bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resection of gliomas deemed inoperable by neurosurgeons based on preoperative imaging studies
Authors: Southwell Derek G. , Birk Harjus S. , Han Seunggu J. , Li Jing , Sall Jeffrey W. , Berger Mitchel S.
Published: November 2017

OBJECTIVE

Maximal safe resection is a primary objective in the management of gliomas. Despite this objective, surgeons and referring physicians may, on the basis of radiological studies alone, assume a glioma to be unresectable. Because imaging studies, including functional MRI, may not localize brain functions (such as language) with high fidelity, this simplistic approach may exclude some patients from what could be a safe resection. Intraoperative direct electrical stimulation (DES) allows for the accurate localization of functional areas, thereby enabling maximal resection of tumors, including those that may appear inoperable based solely on radiological studies. In this paper the authors describe the extent of resection (EOR) and functional outcomes following resections of tumors deemed inoperable by referring physicians and neurosurgeons.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively examined the cases of 58 adult patients who underwent glioma resection within 6 months of undergoing a brain biopsy of the same lesion at an outside hospital. All patients exhibited unifocal supratentorial disease and preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale scores ≥ 70. The EOR and 6-month functional outcomes for this population were characterized.

RESULTS

Intraoperative DES mapping was performed on 96.6% (56 of 58) of patients. Nearly half of the patients (46.6%, 27 of 58) underwent an awake surgical procedure with DES. Overall, the mean EOR was 87.6% ± 13.6% (range 39.0%–100%). Gross-total resection (resection of more than 99% of the preoperative tumor volume) was achieved in 29.3% (17 of 58) of patients. Subtotal resection (95%–99% resection) and partial resection (PR; < 95% resection) were achieved in 12.1% (7 of 58) and 58.6% (34 of 58) of patients, respectively. Of the cases that involved PR, the mean EOR was 79.4% ± 12.2%. Six months after surgery, no patient was found to have a new postoperative neurological deficit. The majority of patients (89.7%, 52 of 58) were free of neurological deficits both pre- and postoperatively. The remainder of patients exhibited either residual but stable deficits (5.2%, 3 of 58) or complete correction of preoperative deficits (5.2%, 3 of 58).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of DES enabled maximal safe resections of gliomas deemed inoperable by referring neurosurgeons. With rare exceptions, tumor resectability cannot be determined solely by radiological studies.
Association between baseline cognitive impairment and postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing surgery for adult spinal deformity
Authors: Adogwa Owoicho , Elsamadicy Aladine A. , Vuong Victoria D. , Fialkoff Jared , Cheng Joseph , Karikari Isaac O. , Bagley Carlos A.
Published: November 2017

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative delirium is common in elderly patients undergoing spine surgery and is associated with a longer and more costly hospital course, functional decline, postoperative institutionalization, and higher likelihood of death within 6 months of discharge. Preoperative cognitive impairment may be a risk factor for the development of postoperative delirium. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between baseline cognitive impairment and postoperative delirium in geriatric patients undergoing surgery for degenerative scoliosis.

METHODS

Elderly patients 65 years and older undergoing a planned elective spinal surgery for correction of adult degenerative scoliosis were enrolled in this study. Preoperative cognition was assessed using the validated Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) examination. SLUMS comprises 11 questions, with a maximum score of 30 points. Mild cognitive impairment was defined as a SLUMS score between 21 and 26 points, while severe cognitive impairment was defined as a SLUMS score of ≤ 20 points. Normal cognition was defined as a SLUMS score of ≥ 27 points. Delirium was assessed daily using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and rated as absent or present on the basis of CAM. The incidence of delirium was compared in patients with and without baseline cognitive impairment.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (18%) developed delirium postoperatively. Baseline demographics, including age, sex, comorbidities, and perioperative variables, were similar in patients with and without delirium. The length of in-hospital stay (mean 5.33 days vs 5.48 days) and 30-day hospital readmission rates (12.28% vs 12%) were similar between patients with and without delirium, respectively. Patients with preoperative cognitive impairment (i.e., a lower SLUMS score) had a higher incidence of postoperative delirium. One- and 2-year patient reported outcomes scores were similar in patients with and without delirium.

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive impairment is a risk factor for the development of postoperative delirium. Postoperative delirium may be associated with decreased preoperative cognitive reserve. Cognitive impairment assessments should be considered in the preoperative evaluations of elderly patients prior to surgery.
Graft subsidence as a predictor of revision surgery following stand-alone lateral lumbar interbody fusion
Authors: Tempel Zachary J. , McDowell Michael M. , Panczykowski David M. , Gandhoke Gurpreet S. , Hamilton D. Kojo , Okonkwo David O. , Kanter Adam S.
Published: November 2017

OBJECTIVE

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is a less invasive surgical option commonly used for a variety of spinal conditions, including in high-risk patient populations. LLIF is often performed as a stand-alone procedure, and may be complicated by graft subsidence, the clinical ramifications of which remain unclear. The aim of this study was to characterize further the sequelae of graft subsidence following stand-alone LLIF.

