bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First-principles studies on electronic structures and optical properties of two-dimensional Sn1−xTi(Zr)xS2 alloys
Authors: Li Dandan , Du Juan , Zhang Qian , Xia Congxin , Wei Shuyi
Published: February 2018

Through first-principles calculations we study the electronic structures and optical properties of two-dimensional (2D) Sn[Formula: see text]Ti(Zr)[Formula: see text]S2 alloys. The results indicate that the band gap value of Sn[Formula: see text]Ti(Zr)[Formula: see text]S2 alloys is decreased continuously when Ti(Zr) concentration is increased, which is very beneficial to optoelectronic devices applications. Moreover, the static dielectric constant is increased when the Ti(Zr) concentration is increased in the 2D Sn[Formula: see text]Ti(Zr)[Formula: see text]S2 alloys. In addition, we also calculate the imaginary part [Formula: see text] dispersion of Sn[Formula: see text]Ti(Zr)[Formula: see text]S2 alloys along the plane with different Ti(Zr) concentrations. The threshold energy values decrease with increasing Ti(Zr) concentrations in the Sn[Formula: see text]Ti(Zr)[Formula: see text]S2 ternary alloys. Moreover, the calculations of formation energy also indicate that these 2D alloys can be fabricated under some experimental conditions. These results suggest that Ti(Zr) substituting Sn atom is an efficient way to tune the band gap and optical properties of 2D SnS2 nanosheets.
Preparing fractional quantum Hall state in a lattice by Lyapunov control
Authors: Zhang Da Wei , Qin Ming , Yi X. X.
Published: February 2018

By Lyapunov control, a scheme to prepare fractional quantum Hall (FQH) states of atoms which are confined in a lattice is proposed. We can realize a steady state from two types of initial states and the fidelity of state transfer can reach a high value. It is robust against uncertainties in control fields. The proposal can be extended to [Formula: see text] square lattice with more atoms, which provides us a feasible course to prepare strongly correlated quantum state for many-body systems.
MultiCoS — A Requirements Engineering Tool
Authors: Gal-Chiş Călin Eugen Nicolae , Pârv Bazil
Published: February 2018

Web development is one of the most dynamic software development branches as the web applications are popular. As applications in this domain are developed in a variety of programming languages and programmers with multiple skills in the domain are needed, also, due to various existing architectures, frameworks, and development methodologies, there are not many solutions to support properly the need for reusing resources, code or other different artefacts. The tool introduced in this paper supports MultiCoS, a novel approach to reuse requirements, resources, and other artefacts, based on the multi-dimensional separation of concerns and semantic similarity. The tool produces similarity coefficients for requirements in different applications and maps the requirements of the applications under development to reusable existing code modules based on these similarity coefficients.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Lee Jae Won , Lee Sang Ki , Choy Won Sik
Published: February 2018

Diagnosis of Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is made primarily on a clinical basis, and no specific test is known to confirm or exclude CRPS diagnosis. That is, there aren’t specific diagnostic tools and instrumental tests are made only for identifying an etiology at the basis of the CRPS. Numerous therapeutic methods have been introduced, but none have shown definitive results. When symptoms persist, patients experience permanent impairment and disability. Therefore, early recognition of CRPS, along with proper treatment, is important for minimizing permanent loss of function. As there is no gold standard test for CRPS, several clinical diagnostic criteria have been introduced and applied in various studies. However, to date, no formal or standardized diagnostic criteria for CRPS have been widely accepted. However, the Budapest diagnostic criteria have recently increased in popularity and are frequently used in scientific studies. The goal for management of CRPS is the return of normal limb function. No specific technique has been shown to prevent CRPS following surgery, but avoidance of prolonged immobilization may be important. Therefore, initiating early post-surgical rehabilitation, where possible, is important. A multidisciplinary approach would seem to be optimal, above all things objectives of physical and occupational therapy are fulfilled with combination pharmacotherapy due to provide pain relief to facilitate physical rehabilitation. Future research using large randomized controlled trials should focus on collecting strong evidence for the etiology of CRPS, testing pharmacological effects, and determining appropriate combination treatment strategies.
Are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Regional Degenerative Osteoarthritis Linked? Results of a Case-Control Study
Authors: Bacle Guillaume , Marteau Emilie , Corcia Philippe , Garaud Pascal , Laulan Jacky
Published: February 2018

Background: Causality has not been formally demonstrated between carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis of the wrist or at the base of the thumb. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome and concomitant degenerative osteoarthritis of the wrist or basal thumb joint. We hypothesised that wrist osteoarthritis by reducing the free volume of the carpal tunnel would be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, while basal thumb osteoarthritis would show no direct correlation with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods: A case-control study including 95 cases and 99 control subjects, has been carried out. Sixty-eight per group were matched for age and sex. Posterior-anterior and lateral plain wrist radiographs for the two matched groups were analysed.

Results: Except for scaphotrapeziotrapezoid location, degenerative osteoarthritis of the wrist was significantly linked with carpal tunnel syndrome, whereas there was no significant difference between case and control groups for prevalence of basal osteoarthritis of the thumb.

