bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
System study of pneumatic exoskeleton rehabilitation manipulator
Authors: Ma Xudong , Yuan Ruibo , Fang Sizhong 
Published: October 2018

In this study, biological characteristic of manpower is analysed and then the structural of exoskeleton rehabilitation manipulator is designed base on the thought of modular. First, the overall assembly drawing is drawn by SolidWorks. Second, the controlled pneumatic system is designed. The mainly contents are selecting mini pneumatic cylinder as a driver and controlling electromagnetic reversing valve which can lead to the piston movement of cylinder by STM32F429 microcontroller. At last, the movement simulation of exoskeleton rehabilitation manipulator is done and analysed by ADAMS, and then the experimental research of the same move pattern with simulation is carried out. It is proved that the pneumatic exoskeleton rehabilitation manipulator system has certain reliability and feasibility. Furthermore, it has the ability to meet the rehabilitation needs of patients with finger movement disorders.
Comparative evaluation on friction and wear characteristics of SiC, Si3 N4, Al2 O3, and ZrO2 sliding against PEEK composite for seawater hydraulic axial piston pumps
Authors: Zhang Zhenhua , Yang Lijie , Wu Xiangyang , Li Chunping , Wang Fei 
Published: October 2018

Comparative investigation on friction and wear properties of SiC, Si3 N4, Al2 O3, and ZrO2 lubricated with seawater was carried out on a ring‐on‐ring contacted tribological test apparatus, and their worn surfaces were observed by an ultra‐depth optical microscope. The results reveal that the friction coefficients of Si3 N4 and SiC are obviously lower than those of Al2 O3 and ZrO2 when they slide against the polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composite in seawater, and the friction stability of ZrO2 is so poor that it is not suitable for seawater hydraulic piston pumps. When the contacted load increases from 400 to 1000 N, the wear rate of Al2 O3 is still the highest, while the wear rates of SiC and Si3 N4 change from positive to negative, which indicates that plastic transfer is occurred under a heavier load. When they slide against the PEEK in seawater, the main tribological mechanism of SiC, Si3 N4, and Al2 O3 is slightly abrasive wear, while both abrasive wear and adhesive wear occur for ZrO2. Generally, both SiC and Si3 N4 have wide prospect applied in seawater hydraulic piston pumps, and particularly Si3 N4 exhibits excellent friction and wear properties in seawater.
Performance prediction of tobacco flavouring using response surface methodology and artificial neural network
Authors: Chen Lin , Yuan Ruibo , Liu Ze 
Published: October 2018

This study was to predict the optimum condition for leaf flavouring in cigarette manufacturing. To this purpose, an integrated research was used by using response surface and artificial neural network. A series of tobacco flavouring experiment's factors were designed by Experimental Design software. The MATLAB software's Neural Network function was used to forecast the responses, and the optimal solution configuration was coming out from the Response Surface Analysis Method. In the optimum condition, moisture removal opening, roller speed and tobacco process flow, pressure and feed liquid gas ejector flow are 18.60%, 10.74 rpm, 5314.11 kg/h, 3.70 bar and 243.63 kg/h, uniformity of the evaluation index and the utilization rate of material liquid distribution are 93.088% and 98.694%. With the corresponding experimental, results are consistent, under the condition of the error to less 7%, the test results show that through a few experimental data of predictive results of the neural network and response surface design has a certain practicability.
Highly photoactive Ag‐based urchin‐like E‐g‐C3N4/TiO2 ternary composite photocatalyst
Authors: Zhou Yi , Zhao Dawei , Cao Feng , Luo Qinsheng , Xiang Ye , Deng Yuehong 
Published: October 2018

Herein, silver (Ag)‐based urchin‐like E‐graphite carbon nitride/titanium dioxide (E‐g‐C3N4/TiO2) ternary composite was successfully synthesised via hydrothermal process and it showed excellent photocatalytic activity. The large interfacial contact between three‐dimensional (3D) urchin‐like TiO2 (UT) and g‐C3N4 leads to high photocatalytic activity, compared with pure 3D UT. To enlarge the response of light and enhance the charge carriers’ transfer, the Ag nanoparticles with average sizes of 13 nm were loaded on the surface of g‐C3N4/TiO2. Photodegradation test results of RhB shown that the 3% Ag‐based urchin‐like E‐g‐C3N4/TiO2 composite has the highest catalytic activity, which reaches 97.98%. Thus, the material has a promising application for the degradation of organics.
Solar total and spectral irradiance reconstruction over the last 9000 years
Authors: Wu C.-J. , Krivova N. A. , Solanki S. K. , Usoskin I. G. 
Published: October 2018