METHODS

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted on consecutive patients who underwent stand-alone LLIF between July 2008 and June 2015; 297 patients (623 levels) met inclusion criteria. Imaging studies were examined to grade graft subsidence according to Marchi criteria, and compared between those who required revision surgery and those who did not. Additional variables recorded included levels fused, DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) T-score, body mass index, and routine demographic information. The data were analyzed using the Student t-test, chi-square analysis, and logistic regression analysis to identify potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

Of 297 patients, 34 (11.4%) had radiographic evidence of subsidence and 18 (6.1%) required revision surgery. The median subsidence grade for patients requiring revision surgery was 2.5, compared with 1 for those who did not. Chi-square analysis revealed a significantly higher incidence of revision surgery in patients with high-grade subsidence compared with those with low-grade subsidence. Seven of 18 patients (38.9%) requiring revision surgery suffered a vertebral body fracture. High-grade subsidence was a significant predictor of the need for revision surgery (p < 0.05; OR 12, 95% CI 1.29–13.6), whereas age, body mass index, T-score, and number of levels fused were not. This relationship remained significant despite adjustment for the other variables (OR 14.4; 95% CI 1.30–15.9).

CONCLUSIONS

In this series, more than half of the patients who developed graft subsidence following stand-alone LLIF required revision surgery. When evaluating patients for LLIF, supplemental instrumentation should be considered during the index surgery in patients with a significant risk of graft subsidence.
Long-term outcomes after surgical treatment of pediatric neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome
Authors: Hong Jennifer , Pisapia Jared M. , Ali Zarina S. , Heuer Austin J. , Alexander Erin , Heuer Gregory G. , Zager Eric L.
Published: November 2017

OBJECTIVE

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (nTOS) is an uncommon compression syndrome of the brachial plexus that presents with pain, sensory changes, and motor weakness in the affected limb. The authors reviewed the clinical presentations and outcomes in their series of pediatric patients with surgically treated nTOS over a 6-year period.

METHODS

Cases of nTOS in patients age 18 years or younger were extracted for analysis from a prospective database of peripheral nerve operations. Baseline patient characteristics, imaging and neurophysiological data, operative findings, and outcomes and complications were assessed.

RESULTS

Twelve patients with 14 cases of nTOS surgically treated between April 2010 and December 2016 were identified. One-third of the patients were male, and 2 male patients underwent staged, bilateral procedures. Disabling pain (both local and radiating) was the most common presenting symptom (100%), followed by numbness (35.7%), then tingling (28.6%). The mean duration of symptoms prior to surgery was 15.8 ± 6.6 months (mean ± SD). Sports-related onset of symptoms was seen in 78.6% of cases. Imaging revealed cervical ribs in 4 cases, prominent C-7 transverse processes in 4 cases, abnormal first thoracic ribs in 2 cases, and absence of bony anomalies in 4 cases. Neurophysiological testing results were normal in 85.7% of cases. Conservative management failed in all patients, with 5 patients reporting minimal improvement in symptoms with physical therapy. With a mean follow-up after surgery of 22 ± 18.3 months (mean ± SD), pain relief was excellent (> 90%) in 8 cases (57.1%), and good (improved > 50%) in 6 cases (42.9%). On univariate analysis, patients who reported excellent pain resolution following surgery at long-term follow-up were found to be significantly younger, and to have suffered a shorter duration of preoperative symptoms than patients who had worse outcomes. Lack of significant trauma or previous surgery to the affected arm was also associated with excellent outcomes. There were 4 minor complications in 3 patients within 30 days of surgery: 1 patient developed a small pneumothorax that resolved spontaneously; 1 patient suffered a transient increase in pain requiring consultation, followed by hiccups for a period of 3 hours that resolved spontaneously; and 1 patient fell at home, with transient increased pain in the surgically treated extremity. There were no new neurological deficits, wound infections, deep vein thromboses, or readmissions.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric nTOS commonly presents with disabling pain and is more frequently associated with bony anomalies compared with adult nTOS. In carefully selected patients, surgical decompression of the brachial plexus results in excellent pain relief, which is more likely to be seen in younger patients who present for early surgical evaluation.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity Evaluation of Some Novel Hydrazone, Pyrazolone, Chromenone, 2-Pyridone and 2-Pyrone Derivatives
Authors: Atta-Allah Saad R. , Abou-Elmagd Wael S. I. , Kandeel Kamal A. A. , Hemdan Magdy M. , Haneen David S. A. , Youssef Ahmed S.A.
Published: November 2017

A cyanoacetohydrazide derivative underwent a series of reactions with different nucleophilic reagents, such as hydrazine hydrate, p-chlorobenzaldehyde and salicylaldehyde, to give the condensation products. In addition, an arylidene malononitrile was reacted with different nitrogen nucleophiles, such as hydrazine hydrate, thiocarbohydrazide and cyanoacetohydrazide, to afford the hydrazine, hydrazone and pyridin-2-one derivatives, respectively. Furthermore, a pyridin-2-one derivative was reacted with different carbon electrophiles, such as carbon disulfide, p-chlorobenzaldehyde and acetic anhydride. The antimicrobial activities of some of the compounds were examined.
Efficient Preparation of 2,3-Disubstituted Cyclopropane-1-Carbonitriles via Selective Decarboxylation of 1-Cyanocyclopropane-1-Carboxylates
Authors: Wang Lizhong , Su Zhenjie , Qian Siran , Ye Weijian , Wang Cunde
Published: November 2017