Conclusions: These results suggest that basal osteoarthritis of the thumb is not a causal factor in carpal tunnel syndrome. In contrast, degenerative osteoarthritis of the wrist was strongly associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, suggesting a causal relation.
Outcomes of Ulnar Shortening for Ulnar Impaction Syndrome Using the 2.7 mm AO Ulna Shortening Osteotomy System
Authors: Finnigan T. , Makaram N. , Baumann A. , Ramesh K. , Mohil R. , Srinivasan M.
Published: February 2018

Background: Ulnar shortening osteotomy is a well-established treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome. Controversy remains regarding the most effective system to achieve efficient bony union, whilst minimising incidence of complications, particularly hardware irritation. We present outcomes at 2 years using the recently released low profile AO osteotomy system.

Methods: 32 consecutive patients with significant pain from ulnar impaction syndrome (idiopathic or post-traumatic), without degenerative changes of the distal radio-ulnar joint, were included. Time to union, range of motion, grip strength, pain and complications were recorded.

Results: Median time to union was 10.14 weeks (9.27–11.01, 95%CI), with one nonunion. Visual Analogue Pain score, grip strength and range of motion improved significantly. No patient experienced hardware irritation. No plate required removal. Positive ulnar variance was reduced by 3.8 mm (mean).

Conclusions: The low profile AO system appears effective in achieving bony union whilst minimising incidence of hardware irritation, at a follow up of 2 years
“Silent Ruptures” of the Flexor Digitorum Profundus of the Little Finger due to Pisotriquetral Arthroses
Authors: Sano Kazufumi , Akiyama Yosuke , Ozeki Satoru
Published: February 2018

Asymptomatic pisotriquetral arthroses caused ruptures of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon of the little finger in 2 elderly patients. Ruptures occurred with unnoticeable onset, and bilateral ruptures separately occurred with interval of several years in one patient. The tendon was ruptured in zone IV with perforation of the gliding floor through which the degenerative pisiform was visible. The gliding floor was repaired followed with excision of the pisiform, and the ruptured tendon was then transferred to the profundus tendon of the ring finger. Asymptomatic pisotriquetral arthrosis in old age can be an aspect of the pathological background of flexor tendon ruptures of the little finger that occur unnoticed.
The Bilobed Racquet Flap or Extended Seagull Flap for Thumb Reconstruction: A Case Report
Authors: Couceiro José , De la Red-Gallego Mariangeles , Yeste Luis , Ayala Higinio , Sanchez-Crespo Manuel , Velez Olga , Barcenilla Rebeca , Del Canto Fernando
Published: February 2018

The treatment of extensive soft tissue defects in the thumb with dorsal metacarpal artery flaps has been previously reported in the literature. Island flaps from the dorsum of the index and long fingers have been the subject of many reports and studies. However, when the defect involves the whole thumb, a 360° circumferential defect, standard first or second dorsal metacarpal artery flaps are usually insufficient. There are fewer reports on the use of bilobed flaps for this application and we have found no reports on the use of bilobed racquet flaps or extended seagull flaps as treatment for this condition. We report the salvage of a thumb degloving injury with use of a bilobed racquet flap.
Twelve-week combined resistance and aerobic training confers greater benefits than aerobic training alone in nondialysis CKD
Authors: Watson Emma L. , Gould Douglas W. , Wilkinson Thomas J. , Xenophontos Soteris , Clarke Amy L. , Vogt Barbara Perez , Viana João L. , Smith Alice C.
Published: February 2018

There is a growing consensus that patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) should engage in regular exercise, but there is a lack of formal guidelines. In this report, we determined whether combined aerobic and resistance exercise would elicit superior physiological gains, in particular muscular strength, compared with aerobic training alone in nondialysis CKD. Nondialysis patients with CKD stages 3b–5 were randomly allocated to aerobic exercise {AE, n = 21; 9 men; median age 63 [interquartile range (IQR) 58–71] yr; median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 24 (IQR 20–30) ml·min−1·1.73 m−2} or combined exercise [CE, n = 20, 9 men, median age 63 (IQR 51–69) yr, median eGFR 27 (IQR 22–32) ml·min−1·1.73 m−2], preceded by a 6-wk run-in control period. Patients then underwent 12 wk of supervised AE (treadmill, rowing, or cycling exercise) or CE training (as AE plus leg extension and leg press exercise) performed three times per week. Outcome assessments of knee extensor muscle strength, quadriceps muscle volume, exercise capacity, and central hemodynamics were performed at baseline, following the 6-wk control period, and at the end of the intervention. AE and CE resulted in significant increases in knee extensor strength of 16 ± 19% (mean ± SD; P = 0.001) and 48 ± 37% ( P < 0.001), respectively, which were greater after CE ( P = 0.02). AE and CE resulted in 5 ± 7% ( P = 0.04) and 9 ± 7% ( P < 0.001) increases in quadriceps volume, respectively ( P < 0.001), which were greater after CE ( P = 0.01). Both AE and CE increased distance walked in the incremental shuttle walk test [28 ± 44 m ( P = 0.01) and 32 ± 45 m ( P = 0.01), respectively]. In nondialysis CKD, the addition of resistance exercise to aerobic exercise confers greater increases in muscle mass and strength than aerobic exercise alone.
α-Ketoglutarate stimulates pendrin-dependent Cl− absorption in the mouse CCD through protein kinase C
Authors: Lazo-Fernandez Yoskaly , Welling Paul A. , Wall Susan M.
Published: February 2018

