra, loss functions, refractive index, and so on are given. The static dielectric constants are 5.493 and 12.206, the starting positions of the absorption spectra are approximately at 1.815 and 0.140 eV, and the peaks of loss functions are at 15.503 and 11.763 eV, for t-Si3P4 and o-Si3P4, respectively.
Design of 85 GHz High Power Gain SiGe Buffer with Transformer Matching Network
Authors: Zhang Guiheng , Zhang Wei , Fu Jun
Published: July 2018

An 85[Formula: see text]GHz buffer with high power gain is shown in this paper. In order to obtain high power gain, two classic techniques to improve power gain are adopted. The first one is cascade structure of two power stages, and the other one is that each stage utilizes differential cascode structure. Meanwhile, the step-by-step pre-matching technique is applied to optimize the performance of buffer. The stability factor and output power are both improved with other critical design strategies, and a tradeoff is made between gain and efficiency. What’s more, single-ended transformer matching network (TMN) is applied to simplify matching method. The simplified matching method is easy to use with smith chart and works very well, then a modified transformer model is adopted to analyze and optimize the performance of TMN with iterations of impedance matching. After fabricated by 0.13[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m SiGe BiCMOS technology, the buffer shows 18.5[Formula: see text]dB power gain and 2[Formula: see text]dBm output power of 1[Formula: see text]dB gain compression point with 2.8[Formula: see text]V supply voltage and 40[Formula: see text]mA operating current, and the saturated output power is 6.33[Formula: see text]dBm.
Taming the hydra: The word problem and extreme integer compression
Authors: Dison W. , Einstein E. , Riley T. R.
Published: July 2018

For a finitely presented group, the word problem asks for an algorithm which declares whether or not words on the generators represent the identity. The Dehn function is a complexity measure of a direct attack on the word problem by applying the defining relations. Dison and Riley showed that a “hydra phenomenon” gives rise to novel groups with extremely fast growing (Ackermannian) Dehn functions. Here, we show that nevertheless, there are efficient (polynomial time) solutions to the word problems of these groups. Our main innovation is a means of computing efficiently with enormous integers which are represented in compressed forms by strings of Ackermann functions.
A note on the cross-index of a complete graph based on a linear tree
Authors: Gokan Yusuke , Katsumata Hayato , Nakajima Katsuya , Shimizu Ayaka , Yaguchi Yoshiro
Published: July 2018

In this paper, it is shown that a complete graph with [Formula: see text] vertices has an optimal diagram, i.e. a diagram whose crossing number equals the value of Guy’s formula, with a free maximal linear tree and without free Hamiltonian cycles for any odd integer [Formula: see text].
Betti numbers of Bresinsky’s curves in 𝔸4
Authors: Mehta Ranjana , Saha Joydip , Sengupta Indranath
Published: July 2018

Bresinsky defined a class of monomial curves in [Formula: see text] with the property that the minimal number of generators or the first Betti number of the defining ideal is unbounded above. We prove that the same behavior of unboundedness is true for all the Betti numbers and construct an explicit minimal free resolution for the defining ideal of this class of curves.
Well flow and dilution measurements for characterization of vertical hydraulic conductivity structure of a carbonate aquifer
Authors: Parker Alison H. , West L. Jared , Odling Noelle E.
Published: July 2018

The paper aims to characterize vertical variations in horizontal hydraulic properties in a fractured carbonate aquifer, the Cretaceous Chalk in East Yorkshire, UK. Two approaches are used: an inverse model of well flow applied to flow logs of pumped open wells, and open well dilution testing. In this case study, transmissivity in the unconfined part of the aquifer is dominated by the highly permeable zone of water table fluctuation, where carbonate dissolution has occurred enhancing fracture aperture; a similar enhanced permeability zone is present at the top of the aquifer where it is confined beneath glacial deposits, although periglacial physical weathering during Quaternary cold periods, rather than carbonate dissolution, is responsible. The aquifer is also shown to contain deeper permeable horizons of stratigraphic origin, which are better developed in the unconfined section.
The plutonic crust of Kohistan and volcanic crust of Kohistan–Ladakh, north Pakistan/India: lessons learned for deep and shallow arc processes
Authors: Petterson M. G.
Published: July 2018

