bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translational Research in Medical Informatics or from Theory to Practice
Authors: Altuwaijri M. M. , Li Y. C. , Ball M. J. , Haux R. , Lehmann C. U.
Published: October 2018

Objective:
To bridge the divide between health informatics ‘bench research’ and the application of informatics in clinical and health care settings.

Method:
Identifying weak points in translational activities, i.e. in the process from health informatics research outcomes to IT system design and information management in clinical practice.

Results and Conclusions:
The creation of a new peer-reviewed journal, designed to cultivate broad readership across health care, is suggested in order to communicate on informatics topics of translational interest and on the application of informatics principals. Such an applied informatics journal may appeal to practicing physicians, healthcare administrators and CIOs as well as medical informaticians. In a globalizing world with eHealth initiatives spanning across borders, such a journal should be an international effort. Close ties to the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) and to the journal Methods of Information in Medicine are suggested.
UMIN Online Abstract and Paper Entry System for Biomedical Academic Meetings
Authors: Aoki N. , Kiuchi T.
Published: October 2018

Objectives
: The object of this research is to develop and evaluate the Online Abstract and Paper Entry System (OAPES) that collects and delivers medical academic meeting information online in Japan.

Methods
: CGI technology and semi-automated program generation method are employed for the OAPES software development to accommodate the various data collected by many meetings in a common data format and to achieve both flexibility and efficiency.

Results
: Using OAPES, an abstract, or paper, and its related information can be submitted via the Internet. After contributions have been accepted, bibliographic information is automatically added to the bibliographic information database that is retrievable, free of charge, from the Internet. Since 1997, we have provided OAPES for biomedical academic meetings in Japan. In fiscal 2006, 488 biomedical academic meetings, most of those held in Japan, used OAPES; 106,461 abstracts and papers were handled. To the best of our knowledge, there are no other abstract entry systems in any populous country that are almost monopolistic in a particular major academic field in the way OAPES is. The data format of OAPES and its user interface are now the de facto standard for academic information exchange related to academic meetings in Japan.

Conclusions
: We succeeded in developing an efficient and prompt online collection and delivery system for medical academic meeting information in Japan and demonstrated that it really works.
Risk Management and Measuring Productivity with POAS – Point of Act System
Authors: Akiyama M.
Published: October 2018

Objectives
: The concept of our system is not only to manage material flows, but also to provide an integrated management resource, a means of correcting errors in medical treatment, and applications to EBM (evidence-based medicine) through the data mining of medical records.

Methods
: Prior to the development of this system, electronic processing systems in hospitals did a poor job of accurately grasping medical practice and medical material flows. With POAS (Point of Act System), hospital managers can solve the so-called, “man, money, material, and information” issues inherent in the costs of healthcare.

Results
: The POAS system synchronizes with each department system, from finance and accounting, to pharmacy, to imaging, and allows information exchange. We can manage Man (Business Process), Material (Medical Materials and Medicine), Money (Expenditure for purchase and Receipt), and Information (Medical Records) completely by this system.

Conclusions
: Our analysis has shown that this system has a remarkable investment effect-saving over four million dollars per year-through cost savings in logistics and business process efficiencies. In addition, the quality of care has been improved dramatically while error rates have been reduced – nearly to zero in some cases.
An Improved Computer-aided Diagnosis Scheme Using the Nearest Neighbor Criterion for Determining Histological Classification of Clustered Microcalcifications
Authors: Watanabe R. , Namba K. , Takeda K. , Yamamoto K. , Katsuragawa S. , Doi K. , Nakayama R.
Published: October 2018

Objectives
: Our purpose was to evaluate the potential usefulness of the nearest neighbor case which was assumed to be the similar case in a CAD scheme for determining the histological classification of clustered microcalcifications.

Methods
: Our database consisted of current and previous magnification mammograms obtained from 93 patients before and after three-month follow-up examination. It included 11 invasive carcinomas, 19 noninvasive carcinomas of the comedo type, 25 noninvasive carcinomas of the noncomedo type, 23 mas- topathies, and 15 fibroadenomas. Six objective features on clustered microcalcifications were first extracted from each of the current and the previous images. The nearest neighbor case was then identified by the Euclidean distance in the previous and current feature-space. The histological classification of an unknown new case in question was assumed to be thesame as that of the nearest neighbor case which has the shortest Euclidean distance in our database.

Results
: The classification accuracies were 90.9% for invasive carcinoma, 89.5% for noninvasive carcinoma of the comedo type, 96.0% for noninvasive carcinoma of the noncomedo type, 82.6% for mastopathy, and 93.3% for fibroadenoma. These results were substantially higher than those with our previous CAD scheme.

