bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum Conductance of Copper–Carbon Nanotube Composites
Authors: Li Yangchuan , Fahrenthold Eric
Published: February 2018

Carbon nanotube (CNT)-based conductors are the focus of considerable ongoing experimental research, which has demonstrated their potential to offer increased current carrying capacity or higher specific conductance, as compared to conventional copper cabling. Complementary analytical research has been hindered by the high computational cost of large-scale quantum models. The introduction of certain simplifying assumptions, supported by critical comparisons to exact solutions and the published literature, allows for quantum modeling work to assist experiment in composite conductor development. Ballistic conductance calculations may be used to identify structure–property relationships and suggest the most productive avenues for future nanocomposite conductor research.
Enhanced Water Management and Fuel Efficiency of a Fully Passive Direct Methanol Fuel Cell With Super-Hydrophilic/ -Hydrophobic Cathode Porous Flow-Field
Authors: Yuan Wei , Han Fuchang , Chen Yu , Chen Wenjun , Hu Jinyi , Tang Yong
Published: February 2018

Water management is a critical issue for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). This study focuses primarily on the use of a super-hydrophilic or super-hydrophobic cathode porous flow field to improve the water management of a passive air-breathing DMFC. The flow field layer was made of an in-house copper-fiber sintered felt (CFSF) which owns good stability and conductivity. Results indicate that the super-hydrophilic flow field performs better at a lower methanol concentration since it facilitates water removal when the water balance coefficient (WBC) is high. In the case of high-concentration operation, the use of a super-hydrophobic pattern is more able to reduce methanol crossover (MCO) and increase fuel efficiency since it helps maintain a lower WBC due to its ability in enhancing water back flow from the cathode to the anode. The effects of methanol concentration and the porosity of the CFSF are also discussed in this work. The cell based on the super-hydrophobic pattern with a porosity of 60% attains the best performance with a maximum power density of 18.4 mW cm−2 and a maximum limiting current density of 140 mA cm−2 at 4 M.
Computer Simulation of Heat Transfer in a Rotary Lime Kiln
Authors: Agrawal Ashish , Ghoshdastidar P. S.
Published: February 2018

In the present work, a steady-state, finite difference-based computer model of heat transfer during production of lime in a rotary kiln has been developed. The model simulates calcination reaction in the solid bed region of the rotary kiln along with turbulent convection of gas, radiation heat exchange among hot gas, refractory wall and the solid surface, and conduction in the refractory wall. The solids flow countercurrent to the gas. The kiln is divided into axial segments of equal length. The mass and energy balances of the solid and gas in an axial segment are used to obtain solids and gas temperature at the exit of that segment. Thus, a marching type of solution proceeding from the solids inlet to solids outlet arises. To model the calcination of limestone, shrinking core model with surface reaction rate control has been used. The output data consist of the refractory wall temperature distributions, axial solids and gas temperature distributions, axial percent calcination profile, and kiln length. The kiln length predicted by the present model is 5.74 m as compared to 5.5 m of the pilot kiln used in the experimental study of Watkinson and Brimacombe (1982, Watkinson, A.P. and Brimacombe, J. K., “Limestone Calcination in a Rotary Kiln,” Metallurgical Transactions B, Vol. 13B, pp. 369–378). The other outputs have been also satisfactorily validated with the aforementioned experimental results. A detailed parametric study lent a good physical insight into the lime making process and the kiln wall temperature distributions.
Self-Paced Cycling Improves Cognition on Institutionalized Older Adults Without Known Cognitive Impairment: A 15-Month Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Varela Silvia , Cancela José M. , Seijo-Martinez Manuel , Ayán Carlos
Published: February 2018

This study aimed at identifying the effects of self-paced cycling on the cognitive and functional status and fall risk on institutionalized older adults without cognitive impairment. A total of 39 individuals were randomly assigned to an exercise group or to a control group. The exercise group participants cycled at their self-selected intensity at least for 15 min daily during 15 months. The control group participants performed recreational activities. The Mini-Mental State Examination, Fuld object memory evaluation, and symbol digit modality test were used for cognitive assessments. The Katz index, the timed “Up & Go” test, and the World Health Organization questionnaire were used to assess functional independence, mobility, and fall risk. Significant improvements were observed in the exercise group for global cognition and attention, visual scanning, and processing speed. Long-term self-paced cycling training seems to have a protective effect on cognitive status and attention, visual scanning, and processing speed in older institutionalized individuals.
Four Square Step Test With Foam Is More Accurate Than Those Without Foam for Discriminating Between Older Adults With and Without Fall History
Authors: Mathurapongsakul Phakkanut , Siriphorn Akkradate
Published: February 2018

Objective: The aim was to compare the use of the four square step test (FSST) and the FSST with foam surface (FSST + foam) scores for discriminating between adults, faller older adults, and nonfaller older adults. Methods: Fifty-four participants (18 for each group) were assessed using the FSST and FSST + foam. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated and used to compare the accuracy of the tests. Results: The FSST + foam was more accurate than FSST for discriminating between faller and nonfaller older adults (area under the curves were 0.765 and 0.725, respectively) and between nonfaller older adults and adults (area under the curves were 0.99 and 0.95, respectively). The cutoff score for discriminating between faller and nonfaller older adults was 11.21, with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.889 and 0.611, respectively. Conclusion: FSST + foam could be used as an alternative assessment for discriminating between adults, faller, and nonfaller older adults.
Design for U.S. exascale computer takes shape
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: February 2018

