bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Studies on a Compressive-Mode Piezoelectric Transducer for Low-Frequency and Wide-Band Energy Harvesting
Authors: Li Zhongjie , Naguib Hani
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we report a low-frequency and wide-bandwidth piezoelectric energy transducer. The transducer is designed based on a piezoelectric plate, a truss mechanism, a spring-mass system and a stopper. The spring-mass system receives kinetic energy from excitation and induces forces, which are further transmitted, amplified by the truss mechanism and applied onto the piezoelectric plate. The stopper is added to truncate the amplitude of the mass. The mass and the stopper interact through impacts. The impact force triggers dynamic bifurcation in the transducer. By taking advantage of the superharmonic resonances and nonlinearity born from the bifurcation, the transducer is able to work efficiently with a wide bandwidth. Through experiment studies on a fabricated prototype, the lowest resonant frequency is around 3.2Hz with the peak-peak voltage output up to 55V. The bandwidth of the transducer is approximately 4.5Hz out of our targeted frequency domain [2.5Hz, 10Hz], broadened by up to 20 times compared to that of the linear system without the stopper.
Diffusion-Resistant Coating for Harsh Environment Application of Piezoelectric Actuators
Authors: Behr Christian , Wierach Peter , Sinapius Michael
Published: November 2018

This paper presents the development process of an electrically insulating and liquid-impermeable coating for piezoelectric actuators. Against the background of flow investigations of an adaptive airfoil in a water tunnel the adaptive lip including PZT-ceramics for the active lip deformation must be insulated and sealed up against the ingress of moisture. Due to high electric field strength of 2 kV/mm between electrodes of multilayer actuators any ingress of moisture would lead to a reduction of the dielectric strength and may cause a short circuit. In order to prevent failure of the adaptive lip the electrical connections of the actuators have to be insulated by a waterproof coating. A service life of at least 107 load cycles at a frequency of 100 Hz is required for the actuators. Therefore the coating should be as ductile as possible otherwise it could crack and water could diffuse into the actuators. That is why the yield strength of the coating has to be higher than of the actuators, which is 0.3 %. For the investigation of the waterproofness several samples are coated with different materials in various processes. First the actuators are moulded in epoxy resin and then a diffusion-resistant PVF-foil is applied. After a screening of different materials, an additional coating with a two-component tar-epoxy resin in combination with a gold coating applied by a PVD process seems to be the most suitable process. Another promising waterproof coating is the atomic layer deposition (ALD). It is a slightly changed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and referring to the studies of Abdulagatov et al. an ALD of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) can slow down the corrosion of static copper specimens in water for ∼80 days [1]. Through a redrying procedure during test intermissions an increased underwater service life of the piezoelectric actuators is achieved.
Validity of an On-Field Readaptation Program Following a Hamstring Injury in Professional Soccer
Authors: Jiménez-Rubio Sergio , Navandar Archit , Rivilla-García Jesús , Paredes-Hernández Victor
Published: November 2018

Context: Despite the presence of various injury prevention programs, the rate of hamstring injuries and reinjuries is increasing in soccer, warranting the need for a soccer-specific rehabilitation program. Objective: To develop and validate a new, functional on-field program for the rehabilitation and readaptation of soccer players after a hamstring strain injury through a panel of experts; and determine the usefulness of the program through its application in professional soccer players. Design: A 13-item program was developed, which was validated by a panel of experts and later applied to professional soccer players. Setting: Soccer training ground. Participants: Fifteen strength and conditioning and rehabilitation fitness coaches with a professional experience of 15.40 (1.57) years in elite clubs and national teams in Europe validated the program. The program was later applied to 19 professional soccer players of the Spanish First Division (La Liga). Interventions: Once a player sustained a clinically diagnosed injury, the player would first be subject to mobilization and strengthening exercises in the gym after undergoing treatment by percutaneous needle electrolysis. The player would then complete an on-field readaptation program consisting of 13 drills arranged in a progressive manner in terms of complexity. The drills integrated various aspects of repeated sprint abilities, retraining and reeducation of biomechanical patterns, and neuromuscular control of the core and lower limbs. Main Outcome Measures: Aiken’s V for each item of the program and number of days taken by the players to return to play. Results: The experts evaluated all items of the program very highly, as seen from Aiken’s V values between 0.78 and 0.98 (0.63–0.99) for all drills, while the return to play was in 22.42 (2.32) days. Conclusion: This program has the potential to help a player suffering from a hamstring strain injury to adapt to real-match conditions in the readaptation phase through the application of sports-specific drills that were very similar to the different injury mechanisms.
A large impact crater beneath Hiawatha Glacier in northwest Greenland
Authors: Kjær Kurt H. , Larsen Nicolaj K. , Binder Tobias , Bjørk Anders A. , Eisen Olaf , Fahnestock Mark A. , Funder Svend , Garde Adam A. , Haack Henning , Helm Veit , Houmark-Nielsen Michael , Kjeldsen Kristian K. , Khan Shfaqat A. , Machguth Horst , McDonald Iain , Morlighem Mathieu , Mouginot Jérémie , Paden John D. , Waight Tod E. , Weikusat Christian , Willerslev Eske , MacGregor Joseph A.
Published: November 2018

