bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preventing the transmission of mitochondrial DNA disorders using prenatal or preimplantation genetic diagnosis
Authors: Smeets Hubert J.M. , Sallevelt Suzanne C.E.H. , Dreesen Jos C.F.M. , de Die‐Smulders Christine E.M. , de Coo Irenaeus F.M.
Published: August 2015

Mitochondrial disorders are among the most common inborn errors of metabolism; at least 15% are caused by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations, which occur de novo or are maternally inherited. For familial heteroplasmic mtDNA mutations, the mitochondrial bottleneck defines the mtDNA mutation load in offspring, with an often high or unpredictable recurrence risk. Oocyte donation is a safe option to prevent the transmission of mtDNA disease, but the offspring resulting from oocyte donation are genetically related only to the father. Prenatal diagnosis (PND) is technically possible but usually not applicable because of limitations in predicting the phenotype. For de novo mtDNA point mutations, recurrence risks are low and PND can be offered to provide reassurance regarding fetal health. PND is also the best option for female carriers with low‐level mutations demonstrating skewing to 0% or 100%. A fairly new option for preventing the transmission of mtDNA diseases is preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), in which embryos with a mutant load below a mutation‐specific or general expression threshold of 18% can be transferred. PGD is currently the best reproductive option for familial heteroplasmic mtDNA point mutations. Nuclear genome transfer and genome editing techniques are currently being investigated and might offer additional reproductive options for specific mtDNA disease cases.
Effective strategies for weight loss in post‐partum women: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lim S. , O'Reilly S. , Behrens H. , Skinner T. , Ellis I. , Dunbar J. A
Published: August 2015

Post‐partum weight loss is critical to preventing and managing obesity in women, but the results from lifestyle interventions are variable and the components associated with successful outcomes are not yet clearly identified. This study aimed to identify lifestyle intervention strategies associated with weight loss in post‐partum women. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL and four other databases were searched for lifestyle intervention studies (diet or exercise or both) in post‐partum women (within 12 months of delivery) published up to July 2014. The primary outcome was weight loss. Subgroup analyses were conducted for self‐monitoring, individual or group setting, intervention duration, intervention types, the use of technology as a support, and home‐ or centre‐based interventions. From 12,673 studies, 46 studies were included in systematic review and 32 randomized controlled trials were eligible for meta‐analysis (1,892 women, age 24–36 years). Studies with self‐monitoring had significantly greater weight lost than those without (−4.61 kg [−7.08, −2.15] vs. −1.34 kg [−1.66, −1.02], P = 0.01 for subgroup differences). Diet and physical activity when combined were significantly more effective on weight loss compared with physical activity alone (−3.24 kg [−4.59, −1.90] vs. −1.63 kg [−2.16, −1.10], P < 0.001 for subgroup differences). Lifestyle interventions that use self‐monitoring and take a combined diet‐and‐exercise approach have significantly greater weight loss in post‐partum women.
Intra‐articular Adjuvant Analgesics following Knee Arthroscopy: Comparison between Single and Double Dose Dexmedetomidine and Ropivacaine A Multicenter Prospective Double‐blind Trial
Authors: Panigrahi Ranajit , Roy Ritesh , Mahapatra Amita Kumari , Prasad Anju , Priyadarshi Ashok , Palo Nishit
Published: August 2015

Objective

Knee arthroscopy is a commonly performed orthopedic procedure. Post‐operatively, adequate pain relief reduces the surgical stress response and patient's morbidity and facilitates rehabilitation. The analgesic effect of dexmedetomidine (2 μg/kg body weight) as an adjunct to ropivacaine in knee arthroscopic knee procedures was studied to determine whether this would achieve longer post‐operative analgesia and whether the study dosage of dexmedetomidine was safe and free of adverse effects.

Patients and Methods

In a multicenter prospective double blind trial of sixty patients undergoing knee arthroscopic procedures, patients were randomly assigned to three groups: Group R, receiving intra‐articular ropivacaine (20 mL); Group D1 (18 mL ropivacaine, dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg body weight); and Group D2 (18 mL ropivacaine, dexmedetomidine 2 μg/kg).

Results

Group D2 had significantly lower pain scores for the first 12 postoperative hours than Group D1 and Group R. Time to first analgesic requirement was longest in Group D2 (757.30 ± 207.68 min), followed by Group D1 (433.2 ± 54.3 min) and Group R (311.80 ± 61.56 min); these differences were significant (P < 0.05). Total analgesic requirement was significantly lower in Group D2 (82.50 ± 48.05 mg; P < 0.05). Intensity of pain was significantly less in Group D2 in the third (P < 0.01) and sixth hours (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Intra‐articular dexmedetomidine (2 μg/kg) has superior analgesic efficacy, delayed the first postoperative requirement for analgesia and decreasing the need for postoperative analgesics with no major adverse effects.
Cortical Bone Trajectory for Lumbar Pedicle Screw Placement: A Review of Published Reports
Authors: Phan Kevin , Hogan Jarred , Maharaj Monish , Mobbs Ralph J
Published: August 2015