2,3-Disubstituted cyclopropane-1-carbonitriles were efficiently formed via a selective decarboxylation reaction of substituted 2-aroyl-3-aryl-1-cyano-cyclopropane-1-carboxylates in up to 92% yield. The structures of three typical compounds were confirmed by X-ray crystallography.
Synthesis of Spiro Indazole-Tetrahydrothiophenes via Sulfa-Michael/Aldol Cascade Reactions
Authors: Zhang Shaowei , Ren Demin , Hu Xiaolian , Fu Xingliang , Li Xiaofang
Published: November 2017

The sulfa-Michael/aldol cascade reaction of 5-arylmethylidene-1-phenyl-6,7-dihydro-1H-indazol-4(5H)-ones and 1,4-dithiane-2,5-diol yielded novel 2′-(4-aryl)-4′-hydroxy-1-phenyl-4′,5′,6,7-tetrahydro-2′H-spiro[indazole-5,3′-thiophen]-4(1H)-ones in moderate yields. The structures of all the products were characterised thoroughly by NMR, IR and HRMS, together with X-ray crystallographic analysis.
Clinical Outcomes in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Study of 5345 Patients from the TREAT-NMD DMD Global Database
Authors: Koeks Zaïda , Bladen Catherine L. , Salgado David , van Zwet Erik , Pogoryelova Oksana , McMacken Grace , Monges Soledad , Foncuberta Maria E. , Kekou Kyriaki , Kosma Konstantina , Dawkins Hugh , Lamont Leanne , Bellgard Matthew I. , Roy Anna J. , Chamova Teodora , Guergueltcheva Velina , Chan Sophelia , Korngut Lawrence , Campbell Craig , Dai Yi , Wang Jen , Barišić Nina , Brabec Petr , Lähdetie Jaana , Walter Maggie C. , Schreiber-Katz Olivia , Karcagi Veronika , Garami Marta , Herczegfalvi Agnes , Viswanathan Venkatarman , Bayat Farhad , Buccella Filippo , Ferlini Alessandra , Kimura En , van den Bergen Janneke C. , Rodrigues Miriam , Roxburgh Richard , Lusakowska Anna , Kostera-Pruszczyk Anna , Santos Rosário , Neagu Elena , Artemieva Svetlana , Rasic Vedrana Milic , Vojinovic Dina , Posada Manuel , Bloetzer Clemens , Klein Andrea , Díaz-Manera Jordi , Gallardo Eduard , Karaduman A. Ayşe , Oznur Tunca , Topaloğlu Haluk , El Sherif Rasha , Stringer Angela , Shatillo Andriy V. , Martin Ann S. , Peay Holly L. , Kirschner Jan , Flanigan Kevin M. , Straub Volker , Bushby Kate , Béroud Christophe , Verschuuren Jan J. , Lochmüller Hanns
Published: November 2017

Background:

Recent short-term clinical trials in patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) have indicated greater disease variability in terms of progression than expected. In addition, as average life-expectancy increases, reliable data is required on clinical progression in the older DMD population.

Objective:

To determine the effects of corticosteroids on major clinical outcomes of DMD in a large multinational cohort of genetically confirmed DMD patients.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study we analysed clinical data from 5345 genetically confirmed DMD patients from 31 countries held within the TREAT-NMD global DMD database. For analysis patients were categorised by corticosteroid background and further stratified by age.

Results:

Loss of ambulation in non-steroid treated patients was 10 years and in corticosteroid treated patients 13 years old ( p = 0.0001). Corticosteroid treated patients were less likely to need scoliosis surgery ( p < 0.001) or ventilatory support ( p < 0.001) and there was a mild cardioprotective effect of corticosteroids in the patient population aged 20 years and older ( p = 0.0035). Patients with a single deletion of exon 45 showed an increased survival in contrast to other single exon deletions.

Conclusions:

This study provides data on clinical outcomes of DMD across many healthcare settings and including a sizeable cohort of older patients. Our data confirm the benefits of corticosteroid treatment on ambulation, need for scoliosis surgery, ventilation and, to a lesser extent, cardiomyopathy. This study underlines the importance of data collection via patient registries and the critical role of multi-centre collaboration in the rare disease field.
Assessment of anti-arthritic potential of Ephedra gerardiana by in vitro and in vivo methods
Authors: Uttra Ambreen Malik , . Alamgeer
Published: November 2017

The present study determines the anti-arthritic potential of Ephedra gerardiana ethanolic extract and its ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions adopting in vitro and in vivo tests. In vitro tests included thermally induced bovine serum albumin denaturation and egg albumin denaturation, also membrane stabilizing assay at concentration of 50-6400 µg/mL, whereas in vivo study comprised formaldehyde-induced arthritis at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg doses. The crude extract and fractions inhibited protein denaturation and stabilized red blood cells membrane in concentration-dependent fashion, with maximal effect achieved at 6,400 µg/mL (p<0.001). Similarly, in formaldehyde model, the extract and fractions dose-dependently reduced injected paw volume and diameter, with maximum reduction at 200 mg/kg (p<0.001). However, results of aqueous fraction were on a par with hydroalcoholic extract in each test. These results suggest that E. gerardiana provides protection against arthritis that might be owing to the existence of phytoconstituents thus, supporting folkloric claim.