Researchers present the first unambiguous discovery of a 31-km-wide impact crater buried beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet.
Chikungunya Virus Fidelity Variants Exhibit Differential Attenuation and Population Diversity in Cell Culture and Adult Mice
Authors: Riemersma Kasen K. , Steiner Cody , Singapuri Anil , Coffey Lark L.
Published: November 2018

CHIKV is a reemerging global health threat that elicits debilitating arthritis in humans. There are currently no commercially available CHIKV vaccines. Like other RNA viruses, CHIKV has a high mutation rate and is capable of rapid intrahost diversification during an infection. In other RNA viruses, virus population diversity associates with disease progression; however, potential impacts of intrahost viral diversity on CHIKV arthritic disease have not been studied. Using previously characterized CHIKV fidelity variants, we addressed whether CHIKV population diversity influences the severity of arthritis and host antibody response in an arthritic mouse model. Our findings show that CHIKV populations with greater genetic diversity can cause more severe disease and stimulate antibody responses with reduced neutralization of low-diversity virus populations
in vitro
. The discordant high-fidelity phenotypes in this study highlight the complexity of inferring replication fidelity indirectly from population diversity.
Conformational Differences between Functional Human Immunodeficiency Virus Envelope Glycoprotein Trimers and Stabilized Soluble Trimers
Authors: Castillo-Menendez Luis R. , Nguyen Hanh T. , Sodroski Joseph
Published: November 2018

HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein spikes mediate the entry of the virus into host cells and are a major target for vaccine-induced antibodies. Soluble forms of the envelope glycoproteins that are stable and easily produced have been characterized extensively and are being considered as vaccines. Here, we present evidence that these stabilized soluble envelope glycoproteins differ in multiple respects from the natural HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins. By pinpointing these differences, our results can guide the improvement of envelope glycoprotein preparations to achieve greater similarity to the viral envelope glycoprotein spike, potentially increasing their effectiveness as a vaccine.
Two Families of Env Antibodies Efficiently Engage Fc-Gamma Receptors and Eliminate HIV-1-Infected Cells
Authors: Anand Sai Priya , Prévost Jérémie , Baril Sophie , Richard Jonathan , Medjahed Halima , Chapleau Jean-Philippe , Tolbert William D. , Kirk Sharon , Smith Amos B. , Wines Bruce D. , Kent Stephen J. , Hogarth P. Mark , Parsons Matthew S. , Pazgier Marzena , Finzi Andrés
Published: November 2018

The “open” CD4-bound conformation of HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins is the primary target of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)-mediating antibodies present in HIV-positive (HIV+) sera, such as anti-coreceptor binding site and anti-cluster A antibodies. Here we report that the binding of these two families of antibodies is required to engage FcγRIIIa and mediate ADCC.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Rodent Torque Teno Virus in Hainan Island, China
Authors: Wu Yue , Wang Shanshan , Chen Yunchun , Li Lihua , Wang Wenqi , Zhou Huanhuan , Zhang You , Zhang Lei , Cui Xiuji , Lv Gang , Yin Feifei
Published: November 2018

Torque teno virus (TTV) has been reported in a wide range of mammals. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the complete genome of a genetic variant of a rodent TTV, RoTTV3-HMU1 (Hainan Medical University 1).
Draft Genome Sequence of Probiotic Lactobacillus brevis TUCO-5E, Isolated from Porcine Milk
Authors: Quilodran-Vega Sandra Rayen , Albarracin Leonardo , Hebert Elvira Maria , Saavedra Lucila , Fonseca Alexis , Salas-Burgos Alexis , Kitazawa Haruki , Villena Julio
Published: November 2018

This report describes the draft genome sequence of
Lactobacillus brevis
TUCO-5E, a probiotic strain isolated from porcine maternal milk. The reads were generated by a whole-genome sequencing (WGS) strategy on an Illumina MiSeq sequencer and were assembled into contigs with a total estimated size of 2,461,089 bp.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus subtilis Strain FB6-3, Isolated from Fermented Bamboo Shoot
Authors: Khunjan Olivia , Pandey Piyush
Published: November 2018

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Bacillus subtilis
strain FB6-3, isolated from fermented bamboo shoot samples (
Soibum
) from Manipur, India. The genome was constructed to facilitate studies in evolution of the genetic code.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Hydrocarbon-Degrading Strain Achromobacter sp. B7, Isolated during Petroleum Hydrocarbon Bioremediation in the Valparaiso Region, Chile
Authors: Méndez Valentina , Hernández Lisette , Salvà-Serra Francisco , Jaén-Luchoro Daniel , Durán Roberto E. , Barra Bárbara , Piñeiro-Iglesias Beatriz , Moore Edward R. B. , Seeger Michael
Published: November 2018

