bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic tomography system for online monitoring of temperature fields
Authors: Yan Hua , Ma Zhao , Zhou Ying Gang
Published: March 2017

For online monitoring of complex temperature distributions, an acoustic tomography system based on sound travel‐time measurement is developed. For coping with the reverberation phenomenon in actual measurement, an anti‐reflection interference measurement method for sound travel‐time is proposed based on cross‐correlation and peak recognition. In view of the fact the pixel number provided by commonly used reconstruction algorithms, such as least‐squares methods, is very limited, radial basis function approximation and regularisation technique are used, which leads to the pixel number of the reconstruction image increasing dramatically. Mixed programming with LabVIEW and MATLAB is used. Queue structure is adopted to make data acquiring program and data processing program parallel. Test results show that the system can run normally as designed. The measurement values of sound travel‐time acquired by the proposed method are stable even in strong reflection interference. Test results show that the system can run normally as designed. The measurement values of sound travel‐time acquired by the proposed method are stable even in strong reflection interference. The temperature fields reconstructed are coincided with actual fields, and correctly reflect the temperature changes in the measured area with the heater number, heater location and heating time.
Numerical analysis of a nonlinearly stable and positive control volume finite element scheme for Richards equation with anisotropy
Authors: Ait Hammou Oulhaj Ahmed , Cancès Clément , Chainais–Hillairet Claire
Published: March 2017

We extend the nonlinear Control Volume Finite Element scheme of [C. Cancès and C. Guichard, Math. Comput. 85 (2016) 549–580]. to the discretization of Richards equation. This scheme ensures the preservation of the physical bounds without any restriction on the mesh and on the anisotropy tensor. Moreover, it does not require the introduction of the so-called Kirchhoff transform in its definition. It also provides a control on the capillary energy. Based on this nonlinear stability property, we show that the scheme converges towards the unique solution to Richards equation when the discretization parameters tend to 0. Finally we present some numerical experiments to illustrate the behavior of the method.
First Total Synthesis of a Cytotoxic Derivative of the Natural Product Aaptamine
Authors: Puvvala Srinu , Jadhav Vinod , Narkhede Umesh , Anji Karun M. , Venkata Ramana Reddy Ch.
Published: March 2017

A synthetic sequence to the benzonaphthyridinone framework is described. The key step is a one-pot, base-catalyzed vicarious nucleophilic substitution followed by ring closure. Additionally, the synthesis represents the application of a vicarious nucleophilic substitution in the total synthesis of a cytotoxic aaptamine derivative.
Complications after Hypospadias Correction: Prognostic Factors and Impact on Final Clinical Outcome
Authors: Mouës Chantal , Rooij Iris , Biezen Jan , Dokter Elisabeth
Published: March 2017

Purpose The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of patient and treatment characteristics on the occurrence of complications after hypospadias correction and the impact of complications on final clinical outcome.

Materials and Methods The study cohort consisted of 205 hypospadias patients who had surgery in the Medical Centre Leeuwarden (1996–2011). Patient and treatment characteristics were hypospadias severity (preoperative meatal location and chordee), number of planned surgeries, reconstruction technique, operation year, and patient's age at the time of surgery. The final clinical outcome was measured with the Hypospadias Objective Scoring Evaluation (HOSE) (maximum score = 16) and compared between patients with and without complications.

Results Sixty-four patients (31%) had complications, most of which were fistulas (n = 40). An increased complication risk was seen in patients with severe hypospadias (preoperative proximal meatus or chordee), multistage reconstruction, reconstruction techniques other than Mathieu, and surgeries performed before 2005. Uncomplicated treatment resulted only in a marginally higher HOSE (15.7) compared with complicated treatment (15.4). Fistulas and multiple complications reduced clinical outcome more (15.3 and 14.9, respectively), while urinary tract infections, wound dehiscence, or prepuce related complications did not (16.0, 16.0, and 15.8, respectively).

Conclusion The complication risk after hypospadias correction is influenced by hypospadias severity and type and year of reconstruction. Certain, but not all complications diminish final clinical outcome.
Symptomatic Parietal Intradiploic Encephalocele—A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Shi Chen , Flores Bruno , Fisher Stephen , Barnett Samuel
Published: March 2017

Encephalocele is a rare condition that consists of herniation of cerebral matter through openings of dura and skull. A majority of encephaloceles are congenital and manifest in childhood. We present a case of a 45-year-old man presenting with contralateral hemiparesis and found to have an extremely rare phenomenon of a symptomatic posttraumatic parietal intradiploic encephalocele (IE) manifesting 36 years following pediatric traumatic head injury. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed herniation of brain tissue into the intradiploic space. Surgical treatment with reduction of the encephalocele achieved near resolution of preoperative hemiparesis on follow-up. The pathogenesis and a literature review of IE are discussed.
Coherent manipulation of non-thermal spin order in optical nuclear polarization experiments
Authors: Buntkowsky Gerd , Ivanov Konstantin L. , Zimmermann Herbert , Vieth Hans-Martin
Published: March 2017

