bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Position Error Model for Airborne Hyperspectral Imaging Systems
Authors: Jiang Yu , Li Na , Gong Xuemei , Jia Guorui , Zhao Huijie
Published: September 2018

An improved position error model for airborne hyperspectral imaging systems is proposed to quantify the position errors caused by the deficiencies of instruments and the manual installation of integrated systems. The model is based on a thorough analysis of position error sources, which include uncertainties caused by camera position and altitude, interior camera parameters, gyro stabilized mount, position setting error of the global positioning system antenna, and boresight angle error. An improved position error model that describes these error sources is established based on collinear equations. This model is then expanded into the first-order Taylor series. Finally, the error propagation law is applied to estimate the position errors. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated based on real hyperspectral images of Hymap. Results show that the mean square error of the position error is better than 2.1 pixels, which is almost the same as that of ground truth.
A NEW FRACTAL TRANSPORT MODEL OF SHALE GAS RESERVOIRS CONSIDERING MULTIPLE GAS TRANSPORT MECHANISMS, MULTI-SCALE AND HETEROGENEITY
Authors: FAN WEIPENG , SUN HAI , YAO JUN , FAN DONGYAN , ZHANG KAI
Published: September 2018

Duo to different transport mechanisms and gas storage in organic and inorganic systems, a new triple-continuum model coupling Discrete Fracture Model (DFM) was established to investigate gas flow in shale gas reservoir. Considering the multi-scale and heterogeneity of shale matrix, fractal theory was used to calculate the apparent permeability of organic and inorganic systems while multiple gas transport mechanisms such as viscous flow, Knudsen diffusion, surface diffusion, gas absorption/desorption effect and real gas effect were incorporated. This coupled mathematical model was solved by Finite Element Method (FEM) and the presented fractal apparent permeability model was validated with the experimental data. The results show that fractal characteristics of shale matrix have great impact on gas reservoir performance. The model without considering the influence of fractal characteristics could lead to underestimate gas production by approximately 17%. Viscous flow is the dominate transport mechanisms of shale gas and Knudsen diffusion has an impact on gas flow when the pressure declines. Surface diffusion should be only considered in organic systems and can be ignored. Then the results of sensitivity analysis show that the characteristic parameters of inorganic matter have a greater impact than those of organic matter and establishing a triple-continuum model with considering comprehensive effect of organic and inorganic matter is necessary. In addition, gas production would decrease as the pore fractal dimension and tortuosity fractal dimension increase, which results from the increasing number of small pores and more tortuous path for gas flow.
ANALYTIC EVALUATION METHOD OF FRACTAL EFFECTIVE STIMULATED RESERVOIR VOLUME FOR FRACTURED WELLS IN UNCONVENTIONAL GAS RESERVOIRS
Authors: ZHANG QI , SU YULIANG , ZHAO HUI , WANG WENDONG , ZHANG KAIJIE , LU MINGJING
Published: September 2018

It has been proved that effective stimulated reservoir volume (ESRV) is a significant area dominant to the production of the fractured well in unconventional gas reservoirs. Although ESRV properties can be estimated based on the microseismic technology and the analysis of actual fracturing data, the operations are complicated and results are inaccurate. Due to the complex structure of stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) with fractal and chaotic characteristics, a fractal evaluation model for ESRV (ESRV-FEM) of fractured wells in unconventional gas (both tight and shale gas) reservoirs is developed. Multiple gas transport mechanisms, SRV and unstimulated reservoir volume (USRV) are included. According to the pressure transient analysis (PTA), influences of multiple transport mechanisms on gas transport behaviors in ESRV are conducted. Moreover, the fractal index representing the heterogeneity degree is applied to estimate the ESRV under different inter-porosity flow coefficients and storage ratio conditions based on the ESRV-FEM. In addition, the presented ESRV-FEM is validated by an actual field case. The results show that gas adsorption has a significant effect on the radial flow duration time in SRV, and the heterogeneity makes the radial flow on PTA curves no longer show a horizontal line with the value of 0.5. Calculated ESRV sizes are compared with the assumed ones under different fractal indexes. The stronger the heterogeneity, the smaller ESRV is. The ESRV size of a fractured well in shale gas reservoirs is only 52.11% of SRV size when the fractal index equals to 0.6. The ESRV-FEM presented in this paper is expected to provide an effective method for the evaluation of the ESRV of fractured wells in unconventional gas reservoirs.
DECODING OF WRIST MOVEMENTS’ DIRECTION BY FRACTAL ANALYSIS OF MAGNETOENCEPHALOGRAPHY (MEG) SIGNAL
Authors: NAMAZI HAMIDREZA , JAFARI SAJAD
Published: September 2018

