A case study on the value of in-socket force measurements in gait monitoring of lower-limb prosthesis users.

Wearable sensors have the potential to drastically improve gait rehabilitation and assessments. This is especially the case for lower limb prosthesis users as small wearables can provide useful information about in-socket conditions. Through a simple case study, we investigated the value of measuring in-socket forces in addition to gait parameters in gauging the effectiveness of a training intervention. The results showed that the additional objective information obtained through in-socket measurements can enhance our understanding of how a particular intervention affects both gait and socket comfort.

Molecular modelling of the antiviral action of Resveratrol derivatives against the activity of two novel SARS CoV-2 and 2019-nCoV receptors.

The pandemic threat of COVID-19 causes serious concern for people and world organizations. The effect of Coronavirus disease on the lifestyle and economic status of humans is undeniable, and all of the researchers (biologists, pharmacists, physicians, and chemists) can help decrease its destructive effects. The molecular docking approach can provide a fast prediction of the positive influence the targets on the COVID-19 outbreak. In this work, we choose resveratrol (RV) derivatives (22 cases) and two newly released coordinate structures for COVID-19 as receptors [Papain-like Protease of SARS CoV-2 (PBD ID: 6W9C) and 2019-nCoV RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase (PBD ID: 6M71)]. The results show that conformational isomerism is significant and useful parameter for docking results. A wide spectrum of interactions such as Van der Waals, conventional hydrogen bond, Pi-donor hydrogen bond, Pi-Cation, Pi-sigma, Pi-Pi stacked, Amide-Pi stacked and Pi-Alkyl is detected via docking of RV derivatives and COVID-19 receptors. The potential inhibition effect of RV-13 (-184.99 kj/mol), and RV-12 (-173.76 kj/mol) is achieved at maximum value for 6W9C and 6M71, respectively.

Disaggregation of conventional soil map by generating multi realizations of soil class distribution (case study: Saadat Shahr plain, Iran).

Conventional soil maps generally depict information about soil spatial distribution in the framework of crisp boundaries of tessellated soil polygons. Such maps in standard soil survey procedures determine map unit composition on the basis of relative acreage occupied by individual major and minor soil components within soil map unit without addressing the specific location of each component in the polygon boundary. These limitations in addition to the sharp-edge boundaries of conventional soil maps are considered obstacles for modern land resource management. To increase detail in the polygon of conventional soil maps, we have produced a spatially disaggregated soil class map of a relatively flat agricultural plain called Saadat Shahr in South-Central Iran, using DSMART algorithm. DSMART is a known DSM-based disaggregation and harmonization algorithm that works through resampled classification trees to estimate the probability of the existence of each possible soil classes and also to prepare the maps of the most probable soil class, second most probable, and so on in raster format. The conventional soil map and 124 georeferenced profiles, as well as a set of numerical and categorical auxiliary data in 10-m resolutions in the extent of the study area utilized as the SCORPAN variables, were used as the inputs of the DSMART algorithm. A set of 78 independent sampling points generated by Latin hypercube sampling scheme were investigated and then used for validation of the DSMART raster outputs. The results indicated an improvement in disaggregated maps in the case of allocating soil components within the map units. In the generated DSMART, overall accuracy for seven soil subgroups was 68%. The best prediction obtained for Typic Xerorthents and Typic Calcixerepts, meanwhile a few classes were poorly predicted. For second most probable and third most probable maps, 17% and 0.5% of predicted soils match that observed respectively. This study revealed that DSMART as a disaggregation method can be used for enhancing existence soil map with poor descriptive data in the case of allocating soil classes in a more detailed way compared to the relevant original map.

Combination of ground rice husk and polyvinyl alcohol fiber in cementitious composite.

In this study, ground rice husks (GRH) in combination with polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA) fiber were used to produce low-cost and high-quality hybrid cementitious composites. Different amounts of GRH (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 12.5% in weight of cement) were added to the concrete. The work presented in this paper provides an insight into the use of an agricultural waste as effective additive in cement based materials. The properties of resultant cementitious composites including density, water absorption, flexural behavior and compressive strength were investigated. The results have shown that incorporation of ground rice husk in combination with PVA fiber can be effective in improvement of the flexural properties of cementitious composite. The study explored the effectiveness of this type of agricultural waste as a beneficial material in fine aggregate concrete materials.

