bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological Features of NAFLD From 1999 to 2018 in China
Authors: Zhou Jianghua , Zhou Feng , Wang Wenxin , Zhang Xiao‐Jing , Ji Yan‐Xiao , Zhang Peng , She Zhi‐Gang , Zhu Lihua , Cai Jingjing , Li Hongliang
Published: February 2020

With dramatic changes in lifestyles over the last 20 years, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most prevalent liver disorder in China but has not received sufficient attention. NAFLD‐related advanced liver disease and its mortality along with its overall disease burden are expected to increase substantially. There is thus an imperative need to clarify the epidemiological features of NAFLD to guide a holistic approach to management. We summarize eight epidemiological features of NAFLD in China over the past two decades using systematic review and meta‐analysis methodology. Our data reveal a rapid growth in the NAFLD population, especially among younger individuals. Importantly, there is a strong ethnic difference in body mass index (BMI) and genetic risk of NAFLD compared with the US population. The etiology of advanced liver disease and its complications (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) has been altered because of a Westernized lifestyle and the implementation of effective vaccination strategies against viral hepatitis. Regional epidemiological patterns of NAFLD indicate that economics, environment, and lifestyle are critical factors in disease progression. The analysis also indicates that a large number of patients remain undiagnosed and untreated because of the inadequacy of diagnostic tools and the absence of effective pharmacologic therapies. Given the burden of NAFLD, future policy and research efforts need to address knowledge gaps to mitigate the risk burden.
Constructal design applications in buildings: Radiant cooling panels and thermochemical energy storage
Authors: Mosa Mohamed , Malley‐Ernewein Alexandre
Published: February 2020

The present work highlights how the constructal law is implemented in the search for buildings' performance from a thermal lookout. The authors reviewed some of their research efforts through two applications: radiant cooling panels and thermochemical energy storage in buildings. In a deterministic approach, it was demonstrated that the overall performance of such systems could be anticipated. Under the same operating conditions, cooling panel with dendritic flow configurations exhibited better global performance compared to the design with a serpentine flow layout. Two configurations of elemental reactors for thermochemical energy storage were studied: reactive material in beds layers and impregnated within a tube. A theoretical approach allowed to predict the impact of the Bejan number on the sensible heat output for the first configuration, when numerical experiments allowed to determine how to morph the tube shape to increase thermal performances.
Therapeutic modulators of hepatic stellate cells for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ruan Qi , Wang Haolu , Burke Leslie J. , Bridle Kim R. , Li Xinxing , Zhao Chun‐Xia , Crawford Darrell H.G. , Roberts Michael S. , Liang Xiaowen
Published: February 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary tumor in the liver and is a leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are key components of the HCC microenvironment and play an important role in the onset and progression of HCC through the secretion of growth factors and cytokines. Current treatment modalities that include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and ablation are able to activate HSCs and remodel the tumor microenvironment. Growing evidence has demonstrated that the complex interaction between activated HSCs and tumor cells can facilitate cancer chemoresistance and metastasis. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of activated HSCs has emerged as a promising strategy to improve treatment outcomes for HCC. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of HSC activation triggered by treatment modalities, the function of activated HSCs in HCC, as well as the crosstalk between tumor cells and activated HSCs. Pathways of activated HSC reduction are discussed, including inhibition, apoptosis, and reversion to the inactivated state. Finally, we outline the progress and challenges of therapeutic approaches targeting activated HSCs in the development of HCC treatment.
Effects of early second‐look hysteroscopy combined with intrauterine balloon dilatation on reproductive outcomes for women with intrauterine adhesions
Authors: Sun Jianhua , Shi Cong , Liang Yin , Niu Jumin , Guo Shuaishuai , Cheng Zhaoxia
Published: February 2020

Objective

To investigate the effect of early second‐look office hysteroscopy combined with intrauterine balloon dilatation on prognosis and pregnancy rate for women with intrauterine adhesions.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 156 women diagnosed with intrauterine adhesions by hysteroscopy at Shenyang Women's and Children's Hospital, China, from April 2017 to January 2019. The study women underwent intrauterine balloon dilatation 10 days after transcervical resection of adhesion (TCRA) and hysteroscopy 20 days after TCRA (n=81). The control women underwent hysteroscopy 3 months after TCRA (n=75). Estrogen and aspirin were routinely administered postoperatively to all women. Data, including American Fertility Society (AFS) scores assessed by hysteroscopy, endometrial thickness measured by ultrasound, and menstruation and pregnancy outcomes assessed by interview, were compared between the two groups.

Results

The degree of intrauterine adhesions, menstrual status, and endometrial thickness were improved in both groups after TCRA. Greater improvement in AFS score, menstruation, and endometrial thickness was observed in the study group than in the control group. After follow‐up, more women in the study group achieved pregnancy (48.1% vs 30.7%, P<0.05).