Video Clip of Methodology:

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Strong Cognitive Symbiosis: Cognitive Computing for Humans
Authors: Veres Csaba
Published: November 2017

“Cognitive Computing” has become somewhat of a rallying call in the technology world, with the promise of new smart services offered by industry giants like IBM and Microsoft. The associated technological advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have thrown into the public sphere some old questions about the relationship between machine computation and human intelligence. Much of the industry and media hype suggests that many traditional challenges have been overcome. On the contrary, our simple examples from language processing demonstrate that present day cognitive computing still struggles with fundamental, long-standing problems in AI. An alternative interpretation of cognitive computing is presented, following Licklider’s lead in adopting “man-computer symbiosis” as a metaphor for designing software systems that enhance human cognitive performance. A survey of existing proposals on this view suggests a distinction between weak and strong versions of symbiosis. We propose a Strong Cognitive Symbiosis, which dictates an interdependence rather than simply cooperation between human and machine functioning, and introduce new software systems, which were designed for cognitive symbiosis. We conclude that strong symbiosis presents a viable new perspective for the design of cognitive computing systems.
Data Commercialisation: Extracting Value from Smart Buildings
Authors: Säynäjoki Antti , Pulkka Lauri , Säynäjoki Eeva-Sofia , Junnila Seppo
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this paper is to explore the current state of data commercialisation and external distribution in the Finnish real estate and construction (REC) sector. We focus on how companies could more effectively benefit from digitalisation, with more holistic utilisation of data from smart buildings. We assess the current state of data utilisation and distribution using a start-up company analysis and industry workshops. According to our research, the data from smart buildings is gathered on a large scale but very seldom distributed outside company borders. The reason for this almost non-existent external data distribution is the lack of value of the external data. As a solution, we propose the Internet of Buildings framework. The framework is based on a platform ecosystem model that is complemented with data commercialisation roles. It takes into account the current data-related opportunities and challenges in the sector. Within the framework, we suggest stakeholder roles and modes of interaction that promote value creation from smart building data. The framework can be used as a starting point for developing data commercialisation and external data distribution in the sector.
EU Support for Innovation and Market Uptake in Smart Buildings under the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme
Authors: Moseley Philippe
Published: November 2017

At the end of November 2016, the European Commission tabled the Clean Energy for All Europeans package, which represents a large set of proposals for several key directives related to energy. The package included proposed revisions to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) which seek to update and streamline the Directive in several areas, including provisions to ensure buildings operate efficiently by encouraging the uptake of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and smart technologies. Although it can be argued that there is at present no commonly accepted definition of a “smart building”, the Commission’s proposed revision refers to three key features of a possible indicator of “smartness” in buildings: the technological readiness of a building to (1) interact with its occupants; (2) to interact with the grid; and (3) to manage itself efficiently. Using these three pillars of “smartness” as a methodological starting point, this paper identifies and analyses recent and ongoing Horizon 2020 research, innovation and market uptake projects which are investigating “smart buildings”. The research maps and examines the tasks, scope and innovations in areas that include building automation and control systems, demand response, energy management, ICT and user interfaces for energy efficiency.
Terpyridine-Containing Imine-Rich Graphene for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Lee Min , Yang Mun , Park Jong , Chang Dong
Published: November 2017

We report a facile synthetic method for the preparation of a terpyridine-containing imine-rich graphene (IrGO-Tpy) using an acid-catalyzed dehydration reaction between graphene oxide (GO) and 4′-(aminophenyl)-2,2′:6′2″-terpyridine. Owing to the presence of terpyridine ligands, cobalt ions (Co2+) were readily incorporated into the IrGO-Tpy structures, affording a metal complex, denoted IrGo-Tpy-Co. Cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry measurements confirm the noticeable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activities of the IrGo-Tpy and IrGo-Tpy-Co electroacatalysts in alkaline electrolytes, along with the additional merits of high selectivity, excellent long-term durability, and good resistance to methanol crossover. In addition, a remarkable improvement in the ORR performance was observed for IrGO-Tpy-Co compared with that of IrGo-Tpy, arising from the significant contribution of the cobalt-terpyridine complex in facilitating the ORR process.
Fabrication of an Anisotropic Superhydrophobic Polymer Surface Using Compression Molding and Dip Coating
Authors: Lee Kyong-Min , Ngo Chi-Vinh , Jeong Ji-Young , Jeon Eun-chae , Je Tae-Jin , Chun Doo-Man
Published: November 2017

