bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Versus Conventional Full‐Arch Implant Impressions: A Prospective Study on 16 Edentulous Maxillae
Authors: Chochlidakis Konstantinos , Papaspyridakos Panos , Tsigarida Alexandra , Romeo Davide , Chen Yo‐wei , Natto Zuhair , Ercoli Carlo
Published: March 2020

Purpose

A prospective clinical study to compare for the first time the accuracy of digital and conventional maxillary implant impressions for completely edentulous patients.

Materials and Methods

Sixteen patients received maxillary implant supported fixed complete dentures. After the verification of the conventional final casts, the casts were scanned with a desktop (extraoral) scanner. Intraoral full‐arch digital scans were also obtained with scan bodies and STL files. Extraoral and intraoral scans were superimposed and analyzed with reverse engineering software. The primary outcome measure was the assessment of accuracy between scans of the verified conventional casts and digital full‐arch impressions. The secondary outcome was the effect of the implant number on the 3D accuracy of impressions with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

Results

The 3D deviations between virtual casts from intraoral full‐arch digital scans and digitized final stone casts generated from conventional implant impressions were found to be 162 ± 77 μm. In the 4‐implant group, 5‐implant group, and 6‐implant group the 3D deviations were found to be 139 ± 56 μm, 146 ± 90 μm, and 185 ± 81 μm, respectively. There was a positive correlation between increased implant number and 3D‐deviations, but there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.191).

Conclusions

The 3D accuracy of full‐arch digital implant scans lies within previously reported clinically acceptable threshold. Full‐arch digital scans and a complete digital workflow in the fabrication of maxillary fixed complete dentures may be clinically feasible.
Sex differences in the association between obesity and gingivitis among 12‐year‐old South Brazilian schoolchildren
Authors: Lock Nicássia Cioquetta , Susin Cristiano , Damé‐Teixeira Nailê , Maltz Marisa , Alves Luana Severo
Published: March 2020

Objective

To assess the association between weight status and gingivitis in a representative sample of 12‐year‐old schoolchildren from South Brazil.

Background

An association between obesity and gingivitis in children and adolescents has been observed; however, the present evidence has major limitations.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in Porto Alegre, South Brazil, from September 2009 to December 2010 and included a representative sample of 1528 12‐year‐old schoolchildren attending public and private schools. Data collection included the application of a questionnaire, recording of anthropometric measures (weight and height), and clinical examination (gingival bleeding index, recorded in four sites per tooth). The outcome of the study was the prevalence of gingivitis, defined as the proportion of schoolchildren presenting ≥52% of bleeding sites (based on the median). Weight status was categorized according to body mass index into normal, overweight, or obese. The association between predictor variables and gingivitis prevalence was assessed using Poisson regression models. Unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated.

Results

Gingivitis prevalence was 48.7% (95% IC = 33.8‐63.6) and, on average, schoolchildren presented 51.8% (95% IC = 46.2‐57.5) of bleeding sites. Obese individuals had 13% higher prevalence for presenting gingivitis than did normal‐weight ones (PR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.09‐1.18, P < .001). The stratified analysis showed that this association was sex‐specific: Obese girls presented a greater chance of having gingivitis (adjusted PR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.09‐1.34, P < .001), but such association was not observed among boys (PR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.95‐1.20, P = .29).

Conclusion

This study showed sex differences in the association between obesity and gingivitis among 12‐year‐old South Brazilian schoolchildren.
Assessment of saliva and gingival crevicular fluid soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), galectin‐1, and TNF‐α levels in periodontal health and disease
Authors: Taşdemir İsmail , Erbak Yılmaz Huriye , Narin Figen , Sağlam Mehmet
Published: March 2020

Objective

The aim of the study is to evaluate saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of suPAR and galectin‐1 in different periodontal health status and relationship between these molecules and TNF‐α to understand the roles of these molecules in periodontal inflammation process.

Background

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) has been described as a biological marker of inflammation and immunological activation. Galectin‐1, a member of the galectin family, is an anti‐inflammatory cytokine. However, to date, levels of these two molecules in periodontal health and disease have not been well documented.

