bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Event-Triggered Discrete-Time Distributed Consensus Optimization over Time-Varying Graphs
Authors: Lü Qingguo , Li Huaqing
Published: May 2017

This paper focuses on a class of event-triggered discrete-time distributed consensus optimization algorithms, with a set of agents whose communication topology is depicted by a sequence of time-varying networks. The communication process is steered by independent trigger conditions observed by agents and is decentralized and just rests with each agent’s own state. At each time, each agent only has access to its privately local Lipschitz convex objective function. At the next time step, every agent updates its state by applying its own objective function and the information sent from its neighboring agents. Under the assumption that the network topology is uniformly strongly connected and weight-balanced, the novel event-triggered distributed subgradient algorithm is capable of steering the whole network of agents asymptotically converging to an optimal solution of the convex optimization problem. Finally, a simulation example is given to validate effectiveness of the introduced algorithm and demonstrate feasibility of the theoretical analysis.
Principal Approaches to Understanding Occupation and Occupational Science Found in the Chilean Journal of Occupational Therapy (2001–2012)
Authors: Morrison Rodolfo , Gómez Silvia , Henny Enrique , Tapia María Jesús , Rueda Laura
Published: May 2017

Background. The progression of occupational science in Chile is documented in the main scientific publication of the field, the Chilean Journal of Occupational Therapy (RChTO). Objective. Identify approaches to understanding and applying occupation and occupational science as elucidated in the RChTO. Methodology. A systematic qualitative review of the journal (2001–2012) identified articles elucidating an approach to understanding and application operationally defined as references to specific authors, theories, models/paradigms, definitions, and other fields that support approaches to O/OS. Results. The study identified two main approaches. The first considers occupation/occupational science from a practical perspective or as a means to explain human behavior; the second considers occupation/occupational science as an object of study. Each approach is further divided into categories. Conclusion. This study provides a novel perspective on regional use of occupational science concepts. These findings contribute to our understanding of this science in context and to recognition of the cultural relevance of these scientific concepts.
Detection of Emerging Faults on Industrial Gas Turbines Using Extended Gaussian Mixture Models
Authors: Zhang Yu , Bingham Chris , Martínez-García Miguel , Cox Darren
Published: May 2017

This paper extends traditional Gaussian mixture model (GMM) techniques to provide recognition of operational states and detection of emerging faults for industrial systems. A variational Bayesian method allows a GMM to cluster with its mixture components to facilitate the extraction of steady-state operational behaviour; this is recognised as being a primary factor in reducing the susceptibility of alternative prognostic/diagnostic techniques, which would initiate false-alarms resulting from control set-point and load changes. Furthermore, a GMM with an outlier component is discussed and applied for direct novelty/fault detection. An advantage of the variational Bayesian method over traditional predefined thresholds is the extraction of steady-state data during both full- and part-load cases, and a primary advantage of the GMM with an outlier component is its applicability for novelty detection when there is a lack of prior knowledge of fault patterns. Results obtained from the real-time measurements on the operational industrial gas turbines have shown that the proposed technique provides integrated preprocessing, benchmarking, and novelty/fault detection methodology.
Dark Signals in the Choroidal Vasculature on Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography: An Artefact or Not?
Authors: Hua Rui , Wang Hailin
Published: May 2017

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) based on mathematical processing of sequentially acquired structural OCT images has been applied widely in both retinal and choroidal research and may have advantages over traditional angiography. Images obtained by OCTA are rendered under the assumption that the only moving entity in the retina is blood flow. Optical phenomena and image processing algorithms may create imaging artefacts. Therefore, OCTA images require careful interpretation. This review discusses the dark signals seen in the choroidal vasculature on OCTA using multiple factor analysis. For accurate and comprehensive interpretation of the choroidal vasculature, we recommend simultaneous consideration of the laser light penetration depth and masking effect of retinal pigment epithelium, the orientation of vessels in relation to the scanning lasers and blood flow, the range of regional detectable velocity of blood flow, atrophic tissues in the periphery, and absorption of superior vessels on the scanning laser.
Placental Chorangiosis: Increased Risk for Cesarean Section
Authors: Petersen Shariska S. , Khangura Raminder , Davydov Dmitry , Zhang Ziying , Sangha Roopina
Published: May 2017

We describe a patient with Class C diabetes who presented for nonstress testing at 36 weeks and 4 days of gestation with nonreassuring fetal heart tones (NRFHT) and oligohydramnios. Upon delivery, thrombosis of the umbilical cord was grossly noted. Pathological analysis of the placenta revealed chorangiosis, vascular congestion, and 40% occlusion of the umbilical vein. Chorangiosis is a vascular change of the placenta that involves the terminal chorionic villi. It has been proposed to result from longstanding, low-grade hypoxia in the placental tissue and has been associated with such conditions such as diabetes, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and hypertensive conditions in pregnancy. To characterize chorangiosis and its associated obstetric outcomes we identified 61 cases of “chorangiosis” on placental pathology at Henry Ford Hospital from 2010 to 2015. Five of these cases were omitted due to lack of complete records. Among the 56 cases, the cesarean section rate was 51%, indicated in most cases for nonreassuring fetal status. Thus, we suggest that chorangiosis, a marker of chronic hypoxia, is associated with increased rates of cesarean sections for nonreassuring fetal status because of long standing hypoxia coupled with the stress of labor.
Massage Therapy in Children with Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wu Ji , Yang Xi-Wen , Zhang Ming
Published: May 2017