Achromobacter
sp. strain B7 (= CCUG 72081) was isolated from a diesel-polluted soil from the Valparaiso Region, Chile, subjected to bioremediation with a hydrocarbon-degrading enrichment.
Three-dimensional plate geometry and P-wave velocity models of the subduction zone in SW Japan: Implications for seismogenesis
Authors: Nakanishi Ayako , Takahashi Narumi , Yamamoto Yojiro , Takahashi Tsutomu , Ozgur Citak Seckin , Nakamura Takeshi , Obana Koichiro , Kodaira Shuichi , Kaneda Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2018

To accurately estimate the coseismic rupture area in a Nankai megathrust earthquake and predict seismic and tsunami hazards, various three-dimensional models of the subducting plate geometry and simple seismic velocity models of the subduction zone in SW Japan have been proposed. However, to ensure consistency among studies, more realistic and reliable standard models must be developed. Here, we use wide-angle ocean-bottom seismographic survey results to develop models of the three-dimensional geometry of the subducting plate and of the three-dimensional P-wave velocity structure around the Nankai Trough. We confirmed the reliability of the proposed models by comparing theoretical first arrivals, calculated from two-dimensional structure models sampled from the three-dimensional model along seismic profile lines, with observed traveltime data. The proposed models are the first to be visible and to attempt to represent the actual seismic velocity structures around the entire Nankai Trough in SW Japan. Although the spatial validity of the three-dimensional velocity structure model could not be strictly evaluated, we confirmed that the differences between hypocenter parameters determined from previously published seismic tomography results and those obtained by using our three-dimensional structure model were sufficiently small (latitude and longitude within ±0.1° and depth within approximately ±5 km). Therefore, our three-dimensional structure model is suitable for use as an initial model for hypocenter determination.
Understanding the impact of delegated home visiting services accessed via general practice by community-dwelling patients: a realist review protocol
Authors: Abrams Ruth , Wong Geoffrey , Mahtani Kamal Ram , Tierney Stephanie , Boylan Anne-Marie , Roberts Nia , Park Sophie
Published: November 2018

Introduction

In western countries, early visiting services (EVS) have been proposed as a recent intervention to reduce both general practitioner workload and hospital admissions among housebound individuals experiencing a healthcare need within the community. EVS involves the delegation of the patient home visits to other staff groups such as paramedics or nursing staff. However, the principles of organising this care are unknown and it remains unclear how different contexts, such as patient conditions and the processes of organising EVS influence care outcomes. A review has been designed to understand how EVS are enacted and, specifically, who benefits, why, how and when in order to provide further insight into the design and delivery of EVS.

Methods and analysis

The purpose of this review is to produce findings that provide explanations of how and why EVS contexts influence their associated outcomes. Evidence on EVS will be consolidated through realist review—a theory-driven approach to evidence synthesis. A realist approach is needed as EVS is a complex intervention. What EVS achieve is likely to vary for different individuals and contexts. We expect to synthesise a range of relevant data such as qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method research in the following stages: devising an initial programme theory, searching evidence, selecting appropriate documents, extracting data, synthesising and refining the programme theory.

Ethics and dissemination

A formal ethics review is not required as this study is secondary research. Findings will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal, at national and international conferences and to relevant professional associations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018096518.
‘This place is not for children like her’: disability, ambiguous belonging and the claiming of disadvantage in postapartheid South Africa
Authors: Botha Michelle , Watermeyer Brian
Published: November 2018

This paper presents an exploration of my experiences and unique positioning as a blind, White South African woman. It explores the complex intersections of multiple axes of identity in my own experience to do with disability, race, class and language and, in so doing, presents some ideas about the ways in which disability complicates and disturbs simplistic identity categories. It draws, in particular, on the experience of my first year of formal schooling which took place in 1994 as South Africa held its first democratic election, bringing a politico-legal, if not actual, end to decades of racial segregation. Using this experience, I explore the ways in which, against the sociopolitical backdrop of apartheid’s racial segregation, ideas about race and disability, that is, Blackness and blindness, became entangled and how this entanglement impacted my ability to claim a place as either blind or sighted. Through this critical engagement I hope to be able to offer a perspective, not only on how the apartheid system operated, forcing the projection of negative characteristics onto Black people, but also on how this legacy continues to impact those of us who occupy unstable positions, at the intersection of privilege and marginality. Central to the argument is the position that the wholesale binding up of social disadvantage with race in the South African context prohibits and manages the status that persons with disabilities are able, or not able, to claim.
Malingering and factitious disorder
Authors: Bass Christopher , Wade Derick T
Published: November 2018

Although exaggeration or amplification of symptoms is common in all illness, deliberate deception is rare. In settings associated with litigation/disability evaluation, the rate of malingering may be as high as 30%, but its frequency in clinical practice is not known. We describe the main characteristics of deliberate deception (factitious disorders and malingering) and ways that neurologists might detect symptom exaggeration. The key to establishing that the extent or severity of reported symptoms does not truly represent their severity is to elicit inconsistencies in different domains, but it is not possible to determine whether the reports are intentionally inaccurate. Neurological disorders where difficulty in determining the degree of willed exaggeration is most likely include functional weakness and movement disorders, post-concussional syndrome (or mild traumatic brain injury), psychogenic non-epileptic attacks and complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (especially when there is an associated functional movement disorder). Symptom amplification or even fabrication are more likely if the patient might gain benefit of some sort, not necessarily financial. Techniques to detect deception in medicolegal settings include covert surveillance and review of social media accounts. We also briefly describe specialised psychological tests designed to elicit effort from the patient.
Comparison of two bedside evaluation methods of dysphagia in patients with acute stroke
Authors: Ye Ting , Huang Shengyan , Dong Yi , Dong Qiang
Published: November 2018

Background

Dysphagia is a common complication after stroke. Water swallowing test (WST) is a recognised but limited tool in providing details about dysphagia, including severity and how to adjust the diet based on the test results.