Many studies of anisotropic wetting surfaces with directional structures inspired from rice leaves, bamboo leaves, and butterfly wings have been carried out because of their unique liquid shape control and transportation. In this study, a precision mechanical cutting process, ultra-precision machining using a single crystal diamond tool, was used to fabricate a mold with microscale directional patterns of triangular cross-sectional shape for good moldability, and the patterns were duplicated on a flat thermoplastic polymer plate by compression molding for the mass production of an anisotropic wetting polymer surface. Anisotropic wetting was observed only with microscale patterns, but the sliding of water could not be achieved because of the pinning effect of the micro-structure. Therefore, an additional dip coating process with 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecythricholosilanes, and TiO2 nanoparticles was applied for a small sliding angle with nanoscale patterns and a low surface energy. The anisotropic superhydrophobic surface was fabricated and the surface morphology and anisotropic wetting behaviors were investigated. The suggested fabrication method can be used to mass produce an anisotropic superhydrophobic polymer surface, demonstrating the feasibility of liquid shape control and transportation.
Nucleation and Growth of Intermetallic Compounds Formed in Boron Steel Hot-Dipped in Al–Ni alloy
Authors: Lee Jae-Hyeong , Yun Jung-Gil , Kwak Sung-Yun , Kang Chung-Yun
Published: November 2017

The formation mechanism of intermetallic compounds formed in boron steel hot-dipped in Al–7Ni (wt %) at 690 °С for 10–120 s was studied by identifying the intermetallic phases and investigating the growth process. Initially, a Fe3O4 oxide layer formed on the steel. The oxide layer separated into multiple layers sporadically; following this, the Al–Ni molten alloy permeated into the region of the oxide layer breakdown and formed the Al9FeNi (T, monoclinic, space group: P21/c) phase on the steel surfaces. The Al9FeNi (T) phase formed from the reaction between the Al–Ni molten alloy and Fe eluted from the steel; this phase not only acts as an Al interdiffusion channel, but also as a barrier for Fe; and facilitates only grain growth without a significant change in thickness. Inside the steel, the Fe2Al5 (η, orthorhombic, space group: Cmcm) phase grows along the c-axis in the [001] direction; and has a long columnar structure. The Fe3AlC (κ, Cubic, space group: Pm3m) phase is formed owing to a reduction in the Al concentration and the simultaneous diffusion and discharge of C toward the steel interface, as C cannot dissolve in the Fe2Al5 (η) phase.
Recent Applications of Ionic Liquids in the Sol-Gel Process for Polymer–Silica Nanocomposites with Ionic Interfaces
Authors: Donato Katarzyna , Matějka Libor , Mauler Raquel , Donato Ricardo
Published: November 2017

Understanding the organic–inorganic interphases of hybrid materials allows structure and properties control for obtaining new advanced materials. Lately, the use of ionic liquids (ILs) and poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) allowed structure control from the first sol-gel reaction steps due to their anisotropy and multiple bonding capacity. They also act as multifunctional compatibilizing agents that affect the interfacial interactions in a molecular structure-dependent manner. Thus, this review will explore the concepts and latest efforts to control silica morphology using processes such as the sol-gel, both in situ and ex situ of polymer matrices, pre-polymers or polymer precursors. It discusses how to control the polymer–filler interphase bonding, highlighting the last achievements in the interphase ionicity control and, consequently, how these affect the final nanocomposites providing materials with barrier, shape–memory and self-healing properties.
10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid in Royal Jelly Extract Induced Both Filaggrin and Amino Acid in a Cultured Human Three-Dimensional Epidermis Model
Authors: Gu Lihao , Zeng Haifeng , Maeda Kazuhisa
Published: November 2017

Royal jelly (RJ) is a natural product which the honeybee secretes as a special diet for a queen bee. It is one of the natural products in which various functionalities, such as antibacterial effects, immunomodulating properties, and estrogen-like action, were reported. We investigated the effect of the RJ extract on the moisturizing effect by topical application in humans. The stratum corneum moisture was increased significantly after four weeks by using the RJ extract lotion compared to placebo lotion. RJ extract contained a characteristic ingredient, 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10H2DA) and 10-hydroxydecanoic acid (10HDAA), etc. However, the mechanism of stratum corneum moisture and its contributing ingredient have not yet been elucidated. We have investigated the effects of 10H2DA and 10HDAA on the free amino acids content in the stratum corneum using a cultured human three-dimensional epidermis model. Additionally, the effect of 10H2DA and 10HDAA on the amounts of filaggrin (FLG) and aquaporin 3 (AQP3) were investigated at the mRNA level and by immunohistochemistry using a cultured human epidermis model. It was determined that 10H2DA increases the free amino acids in the stratum corneum of the cultured human epidermis model, and that it increased FLG on both the mRNA and protein levels. On the other hand, these actions are not observed by treatment of 10HDAA. The mRNA and protein level of AQP3 did not increase with 10H2DA or 10HDAA use. It was thought that the increase in the amount of FLG and the increase in the free amino acids of the epidermis and the stratum corneum, respectively, by 10H2DA were participating in the moisturizing function of the stratum corneum by the continuous use of RJ extract lotion.
Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics and Entropy
Authors: Swendsen Robert
Published: November 2017

