bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE BLIND ANGLE: PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF DRIP IRRIGATION IN USE IN A LARGE‐SCALE IRRIGATION SCHEME IN MOROCCO
Authors: Boularbah Sara , Kuper Marcel , Hammani Ali , Mailhol Jean‐Claude , Taky Abdelilah
Published: August 2019

The need for lasting returns on the large investment in state‐sponsored drip irrigation projects and the ambitious objectives aimed to achieve requires thorough and continuous assessment of the performance of irrigation systems in use. However, few studies have evaluated the performance of systems once they have been installed, leading to overestimation of actual drip irrigation performance. This study focuses on the Tadla Irrigation Scheme, where a 10 000‐ha drip irrigation project had two objectives: improving water productivity and reducing pressure on groundwater resources. The results of the study show a satisfactory but progressively declining distribution uniformity at field level, after 3–4 years of functioning, pointing to potential dysfunction if the equipment is not renewed. The current over‐irrigation of crops results in hefty water bills and debts of farmers, no water savings at the field scale, some savings at the scheme scale, but increased tension concerning water delivery. Farmers continued to use groundwater after converting to drip irrigation to avoid surface water shortage. The challenge is to ensure that groundwater is only tapped in exceptional cases to avoid overexploitation. The first step is ensuring more efficient irrigation practices, underlining the need for continuous performance assessment. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blend scaffolds with polyaspartamide/polyester structure fabricated via TIPS and their RGDC functionalization to promote osteoblast adhesion and proliferation
Authors: Palumbo Fabio S. , Bongiovì Flavia , Carfì Pavia Francesco , Vitrano Ilenia , La Carrubba Vincenzo , Pitarresi Giovanna , Brucato Valerio , Giammona Gaetano
Published: August 2019

Target of this work was to prepare a RGDC functionalized hybrid biomaterial via TIPS technique to achieve a more efficient control of osteoblast adhesion and diffusion on the three‐dimensional (3D) scaffolds. Starting from a crystalline poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and an amorphous α,β‐poly(N‐2‐hydroxyethyl) (2‐aminoethylcarbamate)‐d,l‐aspartamide‐graft‐polylactic acid (PHEA‐EDA‐g‐PLA) copolymer, blend scaffolds were characterized by an appropriate porosity and pore interconnection. The PHEA‐EDA‐PLA interpenetration with PLLA improved hydrolytic susceptibility of hybrid scaffolds. The presence of free amino groups on scaffolds allowed to tether the cyclic RGD peptide (RGDC) via Michael addition using the maleimide chemistry. Cell culture test carried out on preosteoblastic cells MC3T3‐E1 incubated with scaffolds, has evidenced cell adhesion and proliferation. Furthermore, the presence of distributed bone matrix on all scaffolds was evaluated after 70 days compared to PLLA only samples.
Reduced Bone Loss Is Associated With Reduced Mortality Risk in Subjects Exposed to Nitrogen Bisphosphonates: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Bliuc Dana , Tran Thach , van Geel Tineke , Adachi Jonathan D , Berger Claudie , van den Bergh Joop , Eisman John A , Geusens Piet , Goltzman David , Hanley David A , Josse Robert , Kaiser Stephanie , Kovacs Christopher S , Langsetmo Lisa , Prior Jerilynn C , Nguyen Tuan V , Center Jacqueline R ,   for the CaMOS Research Group
Published: August 2019

Bisphosphonates, potent antiresorptive agents, have been found to be associated with mortality reduction. Accelerated bone loss is, in itself, an independent predictor of mortality risk, but the relationship between bisphosphonates, bone loss, and mortality is unknown. This study aimed to determine whether the association between bisphosphonates and mortality is mediated by a reduction in the rate of bone loss. Participants from the population-based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study were followed prospectively between1996 and 2011. Comorbidities and lifestyle factors were collected at baseline and bone mineral density (BMD) at baseline and at years 3 (for those aged 40 to 60 years), 5, and 10. Rate of bone loss was calculated using linear regression. Information on medication use was obtained yearly. Bisphosphonate users grouped into nitrogen bisphosphonates (nBP; alendronate or risedronate) and etidronate and non-users (NoRx) were matched by propensity score, including all baseline factors as well as time of treatment. Cox's proportional hazards models, unadjusted and adjusted for annual rate of bone loss, were used to determine the association between nBP and etidronate versus NoRx. For the treatment groups with significant mortality risk reduction, the percent of mortality reduction mediated by a reduction in the rate of bone loss was estimated using a causal mediation analysis. There were 271 pairs of nBP and matched NoRx and 327 pairs of etidronate and matched NoRx. nBP but not etidronate use was associated with significant mortality risk reduction (hazard ratios [HR] = 0.61 [95% confidence interval 0.39–0.96] and 1.35 [95% CI 0.86–2.11] for nBP and etidronate, respectively). Rapid bone loss was associated with more than 2-fold increased mortality risk compared with no loss. Mediation analysis indicated that 39% (95% CI 7%–84%) of the nBP association with mortality was related to a reduction in the rate of bone loss. This finding provides an insight into the mechanism of the relationship between nBP and survival benefit in osteoporotic patients. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Correction of serum NSE reference intervals includes the unidentified hemolysis sample: 1‐year data analysis from healthcare individuals
Authors: Xie Erfu , Zhang Wei , Xu Huaguo , Ling Yun , Zhang Qiaodi , Pan Shiyang
Published: August 2019

Background

Reference intervals (RIs) are important for interpretation of laboratory results. Neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) can be utilized to aid the diagnosis of various tumors. However, while red blood cells contain NSE αγ‐isozymes, unrecognized slight hemolysis will result in increasing of NSE levels in serum. The aim of this study was to correct the NSE RIs from healthcare individuals results which may have unidentified microhemolysis.

