bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical profile of pythium keratitis: perioperative measures to reduce risk of recurrence
Authors: Agarwal Shweta , Iyer Geetha , Srinivasan Bhaskar , Agarwal Mamta , Panchalam Sampath Kumar Shobha , Therese Lily K
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To report the clinical profile and role of perioperative adjunctive measures to reduce the risk of recurrence in Pythium insidiosum keratitis.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 10 eyes of 10 patients with P. insidiosum keratitis. Diagnosis was confirmed by PCR DNA sequencing.

Results

7out of 10 patients were from urban locales, and none had any obvious history of injury with vegetative matter and were being treated for fungal keratitis. 6 eyes presented with central full thickness infiltrates with subepithelial and superficial stromal infiltrates radiating in a reticular pattern. Corneal scraping in all eyes revealed sparsely septate fungal-like filaments on potassium hydroxide/Calcofluor. All eyes underwent the first therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK) based on worsening or non-responsiveness of clinical features to the antifungal regimen. Recurrence was noted in 7 out of 10 eyes of which 2 eyes underwent evisceration. Of the six eyes that underwent cryotherapy following confirmation of microbiological diagnosis of Pythium (along with primary TPK-1, with re-TPK-5), only one eye had a recurrence and had to be eviscerated. Of the two eyes that did not undergo cryotherapy during re-TPK, following microbiological diagnosis, one eye had a recurrence and had to be eviscerated. In two eyes with adjoining scleritis, the host bed was swabbed using absolute alcohol of which one eye was salvaged.

Conclusion

This series highlights the need to be aware of this entity in the management of refractory fungal keratitis. It also brings to fore the adjunctive measures that could have a beneficial role in the management of pythium keratitis.
Skiers and snowboarders have improved short-term outcomes with immediate fixation of tibial plateau fractures
Authors: Janes Peter C , Leonard Jan , Phillips Jennifer L , Bauer Brent J , Salottolo Kristin , Slone Denetta S , Mains Charles W , Bar-Or David
Published: September 2017

Background

Tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) are frequently associated with motor vehicle accidents, auto-pedestrian crashes and falls. However, hospitals near ski resorts commonly treat TPF resulting from skiing. The soft tissue envelope and original mechanism of injury are important determinants in the decision to proceed with immediate or delayed fixation of the fracture. Our objective was to assess whether immediate (≤24 hours) versus delayed (>24 hours) open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) affected in-hospital outcomes among snow sport participants.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients with isolated TPF who were injured while skiing or snowboarding and treated at a Level III Trauma Center that serves four major ski resorts between 2010 and 2013. Clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were obtained from an existing trauma database. Imaging was reviewed to classify the fracture as high (Schatzker IV–VI) or low (Schatzker I–III) energy. Differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes between immediate and delayed ORIF patients were analyzed with χ2and Wilcoxon two-sample tests. These analyses were also performed in the high-energy and low-energy fracture populations.

Results

ORIF was performed on 119 snow sport patients, 93 (78%) immediately. Patients had a median age of 49 years (range 19–70) and were predominantly male (66%). Forty percent sustained a high-energy TPF. No differences were observed between the demographic characteristics, injury severity, Schatzker scores or time from injury to hospital arrival for patients treated immediately versus delayed treatment. Compared with delayed fixation, patients treated immediately had less compartment syndrome (3% vs 27%), needed fewer fasciotomies (6% vs 31%) and had a shorter length of stay (3 vs 6.5 days), p<0.05 for all. These results persisted in the stratified analysis of high-energy fracture patients.

Discussion

Treating patients immediately led to more favorable in-hospital outcomes compared with delayed treatment, even among the patients with a high-energy fracture.

Level of evidence

Level IV, Therapeutic/Care Management.
Profils de raies spectrales dans les plasmas magnétisés : effet Stark motionnel
Authors: Touati K. , Chenini K. , Meftah M.T.
Published: September 2017

En reprenant les travaux antérieurs de Nguyen-Hoe et ses collaborateurs sur la raie Lyman-α et en introduisant les effets de la structure interne de l’émetteur, les effets dus au champ de Lorentz (effet Stark motionnel) et les effets dus au mouvement de l’émetteur (effet Doppler), nous avons développé un modèle qui nous a permis d’obtenir des profils de raies comparables à ceux observés au bord du Tokamak Tore Supra. Dans cette région du bord de Tokamak, la température est relativement inférieure à celle du plasma du cœur. Donc l’hypothèse qui consiste à considérer que la vitesse de l’émetteur est purement thermique, et égale à (kBT/M)1/2, n’est plus valable dans ces conditions. Nous avons donc considéré, pour la première fois, que la vitesse des émetteurs est distribuée selon la distribution de Maxwell. Un meilleur accord global a été obtenu entre le spectre calculé et l’observation. Les profils de raies expérimentaux ont été modélisés à l’aide des profils théoriques en tenant compte des effets Doppler, Stark et Zeeman. Cette analyse montre qu’il est nécessaire de prendre en compte au moins deux populations d’atomes de deutérium distinctes. Notre modèle a permis donc le diagnostic des différentes populations de neutres de deutérium ainsi que la détermination simultanée de plusieurs paramètres du plasma.
The coherence time of polar slab
Authors: Wang Xiu-qing
Published: September 2017