Time resolved measurements of Optical Nuclear Polarization (ONP) have been performed on hyperpolarized triplet states in molecular crystals created by light excitation. Transfer of the initial electron polarization to nuclear spins has been studied in the presence of radiofrequency excitation; the experiments have been performed with different pulse sequences using different doped molecular systems. The experimental results clearly demonstrate the dominant role of coherent mechanisms of spin order transfer, which manifest themselves in well pronounced oscillations. These oscillations are of two types, precessions and nutations, having characteristic frequencies, which are the same for the different molecular systems and the pulse sequences applied. Hence, precessions and nutations constitute a general feature of polarization transfer in ONP experiments. In general, coherent manipulation of spin order transfer creates a powerful resource for improving the performance of the ONP method, which paves the way to strong signal enhancement in nuclear magnetic resonance.
Short-time dynamics and decay mechanism of 2(1H)-pyridinone upon excitation to the light-absorbing S4(21𝝅𝝅*) state
Authors: Zhang Teng-Shuo , Xue Jia-Dan , Zheng Xuming , Xie Bin-Bin , Fang Wei-Hai
Published: March 2017

The excited-state structural dynamics and the decay mechanism of 2(1H)-pyridinone (NHP) after excitation to the S4(21ππ*) light-absorbing state were studied using resonance Raman spectroscopy and complete-active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) calculations. The B-band absorption cross-section and the corresponding absolute resonance Raman cross-sections were simulated using a simple model based on time-dependent wave-packet theory. The geometric structures of the singlet electronic excited states and their curve-crossing points were optimized at the CASSCF level of theory. The obtained short-time structural dynamics in easy-to-visualize internal coordinates were then compared with the CASSCF-predicted structural-parameter changes of S4(21ππ*)/S3(21nπ*)-MIN, S4(21ππ*)/S1(11nπ*)-MIN, and S4(21ππ*)-MIN. Our results indicate that the initial population of NHP in the S4 state bifurcates in or near the Franck–Condon region, leading to two predominant (S4S3-MIN and S4S1-MIN) internal conversion pathways. The lowest-lying S2(11ππ*) excited state is finally formed via subsequent internal conversions S3(21nπ*)/S2(11ππ*)-MIN and S1(11nπ*)/S2(11ππ*)-MIN. The enol–keto tautomeric mechanism does not seem to play a role. The decay mechanism in the singlet realm is proposed.
From the tunneling dimer to the onset of microsolvation: Infrared spectroscopy of allyl radical water aggregates in helium nanodroplets
Authors: Leicht Daniel , Kaufmann Matin , Pal Nitish , Schwaab Gerhard , Havenith Martina
Published: March 2017

The infrared spectrum of allyl:water clusters embedded in helium nanodroplets was recorded. Allyl radicals were produced by flash vacuum pyrolysis and trapped in helium droplets. Deuterated water was added to the doped droplets, and the infrared spectrum of the radical water aggregates was recorded in the frequency range 2570-2820 cm−1. Several absorption bands are observed and assigned to 1:1 and 1:2 allyl:D2O clusters, based on pressure dependent measurements and accompanying quantum chemical calculations. The analysis of the 1:1 cluster spectrum revealed a tunneling splitting as well as a combination band. For the 1:2 cluster, we observe a water dimer-like motif that is bound by one π-hydrogen bond to the allyl radical.
Solution-processed p-type copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN) for low-voltage flexible thin-film transistors and integrated inverter circuits
Authors: Petti Luisa , Pattanasattayavong Pichaya , Lin Yen-Hung , Münzenrieder Niko , Cantarella Giuseppe , Yaacobi-Gross Nir , Yan Feng , Tröster Gerhard , Anthopoulos Thomas D.
Published: March 2017

We report on low operating voltage thin-film transistors (TFTs) and integrated inverters based on copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN) layers processed from solution at low temperature on free-standing plastic foils. As-fabricated coplanar bottom-gate and staggered top-gate TFTs exhibit hole-transporting characteristics with average mobility values of 0.0016 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 0.013 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively, current on/off ratio in the range 102–104, and maximum operating voltages between −3.5 and −10 V, depending on the gate dielectric employed. The promising TFT characteristics enable fabrication of unipolar NOT gates on flexible free-standing plastic substrates with voltage gain of 3.4 at voltages as low as −3.5 V. Importantly, discrete CuSCN transistors and integrated logic inverters remain fully functional even when mechanically bent to a tensile radius of 4 mm, demonstrating the potential of the technology for flexible electronics.
Investigation on cold and hot cavity characteristics of overmoded coaxial SWSs with inner corrugations designed for TM02 mode operation at 60 GHz
Authors: Chen Siyao , Zhang Jun , Bai Zhen
Published: March 2017

Coaxial O-type Cerenkov devices usually operate in the quasi-TEM or TM01 mode, but for the purpose of operating at 60 GHz, the coaxial slow-wave structures (SWSs) operating in the TM02 mode were investigated in this paper. To elucidate the working mechanism of coaxial SWSs in the TM02 mode, the cold and hot cavity characteristics are analyzed by numerical calculations. The analysis results suggest that the long periodic length and the short distance between the inner and outer conductors can be adopted to make the group velocity of the TM02 mode at the intersection point close to zero and guarantee single-mode operation. In addition, SWSs with these geometry parameters can achieve high power capacity and high wave-beam interaction conversion efficiency. The starting current is low and the temporal growth is close to the low order modes.
Propagation of nondiffracting pulses carrying orbital angular momentum at microwave frequencies
Authors: Comite D. , Fuscaldo W. , Pavone S. C. , Valerio G. , Ettorre M. , Albani M. , Galli A.
Published: March 2017