Analysis of human movements is an important category of research in biomedical engineering, especially for the rehabilitation purpose. The human’s different movements are usually investigated by analyzing the movement signals. Based on the literatures, fewer efforts have been made in order to investigate how human movements are represented in the brain. In this paper, we decode the movements’ directions of wrist by complexity analysis of Magnetoencephalography (MEG) signal. For this purpose, we employ fractal theory. In fact, we investigate how the complexity of MEG signal changes in case of different wrist movements’ directions. The results of our analysis showed that MEG signal has different level of complexity in response to different movement’s directions. The employed methodology in this research is not limited to the analysis of MEG signal in response to wrist movement, however, it can be applied widely to analyze the influence of different factors (stimuli) on complex structure of other brain signals such as Electroencephalography (EEG) and fMRI signals.
COMPLEXITY-BASED ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF VISUAL STIMULUS COLOR ON HUMAN EYE MOVEMENT
Authors: ALIPOUR HEDIEH , NAMAZI HAMIDREZA , AZARNOUSH HAMED , JAFARI SAJAD
Published: September 2018

Analysis of eye movement due to different visual stimuli always has been one of the major research areas in vision science. An important category of works belongs to decoding of eye movement due to variations of color of visual stimuli. In this research, for the first time, we employ fractal analysis in order to investigate the variations of complex structure of eye movement time series in response to variations of color of visual stimuli. For this purpose, we applied two different images in three different colors (red, green, blue) to subjects. The result of our analysis showed that eye movement has the greatest complexity in case of green visual stimulus. On the other hand, the lowest complexity of eye movement was observed in case of red stimulus. In addition, the results showed that except for red visual stimulus, applying the visual stimulus with greater complexity causes the lower complexity in eye movements. The employed methodology in this research can be further applied to analyze the influence of other variations of visual stimuli on human eye movement.
DETECTING THE AUTO-CORRELATION BETWEEN DAILY TEMPERATURE AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY TIME SERIES
Authors: FAN QINGJU , LIU SHUANGGUI , WANG KEHAO
Published: September 2018

Multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) for bivariate series has been used to study the auto-correlation between temperature and relative humidity series in Wuhan city, China. The results show that long-range persistence auto-correlation exists between the temperature and relative humidity series and the auto-correlation has multifractal characteristics. For the two climate records, the contribution of single series to multifractality is analyzed by utilizing chi square ([Formula: see text]) test. By comparing the chi square test statistics of original series with those of shuffled and surrogate series, we conclude that the relative humidity is more responsible for the multifractality due to its long-range correlation, and the temperature and relative humidity series almost have the same degree of contributions to the multifractality due to a fatness of probability density function (PDF) correlation. On the whole, the relative humidity series has dominant effect in the auto-correlation.
EVOLUTION OF SCALING BEHAVIORS IN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE SERIES
Authors: FENG WENXIU , YANG YUE , YUAN QIANSHUN , GU CHANGGUI , YANG HUIJIE
Published: September 2018

Scaling invariance in exchange rate series can shed light on the nonefficiency of foreign exchange markets and be used subsequently in prediction. Extensive works have been done to evaluate scaling exponents from exchange rate series with lengths covering several decades or more, during which great changes may have occurred in society, economics, and finance. A natural question is whether the scaling invariance exists in every short time period, and how it evolves? In this paper, the correlation-corrected balanced estimation of diffusion entropy (cBEDE) is used to evaluate local scaling behavior embedded in exchange rate series and its evolution. A total of six exchanges between the most important currencies in about 20 years are investigated. It is found that all the three-year segments behave scale-invariant. The evolution of the scaling behavior displays rich patterns at different time scales. Especially, in the periods corresponding to the famous events in the global financial system, the scaling behavior has distinct patterns such as a monotonic increase or decrease, a valley, or a peak. We hope our work can stimulate much more works on evolutionary processes of financial systems.
EIGENTIME IDENTITIES OF FRACTAL FLOWER NETWORKS
Authors: YE QIANQIAN , GU JIANGWEN , XI LIFENG
Published: September 2018

The eigentime identity for random walks on networks is the expected time for a walker going from a node to another node. In this paper, our purpose is to calculate the eigentime identities of flower networks by using the characteristic polynomials of normalized Laplacian and recurrent structure of Markov spectrum.
FRACTAL TILINGS FROM SUBSTITUTION TILINGS
Authors: WANG XINCHANG , OUYANG PEICHANG , CHUNG KWOKWAI , ZHAN XIAOGEN , YI HUA , TANG XIAOSONG
Published: September 2018

A fractal tiling or [Formula: see text]-tiling is a tiling which possesses self-similarity and the boundary of which is a fractal. By substitution rule of tilings, this short paper presents a very simple strategy to create a great number of [Formula: see text]-tilings. The substitution tiling Equithirds is demonstrated to show how to achieve it in detail. The method can be generalized to every tiling that can be constructed by substitution rule.
SCALE-FREE AND SMALL-WORLD PROPERTIES OF A SPECIAL HIERARCHICAL NETWORK
Authors: WANG DAOHUA , XUE YUMEI , ZHANG QIAN , NIU MIN
Published: September 2018

Many real systems behave similarly with scale-free and small-world structures. In this paper, we generate a special hierarchical network and based on the particular construction of the graph, we aim to present a study on some properties, such as the clustering coefficient, average path length and degree distribution of it, which shows the scale-free and small-world effects of this network.
PREDICTING RETURNS IN US TREASURIES: DO TENTS MATTER?
Authors: REBONATO R.
Published: September 2018

