bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
System Integration and Preliminary Clinical Evaluation of a Robotic System for MRI-Guided Transperineal Prostate Biopsy
Authors: Patel Niravkumar A. , Li Gang , Shang Weijian , Wartenberg Marek , Heffter Tamas , Burdette Everette C. , Iordachita Iulian , Tokuda Junichi , Hata Nobuhiko , Tempany Clare M. , Fischer Gregory S.
Published: April 2018

This paper presents the development, preclinical evaluation, and preliminary clinical study of a robotic system for targeted transperineal prostate biopsy under direct interventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance. The clinically integrated robotic system is developed based on a modular design approach, comprised of surgical navigation application, robot control software, MRI robot controller hardware, and robotic needle placement manipulator. The system provides enabling technologies for MRI-guided procedures. It can be easily transported and setup for supporting the clinical workflow of interventional procedures, and the system is readily extensible and reconfigurable to other clinical applications. Preclinical evaluation of the system is performed with phantom studies in a 3 Tesla MRI scanner, rehearsing the proposed clinical workflow, and demonstrating an in-plane targeting error of 1.5[Formula: see text]mm. The robotic system has been approved by the institutional review board (IRB) for clinical trials. A preliminary clinical study is conducted with the patient consent, demonstrating the targeting errors at two biopsy target sites to be 4.0[Formula: see text]mm and 3.7[Formula: see text]mm, which is sufficient to target a clinically significant tumor foci. First-in-human trials to evaluate the system’s effectiveness and accuracy for MR image-guided prostate biopsy are underway.
How is your week going so far?
Authors: Matsudaira Kate
Published: April 2018

Praise matters just as much as money.
Shrinking machines, cellular computers
Authors: Mone Gregory
Published: April 2018

Scientists are using DNA and RNA to build the world's tiniest robots and computing devices.
ACM's 2018 general election
Authors: CACM Staff
Published: April 2018

Meet the candidates who introduce their plans---and stands---for the Association.
First write like you speak, then write like you write
Authors: Yaffe Philip
Published: April 2018

Each "Communication Corner" essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay.

In this installment, Philip Yaffe introduces a two-step plan to create well-written text that will not only impress the reader, but also engage the reader to digest and comprehend new ideas or concepts with ease.
The Effect of Electroacupuncture versus Manual Acupuncture through the Expression of TrkB/NF‐κB in the Subgranular Zone of the Dentate Gyrus of Telomerase‐Deficient Mice
Authors: Lin Dong , Zhang Jie , Zhuang Wanyu , Yan Xiaodan , Yang Xiaoting , Lin Shen , Lin Lili
Published: April 2018

Our previous study showed that the acupuncture stimulation on the acupoint (ST‐36) could activate the brain‐derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) signaling pathways in telomerase‐deficient mice. Recently, we set out to investigate whether the manual acupuncture (MA) or electroacupuncture (EA) displays a therapeutic advantage on age‐related deterioration of learning and memory. Both telomerase‐deficient mice (Terc−/− group, n = 24) and wild‐type mice (WT group, n = 24) were randomly assigned to 3 subgroups (CON, controls with no treatment; MA, mice receiving manual acupuncture; EA, mice receiving electric acupuncture). The mice were subjected to behavior test, and EA/MA were applied at bilateral acupoints (ST36) 30 min daily for 7 successive days. The brain tissues were collected after the last Morris water maze (MWM) test and were subjected to the immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. The MWM test showed that EA can significantly increase the time in target quadrant (P ≤ 0.01) and frequency of locating platform for Terc−/− mice (P ≤ 0.05), while nothing changed in WT mice. Furthermore, western blotting and immunohistochemistry suggested that EA could also specifically increase the expression of TrkB and NF‐κB in Terc−/− mice but not in wild‐type mice (P ≤ 0.05). Meanwhile, the expression level and ratio of ERK/p‐ERK did not exhibit significant changes in each subgroup. These results indicated that, compared with MA, the application of EA could specifically ameliorate the spatial learning and memory capability for telomerase‐deficient mice through the activation of TrkB and NF‐κB.
High-Precision In Situ87Sr/86Sr Analyses through Microsampling on Solid Samples: Applications to Earth and Life Sciences
Authors: Di Salvo Sara , Braschi Eleonora , Casalini Martina , Marchionni Sara , Adani Teresa , Ulivi Maurizio , Orlando Andrea , Tommasini Simone , Avanzinelli Riccardo , Mazza Paul P. A. , Conticelli Sandro , Francalanci Lorella
Published: April 2018

An analytical protocol for high-precision, in situ microscale isotopic investigations is presented here, which combines the use of a high-performing mechanical microsampling device and high-precision TIMS measurements on micro-Sr samples, allowing for excellent results both in accuracy and precision. The present paper is a detailed methodological description of the whole analytical procedure from sampling to elemental purification and Sr-isotope measurements. The method offers the potential to attain isotope data at the microscale on a wide range of solid materials with the use of minimally invasive sampling. In addition, we present three significant case studies for geological and life sciences, as examples of the various applications of microscale87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios, concerning (i) the pre-eruptive mechanisms triggering recent eruptions at Nisyros volcano (Greece), (ii) the dynamics involved with the initial magma ascent during Eyjafjallajökull volcano’s (Iceland) 2010 eruption, which are usually related to the precursory signals of the eruption, and (iii) the environmental context of a MIS 3 cave bear,Ursus spelaeus. The studied cases show the robustness of the methods, which can be also be applied in other areas, such as cultural heritage, archaeology, petrology, and forensic sciences.
Real Time Eye Detector with Cascaded Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Li Bin , Fu Hong
Published: April 2018

