Effect of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on Functional Level and Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Limited Ambulation Due to Leg Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Purpose: Walking difficulties are defined as any reduction in speed, balance, or change of gait, causing limited ambulation. These difficulties are a common problem in older adults and may greatly affect their quality of life (QOL) and restrict their personal independence and participation. This study aimed to determine the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) on lower leg pain, walking capacity, functional mobility, ankle range of motion (AROM), and QOL of community-dwelling older people with walking difficulties. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 34 eligible participants with self-reported lower limb pain and limited ambulation were randomized either to the intermittent pneumatic compression intervention group (IPCIG) or static compression control group (SCCG). The IPCIG and SCCG were trained to receive IPC and SC respectively for both lower legs and instructed to continue the application independently at home for 15 minutes per session, 2 sessions a day, 7 days per week for 4 weeks independently at the home. Outcome measures of lower leg pain, AROM, walking capacity, and functional mobility were assessed at baseline and at the first, second, third, and fourth weeks after randomization. Quality of life was assessed at baseline and immediately after the intervention. Results and Discussion: IPCIG showed a more significant improvement compared to the SCCG at the post-interventional stage for QOL and all the subscales. The findings show that “80% improved QOL” is 53% higher with the application of IPC than with SC for 4 weeks. The IPCIG showed a more significant improvement in the 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) at the third and fourth weeks compared to the SCCG. A pairwise comparison of mean values of 6 MWT over 4 weeks within the IPCIG showed a significant difference between all the weeks. Pairwise comparisons between groups at each time point showed that the IPCIG showed a more significant improvement in the timed up and go (TUG) test at the third and fourth weeks compared to the SCCG. Pairwise comparison of mean values of TUG test within the IPCIG showed a significant difference over 4 weeks, except between the second and third weeks, fourth week, and third and fourth weeks. The IPCIG showed a more significant improvement in lower leg pain between all weeks except the first week compared to the SCCG. Pairwise comparison of mean values of lower leg pain over 4 weeks within the IPCIG showed a significant difference among all weekly outcomes except between 1 and 2 weeks. The IPCIG showed a more significant improvement in left and right ankle dorsiflexion ROM at the third and fourth weeks compared to the SCCG. Conclusions: The IPC was effective in reducing lower leg pain and increasing the AROM and improving the walking capacity, functional mobility level, and QOL of community-dwelling older people with walking disabilities. Walking disability in old age is a common condition requiring physical therapy. Intermittent pneumatic compression can be used as a physical therapy modality for this patient group.

Philosophy of GodForm:Power Authorities, Functional Position Levels, Religion and Science

In this work,author expressed new R-Synthesis specifically.Good and/or correct perspective that must be behind the definitions and administration generally expressed.New perspective of the philosophy explained generally.Philosophy of GodForm is defined and expressed as connected/related with the following concepts:(a)basic principles,(b)17 upper constructional philosophies,(c)14 lower constructional philosophies,(d)eight basic philosophies.As special cases,Philosophy of Engineering and Technology,Philosophy of Wireless Administration and others defined as hybrid philosophies.17 specific components/units which can be considered to define the basic principles of the related formation,are proposed to be designed by GodForm and defined by the author.Philosophy of GodForm and its relation with Values and Positions specifically defined.New Era Theory and New Era Belief explained generally.Some specific religions/beliefs are defined as variants/forms of the Progressive Religion.Good and/or correct power authorities(R-Power Authority)are defined due to 29 categories.Functional position levels defined for the R-Power Authorities with a unique table.As result of the R-Synthesis,functional position levels of some philosophers,some scientists,and of Prophet Jesus,Prophet Mohamed,Prophets Mouses,Buddha,and of Confucius generally/specifically defined.Integration and past/present effects of some R-Power Authorities in 5 x 5 Ideal Political Construction specifically explained.New Era Belief,Concepts of GodX and Science relation explained with the following concepts:(1)Religion of GodForm,(2)Knowledge of GodX,(3)Nature of GodX.With this respect,some other characteristics of 7 GodX power authorities expressed with details as complementary information.Following concepts/systems defined to arrange and solve some/most/all religious problems,which are determined with R-Synthesis:(a)Religious Responsibilities and Positions,(b)Ideal Religious Administration,(c)Sustainable/Continuable Political Administration System,(d)Community Values Council/Authority for each world country,(e)Progressive Councils.15 general religious position categories defined to express their good and/or correct meanings/values/responsibilities in the religious system.21 general/specific cases/programs defined due to New Era Belief to solve possible past/present/future community values problems,to have continuous,judicious,and progressive administration about the 36 kinds of community values.Progressive Councils,which are related with the CUS-WW-HO,are defined.Progressive Religion Council and some of the related religious responsibilities expressed for the kind progressive religion studies due to the Philosophy of Progressive Religions.

