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The detection of asbestos roof slate by drone is necessary to avoid the safety risks and costs associated with visual inspection. Moreover, the use of deep-learning models increases the speed as well as reduces the cost of analyzing the images provided by the drone. In this study, we developed a comprehensive learning model using supervised and unsupervised classification techniques for the accurate classification of roof slate. We ensured the accuracy of our model using a low altitude of 100 m, which led to a ground sampling distance of 3 cm/pixel. Furthermore, we ensured that the model was comprehensive by including images captured under a variety of light and meteorological conditions and from a variety of angles. After applying the two classification methods to develop the learning dataset and employing the as-developed model for classification, 12 images were misclassified out of 475. Visual inspection and an adjustment of the classification system were performed, and the model was updated to precisely classify all 475 images. These results show that supervised and unsupervised classification can be used together to improve the accuracy of a deep-learning model for the detection of asbestos roof slate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A self-oscillating harmonic opto-electronic mixer based on a CMOS-compatible avalanche photodetector for fiber-fed 60-GHz self-heterodyne systems is demonstrated. The mixer is composed of an avalanche photodetector fabricated with 0.18-[micro]m standard CMOS process and an electrical feedback loop for self oscillation. It simultaneously performs photodetection and frequency up-conversion of photodetected signals into the second harmonic self-oscillation frequency band. The avalanche photodetector and the mixer are characterized and analyzed, and the RF avalanche multiplication factor is investigated. In addition, conversion efficiency as well as internal conversion gain is determined, and bias conditions are optimized for the best self-oscillating harmonic opto-electronic mixer performance. Data transmission of 5-MS/s 32 quadrature amplitude modulation signals using self-oscillating harmonic opto-electronic mixer is successfully demonstrated. Index Terms--Avalanche photodetector, CMOS-compatible photodetector, fiber-fed system, opto-electronic mixer, self-heterodyne system, self-oscillating mixer, 60-GHz band.

