Application of bifurcation methods for the prediction of low-speed aircraft ground performance

The design of aircraft for ground maneuvers is an essential part in satisfying the demanding requirements of the aircraft operators. Extensive analysis is done to ensure that a new civil aircraft type will adhere to these requirements, for which the nonlinear nature of the problem generally adds to the complexity of such calculations. Small perturbations in velocity, steering angle, or brake application may lead to significant differences in the final turn widths that can be achieved. Here, the U-turn maneuver is analyzed in detail, with a comparison between the two ways in which this maneuver is conducted. A comparison is also made between existing turn-width prediction methods that consist mainly of geometric methods and simulations and a proposed new method that uses dynamical systems theory. Some assumptions are made with regard to the transient behavior, for which it is shown that these assumptions are conservative when an upper bound is chosen for the transient distance. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the results from the dynamical systems analysis are sufficiently close to the results from simulations to be used as a valuable design tool. Overall, dynamical systems methods provide an order-of-magnitude increase in analysis speed and capability for the prediction of turn widths on the ground when compared with simulations. Nomenclature co = oleo damping coefficient, N s2 =m2 cz = tire vertical damping coefficient Fco = damping force in oleo due to the orifice,

Labor-associated gene expression in the human uterine fundus, lower segment, and cervix

Background Preterm labor, failure to progress, and postpartum hemorrhage are the common causes of maternal and neonatal mortality or morbidity. All result from defects in the complex mechanisms controlling labor, which coordinate changes in the uterine fundus, lower segment, and cervix. We aimed to assess labor-associated gene expression profiles in these functionally distinct areas of the human uterus by using microarrays. Methods and Findings Samples of uterine fundus, lower segment, and cervix were obtained from patients at term (mean +/- 6 SD = 39.1 +/- 0.5 wk) prior to the onset of labor (n = 6), or in active phase of labor with spontaneous onset (n = 7). Expression of 12,626 genes was evaluated using microarrays ( Human Genome U95A; Affymetrix) and compared between labor and non-labor samples. Genes with the largest labor-associated change and the lowest variability in expression are likely to be fundamental for parturition, so gene expression was ranked accordingly. From 500 genes with the highest rank we identified genes with similar expression profiles using two independent clustering techniques. Sets of genes with a probability of chance grouping by both techniques less than 0.01 represented 71.2%, 81.8%, and 79.8% of the 500 genes in the fundus, lower segment, and cervix, respectively. We identified 14, 14, and 12 those sets of genes in the fundus, lower segment, and cervix, respectively. This enabled networks of coregulated and co-expressed genes to be discovered. Many genes within the same cluster shared similar functions or had functions pertinent to the process of labor. Conclusions Our results provide support for many of the established processes of parturition and also describe novel-to-labor genes not previously associated with this process. The elucidation of these mechanisms likely to be fundamental for controlling labor is an important prerequisite to the development of effective treatments for major obstetric problems - including prematurity, with its long-term consequences to the health of mother and offspring

Botnet detection in the internet-of-things networks using convolutional neural network with pelican optimization algorithm

Hackers nowadays employ botnets to undertake cyberattacks towards the Internet of Things (IoT) by illegally exploiting the scattered network’s resources of computing devices. Several Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) methods for detecting botnet (BN) assaults in IoT networks have recently been proposed. However, in the training set, severely imbalanced network traffic data degrades the classification performances of state-of-the-art ML as well as DL algorithm, particularly in classes with very few samples. The Convolutional Neural Network -Pelican Optimization System (CNN-POA) is a DL relied botnet attack detection algorithm developed in this research. Meanwhile, typical evaluation markers are used to compare the overall performance of the proposed CNN-POA and additional frequently employed algorithms. The simulation results suggest that the CNN-POA method is effective and dependable for detecting IoT network intrusion attacks. Experiments revealed that the suggested CNN-POA approach outperformed a number of current metaheuristic algorithms, with an accuracy of 99.5%

Grand Challenges: Improving HIV Treatment Outcomes by Integrating Interventions for Co-Morbid Mental Illness.

In the fourth article of a five-part series providing a global perspective on integrating mental health, Sylvia Kaaya and colleagues discuss the importance of integrating mental health interventions into HIV prevention and treatment platforms. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary

Facilitating professional liaison in collaborative care for depression in UK primary care; a qualitative study utilising normalisation process theory

