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The objective of this study is to test the applicability of Mechanomyographic (MMG) sensors for the diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) as well as for the follow-up of the post-surgical evolution. After reviewing the literature, three types of MMG sensors (force sensor, accelerometer and infrared) had been selected to compare with the Electromyographic (EMG) signal widely used in clinical evaluation. Three tests (two static and one dynamic) were then defined to evaluate thenar atrophy and thumb opposition strength as well as grip strength. This paper makes a description of the tests that had been carried out, starting from the procedure implemented for the application of the sensors and ending at the method used for sensor readout. Preliminary results obtained from a sample of twelve volunteers, which includes one with CTS surgery performed less than six months ago, are promising namely those from the measurement of thumb opposition strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, large language models, such as ChatGPT, have emerged as promising tools to facilitate scientific research and health care management. The present study aimed to explore the extent of knowledge possessed by ChatGPT concerning carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a compressive neuropathy that may lead to impaired hand function and that is frequently encountered in the field of hand surgery. Six questions pertaining to diagnosis and management of CTS were posed to ChatGPT. The responses were subsequently analyzed and evaluated based on their accuracy, coherence, and comprehensiveness. In addition, ChatGPT was requested to provide five high-level evidence references in support of its answers. A simulated doctor-patient consultation was also conducted to assess whether ChatGPT could offer safe medical advice. ChatGPT supplied clinically relevant information regarding CTS, although at a relatively superficial level. In the context of doctor-patient interaction, ChatGPT suggested a diagnostic pathway that deviated from the widely accepted clinical consensus on CTS diagnosis. Nevertheless, it incorporated differential diagnoses and valuable management options for CTS. Although ChatGPT demonstrated the ability to retain and recall information from previous patient conversations, it infrequently produced pertinent references, many of which were either nonexistent or incorrect. ChatGPT displayed the capability to deliver validated medical information on CTS to nonmedical individuals. However, the generation of nonexistent and inaccurate references by ChatGPT presents a challenge to academic integrity. To increase their utility in medicine and academia, large language models must go through specialized reputable data set training and validation from experts. It is essential to note that at present, large language models cannot replace the expertise of health care professionals and may act as a supportive tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrile rubber (NBR) and polysulfides are two classes of polymers known for their resistance against swelling when in direct contact with hydrocarbon-based oils and non-polar solvents. In this study nitrile rubber (NBR) and a cyclic tetrasulfide (CTS) are combined with a goal of achieving a rubber blend that has superior properties than of each component. The role of CTS in the blend is discussed, as it presents several functions. This study represents a fundamental analysis of NBR-CTS blends, starting with polymeric phase analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Thermodynamic compatibility studies are deployed in this study to illustrate the materials' compatibility. Mechanical properties with an emphasis on Payne effect were also studied for blends of NBR-CTS. The synergistic effect found between NBR and CTS can be further expanded in a practical application of rapid gas decompression test as a side-by-side comparison for NBR and NBR-CTS blend compounds. This type of polymer blend represents a potential replacement of fluoroelastomers. • Rubber compound based on a polymer blend of ethylene nitrile rubber (NBR) and cyclic tetrasulfide (CTS). • CTS is a reactive low molecular weight polymer, which can act as a sulfur donor and coagent. • Polymer blend represents as a potential replacement of fluoroelastomers. • Rapid gas decompression compound. • Improvement of Payne effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review summarizes the evidence on associations between physical and psychosocial work-related exposures and the development of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Relevant databases were searched up to January 2020 for cohort studies reporting associations between work-related physical or psychosocial risk factors and the incidence of CTS. Two independent reviewers selected eligible studies, extracted relevant data, and assessed risk of bias (RoB). We identified fourteen articles for inclusion which reported data from nine cohort studies. Eight reported associations between physical exposure and the incidence of CTS and five reported associations between psychosocial exposures and the incidence of CTS. Quality items were generally rated as unclear or low RoB. Work-related physical exposure factors including high levels of repetition, velocity, and a combination of multiple physical exposures were associated with an increased risk of developing CTS. No other consistent associations were observed for physical or psychosocial exposures at work and CTS incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ITER Collective Thomson Scattering (CTS) diagnostic system is designed to analyze the alpha particles resulting from Deuterium-Tritium fusion reactions. It consists of one launcher and nine receiver transmission lines. The launcher line transports the high-power microwave emission of 1.2 MW from the gyrotron source to the front-end, while the receiver lines transport the collected microwave emission from the front-end and distribute it to the instrumentation in the Diagnostic Building. Due to the high power transported in the launcher line, it has to be water-cooled to minimize the thermal expansion resulting from the heating caused by the power losses. Therefore, this work primarily focuses on establishing the cooling system parameters for the launcher TL to ensure efficient dissipation of the ohmic losses, while meeting the ITER cooling requirements. Once the parameters of the water cooling system are defined, a thermo-mechanical analysis of the most critical components is performed to assess their temperature distribution and deformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Soil improvement showed a high water purification performance in the CTS than CSZ. • DOM showed a relatively high humification and aromaticity in the CTS conditioner. • The CTS improved soil was more effective in reducing fluorescent DOM than in CSW. • The binding sites and sequences of DOM-metals can be influenced by soil improvement. • The study can provide a guide for the treatment of agricultural NPS pollution. An experimental simulation device was used to evaluate the water purification performance of soil improved with two different conditioners, which were cornstalk and zeolite (CSZ), turf and quartz sand (CTS) in this study. The results showed that the removal rates for total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) reached 75.58%, 25.71%, 68.37%, and 64.67%, respectively, for CSZ, and 85.09%, 92.75%, 76.71%, and 98.33%, respectively, for CTS, suggesting that soil improvement showed higher water purification performance with the CTS conditioner than with the CSZ conditioner. The structure, composition, and source of dissolved organic matter (DOM) were probed using ultraviolet visible (UV–Vis) spectra and fluorescence spectra. The spectral parameters indicated that the CTS conditioner-improved soil showed a relatively high humification and aromaticity of DOM, and a relatively higher contribution of organic matter derived from microbial substances. In addition, the results of 2D-COS suggested that the binding sites and sequences can be significantly influenced by soil improvement, and vary between the two kinds of conditioners. The CTS-improved soil was more effective in reducing fluorescent DOM than was the CSW-improved soil. This study can provide a scientific foundation for the treatment of agricultural non-point source (NPS) pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In ITER, the window assemblies will be subjected to the combination of loads due to stray radiation and neutron streaming. Therefore, adequate tests are needed to qualify the windows for the hostile environmental conditions. In ITER, two main systems will generate high power waves in the millimeter range: the Collective Thomson Scattering (CTS) system, with a total power of 1 MW at 60 GHz, and the Electron Cyclotron Resonant Heating (ECRH) system, with a maximum power of 20 MW at 170 GHz. In particular operating conditions, a significant power fraction can be deflected in other ports as stray radiation. High levels of stray radiation could damage diagnostic windows that are safety relevant components. The radiation absorbed by the fused silica window assemblies on ports #11 and #12 have been evaluated in detail. The possible effects