Context.Changes in solar irradiance and in its spectral distribution are among the main natural drivers of the climate on Earth. However, irradiance measurements are only available for less than four decades, while assessment of solar influence on Earth requires much longer records.Aims.The aim of this work is to provide the most up-to-date physics-based reconstruction of the solar total and spectral irradiance (TSI/SSI) over the last nine millennia.Methods.The concentrations of the cosmogenic isotopes14C and10Be in natural archives have been converted to decadally averaged sunspot numbers through a chain of physics-based models. TSI and SSI are reconstructed with an updated SATIRE model. Reconstructions are carried out for each isotope record separately, as well as for their composite.Results.We present the first ever SSI reconstruction over the last 9000 years from the individual14C and10Be records as well as from their newest composite. The reconstruction employs physics-based models to describe the involved processes at each step of the procedure.Conclusions.Irradiance reconstructions based on two different cosmogenic isotope records, those of14C and10Be, agree well with each other in their long-term trends despite their different geochemical paths in the atmosphere of Earth. Over the last 9000 years, the reconstructed secular variability in TSI is of the order of 0.11%, or 1.5 W m−2. After the Maunder minimum, the reconstruction from the cosmogenic isotopes is consistent with that from the direct sunspot number observation. Furthermore, over the nineteenth century, the agreement of irradiance reconstructions using isotope records with the reconstruction from the sunspot number by Chatzistergos et al. (2017, A&A, 602, A69) is better than that with the reconstruction from the WDC-SILSO series (Clette et al. 2014, Space Sci. Rev., 186, 35), with a lowerχ2-value.
Non-standard s-process in massive rotating stars
Authors: Choplin Arthur , Hirschi Raphael , Meynet Georges , Ekström Sylvia , Chiappini Cristina , Laird Alison 
Published: October 2018

Context. Recent studies show that rotation significantly affects the s-process in massive stars.
Aims. We provide tables of yields for non-rotating and rotating massive stars between 10 and 150 M⊙ at Z = 10−3 ([Fe/H] = −1.8).
Tables for different mass cuts are provided. The complete s-process is followed during the whole evolution with a network of 737 isotopes, from hydrogen to polonium.
Methods. A grid of stellar models with initial masses of 10, 15, 20, 25, 40, 60, 85, 120, and 150 M⊙ and with an initial rotation rate of both 0% or 40% of the critical velocity was computed. Three extra models were computed in order to investigate the effect of faster rotation (70% of the critical velocity) and of a lower 17O(α, γ) reaction rate.
Results. At the considered metallicity, rotation has a strong impact on the production of s-elements for initial masses between 20 and 60 M⊙. In this range, the first s-process peak is boosted by 2−3 dex if rotation is included. Above 60 M⊙, s-element yields of rotating and non-rotating models are similar. Increasing the initial rotation from 40% to 70% of the critical velocity enhances the production of 40 ≲ Z ≲ 60 elements by ∼0.5−1 dex. Adopting a reasonably lower 17O(α, γ) rate in the fast-rotating model (70% of the critical velocity) boosts again the yields of s-elements with 55 ≲ Z ≲ 82 by about 1 dex. In particular, a modest amount of Pb is produced. Together with s-elements, some light elements (particularly fluorine) are strongly overproduced in rotating models.
Neutron monitor count rate increase as a proxy for dose rate assessment at aviation altitudes during GLEs
Authors: Mishev Alexander , Tuohino Sasu , Usoskin Ilya 
Published: October 2018