Methods

A total of 60 individuals, 20 with chronic periodontitis (group P), 20 with gingivitis (group G), and 20 with healthy periodontium (group H) were recruited for this study. Full‐mouth clinical periodontal measurements were recorded in periodontal charts. GCF and whole saliva samples were collected to determine the levels of suPAR, galectin‐1, and TNF‐α in study groups using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.

Results

The GCF total amount of suPAR, galectin‐1, and TNF‐α in GCF was similar in group P and G (P > .05). The GCF total amounts of these molecules in GCF were higher in the group G and P compared to the group H (P < .05), whereas the GCF concentrations of suPAR and galectin‐1 were lower in the group G and P compared to the group H (P < .05).The saliva concentration of suPAR was significantly higher in group P compared to the group G and H (P < .05). It was also higher in the group G compared to the group H but there is no significant difference between the groups (P > .05). Salivary galectin‐1 levels were similar in the study groups (P > .05).

Conclusion

Increased levels of GCF suPAR, galectin‐1, and saliva suPAR in periodontal disease suggest that these molecules may play a role in the periodontal inflammation. suPAR and galectin‐1 may be considered as potential biomarkers in periodontal disease.
Interventions to increase the consumption of water among children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Franse Carmen B. , Boelens Mirte , Fries Lisa R. , Constant Florence , van Grieken Amy , Raat Hein
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis on the effectiveness of interventions to increase children's water consumption. A systematic literature search was conducted in seven electronic databases. Studies published in English before 18 February 2019 that evaluated any type of intervention that measured change in water consumption among children aged 2 to 12 years by applying any type of design were included. Of the 47 interventions included in the systematic review, 24 reported a statistically significant increase in water consumption. Twenty‐four interventions (17 randomized controlled trials and seven studies with other controlled designs) were included in the meta‐analysis. On average, children in intervention groups consumed 29 mL/d (confidence interval [CI] = 13–46 mL/d) more water than did children in control groups. This effect was larger in eight interventions focused specifically on diet (MD = 73 mL/d, CI = 20–126 mL/d) than in 16 interventions focused also on other lifestyle factors (MD = 15 mL/d, CI = 1–29 mL/d). Significant subgroup differences were also found by study setting and socioecological level targeted but not by children's age group, intervention strategy, or study design. In conclusion, there is evidence that, on average, lifestyle interventions can lead to small increases in children's daily water consumption. More research is needed to further understand the specific intervention elements that have the greatest effect.
Crowe Type IV Hip Dysplasia Treated by THA Comebined with Osteotomy to Balance Functional Leg Length Discrepancy: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Shi Xiao‐tong , Cheng Cheng‐ming , Feng Chun‐yang , Li Chao‐feng , Li Shu‐xuan , Liu Jian‐guo
Published: March 2020

Objective

To measure the factors that affect functional leg length of Crowe type IV Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) patients and to review our own methods to balance leg length discrepancy (LLD) in Crowe type IV DDH patients.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study which started in June 2017 and ended in August 2019. Inclusion criteria included: (i) Crowe type I or Crowe type IV hip dysplasia patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the Department of Orthopaedics at our institution between July 2017 and June 2018; (ii) the patients were treated with our specific leg length balance strategy; and (iii) the related outcomes of patients were completely recorded. Finally, 18 consecutive Crowe type I patients (20 hips) and 14 consecutive Crowe type IV patients (18 hips) were selected and divided into two groups according to Crowe types. All patients received THA, and patients with a longer affected side and inferior anatomical acetabular positions in Crowe type IV group also received subtrochanteric osteotomy. During operation and after hip reduction, leg lengths were compared while two legs were in an extended position and the operative leg was on top of the non‐operative one. Additional leg length adjustment was applied when leg length was considered to be unequal. Prior to surgery, subluxation height of the femoral head on the affected side, functional LLD, bony length of lower limbs, and distance from teardrops to the lowest point line of the sacroiliac joint were recorded. After surgery, cup sizes, functional LLD, and height of hip rotational centers were measured. Clinical evaluations, such as Harris Hip Score (HHS) and SF‐12 scale, were also obtained before and after surgery for all patients.