α-Ketoglutarate (α-KG) is a citric acid cycle intermediate and a glutamine catabolism product. It is also the natural ligand of 2-oxoglutarate receptor 1 (OXGR1), a Gq protein-coupled receptor expressed on the apical membrane of intercalated cells. In the cortical collecting duct (CCD), Cl−/[Formula: see text] exchange increases upon α-KG binding to the OXGR1. To determine the signaling pathway(s) by which α-KG stimulates Cl− absorption, we examined α-KG-stimulated Cl− absorption in isolated perfused mouse CCDs. α-KG increased electroneutral Cl− absorption in CCDs from wild-type mice but had no effect on Cl− absorption in pendrin knockout mice. Because Gq protein-coupled receptors activate PKC, we hypothesized that α-KG stimulates Cl− absorption through PKC. If so, PKC agonists should mimic, whereas PKC inhibitors should abolish, α-KG-stimulated Cl− absorption. Like α-KG, PKC agonist (phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate, 500 nM) application increased Cl− absorption in wild-type but not in pendrin null CCDs. Moreover, PKC inhibitors (2.5 mM GF109203X and 20 nM calphostin C), Ca2+ chelators (BAPTA, 10–20 μM), or PKC-α or -δ gene ablation eliminated α-KG-stimulated Cl− absorption. We have shown that STE20/SPS-1-related proline-alanine-rich protein kinase (SPAK) gene ablation increases urinary α-KG excretion, renal pendrin abundance, and CCD Cl− absorption. However, in SPAK null CCDs, Cl− absorption was not activated further by luminal α-KG application nor was Cl− absorption reduced with the PKC inhibitor GF109203 . Thus SPAK gene ablation likely acts through a PKC-independent pathway to produce a chronic adaptive increase in pendrin function. In conclusion, α-KG stimulates pendrin-dependent Cl−/[Formula: see text] exchange through a mechanism dependent on PKC and Ca2+ that involves PKC-α and PKC-δ.
The rise and fall of novel renal magnesium transporters
Authors: Schäffers Olivier J. M. , Hoenderop Joost G. J. , Bindels René J. M. , de Baaij Jeroen H. F.
Published: February 2018

Body Mg2+ balance is finely regulated in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT), where a tight interplay among transcellular reabsorption, mitochondrial exchange, and basolateral extrusion takes place. In the last decades, several research groups have aimed to identify the molecular players in these processes. A multitude of proteins have been proposed to function as Mg2+ transporter in eukaryotes based on phylogenetic analysis, differential gene expression, and overexpression studies. However, functional evidence for many of these proteins is lacking. The aim of this review is, therefore, to critically reconsider all putative Mg2+ transporters and put their presumed function in context of the renal handling of Mg2+. Sufficient experimental evidence exists to acknowledge transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) 6 and TRPM7, solute carrier family 41 (SLC41) A1 and SLC41A3, and mitochondrial RNA splicing 2 (MRS2) as Mg2+ transporters. TRPM6/7 facilitate Mg2+ influx, SLC41A1 mediates Mg2+ extrusion, and MRS2 and SLC41A3 are implicated in mitochondrial Mg2+ homeostasis. These proteins are highly expressed in the DCT. The function of cyclin M (CNNM) proteins is still under debate. For the other proposed Mg2+ transporters including Mg2+ transporter subtype 1 (MagT1), nonimprinted in Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome (NIPA), membrane Mg2+ transport (MMgT), Huntingtin-interacting protein 14 (HIP14), and ATP13A4, functional evidence is limited, or functions alternative to Mg2+ transport have been suggested. Additional characterization of their Mg2+ transport proficiency should be provided before further claims about their role as Mg2+ transporter can be made.
Cardiac modulation of alpha motoneuron discharges
Authors: Ford T. W. , Kirkwood P. A.
Published: February 2018

Recordings of alpha motoneuron discharges from branches of the intercostal and abdominal nerves in anesthetized cats were analyzed for modulation during the cardiac cycle. Cardiac modulation was assessed by the construction of cross-correlation histograms between the R-wave of the ECG and the largest amplitude efferent spikes. In all but two recordings (which were believed to have either no or few alpha spikes), the histograms showed relatively short duration peaks and/or troughs (widths at half amplitude 4–50 ms) at lags of 10–150 ms. These observations were deduced to result from activity in oligosynaptic pathways, probably from muscle spindle afferents, whose discharges are known to be synchronized to the cardiac pulse. The results suggest that onward transmission of the cardiac signal from thoracic muscle afferents (and possibly from other dynamically sensitive afferents) to other parts of the central nervous system is highly likely and that therefore these afferents could contribute to cardiac interoception.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY It has been recognized since 1933 that muscle spindles respond to the cardiac pulse, but it is unknown whether this cardiac signal is transmitted to other levels in the nervous system. Here we show that a cardiac signal, likely arising from muscle spindles, is present in the efferent activities of thoracic and abdominal muscle nerves, suggesting probable onward transmission of this signal to higher levels and therefore that muscle spindles could contribute to cardiac interoception.
Fifty years of microneurography: learning the language of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system in humans
Authors: Shoemaker J. Kevin , Klassen Stephen A. , Badrov Mark B. , Fadel Paul J.
Published: February 2018