Methods

We performed a prospective observational study of comparing WST and volume–viscosity swallow test (V-VST) in patients with acute stroke within 14 days. All patients had WST and if failed would have a V-VST. The primary outcome was to compare the dysphagia levels assessed by these two test tools. The secondary outcome was to explore the predictive capability in patients who were at high risk of pneumonia by these two swallowing tests.

Results

Consecutively 276 patients with stroke were enrolled in our study, and 197 had normal WST. Among 79 patients who had both WST and V-VST, 20 showed swallowing safety and effectiveness by V-VST. The chance of being on tube feeding was strongly related to the positive results of failed WST (p<0.001). Both tests showed good predictive ability in patients with stroke for pneumonia even some of them were placed on tube feeding (p=0.001 in WST and p<0.001 in V-VST).

Conclusions

V-VST performed better as a clinical screening test for dysphagia in patients with acute stroke at the bedside.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1800016442.
LRF acts as an activator and repressor of the human β-like globin gene transcription in a developmental stage dependent manner
Authors: Kang Jin , Kang Yujin , Kim Yea Woon , You Jaekyeong , Kang Jihong , Kim AeRi
Published: November 2018

Leukemia/lymphoma-related factor (LRF; a hematopoietic transcription factor) has been suggested to repress fetal γ-globin genes in the human adult stage β-globin locus. Here, to study the role of LRF in the fetal stage β-globin locus, we knocked out its expression in erythroid K562 cells, in which the γ-globin genes are mainly transcribed. The γ-globin transcription was reduced in LRF knock-out cells, and transcription factor binding to the β-globin locus control region hypersensitive sites (LCR HSs) and active histone organization in the LCR HSs were disrupted by the depletion of LRF. In contrast, LRF loss in the adult stage β-globin locus did not affect active chromatin structure in the LCR HSs and induced the fetal γ-globin transcription. These results indicate that LRF may act as an activator and repressor of the human β-like globin gene transcription in a manner dependent on developmental stage.
Cosmological implications of lepton number violation
Authors: Päs Heinrich
Published: November 2018

The abundances of baryons and leptons are not only closely related to each other and to the generation of neutrino masses but may also be linked to the dark matter in the Universe. In this paper we review how a consistent physics beyond the Standard Model framework for cosmology and neutrino masses could arise by studying these interrelations.
Texture zero mass matrices and nature of neutrinos
Authors: Ahuja Gulsheen , Gupta Manmohan
Published: November 2018

For Majorana as well as Dirac neutrinos, attempt has been made to carry out a comparative study of the predictions of Fritzsch-like texture 6, 5 and 4 zero leptonic mass matrices. In particular, considering normal hierarchy of neutrino masses, we have examined how the parameter space available to the mixing angles with respect to the lightest neutrino mass changes for the two types of neutrinos.
A sketch of brane dynamics in seven and eight dimensions using E theory
Authors: West Peter
Published: November 2018

Using the general properties that have emerged from [Formula: see text] theory we sketch the generic features of the dynamics of branes in seven and eight dimensions. The dynamical equations are a set of duality equations involving the coordinates of the vector representation of [Formula: see text].
Effects of different tailoring graphene electrodes on the rectification and negative differential resistance of molecular devices
Authors: Zhang Ting Ting , Xia Cai Juan , Zhang Bo Qun , Lu Xiao Feng , Liu Yang , Cui Yan , Tang Xiao Jie
Published: November 2018

The electronic transport properties of oligo p-phenylenevinylene (OPV) molecule sandwiched with symmetrical or asymmetric tailoring graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) electrodes are investigated by nonequilibrium Green’s function in combination with density functional theory. The results show that different tailored GNRs electrodes can modulate the current–voltage characteristic of molecular devices. The rectifying behavior can be observed with respect to electrodes, and the maximum rectification ratio can reach to 14.2 in the asymmetric AC–ZZ GNRs and ZZ–AC–ZZ GNRs electrodes system. In addition, the obvious negative differential resistance can be observed in the symmetrical AC-ZZ GNRs system.
Dynamic congested traffic states of lattice hydrodynamic model with an on-ramp and its immediate upstream off-ramp
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhang Jing , Li Shubin , Du Haoming , Gao Ge
Published: November 2018