There have been a number of developments in screw design and implantation techniques over recent years, including proposal of an alternative trajectory for screw fixation aimed at increasing purchase of pedicle screws in higher density bone. Cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screw insertion follows a lateral path in the transverse plane and caudocephalad path in the sagittal plane. This technique has been advocated because it is reportedly less invasive, improves screw−bone purchase and reduces neurovascular injury; however, these claims have not been supported by robust clinical evidence. The available evidence was therefore reviewed to assess the relative merits of CBT and highlight areas for further research. To this end, a search of relevant published studies reporting biomechanical, morphometric or clinical outcomes after use of CBT screws in patients with spinal pathologies was performed via six electronic databases.
Clinical Guideline for Treatment of Symptomatic Thoracic Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Chen Zhong‐qiang , Sun Chui‐guo ,   the Spine Surgery Group of Chinese Orthopedic Association
Published: August 2015

Thoracic spinal stenosis is a relatively common disorder causing paraplegia in the population of China. Until nowadays, the clinical management of thoracic spinal stenosis is still demanding and challenging with lots of questions remaining to be answered. A clinical guideline for the treatment of symptomatic thoracic spinal stenosis has been created by reaching the consensus of Chinese specialists using the best available evidence as a tool to aid practitioners involved with the care of this disease. In this guideline, many fundamental questions about thoracic spinal stenosis which were controversial have been explained clearly, including the definition of thoracic spinal stenosis, the standard procedure for diagnosing symptomatic thoracic spinal stenosis, indications for surgery, and so on. According to the consensus on the definition of thoracic spinal stenosis, the soft herniation of thoracic discs has been excluded from the pathological factors causing thoracic spinal stenosis. The procedure for diagnosing thoracic spinal stenosis has been quite mature, while the principles for selecting operative procedures remain to be improved. This guideline will be updated on a timely schedule and adhering to its recommendations should not be mandatory because it does not have the force of law.
Guideline for Diagnostic and Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors:   Joint Surgery Group of the Orthopaedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Association
Published: August 2015

There is a new knowledge for clinical presentations and findings of imagine in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in recent more than ten years. According to clinical data in Chinese huge patients with ONFH, the guideline for diagnosis and treatment of ONFH has been put forward by Chinese specialists. The newer contents of guideline include the definition for predisposing risk factors of ONFH, the new knowledge for clinical manifestations, the new interpretation for changes of imagine, important differential diagnosis. Based on the supplementary and revision for widely used staging and classification system, the new Chinese staging and classification system have been established. The advantages of Chinese staging and classification system accord with clinical and pathological features, it could be predicted the prognosis, and clinical applications are convenient. The guideline gives a brief account of principles for treatment selection and treatment methods for enhancement of diagnosis and treatment for ONFH.
CULTURAL THEORY AND MANAGERIAL VALUES: EXAMINING TRUST AS A MOTIVATION FOR COLLABORATION
Authors: CONNER THADDIEUS W. , NOWLIN MATTHEW C. , RABOVSKY THOMAS , RIPBERGER JOSEPH T.
Published: August 2015

Public administration theorists have long argued that values of administrative actors fundamentally shape the quality and nature of the public services they provide. While there has been some work in recent years to measure values in the public sector like Public Service Motivation, we know relatively little about the role that other (more basic) values play in shaping managerial behaviour. To fill this gap, we argue that Cultural Theory (CT), a prominent theory within research on risk and public opinion, provides a general framework for operationalizing and measuring the values of public managers, which (if pursued) allows scholars to directly test important yet untested hypotheses about the relationship between values and managerial decision‐making. To explore this proposition, we use data from a recent survey of American Indian education directors in public school districts to examine the relationship between cultural worldviews and managerial motivation to engage actors in collaborative arrangements.
Patient Outcomes and Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Retrospective Case Series Evaluating Patient Satisfaction, Pain Scores, and Opioid Requirements
Authors: Sanders Rebecca A. , Moeschler Susan M. , Gazelka Halena M. , Lamer Tim J. , Wang Zhen , Qu Wenchun , Hoelzer Bryan C.
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Spinal cord stimulators (SCS) are used to treat various chronic pain states. Establishing patient outcomes in terms of pain control, opioid medication use, and overall satisfaction is vital in maintaining SCS's role in clinical practice.

Methods

All patients who underwent SCS implantation between January 2001 and December 2011 at a tertiary academic pain medicine center were included if he or she underwent permanent cervical or thoracolumbar dorsal column SCS implantation and age was 18 or greater. For the 199 patients who met inclusion criteria, data were collected retrospectively. Preimplant information included indication for implantation, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score, and dose in oral morphine equivalents (OME). Postimplant NRS score was recorded at 6 months and 1 year. OME requirement and patient satisfaction were determined at 1 year postimplantation.

Results

This data set showed an overall decrease in OME requirements and NRS scores at both 6 months and 1 year. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01) compared to preimplantation values. Additionally, 84.27% of patients were satisfied with their implants at 1 year. Patient outcomes were analyzed further in respect to implant indication; groups included failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), angina, and other. For all groups, there were statistically significant (P < 0.01) decreases in NRS scores at 6 months and 1 year. In the FBSS and CRPS groups, statistically significant (P < 0.02) decreases in OME usage existed.