Conclusion

Early second‐look of hysteroscopy combined with intrauterine balloon dilatation after hysteroscopic TRCA might improve the prognosis and postoperative pregnancy rate for women with intrauterine adhesions.
Intrauterine Foley catheter for 48 versus 24 hours for cervical ripening: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wickramasinghe Ruwan P. T. B. , Senanayake Hemantha , De Silva Chandu
Published: February 2020

Objective

To compare the safety of keeping an intrauterine Foley catheter for 48 hours versus 24 hours for cervical ripening.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the De Soysa Hospital for Women, Sri Lanka from April 1 to December 31, 2014 (trial registration: SLCTR/2014/006). Low‐risk women with a Bishop score ≤5 at 40 weeks + 5 days of gestation were allocated to either 24‐hour (n=107; Group A) or 48‐hour (n=94; Group B) groups. Proportions developing spontaneous onset of labor (SOL), neonatal status, pre‐ and post‐procedure C‐reactive protein (CRP), cervical smears, and placental histology in those who experienced SOL were compared.

Results

In Group A, 35 (32.7%) experienced SOL, against 54 (57.4%) in Group B (P<0.001, odds ratio 2.78, 95% confidence interval 1.56–4.93). There was no difference in mean length of active labor (7.48 vs 7.69 hours), cesarean delivery (16% vs 14%), bacterial vaginosis rates in post‐induction cervical smear (10.3% vs 6.7%), mean CRP increase (4.08 vs 3.91 IU), evidence of chorioamnionitis (5.7% vs 11.1%), mean 1 and 5‐minute Apgars, number of neonates with pyrexia (8.4 vs 8.5%), and admission to the Special Care Baby Unit (15% vs 12.8%).

Conclusion

Group B experienced a statistically significant increase in SOL, without increasing infectious and neonatal morbidity.
The multidimensionality of suicide risk factors and criteria in a nonclinical population: Replication across two countries and two languages
Authors: Holden Ronald R. , Campos Rui C. , Simões Ana , Costa Sara , Pio Ana Sofia , Lambert Christine E.
Published: February 2020

Across two countries and two languages, this research examined the multidimensional associations between suicidality (e.g., past ideation/attempts, communication of intent) and empirically important psychological risk factors (e.g., mental pain, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness). For samples of 228 Canadian and 331 Portuguese university undergraduates, four dimensions emerged in each sample with two of these, intrapersonal and interpersonal, demonstrating strong replicability across countries and languages. It was concluded that suicidality is a phenomenon that demonstrates some multidimensional similarities across cultures.
Application of compressed sensing using chirp encoded 3D GRE and MPRAGE sequences
Authors: Pawar Kamlesh , Chen Zhaolin , Zhang Jingxin , Shah N. Jon , Egan Gary F.
Published: February 2020

An implementation of Non‐Fourier chirp‐encoding in 3D Gradient Recalled Echo (GRE), susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI) and Magnetization Prepared Rapid Gradient Echo (MPRAGE) sequences is presented with compressive sensing reconstruction. 3D GRE and MPRAGE sequences were designed, in which the phase encoding (PE) direction was encoded with spatially selective chirp encoding Radio Frequency (RF) pulses, while the slice and the readout directions were Fourier encoded using gradients. During each excitation along the PE direction, a different spatially‐selective RF excitation pulse was used to encode the PE direction with a complete set of unitary chirp encoding basis. Multichannel compressive sensing reconstruction on the undersampled in vivo data demonstrated that images reconstructed from chirp encoded data were able to preserve the spatial resolution better than the Fourier encoding. The mean Structural Similarity (SSIM) across five subjects at the acceleration factor of 6, for chirp encoded MPRAGE was 0.934 compared to 0.912 for Fourier encoded MPRAGE. The implementation of prospective undersampling demonstrated the feasibility of using chirp encoding in clinical practice for accelerated imaging. The minimum intensity projection of the compressive sensing (CS) reconstructed susceptibility weighted images revealed that chirp encoding is able to delineate small vessels better than the Fourier encoding with the SSIM of 0.960 for chirp encoding compared to the SSIM of 0.949 for the Fourier encoding. Improved performance of chirp encoding for CS reconstruction and SWI, along with the feasibility of implementation makes them a practical candidate for clinical MRI scans.
Importance of model size in quantum mechanical studies of DNA intercalation
Authors: Harding Drew P. , Kingsley Laura J. , Spraggon Glen , Wheeler Steven E.
Published: February 2020

The convergence of DFT‐computed interaction energies with increasing binding site model size was assessed. The data show that while accurate intercalator interaction energies can be derived from binding site models featuring only the flanking nucleotides for uncharged intercalators that bind parallel to the DNA base pairs, errors remain significant even when including distant nucleotides for intercalators that are charged, exhibit groove‐binding tails that engage in noncovalent interactions with distant nucleotides, or that bind perpendicular to the DNA base pairs. Consequently, binding site models that include at least three adjacent nucleotides are required to consistently predict converged binding energies. The computationally inexpensive HF‐3c method is shown to provide reliable interaction energies and can be routinely applied to such large models.
Disentanglement of orthogonal hydrogen and halogen bonds via natural orbital for chemical valence: A charge displacement analysis
Authors: Ciancaleoni Gianluca , Belpassi Leonardo
Published: February 2020