We discuss the generation and propagation of nondiffracting twisted pulses at microwaves, obtained through polychromatic spectral superposition of higher-order Bessel beams. The inherent vectorial structure of Maxwell's equations has been considered to generalize the nondiffracting solution of the scalar wave equation with azimuthal phase variation. Since a wide frequency bandwidth is necessary to synthesize time-limited pulses, the non-negligible wavenumber frequency dispersion, which commonly affects the propagation in the microwave range, has been taken into account. For this purpose, a higher-order Bessel beam is generated by enforcing an inward cylindrical traveling-wave distribution over a finite aperture. We present and discuss the main aspects of the generation of twisted pulses in the microwave range, showing the promising possibility to carry orbital angular momentum through highly focused X-shaped pulses up to the nondiffractive range.
Magnetic quantum dot in two-dimensional topological insulators
Authors: Li Guo , Zhu Jia-Lin , Yang Ning
Published: March 2017

Magnetic quantum dots in two-dimensional band and topological insulators are studied by solving the modified Dirac model under nonuniform magnetic fields. The Landau levels split into discrete states with certain angular momentum. The states splitting from the zero Landau levels lie in the energy gap for topological insulators but are out of the gap for band insulators. It is found that the ground states oscillate between the spin-up and spin-down states when the magnetic field or the dot size changes. The oscillation manifests itself as changes of sign and strength of charge currents near the dot's edge.
Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy at lattice-matched Co2FeAl/MgAl2O4(001) epitaxial interfaces
Authors: Sukegawa Hiroaki , Hadorn Jason Paul , Wen Zhenchao , Ohkubo Tadakatsu , Mitani Seiji , Hono Kazuhiro
Published: March 2017

We report perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) induced at Co2FeAl/MgAl2O4(001) epitaxial interfaces prepared by magnetron sputtering and post-oxidation of MgAl layers. A PMA energy density of more than 4 Merg/cm3 for 1-nm-thick Co2FeAl layers and an effective interface PMA energy density of 1.6 erg/cm2 were achieved by controlling the interfacial oxidation states through fine-tuning of oxidation processes and annealing temperature. Cross-sectional scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging revealed a lattice-matched Co2FeAl/MgAl2O4 interface, which may be responsible for the large PMA energy due to a reduction of the bulk anisotropy contribution.
Molecule-specific interactions of diatomic adsorbates at metal-liquid interfaces
Authors: Kraack Jan Philip , Kaech Andres , Hamm Peter
Published: March 2017

Ultrafast vibrational dynamics of small molecules on platinum (Pt) layers in water are investigated using 2D attenuated total reflectance IR spectroscopy. Isotope combinations of carbon monoxide and cyanide are used to elucidate inter-adsorbate and substrate-adsorbate interactions. Despite observed cross-peaks in the CO spectra, we conclude that the molecules are not vibrationally coupled. Rather, strong substrate-adsorbate interactions evoke rapid (∼2 ps) vibrational relaxation from the adsorbate into the Pt layer, leading to thermal cross-peaks. In the case of CN, vibrational relaxation is significantly slower (∼10 ps) and dominated by adsorbate-solvent interactions, while the coupling to the substrate is negligible.
The virtual maze: A behavioural tool for measuring trust
Authors: Hale Joanna , Payne Madeleine EM , Taylor Kathryn M , Paoletti Davide , De C Hamilton Antonia F
Published: March 2017

Trusting another person may depend on our level of generalised trust in others, as well as perceptions of that specific person’s trustworthiness. However, many studies measuring trust outcomes have not discussed generalised versus specific trust. To measure specific trust in others, we developed a novel behavioural task. Participants navigate a virtual maze and make a series of decisions about how to proceed. Before each decision, they may ask for advice from two virtual characters they have briefly interviewed earlier. We manipulated the virtual characters’ trustworthiness during the interview phase and measured how often participants approached and followed advice from each character. We also measured trust through ratings and an investment game. Across three studies, we found participants followed advice from a trustworthy character significantly more than an untrustworthy character, demonstrating the validity of the maze task. Behaviour in the virtual maze reflected specific trust rather than generalised trust, whereas the investment game picked up on generalised trust as well as specific trust. Our data suggest the virtual maze task may provide an alternative behavioural approach to measuring specific trust in future research, and we demonstrate how the task may be used in traditional laboratories.
‘Spontaneous’ visual perspective-taking mediated by attention orienting that is voluntary and not reflexive
Authors: Gardner Mark R , Hull Zainabb , Taylor Donna , Edmonds Caroline J
Published: March 2017