We look at the economic significance and at the robustness of the new-generation, tent-shaped return-predicting factors in US Treasuries. We find that, in itself, the precise tent shape is neither robust nor important for predictability. However, we explain why the high number of regressors needed to build a tent factor are required for high predictability, and we provide an economic interpretation for the finding.
Numerical Simulation of Three-Dimensional Violent Free Surface Flows by GPU-Based MPS Method
Authors: Chen Xiang , Wan Decheng
Published: September 2018

The Moving Particle Semi-implicit (MPS) method has been widely used in the field of computational fluid dynamics in recent years. However, the inefficient drawback of MPS method limits its three-dimensional (3D) large-scale applications. In order to overcome this disadvantage, a novel acceleration technique, graphics processing unit (GPU) parallel computing, is applied in MPS. Based on modified MPS method and GPU technique, an in-house solver MPSGPU-SJTU has been developed by using Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) language. In this paper, 3D dam break and sloshing, two typical violent flows with large deformation and nonlinear fragmentation of free surface are simulated by MPSGPU-SJTU solver. In dam break case, the results of fluid flied, water front, wave height and impact pressure by GPU simulation are compared to those by CPU calculation, experimental research, Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) and Boundary Element Method (BEM) simulations. And the comparison of fluid field and impact pressure among GPU, CPU and experiment is made in sloshing flow. The accuracy of GPU solver is verified by these comparisons. Moreover, the computation time of every part in each calculation step is compared between GPU and CPU solvers. The results show that computational efficiency is improved dramatically by employing GPU acceleration technique.
Using Noble Gases to Assess the Ocean's Carbon Pumps
Authors: Hamme Roberta C. , Nicholson David P. , Jenkins William J. , Emerson Steven R.
Published: September 2018

Natural mechanisms in the ocean, both physical and biological, concentrate carbon in the deep ocean, resulting in lower atmospheric carbon dioxide. The signals of these carbon pumps overlap to create the observed carbon distribution in the ocean, making the individual impact of each pump difficult to disentangle. Noble gases have the potential to directly quantify the physical carbon solubility pump and to indirectly improve estimates of the biological organic carbon pump. Noble gases are biologically inert, can be precisely measured, and span a range of physical properties. We present dissolved neon, argon, and krypton data spanning the Atlantic, Southern, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans. Comparisons between deep-ocean observations and models of varying complexity enable the rates of processes that control the carbon solubility pump to be quantified and thus provide an important metric for ocean model skill. Noble gases also provide a powerful means of assessing air–sea gas exchange parameterizations.
New and Emerging Therapies for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Spiekerkoetter Edda , Kawut Steven M. , de Jesus Perez Vinicio A.
Published: September 2018

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a pulmonary vasculopathy that causes right ventricular dysfunction and exercise limitation and progresses to death. New findings from translational studies have suggested alternative pathways for treatment. These avenues include sex hormones, genetic abnormalities and DNA damage, elastase inhibition, metabolic dysfunction, cellular therapies, and anti-inflammatory approaches. Both novel and repurposed compounds with rationale from preclinical experimental models and human cells are now in clinical trials in patients with PAH. Findings from these studies will elucidate the pathobiology of PAH and may result in clinically important improvements in outcome.
The Placebo Effect in Pain Therapies
Authors: Colloca Luana
Published: September 2018

Pharmacological strategies for pain management have primarily focused on dampening ascending neurotransmission and on opioid receptor–mediated therapies. Little is known about the contribution of endogenous descending modulatory systems to clinical pain outcomes and why some patients are mildly affected while others suffer debilitating pain-induced dysfunctions. Placebo effects that arise from patients’ positive expectancies and the underlying endogenous modulatory mechanisms may in part account for the variability in pain experience and severity, adherence to treatment, distinct coping strategies, and chronicity. Expectancy-induced analgesia and placebo effects in general have emerged as useful models to assess individual endogenous pain modulatory systems. Different systems and mechanisms trigger placebo effects that highly impact pain processing, clinical outcomes, and sense of well-being. This review illustrates critical elements of placebo mechanisms that inform the methodology of clinical trials, the discovery of new therapeutic targets, and the advancement of personalized pain management.
A Multistrategy‐Based Multiobjective Differential Evolution for Optimal Control in Chemical Processes
Authors: Xu Bin , Chen Xu , Huang Xiuhui , Tao Lili
Published: September 2018

Optimal control problems with multiple conflicting objectives in chemical processes are quite challenging. To solve such problems, we put forward a multistrategy‐based multiobjective differential evolution, in which (1) a hybrid selection strategy is incorporated from the motivation of no single strategy outperforming all other ones in every stage; (2) a multipopulation strategy is applied to represent the main population and current optimum, and a cyclic crowding estimation is developed to maintain these optimum; and (3) a multimutation strategy is constructed to improve both exploration and exploitation ability. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm are validated by comparisons with some representative multiobjective evolutionary algorithms over 12 test instances. Moreover, the proposed algorithm is applied to solve 3 multiobjective optimal control problems in chemical processes. The obtained results indicate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm for solving multiobjective optimal control problems.
Displacement and Stress Characteristics of Tunnel Foundation in Collapsible Loess Ground Reinforced by Jet Grouting Columns
Authors: Li Youyun , Xu Shuoshuo , Liu Houquan , Ma Enlin , Wang Lixin
Published: September 2018