This paper investigates the features of congested traffic flow near the combination of off-ramp and on-ramp. Firstly, the stochastic off-ramp and on-ramp are designed. Then, a two-lane lattice hydrodynamic traffic flow model coupled with a combination bottleneck is proposed to reproduce the empirical phenomena. In the simulation, the asymmetric-lane change rules were adopted, and many congested traffic flow patterns were observed near the combination bottlenecks, such as homogeneous synchronized traffic (HST), moving localized cluster (MLC), triggered stop-and-go traffic (TSG), oscillating congested traffic (OCT), pinned localized cluster (PLC), and homogeneous congested traffic (HCT). The obtained simulation results suggest that the proposed model is good and can produce the observed congestion spatiotemporal traffic patterns well.
Research on noise suppression of lithium battery electrode measurement based on laser micro-displacement sensor
Authors: Xu Ancheng
Published: November 2018

The joint denoising method using multi-scale wavelet based on threshold value judgment and recursive least-squares (RLS) were proposed to realize lithium battery film thickness measurement. Continuous thickness measurement of thin film coating can be done via threshold value judgment. Low-frequency noise component similar to characters of film thickness can be reduced via RLS denoising. Joint denoising can further improve measurement accuracy. Compared with multi-scale wavelet denoising, the method proposed can improve the measurement precision by 6% which is more suitable to the thickness measurement of film coating.
Two-Stage Feature Selection with Unsupervised Second Stage
Authors: Xu Ke , Maung Crystal , Arai Hiromasa , Schweitzer Haim
Published: November 2018

Feature selection is a common dimensionality reduction technique of fundamental importance in big data. A common approach for reducing the running time of feature selection is to perform it in two stages. In the first stage a fast and simple filter is applied to select good candidates. The number of candidates is further reduced in the second stage by an accurate algorithm that may run significantly slower. There are two main variants of feature selection: unsupervised and supervised. In the supervised variant features are selected for predicting labels, while the unsupervised variant does not use labels at all. We describe a general framework that can use an arbitrary off-the-shelf unsupervised algorithm for the second stage. The algorithm is applied to the selection obtained in the first stage weighted appropriately. Our main technical result is a method for calculating weights for the columns that need to be selected in the second stage. We show that these weights can be computed as the solution to a constrained quadratic optimization problem. The solution is deterministic, and improves on previously published studies that use probabilistic ideas to compute similar weights. To the best of our knowledge our approach is the first technique for converting a supervised feature selection problem into an unsupervised problem. Complexity analysis shows that the proposed technique is very fast, can be implemented in a single pass over the data, and can take advantage of data sparsity. Experimental results show that the accuracy of the proposed method is comparable to that of much slower techniques.
Pascal white noise harmonic analysis on configuration spaces and applications
Authors: Riahi Anis , Rebei Habib
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we unify techniques of Pascal white noise analysis and harmonic analysis on configuration spaces establishing relations between the main structures of both ones. Fix a Random measure [Formula: see text] on a Riemannian manifold [Formula: see text], we construct on the space of finite compound configuration space [Formula: see text] the so-called Lebesgue–Pascal measure [Formula: see text] and as a consequence we obtain the Pascal measure [Formula: see text] on the compound configuration space [Formula: see text]. Next, the natural realization of the symmetric Fock space over [Formula: see text] as the space [Formula: see text] leads to the unitary isomorphism [Formula: see text] between the space [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Finally, in the first application we study some algebraic products, namely, the Borchers product on the Fock space, the Wick product on the Pascal space, and the ⋆-convolution on the Lebesgue–Pascal space and we prove that the Pascal white noise analysis and harmonic analysis are related through an equality of operators involving [Formula: see text]. The second application is devoted to solve the implementation problem.
Regioisomeric synthesis of chlorin-e6 dimethyl esters and their optical properties
Authors: Nagano Yasunobu , Ogasawara Shin , Tamiaki Hitoshi
Published: November 2018

Chlorin-[Formula: see text] dimethyl esters possessing a single carboxy group at the 13-, 151-, or 172-position were prepared by chemically modifying chlorophyll-[Formula: see text]. These three synthetic regioisomers were fully characterized by their mass, NMR, and visible absorption spectra. Their molecular structures were unambiguously identified by the specific 1H–[Formula: see text]C correlation at the 13-, 15-, and/or 17-substituents in their respective HMBC spectra. Methyl esterification of 13/151-COOH and hydrolysis of 13/151-COOMe affected small shifts of the Qy absorption and fluorescence emission maxima in a diluted CH2Cl2 solution, while no substitution effect of 172-COOH/Me was observed.
Opportunities and challenges in using energy-harvesting for NB-IoT
Authors: Haridas A. , Rao V. S. , Prasad R. V. , Sarkar C.
Published: November 2018