Experiments revealing ‘spontaneous’ visual perspective-taking are conventionally interpreted as demonstrating that adults have the capacity to track simple mental states in a fast and efficient manner (‘implicit mentalising’). A rival account suggests that these experiments can be explained by the general purpose mechanisms responsible for reflexive attentional orienting. Here, we report two experiments designed to distinguish between these competing accounts. In Experiment 1, we assessed whether reflexive attention orienting was sufficient to yield findings interpreted as spontaneous perspective-taking in the ‘avatar task’ when the protocol was adapted so that participants were unaware that they were taking part in a perspective-taking experiment. Results revealed no evidence for perspective-taking. In Experiment 2, we employed a Posner paradigm to investigate the attentional orienting properties of the avatar stimuli. This revealed cue-validity effects only for longer stimulus onset asynchronies, which indicates a voluntary rather than reflexive shift in spatial attention. Taken together, these findings suggest that attentional orienting does indeed contribute to performance in the Samson et al. avatar task. However, attention orienting appears to be voluntary rather than reflexive, indicating that the perspective-taking phenomenon measured may be less spontaneous than first reported.
Strong classification of purely infinite Cuntz-Krieger algebras
Authors: Carlsen Toke , Restorff Gunnar , Ruiz Efren
Published: March 2017

In 2006, Restorff completed the classification of all Cuntz-Krieger algebras with finitely many ideals (i.e., those that are purely infinite) up to stable isomorphism. He left open the questions concerning strong classification up to stable isomorphism and unital classification. In this paper, we address both questions. We show that any isomorphism between the reduced filtered

K
K

-theory of two Cuntz-Krieger algebras with finitely many ideals lifts to a

∗

^*

-isomorphism between the stabilized Cuntz-Krieger algebras. As a result, we also obtain strong unital classification.
GenomeScope: fast reference-free genome profiling from short reads
Authors: Vurture Gregory W , Sedlazeck Fritz J , Nattestad Maria , Underwood Charles J , Fang Han , Gurtowski James , Schatz Michael C
Published: March 2017

GenomeScope is an open-source web tool to rapidly estimate the overall characteristics of a genome, including genome size, heterozygosity rate and repeat content from unprocessed short reads. These features are essential for studying genome evolution, and help to choose parameters for downstream analysis. We demonstrate its accuracy on 324 simulated and 16 real datasets with a wide range in genome sizes, heterozygosity levels and error rates.

Availability and Implementation

http://genomescope.org, https://github.com/schatzlab/genomescope.git.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Thomas Carlyle and Political Economy: The ‘Dismal Science’ in Context
Authors: Jordan Alexander
Published: March 2017

Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) is notorious for his description of economics as ‘the dismal science’. In the existing literature, Carlyle is portrayed as an ignorant and philistine critic, who rejected the science from the outside, on purely ‘moral’ grounds.

In contrast, the current article offers a close, comprehensive, and contextualised reading of Carlyle’s oeuvre, continually following up his sources, interlocutors, and reception. In short, it argues that Carlyle was relatively well-informed, participating in some key debates within political economy.

The article begins by situating Carlyle in 1820s Edinburgh. Whereas Smith had understood political economy as a subordinate branch of the ‘science of the legislator’, Stewart and McCulloch drew a sharp distinction between political economy and politics. Having established political economy as an independent science, they called upon the legislator to withdraw from economic life. Having expressed severe misgivings, Carlyle found an alternative in Sismondi and the Saint-Simonians, who sought to shift the emphasis away from the production of material wealth, and towards distribution, morality, and ethics.

Having reconstructed the controversies in which Carlyle engaged with specific political economists, the article argues that it was not altogether unreasonable for Carlyle to consider certain strands of political economy a ‘dismal science’.

The article then examines the reception of Carlyle’s writings amongst Owenites, Chartists, and scholars of ancient Greek. It also shows how Carlyle won over some political economists, notably John Stuart Mill. Finally, the article explores the influence of Carlyle upon advocates of a ‘social science’, and upon some later nineteenth-century economists.
The Healthy Brain Network Serial Scanning Initiative: a resource for evaluating inter-individual differences and their reliabilities across scan conditions and sessions
Authors: O'Connor David , Potler Natan Vega , Kovacs Meagan , Xu Ting , Ai Lei , Pellman John , Vanderwal Tamara , Parra Lucas C. , Cohen Samantha , Ghosh Satrajit , Escalera Jasmine , Grant-Villegas Natalie , Osman Yael , Bui Anastasia , Craddock R. Cameron , Milham Michael P.
Published: March 2017

Background: Although typically measured during the resting state, a growing literature is illustrating the ability to map intrinsic connectivity with functional MRI during task and naturalistic viewing conditions. These paradigms are drawing excitement due to their greater tolerability in clinical and developing populations and because they enable a wider range of analyses (e.g., inter-subject correlations). To be clinically useful, the test-retest reliability of connectivity measured during these paradigms needs to be established. This resource provides data for evaluating test-retest reliability for full-brain connectivity patterns detected during each of four scan conditions that differ with respect to level of engagement (rest, abstract animations, movie clips, flanker task). Data are provided for 13 participants, each scanned in 12 sessions with 10 minutes for each scan of the four conditions. Diffusion kurtosis imaging data was also obtained at each session.