Objective. To systematically evaluate the efficacy of massage, a traditional treatment method of traditional Chinese medicine on children with asthma. Methods. Literatures from 5 databases using the date ranging from 1 January, 1990, to 13 December, 2016, were reviewed, which were all randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy on children with asthma and effect on lung function mainly by massage therapy. Results. 14 researches with 1299 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. Compared with control group, a better efficacy was found in treatment group, which focused on massage therapy. Compared with control group, there was remarkable increase on FEV1 as well as PEF in treatment group. Conclusion. All studies have shown that massage therapy has a significantly positive effect on children with asthma, improves the pulmonary function parameters of large airway, reduces the plasma concentrations of PAF and prostaglandin, and increases the levels of PAF‐AH and DP1; therefore, it greatly improves pulmonary function. However, the limited research designs of included studies lead to high risk of bias. More randomized controlled trials with better methodological quality are needed to further confirm the effectiveness of massage.
Mitochondrial Transfer from Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cell to MERRF Cybrid Reduces Oxidative Stress and Improves Mitochondrial Bioenergetics
Authors: Chuang Yao-Chung , Liou Chia-Wei , Chen Shang-Der , Wang Pei-Wen , Chuang Jiin-Haur , Tiao Mao-Meng , Hsu Te-Yao , Lin Hung-Yu , Lin Tsu-Kung
Published: May 2017

Myoclonus epilepsy associated with ragged‐red ﬁbers (MERRF) is a maternally inherited mitochondrial disease affecting neuromuscular functions. Mt.8344A>G mutation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is the most common cause of MERRF syndrome and has been linked to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and oxidative stress, as well as impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics. Here, we tested whether WJMSC has therapeutic potential for the treatment of MERRF syndrome through the transfer of mitochondria. The MERRF cybrid cells exhibited a high mt.8344A>G mutation ratio, enhanced ROS level and oxidative damage, impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics, defected mitochondria‐dependent viability, exhibited an imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics, and are susceptible to apoptotic stress. Coculture experiments revealed that mitochondria were intercellularly conducted from the WJMSC to the MERRF cybrid. Furthermore, WJMSC transferred mitochondria exclusively to cells with defective mitochondria but not to cells with normal mitochondria. MERRF cybrid following WJMSC coculture (MF+WJ) demonstrated improvement of mt.8344A>G mutation ratio, ROS level, oxidative damage, mitochondrial bioenergetics, mitochondria‐dependent viability, balance of mitochondrial dynamics, and resistance against apoptotic stress. WJMSC‐derived mitochondrial transfer and its therapeutic eﬀect were noted to be blocked by F‐actin depolymerizing agent cytochalasin B. Collectively, the WJMSC ability to rescue cells with defective mitochondrial function through donating healthy mitochondria may lead to new insights into the development of more efficient strategies to treat diseases related to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Investigation of the Characteristic Properties of Glacial Acetic Acid-Catalyzed Carbon Xerogels and Their Electrochemical Performance for Use as Electrode Materials in Electrical Double-Layer Capacitors
Authors: Quach Nguyen Khanh Nguyen , Yang Wein-Duo , Chung Zen-Ja , Tran Hoai Lam , Liu Rui
Published: May 2017

Glacial acetic acid was used as a catalyst in the preparation process of carbon xerogels from the condensation of resorcinol and formaldehyde for shortening significantly the gelation time. The effect of the resorcinol/catalyst ratio over a large range of 2 to 500, the solvent exchange manner with acetone, and the pyrolysis temperature of 700 to 1000°C on the characteristic properties of the carbon xerogels were investigated. A resorcinol/catalyst ratio of 2 and a pyrolysis temperature at 800°C were found to be the optimal condition for the preparation of carbon xerogels with a well-balanced porosity between micro- and mesopores, high surface area (577.62 m2g−1), and large pore volume (0.97 cm3g−1), which are appropriate for use as electrode materials in an electrical double-layer capacitor. The carbon xerogel electrodes that were prepared under these optimal conditions exhibited a good electrochemical performance with the highest specific capacitance of 169 Fg−1 in 6 M KOH electrolyte at a scan rate of 5 mVs−1 from cyclic voltammetry.
A Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparison of Sonidegib and Vismodegib in Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Odom Dawn , Mladsi Deirdre , Purser Molly , Kaye James A. , Palaka Eirini , Charter Alina , Jensen Jo Annah , Sellami Dalila
Published: May 2017

Objectives. Based on single-arm trial data (BOLT), sonidegib was approved in the US and EU to treat locally advanced basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) ineligible for curative surgery or radiotherapy. Vismodegib, the other approved targeted therapy, also was assessed in a single-arm trial (ERIVANCE). We examined the comparative effectiveness of the two drugs using a matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) versus an unadjusted indirect comparison. Methods. After comparing trials and identifying potential prognostic factors, an MAIC was conducted to adjust for differences in key patient baseline characteristics. Due to BOLT’s small sample size, the number of matching variables was restricted to two. Efficacy results for sonidegib were generated so that selected baseline characteristics matched those from ERIVANCE and were compared with published ERIVANCE results. Results. Matching variables were baseline percentages of patients receiving prior radiotherapy and surgery. After weighting, sonidegib objective response rate (ORR) and median progression-free survival (PFS) were effectively unchanged (prematched versus postmatched ORR and PFS, 56.1% versus 56.7% and 22.1 versus 22.1 months, resp.). Vismodegib’s ORR and PFS were 47.6% and 9.5 months. Conclusions. Comparative effectiveness of sonidegib versus vismodegib remains unchanged after adjusting BOLT patient-level data to match published ERIVANCE baseline percentages of patients receiving prior surgery and radiotherapy.
Green Synthesis and Characterization of Biosilica Produced from Sugarcane Waste Ash
Authors: Alves Rodrigo Heleno , Reis Thais Vitória da Silva , Rovani Suzimara , Fungaro Denise Alves
Published: May 2017