This study aimed to compare the contact area, mean pressure, and peak pressure of the radiocapitellar joint (RCJ) in the upper limb after transradial amputation with those of the normal upper limb during elbow flexion and forearm rotation. Testing was performed using ten fresh-frozen upper limbs, and the transradial amputation was performed 5 cm proximal to the radial styloid process. The specimens were connected to a custom-designed apparatus for testing. A pressure sensor was inserted into the RCJ. The biomechanical indices of the RCJ were measured during elbow flexion and forearm rotation in all specimens. There was no significant difference in the contact area between the normal and transradial amputated upper limbs. However, in the upper limbs after transradial amputation, the mean pressure was higher than that in the normal upper limbs at all positions of elbow flexion and forearm rotation. The peak pressure was significantly higher in the upper limbs after transradial amputation than in the normal upper limbs, and was especially increased during pronation at 45° of elbow flexion. In conclusion, these results could cause cartilage erosion in the RCJ of transradial amputees. Thus, methods to reduce the pressure of the RCJ should be considered when a myoelectric prosthesis is developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We performed preoperative ultrasonography (US) to detect the anatomic course of the superficial radial nerve (SRN) and dominant pathologic tendon of the first extensor compartment in de Quervain tenosynovitis. Methods: We prospectively studied 27 patients (29 wrists) with de Quervain tenosynovitis who underwent surgical release of the first extensor compartment. Preoperatively, US was performed to evaluate the presence of the dominant pathologic tendon and the septum in the subcompartment, number of SRNs in the area of the surgical incision, and anatomic running course of the SRN. These variables were also checked intraoperatively. Cohen κ statistics were calculated to investigate agreement between US and surgical field findings. Results: There were 7 men and 20 women (mean age, 47.8 years; range, 26–67 years). For the dominant pathologic tendon, there were 2 cases (6.9%) of an abductor pollicis longus, 11 cases (37.9%) of an extensor pollicis brevis, and 16 cases (55.2 %) of a nondominant tendon (κ = 0.94). For the subcompartment, there were 10 cases (34.5%) without a septum, 8 (27.6%) with an incomplete septum, and 11 (37.9%) with a complete septum (κ = 0.95). Most SRNs crossed over the first extensor compartment (κ = 0.78). Conclusions: Preoperative US can be useful in detecting the anatomic running course of the SRN and dominant pathologic tendon before surgery for de Quervain tenosynovitis. Classifying the anatomic course of the SRN could be essential to planning surgery, and it could be helpful to prevent injury of the SRN during surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our purpose was to compare the contributions of these two systems to assess PIP joint extension in fresh cadaver models. Nine middle fingers of fresh cadavers were used. The PIP joint angle was measured while an extension load was applied on the extensor tendons. Specimens on which extension load was applied on the extrinsic extensors were classified as the extrinsic group, and those on which extension load was applied on the intrinsic extensors were classified as the intrinsic group. Linear regression analyses were performed to obtain regression equation and the extension load-PIP joint angle curve. The mean of slope of the curve was compared between the two groups using paired t -test. The same experiments were done for the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint in 0° and 60° flexion to evaluate the effect of MP joint flexion on PIP joint extension. The mean slope of the extension load-PIP joint angle curve of the extrinsic group was significantly greater than that of the intrinsic group. With the MP joint in 0° flexion, the mean slope of the extrinsic and intrinsic groups was -0.148 and -0.117, respectively (greater absolute value means greater slope, p = 0.01). With the MP joint in 60° flexion, the mean slopes were -0.147 and -0.104, respectively (p = 0.015). The contribution of the intrinsic extensor for PIP joint extension shows decreasing trends with MP joint flexion. The extrinsic extensors have greater contribution for PIP joint extension compared with the intrinsic extensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influenza virus surface glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA) is responsible for viral attachment to sialic acid-containing host cell receptors and it facilitates the initial stage of viral infection. In the present study, we isolated an RNA aptamer specific to the glycosylated receptor-binding domain of the HA protein (gHA1) after 12 cycles of the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment procedure (SELEX), and we then investigated if the selected aptamer suppresses viral infection in host cells. Nitrocellulose filter binding and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) experiments revealed that 1 RNA aptamer, HA12-16, bound specifically to the gHA1 protein. Cell viability assay showed that the HA12-16 RNA aptamer suppressed viral infection in host cells by enhancing cell viability. Immunofluorescence microscopic analysis further demonstrated that the HA12-16 RNA aptamer suppresses viral attachment to host cells by neutralizing the receptor-binding site of influenza virus HA. These results indicate that the isolated RNA aptamer can be developed as an antiviral reagent against influenza through appropriate therapeutic formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To measure the expression level and pattern of neurotrophic factors and their receptors in keratoconus (KC) cornea using quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) and immunostaining. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one recipient corneal buttons after keratoplasty from KC cornea and four age-matched normal corneas were obtained. The 25 corneal tissues were divided into two pieces; one fragment of each sample was used for immunostaining whereas the other fragment was used for qPCR. Using primary antibodies and specific qPCR primer, immunostaining and qPCR were performed to analyze the expression level of the neurotrophic factors and receptors. Results: Nerve growth factor and its receptors (TrkA and p75NTR) were not expressed in the center of normal cornea. However, TrkA and the p75NTR were clearly expressed in a membrane bound staining pattern and the mRNA levels were significantly higher in KC ( p < 0.001). The mRNA expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and neurotrophin (NT)-4 mRNA was also elevated in KC ( p < 0.001). BDNF was expressed in epithelium of normal cornea. However, in KC, its expression was found to be extending into the anterior stromal layer. CNTF was hardly expressed in normal cornea. In KC, the entire epithelium expressed CNTF, especially in perinuclear area. NT-4 was expressed throughout the epithelium and stroma in KC. Conclusion: The change in expression of neurotrophic factors in KC may suggest that these factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of KC and serve as new markers for the progression of KC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The placement of a headless screw within the scaphoid is important for successful fixation of fractured scaphoids. We ascertained the safe position of a screw using virtual collision experiments on a three-dimensionally reconstructed scaphoid bone and screw model, and applied measured angles to simple radiographs. We used images from computed tomograms of the wrists taken from 13 men to reconstruct a three-dimensional cortical image of the scaphoid. Inside the bone, we inserted a virtually reconstructed Herbert screw model and calculated the safe angle along the long axis of the scaphoid at which the screw did not collide with the bone in any sample, then applied measured safe angles to simple anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. In all experiments, the safe angle between the screw and the anteroposterior scaphoid line (defined from the most distal portion of the scaphoid where it met the capitate to the proximal position where the lunate and capitate meet) ranged from 8°° to 27°° in the anteroposterior view, and the safe angle between the screw and the lateral scaphoid line (defined from the most volar portion of the scaphoid tuberosity to the volar position where the scaphoid faced the radius) ranged from 2°° to 26°° in the lateral view. These ranges can be used as a guide for a safe position of the screw within the scaphoid in volar percutaneous fixation of screws in scaphoid fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new all-optical wavelength conversion scheme based on a self-seeded Fabry–Perot laser diode with a chirped fiber grating as the external cavity. This converter can convert the wavelength of input optical signals into 14 discrete wavelengths with external RF modulation. We successfully demonstrate all-optical wavelength conversion at 10 Mbps. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 37: 35–36, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10817 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sloshing flows in two- and three-dimensional prismatic tanks are considered in the present paper. A finite difference method is applied for simulating violent sloshing flows and impact occurrence. The computation focuses on the global flow and assumes a single-valued free-surface profile. For the simulation of impact occurrence near sloping boundaries, the concept of a buffer zone, previously used for impact simulation on the tank ceiling, is extended to sloping boundaries near the tank ceiling. For validation of the present numerical method, a comparison is made between the computational results for two-dimensional tanks and available experimental data, for which favorable agreement is shown. It is observed that the application of a buffer zone and a time-averaging scheme mitigates the sensitivity to grid resolution and time segment. Impact pressures on sloping boundaries and the tank ceiling for three-dimensional tanks are then compared with the results for two-dimensional tanks, which show higher peak pressures for the case of three-dimensional tanks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Hypertensive disease during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality and leads to the development of multi-organ dysfunction, including kidney dysfunction. Complicated pregnancies require careful postpartum management to prevent sequelae. It is believed that kidney injury can consistently occur even after delivery; therefore, defining the chronicity and endpoint is essential for establishing diagnostic criteria. However, data on the prevalence of persistent renal complications following hypertensive disease during pregnancy are limited. In this study, we evaluated the risk of developing renal disorders in patients with a history of hypertensive disease during pregnancy., Methods: Participants who gave birth between 2009 and 2010 were followed up for 8 years after delivery. The risk of renal disorder development after delivery was determined according to a history of hypertensive disease during pregnancy. Different factors that could affect the course of pregnancy, including age, primiparity, multiple pregnancy, preexisting hypertension, pregestational diabetes, hypertensive disease during pregnancy, gestational diabetes, postpartum hemorrhage, and cesarean section, were adjusted for using the Cox hazard model., Results: Women with hypertension during pregnancy had a higher risk of developing renal disorders after delivery (0.23% vs. 1.38%; P<0.0001). This increased risk remained significant even after adjusting for covariates (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.861; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.400-4.385] and 4.209 [95% CI, 3.643-4.864]; respectively)., Conclusion: Hypertension during pregnancy can contribute to the development of renal disorders, even after delivery.

