bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age Stratification and Sample Entropy Analysis Enhance the Limits of Stability Tests for Older Adults
Authors: Reinert Senia Smoot , Kinney Allison L. , Jackson Kurt , Diestelkamp Wiebke , Bigelow Kimberly
Published: June 2017

The objective of this study was to determine if a foam testing condition and/or nonlinear analysis methods can be used to identify differences between age stratified subgroups of older adults when conducting the Limits of Stability assessment. Ninety older adults participated in this study. A force plate was used to record center of pressure data during Limits of Stability testing on a firm and foam surface. Participants were grouped into age-stratified subgroups: young-old (60–69 years), middle-old (70–79 years), and old-old (80+ years). Anterior-posterior (A/P) and medial-lateral (M/L) sway ranges and sample entropy values were calculated. The young-old group had significantly larger A/P and M/L sway ranges than the old-old group on both surfaces. A/P sample entropy increased significantly with age. M/L sample entropy increased significantly with age between the young-old and old-old and the middle-old and old-old groups. Sample entropy values between surfaces significantly differed for all groups. These results indicate Limits of Stability differences occur between older adults of different age groups and should be taken into consideration for clinical and research testing. Nonlinear analysis may help further identify differences in Limits of Stability performance while use of a foam surface is of limited additional value.
Effect of Shoes on Stiffness and Energy Efficiency of Ankle-Foot Orthosis: Bench Testing Analysis
Authors: Kobayashi Toshiki , Gao Fan , LeCursi Nicholas , Foreman K. Bo , Orendurff Michael S.
Published: June 2017

Understanding the mechanical properties of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) is important to maximize their benefit for those with movement disorders during gait. Though mechanical properties such as stiffness and/or energy efficiency of AFOs have been extensively studied, it remains unknown how and to what extent shoes influence their properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of shoes on stiffness and energy efficiency of an AFO using a custom mechanical testing device. Stiffness and energy efficiency of the AFO were measured in the plantar flexion and dorsiflexion range, respectively, under AFO-alone and AFO-Shoe combination conditions. The results of this study demonstrated that the stiffness of the AFO-Shoe combination was significantly decreased compared to the AFO-alone condition, but no significant differences were found in energy efficiency. From the results, we recommend that shoes used with AFOs should be carefully selected not only based on their effect on alignment of the lower limb, but also their effects on overall mechanical properties of the AFO-Shoe combination. Further study is needed to clarify the effects of differences in shoe designs on AFO-Shoe combination mechanical properties.
Expectation for Physical Activity to Minimize Dementia Risk and Physical Activity Level Among Older Adults
Authors: Harada Kazuhiro , Lee Sangyoon , Lee Sungchul , Bae Seongryu , Anan Yuya , Harada Kenji , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: June 2017

This study aimed to examine whether the expectation for physical activity to minimize dementia risk was associated with physical activity level and whether this association was moderated by perceived high value of dementia prevention among older adults. Participants (n = 2,824) completed questionnaires and wore accelerometers to measure their average daily steps and levels of physical activity. The expectation for physical activity to minimize dementia risk, perceived value of dementia prevention, and potential covariates (expectation of other desirable outcomes, demographics, and health-related factors) were also measured. The main effects of the expectation and perceived value and their interaction were not significant for physical activity variables in generalized linear models. These findings indicate that expecting physical activity in minimizing dementia risk might not be sufficient to influence physical activity behavior regardless of perceived high value of dementia prevention among older adults.
Examining Differences in Movement Competency in Professional Baseball Players Born in the United States and Dominican Republic
Authors: Bullock Garrett S. , Chapman Taylor , Joyce Thomas , Prengle Robert , Stern Taylor , Butler Robert J.
Published: June 2017

Context: Dominican Republic (DR) players have different training norms, which can affect their resiliency and performance. The variance among DR players’ training regimens may be influenced by the degree of training incorporating fundamental movement patterns. Objective: To examine differences in fundamental movement patterns in United States (US)–born versus DR-born professional baseball players. Design: Cross-sectional cohort. Setting: Professional baseball athletic training room. Participants: One hundred forty-two players (76 DR-born and 66 US-born) who were recently selected by a Major League Baseball team. Intervention: Subjects completed the Functional Movement Screen using the standardized 7 movement tests and the 3 isolated clearing tests. Main Outcome Measures: The primary variables studied were composite score, left and right asymmetry, and individual movement standard scores. Two-way chi-squared analysis was utilized for the statistical analysis with statistical significance being identified at P < .05. Results: DR players had a larger number of 1s (7.8% vs 3.0%) and 3s (10.5% vs 1.5%) on the right-sided hurdle step and a greater percentage of 3s (82.8% vs 60.6%) on right-sided shoulder mobility. US players had a larger percentage of 3s (33.3% vs 13.4%) and a lower percentage of 1s (2.2% vs 15.1%) on the active straight leg raise and a greater percentage of passable scores (≥2; 99.5% vs 65.8%) on the trunk stability push-up. Conclusion: This study suggests that fundamental movement competency differs between US- and DR-born professional baseball players. Based on these movement competency differences, a player’s country of origin may be taken into account to create an effective training program.
Neck and Scapula-Focused Exercise Training on Patients With Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yildiz Taha Ibrahim , Turgut Elif , Duzgun Irem
Published: June 2017