Results

At the last follow‐up, functional LLD and clinical measurements of both Crowe type IV group and Crowe type I group were significantly improved. Compared with Crowe type I patients, Crowe type IV patients had a significantly lower MCS, a significantly longer leg lengthening length and a significantly lower hip center height after surgery. Significant differences of tibia length, leg length, and teardrop position were found between affected side and healthy side of Crowe type IV patients. Only three of 14 Crowe type IV patients remained under 1 cm functional LLD. Five patients in the Crowe type IV group developed lower limb numbness immediately following surgery, and they all recovered within 6 months. The average follow‐up period for either group was 14 months, and all patients were followed‐up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months then yearly after surgery until the final follow‐up.

Conclusion

After detailed leg length balance process, THA combined with transverse sub‐trochanter osteotomy could be an effective method to achieve equal function leg length with most Crowe type IV patients.
Evaluation of a longitudinal family stress model in a population‐based cohort
Authors: Gard Arianna M. , McLoyd Vonnie C. , Mitchell Colter , Hyde Luke W.
Published: March 2020

The family stress model (FSM) is an influential family process model that posits that socioeconomic disadvantage impacts child outcomes via its effects on the parents. Existing evaluations of the FSM are constrained by limited measures of socioeconomic disadvantage, cross‐sectional research designs, and reliance on non‐population‐based samples. The current study tested the FSM in a subsample of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 2,918), a large population‐based study of children followed from birth through the age of nine. We employed a longitudinal framework and used measures of socioeconomic disadvantage beyond economic resources. Although the hypothesized FSM pathways were identified in the longitudinal model (e.g., economic pressure at the age of one was associated with maternal distress at the age of three, maternal distress at the age of three was associated with parenting behaviors at the age of five), the effects of socioeconomic disadvantage at childbirth on youth socioemotional outcomes at the age of nine did not operate through all of the hypothesized mediators. In longitudinal change models that accounted for the stability in constructs, multiple indicators of socioeconomic disadvantage at childbirth were indirectly associated with youth externalizing behaviors at the age of nine via either economic pressure at the age of one or changes in maternal warmth from ages 3 to 5. Greater economic pressure at the age of one, increases in maternal distress from ages 1 to 3, and decreases/increases in maternal warmth/harshness from ages 3 to 5 were also directly associated with increases in externalizing behaviors from ages 5 to 9. Results provide partial support for the FSM across the first decade of life.
Effect of durotomy in dogs with thoracolumbar disc herniation and without deep pain perception in the hind limbs
Authors: Takahashi Fumitaka , Honnami Ayaka , Toki Minae , Dosaka Ayako , Fujita Yukihiro , Hara Yasushi , Yamaguchi Shinya
Published: March 2020

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of durotomy as an adjunct to surgical decompression in dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation (TL‐IVDH) and loss of deep pain perception (DPP) in the hind limbs.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Animals

Dogs (n = 116) with TL‐IVDH and loss of DPP treated with hemilaminectomy.

Methods

Signalment, surgical site, recovery rate, incidence of progressive myelomalacia (PMM), time elapsed from onset of paraplegia of the hind limbs to surgery (TPS), and the length of area of hyperintensity of the spinal cord on magnetic resonance T2‐weighted images compared with L2 vertebral body length (LHT2) were compared between dogs treated with hemilaminectomy alone and those treated with adjunct durotomy. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to test the association between outcomes and the external view of the spinal cord parenchyma after durotomy.

Results

The percentage of dogs regaining ambulation was greater when durotomy was performed (56.9%) than when dogs were treated with hemilaminectomy alone (38.5%; P = .04). In the hemilaminectomy group, 14 dogs died of suspected PMM, while no PMM was detected in the durotomy group. Durotomy, breed, surgical site, and LHT2 influenced recovery. No association was detected between age, sex, body weight, and TPS and recovery.