Methods

A total of 15 047 healthy individuals undergoing regular health care were recruited to redefine the NSE reference interval according to the CA28‐A3 document. Volunteers with NSE level between 16.3 ng/mL and the upper limit of new RIs were performed venipuncture for NSE retest. Simultaneously, serum free hemoglobin (fHb) was performed with o‐tolidine test.

Results

Reestablishment of NSE RIs is 0‐18.9 ng/mL, which is wider than 0‐16.3 ng/mL provided by the manufacturer. Seventy‐four volunteers with the NSE level between 16.3 and 18.9 ng/mL were performed venipuncture for NSE retest. The ratio of NSE level drop to normal is 85.1% (63/74) in the subsequent results; there are significant differences between the median NSE of two groups (18.15 vs 14.15 ng/mL). Subsequently, the fHb concentration of 22 healthy individuals from 74 individuals was measured; there are significant differences between the median fHb of two groups (58 vs 30 mg/L).

Conclusions

Some specimens with slightly elevated NSE may be attributed to the unrecognized slight hemolysis. The correction RIs may be expected to decrease the abnormal NSE results.
Competing biomedical HIV prevention strategies: potential cost‐effectiveness of HIV vaccines and PrEP in Seattle, WA
Authors: Adamson Blythe , Garrison Louis , Barnabas Ruanne V , Carlson Josh J , Kublin James , Dimitrov Dobromir
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Promising HIV vaccine candidates are steadily progressing through the clinical trial pipeline. Once available, HIV vaccines will be an important complement but also potential competitor to other biomedical prevention tools such as pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Accordingly, the value of HIV vaccines and the policies for rollout may depend on that interplay and tradeoffs with utilization of existing products. In this economic modelling analysis, we estimate the cost‐effectiveness of HIV vaccines considering their potential interaction with PrEP and condom use.

Methods

We developed a dynamic model of HIV transmission among the men who have sex with men population (MSM), aged 15‐64 years, in Seattle, WA offered PrEP and HIV vaccine over a time horizon of 2025‐2045. A healthcare sector perspective with annual discount rate of 3% for costs (2017 USD) and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) was used. The primary economic endpoint is the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) when compared to no HIV vaccine availability.

Results

HIV vaccines improved population health and increased healthcare costs. Vaccination campaigns achieving 90% coverage of high‐risk men and 60% coverage of other men within five years of introduction are projected to avoid 40% of new HIV infections between 2025 and 2045. This increased total healthcare costs by $30 million, with some PrEP costs shifted to HIV vaccine spending. HIV vaccines are estimated to have an ICER of $42,473/QALY, considered cost‐effective using a threshold of $150,000/QALY. Results were most sensitive to HIV vaccine efficacy and future changes in the cost of PrEP drugs. Sensitivity analysis found ranges of 30‐70% HIV vaccine efficacy remained cost‐effective. Results were also sensitive to reductions in condom use among PrEP and vaccine users.

Conclusions

Access to an HIV vaccine is desirable as it could increase the overall effectiveness of combination HIV prevention efforts and improve population health. Planning for the rollout and scale‐up of HIV vaccines should carefully consider the design of policies that guide interactions between vaccine and PrEP utilization and potential competition.
HEV seroprevalence in blood donors in Turkey by two commercial total anti‐HEV Ab ELISA kits
Authors: Yaşar Osman , Karatayli Ersin , Cengiz Güniz , Kızılpınar Mehtap , Yurdcu Esra , Albayrak Rabia , Güven Aysel , Arslan Önder , Karahan Ceren , Otlu Barış , Güdücüoğlu Hüseyin , Gökahmetoğlu Selma , Berk Elife , Kirişci Özlem , Sertöz Rüçhan , Yurdaydin Cihan , Bozdayi A. Mithat , Karatayli Senem Ceren
Published: August 2019