Collapsible loess tunnel foundation reinforcement is a new challenge in the construction process of tunnel engineering. According to the field displacement and stress monitoring of the Fujiayao loess tunnel, this paper investigates the reinforcing effect of a high‐pressure jet grouting pile on a collapsible loess tunnel foundation in the deep large‐span tunnel. The field monitoring method was employed to address the performance of tunnel foundation settlement, additional stress, earth pressure, rock pressure, etc. The results indicate that the stress on the pile tops and the earth pressure between piles increase gradually over time in two stages: stress increases rapidly in the first 45 days and, after this period, stress tends to gradually stabilize. Further, stress increases uniformly with the distance from the centerline of the tunnel, and the rock pressure of the tunnel sidewalls tends to be stable within two months of being constructed. Additional stress on the tunnel foundation increases linearly with time, and it is uniformly distributed in the vertical and horizontal directions of the tunnel section. Settlement of the tunnel foundation also gradually increases with time, and it tends to be stable at 50 days from the time of construction. Additionally, the settlements of different monitoring points are similar at the same depth. The research results will further improve the theoretical knowledge of tunnel bottom reinforcement in the loess tunnel, which not only can effectively guide the design and construction of the loess tunnel and reduce disease treatment cost but also can provide the necessary basic research data and scientific theoretical basis for revision of the corresponding specifications of highway tunnels and railway tunnels.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Depression among Caregivers of Alzheimer’s Disease Patients in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alqahtani Mohammed Saeed , Alshbriqe Ahmad Ayed , Awwadh Ahmed A. , Alyami Turki Ali , Alshomrani Mohammed Saad , Alhazzani Adel
Published: September 2018

Objectives. To identify prevalence and risk factors of depression among caregivers of Alzheimer’ disease (AD) patients. Methods. In a cross-sectional study, 110 caregivers of AD patients participated in this study (51 males and 59 females). Patients data were obtained from patients’ records at Aseer Central Hospital. Depression among caregivers was assessed by using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Results. The age of caregivers ranged from 17 to 85 years (Mean±SD: 41.1±14.0 years). Prevalence of depression among caregivers was 70%. Caregivers were mainly sons/daughters (69.1%) or spouses (11.8%). A total of 33 caregivers (30%) had mild depression while 44 (40%) had moderate depression. Prevalence of depression was significantly higher among caregivers of AD patients who were exposed to repeated falling down (p=0.003), but did not differ significantly among caregivers who were exposed to repeated pneumonia or getting lost. Caregivers’ scores of depression positively correlated with duration of caregivers’ daily stay with AD patients (r=0.272, p=0.004), but did not correlate significantly with either caregivers’ age or patients’ age. Moreover, caregivers’ depression did not differ significantly according to their marital status, educational status, employment status, or monthly income. Conclusions. Prevalence of depression among AD caregiver is high. Risk factors for depression include patients’ exposure to repeated falls and prolonged stay with patients. Therefore, psychiatric care should be provided to caregivers, home safety should be maintained to avoid falls, and several persons should interchangeably provide care to AD patients.
Influence of Microalloying Element on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 34CrNiMo6 Steel for Wind Turbine Main Shaft
Authors: Ge Yanming , Wang Kehong
Published: September 2018

The influence of the microalloying elements of 34CrNiMo6 steel on the microstructure and mechanical properties is investigated in this paper, especially Al and N. Then, the testing of the tensile strength, yield strength, elongation after breakage, and impact absorbing energy under the different conditions is carried out to compare the mechanical properties of materials. Based on the experimental results, the evolutions of mechanical properties with the content of aluminum are obtained. The average grain size test and scanning electron microscope results illustrate that the strengthening mechanism is the pinning effect of aluminum nitride.
The Dental Management of Patients at Risk of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: New Paradigm of Primary Prevention
Authors: Di Fede Olga , Panzarella Vera , Mauceri Rodolfo , Fusco Vittorio , Bedogni Alberto , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , SIPMO ONJ Board  , Campisi Giuseppina
Published: September 2018