An accurate and efficient eye detector is essential for many computer vision applications. In this paper, we present an efficient method to evaluate the eye location from facial images. First, a group of candidate regions with regional extreme points is quickly proposed; then, a set of convolution neural networks (CNNs) is adopted to determine the most likely eye region and classify the region as left or right eye; finally, the center of the eye is located with other CNNs. In the experiments using GI4E, BioID, and our datasets, our method attained a detection accuracy which is comparable to existing state-of-the-art methods; meanwhile, our method was faster and adaptable to variations of the images, including external light changes, facial occlusion, and changes in image modality.
Clinical Impact of Consolidative and Salvage Radiotherapy for Lymph Node Metastasis in Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Kondo Hideyuki , Shirotake Suguru , Okabe Takashi , Makino Soichi , Nishimoto Koshiro , Oyama Masafumi
Published: April 2018

A 75-year-old Japanese male was referred to our institution for the evaluation of a left ureteral tumor in the ureterovesical junction. Computed tomography and pathologic examination under ureteroscopy revealed an invasive left ureteral urothelial carcinoma with left obturator nodal metastasis without distant metastasis. First, the patient underwent systemic chemotherapy (gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy). We then performed left radical nephroureterectomy and extended lymph node dissection. Pathological examination revealed that the tumor was a high-grade invasive urothelial carcinoma with left common iliac and pelvic lymph node metastasis (pT3N2). Unfortunately, metastases appeared in the common iliac and para-aortic lymph nodes immediately after the operation; therefore, the previous first-line chemotherapy was readministered and second-line chemotherapy (gemcitabine and paclitaxel chemotherapy) was also performed. We also performed consolidative radiotherapy and salvage radiotherapy (boost, 20 Gy/10 fractions to the inferior para-aortic, and left common iliac regions containing swollen lymph nodes). The patient has shown no evidence of recurrence or metastasis even approximately 4 years after the initial diagnosis of advanced UUT-UC with lymph node metastasis. Our case suggests that consolidative or salvage radiotherapy combined with surgery and chemotherapy may provide clinical benefit for selected cases of advanced UUT-UC with lymph node metastasis.
Oral Verruciform Xanthoma within Lichen Planus: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Theofilou Vasileios I. , Sklavounou Alexandra , Argyris Prokopios P. , Chrysomali Evanthia
Published: April 2018

Background. Verruciform xanthoma is an uncommon benign tumor, which exhibits a wide range of clinical patterns. The occurrence of the lesion in patients with immune-mediated mucocutaneous diseases may suggest a role of localized epithelial cell damage and chronic inflammation in its pathogenesis. Case Report. A case of verruciform xanthoma on the tongue of a 56-year-old female with oral lichen planus is reported. An asymptomatic pink-white lesion with a granular surface was observed in the left lateral lingual border, which was closely associated with a white plaque and striae. An incisional biopsy was performed, and histologically, epithelial projections in a verrucous pattern were observed. In the subepithelial connective tissue, aggregates of foamy cells that exhibited immunoreactivity for CD68 were noted. The final diagnosis was verruciform xanthoma. The mucosa adjacent to the lesion demonstrated histopathological features consistent with lichen planus. Conclusions. A total of twelve cases of oral verruciform xanthomas in patients with oral lichen planus including the present case have been reported in the literature. The clinician should be aware that verruciform xanthoma may mimic malignancy, and therefore, biopsy is required for definitive diagnosis to be established, especially when this tumor develops within conditions that show potential for malignant transformation.
Visual Semantic Navigation Based on Deep Learning for Indoor Mobile Robots
Authors: Wang Li , Zhao Lijun , Huo Guanglei , Li Ruifeng , Hou Zhenghua , Luo Pan , Sun Zhenye , Wang Ke , Yang Chenguang
Published: April 2018

In order to improve the environmental perception ability of mobile robots during semantic navigation, a three‐layer perception framework based on transfer learning is proposed, including a place recognition model, a rotation region recognition model, and a “side” recognition model. The first model is used to recognize different regions in rooms and corridors, the second one is used to determine where the robot should be rotated, and the third one is used to decide the walking side of corridors or aisles in the room. Furthermore, the “side” recognition model can also correct the motion of robots in real time, according to which accurate arrival to the specific target is guaranteed. Moreover, semantic navigation is accomplished using only one sensor (a camera). Several experiments are conducted in a real indoor environment, demonstrating the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed perception framework.
An Intrusion Detection and Prevention Framework for Internet-Integrated CoAP WSN
Authors: Granjal Jorge , Pedroso Artur
Published: April 2018