The Kohistan–Ladakh terrane, northern Pakistan/India, offers a unique insight into whole-arc processes. This research review presents summaries of fundamental crustal genesis and evolution models. Earlier work focused on arc sequence definition. Later work focused on holistic petrogenesis. A new model emerges of an unusually thick (
c.
55 km) arc with a
c.
30 km-thick batholith. Volatile-rich, hornblende ± garnet ± sediment assimilation-controlled magmatism is predominant. The thick batholith has a complementary mafic–ultramafic residue. Kohistan crustal SiO
2
contents are estimated at >56%. The new-Kohistan, silicic-crust model contrasts with previous lower SiO
2
estimates (
c.
51% SiO
2
crust) and modern arcs that imply <35 km crustal thicknesses and arc batholith thicknesses of
c.
7 km. A synthetic overview of Kohistan–Ladakh volcanic rocks presents a model of an older, cleaved/deformed Cretaceous volcanic system at least 800 km across strike. The Jaglot–Chalt–Dras–Shyok volcanics exhibit predominant tholeiitic-calc-alkaline signatures, with a range of arc-related facies/tectonic settings. A younger, post-collisional, Tertiary silicic volcanic system (the Shamran–Dir–Dras-2–Khardung volcanics) lie unconformably upon Cretaceous basement, and erupted within an intra-continental tectonic setting. Kohistan–Ladakh tectonic model controversies remain. In essence, isotope-focused researchers prefer later (Tertiary) collisions, whilst structural field-geology-orientated researchers prefer an older (Cretaceous) age for the Northern/Shyok Suture.
Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes? Regulation of Cell-Mediated Immune Responses Following Viral Lung Infections
Authors: Rogers Meredith C. , Williams John V.
Published: July 2018

Viral lung infections are leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Effective immune responses to these infections require precise immune regulation to preserve lung function after viral clearance. One component of airway pathophysiology and lung injury associated with acute respiratory virus infection is effector T cells, yet these are the primary cells required for viral clearance. Accordingly, multiple immune mechanisms exist to regulate effector T cells, limiting immunopathology while permitting clearance of infection. Much has been learned in recent years about regulation of T cell function during chronic infection and cancer, and it is now clear that many of these mechanisms also control inflammation in acute lung infection. In this review, we focus on regulatory T cells, inhibitory receptors, and other cells and molecules that regulate cell-mediated immunity in the context of acute respiratory virus infection.
Atheroprone flow enhances the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Lai Baochang , Li Zhao , He Ming , Wang Yili , Chen Lili , Zhang Jiao , Yang Yan , Shyy John Y-J.
Published: July 2018

The endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is a cellular process featuring decreased expression of endothelial marker genes but increased expression of mesenchymal marker genes. The EndoMT is involved in endothelial dysfunction and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. To investigate the dynamic expression of EndoMT genes in vascular endothelial cells under atheroprotective pulsatile shear stress (PS) and atheroprone oscillatory shear stress (OS), we analyzed RNA sequencing data from multitimepoint shear-stress experiments. This unbiased analysis involving next-generation sequencing confirmed that PS and OS had an opposite effect in regulating EndoMT genes. Further experimental validations with H2O2 and gain- and loss-of-function approaches indicated that reactive oxygen species are involved in OS-induced EndoMT, whereas AMP-activated protein kinase and sirtuin-1 could inhibit OS-induced EndoMT. Furthermore, compared with PS, OS increased the DNA methylation of the promoter regions of von Willebrand factor, CD31, and cadherin 5 genes but decreased that of cadherin 2, fibroblast-specific protein 1, and vimentin. The translational implication of the present study builds on the ability of the antidiabetic drug metformin and cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin to suppress the EndoMT in cultured endothelial cells and in mouse aortas.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our RNA sequencing data provided a genome-wide and unbiased view of the shear stress regulation of the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) in the endothelium. Furthermore, epigenetic regulation (e.g., DNA methylation) is a key mechanism involved in shear stress-regulated EndoMT. The translational implication of this study is that cardiovascular medications such as statins and metformin have similar beneficial effects as that of atheroprotective flow by mitigating EndoMT.
Sex differences in depression-like behavior and neuroinflammation in rats post-MI: role of estrogens
Authors: Najjar Fatimah , Ahmad Monir , Lagace Diane , Leenen Frans H. H.
Published: July 2018

