Acupuncture in Post-Stroke Shoulder Pain Syndrome with Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Study

Jia Hui Gan,Lorenzo A. Santorelli 사단법인약침학회 2021 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.14 No.1

The present case study illustrates the case of a 47-year-old female (Ms X) with primary progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who presented with central post-stroke pain (CPSP) over her left shoulder and underwent acupuncture treatment (AT) since she appeared irresponsive to conventional treatment. The aim of this case study is to explore the effectiveness of acupuncture as a complimentary treatment in improving central neurogenic pain in MS patients affected by CPSP. AT lasted six weeks, some modification of the conventional AT points was required to ensure continuity and safety of the treatment plan. In fact, Ms X suffered from gingivitis that led to hypersensitivity of her left upper limb (UL) to acupuncture needling; moreover, she experienced sensation loss in her legs as a result of post-stroke complications. The outcome showed that the subject’s shoulder range of motion (ROM), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and pain improved remarkably, enabling Ms X to resume post-stroke rehabilitation and reduce her analgesic intake.

Spectrum- and Energy- Efficiency Analysis Under Sensing Delay Constraint for Cognitive Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Networks

Jia Zhang,Jun Wu,Zehao Chen,Ze Chen,Jipeng Gan,Jiangtao He,Bangyu Wang 한국인터넷정보학회 2022 KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Syst Vol.16 No.4

In order to meet the rapid development of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication needs, cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) helps to identify unused spectrum for the primary users (PU). However, multi-UAV mode (MUM) requires the large communication resource in a cognitive UAV network, resulting in a severe decline of spectrum efficiency (SE) and energy efficiency (EE) and increase of energy consumption (EC). On this account, we extend the traditional 2D spectrum space to 3D spectrum space for the UAV network scenario and enable UAVs to proceed with spectrum sensing behaviors in this paper, and propose a novel multi-slot mode (MSM), in which the sensing slot is divided into multiple mini-slots within a UAV. Then, the CSS process is developed into a composite hypothesis testing problem. Furthermore, to improve SE and EE and reduce EC, we use the sequential detection to make a global decision about the PU channel status. Based on this, we also consider a truncation scenario of the sequential detection under the sensing delay constraint, and further derive a closed-form performance expression, in terms of the CSS performance and cooperative efficiency. At last, the simulation results verify that the performance and cooperative efficiency of MSM outperforms that of the traditional MUM in a low EC.

Nonlinear resonances of nonlocal strain gradient nanoplates made of functionally graded materials considering geometric imperfection

Jia-Qin Xu,Gui-Lin She,Yin-Ping Li,Lei-Lei Gan 국제구조공학회 2023 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.47 No.6

When studying the resonance problem of nanoplates, the existing papers do not consider the influences of geometric nonlinearity and initial geometric imperfection, so this paper is to fill this gap. In this paper, based on the nonlocal strain gradient theory (NSGT), the nonlinear resonances of functionally graded (FG) nanoplates with initial geometric imperfection under different boundary conditions are established. In order to consider the small size effect of plates, nonlocal parameters and strain gradient parameters are introduced to expand the assumptions of the first-order shear deformation theory. Subsequently, the equations of motion are derived using the Euler-Lagrange principle and solved with the help of perturbation method. In addition, the effects of initial geometrical imperfection, functionally graded index, strain gradient parameter, nonlocal parameter and porosity on the nonlinear forced vibration behavior of nanoplates under different boundary conditions are discussed.

Throughput and Interference for Cooperative Spectrum Sensing: A Malicious Perspective

( Jipeng Gan ),( Jun Wu ),( Jia Zhang ),( Zehao Chen ),( Ze Chen ) 한국인터넷정보학회 2021 KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Syst Vol.15 No.11

Cognitive radio (CR) is a feasible intelligent technology and can be used as an effective solution to spectrum scarcity and underutilization. As the key function of CR, cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) is able to effectively prevent the harmful interference with primary users (PUs) and identify the available spectrum resources by exploiting the spatial diversity of multiple secondary users (SUs). However, the open nature of the cognitive radio networks (CRNs) framework makes CSS face many security threats, such as, the malicious user (MU) launches Byzantine attack to undermine CRNs. For this aim, we make an in-depth analysis of the motive and purpose from the MU’s perspective in the interweave CR system, aiming to provide the future guideline for defense strategies. First, we formulate a dynamic Byzantine attack model by analyzing Byzantine behaviors in the process of CSS. On the basis of this, we further make an investigation on the condition of making the fusion center (FC) blind when the fusion rule is unknown for the MU. Moreover, the throughput and interference to the primary network are taken into consideration to evaluate the impact of Byzantine attack on the interweave CR system, and then analyze the optimal strategy of Byzantine attack when the fusion rule is known. Finally, theoretical proofs and simulation results verify the correctness and effectiveness of analyses about the impact of Byzantine attack strategy on the throughput and interference.