Findings: Technical validation and demonstrative reliability analyses were carried out at the connection-level using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and at network-level representations of the data using the Image Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. Variation in intrinsic functional connectivity across sessions was generally found to be greater than that attributable to scan condition. Between-condition reliability was generally high, particularly for the frontoparietal and default networks. Between-session reliabilities obtained separately for the different scan conditions were comparable, though notably lower than between-condition reliabilities.

Conclusions: This resource provides a test-bed for quantifying the reliability of connectivity indices across subjects, conditions and time. The resource can be used to compare and optimize different frameworks for measuring connectivity and data collection parameters such as scan length. Additionally, investigators can explore the unique perspectives of the brain's functional architecture offered by each of the scan conditions.
de novo assembly and population genomic survey of natural yeast isolates with the Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencer
Authors: Istace Benjamin , Friedrich Anne , d'Agata Léo , Faye Sébastien , Payen Emilie , Beluche Odette , Caradec Claudia , Davidas Sabrina , Cruaud Corinne , Liti Gianni , Lemainque Arnaud , Engelen Stefan , Wincker Patrick , Schacherer Joseph , Aury Jean-Marc
Published: March 2017

Background: Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd (Oxford, UK) have recently commercialized MinION, a small single-molecule nanopore sequencer, that offers the possibility of sequencing long DNA fragments from small genomes in a matter of seconds. The Oxford Nanopore technology is truly disruptive; it has the potential to revolutionize genomic applications due to its portability, low cost, and ease of use compared with existing long reads sequencing technologies. The MinION sequencer enables the rapid sequencing of small eukaryotic genomes, such as the yeast genome. Combined with existing assembler algorithms, near complete genome assemblies can be generated and comprehensive population genomic analyses can be performed. Results: Here, we resequenced the genome of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288C strain to evaluate the performance of nanopore-only assemblers. Then we de novo sequenced and assembled the genomes of 21 isolates representative of the S. cerevisiae genetic diversity using the MinION platform. The contiguity of our assemblies was 14 times higher than the Illumina-only assemblies and we obtained one or two long contigs for 65 % of the chromosomes. This high contiguity allowed us to accurately detect large structural variations across the 21 studied genomes. Conclusion: Because of the high completeness of the nanopore assemblies, we were able to produce a complete cartography of transposable elements insertions and inspect structural variants that are generally missed using a short-read sequencing strategy. Our analyses show that the Oxford Nanopore technology is already usable for de novo sequencing and assembly; however, non-random errors in homopolymers require polishing the consensus using an alternate sequencing technology.
drVM: a new tool for efficient genome assembly of known eukaryotic viruses from metagenomes
Authors: Lin Hsin-Hung , Liao Yu-Chieh
Published: March 2017

Background: Virus discovery using high-throughput next-generation sequencing has become more commonplace. However, although analysis of deep next-generation sequencing data allows us to identity potential pathogens, the entire analytical procedure requires competency in the bioinformatics domain, which includes implementing proper software packages and preparing prerequisite databases. Simple and user-friendly bioinformatics pipelines are urgently required to obtain complete viral genome sequences from metagenomic data.

Results: This manuscript presents a pipeline, drVM (detect and reconstruct known viral genomes from metagenomes), for rapid viral read identification, genus-level read partition, read normalization, de novo assembly, sequence annotation, and coverage profiling. The first two procedures and sequence annotation rely on known viral genomes as a reference database. drVM was validated via the analysis of over 300 sequencing runs generated by Illumina and Ion Torrent platforms to provide complete viral genome assemblies for a variety of virus types including DNA viruses, RNA viruses, and retroviruses. drVM is available for free download at: https://sourceforge.net/projects/sb2nhri/files/drVM/ and is also assembled as a Docker container, an Amazon machine image, and a virtual machine to facilitate seamless deployment.

Conclusions: drVM was compared with other viral detection tools to demonstrate its merits in terms of viral genome completeness and reduced computation time. This substantiates the platform's potential to produce prompt and accurate viral genome sequences from clinical samples.
Automated identification of implausible values in growth data from pediatric electronic health records
Authors: Daymont Carrie , Ross Michelle E , Russell Localio A , Fiks Alexander G , Wasserman Richard C , Grundmeier Robert W
Published: March 2017

Objective

Large electronic health record (EHR) datasets are increasingly used to facilitate research on growth, but measurement and recording errors can lead to biased results. We developed and tested an automated method for identifying implausible values in pediatric EHR growth data.

Materials and Methods

Using deidentified data from 46 primary care sites, we developed an algorithm to identify weight and height values that should be excluded from analysis, including implausible values and values that were recorded repeatedly without remeasurement. The foundation of the algorithm is a comparison of each measurement, expressed as a standard deviation score, with a weighted moving average of a child’s other measurements. We evaluated the performance of the algorithm by (1) comparing its results with the judgment of physician reviewers for a stratified random selection of 400 measurements and (2) evaluating its accuracy in a dataset with simulated errors.