For the Internet of Things (IoT) applications that send a few bytes of sensor information infrequently, several long-range IoT technologies have been conceived. Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) is one of them that stands out due to its extended coverage, high penetrability, and high reliability features. Among the primary goals set for the standard, low device power consumption is significant as the devices are typically deployed with batteries. In this paper, we characterize an NB-IoT device with respect to its energy consumption in different coverage classes for various scenarios. Based on the measurements, we estimate the lifetime of the device. We find that the lifetime of the device is significantly affected by the coverage class of the device. In order to augment the battery, we investigate the possibility of using ambient energy sources in the context of a smart home. For this we analyze real-world data sets, and find that the harvesting technologies can increase the average lifetime of the device. However, due to the spatio-temporal variations in the amount of energy that can be harvested, there are several challenges to be dealt with. We list the keys challenges of using energy-harvesting in NB-IoT, and those inherent to NB-IoT.
Sodium loading, treadmill walking, and the acute redistribution of bone mineral content on dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scans
Authors: Hew-Butler Tamara , Angelakos Kailyn , Szczepanski Joshua
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this study was to assess relationships between plasma sodium concentration ([Na+]) and bone mineral content (BMC) after an acute sodium load plus treadmill walking and then quantify the amount of sodium the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan could detect. The primary study was a single-blind randomized control crossover trial under two conditions: ingestion of six flour tablets (placebo trial) or six 1-g NaCl tablets (salt intervention trial). The tablets were ingested after baseline blood and urine collection followed immediately by the DXA scan. After 60 min of rest, a 45-min treadmill walk was conducted. Immediately postexercise, blood and urine were collected and the DXA scan was repeated. Main outcomes included changes (∆: post minus pre) in plasma [Na+] and BMC. Additionally, six 1-g NaCl tablets were superimposed over a DXA spine phantom for separate quantification of sodium as BMC. Fourteen subjects completed the primary study. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA tests revealed significant interaction ( F = 13.06; P = 0.0007), condition ( F = 21.88; P < 0.001), and time ( F = 6.51; P = 0.014) effects in plasma [Na+]. A significant condition ( F = 6.46; P = 0.014) effect was also noted in urine [Na+]. Total body BMC∆ was negatively correlated with plasma [Na+]∆ ( r = −0.43; P = 0.02) and urine [Na+]∆ ( r = −0.47; P = 0.01). Total body BMC∆ in the salt intervention trial [−5.5 (27) g] closely approximated the amount of NaCl ingested and subsequently absorbed into the bloodstream. The DXA scan quantified 67% of NaCl tablets as BMC in spine phantom analyses. Total body BMC∆ was negatively related to plasma and urine [Na+]∆ after treadmill walking. Reductions in total body BMC closely approximated the amount of NaCl ingested (~6 g). The DXA scan quantified NaCl as BMC.
Circulating Semaphorin 4D as a Marker for Predicting Radiographic Progression in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ha You-Jung , Han Dong Woo , Kim Ji Hyoun , Chung Sang Wan , Kang Eun Ha , Song Yeong Wook , Lee Yun Jong
Published: November 2018

Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) and semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) are molecules which regulate immune responses as well as bone remodeling process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of Sema3A and Sema4D and to investigate their clinical significance in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The serum levels of Sema3A and Sema4D were measured in 130 patients with RA and 65 sex- and age-matched healthy individuals. Circulating levels of biomarkers of RA-related inflammation and bone turnover such as tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-)α, interleukin- (IL-) 6, IL-22, IL-34, osteopontin, Dkk-1, and sclerostin were also measured. Disease activity was determined by the 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28), and radiographic joint damage was assessed by the modified Sharp van der Heijde score (SHS). The serum levels of Sema3A were significantly higher in patients with RA than those in healthy controls (p<0.001), whereas serum4D levels did not differ between the two groups. The levels of Sema4D showed a positive correlation with C-reactive protein (p=0.001) and IL-6 (p<0.001) levels, whereas the levels of Sema3A showed a negative correlation with Dkk-1 (p=0.007) and TNF-α(p=0.001). Even though Sema3A and Sema4D levels were comparable between RA patients with DAS28> 3.2 and with DAS28 ≤ 3.2, RA patients with radiographic progression (ΔSHS change/year ≥ 1) had significantly higher baseline levels of Sema4D than those without progression (p=0.029). Additionally, when RA patients were divided into 3 groups using tertiles of Sema4D levels, the percentage of progressors was significantly increased (p=0.045). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, serum Sema4D levels were an independent risk factor for radiographic progression. Our results suggest that the baseline levels of Sema4D might be a useful marker to identify RA patients with subsequent radiographic progression and that Sema4D may be an active mediator involved in RA-induced joint damage.
Bilateral Well Leg Compartment Syndrome Localized in the Anterior and Lateral Compartments following Urologic Surgery in Lithotomy Position
Authors: Yamamoto Tatsuya , Fujie Atsuhiro , Tanikawa Hidenori , Funayama Atsushi , Fukuda Kentaro
Published: November 2018

Well leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) is a rare but severe complication after the surgery in lithotomy position. We present a case of bilateral WLCS that occurred after the prolonged urologic surgery in lithotomy position. A 50-year-old man complained of severe bilateral lower leg pain and swelling sixteen hours after the surgery. Physical examination, elevated serum creatine kinase value, contrasting computed tomography, and elevated compartment pressure strongly suggested the development of bilateral WLCS localized in the anterior and lateral compartments. Emergent single-incision fasciotomy was performed four hours after diagnosis. The patient was treated successfully without any neuromuscular dysfunction. An early and accurate diagnosis is important to avoid the delay of treatment and development of neuromuscular dysfunction.
Computational Prediction of the Combined Effect of CRT and LVAD on Cardiac Electromechanical Delay in LBBB and RBBB
Authors: Heikhmakhtiar Aulia K. , Lim Ki M.
Published: November 2018