Conclusion

Retrospective review of patients with spinal cord stimulators revealed OME reduction at 1 year for those patients in the FBSS and CRPS groups; patient satisfaction at 1 year and NRS score reduction at 6 months and 1 year were statistically significant for all groups.
Feasibility of Contralateral Oblique Fluoroscopy‐guided Cervical Interlaminar Steroid Injections
Authors: Park Chan Hong , Lee Sang Ho
Published: August 2015

Background

Cervical epidural steroid injection (CESI), given in conjunction with local anesthetics, is a common remedy for cervical radicular pain and is generally performed under c‐arm fluoroscopic guidance, computed tomography (CT), or ultrasound. Interlaminar procedures, such as CESI, typically rely on anteroposterior and lateral (APL) views during needle placement. However, lateral views may be obscured by body habitus in certain individuals. Swimmer's view or contralateral oblique (CLO) view may be used to avoid this.

Objective

Our intent was to assess technical success and procedural risk in patients subjected to image‐guided CESI procedures with CLO c‐arm fluoroscopy.

Methods

A total of 186 of patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups undergoing image‐guided CESI via (1) CT, (2) c‐arm fluoroscopy CLO, and (3) c‐arm fluoroscopy APL. Complication rates and technical success were assessed, basing the latter on image reviews to confirm the presence of epidural contrast.

Results

All image‐guided CESI procedures utilizing CT and CLO fluoroscopy proved technically successful. In the CT group, epidural needle tip and contrast dispersion were clearly visible at all levels of study. In the CLO subset, needle tip visibility was unclear in isolated instances at levels C6‐7 and C7‐T1 (1 patient each level). In APL procedures, needle tip was regularly obscured by shoulder anatomy at levels C6‐7 (26 of 41 patients) and C7‐T1 (15 of 16 patients), and contrast dispersion was often uncertain.

Conclusion

CLO fluoroscopy‐guided CESI is feasible and safe, comparing favorably with CT‐guided CESI.
NGF/TrkA Signaling as a Therapeutic Target for Pain
Authors: Hirose Munetaka , Kuroda Yoshihiro , Murata Eri
Published: August 2015

Nerve growth factor (NGF) was first discovered approximately 60 years ago by Rita Levi‐Montalcini as a protein that induces the growth of nerves. It is now known that NGF is also associated with Alzheimer's disease and intractable pain, and hence, it, along with its high‐affinity receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) A, is considered to be 1 of the new targets for therapies being developed to treat these diseases. Anti‐NGF antibody and TrkA inhibitors are known drugs that suppress NGF/TrkA signaling, and many drugs of these classes have been developed thus far. Interestingly, local anesthetics also possess TrkA inhibitory effects. This manuscript describes the development of an analgesic that suppresses NGF/TrkA signaling, which is anticipated to be 1 of the new methods to treat intractable pain.
Early Diagnosis of Diabetes through the Eye
Authors: Karumanchi Devi Kalyan , Gaillard Elizabeth R. , Dillon James
Published: August 2015

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels which give rise to complications in the eye, kidneys and the brain. Diabetes triggers the development of ocular diseases like diabetic retinopathy and cataracts which are the leading cause of blindness around the world. The most common method for the diagnosis of diabetes involves measuring the blood sugar levels in the body. One major disadvantage of this method is the fluctuating blood sugar levels which contribute to false negative results. This leads to delay in treatment, eventually causing permanent damage to the organs. Therefore, diagnosis of diabetes at an early stage is very crucial. One biomarker for diabetes related diseases is the formation of Advanced Glycation End‐products (AGEs) that result from the Maillard reaction of proteins with glucose. α‐crystallin in the ocular lens is a small heat shock protein with no protein turnover and hence acts as a record for post‐translational modifications especially glycation which forms AGEs. We have used steady state and time resolved fluorescence measurements to study the spectroscopic changes in α‐crystallin with increase in time of glycation and the intact lenses from diabetic and nondiabetic donors. Overall, this study was focused on developing a noninvasive diagnostic tool for early detection of diabetes mellitus.
A bioeconomic approach to optimize mussel culture production
Authors: Fuentes‐Santos Isabel , Cubillo Alhambra M. , Labarta Uxío
Published: August 2015

The fast rise of aquaculture practices during the last decades has increased the need of adopting culture strategies to optimize production and guarantee the sustainability of the sector. This study aimed to provide a management tool to help mussel farmers identify optimal culture strategies and use production inputs efficiently. For this purpose, we evaluated the productivity and efficiency of different stocking densities and culture durations by the joint application of parametric and nonparametric frontier analysis at the farm scale. The translog production function outperformed the Cobb–Douglas model currently applied in most farm‐scale frontier analyses. This model estimates that the optimal culture density is ca. 700 ind m−1, given that at lower densities, efficiency decreases (under‐usage of available space) and mussel quality did not improve, and at higher densities, mortality and dislodgements from the ropes led to economic losses. This work also showed that marginal analysis does not provide an accurate estimation of the economic efficiency when unitary costs and prices are not constant. According to the Malmquist indices, mussel farmers should shorten the culture period to improve their productivity. All these results support the joint use of parametric and nonparametric frontier analysis as management tool for optimizing input use and scheduling aquaculture production.
Application of Digital Image Correlation to Address Complex Motions in Thermoelastic Stress Analysis
Authors: Wang W. , Fruehmann R. K. , Dulieu‐Barton J. M.
Published: August 2015