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a serious adverse reaction of antiresorptive and antiangiogenic agents; it is a potentially painful and debilitating condition that can considerably affect the quality of life of patients. Furthermore, even if its epidemiology and pathogenesis have still not been fully clarified, several risk factors related to MRONJ have been recognized in prevention protocols. Three main risk factors are as follows: (i) the type of ONJ-related medications: antiresorptive (e.g., Bisphosphonates, Denosumab) and antiangiogenic drugs (e.g., Bevacizumab, Sunitinib); (ii) the category of patient at MRONJ risk: cancer versus non-cancer patient; (iii) the typologies and timing of dental treatments (e.g., before, during, or after the drug administration). The aim of this paper is to describe the new paradigm by the Italian Society of Oral Pathology and Medicine (SIPMO) on preventive dental management in patients at risk of MRONJ, prior to and during/after the administration of the aforementioned ONJ-related drugs. In reducing the risk of MRONJ, dentists and oral hygienists are key figures in applying a correct protocol of primary prevention for pre-treatment and in-treatment patients. However, the necessity of a multidisciplinary standardized approach, with a sustained dialogue among specialists involved, should be always adopted in order to improve the efficacy of preventive strategies and to ameliorate the patient’s quality of life.
Clinical and Molecular Spectrum of Glutamate Dehydrogenase Gene Defects in 26 Chinese Congenital Hyperinsulinemia Patients
Authors: Su Chang , Liang Xue-Jun , Li Wen-Jing , Wu Di , Liu Min , Cao Bing-Yan , Chen Jia-Jia , Qin Miao , Meng Xi , Gong Chun-Xiu
Published: September 2018

Objective. To characterize the genotype and phenotype of Chinese patients with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) caused by activating mutations inGLUD1, the gene that encodes mitochondrial enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH).Methods. The clinical data of glutamate dehydrogenase hyperinsulinism (GDH-HI) patients were reviewed, and gene mutations were confirmed by whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger DNA sequencing.Results. Twenty-six patients with GDH-HI heterozygous missense mutations were identified from 240 patients diagnosed as congenital hyperinsulinism over past 15 years. The median age at onset was 8 months (range: 1 day of life to 3 years). Seizure disorder was common in our cohort of patients (23/26). Four patients had normal serum ammonia levels; the median serum concentration was 101 μmol/L (range: 37–190 μmol/L). Hypoglycemic symptoms could be triggered by fasting or protein meals in all patients while blood glucose could be well controlled in all patients with diazoxide. Dosage of diazoxide could be reduced by protein restriction. Attempts to lower ammonia levels failed with different therapies such as protein restriction, benzoate, or N-carbamoyl glutamate. In follow-up, 15 of 26 patients had normal intelligence. Eleven patients developed epilepsy at the age of 6 months to 11 years. De novo mutations inGLUD1were found in 24 cases, and dominant inheritance was observed in the other two; all were heterozygous. A total of 35% (9/26) patients carried c.1493C>T (p.S445L) mutation.Conclusions. Phenotypic heterogeneity of GDH-HI patients was observed within the Chinese cohort in the present study. The fact that most patients had aGLUD1p. S445L mutation implies that this site could be a hotspot in Chinese patients. A high frequency of GDH-HI with normal ammonia has been reported in this study. Hence,GLUD1mutational analysis may be an important method to differential diagnosis of GDH-HI from other diazoxide-responsive CHI in Chinese patients.
Prevalence of Multidrug Resistance and Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Carriage of Clinical Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alqasim Abdulaziz , Abu Jaffal Ahmad , Alyousef Abdullah A.
Published: September 2018

The prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-producing E. coli) has recently increased worldwide. This study aims at determining the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of a collection of clinical E. coli urine isolates and evaluating the ESBL carriage of these isolates at phenotypic and genotypic levels. A total of 100 E. coli urine isolates were collected at a tertiary healthcare centre in Riyadh from January 2018 to March 2018. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out for all isolates. ESBL production was characterized at phenotypic and genotypic levels using double-disc synergy test and polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Detection of different ESBL variants was performed using DNA sequencing. Of 100 E. coli isolates, 67 were associated with multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype. All isolates showed variable resistance levels to all antibiotics used here expect to imipenem, where they were all imipenem-sensitive. 33 out of 100 E. coli isolates were positive for ESBLs by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Among all ESBL-positive E. coli isolates, the CTX-M was the most prevalent ESBL type (31/33 isolates; 93.94%). CTX-M-15 variant was detected in all isolates associated with CTX-M carriage. Multiple ESBL gene carriage was detected in 15/33 isolates (45.45%), where 11 (33.33%) isolates produced two different ESBL types while 4 isolates (12.12%) associated with carrying three different ESBL types. Our study documented the high antimicrobial resistance of ESBL-producing E. coli to many front-line antibiotics currently used to treat UTI patients, and this implies the need to continuously revise the local guidelines used for optimal empirical therapy for UTI patients. It also showed the high prevalence of ESBL carriage in E. coli urine isolates, with CTX-M-15 being the most predominant CTX-M variant.
Diabetic Enteropathy: From Molecule to Mechanism-Based Treatment
Authors: Meldgaard Theresa , Olesen Søren Schou , Farmer Adam D. , Krogh Klaus , Wendel Anne Astrid , Brock Birgitte , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Brock Christina
Published: September 2018