As a primary component of homeostasis, the sympathetic nervous system enables rapid adjustments to stress through its ability to communicate messages among organs and cause targeted and graded end organ responses. Key in this communication model is the pattern of neural signals emanating from the central to peripheral components of the sympathetic nervous system. But what is the communication strategy employed in peripheral sympathetic nerve activity (SNA)? Can we develop and interpret the system of coding in SNA that improves our understanding of the neural control of the circulation? In 1968, Hagbarth and Vallbo (Hagbarth KE, Vallbo AB. Acta Physiol Scand 74: 96–108, 1968) reported the first use of microneurographic methods to record sympathetic discharges in peripheral nerves of conscious humans, allowing quantification of SNA at rest and sympathetic responsiveness to physiological stressors in health and disease. This technique also has enabled a growing investigation into the coding patterns within, and cardiovascular outcomes associated with, postganglionic SNA. This review outlines how results obtained by microneurographic means have improved our understanding of SNA outflow patterns at the action potential level, focusing on SNA directed toward skeletal muscle in conscious humans.
PTX3, a Humoral Pattern Recognition Molecule, in Innate Immunity, Tissue Repair, and Cancer
Authors: Garlanda Cecilia , Bottazzi Barbara , Magrini Elena , Inforzato Antonio , Mantovani Alberto
Published: February 2018

Innate immunity includes a cellular and a humoral arm. PTX3 is a fluid-phase pattern recognition molecule conserved in evolution which acts as a key component of humoral innate immunity in infections of fungal, bacterial, and viral origin. PTX3 binds conserved microbial structures and self-components under conditions of inflammation and activates effector functions (complement, phagocytosis). Moreover, it has a complex regulatory role in inflammation, such as ischemia/reperfusion injury and cancer-related inflammation, as well as in extracellular matrix organization and remodeling, with profound implications in physiology and pathology. Finally, PTX3 acts as an extrinsic oncosuppressor gene by taming tumor-promoting inflammation in murine and selected human tumors. Thus evidence suggests that PTX3 is a key homeostatic component at the crossroad of innate immunity, inflammation, tissue repair, and cancer. Dissecting the complexity of PTX3 pathophysiology and human genetics paves the way to diagnostic and therapeutic exploitation.
Ion Channels in Cancer: Are Cancer Hallmarks Oncochannelopathies?
Authors: Prevarskaya Natalia , Skryma Roman , Shuba Yaroslav
Published: February 2018

Genomic instability is a primary cause and fundamental feature of human cancer. However, all cancer cell genotypes generally translate into several common pathophysiological features, often referred to as cancer hallmarks. Although nowadays the catalog of cancer hallmarks is quite broad, the most common and obvious of them are 1) uncontrolled proliferation, 2) resistance to programmed cell death (apoptosis), 3) tissue invasion and metastasis, and 4) sustained angiogenesis. Among the genes affected by cancer, those encoding ion channels are present. Membrane proteins responsible for signaling within cell and among cells, for coupling of extracellular events with intracellular responses, and for maintaining intracellular ionic homeostasis ion channels contribute to various extents to pathophysiological features of each cancer hallmark. Moreover, tight association of these hallmarks with ion channel dysfunction gives a good reason to classify them as special type of channelopathies, namely oncochannelopathies. Although the relation of cancer hallmarks to ion channel dysfunction differs from classical definition of channelopathies, as disease states causally linked with inherited mutations of ion channel genes that alter channel's biophysical properties, in a broader context of the disease state, to which pathogenesis ion channels essentially contribute, such classification seems absolutely appropriate. In this review the authors provide arguments to substantiate such point of view.
Effect of Oxygen Flow Rate on the Optical, Electrical, and Mechanical Properties of DC Sputtering ITO Thin Films
Authors: Tien Chuen-Lin , Lin Hong-Yi , Chang Chih-Kai , Tang Chien-Jen
Published: February 2018

This study presents the effect of oxygen flow rate on the optical, electrical, and mechanical properties of indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films prepared by the DC magnetron sputtering technique. The oxygen flow rate was varied from 10 to 50 sccm. The ITO thin films deposition under different oxygen flow rates exhibits different properties. We used an optical spectrometer to measure the optical transmittance and a four-point probe instrument to determine the resistivity. A home-made Twyman-Green interferometer was used to evaluate residual stress and a microscopic interferometer was used to measure the surface roughness of ITO thin films. The experimental results show that the average optical transmittance is larger than 85% in visible range; the electrical resistivity has a minimum 6.85×10-4 ohm-cm for the oxygen flow of 10 sccm. The residual stress is varied from −0.15 GPa to −0.34 GPa in the range of 10–50 sccm. The root-mean-square (rms) surface roughness is changed from 2.64 nm to 2.74 nm as the oxygen flow rate increases. The results show that the oxygen flow rate has significant influence on the electrical resistivity, residual stress, and surface roughness of the ITO thin film.
Fault Handling Methods and Comparison for Different DC Breaker Topologies and MMC Topologies of the HVDC System
Authors: Jiang Xu , Bakran Mark-M.
Published: February 2018