Conclusion
: The nearest neighbor criterion was useful in a CAD scheme for determining the histological classification.
Relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate and biological half-life of 131I
Authors: Vogel K. , Opfermann T. , Wiegand S. , Biermann J. , Busch M. , Winkens T. , Freesmeyer M.
Published: October 2018

Aim: This retrospective study sought to investigate the relationship between biological half-life (t

1/2 biol
) of 131I and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with thyroid carcinoma. Patients, methods: 96 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (69 women, 27 men, mean age 64.0 ± 13.6 years) and diagnostic and therapeutic administration of 131I were considered. Patients with pronounced specific iodine storage were not included in the study. The eGFR was estimated according to the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKDEPI) formula, the t

1/2 biol
via dosimetry. Patients were subdivided in groups with normal clearance (NC) (n = 37, 38.5%), medium clearance (MC) (n = 48, 50.0%), and low clearance (LC) (n = 11, 11.5%) (eGFR _ 90; 60-89; 15-59 ml/min per 1.73 m2, respectively). The relationship between eGFR and t

1/2 biol
of 131I was modeled using a power function. Results: The groups significantly differed in terms of age (NC 53.8, MC 68.6, and 78.0 years, respectively), serum creatinine levels (NC: 0.71; MC: 0.85; LC: 1.18 mg/dl), and t

1/2 biol
(NC: 0.53; MC: 0.71; LC: 1.01 days). The t

1/2 biol
was significantly influenced only by eGFR, and not by age, gender, or body weight. The relationship between t

1/2 biol
of 131I and eGFR was described by the formula t

1/2 biol
= 20.3 · eGFR−0.782. Conclusions: The calculated relationship between renal function and t

1/2 biol
of 131I can be used in principle to estimate a dose reduction for patients with renal insufficiency. The model, however, gives erroneous results in individual cases and therefore a routine utilization cannot be recommended. Prospective studies are necessary, based on larger patient numbers and more accurate methods for dose rate measurement and GFR.
Hirnperfusions-SPECT mit 99mTc-Radiopharmaka
Authors: Kranert T. , Menzel C. , Bartenstein P. , Brust P. , Coenen H. H. , Krause B. J. , Kuwert T. , Sabri O. , Schreckenberger M. , Tatsch K. , Grünwald F.
Published: October 2018

This paper describes the guideline for perfusion brain imaging with SPECT-technique published by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF). The purpose of this guideline is to provide practical assistance for indication, examination procedures, findings and their interpretation also reflecting the present state of the art. Information and instruction are given regarding indication, preparation of the patients and examination procedures of brain perfusion SPECT, including preparation and quality control of the tracer as well as the radiation dosimetry, technical performance of image acquisition with the gamma-camera and image processing. Also advices for interpretation of findings are given. In addition, possible pitfalls are described.
Combined Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy and Tibial Tuberosity Transposition: An Ex Vivo Mechanical Study
Authors: Birks Ryan , Kowaleski Michael
Published: October 2018

Objectives The purpose of this study is to compare the load at failure and mode of failure between (1) tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) and combined TPLO and tibial tuberosity transposition (TPLO-TTT) (Phase I) and (2) TPLO-TTT and tibial tuberosity transposition (TTT) (Phase II).

Methods Seven pairs of cadaveric tibiae were tested in each of the Phase I (TPLO vs. TPLO-TTT) and Phase II (TPLO-TTT vs. TTT) experiments. One limb of each pair was randomly assigned to one of two groups for each experimental phase. A tensile force was applied to the patellar ligament until construct failure occurred.

Results There was a significant difference in mean load at failure between TPLO (2092.8 N) and TPLO-TTT (1067.8 N), p = 0.004. All TPLO constructs failed by fracture of the tibial crest. The TPLO-TTT constructs failed by cranial displacement of the distal tibial crest. Additionally, the tibial plateau was displaced in the majority of limbs. There was a significant difference in mean load at failure between TPLO-TTT (1157.6 N) and TTT (1394.0 N), p = 0.025. The TTT constructs demonstrated a similar mode of failure as TPLO-TTT.

Clinical Significance Although ex vivo mechanical testing does not replicate the postoperative clinical scenario, these results demonstrate reduced construct strength of the combined TPLO-TTT technique compared with TPLO or TTT alone. When performing TPLO-TTT, meticulous technique and implants of adequate strength must be employed to create a robust construct and minimize postoperative tibial crest fixation failure.
Report on the World Health Organization Global Observatory for eHealth Strategic Planning Workshop, April 2008
Authors: Santos J. , Kay M.
Published: October 2018

The World Health Organization’s Global Observatory for eHealth (GOe) conducted its first strategic workshop at Bellagio, Italy on April 9 to 11, 2008. Supported by a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation, the workshop brought together a select group of twenty-one eHealth experts from around the globe to help plan for the future of the Observatory. Participants were chosen from all six WHO regions and included a mix of researchers, practitioners, specialist physicians, academics and consultants.

Key issues addressed included: how to build a dynamic and cohesive network of National Observatories to improve worldwide eHealth data collection; analysis and reporting; developing Thematic Working Groups in specialist eHealth themes; eHealth assessment frameworks; the development of the research agenda for the second global survey; cultivating partnerships; and governance.
Postoperative Complications Associated with External Skeletal Fixators in Dogs
Authors: Giles Kirsty , Meeson Richard , Beever Lee
Published: October 2018

Objectives To quantify and evaluate risks of complications attributable to external skeletal fixator (ESF) usage in dogs.

Methods A retrospective review of medical records following ESF placement.