A motion compensation method for thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA) is described that uses digital image correlation (DIC) to capture the displacement field on the surface of the specimen. The displacement field is used to correct the infrared (IR) images to remove the effect of the motion of the specimen from the TSA. As the DIC displacements are obtained with a relatively high spatial resolution, sharp displacement gradients and discontinuities can be corrected. The feasibility of the motion compensation method for TSA is investigated firstly by validating the approach using data obtained from an aluminium alloy plate with a central circular hole loaded in tension and comparing the results with a finite element model. It is shown that the motion compensation approach significantly improves the accuracy of TSA, particularly when high magnification optics are used. Next, the feasibility of simultaneous capture of IR and white light images is investigated. It is shown that by using the correct combination of paints, a speckle pattern can be applied to the surface to provide contrast in the white light spectrum for the DIC but have a uniform emissivity in the IR spectrum so that there is no effect on the TSA. Thus, it is possible for the motion compensation to be conducted on data collected during fatigue tests. Finally, it is demonstrated that the motion compensation technique can be applied to discontinuous motion produced by face sheet debonding in a foam cored sandwich structure loaded in a double cantilever beam (DCB) configuration. It is shown that the motion compensation technique is capable of correcting the complex and non‐uniform motion for TSA in the DCB test, thereby enabling detailed thermoelastic data to be obtained from the vicinity of the crack tip.
Geomorphologic evidence for Plio‐Quaternary shortening in the southern Neuquén basin (40°S, Argentina)
Authors: Huyghe Damien , Nivière Bertrand , Bonnel Cédric
Published: August 2015

A morphostructural analysis of a Pliocene flood basalt formation in the southern Neuquén basin (40°S) shows evidence of contractional deformation less than 3.5 Ma ago. This formation exhibits a general dip towards the south‐east, with relict outcrops located 100 m higher than the main source volcano, which suggests a local tilting of the lava flow. This tilt has been brought about by Plio‐Quaternary reactivation of the eastern border of the Sañico Massif along two thrusts that offset the lava flow. Another long‐wavelength bulge in the southern part of the lava flow unit indicates a possible Pliocene uplift of the North Patagonian Massif. These results provide new evidence of continuing shortening in the Neuquén basin during the Plio‐Quaternary, challenging the hypothesis that an extensional regime has existed since the end of the Miocene in this basin.
The Rise of Container Tonnage and Port Developments in East Asia
Authors: Wang Mariner
Published: August 2015

1990’s saw the robust expansion of international trade in East Asia generating a remarkable record high and sustained economic growth unmatched by any other region in the world. In line with this, container tonnage in the region has been ever increased annually. In light of this, the governments in the main ports of the region have plunged substantial investment in expanding and developing new container terminals to cope with the ever increased cargoes out/to the region. Though Lehman Shock in 2008 has given a huge impact on the container volumes in Asia, ports in the East Asia are seen to continue to handle the lion’s share of global container business. In 2013, the container throughput of East Asia accounted for 51.2 per cent out of that of the world, becoming the world container center.
Differential activation of renal sympathetic burst amplitude and frequency during hypoxia, stress and baroreflexes with chronic angiotensin treatment
Authors: Lim Kyungjoon , Burke Sandra L. , Moretti John‐Luis , Head Geoffrey A.
Published: August 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Is the elevated tonic renal nerve activity induced by chronic angiotensin administration mediated by recruitment or increased firing frequency and does this occur via stress, chemoreflex or baroreflex pathways?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Long‐term angiotensin treatment in rabbits elevates renal sympathetic nerve activity by recruitment of previously silent fibres. This was similar to the effect of chemoreflex stimulation, but not to stress or baroreceptor activation, suggesting that presympathetic pathways activated by angiotensin may be common to those activated by chemoreceptors.

Modulation of sympathetic nerve activity involves control by the CNS of the amplitude of neural discharges, reflecting recruitment of neurons and their firing frequency. We tested whether elevated tonic renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) induced by chronic angiotensin administration is mediated by recruitment or increased firing frequency and whether this is characteristic of the pattern observed with activation of stress, chemoreflex or baroreflex pathways. Conscious rabbits treated with angiotensin II for 12 weeks to increase blood pressure by 10–30% were subjected to stress (air jet), hypoxia (10% O2 + 3% CO2) and drug‐induced changes in blood pressure to produce baroreflexes. Total RSNA and RSNA burst amplitude were scaled to 100 normalized units (n.u.) by the maximal response to smoke. After 12 weeks of treatment, blood pressure was 17% higher than baseline 68 ± 1 mmHg (P = 0.02). Compared with sham treatment, total RSNA and burst amplitude were +82% (P < 0.001) and 39% (P = 0.04) greater, but burst frequency was similar. Total RSNA increased during hypoxia (+38% from 4.9 ± 0.7 n.u.), owing to greater amplitude, but not frequency. Air‐jet stress increased total RSNA (+44% from 4.3 ± 0.5 n.u.) and burst frequency (+21% from 5.4 ± 0.7 bursts s−1), but not amplitude. Angiotensin enhanced total RSNA responses to both air jet (+33%) and hypoxia (+58%), but only increased the amplitude response to air jet. The RSNA baroreflexes reset to the higher blood pressure, but amplitude or frequency was not differentially altered. Chronic angiotensin treatment elevated RSNA by recruitment of neurons, which is similar to chemoreflex stimulation, but not to stress or baroreceptor activation, suggesting that presympathetic pathways activated by angiotensin may be common to those activated by chemoreceptors.
Computational Sensitivity Analysis on a Mathematical Model of Epileptic Seizures
Authors: Yokley Karen A , Fischer Andrew F. , Luke Nicholas S. , Rouiller Adrienne
Published: August 2015