In this study, ash from sugarcane waste was used in the synthesis of biosilica using alkaline extraction followed by acid precipitation. Different parameters that could influence the silica particle synthesis were evaluated. The ash and synthesized biosilica were characterized by a combination of spectroscopic and chemical techniques such as XRD, XRF, SEM, particle size analyser, N2 adsorption analysis, TGA, and FTIR. The best condition for biosilica production was achieved with fusion method and aging temperature of 80°C for 1 h during gel formation. X-ray powder diffraction pattern confirms the amorphous nature of synthesized silica. The purity of the prepared silica was 99% silica which was confirmed by means of XRF. The experimental data suggest that the sugarcane waste ash could be converted into a value-added product, minimizing the environmental impact of disposal problems.
Lipid Oxidation, Color Changes, and Microbiological Quality of Frozen Beef Burgers Incorporated with Shirazi Thyme, Cinnamon, and Rosemary Extracts
Authors: Hashemi Gahruie Hadi , Hosseini Seyed Mohammad Hashem , Taghavifard Mohammad Hossein , Eskandari Mohammad Hadi , Golmakani Mohammad-Taghi , Shad Ehsan
Published: May 2017

In this study, the oxidative stability of beef burgers incorporated with Shirazi thyme, cinnamon, and rosemary extracts was compared with that of BHT-incorporated and antioxidant-free samples. The chemical composition, TBARS, metmyoglobin, pH, color, and microbial and sensory characteristics were evaluated during storage at −18°C for 2 months. The results indicated that Shirazi thyme and cinnamon extracts did not change the colorimetric properties significantly (P<0.05). Incorporating natural antioxidants led to a significant (P<0.05) reduction in TBARS (36.58–46.34%) and metmyoglobin (16.25–18.47%) as compared to control. Except for the control sample, total microbial counts of burgers were lower than the maximum allowed limit. Burgers formulated with Shirazi thyme revealed the lowest amount of total count. Regarding the sensory characteristics, the overall acceptability of different samples decreased in the order of cinnamon > BHT > Shirazi thyme > rosemary > control. Finally, the results showed that these plant extracts can be utilized as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants in formulation of burgers.
T‐S Fuzzy Modelling and H∞ Attitude Control for Hypersonic Gliding Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Huang Xianlin , Gao Xiao-Zhi
Published: May 2017

This paper addresses the T‐S fuzzy modelling and H∞ attitude control in three channels for hypersonic gliding vehicles (HGVs). First, the control‐oriented affine nonlinear model has been established which is transformed from the reentry dynamics. Then, based on Taylor’s expansion approach and the fuzzy linearization approach, the homogeneous T‐S local modelling technique for HGVs is proposed. Given the approximation accuracy and controller design complexity, appropriate fuzzy premise variables and operating points of interest are selected to construct the T‐S homogeneous submodels. With so‐called fuzzy blending, the original plant is transformed into the overall T‐S fuzzy model with disturbance. By utilizing Lyapunov functional approach, a state feedback fuzzy controller has been designed based on relaxed linear matrix inequality (LMI) conditions to stable the original plants with a prescribed H∞ performance of disturbance. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed H∞ T‐S fuzzy controller for the original attitude dynamics; the superiority of the designed T‐S fuzzy controller compared with other local controllers based on the constructed fuzzy model is shown as well.
A Low-Profile Reflector-Enhanced Drop-Shaped Printed Antenna for Wide-Band Wireless Communications
Authors: Cappelletti Giovanni , Caratelli Diego , Cicchetti Renato , Gennarelli Claudio , Simeoni Massimiliano , Testa Orlandino
Published: May 2017

An improved low-profile printed antipodal drop-shaped dipole antenna for wide-band wireless applications is presented. The proposed radiating structure is integrated with a planar metal reflector useful to enhance antenna gain up to 5.5 dBi and the front-to-back ratio up to 21 dB. The geometry of reflector, feeding line, and dipole arms is optimized in order to achieve a broad operating bandwidth useful to meet the requirements of modern wireless communication protocols. Furthermore, the particular shape of the metal reflector and the adoption of a thin low-permittivity dielectric substrate result in a low distortion of the radiated field and a limited back radiation which makes the antenna suitable for UWB applications as well. These features, together with the low profile and the limited occupation area, make the antenna well adapted to mobile terminals as well as radio base stations. A locally conformal FDTD numerical procedure has been adopted to design and analyse the radiating structure, while a SEM technique has been employed to highlight the field perturbation caused by the antenna reflector as well as to extract the characteristics underlying the transient behaviour of the antenna. The experimental measurements performed on an antenna prototype are found to be in good agreement with the numerical computations.
Laboratory Performance Evaluation of High Modulus Asphalt Concrete Modified with Different Additives
Authors: Li Peng , Zheng Mulian , Wang Fei , Che Fa , Li Hongyin , Ma Qinglei , Wang Yonghong
Published: May 2017