Results Case records of 97 dogs were reviewed; fixator-associated complications occurred in 79/97 dogs. Region of ESF placement was significantly associated with complication development (p = 0.005), not complication type (p = 0.086). Complications developed most frequently in the tarsus (9/10), manus (8/9) and humerus (8/9). Superficial pin-tract infection and implant failure occurred in 38/97 and 17/97 dogs, respectively. Superficial pin-tract infection occurred frequently in the femur, humerus, radius and ulna and the pes, with implant failure frequent in the tarsus and deep pin-tract infection in the manus and tibia. Transarticular frames were significantly more likely to develop a complication (p = 0.028). Age was significantly associated with complication development (p = 0.029). No associations between breed, sex, weight, fracture type (open or closed), ESF classification and the incidence or type of complications were identified. No associations between, breed, age, sex, weight, fracture type (open or closed), ESF classification and the time to complication development were identified.

Clinical Significance Fixator-associated complications are common in dogs, with the majority of complications related to implant infection. Region and placement of transarticular frames should be carefully considered when selecting stabilization method.
The Rivaroxaban Program and the Management of Unmet Needs in Thromboembolic Disease
Authors: Camm A.
Published: October 2018

Rivaroxaban is a non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant that acts as a direct factor Xa inhibitor, and is widely used for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders. As further knowledge gaps are identified in thrombosis management, the rivaroxaban research program has expanded in an attempt to elucidate the wider benefits of rivaroxaban. An increased understanding of the interactions taking place within the coagulation cascade may support a broader role for rivaroxaban (2.5 mg twice daily [bid] or 5 mg bid) in the setting of vascular protection, either alone or in combination with an antiplatelet agent. The aim of this article is to describe the potential role of rivaroxaban in the context of vascular protection and provide an overview of recently completed and ongoing randomized controlled trials of rivaroxaban in the areas of stroke prevention, venous protection and vascular protection.
Von Willebrand Factor Aggravates Hepatic Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury by Promoting Neutrophil Recruitment in Mice
Authors: Urisono Yasuyuki , Sakata Asuka , Matsui Hideto , Kasuda Shogo , Ono Shiro , Yoshimoto Kiyomi , Nishio Kenji , Sho Masayuki , Akiyama Masashi , Miyata Toshiyuki , Okuchi Kazuo , Nishimura Satoshi , Sugimoto Mitsuhiko
Published: October 2018

Hepatic ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury is a serious liver damage that critically influences the clinical outcome of liver surgery or transplantation. Since recent studies indicated the critical involvement of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in reperfusion injuries of brain and myocardium, we hypothesized that VWF-dependent thrombotic or inflammatory responses also play a role in hepatic I/R injury. Using a mouse model of hepatic I/R injury, we explored the functional relevance of the VWF–ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) axis in this pathologic condition. Time-course studies during hepatic I/R revealed significantly lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values, as well as greater hepatic blood flow, in VWF gene-deleted (KO) mice in comparison with wild-type (WT) mice. Histological analysis revealed a significantly lesser extent of neutrophil infiltration and hepatocellular necrosis in liver tissues of VWF-KO mice. Human recombinant ADAMTS13 significantly improved the impairment in ALT values and hepatic blood flow and decreased neutrophil infiltration within the liver tissue of WT mice. Real-time intravital imaging successfully visualized significantly reduced leukocyte–vessel wall interactions in I/R liver of VWF-KO mice. Taken together, our results indicate that VWF promotes neutrophil recruitment in ischaemic mouse liver, critically aggravating reperfusion injury, and suggest that functional regulation of VWF by ADAMTS13 represents a promising therapeutic option for hepatic I/R injury.
Procoagulant State in Current and Former Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Abusers
Authors: Rasmussen Jon , Frandsen Mikkel , Schou Morten , Johansen Marie , Faber Jens , Münster Anna-Marie , Sidelmann Johannes , Kistorp Caroline , Chang Simon
Published: October 2018

Background Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) abusers are considered at increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that current and former AAS abuse would induce a procoagulant shift in the haemostatic balance.

Methods Men 18 to 50 years of age were included as current AAS abusers, former AAS abusers or controls. Morning blood samples were collected after overnight fasting. Thrombin generation (lag time, time to peak, peak height, and endogenous thrombin potential [ETP]) and coagulation factor II (prothrombin), VII and X, antithrombin, protein C, free protein S and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) were assessed. Groups were compared by ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test and probabilities were corrected for multiple comparisons. Associations were evaluated using linear regression models.

Results ETP was increased around 15% in current (n = 37) and former (n = 33) AAS abusers compared with controls (n = 30; p < 0.001). Prothrombin and factor X were increased ≥10% in AAS abusers and prothrombin was a predictor of ETP (p < 0.0005). Lag time and time to peak were increased 10 to 30% in current AAS abusers (p < 0.001) and associated with higher concentrations of TFPI, antithrombin, protein C and protein S (p < 0.0005; = 0.005). Multivariate linear regression, with all coagulation inhibitors as covariates, identified TFPI to be independently associated with lag time and time to peak (p < 0.0005).