Patients with heart failure (HF) have a high prevalence of depression associated with a worse prognosis, particularly in older women. The present study evaluated whether sex and estrogens affect depression-like behavior and associated neuroinflammation induced by myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. MI was induced by occlusion of the left anterior descending artery in young adult male and female Wistar rats or in ovariectomized (OVX) female rats without and with estrogen [17β-estradiol (E2)] replacement. MI groups showed a comparable degree of cardiac dysfunction. Eight weeks post-MI, male rats with HF exhibited depression-like behaviors, including anhedonia and higher immobility in the sucrose preference and forced swim tests, which were not observed in female rats with HF. In the cued fear conditioning test, male but not female rats with HF froze more than sham rats. After OVX, female sham rats developed mild depression-like behaviors that were pronounced in OVX female rats post-MI and were largely prevented by E2 replacement. Cytokine levels in the plasma and paraventricular nucleus increased in both sexes with HF, but only male rats with HF showed an increase in cytokine levels in the prefrontal cortex. OVX alone did not affect cytokine levels, but OVX-MI caused significant increases in the prefrontal cortex, which were shifted to an anti-inflammatory pattern by E2 replacement. These results suggest that estrogens prevent depression-like behavior induced by HF post-MI in young adult female rats by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine production and actions in the prefrontal cortex.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In contrast to male rats, female rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction do not develop depression-like behavior or increases in prefrontal cortex cytokines. However, after ovariectomy, female rats exhibit similar changes, which are prevented by 17β-estradiol replacement. Neuroinflammation in the prefrontal cortex in male subjects may contribute to depression-like behavior, whereas its estrogen-dependent absence in female subjects may protect against depression.

Listen to this article's corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/sex-differences-in-depression-like-behavior-post-myocardial-infarction/ .
Dielectric Properties of TiO2/Silicone Rubber Micro‐ and Nanocomposites
Authors: Madidi F. , Momen G. , Farzaneh M.
Published: July 2018

Room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone rubber SR/TiO2 nanocomposites and microcomposites are developed and characterized, and their dielectric behaviour and electrical conductivity are studied in this paper. We demonstrate that the surfactant Triton X‐100 greatly improves the dispersal of micro‐ and nanoparticles across the surface to produce more homogeneous composites that have improved dielectric properties. This heightened dispersal with the presence of a surfactant is also confirmed by SEM analysis. We also discuss the influence of the filler concentration and particle size on the dielectric behaviour of the nanocomposites and the microcomposite surfaces having a frequency range of 40 Hz to 2 MHz. The dielectric properties are improved by the introduction of 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% TiO2 nano‐ and microparticles. Furthermore, there is an improvement in the permittivity values for the microcomposites compared to the nanocomposites for all frequencies. This finding is of great importance for high‐voltage electrical insulation.
A New Control Method for Second-Order Multiple Models Control System Based on Global Sliding Mode
Authors: Zhang Dan-xu , Fang Yang-wang , Yang Peng-fei , Wu You-li , Liu Tong-xin
Published: July 2018

This paper proposed a finite time convergence global sliding mode control scheme for the second-order multiple models control system. Firstly, the global sliding surface without reaching law for a single model control system is designed and the tracking error finite time convergence and global stability are proved. Secondly, we generalize the above scheme to the second-order multimodel control system and obtain the global sliding mode control law. Then, the convergent and stable performances of the closed-loop control system with multimodel controllers are proved. Finally, a simulation example shows that the proposed control scheme is more effective and useful compared with the traditional sliding mode control scheme.
Safety of Propofol versus Nonpropofol-Based Sedation in Children Undergoing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Narula Neeraj , Masood Sameer , Shojaee Samira , McGuinness Brandon , Sabeti Saama , Buchan Arianne
Published: July 2018