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of additional 6-week scapular stabilization training in patients with nonspecific neck pain (NNP).Materials and Methods:A total of 30 patients with NNP were randomly allocated to the study. Fifteen participants in the intervention group received neck-focused exercise and scapular stabilization training, whereas 15 participants in the control group received neck-focused exercise training. All groups were evaluated at baseline and after 6 weeks of rehabilitation. The pain intensity on the neck was measured with the visual analog scale (VAS). The self-reported disability status was measured with the neck disability index (NDI). Three-dimensional scapular kinematics were recorded during dynamic shoulder elevation trials using an electromagnetic tracking device, and data were further analyzed at 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of humerothoracic elevations.Results:Comparisons revealed that, regardless of the received treatment, after 6 weeks of training both groups showed significant improvements in VAS (P < .001) and NDI (P < .001) scores. Both VAS and NDI outcomes have a large effect size (r = .618 andr = .619, respectively). For scapular kinematics, there were no group differences, especially for scapular upward–downward rotation and anterior–posterior tilt (P > .05). However, in the intervention group, the scapula was more externally rotated at 120° humerothoracic elevation (P = .04).Conclusion:Findings of this study showed that both manual therapy and active interventions, including neck-focused exercise and scapular stabilization training, are effective in decreasing pain and disability level in patients with NNP. More comprehensive studies with longer follow-up durations are needed to better understand the potential effects of scapular stabilization training in patients with NNP.
The Impact of Training Load on Bone Mineral Density of Adolescent Swimmers: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Agostinete Ricardo Ribeiro , Maillane-Vanegas Santiago , Lynch Kyle R. , Turi-Lynch Bruna , Coelho-e-Silva Manuel J. , Campos Eduardo Zapaterra , Cayres Suziane Ungari , Araújo Fernandes Romulo
Published: June 2017

Purpose: To investigate the mediating effect of muscle mass on the relationship between training load and bone density in adolescent swimmers. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 87 control and 22 swimmers aged 10–19 years (overall sample: n = 109). Swimmers had a minimum of 1 year of competition in regional and national championships, and control adolescents reported 1 year without any organized sport. Bone density was the main outcome (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), which was measured in upper limbs, lower limbs, spine, and whole body. Monthly training load was the independent variable, while the mediation effect of lean soft tissue was assessed. Maturity offset, age, inflammation, and vitamin D intake were treated as covariates. Results: Swimmers had lower bone density than controls; there was a significant and positive relationship between training load and muscle mass. In boys, training load presented a negative correlation with bone density in lower limbs [r = −.293; 95% confidence interval (CI), −.553 to −.034]. In girls, training load was negatively related to bone mineral density in lower limbs (r = .563; 95% CI, −.770 to −.356) and whole body (r = −.409; 95% CI, −.609 to −.209). Conclusion: Training load had a negative relationship on bone density of swimmers of both sexes, independently of the positive effect of lean soft tissue on bone density.
Improving the Prediction of Maturity From Anthropometric Variables Using a Maturity Ratio
Authors: Fransen Job , Bush Stephen , Woodcock Stephen , Novak Andrew , Deprez Dieter , Baxter-Jones Adam D.G. , Vaeyens Roel , Lenoir Matthieu
Published: June 2017

Purpose: This study aimed to improve the prediction accuracy of age at peak height velocity (APHV) from anthropometric assessment using nonlinear models and a maturity ratio rather than a maturity offset. Methods: The dataset used to develop the original prediction equations was used to test a new prediction model, utilizing the maturity ratio and a polynomial prediction equation. This model was then applied to a sample of male youth academy soccer players (n = 1330) to validate the new model in youth athletes. Results: A new equation was developed to estimate APHV more accurately than the original model (new model: Akaike information criterion: −6062.1, R2 = 90.82%; original model: Akaike information criterion = 3048.7, R2 = 88.88%) within a general population of boys, particularly with relatively high/low APHVs. This study has also highlighted the successful application of the new model to estimate APHV using anthropometric variables in youth athletes, thereby supporting the use of this model in sports talent identification and development. Conclusion: This study argues that this newly developed equation should become standard practice for the estimation of maturity from anthropometric variables in boys from both a general and an athletic population.
Is Young Age a Limiting Factor When Training Balance? Effects of Child-Oriented Balance Training in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Wälchli Michael , Ruffieux, Jan , Mouthon Audrey , Keller Martin , Taube Wolfgang
Published: June 2017