Conclusion Thrombin generation is augmented in current and former AAS abusers, reflecting a procoagulant state, with altered concentrations of coagulation proteins. Prospective studies are needed to clarify whether these findings translate into an increased thrombotic risk in AAS abusers potentially even after cessation.
Somatostatinrezeptor-PET/CT
Authors: Boy C. , Poeppel T. , Kotzerke J. , Krause B. J. , Amthauer H. , Baum R. P. , Buchmann I. , Ezziddin S. , Führer D. , Gabriel M. , Kuwert T. , Lahner H. , Lauenstein T. , Maecke H. R. , Nagarajah J. , Rösch F. , Scheidhauer K. , Schmidt M. , Walter M. A. , Bockisch A.
Published: October 2018

Die vorliegende Handlungsempfehlung dient als Grundlage zur Qualitätssicherung der Somatostatinrezeptor (SSTR-) PET/CT bei onkologischen Patienten. Die Leitlinie wurde interdisziplinär erarbeitet und enthält neben der Definition und Zielsetzung einen Konsens hinsichtlich der erforderlichen klinischen Hintergrundinformationen, Indikationsstellung, Durchführung, Auswertung, Dokumentation und Befunderstellung. Dabei werden die beiden gebräuchlichsten Radiotracer der SSTRPET/ CT (68Ga-DOTATOC und 68Ga-DOTATATE) vertieft dargestellt. Die SSTR-PET/CT erfordert eine enge Interaktion zwischen den zuweisenden und ausführenden Fachdisziplinen unter Berücksichtigung bereits vorhandener Leitlinien und Handlungsempfehlungen europäischer und deutscher Fachgesellschaften, namentlich der European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM), der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Endokrinologie (DGE), Deutschen Gesellschaft für Nuklearmedizin (DGN) und Deutschen Röntgengesellschaft (DRG).
Activation of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Unfolded Protein Response in Congenital Factor VII Deficiency
Authors: Andersen Elisabeth , Chollet Maria , Myklebust Christiane , Pinotti Mirko , Bernardi Francesco , Chuansumrit Ampaiwan , Skarpen Ellen , Sandset Per , Skretting Grethe
Published: October 2018

Congenital factor (F) VII deficiency is a bleeding disorder caused by a heterogeneous pattern of mutations in the F7 gene. Protein misfolding due to mutations is a strong candidate mechanism to produce the highly represented type I FVII deficiency forms, characterized by a concomitant deficiency of FVII antigen and activity. Misfolded proteins can accumulate within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) causing ER stress with subsequent activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). So far, there are limited data on this important issue in FVII deficiency. In this study, we chose as candidate FVII model mutations, the p.Q160R, p.I289del and p.A354V-p.P464Hfs, which are all associated with severe to moderate type I FVII deficiency. In vitro expression of the recombinant (r) mutants rFVII-160R, rFVII-289del or rFVII-354V-464Hfs, which are characterized by either amino acid substitution, deletion, or by an extended carboxyl terminus, demonstrated inefficient secretion of the mutant proteins, probably caused by intracellular retention and association with ER chaperones. Both ER stress and UPR were activated following expression of all FVII mutants, with the highest response for rFVII-289del and rFVII-354V-464Hfs. These data unravel new knowledge on pathogenic mechanisms leading to FVII deficiency, and support the investigation of pharmaceutical modulators of ER stress and UPR as therapeutic agents.
ADAMTS-13 Activity Predicts Outcome in Acute Ischaemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Endovascular Treatment
Authors: Dirks Meike , Grosse Gerrit , Böckmann Matthias , Goetz Friedrich , Pasedag Thomas , Bode-Böger Stefanie , Martens-Lobenhoffer Jens , Budde Ulrich , Lanfermann Heinrich , Lichtinghagen Ralf , Weissenborn Karin , Worthmann Hans , Schuppner Ramona
Published: October 2018

Background Endovascular treatment improves outcome in patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion in general. But outcome in some of these patients is jeopardized by recanalization failure or bleeding.

Objectives This study aimed to determine a possible association of mediators of inflammation and haemostasis (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, matrix metalloproteinase-9, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, asymmetric dimethylarginine [ADMA], symmetric dimethylarginine, von Willebrand factor and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif 13 [ADAMTS-13]) with the post-intervention grade of reperfusion, complications and clinical outcome in patients who underwent endovascular treatment of ischaemic stroke.

Patients/Methods Forty-one patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion were prospectively enrolled into the study. Peripheral venous blood was taken prior to treatment and 24 hours and 3, 7 and 90 days after symptom onset. The post-intervention grade of reperfusion was determined using the modified Treatment in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score. Clinical outcome on day 90 was assessed using the modified Rankin's scale (mRS).

Results Low ADAMTS-13 activity (p = 0.009) and missing of statin therapy (p = 0.038) on admission were independently associated with unfavourable outcome (mRS: 5–6). Patients with unsuccessful reperfusion (mTICI: 0–1) showed higher ADMA levels on admission (p = 0.018). However, this association could not be confirmed in the binary logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion Low ADAMTS-13 activity is a predictor of unfavourable outcome in patients with ischaemic stroke undergoing endovascular therapy. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the clinical and potential therapeutic role of ADAMTS-13 in acute ischaemic stroke.
Vocal Cord Dysfunction: Analysis of 27 Cases and Updated Review of Pathophysiology & Management
Authors: George Shibu , Suresh Sandeep
Published: October 2018

Introduction Vocal cord dysfunction is characterized by unintentional paradoxical vocal cord movement resulting in abnormal inappropriate adduction, especially during inspiration; this predominantly manifests as unresponsive asthma or unexplained stridor. It is prudent to be well informed about the condition, since the primary presentation may mask other airway disorders.