As known, the electron density of covalently bound halogen atoms is anisotropically distributed, making them potentially able to establish many weak interactions, acting at the same time as halogen bond donors and hydrogen bond acceptors. Indeed, there are many examples in which the halogen and hydrogen bond coexist in the same structure and, if a correct bond analysis is required, their separation is mandatory. Here, the advantages and limitations of coupling the charge displacement analysis with natural orbital for chemical valence method (NOCV‐CD) to separately analyze orthogonal weak interactions are shown, for both symmetric and asymmetric adducts. The methodology gives optimal results with intermolecular adducts but, in the presence of an organometallic complex, also intramolecular interactions can be correctly analyzed. Beyond the methodological aspects, it is shown that correctly separate and quantify the interactions can give interesting chemical insights about the systems.
Microscopic approach to micromechanism of damage in spheroidal cast iron
Authors: Warmuzek Małgorzata , Polkowska Adelajda , Gazda Andrzej
Published: February 2020

In this work, the observations of the fracture surface after standard tensile tests of several kinds of spheroidal cast irons, ferritic and austempered ductile irons, have been carried out by means of scanning electron microscopy. The local crack path in the area of graphite (G)/matrix (M) interface has been analyzed as affected by a matrix phase composition and the austempering treatment parameters. The obtained results allowed identifying some determination factors for debonding mode at the G/M interface and their role in a final damage mechanism. Some microstructural details in the microregions composed of graphite and matrix showed that the G–M debonding mode in the separation area of the G/M interface seems to be controlled by macroscopic properties of the alloy and by the morphology of G/M interface. On the other hand, the internal destruction of graphite nodule has been mainly determined by a structure and anisotropy of graphite crystal lattice.
Embryonic canalization and its limits—A view from temperature
Authors: Irvine Steven Q.
Published: February 2020

Many animals are able to produce similar offspring over a range of environmental conditions. This property of the developmental process has been termed canalization—the channeling of developmental pathways to generate a stable outcome despite varying conditions. Temperature is one environmental parameter that has fundamental effects on cell physiology and biochemistry, yet developmental programs generally result in a stable phenotype under a range of temperatures. On the other hand, there are typically upper and lower temperature limits beyond which the developmental program is unable to produce normal offspring. This review summarizes data on how development is affected by temperature, particularly high temperature, in various animal species. It also brings together information on potential cell biological and developmental genetic factors that may be responsible for developmental stability in varying temperatures, and likely critical mechanisms that break down at high temperature. Also reviewed are possible means for studying temperature effects on embryogenesis and how to determine which factors are most critical at the high‐temperature limits for normal development. Increased knowledge of these critical factors will point to the targets of selection under climate change, and more generally, how developmental robustness in varying environments is maintained.
Factors that impact risk management decisions among women with pathogenic variants in moderate penetrance genes associated with hereditary breast cancer
Authors: Napoli Melissa , Lewis Jaime , Hopper Jennifer , Widmeyer Kimberly
Published: February 2020

There is limited information known about how women with pathogenic variants (PV) in moderate penetrance genes make decisions to manage their increased risk of breast cancer. This study analyzed factors that may impact decision‐making surrounding management for increased breast cancer risk. Women with a PV in a moderate penetrance gene associated with increased risk for breast cancer were identified from an institutional database. Semi‐structured, qualitative interviews were conducted to analyze decision‐making factors. Themes were developed using deductive codes based on previous literature and inductive codes based on interviewee responses. The 16 participants (mean age = 55.9 years) included 12 women with a breast cancer diagnosis. Six women (37.5%) chose bilateral mastectomy (BM), and 10 women (62.5%) chose surveillance as management. Of the 12 women with a personal history of breast cancer, four chose to have BM (33.3%). Two women without a personal history of breast cancer chose to have BM (50.0%). Transcriptions revealed seven comprehensive themes, as well as themes unique to affected and unaffected women (Cohen's kappa = 0.80). Physician opinion was the only factor present in all interviews reported to influence risk management decision‐making. Several themes were consistent with prior BRCA1/BRCA2 research (family history, risk perception, sibling influence, and physician opinions). Autonomy and insurance/finances were also important factors to participants. There were certain differences in decision‐making factors between affected and unaffected women, such as partner influence. Results indicate an opportunity for providers to engage their patients in a decision‐making process.
The challenge of HIV treatment in an era of polypharmacy
Authors: Back David , Marzolini Catia
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The availability of potent antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV infection into a chronic disease such that people living with HIV (PLWH) have a near normal life expectancy. However, there are continuing challenges in managing HIV infection, particularly in older patients, who often experience age‐related comorbidities resulting in complex polypharmacy and an increased risk for drug‐drug interactions. Furthermore, age‐related physiological changes may affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of both antiretrovirals and comedications thereby predisposing elderly to adverse drug reactions. This review provides an overview of the therapeutic challenges when treating elderly PLWH (i.e. >65 years). Particular emphasis is placed on drug‐drug interactions and other common prescribing issues (i.e. inappropriate drug use, prescribing cascade, drug‐disease interaction) encountered in elderly PLWH.