Radiation exposure due to cosmic rays, specifically at cruising aviation altitudes, is an important topic in the field of space weather. While the effect of galactic cosmic rays can be easily assessed on the basis of recent models, estimate of the dose rate during strong solar particle events is rather complicated and time consuming. Here we compute the maximum effective dose rates at a typical commercial flight altitude of 35 kft (≈11 000 m above sea level) during ground level enhancement events, where the necessary information, namely derived energy/rigidity spectra of solar energetic particles, is available. The computations are carried out using different reconstructions of the solar proton spectra, available in bibliographic sources, leading to multiple results for some events. The computations were performed employing a recent model for effective dose and/or ambient dose equivalent due to cosmic ray particles. A conservative approach for the computation was assumed. A highly significant correlation between the maximum effective dose rate and peak NM count rate increase during ground level enhancement events is derived. Hence, we propose to use the peak NM count rate increase as a proxy in order to assess the peak effective dose rate at flight altitude during strong solar particle events using the real time records of the worldwide global neutron monitor network.
Ultrasound and Cystic Echinococcosis
Authors: Brunetti Enrico , Tamarozzi Francesca , Macpherson Calum , Filice Carlo , Piontek Markus , Kabaalioglu Adnan , Dong Yi , Atkinson Nathan , Richter Joachim , Schreiber-Dietrich Dagmar , Dietrich Christoph 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe introduction of imaging techniques in clinical practice 40 years ago changed the clinical management of many diseases, including cystic echinococcosis (CE). For the first time cysts were clearly seen before surgery. Among the available imaging techniques, ultrasound (US) has unique properties that can be used to study and manage cystic echinococcosis. It is harmless, can image almost all organs and systems, can be repeated as often as required, is portable, requires no patient preparation, is relatively inexpensive and guides diagnosis, treatment and follow-up without radiation exposure and harm to the patient. US is the only imaging technique which can be used in field settings to assess CE prevalence because it can be run even on solar power or a small generator in remote field locations. Thanks to US classifications, the concept of stage-specific treatments was introduced and because US is repeatable, the scientific community has gained a clearer understanding of the natural history of the disease. This paper reviews the scope of US in CE, describes its strengths and weaknesses compared to other imaging techniques and its relationship with serodiagnosis and discusses sonographic features that may be helpful in differential diagnosis.
Histological and Radiographic Evaluation of Equine Bone Structure after Implantation of Castor Oil Polymer
Authors: Selim Mariana , Facó Lara , Filippo Hagen Stefano , De Zoppa André , Arana Chavez Victor , Corrêa Luciana , Nóbrega Fernanda 
Published: October 2018

Objective The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of a vegetal polymeric biomaterial intended for bone substitution in horses and to investigate the responses of the equine third metacarpal bone to biomaterial implantation.
Materials and Methods Six horses were submitted to osteotomy on the dorsal aspect of the left and right third metacarpal bones; one bone defect was randomly selected for treatment with biopolymer, while the other was left untreated and served as a control. Bone density was monitored radiographically after surgery and bone biopsy fragments were collected at the end of the 120-day follow-up period. Biopsy fragments were analysed using light and scanning electron microscopy.
Results Mean bone density values (mmAL) were greater in control defects (16.33 ± 1.6) than in polymer-treated defects (14.17 ± 1.7) at 120 days (p = 0.027). Light microscopy revealed greater percentages of new bone formation in control defects (50.15 ± 14.8) than in polymer treated defects (26.94 ± 12.1) at 120 days (p < 0.0001). Scanning electron microscopy analysis suggested a similar quality of pre-existing bone and new bone formed in the presence of biomaterial.
Clinical Significance The absence of adverse reactions supports biomaterial biocompatibility and osteoconducting capacity and suggests the castor oil polymer is a suitable bone substitute for the treatment of bone defects in horses.
Vulvar Lipoma: A Case Report
Authors: Reda Ahmed , Gomaa Ihab 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe present study is a case report of vulvar lipoma. The vulva is a rare site for the development of lipomas, and the aim of the study is to determine if the current imaging modalities can diagnose lipomas correctly. A 43-year-old patient presented with a painless, slowly progressive, oval, mobile and non-tender right vulvar mass compressing the vagina and totally covering the introitus. Both the ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams suggested the diagnosis of lipoma. Surgical excision was performed, and the histopathological examination of the mass confirmed a lipoma.
Five-year Follow-up of Transobturator Sling: 152 Cases with the Same Surgeon
Authors: Diniz Mucio Barata , Diniz Luisa Campos Barata , Lopes da Silva Gustavo Francisco , Filho Agnaldo Lopes da Silva , Reis Zilma Silveira Nogueira , Monteiro Marilene Vale de Castro 
Published: October 2018

