bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical evaluation of a low-cost robot for use in physiotherapy and gait training
Authors: Volpini Mariana , Bartenbach Volker , Pinotti Marcos , Riener Robert 
Published: February 2017

Background Robotic-assisted gait training, a viable and promising therapeutic option for neurological rehabilitation, is not widely adopted in developing countries because of its high cost. In this paper, we describe the concept and construction of a low-cost robot prototype to restore walking ability in children with neurological dysfunction. Methods The proposed robot consists of an orthosis, a treadmill, a body weight support system and two ankle guidance systems that move the ankles along a physiological kinematic trajectory. The spatiotemporal gait parameters of 60 children with typical development and children with cerebral palsy (aged 7–10 years) were obtained through clinical tests and compared with those provided by the robot. Results The robotic orthosis presents normative values for stride length, step length and cadence during the typical development of children’s gait speed and allows speed adjustments according to the degree of neuromotor impairment. Conclusion The results evidence the high feasibility of developing a low-complexity rehabilitation device compliant with the physiological trajectory of the ankle as well as with several other physiological gait parameters.
The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in snapping scapula
Authors: Acar Nihat , Karaarslan Ahmet A , Karakasli Ahmet 
Published: February 2017

Background: Bursitis of the snapping scapula is commonly a misdiagnosed problem. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has been used successfully in the treatment of many chronic inflammatory conditions. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the effectiveness of ESWT in the treatment of scapulothoracic bursitis with the outcome of corticosteroid injection. Methods: Using the randomized controlled trials 43 patients with scapulothoracic bursitis were divided into two groups. Group 1 ( n = 22) received three sessions of ESWT. Group 2 ( n = 21) received a single local injection of 80 mg of methylprednisolone. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were recorded at each follow-up, whereas the level of satisfaction was evaluated using the Roles and Maudsley criteria. Results: In group 1, the average VAS scores after 1, 2, 3, and 6 months were 39, 30, 27, and 16, respectively, whereas, in group 2, the average VAS scores were 46, 44, 35, and 36, respectively. There was no statistical significance between the two groups in the first and second months. However, after 3 and 6 months, group 1 revealed lower average VAS scores compared to that of the second group with p-values (0.012 and 0.001), respectively. Roles and Maudsley criteria showed that first group patients were 46% excellent, 36% good, 14% acceptable, and 4% had poor results. However, second group patients were 24% excellent, 33% good, 19% acceptable, and 24% had poor results. Conclusion: We believe that ESWT is a beneficial and trustable method of treatment and can be strongly recommended in painful cases of scapulothoracic bursitis.
Giant cell tumor of distal radius treated with ulnar translocation and wrist arthrodesis
Authors: Salunke Abhijeet Ashok , Shah Jaymin , Warikoo Vikas , Chakraborty Amit , Pokharkar Harshwardhan , Chen Yongsheng , Pruthi Manish , Pandit Jyotindra 
Published: February 2017

Introduction: The aim is to analyze the functional outcomes of patients of giant cell tumor (GCT) of distal radius treated with ulnar translocation and wrist arthrodesis. Methods: Study included 25 patients of aggressive GCT of distal radius, resected and reconstructed using ulnar translocation and wrist arthrodesis. The ulna-carpal radius fixation was performed with plate and screws. The patients were followed to bony union and minimum follow-up was 1 year. Result: Twenty-two patients were of Campanacci grade 3 and three patients were of Campanacci grade2. The mean follow-up was of 23 months (12–36). All patients had an excellent range of pronation and supination. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 24 (range 22–28). Grip strength of affected hand compared to the contra lateral hand was found good in 17 cases and average in 7 cases. The mean bone union time at ulna to radius junction was at 6.5 (5–8) months and ulna to carpal junction at 4.5 (4–6) months. The complications were surgical site infection (one case), recurrence (one case) and failure of union (one case), and ulna graft fracture with implant failure in (two cases). Conclusion: Reconstruction of distal end of radius using ulnar translocation and wrist arthrodesis provides excellent functional outcomes with preservation of rotational movement of forearm and hand function. Reconstruction of the distal radius by ulnar translocation without complete detachment from surrounding soft tissues functions like vascularized graft without use of microvascular techniques.
A new technique for arthroscopic reduction and fixation of displaced tibial intercondylar eminence fractures, using suture anchor and EndoButton system
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Yang Jianjun , Zhao Gongyin , Zheng Dong , Zhou Xianju , Xu Nanwei , Wang Yuji 
Published: February 2017