Background. The majority of children who undergo gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy require anesthesia or procedural sedation for comfort, cooperation, and procedure efficiency. The safety profile of propofol is not well established in children but has been studied in the literature. Objective. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the safety of propofol-only sedation for GI endoscopy procedures to other anesthetic regimes in the pediatric population. Methods. A search was conducted in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Randomized clinical trials and prospective cohorts were included in the study. Results. No significant difference was noted in total complications between the two cohorts with a pooled OR of 1.31 (95% CI: 0.57–3.04, chi2 = 0.053, I2 = 54.31%). The pooled rate of complications in the studies was 23.4% for those receiving propofol only and 18.2% for those receiving other anesthetic regimens. Sensitivity analysis was performed removing a study with a very different control comparison compared to the rest of the studies included. Once excluded, there was minimal heterogeneity in the remaining studies and a significant difference in overall complications was detected, with more complications seen in the propofol-only group compared to the other anesthetic groups (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.09–3.20). Conclusion. Significantly higher incidence of cardiorespiratory complications was noted in the propofol-only versus other anesthetic regimens in pediatric patients undergoing GI endoscopy in this meta-analysis. However, the overall quality of the evidence is very low. How to Apply This Knowledge for Routine Clinical Practice. Clinicians providing sedation to a pediatric population for GI endoscopy should consider there may be increased risks when using a propofol-only regimen, but further study is needed.
Potential Genes and Pathways of Neonatal Sepsis Based on Functional Gene Set Enrichment Analyses
Authors: Meng YuXiu , Cai Xue Hong , Wang LiPei
Published: July 2018

Background. Neonatal sepsis (NS) is considered as the most common cause of neonatal deaths that newborns suffer from. Although numerous studies focus on gene biomarkers of NS, the predictive value of the gene biomarkers is low. NS pathogenesis is still needed to be investigated. Methods. After data preprocessing, we used KEGG enrichment method to identify the differentially expressed pathways between NS and normal controls. Then, functional principal component analysis (FPCA) was adopted to calculate gene values in NS. In order to further study the key signaling pathway of the NS, elastic-net regression model, Mann–Whitney U test, and coexpression network were used to estimate the weights of signaling pathway and hub genes. Results. A total of 115 different pathways between NS and controls were first identified. FPCA made full use of time-series gene expression information and estimated F values of genes in the different pathways. The top 1000 genes were considered as the different genes and were further analyzed by elastic-net regression and MWU test. There were 7 key signaling pathways between the NS and controls, according to different sources. Among those genes involved in key pathways, 7 hub genes, PIK3CA, TGFBR2, CDKN1B, KRAS, E2F3, TRAF6, and CHUK, were determined based on the coexpression network. Most of them were cancer-related genes. PIK3CA was considered as the common marker, which is highly expressed in the lymphocyte group. Little was known about the correlation of PIK3CA with NS, which gives us a new enlightenment for NS study. Conclusion. This research might provide the perspective information to explore the potential novel genes and pathways as NS therapy targets.
The Effect of 40-Hz Light Therapy on Amyloid Load in Patients with Prodromal and Clinical Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ismail Rola , Hansen Allan K. , Parbo Peter , Brændgaard Hans , Gottrup Hanne , Brooks David J. , Borghammer Per
Published: July 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. AD pathology is characterized by abnormal aggregation of the proteins amyloid-β (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau. No effective disease modifying therapies are currently available. A short-duration intervention with 40 Hz light flicker has been shown to reduce brain Aβ load in transgenic mice. We aimed to test the effect of a similar short-duration 40 Hz light flicker regime in human AD patients. We utilized a Light Emitting Diode (LED) light bulb with a 40 Hz flicker. Six Aβ positive patients received 10 days of light therapy, had 2 hours of daily exposure, and underwent a postintervention PiB PET on day 11. After 10 days of light therapy, no significant decrease of PiB SUVR values was detected in any volumes of interest tested (primary visual cortex, visual association cortex, lateral parietal cortex, precuneus, and posterior cingulate) or in the total motor cortex, and longer treatments may be necessary to induce amyloid removal in humans.
Topology Optimization Analysis of Separation Mechanism for the Rice Trans-Planter
Authors: Chen Yan-li , Hu Yi , Li Su-Yun , Shang Tao
Published: July 2018