This is a freely-available open access publication. Please cite the published version which is available via the DOI link in this record.Background: Collaborative care (CC) is an organisational framework which facilitates the delivery of a mental health intervention to patients by case managers in collaboration with more senior health professionals (supervisors and GPs), and is effective for the management of depression in primary care. However, there remains limited evidence on how to successfully implement this collaborative approach in UK primary care. This study aimed to explore to what extent CC impacts on professional working relationships, and if CC for depression could be implemented as routine in the primary care setting. Methods: This qualitative study explored perspectives of the 6 case managers (CMs), 5 supervisors (trial research team members) and 15 general practitioners (GPs) from practices participating in a randomised controlled trial of CC for depression. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and data was analysed using a two-step approach using an initial thematic analysis, and a secondary analysis using the Normalisation Process Theory concepts of coherence, cognitive participation, collective action and reflexive monitoring with respect to the implementation of CC in primary care. Results: Supervisors and CMs demonstrated coherence in their understanding of CC, and consequently reported good levels of cognitive participation and collective action regarding delivering and supervising the intervention. GPs interviewed showed limited understanding of the CC framework, and reported limited collaboration with CMs: barriers to collaboration were identified. All participants identified the potential or experienced benefits of a collaborative approach to depression management and were able to discuss ways in which collaboration can be facilitated. Conclusion: Primary care professionals in this study valued the potential for collaboration, but GPs’ understanding of CC and organisational barriers hindered opportunities for communication. Further work is needed to address these organisational barriers in order to facilitate collaboration around individual patients with depression, including shared IT systems, facilitating opportunities for informal discussion and building in formal collaboration into the CC framework. Trial registration: ISRCTN32829227 30/9/2008.UK Medical Research CouncilNIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health ResearchCare South West Peninsul

Institutional experience of surgical management of intramedullary spinal cord tumours

Background: Intramedullary spinal cord tumors are rare entity accounting for only 5-6% of all central nervous system tumors. Much literature is not available regarding these tumors owing to their rarity. Present study includes 24 cases of intramedullary spinal cord tumors with pain and progressive weakness. Radiological evaluation showed various intramedullary lesions like ependymoma, astrocytoma, epidermoid etc. spreading over various levels of spinal cord like cervicomedullary, cervicodorsal and dorsal cords.Methods: The study included all the cases admitted with intramedullary spinal cord tumors in neurosurgery ward in King George hospital, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India during a period of three years from 2014 to 2016. Clinical profile of the patients was analyzed for the clinical presentation, age and sex distribution, histopathological study, pre-and postoperative neurological status, complications and functional outcome. All the patients are followed for a period of 6months to 3years.Results: Of the 24 cases, most common age group was second (7 patients) and third (7 patients) decades which is upto 29.16% each.  Males (16 patients) are more affected than females in 66.66%. Ependymoma is the most common tumor seen in 41.66% (10 patients) followed by astrocytoma in 33.33% (8 patients). The surgical technique, extent of resection, pre and postoperative neurological status and functional outcome are discussed.Conclusions: Intramedullary tumours occur commonly among males in the 2nd to 4th decades. Among the intramedullary tumours ependymoma from the commonest lesion subtypes. Most common location is cervical cord segment. Ependymomas have a good plane of cleavage and are thus amenable to radical excision. Patients with good Mc Cormicks grade in pre-operative stage are more amenable for total or near total excision. Prognostic factors affecting outcome are the preoperative neurological status, the plane of cleavage, the extent of resection, the nature and subtype of the lesion. With the improvement in microsurgical techniques and novel adjunctive like MRI, CUSA and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, surgery for intramedullary lesions can be carried out with acceptable morbidity and mortality.

Efficiency enhancement in hybrid renewable energy system using polycrystalline silicon cell

Accessing the unelectrified rural population is currently not possible through grid expansion, as connectivity is neither economically viable nor encouraged by large companies. Additionally, conventional energy options, such as broom-based systems, are being gradually phased out of rural development programs because to growing oil prices and the unbearable effects of this energy source on consumers and the environment. A hybrid generator using solar and wind can solve this issue. Proven hybrid systems are the best choice for delivering high-quality power. Nowadays, hybrid renewable energy systems are becoming popular. The power system provides electricity to remote and isolated areas. Villages and residents in the forest area had their electricity cut off due to the forest environment. While creating a renewable energy source near the load. Solar power and wind power are renewable sources, solar power works in the morning and wind can make morning and night time to synchronize both output voltage and frequency to provide provides the ability to charge continuously, without interruption. The main objective of the project is to provide mixed renewable energy without interruption

Antimicrobial and Efflux Pump Inhibitory Activity of Caffeoylquinic Acids from Artemisia absinthium against Gram-Positive Pathogenic Bacteria

Background: Traditional antibiotics are increasingly suffering from the emergence of multidrug resistance amongst pathogenic bacteria leading to a range of novel approaches to control microbial infections being investigated as potential alternative treatments. One plausible antimicrobial alternative could be the combination of conventional antimicrobial agents/antibiotics with small molecules which block multidrug efflux systems known as efflux pump inhibitors. Bioassay-driven purification and structural determination of compounds from plant sources have yielded a number of pump inhibitors which acted against gram positive bacteria. Methodology/Principal Findings: In this study we report the identification and characterization of 4′,5′-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (4′,5′-ODCQA) from Artemisia absinthium as a pump inhibitor with a potential of targeting efflux systems in a wide panel of Gram-positive human pathogenic bacteria. Separation and identification of phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, 3′,5′-ODCQA, 4′,5′-ODCQA) was based on hyphenated chromatographic techniques such as liquid chromatography with post column solid-phase extraction coupled with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy. Microbial susceptibility testing and potentiation of well know pump substrates revealed at least two active compounds; chlorogenic acid with weak antimicrobial activity and 4′,5′-ODCQA with pump inhibitory activity whereas 3′,5′-ODCQA was ineffective. These intitial findings were further validated with checkerboard, berberine accumulation efflux assays using efflux-related phenotypes and clinical isolates as well as molecular modeling methodology. Conclusions/Significance: These techniques facilitated the direct analysis of the active components from plant extracts, as well as dramatically reduced the time needed to analyze the compounds, without the need for prior isolation. The calculated energetics of the docking poses supported the biological information for the inhibitory capabilities of 4′,5′-ODCQA and furthermore contributed evidence that CQAs show a preferential binding to Major Facilitator Super family efflux systems, a key multidrug resistance determinant in gram-positive bacteria.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (grant R01GM59903)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (grant R01AI050875)Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (VICI grant 700.56.442)Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center (MTTC)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (grant 5U54MH084690-02