Discussion

Prescribing issues are common in elderly PLWH due to the presence of age‐related comorbidities, organ dysfunction and physiological changes leading to a higher risk for drug‐drug interactions, drugs dosage errors and inappropriate drug use.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of prescribing issues in elderly PLWH highlights the need for ongoing education on prescribing principles and the optimal management of individual patients. The knowledge of adverse health outcomes associated with polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing should ensure that there are interventions to prevent harm including medication reconciliation, medication review and medication prioritization according to the risks/benefits for each patient.
CSA‐90 reduces periprosthetic joint infection in a novel rat model challenged with local and systemic Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Mills Rebecca J. , Boyling Alexandra , Cheng Tegan L. , Peacock Lauren , Savage Paul B. , Tägil Magnus , Little David G. , Schindeler Aaron
Published: February 2020

Infection of orthopedic implants is a growing clinical challenge to manage due to the proliferation of drug‐resistant bacterial strains. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the treatment of implants with ceragenin‐90 (CSA‐90), a synthetic compound based on endogenous antibacterial peptides, could prevent infection in a novel rat model of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) challenged with either local or systemic Staphylococcus aureus. A novel preclinical model of PJI was created using press‐fit porous titanium implants in the distal femur of male Wistar rats. Sterile implants were pre‐treated with 500 μg CSA‐90 in saline. S. aureus was applied either directly at the time of surgery or administered via tail vein injection immediately afterward. Animals were monitored daily for clinical and radiographic evidence of infection for a total of 6 weeks. Post‐study microbiological, radiographic, and histological analysis were performed to determine the incidence of PJI and assess osseointegration. CSA‐90 treated groups demonstrated a reduced rate of PJI as confirmed by deep tissue swab culture at the time of cull compared with untreated groups with both local (33% vs 100%; P = .009) and systemic (10% vs 90%; P < .0001) S. aureus inoculation. Median survival time also increased from 8 to 17 days and from 8 to 42 days, respectively. In conclusion, this study describes a novel preclinical model of local and hematogenous PJI using a porous metal implant. CSA‐90 reduced the incidence of PJI in this model supporting its further development as an antimicrobial coating for orthopedic implants.
Curcumin prevents osteocyte apoptosis by inhibiting M1‐type macrophage polarization in mice model of glucocorticoid‐associated osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Jin Shengyang , Meng Chunqing , He Yu , Wang Xiaohong , Zhang Qimin , Wang Ze , Huang Wei , Wang Hong
Published: February 2020

Inflammation is a contributing factor in osteocyte apoptosis, which is strongly associated with the development of glucocorticoid‐associated osteonecrosis of the femoral head (GA‐ONFH). Curcumin is a naturally derived drug that regulates immunity and inhibits inflammation. This study aimed to examine the capacity of curcumin to prevent osteocyte apoptosis and GA‐ONFH, while elucidating possible mechanisms of action. C57/BL6 female mice were divided into control, GA‐ONFH, and curcumin‐treated GA‐ONFH groups. We determined the effect of curcumin on the polarization of RAW264.7 and the apoptosis of MLO‐Y4 cells. We found that curcumin reduced the infiltration of M1‐type macrophages in the femoral heads and alleviated systemic inflammation in GA‐ONFH models. Additionally, curcumin decreased the apoptosis of osteocytes in the femoral heads and the ratio of GA‐ONFH in mice. Further, in vitro curcumin intervention inhibited M1‐type polarization via the Janus kinase1/2‐signal transducer and activator of transcription protein1 (JAK1/2‐STAT1) pathway. Taken together, this study demonstrates that curcumin is effective in preventing osteocyte apoptosis and the development of GA‐ONFH in a mouse model. Curcumin prevents inflammatory‐mediated apoptosis of osteocytes in part through inhibition of M1 polarization through the JAK1/2‐STAT1 pathway. These findings provide novel insights as well as a potential preventive agent for GA‐ONFH. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Vasoactive and Inotropic Support, Tube Feeding, and Ischemic Gut Complications After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Ong Chin Siang , Brown Patricia M. , Yesantharao Pooja , Zhou Xun , Young Allen , Canner Joseph K. , Quinlan Munirih , Brown Evan F. , Sussman Marc S. , Whitman Glenn J.R.
Published: February 2020

Background

Vasoactive and inotropic support (VIS) may predispose cardiac surgery patients to ischemic gut complications (IGCx). The purpose of this study was to describe the effect of VIS on the manner in which we deliver tube feeds (TFs) and determine its relationship with IGCx in cardiac surgery patients.

Methods

We reviewed cardiac surgery patients at a single institution and examined the effect of VIS (none, low, medium, high) on TF administration and evaluated IGCx.

Results

Of 3088 cardiac surgery patients, 249 (8%) required TFs, comprising 2151 total TF‐days. Increasing VIS was associated with decreased amounts of TF administered per day (P = .001) and an increase in time that TF was held per day (P < .001). High VIS was associated with less intact, more semi‐elemental/elemental formula use (P < .001) and increased use of gastric route (P < .001). Of all cardiac surgery patients, 11 of 3125 suffered IGCx (0.4%), with a mortality of 73%. Of the 3 receiving TF, 2 IGCx were focal and consistent with acute embolus, whereas one was diffuse, on high VIS and an intra‐aortic balloon pump. Of the 8 IGCx in the patients not receiving TF, 5 were focal, whereas 3 were diffuse and not embolic (P = .21).