Previous hepatitis E virus (HEV) seroprevalence studies in Turkey have shown high variabilities, leading to conflicting results. We aimed to re‐evaluate HEV seroprevalence among blood donors in Turkey using the Wantai (Beijing, China) and the Dia.Pro (Milan, Italy) total anti‐HEV antibody (Ab) enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits and compare their performances and to investigate the presence of HEV RNA in blood donors. Serum total anti‐HEV antibodies were determined in a total of 2011 volunteer blood donor samples collected from different regions of Turkey (807 from Ankara, 243 from Kayseri, 284 from İzmir, 200 from Malatya, 200 from Kahramanmaraş, and 277 from Van). HEV RNA was evaluated by a real‐time polymerase chain reaction in a total of 272 anti‐HEV seropositive samples. The country‐wide HEV seroprevalence was calculated as 11.5% (Dia.Pro) and 12.2% (Wantai) with seropositivity rates of 12.0%‐12.5% in Ankara, 7.4%‐8.2% in Kayseri, 14.5%‐15.5% in Malatya, 8.1%‐8.8% in İzmir, 15.0%‐16.0% in Kahramanmaraş, and 12.6%‐13.4% in Van by Dia.Pro and Wantai kits, respectively. The lowest detectable Ab concentrations were 0.16 and 0.14 units/mL WHO, for the Dia.Pro and the Wantai assays, respectively, showing no significant difference between assays. HEV RNA was not detected in any of the anti‐HEV seropositive samples. Compared with previous studies, HEV was shown to have a higher overall seroprevalence in Turkey. Despite its limitation, the current study represents the most comprehensive HEV seroprevalence study in Turkey performed with two different commercial ELISA assays with high sensitivities so far. Further investigation is required to determine HEV genotypes in Turkey.
Occurrence of diversified N‐acyl homoserine lactone mediated biofilm‐forming bacteria in rice rhizoplane
Authors: Balasundararajan Viveka , Dananjeyan Balachandar
Published: August 2019

Quorum sensing (QS)‐mediated biofilm‐forming rhizobacteria are indispensable due to their competitiveness in the crop rhizosphere. In the present work, we have reported on the occurrence of diversified bacterial species capable of producing N‐acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) as the QS signal in the roots of a rice plant grown under field conditions. The AHL‐producing bacteria were directly isolated from the rice root by the biosensor reporter (Chromobacterium violaceum CV026) overlay method and characterized for biofilm production by the microtiter plate method. A total of 48 QS‐positive bacterial isolates were purified from different aged (7, 20, 24, 26, and 36 days) rice seedlings. The in vitro biofilm production and genetic diversity as revealed by BOX‐PCR fingerprinting showed high variability among the isolates. Most of the best biofilm‐forming isolates produced a N‐butyryl
dl‐homoserine lactone (a C4‐AHL type) signal in the medium. The 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequence of these putative elite isolates identified that they were close to Aeromonas hydrophila (QS7‐4; QS36‐2), A. enteropelongenes (QS20‐8), A. veronii (QS36‐3), Enterobacter sp. (QS20‐11), Klebsiella pneumoniae (QS24‐6), Kosakonia cowanii (QS24‐21), Providentia rettigeri (QS24‐2), Sphingomonas aquatilis (QS24‐17), and Pseudomonas sihuiensis (QS24‐20). These strains profusely colonized the rice root upon inoculation and formed biofilms on the surface of the root under gnotobiotic conditions. Developing inoculants from these strains would ensure competitive colonization on the rhizoplane of the crop through their biofilm and thereby improve plant growth and health.
Total intended antibiotic delivery related to drug concentration affecting the flow rate of elastomeric devices used in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT)
Authors: Perks Stephen J. , Pain Tilley , Franklin Richard
Published: August 2019

Background

Many studies have investigated drug stability in extended home infusion pumps, but little is known of other factors that may affect the total daily dose the patient receives. It has been noted that up to 40% of these infusions are incomplete after the designated run out time.

Aim

This study investigated whether concentration can affect the flow rate of home infusion pumps, and thus the total dose the patient receives in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT).

Method

The flow rates of 10 different drug and dose formulations (4–18 g in 0.9% sodium chloride) in Baxter LV10 (Old Toongabbie, Australia) infusion pumps were investigated. The pumps were run out at 31°C and weighed at intervals, with flow rate and total volume infused calculated over the 24‐h period.

Results

Piperacillin/tazobactam 18 g was the only formulation not to meet the minimum standard of 90% of the volume being infused over the 24‐h period. This indicates a failure of intended therapy. Across all infusions, the expected dose delivered (DD) can be calculated as %DD  = −1.9x + 122.85, where x is the total drug and excipient weight within the infusor.

Conclusion

Dose is inversely related to flow rate in the LV10 Baxter infusion pump. Under nominal conditions, any amount greater than 12.02 g in the 240‐mL infusion pump will result in an incomplete run out over the 24‐h period. Clinicians should be aware that prescribing daily doses higher than 17.28 g may result in <90% of the intended dose being received by the patient. Further research should investigate whether this decrease in flow rate results in poor clinical outcomes.
Navigating off‐label and unlicensed medicines use in obstetric and paediatric clinical practice
Authors: Gray Susan G. , McGuire Treasure M.
Published: August 2019

Off‐label or unlicensed medicines use is extremely common in obstetric and paediatric clinical practice and necessitates greater emphasis on the underlying evidence of a medicines safety or efficacy. This creates significant challenges for pharmacists relating to the supply and use of medicines in this setting. Understanding how and why unlicensed or off‐label medicine use occurs, together with the underlying evidence base, is critical for supporting the quality use of medicines. Addressing issues surrounding unlicensed or off‐label medicine use in a collaborative manner with prescribers and patients can help reduce unnecessary patient concern, possible non‐adherence and risk of suboptimal treatment outcomes. This review summarises current evidence and challenges surrounding off‐label and unlicensed medicine use in the obstetric and paediatric clinical setting from the perspective of key stakeholders. It aims to support pharmacists in their evaluation of the appropriateness of off‐label and unlicensed medicine use, and provide strategies to help manage these challenging medicines management decisions.
The experimental design approach to the optimization of a simple quick easy cheap effective rugged and safe method for the analysis of phytoestrogens in complex soy‐based food
Authors: Benedetti Barbara , Magi Emanuele , Di Carro Marina
Published: August 2019