The objective of this study is to evaluate comprehensive performance of high modulus asphalt concrete (HMAC) and propose common values for establishing evaluation system. Three gradations with different modifiers were conducted to study the high and low temperature performance, shearing behavior, and water stability. The laboratory tests for HMAC included static and dynamic modulus tests, rutting test, uniaxial penetration test, bending test, and immersion Marshall test. Dynamic modulus test results showed that modifier can improve the static modulus and the improvements were remarkable at higher temperature. Moreover, modulus of HMAC-20 was better than those of HMAC-16 and HMAC-25. The results of performance test indicated that HMAC has good performance to resist high temperature rutting, and the resistances of the HMAC-20 and HMAC-25 against rutting were better than that of HMAC-16. Then, the common values of dynamic stability were recommended. Furthermore, common values of HMAC performance were established based on pavement performance tests.
Field Tests to Investigate the Penetration Rate of Piles Driven by Vibratory Installation
Authors: Qin Zhaohui , Chen Longzhu , Song Chunyu , Sun Lei
Published: May 2017

Factors directly affecting the penetration rate of piles installed by vibratory driving technique are summarized and classified into seven aspects which are driving force, resistance, vibratory amplitude, energy consumption, speeding up at the beginning, pile plumbness keeping, and slowing down at the end, from the mechanism and engineering practice of the vibratory pile driving. In order to find out how these factors affect the penetration rate of the pile in three major actors of vibratory pile driving: (i) the pile to be driven, (ii) the selected driving system, and (iii) the imposed soil conditions, field tests on steel sheet piles driven by vibratory driving technique in different soil conditions are conducted. The penetration rates of three different sheet pile types having up to four different lengths installed using two different vibratory driving systems are documented. Piles with different lengths and types driven with or without clutch have different penetration rates. The working parameters of vibratory hammer, such as driving force and vibratory amplitude, have great influences on the penetration rate of the pile, especially at the later stages of the sinking process. Penetration rate of piles driven in different soil conditions is uniform because of the different penetration resistance including shaft friction and toe resistance.
Enhanced Decision Support Systems in Intensive Care Unit Based on Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Jemal Hanen , Kechaou Zied , Ben Ayed Mounir
Published: May 2017

In areas of medical diagnosis and decision-making, several uncertainty and ambiguity shrouded situations are most often imposed. In this regard, one may well assume that intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFS) should stand as a potent technique useful for demystifying associated with the real healthcare decision-making situations. To this end, we are developing a prototype model helpful for detecting the patients risk degree in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Based on the intuitionistic fuzzy sets, dubbed Medical Intuitionistic Fuzzy Expert Decision Support System (MIFEDSS), the shown work has its origins in the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) standard. It is worth noting that the proposed prototype effectiveness validation is associated through a real case study test at the Polyclinic ESSALEMA cited in Sfax, Tunisia. This paper does actually provide some practical initial results concerning the system as carried out in real life situations. Indeed, the proposed system turns out to prove that the MIFEDSS does actually display an imposing capability for an established handily ICU related uncertainty issues. The performance of the prototypes is compared with the MEWS standard which exposed that the IFS application appears to perform highly better in deferring accuracy than the expert MEWS score with higher degrees of sensitivity and specificity being recorded.
Factors Affecting the Periapical Status of Root-Filled Canals: A Cross-Sectional Study at the Undergraduate Level
Authors: Costa George Moreira , Santos Soares Suelleng Maria , Pelli Paiva Paula Cristina , Verli Flaviana Dornela , Gonçalves Patrícia Furtado , Pereira Sangela Maria da Silva , De Jesus Tavarez Rudys Rodolfo , Soares Janir Alves , Matos Maia Filho Etevaldo
Published: May 2017

Objective. The aim was to evaluate the influence of multiple factors on the periapical status of endodontically treated (ET) teeth. Methods. The patients were clinically and radiographically reevaluated after root canal therapy. The quality of the root-filled canals, coronal restorations, intraradicular posts, dental caries, and periodontal parameters were associated with the teeth’s periapical status. Results. The 122 patients provided 154 ET teeth; 97.4% teeth were asymptomatic, and 75.5% had a normal periapical status. The percentage of perfect, satisfactory, and deficient root-filled canals was of the order of 41.6%, 46.1%, and 12.3%, respectively. The percentage of adequate and inadequate coronal restorations was 31.2% and 68.8%, respectively. A total of 14.9% teeth had intraradicular posts, and 29.2% had cavitated carious lesions in the dentin. Gingival bleeding was observed in 31.8% of teeth, and dental biofilm was visible in 58.4%. A total of 11.7% showed pathologic tooth mobility, and 22.1% teeth were diagnosed with periodontal disease. Conclusions. Carious lesions, gingival bleeding, and tooth mobility were significantly associated with the occurrence of periapical lesions in root-filled canals.
Virtual MIMO Beamforming and Device Pairing Enabled by Device-to-Device Communications for Multidevice Networks
Authors: Jeong Yeonjin , Yoon Jooheum , Lee Sang Hyun , Kim Yun Hee
Published: May 2017