The incidence of the micro- and macrovascular complications of diabetes is rising, mirroring the increase in the worldwide prevalence. Arguably, the most common microvascular complication is neuropathy, leading to deleterious changes in both the structure and function of neurons. Amongst the various neuropathies with the highest symptom burden are those associated with alterations in the enteric nervous system, referred to as diabetic enteropathy. The primary aim of this review is to provide a contemporaneous summary of pathophysiology of diabetic enteropathy thereby allowing a “molecule to mechanism” approach to treatment, which will include 4 distinct aspects. Firstly, the aim is to provide an overview of the diabetes-induced structural remodelling, biochemical dysfunction, immune-mediated alterations, and inflammatory properties of the enteric nervous system and associated structures. Secondly, the aim is to provide a synopsis of the clinical relevance of diabetic enteropathy. Thirdly, the aim is to discuss the various patient-reported outcome measures and the objective modalities for evaluating dysmotility, and finally, the aim is to outline the clinical management and different treatment options that are available. Given the burden of disease that diabetic enteropathy causes, earlier recognition is needed allowing prompt investigation and intervention, which may lead to improvements in quality of life for sufferers.
Horizontal Loading Tests on Disconnected Piled Rafts and a Simplified Method to Evaluate the Horizontal Bearing Capacity
Authors: Zhu Xiao-jun , Fei Kang , Wang Sheng-wei
Published: September 2018

Disconnected piled raft (DPR) foundations have been widely adopted as an effective foundation system where the piles are separated from the raft by a granular layer, which can limit the shear forces and moments transmitted between the raft and the piles. Thus, DPR foundations may avoid the problem of horizontal forces, such as those from an earthquake or dynamic loads, which damage the structural connection between the pile head and raft. A series of static horizontal loading tests were carried out on three types of foundation models, i.e., piled raft, disconnected piled raft, and raft alone models, on fine sand using a geotechnical model in a 1 g field. In this paper, the influences of vertical loading and interposed layer thickness were presented and discussed. The results showed that most of the horizontal force was carried by raft/interposed layer friction in the DPR foundation type, and the shear force and moment of the piles were greatly reduced due to the gap between the raft and the heads of the piles. The tested foundations were simulated using a simplified method with theoretical equations derived by making several approximations and assumptions. The simulated results agreed well with the test results.
Computer Vision Syndrome and Associated Factors among Computer Users in Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Dessie Awrajaw , Adane Fentahun , Nega Ansha , Wami Sintayehu Daba , Chercos Daniel Haile
Published: September 2018

Background. Globally, computer is one of the common office tools used in various institutions. Using computer for prolonged time led to the users at greater health risk of computer vision syndrome (CVS). Computer vision syndrome is the leading occupational health problem of the twenty-first century. About 70 percent of computer users are suffered from CVS. Besides the health problems, CVS causes inefficiency at workplace and deteriorate quality of work. The problem of CVS and its risk factors are not well known in Ethiopia. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of CVS and associated factors among computer user government employees in Debre Tabor town from February to March, 2016. Multistage random sampling method was applied to select 607 study participants, and the data were collected by using a structured questionnaire. Computer vision syndrome was measured by self-reported method. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 20. Significance level was obtained at 95% CI and p value < 0.05. Results. The prevalence of CVS was 422 (69.5%) with 95% CI of 65.60, 73.0%. Blurred vision, eyestrain, and eye irritation were the commonest reported symptoms of CVS with proportion of 62.60%, 47.63%, and 47.40%, respectively. Occupation: officer (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.74) and secretary (AOR = 9.17), daily computer usage (AOR: 2.29), and preexisting eye disease (AOR = 3.19) were risk factors for CVS. However, computer users with high payment, who took regular health break, and with good knowledge on computer safety measures were less impacted by CVS. Conclusion. The prevalence of computer vision syndrome was found to be higher in Debre Tabor town. Monthly income, occupation, daily computer usage, regular health break, knowledge, and preexisting eye disease were predictor variables for CVS. Optimizing exposure time, improving awareness on safety measures, and management support are important to tackle CVS.
Adaptive Reduced Dimension Fuzzy Decoupling Control Method with Its Application to a Deployable Antenna Panel
Authors: Liu Zhi-yong , Du Jing-li , Bao Hong , Xu Qian
Published: September 2018

This paper addresses the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) control problem with an active deformation adjustment mechanism on a 5-metre deployable antenna panel. An adaptive reduced-dimension fuzzy decoupling (ARDFD) control strategy based on fusion functions is proposed to eliminate the effects uncertainties due to coupled subsystems by designing and incorporating a fuzzy decoupling disturbance observer. Moreover, the MIMO system can be decomposed into a number of single-input single-output (SISO) systems using the unit diagonal matrix decoupling theory. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, it was shown that the error of fuzzy interference observer and the error between the fuzzy rule post parameter matrix and optimal post parameter matrix converge to a small region. Results of the simulation also show that the ARDFD control strategy can significantly eliminate adverse effects of the coupled subsystems.
Discretization of the Water Uptake Process of Na‐Montmorillonite Undergoing Atmospheric Stress: XRD Modeling Approach
Authors: Oueslati Walid , Meftah Mahdi
Published: September 2018