Conclusions

Despite 32% of TF‐days on moderate to high VIS, non‐embolic IGCx were not increased compared with patients not receiving TF. As delivered at this institution, TF in even those requiring moderate to high inotropic and pressor support were not associated with an increase in attributable IGCx.
Periodontal disease and detection of human herpesviruses in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid of chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Pallos Debora , Ruivo Gilson F. , Ferrari‐Junior Sabino H. , Pannuti Claudio S. , Perozini Caroline , Sarmento Dmitry J. S. , Palmieri Michelle , Souza Ana C. M. F. , Tozetto‐Mendoza Tania R. , Doglio Alain , Braz‐Silva Paulo H.
Published: February 2020

Background

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have inability to maintain the normal levels of protein metabolism products, blood pressure and hematocrit. Periodontal disease involves an inflammatory destructive process. Identification of opportunistic viruses is extremely important as they are associated with co‐morbidities. The objective of this study was to analyse the presence of human herpesviruses in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from patients with CKD.

Methods

One hundred and thirty one individuals were divided depending on the stage of CKD: Group 1 (clearance of creatinine > 75 mL/min) patients with no renal disease (n = 24); Group 2 (clearance of creatinine of 11‐75 mL/min) patients with renal disease (n = 67); Group 3 (clearance of creatinine < 10 mL/min) patients on hemodialysis (n = 40). The parameters of periodontal disease were evaluated. The viral detection was assessed by PCR.

Results

considering the three groups, the prevalence of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV‐1) were 9% in saliva and 5% in GCF; Epstein‐Barr virus 36% in saliva and 39% in GCF; human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) 11% in GCF; varicella zoster virus 6% in saliva and 3% in GCF; of human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6) 6% in saliva and 2% in GCF; and HHV‐7 44% in saliva and 8% in GCF. Of these patients, 46.48% presented with severe periodontitis. A statistically significant association between HSV‐1 and HCMV was found in hemodialysis patients and severe periodontitis was also more frequent among them.

Conclusion

These findings show the importance of evaluating the periodontal disease and detecting herpesviruses in patients with CKD as the inflammatory process observed in these clinical conditions may worsen the course of both periodontal disease and CKD.
Correlation between alveolar bone morphology and volumetric dimensional changes in immediate maxillary implant placement: A 1‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Borges Tiago , Fernandes Danilo , Almeida Bruno , Pereira Miguel , Martins David , Azevedo Luís , Marques Tiago
Published: February 2020

Background

After a single tooth extraction, remodelling processes are initiated and morphological changes occur in the alveolar bone. It has been suggested that implant placement in a fresh extraction socket may partly reduce the alveolar ridge contraction and that several factors like the thickness of the buccal bone wall and the size of the gap between the implant and the facial bone wall may play a role on peri‐implant tissues dimensional alterations.

Methods

Twenty‐six patients treated with single‐tooth maxillary implants were included in this study. A CBCT exam allowed to access the initial buccal bone thickness (BT). Digital impressions were taken prior to extractions (T0), 1 month (T1), 4 months (T2), and 12 months (T3) after implant insertion and superimposed with a computer software allowing to quantitatively analyse the three‐dimensional changes occurred in the adjacent tissues. Variables related to thickness and volume were computed.

Results

Participants with BT ≤ 1 mm exhibited a significantly increased buccal peri‐implant tissue thickness change than patients with BT > 1 mm (P = 0.049). At T3 patients representing BT ≤ 1 mm exhibited a total volume change of −8.53% ± 5.47% compared with patients presenting BT > 1 mm, −4.37% ± 2.08%. No statistical significance was found on the distance between implant shoulder and the buccal bone plate (BID) effect.

Conclusion

After the first year of treatment peri‐implant tissues showed continuous changes resulting in a higher thickness and volume reduction at thin buccal bone plates.
Effect of artificial soil compaction in landfill capping systems on anisotropy of air‐permeability
Authors: Beck-Broichsitter Steffen , Fleige Heiner , Gerke Horst H. , Horn Rainer
Published: February 2020

Soil air permeability is an important parameter which governs the aeration in soils that significantly promotes the root growth of field and grassland species and leads, in turn, to higher levels of evapotranspiration. The German Landfill Directive (2009) requires a rigid or a minimal shrinking capping system that ensures a high evapotranspiration rate to decrease the infiltration rate through the underlying waste body and therefore the leachate generation. This research is focussed on the questions if compacted glacial till can ensure the required rigidity and if and how air permeability is affected by soil compaction.

The objective was to compare air‐filled porosity and the direction‐dependency of air permeability of a capping soil when assuming rigid and non‐rigid conditions considering a shrinkage factor. Intact soil cores were sampled in vertical and horizontal direction in 0.05, 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8 m depths at two profiles of a mineral landfill capping system at the Rastorf landfill in Northern Germany. Desiccation experiments were carried out on differently‐compacted soils and soil shrinkage was measured with a 3D laser triangulation device, while the air permeability was estimated with an air flow meter.