Competition with China accelerates plans for next great leap in supercomputing power.
China's planned exascale computer threatens Summit'sposition at the top
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: February 2018

The nation's first exascale system is expected in 2020.
Use of cholera vaccines expands, raising hopes
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: February 2018

Swelling supplies and a better formulation bolster response to widespread outbreaks.
Morphology, muscle capacity, skill, and maneuvering ability in hummingbirds
Authors: Dakin Roslyn , Segre Paolo S. , Straw Andrew D. , Altshuler Douglas L.
Published: February 2018

Making quick turns

Hummingbirds are well known for their impressive maneuvering during flight. Dakin
et al.
used a computer vision approach to characterize the details of flight in >200 hummingbirds from 25 species (see the Perspective by Wainwright). Larger species had enhanced agility owing to increased muscle mass. In all species, muscles dictated transitional movement, whereas wing shape facilitated sharp turns and rapid rotations. Species, and individuals within species, played on their strengths by combining inherent traits and learned skills.

Science
, this issue p.
653
; see also p.
636
Open data sharing and the Global South—Who benefits?
Authors: Serwadda David , Ndebele Paul , Grabowski M. Kate , Bajunirwe Francis , Wanyenze Rhoda K.
Published: February 2018

Limited capacity, deep mistrust pose challenges to sharing
An indoor chemical cocktail
Authors: Gligorovski Sasho , Abbatt Jonathan P. D.
Published: February 2018

The chemistry that determines human exposure to indoor pollutants is incompletely understood
How hummingbirds stay nimble on the wing
Authors: Wainwright Peter C.
Published: February 2018

Videos of more than 200 hummingbirds reveal the evolutionary basis of their maneuvering skills
Causal effects of the microbiota on immune-mediated diseases
Authors: Round June L. , Palm Noah W.
Published: February 2018

This Review summarizes current strategies for modeling host-microbiome interactions in the mammalian gastrointestinal tract.
The Birth and Demise of the IS
Apl1
-
mcr-1
-IS
Apl1
Composite Transposon: the Vehicle for Transferable Colistin Resistance
Authors: Snesrud Erik , McGann Patrick , Chandler Michael
Published: February 2018

The origin and mobilization of the ~2,609-bp DNA segment containing the mobile colistin resistance gene
mcr-1
continue to be sources of uncertainty, but recent evidence suggests that the gene originated in
Moraxella
species. Moreover
mcr-1
can be mobilized as an IS
Apl1
-flanked composite transposon (Tn
6330
), but many sequences have been identified without IS
Apl1
or with just a single copy (single ended). To further clarify the origins and mobilization of
mcr-1
, we employed the Geneious R8 software suite to comprehensively analyze the genetic environment of every complete
mcr-1
structure deposited in GenBank as of this writing (September 2017) both with and without associated IS
Apl1
(
n
= 273). This revealed that the 2,609-bp
mcr-1
structure was likely mobilized from a close relative of a novel species of
Moraxella
containing a chromosomal region sharing >96% nucleotide identity with the canonical sequence. This chromosomal region is bounded by AT and CG dinucleotides, which have been described on the inside ends (IE) of all intact Tn
6330
described to date and represent the ancestral 2-bp target site duplications (TSDs) generated by IS
Apl1
transposition. We further demonstrate that all
mcr-1
structures with just one IS
Apl1
copy or with no IS
Apl1
copies were formed by deletion of IS
Apl1
from the ancestral Tn
6330
, likely by a process related to the “copy-out–paste-in” transposition mechanism. Finally, we show that only the rare examples of single-ended structures that have retained a portion of the excised downstream IS
Apl1
including the entire inverted right repeat might be capable of mobilization.

IMPORTANCE
A comprehensive analysis of all intact
mcr-1
sequences in GenBank was used to identify a region on the chromosome of a novel
Moraxella
species with remarkable homology to the canonical
mcr-1
structure and that likely represents the origin of this important gene. These data also demonstrate that all
mcr-1
structures lacking one or both flanking IS
Apl1
were formed from ancestral composite transposons that subsequently lost the insertion sequences by a process of abortive transposition. This observation conclusively shows that mobilization of
mcr-1
occurs as part of a composite transposon and that structures lacking the downstream IS
Apl1
are not capable of mobilization.
Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Interplay of Multifaceted Stress Response in Escherichia coli on Exposure to Glutathione and Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Goswami Manish , Narayana Rao Akkipeddi Venkat Satya Surya
Published: February 2018