This work focuses on the water‐montmorillonite interaction under variable atmospheric conditions in order to characterize the interlamellar space (IS) configuration for possible use in the context of geological barrier for radioactive and industrial waste confinement. Atmospheric stress is achieved by applying, for Na‐rich montmorillonite, a water sorption/desorption constraint, created at the laboratory scale. This hydrological disturbance allows the “demolition” of the clay history and to highlight the clay hydrous performance. The structural analysis is achieved using modeling of XRD profiles, which allowed us to determine the optimal structural parameters describing the IS configuration along the c∗ axis. During the “in situ” XRD analysis, a sorption/desorption cycle is envisaged by variation of the relative humidity rate (%RH) from the saturated condition (94 %RH) towards extremely dry ones (2‐3 %RH). Qualitatively, a new hydration hysteresis behavior of the “stressed” sample appears. Structural analysis achieved before and after perturbation allowed us to identify, respectively, the homogeneous hydration states, the hydrous transition domains, and the hydration heterogeneity degree. This latter parameter is characterized, quantitatively, by variable relative abundances of mixed‐layer structure (MLS) population discerned over a wide explored RH range. Using the optimum structural parameter, the water molecule distribution versus the applied hydrous strain was quantified.
Effectiveness of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Shi-ying , Yang Kai-lin , Zeng Liu-ting , Wu Xiao-he , Huang Hui-yong
Published: September 2018

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of coenzyme Q10 for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. Data from randomized controlled trials were obtained to assess the effects of coenzyme Q10 versus placebo or western medicine on patients with T2DM. The study’s registration number is CRD42018088474. The primary outcomes included glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, and fasting insulin. Result. Thirteen trials involving 765 patients were included. Compared with the control group, coenzyme Q10 may decrease the HbA1c (WMD −0.29; 95% CI −0.54, −0.03; P=0.03) and the fasting blood glucose (WMD −11.21; 95% CI −18.99, −3.43; P=0.005). For fasting insulin, there is also not strong evidence that confirms which one is better because there was no statistical difference (WMD −0.48; 95% CI −2.54, 1.57; P=0.65). Conclusion. Based on current evidence, coenzyme Q10 may assist glycemic control, decrease TG, and improve HDL-C in patients with T2DM.
Stochastic Stability Analysis of Coupled Viscoelastic Systems with Nonviscously Damping Driven by White Noise
Authors: Liu Di , Wu Yanru , Xie Xiufeng
Published: September 2018

Nonviscously damped structural system has been raised in many engineering fields, in which the damping forces depend on the past time history of velocities via convolution integrals over some kernel functions. This paper investigates stochastic stability of coupled viscoelastic system with nonviscously damping driven by white noise through moment Lyapunov exponents and Lyapunov exponents. Using the coordinate transformation, the coupled Itô stochastic differential equations of the norm of the response and angles process are obtained. Then the problem of the moment Lyapunov exponent is transformed to the eigenvalue problem, and then the second-perturbation method is used to derive the moment Lyapunov exponent of coupled stochastic system. Lyapunov exponent also can be obtained according to the relationship between moment Lyapunov exponent and Lyapunov exponent. Finally, the effects of various physical quantities of stochastic coupled system on the stochastic stability are discussed in detail. These results are validated by the direct Monte Carlo simulation technique.
Existence and Nonexistence of Solutions for Fourth-Order Nonlinear Difference Boundary Value Problems via Variational Methods
Authors: Liu Xia , Zhou Tao , Shi Haiping
Published: September 2018

This paper is concerned with boundary value problems for a fourth-order nonlinear difference equation. Via variational methods and critical point theory, sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of at least two nontrivial solutions, the existence ofndistinct pairs of nontrivial solutions, and nonexistence of solutions. Some examples are provided to show the effectiveness of the main results.
The First Report of Multicentric Carpotarsal Osteolysis Syndrome Caused by MAFB Mutation in Asian
Authors: Choochuen Pongsakorn , Rojneuangnit Kitiwan , Khetkham Thanitchet , Khositseth Sookkasem
Published: September 2018

Multicentric carpotarsal osteolysis syndrome (MCTO) is a rare skeletal disorder characterized by aggressive osteolysis associated with progressive nephropathy. The early clinical presentation can mimic polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Since 2012, MAFB mutations have been discovered in all MCTO patients. Therefore, the early diagnosis can be made based on genetic confirmation. We report the clinical manifestation of mineral bone disease and the molecular genetic study of a Thai female adolescent with MCTO. She presented with end-stage renal disease, bilateral wrist and ankle joint deformities, and subtle facial dysmorphic features. We identified a heterozygous missense MAFB mutation at nucleotide 197 from C to G (NM_005461.4; c.197C>G), predicting the change of amino acid at codon 66 from serine to cysteine (p.Ser66Cys), and the mutation was absent in the parents, indicating a de novo mutation. This report confirms the previous link between MAFB mutation and MCTO. Her unexplained hypercalcemia after a regular dose of calcium and active vitamin D supported an important role of MafB in the negative regulation of RANKL-mediated osteoclast differentiation. Therefore, we would encourage the physicians who take care of MCTO patients to closely monitor serum calcium level and perform a genetic study as a part of the management and investigation.
Effects of Interaction between Dual Shaking Tables and Specimen and Force Feedback Compensation Control
Authors: Li Fangfang , Li Xiaojun , Wang Juke
Published: September 2018