End-to-end communications between Internet devices and Internet-integrated constrained wireless sensing platforms will provide an important contribution to the enabling of many of the envisioned IoT applications and, in this context, security must be addressed when employing communication technologies such as 6LoWPAN and CoAP. Considering the constraints typically found on sensing devices in terms of energy, memory, and computational capability, the integration of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) with the Internet using such technologies will open new threats and attacks that must be dealt with, particularly those originated at devices without the constraints of WSN sensors (e.g., Internet hosts). Existing encryption strategies for communications in IoT environments are unable to protect Internet-integrated WSN environments from Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, as well as from other forms of attacks at the network and application layers using CoAP. We may thus fairly consider that anomaly and intrusion detection will play a major role in the materialization of most of the envisioned IoT applications. In this article, we propose a framework to support intrusion detection and reaction in Internet-integrated CoAP WSN, and in the context of this framework we design and implement various approaches to support security against various classes of attacks. We have implemented and evaluated experimentally the proposed framework and mechanisms, considering various attack scenarios, and our approach was found to be viable, from the point of view of its impact on critical resources of sensing devices and of its efficiency in dealing with the considered attacks.
Comparison of the Effect of Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant in Vitrectomized and Nonvitrectomized Eyes for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Çevik Sadık Görkem , Yılmaz Sami , Çevik Mediha Tok , Akalp Fatma Düriye , Avcı Remzi
Published: April 2018

Purpose. To compare the effectiveness of sustained-release dexamethasone (DEX) intravitreal implant in nonvitrectomized eyes and vitrectomized eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods. A retrospective review of the medical records of 40 eyes of 30 consecutive patients with diabetic macular edema who underwent intravitreal DEX implant injection. Patients were divided into 2 subgroups: 31 eyes that were nonvitrectomized (group 1) and 9 eyes that had previously undergone standard pars plana vitrectomy (group 2). The main outcome measures were BCVA and foveal thickness (FT). Results. A significant improvement was seen in BCVA in both group 1 and group 2 at the 1st, 2nd, and 6th months after treatment with DEX implant (p<0.05). In group 1, a significant reduction in FT was observed at the 1st, 2nd, and 6th months (p<0.05). In group 2, a significant reduction in FT was seen at the 1st and 2nd months (p<0.05), but the reduction rate at the 6th month after the injection was not statistically significant (p=0.06). Conclusion. DEX implant is effective for the treatment of diabetic macular edema, and the effectiveness of the drug is similar in vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes.
Modeling Evapotranspiration Response to Climatic Forcings Using Data-Driven Techniques in Grassland Ecosystems
Authors: Dou Xianming , Yang Yongguo
Published: April 2018

Remarkable progress has been made over the last decade toward characterizing the mechanisms that dominate the exchange of water vapor between the biosphere and the atmosphere. This is attributed partly to the considerable development of machine learning techniques that allow the scientific community to use these advanced tools for approximating the nonlinear processes affecting the variation of water vapor in terrestrial ecosystems. Three novel machine learning approaches, namely, group method of data handling, extreme learning machine (ELM), and adaptive neurofuzzy inference system (ANFIS), were developed to simulate and forecast the daily evapotranspiration (ET) at four different grassland sites based on the flux tower data using the eddy covariance method. These models were compared with the extensively utilized data-driven models, including artificial neural network, generalized regression neural network, and support vector machine (SVM). Moreover, the influences of internal functions on their corresponding models (SVM, ELM, and ANFIS) were investigated together. It was demonstrated that most developed models did good job of simulating and forecasting daily ET at the four sites. In addition to strengths of robustness and simplicity, the newly proposed methods achieved the estimates comparable to those of the conventional approaches and accordingly can be used as promising alternatives to traditional methods. It was further discovered that the generalization performance of the ELM, ANFIS, and SVM models strongly depended on their respective internal functions, especially for SVM.
Effect of Age on Pentacam Keratoconus Indices
Authors: Roshdy Maged Maher Salib , Wahba Sherine Shafik , Elkitkat Rania Serag , Hakim Amira Maurice , Fikry Ramy Riad
Published: April 2018

Purpose. To assess the effect of age on elevation and pachymetric Pentacam keratoconus (KC) detection indices, and the need to adjust normative values accordingly. Methods. In a retrospective study, 95 eyes of myopic normal subjects without KC were evaluated using the OCULUS Pentacam, with an age range of 17.4 to 46.8 years. Subjects were categorised into three groups according to their age: the first included those younger than 21 years (19 eyes), the second was for the age range of 21–40 years (65 eyes), and the third comprised subjects older than 40 years (11 eyes). Results. There were statistically significant differences among the three groups regarding many elevation indices: AE from BFS, PE from BFS, and PE minus AE from BFS (P=0.003, 0.010, and <0.001, resp.), and pachymetric indices: PPI avg, PPI max, ART avg, ART max, and diagonal decentration of the thinnest point (P=<0.001, 0.024, 0.003, 0.026, and 0.026, resp.). On comparing subjects below 21 years to those above 40 years, there was a statistically significant decrease of both PE from BFS and PE minus AE (P=0.005 and <0.001, resp.) and statistically significant increase in AE from BFS (P=0.001). Conclusions. Age is an important determinant of elevation indices, significantly altering their normative values. The use of the more robust pachymetry, rather than elevation, indices is recommended in subjects below 21 or above 40 years of age.
Spatial Distribution and Contamination Assessment of Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments of the Caofeidian Adjacent Sea after the Land Reclamation, Bohai Bay
Authors: Zhu He , Bing Haijian , Yi Huapeng , Wu Yanhong , Sun Zhigao
Published: April 2018