Two case reports showed that the combination of CRT and LVAD benefits the end-stage heart failure patients with prolonged QRS interval significantly. In one of the reports, the patient had the LVAD removed due to the recovery of the heart function. However, the quantification of the combined devices has yet to be conducted. This study aimed at computationally predicting the effects of CRT-only or combined with LVAD on electromechanical behaviour in the failing ventricle with left bundle branch blocked (LBBB) and right bundle branch blocked (RBBB) conditions. The subjects are normal sinus rhythm, LBBB, RBBB, LBBB with CRT-only, RBBB with CRT-only, LBBB with CRT + LVAD, and RBBB with CRT + LVAD. The results showed that the CRT-only shortened the total electrical activation time (EAT) in the LBBB and RBBB conditions by 20.2% and 17.1%, respectively. The CRT-only reduced the total mechanical activation time (MAT) and electromechanical delay (EMD) of the ventricle under LBBB by 21.3% and 10.1%, respectively. Furthermore, the CRT-only reduced the contractile adenosine triphosphate (ATP) consumption by 5%, increased left ventricular (LV) pressure by 6%, and enhanced cardiac output (CO) by 0.2 L/min under LBBB condition. However, CRT-only barely affects the ventricle under RBBB condition. Under the LBBB condition, CRT + LVAD increased LV pressure and CO by 10.5% and by 0.9 L/min, respectively. CRT + LVAD reduced ATP consumption by 15%, shortened the MAT by 23.4%, and shortened the EMD by 15.2%. In conclusion, we computationally predicted and quantified that the CRT + LVAD implementation is superior to CRT-only implementation particularly in HF with LBBB condition.
Explicit Theoretical Analysis of How the Rate of Exocytosis Depends on Local Control by Ca2+ Channels
Authors: Montefusco Francesco , Pedersen Morten Gram
Published: November 2018

Hormones and neurotransmitters are released from cells by calcium-regulated exocytosis, and local coupling between Ca2+ channels (CaVs) and secretory granules is a key factor determining the exocytosis rate. Here, we devise a methodology based on Markov chain models that allows us to obtain analytic results for the expected rate. First, we analyze the property of the secretory complex obtained by coupling a single granule with one CaV. Then, we extend our results to a more general case where the granule is coupled with n CaVs. We investigate how the exocytosis rate is affected by varying the location of granules and CaVs. Moreover, we assume that the single granule can form complexes with inactivating or non-inactivating CaVs. We find that increasing the number of CaVs coupled with the granule determines a much higher rise of the exocytosis rate that, in case of inactivating CaVs, is more pronounced when the granule is close to CaVs, while, surprisingly, in case of non-inactivating CaVs, the highest relative increase in rate is obtained when the granule is far from the CaVs. Finally, we exploit the devised model to investigate the relation between exocytosis and calcium influx. We find that the quantities are typically linearly related, as observed experimentally. For the case of inactivating CaVs, our simulations show a change of the linear relation due to near-complete inactivation of CaVs.
Multiomic Strategies Reveal Diversity and Important Functional Aspects of Human Gut Microbiome
Authors: Ranjan Ravi , Rani Asha , Finn Patricia W. , Perkins David L.
Published: November 2018

It is well accepted that dysbiosis of microbiota is associated with disease; however, the biological mechanisms that promote susceptibility or resilience to disease remain elusive. One of the major limitations of previous microbiome studies has been the lack of complementary metatranscriptomic (functional) data to complement the interpretation of metagenomics (bacterial abundance). The purpose of this study was twofold, first to evaluate the bacterial diversity and differential gene expression of gut microbiota using complementary shotgun metagenomics (MG) and metatranscriptomics (MT) from same fecal sample. Second, to compare sequence data using different Illumina platforms and with different sequencing parameters as new sequencers are introduced, and to determine if the data are comparable on different platforms. In this study, we perform ultradeep metatranscriptomic shotgun sequencing for a sample that we previously analyzed with metagenomics shotgun sequencing. We performed sequencing analysis using different Illumina platforms, with different sequencing and analysis parameters. Our results suggest that use of different Illumina platform did not lead to detectable bias in the sequencing data. The analysis of the sample using MG and MT approach shows that some species genes are highly represented in the MT than in the MG, indicating that some species are highly metabolically active. Our analysis also shows that ~52% of the genes in the metagenome are in the metatranscriptome and therefore are robustly expressed. The functions of the low and rare abundance bacterial species remain poorly understood. Our observations indicate that among the low abundant species analyzed in this study some were found to be more metabolically active compared to others, and can contribute distinct profiles of biological functions that may modulate the host-microbiota and bacteria-bacteria interactions.
Dietary DHA/EPA Ratio Changes Fatty Acid Composition and Attenuates Diet‐Induced Accumulation of Lipid in the Liver of ApoE−/− Mice
Authors: Liu Liang , Hu Qinling , Wu Huihui , Wang Xiujing , Gao Chao , Chen Guoxun , Yao Ping , Gong Zhiyong
Published: November 2018