The proper definition of thermodynamics and the thermodynamic entropy is discussed in the light of recent developments. The postulates for thermodynamics are examined critically, and some modifications are suggested to allow for the inclusion of long-range forces (within a system), inhomogeneous systems with non-extensive entropy, and systems that can have negative temperatures. Only the thermodynamics of finite systems are considered, with the condition that the system is large enough for the fluctuations to be smaller than the experimental resolution. The statistical basis for thermodynamics is discussed, along with four different forms of the (classical and quantum) entropy. The strengths and weaknesses of each are evaluated in relation to the requirements of thermodynamics. Effects of order 1 / N , where N is the number of particles, are included in the discussion because they have played a significant role in the literature, even if they are too small to have a measurable effect in an experiment. The discussion includes the role of discreteness, the non-zero width of the energy and particle number distributions, the extensivity of models with non-interacting particles, and the concavity of the entropy with respect to energy. The results demonstrate the validity of negative temperatures.
A Design of a Hybrid Non-Linear Control Algorithm
Authors: Behrooz Farinaz , Mariun Norman , Marhaban Mohammad , Mohd Radzi Mohd , Ramli Abdul
Published: November 2017

One of the high energy consuming devices in the buildings is the air-conditioning system. Designing a proper controller to consider the thermal comfort and simultaneously control the energy usage of the device will impact on the system energy efficiency and its performance. The aim of this study was to design a Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO), non-linear, and intelligent controller on direct expansion air-conditioning system The control algorithm uses the Fuzzy Cognitive Map method as a main controller and the Generalized Predictive Control method is used for assigning the initial weights of the main controller. The results of the proposed controller shows that the controller was successfully designed and works in set point tracking and under disturbance rejection tests. The obtained results of the Generalized Predictive Control-Fuzzy Cognitive Map controller are compared with the previous MIMO Linear Quadratic Gaussian control design on the same direct expansion air-conditioning system under the same conditions. The comparative results indicate energy savings would be achieved with the proposed controller with long-term usage. Energy efficiency and thermal comfort conditions are achieved by the proposed controller.
Numerical Investigation on the Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics of Supercritical Liquefied Natural Gas in an Airfoil Fin Printed Circuit Heat Exchanger
Authors: Zhao Zhongchao , Zhao Kai , Jia Dandan , Jiang Pengpeng , Shen Rendong
Published: November 2017

As a new kind of highly compact and efficient micro-channel heat exchanger, the printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) is a promising candidate satisfying the heat exchange requirements of liquefied natural gas (LNG) vaporization at low and high pressure. The effects of airfoil fin arrangement on heat transfer and flow resistance were numerically investigated using supercritical liquefied natural gas (LNG) as working fluid. The thermal properties of supercritical LNG were tested by utilizing the REFPROF software database. Numerical simulations were performed using FLUENT. The inlet temperature of supercritical LNG was 121 K, and its pressure was 10.5 MPa. The reference mass flow rate of LNG was set as 1.22 g/s for the vertical pitch Lv = 1.67 mm and the staggered pitch Ls = 0 mm, with the Reynolds number of about 3750. The SST k-ω model was selected and verified by comparing with the experimental data using supercritical liquid nitrogen as cold fluid. The airfoil fin PCHE had better thermal-hydraulic performance than that of the straight channel PCHE. Moreover, the airfoil fins with staggered arrangement displayed better thermal performance than that of the fins with parallel arrangement. The thermal-hydraulic performance of airfoil fin PCHE was improved with increasing Ls and Lv. Moreover, Lv affected the Nusselt number and pressure drop of airfoil fin PCHE more obviously. In conclusion, a sparser staggered arrangement of fins showed a better thermal-hydraulic performance in airfoil fin PCHE.
Speed Synchronization Control of Integrated Motor–Transmission Powertrain over CAN through Active Period-Scheduling Approach
Authors: Cao Wanke , Liu Helin , Lin Cheng , Chang Yuhua , Liu Zhiyin , Szumanowski Antoni
Published: November 2017

This paper deals with the speed synchronization control of integrated motor–transmission (IMT) powertrain systems in pure electric vehicles (EVs) over a controller area network (CAN) subject to both network-induced delays and network congestion. A CAN has advantages over point-to-point communication; however, it imposes network-induced delays and network congestion into the control system, which can deteriorate the shifting quality and make system integration difficult. This paper presents a co-design scheme combining active period scheduling and discrete-time slip mode control (SMC) to deal with both network-induced delays and network congestion of the CAN, which improves the speed synchronization control for high shifting quality and prevents network congestion for the system’s integration. The results of simulations and hardware-in-loop experiments show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, which can ensure satisfactory speed synchronization performance while significantly reducing the network’s utilization.
On the Feasibility of Independently Controllable Transmissions
Authors: Perkušić Milan , Jelaska Damir , Podrug Srdjan , Tvrdić Vjekoslav
Published: November 2017