The shaking table array system is composed of multiple shaking tables for seismic response simulation tests of large‐span spatial structures, bridge structures, slender structures such as pipeline and aqueduct, complex structures, and so on. In the process of testing with the multiple shaking tables, the interaction between the shaking tables and specimen affects the output accuracy of the shaking tables. The characteristics and rules of the dual shaking tables‐specimen interaction effects on the system performance were analyzed in this paper. In order to improve the output accuracy of the dual shaking tables, force feedback compensation was introduced into three‐variable control to reduce the interaction effects. However, the measurement errors of the force in the actuator and the acceleration of the shaking tables existed in the process of force feedback compensation. In order to verify the effectiveness of force feedback compensation for interaction between the dual shaking tables and specimen, the error influences on the system performance were simulated.
Pressure‐Arching Characteristics in Roof Blocks during Shallow Coal Mining
Authors: Zhao Yanhai , Wang Shuren , Hagan Paul , Ren Lianwei , Zou Zhengsheng
Published: September 2018

To reveal the performance of the stepped subsidence and the strong roof weighting during shallow coal mining, taking the fully mechanized mining face with large mining height in the Shendong mining area in China as the engineering background, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation were used to analyze the pressure‐arching effect of the hanging roof blocks. Three typical pressure‐arch models of the roof structure were proposed, such as the symmetrical pressure‐arch of two key blocks, the step pressure‐arch of multiple key blocks, and the rotative pressure‐arch of multiple key blocks. Results indicate that the horizontal stress displays a nonlinear distribution at the abutments of the symmetrical pressure‐arch, and there is a linear distribution of horizontal stress with a higher peak value at the midspan of the pressure‐arch. The high horizontal stress at the arch abutment is necessary to form the rotative pressure‐arch of multiple key blocks. The horizontal stress is relatively less at the arch abutment of the step pressure‐arch structure. The main key block is easier to slide in this structure as the boundary horizontal stresses display the nonlinear distribution. The results are of instructive significance for roof weighting forecast and strata control during shallow horizontal mining for a thick coal seam.
Retrospective Comparison of 27-Gauge and 25-Gauge Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery with Silicone Oil for the Treatment of Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Li Jie , Zhao Bo , Liu Sanmei , Li Fang , Dong Wentao , Zhong Jie
Published: September 2018

Aim. To retrospectively compare the safety and effectiveness of 27-gauge (27G) microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) with 25-guage (25G) MIVS for the treatment of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with silicone oil tamponade. Methods. Ninety-two patients with RRD who underwent MIVS from May 1, 2015, to June 30, 2017, were included in this study. Fifty-eight eyes underwent 25G MIVS and 34 eyes underwent 27G MIVS. We analyzed the characteristics of the patients, surgical time, main clinical outcomes, and rate of complications. Results. The mean surgical time was 56.7 ± 35.9 min for the 25G MIVS and 55.7 ± 36.1 min for the 27G MIVS, and there was no significant difference (P=0.894) between the two groups. The primary anatomical success rate after a single operation was 94.8% for 25G MIVS and 91.2% for 27G MIVS (P=0.666). Baseline and final visit best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were 1.9 ± 1.1 and 1.0 ± 0.8 in the 25G group, and 1.7 ± 1.0 and 1.1 ± 0.8 in the 27G group. Last visit BCVA increased significantly in both groups (P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in terms of visual improvement ratio (>0.2 logMAR) between the two groups (P=0.173). No severe intraoperative complication was observed. Iatrogenic retinal breaks occurred in 2 eyes (3.4%) in the 25G group and 1 eye (2.9%) in the 27G group during the peripheral vitreous base shaving. The transient ocular hypertension (>25 mmHg) within postoperative week 1 was 25.9% in the 25G group and 11.8% in the 27G group (P=0.120). Conclusions. This study found no significant anatomical or functional difference between 27G and 25G MIVS in the treatment of primary RRD. Therefore, 27G vitrectomy appears to be a safe and effective surgery for the treatment of primary RRD.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 as an Inflammatory and Prevention Biomarker in Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases
Authors: Al-Majid Ahmed , Alassiri Saeed , Rathnayake Nilminie , Tervahartiala Taina , Gieselmann Dirk-Rolf , Sorsa Timo
Published: September 2018

Levels of and especially the degree of activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-8) in oral fluids (i.e., saliva, mouth rinse, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and peri-implantitis sulcular fluid (PISF)) increase to pathologically elevated levels in the periodontal and peri-implant diseases. This study aimed at collecting and collating data from previously published studies and determining whether active MMP-8 (aMMP-8) could serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prevention of periodontal and peri-implant diseases. The literature search identified a total of 284 articles. Out of 284 articles, 61 articles were found to be relevant. Data obtained from the selected studies were combined, and it indicated that aMMP-8 in oral fluids exerts the strong potential to serve as a useful adjunctive diagnostic and preventive biotechnological tool in periodontal and peri-implant diseases. aMMP-8 can be used alone or in combination with other proinflammatory and/or microbiological biomarkers.