Objective This descriptive study was intended to analyze presentations of vocal cord dysfunction in a tertiary care referral hospital. The current understanding regarding the pathophysiology and management of the condition were also explored.

Methods A total of 27 patients diagnosed with vocal cord dysfunction were analyzed based on demographic characteristics, presentations, associations and examination findings. The mechanism of causation, etiological factors implicated, diagnostic considerations and treatment options were evaluated by analysis of the current literature.

Results There was a strong female predilection noted among the study population (n = 27), which had a mean age of 31. The most common presentations were stridor (44%) and refractory asthma (41%). Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease was the most common association in the majority (66%) of the patients, with a strong overlay of anxiety, demonstrable in 48% of the patients.

Conclusion Being aware of the condition is key to avoid misdiagnosis in vocal cord dysfunction. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy is the diagnostic gold standard to demonstrate paradoxical vocal cord adduction during an attack. A multidisciplinary approach should be adapted for the management, which should be specific and tailored for individual patients.
Mismatch Negativity in Children: Reference Values
Authors: Ferreira Dulce Azevedo , Bueno Claudine Devicari , de Costa Sady Selaimen , Sleifer Pricila
Published: October 2018

Introduction The Mismatch Negativity (MMN) auditory evoked potential evaluation is a promising procedure to assess objectively the ability of auditory discrimination.

Objective To characterize the latency and amplitude values of MMN in children with normal auditory thresholds and without auditory complaints.

Methods Children between 5 and 11 years old participated in the present study. All participants underwent acoustic immittance measurements and tonal and vocal audiometry. The MMN was recorded with the MASBE ATC Plus system (Contronic, Pelotas, RS, Brazil). The electrodes were fixed in Fz (active electrode), Fpz (ground electrode) and in M2 and M1 (references electrodes). The intensity used was 80 dBHL, the frequent stimulus was 1,000 Hz and the rare stimulus was 2,000 Hz. The stimuli were presented in both ears separately.

Results For the female group, the mean latencies and amplitude of MMN were 177.3 ms and 5.01 μV in the right ear (RE) and 182.4 ms and 5.39 μV in the left ear (LE). In the male group, the mean latencies were 194.4 ms in the RE and 183.6 ms in the LE, with an amplitude of 5.11 μV in the RE and 5.83 μV in the LE. There was no statistically significant difference between ears (p = 0.867 - latency and p = 0.178 - amplitude), age (p > 0.20) and the gender of the participants (p > 0.05).

Conclusion Using the described protocol, the mean latency value of MMN was 184.0 ms for RE and 182.9 ms for LE, and the amplitude was 5.05 μV and 5.56 μV for the left and right ears, respective.
Biomechanical Properties of the 1.5 mm Locking Compression Plate: Comparison with the 1.5 and 2.0 mm Straight Plates in Compression and Torsion
Authors: Moens Noel , Runciman John , Gibson Tom , Watrous Gwyneth
Published: October 2018

Objectives The purpose was to compare the biomechanical properties of a 1.5 mm locking compression plate (1.5 LCP) to the 1.5 mm straight plate (1.5 P), 1.5 mm straight plate stacked (1.5 PSt) and 2.0 mm straight plate (2.0 P) in compression and torsion. We hypothesized that biomechanical properties of the 1.5 LCP would be equivalent to properties of the 1.5 P and would represent an alternative for the treatment of radial fractures in miniature breed dogs in which those plates would be used.

Materials and Methods A 1 mm fracture gap model was created with a bone surrogate stabilized with a six-hole plate. Sixteen constructs were built for each of the four plate configurations. Eight constructs from each group were tested in compression to failure and eight constructs were tested in torsion to failure.

Results In compression testing, the 1.5 LCP was stiffer than the 1.5 P, and had similar stiffness than the 1.5 PSt and the 2.0 P. The load at yield of the 1.5 LCP was slightly lower than the 1.5 P. In torsion, the 1.5 LCP and 1.5 P had similar stiffness, but 1.5 LCP was slightly stronger than 1.5 P. The 1.5 PSt and 2.0 P were overall superior to the 1.5 LCP but only marginally so for the 1.5 PSt.

Clinical Relevance The 1.5 LCP can be considered biomechanically equivalent to the 1.5 P under the present experimental conditions. The use of the 1.5 LCP can be considered as an option for radial fracture repair in dogs in which a 1.5 P would have otherwise been used. The use of a locking plate to improve overall success rate, in these fractures, remains to be confirmed clinically.
Mucocele: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in 46 Operated Patients
Authors: Plantier Diogo , Neto Deusdedit , Pinna Fabio , Voegels Richard
Published: October 2018

Introduction Paranasal sinus mucocele is a benign, expansive lesion associated with paranasal sinus obstruction. It affects mostly adults, and is most common in the frontal and ethmoidal sinuses.

Objective To evaluate outcomes in patients undergoing surgical treatment for paranasal sinus mucocele.