The present research is carried out to determine whether the independently controllable transmission (ICTs) are able to transmit the energy/power from the arbitrary variable speed input shaft to the variable or constant speed of the output shaft, independent of each other and without a control system. For this purpose, the novel ICT proposed in this study has the required features and is simpler than those proposed so far. However, this ICT and any other proposed ICT, while being feasible from a kinematic point of view, results in the conclusion that the transmissions are practically inapplicable, as will be demonstrated from the detailed power flow analysis carried out and presented in this paper. This is because either one shaft, the so called “free shaft”, has variable uncontrollable speed, or a couple of the shafts have powers close to zero.
Re-Creating Waves in Large Currents for Tidal Energy Applications
Authors: Draycott Samuel , Sutherland Duncan , Steynor Jeffrey , Sellar Brian , Venugopal Vengatesan
Published: November 2017

Unsteady wave loading on tidal turbines impacts significantly the design, and expected life-time, of turbine blades and other key components. Model-scale testing of tidal turbines in the wave-current environment can provide vital understanding by emulating real-world load cases; however, to reduce uncertainty, it is important to isolate laboratory-specific artefacts from real-world behaviour. In this paper, a variety of realistic combined current-wave scenarios is re-created at the FloWave basin, where the main objective is to understand the characteristics of testing in a combined wave-current environment and assess whether wave effects on the flow field can be predicted. Here, we show that a combination of linear wave-current theory and frequency-domain reflection analysis can be used to effectively predict wave-induced particle velocities and identify velocity components that are experimental artefacts. Load-specific mechanisms present in real-world conditions can therefore be isolated, and equivalent full-scale load cases can be estimated with greater confidence. At higher flow speeds, a divergence from the theory presented is observed due to turbulence-induced non-stationarity. The methodology and results presented increase learning about the wave-current testing environment and provide analysis tools able to improve test outputs and conclusions from scale model testing.
Tuning of the Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratio for the Production of l-Arginine by Escherichia coli
Authors: Ginésy Mireille , Rusanova-Naydenova Daniela , Rova Ulrika
Published: November 2017

l-arginine, an amino acid with a growing range of applications within the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and agricultural industries, can be produced by microbial fermentation. Although it is the most nitrogen-rich amino acid, reports on the nitrogen supply for its fermentation are scarce. In this study, the nitrogen supply for the production of l-arginine by a genetically modified Escherichia coli strain was optimised in bioreactors. Different nitrogen sources were screened and ammonia solution, ammonium sulphate, ammonium phosphate dibasic, and ammonium chloride were the most favourable nitrogen sources for l-arginine synthesis. The key role of the C/N ratio for l-arginine production was demonstrated for the first time. The optimal C/N molar ratio to maximise l-arginine production while minimising nitrogen waste was found to be 6, yielding approximately 2.25 g/L of l-arginine from 15 g/L glucose with a productivity of around 0.11 g/L/h. Glucose and ammonium ion were simultaneously utilized, showing that this ratio provided a well-balanced equilibrium between carbon and nitrogen metabolisms.
Estimation and Evaluation of Future Demand and Supply of Healthcare Services Based on a Patient Access Area Model
Authors: Doi Shunsuke , Ide Hiroo , Takeuchi Koichi , Fujita Shinsuke , Takabayashi Katsuhiko
Published: November 2017

Accessibility to healthcare service providers, the quantity, and the quality of them are important for national health. In this study, we focused on geographic accessibility to estimate and evaluate future demand and supply of healthcare services. We constructed a simulation model called the patient access area model (PAAM), which simulates patients’ access time to healthcare service institutions using a geographic information system (GIS). Using this model, to evaluate the balance of future healthcare services demand and supply in small areas, we estimated the number of inpatients every five years in each area and compared it with the number of hospital beds within a one-hour drive from each area. In an experiment with the Tokyo metropolitan area as a target area, when we assumed hospital bed availability to be 80%, it was predicted that over 78,000 inpatients would not receive inpatient care in 2030. However, this number would decrease if we lowered the rate of inpatient care by 10% and the average length of the hospital stay. Using this model, recommendations can be made regarding what action should be undertaken and by when to prevent a dramatic increase in healthcare demand. This method can help plan the geographical resource allocation in healthcare services for healthcare policy.
Associations of Fasting Blood Glucose with Influencing Factors in Northeast China: A Quantile Regression Analysis
Authors: Guo Xin , Shen Li , Dou Jing , Lv Yaogai , Zhang Anning , Shi Fanchao , Xue Zhiqiang , Yu Yaqin , Jin Lina , Yao Yan
Published: November 2017

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a major public health problem in China. Although a number of researchers have investigated DM risk factors, little is known about the associations between values of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and influencing factors. This study aims to explore these associations by the quantile regression (QR) model. Methods: A cross-sectional survey based on a sample of 23,050 adults aged 18 to 79 years was conducted in Jilin in 2012, and some subjects were excluded due to missing values with respect to necessary variables or having glycemic control, in accordance with the purposes of this study. Finally, in total 14,698 people were included in this study. QR was performed to identify the factors influencing the level of FBG in different quantiles of FBG. Results: The distribution of FBG status was different between males and females (χ2 = 175.30, p < 0.001). The QR model provided more detailed views on the associations of FBG with different factors and revealed apparent quantile-related patterns separately for different factors. Body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with the low and middle quantiles of FBG. Waist circumference (WC) had a positive association with the high quantiles of FBG. Conclusions: FBG had a positive association with BMI in normal FBG, and a positive association with WC in high FBG. Diet and alcohol intake were associated with FBG in normal FBG. FBG was more likely to be elevated in the elderly, female workers, and people with family history of DM.
Integration of GIS, Electromagnetic and Electrical Methods in the Delimitation of Groundwater Polluted by Effluent Discharge (Salamanca, Spain): A Case Study
Authors: Montes Rubén , Martínez-Graña Antonio , Martínez Catalán José , Arribas Puy , Sánchez San Román Francisco , Zazo Caridad
Published: November 2017