The HVDC system has many significant benefits and is widely used around the world. The protection of HVDC system is always an issue, which should be solved. This paper presents the working principle of different protection schemes. The advantages and disadvantages of these protection schemes are also introduced. In order to solve the HVDC fault, two protection strategies are proposed. One design focusses on the topologies of the HVDC breaker in the HVDC line, such as all-solid HVDC breaker, resonant HVDC breaker, and hybrid HVDC breaker. The other design is from the viewpoint of converter topology, which has two types. One type generates the counter-emf in arms, such as full bridge MMC, hybrid MMC, and clamp-double MMC. The other type cuts off the current path from the AC side to the DC side, which is also introduced in this paper. Some performances of these topologies are compared, such as switching time and efficiency.
Generalized Pseudospectral Method and Zeros of Orthogonal Polynomials
Authors: Bihun Oksana , Mourning Clark
Published: February 2018

Via a generalization of the pseudospectral method for numerical solution of differential equations, a family of nonlinear algebraic identities satisfied by the zeros of a wide class of orthogonal polynomials is derived. The generalization is based on a modification of pseudospectral matrix representations of linear differential operators proposed in the paper, which allows these representations to depend on two, rather than one, sets of interpolation nodes. The identities hold for every polynomial family pνxν=0∞ orthogonal with respect to a measure supported on the real line that satisfies some standard assumptions, as long as the polynomials in the family satisfy differential equations Apν(x)=qν(x)pν(x), where A is a linear differential operator and each qν(x) is a polynomial of degree at most n0∈N; n0 does not depend on ν. The proposed identities generalize known identities for classical and Krall orthogonal polynomials, to the case of the nonclassical orthogonal polynomials that belong to the class described above. The generalized pseudospectral representations of the differential operator A for the case of the Sonin-Markov orthogonal polynomials, also known as generalized Hermite polynomials, are presented. The general result is illustrated by new algebraic relations satisfied by the zeros of the Sonin-Markov polynomials.
Barriers to Diagnosis Access for Chagas Disease in Colombia
Authors: Olivera Mario Javier , Porras Villamil Julián Felipe , Toquica Gahona Christian Camilo , Rodríguez Hernández Jorge Martín
Published: February 2018

Chagas disease is the leading cause of nonischemic cardiomyopathy in Latin America. Timely access to diagnosis and trypanocidal treatment and preventive tools for millions of infected people continues to be a challenge. The purpose of this study was to identify potential barriers for the diagnosis of Chagas disease in Colombia from the perspective of healthcare providers. Using a simultaneous mixed-methods study design, we analyzed trends in access to screening and diagnosis for Chagas disease in Colombia and assessed the national barriers to access. The main barriers to access at the national level included a limited governmental public health infrastructure for the diagnosis of Chagas disease and limited physician awareness and knowledge of the disease. Data indicate that 1.5% of total expected cases based on national prevalence estimates were reported. Few public health laboratories have the capacity to perform complementary tests for the diagnosis of Chagas disease and almost 6 months elapse between the requests of the tests and the confirmation of the disease. This study shows that infected people must overcome a number of barriers to achieve diagnosis. Reducing barriers to early diagnosis of Chagas disease is an important goal in the fight against the disease.
A New Remote Health-Care System Based on Moving Robot Intended for the Elderly at Home
Authors: Zhou Bing , Wu Kaige , Lv Pei , Wang Jing , Chen Gang , Ji Bo , Liu Siying
Published: February 2018

Nowadays, due to the growing need for remote care and the constantly increasing popularity of mobile devices, a large amount of mobile applications for remote care support has been developed. Although mobile phones are very suitable for young people, there are still many problems related to remote health care of the elderly. Due to hearing loss or limited movements, it is difficult for the elderly to contact their families or doctors via real-time video call. In this paper, we introduce a new remote health-care system based on moving robots intended for the elderly at home. Since the proposed system is an online system, the elderly can contact their families and doctors quickly anytime and anywhere. Besides call, our system involves the accurate indoor object detection algorithms and automatic health data collection, which are not included in existing remote care systems. Therefore, the proposed system solves some challenging problems related to the elderly care. The experiment has shown that the proposed care system achieves excellent performance and provides good user experience.
Intelligent Control Wheelchair Using a New Visual Joystick
Authors: Rabhi Yassine , Mrabet Makrem , Fnaiech Farhat
Published: February 2018

A new control system of a hand gesture-controlled wheelchair (EWC) is proposed. This smart control device is suitable for a large number of patients who cannot manipulate a standard joystick wheelchair. The movement control system uses a camera fixed on the wheelchair. The patient’s hand movements are recognized using a visual recognition algorithm and artificial intelligence software; the derived corresponding signals are thus used to control the EWC in real time. One of the main features of this control technique is that it allows the patient to drive the wheelchair with a variable speed similar to that of a standard joystick. The designed device “hand gesture-controlled wheelchair” is performed at low cost and has been tested on real patients and exhibits good results. Before testing the proposed control device, we have created a three-dimensional environment simulator to test its performances with extreme security. These tests were performed on real patients with diverse hand pathologies in Mohamed Kassab National Institute of Orthopedics, Physical and Functional Rehabilitation Hospital of Tunis, and the validity of this intelligent control system had been proved.
Channel Assignment Mechanism for Multiple APs Cochannel Deployment in High Density WLANs
Authors: Lei Jianjun , Jiang Jianhua , Shang Fengjun
Published: February 2018

In Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), cochannel deployment can bound channel access delay and improve network capacity due to mitigating the collision and interference among different Access Points (APs). In this paper, we present a network model and an interference model for multiple APs cochannel deployment and propose a channel assignment mechanism which formulates the channel assignment problem into a time slot allocation problem. Meanwhile, we assign the channel based on the vertex coloring algorithm and make extra polls by utilizing the time slot reservation strategy to improve the channel assignment. Furthermore, we optimize the polling list of APs through classifying the clients to improve the channel utilization. The simulation results show that our proposed algorithm can improve the performance in terms of network throughput, transmission delay, and packet loss rate compared with the DCF (Distributed Coordination Function) and TMCA algorithms.
Enhanced Red Emission in Ultrasound‐Assisted Sol‐Gel Derived ZnO/PMMA Nanocomposite
Authors: Mai Van-Tuan , Hoang Quang-Bac , Mai Xuan-Dung
Published: February 2018

Cost‐effective methods for preparing ZnO nanostructures are of importance for the deployment of ZnO in many applications including n‐type conduits, catalysts, nanophosphor, and optoelectronics. Herein, we present a room‐temperature sol‐gel method with the aid of ultrasonication to prepare white‐emitting ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). X‐ray diffraction and electron microscopic analyses revealed that the size and shape of ZnO NPs can be controlled simply by changing the concentration of the Zn precursor. The ZnO NPs had a broad photoluminescence emission, ranging from 450 nm to 800 nm, while their composite in PMMA matrix showed an enhancement in the red region induced by ZnO‐PMMA interfacial band‐bending effects. The results demonstrated herein promise a simple tool for control over size, shape, and emission of ZnO materials for diverse applications.
Nobiletin Inhibits Hepatic Lipogenesis via Activation of AMP‐Activated Protein Kinase
Authors: Yuk Taewon , Kim Younghwa , Yang Jinwoo , Sung Jeehye , Jeong Heon Sang , Lee Junsoo
Published: February 2018

We aimed to investigate the effects of nobiletin on hepatic lipogenesis in high glucose‐induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. Nobiletin, a citrus polymethoxyflavonoid with six methoxy groups, is present abundantly in the peels of citrus fruits. HepG2 cells were incubated in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium containing high glucose (25 mM) and subsequently treated with nobiletin at different concentrations (5, 25, and 50 μM). Results showed that nobiletin markedly inhibited high glucose‐induced hepatic lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. In addition, it reduced the protein expression of lipogenic factors, including sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c (SREBP‐1c) and fatty acid synthase (FAS). Nobiletin significantly increased the phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase. Pretreatment with compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, abolished the inhibitory effects of nobiletin on SREBP‐1c and FAS expression. These results suggested that nobiletin might attenuate high glucose‐induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 hepatocytes via modulation of AMPK signaling pathway. Therefore, nobiletin might be useful for the prevention and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases.
Correlation of Serum Uric Acid Levels with Nonculprit Plaque Instability in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes: A 3-Vessel Optical Coherence Tomography Study
Authors: Zhang Donghui , Zhang Ruoxi , Wang Ning , Lin Lin , Yu Bo
Published: February 2018

Elevated serum uric acid (SUA) level is known to be a prognostic factor in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the correlation between SUA level and coronary plaque instability has not been fully evaluated. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between SUA level and plaque instability of nonculprit lesions in patients with ACS using optical coherence tomography. A total of 150 patients with ACS who underwent 3-vessel optical coherence tomography were selected. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to tertiles of SUA level. There was a trend towards a thinner fibrous cap (0.15 ± 0.06 versus 0.07 ± 0.01 versus 0.04 ± 0.01 mm2, p<0.001) and a wider mean lipid arc (169.41 ± 33.16 versus 177.22 ± 37.76 versus 222.43 ± 47.65°, p<0.001) with increasing SUA tertile. The plaques of the high and intermediate tertile groups had a smaller minimum lumen area than the low tertile group (6.02 ± 1.11 versus 5.38 ± 1.28 mm2, p<0.001). In addition, thin-cap fibroatheromas, microvessels, macrophages, and cholesterol crystals were more frequent in the high tertile group than the low and intermediate groups. Multivariate analysis showed SUA level to be a predictor of plaque instability.
Formulations for Estimating Spatial Variations of Analysis Error Variance to Improve Multiscale and Multistep Variational Data Assimilation
Authors: Xu Qin , Wei Li
Published: February 2018

When the coarse-resolution observations used in the first step of multiscale and multistep variational data assimilation become increasingly nonuniform and/or sparse, the error variance of the first-step analysis tends to have increasingly large spatial variations. However, the analysis error variance computed from the previously developed spectral formulations is constant and thus limited to represent only the spatially averaged error variance. To overcome this limitation, analytic formulations are constructed to efficiently estimate the spatial variation of analysis error variance and associated spatial variation in analysis error covariance. First, a suite of formulations is constructed to efficiently estimate the error variance reduction produced by analyzing the coarse-resolution observations in one- and two-dimensional spaces with increased complexity and generality (from uniformly distributed observations with periodic extension to nonuniformly distributed observations without periodic extension). Then, three different formulations are constructed for using the estimated analysis error variance to modify the analysis error covariance computed from the spectral formulations. The successively improved accuracies of these three formulations and their increasingly positive impacts on the two-step variational analysis (or multistep variational analysis in first two steps) are demonstrated by idealized experiments.
Influence of Low Glycaemic Index Sweeteners on Antioxidant, Sensory, Mechanical, and Physicochemical Properties of a Watermelon Jelly
Authors: Rubio-Arraez Susana , Benavent Carme , Ortolá María Dolores , Castelló María Luisa
Published: February 2018