Conclusion

Performing a durotomy in combination with decompression improved the return to function and prevented PMM in our clinical setting.

Clinical significance

Surgeons should consider durotomy in dogs with TL‐IVDH and loss of DPP in hind limbs to improve surgical outcome.
Influence of a cell salvage washing system and leukocyte reduction filtration on bacterial contamination of canine whole blood ex vivo
Authors: Hinson Whitney D. , Rogovskyy Artem S. , Lawhon Sara D. , Thieman Mankin Kelley M.
Published: March 2020

Objective

To determine the ability of cell salvage washing and leukoreduction filtration to remove bacterial contamination from canine whole blood.

Study design

Ex vivo nested cohort study.

Sample population

Commercially purchased fresh canine whole blood (n = 33 units).

Methods

Commercially obtained canine whole blood was inoculated with known concentrations of one of three species of bacteria,Escherichia coli(ATCC 25922),Staphylococcus pseudintermedius(quality control strain; Texas A&M University), orPseudomonas aeruginosa(ATCC 27853). Negative controls were inoculated with sterile saline. The inoculated blood was processed through a cell salvage system and filtered through a series of two leukocyte reduction filters. Samples were aseptically collected at five points during processing (inoculum, prewash, postwash, post–first filtration, and post–second filtration) for bacterial enumeration.

Results

Bacterial concentrations were reduced by 85.2%, 91.5%, and 93.9% forE coli, S pseudintermedius,andP aeruginosa, respectively, after washing (P < .0001), and bacterial concentrations were reduced by 99.9%, 100%, and 100%, respectively, after the first filtration (P < .0001). After the second filtration, none of the three species of bacteria could be isolated (100% reduction). No bacterial growth was obtained from negative controls throughout the study. The type of bacteria (P= .29) did not allow prediction of bacterial reduction.

Conclusion

Cell salvage washing combined with leukoreduction filtration eliminated bacterial contamination of whole dog blood (P < .0001).

Clinical significance

Cell salvage washing and leukoreduction filtration could be applied to intraoperative autotransfusion in clinical animals, especially those treated for trauma or hemorrhage with concurrent bacterial contamination.
Automated Decomposition of Complex Parts for Manufacturing With Advanced Joining Processes
Authors: Massoni Brandon , Campbell Matthew I.
Published: March 2020

Advanced joining processes can be used to build-up complex parts from stock shapes, thereby reducing waste material. For high-cost metals, this can significantly reduce the manufacturing cost. Nevertheless, determining how to divide a complex part into subparts requires experience and currently takes hours for an engineer to evaluate alternative options. To tackle this issue, we present an artificial intelligence (AI) tree search to automatically decompose parts for advanced joining and generate minimum cost manufacturing plans. The AI makes use of a multi-fidelity optimization approach to balance exploration and exploitation. This approach is shown to provide good manufacturing feedback in less than 30 minutes and produce results that are competitive against experienced design engineers. Although the manufacturing plan models presented were developed specifically for linear and rotary friction welding, the primary algorithms are applicable to other advanced joining operations as well.
Feasibility of a Mitral Annuloplasty With the Capability for Peri- and Postoperative Adjustment
Authors: Brubert Jacob , Tsui Steven , De Sciscio Paul , Moggridge Geoff D.
Published: March 2020