Gait and Glasgow Coma Scale scores can predict functional recovery in patients with traumatic brain injury

Fifty-one patients with mild （n -- 14）, moderate （n = 10） and severe traumatic brain injury （n = 27） received early rehabilitation. Level of consciousness was evaluated using the Glasgow Coma Score Functional level was determined using the Glasgow Outcome Score, whilst mobility was evaluated using the Mobility Scale for Acute Stroke. Activities of daily living were assessed using the Barthel Index. Following Bobath neurodevelopmental therapy, the level of consciousness was significantly improved in patients with moderate and severe traumatic brain injury, but was not greatly influenced in patients with mild traumatic brain injury. Mobility and functional level were significantly improved in patients with mild, moderate and severe traumatic brain injury. Gait recovery was more obvious in patients with mild traumatic brain injury than in patients with moderate and severe traumatic brain injury. Activities of daily living showed an improvement but this was insignificant except for patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Nevertheless, complete recovery was not acquired at discharge. Multiple regression analysis showed that gait and Glasgow Coma Scale scores can be considered predictors of functional outcomes following traumatic brain injury.

Undersea Buried Pipeline Reconstruction Based on the Level Set and Inverse Multiquadric Regularization Method

The electric inversion technique reconstructs the subsurface medium distribution from acquired data.On the basis of electric inversion,objects buried under the earth or seabed,such as pipelines and unexploded ordnance,are detected and located in a contactless manner.However,the process of accurately reconstructing the shape of the target object is challenging because electric inversion is a nonlinear and ill-posed problem.In this work,we present an inverse multiquadric(IMQ)regularization method based on the level set function for reconstructing buried pipelines.In the case of locating underwater objects,the unknown inversion area is split into two parts,the background and the pipeline with known conductivity.The geometry of the pipeline is represented based on the level set function for achieving a noiseless inversion image.To obtain a binary image,the IMQ is used as the regularization term,which‘pushes’the level set function away from 0.We also provide an appropriate method to select the bandwidth and regularization parameters for the IMQ regularization term,resulting in reconstructed images with sharp edges.The simulation results and analysis show that the proposed method performs better than classical inversion methods.

Impact of Nonlethal Levels of Metacid-50 and Carbaryl on Thyroid Function and Cholinergic System of Channa punctatus

With regard to brain acetylcholinesterase and acetylcholine and serum triiodothyronine(T_3) and thyroxine(T_4)profiles,a biphasic response pattern was elicited in Channa punctatus chroni- cally exposed to nonlethal doses of locally used pesticides,namely,Metacid-50 and Carbaryl. Data revealed that these xenobiotics caused significant inhibition of brain acetylcholinesterase activity and a decrease in thyroxine level accompanied by a concurrent increase in acetylcholine accumulation and T_3 level.It is surmised that Metacid-50 and Carbaryl influence both neural and hormonal functions.1989 Academic Press.Inc.

Fractional order distance regularized level set method with bias correction

The existing level set segmentation methods have drawbacks such as poor convergence,poor noise resistance,and long iteration times.In this paper,a fractional order distance regularized level set segmentation method with bias correction is proposed.This method firstly introduces fractional order distance regularized term to punish the deviation between the level set function(LSF)and the signed distance function.Secondly a series of covering template is constructed to calculate fractional derivative and its conjugate of image pixel.Thirdly introducing the offset correction term and fully using the local clustering property of image intensity,the local clustering criterion of image intensity is defined and integrated with the neighborhood center to obtain the global criterion of image segmentation.Finally,the fractional distance regularization,offset correction,and external energy constraints are combined,and the energy optimization segmentation method for noisy image is established by level set.Experimental results show that the proposed method can accurately segment the image,and effectively improve the efficiency and robustness of exiting state of the art level set related algorithms.

A Case of Colon Cancer Surgery Complicated with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective:To investigate the treatment and prevention of acute myocardial infarction after colon cancer surgery.Methods:A patient with acute anterior myocardial infarction who underwent stent implantation in the Seventh Affiliated Hospital,Sun Yat-sen University in 2017 was selected as the subject.The patient was admitted to the emergency department for stent implantation and took antiplatelet and lipid regulating drugs orally on time after the operation.The patient also had a history of colon cancer.The lesion was resected,and the complication after operation was acute myocardial infarction.After active and effective treatment and intervention,the treatment effect of the patient was analyzed.Results:Urgent PTCA was performed,and 0.5 mg Tirofiban was injected into the coronary artery.The results of angiography showed that the blood flow of anterior descending branch recovered to grade 2.Conclusion:The condition of patients with myocardial infarction after colon cancer surgery changes rapidly.Surgery combined with drug treatment can achieve a good prognosis,reduce mortality,and improve patients’cardiac function.