The present paper deals with the multivariate optimization of an extraction‐purification strategy for the determination of phytoestrogens (daidzein, genistein, coumestrol, formononetin, and biochanin A) in soy‐based meat substitutes by high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. For a reliable quantitation of these new concerning compounds in such a complex matrix, recovery and matrix effect must be carefully evaluated. Therefore, two sequential experimental designs were used to optimize the sample‐pretreatment of soy‐based burgers: the chosen technique was the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe methodology, which does not require any particular facility or instrumentation. Thanks to the first screening design (Plackett‐Burman), the significant factors influencing the studied responses were identified and further investigated through a response surface design (Box‐Behnken). The optimal values of the variables (volume of extraction solvent mix/sample mass ratio and two clean‐up sorbents) led to quantitative recoveries (97–104%) and low ion suppression (matrix effect 60–93%) for all analytes. This optimized method was characterized by low detection limits (0.2–1.5 ng/g) and excellent intraday precision (RSD 2–4%). It was applied to the determination of the considered compounds in several soy‐burgers from the Italian market, detecting low ng/g levels (up to 40 ng/g) of coumestrol, formononetin, and biochanin A, and high concentrations (7.9–78 µg/g) of genistein and daidzein.
The safety and efficacy of open bedside tracheotomy: A retrospective analysis of 1000 patients
Authors: Liao David Z. , Mehta Vikas , Kinkhabwala Corin M. , Li Daniel , Palsen Sarah , Schiff Bradley A.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the safety/efficacy of performing open bedside tracheotomy (OBT) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and identify predictive factors for outcomes.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study. We identified 1000 consecutive patients undergoing OBT at a single university hospital starting from August 1, 2007. Complication rate, 30‐day mortality, decannulation rate, time to surgery (TTS) from initial consult, and ICU length of stay were analyzed. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of complication rate, 30‐day mortality, and decannulation rate.

Results

Mean TTS was 1.80 days. Major complication rate was 1%. No intraoperative deaths were caused by tracheotomy although two deaths resulted from late tracheotomy‐related complications. Thirty‐day mortality was 26.6%. The only significant predictor for overall complications was mild chronic hepatitis (OR = 2.355). Predictors for 30‐day mortality included platelet count <50,000 (OR = 2.125) and vasopressor use (OR = 3.51). Each additional year of age was associated with decreased decannulation rate (OR = 0.972).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of starting an OBT program in a highly comorbid population without strict selection criteria. Safety of OBT was supported by minimal major complication rates and no intraoperative tracheotomy‐related deaths in our cohort. These complication rates were comparable to, or lower than, published studies of open and percutaneous techniques. Predictive factors for decannulation, complication, and mortality were identified to help determine which patients would benefit from OBT.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 130:1263–1269, 2020
Singlet–Triplet Transition Rate Enhancement inside Hyperbolic Metamaterials
Authors: Roth Diane J. , Ginzburg Pavel , Hirvonen Liisa M. , Levitt James A. , Nasir Mazhar E. , Suhling Klaus , Richards David , Podolskiy Viktor A. , Zayats Anatoly V.
Published: August 2019

The spontaneous emission process is known to be largely affected by the surrounding electromagnetic environment of emitters, which manifests itself via the Purcell enhancement of decay rates. This phenomenon has been extensively investigated in the case of dipolar transitions in quantum systems, commonly delivering fast decay rates in comparison to forbidden transitions such as high‐order multipolar transitions or spin‐forbidden, singlet–triplet phosphorescence processes. Here, a decay rate enhancement of almost 2750‐fold is demonstrated for a ruthenium‐based phosphorescent emitter located inside a plasmonic hyperbolic metamaterial. The standard electromagnetic local density of states description, typically employed for the Purcell factor analysis of dipolar transitions, is unable to account for a photoluminescence enhancement of this magnitude, which is attributed to the interplay between the local density of states and strongly inhomogeneous electromagnetic fields inside the metamaterial. The large available range of spontaneous emission lifetimes reported here enables application of phosphorescent emitters in novel, fast, and efficient light‐emitting sources, beneficial for optical communications, quantum information processing, spectroscopy, or bio‐imaging.
III‐Nitride Micro‐LEDs for Efficient Emissive Displays
Authors: Wierer Jonathan J. , Tansu Nelson
Published: August 2019

Emissive displays based on light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), with high pixel density, luminance, efficiency, and large color gamut, are of great interest for applications such as watches, phones, and virtual displays. The high pixel density requirements of some emissive displays require a particular class of LEDs that are sub‐20‐micrometers in length, called micro‐LEDs. While state‐of‐the‐art emissive displays incorporate organic LEDs, an alternative is inorganic III‐nitride LEDs with potential reliability and efficiency benefits. Here we explore the performance, challenges, and prospective outcomes for III‐nitride micro‐LEDs to produce efficient emissive displays and provide insight to advance this technology. Calculations are performed to determine the operating points for the micro‐LEDs and the efficiency of the overall emissive display. It is shown that III‐nitride micro‐LEDs suffer from some of the same problems as their larger‐sized solid‐state lighting LED cousins; however, the operating conditions of micro‐LEDs can result in different challenges and research efforts. These challenges include improving efficiency at low current densities; improving the efficiency of longer wavelength (green and red) LEDs; and creating device designs that can overcome low coupling efficiency, high surface recombination, and display assembly difficulties.
Investigation of the relationship between intergranular corrosion and retrogression and reaging in the AA6063
Authors: Özer Gökhan , Kisasöz Alptekin , Karaaslan Ahmet
Published: August 2019