We consider a multidevice network with asymmetric antenna configurations which supports not only communications between an access point and devices but also device-to-device (D2D) communications for the Internet of things. For the network, we propose the transmit and receive beamforming with the channel state information (CSI) for virtual multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) enabled by D2D receive cooperation. We analyze the sum rate achieved by a device pair in the proposed method and identify the strategies to improve the sum rate of the device pair. We next present a distributed algorithm and its equivalent algorithm for device pairing to maximize the throughput of the multidevice network. Simulation results confirm the advantages of the transmit CSI and D2D cooperation as well as the validity of the distributive algorithm.
Effects of Diatomite and SBS on Freeze-Thaw Resistance of Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Wei Haibin , Li Ziqi , Jiao Yubo
Published: May 2017

Asphalt mixture is susceptible to moisture damage under the effect of freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles. In this paper, crumb rubber (CR) was used to modify stone mastic asphalt (SMA) and the effects of diatomite and styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) on antifreezing performances of crumb rubber modified SMA (CRSMA) were investigated. Regression analysis and modified grey model (MGM) were used to construct the prediction models for properties of modified mixtures. CRSMA, CR and diatomite modified SMA (CRDSMA), and CR and SBS modified SMA (CRSSMA) were prepared in laboratory, respectively. Process of F-T cycles was designed. Air void, indirect tensile strength (ITS), and indirect tensile stiffness modulus (ITSM) were measured to evaluate the antifreezing performances of CRSMA, CRDSMA, and CRSSMA. Results indicate that air voids increase with the increasing of F-T cycles. ITS and ITSM all decrease with the increasing of F-T cycles. The addition of diatomite and SBS can reduce the air void and improve the ITS and ITSM of CRSMA. CRSSMA presents the lowest air void, highest tensile strength, and largest stiffness modulus, which reveals that CRSSMA has the best F-T resistance among three different kinds of mixtures. Moreover, MGM (1, 2) models present more favorable accuracy in prediction of air void and ITS compared with regression ones.
Gender Disparity in the Relationship between Prevalence of Thyroid Nodules and Metabolic Syndrome Components: The SHDC-CDPC Community-Based Study
Authors: Ding Xiaoying , Xu Ying , Wang Yufan , Li Xiaohua , Lu Chunhua , Su Jing , Chen Yuting , Ma Yuhang , Yin Yanhua , Wu Yong , Jin Yaqiong , Yu Lihua , Jiang Junyi , Zhao Naisi , Yan Qingwu , Greenberg Andrew S. , Sun Haiyan , Gu Mingyu , Zhao Li , Huang Yunhong , Wu Yijie , Qian Chunxian , Peng Yongde
Published: May 2017

The study is aimed to investigate the pathogenesis underlying the increased prevalence of thyroid nodule (TN) in different levels of metabolic syndrome (MetS) components and analyze the relationships between TN and MetS components. A total of 6,798 subjects, including 2201 patients with TN, were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric, biochemical, thyroid ultrasonographic, and other metabolic parameters were all measured. There was obviously sexual difference in the prevalence of TN (males 26.0%, females 38.5%, resp.). The prevalence of TN in hyperuricemia (45.7% versus 37.4%, P = 0.001), NAFLD (41.2% versus 36.4%, P < 0.05), and MetS (41.4% versus 35.4%, P < 0.001) groups was significantly increased only in females. Insulin resistance [OR = 1.31 (1.15, 1.49)], MetS [OR = 1.18 (1.03, 1.35)], and diabetes [OR = 1.25 (1.06, 1.48)] were all independent risk factors for TN in total subjects, whereas, after stratified analysis of gender, MetS [OR = 1.29, (1.09, 1.53)] and diabetes [OR = 1.47, (1.17, 1.84)] are still strongly and independently associated with the higher risks of TN in female subjects, but not in males. Our results suggest that the components of MetS might associate with the higher risks of TN in women than in men, but further cohort study of this gender disparity in the association between TN and MetS is required.
DCA-Based Real-Time Residual Useful Life Prediction for Critical Faulty Component
Authors: Zhou Funa , Wang Jiayu , Gao Yulin
Published: May 2017

Residual useful life (RUL) prediction is significant for condition-based maintenance. Traditional data-driven RUL prediction method can only predict fault trend of the system rather than RUL of a specific system component. Thus it cannot tell the operator which component should be maintained. The innovation of this paper is as follows: (1) Wavelet filtering based method is developed for early detection of slowly varying fault. (2) Designated component analysis is introduced as a feature extraction tool to define the fault precursor of a specific component. (3) Exponential life prediction model is established by nonlinear fitting of the historical RUL and the fault size characterized by the statistics used. Once online detection statistics is obtained, real-time RUL of the critical component can be predicted online. Simulation shows the effectiveness of this algorithm.
Exploring the Influence of Attitudes to Walking and Cycling on Commute Mode Choice Using a Hybrid Choice Model
Authors: Ding Chuan , Chen Yu , Duan Jinxiao , Lu Yingrong , Cui Jianxun
Published: May 2017