Background: Nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (NSRP) had to be performed because approximately 94% of patients are diagnosed with localized prostate cancer (PCa). Although NSRP is generally done to improve functional outcomes, erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most prevailing complications after radical prostatectomy (RP). Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is) are the most well-known treatment agent for postoperative ED. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of PDE5-Is in patients with ED after NSRP., Methods: In this systematic literature review, randomized controlled trials on the efficacy and safety of PDE5-Is in patients who underwent NSRP were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register using the OVID platform. This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Cochrane Review Methods. The quality of the evidence of the outcome data was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach., Results: A total of 14 trials involving 2,822 patients were included. Significant improvements in the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF) domain score [mean difference (MD) =4.93; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.14-5.71; P<0.00001] and erectile function recovery events [odds ratio (OR) =2.06; 95% CI: 1.45-2.94; P<0.0001] were observed after PDE5-I treatment. A higher positive response to Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) question 2 (OR =2.27; 95% CI: 1.80-2.86; P<0.00001) and question 3 (OR =2.78; 95% CI: 1.97-3.91; P<0.00001) was also found after PDE5-I treatment. However, the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was higher after PDE5-I treatment than after placebo treatment (OR =2.91; 95% CI: 1.84-4.61). Furthermore, the incidence of headache (OR =3.38; 95% CI: 2.40-4.75) and flushing (OR =9.44; 95% CI: 4.30-20.70) was also significantly higher after PDE5-I treatment (P<0.00001). In terms of the quality of the evidence of the outcome data, inconsistency problems were detected in all outcomes and imprecision problems in most outcomes., Discussion: PDE5-I treatment was more effective to placebo treatment in patients with ED after NSRP. No clinically serious complications were found in spite of the incidence of TEAEs being higher after PDE5-I treatment., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://tau.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/tau-21-881/coif). The authors report that this study was funded by the Bio & Medical Technology Development Program of the National Research Foundation and the Korean government (Ministry of Science and ICT) (No. NRF-2019M3E5D1A01069353); the funders had no role in this study. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare., (2022 Translational Andrology and Urology. All rights reserved.)