The replacement of sucrose by new noncariogenic and low glycaemic index sweeteners (isomaltulose and tagatose) and the addition of natural watermelon juice in jelly have been assessed in terms of composition, texture, colour, antioxidant activity, microbiology, and sensory properties. These analyses were performed initially and after 15 days of storage. Furthermore, the values were compared with those obtained in the analyses of a commercial watermelon jelly. The results showed that the antioxidant activity increased with the storage time in the control sample and in samples combining isomaltulose and tagatose. In addition, noncariogenic and low glycaemic index sweeteners did not affect the instrumental texture. However, the colour changed, especially in the sample containing tagatose only. Finally, the dessert containing tagatose and isomaltulose in equal proportion achieved a similar score in the sensory evaluation as the commercial one, showing the feasibility of using these sweeteners to reformulate watermelon jelly.
Biofabrication of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle fromOchradenus baccatusLeaves: Broad-Spectrum Antibiofilm Activity, Protein Binding Studies, andIn VivoToxicity and Stress Studies
Authors: Al-Shabib Nasser A. , Husain Fohad Mabood , Hassan Iftekhar , Khan Mohd Shahnawaz , Ahmed Faheem , Qais Faizan Abul , Oves Mohammad , Rahman Mashihur , Khan Rais Ahmad , Khan Altaf , Hussain Afzal , Alhazza Ibrahim M. , Aman Shazia , Noor Saba , Ebaid Hossam , Al-Tamimi Jameel , Khan Javed Masood , Al-Ghadeer Abdul Rehman M. , Khan Md Khurshid Alam , Ahmad Iqbal
Published: February 2018

Biofilms are complex aggregation of cells that are embedded in EPS matrix. These microcolonies are highly resistant to drugs and are associated with various diseases. Biofilms have greatly affected the food safety by causing severe losses due to food contamination and spoilage. Therefore, novel antibiofilm agents are needed. This study investigates the antibiofilm and protein binding activity of zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) synthesized from leaf extract ofOchradenus baccatus. Standard physical techniques, including UV-visible spectroscopy Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, were used to characterize the synthesized OB-ZnNPs. Synthesized OB-ZnNPs demonstrated significant biofilm inhibition in human and food-borne pathogens (Chromobacterium violaceum,Escherichia coli,P. aeruginosa,Klebsiella pneumoniae,Serratia marcescens, andListeria monocytogenes) at subinhibitory concentrations. OB-ZnNPs significantly reduced the virulence factors like violacein, prodigiosin, and alginate and impaired swarming migration and EPS production. OB-ZnNPs demonstrated efficient binding with HSA protein and no change in their structure or stability was observed. In addition,in vivotoxicity evaluation confirmed that OB-ZnNPs possessed no serious toxic effect even at higher doses. Moreover, they were found to have excellent antioxidant properties that can be employed in the fields of food safety and medicine. Hence, it is envisaged that the OB-ZnNPs can be used as potential nanomaterials to combat drug resistant bacterial infections and prevent contamination/spoilage of food.
Impact of Business Interoperability on the Performance of Complex Cooperative Supply Chain Networks: A Case Study
Authors: Cabral Izunildo , Grilo Antonio
Published: February 2018

This paper proposes an agent‐based model for evaluating the effect of business interoperability on the performance of cooperative supply chain networks. The model is based on insights from the Industrial Marketing and Purchasing network approach and the complex systems theory perspective. To demonstrate its applicability, an explanatory case study regarding a Portuguese reverse logistics cooperative supply chain network is presented. Face‐to‐face interviews and forms were used to collect data. The findings show that the establishment of appropriate levels of business interoperability has helped to reduce several non‐value‐added interaction processes and consequently improve the operational performance of the Valorpneu network. Regarding the research implications, this paper extends the current knowledge on business interoperability and an important problem in business: how business interoperability gaps in dyadic organizational relationships affect the network of companies that the two companies belong to—network effect. In terms of practical implications, managers can use the proposed model as a starting point to simulate complex interactions between supply chain network partners and understand better how the performance of their networks emerges from these interactions and from the adoption of different levels of business interoperability.
Primary Nocardia Infection Causing a Fluorodeoxyglucose-Avid Right Renal Mass in a Redo Lung Transplant Recipient
Authors: Biswas Roy Sreeja , Ross Mitchell D. , Patil Pradnya D. , Trepeta Richard , Bremner Ross M. , Panchabhai Tanmay S.
Published: February 2018