Purpose: Balance training (BT) studies in children reported conflicting results without evidence for improvements in children under the age of 8. The aim of this study therefore was to compare BT adaptations in children of different age groups to clarify whether young age prevents positive training outcomes. Methods: The effects of 5 weeks of child-oriented BT were tested in 77 (38 girls and 39 boys) participants of different age groups (6–7 y, 11–12 y, and 14–15 y) and compared with age-matched controls. Static and dynamic postural control, explosive strength, and jump height were assessed. Results: Across age groups, dynamic postural sway decreased (−18.7%; P = .012; ) and explosive force increased (8.6%; P = .040; ) in the intervention groups. Age-specific improvements were observed in dynamic postural sway, with greatest effects in the youngest group (−28.8%; P = .026; r = .61). Conclusion: In contrast to previous research using adult-oriented balance exercises, this study demonstrated for the first time that postural control can be trained from as early as the age of 6 years in children when using child-oriented BT. Therefore, the conception of the training seems to be essential in improving balance skills in young children.
Evaluation of oxythermal metrics and benchmarks for the protection of cisco (Coregonus artedi) habitat quality and quantity in Wisconsin lakes
Authors: Lyons John , Parks Timothy P. , Minahan Kristi L. , Ruesch Aaron S.
Published: June 2017

The cisco (Coregonus artedi) requires cold, well-oxygenated water and is threatened by climate warming and lake eutrophication, especially at the southern edge of its range in the Laurentian Great Lakes region. In this paper, a method is described to assess the quality, quantity, and variability of suitable cisco habitat. Two metrics are proposed to characterize existing cisco oxythermal habitat in this region: water temperature in the water column at a dissolved oxygen of 6 mg/L (TDO6) and “cisco layer thickness” (CLT), the vertical extent of the water column within which water temperature is ≤22.8 °C and dissolved oxygen is ≥6 mg/L. It is proposed that values of TDO6 = 22.8 °C and CLT = 1 m be used as benchmarks to identify cisco lakes with potentially stressful oxythermal habitat. Long-term summer data from 14 Wisconsin cisco lakes with a wide range of limnological characteristics indicated that TDO6 varied from 4.2 to 27.5 °C and CLT from −6.2 to 66.7 m. Cisco abundance across lakes was greater at lower values of TDO6 and higher values of CLT, and non-attainments of the proposed benchmarks were most likely in lakes with remnant or extirpated cisco populations. Non-attainment of benchmarks could occur from late June through September, and three or more samples across the entire summer would be required to have a reasonable probability of detecting a non-attainment in TDO6 or CLT within any given year. Across years, to detect a single year of non-attainment with an 80% level of confidence, two years of sampling would be sufficient for CLT and three years for TD06; to detect more than one non-attaining year, three years of sampling for CLT and six years of sampling for TD06 would be required. Despite relatively high temporal variation in some lakes, the proposed metrics and benchmarks appear to have value for assessing cisco oxythermal habitat in the Great Lakes region.
Understanding wastewater treatment mechanisms: a review on detection, removal, and purification efficiencies of faecal bacteria indicators across constructed wetlands
Authors: Donde Oscar Omondi , Xiao Bangding
Published: June 2017

The specific mechanisms of faecal bacterial removal by constructed wetland (CW) mechanisms are inadequately understood. In several circumstances, CWs have been compared to “black box” systems involving poorly understood waste removal mechanisms despite being an emerging environmentally friendly waste management approach. This has therefore attracted numerous scientific studies to further unlock CWs’ functional mechanisms and to increase its efficiencies. This review paper covers detailed information on the status of detection techniques and removal efficiencies of faecal coliforms, with an emphasis on Escherichia coli. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken that involved a comparative review of various study results and critical analysis of previous scientific and review papers. The ultimate objective is to shed further light on the role of wetlands on wastewater purification for improved aquatic ecosystem health and clean water for humans and other organisms.
Improved Synthesis of Generalized Parallel Counters on FPGAs Using Only LUTs
Authors: Khurshid Burhan
Published: June 2017

Generalized parallel counters (GPCs) are frequently used to construct high speed compressor trees on field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The introduction of fast carry-chain in FPGAs has greatly improved the performance of these elements. Evidently, a large number of GPCs have been proposed in literature that use a combination of look-up tables (LUTs) and carry-chains. In this paper, we take an alternate approach and try to eliminate the carry-chain from the GPC structure. We present a heuristic that aims at synthesizing GPCs on FPGAS using only the general LUT fabric. The resultant GPCs are then easily pipelined by placing registers at the output node of each LUT. We have used our heuristic on various GPCs reported in prior work. Our heuristic successfully eliminates the carry-chain from the GPC structure with an increase in LUT count in some GPCs. Experimentation using Xilinx FPGAs shows that filter systems constructed using our GPCs show an improvement in speed and power performance and a comparable area performance.
A High Energy Efficiency and Low Common-Mode Voltage Variation Switching Scheme for SAR ADCs
Authors: Zhu Donglin , Liu Maliang , Zhu Zhangming
Published: June 2017

In this paper, a high energy saving digital-to-analog converter (DAC) switching scheme with common-mode voltage variation in 1LSB is proposed for successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). Based on the third reference ([Formula: see text]), split-capacitor technique and complementary switching method, the proposed switching scheme achieves a 99.6% switching energy reduction and a 75% area reduction compared to the conventional architecture, furthermore, the common-mode voltage varies only 1LSB during a conversion cycle.
High-Speed Interconnect System Using QPSK Scheme Based on Substrate Integrated Waveguide
Authors: Wang Ning , Li Xiao-Chun , Mao Jun-Fa
Published: June 2017