Results

Of 2 000 595 growth measurements from 280 610 patients 1 to 21 years old, 3.8% of weight and 4.5% of height values were identified as implausible or excluded for other reasons. The proportion excluded varied widely by primary care site. The automated method had a sensitivity of 97% (95% confidence interval [CI], 94–99%) and a specificity of 90% (95% CI, 85–94%) for identifying implausible values compared to physician judgment, and identified 95% (weight) and 98% (height) of simulated errors.

Discussion and Conclusion

This automated, flexible, and validated method for preparing large datasets will facilitate the use of pediatric EHR growth datasets for research.
Surgical Decision Making From Image-Based Biophysical Modeling of Glioblastoma: Not Ready for Primetime
Authors: Amelot Aymeric , Deroulers Christophe , Badoual Mathilde , Polivka Marc , Adle-Biassette Homa , Houdart Emmanuel , Carpentier Antoine F. , Froelich Sebastien , Mandonnet Emmanuel
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND: Biophysical modeling of glioma is gaining more interest for clinical practice. The most popular model describes aggressivity of tumor cells by two parameters: net proliferation rate (ρ) and propensity to migrate (D). The ratio ρ/D, which can be estimated from a single preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), characterizes tumor invasiveness profile (high ρ/D: nodular; low ρ/D: diffuse). A recent study reported, from a large series of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients, that gross total resection (GTR) would improve survival only in patients with nodular tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To replicate these results, that is to verify that benefit of GTR would be only observed for nodular tumors.

METHODS: Between 2005 and 2012, we considered 234 GBM patients with pre- and postoperative MRI. Stereotactic biopsy (BST) was performed in 109 patients. Extent of resection was assessed on postoperative MRI and classified as GTR or partial resection (PR). Invasiveness ρ/D was estimated from the preoperative tumor volumes on T1-Gadolinium-enhanced and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences.

RESULTS: We demonstrate that patients with diffuse GBM (low ρ/D), as well as more nodular (mid and high ρ/D) GBM, presented significant survival benefit from GTR over PR/BST (P < .001).

CONCLUSION: Whatever the degree of tumor invasiveness, as estimated from MRI-driven biophysical modeling, GTR improves survival of GBM patients, compared to PR or BST. This conflicting result should motivate further studies.
Anatomic Features of Paraclinoid Aneurysms: Computed Tomography Angiography Study of 144 Aneurysms in 136 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Rafiei Ahmadreza , Hafez Ahmad , Jahromi Behnam Rezai , Kivisaari Riku , Canato Bruno , Choque Joham , Colasanti Roberto , Fransua Sharafeddin , Lehto Hanna , Andrade-Barazarte Hugo , Hernesniemi Juha
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Paraclinoid aneurysms are among the most challenging aneurysms to treat. Computed tomography (CT) angiography helps in evaluating the radiological characteristics of these aneurysms next to bony structures.

OBJECTIVE

To present the CT angiography characteristics of paraclinoid aneurysms in order to better understand such pathology.

METHODS

The study examined CT angiography-based anatomical characteristics obtained retrospectively from 136 patients with 144 paraclinoid aneurysms selected from single-defined catchment populations in Finland. We examined the diameters of the parent artery (internal carotid artery), the location of the aneurysm, its dimensions (width, height, neck), and aneurysm wall irregularity.

RESULTS

We analyzed 144 paraclinoid aneurysms in 136 patients admitted to the hospital during 2000-2014. Multivariable analysis reveals that rupture aneurysms have the following radiological features: aneurysm larger than 5 mm in diameter (P = .006), irregular wall (P = .046), superior location, larger aspect ratio (P = .039), and neck wider than parent artery (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Smaller diameter of the internal carotid artery and superior location, as well as a large and irregular aneurysm wall, are radiological characteristics of ruptured paraclinoid aneurysms, which CT angiography can measure easily.
Effect of Body Mass Index on Venous Sinus Pressures in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Patients Before and After Endovascular Stenting
Authors: Raper Daniel M S , Ding Dale , Buell Thomas J , Crowley R Webster , Starke Robert M , Liu Kenneth C
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Elevated body mass index (BMI) has been correlated with worse outcomes after treatment for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Venous sinus stenting (VSS) has emerged as a safe and effective treatment for a subset of patients with IIH and evidence of venous sinus stenosis. However, the association between BMI and the efficacy of VSS remains poorly characterized.

OBJECTIVE

To determine, in a retrospective cohort study, the effect of BMI on preoperative mean intracranial venous pressure (MVP) and post-VSS outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective evaluation of a prospectively collected database of patients with IIH and intracranial venous sinus stenosis who underwent VSS. Patient demographics and treatment factors, including pre- and postprocedural trans-stenosis pressure gradients, were analyzed to identify the relationship between BMI and outcomes after VSS.

RESULTS

Increasing BMI was significantly correlated with higher maximum MVP (P = .013) and higher trans-stenosis pressure gradient (P = .043) prior to treatment. The degrees of improvement in maximum MVP and pressure gradient after VSS were greatest for obese and morbidly obese patients (BMI > 30 kg/m2). Maximum poststent MVP, clinical outcomes, and stent-adjacent stenosis requiring retreatment after VSS were not significantly associated with BMI.