AA6063 was heat treated with different retrogression temperatures and durations, and the effect of heat treatment conditions on the microstructure, hardness, electrical conductivity, intergranular corrosion (IGC) and electrochemical corrosion behaviours of the AA6063 was determined compared with the T6 condition. The IGC test was applied according to the BS EN ISO 11846: 2008 standard. Moreover, potentiodynamic polarization tests were applied to determine the electrochemical corrosion behaviour of the heat‐treated samples. Electrochemical corrosion tests were carried out by using a Ivium Compactstat potentiostat in 3.5 wt.%. NaCl solution at 24°C with a scanning rate of 0.5 mV/s. The corrosion test cell consisted of the reference electrode (Ag/AgCl), working electrode (test sample) and a reference electrode (platinum). The effect of IGC on the microstructure of AA6063 and corrosion depth values was investigated by using a stereo optical microscope and a light metal microscope, respectively. Corrosion depth examinations were performed on microstructures taken from the cross‐sections of the samples. The chemistry of the precipitates formed at grain boundaries and distribution of the precipitates in the microstructure were investigated by scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X‐ray and transmission electron microscope analyses. The results showed that retrogression and reaging heat treatment improves both the corrosion resistance and the mechanical properties of AA6063. After 50°C/15  min RRA heat treatment, the highest corrosion resistance and a higher hardness value than the T6 level were obtained.
Fabrication of Multifunctional Stimuli‐Responsive Hydrogels Susceptible to both pH and Metal Cation for Visual Detections
Authors: Cengiz Nergiz
Published: August 2019

Advances in several areas of contemporary biomaterial science are closely related to the design of stimuli‐responsive smart materials. An important aspect that governs widespread adaptation of a synthetic biomaterial depends on its ease of synthesis, as well as facile functionalization. In this study, readily available homo‐bifunctional PEG‐based diamines are mixed with a tetra‐arm epoxide based cross‐linker to yield hydrogels through the epoxy‐amine addition reaction. Hydrogels obtained with varying chain lengths of PEG polymer are characterized for their morphology, swelling, and rheological properties. The residual epoxide groups within the hydrogel are used for post‐gelation functionalization to obtain a functional material. In particular, functionalization with an amine‐containing rhodamine derivative yields a hydrogel that serves as a colorimetric sensor for acidic pH environment, and indicates the presence of Fe3+ cation with high specificity.
AMBN mutations causing hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta and Ambn knockout‐NLS‐lacZ knockin mice exhibiting failed amelogenesis and Ambn tissue‐specificity
Authors: Liang Tian , Hu Yuanyuan , Smith Charles E. , Richardson Amelia S , Zhang Hong , Yang Jie , Lin Brent , Wang Shih‐Kai , Kim Jung‐Wook , Chun Yong‐Hee , Simmer James P. , Hu Jan C.‐C.
Published: August 2019

Background

Ameloblastin (AMBN) is a secreted matrix protein that is critical for the formation of dental enamel and is enamel‐specific with respect to its essential functions. Biallelic AMBN defects cause non‐syndromic autosomal recessive amelogenesis imperfecta. Homozygous Ambn mutant mice expressing an internally truncated AMBN protein deposit only a soft mineral crust on the surface of dentin.

Methods

We characterized a family with hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta caused by AMBN compound heterozygous mutations (c.1061T>C; p.Leu354Pro/ c.1340C>T; p.Pro447Leu). We generated and characterized Ambn knockout/NLS‐lacZ (AmbnlacZ/lacZ) knockin mice.

Results

No AMBN protein was detected using immunohistochemistry in null mice. ß‐galactosidase activity was specific for ameloblasts in incisors and molars, and islands of cells along developing molar roots. AmbnlacZ/lacZ 7‐week incisors and unerupted (D14) first molars showed extreme enamel surface roughness. No abnormalities were observed in dentin mineralization or in nondental tissues. Ameloblasts in the AmbnlacZ/lacZ mice were unable to initiate appositional growth and started to degenerate and deposit ectopic mineral. No layer of initial enamel ribbons formed in the AmbnlacZ/lacZ mice, but pockets of amelogenin accumulated on the dentin surface along the ameloblast distal membrane and within the enamel organ epithelia (EOE). NLS‐lacZ signal was positive in the epididymis and nasal epithelium, but negative in ovary, oviduct, uterus, prostate, seminal vesicles, testis, submandibular salivary gland, kidney, liver, bladder, and bone, even after 15 hr of incubation with X‐gal.