Land reclamation can significantly influence spatial distribution of heavy metals in inshore sediments. In this study, the distribution and contamination of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in inshore sediments of Bohai Bay were investigated after the land reclamation of Caofeidian. The results showed that the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the sediments were 0.20–0.65, 27.16–115.70, 11.14–39.00, 17.37–65.90, 15.08–24.06, and 41.64–139.56 mg/kg, respectively. These metal concentrations were generally higher in the area of Caofeidian than in other Chinese bays and estuaries. Spatially, the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn were markedly lower in the sediments close to Caofeidian compared with other regions, whereas the concentrations of Pb showed an opposite case. Hydrodynamic conditions after the land reclamation were the major factor influencing the distribution of heavy metals in the sediments. Grain sizes dominated the distribution of Cu and Zn, and organic matters and Fe/Mn oxides/hydroxides also determined the distribution of the heavy metals. Multiple contamination indices showed that the inshore sediments were moderately to highly contaminated by Cd and slightly contaminated by other heavy metals. Similarly, Cd showed a high potential ecorisk in the sediments, and other metals were in the low level. Chromium contributed to higher exposure toxicity than other metals by the toxicity unit and toxic risk index. The results of this study indicate that after the land reclamation of Caofeidian the contamination and ecorisk of heavy metals in the sediments markedly decreased in the stronger hydrodynamic areas.
Changes of Plasma FABP4, CRP, Leptin, and Chemerin Levels in relation to Different Dietary Patterns and Duodenal‐Jejunal Omega Switch Surgery in Sprague–Dawley Rats
Authors: Stygar Dominika , Chełmecka Elżbieta , Sawczyn Tomasz , Skrzep-Poloczek Bronisława , Poloczek Jakub , Karcz Konrad Wojciech
Published: April 2018

Background. Pathophysiological links between inflammation, obesity, and adipokines can be used for the treatment of metabolic dysregulation. Aims. To examine the influence of duodenal‐jejunal omega switch surgery in combination with different diet patterns on plasma concentrations of fatty acid‐binding protein 4 (FABP4), C‐reactive protein (CRP), leptin, and chemerin. Methods. After 8 weeks on a high‐fat diet (HF) or control diet (CD), rats underwent surgery. Duodenal‐jejunal omega switch (DJOS) with an exclusion of one‐third of intestinal length and SHAM surgery were performed. For the next 8 weeks, 50% of DJOS/SHAM animals were kept on the same diet as before (HF/DJOS/HF, HF/SHAM/HF, CD/DJOS/CD, and CD/SHAM/CD), and 50% had a changed diet (HF/DJOS/CD, HF/SHAM/CD, CD/DJOS/HF, and CD/SHAM/HF). FABP4, CRP, leptin, and chemerin were assessed using ELISA kits. Results. FABP4: significant differences between DJOS and SHAM were observed in animals maintained on CD/CD; CRP: varied between DJOS and SHAM groups maintained on HF/HF, CD/CD, and CD/HF; leptin and chemerin levels: DJOS lowered leptin and chemerin plasma levels versus SHAM, while HF/HF, CD/HF, and HF/CD significantly increased leptin and chemerin plasma levels when compared to CD/CD. Conclusions. The beneficial effect of DJOS surgery is stronger than proinflammatory conditions caused by an HF obesogenic diet.
Performance Evaluation of Cement‐Stabilized Oil Shale Semicoke as Base or Subbase Course Construction Material
Authors: Tan Guojin , Zhu Zhiqing , Gong Yafeng , Shi Chenglin , Liu Ziyu
Published: April 2018

Oil shale semicoke is a hazardous byproduct in oil shale retorting process. In Jilin province, China, abundant oil shale resources are mainly used for retorting shale oil accompanying with a large number of oil shale semicoke slags, which will generally cause environmental pollution and disposal problems. If oil shale semicoke can be utilized as a road base or subbase course construction material, it will be a great help to the disposal of a long‐term accumulated oil shale semicoke in landfill sites. Moreover, the resource treatment of oil shale semicoke in road project construction could obtain positive social and economic benefits. Subsequently, we conducted a series of laboratory tests to study the practicability of cement‐stabilized oil shale semicoke as a road base or subbase course construction material, including the raw material test, modified compaction test, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test, splitting tensile strength (STS) test, compressive resilient modulus (CRM) test, and freezing‐thawing test. In this paper, test results were compared with the technical requirements of Chinese road base construction specification, preliminarily confirming that cement‐stabilized oil shale semicoke can be used as a subbase course material of a highway or a base course material of a low‐grade highway.
Intravascular Large B-Cell Lymphoma Presenting with Diffuse Gallbladder Wall Thickening: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Al-Katib Sayf , Colvin Robert , Sokhandon Farnoosh
Published: April 2018