基于SysML扩展的系统安全性分析与评估方法

软件系统的复杂度越来越高给系统安全性分析工作带来了巨大挑战。基于SysML扩展的系统安全性分析与评能估力;方然法后对结Sy合sMALR P块-4定75义4/视47图61(b的loc系k统de级fin功itio能n危dia害gr分am析,(BFDHDA))进过行程pr分ofi析le系弱统扩失展效,使状其况、具失备效描影述响系和统失安效全等性级失,效计的算系统安全性评估结果。最后,该算法在某雷达系统开展实验验证,结果表明,该算法可在设计早期发现系统可能存在的失效状态,提高系统安全性。

The order structure of fuzzy numbers based on the level characteristics and its application to optimization problems

Ranking and comparing fuzzy numbers is an important part in many fuzzy optimization problems such as intelligent control and manufacturing system production line scheduling with uncertainty environments. In this paper, based on the level characteristic function and α-average of level cut sets of fuzzy number, we establish the IMα-metric method for measuring fuzzy number as a whole, and introduce the concept of IDα-difFerence that describes the reliability of IMα-metric value. Further, the basic properties and the separability of IMα-metric and IDα-difference are discussed. Finally, we give a mathematical model to solve fuzzy optimization problems by means of IMα-metric.

A New Variational Model with Dual Level Set Functions for Selective Segmentation

In this paper we present a selective segmentation model using a dual level set variational formulation.Our variational model aims to segment all objects with one level set function(global)and the selected object,which is the closest to the geometric constraints(markers),with another level set(local).It is a combination of edge detection,markers distance function and active contour without edges.Experimental results show that our model is more robust than previous work.

A Discontinuity and Cusp Capturing PINN for Stokes Interface Problems with Discontinuous Viscosity and Singular Forces

In this paper,we present a discontinuity and cusp capturing physicsinformed neural network(PINN)to solve Stokes equations with a piecewiseconstant viscosity and singular force along an interface.We first reformulate the governing equations in each fluid domain separately and replace the singular force effect with the traction balance equation between solutions in two sides along the interface.Since the pressure is discontinuous and the velocity has discontinuous derivatives across the interface,we hereby use a network consisting of two fully-connected sub-networks that approximate the pressure and velocity,respectively.The two sub-networks share the same primary coordinate input arguments but with different augmented feature inputs.These two augmented inputs provide the interface information,so we assume that a level set function is given and its zero level set indicates the position of the interface.The pressure sub-network uses an indicator function as an augmented input to capture the function discontinuity,while the velocity sub-network uses a cusp-enforced level set function to capture the derivative discontinuities via the traction balance equation.We perform a series of numerical experiments to solve two-and three-dimensional Stokes interface problems and perform an accuracy comparison with the augmented immersed interface methods in literature.Our results indicate that even a shallow network with a moderate number of neurons and sufficient training data points can achieve prediction accuracy comparable to that of immersed interface methods.

Isogeometric analysis based on geometric reconstruction models

In isogeometric analysis(IGA),the boundary representation of computer-aided design(CAD)and the tensor-product non-uniform rational B-spline structure make the analysis of three-dimensional(3D)problems with irregular geometries difficult.In this paper,an IGA method for complex models is presented by reconstructing analysis-suitable models.The CAD model is represented by boundary polygons or point cloud and is embedded into a regular background grid,and a model reconstruction method is proposed to obtain the level set function of the approximate model,which can be directly used in IGA.Three 3D examples are used to test the proposed method,and the results demonstrate that the proposed method can deal with complex engineering parts reconstructed by boundary polygons or point clouds.

A RECTANGULAR SHELL ELEMENT FORMULATION WITH A NEW MULTI-RESOLUTION ANALYSIS

A multi-resolution rectangular shell element with membrane-bending based on the Kirchhoff-Love theory is proposed. The multi-resolution analysis （MRA） framework is formulated out of a mutually nesting displacement subspace sequence, whose basis functions are constructed of scaling and shifting on the element domain of basic node shape functions. The basic node shape functions are constructed from shifting to other three quadrants around a specific node of a basic element in one quadrant and joining the corresponding node shape functions of four elements at the specific node. The MRA endows the proposed element with the resolution level （RL） to adjust the element node number, thus modulating structural analysis accuracy accordingly. The node shape functions of Kronecker delta property make the treatment of element boundary condition quite convenient and enable the stiffness matrix and the loading column vectors of the proposed element to be automatically acquired through quadraturing around nodes in RL adjusting. As a result, the traditional 4-node rectangular shell element is a mono-resolution one and also a special case of the proposed element. The accuracy of a structural analysis is actually determined by the RL, not by the mesh. The simplicity and clarity of node shape function formulation with the Kronecker delta property, and the rational MRA enable the proposed element method to be implemented more rationally, easily and efficiently than the conventional mono-resolution rectangular shell element method or other corresponding MRA methods.