Temporal lobe epilepsy is a serious neurological disorder characterized by complex partial seizures, which are thought to originate in the hippocampus.В  Ordinary differential equation modeling has been used to describe changes in membrane potential of excitatory and inhibitory cells in order to gain insight into seizure propagation.В  In the current study, a system of ordinary differential equations based on previous modeling is used with distinct biologically reasonable values for membrane capacitance in order to determine model sensitivity to that parameter. Because delay differential equations are used in the model, sensitivity is investigated computationally by examining the variation in output relative to various inputs. Membrane capacitance was found to affect model predictions and whether groups of cells exhibited the same behavior after a certain period of time.В  Hence, membrane capacitance is a critical parameter when modeling changes in membrane potential and should be incorporated clearly.В  Changes in model output as a result of changes in a time delay parameter are also investigated.
Performance of Chemical Vapor Deposition and Plasma Spray-Coated Stainless Steel 310 in Supercritical Water
Authors: Huang Xiao , Yang Q. , Guzonas Dave
Published: August 2015

In this study, aluminized and NiCrAlY plasma-sprayed AISI 310 stainless steel samples were tested in supercritical water (SCW) at 500°C. The microstructure after SCW exposure was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Weight measurements were taken before and after exposure to provide quantitative comparison of the two coatings on AISI 310 base metal. The results showed that aluminized and bare 310 stainless steel experienced similar weight gain, in the range of 0.02–0.08  mg/cm2 after 1550 hr. The aluminized sample had a slight weight decrease as exposure progressed. Oxide formation, in the forms of Al2O3 and (Fe,Cr)2O3, was found on the aluminized surface along with surface cracking after 1550 hr testing in SCW. NiCrAlY-coated 310, however, had the most consistent weight increase and oxide formation (mainly Al2O3) on the surface. Based on the results from this study, the aluminized coating has limitations in providing surface protection due to surface cracking and weight loss. The NiCrAlY plasma-sprayed coating with alumina formation on the surface has the potential to provide long-term surface protection to the substrate material in SCW.
Supercritical Oxidation of Boiler Tube Materials
Authors: Tuurna Satu , Yli-Olli Sanni , Penttilä Sami , Auerkari Pertti , Huang Xiao
Published: August 2015

The advantage of using supercritical water (SCW) systems for power generation is based on the increased thermodynamic efficiency when operating at higher temperature and pressure. Steam oxidation has become an important issue for power plants as operating temperatures increase from current to 650°C and even higher. Three alloys, FeCrAlY, NiCrAl, and Sanicro 25, were investigated in an elevated steam oxidation condition. All three materials showed relatively good initial SCW oxidation resistance, but after 100 hr, the oxidation rate of FeCrAlY increased rapidly compared to NiCrAl and Sanicro 25, which both showed a steadier and lower rate of oxide growth and weight gain.
Dynamic Response of Orthogonal Three-Dimensional Woven Carbon Composite Beams Under Soft Impact
Authors: Turner P. , Liu T. , Zeng X.
Published: August 2015

This paper presents an experimental and numerical investigation into the dynamic response of three-dimensional (3D) orthogonal woven carbon composites undergoing soft impact. Composite beams of two different fiber architectures, varying only by the density of through-thickness reinforcement, were centrally impacted by metallic foam projectiles. Using high-speed photography, the center-point back-face deflection was measured as a function of projectile impulse. Qualitative comparisons are made with a similar unidirectional (UD) laminate material. No visible delamination occurred in orthogonal 3D woven samples, and beam failure was caused by tensile fiber fracture at the gripped ends. This contrasts with UD carbon-fiber laminates, which exhibit a combination of widespread delamination and tensile fracture. Post impact clamped–clamped beam bending tests were undertaken across the range of impact velocities tested to investigate any internal damage within the material. Increasing impact velocity caused a reduction of beam stiffness: this phenomenon was more pronounced in composites with a higher density of through-thickness reinforcement. A three-dimensional finite-element modeling strategy is presented and validated, showing excellent agreement with the experiment in terms of back-face deflection and damage mechanisms. The numerical analyses confirm negligible influence from through-thickness reinforcement in regard to back-face deflection, but show significant reductions in delamination damage propagation. Finite-element modeling was used to demonstrate the significant structural enhancements provided by the through-the-thickness (TTT) weave. The contributions to the field made by this research include the characterization of 3D woven composite materials under high-speed soft impact, and the demonstration of how established finite-element modeling methodologies can be applied to the simulation of orthogonal woven textile composite materials undergoing soft-impact loading.
Three-Dimensional Printing of Nanoscale Powders Using Laser Shockwaves
Authors: Molian P. A.
Published: August 2015

A new three-dimensional (3D) printing process designated as shockwave-induced freeform technique (SWIFT) is explored for fabricating microparts from nanopowders. SWIFT consists of generating shockwaves using a laser beam, applying these shocks to pressure sinter nanoparticles at room temperature, and creating structures and devices by the traditional layer-by-layer formation. Shockwave cold compaction of nanoscale powders has the capability to overcome limitations, such as shrinkage, porosity, rough surface, and wide tolerance, normally encountered in hot sintering processes, such as selective laser sintering. In this study, the window of operating parameters and the underlying physics of SWIFT were investigated using a high-energy Q-switched Nd: YAG laser and nanodiamond (ND) powders. Results indicate the potential of SWIFT for fabricating high-performance diamond microtools with high aspect ratios, smooth surfaces, and sharp edges. The drawback is that the SWIFT process does not work for micro-sized powders.
Experimental and Numerical Investigations of Shock-Film Cooling Interaction on a Turbine Blade With Fan-Shaped Cooling Holes
Authors: Xue S. , Arisi A. , Ng W.
Published: August 2015

This paper presents the findings of an experimental and numerical investigation on the shock effect on heat transfer coefficient and film-cooling effectiveness. In this study, coolant was injected on the blade surface through a fan-shaped hole in a transonic cascade. The experimental results indicate that on the film-cooled suction surface of the blade, the shock from the adjacent blade impinging on the suction surface causes the film-cooling effectiveness to drop quickly by 18%, and then stay at a low level downstream of the shock. The shock also causes the local heat transfer coefficient to decrease rapidly by 25%, but then rise back up immediately after the shock. The results from the numerical study supported the film-cooling effectiveness and heat transfer coefficient trends that were observed in the experiment. A detailed analysis of the numerical results reveals that the rapid change of the film-cooling effectiveness is due to the near surface secondary flows, which push the hot mainstream air toward the injection centerline and lifts the low temperature core away from the surface. This secondary flow is a result of a spanwise pressure gradient. The drop in heat transfer coefficient is caused by a boundary layer separation bubble which results from an adverse streamwise pressure gradient at the shock position.
The Role of Shape and Heart Rate on the Performance of the Left Ventricle
Authors: Song Zeying , Borazjani Iman
Published: August 2015

The left ventricle function is to pump the oxygenated blood through the circulatory system. Ejection fraction is the main noninvasive parameter for detecting heart disease (healthy >55%), and it is thought to be the main parameter affecting efficiency. However, the effects of other parameters on efficiency have yet to be investigated. We investigate the effect of heart rate and left ventricle shape by carrying out 3D numerical simulations of a left ventricle at different heart rates and perturbed geometries under constant, normal ejection fraction. The simulation using the immersed boundary method provide the 3D flow and pressure fields, which enable direct calculation of a new hemodynamic efficiency (H-efficiency) parameter, which does not depend on any reference pressure. The H-efficiency is defined as the ratio of flux of kinetic energy (useful power) to the total cardiac power into the left ventricle control volume. Our simulations show that H-efficiency is not that sensitive to heart rate but is maximized at around normal heart rate (72 bpm). Nevertheless, it is more sensitive to the shape of the left ventricle, which affects the H-efficiency by as much as 15% under constant ejection fraction.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound in the evaluation of Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Authors: Rutigliano Iolanda Maria , Scirocco Chiara , Ceccarelli Fulvia , Finucci Annacarla , Iagnocco Annamaria
Published: August 2015

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a relatively frequent disease affecting individuals older than 50 years and is character- ized by inflammatory involvement of the shoulder and hip girdles and the neck. Clinical manifestations are represented by pain and morning stiffness in this regions. An extensive and comprehensive assessment of the inflammatory status is crucial in PMR patients, including imaging evaluation. This narrative review reports the current available data in the literature about the role of musculoskeletal ultrasound in PMR.
Ultrasonography findings of vulvar liposarcoma. Case report.
Authors: Yanik Bahar , Inceboz Umit , Bulbul Erdogan , Demirpolat Gulen , Uzgoren Ismail Engin
Published: August 2015

Liposarcoma (LPS) of vulva is a rare entity. We present the ultrasonographic (US) and color Doppler ultrasonographic (CDUS) findings of a vulvar myxoid LPS. Although LPS cases have been reported in the extremities and trunk, the US or CDUS findings of LPS in vulva have not been described previously. On US the mass appeared as a well-defined, homogeneous hypoechoic structure and on CDUS it was quite hypervascular.
Four-year imaging follow-up of a homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia patient: atherosclerosis ingravescence and coronary flow velocity reserve reduced gradually. Case report
Authors: Jiang Bo , Yang Ya , Wang Lvya , Gao Feng , Jiao Jian , Li Rongjuan
Published: August 2015

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) is a rare heredity disease in which severe cardiovascular atheroscle- rosis develops from birth due to severe low density lipoprotein-receptor (LDL-R) defects inherited from both heterozygous- carriers of FH (HeFH) parents. This case describes a HoFH patient who underwent medical imaging examination for 4 years over a course of treatment. In addition to the imaging techniques which demonstrated the development of cardiovascular atherosclerosis ingravescent, transthoracic Doppler echocardiography noninvasively and accurately detected the position of atherosclerotic calcifications and evaluated the hemodynamicsof the coronary flow. Analysis showed the patient had a signifi- cantly lower coronary flow velocity reserve due to plaques compromising coronary artery ostia.
Age, abdominal obesity, and glycated hemoglobin are associated with carotid atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Silaghi Cristina Alina , Silaghi Horatiu , Craciun Anca Elena , Farcas Anca , Colosi Horatiu Alexandru , Cosma Daniel Tudor , Pais Raluca , Hancu Nicolae , Georgescu Carmen Emanuela
Published: August 2015

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of clinical parameters and indices of body composition on the rela- tion between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), in a type 2 diabetes mel- litus population (T2DM). Material and methods: We retrospectively enrolled 336 T2DM outpatients who regularly attended Regina Maria Clinic in Cluj. Clinical, anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured. Ultrasonography (US) was used to assess hepatic steatosis (HS) in all patients and cIMT in 146 subjects. Body composition was assessed by bioelectric impedance (BIA, InBody 720) in all patients. Results: cIMT was correlated with age (r=0.25; p=0.004), systolic blood pressure (r=0.18; p=0.041), glycated haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C, r=0.20; p=0.04), and with coronary artery disease (r=0.20; p=0.007). HS did not correlate with cIMT (r=0.04; p=0.64). cIMT was correlated with visceral fatty area (VFA, r=0.18; p=0.014) but not with other indices of body composition. Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was not correlated with cIMT (r=0.17; p=0.086). After multivariate analysis, age, HbA1c, and VFA were good independent predictors of cIMT (r=0.45; pË‚0.001). Conclusions: These results are suggestive that in T2DM patients, fatty liver is not a direct mediator of early carotid atherosclerosis. Our data indicate that visceral fat accumulation and HbA1C are determinant factors of cIMT sugesting that controlling abdominal obesity and hyperglicemia might reduce atherosclerotic disease risk in NAFLD-T2DM subjects.
Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS): the impact of Quantitative Strain Elastography for better stratification of cancer risks.
Authors: Stoian Dana , Timar Bogdan , Derban Mihnea , Pantea Stelian , Varcus Florian , Craina Marius , Craciunescu Mihaela
Published: August 2015

Aims: Due to the elevated prevalence of the solid thyroid nodules in a general population, an appropriate selection of cases referred to surgery is of paramount importance. The main aim of our study was to evaluate the performance of the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) as a differential diagnosis tool for thyroid nodules. Material and methods: We evaluated 174 nodules using TI-RADS risk stratification model, using conventional ultrasound and real time elastography parameters and linear multifrequency probe (Hitachi Preirus Machine, Hitachi Inc., Japan). All the nodules were classified using the TI-RADS system according to echogenicity, margins, shapes, calcification, lymph nodes, and increased strain ra- tion. The results were compared with the pathology exam, which was considered the golden standard diagnosis. Results: The prevalence of malignant nodules was 16.7% (29 cases). The differential diagnosis performance regarding the malignant tumor for TI-RADS is appropriate for clinical use, obtaining an area under ROC curve of 0.95761 [0.8424-0.989] 95% confidence interval. Combining TI-RADS 2, 3 and 4A as probably benign and TI-RADS 4B and 5 as probably malignant, the sensitiv- ity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 97.93%, 86.20%, 97.26% and 89.28% respec- tively. The overall accuracy of the method was 95.97%.According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Guidelines, 169 cases required FNAB examination; by applying the TI-RADS scoring system, the necessity for FNAB would decrease to 74 cases. Conclusion: Quantitative strain elastography, as the 6th parameter of TI-RADS system, adds diagnostic power to the risk stratification model.
Concepts in monitoring the treatment in rheumatoid arthritis â€“ the role of musculoskeletal ultrasound. Part I: synovitis.
Authors: Micu Mihaela Cosmina , Fodor Daniela
Published: August 2015

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an incurable chronic inflammatory disease associated with significant functional impairment and disability, linked to inflammatory and structural articular and peri-articular damage. Structural damage occurs rapidly in RA if inflammation is not efficiently suppressed. Identification of patients with high risk to develop RA followed by an early application of efficient medications and standard ‘treat to target’ recommendations allow a better management aiming remission. Over the last 15 years musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) has proved to detect subclinical inflammatory lesions; thus, targeting therapy to imaging delivered information may provide superior outcomes and a more rapid response to therapy detection in comparison with clinical examination alone. This review provides an insight into the importance of MSUS in quantifying disease activity and monitoring of therapies in RA patients.
Ultrasonography of the biliary tract â€“ up to date. The importance of correlation between imaging methods and patientsâ€™ signs and symptoms.
Authors: Badea Radu , Zaro Razvan , Tantau Marcel , Chiorean Liliana
Published: August 2015

Ultrasonography is generally accepted and performed as a first choice imaging technique in patients with jaundice. The method allows the discrimination between cholestatic and mechanical jaundice. The existing procedures are multiple: gray scale, Doppler, i.v. contrast enhancement, elastography, tridimensional ultrasonography, each of these with different contribu- tion to the positive and differential diagnosis regarding the nature of the jaundice. The final diagnosis is a multimodal one and the efficiency is dependent on the level of the available technology, the examiner’s experience, the degree and modality of in- tegration of the data within the clinical context, as well as on the portfolio of available imaging procedures. This review shows the main ultrasonographic methods consecrated in the evaluation of the biliary tree. It also underlines the integrated character of the procedures, as well as the necessity to correlate with other imaging methods and the clinical situation.
Tenosynovitis US scoring systems follow synovitis and clinical scoring systems in RA and are responsive to change after biologic therapy
Authors: Vlad Violeta , Berghea Florian , Micu Mihaela Cosmina , Varzaru Luminita , Bojinca Mihai , Milicescu Mihaela , Ionescu Ruxandra , Naredo Esperanza
Published: August 2015

Aims: To investigate by ultrasonography (US) in a cohort of active RA patients starting biologic therapy the responsive- ness of tenosynovitis of wrist and hands compared to the responsiveness of synovitis in a 6 month period follow-up, to com- pare the responsiveness of finger flexor tenosynovitis with the responsiveness of wrist extensor tenosynovitis and to describe the subclinical synovitis and tenosynovitis in RA patients in clinical remission. Material and methods: Fifty seven patients with active RA starting biologic therapy were included. Clinical, laboratory, and US evaluations were performed at baseline, 1, and 6 months. US evaluation included wrist and MCPs 2-5 joints, bilaterally for synovitis and extensor tendons compart- ments 2, 4, and 6 and finger flexors 2-5 for tenosynovitis. Eighteen US scores based on semiquantitative or binar grades were calculated at each visit. Responsiveness of synovitis and tenosynovitis scores was calculated using the standardized response mean (SRM). Results: The responsiveness of US tenosynovitis was lower comparing with the responsiveness of US synovitis but both showed large effect of therapy. Furthermore, tenosynovitis responsiveness was similar to CRP responsiveness (SRM -0.90). Finger flexors tenosynovitis showed a higher responsiveness than extensor tenosynovitis on GS (-0.94 compared to -0.63) and a lower SRM on PD (-0.56 compared to -0.85). Tenosynovitis scores remission was overlapping clinical remission according to CDAI and SDAI in 100% of cases. Overall there was less subclinical tenosynovitis than subclinical synovitis at final visit according to clinical activity indices. Conclusion: Tenosynovitis US scoring in RA may be as good as synovitis scoring for characterization of disease activity and responsiveness.
Interventional ultrasound beyond the classical abdominal applications. Are guidelines for other applications urgent needed?
Authors: Sparchez Zeno
Published: August 2015

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Mechanistic study of atomic layer deposition of AlxSiyO thin film via in-situ FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Cho Jea , Kim Taeseung , Seegmiller Trevor , Chang Jane P.
Published: August 2015

A study of surface reaction mechanism on atomic layer deposition (ALD) of aluminum silicate (AlxSiyO) was conducted with trimethylaluminum (TMA) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as precursors and H2O as the oxidant. In-situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilized to elucidate the underlying surface mechanism that enables the deposition of AlxSiyO by ALD. In-situ FTIR study revealed that ineffective hydroxylation of the surface ethoxy (–OCH2CH3) groups prohibits ALD of SiO2 by TEOS/H2O. In contrast, effective desorption of the surface ethoxy group was observed in TEOS/H2O/TMA/H2O chemistry. The presence of Al-OH* group in vicinity of partially hydroxylated ethoxy (–OCH2CH3) group was found to propagate disproportionation reaction, which results in ALD of AlxSiyO. The maximum thickness from incorporation of SiOx from alternating exposures of TEOS/H2O chemistry in AlxSiyO was found to be ∼2 Å, confirmed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements.
Effect of porous morphology on phase transition in vanadium dioxide thin films
Authors: Xu Hui Yan , Huang Yu Hong , Li Jin Ping , Ma Fei , Xu Ke Wei
Published: August 2015

Vanadium oxide (VO2) thin films were prepared on Si (100) substrates by direct current magnetron sputtering at room temperature, and then, postannealing was conducted at 450 °C for 2 h in vacuum. Structural characterizations demonstrated that the thin films exhibited porous morphology upon thermal annealing and the porosity and pore size depended on the oxygen flow rate in the process of film fabrication. Raman spectra were measured in the temperature range of 303–343 K, and resistance measurement was conducted in the temperature range of 293–363 K, to study the influence of porous morphology on the phase transition in VO2 thin films. It was illustrated that the porous morphology could provide a free space to release the stress induced in the monoclinic-to-tetragonal phase transition of VO2, and lower the transition temperature to a certain degree.