The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains have serious medical and clinical consequences. In addition, the rate of discovery of new therapeutic antibiotics has been inadequate in last few decades. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin represent a precious therapeutic resource in the fight against bacterial pathogens. However, these antibiotics have been gradually losing their appeal due to the emergence and buildup of resistance to them. In this report, we shed light on the genome-level expression changes in bacteria with respect to glutathione (GSH) exposure which act as a trigger for fluoroquinolone antibiotic resistance. The knowledge about different bacterial stress response pathways under conditions of exposure to the conditions described above and potential points of cross talk between them could help us in understanding and formulating the conditions under which buildup and spread of antibiotic resistance could be minimized. Our findings are also relevant because GSH-induced genome-level expression changes have not been reported previously for
E. coli
.
Altered Distribution of RNA Polymerase Lacking the Omega Subunit within the Prophages along the Escherichia coli K-12 Genome
Authors: Yamamoto Kaneyoshi , Yamanaka Yuki , Shimada Tomohiro , Sarkar Paramita , Yoshida Myu , Bhardwaj Neerupma , Watanabe Hiroki , Taira Yuki , Chatterji Dipankar , Ishihama Akira
Published: February 2018

The 91-amino-acid-residue small-subunit omega (the
rpoZ
gene product) of
Escherichia coli
RNA polymerase plays a structural role in the formation of RNA polymerase (RNAP) as a chaperone in folding the largest subunit (β′, of 1,407 residues in length), but except for binding of the stringent signal ppGpp, little is known of its role in the control of RNAP function. After analysis of genomewide distribution of wild-type and RpoZ-defective RNAP by the ChIP-chip method, we found alteration of the RpoZ-defective RNAP inside open reading frames, in particular, of the genes within prophages. For a set of the genes that exhibited altered occupancy of the RpoZ-defective RNAP, transcription was found to be altered as observed by qRT-PCR assay. All the observations here described indicate the involvement of RpoZ in recognition of some of the prophage genes. This study advances understanding of not only the regulatory role of omega subunit in the functions of RNAP but also the regulatory interplay between prophages and the host
E. coli
for adjustment of cellular physiology to a variety of environments in nature.
Ethics and patient and public involvement with children and young people
Authors: Mitchell Sarah Jane , Slowther Anne-Marie , Coad Jane , Akhtar Shazaan , Hyde Elizabeth , Khan Dena , Dale Jeremy
Published: February 2018

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is important both in research and in quality improvement activities related to healthcare services . While PPI activities do not require formal ethical approval, they can raise a number of ethical concerns, through the introduction of complex technical medical concepts, challenging language or sensitive subject areas. There is very little published literature to guide ethical practice in this area. We have been conducting PPI with children and young people throughout a research study in paediatric palliative care. PPI started during the application process and continued to guide and shape the research as it progressed. Ethical issues can arise at any time in PPI work. Although many can be predicted and planned for, the nature of PPI means that researchers can be presented with ideas and concepts they had not previously considered, requiring reflexivity and a reactive approach. This paper describes how we considered and addressed the potential ethical issues of PPI within our research. The approach that emerged provides a framework that can be adapted to a range of contexts and will be of immediate relevance to researchers and clinicians who are conducting PPI to inform their work.
Should I stay on a senior house officer rotation even though the consultant in charge of the final six months (and the specialty I'm most keen on) is retiring?
Authors: Houghton Anita
Published: February 2018

Got a career or related problem that needs answering? Can't find the right person to point you in the right direction? Log on to the Advice Zone (www.bmjcareers.com/advicezone) for reliable medical careers advice. You can post a question or see if one of our 300 advisers has already answered a similar question. Here is a selection of questions and answers posted on the site.
Leaving your job: part 3
Authors: Houghton Anita
Published: February 2018

In the last article in her series Anita Houghton helps you to make the final decision
Does working in unrecognised posts such as clinical fellow or trust grade have a negative impact on your career pathway, even if you have gained membership of the Royal College of Physicians and previously worked in recognised posts?
Authors: Dosani Sabina
Published: February 2018

Got a career or related problem that needs answering? Can't find the right person to point you in the right direction? Log on to the Advice Zone (www.bmjcareers.com/advicezone) for reliable medical careers advice. You can post a question or see if one of our 300 advisers has already answered a similar question. Here is a selection of questions and answers posted on the site.
Some of my friends have told me that most foreign doctors who go to the United Kingdom fail to get any job. I am interested in psychiatry; what is the situation?
Authors: Kumar Manoj
Published: February 2018

Got a career or related problem that needs answering? Can't find the right person to point you in the right direction? Log on to the Advice Zone (www.bmjcareers.com/advicezone) for reliable medical careers advice. You can post a question or see if one of our 300 advisers has already answered a similar question. Here is a selection of questions and answers posted on the site.
Swapping on-call shifts: a guide for junior doctors
Authors: Shokrollah Kayvan
Published: February 2018

Most doctors working on-call rotas have to swap on-call shifts from time to time. Kayvan Shokrollahi offers a guide to best practice and how to avoid the common pitfalls
Overtesting and undertesting in primary care: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: O’Sullivan Jack W , Albasri Ali , Nicholson Brian D , Perera Rafael , Aronson Jeffrey K , Roberts Nia , Heneghan Carl
Published: February 2018

Background

Health systems are currently subject to unprecedented financial strains. Inappropriate test use wastes finite health resources (overuse) and delays diagnoses and treatment (underuse). As most patient care is provided in primary care, it represents an ideal setting to mitigate waste.