Objective To evaluate the long-term subjective cure rate of the transobturator sling, including an analysis of the risk factors and of the impact of increased surgical experience on the results.
Methods A retrospective cohort study of women who underwent transobturator sling surgery from 2005 to 2011 was conducted. Patients were evaluated by a telephone survey using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and by subjective questions regarding satisfaction. An ICIQ-SF score of 0 was considered a cure. The crude and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated in univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to identify risk factors for surgical failure. Differences with p < 0.05 were considered significant.
Results In total, 152 (70.6%) patients answered the questionnaire. The median follow-up period was 87 months. The urodynamic diagnosis was stress urinary incontinence in 144 patients (94.7%), and mixed urinary incontinence in 8 (5.3%) patients. Complications occurred in 25 (16%) patients. The ICQ-SF results indicated that 99 (65.10%) patients could be considered cured (ICIQ-SF score = 0). Regarding the degree of satisfaction, 101 (66%) considered themselves cured, 43 (28%) considered themselves improved, 7 (4.6%) considered themselves unchanged, and one reported worsening of the incontinence. After the univariate and multivariate analyses, the primary risk factor for surgical failure was the presence of urgency (p < 0.001).
Conclusion The transobturator sling is effective, with a low rate of complications and a high long-term satisfaction rate. The risk factors for failure were the presence of urgency and patient age. The increased experience of the surgeon was not a factor that influenced the rate of complications.
Negative Correlation between Placental Growth Factor and Endocan-1 in Women with Preeclampsia
Authors: Hentschke Marta Ribeiro , da Cunha Filho Edson Vieira , Vieira Matias Costa , Paula Letícia Germany , Mistry Hiten D. , Costa Bartira Ercília Pinheiro da , Poli-de-Figueiredo Carlos Eduardo 
Published: October 2018

Objective To analyze endocan-1, a biomarker of vascular endothelial related pathologies, and the placental growth factor (PlGF), an angiogenic factor and a placental dysfunction marker in patients with preeclampsia (PE).
Methods Case-control study conducted at Hospital São Lucas, in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. Endocan-1 and PlGF levels were quantified in the maternal plasma using the MagPlexTH-C microsphere system (MAGPIX System, Luminex, Austin, Texas, US) and evaluated through analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and adjusted by body mass index (BMI), gestational age and maternal age. To estimate the difference between the groups, the mean ratio (MR) and the 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated. The Pearson correlation test was used to establish any association between endocan-1 and PlGF levels. The null hypothesis was rejected when p < 0.05.
Results The group of patients was composed by normotensive (n = 67) patients and patients with PE (n = 50). A negative correlation between endocan-1 and the PlGF was noted in the entire normotensive group (linear correlation coefficient [r] = −0.605; p < 0.001), as well as in the PE group (r = −0.545; p < 0.001).
Conclusion Endocan-1 levels are increased in patients with PE, and are inversely correlated with PlGF levels. We suggest that it is important to analyze angiogenic and proinflammatory molecules concomitantly in women with PE to better understand the pathophysiology of the disease. Both molecules are strong candidates for PE biomarkers, and future studies will examine any mechanisms connecting these factors in PE.
Management of Transverse Vaginal Septum by Vaginoscopic Resection: Hymen Conservative Technique
Authors: Scutiero Gennaro , Greco Pantaleo , Iannone Piergiorgio , Bernardi Giulia , Greco Francesca , Nappi Luigi 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTransverse vaginal septum is a rare female genital tract anomaly, and little is described about its surgical treatment. We report the case of a patient who wished to preserve hymenal integrity due to social and cultural beliefs. We performed a vaginoscopic resection of the septum under laparoscopic view, followed by the introduction of a Foley catheter in the vagina, thus preserving the hymen. After 12 months of follow-up, no septal closure was present, and the menstrual flow was effective. Vaginoscopic hysteroscopy is an effective method of vaginal septum resection, even in cases in which hymenal integrity must be preserved due to social and cultural beliefs.
The Apoptotic, Angiogenic and Cell Proliferation Genes CD63, S100A6 e GNB2L1 are Altered in Patients with Endometriosis
Authors: Gomes Valéria Aguiar , Bonocher Camila de Moraes , Rosa-e-Silva Júlio César , de Paz Cláudia Cristina Paro , Ferriani Rui Alberto , Meola Juliana 
Published: October 2018