Diets containing various docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratios protect against liver damage in mice fed with a high‐fat diet (HFD). However, it is unclear whether these beneficial roles of DHA and EPA are associated with alterations of fatty acid (FA) composition in the liver. This study evaluated the positive impacts of n‐6/n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) containing different DHA/EPA ratios on HFD‐induced liver disease and alterations of the hepatic FA composition. ApoE−/− mice were fed with HFDs with various ratios of DHA/EPA (2 : 1, 1 : 1, and 1 : 2) and an n‐6/n‐3 ratio of 4 : 1 for 12 weeks. After treatment, the serum and hepatic FA compositions, serum biochemical parameters, liver injury, and hepatic lipid metabolism‐related gene expression were determined. Our results demonstrated that dietary DHA/EPA changed serum and hepatic FA composition by increasing contents of n‐6 and n‐3 PUFAs and decreasing amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and the n‐6/n‐3 ratio. Among the three DHA/EPA groups, the DHA/EPA 2 : 1 group tended to raise n‐3 PUFAs concentration and lower the n‐6/n‐3 ratio in the liver, whereas DHA/EPA 1 : 2 tended to raise n‐6 PUFAs concentration and improve the n‐6/n‐3 ratio. DHA/EPA supplementation reduced the hepatic impairment of lipid homeostasis, oxidative stress, and the inflammatory responses in HFD‐fed mice. The DHA/EPA 2 : 1 group had lower serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher levels of adiponectin than HFD group. The DHA/EPA 1 : 2 group had elevated serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase, without significant change the expression of genes for inflammation or hepatic lipid metabolism among the three DHA/EPA groups. The results suggest that DHA/EPA‐enriched diet with an n‐6/n‐3 ratio of 4 : 1 may reverse HFD‐induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to some extent by increasing n‐6 and n‐3 PUFAs and decreasing the amount of MUFAs and the n‐6/n‐3 ratio.
Functional and Spatial Design of Emergency Departments Using Quality Function Deployment
Authors: Abdelsamad Yassin , Rushdi Muhammad , Tawfik Bassel
Published: November 2018

Inadequate design of emergency departments (EDs) is a major cause of crowding, increased length of stay, and higher mortality. The main reason behind this inadequacy is the lack of stakeholders’ involvement in the design process. This work reports and analyzes the results of a large survey of the requirements of ED stakeholders. It then compares these requirements with existing designs on the one hand and international standards on the other. Further, we propose a new hybrid design which combines the requirements of both the stakeholders and international standards using quality function deployment (QFD), also known as the House of Quality, method. The proposed method was used to assess two existing EDs located in two countries. The analysis of the survey responses showed certain discrepancies between stakeholder requirements and the existing designs such as the absence of an initial admission unit and insufficient space of the treatment unit. The results showed a strong correlation between the QFD-based design and stakeholder requirements (r = 0.92 for ED1 and r = 0.93 for ED2) which is attributed to the incorporation of stakeholders’ opinions into the QFD method. The new design was also positively correlated to the international standards (r = 0.94 for ED1 and r = 0.91 for ED2). Our findings suggest that international design standards should be based on more structured methods for incorporating stakeholders’ views and that a certain degree of difference should be allowed depending on the region in which the hospital is located to reflect both cultural and environmental differences.
Rehabilitation Therapy Utilization in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease in Korea
Authors: Seo Han Gil , Park Sang Jun , Seo Jiah , Byun Seong Jun , Oh Byung-Mo
Published: November 2018

Objective. Although evidence and guidelines recommend appropriate rehabilitation from the beginning of diagnosis in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), there is a lack of data addressing the utilization of rehabilitation therapies for these patients in practice. The aim of this study is to investigate the rate of rehabilitation therapy utilization over time in patients with PD using a nationwide cohort in Korea. Methods. Patients were identified using the registration code for PD in the program for rare, intractable disease from the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort database, which consists of 979,390 Korean residents. Data were divided into four periods: 2004–2006, 2007–2009, 2010–2012, and 2013–2015. We assessed the utilization of rehabilitation therapies and the associated patient characteristics. Results. The numbers of patients with PD were 384 in 2004, 855 in 2007, 1,023 in 2010, and 1,222 in 2013. The numbers of physiatrist visits per person were 0.58, 0.96, 1.97, and 2.91, in the respective periods. Among the patients, 35–40% had claims for physical therapy, 16–19% for occupational therapy, and 4–6% for swallowing therapy. There were no remarkable differences between these rates between the study periods. Sex, age, income, disability, and levodopa-equivalent dose were significantly associated with the utilization of rehabilitation therapy. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that the rate of rehabilitation therapy utilization did not change remarkably in patients with PD from 2004 to 2015 in Korea although the number of physiatrist visits increased dramatically. The present evidence and guidelines may have not been adequately integrated into clinical practice during the period of study. Additional efforts may be warranted to provide adequate rehabilitation therapies in clinical practice for patients with PD.