Application of random forest, radial basis function neural networks and central composite design for modeling and/or optimization of the ultrasonic assisted adsorption of brilliant green on ZnS-NP-AC.

Two machine learning approach (i.e. Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBF-NN) and Random Forest (RF) was developed and evaluated against a quadratic response surface model to predict the maximum removal efficiency of brilliant green (BG) from aqueous media in relation to BG concentration (4-20mgL-1), sonication time (2-6min) and ZnS-NP-AC mass (0.010-0.030g) by ultrasound-assisted. All three (i.e. RBF network, RF and polynomial) model were compared against the experimental data using four statistical indices namely, coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and absolute average deviation (AAD). Graphical plots were also used for model comparison. The obtained results using RBF network and RF exhibit a better performance in comparison to classical statistical model for both dyes. The significant factors were optimized using desirability function approach (DFA) combined central composite design (CCD) and genetic algorithm (GA) approach. The obtained optimal point was located in the valid region and the experimental confirmation tests were conducted showing a good accordance between the predicted optimal points and the experimental data. The properties of ZnS-NPs-AC were identified by X-ray diffraction; field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy. Various isotherm models for fitting the experimental equilibrium data were studied and Langmuir model was chosen as an efficient model. Various kinetic models for analysis of experimental adsorption data were studied and pseudo second order model was chosen as an efficient model. Moreover, ZnS nanoparticles loaded on activated carbon efficiently were regenerated using methanol and after five cycles the removal percentage do not change significantly.

Sonochemical assisted hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO: Cr nanoparticles loaded activated carbon for simultaneous ultrasound-assisted adsorption of ternary toxic organic dye: Derivative spectrophotometric, optimization, kinetic and isotherm study.

Chromium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO: Cr-NPs) was synthesized by ultrasonically assisted hydrothermal method and characterized by FE-SEM, XRD and TEM analysis. Subsequently, this composite ultrasonically assisted was deposited on activated carbon (ZnO: Cr-NPs-AC) and used for simultaneous ultrasound-assisted removal of three toxic organic dye namely of malachite green (MG), eosin yellow (EY) and Auramine O (AO). Dyes spectra overlap in mixture (major problem for simultaneous investigation) of this systems was extensively resolved by derivative spectrophotometric method. The magnitude of variables like initial dyes concentration, adsorbent mass and sonication time influence on dyes removal was optimized using small central composite design (CCD) combined with desirability function (DF) approach, while pH was studied by one-a-time approach. The maximized removal percentages at desirability of 0.9740 was set as follow: pH 6.0, 0.019g ZnO: Cr-NPs-AC, 3.9min sonication at 4.5, 4.8 and 4.7mgL(-1) of MG, EY and AO, respectively. Above optimized points lead to achievement of removal percentage of 98.36%, 97.24%, and 99.26% correspond to MG, EY and AO, respectively. ANOVA for each dyes based p-value less than (<0.0001) suggest highly efficiency of CCD model for prediction of data concern to simultaneous removal of these dyes within 95% confidence interval, while their F-value for MG, EY and AO is 935, 800.2, and 551.3, respectively, that confirm low participation of this them in signal. The value of multiple correlation coefficient R(2), adjusted and predicted R(2) for simultaneous removal of MG is 0.9982, 0.9972 and 0.9940, EY is 0.9979, 0.9967 and 0.9930 and for AO is 0.9970, 0.9952 and 0.9939. The adsorption rate well fitted by pseudo second-order and Langmuir model via high, economic and profitable adsorption capacity of 214.0, 189.7 and 211.6mgg(-1) for MG, EY and AO, respectively.

Automatic Detection of the Optic Disc of the Retina: A Fast Method.

Localizing the optic disc (OD) in retinal fundus images is of critical importance and many techniques have been developed for OD detection. In this paper, we present the results obtained from two fast methods, correlation and least square, to approximate the location of optic cup. These methods are simple and are not complex, while most of the OD detection algorithms are. The methods were tested on two groups of data (a total of 100 color fundus images) and were 98% successful in the detection of the optic cup. An algorithm using the vessel mask of fundus images is proposed to be run after correlation to ensure that the localization of OD in all images is successful. It was tested on 40 of the test images and had a 100% rate of success.