Transport-related problems, such as automobile dependence, traffic congestion, and greenhouse emissions, lead to a great burden on the environment. In developing countries like China, in order to improve the air quality, promoting sustainable travel modes to reduce the automobile usage is gradually recognized as an emerging national concern. Though there are many studies related to the physically active modes (e.g., walking and cycling), the research on the influence of attitudes to active modes on travel behavior is limited, especially in China. To fill up this gap, this paper focuses on examining the impact of attitudes to walking and cycling on commute mode choice. Using the survey data collected in China cities, an integrated discrete choice model and the structural equation model are proposed. By applying the hybrid choice model, not only the role of the latent attitude played in travel mode choice, but also the indirect effects of social factors on travel mode choice are obtained. The comparison indicates that the hybrid choice model outperforms the traditional model. This study is expected to provide a better understanding for urban planners on the influential factors of green travel modes.
Caregiver Burden in Alcohol Dependence Syndrome
Authors: Vaishnavi Ramanujam , Karthik Murugan Selvaraj , Balakrishnan Ramasamy , Sathianathan Ramanathan
Published: May 2017

Background. Alcoholism is a major threat to the individual as well as the society and the maximum burden of the illness is borne by the family. Aim. The study is aimed at assessing the pattern of burden on the caregivers of alcohol dependent patients and at assessing the relationship between the severity of dependence and the burden on caregivers. Settings and Design. Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in the Department of Psychiatry, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional assessment was done in 200 patients with alcohol dependence and their caregivers. The severity of dependence and the pattern of burden on caregivers were assessed. Statistical Analysis. The data thus collected was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results. The study demonstrates that caregivers of alcohol dependent patients reported significant objective burden and subjective burden. Furthermore, the severity of alcohol dependence and the domains of burden such as financial burden, disruption of family interaction, and disruption of family routine activities were positively correlated with high level of significance. Conclusion. The current study has illustrated that all the caregivers experienced significant amount of burden which has to be addressed for better treatment outcome of the patients.
Dynamic Path Planning of Emergency Vehicles Based on Travel Time Prediction
Authors: Zhao Jiandong , Guo Yujie , Duan Xiaohong
Published: May 2017

The dynamic paths planning problem of emergency vehicles is usually constrained by the factors including time efficiency, resources requirement, and reliability of the road network. Therefore, a two-stage model of dynamic paths planning of emergency vehicles is built with the goal of the shortest travel time and the minimum degree of traffic congestion. Firstly, according to the dynamic characteristics of road network traffic, a polyline-shaped speed function is constructed. And then, based on the real-time and historical data of travel speed, a new kernel clustering algorithm based on shuffled frog leaping algorithm is designed to predict the travel time. Secondly, combined with the expected travel time, the traffic congestion index is defined to measure the reliability of the route. Thirdly, aimed at the problem of solving two-stage target model, a two-stage shortest path algorithm is proposed, which is composed of K-paths algorithm and shuffled frog leaping algorithm. Finally, based on the data of floating vehicles of expressway in Beijing, a simulation case is used to verify the above methods. The results show that the optimization path algorithm meets the needs of the multiple constraints.
The Many Roles of Galectin-3, a Multifaceted Molecule, in Innate Immune Responses against Pathogens
Authors: Díaz-Alvarez Laura , Ortega Enrique
Published: May 2017

Galectins are a group of evolutionarily conserved proteins with the ability to bindβ-galactosides through characteristic carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRD). Galectin-3 is structurally unique among all galectins as it contains a C-terminal CRD linked to an N-terminal protein-binding domain, being the only chimeric galectin. Galectin-3 participates in many functions, both intra- and extracellularly. Among them, a prominent role for Galectin-3 in inflammation has been recognized. Galectin-3 has also been shown to directly bind to pathogens and to have various effects on the functions of the cells of the innate immune system. Thanks to these two properties, Galectin-3 participates in several ways in the innate immune response against invading pathogens. Galectin-3 has been proposed to function not only as a pattern-recognition receptor (PRR) but also as a danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP). In this review, we analyze the various roles that have been assigned to Galectin-3, both as a PRR and as a DAMP, in the context of immune responses against pathogenic microorganisms.
Extraction Method of Driver’s Mental Component Based on Empirical Mode Decomposition and Approximate Entropy Statistic Characteristic in Vehicle Running State
Authors: Zhao Shuan-Feng , Guo Wei , Zhang Chuan-wei
Published: May 2017

In the driver fatigue monitoring technology, the essence is to capture and analyze the driver behavior information, such as eyes, face, heart, and EEG activity during driving. However, ECG and EEG monitoring are limited by the installation electrodes and are not commercially available. The most common fatigue detection method is the analysis of driver behavior, that is, to determine whether the driver is tired by recording and analyzing the behavior characteristics of steering wheel and brake. The driver usually adjusts his or her actions based on the observed road conditions. Obviously the road path information is directly contained in the vehicle driving state; if you want to judge the driver’s driving behavior by vehicle driving status information, the first task is to remove the road information from the vehicle driving state data. Therefore, this paper proposes an effective intrinsic mode function selection method for the approximate entropy of empirical mode decomposition considering the characteristics of the frequency distribution of road and vehicle information and the unsteady and nonlinear characteristics of the driver closed-loop driving system in vehicle driving state data. The objective is to extract the effective component of the driving behavior information and to weaken the road information component. Finally the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by simulating driving experiments.
Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease Is an Independent Predictor of Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke Risks in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in China
Authors: Pang Xiao-Hong , Han Jue , Ye Wan-Lan , Sun Xue , Ding Yue , Huang Wen-Juan , Zhao Yi-Ming , Lou Han-Yu , Shan Li-Zhen , Kang Ying-Xiu , Song Xiao-Xiao , Zhang Song-Zhao , Gu Wei , Shan Peng-Fei
Published: May 2017