In this paper, Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) modulation and demodulation system based on a Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) is designed and implemented for high-speed data transmission. The technique of orthogonal multiplexing allows two independent channels to transmit data simultaneously through one waveguide structure. For this proof-of-principle study, a fabricated SIW prototype with bandwidth of 14–28 GHz is designed and optimized through full-wave simulations. The QPSK system prototype is verified with different data rates and bit patterns. Experimental results demonstrate that the bit error rates (BERs) of the received data in channel I/Q are less than 10–12 and the transmission rate can reach up to 15 Gb/s for 27-1 Pseudo Random Binary Sequence (PRBS). The transmission data rate of the proposed QPSK system is two times higher than that of the conventional mixing system.
ENHANCED UV EMISSION IN YTTRIUM-DOPED ZnS NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIZED BY PRECIPITATION METHOD
Authors: SUGANTHI NACHIMUTHU , PUSHPANATHAN KUPPUSAMY
Published: June 2017

This paper deals with the effect of yttrium doping on the structural and optical properties of zinc sulphide (ZnS) nanoparticles with nanoparticulated mesoporous. The morphology of the nanoparticles is determined by FESEM and it shows that the particles are spherical shape. HRSEM images show that particle size and agglomerated nature of the samples are augmented when doping concentration increases. Transmission electron microscope images probe the spherical shape of the nanoparticles as well as small number of inter particle mesoporous with intra-particles. The selected area electron diffraction images validate the crystalline and cubic nature of the synthesized samples. The presence of intra-particles is corroborated by XRD and FTIR spectra. X-ray diffraction’s results also confirm that the synthesized nanoparticles are crystallized in zinc blende structure. The diffuse reflectance spectra indicate that 5[Formula: see text]wt.% of yttrium-doped zinc sulphide shows higher reflectance than the undoped ZnS. Thus photoluminescence studies suggest that 5[Formula: see text]wt.% of yttrium-doped ZnS sample may be used for the development of supersensitive ultraviolet detector.
THE INFLUENCE OF HIGH-ENERGY ELECTRONS IRRADIATION ON SURFACE OF n-GaP AND ON Au/n-GaP/Al SCHOTTKY BARRIER DIODE
Authors: DEMİR K. ÇINAR , KURUDIREK S. V. , OZ S. , BIBER M. , AYDOĞAN Ş. , ŞAHIN Y. , COŞKUN C.
Published: June 2017

We fabricated 25 Au/[Formula: see text]-GaP/Al Schottky devices and investigated the influence of high electron irradiation, which has 12[Formula: see text]MeV on the devices, at room temperature. The X-ray diffraction patterns, scanning electron microscopic images and Raman spectra of a gallium phosphide (GaP) semiconductor before and after electron irradiation have been analyzed. Furthermore, some electrical measurements of the devices were carried out through the current–voltage ([Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]) and capacitance–voltage ([Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]) measurements. From the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] characteristics, experimental ideality factor [Formula: see text] and barrier height [Formula: see text] values of these Schottky diodes have been determined before and after irradiation, respectively. The results have also been analyzed statically, and a gauss distribution has been obtained. The built-in potential [Formula: see text], barrier height [Formula: see text], Fermi level [Formula: see text] and donor concentration [Formula: see text] values have been determined from the reverse bias [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] curves of Au/[Formula: see text]-GaP/Al Schottky barrier diodes at 100[Formula: see text]kHz before and after 12[Formula: see text]MeV electron irradiation. Furthermore, we obtained the series resistance values of Au/[Formula: see text]-GaP/Al Schottky barrier diodes with the help of different methods. Experimental results confirmed that the electrical characterization of the device changed with the electron irradiation.
MICROSTRUCTURE AND DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF SILICON CARBONITRIDE DIELECTRIC BARRIER FILMS DEPOSITED BY SPUTTERING
Authors: PENG YINQIAO , ZHOU JICHENG , GONG JIEHONG , YU QINRONG , LEI GUIBIN
Published: June 2017

Silicon carbon nitride (SiCN) films were prepared on silicon substrate by reactive magnetron sputtering of a sintered silicon carbide target in a mixture of argon, nitrogen and acetylene. Detailed studies including energy dispersive spectrometer, atomic force microscope, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry and [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] measuring instrument were performed. The as-deposited SiCN films do not exhibit obvious crystalline phase, and the SiCN films annealed at 600[Formula: see text]C show SiC crystal and graphite carbon. The SiCN films mainly consist of Si–N, Si–C, Si–O, C–C, C[Formula: see text]N, Si–Hn and N–Hn bonds, and increasing C2H2 flow rate promotes the formation of C–C, N–Hn and Si–N bonds. The SiCN film with low dielectric constant of 3.8 and compact structure was successfully prepared.
Optical and spin-optical superpositions modulated by Aharonov–Bohm effect
Authors: Prudêncio Thiago
Published: June 2017