Highly efficient simultaneous ultrasonic assisted adsorption of brilliant green and eosin B onto ZnS nanoparticles loaded activated carbon: Artificial neural network modeling and central composite design optimization.

In this work, central composite design (CCD) combined with response surface methodology (RSM) and desirability function approach (DFA) gives useful information about operational condition and also to obtain useful information about interaction and main effect of variables concerned to simultaneous ultrasound-assisted removal of brilliant green (BG) and eosin B (EB) by zinc sulfide nanoparticles loaded on activated carbon (ZnS-NPs-AC). Spectra overlap between BG and EB dyes was extensively reduced and/or omitted by derivative spectrophotometric method, while multi-layer artificial neural network (ML-ANN) model learned with Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm was used for building up a predictive model and prediction of the BG and EB removal. The ANN efficiently was able to forecast the simultaneous BG and EB removal that was confirmed by reasonable numerical value i.e. MSE of 0.0021 and R(2) of 0.9589 and MSE of 0.0022 and R(2) of 0.9455 for testing data set, respectively. The results reveal acceptable agreement among experimental data and ANN predicted results. Langmuir as the best model for fitting experimental data relevant to BG and EB removal indicates high, economic and profitable adsorption capacity (258.7 and 222.2 mg g(-1)) that supports and confirms its applicability for wastewater treatment.

Investigation of the effect of high +Gz accelerations on human cardiac function.

This study investigates the effect of body acceleration on human cardiac function. Finite element analysis is conducted to simulate geometrical and mechanical properties of human heart. Heart geometrical modeling in three-dimension is performed by segmentation of cardiac MRI images. The nonlinear mechanical behavior of myocardium is modeled by Mooney-Rivlin, Polynomial, Ogden and Yeoh hyperelastic material models. Stress-strain curves of myocardial tissue are obtained from experimental compression tests on bovine heart samples. The experimental results are employed for the evaluation of material coefficients by the nonlinear least squares method. Among hyperelastic models, the Yeoh model presents the best fit with experimental stress-strain curve and is used for finite element simulation of heart tissue. Obtained material coefficients are implemented into the constructed heart model and nonlinear finite element analysis is performed for different levels of acceleration in upward direction of vertical axis of body during the rapid filling phase of cardiac cycle. Based on the finite element analysis, ventricular volume change, stress and deformation of heart model are evaluated. It is revealed that when the body is subjected to high accelerations, structural changes in the heart reduce blood supply to body up to 7.2% at +6G.

Determination of some metal ions by flame-AAS after their preconcentration using sodium dodecyl sulfate coated alumina modified with 2-hydroxy-(3-((1-H-indol 3-yle)phenyl) methyl) 1-H-indol (2-HIYPMI).

Selective, sensitive and efficient methods for preconcentration of trace amounts of metal ions including Cr(3+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+) and Ni(2+) ions by incorporation of 2-hydroxy-(3-((1-H-indol 3-yle)phenyl) methyl) 1-H-indol (2-HIYPMI) on SDS-A has been reported. The proposed methods are based on the uptake of chelate of under study metal ions with these new ligands loaded on SDS-A. The influences of the analytical parameters including pH, ligand and SDS amount, eluting solution (type and concentrations) and sample volume on metal ions recoveries were investigated. The extraction efficiency was >95% with relative standard deviation lower than 5%. The method has been successfully applied for the extraction and determination of these ions content in some real samples.