Conclusions

Ameloblastin is critical for the initiation of enamel ribbon formation, and its absence results in pathological mineralization within the enamel organ epithelia.
Field continues call for changing, reframing talks linking MI, mass violence
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: August 2019

The entire nation continues to reel from the tragedies that unfolded the first weekend of August that left 31 dead in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio. In the days that followed, mental health organizations and advocates released statements expressing sadness. Members of the mental health community have all reiterated the fact that the vast majority of violence is not perpetrated by people with mental illness. Quite the contrary. People with mental illness are more likely themselves to be victims of violence.
New Missouri CCBHC, FQHC partnership to offer whole‐person care to patients
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: August 2019

A Southwest Missouri community‐based mental health center and a federally qualified health center have announced a partnership that will increase the capacity of both centers to offer a full continuum of care to their clients and patients, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Officials are calling the new partnership a “first‐of‐its‐kind” affiliation, citing that the two not‐for‐profit 501(c)(3) organizations are retaining their respective boards of directors.
APA pushes to prevent firearm‐related injury and death
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: August 2019

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) on Aug. 7 joined six other physician and health professional organizations in calling for action to address the public health epidemic of firearm‐related injury and death. In 2017, nearly 40,000 people died as a result of a firearm, a 20‐year high, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an APA news release stated. “Our nation is in the midst of an epidemic of firearm‐related injuries and deaths, and we must treat this as a public health crisis,” said APA President Bruce Schwartz, M.D. “We see the long‐lasting mental health impact firearm‐related violence and injury has on our patients every day, and it is time for us to come together as a nation to address this epidemic.”
Semiclassical asymptotic behavior of ground state for the two‐component Hartree system
Authors: Kong Yuzhen , Zhao Dun , Wang Qingxuan
Published: August 2019

We consider the semiclassical asymptotic behaviors of ground state solution for the following two‐component Hartree system:

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma5820:mma5820-math-0001
which is originated from the study on cold atoms of boson and fermion system with long‐range interaction. Under the assumption

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma5820:mma5820-math-0002
by detailed compactness analysis, we prove that there is a β0>0 such that if β<β0, the system has a ground state solution. For this solution, the energy estimates and the decay rates are presented, and the asymptotic profiles as ε→0 are displayed in details for β<0 and β>0, respectively. Furthermore, we show that for β<0, the phase separation phenomenon may occur.
Ultra‐wideband circularly polarized crossed‐dual‐arm bowtie dipole antenna backed by an artificial magnetic conductor
Authors: Elsaid Mohamed , Mahmoud Korany R. , Hussein Mohamed , Hameed Mohamed F. O. , Yahia Ashraf , Obayya Salah S. A.
Published: August 2019

An ultra‐wideband antenna is suggested, simulated, and fabricated for ground penetrating radar (GPR) and landmine detection applications. The reported design has wideband, high gain, and high directivity. The new configuration achieves unidirectional radiation characteristics maintaining circularly polarized (CP) radiation characteristics. The whole configuration is optimized using the particle swarm optimization algorithm to achieve the optimal bandwidth, gain, and axial ratio (AR). The performance of the overall geometrical design is analyzed in terms of bandwidth, gain, directivity, and AR. The proposed antenna offers a gain of 2.66 dB in free space, which is enhanced to 8.86 by using an artificial magnetic conductor. The measured results show that the proposed configuration offers −10 dB return loss bandwidth of 540 MHz over the frequency range (0.8‐1.34 GHz) with ~50.5% operational bandwidth and 3‐dB AR bandwidth of 295 MHz for the frequency range (0.97‐1.265 GHz) with an approximate percentage of 26.4%. Furthermore, the maximum gain over the CP‐operated bandwidth close to 8.86 dB, at frequency 1.05 GHz, is obtained. It is anticipated that this antenna is suitable for GPR applications as well as for employment in landmine detection.
A novel concept to include uncertainties in the evaluation of stereotactic body radiation therapy after 4D dose accumulation using deformable image registration
Authors: Azcona Juan Diego , Huesa‐Berral Carlos , Moreno‐Jiménez Marta , Barbés Benigno , Aristu José Javier , Burguete Javier
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To use four‐dimensional (4D) dose accumulation based on deformable image registration (DIR) to assess dosimetric uncertainty in lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) treatment planning. A novel concept, the Evaluation Target Volume (ETV), was introduced to achieve this goal.

Methods

The internal target volume (ITV) approach was used for treatment planning for 11 patients receiving lung SBRT. Retrospectively, 4D dose calculation was done in Pinnacle v9.10. Total dose was accumulated in the reference phase using DIR with MIM. DIR was validated using landmarks introduced by an expert radiation oncologist. The 4D and three‐dimensional (3D) dose distributions were compared within the gross tumor volume (GTV) and the planning target volume (PTV) using the D95 and Dmin (calculated as Dmin,0.035cc) metrics. For lung involvement, the mean dose and V20, V10, and V5 were used in the 3D to 4D dose comparison, and Dmax (D0.1cc) was used for all other organs at risk (OAR). The new evaluation target volume (ETV) was calculated by expanding the GTV in the reference phase in order to include geometrical uncertainties of the DIR, interobserver variability in the definition of the tumor, and uncertainties of imaging and delivery systems. D95 and Dmin,0.035cc metrics were then calculated on the basis of the ETV for 4D accumulated dose distributions, and these metrics were compared with those calculated from the PTV for 3D planned dose distributions.