Generation of Aharonov–Bohm (AB) phase has achieved a state-of-the-art in mesoscopic systems with manipulation and control of the AB effect. The possibility of transfer information encoded in such systems to nonclassical states of light increases the possible scenarios where the information can be manipulated and transferred. In this paper, we propose a quantum transfer of the AB phase generated in a spintronic device, a topological spin transistor (TST), to an quantum optical device, a coherent state superposition in high-Q cavity and discuss optical and spin-optical superpositions in the presence of an AB phase. We demonstrate that the AB phase generated in the TST can be transferred to the coherent state superposition, considering the interaction with the spin state and the quantum optical manipulation of the coherent state superposition. We show that these cases provide examples of two-qubit states modulated by AB effect and that the phase parameter can be used to control the degree of rotation of the qubit state. We also show under a measurement on the spin basis, an optical one-qubit state that can be modulated by the AB effect. In these cases, we consider a dispersive interaction between a coherent state and a spin state with an acquired AB phase and also discuss a dissipative case where a given Lindblad equation is achieved and solved.
Guest Editorial of the Special Issue on Computational Intelligence and Its Applications for Robotics
Authors: Ryoo Young-Jae , Yamanoi Takahiro
Published: June 2017

The special issue topics focus on the computational intelligence and its application for robotics. Its areas reach out comprehensive ranges; context-awareness software, omnidirectional walking and fuzzy controller of dynamic walking for humanoid robots, pet robots for treatment of ASD children, fuzzy logic control, enhanced simultaneous localization and mapping, fuzzy line tracking for mobile robots, and so on. Computational intelligence (CI) is a method of performing like humans. Generally computational intelligence means the ability of a computer to learn a specific task from data or experimental results. Meanwhile robotic system has many limits to behave like human beings. The robotic system might be too complex for mathematical reasoning, it might contain some uncertainties during the process, or the process might simply be stochastic in real life. Real-life problems cannot be translated into binary code for computers to process it. Computational intelligence might solve such problems.
IS SOCIAL CAPITAL IMPORTANT IN FORMAL-INFORMAL SECTOR LINKAGES?
Authors: KOTO PROSPER SENYO
Published: June 2017

Is social capital important in formal-informal sector linkages? Previous research focused on the role of the productive capacities of the enterprises in the informal sector as determining factors. This paper aims to uncover, at least in part, whether or not social capital is important in facilitating the linkages between enterprises in the formal and informal sectors. As a novelty, having linkages with the formal sector is treated as a rare event. Consequently, the analysis involves flexible binary generalized extreme value models using data from the World Bank Informal Sector Surveys. The scope is thirteen countries from sub-Saharan Africa. The results are indicative that social capital has significantly positive, real effects on the likelihood of linkages. If one sees the informal sector as a source of jobs and as a stepping-stone to the formal sector, there is a case for the recognition of the role of informal social networks in the design of entrepreneurial policy.
The Iran Factor in U.S.-China Relations: Guarded Engagement vs. Soft Balancing
Authors: Izadi Foad , Khodaee Esfandiar
Published: June 2017

Before the nuclear agreement with Iran, the Obama administration actively engaged with world powers and trade partners of Iran to strengthen the effectiveness of economic sanctions against Tehran. The role of China as the largest trade partner of Iran and as a veto power in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was controversial in this regard. Washington persuaded most of Iran’s trade partners to join in the sanctions and reduce trade with Tehran. But during the same period, China continued and even expanded economic relations with Iran. Reviewing the events through a process-tracing method, this study reveals that the Obama administration implemented a “guarded engagement” strategy to persuade China to join in the sanctions and reduce trade with Tehran. On one hand, the United States accommodated China’s interests and concerns, and engaged and bargained with China; on the other hand, Washington pressured Beijing through different channels such as security threats and economic sanctions. In response, through a soft-balancing strategy, China did not directly oppose the United States, in order to safeguard relations with Washington; and it eventually voted in favor of the UN resolutions after negotiating over the texts. In the meantime, Beijing refrained from voluntary cooperation with Western sanctions and even increased trade with Iran and filled the void to make sanctions abortive and costly, and to prevent U.S. domination over the Middle East. This study concludes that China’s current standing is such that U.S. diplomatic levers, such as bargaining, threats, sanctions, and pressures, are too costly and barely productive in getting Beijing to follow American policies.
Nanosensor Technology Applied to Living Plant Systems
Authors: Kwak Seon-Yeong , Wong Min Hao , Lew Tedrick Thomas Salim , Bisker Gili , Lee Michael A. , Kaplan Amir , Dong Juyao , Liu Albert Tianxiang , Koman Volodymyr B. , Sinclair Rosalie , Hamann Catherine , Strano Michael S.
Published: June 2017

An understanding of plant biology is essential to solving many long-standing global challenges, including sustainable and secure food production and the generation of renewable fuel sources. Nanosensor platforms, sensors with a characteristic dimension that is nanometer in scale, have emerged as important tools for monitoring plant signaling pathways and metabolism that are nondestructive, minimally invasive, and capable of real-time analysis. This review outlines the recent advances in nanotechnology that enable these platforms, including the measurement of chemical fluxes even at the single-molecule level. Applications of nanosensors to plant biology are discussed in the context of nutrient management, disease assessment, food production, detection of DNA proteins, and the regulation of plant hormones. Current trends and future needs are discussed with respect to the emerging trends of precision agriculture, urban farming, and plant nanobionics.
Multianalyte Physiological Microanalytical Devices
Authors: Davis Anna Nix , Travis Adam R. , Miller Dusty R. , Cliffel David E.
Published: June 2017