Profiling of skeletal muscle tissue for long non-coding RNAs related to muscle metabolism in the QingYu pig at the growth inflection point

Luo, Jia,Shen, Linyuan,Gan, Mailin,Jiang, Anan,Chen, Lei,Ma, Jideng,Jin, Long,Liu, Yihui,Tang, Guoqing,Jiang, Yanzhi,Li, Mingzhou,Li, Xuewei,Zhang, Shunhua,Zhu, Li Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2021 Animal Bioscience Vol.34 No.8

Objective: Investigation of muscle growth at different developmental stages is an appropriate strategy for studying the mechanisms underlying muscle development and differences in phenotypes. In particular, the muscle development mechanisms and the difference between the fastest and slowest growth rates. Methods: In this study, we used a growth curve model to fit the growth inflection point (IP) of QingYu pigs and compared differences in the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) transcriptome of muscle both at the growth IP and plateau phase (PP). Results: The growth curve of the QingYu pig had a good fit (R² = 0.974) relative to a typical S-curve and reached the IP at day 177.96. At the PP, marbling, intramuscular fat, and monounsaturated fatty acids had increased significantly and the percentage of lean muscle and polyunsaturated fatty acids had decreased. A total of 1,199 mRNAs and 62 lncRNAs were differentially expressed at the IP compared with the PP. Additional to gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway analyses, these differentially expressed protein coding genes were principally related to muscle growth and lipid metabolism. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the identified differentially expressed lncRNAs, could play roles in muscle growth, fat deposition and regulation of fatty acid composition at the IP and PP.

Wave propagation of graphene platelets reinforced metal foams circular plates

Lei-Lei Gan,Jia-Qin Xu,Gui-Lin She 국제구조공학회 2023 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.85 No.5

Based on first-order shear deformation theory, a wave propagation model of graphene platelets reinforced metal foams (GPLRMFs) circular plates is built in this paper. The expressions of phase-/group- velocities and wave number are obtained by using Laplace integral transformation and Hankel integral transformation. The effects of GPLs pattern, foams distribution, GPLs weight fraction and foam coefficient on the phase and group velocity of GPLRMFs circular plates are discussed in detail. It can be inferred that GPLs distribution have great impacts on the wave propagation problems, and Porosity- I type distribution has the largest phase velocity and group velocity, followed by Porosity-III, and finally Porosity-II; With the increase of the GPLs weight fraction, the phase- and group- velocities for the GPLRMFs circular plate will be increased; With the increase of the foam coefficient, the phase- and group- velocities for the GPLRMFs circular plate will be decreased.

Strength criterion of plain recycled aggregate concrete under biaxial compression

Zhen-Jun He,Gan-Wen Liu,Wan-Lin Cao,Chang-Yang Zhou,Zhang Jia-Xing 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2015 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.16 No.2

This paper presents results of biaxial compressive tests and strength criterion on two replacement percentages of recycled coarse aggregate (RPRCA) by mass for plain structural recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) at all kinds of stress ratios. The failure mode characteristic of specimens and the direction of the cracks were observed and described. The two principally static strengths in the corresponding stress state were measured. The influence of the stress ratios on the biaxial strengths of RAC was also analyzed. The experimental results showed that the ratios of the biaxial compressive strength  3f to the corresponding uniaxial compressive strength c for the two RAC are higher than that of the conventional concrete (CC), and dependent on the replacement percentages of recycled coarse aggregate, stress states and stress ratios; however, the differences of tensile-compressive ratios for the two RAC and CC are smaller. On this basis, a new failure criterion with the stress ratios is proposed for plain RAC under biaxial compressive stress states. It provides the experimental and theoretical foundations for strength analysis of RAC structures subject to complex loads.