Results

The target registration error (TRE) per spatial component was below 0.5 ± 2.1mm for all our patients. For five patients, dose degradation above 2% (>4% in 2 patients) was found in the PTV after 4D accumulation and attributed to anatomical variations due to breathing. Comparison of D95 and Dmin,0.035cc metrics showed that the ETV (4D accumulated dose) estimated substantially lower coverage than the PTV (3D planning dose): in six out of the 11 cases, and for at least for one of the two metrics, coverage estimated by ETV was at least 5% lower than that estimated by PTV. Furthermore, the ETV approach revealed hot and cold spots within its boundaries.

Conclusions

A workflow for 4D dose accumulation based on DIR has been devised. Dose degradation was attributed to respiratory motion. To overcome limitations in the PTV for the purposes of evaluating DIR‐based 4D accumulated dose distributions, a new concept, the ETV, was proposed. This concept appears to facilitate more reliable dose evaluation and a better understanding of dosimetric uncertainties due to motion and deformation.
Automated adaptive preconditioner for quantitative susceptibility mapping
Authors: Liu Zhe , Wen Yan , Spincemaille Pascal , Zhang Shun , Yao Yihao , Nguyen Thanh D. , Wang Yi
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To develop an automated adaptive preconditioner for QSM reconstruction with improved susceptibility quantification accuracy and increased image quality.

Theory and Methods

The total field was used to rapidly produce an approximate susceptibility map, which was then averaged and trended over

binning to generate a spatially varying distribution of preconditioning values. This automated adaptive preconditioner was used to reconstruct QSM via total field inversion and was compared with its empirical counterparts in a numerical simulation, a brain experiment with 5 healthy subjects and 5 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, and a cardiac experiment with 3 healthy subjects.

Results

Among evaluated preconditioners, the automated adaptive preconditioner achieved the fastest convergence in reducing the RMSE of the QSM in the simulation, suppressed hemorrhage‐associated artifacts while preserving surrounding brain tissue contrasts, and provided cardiac chamber oxygenation values consistent with those reported in the literature.

Conclusion

An automated adaptive preconditioner allows high‐quality QSM from the total field in imaging various anatomies with dynamic susceptibility ranges.
Unsupervised learning of a deep neural network for metal artifact correction using dual‐polarity readout gradients
Authors: Kwon Kinam , Kim Dongchan , Kim Byungjai , Park HyunWook
Published: August 2019

Purpose

A new unsupervised learning method was developed to correct metal artifacts in MRI using 2 distorted images obtained with dual‐polarity readout gradients.

Methods

An unsupervised learning method is proposed for a deep neural network architecture consisting of a deep neural network and an MR image generation module. The architecture is trained as an end‐to‐end process without the use of distortion‐free images or off‐resonance frequency maps. The deep neural network estimates frequency‐shift maps between 2 distorted images that are obtained using dual‐polarity readout gradients. From the estimated frequency‐shift maps and 2 distorted input images, distortion‐corrected images are obtained with the MR image generation module. Experiments using synthetic data and actual MR data were performed to compare images corrected by several metal‐artifact‐correction methods.

Results

The proposed method resolved the ripple and pile‐up artifacts in the reconstructed images from synthetic data and actual MR data. The results from the proposed method were comparable to those from supervised‐learning methods and superior to the compared model‐based method. The proposed unsupervised learning method enabled the network to be trained without labels and to be more robust than supervised learning methods, for which overfitting problems can arise when using small training data sets.

Conclusion

Metal artifacts in the MR image were drastically corrected by the proposed unsupervised learning method. Two distorted images obtained with dual‐polarity readout gradients are used as the input of the deep neural network. The proposed method can train networks without labels and does not overfit the network, even with small training data sets.
Simultaneous multislice MRI thermometry with a single coil using incoherent blipped‐controlled aliasing
Authors: Quah Kristin , Poorman Megan E. , Allen Steven P. , Grissom William A.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To increase volume coverage in real‐time MR thermometry for transcranial MR‐guided focused ultrasound (tcMRgFUS) ablation, without multiple receive coils.

Theory and Methods

Multiband excitation and incoherent blipped‐controlled aliasing were implemented in a 2DFT pulse sequence used clinically for tcMRgFUS, and an extended k‐space hybrid reconstruction was developed that recovers slice‐separated temperature maps assuming that heating is focal, given slice‐separated pretreatment images. Simulations were performed to characterize slice leakage, the number of slices that can be simultaneously imaged with low‐temperature error, and robustness across random slice‐phase k‐space permutations. In vivo experiments were performed using a single receive coil without heating to measure temperature precision, and gel phantom FUS experiments were performed to test the method with heating and with a water bath.

Results

Simulations showed that with large hot spots and identical magnitude images on each slice, up to three slices can be simultaneously imaged with less than C temperature root‐mean‐square error. They also showed that hot spots do not alias coherently between slices, and that an average 86% of random slice‐phase k‐space permutations yielded less than C temperature error. Temperature precision was not degraded compared to single‐slice imaging in the in vivo SMS scans, and the gel phantom SMS temperature maps closely tracked single‐slice temperature in the hot spot, with no coherent aliasing to other slices.