Advances in scientific instrumentation have allowed experimentalists to evaluate well-known systems in new ways and to gain insight into previously unexplored or poorly understood phenomena. Within the growing field of multianalyte physiometry (MAP), microphysiometers are being developed that are capable of electrochemically measuring changes in the concentration of various metabolites in real time. By simultaneously quantifying multiple analytes, these devices have begun to unravel the complex pathways that govern biological responses to ischemia and oxidative stress while contributing to basic scientific discoveries in bioenergetics and neurology. Patients and clinicians have also benefited from the highly translational nature of MAP, and the continued expansion of the repertoire of analytes that can be measured with multianalyte microphysiometers will undoubtedly play a role in the automation and personalization of medicine. This is perhaps most evident with the recent advent of fully integrated noninvasive sensor arrays that can continuously monitor changes in analytes linked to specific disease states and deliver a therapeutic agent as required without the need for patient action.
Analyzing the Heterogeneous Hierarchy of Cultural Heritage Materials: Analytical Imaging
Authors: Trentelman Karen
Published: June 2017

Objects of cultural heritage significance are created using a wide variety of materials, or mixtures of materials, and often exhibit heterogeneity on multiple length scales. The effective study of these complex constructions thus requires the use of a suite of complementary analytical technologies. Moreover, because of the importance and irreplaceability of most cultural heritage objects, researchers favor analytical techniques that can be employed noninvasively, i.e., without having to remove any material for analysis. As such, analytical imaging has emerged as an important approach for the study of cultural heritage. Imaging technologies commonly employed, from the macroscale through the micro- to nanoscale, are discussed with respect to how the information obtained helps us understand artists’ materials and methods, the cultures in which the objects were created, how the objects may have changed over time, and importantly, how we may develop strategies for their preservation.
“mTOR Signaling Pathway”: A Potential Target of Curcumin in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Lin Jingquan , Huo Xue , Liu Xuehong
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this review is to discuss the possibility of the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) with curcumin via regulating the mTOR signaling pathway, which may provide another strong support for curcumin to be a promising medicine applied to the treatment of SCI. Curcumin is termed as a multifunctional targeting therapy drug that regulates the mTOR signaling pathway in the treatment of numerous diseases. Previous research has already revealed that mTOR signaling pathway plays a vital role in prognosis, which involves the axon regeneration and autophagy. This review discusses a potential mechanism that curcumin suppresses the activation of this pathway and ameliorates the microenvironment of axons regeneration which would provide a new way that induces autophagy appropriately.
Genetic Variants in the Promoter Region of miR-10b and the Risk of Breast Cancer
Authors: Chen Jiaping , Jiang Yue , Zhou Jing , Liu Sijun , Gu Yayun , Jin Guangfu , Hu Zhibin , Ma Hongxia , Shen Hongbing , Dai Juncheng
Published: June 2017

Variants in microRNA genes may affect their expression by interfering with the microRNA maturation process and may substantially contribute to the risk of breast cancer. Recent studies have identified miR-10b as an interesting candidate because of its close association with the metastatic behavior of breast cancer. However, the roles of miR-10b-related single nucleotide polymorphisms in breast cancer susceptibility remain unclear. This case-control study evaluated the associations between variants in the upstream transcription regulation region of miR-10b and the risk of breast cancer among Chinese women. Seven potentially functional SNPs were investigated using genotyping assays. The potential biological functions of the identified positive SNPs were further evaluated using in silico databases. We found that rs4078756, which was located at the promoter region of miR-10b, was significantly associated with breast cancer risk (rs4078756 AG/GG versus AA, adjusted odds ratio: 1.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.35). The other six single nucleotide polymorphisms exhibited negative associations. Based on the in silico prediction, rs4078756 potentially regulated miR-10b expression through promoter activation or repression. These findings indicate that a potentially functional SNP (rs4078756) in the promoter region of miR-10b may contribute to breast cancer susceptibility among Chinese women.
Congenital Infantile Fibrosarcoma Causing Intestinal Perforation in a Newborn
Authors: Kaiser Margarita , Liegl-Atzwanger Bernadette , Nagy Eszter , Sperl Daniela , Singer Georg , Till Holger
Published: June 2017

Congenital infantile fibrosarcoma (CIF) is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumor and only 14 cases have been reported with gastrointestinal manifestation. We report about a female newborn delivered per emergency cesarean section at 34 weeks of gestation. Postnatally, she rapidly developed an acute abdomen and sonographic evidence of intestinal perforation requiring laparotomy on the first day of life. A perforated 2 × 3 cm sized spherical tumorous structure of the jejunum was identified. Due to unknown histopathology at this point and unclear resectional margins, she received a temporary ileostomy, which was closed two months later. Histopathology revealed a congenital intestinal fibrosarcoma without the characteristic ETV6-NTRK3 fusion transcript. In conclusion, this rare tumor must be considered as differential diagnosis of intestinal perforations in newborns.
CLAS: A Novel Communications Latency Based Authentication Scheme
Authors: Dou Zuochao , Khalil Issa , Khreishah Abdallah
Published: June 2017