We aimed to determine the relationship between lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD), 10-year coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke risks in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) using the UKPDS risk engine. We enrolled 1178 hospitalized T2DM patients. The patients were divided into a lower extremity PAD group (ankle-brachial index≤0.9 or >1.4; 88 patients, 7.5%) and a non-PAD group (ankle-brachial index>0.9 and ≤1.4; 1090 patients, 92.5%). Age; duration of diabetes; systolic blood pressure; the hypertension rate; the use of hypertension drugs, ACEI /ARB, and statins; CHD risk; fatal CHD risk; stroke risk; and fatal stroke risk were significantly higher in the PAD group than in the non-PAD group (P<0.05 for all). Logistic stepwise regression analysis indicated that ABI was an independent predictor of 10-year CHD and stroke risks in T2DM patients. Compared with those in the T2DM non-PAD group, the odds ratios (ORs) for CHD and stroke risk were 3.6 (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.2–6.0; P<0.001) and 6.9 (95% CI, 4.0–11.8; P<0.001) in those with lower extremity PAD, respectively. In conclusion, lower extremity PAD increased coronary heart disease and stroke risks in T2DM.
Losartan Preserves Erectile Function by Suppression of Apoptosis and Fibrosis of Corpus Cavernosum and Corporal Veno-Occlusive Dysfunction in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Li Wen Ji , Xu Mingxi , Gu Meng , Zheng Da-chao , Guo Jianhua , Cai Zhikang , Wang Zhong
Published: May 2017

Background/Aims: Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays important roles in penile corporal fibrosis and veno-occlusive dysfunction (CVOD). Angiotensin II (Ang II) is critically involved in erectile dysfunction, and blocking of Ang II is more important than inhibition of TGF-β in non-penile tissue fibrosis. However, the role of Ang II in corporal fbrosis and CVOD in a diabetic condition has not been investigated. Methods: Diabetic rats were treated with sildenafil or losartan (an Ang II antagonist) alone or in combination. Intracavernosal pressure, dynamic infusion cavernosometry, and histological and molecular alterations of the corpus cavernosum were examined. Results: Diabetic rats exhibited decreases in erectile response, severe CVOD, apoptosis, fibrosis, and activation of the TGF-β1 pathway. Treatment with sildenafil had a modest effect on erectile response and an insignificant suppressive effect on CVOD, apoptosis, fibrosis, and the TGF-β1 pathway. Although losartan greatly improved the histological and molecular changes and CVOD as compared with sildenafil, its effect on erectile response was low. The combination of sildenafil and losartan had superior effects on these parameters than did either compound alone. Conclusion: Ang II activation may be involved in apoptosis and fibrosis of the corpus cavernosum through Smad and non-Smad pathways, resulting in CVOD and ED. The low efficacy of sildenafil in a diabetic ED rat model was at least partly due to its inadequate effects on apoptosis, fibrosis, and CVOD.
C‐GRApH
: A Validated Scoring System for Early Stratification of Neurologic Outcome After Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest Treated With Targeted Temperature Management
Authors: Kiehl Erich L. , Parker Alex M. , Matar Ralph M. , Gottbrecht Matthew F. , Johansen Michelle C. , Adams Mark P. , Griffiths Lori A. , Dunn Steven P. , Bidwell Katherine L. , Menon Venu , Enfield Kyle B. , Gimple Lawrence W.
Published: May 2017

Background

Out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (
OHCA
) results in significant morbidity and mortality, primarily from neurologic injury. Predicting neurologic outcome early post‐
OHCA
remains difficult in patients receiving targeted temperature management.

Methods and Results

Retrospective analysis was performed on consecutive
OHCA
patients receiving targeted temperature management (32–34°C) for 24 hours at a tertiary‐care center from 2008 to 2012 (development cohort, n=122). The primary outcome was favorable neurologic outcome at hospital discharge, defined as cerebral performance category 1 to 2 (poor 3–5). Patient demographics, pre‐
OHCA
diagnoses, and initial laboratory studies post‐resuscitation were compared between favorable and poor neurologic outcomes with multivariable logistic regression used to develop a simple scoring system (

C‐
GRA
pH

). The

C‐
GRA
pH

score ranges 0 to 5 using equally weighted variables: (
C
): coronary artery disease, known pre‐
OHCA
; (
G
): glucose ≥200 mg/dL; (
R
): rhythm of arrest not ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation; (
A
): age >45; (

pH

): arterial
pH
≤7.0. A validation cohort (n=344) included subsequent patients from the initial site (n=72) and an external quaternary‐care health system (n=272) from 2012 to 2014. The c‐statistic for predicting neurologic outcome was 0.82 (0.74–0.90,
P
<0.001) in the development cohort and 0.81 (0.76–0.87,
P
<0.001) in the validation cohort. When subdivided by

C‐
GRA
pH

score, similar rates of favorable neurologic outcome were seen in both cohorts, 70% each for low (0–1, n=60), 22% versus 19% for medium (2–3, n=307), and 0% versus 2% for high (4–5, n=99)

C‐
GRA
pH

scores in the development and validation cohorts, respectively.