Hepatitis C prevalence studied by polymerase chain reaction and serological methods in haemodialysis patients in Mazandaran, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Patients on maintenance haemodialysis are known to have an elevated risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The reported prevalence among haemodialysis patients in the United States ranges from eight percent to ten percent, and is considerably higher in many European and Middle Eastern countries. Therefore, a reliable diagnosis of HCV infection is essential in order to prevent the spread of the disease in dialysis units. METHODS: All haemodialysis patients were interviewed in two dialysis units in Sari and Ghaemshahr, Iran, in 2006. Blood samples were collected and serum samples screened for anti-HCV antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All samples were retested for confirmation with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: A total of 186 haemodialysis patients (mean age 58.86 +/- 16.9 years) were studied. Mean duration of haemodialysis was 3.07 +/- 0.3 years. Mean of SGOT and SGPT were 30.64 +/- 6 and 32.01 +/- 8, respectively. Among the 186 patients, 39 (21 percent) were seropositive by ELISA and 21 (11.3 percent) were PCR positive. All PCR positive patients also had positive ELISA. Association between the duration of haemodialysis and HCV seropositivity was statistically significant (p-value is 0.0001), but there was no significant correlation between number of transfusions and HCV seropositivity. CONCLUSION: Despite the growing demand for cost-effectiveness in the health system, tight control of HCV infection by PCR and ELISA examination must remain an essential part of the routine screening in haemodialysis patients.

Intestinal malrotations: a review and report of thirty cases.

Intestinal malrotation is a developmental anomaly affecting the position and peritoneal attachments of the small and large bowels during organogenesis in foetal life. It has been defined as absent or incomplete rotation and fixation of the embryonic gut around the superior mesenteric artery. In the present paper, we review the definition, history, embryology/aetiology, epidemiology, symptoms and signs, diagnosis and treatment of intestinal malformations. Moreover, we report the records of 30 cases of malrotation admitted to our department over a period of five years. The final intraoperative diagnosis of the cases presented was 53.3% pure malrotation, 33.3% malrotation with mid-gut volvulus, 6.7% malrotation with duodenal atresia, 3.3% malrotation with Meckel's diverticulum and duodenal atresia, and 3.3% malrotation and biliary atresia. Preoperative imaging studies were performed for 27 cases and surgical management was successfully conducted without any mortality among the cases studied. This article provides an overview of basic and clinical aspects of intestinal malrotation. In addition, the signs and symptoms, imaging findings, and final intraoperative diagnoses presented by the subjects reported on are of potential use and clinical interest.

The results of grade IV cystocele repair using mesh.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of grade IV cystocele repair by 4-corner bladder and bladder neck suspension technique, using prolene mesh. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-one women with a median age of 61 years and severe anterior vaginal wall prolapse (grade IV cystocele) were treated by 4-corner bladder and bladder neck suspension technique, using prolene mesh. Of these, 3 had associated uterine prolapse, rectocele, and enterocele, one had rectocele and enterocele, and 18 had rectocele only. In these cases, pelvic floor defects were also repaired simultaneously and in 3, vaginal hysterectomy was done. Twelve patients had a previous failed cystocele repair. In a 32-month follow-up, the patients were evaluated with vaginal examination and upright cystography. Urinary continence during increased intra-abdominal pressure was also assessed, based on subjective symptoms. RESULTS: None of the patients had cystocele recurrence. Urinary continence during increased intra-abdominal pressure was seen in all of the patients. Intraoperative rectal or bladder injury did not occur. Transfusion was not required in any of the cases. Early complications (6 to 8 weeks postoperatively) included irritative urinary symptom in 17 patients, of whom, 8 had documented urinary tract infection that were treated successfully. Late complications were spotting in 3 cases (two were treated with topical estrogen and vaginal mucosal repair was done in one), dyspareunia in 4 sexually active patients, changes in urination pattern in 28 (improved significantly with behavioral therapy), long-term urge incontinence (>8 weeks) in 5 (medical treatment was successful in these patients), and prolonged intermittent catheterization in 1. Pelvic abscess and migration of mesh were not observed. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, using mesh in patients with grade IV cystocele, who had a previous failed surgery or weakness in supportive pelvic tissue, is an appropriate treatment modality.

Clinical measurement of muscle tone using a velocity-corrected modified Ashworth scale.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new form of the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) for muscle-tone assessment that combines the MAS score with the passive muscle-stretching velocity during the assessment of muscle tone, resulting in a measure that has higher intertester reliability than the MAS. DESIGN: Twenty-two volunteer subjects with spinal cord injuries at a tertiary care outpatient and inpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation center affiliated with a university were recruited for this study. RESULTS: A decision tree in which V-MAS scores were obtained was developed. The data obtained from three independent raters, when adjusted by means of the V-MAS, showed an excellent interrater reliability. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that the V-MAS is a more reliable measure. In addition, the resulting units of the V-MAS, ranging from 0 to 1, are of the same form as pendulum test data. The V-MAS method is quite simple to use because the rater need only measure the angular range and duration of the passive movement to calculate average velocity during the MAS assessment in addition to the normal MAS rating of muscle tone.

V-Lab-a virtual laboratory for autonomous agents-SLA-based learning controllers.

In this paper, we present the use of stochastic learning automata (SLA) in multiagent robotics. In order to fully utilize and implement learning control algorithms in the control of multiagent robotics, an environment for simulation has to be first created. A virtual laboratory for simulation of autonomous agents, called V-Lab is described. The V-Lab architecture can incorporate various models of the environment as well as the agent being trained. A case study to demonstrate the use of SLA is presented.

Laparoscopic fenestration and modified marsupialization of posttraumatic splenic cysts using a harmonic scalpel.

In recent years, the advanced laparoscopic experience has revolutionized surgery and fostered the expansion of the indications for minimally invasive surgery in the diagnosis and treatment of all intra-abdominal pathology. Total splenectomy, which traditionally was the procedure of choice in the treatment of symptomatic nonparasitic splenic cysts, recently has been changed to a more conservative approach by many authors [1, 5, 9]. The conservative methods preserve immunologic function of the spleen and prevent the potentially fatal postsplenectomy sepsis complications [9]. We successfully performed laparoscopic fenestration and modified marsupialization of these cysts using a harmonic scalpel on two patients with symptomatic splenic psuedocysts.

Determining flexor-tendon repair techniques via soft computing.

An SC-based multi-objective decision-making method for determining the optimal flexor-tendon repair technique from experimental and clinical survey data, and with variable circumstances, was presented. Results were compared with those from the Taguchi method. Using the Taguchi method results in the need to perform ad-hoc decisions when the outcomes for individual objectives are contradictory to a particular preference or circumstance, whereas the SC-based multi-objective technique provides a rigorous straightforward computational process in which changing preferences and importance of differing objectives are easily accommodated. Also, adding more objectives is straightforward and easily accomplished. The use of fuzzy-set representations of information categories provides insight into their performance throughout the range of their universe of discourse. The ability of the technique to provide a "best" medical decision given a particular physician, hospital, patient, situation, and other criteria was also demonstrated.

Intrarater reliability of manual passive movement velocity in the clinical evaluation of knee extensor muscle tone.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the relationship between therapist-applied velocity of passive movement during a manual muscle test of muscle tone and the level of muscle tone represented by the relaxation index of the pendulum test. DESIGN: Comparison of therapist-applied passive limb movement velocity during a manual muscle test with the same subject's level of muscle tone measured by the pendulum test. Three different therapists tested each subject. The relation between the velocity scores and pendulum test scores both intratherapist and intertherapist were assessed statistically by means of analysis of variance and correlation coefficients. SETTING: A university-affiliated tertiary care outpatient and inpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation center. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two volunteer subjects with spinal cord injuries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Passive knee angular displacement data were collected during both manual knee muscle testing and pendulum tests by using an electrogoniometer. RESULTS: The therapists produced significantly different movement velocities during the manual muscle tests (p < .05). A significant correlation (p < .001) was found between pendulum test scores and passive velocities, indicating that in higher levels of muscle tone, the greater stretch reflex present provided greater resistance against the therapist force and subsequently decreased the velocity of the passive stretching. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of average velocity during passive stretching by itself can be used to evaluate muscle tone.

Post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy bile leak secondary to an accessory duct of Luschka.

Intraperitoneal bile collection following laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been reported to occur in 0.2-2% of cases and appears to be slightly higher than when the open technique is used. When the injuries of the common bile duct, technical problems with the cystic duct, diathermic injuries to the biliary tree, and iatrogenic interruption of congenital anomalous of the biliary tree are excluded, the iatrogenic transaction of the cholecystohepatic ducts commonly known as the 'Ducts of Luschka' should be considered as the cause of the biliary leak. This article reports a case of bile leakage due to an unrecognized division of a large duct of Luschka within the gall bladder fossa during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and reviews clinical diagnosis, radiological confirmation, and the appropriate treatment for this uncommon complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.