We design and implement a novel communications latency based authentication scheme, dubbed CLAS, that strengthens the security of state-of-the-art web authentication approaches by leveraging the round trip network communications latency (RTL) between clients and authenticators. In addition to the traditional credentials, CLAS profiles RTL values of clients and uses them to defend against password compromise. The key challenges are (i) to prevent RTL manipulation, (ii) to alleviate network instabilities, and (iii) to address mobile clients. CLAS addresses the first challenge by introducing a novel network architecture, which makes it extremely difficult for attackers to simulate legitimate RTL values. The second challenge is addressed by outlier removal and multiple temporal profiling, while the last challenge is addressed by augmenting CLAS with out-of-band-channels or other authentication schemes. CLAS restricts login to profiled locations while demanding additional information for nonprofiled ones, which highly reduces the attack surface even when the legitimate credentials are compromised. Additionally, unlike many state-of-the-art authentication mechanisms, CLAS is resilient to phishing, pharming, man-in-the-middle, and social engineering attacks. Furthermore, CLAS is transparent to users and incurs negligible overhead. The experimental results show that CLAS can achieve very low false positive and false negative rates.
Study on Influence of Fluid Parameters on Axial Coupled Vibration of Pipeline Conveying Multiphase Flow
Authors: Chen Ming , Duan Jimiao , Shu Dan , Huang Long , Chen Xiaochen
Published: June 2017

Taking a slurry reservoir-pipeline-valve system as research object, axial dynamic vibrations of pipe system were induced by coupled hydraulic transient due to rapid closure of valve at the end of pipe. The influences of fluid parameters in multiphase flow, including void fraction, density ratio, and elastic modulus ratio between solid phase and liquid phase, on vibration behaviors of pipe system were analyzed. Results of this study show that wave velocities of pressure and stress can be attenuated evidently when void fraction in multiphase fluid is increased appropriately; meanwhile, the amplitudes of pressure fluctuation and pipe vibration are also weakened obviously. With the increase of density ratio between solid phase and liquid phase, the vibrational intension of pipe system becomes stronger and stronger. In this instance, the increments of vibrational energy mainly concentrate in fluid, which leads the pressure energy of fluid to rise up quickly. When elastic modulus ratio between solid phase and liquid phase increases, the total elasticity of fluid decreases gradually. At the same time, both pressure energy of fluid and vibrational intension of pipe are enhanced but the increments are very slight.
Association of One-Step Nucleic Acid Amplification Detected Micrometastases with Tumour Biology and Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Goussous Ghaleb , Jafferbhoy Sadaf , Smyth Niamh , Hammond Lisette , Narayanan Sankaran , Kirby Robert Mark , Soumian Soni
Published: June 2017

One-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) is an intraoperative technique with a high sensitivity and specificity for sentinel node assessment. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of OSNA on micrometastases detection rates and use of adjuvant chemotherapy. A retrospective review of patients with sentinel node micrometastases over a five-year period was carried out and a comparison of micrometastases detection using OSNA and H&E techniques was made. Out of 1285 patients who underwent sentinel node (SLN) biopsy, 76 patients had micrometastases. Using H&E staining, 36 patients were detected with SLN micrometastases (9/year) in contrast to 40 patients in the OSNA year (40/year) (p<0.0001), demonstrating a fourfold increase with the use of OSNA. In the OSNA group, there was also a proportional increase in Grade III, triple-negative, ER-negative, and HER-2-positive tumours being diagnosed with micrometastases. Also on interactive PREDICT tool, the number of patients with a predicted 10-year survival benefit of more than 3% with adjuvant chemotherapy increased from 52 to 70 percent. OSNA has resulted in an increased detection rate of micrometastases especially in patients with aggressive tumour biology. This increased the number of patients who had a predicted survival benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.
High Serum Advanced Glycation End Products Are Associated with Decreased Insulin Secretion in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Brief Report
Authors: Okura Tsuyoshi , Ueta Etsuko , Nakamura Risa , Fujioka Yohei , Sumi Keisuke , Matsumoto Kazuhisa , Shoji Kyoko , Matsuzawa Kazuhiko , Izawa Shoichiro , Nomi Yuri , Mihara Hitomi , Otsuka Yuzuru , Kato Masahiko , Taniguchi Shin-ichi , Yamamoto Kazuhiro
Published: June 2017