Objective

To identify overuse and underuse of diagnostic tests in primary care.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources and eligibility criteria

We searched MEDLINE and Embase from January 1999 to October 2017 for studies that measured the inappropriateness of any diagnostic test (measured against a national or international guideline) ordered for adult patients in primary care.

Results

We included 357 171 patients from 63 studies in 15 countries. We extracted 103 measures of inappropriateness (41 underuse and 62 overuse) from included studies for 47 different diagnostic tests.

The overall rate of inappropriate diagnostic test ordering varied substantially (0.2%–100%)%).

17 tests were underused >50% of the time. Of these, echocardiography (n=4 measures) was consistently underused (between 54% and 89%, n=4). There was large variation in the rate of inappropriate underuse of pulmonary function tests (38%–78%, n=8).

Eleven tests were inappropriately overused >50% of the time. Echocardiography was consistently overused (77%–92%), whereas inappropriate overuse of urinary cultures, upper endoscopy and colonoscopy varied widely, from 36% to 77% (n=3), 10%–54% (n=10) and 8%–52% (n=2), respectively.

Conclusions

There is marked variation in the appropriate use of diagnostic tests in primary care. Specifically, the use of echocardiography (both underuse and overuse) is consistently poor. There is substantial variation in the rate of inappropriate underuse of pulmonary function tests and the overuse of upper endoscopy, urinary cultures and colonoscopy.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016048832.
Carer experience of end-of-life service provision: a social network analysis
Authors: Leonard Rosemary , Horsfall Debbie , Rosenberg John , Noonan Kerrie
Published: February 2018

Objective

To identify the position of formal service providers in the networks of those providing end-of-life care in the home from the perspective of the informal network.

Methods

Using third-generation social network analysis, this study examined the nature and strength of relationships of informal caring networks with formal service providers through individual carer interviews, focus groups of caring networks and outer network interviews.

Results

Service providers were usually highly valued for providing services, equipment, pain management and personalised care for the dying person plus support and advice to the principal carer about both caring tasks and negotiating the health system. However, formal service providers were positioned as marginal in the caring network. Analysis of the relative density of relationships within networks showed that whereas relationships among family and friends had similar density, relationships between service providers and family or friends were significantly lower.

Conclusion

The results supported the Circles of Care model and mirror the perspective of formal service providers identified in previous research. The research raises questions about how formal and informal networks might be better integrated to increase their effectiveness for supporting in-home care.
PDGFR‐α, PDGFR‐β, VEGFR‐2 and CD117 expression in canine mammary tumours and evaluation of the in vitro effects of toceranib phosphate in neoplastic mammary cell lines
Authors: Gattino Francesca , Maniscalco Lorella , Iussich Selina , Biasato Ilaria , Martano Marina , Morello Emanuela , Gola Cecilia , Millán Ruiz Yolanda , Saeki Nobuo , Buracco Paolo , Martín de las Mulas Juana , De Maria Raffaella
Published: February 2018

Canine mammary tumours (CMTs) are one of the most common malignancies in bitches. Platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) α and β, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) and CD117 are tyrosine kinase receptors involved in several tumours and represent suitable targets for specific therapy with toceranib phosphate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of these receptors in the pathogenesis and progression of CMTs. PDGFRα, PDGFRβ, VEGFR‐2 and CD117 were expressed in 46/83 (55.4 per cent), 33/83 (39.8 per cent), 46/83 (55.4 per cent) and 32/83 (38.5 per cent) of CMTs, respectively. Immunohistochemical results showed a statistically significant loss of PDGFRα and PDGFRβ expression in simple carcinomas compared with complex/mixed carcinomas. Protein expression by western blot revealed specific bands corresponding to PDGFRα and VEGFR‐2 in 3/7 and in 1/7 cell lines. Moreover, in vitro treatment showed that toceranib phosphate weakly reduced cell proliferation in one canine mammary cell line. Before considering TKR inhibitors for possible therapeutic approaches, actually further studies are necessary to evaluate the effect of these drugs on CMTs in vivo.
William Howard Guest Rees
Authors: Meldrum Keith , Watson Bill
Published: February 2018

A distinguished vet who became the UK's chief veterinary officer, dealing with issues such as salmonella in eggs and bovine spongiform encephalopathy. His passions were his family and rugby.
Tripod-type 2,2′-bipyridine ligand for lanthanide cations: synthesis and photophysical studies on coordination to transition metal cations
Authors: Kopchuk Dmitry S. , Kim Grigory A. , Kovalev Igor S. , Santra Sougata , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Majee Adinath , Rusinov Vladimir L. , Chupakhin Oleg N.
Published: February 2018