A mechanical topology regeneration design method based on the basic chain was presented which was reducing invalid topology design workload and improving optimization design efficiency. And it is used for configuration topology research of planetary separation mechanism of rice transplanting machine to verify its feasibility and effectiveness, which mainly consists of crank-rocker-separation mechanism, mechanical frame, planet carrier, total input shaft, and seedlings folder, and moving trajectory equation of seedling folder point A for the crank-rocker-separation mechanism is obtained according to the quadrangle vector closure principle. The topological synthesis diagram for motion chain for the CRSM was analysis by means of generalized treatment method based on theoretical optimization conditions and topological regeneration path design. The 6 kinds of topology diagram satisfying the design task for motion chair with high motion pair were obtained and the implemented mechanism diagram of kinematic chair for separation mechanism was designed based on the basic chain topology design method. The results show that topology design for the CRSM is relatively simplified for basic chain structure. And theoretical analysis of motion trajectory for the CRSM is relatively the same as the experimental results in the curve trend and relative error of angular displacement is reasonable and effective through test-rig comparative analysis with motion trajectory of crank-rocker-separation mechanism.
In Vitro Study of Antiamoebic Activity of Methanol Extracts ofArgemone mexicanaon Trophozoites ofEntamoeba histolyticaHM1-IMSS
Authors: Elizondo-Luévano Joel H. , Castro-Ríos Rocío , Sánchez-García Eduardo , Hernández-García Magda E. , Vargas-Villarreal Javier , Rodríguez-Luis Osvelia E. , Chávez-Montes Abelardo
Published: July 2018

Infections caused by parasites in humans represent one of the main public health concerns. Amoebiasis, a parasitic infection caused byEntamoeba histolytica(E. histolytica), is considered endemic in Mexico, whereArgemone mexicana(A. mexicana) has been used in traditional medicine to treat intestinal parasitic diseases. The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential biological activity ofA. mexicanaonE. histolytica. For this purpose, a methanolic extract was prepared fromA. mexicanaleaves, and a differential fractionation was carried out with solvents of different polarities. The inhibitory capacities of the extract and its fractions were evaluated in vitro using HM1-IMSS, a strain ofEntamoeba histolytica.A. mexicanaextract was found to have a growth-inhibiting activity forE. histolytica, showing IC50 = 78.39 μg/mL. The extract was characterized phytochemically, and the methanolic extract fractions were analyzed by liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS). Berberine and jatrorrhizine were present in the active fractions, and these compounds may be responsible for the antiparasitic activity. The identification of amoebicidal activity ofA. mexicanaonE. histolyticagives support to the traditional use. Further studies with berberine and jatrorrhizine will be carried out to understand the mechanism involved.
Effects of Single or Multiple Sessions of Whole Body Vibration in Stroke: Is There Any Evidence to Support the Clinical Use in Rehabilitation?
Authors: Costantino Cosimo , Petraglia Federica , Sabetta Laura Luigia , Giumelli Riccardo
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose. Recently new technologies and new techniques, such as Whole Body Vibration (WBV), have been introduced by the health and fitness industry to pursue therapeutic or physical performance goals. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the effectiveness of single or multiple WBV sessions alone or in association with traditional rehabilitation, compared to traditional rehabilitation therapy or with sham therapy in poststroke patients.Methods. Randomized Control Trials and controlled clinical trials written in English between January 1st, 2003, and December 31st, 2017, were selected from PubMed, Cochrane-Central-Register-of-Controlled-Trials, and Physiotherapy-Evidence-Database (PEDro). The single WBV session and multiple sessions’ effects were assessed. Study characteristics, study population, intervention protocols, effects of WBV sessions, and adverse events were investigated with a descriptive analysis.Results. The search reported 365 articles and after screening and removal of duplicates, 11 manuscripts with PEDro score≥6/10 were selected (391 poststroke patients). Study characteristics, study population, intervention protocols (frequencies, amplitude of vibration, and peak acceleration), effects of a single or multiple WBV sessions, and adverse events were analyzed. They have been investigated with particular attention to bone turnover, structure and muscle functions, spasticity, postural control and risk of falls, functional mobility, somatosensory threshold, and activity and participation. Comparing WBV group with control group no significant benefits emerged.Discussion. This systematic review included studies involving participants with non homogeneous characteristics, just considering the incorporation of studies on individuals with chronic and postacute stroke. Despite these limits, WBV treatment has no significant risks for patients and shows interesting effects of WBV treatment in Structure and muscle functions, Spasticity and Postural control.Conclusions. Even though treatment with WBV appears safe and feasible, there is insufficient evidence to support its clinical use in poststroke rehabilitation at this point. More studies assessing other functional tests and with more specific treatment protocols are needed.
Ocular Manifestations of Alzheimer’s and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Prospect of the Eye as a Tool for the Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Colligris Pade , Perez de Lara Maria Jesus , Colligris Basilio , Pintor Jesus
Published: July 2018