of gamma and neutron flux on the dielectric permittivity and loss tangent, determining the absorption, have also been reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work photocatalytic and electrocatalytic activity of CTS-GO and CTS-rGO composites synthesized by ball milling method has been studied. The as synthesized composites were characterized for their structural, morphological and optical properties. Compared to as prepared (Cu 3 SnS 4) CTS; (Cu 3 SnS 4 -Graphene Oxide) CTS-GO and (Cu 3 SnS 4 -reduced Graphene Oxide) CTS-rGO composites showed enhanced electrocatalytic and photocatalytic activity. Electrocatalytic activity experiments demonstrated that the CTS-GO and CTS-rGO composites exhibited large cathode current density, small Tafel slope and high stability in acidic medium. The photocatalytic activity of CTS-GO and CTS-rGO composites under the irradiation of visible light was evaluated by determining the degradation of methylene blue (MB). The CTS-GO and CTS-rGO composites exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to bare CTS. The enhanced photocatalysis is due to the reduction in the recombination of the generated charge carriers, the increased absorption of light and improved dye absorptive with the incorporation of GO and rGO in CTS. The simple and efficient mechano-chemical strategy (ball milling) for preparation of the catalyst is more applicable to industrial production. Unlabelled Image • CTS, CTS-GO and CTS-rGO are prepared via ball milling method. • The prepared catalyst has been studied for its electrocatalytic and photocatalystic performance. • CTS-GO and CTS-rGO catalyst showed excellent electrocatalytic and photocatalytic performance. • The possible electrocatalytic and photocatalytic mechanism has been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Inhibited movement patterns of carpal tunnel structures have been found in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients. Motion analysis on ultrasound images allows us to non-invasively study the (relative) movement of carpal tunnel structures and recently a speckle tracking method using singular value decomposition (SVD) has been proposed to optimize this tracking. This study aims to assess the reliability of longitudinal speckle tracking with SVD in both healthy volunteers and patients with CTS. Images from sixteen healthy volunteers and twenty-two CTS patients were used. Ultrasound clips of the third superficial flexor tendon and surrounding subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) were acquired during finger flexion-extension. A custom made tracking algorithm was used for the analysis. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated using a single measure, two-way random model with absolute agreement and Bland-Altman plots were added for graphical representation. ICC values varied between 0.73 and 0.95 in the control group and 0.66–0.98 in the CTS patients, with the majority of the results classified as good to excellent. Tendon tracking showed higher reliability values compared to the SSCT, but values between the control and CTS groups were comparable. Speckle tracking with SVD can reliably be used to analyze longitudinal movement of anatomical structures with different sizes and compositions within the context of the carpal tunnel in both a healthy as well as a pathological state. Based on these results, this technique also holds relevant potential for areas where ultrasound based dynamic imaging requires quantification of motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cu 2 SnS 3 thin films have been deposited by using non-vacuum spray pyrolysis technique on soda lime glass substrates from single aqueous solution containing all the constituents. The effect of post deposition annealing of the Cu 2 SnS 3 thin films on the composition, structural, optical and electrical properties has been studied. The XRD study reveals that vacuum annealing of the thin film gives rise to the evolution of Cu x S y secondary phases by the loss of elemental tin, while the annealing held at sulphur atmosphere increases the crystallinity of the film without giving rise to any secondary phases. The Cu 2 SnS 3 phase with preferred orientation along the (112) crystal direction grew to greater extent upon sulphur annealing associated with an improvement in the optical band gap. From the Raman analysis it was observed that as-deposited films are dominated by the presence of tetragonal crystal symmetry of the Cu 2 SnS 3 phase. Upon vacuum annealing the peak appearing at 474 cm−1 grows to greater extent which corresponds to CuS phase, and is in good agreement with the XRD spectra. Eventually its sulphur annealing gives the pure phase of Cu 2 SnS 3 with dominating tetragonal crystal structure. Highlights • Cu 2 SnS 3 thin films deposited by spray pyrolysis technique from single aqueous solution. • Additional step of post annealing has shown to improve physical properties suitable for photovoltaic applications. • Vacuum and sulphur based annealing conducted to compare the resulting film properties. • Raman analysis shows that sulphur annealing could eliminate the possibility of undesired secondary phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present paper demonstrates an easy and scalable mechanochemical synthesis of ternary sulfide Cu 2 SnS 3 (CTS) as a promising solar cell absorber. For the synthesis, pre-milled nanoparticles of CuS and SnS were used. The pure CTS phase was readily obtained after 60 min of milling in a laboratory planetary ball mill and 240 min in an industrial eccentric vibration industrial mill, respectively. The reaction progress of laboratory scale synthesis was studied by the quantitative Rietveld analysis. The reaction speed reaches its maximum at 4.6 min and the reaction is completed at approximately 60 min, according to the fitted data. The products of the syntheses were further characterized by X-ray powder diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The results revealed formation of near-stoichiometric CTS nanoparticles with tetragonal I -42 m symmetry. An average crystallites size of approximately 10–15 nm was determined for CTS phase. The SEM images support quintessential polydisperse character of the powders obtained by ball-milling approach. The materials seem to be suitable for photovoltaic applications with the band-gap energies of approximately 1.16–1.19 eV. Highlights • Cu 2 SnS 3 (CTS) is considered as one of the possible solar cell absorber materials. • CTS nanocrystals may be synthesized via eco-friendly unassuming mechanochemical reaction. • Quintessential polydisperse CTS nanocrystal system is obtained by ball-milling method. • The band-gap energies of 1.16–1.19 eV calculated for CTS nanocrystals are suitable for photovoltaic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Collective Thomson Scattering (CTS) will be the ITER diagnostic responsible for measuring the alpha-particle velocity distribution. Using mirrors, a powerful microwave beam is directed into the plasma via an opening in the plasma-facing wall. The microwaves will scatter off fluctuations in the plasma, and the scattered signal is recorded after transmission through a series of mirrors and waveguides. Several components of the CTS system will be directly exposed to neutron radiation from the plasma which can change the properties of the components and reduce their lifetime. In this paper, a neutronics analysis is presented for the CTS system. A study on the influence of different materials on the nuclear heat loads in the launcher mirror is also presented, along with the design of a simple cooling system. All the studies were conducted using the Monte Carlo program MCNP6. The outputs, in particular the nuclear heat loads, will be used to perform the thermal analysis of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conceptual design of a cooling system for the launcher and receiver mirrors of ITER Low Field Side (LFS) Collective Thomson Scattering (CTS) diagnostic is presented. It is motivated by the fact that these mirrors are subjected to high thermal loads, e.g., neutron fluxes, that lead to maximum temperatures above the required maximum operational temperature of 450 °C for the material (SS 316L(N)-IG). Thus, it is necessary to develop a cooling system capable of maintaining the maximum temperatures of the mirrors below 450 °C, while complying with the CTS and nuclear fusion requirements. Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Finite Element (FE) models of the mirrors with different cooling channel geometries are developed. Steady state and transient thermal Finite Element Analyses (FEA) considering different mass flow rates are conducted for the assessment of the feasible solutions. The results obtained are conclusive, i.e., the cooling requirements are verified and with one of the proposed configurations it is possible to decrease the maximum temperatures of the SS 316L(N)-IG launcher and receiver mirrors from 2307 °C and 1064 °C to 381 °C and 147 °C, respectively, which, corresponds to a maximum temperature decrease of 83% and 86%, respectively. In future works, fatigue and creep analyses shall be implemented for stress and deformation assessment of the mirrors and respective reflective surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and physical properties of thin films of ternary photovoltaic absorber Cu 2 SnS 3 on soda-lime glass substrate deposited by cost effective spray pyrolysis following a hybrid thermal annealing (HTA) have been investigated. The advantage of HTA-sulfurization over standard thermal annealing (STA) and rapid thermal annealing (RTA) is established for Cu 2 SnS 3 (CTS). The X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy reveals highly phase pure Cu 2 SnS 3 is produced through effective relaxation of compressive stress and increased crystallinity by the HTA-sulfurization step. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) reveals that the evolution of secondary phases, Cu x S y ( x, y : 116, 64; 2, 1; 1.8, 1; 51, 27; 6, 6 etc) could be effectively prevented by the HTA process over the STA and RTA. The optimized HTA-CTS thin films obtained are of p -type conductivity with the carrier concentration, resistivity and mobility of 5.5 × 10 20  cm −3 , 9.8 × 10 −3 Ω-cm and 1.15 cm 2 V −1 s −1 , respectively. The optical band gap of about 1.65 eV with large absorption coefficient of 10 5  cm −1 demonstrates it as an ideal candidate for thin film solar cells. A solar cell configuration of glass/F:SnO 2 /CTS/CdS/ZnO:Al/Al shows an open circuit voltage of 225 mV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synchoros VLSI design style has been proposed as an alternative to standard cell-based design. Standard cells are replaced by synchoros, large grain, VLSI design objects called SiLago (Silicon Lego) blocks. This new design style eliminates the need to synthesise ad hoc wires of any type: functional and infrastructural. SiLago blocks are organised into region instances. In a region instance, communication amongst SiLago blocks is synchronous and happens over a regional network on chip (NoC), whose fragments are also absorbed into SiLago blocks. Consequently, the regional NoCs get created by the abutment of SiLago blocks. The clock tree used in a region is called a regional clock tree (RCT). The synchoros VLSI design style requires that the RCT, like the regional NoCs, is also created by abutting its fragments. The RCT fragments are absorbed within the SiLago blocks. The RCT created by the abutment is not an ad-hoc clock tree but a structured and predictable design with known cost metrics. The design of such an RCT is the focus of this paper. The scheme is scalable, and we demonstrate that the proposed RCT can be generated for valid VLSI designs of ∼1.5 million gates. The RCT created by abutment is correct by construction, and its properties are predictable. Additionally, we present an in-depth description of the method used to find the optimal configuration for the proposed design. We have validated the generated RCTs with static timing analysis to validate the correct-by-construction claim. Finally, we show that the cost metrics of the SiLago RCT is comparable to the one generated by commercial EDA tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu 2 (Sn,Ge)S 3 has recently emerged as an absorber layer for single junction thin film solar cells, already achieving power conversion efficiencies of up to 6.7%. Electrodeposition of metallic precursors and their subsequent annealing is an attractive synthesis method for such solar cell absorber layers, since it does not require vacuum conditions and little energy is consumed. The aqueous electrodeposition of metallic germanium based on current knowledge is limited to very thin layers, which do not provide the stoichiometric amount of material required for thick semiconductor layers. Therefore we introduce an electrodeposition method for the growth of germanium-containing precursors for Cu 2 (Sn,Ge)S 3 , using propylene-glycol-based electrolytes. These baths do not require additives, give rates of germanium electrodeposition higher than other plating baths and are cheap. The electrochemical behaviour of copper, tin and germanium in propylene glycol was studied and the corresponding deposits were characterised. Smooth and compact layers of each of the pure elements were deposited. Additionally, the co-electrodeposition of copper and germanium was studied as well and thin films containing the alloy Cu 3 Ge and metallic copper were obtained. A constant [Cu]/[Ge] ratio of around 3 was found over a wide potential range, with a higher plating efficiency than that of pure germanium. For these reasons, copper and germanium were incorporated into the precursor via the referred co-deposition method. After thermal annealing in the presence of elemental sulphur, the semiconductor Cu 2 (Sn,Ge)S 3 was successfully formed and it was incorporated in a working solar cell structure with efficiency of 0.7% [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The clinical description of a novel TTR gene mutation characterized by a late onset amyloid cardiomyopathy. Methods and Results A 78-year-old man of Dutch origin with recent surgery for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was admitted to our hospital because of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (55%). Cardiac ultrasound showed thickened biventricular walls, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging also showed late gadolinium enhancement. Early signs of a polyneuropathy were found by neurophysiological testing. A few months later, his 72-year-old sister was admitted to an affiliated hospital because of heart failure caused by a restrictive cardiomyopathy. In both patients, a subcutaneous abdominal fat aspirate was stained with Congo red and DNA was analyzed by direct sequencing of exons 1 to 4 of the transthyretin ( TTR ) gene. Both fat aspirates revealed transthyretin-derived (ATTR) amyloid. 99m Tc-diphosphonate scintigraphy further confirmed cardiac ATTR amyloidosis in the male patient. DNA analysis of both patients showed a novel TTR mutation c.194C > G that encodes for the gene product TTR (p.A65G) ending up as the mature protein TTR A45G. The 56-year-old daughter of the male patient had the same TTR mutation. A full diagnostic workup did not reveal any signs of amyloidosis yet. Conclusions A novel amyloidogenic TTR mutation was found in a Dutch family. The clinical presentation of ATTR A45G amyloidosis in the affected family members was heart failure due to a late-onset cardiomyopathy. The systemic nature of this disease was reflected by bilateral CTS and by early signs of a polyneuropathy in the index patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, for the first time, we report the fabrication of Cu 2 SnS 3 (CTS)/CdS heterojunction for room temperature (27 °C) liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sensing. The heterojunction is formed between sputter deposited CTS thin films and chemically bath deposited CdS thin films. The structural, morphological and optical properties of the thin films are evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and UV–visible spectroscopy techniques, respectively. The fabricated heterojunction quality is evaluated from the forward biased current-voltage (I-V) study and the influence of annealing treatment of p-CTS thin film on LPG sensing properties of the heterojunction has been investigated. The CTS/CdS heterojunction exhibits maximum LPG response of 56% at room temperature under exposure of 780 ppm LPG concentration with 31s and 56s response and recovery time, respectively. The device retained 95% gas sensing stability after time period of 60 days suggesting that the fabricated CTS/CdS heterojunction is reliable and promising for LPG sensing. The factors affecting LPG sensing performance and plausible gas sensing mechanism are discussed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although studies based on satellite gravimetry (2003 − 2010) and laser altimetry (2003–2009) measurements have achieved region-wide glacier mass change for the Tien Shan, the dynamic process of glacier yet to be closely monitored and understood so that its impact can be assessed accurately. In this study, we investigated region-wide glacier thickness change in the Central Tien Shan (CTS) during 2000–2012 by differencing the Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) digital elevation model (DEM) with a newly constructed DEM from 27 TanDEM-X images. For a total glacier area of 7239.8 ± 527.2 km 2 , an average glacier thickness change rate of − 0.24 ± 0.22 m/a was derived. This result agrees well with the result based on satellite laser altimetry measurements reported earlier (− 0.31 ± 0.41 m/a). With temporal synchronization, a fine spatial resolution and wide coverage, our measurements are able to reveal abundant glacier change features and dependencies in the CTS. Firstly, the lower mountains have seen a more severe glacier decline, and the glaciers facing the prevailing wind (westerlies) have experienced a greater decline because of the stronger evaporation. Furthermore, those glaciers lying along the extremely high Meridian mountain range have obviously gained mass in their upper reaches, because the air current from the west is blocked and lifted by the Meridian mountain range. Secondly, for the entire glacier body, the theoretical hyperbolic dependence between debris thickness and ice decline was very difficult to establish. Some huge glaciers covered by heavy debris have still experienced a severe decline. However, even though the heavy debris did not prevent the ablation, its attenuating effects were considerable. Thirdly, for the glaciers that surged before 2000, the mass gain in the restoring zones has not been enough to cover the mass loss in ablation zones. Some large glaciers surged again during 2000–2012; however, with much lower magnitudes than in previous surges. In general, the surge glaciers have experienced a greater decline than the non-surge glaciers. Fourthly, due to the ice front calving and subglacial thermal erosion, glaciers connected to proglacial lakes have receded and thinned much more rapidly than the land-terminated glaciers. Overall, the glaciers in the CTS are more stable than those in other parts of the Tien Shan. However, the glacier state there is still alarming. A moderate average thinning rate was derived because the drastic thinning in the ablation zones was balanced by the slight thinning in the broad accumulation zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main function of the Collective Thomson Scattering (CTS) diagnostic system for ITER is to diagnose the alpha particles resulting from Deuterium-Tritium fusion reactions. It consists of a microwave scattering diagnostic with a probing frequency of 60 GHz and emitted power of 1.2 MW from the gyrotron, with one launcher and nine receiver transmission lines. The CTS will be installed in the equatorial port EP#12, which is one of the ports that have to be operational for the ITER First Plasma. The transmission lines outside the Port Plug (Ex-PP) are routed through the Interspace, Port Cell, Gallery, Assembly Building and Diagnostic Building, reaching more than 100 m in length. The preliminary design of the ex-PP components is currently being undertaken in the framework of an Implementing Agreement between ITER Organization, the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) and CIEMAT. Within this collaboration, CIEMAT is responsible for the structural analyses and calculations required to ensure the structural integrity and performance of the preliminary design of the Ex-PP transmission line components, which will be summarized in this paper. In this work, the required analysis and calculations will be presented together with the redesign performed for the transmission lines in order to guarantee that their components will withstand the loads defined in the Ex-PP CTS Load Specifications. The evaluation of the structural integrity of the CTS Ex-PP components will be carried out in accordance with the 2007 RCC-MR Code for mechanical components in nuclear installations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adjusting of sulfur content and amount of doping in Cu 2 SnS 3 (CTS), as absorber layer for solar cell, is a promising approach to fabricate thin film solar cells with high performance. In this work, the effect of different amounts of sulfur in the sulfurization process and the percentage of Sb doping in the films were studied. The physical properties of un-doped and doped CTS thin films were investigated. The pure and doped CTS thin films showed a monoclinic structure, with a larger grain size under the influence of Sb doping. XPS analysis demonstrated that Cu, Sn, S, and Sb oxidation states were +1, +4, −2, and +3, respectively. The Sb-doped sample for 25 min (25Sb) has a higher Cu+1/Cu+2 ratio than other samples and no satellite peak of Sn+2 was observed as compared to other levels of doping samples. This concluded that the Cu species in the 25Sb film experienced a more Cu-rich chemical environment. Both PL and UV–Vis spectroscopy were used to obtain the optical properties. Hall Effect was applied to measure the electrical properties of un-doped and doped CTS films. The pure and Sb-doped CTS solar cells were fabricated by optimization of Sb doping time and sulfur amount. The conversion efficiency of the prepared solar cell was 2.13% when fabricated with CTS layer that treated with 25 min of Sb doping and 100 mg of sulfur, whereas the efficiency of the un-doped CTS solar cell at the same sulfur amount was just 0.615%. • Cu 2 SnS 3 thin films are synthesized using RF magnetron sputtering technique. • Sulfurization condition was applied to indicate monoclinic CTS thin films. • The physical properties of the pure and doping films were investigated. • The effect of Sb doping on CTS are improved the solar cell performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we determine experimentally the dielectric function of monoclinic Cu 2 SnS 3 (CTS) by spectroscopic ellipsometry from 0.7 to 5.9 eV. An experimental approach is proposed to overcome the challenges of extracting the dielectric function of Cu 2 SnS 3 when grown on a glass/Mo substrate, as relevant for photovoltaic applications. The ellipsometry measurement reveals a double absorption onset at 0.91 eV and 0.99 eV. Importantly, we demonstrate that calculation within the density functional theory (DFT) confirms this double onset only when a very dense k -mesh is used to reveal fine details in the electronic structure, and this can explain why it has not been reported in earlier calculated spectra. We can now show that the double onset originates from optical transitions at the Γ -point from three energetically close-lying valence bands to a single conduction band. Thus, structural imperfection, like secondary phases, is not needed to explain such an absorption spectrum. Finally, we show that the absorption coefficient of CTS is particularly large in the near-band gap spectral region when compared to similar photovoltaic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The direct causes of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are still unknown. It is suggested that pathology of the tendons and other connective tissue structures within the carpal tunnel may play a role in its aetiology. Variants in genes encoding connective tissue proteins, such as type V collagen, have previously been associated with CTS. Since variants within other collagen genes, such as type I, XI and XII collagen, have previously been associated with modulating the risk of musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries, the aim of this study was to determine whether variants within COL1A1 , COL11A1 , COL11A2 and COL12A1 were associated with CTS. Methods Self-reported Coloured South African participants, with a history of carpal tunnel release surgery (CTS, n = 103) and matched control (CON, n = 150) participants without any reported history of CTS symptoms were genotyped for COL1A1 rs1800012 (G/T), COL11A1 rs3753841 (T/C), COL11A1 rs1676486 (C/T), COL11A2 rs1799907 (T/A) and COL12A1 rs970547 (A/G). Results The TT genotype of COL11A1 rs3753841 was significantly over-represented in the CTS group (21.4%) compared to CON group (7.9%, p = 0.004). Furthermore, a trend for the T minor allele to be over-represented in the CTS group (p = 0.055) with a significant association when only female participants (p = 0.036) were investigated was observed. Constructed inferred pseudo-haplotypes including a previously investigated COL5A1 variant, rs71746744 (−/AGGG), suggest gene–gene interactions between COL5A1 and COL11A1 modulate the risk of CTS. Discussion These findings provide further information of the role of the genetic risk factors and the possible role of variations in collagen fibril composition in the aetiology of CTS. Genetic factors could potential be included in models developed to identify indivisuals at risk of CTS. Strategies that target modifiable risk factors to mitigate the effect of non-modifiable risk factors, such as the genetic risk, could be also developed to reduce incidence and morbidity of CTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work,a simple and low cost route is proposed to fabricate pure Cu 2 SnS 3 and Cu 2 XSnS 4 (X:Cu,Mg) thin films.The Cu 2 XSnS 4 (X:Cu,Mg) film was synthesized by a novel dual source ultrasonic co-spray method for the first time.The structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of the films were well investigated.All the films show different structure,satisfactory morphology and p-type conductivity with a minimum resistivity of 4.82×10 −3 Ω cm for Cu 2 CuSnS 4 . Optical properties suggest the samples have band gap values of 1.4 eV, 1.65 eV and 1.76 eV for Cu 2 SnS 3 ,Cu 2 CuSnS 4 and Cu 2 MgSnS 4 respectively, which is the optimal value for high efficient single or tandom thin film solar cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the median nerve is compressed leading to changes in the fibrous microstructure, whereby the diffusion of water molecules also loses its anisotropy. Decreased FA and increased MD were found in group comparison studies (Carpal tunnel syndrome compared to normal control). A DTI sequence was optimized to visualize median nerve fiber with a hand 13 Chanel coil in an MRI 1.5 T. FA and MD values are diffusion parameters that can be extracted for whole tract and focal ROI by inline application software of MRI Siemens Amira 1.5 T at the hospital of Hue University. Our study aims to evaluate the quality of the median nerve tractography and compare diffusion tensor parameters (FA, MD) between groups with and without carpal tunnel syndrome. The population includes 35 CTS wrists and 08 healthy wrists. DTI sequence has been done for 43 wrists on 16 channels hand coil of MRI Siemens Amira 1.5T. Median nerve tractography was reconstructed by Neuro3D application software (Syngo MR E11) and fussed on DESS 3D isotropic data. A radiologist and a radiographer with ten years of experiment in the MRI field evaluated the image quality of DTI tractography following the 4-point Likert scale (poor, average, good, excellent). Four seed region was set at four levels of the wrist (pronator quadratus, pisiform, hamate, hook of hamate). DTI quantitative parameters were extracted from each seed level and from the whole nerve fiber that propagated from each seed. Descriptive statistic test, independent sample t-test, and paired sample t-test (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY) were launched to check tractography quality and evaluate the correlation of diffusion tensor parameters between groups. A p-value less than 0.05 is considered to be a statistically significant value. There was no significant difference in terms of age, gender, BMI, and sides between groups (p > 0.05). DTI provided a very good median never fiber tractography and it branches with average score are 3.60 ± 0.54 (test value was 3, p < 0.01) and 3.72 ± 0.45 (test value was 3, p < 0.01) in radiologist and radiographer evaluation respectively. 93.02 % DTI wrist shows the best visualization median never and its branches. The whole tract quantitative shows decreased mean FA and increased mean MD in CTS compared to controls significantly with p < 0.05 at all four levels. The same results were also found when analyzing DTI parameters at individual seed ROIs. The optimized DTI sequence with 16 channels hand coil shows the best visualization of the median nerve and its branches. Decreased FA and increased MD was found in the CTS group compared to the healthy control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive radio is a wireless technology that provides solution to meet scarcity of radio spectrum. Here primary channel sensing and selection of appropriate vacant channel for communication by secondary users are two important tasks. In this paper various primary channel selection techniques has been studied. This paper also presents an idea to design a contention based channel selection algorithm using a structure called Preferable Channel List (PCL) where receiver plays a dominating role in channel selection process. The algorithm will avoid collision and perform RTS-CTS contention for data transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ternary Cu x Sn y S z thin films with different Cu/Sn atomic ratios and thicknesses have been electrochemically deposited on the (111) face of a silver single crystal. The surface morphology and chemical composition of these chalcogenides, which have attracted considerable worldwide interest as low cost high conversion efficiency photovoltaic devices, have been characterized by means of SEM, parallel angle resolved (PAR-XPS) and TOF-SIMS depth profiling in order to gain insight into the morphology and element distribution within the layer and their effect on the band gap. This study constitutes the first in-depth chemical study on Cu x Sn y S z thin films, providing evidence of notable discrepancies between the expected and real composition, especially regarding the Cu/Sn ratio. The samples were found to be chemically homogeneous through the whole deposit even though strongly tin depleted regardless their thickness or deposition sequence. Finally, the literature band gap data were discussed on the basis of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has identified DNA sequence variants within genes encoding structural components of the collagen fibril, the basic structural unit of tendons, to modify the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Since the expression of these previously associated genes are regulated by cytokine and growth factor signalling pathways, the aim of this study was to determine whether variants within these cell signalling pathway genes, namely interleukin 1β ( IL-1β ), IL-6 , interleukin 6 receptor ( IL-6R ) and vascular endothelial growth factor A( VEGFA ), are also associated with CTS. One hundred and three self-reported Coloured participants, with a history of carpal tunnel release surgery (CTS) and 149 matched control participants (CON) without any reported history of CTS symptoms were genotyped for the functional IL-1β rs16944 (-511C/T), IL-6 rs1800795 (− 174G/C), IL-6R rs2228145 (C/A) and VEGFA rs699947 (− 2578C/A) variants. Only the IL-6R variant was significantly associated with CTS (p = 0.005, OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.22–0.75). When the previously reported associated COL5A1 and BGN variants were included in the analysis, gene–gene interactions were also shown to significantly modulate the risk of CTS. In conclusion, the AA genotype of IL-6R rs2228145 was independently associated with reduced risk of CTS in a South African Coloured population. The IL-6R variant interacted with the previously reported COL5A1 and BGN variants to modulate CTS risk. This highlights that interleukin and growth factor gene variants should also be considered, in addition to the extracellular matrix proteins, for future research in determining the aetiology of CTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) actively search for medical information on the Internet. The World Wide Web represents the main source of patient information. The aim of this study was to systematically assess the quality of patient information about CTS in the Internet. A qualitative and quantitative assessment of websites was performed with the modified Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP) tool that contains 36 standardized items. Five hundred websites with information on CTS treatment options were identified through Google, Bing, Yahoo, Ask.com and AOL. Duplicates and irrelevant websites were excluded. One hundred and ten websites were included. Only five websites addressed more than 20 items; quality scores were not significantly different between the various providing groups. A median of 15 EQIP items was found, with the top website addressing 26 out of 36 items. Major complications such as median nerve injury were reported in 27% of the websites and their treatment in only 3%. This analysis revealed several critical shortcomings in the quality of the information provided to patients suffering from CTS. There is a collective need to provide interactive, informative and educational websites for standard procedures in hand surgery. These websites should be compatible with international quality standards for hand surgery procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a 3-dimensional atom probe (or atom probe tomography) method, we measured the composition ratios around the grain boundaries of Cu 2 Sn 1- x Ge x S 3 (CTGS) films used for the bottom cells of thin-film double-junction solar cells. We found that the Ge composition ratio at the grain boundaries in the CTGS films was higher than that inside the grains when the films were fabricated by co-sputtering depositions of Cu and Sn followed by sulfurizations with S and GeS 2 vapors. We also evaluated the bandgaps of Cu 2 Sn 1- x Ge x S 3 with changing the x value by measuring external quantum efficiency spectra of the solar cells. From these results, we have obtained the energy level diagram around the grain boundaries, and revealed that the conduction band minimum at the grain boundaries is 0.05 eV higher than that inside the grains, which suppresses recombination of photogenerated carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The causes of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) remain unknown and the involvement of the tendons within the carpal tunnel structure in the aetiology of CTS cannot be excluded. Variants within the COL5A1 gene, an important regulator of fibril assembly in tendons, have previously been associated with modulating the risk of CTS. Furthermore, proteoglycans are also important structural components of tendons and variants within the aggrecan gene are associated with musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries. The aim of this study was to determine whether ACAN and BGN variants are associated with CTS. Self-reported Coloured participants (n = 99), with a history of CTS release surgery (CTS), and 136 control participants, with no history of CTS symptoms (CON), were genotyped for ACAN rs1516797(G/T) and BGN rs1126499(C/T) variants. The BGN CC genotype was significantly over-represented (p = 0.0498; OR = 0.545, 95% CI = 0.30–0.99) in the CON group (71.8%) versus the CTS (58.1%) group. When the previously reported associated COL5A1 genotypes were included in the analysis, COL5A1 and BGN gene–gene interactions were also shown to significantly modulate the risk of CTS in females. In conclusion this is the first study to report that variants within the BGN gene, independently and by interacting with COL5A1 variants, are associated with CTS. Further studies are required to replicate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Like deafness due to noise, patients with hand arm vibration-syndrome (HAVS) present with numbness due to vibratory impact. [•] Using conventional electrophysiology and quantitative sensory testing, the findings of the present study are consistent with the concept of a sensory damage related to the frequencies of the vibrating devices employed. [•] The frequency of occurrence of a carpal tunnel syndrome in HAVS was not increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: MucK is a member of the major facilitator super family (MFS) and is within a subgroup involved in the uptake of organic acids. Here, we provide the first evidence that mucK is required for normal body color pattern in insect larvae. In the cts mutant strain of Bombyx mori (Linnaeus), the larval anal plates, prothoracic tergum, and the head are reddish brown, as opposed to the white color found in the wild type. Positional cloning of the cts gene was carried out and it was mapped within 90kb on the 16th chromosome. Two molecular markers, 182A4 and 242GA, were found co-segregated with the cts phenotype. Only one candidate gene in the region, BGIBMGA013242, which codes for a major facilitator super family protein named BmMucK, located between the two loci. Sequence analysis revealed that a ∼3kb deletion in the genome resulting in a 126bp deletion in the open reading frame (ORF) of BmmucK in the cts mutant. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and quantitative reverse transcription PCR showed that BmmucK expression coincided with reddish brown pigmented regions in the cts mutant strain. BmmucK expression in the head and anal plates were markedly elevated at the molting stages. We performed RNA interference of the mucK homolog in Tribolium castaneum and observed brown coloration accompanied by lethality in ∼1/3 of the insects. The results suggest that MucK plays an important role in the pigmentation process of insect larvae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Judd–Ofelt parameters of Eu3+-doped alkali and earth alkali fluoro-aluminoborate glasses are determined from the fluorescence spectra. The dependence of these parameters on the compositional changes of the materials is discussed. The glass containing sulphate component shows the larger values of Ω compared with the fluoro-aluminoborate glasses because of higher ΔCT (Eu3+–F−) values. The difference of ionic radius and electronegativity between Na and Ca lead to higher Ω 2 parameter of CaF2–Al2O3–B2O3:Eu3+ glass. Persistent spectral hole burning has been observed in Eu3+ ions doped alkali-and earth alkali fluoro-aluminoborate glasses with the compositions of 16NaF·73B2O3·8Al2O3·3Eu2O3 and 16CaF2·73B2O3·8Al2O3·3Eu2O3, which have been prepared using conventional melting technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Power control design is important in IEEE 802.11 wireless networks, because the equipment sometimes is powered by the battery. There has been some research into the power control in IEEE 802.11 wireless networks. In most cases, the nodes use the same transmitted power to transmit the RTS (request to send) control frames and CTS (clear to send) control frames. We propose a protocol for power control of control frames (PCCF) in IEEE 802.11 networks. In this PCCF protocol, the RTS transmitted power is based on the carrier sense threshold, the receiving threshold and the maximum transmitted power, and then the data transmitted power is calculated based on the SINR (signal to interference and noise ratio) threshold. Based on the RTS transmitted power and the data transmitted power, the CTS transmitted power is calculated. Simulation results show that compared to the IEEE 802.11 DCF protocol, the PCCF protocol increases the system throughput, and decreases the delay and energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compressive neuropathy in the upper extremity. The condition is responsible for substantial annual costs to society, both in terms of lost productivity and the costs of treatment. Accurate diagnostic criteria, the selection of treatment strategies based on high-level evidence, and outcomes data have been inconsistent despite the prevalence of the condition. The increased awareness of the need for evidence-based practice guidelines has, however, yielded important data to guide treatment of CTS. Evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment have been developed and should direct the treatment of CTS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The physiological behavior of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle during early stage of fatigue is important as a reference for future clinical assessment of a pathologically altered muscle, as e.g. in carpal tunnel syndrome. The purpose of this study was to assess changes of force and surface electromyograms (sEMG) during early stage of fatigue of the APB. Thumb abduction force and sEMG derived from a multi-electrode array were recorded during isometric contraction. Electrode placement over the innervation zone (IZ) and the muscle tendon interface were avoided. The sEMGs of two adjacent electrode pairs were selected for the analysis, which yielded (a) motor unit conduction velocities (MUCV) derived from a correlation analysis between the EMGs and (b) mean frequencies obtained by using either fast Fourier (FMF) or Wavelet Transform (WMF). Early fatigue resulted in a relative decay rate of force (−2.1%∗ s−1), MUCV (−1.5%∗ s−1), FMF (−4.1%∗ s−1), WMF (−3.7%∗ s−1) and in a change of the power spectrum shape. Lower mean frequencies were observed at greater distances from the IZ independently of fatigue. The APB muscle seems to be fast fatigable and the relative decay rate of mean frequency was significantly larger than the one of force and MUCV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: A decrease of forearm median motor conduction velocity (CV) is a common electrophysiological finding in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), ascribed to two possible mechanisms: either conduction block or slowing of the fastest myelinating fibers in the carpal tunnel, or retrograde axonal atrophy (RAA) with retrograde conduction slowing (RCS). We hope to utilize both direct and derived forearm median mixed nerve conduction studies to clarify the mechanism of the decrease of forearm median motor CV in CTS. Methods: Seventy-five CTS patients and 75 age-matched control subjects received conventional motor and sensory nerve conduction studies of median and ulnar nerves and forearm median mixed nerve conduction techniques. First, direct measurement of forearm median mixed conduction velocity (Forearm mixed CV) and nerve action potential amplitude (Forearm mixed amplitude) was determined with recording at elbow and stimulation at wrist. Then, stimulating electrode was placed over palm and recording at elbow and then at wrist to calculate the derived Forearm mixed CV. Electrophysiological parameters, including direct Forearm mixed CV and amplitude and derived Forearm mixed CV, were compared between CTS patients and controls. Results: CTS patients had significantly prolonged wrist–palm sensory and motor conduction, significantly decreased forearm median motor CV, and normal ulnar nerve conduction. The direct Forearm mixed amplitude was significantly decreased in CTS patients. The direct Forearm mixed CV was similar in CTS patients and controls, but there was a significant decrease in derived Forearm mixed CV in CTS group. The difference between direct and derived Forearm mixed CV was significantly greater in the CTS, suggesting that direct and derived Forearm mixed CV represent CV from different nerve fibers, one passing outside carpal tunnel without undergoing RAA or the other through the carpal tunnel with occurrence of RAA. Conclusion: A decrease of direct Forearm mixed amplitude really occurs in CTS, implying that RAA and RCS will develop over proximal median nerve at distal nerve injury and the decreased forearm median motor CV is best ascribed to RAA and RCS. Furthermore, in CTS, the direct Forearm mixed CV measures the CV from undamaged nerve fibers without passing through carpal tunnel, resulting in the misinterpretation of the cause of proximal conduction slowing secondary to conduction block or slowing over the wrist. Significance: We provide a direct evidence of the occurrence of RAA and RCS that would explain the cause of proximal median nerve conduction slowing. However, the clinical significance of RAA and RCS is uncertain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To compare the sensitivity of median wrist–palm motor conduction velocity (W–P MCV) with those of standard sensory conduction techniques in the electrodiagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods: This study included 280 consecutively suspected CTS patients (360 hands) referred for evaluation and 150 volunteers who served as controls. We determined and calculated (1) median W–P MCV, (2) median motor distal latencies (DL) and median sensory DL for (3) thumb (D1), (4) index (D2) and (5) ring finger (D4), (6) median wrist–palm sensory conduction velocity (W–P SCV) and sensory conduction time (W–P SCT) for index finger and sensory latency differences between (7) median–radial (M–R) for thumb and (8) median–ulnar (M–U) nerves for ring finger. The normal limits were calculated from the median of normal controls ±2.5 standard deviations. The sensitivities of each test were determined and compared. Results: Among the 360 hands with suspected CTS, 32 hands (8.9%) had normal electrodiagnostic studies and 328 (91.1%) had at least one abnormal electrodiagnostic study. Among the 328 hands with abnormalities, 234 (65%) had abnormal motor DL and 294 (81.7%) had abnormal W–P MCV. The sensitivity was 80.3% for D1, 72.5% for D2, 76.7% for D4, 86.7% for M–R (specificity, 98.7%), 87.2% for M–U (specificity, 96.7%), 80.8% for sensory W–P SCT and 73.6% for W–P SCV. Conclusions: W–P MCV is a valuable motor conduction technique for the diagnosis of CTS and it is confirmed again that W–P MCV is equal to or more sensitive than W–P SCV and W–P SCT. Furthermore, the findings of the present study are in agreement with the conventional wisdom that internal comparison of latency differences between median and ulnar or radial nerves is the best method for a diagnosis of patients with suspected CTS. Therefore, we recommend that CTS patients be studied according to the following steps: (1) routine sensory and motor DL, (2) if step 1 is negative, then perform and determine W–P MCV or SCT. This may increase the diagnostic yield of 10%, (3) if step 2 is negative, measure the M–U or MR. These are the final and more sensitive techniques in making a diagnosis with an additional diagnostic yield of 10%. Significance: We provide the evidence of W–P MCV that could be a standard technique for electrodiagnosis of CTS. Furthermore, we make a reasonable flow chart and recommendation for electrodiagnosis of CTS for electromyographers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: We isolated a putative anthocyanidin reductase gene from Ginkgo biloba (designated as GbANR) by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The full-length cDNA of GbANR is 1451bp long with poly(A) tail and contains a 1026bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding 342 amino acids. The GbANR gene is composed of five exons and four introns. Sequence alignment shows that the deduced GbANR has a relatively high identity to other plant anthocyanidin reductases at the amino acid level. DNA gel blot analysis indicates that GbANR belongs to a small gene family. Transcription analysis indicates that GbANR is preferentially expressed in leaves. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The cause of decreased median forearm motor conduction velocity (FMCV) in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is best ascribed to retrograde axonal atrophy (RAA); however, the relationships between the occurrence of RAA and electrophysiological or clinical severity remains controversial. We attempt to determine whether RAA really occurs in CTS patients with normal median FMCV and to investigate any relationships between RAA and severity of compression at the wrist. Methods: Consecutive CTS patients were enrolled and age-matched volunteers served as controls. We performed conventional nerve conduction studies (NCS) and measured median and ulnar distal motor latencies (DML), FMCV, compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes, distal sensory latencies (DSL), and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitudes. Furthermore, palmar median stimulation was done to calculate the wrist–palm motor conduction velocity (W-P MCV). Patients included for analysis should have normal FMCV and needle examination. We compared each electrodiagnostic parameters between the patient group and controls. Results: The mean±SD of the W-P MCV for patients and controls were 33.26±6.74 and 52.14±5.85m/s and those of median FMCV were 55.26±3.56 and 57.82±3.9m/s, respectively. There was a significant reduction in the W-P MCV (36.2%, P<0.00001), significant decrease in the median FMCV (4.43%, P<0.00001) and SNAP amplitudes, and an increase of the DML and DSL in the patient group (P<0.00001) compared to the controls; however, there were no differences in median and ulnar CMAP amplitudes, ulnar FMCV and DML between the controls and patients. Conclusions: RAA and relatively slowed median FMCV do occur in CTS patients with normal median FMCV, regardless of severity of clinical manifestations and electrophysiological abnormalities. Significance: This article provides new information for research of the electrophysiological changes of the proximal nerve part at distal injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The modelling of disease spread is crucial to the farming industry and policy makers. In some of these industries, excellent data exist on animal movements, along with the networks that these movements create, and allow researchers to model spread of disease (both epidemic and endemic). The Cattle Tracing System is an online recording system for cattle births, deaths and between-herd movements in the United Kingdom and is an excellent resource for any researchers interested in networks or modelling infectious disease spread through the UK cattle system. Data exist that cover many years, and it can be useful to know how much change is occurring in a network, to help judge the merit of using historical data within a modelling context. This article uses the data to construct weighted directed monthly movement networks for two distinct periods of time, 2004–2006 and 2015–2017, to quantify by how much the underlying structure of the network has changed. Substantial changes in network structure may influence policy-makers directly or may influence models built upon the network data, and these in turn could impact policy-makers and their assessment of risk. We examined 13 network metrics, ranging from general descriptive metrics such as total number of nodes with movements and total movements, through to metrics to describe the network (e.g., Giant weakly and strongly connected components) and metrics calculated per node (betweenness, degree and strength). Mixed effect models show that there is a statistically significant effect of the period (2004–2006 vs 2015–2017) in the values of nine of the 13 network metrics. For example median total degree decreased by 19%. In addition to examining networks for two time periods, two updates of the data were examined to determine by how much the movement data stored for 2004–2006 had been cleansed between updates. Examination of these updates shows that there are small decreases in problem movements (such as animals leaving slaughterhouses) and therefore evidence of historical data being improved between updates. In combination with the significant effect of period on many of the network metrics, the modification of data between updates provides further evidence that the most recent available data should be used for network modelling. This will ensure that the most representative descriptions of the network are available to provide accurate modelling results to best inform policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Accounting for spatial distribution of the stray radiation energy flux, including ports and cryopumps during start-up in the first plasma operation and later. • Distribution of stray radiation energy flux originating from 1 MW 60 GHz diagnostic gyrotron. • Calculation of the effective wall reflectivity for the power balance studies and radiation losses through ECE. [Display omitted] Here we re-evaluate the stray radiation loads due to electron cyclotron resonance heating and diagnostic gyrotrons in ITER, as well as compute the stray radiation energy flux due to electron cyclotron emission. Microwave loads due to stray radiation were assessed in the past. We give here more comprehensive estimates, including spatial variations in the machine. We show that for the start-up phase in the First Plasma campaign the threshold of 100 kW/m 2 , which diagnostics have to be able to withstand, is not exceeded. For the later campaigns, the stray radiation energy flux during start-up and burnthrough will exceed 450 kW/m 2. Stray radiation from electron cyclotron emission and from a diagnostic 60 GHz gyrotron can contribute to more than 140 kW/m 2 combined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ternary Chalcogenide Cu 2 SnS 3 (CTS) has emerged as a potential candidate for light absorbing material for photovoltaic solar cells owing to its tuneable bandgap, abundance in earth's crust and low toxicity. The PV performance of CTS solar cells has been assessed using Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS-1D) in the present study. The influence of defects in ascertaining the CTS solar cells' photovoltaic performance has been described. The impact of various type of defects and their density on V oc , J sc , FF and η has been evaluated. Change in energy band diagrams due to change in defect density has been analysed. Quantum Efficiency curves for different defect densities in CTS solar cells have been investigated. The increment in defect density in the CTS absorber has been found to degrade CTS solar cell performance regardless of the type of defect. • The PV performance of ternary chalcogenide CTS solar cells has been evaluated by using SCAPS-1D. • The increase in defect density in the CTS absorber layer has been found to degrade the performance of CTS solar cell. • With increase in defect densities, the quantum efficiency decreases. • Optimum defect density in CTS layer has been found to be 1014cm−3, above which the solar cell performance deteriorates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carpal tunnel syndrome patients demonstrate diminished motion of the median nerve and fibrotic changes in the subsynovial connective tissue within the carpal tunnel. Currently, there are few prognostic factors to help predict the outcome of commonly performed treatments including surgical carpal tunnel release and corticosteroid injections. This study aimed to non-invasively assess the changes in the dynamic response of the subsynovial tissue relative to tendon motion after the intervention and to correlate this with disease severity. A total of 145 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were recruited into this study. Clinical and demographic data, electrophysiological severity and dynamic ultrasound images were collected before and after treatment, either by injection or surgery. The relative motion of the subsynovial tissue with the underlying middle finger flexor digitorum superficialis tendon was measured using a speckle tracking algorithm and was expressed as a shear index (SI). Baseline and follow-up data, the association between change in SI and severity, and the role of treatment modality were analyzed and statistically compared. Overall, there was a significant increase (more relative motion) after treatment in the mean shear index from 79.9% (±15.4% SD) to 82.9% (±14.8% SD) (p = 0.03). Secondary analyses showed that this change was mostly present in those with mild disease severity undergoing surgery (p = 0.01). This study shows that the relative subsynovial tissue movement increases in patients after intervention. The present study lays a foundation for future studies to non-invasively assess the role of carpal tunnel dynamics in response to treatment. • Carpal tunnel syndrome patients have a reduced motion of the subsynovial connective tissue. • The suggested shear index is able to measure and indicate this relative motion between the tissues. • Surgical release of the carpal tunnel results in a significant increase of the shear index • This change was mostly present in those with mild disease severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the several novel beads, multi-stimuli responsive were designed based on CMC-ECH-CTS with various CMC/CTS ratio 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1 (S1–S3) to survey the targeted delivery and the triggered release of the model drugs. The reaction was done in the presence of %0.01, %0.018 and 0.025 %wt Fe 3 O 4 MNPs (S4–S9) and also in the absence of Fe 3 O 4 MNPs. The incorporated Fe 3 O 4 that was characterized using SEM, XRD, FT-IR, TGA/DTG, BET, VSM, TEM and DLS, could generate a significant morphological changes in the beads. The results showed that swelling and as a result, releasing drug of the resulting beads exactly depend on media pH and the ratio of the CMC/CTS in the beads. Therefore, the highest releasing percentages of DOX and MZ were happened at pH 4.5 and pH 7.4, respectively. The results showed that approximately more than 65.5% of the in vitro total release of DOX took placed by CMC-ECH-CTS-1/2-Fe 3 O 4(0.018 %wt) (S7) beads in SGF within 12 h, whereas with changing media from acidic to basic nearly 71% MZ drug was released by CMC-ECH-CTS-2/1-Fe 3 O 4(0.018 %wt) (S6) beads in SIF at the same time. Finally, the MTT assay confirmed that all the resulting beads were less toxic to Hela and Balb/c 3T3 cells than the free drugs DOX and MZ. • The S1–S3 beads and S4–S9 magnetic beads as effective drug carriers were successfully prepared. • The performance of CMC-ECH-CTS beads was exactly dependence to stoichiometry ratio of CMC/CTS. • The S6–S7 beads were suitable for DOX releasing and inverse S1–S3 beads were for releasing MZ drug. • Release kinetic of the beads in basic and acidic media was Fickian and non-Fickian, respectively. • The S6–S7 showed an excellent capability in swelling and drug releasing in compared S1–S3 beads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study proposed a deep similarity learning method (MNT-DeepSL) to track location of median nerve on ultrasound image. • MNT-DeepSL incorporated comparison parameters of difference layer to all inputs for similarity inference by ResNet. • Experiments showed that some wrist motions are more easily to diagnose of median nerve for quick examining in CTS. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a clinical disease that caused by the compression of median nerve within carpal tunnel. Traditional examining for CTS is electrodiagnostic (EDx), but the evaluation of EDx is more expensive and time-consuming. In the present day, ultrasound (US) image is used to clinical examining to make up the lack of nerve electrical inspection. The diagnostic criteria of US image for CTS are also defined in many researches. In this study, we propose a new tracking model with deep similarity learning for median nerve from CTS US images. Six wrist motions are defined in the clinical rehabilitation, and the proposed method can achieve accuracy more than 90 % for median nerve tracking. In the experiment, we discover some wrist motions, such as hook to full fist, the statistical information of median nerve tracking is more significant (P < 0.001). It means that some wrist motions are more easily to diagnose the problem of median nerve, and can be used as a basis for quick examining for CTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The mixed mode (I + II) FCGR results for rail steel have been presented. • Fracture mechanics parameters for CTS specimen were determined. • Tanaka criterion was successfully used for FCGR description, • Fractography study was performed for different mixity level. The paper is focused on the investigation of fatigue crack growth in rail steel. Mode I and its combination with mode II are one of the frequent reason for rail failures. Therefore, mode I and mixed-mode (I + II) experiments were carried out in order to obtain the fatigue crack growth curves for typical rail steel. In experimental campaign were used CTS (Compact Tension Shear) specimens. The Stress Intensity Factors (SIF) were determined for all load cases using Finite Element Method (FEM) with developed and automated Authors' tool ABAQUS environment. During the experimental and numerical study, the impact of different elastic mixity level on fatigue crack growth rates and fatigue crack growth directions has been discussed. As it is noticeable the decrease of the mode I domination (under mixed-mode loading condition) caused an increase of the specimen fatigue lifetime. This observation was also discussed in the light of the detailed fatigue crack paths study using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To examine the use of Double Crush Syndrome (DCS) hypothesis in CTS patients in order to support or disguard the theory. Methods This study was conducted on 80 adult patients, 40 presenting with brachialgia (Group I) and 40 patients claiming of failed CT release operation (Group II). Diagnostic work up included neurological examination, MRI of cervical spine, Phalens, Tinel’s sign, EMG examination and motor and sensory nerve conduction studies. Results EMG examination and nerve conduction studies results show 10 cases with CTS (25%), 20 cases (50%) with DCS and 10 cases (25%) with cervical radiculopathy in group I, while group II proved 10 cases (25%) with CTS and 30 cases (75%) with DCS. Accordingly, studied patients showed 20 cases with CTS (25%), 50 cases with DCS (62.5%) and only 10 cases with cervical radiculopathy alone (12.5%). When comparing the first nerve conduction studies of Group II before the operation and the follow up nerve conduction studies of the same group after the operation we found 32 cases (80%) with improvement of the NCS and 8 cases (20%) with deterioration of the nerve conduction studies results. Significance The double crush syndrome element should be excluded whenever examining for CTS, to guide for treatment. Conclusions DCS hypothesis was supported by this sudy. Discussion The double crush concept has gained some popularity among chiropractors because it seems to provide a rationale for evaluating the condition of the cervical roots when treating CTS, which was supported by this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Dispersion of distal compound muscle action potential (CMAP) is a useful finding for showing demyelination. In this study, we aimed to compare the duration and area of CMAP of median nerve between cases with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Material and methods Ninety-two participants (thirty patients with CDIP, 32 patients with CTS and 30 participants of normal control group) who were evaluated. The CMAP duration was measured from the onset of the initial negative potential to the terminal negative deflection back to baseline. The CMAP area calculation was performed by computerized EMG machine. Results A significant difference was not found between groups as for mean age of the groups, and distribution of genders (CIDP: 52,73 ± 12,34 years, 18 (%40) women, 12 (%60) men; CTS: 52,38 ± 11,83 years, 25 (%78,1) women, 7 (%21,9) men; control: 48,5 ± 14,41 years,22 (%79,3) women, and 8 (%26,7) men). The mean CMAP duration of patients with CIDP was significantly higher than patients with CTS ( p : 0.003) and control group ( p : 0.001), however there was not any significant difference between the patients with CTS and control group ( p > 0.05). The mean CMAP area of patients with CIDP was significantly lower than patients with CTS ( p : 0.003) and control group ( p : 0.001), however there was not any significant difference between the patients with CTS and control group ( p > 0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest that the duration and area of distal CMAP is a useful parameter for the differentiation of patients with CIDPand CTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]