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma is a rare subtype of extranodal diffuse B-cell lymphoma characterized by proliferation of neoplastic cells within the lumen of small and medium sized vessels. Clinical and imaging findings are nebulous as the intravascular subtype of lymphoma can involve a multitude of organs. Involvement of the gallbladder is extremely uncommon, and imaging findings can be easily confused for more prevalent pathologies. We report a case of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma in an 83-year-old male and review clinical presentation and imaging findings on CT, ultrasound, hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan, and MRI. It is important for the radiologist to know about this disease as the imaging findings are atypical of other types of lymphoma, and this may lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
Efficacy and Safety of Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F on Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lv Meng , Deng Jingwen , Tang Nan , Zeng Yuejin , Lu Chuanjian
Published: April 2018

Background. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune‐mediated skin disease that is characterized by persistent localized erythematous scaly plaque. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF), a well‐known Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries in China to treat immune diseases, inflammation, and tumor, is accompanied by a degree of toxic effects. Its clinical efficacy and safety on psoriasis are incompletely understood. Aim. To summarize evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of TwHF in treating psoriasis. Methods. EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, Springer, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM, Wanfang, and VIP database were searched up to October 2017. The included literature was assessed and extracted by two independent reviewers. To enhance the available evidence, a systematic review was performed to examine all relevant published literature relating to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TwHF. Relative ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and a meta‐analysis was conducted with RevMan 5.3 software. Results. Twenty eligible RCTs with 1872 participants were included for systematic review and meta‐analysis. Studies were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The meta‐analysis of add‐on effect of TwHF conferred benefit for psoriasis: combination treatment with compound glycyrrhizin (four studies, OR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.22–0.52, P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%), combination treatment with acitretin (three studies, OR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.10–0.63, P = 0.003, I2 = 50%), and combination treatment with compound amino‐polypeptide tablet (three studies, OR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.22–0.63, P = 0.0002, I2 = 0%). Conclusions. Despite several mild side effects of TwHF, there is evidence that TwHF is an effective therapy for psoriasis. However, the conclusions are limited by the small number of included trials. More well‐designed RCTs with extensive follow‐up periods are warranted to clarify the effects and safety of TwHF in treating psoriasis. Trial Registration. This review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42016041363).
The Gait Design and Trajectory Planning of a Gecko-Inspired Climbing Robot
Authors: Li Xuepeng , Wang Wei , Wu Shilin , Zhu Peihua , Zhao Fei , Wang Linqing
Published: April 2018

Inspired by the dynamic gait adopted by gecko, we had put forward GPL (Gecko-inspired mechanism with a Pendular waist and Linear legs) model with one passive waist and four active linear legs. To further develop dynamic gait and reduce energy consumption of climbing robot based on the GPL model, the gait design and trajectory planning are addressed in this paper. According to kinematics and dynamics of GPL, the trot gait and continuity analysis are executed. The effects of structural parameters on the supporting forces are analyzed. Moreover, the trajectory of the waist is optimized based on system energy consumption. Finally, a bioinspired robot is developed and the prototype experiment results show that the larger body length ratio, a certain elasticity of the waist joint, and the optimized trajectory contribute to a decrease in the supporting forces and reduction in system energy consumption, especially negative forces on supporting feet. Further, the results in our experiments partly explain the reasonability of quadruped reptile’s kinesiology during dynamic gait.
Biological Resistance and Application Properties of Particleboards Containing Nano‐Zinc Oxide
Authors: Reinprecht Ladislav , Iždinský Ján , Vidholdová Zuzana
Published: April 2018

Special particleboards (PBs) proposed for kitchens, bathrooms, hospitals, and some other specific products for interiors should have a sufficient resistance against bacteria, molds, and decaying fungi. This work deals about effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano‐ZnO) added into melamine‐urea‐formaldehyde (MUF) glue in the amounts of 0, 2, 6, 12, or 24% wt. on selected biological, moisture, and strength properties of laboratory‐produced one‐layer PBs. The nano‐ZnO‐treated PBs had a higher biological resistance: (1) against the Gram‐positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus by up to ca. 70% and the Gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli by up to 50%, since their bacterial activities at using 1.0 McFarland bacterial inoculum decreased from 0.38–0.40 by up to 0.12–0.19  ×  108 CFU/ml; (2) against the molds Penicillium brevicompactum and Aspergillus niger by up to ca. 50–63%, since their growth intensities (0–4) on the top surfaces of treated PBs decreased according to a modified EN 15457 from 2.33–2.67 by up to 1.17–1.0; (3) against the brown‐rot fungus Coniophora puteana by up to 85.7%, since their weight losses reduced according to a modified ENV 12038 from 17.4% by up to 2.5%. The presence of nano‐ZnO in PBs uninfluenced their swelling, water absorption, and bending strength; however, it decreased their internal bond strength by up to 38.8%.
On the Analysis of the Contact Conditions in Temporomandibular Joint Prostheses
Authors: Gonzalez-Perez-Somarriba B. , Centeno G. , Vallellano C. , Gonzalez-Perez L. M.
Published: April 2018

Temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) is a complex surgical procedure in which the artificial joints available must assure the anatomical reconstruction and guarantee a good range of the natural temporomandibular joint (TMJ) movements. With this aim, different types of TMJ prostheses, including the stock prosthetic system and custom‐made prostheses, are being currently implanted. Although temporomandibular joint replacements (TMJRs) are expected to accomplish their function during a number of years, they might actually fail and need to be replaced. This paper analyzes different design factors affecting the contact stress distributions within the TMJ prosthesis interface, which are consequently involved in their deterioration and final failure of the prosthetic device. With this purpose, a numerical model based on finite elements has been carried out in order to evaluate the stress states attained in different prosthesis configurations corresponding to general types of TMJ prostheses. On the other hand, the actual degradation of resected implants has been evaluated via optical microscopy. The linkage between the numerical simulations performed and experimental evidence allowed the authors to establish the different wear and damage mechanisms involved in the failure of stock TMJ prostheses. Indeed, the results obtained show that the contact stresses at the interface between the mandible and the glenoid fossa components play a key role in the failure process of the TMJR devices.
Solution to Propagation of Shock Wave Based on Continuum Hypothesis
Authors: Wang Huanguang , Yu Qi , Jing Yao
Published: April 2018

Based on the continuum hypothesis, problem of compressing wave was studied analytically. By exploring the temperature distribution, the propagation velocity, and the thickness of the transition region, the developing process of compressing wave turning into shock wave was revealed, and the following conclusions were reached: (1) the governing equations of compressing wave can be turned into two autonomous equations, and the phase diagram can be used as an effective tool for the analysis of the compressing wave; (2) the solution of compressing wave was composed of two parts: the inner solution and the outer solution; when Pr = 3/4, the analytical inner solution can be obtained; (3) as the disturbance velocity increases, the thickness of compressing wave will decrease, and the propagation velocity of the compressing wave will increase, and the compressing wave will become shock wave when the disturbance velocity is large enough; (4) velocity and temperature across compressing wave change monotonically and continuously, but the entropy generation changing tendency is closely related to Pr; therefore, the inner solution reveals the mechanism of irreversibility happening in compressing waves.
A Case of Invasive Sinonasal Carcinosarcoma: The Importance of Early Detection
Authors: Yuen Jason , Varadarajan Vinay , Stavrakas Marios , Muquit Samiul , Khalil Hisham
Published: April 2018

Sinonasal carcinosarcomas represent rare neoplasms, with aggressive character and unfavourable prognosis. We present a case of extensive sinonasal carcinosarcoma extending into the anterior cranial fossa and into the orbit and also a review of the current international literature regarding this rare yet aggressive neoplasm. There is currently a lack of specific guidelines on the optimal management of sinonasal carcinosarcoma and the treatment represents a challenge for the clinician. The key message that we would like to disseminate to our colleagues is the importance of suspicion and early detection, as well as the necessity to adopt a holistic approach when counselling patients.
Sensory Characterization of Wines Obtained by Blending Cencibel Grapes and Minority Grape Varieties Cultivated in La Mancha Region
Authors: Sánchez-Palomo E. , Izquierdo Cañas P. M. , Delgado J. A. , Viñas M. A. González
Published: April 2018

The objective of this work was measuring the influence of co-winemaking technique on sensory profile of young red wines made from Rojal, Moravia Dulce, and Tortosí grape varieties cultivated in La Mancha region (Spain) using aroma sensory profile. Sensory aroma profile was evaluated by a panel of 15 experienced wine testers with a previous training. The sensory aroma profiles of monovarietal wines from Rojal, Tortosí, and Moravia Dulce were researched and the effect of blending these grape varieties with Cencibel grapes on sensory characteristics of wines was studied. Co-winemaking wines were elaborated by mixing of (a) Cencibel (50%) + Rojal (50%); (b) Cencibel (50%) + Tortosí (50%); and (c) Cencibel (50%) + Moravia Dulce (50%). The blending of these grape varieties increased the principal aroma attributes of monovarietal wines and, in general, co-winemaking wines exhibited a greater complexity of aroma profile.
Biological Activities and Potential Oral Applications of N‐Acetylcysteine: Progress and Prospects
Authors: Pei Yanping , Liu Huan , Yang Yi , Yang Yanwei , Jiao Yang , Tay Franklin R. , Chen Jihua
Published: April 2018

N‐Acetylcysteine (NAC), a cysteine prodrug and glutathione (GSH) precursor, has been used for several decades in clinical therapeutic practices as a mucolytic agent and for the treatment of disorders associated with GSH deficiency. Other therapeutic activities of NAC include inhibition of inflammation/NF‐κB signaling and expression of proinflammatory cytokines. N‐Acetylcysteine is also a nonantibiotic compound possessing antimicrobial property and exerts anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic effects against certain types of cancer. Recently, studies describing potentially important biological and pharmacological activities of NAC have stimulated interests in using NAC‐based therapeutics for oral health care. The present review focused on the biological activities of NAC and its potential oral applications. The potential side effects of NAC and formulations for drug delivery were also discussed, with the intent of advancing NAC‐associated treatment modalities in oral medicine.
Toward the Implementation of an ASIC-Like System on FPGA for Real-Time Video Processing with Power Reduction
Authors: Kechiche Lilia , Touil Lamjed , Ouni Bouraoui
Published: April 2018