Methods Retrospective review of medical records of patients treated for paranasal sinus mucocele at the ENT department of a tertiary care hospital between 2005 and 2016.

Results Forty-six patients underwent surgical treatment of paranasal sinus mucocele. The mean age was 50.1 years, and 56.5% were male. The most prevalent symptom was pain, and the frontal sinus was most commonly affected. The vast majority of patients (89.1%) underwent endoscopic sinus marsupialization; 10.9% required combined open and endoscopic access. Seven recurrences occurred.

Conclusion Sinus mucocele is an expansive disease that primarily affects the frontal sinus of adult patients. In most cases, endoscopic surgery is an effective treatment modality.
Can Endocan Predict Late-Onset Neonatal Sepsis?
Authors: Tayman Cuneyt , Okur Nilufer , Serkant Utku , Cakir Ufuk , Halil Halit , Oncel Mehmet , Oguz Serife , Buyuktiryaki Mehmet
Published: October 2018

Objective Endocan, a proteoglycan secreted by endothelial cells, plays a role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Endocan is an effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of sepsis in adult patients. We evaluate the utility of endocan as a new biomarker in the recognition of late-onset neonatal sepsis (LOS) in preterm infants.

Methods This study included preterm infants at gestational age ≤ 32 weeks diagnosed with LOS. Sepsis was diagnosed in the presence of three or more clinical findings plus significant elevation of C-reactive protein (CRP) or interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels. Blood samples were obtained to determine leukocyte count, CRP, IL-6, and endocan levels immediately after the sepsis diagnosis and on the 3rd and 7th day after diagnosis.

Results A total of 102 preterm infants, 52 with LOS (21 proven, 31 suspected sepsis) and 50 controls, were included in the study. Mean leukocyte count, serum CRP, IL-6, and endocan levels were significantly higher in the LOS group compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001) at enrolment. Serial measurements showed no significant difference in CRP and IL-6 levels between the proven and suspected sepsis groups, while endocan levels were significantly higher at enrolment and on day 7 in the proven sepsis group (p = 0.003 and p = 0.01, respectively). The endocan levels of preterm infants who died were significantly higher at all time points (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.004, respectively).

Conclusion Endocan is an effective, reliable, and promising new biomarker for detecting LOS in preterm infants.
Room temperature H2 plasma treatment for enhanced passivation of silicon/TiO2 interface
Authors: Bhatia Swasti , Khorakiwala Irfan M. , Nair Pradeep R. , Antony Aldrin
Published: October 2018

Simultaneous requirement of excellent interface passivation and low thermal budget is a desirable feature for low cost Si based carrier selective solar cells. Accordingly, Titanium dioxide (TiO2), a widely used electron selective material, finds challenges related to thermal annealing like phase change and compatibility with thermal budget of hole transport layers. To address this, here we report a H2 plasma treatment process at room temperature which significantly reduces the surface recombination velocity (∼40 cm/s). Consequently, the reverse saturation current of the Si-TiO2 diode improves by a factor of 40, built-in potential improves by 100 mV, and the diode exhibits a near unity ideality factor. Using the same method, our Si-based double heterojunction solar cell results in an absolute increase of 2.4% in efficiency over devices with conventional thermal annealing. Given the ease of implementation and excellent performance, the proposed method is a promising alternative to thermal annealing for Si based heterojunction devices.
Development of a Zeff diagnostic using visible and near-infrared bremsstrahlung light for the C-2W field-reversed configuration plasma
Authors: Nations M. , Gupta D. , Bolte N. , Thompson M. C. ,   TAE Team
Published: October 2018

In C-2W, an elevated impurity concentration can lead to significant degradation of plasma performance and energy losses through radiation. To gauge plasma contamination from impurities, the effective ion charge (Zeff) can be determined from measurements of bremsstrahlung continuum radiation over a small spectral range free from line radiation. To this end, a diagnostic system including visible and near-infrared bremsstrahlung detectors was deployed in C-2W to measure time-dependent radial distributions of Zeff. The system is complemented by an array of survey spectrometers which enable full-range spectroscopic measurements of impurity emission lines from the vacuum ultraviolet to the near infrared, providing a good picture of the plasma composition. Here, the design scheme for this integrated diagnostic system is presented and discussed.
Laser-induced fluorescence diagnostic via pulsed lasers in an argon plasma
Authors: Zhang Qiaofeng , Xie Jinlin , Luo Ming , Sun Xuan , Fan Feibin , Lu Quanming , Ding Weixing , Zhu Yilun
Published: October 2018

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) using a pulsed laser is successfully applied in an argon plasma. The laser system consists of a pumping pulse laser fixed at 532 nm and a tunable dye laser. Using a homemade Fabry-Perot interferometer, the large linewidth of the original output is reduced by one order from 4 GHz to 340 MHz. The measured ion temperature is 0.15 eV with a velocity resolution about 200 m/s. It provides great possibility for the combination of LIF and planar LIF using the same pulsed laser system.
Reconstruction and analysis of exploding wire particle trajectories via automatic calibration of stereo images
Authors: Szott M. , Wang Z. , Ruzic D. N.
Published: October 2018