Objective. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are important in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). They directly cause insulin secretory defects in animal and cell culture models and may promote insulin resistance in nondiabetic subjects. We have developed a highly sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for measuring AGEs in human serum. Here, we use this method to investigate the relationship between AGEs and insulin secretion and resistance in patients with T2DM. Methods. Our study involved 15 participants with T2DM not on medication and 20 nondiabetic healthy participants. We measured the AGE carboxyethyllysine (CEL), carboxymethyllysine (CML), and methyl-glyoxal-hydro-imidazolone (MG-H1). Plasma glucose and insulin were measured in these participants during a meal tolerance test, and the glucose disposal rate was measured during a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. Results. CML and CEL levels were significantly higher in T2DM than non-DM participants. CML showed a significant negative correlation with insulin secretion, HOMA-%B, and a significant positive correlation with the insulin sensitivity index in T2DM participants. There was no correlation between any of the AGEs measured and glucose disposal rate. Conclusions. These results suggest that AGE might play a role in the development or prediction of insulin secretory defects in type 2 diabetes.
Stochastic Effect of Grain Elongation on Nanocrystalline Materials Strain and Strain Rate Produced by Accumulative Roll-Bonding and Equal Channel Angular Pressing
Authors: Sob P. Baonhe , Alugongo A. Alfayo , Tengen T. Ba Bob
Published: June 2017

Severe plastic deformation techniques are acknowledged to produce elongated grains during fabrication of nanostructured materials. Previous models relating grain size to mechanical properties considered only equivalent radius, thus ignoring other approaches of measuring grain sizes such as semiminor axis, semimajor axis, and major axis radii that determine true grain shape. In this paper, stochastic models of nanomaterials mechanical properties that include the ignored parameters have been proposed. The proposed models are tested with data from nanocrystalline aluminum samples. The following facts were experimentally observed and also revealed by the models. Grain elongates to a maximum value and then decreases with further grain refinement due to grain breakages. Materials yield stress increases with elongation to a maximum and then decreases continuously. The varying approaches of measuring grain radius reveal a common trend of Hall-Petch and Reverse Hall-Petch Relationship but with different critical grain sizes. Materials with high curvature grains have more enhanced yield stress. Reducing strain rates leads to materials with more enhanced yield stress, with critical strain rates values beyond which further reductions do not lead to yield stress enhancement. It can be concluded that, by considering different approaches of measuring grain sizes, reasons for different yield stress for nanomaterials that were observed but could not be explained have been dealt with.
Simultaneous Travel and Hoist Maneuver Input Shaping Control Using Frequency Modulation
Authors: Arabasi Sameer , Masoud Ziyad
Published: June 2017

This paper presents an input shaping control system for overhead crane operations involving simultaneous hoist and travel maneuvers. The control system utilizes model-based partial feedback linearization with frequency modulation. Traditional input shaping controllers target specific system frequencies. Therefore, they are incapable of accommodating the time dependant frequency associated with simultaneous hoist and travel crane maneuvers. Frequency modulation is used to tune the time-dependent system frequency to the design frequency of a primary input shaping controller. Partial feedback linearization is used to eliminate the time-dependent damping of the system. The primary input shaper frequency is based on lowest operating frequency of the system associated with the longest hoisting cable length operation. Simulations results, using primary zero-vibration (ZV) and zero-vibration-derivative (ZVD) input shapers, are presented. General arbitrary input travel and hoist commands are simulated. Results demonstrate the ability of the proposed control system to eliminate residual oscillations in all simulated cases.
Pathogenicity of Virulent Species of Group C Streptococci in Human
Authors: Kłos Marta , Wójkowska-Mach Jadwiga
Published: June 2017

Group C streptococci (GCS) are livestock pathogens and they often cause zoonotic diseases in humans. They are Gram-positive, in mostlyβ-hemolytic and facultative anaerobes. Because of their close evolutionary kinship with group A streptococci (GAS), GCS share many common virulence factors with GAS and cause a similar range of diseases. Due to the exchange of genetic material with GAS, GCS belong to bacteria that are difficult to be distinguished from group A streptococci; GCS are often treated in microbiological diagnostics as contamination of the culture. This report focuses mainly on the pathogenicity of virulent species of GCS and their association with human diseases. The condition that is most frequently quoted is pharyngitis. In this paper, the virulence factors have also been mentioned and an interesting link has been made between GCS and the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases among the native people of India and Aboriginal populations.
Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Findings in Congenital Pouch Colon: A Prospective Study
Authors: Udawat Hema , Nunia Vandana , Mathur Praveen , Udawat Harsh Prasad , Gaur Kusum Lata , Saxena Amulya K. , Mohan M. Krishna
Published: June 2017

Background: There is a paucity of literature on the histopathological aspects of congenital pouch colon (CPC) and immunohistochemical (IHC) assessment has not been reported. So we planned to study the histopathological and IHC findings within the spectrum of CPC and compare the findings with the normal colon. Methods: This is a descriptive prospective study on CPC patients. There were 49 cases of CPC (42 males and 7 females) and 13 controls. Histological examination was done using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome stain. IHC analysis was done with actin, myosin, and desmin antibodies, and neuron-specific enolase and S100 markers for counting ganglionic cells. Results: Histologically, congestion, edema and hemorrhage were seen in mucosa, submucosa, and serosa. Muscle layers were disrupted and divided into bands. An additional muscle coat inside of the muscularis propria was seen in CPC types 1 and 2. Mature ganglionic cells were reduced and muscle layers showed reduced and patchy positivity for smooth muscle actin, myosin, and desmin compared to a normal colon. Conclusions: Histopathological and IHC findings suggest that CPC has distinct defects in the neuromusculature.