Aim: The study aims to describe a less invasive technique for displaced tibial intercondylar eminence fractures, using only one bone tunnel with suture anchor and EndoButton system. Methods: Seventeen patients were followed up after arthroscopic fixation for tibial eminence fractures using suture anchor and EndoButton. The patients were followed with clinical examinations such as Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) rating scales. Radiographic assessments were also performed during the follow-up for evaluating the healing of the fracture. Results: There were 14 male patients and 3 female patients with 10 right knees, and 7 left knees included. All the fractures healed anatomically at final follow-up. Also, no clinical signs of anterior cruciate ligament deficiency were detected. The mean Lysholm score improved significantly from 74.72 ± 3.24 (range from 70 to 79) to 96.2 ± 2.54 (range from 89 to 98) ( p < 0.001). The IKDC category was abnormal or severely abnormal preoperatively and all the patients improved to normal or nearly normal at final follow-up. The Tegner score also improved significantly postoperatively from 3.45 ± 1.02 to 6.34 ± 1.22 ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the procedure is safe and effective, which can be another option for tibial intercondylar eminence fractures.
Prediction of Anti-VEGF Response in Diabetic Macular Edema After 1 Injection
Authors: Shah Ankoor R. , Yonekawa Yoshihiro , Todorich Bozho , Laere Lily Van , Hussain Rehan , Woodward Maria A. , Abbey Ashkan M. , Wolfe Jeremy D. 
Published: February 2017

Purpose: With multiple anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and steroid therapies available for diabetic macular edema (DME), there is a need for early determination of the best treatment for a particular patient to prevent irreversible vision loss from chronic DME. In this study, we classify patients as responders or nonresponders to anti-VEGF monotherapy in the treatment of DME after a single anti-VEGF injection. Methods: The study was designed as a single-center, retrospective, interventional case series. We included patients who received 3 consecutive monthly injections with the same anti-VEGF agent. We excluded patients who were treated for DME in the preceding 3 months with any form of anti-VEGF therapy. Visual acuity and central retinal thickness (CRT) data were followed for 1 year. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed in order to identify the cutoff values for identifying responders. Results: One hundred seven eyes were reviewed, with 40 eyes of 34 patients meeting all inclusion criteria. Based on ROC curve analysis, a reduction in CRT by >15% at 1 month identified eyes that responded to treatment and had a >25% reduction in CRT at 3 months (sensitivity, 0.75; specificity, 0.92). Conclusion: Diabetic macular edema eyes that have early response to anti-VEGF treatment by reduction in CRT will have significant response to treatment by 3 months.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of complementary and alternative medicine in asthma
Authors: Kohn Charlotte M. , Paudyal Priyamvada 
Published: February 2017

Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease affecting around 235 million people worldwide. Conventional medications in asthma are not curative and patients have significant concerns regarding their side-effects. Consequently, many asthma patients turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for a more holistic approach to care. We systematically reviewed the available evidence on the effectiveness of CAM in the management of asthma in adults.We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED and Cochrane databases for randomised controlled trials published in English between 1990 and 2016 investigating the effectiveness of oral or topical CAM in asthmatic adults. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool.In all, 23 eligible trials were identified covering 19 different CAMs. Overall, there was limited evidence on the effectiveness of CAM in adult asthma as most CAMs were only assessed in a single trial. CAMs with multiple trials provided null or inconsistent results. Many of the trials were rated as having high risk of bias.The existing evidence is insufficient to recommend any of the oral and topical CAMs in the management of asthma in adults.
Pseudo-metric space and fixed point theorem
Authors: Lazaiz Samih , Chaira Karim , Aamri Mohamed , Marhrani El Miloudi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to give a generalized version of Caristi fixed point theorems in pseudo-metric spaces. Our results generalize and improve many of well-known theorems. As an application of our results, we give a new existence theorem to the generalized nonlinear complementarity problem and a solution of differential inclusion in the distributions setting.
Drosophilaand genome-wide association studies: a review and resource for the functional dissection of human complex traits
Authors: Wangler Michael F. , Hu Yanhui , Shulman Joshua M. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTHuman genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified thousands of susceptibility loci for common diseases with complex genetic etiologies. Although the susceptibility variants identified by GWAS usually have only modest effects on individual disease risk, they contribute to a substantial burden of trait variation in the overall population. GWAS also offer valuable clues to disease mechanisms that have long proven to be elusive. These insights could lead the way to breakthrough treatments; however, several challenges hinder progress, making innovative approaches to accelerate the follow-up of results from GWAS an urgent priority. Here, we discuss the largely untapped potential of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, for functional investigation of findings from human GWAS. We highlight selected examples where strong genomic conservation with humans along with the rapid and powerful genetic tools available for flies have already facilitated fine mapping of association signals, elucidated gene mechanisms, and revealed novel disease-relevant biology. We emphasize current research opportunities in this rapidly advancing field, and present bioinformatic analyses that systematically explore the applicability of Drosophila for interrogation of susceptibility signals implicated in more than 1000 human traits, based on all GWAS completed to date. Thus, our discussion is targeted at both human geneticists seeking innovative strategies for experimental validation of findings from GWAS, as well as the Drosophila research community, by whom ongoing investigations of the implicated genes will powerfully inform our understanding of human disease.
On the primacy and irreducible nature of first-person versus third-person information
Authors: Tressoldi Patrizio E. , Facco Enrico , Lucangeli Daniela 
Published: February 2017

In this essay, we will support the claim that a) some first-person accounts cannot be reduced to their third-person neural and psychophysiological correlates and b) that these first-person accounts are the only information to reckon when it is necessary to analyse qualia contents. Consequently, for many phenomena, first-person accounts are the only reliable source of information available and the knowledge of their neural and psychophysical correlates don’t offer any additional information about them.
Variation in functional pelvic tilt in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Pierrepont J. , Hawdon G. , Miles B. P. , Connor B. O’ , Baré J. , Walter L. R. , Marel E. , Solomon M. , McMahon S. , Shimmin A. J. 
Published: February 2017