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is a major disorder, leading to several ocular manifestations amongst the elderly population. These visual disorders may be due to retinal nerve degenerative changes, including nerve fibre layer thinning, degeneration of retinal ganglion cells, and changes to vascular parameters. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but medicines can slow down the development of many of the classic symptoms, such as loss of memory and communication skills, mood swings, and depression. The disease diagnosis is difficult, and it is only possible through PET scans of the brain, detecting evidence of the accumulation of amyloid and tau. PET is expensive and invasive, requiring the injection of radioactive tracers, which bind with these proteins and glow during scanning. Recently, scientists developed promising eye-scan techniques that may detect Alzheimer’s disease at its earliest stage, before major symptoms appear, leading to improved management of the disease symptoms. In this review, we are discussing the visual abnormalities of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, focused on ocular functional-visual-structural biomarkers, retinal pathology, and potential novel diagnostic tools.
Material Composition Design and Anticracking Performance Evaluation of Asphalt Rubber Stress‐Absorbing Membrane Interlayer (AR‐SAMI)
Authors: Zhang Ke , Zhang Zhengqi , Luo Yaofei
Published: July 2018

To promote the application of the asphalt rubber stress‐absorbing membrane interlayer (AR‐SAMI), the material composition design and the evaluation of antireflective cracking effect of AR‐SAMI need to be studied. In this paper, conventional asphalt tests, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test, and fatigue cracking test were conducted to evaluate the high and low temperature performance, elastic recovery property, and antifatigue performance of SK90# raw asphalt, asphalt rubber, and SBS‐modified asphalt. The AR‐SAMI’s material composition design method based on the interlaminar shear strength was put forward. The influence of the asphalt application rate and aggregate application rate on interlaminar shear strength was also discussed to determine the optimum material composition. The fatigue cracking test was designed based on the Hamburg rutting instrument, and the cracking resistance of AR‐SAMI was analyzed. The results indicate that asphalt rubber is the suitable binder for SAMI. The application rates of asphalt and aggregate have significant impact on the interlaminar shear strength of AR‐SAMI. The optimum binder application rate of asphalt rubber and aggregate application rate are 2.2 kg/m2 and 14 kg/m2, respectively, for AR‐SAMI. The fatigue cracking life and fatigue fracture life of composite specimens increase obviously after AR‐SAMI is paved. The increasing range of fatigue life because of the use of AR‐SAMI is up to 30% under the dry condition of 15°C. The decreasing range of fatigue life caused by water reaches as high as 50%. The fatigue life falls sharply when the temperature increases from 15°C–25°C to 35°C–45°C.
Stroke Patients Motivation Influence on the Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy
Authors: Rapolienė Jolita , Endzelytė Erika , Jasevičienė Indrė , Savickas Raimondas
Published: July 2018

Introduction. Individuals who have experienced stroke are often described as apathetic, having lost of interest, and unmotivated. This might be a problem in achieving treatment results. It is still unclear what impact age and gender have on the motivation. The Aim of Research. To evaluate motivation influence on the effectiveness of occupational therapy in patients with stroke. Methods. Study included 30 patients who experienced acute stroke. Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale has been used for motivation assessment. Internal persons’ motivation was evaluated to determine how much a person believes that his recovery depends on his own behaviour and external persons’ motivation—how a person relates his state of health to the impact of the surrounding people. Performance of daily activities was assessed using Functional Independency Measure (FIM). Results. At the beginning of rehabilitation of the patients with stroke, external motivation was greater than the internal one. At the end of rehabilitation internal motivation has increased by 1.8±0.4 points, while the external motivation decreased by 2.4±0.6 points (p<0.05). At the beginning of rehabilitation patients independence in activities of daily living assessed with FIM was 70.0±2.9 points. At the end of rehabilitation their ability to perform daily activities improved by 26.9±1.9 points and reached 96.9±2.7 points (p<0.05). We found statistically significant (p<0.05) moderate correlation (r=0.72) between patients internal motivation at the beginning of the rehabilitation and increase of independence after rehabilitation. Conclusion. Older patients had lower internal motivation than younger ones, and independence in daily activities improvement was influenced by younger age and by brain damage depth.