Ginseng extract and ginsenosides improve neurological function and promote antioxidant effects in rats with spinal cord injury: A metaanalysis and systematic review

Ginseng extract and ginsenosid,Gan Li,Long-yun Zhou,Yong-jia Song,Xu-qing Chen,Yong-jun Wang,Min Yao,Xue-jun Cui 고려인삼학회 2022 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.46 No.1

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is defined as damage to the spinal cord that temporarily or permanently changes its function. There is no definite treatment established for neurological complete injury patients. This study investigated the effect of ginseng extract and ginsenosides on neurological recovery and antioxidant efficacies in rat models following SCI and explore the appropriate dosage. Searches were done on PubMed, Embase, and Chinese databases, and animal studies matches the inclusion criteria were selected. Pair-wise meta-analysis and subgroup analysis were performed. Ten studies were included, and the overall methodological qualities were low quality. The result showed ginseng extract and ginsenosides significantly improve neurological function, through the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale (pooled MD = 4.40; 95% CI = 3.92 to 4.88; p < 0.00001), significantly decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) (n = 290; pooled MD = -2.19; 95% CI = -3.16 to -1.22; p < 0.0001) and increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels (n = 290; pooled MD = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.45 to 2.83; p < 0.00001). Both low (<25 mg/kg) and high dosage (≥25 mg/kg) showed significant improvement in the motor function recovery in SCI rats. Collectively, this review suggests ginseng extract and ginsenosides has a protective effect on SCI, with good safety and a clear mechanism of action and may be suitable for future clinical trials and applications.

Post-fire Study on Mechanical Properties of Damaged Ultra-high Strength Concrete

Xiao Lyu,Guang-Hao Jia,Gan-Ping Shu,Xin Zhang,Er-Feng Du,Wen-Ming Wang 한국강구조학회 2022 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.22 No.6

In order to study the eff ect of steel tube, pre-load and temperature on residual performance of heated ultra-high strength concrete (UHSC), an experimental program was carried out to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of UHSC post-fi re in room temperature. With total of 54 standard cylindrical concrete specimens subjected to various temperatures ranging from 62 °C to 496 °C, their residual compressive strength, elastic modulus, peak strain was measured after natural cooling down. By comparing the test results of standard cylindrical concrete specimens with the results of the bare specimens in and after fi re, it is known that the residual compressive strength of standard cylindrical concrete specimens decayed more serious after exposing to same temperature. Seen from the results, the temperature which the specimens suff ered was found to be responsibility to the reduction of the compressive strength, elastic modulus, peak strain. As the temperature up to 300 °C, the strength reduction coeffi cient of UHSC was 0.67 ~ 0.68 and the elastic modulus reduction coeffi cient of UHSC was 0.41 ~ 0.51 with peak strain coeffi cient ε cr ( T ) /ε 0 1.57 ~ 1.67. Finally, based on the analysis of test results, simple formulae were proposed to describe the eff ect of temperature on residual performance of heated UHSC which infi lled the steel tube.

Assessing the Impact of Solids Retention Time (SRT) on the Secondary Clarifier Capacity using the State Point Analysis

Oleyiblo Oloche James,Jia-Shun Cao,Amos T Kabo-Bah,Gan Wang 대한토목학회 2015 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.19 No.5

The State Point Analysis (SPA) tool implemented in BioWin software was used to study the impact of Solids Retention Time (SRT) on the secondary clarifier as it relate to effluent quality in a full-scale treatment plant. SRT is the operating parameter which replaces loading factor as the key design parameter in the activated sludge design. It influences a number of factors, such as; growth rate of microorganisms, nitrification, biomass stabilization, degradation of slowly biodegradable organics, selection of microbial composition of the mixed liquor and its settling and treatment characteristics. SRT is the most difficult parameter to manipulate, its control is paramount to ensure effective waste water treatment. Studies have shown best operating SRT’s, nevertheless, the clarifier working conditions in those studies were not considered. SPA is a practical tool developed for the purposes of assessing clarifier performance under different operating scenarios. This study shows the usefulness of SPA in determining optimum operating SRT while maintaining clarification and thickening without compromising clarifier operation. The SPA results revealed that the clarifier is overloaded at the present operating SRT (16 days). However, it was found that the treatment plant performs better at 12 days SRT without violating effluent concentrations and without being critically loaded.