Aims The pelvis rotates in the sagittal plane during daily activities. These rotations have a direct effect on the functional orientation of the acetabulum. The aim of this study was to quantify changes in pelvic tilt between different functional positions. Patients and Methods Pre-operatively, pelvic tilt was measured in 1517 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) in three functional positions – supine, standing and flexed seated (the moment when patients initiate rising from a seated position). Supine pelvic tilt was measured from CT scans, standing and flexed seated pelvic tilts were measured from standardised lateral radiographs. Anterior pelvic tilt was assigned a positive value. Results The mean pelvic tilt was 4.2° (-20.5° to 24.5°), -1.3° (-30.2° to 27.9°) and 0.6° (-42.0° to 41.3°) in the three positions, respectively. The mean sagittal pelvic rotation from supine to standing was -5.5° (-21.8° to 8.4°), from supine to flexed seated was -3.7° (-48.3° to 38.6°) and from standing to flexed seated was 1.8° (-51.8° to 39.5°). In 259 patients (17%), the extent of sagittal pelvic rotation could lead to functional malorientation of the acetabular component. Factoring in an intra-operative delivery error of ± 5° extends this risk to 51% of patients. Conclusion Planning and measurement of the intended position of the acetabular component in the supine position may fail to predict clinically significant changes in its orientation during functional activities, as a consequence of individual pelvic kinematics. Optimal orientation is patient-specific and requires an evaluation of functional pelvic tilt pre-operatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:184–91.
Checklist of Rhodophyta of the White Sea (the Arctic Ocean)
Authors: Mikhaylova Tatiana A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMost data on the White Sea flora are scattered in Russian publications and are largely inaccessible to researchers. The aim of the present work is to compile a checklist as well as to provide verification of the species composition of the Rhodophyta of the White Sea. This checklist is based on an exhaustive bibliographic search. As a result of a careful revision, a total of 61 species of Rhodophyta has been revealed, and 17 species and one forma were excluded on the basis of being doubtful records or misidentifications. The distribution of four species in the White Sea was clarified. Nineteen species occur throughout the White Sea, six species are widespread except for Mezen Bay, whereas seven taxa are restricted to the northern regions of the White Sea. The analysis of the species composition permits the red algal flora of the White Sea to be interpreted as representing the depleted Barents Sea flora. An extensive bibliography and data on the presence of the specimens in the Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences are given.
On Conditional Value at Risk (CoVaR) for tail-dependent copulas
Authors: Jaworski Piotr 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The paper deals with Conditional Value at Risk (CoVaR) for copulas with nontrivial tail dependence. We show that both in the standard and the modified settings, the tail dependence function determines the limiting properties of CoVaR as the conditioning event becomes more extreme. The results are illustrated with examples using the extreme value, conic and truncation invariant families of bivariate tail-dependent copulas.
A Review on Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting: Materials, Methods, and Circuits
Authors: Priya Shashank , Song Hyun-Cheol , Zhou Yuan , Varghese Ronnie , Chopra Anuj , Kim Sang-Gook , Kanno Isaku , Wu Liao , Ha Dong Sam , Ryu Jungho , Polcawich Ronald G. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems (PiezoMEMS) are attractive for developing next generation self-powered microsystems. PiezoMEMS promises to eliminate the costly assembly for microsensors/microsystems and provide various mechanisms for recharging the batteries, thereby, moving us closer towards batteryless wireless sensors systems and networks. In order to achieve practical implementation of this technology, a fully assembled energy harvester on the order of a quarter size dollar coin (diameter=24.26 mm, thickness=1.75 mm) should be able to generate about 100 μW continuous power from low frequency ambient vibrations (below 100 Hz). This paper reviews the state-of-the-art in microscale piezoelectric energy harvesting, summarizing key metrics such as power density and bandwidth of reported structures at low frequency input. This paper also describes the recent advancements in piezoelectric materials and resonator structures. Epitaxial growth and grain texturing of piezoelectric materials is being developed to achieve much higher energy conversion efficiency. For embedded medical systems, lead-free piezoelectric thin films are being developed and MEMS processes for these new classes of materials are being investigated. Non-linear resonating beams for wide bandwidth resonance are also reviewed as they would enable wide bandwidth and low frequency operation of energy harvesters. Particle/granule spray deposition techniques such as aerosol-deposition (AD) and granule spray in vacuum (GSV) are being matured to realize the meso-scale structures in a rapid manner. Another important element of an energy harvester is a power management circuit, which should maximize the net energy harvested. Towards this objective, it is essential for the power management circuit of a small-scale energy harvester to dissipate minimal power, and thus it requires special circuit design techniques and a simple maximum power point tracking scheme. Overall, the progress made by the research and industrial community has brought the energy harvesting technology closer to the practical applications in near future.
Dynamics of development and variability of surface degradation in the subalpine and alpine zones (an example from the Velká Fatra Mts., Slovakia)
Authors: Lepeška Tomáš 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn the last five centuries, the inappropriate management of the Vel’ká Fatra Mts. sub-alpine and alpine areas has led to the development of different forms of surface destruction. For evaluation of the dynamics and variability of surface degradation the territory of the Hornojelenská valley was chosen. It is a significant avalanche area. It has clearly been destroyed by avalanches, water erosion and cryogenic erosion as well as anthropo-zoogenic processes. The forms of destruction were mapped on a scale of 1:200 based on the aerial photographs and satellite images taken in 1961, 2003, 2009 and 2012. The total area of degradative morphogenetic forms (DMF) in 1961 was 5.5780 ha, 4.0650 ha in 2003, 4.5752 ha in 2009 and 4.9431 ha in 2012. The DMF reached its peak in 1961. In the mid-1960s, there were ambitions to reforest the highest areas of the study area that led to the decrease of DMF and the development of vegetation. The present exogenous geomorphologic processes are causing a gradual increase of the total destructed area.
Ultrasonic synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial evaluation of novel heterocycles containing hexahydroquinoline and pyrrole moieties
Authors: Vazirimehr Simin , Davoodnia Abolghasem , Nakhaei-Moghaddam Mahboobeh , Tavakoli-Hoseini Niloofar 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Condensation reaction of dimedone with 2-amino-1-methyl-4,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile in ethanol containing a catalytic amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid (TsOH) afforded 2-(5,5-dimethyl-3-oxocyclohex-1-enylamino)-1-methyl-4,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile. This compound was then treated with olefins, formed by Knoevenagel condensation of aryl aldehydes and malononitrile, in ethanol in the presence of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) as catalyst to give novel cyclic compounds in high yields. A new hexacyclic heterocyclic compound was formed when 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde was used as the aldehyde. The reactions were done using ultrasonic irradiation. The synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectra, elemental analysis and evaluated for their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus) and Gram-negative bacterium (Escherichia coli).
Digeneans and acanthocephalans of birds from Formosa Province, Argentina
Authors: Lunaschi L. I. , Drago F. B. , Draghi R. 
Published: February 2017