Conclusions

C‐
GRA
pH

stratifies neurologic outcomes following
OHCA
in patients receiving targeted temperature management (32–34°C) using objective data available at hospital presentation, identifying patient subsets with disproportionally favorable (

C‐
GRA
pH

≤1) and poor (

C‐
GRA
pH

≥4) prognoses.
Objectively Measured Sedentary Time and Cardiovascular Risk Factor Control in US Hispanics/Latinos With Diabetes Mellitus: Results From the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)
Authors: Wang Xueyin , Strizich Garrett , Hua Simin , Sotres‐Alvarez Daniela , Buelna Christina , Gallo Linda C. , Gellman Marc D. , Mossavar‐Rahmani Yasmin , O'Brien Matthew J. , Stoutenberg Mark , Wang Tao , Avilés‐Santa M. Larissa , Kaplan Robert C. , Qi Qibin
Published: May 2017

Background

Cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) risk factor control is a cornerstone of diabetes mellitus management. Little is known about relationships of objectively measured sedentary time and physical activity with major
CVD
risk factor control in individuals with diabetes mellitus. We examined associations of objectively measured sedentary time and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity with reaching major
CVD
risk factor control goals among US Hispanic/Latino adults with diabetes mellitus.

Methods and Results

This cross‐sectional analysis included 1699 participants with diabetes mellitus from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (2008–2011). Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (
OR
s) of meeting the following 5 major
CVD
risk factor control goals: hemoglobin A
1c
<7.0%; systolic/diastolic blood pressure <140/80 mm Hg; triglycerides <150 mg/dL; low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol <100 mg/dL; and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol >40/50 mg/dL for men/women. After adjustment for covariates including moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity, less sedentary time was associated with increased odds of reaching hemoglobin A
1c
(
OR
=1.76 [95%
CI
: 1.10, 2.82]) and triglyceride control goals (
OR
=2.16 [1.36, 3.46]), and reaching ≥3
CVD
risk factor control goals (
OR
=2.08 [1.34, 3.23]) (all
OR
s for comparisons of extreme tertiles of sedentary time). Moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity was not associated with reaching any
CVD
risk factor control goals. Substituting 60‐min/day of sedentary time with light‐intensity physical activity was associated with increased odds of reaching hemoglobin A
1c
(
OR
=1.18 [1.04, 1.35]), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (
OR
=1.17 [1.04, 1.32]), and triglyceride (
OR
=1.20 [1.05, 1.36]) control goals.

Conclusions

Among US Hispanic/Latino adults with diabetes mellitus, less sedentary time, but not moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity, was associated with improved
CVD
risk factor control, specifically in reaching hemoglobin A
1c
and triglyceride control goals.
New Role for Interleukin‐13 Receptor α1 in Myocardial Homeostasis and Heart Failure
Authors: Amit Uri , Kain David , Wagner Allon , Sahu Avinash , Nevo‐Caspi Yael , Gonen Nir , Molotski Natali , Konfino Tal , Landa Natalie , Naftali‐Shani Nili , Blum Galia , Merquiol Emmanuelle , Karo‐Atar Danielle , Kanfi Yariv , Paret Gidi , Munitz Ariel , Cohen Haim Y. , Ruppin Eytan , Hannenhalli Sridhar , Leor Jonathan
Published: May 2017

Background

The immune system plays a pivotal role in myocardial homeostasis and response to injury. Interleukins‐4 and ‐13 are anti‐inflammatory type‐2 cytokines, signaling via the common interleukin‐13 receptor α1 chain and the type‐2 interleukin‐4 receptor. The role of interleukin‐13 receptor α1 in the heart is unknown.

Methods and Results

We analyzed myocardial samples from human donors (n=136) and patients with end‐stage heart failure (n=177). We found that the interleukin‐13 receptor α1 is present in the myocardium and, together with the complementary type‐2 interleukin‐4 receptor chain
Il4ra
, is significantly downregulated in the hearts of patients with heart failure. Next, we showed that
Il13ra1
‐deficient mice develop severe myocardial dysfunction and dyssynchrony compared to wild‐type mice (left ventricular ejection fraction 29.7±9.9 versus 45.0±8.0;
P
=0.004, left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter 4.2±0.2 versus 3.92±0.3;
P
=0.03). A bioinformatic analysis of mouse hearts indicated that interleukin‐13 receptor α1 regulates critical pathways in the heart other than the immune system, such as extracellular matrix (normalized enrichment score=1.90; false discovery rate q=0.005) and glucose metabolism (normalized enrichment score=−2.36; false discovery rate q=0). Deficiency of
Il13ra1
was associated with reduced collagen deposition under normal and pressure‐overload conditions.

Conclusions

The results of our studies in humans and mice indicate, for the first time, a role of interleukin‐13 receptor α1 in myocardial homeostasis and heart failure and suggests a new therapeutic target to treat heart disease.
Numerical Scheme to Dispersive Shallow Water Waves
Authors: Ak Turgut , Karakoc S. Battal Gazi , Biswas Anjan
Published: May 2017

This paper studies dispersive shallow water waves modeled by Rosenau Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) Regularized long wave (RLW) equation or R-KdV-RLW equation that is considered with power law nonlinearity. The numerical algorithm is based on collocation finite element method with quintic
B-splines. Test problems including the motion of solitary waves and shock waves are studied to validate the suggested method. Accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method are discussed by computing the numerical conserved laws and error norms L2 and L∞.
A linear stability analysis based on a Fourier method shows that the numerical scheme is unconditionally stable.