We fabricated a fiber-optic directional coupler based on evanescent field coupling between side-polished large mode area (LMA) double clad fibers (DCFs) for a high power fiber laser. The tapping ratio of the fabricated coupler was measured to be - 32 dB. The fundamental mode coupled in a core of the lower side-polished fiber (SPF) was transferred to the upper SPF without clad-mode coupling. Two SPFs were directly faced to increase an optical handling power up to 740 W. The tapping ratio of the coupler was constantly maintained at the applied laser output. The beam quality of the laser including the fabricated coupler was maintained to be 1.22, without mode distortion by the coupler.

Background: Rotator cuff tears can be asymptomatic in some cases; however, even when the tear size is small, clinical symptoms can be very severe. This suggests that symptoms of rotator cuff tears are related to factors other than the size. Although synovitis has been cited as one of the factors, there is no grading system for synovitis in rotator cuff tears. Moreover, there are few studies that evaluated the relationship between synovitis and clinical features in patients with rotator cuff tears., Methods: Patients with medium-sized rotator cuff tears, who were scheduled for arthroscopic repair, were recruited for this study. The glenohumeral joint was divided into 4 quarters. Then, vascularity and hypertrophy of the joint were graded in each quarter using a modified scoring system. Clinical assessment was performed preoperatively and at 3 months and 6 months after surgery. Finally, correlation between the severity of synovitis and clinical features was analyzed., Results: The intraobserver correlation coefficient was 0.815 to 0.918 and the interobserver correlation coefficient was 0.779 to 0.992 for the single measurement. Vascularity was significantly correlated with the range of motion, strength, and constant score within 6 months after surgery. Hypertrophy was correlated with the range of motion within 6 months after surgery., Conclusions: Synovitis in the shoulder with rotator cuff tears can be graded by using our modified scoring system. The severity of synovitis was closely related to the clinical features after surgery. Therefore, when treating patients with rotator cuff tears, treatment of synovitis should also be considered., Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported., (Copyright © 2021 by The Korean Orthopaedic Association.)

Aims: The aim of this study was to compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and the Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) score in patients treated with a volar locking plate for a distal radial fracture., Methods: This study was a retrospective review of a prospective database of 155 patients who underwent internal fixation with a volar locking plate for a distal radial fracture between August 2014 and April 2017. Data which were collected included postoperative PROMs (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE)), and SANE scores at one month (n = 153), two months (n = 155), three months (n = 144), six months (n = 128), and one year (n = 73) after operation. Patients with incomplete data were excluded from this study. Correlation and agreement between PROMs and SANE scores were evaluated. Subgroup analyses were carried out to identify correlations according to variables such as age, the length of follow-up, and subcategories of the PRWE score., Results: The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between PROMs and SANE scores was -0.76 (p < 0.001) for DASH and -0.72 (p < 0.001) for PRWE, respectively. Limits of agreement between PROMs and '100-SANE' scores were met for at least 93% of the data points. In subgroup analysis, there were significant negative correlations between PROMs and SANE scores for all age groups and for follow-up of more than six months. The correlation coefficient between PRWE subcategories and SANE score was -0.67 (p < 0.001) for PRWE pain score and -0.69 (p < 0.001) for PRWE function score, respectively., Conclusion: We found a significant correlation between postoperative SANE and PROMs in patients treated with a volar locking plate for a distal radial fracture. The SANE score is thus a reliable indicator of outcome for patients who undergo surgical treatment for a radial fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6):744-748.

We experimentally demonstrate an all-fiber high-power fiber amplifier with high beam quality and a slope efficiency of 81.8%, using a fiber-Bragg-grating-stabilized laser diode as a narrow spectral linewidth (0.08 nm) seed source. During amplification, the spectral linewidth of the laser output is broadened from 0.08 to 0.24 nm due to nonlinear phenomena. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first experimental observation of the suppression of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), with increased output power. In addition, we investigated the SBS suppression by simultaneously measuring the optical backscattered power, backscattered spectrum, and output spectrum at different values of output power. The beam quality, M 2 , was measured to be ∼1.28 at the maximum output power of 2.05 kW, and modal instability was not observed.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a very rare type of sarcoma, with an incidence of 0.001%. MPNST has a 5-year survival rate near 80%, so successful reconstruction techniques are important to ensure the patient's quality of life. Sarcoma of the forearm is known for its poor prognosis, which leads to wider excision, making reconstruction even more challenging due to the unique anatomical structure and delicate function of the forearm. A 44-year-old male presented with a large mass that had two aspects, measuring 9×6 cm and 7×5 cm, on the dorsal aspect of the right forearm. The extensor compartment muscles (EDM, EDC, EIP, EPB, EPL, ECRB, ECRL, APL) and invaded radius were resected with the mass. Tendon transfer of the entire extensor compartment with skin defect coverage using a 24×8 cm anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator free flap was performed. The patient was discharged after 18 days without wound complications, and has not complained of discomfort during supination, pronation, or wrist extension/flexion through 3 years of follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful reconstruction of the entire forearm extensor compartment with ALT free flap coverage after resection of MPNST.