Summary
The aim of this paper is to increase the knowledge on the diversity of digenean parasites from birds collected in northeastern Argentina. The helminthological survey of four bird species revealed the presence of five digenean species and one acanthocephalan species. The digeneans, Lyperorchis lyperorchis Travassos, 1921 and Edietziana serrata (Diesing, 1850) from Aramus guarauna (L.); Nephrostomum limai Travassos, 1922 from Syrigma sibilatrix (Temminck); Athesmia heterolecithodes (Braun, 1899) from Theristicus caudatus (Boddaert) and Cariama cristata (L.); Stomylotrema vicarium Braun, 1901 from T. caudatus, and the acanthocephala Centrorhynchus guira Lunaschi & Drago, 2010 from T. caudatus, were recorded. Lyperorchis inexpectabilis Digiani, 1997 is synonimized with L. lyperorchis. The findings of E. serrata and N. limai constitute new geographical records. Theristicus caudatus is reported as a new definitive host of A. heterolecithodes, S. vicarium and C. guira, and Cariama cristata of A. heterolecithodes. The relationships between host diet and parasite fauna are discussed.
Effect of Reductant Type on the Metallothermic Magnesium Production Process
Authors: Bugdayci Mehmet , Turan Ahmet , Alkan Murat , Yucel Onuralp 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper is a contribution to the theoretical and quantitative understanding of the processes for the production of magnesium metal by metallothermic process in vacuum (Pidgeon Process). In the present study, effects of reductant type and amount were investigated. CaC2 is a low-cost alternative to FeSi (ferrosilicon) which is the common reductant in the Pidgeon Process. CaC2 slightly decreases the Mg recovery ratios but it remarkably decreases the process cost. The experimental study, conducted with the change of mass % FeSi–CaC2 ratio at 1,250 °C for 360 min, the optimum Mg recovery was measured as 94.7 % at 20 % CaC2 addition. Also aluminum, as a reductant, allows conducting the process at lower temperatures than that of FeSi. For the experiments conducted with Al addition, the highest Mg recovery ratio was measured as 88.0 % in the conditions for 300 min process duration and 100 % stoichiometric Al addition at 1,200 °C.