The results indicate that the “engineered” soil structure which was predominately platy due to a layered installation, led to a more anisotropic behaviour and therefore to higher air permeability in horizontal than in vertical direction. The compacted installation of the capping system seems to be effective and observes the statutory required more‐or‐less rigid system, otherwise, soil shrinkage would lead to vertical cracks and a more pronounced isotropic behaviour.
What Is in a “Lake” Name? That Which We Call a Lake by Any Other Name
Authors: Soranno Patricia A. , Webster Katherine E. , Smith Nicole J. , Díaz Vázquez Jessica , Cheruvelil Kendra Spence
Published: February 2020

Given how important lakes are to people, it might seem safe to assume that careful thought has been put into the naming of lakes, and that lake names reflect the high societal value people place on lakes. We examined these assumptions by analyzing the official names in the U.S. Geographic Names Information System for the 479,950 lakes ≥ 1 ha in the conterminous U.S. We found that 83% of lakes were unnamed and most of these were small lakes with 80% of unnamed lakes being smaller than 4 ha. Based on the 83,115 named lakes, we found that lake names reflect peoples' everyday lives, that lakes can inspire creativity (although the most common lake name is “Mud”), that Native American and indigenous languages have played a role in lake naming, and that there are regional differences in lake names. Unfortunately, we also found that derogatory terms were part of some lake names. We advocate for thoughtful and inclusive official naming of the 400,000 unnamed lakes in the U.S., as well as renaming of the lakes with derogatory terms to help focus attention on the importance of lakes to local communities and nations.
A new perspective on measuring the corrosion rate of localized corrosion
Authors: Angst Ueli , Büchler Markus
Published: February 2020

Many corrosion phenomena are nonuniform, which means that anodic and cathodic locations are spatially separated. An example is macrocell corrosion of steel in concrete. Under these conditions, determining the corrosion rate from polarization resistance measurements and using the Stern–Geary equation is fundamentally not possible. We present a novel theoretical approach for the interpretation of galvanostatic pulse measurements, to make them applicable as a method for corrosion rate measurements in situations of localized corrosion. Experiments show that it is important to consider that (a) only a fraction of the applied current flows through the anode of the macrocell, and (b) this current is not constant over time. We propose an approach to quantify and consider these two effects, based on information generally accessible in condition assessment of concrete structures. Our results show that galvanostatic pulse measurements are a robust method to determine the corrosion current. With the traditional empirical approach, the measurement error was generally below factor 3, and occasionally up to factor 10. With the novel approach, this error could be reduced to a factor of maximum 2 in all cases.
Synthesis and Solution Processing of Nylon‐5 Ferroelectric Thin Films: The Renaissance of Odd‐Nylons?
Authors: von Tiedemann Philipp , Anwar Saleem , Kemmer‐Jonas Ulrike , Asadi Kamal , Frey Holger
Published: February 2020

Among odd‐nylons, nylon‐5 exhibits the highest remanent polarization and is thus a desirable material for many applications of ferroelectric polymers. However, nylon‐5 has never been used as a ferroelectric material, because the synthesis of nylon‐5 and its processing into thin films are challenging. This work revisits the synthesis of nylon‐5 via anionic ring opening polymerization (AROP) and studies the effect of reaction time and scale‐up on (i) molecular weight (Mn), (ii) melting point (Tm), (iii) yield, and (iv) ferroelectric properties. For the first time, the molecular weight of nylon‐5 is characterized via size exclusion chromatography (SEC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, as well as matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI ToF‐MS), showing Mn values of up to 12 500 g mol‐1. Extended reaction times and the synthesis on a larger scale increase the molecular weight and yield. Nylon‐5 thin films are fabricated from a TFA:acetone (60:40 mol%) solvent mixture. Nylon‐5 thin‐film capacitors are ferroelectric and show a remanent polarization as high as 12.5 ± 0.5 μC cm‐2, which is stable in time. The high remanent polarization values, combined with the facile solution processing, render nylon‐5 a promising candidate for future microelectronic and multi‐ferroic applications.
Diagnosis of Aicardi‐Goutières Syndrome in Adults: A Case Series
Authors: Videira Gonçalo , Malaquias Maria João , Laranjinha Inês , Martins Ricardo , Taipa Ricardo , Magalhães Marina
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Aicardi‐Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a genetic disease presenting with early‐onset encephalopathy, generalized dystonia, spasticity, and cognitive disability. Diagnosis may be difficult in adults, as the clinical course seems static from infancy.

Methods

AGS patients from an adult movement disorders outpatient clinic were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of 5 patients and 1 asymptomatic carrier from 3 different families were identified. All had a homozygous c.529G>A,p.A177T mutation in exon 7 of the RNASEH2B gene. Two patients had neonatal‐onset AGS, 2 had later onset forms, and 1 was slightly symptomatic. All were diagnosed in adulthood after chilblains, and basal ganglia calcifications were identified on computed tomography scans.

Discussion

AGS patients have marked phenotypic variability regarding psychomotor development and morbidity. The present series included 1 asymptomatic carrier and 1 slightly symptomatic patient, both with homozygous RNASEH2B mutations. Chilblains and basal ganglia calcifications identified on computed tomography scan (but not on magnetic resonance imaging) are important clues for late diagnosis.
A new ultra‐wideband miniaturized antenna with a double‐branch radiator
Authors: Shin Hyunwoong , Jiang Shan , Yang Jaeseong , Kim Hyung‐hoon , Kim Hyeongdong
Published: February 2020

The antenna proposed in this study is a double‐branch radiator antenna. The radiator of this antenna is neither a conventional single‐branch radiator nor is it just a simple combination of 2 radiator branches. Moreover, a parallel resonance wideband feeding technology is used on the feed structure of the proposed antenna. The reference antenna in this study was a conventional single‐branch radiator antenna, which also uses the parallel resonance wideband feeding technology. A total of 3 resonant current modes are generated with the proposed antenna. The operating mechanisms of the 3 modes were analyzed in detail. The results showed that the impedance bandwidth was significantly enhanced with the simple modification. The impedance bandwidth reached 210 MHz (0.83‐1.04 GHz), which is 2 times that of the reference antenna and approximately 4 to 5 times that of a conventional planar inverted‐F antenna (PIFA).
Flexible CPW fed transparent antenna for WLAN and sub‐6 GHz 5G applications
Authors: Desai Arpan , Upadhyaya Trushit , Patel Jay , Patel Riki , Palandoken Merih
Published: February 2020