The present work envisages the possible geometry of a contaminated plume of groundwater near hospital facilities by combining GIS (Geographic Information System) and geophysical methods. The rock underlying the soil and thin sedimentary cover of the study area is moderately fractured quartzite, which makes aquifers vulnerable to pollution. The GIS methodology is used to calculate the area that would be affected by the effluent source of residual water, based on algorithms that consider ground surface mapping (slopes, orientations, accumulated costs and cost per distance). Geophysical methods (electromagnetic induction and electric resistivity tomography) use changes in the electrical conductivity or resistivity of the subsurface to determine the geometry of the discharge and the degree of contamination. The model presented would allow a preliminary investigation regarding potential corrective measures.
Are Some of the Cigar Warnings Mandated in the U.S. More Believable Than Others?
Authors: Jarman Kristen , Kowitt Sarah , Cornacchione Ross Jennifer , Goldstein Adam
Published: November 2017

Background: Text warnings are mandated on cigars sold in the United States (U.S.), however little published research has examined effectiveness of cigar warnings. This is the first study examining the believability of cigar warnings among adults in the U.S. Methods: Adults in the U.S. (n = 5014) were randomized in a phone survey to receive one of three cigar-specific mandated warning messages (“Cigar smoking can cause cancers of the mouth and throat, even if you do not inhale”, “Cigar smoking can cause lung cancer and heart disease”, and “Cigars are not a safe alternative to cigarettes”) with one of four warning sources (no source, Surgeon General, CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), FDA (Food and Drug Administration)). Results: Most adults found the cigar warnings very believable (66.9%). Weighted logistic regression results indicate that the message “Cigar smoking can cause lung cancer and heart disease” was associated with higher odds of being very believable (AOR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.55, 2.70) and the message “Cigars are not a safe alternative to cigarettes” was associated with lower odds of being very believable (AOR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.55, 0.92) compared to the message “Cigar smoking can cause cancers of the mouth and throat, even if you do not inhale”. Warning source had no impact on believability. Conclusions: We tested three of the currently mandated cigar warnings in the U.S. and found significant differences in believability between them. Further research on cigar warnings may improve communication to the public on cigar health risks, ultimately preventing uptake of cigars and promoting cessation among cigar users.
Work Stress and Altered Biomarkers: A Synthesis of Findings Based on the Effort–Reward Imbalance Model
Authors: Siegrist Johannes , Li Jian
Published: November 2017

While epidemiological studies provide statistical evidence on associations of exposures such as stressful work with elevated risks of stress-related disorders (e.g., coronary heart disease or depression), additional information on biological pathways and biomarkers underlying these associations is required. In this contribution, we summarize the current state of the art on research findings linking stressful work, in terms of an established theoretical model—effort-reward imbalance—with a broad range of biomarkers. Based on structured electronic literature search and recent available systematic reviews, our synthesis of findings indicates that associations of work stress with heart rate variability, altered blood lipids, and risk of metabolic syndrome are rather consistent and robust. Significant relationships with blood pressure, heart rate, altered immune function and inflammation, cortisol release, and haemostatic biomarkers were also observed, but due to conflicting findings additional data will be needed to reach a firm conclusion. This narrative review of empirical evidence supports the argument that the biomarkers under study can act as mediators of epidemiologically established associations of work stress, as measured by effort–reward imbalance, with incident stress-related disorders.
Investigating the Influence of Green Credit on Operational Efficiency and Financial Performance Based on Hybrid Econometric Models
Authors: Luo Changqing , Fan Siyuan , Zhang Qi
Published: November 2017

To understand the role of green credit in maintaining economic sustainability, we develop theoretical hypotheses including expectation, supervision and capital allocation channels to explain the impacts of green credit. Then, we use hybrid econometric models by using Chinese-listed enterprises in the energy-saving and environmental sectors from 2007 to 2015 as the research sample to verify the above hypotheses. The empirical results show that: (1) the average value of financial performance and operational efficiency is relatively low, and the endogenous abilities of those enterprises have not yet been established; (2) the issuance of green loans does not improve public expectations of enterprises in the green industry, thus the expectation channel is not supported; (3) the issuance of green loans does not necessarily improve the enterprise’s operational efficiency and financial performance, thus the supervision channel hypotheses are not supported; and (4) green loans lead to an increase in financing costs, management costs, operation costs, and expenditure on R&D, thus, the capital allocation hypothesis is partly supported. Based on the empirical analysis, we also provide some countermeasures to strengthen the roles of green credit to support the development of energy-saving and environmental enterprises.