Objective The aim of the present study was to analyze the expression of the CD63, S100A6, and GNB2L1genes, which participate in mechanisms related to the complex pathophysiology of endometriosis.Methods A case-control study was conducted with 40 women who were diagnosed with endometriosis, and 15 fertile and healthy women. Paired samples of eutopic endometrium and endometriotic lesions (peritoneal and ovarian endometriotic implants) were obtained from the women with endometriosis in the proliferative (n = 20) or secretory phases (n = 20) of the menstrual cycle. As controls, paired endometrial biopsy samples were collected from the healthy women in the proliferative (n = 15) and secretory (n = 15) phases of the same menstrual cycle. We analyzed the expression levels of the CD63, S100A6, and GNB2L1 genes by real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results An increase in CD63, S100A6, and GNB2L1 gene transcript levels was observed in the ectopic implants compared with the eutopic endometrium of the women with and without endometriosis, regardless of the phase of the menstrual cycle.Conclusion These findings suggest that the CD63, S100A6, and GNB2L1 genes may be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, since they participate in mechanisms such as inhibition of apoptosis, angiogenesis and cell proliferation, which lead to the loss of cell homeostasis in the ectopic endometrium, thus contributing to the implantation and survival of the tissue in the extrauterine environment.
Prevalence, Attitudes, and Factors Motivating Conscientious Objection toward Reproductive Health among Medical Students
Authors: Darzé Omar Ismail Santos Pereira , Barroso Júnior Ubirajara 
Published: October 2018

Objective We have evaluated the prevalence of and the motivating factors behind the refusal to provide reproductive health services and the ethical knowledge of the subject among medical students from the Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, in the state of Bahia, Brazil.
Methods The present cross-sectional study involved 120 medical students. A questionnaire was utilized. The dependent variables were students' objections (or not) regarding three clinical reproductive health cases: abortion provided by law, contraceptive guidance to an adolescent without parental consent, and prescription of emergency contraception. The independent variables were age, gender, religion, ethical value, degree of religiosity, and attendance at worship services. Ethical knowledge comprised an obligation to state the reasons for the objection, report possible alternatives, and referral to another professional. Data were analyzed with χ2 tests and t-tests with a significance level of 5%.
Results Abortion, contraception to adolescents, and emergency contraception were refused by 35.8%, 17.5%, and 5.8% of the students, respectively. High religiosity (p < 0.001) and higher attendance at worship services (p = 0.034) were predictors of refusing abortion. Refusal to provide contraception to adolescents was significantly higher among women than men (p = 0.037). Furthermore, 25% would not explain the reason for the refusal, 15% would not describe all the procedures used, and 25% would not refer the patient to another professional.
Conclusion Abortion provided by law was the most objectionable situation. The motivating factors for this refusal were high commitment and religiosity. A reasonable portion of the students did not demonstrate ethical knowledge about the subject.
Lateral Basal Approach to CPA in Supine No-Retractor Method: Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm
Authors: Shimizu Katsuyoshi 
Published: October 2018

Objectives In this video, we demonstrate our more basal approach in microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm.
Design The patient is in supine position with the head rotated maximally to the opposite side on the U-shaped head rest. The small cranial window is made at the lateral bottom of occipital cranium with the adequate superficial manipulation on the muscles layers in the craniocervical junction.
Results The more basal approach enables the surgeon to access all the segments of the VIIth nerve tract without cerebellar retraction by spatula, especially in the case with vertebral artery associated compression.
Conclusion This approach safely provides the ideal operative corridor promising sufficient decompression in micorvascular decompression for the VIIth nerve.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/_nKSjGEHoB4.