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the relative efficacy and safety of treatment regimens for HIV ‐associated cerebral toxoplasmosis: is trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole a real option?

Objectives The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature to evaluate the efficacy and safety of therapies for cerebral toxoplasmosis in HIV ‐infected adults. The pyrimethamine plus sulfadiazine (P‐S) combination is considered the mainstay therapy for cerebral toxoplasmosis and pyrimethamine plus clindamycin (P‐C) is the most common alternative treatment. Although trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP ‐SMX ) has potential advantages, its use is infrequent. Methods We searched PubMed and four other databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT s) and cohort studies. Two independent reviewers searched the databases, identified studies and extracted data. Risk ratios (RR s) were pooled across studies using random‐effects models. Results Nine studies were included (five RCT s, three retrospective cohort studies and one prospective cohort study). In comparison to P‐S, treatment with P‐C or TMP ‐SMX was associated with similar rates of partial or complete clinical response [P‐C: RR 0.87; 95% confidence interval (CI ) 0.70–1.08; TMP ‐SMX : RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.78–1.21], radiological response (P‐C: RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.82–1.03), skin rash (P‐C: RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.56–1.17; TMP ‐SMX : RR 0.17; 95% CI 0.02–1.29), gastrointestinal impairment (P‐C: RR 5.16; 95% CI 0.66–40.11), and drug discontinuation because of adverse events (P‐C: RR 0.32; 95% CI 0.07–1.47). Liver impairment was more frequent with P‐S than P‐C (P‐C vs . P‐S: RR 0.48; 95% CI 0.24–0.97). Conclusions The current evidence fails to identify a superior regimen in terms of relative efficacy or safety for the treatment of HIV ‐associated cerebral toxoplasmosis. Use of TMP ‐SMX as preferred treatment may be consistent with the available evidence and other real‐world considerations. Larger comparative studies are needed

A systematic review of the relative efficacy and toxicity of treatment regimens for HIV-associated cerebral toxoplasmosis: is trimephoprim-sulfamethaxozole a real option?

Background: Pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine (P-S) combination is effective and considered the mainstay therapy for cerebral toxoplasmosis (CT). Alternative treatment regimens are available, but their relative efficacy and tolerability are not well known. Particularly, trimephoprim-sulfamethaxozole (TMP-SMX) shows potential advantages (i.e., tolerability, posology, parenteral formulation, cost, and accessibility) but its use is infrequent when P-S is available. Methods: We searched PubMed and 4 other databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies comparing different regimens for the treatment of HIV-associated CT. Two independent reviewers searched and identified studies and extracted data. Risk ratios (RRs) were pooled across studies using random-effects models. Results: Nine studies were included (5 RCTs, 3 retrospective cohorts, 1 prospective cohort). Treatment with P-S has the same or better clinical efficacy than P-C or TMP-SMX in terms of partial or complete response clinical response (P-C vs P-S: RR 0.87, 95%CI 0.70-1.08; TMP-SMX vs P-S: RR 0.97, 95%CI 0.78-1.21) and radiological response (P-C vs P-S: RR 0.92, 95%CI 0.82-1.03). Safety profile in terms of skin rash (P-C vs P-S: RR 0.81, 95%CI 0.56-1.17; TMP-SMX vs P-S: RR 0.17, 95%CI 0.02-1.29), liver impairment (P-C vs P-S: RR 0.48, 95%CI 0.24-0.97) and drug discontinuation due to adverse events (P-C vs P-S: RR 0.32, 95%CI 0.07-1.47) were worse with P-S regimen. Conclusion: The available evidence fails to identify any one superior regimen for the treatment of CT. However, P-S regimen has worse safety profile than P-C or TMP-SMX. Although current evidence does not allow a definitive recommendation, use of TMP-SMX for treatment of HIV-associated CT is consistent with the available data. More large studies comparing alternative therapies are needed.IDWeek, Evento que se llevó a cabo del 7 -11 de Octubre de 2015, en la ciudad de San Diego, CA, EE.UU. Evento Sesión HIV: Other Opportunistic Infections in HIV. Saturday, October 10, 2015. Room: Poster Hal