Surgical repair with implantation of a mitral annuloplasty ring is the gold standard treatment for mitral regurgitation. However, outcomes are variable and recurrent mitral regurgitation is not uncommon. A REshapeable Mitral Annuloplasty DevIce (REMADI) is proposed, which consists of a fully encapsulated low melting temperature alloy. The alloy is solid and rigid at body temperature and provides traction force to shape the annulus. When heated using a noncontact method, the alloy melts and the REMADI becomes malleable. The REMADI is engaged with the mitral valve annulus using anchors which automatically deploy upon contact. A passive beating porcine heart model was used to demonstrate the feasibility of the REMADI device, which was deployed, engaged, and used to reduce the diameter of the mitral valve annulus.
Erratum: “A Tomographic PIV Study and Comparison of Vortex Identification Methods on NACA 63-215 Hydrofoil Wake Structure” [ASME-JSME-KSME 2019 8th Joint Fluids Engineering Conference, Volume 4: Fluid Measurement and Instrumentation; Micro and Nano Fluid Dynamics, San Francisco, California, USA, July 28–August 1, 2019, Conference Sponsors: Fluids Engineering Division, ISBN: 978-0-7918-5907-0, Copyright © 2019 by ASME. Paper No. AJKFluids2019-5550, pp. V004T04A014; 12 pages; doi: 10.1115/AJKFluids2019-5550]
Authors: Ziazi Reza M. , Goudarzi Navid
Published: March 2020

This erratum corrects errors that appeared in the paper “A Tomographic PIV Study and Comparison of Vortex Identification Methods on NACA 63-215 Hydrofoil Wake Structure” which was published in Proceedings of the ASME-JSME-KSME 2019 8th Joint Fluids Engineering Conference, Volume 4: Fluid Measurement and Instrumentation; Micro and Nano Fluid Dynamics, (V004T04A014), July–August 2019, AJKFluids2019-5550, doi: 10.1115/AJKFluids2019-5550.
Review and Assessment of Fuel Effects and Research Needs in Clean Diesel Technology
Authors: Schmidt David , Wong Victor W. , Green William H. , Weiss Malcolm A. , Heywood John B.
Published: March 2020

This paper reviews the current general understanding of fuel effects on combustion and emissions, fuel processing, and emission control technologies and assesses areas of opportunity in further research in clean diesel systems. The critical basic research areas identified focus on fundamental processes mat would develop a scientific knowledge base for the long-term development of clean diesel technology. The suggested approach, from a basic research perspective, will complement other pragmatic development programs in clean fuels production, application, engine and emission control technologies. Among areas suggested are: studies in developing basic data and modeling of fuel chemistry and emission mechanisms both in cylinder and during after-treatment, interactions of new fuel and engine technologies, gas-to-liquid fuel processing and utilization, and detailed particulate emission characterization and their health effects. The health effect benefits from clean fuels may be more than proportional to the reduction in mass emissions.
Heavy-Duty and Heavy Light-Duty Diesel Engine Exhaust Emission Comparisons With a Fischer-Tropsch and a Conventional Diesel Fuel
Authors: Fanick E. Robert , Schubert Paul F. , Russell Branch J. , Freerks Robert L.
Published: March 2020

This study compared diesel exhaust emission for a low sulfur and a Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) diesel fuel. The comparison included regulated emissions, airtoxics, aldehydes/ketones, and greenhouse gas emissions. Testing was conducted using a Cummins B-Series engine installed in a heavy light-duty truck operating on a chassis dynamometer and on an engine dynamometer. The chassis driving cycles included city, highway, and aggressive driving operation. Engine dynamometer tests included the U.S. transient cycle. Results showed that the F-T diesel fuel substantially reduced emissions although the engine was not specifically tuned to take advantage of the unique characteristics of F-T diesel fuel.
Reduction of NOx Emission From Diesel Engines Using Cu-ZSM-5 Catalyst
Authors: Aoyagi Yoshiyuki , Kaneda Masahiro , Numahata Keisuke , Korematsu Koji , Tanaka Junya
Published: March 2020

In this paper effect of on reduction a Cu-ZSM-5 catalyst of nitrogen oxides is investigated in a diesel engine. This research focuses to solve a problem that there is not enough THC to reduce nitrogen oxides in exhaust gas from a diesel engine. When diesel oil is directly supplied into the exhaust gas, the THC concentration sharply rises and the NOx conversion rate increases. The maximum NOx conversion rate reaches to 63% when the flow rate of diesel oil is 30 ml/min at a catalyst temperature 450 °C. The NOx reduction with less sacrifice of the specific fuel consumption is possible when the fuel is supplied into the exhaust pipe.
An Experimental Analysis of EGR on Operational Stabilities of Diesel Engines
Authors: Zheng M. , Reader G. T.
Published: March 2020