CONCLUSION

We provide direct evidence for a positive correlation between BMI and intracranial venous pressure in patients with IIH. VSS affords a significantly greater amelioration of intracranial venous hypertension and stenosis for IIH patients with higher BMIs. As such, obesity should not be a deterrent for the use of VSS in the management of IIH.
A Rapid Epidemiological Tool to Measure the Burden of Norovirus Infection and Disease in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Olson Daniel , Lamb Molly M. , Lopez Maria Renee , Paniagua-Avila M. Alejandra , Zacarias Alma , Samayoa-Reyes Gabriela , Cordon-Rosales Celia , Asturias Edwin J.
Published: March 2017

Background

Rapid, cost-effective tools are needed to estimate the disease burden of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and norovirus (NoV) in resource-limited settings.

Methods

Households with children (6 weeks–17 years) in rural Guatemala were randomly enrolled into 2 parallel AGE surveillance systems: (1) a prospective cohort, which included an enrollment visit followed by 1 year of prospective observation using a smartphone-based weekly symptom diary; and (2) 2 sequential cross-sectional rapid active sampling (RAS) surveys. Norovirus testing was performed during enrollment (all subjects) and for prospective AGE episodes (prospective cohort only).

Results

The prospective cohort enrolled 207 households (469 children) from April to September 2015 followed by 471 person-years of observation; RAS survey 1 enrolled 210 households (402 children) during October to November 2015, and RAS survey 2 enrolled 210 separate households (368 children) during January to February 2016. The prospective cohort detected a NoV+ AGE prevalence of 11% and a population-attributable fraction (PAF) of −1.6% at enrollment, followed by an incidence of 1.4 episodes/100 person-years. Rapid active sampling surveys 1 and 2 identified a NoV+ AGE prevalence of 14%–21% and a PAF of 3.2%–12.4%.

Conclusions

Rapid active sampling surveys were practical and identified more cases of NoV infection and disease compared with a parallel prospective cohort in rural Guatemala.
Evaluating the Discriminant Validity of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory: Computer Adaptive Test in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Shore Benjamin J. , Allar Benjamin G. , Miller Patricia E. , Matheney Travis H. , Snyder Brian D. , Fragala-Pinkham Maria A.
Published: March 2017

Background. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) is a new clinical assessment for children and youth from birth through 20 years of age.

Objective. To determine the discriminant validity of the PEDI-CAT according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Design. A prospective convenience cross-sectional sample of 101 school-age children with CP was stratified by GMFCS level.

Methods. Participants were excluded if they underwent recent surgery (<6 months). Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used to quantify the discriminant validity of the PEDI-CAT domains to distinguish the level of independence in fine and gross motor function. General linear modeling was used to assess discriminant ability across all GMFCS and MACS levels.

Results. Mean age was 11 years, 11 months (SD 3.7). Mobility and Daily Activities domains exhibited excellent discriminant validity distinguishing between ambulatory and nonambulatory participants [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.98 and 0.97, respectively] and the Daily Activities domain exhibited excellent discriminant validity distinguishing between independent and dependent hand function (AUC = 0.93). All PEDI-CAT domains were able to discriminate between ambulatory (GMFCS levels I–III) or nonambulatory (GMFCS levels IV–V) as well as manually independent (MACS levels I–II) or manually dependent functional levels (MACS levels III–V) (P < .001).

Limitations. Our convenience cross-sectional sample included school-age children with primarily Caucasian, middle-income parents and may not be representative of other cultural, socioeconomic backgrounds. Not all participants had a MACS level assigned, however, no differences were found in PEDI-CAT scores between those with and without MACS scores.

Conclusions. These results demonstrate that the PEDI-CAT is a valid outcome instrument for measuring functional abilities in children with CP, able to differentiate across fine and gross motor functional levels.
Proinflammatory Cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α Influence Human Annulus Cell Signaling Cues for Neurite Growth
Authors: Gruber Helen E. , Jones Brittany , Marrero Emilio , Hanley Edward N.
Published: March 2017

Study Design.

Institutional review board–approved research using human annulus cells cocultured with F11 nerve cells.

Objective.

To perform functional, kinetic assays of neurite dynamics and media neurotrophin measurements to test whether proinflammatory cytokines influence annulus cells’ signaling cues for neurite growth/repulsion.

Summary of Background Data.

Nerves grow in response to signaling molecules called neurotrophins, which disc cells produce (e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor [GDNF], and neurotrophin 3 [NT3]) and which influence neuron survival, differentiation, and migration. How proinflammatory cytokines influence disc signaling cues for neurite growth/repulsion is poorly understood.

Methods.

Studies used our previous model of 4-day human annulus cell-F11 nerve cell coculture to assess effects of added proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β; 102 pmol/L) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (103 pmol/L). Annulus cells were cultured from 6 Thompson grade I, 9 grade II, 8 grade III, 11 grade IV, and 7 grade V discs. Neurite lengths were measured following control conditions or with added IL-1β or TNF-α, and conditioned media assayed with RayBiotech Growth Factor Arrays. Standard statistical methods used analysis of variance and Spearman correlation coefficient testing associations of neurite length with neurotrophin levels.

Results.