Background: To date, there have been few reports on the nationwide population-based epidemiology of Dupuytren's disease (DD). We investigated the prevalence and incidence of DD in Korea using the large dataset provided by the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. This study is the second nationwide epidemiological study of DD after the study in Taiwan., Methods: Records of patients diagnosed with DD between 2007 and 2014 were extracted from the large dataset by diagnostic code searching (International Classification of Disease 10th revision code M72.0) and were included in the study. We calculated the prevalence and incidence of DD based on the total population of Korea provided by the Korean Statistical Information Service. Diseases associated with DD and the trends in surgery for DD were also analyzed., Results: A total 16,630 patients were diagnosed with DD during the study period. The mean annual prevalence was 32.2 per 100,000 population (41.8 per 100,000 for men; 22.5 per 100,000 for women). The mean annual incidence was 1.09 per 100,000 population (1.80 per 100,000 for men; 0.38 per 100,000 for women). The common diseases associated with DD were hypertension (30.5%), diabetes mellitus (26.7%), hyperlipidemia (20.4%), ischemic heart disease (7.9%), and cerebrovascular disease (4.6%). The mean annual proportion of the patients who had surgery for DD was 5.24% of all DD patients., Conclusion: The prevalence and incidence of DD in Korea were 100-1,000 times lower than those in western countries; however, it was slightly larger than that in Taiwan., Competing Interests: Disclosure: The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the incidence and seasonal variation of distal radius fractures (DRFs) in Korea., Methods: We analyzed a nationwide database acquired from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service from 2011 to 2015. We used International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision codes and procedure codes to identify patients of all ages with newly diagnosed DRFs., Results: An average of about 130,000 DRFs occurred annually in Korea. The incidence of DRF, by age group, was highest in the 10 to 14-year-old age group for males and the highest in the 70s age group for females, with a rapid increase of incidence after 50 years. The peak incidence of DRF occurred during winter; however, the incidence greatly varied annually when compared with that of other seasons. The incidence of DRFs during the winter season was correlated with the average temperature., Conclusion: The annual incidence of DRF was 130,000 in Korea. The incidence increased under an intense cold surge during winter. Active preventive measures are recommended especially in women exceeding 50 years considering the higher incidence in this age group., Competing Interests: The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose., (© 2018 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.)

The objective of this study was to investigate national surgical trends for distal radius fractures (DRFs) in Korea and analyze healthcare institution type-specific surgical trends. We analyzed a nationwide database acquired from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) from 2011 to 2015. International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) codes and procedure codes were used to identify patients aged ≥ 20 years with newly diagnosed DRFs. A total of 459,388 DRFs occurred from 2011 to 2015. The proportion of DRF cases treated by surgery tended to increase over time, from 32.6% in 2011 to 38.3% in 2015 (P < 0.001). Open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) using a plate steadily gained in popularity each year, increasing from 39.2% of overall surgeries in 2011 to 60.9% in 2015. The type of surgery for DRFs differed depending on the type of healthcare institution. ORIF (91%) was the most popular procedure in tertiary hospitals, whereas percutaneous pinning (58%) was most popular in clinics. In addition, general hospitals and hospitals with 30-100 beds used external fixation more frequently than tertiary hospitals and clinics did. Overall, our findings indicate that surgical treatment of DRF, particularly ORIF, continues to increase, and that the component ratio of operation codes differed according to the healthcare institution type., Competing Interests: The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose., (© 2017 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.)

A 53-year-old woman presented with 10-year history of pain and limited range of motion in both shoulders. Radiographs of both shoulders showed severe shoulder osteoarthritis with glenoid bone defect. Very thin rotator cuff and superior migration of the humerus were also observed on computed tomography images. We performed bony increased-offset reverse total shoulder arthroplasty on her both shoulders. The patient had a good clinical outcome without any particular complication., (Copyright © 2016 Turkish Association of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)