It has been recognized that high ratios of EGR are effective for in-cylinder NOx reduction, the mechanism of which has been largely attributed to thermal NOx reduction. However, engine operations also approach zones with higher instabilities when excessive EGR is used, usually accompanied with higher cycle-to-cycle variations. Although appropriate controlling strategies are capable to set up consistent EGR operations, any drifts in engine control will affect the originally optimized EGR when sufficient feedback control is not available. In reality, without sufficient EGR feedback control, the applicable EGR ratios need to be recessed from maximum allowable ratios in considering discrepancies of EGR control and influences of operating condition variations. An experimental investigation is provided in this paper to propose a method to evaluate the influences of EGR on such instabilities, in terms of independent effects of CO2 addition, O2 dilution, and N2 balancing, with simulated EGR. Extensive tests were conducted using a synthesized intake mixture testing facility. This paper is also a continuation of a cycle-to-cycle variation analysis on such operations reported previously by the authors (Zheng and Reader 1995). The analyses are aimed at identifying thresholds of stable operation with excessive high ratios of EGR whilst without subjecting to the consecutive cyclic disturbances associated actual EGR itself.
Properties of Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) Engine With N-Butane Fuel
Authors: Iida Minoru , Hayashi Motoaki , Foster David E. , Martin Jay K.
Published: March 2020

In this paper, some basic properties of homogeneous charge compression ignition operation are investigated. The HCCI operating range for a CFR engine was determined with n-butane as fuel. The minimum and maximum load was determined using criteria of covariance of indicated mean effective pressure and the derivative of in-cylinder pressure respectively. Exhaust emissions, particularly hydrocarbons, were measured using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The concentration of intermediate hydrocarbon species rapidly decreased as the magnitude of the heat release increased. Hydrocarbon emission at the maximum HCCI load mainly consists of the fuel itself, which is probably emitted from colder areas in the combustion chamber. The relation between IMEPCOV and ISFC is discussed.
DNS of Non-Premixed Combustion in a Compressible Mixing Layer, Using Simple Chemistry
Authors: Bastiaans R. J. M. , Somers L. M. T. , de Lange H. C.
Published: March 2020

The non-premixed reaction of fuel with air in a mixing layer is studied using DNS. The situation is a model for the mixing-controlled combustion in a Diesel engine. In this paper we show that the combustion region can be relatively passive with respect to relatively large scale aerodynamic instabilities. However the reaction decreases the small scale turbulent energy.
Wear Assessment in a Biodiesel Fuelled Compression Ignition Engine
Authors: Agarwal Avinash Kumar , Bijwe Jayashree , Das L. M.
Published: March 2020

Biodiesel is prepared using linseed oil and methanol by the process of transesterification. Use of linseed oil methyl ester (LOME) in compression ignition engine was found to develop a highly compatible engine-fuel system with low emission characteristics. Two similar engines were operated using optimum biodiesel blend and mineral diesel oil respectively. These were subjected to long-term endurance tests. Lubricating oil samples drawn from both engines after a fixed interval were subjected to elemental analysis. Quantification of various metal debris concentrations was done by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Wear metals were found to be about 30% lower for biodiesel-operated engine system. Lubricating oil samples were also subjected to ferrography indicating lower wear debris concentrations for biodiesel-operated engine.

The additional lubricating property of LOME present in the fuel resulted in lower wear and improved life of moving components in biodiesel-fuelled engine. However, this needed experimental verification and quantification. A series of experiments were thus conducted to compare the lubricity of various concentrations of LOME in biodiesel blends. Long duration tests were conducted using reciprocating motion in SRV optimol wear tester to evaluate the coefficient of friction, specific wear rates, etc. The extent of damage, coefficient of friction, and specific wear rates decreased with increase in the percentage of LOME in the biodiesel blend. Scanning Electron microscopy was conducted on the surfaces exposed to wear. The disc and pin using 20% biodiesel blend as lubricating oil showed lesser damage compared to the one subjected to diesel oil as lubricating fluid, confirming additional lubricity of biodiesel.
Comparison of Energetic Carbon Deposition Processes for Use As Ultra-Thin Disk Overcoats
Authors: White Richard L. , Yen Bing K. , Thiele Jan-Ulrich , Schneider Hans-Herman , Rogers James H. , Jacoby Bernd
Published: March 2020