Conclusions

Incoherent controlled aliasing SMS enables accurate reconstruction of focal heating maps from two or three slices simultaneously, using a single receive coil and a sparsity‐promoting temperature reconstruction.
In situ biomimetic formation of nano‐hydroxyapatite crystals on chitosan microspheres
Authors: Huang Di , Xu Mengjie , Niu Lulu , Pérez Montserrat , Du Jingjing , Wei Yan , Hu Yinchun , Lian Xiaojie , Chen Weiyi
Published: August 2019

Chitosan (CS) is a biocompatible, noncytotoxic biomaterial used before as base material for composites. On the other hand, nano‐hydroxyapatite (nHA) is one of the main components of human bones, highly used for biomedical applications. In this work, CS microspheres were produced under a W/O emulsion system. CS microspheres with calcium ions were then exposed to Na3PO4 solution. In situ biomimetic nHA crystals were formed on CS microspheres to generate 15.14 ± 3.15‐μm composite microspheres. The microspheres were subsequently seeded with MG63 osteoblasts to observe their cell responses. All microspheres were characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), phase‐contrast photomicroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results showed flake‐like shape and islet‐like growth of nHA depositions presented on the surface of the CS microspheres. In vitro tests indicated that the CS/nHA microparticles were not only biocompatible but also enhanced cell adhesion and elongation due to the in situ biomimetic synthesis method.
Preparation and properties of melt‐spun poly(fluorinated ethylene‐propylene)/graphene composite fibers
Authors: Pan Jinfeng , Xiao Changfa , Huang Yan , Zhu Zhengtao
Published: August 2019

The matrix of poly(fluorinated ethylene‐propylene) (FEP) was modified with graphene (GE) as filler, and then the composite fibers were prepared by melt spinning method with a twin‐screw extruder. The effects of both the draw ratio and GE content on the structures and properties of FEP/GE composite fibers were investigated. The results showed that the addition of nanoparticles reduced the crystallization of molecular chains and the orientation of crystalline units in the fibers, while the drafting and heat setting process could effectively improve the crystallinity and orientation of composite fibers. Moreover, the addition of GE improved the mechanical properties of the composite fibers and had no effect on the chemical resistance of the composite fibers. A significant enhancement of mechanical properties of the composite fibers was obtained at low GE content, that, a 35.5% improvement of tensile strength and a 19.5% increase of Young's modulus were achieved at a GE content of only 0.3 wt%. Compared with pure FEP fibers, the oil affinity of composite fibers was also significantly improved. The prepared FEP/GE composite fibers that showed excellent chemical resistance have potential application in oil‐water separation, especially in high temperature resistant fibrous materials.
Challenges in the quality of herbal medicinal products with a specific focus on contaminants
Authors: Steinhoff Barbara
Published: August 2019

Background

The complex regulatory framework for the quality of herbal medicinal products, in particular with regard to potential contaminants, consists of legal provisions including Pharmacopoeia requirements, relating to limits as well as in most cases to methods for determination.

Objective

This review intends to provide an overview on the legal requirements for testing potential contaminants in herbal drugs used for the production of herbal medicinal products.

Methodology

The following issues are described and discussed:

For the assessment of pesticide residues, Chapter 2.8.13 of the European Pharmacopoeia and Regulation (EC) 396/2005 applies, for heavy metals the general Pharmacopoeia monograph as well as the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) Q3D guideline on elemental impurities. The Pharmacopoeia also includes limits and acceptance criteria for microbiological purity and aflatoxins, respectively. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are mentioned in Regulation (EC) 1881/2006 for food as well as in a Reflection Paper on herbal medicinal products. For several years, a potential contamination with pyrrolizidine alkaloids was discussed which led to measures being imposed on industry and health authorities.

Results

Various examples demonstrate that the evaluation of data from daily analytical practice is extremely useful to gain an overview on the occurrence of residues and/or contaminants in herbal drugs and herbal preparations. Such evaluations might assist manufacturers in their individual risk assessment and the definition of their testing strategies and contribute to guarantee the quality and safety of the marketed products.

Conclusion

Annual data evaluations demonstrate that a remarkable decrease of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid content burden in herbal drugs and extracts used for the production of herbal medicinal products has been achieved over the past few years. However, it has also become clear that this issue cannot be completely solved in the near future.
Effect of nanoparticle shape on the conductivity of Ag nanoparticle poly(vinyl alcohol) composite films
Authors: Sirohi Sidhharth , Mittal Avneesh , Nain Ratyakshi , Jain Nishant , Singh Ravinder , Dobhal Saiyam , Pani Balaram , Parida Dambarudhar
Published: August 2019

In this work, the shape effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on photocatalysis and electrical conductivity was investigated. Different shapes of AgNPs achieved using various concentrations of NaBH4were characterized using particle size analysis, UV–visible spectroscopy and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The colours of colloidal solutions were found to be influenced by the shape of the nanoparticles. Yellow and blue AgNPs were spherical and triangular in shape, respectively, whereas distorted spherical particles showed a red colour and the presence of both particles in one solution resulted in a green colloidal solution. The AgNPs were used to prepare Ag/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite films and their electrical conductivity was investigated. Owing to their better charge carrier generation, uniform distribution in the PVA matrix and enhanced surface plasmon resonance, blue AgNPs (triangular shaped) exhibited superior conductivity performance compared to the other nanoparticles. The values for maximum conductivity for the blue and yellow AgNPs were 3.45 × 10−4Ω−1cm−1and 2.67 × 10−4Ω−1cm−1respectively. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry