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In previous studies, HSPC016 was identified as a differentially expressed gene in dermal papilla cells (DPC) with aggregative behaviour. To clarify its role in the regulation of DPC, the recombinant HSPC016 protein was expressed using the Pichia pastoris expression system, and three small interfering ribonucleic acid duplexes (siRNA) were designed and transfected into DPC. Results showed that DPC with the HSPC016 gene inhibited, exhibit non-aggregative behaviour and grow much slower than normal DPC, and that the recombinant HSPC016 protein could promote the proliferation of high-passage DPC and induce its aggregative behaviour.

We propose a tilt sensing scheme using a physical model with three sensitive axes of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometers. Based on the physical model in which the gravitational acceleration is resolved into three components, we propose three numerical models to sense the tilt angle. First, two exact numerical models are presented to measure the gravitational acceleration and its one component along the tilt direction, respectively. The parameters of these two models are specific angles of the physical model, which can be used to assess the configuration of the physical model. Next, the measurement bias model is introduced to reduce the error resulting from the nonlinear relation between the gravitational acceleration and the tilt angle. Third, all the three numerical models are unified into a linear model whose parameters can be efficiently estimated using the least squares method. In the experiments, we evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme by examining the mean, the standard deviation, and the maximum of the errors. The experiment results show that our scheme is able to perform accurate tilt sensing with the average error below 0.1° in the measurement range (0°, 120°).

A novel first-detect-then-identify approach with SIFT features and discrete wavelet transform for tracking object is proposed in real surveillance scenarios. For accurate and fast moving object detection, discrete wavelet transform is adopted to eliminate the noises of the frames which may cause detection errors, and then objects are detected by applying the inter-frame difference method on the low frequency parts of two consecutive frames, and then SIFT feature is used for object representation and identification due to its invariant properties. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed strategy improves the tracking performance by comparing with the classical mean shift method, and it is also shown that the proposed algorithm can be also applied in multiple objects tracking in real scenarios.

Shift schedule and torque converter lockup schedule are designed based on parameters of the vehicle. In addition, optimization of shift quality based on uniform design method, which can reduce test time, is put forward and the application method is specified. Furthermore, circuit diagram of transmission control unit (TCU) hardware including power supply module, signal input channels, signal output channels and controller area network (CAN) communication module are designed, and then TCU hardware is manufactured. Finally, dynamic performance, constant speed fuel economy and shift quality of vehicle equipped with the TCU are inspected, satisfactory results are obtained.

Background Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) is an operation designed to remove a limited area of irremediable tissue ischemia and/or infection and preserve limb function. Patients are selected for TMA based on degree of tissue loss/infection, adequacy of tissue perfusion at the transmetatarsal level, current ambulatory status, and estimation of the likelihood of postprocedure ambulation. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of these selection criteria. Methods An institutional review board–approved retrospective review was conducted of all patients undergoing TMA from January 1, 1997, until January 1, 2006. Information was collected on patient demographics, medical comorbidity, and clinical and surgical variables. Outcome measures included the proportion of patients requiring amputation revision to a more proximal level and ambulatory status at last follow-up. Results Fifty-two TMAs were performed. In 35 procedures, the skin was left open, and in 17 TMA was closed primarily. Primary indications for the procedure were vascular insufficiency or infection in 50 of 52 patients, whereas 2 patients required amputation for malignancy. The majority (46/52, 89%) of patients were diabetic. After the index TMA, 85 additional operations were required. Only 9 patients (18%) underwent a single operation. Revision of the TMA to a more proximal level was required in 29 of 52 (56%) patients, resulting in 4 Syme, 20 transtibial, and 5 transfemoral amputations. Non–insulin-dependent diabetes was associated with an increased likelihood of revision to a more proximal amputation (odds ratio [OR] = 5.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–24). At the time of last follow-up (median 18 months), 37 of 50 (74%) patients were ambulatory (83% for TMAs and 67% for more proximal amputations, P = 0.18). Prior vascular procedures were associated with a significantly decreased likelihood of ambulation (OR = 14; 95% CI, 1.9–103). Conclusions Although most patients retain the ability to ambulate after TMA, multiple operations should be anticipated in the majority of patients and revision of a TMA to a more proximal level may be required. These data suggest that current selection criteria for TMA may be inadequate.

Zolpidem is an imidazopyridine agent indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Sleepwalking is a rare side effect of zolpidem. A review of the literature produced only 2 cases. We report a case of a male rehabilitation inpatient in his mid fifties with a history of alcoholism and traumatic brain injury who had undergone a right hip hemiarthroplasty. He had no history of somnambulism or insomnia but walked in his sleep on 2 nonconsecutive nights after taking zolpidem. He had exhibited no such behavior before taking zolpidem, on the intervening night that was he was not given medication, and after the medication was discontinued. We conclude that zolpidem can cause sleepwalking, and patients who have suffered a brain injury may be more susceptible to this side effect. Here we describe the clinical presentation and review the relevant literature on zolpidem and sleepwalking.