The relationship among the coherence time τ, variation frequency λ, slab thickness d, energy separation ΔE, and coupling constant α in polar slab was investigated using Pekar-type variational method. The results indicated that the τ is positively proportional to the λ, but the ΔE, d and α are negatively correlated with the τ. When ΔE is more than 10 eV, and d is less than 5 nm, τ decreases sharply.
Phytoremediation of contaminated soils using ornamental plants
Authors: Liu Jianv , Xin Xin , Zhou Qixing
Published: September 2017

Phytoremediation has attracted increasing attention and is a promising technology for addressing soil contamination problems. Unlike other kinds of remediation plants, ornamental plants grown for decorative purposes in gardens and landscape design projects have been an important source of remediation plants in recent years. In addition to beautifying the environment, some ornamental plants can not only grow well but also accumulate or degrade contaminants when growing in soil contaminated with heavy metals or organic pollutants. Especially in contaminated urban areas, it is comparatively rare and commendable when remediation plants with ornamental value are applied. In this review, we summarized the current research on the phytoremediation of contaminated soils using ornamental plants, evaluated the phytoremediation capacity of ornamental plants in heavy-metal and organic pollutant-contaminated soils, and highlighted specific ornamental plants with a strong accumulation ability and tolerance to pollutants. The findings related to the main mechanisms of the phytoremediation of contaminated soils were explained. Enhancement measures aimed at promoting the bioavailability of contaminants and the tolerance of ornamental plants were also reviewed in this article. It is hoped that this study will draw attention to a new path for phytoremediation technology.
DOES EXPORT DIVERSIFICATION MATTER FOR CHINA’S REGIONAL GROWTH?
Authors: FU DAHAI , WU YANRUI , ZHANG YING
Published: September 2017

China has enjoyed high economic growth for more than three decades since the initiative of economic reform in early 1980s. This growth has been driven mainly by labor-intensive export-oriented manufacturing activities. Yet, there are remarkably few empirical studies of the link between export diversification and economic growth. In this paper, the effect of export diversification on economic growth in Chinese provinces in the period 2000–2006 is examined. The findings support cross-country evidence that regions with diversified export baskets enjoy higher economic growth. However, it is found that the growth benefits are linked to diversification of export products, rather than geographical diversification of exports. Further, it is also found that the growth effect and export diversification may have a nonlinear relationship. As such, governments promoting export diversification should distinguish the diversification of export products from that of export destinations. Their policies should also change as regional economies develop.
Non-equilibrium dynamic of a Universe formation
Authors: Lev S. B. , Lev B. I.
Published: September 2017

A new stochastic model of dynamic of Universe formation is presented. This model takes into account the interaction of fundamental scalar field with possible multiplicative noise fluctuations of other nature. The noise-induced model of the Universe formation presented in this paper allows to describe its inflationary expansion till the present time. Such expansion can be explained in presented model if one takes into account the non-equilibrium dynamic of a transition into a new stable state.
A density functional theory study on the structural and electronic properties of PbxSbySez(x+y+z= 2, 3) clusters
Authors: Peköz Rengi̇n , Erkoç Şaki̇r
Published: September 2017

The structural and electronic properties of neutral ternary PbxSbySezclusters (x + y + z = 2, 3) in their ground states have been explored by means of density functional theory calculations. The geometric structures and binding energies are systematically explored and for the most stable configurations of each cluster type vibrational frequencies, charges on atoms, energy difference between highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals, and the possible dissociations channels have been analyzed. Depending on being binary or ternary cluster and composition, the most energetic structures have singlet, doublet or triplet ground states, and trimers prefer to form isosceles, equilateral or scalene triangle structure.
A phase field crystal model simulation of morphology evolution and misfit dislocation generation in nanoheteroepitaxy
Authors: Zhang J. , Chen Z. , Cheng C. , Wang Y. X.
Published: September 2017