Quantitative understanding of the physics of dust or granular matter transport significantly impacts several aspects of burning plasma science and technology. This work takes machine vision techniques popular in robotics and self-driving cars and applies them to identification and analysis of microparticles generated from exploding wires. Using only the image frames and knowledge of the intrinsic properties of the cameras, a Python code was written to identify the particles, automatically calibrate the relative image positions, and extract trajectory data. After identifying approximately 50 particles based on the timing of secondary particle explosions, the eight point and random sample consensus algorithms were used to determine the geometric correlation between the cameras. Over 100 particle matches were found between the two camera views. These correlated trajectories were used in subsequent 3D track reconstruction and analysis of the physics behind the particle motion. The 3D reconstruction resulted in accurate positioning of the particles with respect to the experimental setup. The particle motion was consistent with the effects of a 1 g gravitational field modified by drag forces. The methods and analyses presented here can be used in many facets of high temperature plasma diagnostics.
Pulse dilation gas Cherenkov detector for ultra-fast gamma reaction history at the NIF (invited)
Authors: Geppert-Kleinrath H. , Herrmann H. W. , Kim Y. H. , Zylstra A. B. , Meaney K. , Lopez F. E. , Pederson B. J. , Carrera J. , Khater H. , Horsfield C. J. , Rubery M. S. , Gales S. , Leatherland A. , Meadowcroft A. , Hilsabeck T. , Kilkenny J. D. , Malone R. M. , Hares J. D. , Dymoke-Bradshaw A. K. L. , Milnes J. , McFee C.
Published: October 2018

The Cherenkov mechanism used in Gas Cherenkov Detectors (GCDs) is exceptionally fast. However, the temporal resolution of GCDs, such as the Gamma Reaction History diagnostic at the National Ignition Facility (NIF), has been limited by the current state-of-the-art photomultiplier tube technology to ∼100 ps. The soon-to-be deployed Pulse Dilation Photomultiplier Tube (PD-PMT) at NIF will allow for temporal resolution comparable to that of the gas cell or ∼10 ps. Enhanced resolution will contribute to the quest for ignition in a crucial way through precision measurements of reaction history and ablator areal density (ρR) history, leading to better constrained models. Features such as onset of alpha heating, shock reverberations, and burn truncation due to dynamically evolving failure modes may become visible for the first time. Test measurements of the PD-PMT at Atomic Weapons Establishment confirmed that design goals have been met. The PD-PMT provides dilation factors of 2 to 40× in 6 increments. The GCD-3 recently deployed at the NIF has been modified for coupling to a PD-PMT and will soon be making ultrafast measurements.
From mind to molecules and back to mind—Metatheoretical limits and options for systems neuropsychiatry
Authors: Tretter Felix
Published: October 2018

Psychiatric illnesses like dementia are increasingly relevant for public health affairs. Neurobiology promises progress in diagnosis and treatment of these illnesses and exhibits a rapid increase of knowledge by new neurotechnologies. In order to find generic patterns in huge neurobiological data sets and by exploring formal brain models, non-linear science offers many examples of fruitful insights into the complex dynamics of neuronal information processing. However, it should be minded that neurobiology neither can bridge the explanatory gap between brain and mind nor can substitute psychological and psychiatric categories and knowledge. For instance, volition is impaired in many mental disorders. In experimental setups, a “preactional” brain potential was discovered that occurs 0.5 s before a consciously evoked motor action. Neglecting the specific experimental conditions, this finding was over-interpreted as the empirical falsification of the philosophical (!) concept of “free volition/will.” In contrast, the psychology of volition works with models that are composed of several stage-related hierarchically nested mental process cycles that were never tested in obviously “theory-free” neurobiology. As currently neurobiology shows a network turn (or systemic turn), this is one good reason to enhance systemic approaches in theoretical psychology, independently from neurobiology that still lacks “theory.” Cybernetic control loop models and system models should be integrated and elaborated and in turn could give new impulses to neuropsychology and neuropsychiatry that conceptually can more easily connect to a network-oriented neurobiology. In this program, the conceptual background of nonlinear science is essential to bridge gaps between neurobiology and psychiatry, defining a real “theoretical” field of neuropsychiatry.
Polarized Raman spectra of β-FeSi2 epitaxial film grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Terai Yoshikazu , Yamaguchi Haruki , Tsukamoto Hiroaki , Murakoso Naoki , Hoshida Hirofumi
Published: October 2018

Polarized Raman spectra of a β-FeSi2(100)//Si(001) epitaxial film grown by molecular beam epitaxy were measured to identify the Raman mode of the observed Raman active lines. Twelve of the observed 18 Raman lines showed a clear dependence of the Raman intensity on the crystal rotation angle. By factor group analysis using the orthorhombic symmetry D2h18 of β-FeSi2, five Raman lines (193, 200, 249, 401, 494 cm-1) and seven lines (175, 277, 284, 298, 327, 410, 442 cm-1) were completely assigned to the Ag and B3g modes, respectively. The depolarization ratio of Raman scattering intensities was obtained from polarized Raman spectra measured in two polarization configurations. The values of the depolarization ratio also support the assignment of the Ag and B3g modes in β-FeSi2.
Enhancing the power of high power microwaves by using zone plate and investigations for the position of virtual cathode inside the drift tube
Authors: Mumtaz Sohail , Lim Jun Sup , Ghimire Bhagirath , Lee Suk Woo , Choi Jin Joo , Choi Eun Ha
Published: October 2018