A transparent flexible co‐planar waveguide fed patch antenna using polyethylene terephthalate substrate is presented. The wideband high gain antenna having an overall dimension of 0.48λ
× 0.64λ at the center frequency of 4.28 GHz is fabricated using a transparent sheet made up of Silver Tin Oxide (AgHT‐8). The performance of the proposed antenna is compared with four other nontransparent nonflexible and semitransparent flexible antennas. For the engineered design, patch geometry and feeding mechanism are kept constant whereas the substrate and patch materials are varied. Simulations are carried out using finite element method‐based full wave high‐frequency structure simulator after which the antennas are fabricated and tested. The proposed flexible transparent antenna has bandwidth in order of 40%, ranging from 3.89 to 5.9 GHz, with a notable gain over 3 dBi and efficiency greater than 80% for the entire frequency band. The bending conditions are also tested for the flexible transparent antenna which showed decent performance for sub‐6 GHz 5G and WLAN applications.
Pseudo‐CT generation from multi‐parametric MRI using a novel multi‐channel multi‐path conditional generative adversarial network for nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Tie Xin , Lam Sai‐Kit , Zhang Yong , Lee Kar‐Ho , Au Kwok‐Hung , Cai Jing
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a novel method for pseudo‐CT generation from multi‐parametric MR images using multi‐channel multi‐path generative adversarial network (MCMP‐GAN).

Methods

Pre‐ and post‐contrast T1‐weighted (T1‐w), T2‐weighted (T2‐w) MRI, and treatment planning CT images of 32 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients were employed to train a pixel‐to‐pixel MCMP‐GAN. The network was developed based on a 5‐level Residual U‐Net (ResU‐Net) with the channel‐based independent feature extraction network to generate pseudo‐CT images from multi‐parametric MR images. The discriminator with five convolutional layers was added to distinguish between the real CT and pseudo‐CT images, improving the nonlinearity and prediction accuracy of the model. Eightfold cross validation was implemented to validate the proposed MCMP‐GAN. The pseudo‐CT images were evaluated against the corresponding planning CT images based on mean absolute error (MAE), peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), and Structural similarity index (SSIM). Similar comparisons were also performed against the multi‐channel single‐path GAN (MCSP‐GAN), the single‐channel single‐path GAN (SCSP‐GAN).

Results

It took approximately 20 h to train the MCMP‐GAN model on a Quadro P6000, and less than 10 s to generate all pseudo‐CT images for the subjects in the test set. The average head MAE between pseudo‐CT and planning CT was 75.7 ± 14.6 Hounsfield Units (HU) for MCMP‐GAN, significantly (P‐values < 0.05) lower than that for MCSP‐GAN (79.2 ± 13.0 HU) and SCSP‐GAN (85.8 ± 14.3 HU). For bone only, the MCMP‐GAN yielded a smaller mean MAE (194.6 ± 38.9 HU) than MCSP‐GAN (203.7 ± 33.1 HU), SCSP‐GAN (227.0 ± 36.7 HU). The average PSNR of MCMP‐GAN (29.1 ± 1.6) was found to be higher than that of MCSP‐GAN (28.8 ± 1.2) and SCSP‐GAN (28.2 ± 1.3). In terms of metrics for image similarity, MCMP‐GAN achieved the highest SSIM (0.92 ± 0.02) but did not show significantly improved bone DSC results in comparison with MCSP‐GAN.

Conclusions

We developed a novel multi‐channel GAN approach for generating pseudo‐CT from multi‐parametric MR images. Our preliminary results in NPC patients showed that the MCMP‐GAN method performed apparently superior to the U‐Net‐GAN and SCSP‐GAN, and slightly better than MCSP‐GAN.
Optimizing SNR for multi‐metabolite hyperpolarized carbon‐13 MRI using a hybrid flip‐angle scheme
Authors: Smith Lauren M. , Wade Trevor P. , Friesen‐Waldner Lanette J. , McKenzie Charles A.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To improve the SNR of hyperpolarized carbon‐13 MRI of [1‐13C]pyruvate using a multispectral variable flip angle (msVFA) scheme in which the spectral profile and flip angle vary dynamically with time.

Methods

Each image acquisition in a time‐resolved imaging experiment used a unique spectrally varying RF pulse shape for msVFA. Therefore, the flip angle for every acquisition was optimized for pyruvate and each of its metabolites to yield the highest SNR across the acquisition. Multispectral VFA was compared with a spectrally varying constant flip‐angle excitation model through simulations and in vivo. A modified broadband chemical shift‐encoded gradient‐echo sequence was used for in vivo experiments on six pregnant guinea pigs. Regions of interest placed in the placentae, maternal liver, and maternal kidneys were used as areas for SNR measurement.

Results

In vivo experiments showed significant increases in SNR for msVFA relative to constant flip angle of up to 250% for multiple metabolites.