New tripod-type 2,2′-bipyridine ligand consisting of a central polyaminocarboxylic moiety for the coordination to lanthanide cations and three appended 5-phenyl-2,2′-bipyridine fragments for the coordination to various transition metal cations have been prepared. A europium complex of this ligand was prepared, and its photophysical properties and a luminescent response towards transition metal salts (particularly, CdI2, Cd(OAc)2, Zn(ClO4)2, Cu(OAc)2, and HgCl2) have been studied. Europium cation luminescence quenching in the presence of transition metal salts in solution was observed in all cases. In addition, it was observed that the fluorescent response of the europium complex was quite individual depending on the type of the metal salt. The obtained data were compared with the earlier published data for some lanthanide complexes bearing additional sites for the chelation of transition metal cations.
Developing backbone-modified Mor-DalPhos ligand variants for use in palladium-catalyzed C–N and C–C cross-coupling
Authors: MacLean Mark A. , Wheaton Craig A. , Stradiotto Mark
Published: February 2018

The present contribution describes the systematic structural diversification of the κ2-P,N DalPhos ligand family in an effort to improve catalytic efficiency in the monoarylation of ammonia and acetone. The study is focused primarily on modifying the backbone phenylene linker, while retaining the same bite angle and steric bulk as the Mor-DalPhos ligand through the use of P(1-Ad)2 and morpholine donors. Eight new variants of Mor-DalPhos were prepared; two of these feature a pyridine linker (L1, L2), and five others feature either electron-donating (L3, L4) or electron-withdrawing (L5–L7) substituents on the phenylene linker. Additionally, thiomorpholino substitution (L8) was performed to investigate the effects of a possible tridentate coordination mode. Precatalyst complexes of the general formula LPd(cinnamyl)Cl were prepared and characterized in both solution and solid state. Solution studies demonstrated a significant degree of lability in the Pd–N bond, whereby dynamic behavior is seen to be dependent on the nature of the ligand backbone. The utility of these new ligands in the palladium-catalyzed monoarylation of ammonia or acetone was then surveyed. Notably, pyridine-derived ligand variants (L1, L2) were observed to out-perform parent Mor-DalPhos in the latter transformations.
Population genomics of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) across diverse agroclimatic zones of Niger
Authors: Maina Fanna , Bouchet Sophie , Marla Sandeep R. , Hu Zhenbin , Wang Jianan , Mamadou Aissata , Abdou Magagi , Saïdou Abdoul-Aziz , Morris Geoffrey P.
Published: February 2018

Improving adaptation of staple crops in developing countries is important to ensure food security. In the West African country of Niger, the staple crop sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is cultivated across diverse agroclimatic zones, but the genetic basis of local adaptation has not been described. The objectives of this study were to characterize the genomic diversity of sorghum from Niger and to identify genomic regions conferring local adaptation to agroclimatic zones and farmer preferences. We analyzed 516 Nigerien accessions for which local variety name, botanical race, and geographic origin were known. We discovered 144 299 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). We performed discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC), which identified six genetic groups, and performed a genome scan for loci with high discriminant loadings. The highest discriminant coefficients were on chromosome 9, near the putative ortholog of maize flowering time adaptation gene Vgt1. Next, we characterized differentiation among local varieties and used a genome scan of pairwise FSTvalues to identify SNPs associated with specific local varieties. Comparison of varieties named for light- versus dark-grain identified differentiation near Tannin1, the major gene responsible for grain tannins. These findings could facilitate genomics-assisted breeding of locally adapted and farmer-preferred sorghum varieties for Niger.
1-Loop mass generation by a constant external magnetic field for an electron propagating in a thin medium
Authors: Machet B.
Published: February 2018

The 1-loop self-energy of a Dirac electron of mass [Formula: see text] propagating in a thin medium simulating graphene in an external magnetic field [Formula: see text] is investigated in quantum field theory. Equivalence is shown with the so-called reduced QED[Formula: see text] on a 2-brane. Schwinger-like methods are used to calculate the self-mass [Formula: see text] of the electron when it lies in the lowest Landau level. Unlike in standard QED[Formula: see text], it does not vanish at the limit [Formula: see text]: [Formula: see text] on-mass-shell renormalization conditions (with [Formula: see text]); all Landau levels of the virtual electron are taken into account and are implemented. Restricting to the sole lowest Landau level of the virtual electron is explicitly shown to be inadequate. Resummations at higher orders lie beyond the scope of this work.
Retrieving Human Action by Fusing the Motion Information of Interest Points
Authors: Ramezani Mohsen , Yaghmaee Farzin
Published: February 2018

In response to the fast propagation of videos on the Internet, Content-Based Video Retrieval (CBVR) was introduced to help users find their desired items. Since most videos concern humans, human action retrieval was introduced as a new topic in CBVR. Most human action retrieval methods represent an action by extracting and describing its local features as more reliable than global ones; however, these methods are complex and not very accurate. In this paper, a low-complexity representation method that more accurately describes extracted local features is proposed. In this method, each video is represented independently from other videos. To this end, the motion information of each extracted feature is described by the directions and sizes of its movements. In this system, the correspondence between the directions and sizes of the movements is used to compare videos. Finally, videos that correspond best with the query video are delivered to the user. Experimental results illustrate that this method can outperform state-of-the-art methods.
China’s Military Reform: The Strategic Support Force, Non-Traditional Warfare, and the Impact on Cross-Strait Security
Authors: HWANG JI-JEN
Published: February 2018