Having the device simplicity and high output-power capacity, the capability of the virtual cathode oscillator (vircator) for emitting high power microwaves is demonstrated. We have investigated the axial-typed vircator in our pulsed power generator, “Chundoong” (Max 600 kV, 88 kA, and 60 ns), and simulated the vircator using the 3-D particle-in-cell simulation code called “MAGIC.” We try to find out the position of the virtual cathode inside the drift tube and enhance the power of microwaves by focusing them at the focus point using the ring-typed zone plate with a focal length of 18.8 cm. The dominant frequency is obtained as 3.5 GHz measured by fast Fourier transform, which is in good agreement with simulation frequency. It is found that the mean position of the virtual cathode is almost the same as the A-K gap distance of 10 mm, in which the virtual cathode oscillates from 7.9 mm to 12.1 mm behind the meshed anode, as verified by the simulation results. The maximum output power without the zone plate is obtained as 0.66 GW with the efficiency of 27%, which is maximized up to 1.22 GW with the efficiency of 51% at the focus point by using the zone plate. The microwave emission mode from the vircator is the TM01 mode based on the simulation results. The zone plate contributes significantly in enhancing the power efficiency and determination of the position of the virtual cathode. These observations might be used in developing a high efficient microwave source by using a zone plate under the decision of the position of the virtual cathode.
Existence and stability of chimera states in a minimal system of phase oscillators
Authors: Thoubaan Mary , Ashwin Peter
Published: October 2018

We examine partial frequency locked weak chimera states in a network of six identical and indistinguishable phase oscillators with neighbour and next-neighbour coupling and two harmonic coupling of the form g(ϕ)=−sin⁡(ϕ−α)+rsin⁡2ϕ. We limit to a specific partial cluster subspace, reduce to a two dimensional system in terms of phase differences, and show that this has an integral of motion for α=π/2 and r=0. By careful analysis of the phase space, we show that there is a continuum of neutrally stable weak chimera states in this case. We approximate the Poincaré return map for these weak chimera solutions and demonstrate several results about the stability and bifurcation of weak chimeras for small β=π/2−α and r that agree with numerical path-following of the solutions.
Which probes can report intrinsic dynamic heterogeneity of a glass forming liquid?
Authors: Paeng Keewook , Kaufman Laura J.
Published: October 2018

Using extrinsic probes to study a host system relies on the probes’ ability to accurately report the host properties under study. Probes have long been used to characterize dynamic heterogeneity, the phenomenon in which a liquid near its glass transition exhibits distinct dynamics as a function of time and position, with molecules within nanometers of each other exhibiting dynamics that may vary by orders of magnitude. The spatial and temporal characteristics of dynamic heterogeneity demand the selection of probes using stringent criteria on their size and dynamics. In this report, we study the dynamic heterogeneity of the prototypical molecular glass former o-terphenyl by investigating single molecule rotation of two perylene dicarboximide probe molecules that differ in size and comparing this to results obtained previously with the probe BODIPY268. It is found that a probe’s ability to accurately report dynamic heterogeneity in o-terphenyl depends on whether the reported distribution of dynamics overlaps with the intrinsic dynamics of the host, which is naturally related to the width of the intrinsic dynamics and the magnitude of dynamical shift in probe dynamics relative to the host. We show that a probe that rotates ≈15 times more slowly than the intrinsic dynamics of the host o-terphenyl senses the slowest ≈5% of the full dynamic heterogeneity whereas one that rotates ≈65 times more slowly than the host fails to report dynamic heterogeneity of the host.
Second order ultrasonic guided wave mutual interactions in plate: Arbitrary angles, internal resonance, and finite interaction region
Authors: Hasanian Mostafa , Lissenden Cliff J.
Published: October 2018

The sensitivity of ultrasonic wave interactions to material and geometric nonlinearities makes them very useful for nondestructive characterization. The ability of guided waves to interrogate inaccessible material domains, be emitted and received from a single surface, and penetrate long distances provides capabilities that bulk waves do not. Furthermore, mutual interactions between waves propagating in collinear or non-collinear directions provide excellent flexibility as to which types of waves are used, as well as their frequencies and interaction angles. While the interaction of bulk waves is well established, the mutual interaction of guided waves traveling in arbitrary directions in a plate is not and requires a general vector-based formulation. Herein, by vector-based calculations, the internal resonance criteria are formulated and evaluated for waves propagating in arbitrary directions in a plate. From the analysis, it is found that non-collinear guided wave interactions transfer power to secondary guided wave modes that is impossible for collinear interactions, which is completely analogous to bulk waves. For the case of tone burst-pulsed wave packets at nonzero interaction angles, the wave interaction zone has a finite size, and its size is dictated by many factors, including, for example, the group velocities of the waves, interaction angle, pulse duration, and dispersion. An analytical model is introduced for finite-sized interaction zones and used to demonstrate the effect of group velocity mismatch on the generation of secondary waves. In addition, finite element simulations are compared to the analytical model and provide additional insight into secondary wave generation and propagation.