Driven by the importance of energy consumption in system-on-chip design as an evaluation factor, this paper presents a design methodology at the system level to optimize power consumption on ARM-based architecture for real-time video processing. The proposed design flow is based on the interaction between the tool and user optimizations. The tool optimizations are the options and best practices available on the integrated design environment for the Xilinx technology and the target Zynq-7000 architecture. The user methods present methods proposed by the user to optimize power consumption. We used the principles of voltage scaling and frequency scaling techniques for user methods. These two techniques allow energy to be consumed in the proportion of work to be done. The suggested flow is applied on real-time video processing system. The results show power savings for up to 60% with respect to performance and real-time constraints.
Multiple Attributes Group Decision‐Making Approaches Based on Interval‐Valued Dual Hesitant Fuzzy Unbalanced Linguistic Set and Their Applications
Authors: Qi Xiaowen , Zhang Junling , Liang Changyong
Published: April 2018

Aiming at multiple attributes group decision‐making (MAGDM) problems that characterize uncertainty nature and decision hesitancy, firstly, we propose the interval‐valued dual hesitant fuzzy unbalanced linguistic set (IVDHFUBLS) in which two sets of interval‐valued hesitant fuzzy membership degrees and nonmembership degrees are employed to supplement the most preferred unbalanced linguistic term, as an effective hybrid expression tool to elicit complicate preferences of decision‐makers more comprehensively and flexibly than existing tools based on classic linguistic term set. Basic operations for IVDHFUBLS are further defined; also a novel distance measure is developed to avoid potential information distortion that could be brought about by traditional complementing methodology for hesitant fuzzy set and its derivatives. In view of the fundamental role of aggregation operators in MAGDM modelling, we next develop some extended power aggregation operators for IVDHFUBLS, including power aggregation operator, weighted power aggregation operator, and induced power ordered weighted aggregation operator; their desirable properties and special cases are also analyzed theoretically. Subsequently, with support of the above methods, we develop two effective approaches for our targeted complex decision‐making problems and verify their effectiveness and practicality by numerical studies.
Sticky Platelet Syndrome: An Unrecognized Cause of Acute Thrombosis and Graft Loss
Authors: Solis-Jimenez Fabio , Hinojosa-Heredia Hector , García-Covarrubias Luis , Soto-Abraham Virgilia , Valdez-Ortiz Rafael
Published: April 2018

Introduction. Sticky platelet syndrome (SPS) is a prothrombotic disease that is not well recognized and difficult to diagnose. Case Report. We present a case of a 49-year-old diabetic woman on ambulatory peritoneal dialysis therapy who underwent a kidney transplant from living-related donor. The donor was her sister with whom she shared one haplotype and absence of donor specific antibodies. The posttransplant evolution was torpid, developing progressive deterioration, which made us suspect a failure in the graft. Doppler ultrasound reported renal vein thrombosis and hypoperfusion of the renal artery. Without clinical improvement, she required a reintervention that ended in graftectomy, in which the histopathological report showed negative C4d with medullary and cortical infarction. Hematological studies were negative for antibodies against phospholipids, with correct levels of proteins C and S and antithrombin. Platelet aggregometry studies were carried out, which were compatible with SPS. Conclusions. Recognition of SPS in pretransplant studies is difficult if there is no history of previous thrombotic events. However, we must consider this entity in cases of acute thrombosis and loss of the graft of uncertain origin.
Closeness Degree-Based Hesitant Trapezoidal Fuzzy Multicriteria Decision Making Method for Evaluating Green Suppliers with Qualitative Information
Authors: Zhang Xiaolu , Yang Touping , Liang Wei , Xiong Meifang
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study is to develop a new closeness degree-based hesitant trapezoidal fuzzy (HTrF) multicriteria decision making (MCDM) approach for identifying the most appropriate green suppliers in food supply chain involving uncertain qualitative evaluation information. The uniqueness of the proposed HTrF MCDM method is the consideration of uncertain qualitative information represented by flexible linguistic expressions based on HTrF values and the construction of compromise solution with the revised closeness degree. The revised closeness degree can make sure that the most appropriate solution has the shortest distance from the HTrF positive ideal solution and the farthest distance from the HTrF negative ideal solution, simultaneously. This proposed HTrF MCDM technique not only offers a simple and efficient decision support tool to aid the food firms for identifying the optimal suppliers in food supply chain but also can enable the managers of food firms to better understand the complete evaluation and decision processes. In addition, this study provides a novel defuzzification technique to manage the HTrF weights values of main-criteria and subcriteria, respectively.
True Tapping Mode Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscopy with Bent Glass Fiber Probes
Authors: Smirnov A. , Yasinskii V. M. , Filimonenko D. S. , Rostova E. , Dietler G. , Sekatskii S. K.
Published: April 2018

In scanning near-field optical microscopy, the most popular probes are made of sharpened glass fiber attached to a quartz tuning fork (TF) and exploiting the shear force-based feedback. The use of tapping mode feedback could be preferable. Such an approach can be realized, for example, using bent fiber probes. Detailed analysis of fiber vibration modes shows that realization of truly tapping mode of the probe dithering requires an extreme caution. In case of using the second resonance mode, probes vibrate mostly in shear force mode unless the bending radius is rather small (ca. 0.3 mm) and the probe’s tip is short. Otherwise, the shear force character of the dithering persists. Probes having these characteristics were prepared by irradiation of a tapered etched glass fiber with a CW CO2 laser. These probes were attached to the TF in double resonance conditions which enables achieving significant quality factor (4000–6000) of the TF + probe system (Cherkun et al., 2006). We also show that, to achieve a truly tapping character, dithering, short, and not exceeding 3 mm lengths of a freestanding part of bent fiber probe beam should also be used in the case of nonresonant excitation.
ASCAT Wind Superobbing Based on Feature Box
Authors: Duan Boheng , Zhang Weimin , Dai Haijin
Published: April 2018