In late 2015, the Chinese leadership announced sweeping reforms designed to bring the military into the modern era, signaling a departure from a traditional over-dependence on ground forces and incorporating extensive structural reorganization to create a more balanced joint command system. The reform aims to create a system suited to the modern conditions of informatization, with direct leadership from the Central Military Commission, and is bolstered by the Chinese military’s advancement in progressive information technology, space technology, and cyber security. With the creation of a new Strategic Support Force (SSF), China has clearly demarcated the operational command of traditional and non-traditional warfare within the military system, representing a strategic and tactical step forward that gives greater scope to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to dominate in non-traditional military theaters. While the military reform has the potential to affect military strategy around Asia and further afield, the extent of China’s deep and far-reaching military reform, with a view to consolidating military capabilities under a joint command and giving full rein to non-traditional warfare under conditions of informatization, represents a particularly significant factor in the stability of cross-strait relations and security. This study will outline the creation of the SSF under the new reform, and discuss the development of China’s strategy and tactics for non-traditional warfare under conditions of informatization. The implications of the military reform will then be put into the cross-strait context, in order to draw conclusions concerning the potential impact on cross-strait security.
Towards a Magnetically-Actuated Laser Scanner for Endoscopic Microsurgeries
Authors: Acemoglu Alperen , Deshpande Nikhil , Mattos Leonardo S.
Published: February 2018

This paper presents the design and assembly of a novel magnetically-actuated endoscopic laser scanner device. The device is designed to perform 2D position control and high-speed scanning of a fiber-based laser for operation in narrow workspaces. The device includes laser focusing optics to allow non-contact incisions and tablet-based control interface for intuitive teleoperation. The performance of the proof-of-concept device is analyzed through controllability and usability studies. The computer-controlled high-speed scanning demonstrates repeatable results with 21[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m precision and a stable response up to 48[Formula: see text]Hz. Teleoperation user trials were performed for trajectory-following tasks with 12 subjects, showing an accuracy of 39[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m. The innovative design of the device can be applied to both surgical and diagnostic (imaging) applications in endoscopic systems.
A Normalized Shear Deformation Indicator for Ultrasound Strain Elastography in Breast Tissues: An In Vivo Feasibility Study
Authors: Jiang Jingfeng , Peng Bo
Published: February 2018

The shear deformation under loads contains useful information for distinguishing benign breast lesions from malignant ones. In this study, we proposed a normalized shear deformation indicator (NSDI) that was derived from the concept of principal strains. Since the NSDI requires both high-quality axial and lateral (parallel and perpendicular to the beam, resp.) displacement estimates, a strategy combining high-quality speckle tracking with signal “denoising” was employed. Both techniques were previously published by our group. Finite element (FE) models were used to identify possible causes for elevated NSDI values in and around breast lesions, followed by an analysis of ultrasound data acquired from 26 biopsy-confirmed in vivo breast lesions. We found that, theoretically, the elevated NSDI values could be attributed to two factors: significantly hardened tissue stiffness and increasing heterogeneity. The analysis of in vivo data showed that the proposed NSDI values were higher (p<0.05) among malignant cancers as compared to those measured from benign ones. In conclusion, our preliminary results demonstrated that the calculation of NSDI value is feasible and NSDI could add value to breast lesion differentiation with current clinical equipment as a postprocessing tool.
Weighted Domain Transfer Extreme Learning Machine and Its Online Version for Gas Sensor Drift Compensation in E‐Nose Systems
Authors: Ma Zhiyuan , Luo Guangchun , Qin Ke , Wang Nan , Niu Weina
Published: February 2018

Machine learning approaches have been widely used to tackle the problem of sensor array drift in E‐Nose systems. However, labeled data are rare in practice, which makes supervised learning methods hard to be applied. Meanwhile, current solutions require updating the analytical model in an offline manner, which hampers their uses for online scenarios. In this paper, we extended Target Domain Adaptation Extreme Learning Machine (DAELM_T) to achieve high accuracy with less labeled samples by proposing a Weighted Domain Transfer Extreme Learning Machine, which uses clustering information as prior knowledge to help select proper labeled samples and calculate sensitive matrix for weighted learning. Furthermore, we converted DAELM_T and the proposed method into their online learning versions under which scenario the labeled data are selected beforehand. Experimental results show that, for batch learning version, the proposed method uses around 20% less labeled samples while achieving approximately equivalent or better accuracy. As for the online versions, the methods maintain almost the same accuracies as their offline counterparts do, but the time cost remains around a constant value while that of offline versions grows with the number of samples.
Kinetics Investigation on Mushroom Tyrosinase Inhibition of Proso Millet
Authors: Huang Wen-Ying , Chen Hui-Ju , Lin Chia-Ching , Chen Chin-Shuh , Lin Yung-Sheng
Published: February 2018

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) is rich in nutritive components and is widely used as a human food, feed and forage for animals, and fuel. This study investigated the effect of a proso millet extract on the inhibition of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in melanogenesis. High performance liquid chromatography analysis indicated that the proso millet extract contained phenolic tyrosinase inhibitors, such as syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid. The extract had an IC50 for inhibition of tyrosinase activity of 14.02 mg/mL. A Lineweaver-Burk double reciprocal plot showed that the proso millet extract functioned as a mixed competitive and noncompetitive inhibitor. Proso millet has potential as a tyrosinase inhibitor that may have applications in the cosmetics industry.
The Effect of Patient Characteristics and Sleep Quality on Visual Field Performance Reliability
Authors: Swaminathan Swarup S. , Greenberg Matthew B. , Vanner Elizabeth A. , Cavuoto Kara M. , Wellik Sarah R. , Chang Ta Chen
Published: February 2018

Purpose. To investigate the association of automated visual field (VF) reliability indices (false positive [FP], false negative [FN], and fixation loss [FL]) and sleep quality, VF experience, and age. Methods. Prospective, cross-sectional study. Adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) completing automated VF testing were invited to participate. Baseline participant characteristics were obtained, and all participants were asked to complete the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Nonparametric Spearman correlations and logistical regression models were performed. Results. 63 patients were enrolled. Lower PSQI score was correlated with higher percentage (%) FL in the right eye (p=0.03). Fewer prior VF was significantly correlated with higher %FP in the right eye (p=0.008). Older age was significantly correlated with higher %FN in the left eye (p=0.01). Greater mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) were strongly correlated with higher %FN in the right (p=0.02 and 0.002, resp.) and left eyes (p=0.01 and 0.02, resp.). Conclusion. In this prospective, cross-sectional study, worse MD and PSD are strongly correlated with increased FN in both eyes. Increased FN in the left eye associated with older age might be attributable to test fatigue. Worse sleep quality is associated with decreased FL in the right eye.
A Hop Extract Lifenol® Improves Postmenopausal Overweight, Osteoporosis, and Hot Flash in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Ban Young-Hwan , Yon Jung-Min , Cha Yeseul , Choi Jieun , An Eun Suk , Guo Haiyu , Seo Da Woom , Kim Tae-Su , Lee Sung-Pyo , Kim Jong-Choon , Choi Ehn-Kyoung , Kim Yun-Bae
Published: February 2018

Objective. In order to assess the effectiveness of a hop extract (HE) for postmenopausal symptoms, the effects of Lifenol on ovariectomy‐induced osteoporosis, hyperlipidemia, body weight increase, and hot flash were investigated in rats. Methods. Female Sprague‐Dawley rats were ovariectomized and subjected to a daily scheduled exercise training (15 min at 15 m/min) or treated with HE (30 or 100 mg/kg, oral) or 17β‐estradiol (100 μg/kg, intraperitoneal) for 12 weeks. Body and visceral fat weights, serum lipid profiles, osteoporotic parameters in serum, and femoral bones were analyzed. Separately, forced running‐induced dermal and rectal temperatures and blood flow velocity were measured in ovariectomized rats. Results. Ovariectomy increased blood lipids including triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoproteins, leading to visceral fat accumulation and overweight. Estrogen depletion caused osteoporosis, displaying decreased femoral bone weight, bone mineral density and content, and blood phosphorus level. The disturbances in lipid metabolism and bone resorption were recovered by treatment with HE in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, HE treatment shortened the duration of forced running‐induced alterations in skin and rectal temperatures by reducing blood flow velocity. Conclusion. The results indicate that HE attenuated overweight, osteoporosis, and hot flash in estrogen‐deficient animals by regulating blood lipid profile and fat accumulation, blood estrogen and bone resorption factors, and dermal blood flow.
Error in the Reconstruction of Nonsparse Images
Authors: Brajović Miloš , Stanković Isidora , Daković Miloš , Ioana Cornel , Stanković Ljubiša
Published: February 2018

Sparse signals, assuming a small number of nonzero coefficients in a transformation domain, can be reconstructed from a reduced set of measurements. In practical applications, signals are only approximately sparse. Images are a representative example of such approximately sparse signals in the two-dimensional (2D) discrete cosine transform (DCT) domain. Although a significant amount of image energy is well concentrated in a small number of transform coefficients, other nonzero coefficients appearing in the 2D-DCT domain make the images be only approximately sparse or nonsparse. In the compressive sensing theory, strict sparsity should be assumed. It means that the reconstruction algorithms will not be able to recover small valued coefficients (above the assumed sparsity) of nonsparse signals. In the literature, this kind of reconstruction error is described by appropriate error bound relations. In this paper, an exact relation for the expected reconstruction error is derived and presented in the form of a theorem. In addition to the theoretical proof, the presented theory is validated through numerical simulations.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of Combined Central Retinal Artery and Vein Occlusion
Authors: Wu Shuo-chieh , Villegas Victor M. , Kovach Jaclyn L.
Published: February 2018

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a new, noninvasive technology that enables detailed evaluation of flow in the retinal and choroidal vasculature. The authors believe this to be the first report to describe the optical coherence tomography angiography findings associated with combined central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).
A Rare Presentation of Actinic Keratosis Affecting the Tarsal Conjunctiva and Review of the Literature
Authors: Khan Selina , Chak Melanie
Published: February 2018

We report an unusual case of actinic keratosis (AK) of the tarsal conjunctiva in a 63-year-old man. Examination revealed a crusty, leukoplakic lesion prone to bleeding on the tarsal conjunctiva of the right upper eyelid. This was treated by surgical excisional biopsy. At 1-year follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence and the surgical site was completely healed without conjunctival scarring. Current opinion cites excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, in particular UV-B in sunlight, as the causative agent in developing AK. In the case we present, the tarsal conjunctiva is an unusual place for actinic keratosis due to the lack of direct UV-light exposure. The key learning points are to evert the upper eyelid during examination especially if the lesion involves the eyelid margin and, secondly, to ensure risk factors are addressed during the history.
The Relation between Sarcopenia and Mortality in Patients at Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Toptas Mehmet , Yalcin Mazhar , Akkoc İbrahim , Demir Eren , Metin Cagatay , Savas Yildiray , Kalyoncuoglu Muhsin , Can Mehmet Mustafa
Published: February 2018

Background and Aim. Psoas muscle area (PMA) can reflect the status of skeletal muscle in the whole body. It has been also reported that decreased PMA was associated with postoperative mortality or morbidity after several surgical procedures. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relation between PMA and mortality in all age groups in intensive care unit (UNIT). Materials and Method. The study consists of 362 consecutive patients. The demographic characteristics of patients, indications for ICU hospitalization, laboratory parameters, and clinical parameters consist of mortality and length of stay, and surgery history was obtained from intensive care archive records. Results. The mean age was 61.2±18.2 years, and the percentage of female was 33.3%. The mean duration of stay was 10.3±24.4 days. Exitus ratio, partial healing, and healing were 25%, 70%, and 5%, respectively. The mean right, left, and total PMA were 8.7±3.6, 8.9±3.4, and 17.6±6.9, respectively. The left and total PMA averages of the nonoperation patients were statistically significantly lower (p=0.021  p=0.043). The mean PMA between the ex and recovered patients were statistically significantly lower (p=0.001, p=0.001, p<0.001). Dyspnoea, renal insufficiency, COPD, transfusion rate, operation rate, ventilator needy, and mean duration of hospitalization were statistically significant higher in patients with exitus. There is a significant difference in operation types, anesthesia type, and clinic rates. Conclusion. Our data suggest that sarcopenia can be used to risk stratification in ICU patients. Future studies may use this technique to individualize postoperative interventions that may reduce the risk for an adverse discharge disposition related to critical illness, such as early mobilization, optimized nutritional support, and reduction of sedation and opioid dose.
Genus Spondias: A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review
Authors: Sameh Salma , Al-Sayed Eman , Labib Rola M. , Singab Abdel Nasser
Published: February 2018

It is believed that many degenerative diseases are due to oxidative stress. In view of the limited drugs available for treating degenerative diseases, natural products represent a promising therapeutic strategy in the search for new and effective candidates for treating degenerative diseases. This review focuses on the genus Spondias which is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases. Spondias is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the cashew family (Anacardiaceae). This genus comprises 18 species distributed across tropical regions in the world. A variety of bioactive phytochemical constituents were isolated from different plants belonging to the genus Spondias. Diverse pharmacological activities were reported for the genus Spondias including cytotoxic, antioxidant, ulcer protective, hepatoprotective, anti‐inflammatory, antiarthritic, and antidementia effects. These attributes indicate their potential to treat various degenerative diseases. The aim of this review is to draw attention to the unexplored potential of phytochemicals obtained from Spondias species, thereby contributing to the development of new therapeutic alternatives that may improve the health of people suffering from degenerative diseases and other health problems.
Development and Application of Wireless Power Transmission Systems for Wireless ECG Sensors
Authors: Heo Jin-Chul , Park Jiae , Kim Sohee , Ku Jeonghon , Lee Jong-Ha
Published: February 2018

We investigated the variations in the magnetic field distribution and power transmission efficiency, resulting from changes in the relative positions of the transmitting and receiving coils, for electromagnetic induction-type wireless power transmission using an elliptical receive coil. Results of simulations using a high-frequency structure simulator were compared to actual measurement results. The simulations showed that the transmission efficiency could be maintained relatively stable even if the alignment between the transmitting and receiving coils was changed to some extent. When the centre of the receiving coil was perfectly aligned with the centre of the transmitting coil, the transmission efficiency was in the maximum; however, the degree of decrease in the transmission efficiency was small even if the centre of the receiving coil moved by ±10 mm from the centre of the transmitting coil. Therefore, it is expected that the performance of the wireless power transmission system will not be degraded significantly even if perfect alignment is not maintained. Animal experiments confirmed good ECG signals for the simulation conditions. The results suggested a standardized application method of wireless transmission in the utilization of wireless power for implantable sensors.