Conclusion

Hyperpolarized carbon‐13 imaging with msVFA excitation produces improved SNR for all metabolites in organs of interest.
Emerging technologies in neuromuscular ultrasound
Authors: Hobson‐Webb Lisa D.
Published: February 2020

Neuromuscular ultrasound is an accepted and valuable element in the evaluation of peripheral nerve and muscle disease. However, ultrasound has several limitations to consider, including operator dependency and lack of a viable contrast agent. Fortunately, new technological advances show promise in resolving these issues. Ultra‐high resolution ultrasound enables imaging of the nerve at the fascicular level. Shear wave elastography imaging can provide measures of tissue stiffness that can act as a surrogate measure of nerve and muscle health. Photoacoustic imaging may overcome neuromuscular ultrasound's current lack of contrast agents to detect inflammation and other functional changes within nerve and muscle, while artificial intelligence stands to address operator dependency and improve diagnostic imaging. The basic principles of each of these technologies are discussed along with current research and potential future applications in neuromuscular imaging.
Low interrater reliability of brachial plexus MRI in chronic inflammatory neuropathies
Authors: van Rosmalen Marieke H. J. , Goedee H. Stephan , van der Gijp Anouk , Witkamp Theo D. , Froeling Martijn , Hendrikse Jeroen , van der Pol W. Ludo
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Magnetic resonance imaging of the brachial plexus shows nerve thickening in approximately half of the patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). The reliability of qualitative evaluation of brachial plexus MRI has not been studied previously.

Methods

We performed an interrater study in a retrospective cohort of 19 patients with CIDP, 17 patients with MMN, and 14 controls. The objective was to assess interrater variability between radiologists by using a predefined scoring system that allowed the distinction of no, possible, or definite nerve thickening.

Results

Raters agreed in 26 of 50 (52%) brachial plexus images; κ‐coefficient was 0.30 (SE 0.08, 95% confidence interval 0.14–0.46, P < .0005).

Discussion

Our results provide evidence that interrater reliability of qualitative evaluation of brachial plexus MRI is low. Objective criteria for abnormality are required to optimize the diagnostic value of MRI for inflammatory neuropathies.
Prediabetes, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and small fiber neuropathy
Authors: Thaisetthawatkul Pariwat , Lyden Elizabeth , Americo Fernandes J. , Herrmann David N.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

This study was conducted to evaluate the association between prediabetes (PD), elements of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), and small fiber neuropathy (SFN).

Methods

A total of 268 patients with SFN symptoms and normal electrophysiology underwent tests to assess small fibers. SFN was diagnosed based on abnormality of at least two among intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IEFND), quantitative sensory testing, and quantitative sudomotor axon reflex testing.

Results

There was no difference in IENFD or abnormal skin biopsy frequency between PD and normoglycemia (NG). However, IENFD was lower in people with diabetes mellitus (DM) than in those with NG. An association between HbA1C and IENFD was observed only if DM patients were included. Attributes of the MetS were more common in those with an abnormal skin biopsy but not among those with autonomic dysfunction or meeting SFN criteria.

Discussion

DM, but not PD alone, is associated with SFN. Other MetS elements appear to preferentially impact small fiber structure over function.
Relevance of apparent diffusion coefficient features for a radiomics‐based prediction of response to induction chemotherapy in sinonasal cancer
Authors: Bologna Marco , Calareso Giuseppina , Resteghini Carlo , Sdao Silvana , Montin Eros , Corino Valentina , Mainardi Luca , Licitra Lisa , Bossi Paolo
Published: February 2020

Abstract summary

In this paper, several radiomics‐based predictive models of response to induction chemotherapy (IC) in sinonasal cancers (SNCs) are built and tested. Models were built as a combination of radiomic features extracted from three types of MRI images: T1‐weighted images, T2‐weighted images and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. Fifty patients (aged 54 ± 12 years, 41 men) were included in this study. Patients were classified according to their response to IC (25 responders and 25 nonresponders). Not all types of images were acquired for all of the patients: 49 had T1‐weighted images, 50 had T2‐weighted images and 34 had ADC maps. Only in a subset of 33 patients were all three types of image acquired.

Eighty‐nine radiomic features were extracted from the MRI images. Dimensionality reduction was performed by using principal component analysis (PCA) and by selecting only the three main components. Different algorithms (trees ensemble, K‐nearest neighbors, support vector machine, naïve Bayes) were used to classify the patients as either responders or nonresponders. Several radiomic models (either monomodality or multimodality obtained by a combination of T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted and ADC images) were developed and the performance was assessed through 100 iterations of train and test split. The area under the curve (AUC) of the models ranged from 0.56 to 0.78. Trees ensemble, support vector machine and naïve Bayes performed similarly, but in all cases ADC‐based models performed better. Trees ensemble gave the highest AUC (0.78 for the T1‐weighted+T2‐weighted+ADC model) and was used for further analyses. For trees ensemble, the models based on ADC features performed better than those models that did not use those features (P < 0.02 for one‐tail Hanley test, AUC range 0.68–0.78 vs 0.56–0.69) except the T1‐weighted+ADC model (AUC 0.71 vs 0.69, nonsignificant differences). The results suggest the relevance of ADC‐based radiomics for prediction of response to IC in SNCs.