Immunosuppression after lung transplantation may increase susceptibility to opportunistic infection and is associated with early and delayed deaths in lung transplant recipients. Factors that may predispose lung transplant recipients to opportunistic bacterial and fungal infections include prolonged corticosteroid use, renal impairment, treatment of acute rejection, and post-transplant diabetes mellitus. We present a unique case of a 63-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus who underwent redo lung transplantation. Three years after her right-sided single redo lung transplant, she presented with right-sided abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Upon examination, computed tomography showed a 4.5 × 3.3 cm heterogeneous, enhancing right renal mass with a patent renal vein. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a T1/T2 hypointense, diffusion-restricting, right mid-renal mass that was fluorodeoxyglucose-avid on positron emission tomography. We initially suspected primary renal cell carcinoma. However, after a right nephrectomy, no evidence of neoplasia was observed; instead, a renal abscess containing filamentous bacteria was noted, raising suspicion for infection of the Nocardia species. Special stains confirmed a diagnosis of Nocardia renal abscess. Computed tomography of the chest and brain revealed no lesions consistent with infection. We initiated a long-term therapeutic regimen of anti-Nocardia therapy with imipenem and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
Choroidal Thickness with Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography versus Foveal Morphology in Young Children with a History of Prematurity
Authors: Bowl Wadim , Bowl Marianne , Schweinfurth Silke , Holve Kerstin , Andrassi-Darida Monika , Stieger Knut , Lorenz Birgit
Published: February 2018

Aim: Comparison of choroidal thickness (CT) and foveal morphology as seen with swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in children with a history of treated or spontaneously regressed retinopathy of prematurity (tROP or srROP) to assess the impact on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Methods: CT was measured by SS-OCT (DRI-OCT Triton; Topcon, USA) single scans of a 6-mm diameter around the fovea in 17 children with tROP or srROP (4–7 years of age) and compared to 25 controls (age-matched children and adults). The disproportion of the outer nuclear layer and inner retinal layers at the fovea (i.e., the ONL+/IRL ratio) as a measure of macular developmental arrest (MDA) was manually analyzed. BCVA was tested with ETDRS letter charts and correlated with the morphology. Results: CT was significantly thinner in children with tROP and srROP compared to term-born healthy children (nKids) at all measurement marks (p < 0.001), and mostly affected in the subfoveal area. tROP showed the lowest CT. CT allowed no direct conclusion about ONL+/IRL, but correlated positively with BCVA. Conclusions: Reduced CT in children with a history of ROP is linked to ROP severity. These findings overlap with the degree of MDA. CT appears to be involved in ROP, but MDA showed a higher impact on the BCVA of the examined cohort.
Minimally Invasive versus Open Approach for Right-Sided Colectomy: A Study in 12,006 Patients from the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit
Authors: Bosker Robbert J.I. , van’t Riet Esther , de Noo Mirre , Vermaas Maarten , Karsten Tom M. , Pierie Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2018

Background: There is ongoing debate whether laparoscopic right colectomy is superior to open surgery. The purpose of this study was to address this issue and arrive at a consensus using data from a national database. Methods: Patients who underwent elective open or laparoscopic right colectomy for colorectal cancer during the period 2009–2013 were identified from the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit. Complications that occurred within 30 days after surgery and 30-day mortality rates were calculated and compared between open and laparoscopic resection. Results: In total, 12,006 patients underwent elective open or laparoscopic surgery for right-sided colorectal cancer. Of these, 6,683 (55.7%) underwent open resection and 5,323 (44.3%) underwent laparoscopic resection. Complications occurred within 30 days after surgery in the laparoscopic group in 26.1% of patients and in 32.1% of patients in the open group (p < 0.001). Thirty-day mortality was also significantly lower in the laparoscopic group (2.2 vs. 3.6% p < 0.001). Conclusion: In this non-randomized, descriptive study conducted in the Netherlands, open right colectomy seems to have a higher risk for complications and mortality as compared to laparoscopic right colectomy, even after correction for confounding factors.
A Novel Approach for Hepatic Arterial Reconstruction after Total Pancreatectomy with Common Hepatic Artery Resection Using Inferior Phrenic Artery
Authors: Matsumoto Takatsugu , Kubota Keiichi , Aoki Taku , Shimizu Takayuki , Mori Shozo , Kato Masato , Asato Hirotaka
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Because of the anatomical characteristics, pancreatic cancers (PC) can easily invade to visceral vessels such as celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery, common hepatic artery (CHA) and portal vein, which makes curative resection difficult. In this study, we report an R0 resection for locally advanced PC by total pancreatectomy, combined resection of CHA, and reconstruction of hepatic artery using autologous left inferior phrenic artery (IPA). Methods: A 47-year-old woman with complaints of low back pain was referred to our department. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a hypo-attenuation tumor of the pancreatic body measuring 70 mm, which completely encased the CHA. When unresectable locally advanced PC was diagnosed, systematic chemotherapy was administrated. After downstaging, she underwent surgery with curative intent. The tumor completely infiltrated the peripheral part of the CHA and gastroduodenal artery. As the tumor also extended to the head of the pancreas, total pancreatectomy and combined resection of CHA were performed. Then the exposed left IPA and proper hepatic artery were anastomosed with a microvascular technique. Results: R0 resection was performed for restoring hepatic arterial flow and the postoperative course was uneventful without any postoperative morbidity. Conclusion: Hepatic artery reconstruction using IPA is a simple and safe procedure in selected patients.