A phase field crystal (PFC) model is employed to study morphology evolution of nanoheteroepitaxy and misfit dislocation generation when applied with enhanced supercooling, lattice mismatch and substrate vicinal angle conditions. Misfit strain that rises due to lattice mismatch causes rough surfaces or misfit dislocations, deteriorates film properties, hence, efforts taken to reveal their microscopic mechanism are significant for film quality improvement. Uniform islands, instead of misfit dislocations, are developed in subcritical thickness film, serving as a way of strain relief by surface mechanism. Misfit dislocations generate when strain relief by surface mechanism is deficient in higher supercooling, multilayers of misfit dislocations dominate, but the number of layers reduces gradually when the supercooling is further enhanced. Rough surfaces like islands or cuspate pits are developed which is ascribed to lattice mismatch, multilayers of misfit dislocations generate to further enhance lattice mismatch. Layers of misfit dislocations generate at a thickening position at enhanced substrate vicinal angle, this further enhancing the angle leading to sporadic generation of misfit dislocations.
An Optimal Algorithm for Reconstructing Point Set Order Types from Radial Orderings
Authors: Aichholzer Oswin , Kusters Vincent , Mulzer Wolfgang , Pilz Alexander , Wettstein Manuel
Published: September 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a set of [Formula: see text] labeled points in the plane. The radial system of [Formula: see text] describes, for each [Formula: see text], the order in which a ray that rotates around [Formula: see text] encounters the points in [Formula: see text]. This notion is related to the order type of [Formula: see text], which describes the orientation (clockwise or counterclockwise) of every ordered triple in [Formula: see text]. Given only the order type, the radial system is uniquely determined and can easily be obtained. The converse, however, is not true. Indeed, let [Formula: see text] be the radial system of [Formula: see text], and let [Formula: see text] be the set of all order types with radial system [Formula: see text] (we define [Formula: see text] for the case that [Formula: see text] is not a valid radial system). Aichholzer et al. (Reconstructing Point Set Order Types from Radial Orderings, in Proc. ISAAC 2014) show that [Formula: see text] may contain up to [Formula: see text] order types. They also provide polynomial-time algorithms to compute [Formula: see text] when only [Formula: see text] is given.

We describe a new algorithm for finding [Formula: see text]. The algorithm constructs the convex hulls of all possible point sets with the radial system [Formula: see text]. After that, orientation queries on point triples can be answered in constant time. A representation of this set of convex hulls can be found in [Formula: see text] queries to the radial system, using [Formula: see text] additional processing time. This is optimal. Our results also generalize to abstract order types.
Buckling and Free Vibration of a Single Pile Considering the Effect of Soil–Structure Interaction
Authors: Ma Jianjun , Liu Fengjun , Gao Xiaojuan , Nie Mengqiang
Published: September 2017

The buckling response and free vibration characteristics of a single pile in the elastic foundation are investigated. Considering the effect of soil–structure interaction and geometric nonlinearity, the nonlinear equation of motion for a single pile is derived by Hamilton’s principle. Then, closed-form solutions of the critical load and buckled configuration of the pile are obtained analytically, and the natural frequencies of the pre- and post-buckling pile are examined. Finally, the effect of elastic foundation parameter on the critical load of the pile is discussed, and the effect of axial load on the natural frequencies of the pile is also explored. Numerical results show that the effect of elastic foundation parameter plays a dominant role on the critical load and buckled configuration of the pile, and the shear parameter affects the critical load directly. The axial load effect on the dynamic characteristics of the pre-buckling pile is significant, meanwhile, it may contribute very small to the post-buckling pile when the axial load exceeds some specific values.
POVM construction: A simple recipe with applications to symmetric states
Authors: Sirsi Swarnamala , Bharath Karthik , Shilpashree S. P. , Smitha Rao H. S.
Published: September 2017

We propose a simple method for constructing positive operator-valued measures (POVMs) using any set of matrices which form an orthonormal basis for the space of complex matrices. Considering the orthonormal set of irreducible spherical tensors, we examine the properties of the construction on the [Formula: see text]-dimensional subspace of the [Formula: see text]-dimensional Hilbert space of [Formula: see text] qubits comprising the permutationally symmetric states. Using the notion of vectorization, the constructed POVMs are interpretable as projection operators in a higher-dimensional space. We then describe a method to physically realize the constructed POVMs for symmetric states using the Clebsch–Gordan decomposition of the tensor product of irreducible representations of the rotation group. We illustrate the proposed construction on a spin-1 system, and show that it is possible to generate entangled states from separable ones.
CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTIONS IN A TRANSITIONAL CONTEXT–THE CASE OF RURAL BULGARIA
Authors: TRAIKOVA DIANA , MANOLOVA TATIANA S. , MÖLLERS JUDITH , BUCHENRIEDER GERTRUD
Published: September 2017

In this study, we augment Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) with an institutional embeddedness logic to develop and test a mediated model of the effects of perceived corruption on attitudes, social norms and perceived behavioral control, which in turn determine entrepreneurial intentions. We test our three hypotheses on a sample of 231 aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to start a non-farm business in three rural regions of Bulgaria. In our exploratory case study, we find that corruption perceptions are partially mediated by entrepreneurial attitudes and perceived control, but not by social norms. Corruption perceptions are positively associated with entrepreneurial intentions, indicative of the deeply rooted social acceptance of corruption in many transition economies. Theoretical, practitioner and public policy implications are discussed.
Characterization of ion channels and O2sensitivity in gill neuroepithelial cells of the anoxia-tolerant goldfish (Carassius auratus)
Authors: Zachar Peter C. , Pan Wen , Jonz Michael G.
Published: September 2017

The neuroepithelial cell (NEC) of the fish gill is an important model for O2sensing in vertebrates; however, a complete picture of the chemosensory mechanisms in NECs is lacking, and O2chemoreception in vertebrates that are tolerant to anoxia has not yet been explored. Using whole cell patch-clamp recording, we characterized four types of ion channels in NECs isolated from the anoxia-tolerant goldfish. A Ca2+-dependent K+current ( IKCa) peaked at ~20 mV, was potentiated by increased intracellular Ca2+, and was reduced by 100 μM Cd2+. A voltage-dependent inward current in Ba2+solution, with peak at 0 mV, confirmed the presence of Ca2+channels. A voltage-dependent K+current ( IKV) was inhibited by 20 mM tetraethylammonium and 5 mM 4-aminopyridine, revealing a background K+current ( IKB) with open rectification. Mean resting membrane potential of −45.2 ± 11.6 mV did not change upon administration of hypoxia (Po2 = 11 mmHg), nor were any of the K+currents sensitive to changes in Po2during whole cell recording. By contrast, when the membrane and cytosol were left undisturbed during fura-2 or FM 1-43 imaging experiments, hypoxia increased intracellular Ca2+concentration and initiated synaptic vesicle activity. 100 μM Cd2+and 50 μM nifedipine eliminated uptake of FM 1-43. We conclude that Ca2+influx via L-type Ca2+channels is correlated with vesicular activity during hypoxic stimulation. In addition, we suggest that expression of IKCain gill NECs is species specific and, in goldfish, may contribute to an attenuated response to acute hypoxia.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides the first physiological characterization of oxygen chemoreceptors from an anoxia-tolerant vertebrate. Neuroepithelial cells (NECs) from the gills of goldfish displayed L-type Ca2+channels and three types of K+channels, one of which was dependent upon intracellular Ca2+. Although membrane currents were not inhibited by hypoxia during patch-clamp recording, this study is the first to show that NECs with an undisturbed cytosol responded to hypoxia with increased intracellular Ca2+and synaptic vesicle activity.
Spasticity may obscure motor learning ability after stroke
Authors: Subramanian Sandeep K. , Feldman Anatol G. , Levin Mindy F.
Published: September 2017

Previous motor learning studies based on adapting movements of the hemiparetic arm in stroke subjects have not accounted for spasticity occurring in specific joint ranges (spasticity zones), resulting in equivocal conclusions about learning capacity. We compared the ability of participants with stroke to rapidly adapt elbow extension movements to changing external load conditions outside and inside spasticity zones. Participants with stroke ( n = 12, aged 57.8 ± 9.6 yr) and healthy age-matched controls ( n = 8, 63.5 ± 9.1 yr) made rapid 40°–50° horizontal elbow extension movements from an initial (3°) to a final (6°) target. Sixteen blocks (6–10 trials/block) consisting of alternating loaded (30% maximal voluntary contraction) and nonloaded trials were made in one (controls) or two sessions (stroke; 1 wk apart). For the stroke group, the tonic stretch reflex threshold angle at which elbow flexors began to be activated during passive elbow extension was used to identify the beginning of the spasticity zone. The task was repeated in joint ranges that did or did not include the spasticity zone. Error correction strategies were identified by the angular positions before correction and compared between groups and sessions. Changes in load condition from no load to load and vice versa resulted in undershoot and overshoot errors, respectively. Stroke subjects corrected errors in 1–4 trials compared with 1–2 trials in controls. When movements did not include the spasticity zone, there was an immediate decrease in the number of trials needed to restore accuracy, suggesting that the capacity to learn may be preserved after stroke but masked by the presence of spasticity.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY When arm movements were made outside, instead of inside, the range affected by spasticity, there was an immediate decrease in the number of trials needed to restore accuracy in response to a change in the external load. This suggests that motor learning processes may be preserved in patients with stroke but masked by the presence of spasticity in specific joint ranges. This has important implications for designing rehabilitation interventions predicated on motor learning principles.
Contribution of sensory feedback to plantar flexor muscle activation during push-off in adults with cerebral palsy
Authors: Frisk Rasmus F. , Jensen Peter , Kirk Henrik , Bouyer Laurent J. , Lorentzen Jakob , Nielsen Jens B.
Published: September 2017

Exaggerated sensory activity has been assumed to contribute to functional impairment following lesion of the central motor pathway. However, recent studies have suggested that sensory contribution to muscle activity during gait is reduced in stroke patients and children with cerebral palsy (CP). We investigated whether this also occurs in CP adults and whether daily treadmill training is accompanied by alterations in sensory contribution to muscle activity. Seventeen adults with CP and 12 uninjured individuals participated. The participants walked on a treadmill while a robotized ankle-foot orthosis applied unload perturbations at the ankle, thereby removing sensory feedback naturally activated during push-off. Reduction of electromyographic (EMG) activity in the soleus muscle caused by unloads was compared and related to kinematics and ankle joint stiffness measurements. Similar measures were obtained after 6 wk of gait training. We found that sensory contribution to soleus EMG activation was reduced in CP adults compared with uninjured adults. The lowest contribution of sensory feedback was found in participants with lowest maximal gait speed. This was related to increased ankle plantar flexor stiffness. Six weeks of gait training did not alter the contribution of sensory feedback. We conclude that exaggerated sensory activity is unlikely to contribute to impaired gait in CP adults, because sensory contribution to muscle activity during gait was reduced compared with in uninjured individuals. Increased passive stiffness around the ankle joint is likely to diminish sensory feedback during gait so that a larger part of plantar flexor muscle activity must be generated by descending motor commands.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Findings suggest that adults with cerebral palsy have less contribution of sensory feedback to ongoing soleus muscle activation during push-off than uninjured individuals. Increased passive stiffness around the ankle joint is likely to diminish sensory feedback during gait, and/or sensory feedback is less integrated with central motor commands in the activation of spinal motor neurons. Consequently, muscle activation must to a larger extent rely on descending drive, which is already decreased because of the cerebral lesion.
The Distribution and Origin of Carbonate Cements in Deep-Buried Sandstones in the Central Junggar Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Furong Wang , Sheng He , Yuguang Hou , Tian Dong , Zhiliang He
Published: September 2017

Extremely high porosities and permeabilities are commonly discovered in the sandstones of the Xishanyao Formation in the central Junggar Basin with the burial depth greater than 5500 m, from which hydrocarbons are currently being produced. High content of carbonate cements (up to 20%) is also observed in a similar depth range. Our study aimed to improve our understanding on the origin of carbonate cements in the Xishanyao Formation, in order to provide insights into the existence of high porosity sandstones at greater depths. Integrated analyses including petrographic analysis, isotopic analysis, fluid-inclusion, and core analysis were applied to investigate the distribution and origin of carbonate cements and the influence of high fluid pressure on reservoir quality. Textural evidences demonstrate that there are two generations of carbonate cements, precipitated at the temperature of 90°C and 120°C, respectively. The carbonate cements with low δCPDB13 ranging from −19.07 to -8.95‰ dominantly occurred near the overpressure surface and especially accumulated at approximately 100 m below the surface. Our interpretation is that high content of carbonate cements is significantly influenced by early carbonate cements dissolution and migration under overpressure. Dissolution of plagioclase resulted in the development of internal pores and porosities of as much as 10% at 6500 m depth presumably.
Impact of Body Mass Index on Surgical and Oncological Outcomes in Laparoscopic Total Mesorectal Excision for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer after Neoadjuvant 5-Fluorouracil-Based Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Sun Yanwu , Chi Pan
Published: September 2017

Aims.To evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the surgical outcome of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (laTME) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC, clinically staged as UICC stage II/III) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT).Methods.312 LARC patients undergoing laTME after nCRT were divided into nonobese (BMI < 25.0 kg/m2,n=249) and obese (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2,n=63) groups. Preoperative radiotherapy was delivered in 45–50.4 Gy/25f, 5 days/week, and concurrent chemotherapy using FOLFOX or CapeOX. Technical feasibility, postoperative and oncological outcome were compared between groups.Results.Obese patients had significantly longer operative time (P=0.004). There was no significant difference regarding estimated blood loss, conversion, postoperative recovery, and morbidities. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that higher ASA score and abdominoperineal resection were risk factors for postoperative complications and diverting stoma was a protective factor. The length of resection margin, circumferential resection margin involvement, and number of lymph node retrieved were comparable. With a median follow-up time of 55 months (ranging 20–102 months), oncological outcome was comparable in terms of overall survival, local recurrence, and distant metastasis.Conclusions.Obesity does not affect surgical or oncological outcome of laTME after nCRT. LaTME may be feasible and safe to obese LARC patients after nCRT in a specialized center.
The End-Diastolic Velocity of Thyroid Arteries Is Strongly Correlated with the Peak Systolic Velocity and Gland Volume in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Authors: Bianchini Höfling Danilo , Marui Suemi , Buchpiguel Carlos Alberto , Cerri Giovanni Guido , Chammas Maria Cristina
Published: September 2017

Background. The end-diastolic velocity (EDV) of thyroid arteries reflects peripheral blood flow resistance.Objective. The aim was to evaluate EDV correlations with other Doppler sonography parameters and with clinical and biochemical variables in a sample of patients with hypothyroidism caused by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT).Methods. A sample of 48 CAT hypothyroid patients receiving treatment with stable doses of levothyroxine was selected. The participants underwent clinical evaluation and measurement of serum thyrotropin (TSH), total triiodothyronine (T3), total thyroxine (T4), free T4, thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO), and antithyroglobulin antibodies (anti-Tg) and Doppler sonography.Results. The EDV of the inferior thyroid arteries (ITA-EDV) was strongly and positively correlated with the peak systolic velocity of the inferior thyroid arteries (ITA-PSV,r=0.919), thyroid volume (r=0.711), and thyroid visual vascularization pattern (TVP,r=0.687). There was no correlation between ITA-EDV and the clinical variables, hormones, anti-TPO, or anti-Tg.Conclusion. The strong correlation of ITA-EDV with ITA-PSV, TVP, and volume suggests that increased vascularization in CAT may be associated with a reduction in thyroid blood flow resistance, possibly due to an angiogenesis-induced increase in the total vascular cross-sectional area of the parenchyma.
Fuzzy Control Model and Simulation for Nonlinear Supply Chain System with Lead Times
Authors: Zhang Songtao , Hou Yanting , Zhang Siqi , Zhang Min
Published: September 2017

A new fuzzy robust control strategy for the nonlinear supply chain system in the presence of lead times is proposed. Based on Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy control system, the fuzzy control model of the nonlinear supply chain system with lead times is constructed. Additionally, we design a fuzzy robust H∞ control strategy taking the definition of maximal overlapped-rules group into consideration to restrain the impacts such as those caused by lead times, switching actions among submodels, and customers’ stochastic demands. This control strategy can not only guarantee that the nonlinear supply chain system is robustly asymptotically stable but also realize soft switching among subsystems of the nonlinear supply chain to make the less fluctuation of the system variables by introducing the membership function of fuzzy system. The comparisons between the proposed fuzzy robust H∞ control strategy and the robust H∞ control strategy are finally illustrated through numerical simulations on a two-stage nonlinear supply chain with lead times.
A Feasibility Study on the Potential Use of Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy to Analyze Meat in Live Animals: Discrimination of Muscles
Authors: Roberts J. J. , Motin J. Ch. , Swain D. , Cozzolino D.
Published: September 2017

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been proposed as a potential method to analyze different properties in live animals and humans, as infrared light has the ability to penetrate living tissues. This study evaluated the potential use of NIR spectroscopy to identify and analyze beef muscles through the skin nondestructively. The results from this study demonstrated that the NIR region has the potential to noninvasively monitor some properties of meat associated with either fat or muscle characteristics and to differentiate either muscle or fat tissue analyzed through the skin. At present, there are no rapid and noninvasive tools to monitor and assess any characteristic or property in live beef animals. Although these results look promising, more experiments and research need to be carried out before recommending the beef industry using this technology in live animals.
Biological Evaluation of the Effect of Galvanic Coupling Intrabody Communication on Human Skin Fibroblast Cells
Authors: Lin Shi , Gao Yue-Ming , Cai Juan , Lučev Vasić Željka , Vai Mang-I , Du Min , Cifrek Mario , Pun Sio-Hang
Published: September 2017

Intrabody communication (IBC) is an effective way to connect various kinds of wearable devices attached on or under the surface of the body, but it is important to quantitatively evaluate the biological effects of the IBC signal on the human body before its further application. The research described in this paper analyzed the responses of HSF (human skin fibroblast) cells exposed to IBC electrical signals. A galvanic coupling IBC signal transmitting system was designed to expose the experimental samples with different amplitudes (from 0 V to 6 V or 0 mA to 4 mA), different frequencies (from 10 kHz to 1 MHz), and different duration times (12 h and 24 h). The control groups were unexcited. Cell morphology and activity were evaluated with inverted microscope and MTT assays. The cell survival rates of all the experiment groups were in the range of 90% to 110%. Then, the data was analyzed by t-tests to assess whether there were statistically significant differences. The results showed that p values were greater than 0.05, so there were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups. Therefore, it can be concluded that the IBC signals do not have a significant effect on HSF cells.
A TOU Pricing Mechanism to Promote Renewable Energy Consumption: The Case of the Western Inner Mongolia Grid in China
Authors: He Yong-xiu , Pang Yue-xia , Guan Jie
Published: September 2017

The curtailment of wind power and photovoltaic power is becoming increasingly serious from the year 2012 to present in China. And the small installed capacity captive coal‐fired power plants have been developed rapidly aiming to cut production costs. Therefore, by the substitution of renewable energy for captive coal‐fired power plants, this paper establishes a time‐of‐use (TOU) pricing mechanism with a linkage between the supply side and the demand side to promote renewable energy consumption, which is applied to the Western Inner Mongolia grid in China. The results show that the benefits to the grid company, electricity users, renewable energy producers, and social environment are influenced by the quantity of renewable energy purchased in the market, the market price for renewable energy, the quantity of electricity from grid to peak shaving, the carbon price, and the quantity of electricity generated by captive coal‐fired power plants shifting to grid, in which the first factor has the greatest influence on the benefits of stakeholders. Furthermore, improving the accuracy of renewable energy generation forecast and optimizing using electricity behaviors by considering the renewable energy generation characteristics could ensure the TOU mechanism implementation successfully.
Concurrent Infection with Plasmodium vivax and the Dengue and Chikungunya Viruses in a Paediatric Patient from New Delhi, India in 2016
Authors: Tazeen Ayesha , Abdullah Mohd , Hisamuddin Malik , Ali Sher , Naqvi Irshad H. , Verma Hirday N. , Ahmed Anwar , Parveen Shama
Published: September 2017

Dengue and chikungunya fevers are transmitted by the common mosquito vector Aedes and malaria by Anopheles. Concurrent infections are reported due to co-circulation of these pathogens, especially in endemic regions. We report a rare case of triple infection with 3 arthropod-borne pathogens (Plasmodium vivax and the dengue and chikungunya viruses) in a 3-year-old child from New Delhi, India, in August 2016. The viruses were identified by RT-PCR and the parasite by microscopy and antigen detection. The dengue virus serotype 3 sequence was clustered in the genotype III by the phylogenetic analysis. Mixed infection with multiple pathogens is a challenge for accurate diagnosis due to the overlapping clinical symptoms. The accurate and timely diagnosis of multiple pathogens in such cases is important for rapid and effective patient management.
Performance of the Choledocholithiasis Diagnostic Score in Patients with Acute Cholecystitis
Authors: Gouveia Catarina , Loureiro Rui , Ferreira Rosa , Oliveira Ferreira Alexandre , Santos António Alberto , Santos Maria Pia Costa , Palmela Carolina , Cravo Marília
Published: September 2017

Introduction: The prevalence of choledocholithiasis among patients with acute cholecystitis is estimated to be between 9 and 16.5%. There are no validated algorithms to predict choledocholithiasis in this group of patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the choledocholithiasis diagnostic score proposed by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, in patients with acute cholecystitis. Material/Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study, covering a 4-year period at a secondary care hospital, was performed. All patients with an encoded diagnosis of acute cholecystitis and with at least one of the following procedures were included: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and intraoperative cholangiography. Results: Among 4,369 patients with the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, 40 (0.92%) had clinical or sonographic suspicion of choledocholithiasis. Their mean age was 68.1 ± 15 years, and 22 (55%) were men. Thirty-one of the patients included (77.5%) had a high risk of choledocholithiasis, and 9 (22.5%) had an intermediate risk. In 16 (51.6%) of the 31 patients with a high risk, the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis was confirmed. In 2 (22.2%) of the 9 patients with an intermediate risk, the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis was also confirmed. The high risk score for choledocholithiasis had a positive predictive value of 52% and a sensitivity of 89%. The intermediate risk score for choledocholithiasis had a positive predictive value of 22% and a sensitivity of 11%. Discussion and Conclusions: Suspicion of choledocholithiasis in patients with acute cholecystitis was a rare event (<1%). The sensitivity of the high risk score was approximately the same as found in published series with patients with suspected choledocholithiasis overall (86%), while the positive predictive value was substantially lower (52 vs. 79.8%). Therefore, in patients with acute cholecystitis and suspected choledocholithiasis, this score should not be used to screen for common bile duct stones, and a sensitive method should be used prior to ERCP.
The Neighborhood Built Environment and Cognitive Function of Older Persons: Results from the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Study
Authors: Ng Tze Pin , Nyunt Ma Shwe Zin , Shuvo Faysal Kabir , Eng Jia Yen , Yap Keng Bee , Hee Li Min , Chan Siew Pang , Scherer Samuel
Published: September 2017

Background: We investigated the association of subjective (perceived) and objective (geographical information system [GIS]-based) measures of the neighborhood built environment (BE) attributes with cognitive function among older persons, and the mediating effect of transportation physical activity (TPA) and leisure time (physical, social and productive) activities (LTA). Method: A cross-sectional study of 402 residents aged 55 years and above in the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Study. Perceived neighborhood BE attributes (residential density, street connectivity, land use mix - diversity, land use mix - access, infrastructure for walking or cycling, aesthetics, traffic safety, and crime safety) and objective GIS measures of walkability and accessibility were related to participants' cognitive global and domain-specific performance measured by Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neurocognitive Status (RBANS). Results: Controlling for age, sex, education, race, chronic medical illnesses, self-rated health, Geriatric Depression Scale depression score, POMA measures of balance and gait, and other BE attributes, the subjective measure of land use mix-diversity (standardized coefficient β = 0.161, p = 0.008) and GIS measure of walkability (β = 0.163, p = 0.002) were positively and significantly associated with RBANS global z-score, and immediate and delayed memory recall, visuospatial/ constructional ability and language, except attention. In hierarchical modeling, TPA and LTA attenuated the effect estimates, but the associations remained significant. Conclusion: BE features which increase opportunities and easy access to a diversity of destinations for services and facilities that promote physical, social and cognitively stimulating activities is associated with better cognitive functioning in older people.
Anfíbios anuros de brejos e lagoas de São Roque do Canaã, Espírito Santo, Sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Mônico Alexander Tamanini , Clemente-Carvalho Rute Beatriz Garcia , Lopes Silvia Ramira , Peloso Pedro Luiz Vieira Del
Published: September 2017

The realization of inventories in regions where there are few records of amphibian collection is a fundamental tool for conservation. We studied the composition of amphibian species in swamps and lagoons of São Roque do Canaã, a municipality located in the central region of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The study was conducted between June 2013 and May 2014, with samplings made twice a month. Fieldwork was concentrated at two sites (one visit per month each), both formed by swamps and ponds temporary and are the main matrix type in the landscape, located in open areas where pastures for cattle and coffee crops predominate. Fieldwork was carried out by two collectors from 17:00 to 24h00min, totaling 24 expeditions, resulting in approximately 336 hours of sampling effort. The species were inventoried through active visual search and auditory census. Twenty two species distributed in 5 families were recorded. Hylidae was the most represented family (N = 16), followed by Leptodactylidae (N = 2), Bufonidae (N = 2), Pipidae (N = 1) and Cycloramphidae (N = 1). The months with the highest number of species in calling activity were November (n = 15) and December (n = 16), 2013, and January 2014 (n = 15), while the months with lower number of species were April, June (n = 5) and July (n = 4), 2013. No species recorded is included in the list of threatened amphibians of the Espírito Santo. The species found are typical of open areas and support well degraded environments. This study is the first step to a better understanding of anurofauna of São Roque do Canaã, since there is absolutely nothing published on amphibians in the region.
Catalogue of the Dolichoderinae, Formicinae and Martialinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) types deposited at the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Ulysséa Mônica Antunes , Prado Lívia Pires do , Brandão Carlos Roberto Ferreira
Published: September 2017

This catalogue lists types of three ant subfamilies (Dolichoderinae, Formicinae and Martialinae) housed in the Formicidae Collection of the Hymenoptera Laboratory, Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZSP), Brazil. It provides label information, morphological condition of specimens, nomenclatural changes, and type status, following recommendations of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN). Here we present information on types of 101 nominal species, of which 96 are still valid. Eight species are only represented by holotypes, 27 species only by paratypes, seven by holotypes and paratypes, 56 species by syntypes, two species by paralectotypes and one species by a lectotype and paralectotypes. With this issue we complete the publication of information regarding all MZSP ant types, summing 4,741 specimens of 892 nomenclaturally valid species.
New Cases of Gynandromorphism in Xylocopa Latreille, 1802 (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Zama Paula Caetano , Coelho Igor Rismo
Published: September 2017

Gynandromorphism is the most common case of sexual anomaly reported in bees and is characterized by individuals that show male and female traits simultaneously in the body. Gynandromorphic cases have been reported for 140 species of bees, an underestimated number comparing to the twenty thousand bee species described nowadays. Here we describe and illustrate the first case of a gynandromorphic Xylocopa darwini Cockerell, 1926 and the fourth case of Xylocopa varipuncta Patton, 1879. The specimens show a mixed form of gynandromorphism with predominantly female features and with all its male traits concentrated in one side of the body, right side in X. darwini and left side in X. varipuncta. The gynanders of X. darwini and X. varipuncta were collected on Isabela Island (Galapagos – Ecuador) and Riverside (California – USA), and were deposited in Smithsonian Collection and California Academy of Sciences, respectively. Including this work, eighteen cases of gynandromorphism were reported to Xylocopa and twelve were recorded from Neoxylocopa subgenus.
Post-embryonic development of intramandibular glands of Friesella schrottkyi (Friese, 1900) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) workers
Authors: Oliveira André Henrique de , Lisboa Luciane Cristina de Oliveira , Serrão José Eduardo , Zanuncio José Cola , Souza Edmilson Amaral de
Published: September 2017

Exocrine glands play important role in social organization of insects, such as caste and inter-caste differentiation. Due their functional and structural plasticity, morphological studies on such glands contribute to better understanding the biology of social bees. Therefore, the aim of the study was to characterize the sequence of the post-embryonic development of intramandibular glands of Friesella schrottkyi (Friese, 1900) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) workers using histological and histochemical analyses. The mandibles of pupae at different developmental stages and newly emerged adults were analyzed. The intramandibular glands of F. schrottkyi presented two types: class I glands, in the mandible epidermis and class III glands, inside the mandible cavity that open onto external surface. The intramandibular glands of F. schrottkyi developed during the transition from the prepupae to the white-eyed pupae, as shown by the morphological changes. Black-eyed pupae of F. schrottkyi presented fully developed intramandibular glands.
Classification, Epidemiology, and Global Burden of Cardiomyopathies
Authors: McKenna William J. , Maron Barry J. , Thiene Gaetano
Published: September 2017

In the past 25 years, major advances were achieved in the nosography of cardiomyopathies, influencing the definition and taxonomy of this important chapter of cardiovascular disease. Nearly, 50% of patients dying suddenly in childhood or adolescence or undergoing cardiac transplantation are affected by cardiomyopathies. Novel cardiomyopathies have been discovered (arrhythmogenic, restrictive, and noncompacted) and added to update the World Health Organization classification. Myocarditis has also been named inflammatory cardiomyopathy. Extraordinary progress accomplished in molecular genetics of inherited cardiomyopathies allowed establishment of dilated cardiomyopathy as mostly cytoskeleton, force transmission disease; hypertrophic–restrictive cardiomyopathies as sarcomeric, force generation disease; and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy as desmosome, cell junction disease. Channelopathies (short and long QT, Brugada, and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia syndromes) should also be considered cardiomyopathies because of electric myocyte dysfunction. Cardiomyopathies are easily diagnosed but treated only with palliative pharmacological or invasive therapy. Curative therapy, thanks to insights into the molecular pathogenesis, has to target the fundamental mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of these conditions.