Redundant observations impose a computational burden on an operational data assimilation system, and assimilation using high-resolution satellite observation data sets at full resolution leads to poorer analyses and forecasts than lower resolution data sets, since high-resolution data may introduce correlated error in the assimilation. Thus, it is essential to thin the observations to alleviate these problems. Superobbing like other data thinning methods lowers the effect of correlated error by reducing the data density. Besides, it has the added advantage of reducing the uncorrelated error through averaging. However, thinning method using averaging could lead to the loss of some meteorological features, especially in extreme weather conditions. In this paper, we offer a new superobbing method which takes into consideration the meteorological features. The new method shows very good error characteristic, and the numerical simulation experiment of typhoon “Lionrock” (2016) shows that it has a positive impact on the analysis and forecast compared to the traditional superobbing.
Forward Analysis of Love‐Wave Scattering due to a Cavity‐Like Defect
Authors: Yang Chen , Wang Bin , Qian Zhenghua
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a modified boundary element method (BEM) to solve the scattering problem of Love surface wave from a two‐dimensional cavity defect. Because of the truncation of BEM models at a far distance from the cavity, spurious reflected waves are generated. In order to eliminate the unwanted reflections, the guided Love‐wave displacement patterns are assumed on the far‐field infinite boundaries previously omitted by model truncation, and they are incorporated into the BEM equation set as modified items. The numerical results are verified by theoretical solutions of far‐field Green’s functions. Additional parametric studies are performed to find out the influence of truncation distance and defects’ geometric characters on the accuracy of scattered wave solutions.
An Order Effect of Neighborhood Structures in Variable Neighborhood Search Algorithm for Minimizing the Makespan in an Identical Parallel Machine Scheduling
Authors: Alharkan Ibrahim , Bamatraf Khaled , Noman Mohammed A. , Kaid Husam , Abouel Nasr Emad S. , El-Tamimi Abdulaziz M.
Published: April 2018

Variable neighborhood search (VNS) algorithm is proposed for scheduling identical parallel machine. The objective is to study the effect of adding a new neighborhood structure and changing the order of the neighborhood structures on minimizing the makespan. To enhance the quality of the final solution, a machine based encoding method and five neighborhood structures are used in VNS. Two initial solution methods which were used in two versions of improved VNS (IVNS) are employed, namely, longest processing time (LPT) initial solution, denoted as HIVNS, and random initial solution, denoted as RIVNS. The proposed versions are compared with LPT, simulated annealing (SA), genetic algorithm (GA), modified variable neighborhood search (MVNS), and improved variable neighborhood search (IVNS) algorithms from the literature. Computational results show that changing the order of neighborhood structures and adding a new neighborhood structure can yield a better solution in terms of average makespan.
A Systematic Review on Muscle Synergies: From Building Blocks of Motor Behavior to a Neurorehabilitation Tool
Authors: Singh Rajat Emanuel , Iqbal Kamran , White Gannon , Hutchinson Tarun Edgar
Published: April 2018

The central nervous system (CNS) is believed to utilize specific predefined modules, called muscle synergies (MS), to accomplish a motor task. Yet questions persist about how the CNS combines these primitives in different ways to suit the task conditions. The MS hypothesis has been a subject of debate as to whether they originate from neural origins or nonneural constraints. In this review article, we present three aspects related to the MS hypothesis: (1) the experimental and computational evidence in support of the existence of MS, (2) algorithmic approaches for extracting them from surface electromyography (EMG) signals, and (3) the possible role of MS as a neurorehabilitation tool. We note that recent advances in computational neuroscience have utilized the MS hypothesis in motor control and learning. Prospective advances in clinical, medical, and engineering sciences and in fields such as robotics and rehabilitation stand to benefit from a more thorough understanding of MS.
Numerical Study of Detonation Wave Propagation in the Variable Cross-Section Channel Using Unstructured Computational Grids
Authors: Lopato Alexander , Utkin Pavel
Published: April 2018

The work is dedicated to the numerical study of detonation wave initiation and propagation in the variable cross-section axisymmetric channel filled with the model hydrogen-air mixture. The channel models the large-scale device for the utilization of worn-out tires. Mathematical model is based on two-dimensional axisymmetric Euler equations supplemented by global chemical kinetics model. The finite volume computational algorithm of the second approximation order for the calculation of two-dimensional flows with detonation waves on fully unstructured grids with triangular cells is developed. Three geometrical configurations of the channel are investigated, each with its own degree of the divergence of the conical part of the channel from the point of view of the pressure from the detonation wave on the end wall of the channel. The problem in consideration relates to the problem of waste recycling in the devices based on the detonation combustion of the fuel.