IL-1-β or TNF-α significantly increased neurite lengths (P < 0.001) and BDNF, NT3, and GDNF media levels (P ≤ 0.01) versus controls. Significant positive correlations were present between media neurotrophin levels for BDNF, NT3, and GDNF and neurite lengths under control conditions, following addition of IL-1β, and following addition of TNF-α. Novel data showed production of the neurotrophin amphiregulin.

Conclusion.

In vitro data supported the hypothesis that nerve-disc cell interactions may be influenced by the heightened proinflammatory milieu present in degenerating discs, leading to increased nerve migration. Data may have direct clinical relevance/implications for nerve ingrowth and pain in the outer annulus (where disc cell numbers are high), and in regions where nerves penetrate into the disc via annular tears.

Level of Evidence: N/A
Damage Identification on Vertebral Bodies During Compressive Loading Using Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Gustafson Hannah M. , Melnyk Angela D. , Siegmund Gunter P. , Cripton Peter A.
Published: March 2017

Study Design.

Ex vivo compression experiments on isolated cadaveric vertebrae.

Objective.

To qualitatively compare the fracture locations identified in video analysis with the locations of high compressive strain measured with digital image correlation (DIC) on vertebral bodies and to evaluate the timing of local damage to the cortical shell relative to the global yield force.

Summary of Background Data.

In previous ex vivo experiments, cortical bone fracture has been identified using various methods including acoustic emission sensors, strain gages, video analysis, or force signals. These methods are, however, limited in their ability to detect the location and timing of fracture. We propose use of DIC, a noncontact optical technique that measures surface displacement, to quantify variables related to damage.

Methods.

Isolated thoracolumbar human cadaveric vertebral bodies (n = 6) were tested in compression to failure at a quasi-static rate, and the force applied was measured using a load cell. The surface displacement and strain were measured using DIC. Video analysis was performed to identify fractures.

Results.

The location of fractures identified in the video corresponded well with the locations of high compressive strain on the bone. Before reaching the global yield force, more than 10% of the DIC measurements reached a minimum principal strain of 1.0%, a previously reported threshold for cortical bone damage.

Conclusion.

DIC measurements provide an objective measure that can be used to identify the location and timing of fractures during ex vivo vertebral experiments. This is important for understanding fracture mechanics and for validating vertebral computational models that incorporate failure.

Level of Evidence: N /A
A Kinematic Symmetry Index of Gait Patterns Between Older Adults With and Without Low Back Pain
Authors: Sung Paul S. , Danial Pamela
Published: March 2017

Study Design.

Cross-sectional study.

Objective.

To investigate the symmetry index for limb support patterns in right limb–dominant older adults with and without low back pain (LBP).

Summary of Background Data.

The effects of bilateral asymmetry on gait performance were reported; however, there is a lack of understanding on kinematic symmetry to assess subjects with LBP. This asymmetry might be related to increased compensatory patterns to the dominant side in subjects with LBP.

Methods.

Eighty-two right limb–dominant older adults (45 control subjects and 37 subjects with LBP) participated in the study. A three-dimensional motion capture system was used to measure temporal-spatial gait parameters (cadence, speed, stride length, step length, and limb support times). The symmetry index was the ratio of the gait cycle between the limbs to compare the dominance pattern between groups.

Results.

Although the symmetry index was not different between groups, the initial limb support (t = 2.07, P = 0.04) and terminal limb support (t = −2.26, P = 0.02) times were significantly different. The LBP group demonstrated significantly greater nondominant initial support times and dominant terminal support times. The single-limb support was not different between groups (t = 1.72, P = 0.09). The limb support pattern demonstrated a significant interaction between groups (F = 4.72, P = 0.03) regardless of gait speed (F = 0.91, P = 0.34).

Conclusion.

An asymmetrical gait pattern was evident in the LBP group as they demonstrated a longer double-limb support pattern due to a possible pain avoidance strategy. The control group demonstrated a symmetrical pattern for limb support in the stance phase. Clinicians need to consider asymmetric limb support patterns of gait modification similar to the control group when developing rehabilitation strategies for patients with LBP.

Level of Evidence: 3
e-Prescribing in the Acute Care Setting
Authors: Villaseñor Sally , Walker Tara , Fetters Lisa , McCoy Maryanne
Published: March 2017

The study sought to determine the barriers to e-prescribing particular to the acute care setting, the educational and motivational needs of acute care providers, and the optimal process for incentive, education, and implementation of e-prescribing. A theoretically based survey instrument was adapted from previous work. Four domains were assessed: finesse, intent to use, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use. The survey was offered to a group of acute care providers. The educational and motivational needs of acute care providers are different from those in primary care. Perceived barriers centered on uncertain pharmacy hours, unconfirmed transmittal, and accidental transmission to wrong pharmacy. Healthcare providers with more self-assessed knowledge of e-prescribing are more likely to use e-prescribing. Providers with fewer years in practice seem to have greater knowledge of e-prescribing. Providing education and exposure to e-prescribing has the potential to decrease perception of barriers and increase perceived usefulness for acute care providers. Software redesign may be needed to remove barriers associated with uncertain pharmacy hours, controlled substance prescribing, transmittal confirmation, and bidirectional communication needs, thereby improving motivation to e-prescribe.