Three different processes, Plasma Enhanced CVD (PECVD), Ion Beam (IB), and Cathodic Arc (CA) have been used to deposit highly energetic carbon films in the 2–10 nm thickness range in commercial, high throughput disk manufacturing tools. The deposition conditions used are typical of those required for disk manufacturing. Raman spectroscopy, I-V measurements, nanoindentation, and AFM based scratch testing have been used to characterize the structural, electrical, and mechanical properties of the films. The measured maximum hardness for the PECVD and IBD films are 28 and 25 GPa, respectively, and found to be influenced by the hardness of the softer substrates for the 70–120nm films available for measurement. The scratch resistance of the CAC films is ∼2× the scratch resistance of the IBD films and 25% greater than the PECVD films. Addition of nitrogen to the films produced by both the PECVD and IB techniques reduces the hardness of the films. Both the Raman and I-V data suggest increasing concentrations of sp2 bonding result from these nitrogen additions.
Shock Test Modeling of a Hard Disk Drive Using Hypermesh and LS-Dyna
Authors: Jayson Eric M. , Murphy James , Smith Paul W. , Talke Frank E.
Published: March 2020

A finite element model of a hard disk drive (HDD) is developed for simulating shock testing and head slap. Individual components of the disk drive are modeled using Hypermesh, a commercially available mesh generator. The following components are modeled: the base plate, the impact surface, the actuator arm, the suspension arm, the head gimbal assembly (HGA) and the disk. The boundary conditions and contact surfaces are defined in Hypermesh [1] prior to importing them to the solver, LS-Dyna [2], for the transient finite element solution. The solution calculates displacement, velocity, acceleration and stress at every time step.
XPS analysis and electrical conduction mechanisms of atomic layer deposition grown Ta2O5 thin films onto p-Si substrates
Authors: Korkos Spyridon , Xanthopoulos Nikolaos J. , Botzakaki Martha A. , Drivas Charalampos , Kennou Styliani , Ladas Spyridon , Travlos Anastasios , Georga Stavroula N. , Krontiras Christoforos A.
Published: March 2020

Metal oxide semiconductor capacitors that incorporate tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) thin films as dielectric were fabricated via the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique and characterized through TEM, XPS, C–V, and I–V measurements. TEM analysis revealed the amorphous phase of Ta2O5 films and the existence of an ultrathin SiOx layer in the Ta2O5/p-Si interface, also evidenced by XPS spectra. XPS analysis verified the stoichiometry of the ALD-deposited Ta2O5 films. Furthermore, XPS results indicate values of 2.5 and 0.7 eV for the conduction and valence band offsets of the Ta2O5/p-Si interface, respectively. I–V measurements, for positive and negative applied bias voltages, reveal that the conduction is governed by Ohmic, trap controlled space charge limited, and Schottky mechanisms depending on the applied voltage and temperature region. Through the analysis of Schottky emission data, the conduction band offset of Ta2O5/p-Si (φΒ) is calculated to be 0.6 eV, while the valence band offset is 2.6 eV, in very good agreement with the XPS results. The energy band diagram of Ta2O5/p-Si is constructed.
Magnetar formation through a convective dynamo in protoneutron stars
Authors: Raynaud Raphaël , Guilet Jérôme , Janka Hans-Thomas , Gastine Thomas
Published: March 2020

Strong field dynamos can explain magnetar formation consistently with the millisecond magnetar model for extreme explosions.
Quartz, mica, and amphibole exsolution from majoritic garnet reveals ultra-deep sediment subduction, Appalachian orogen
Authors: Keller D. S. , Ague J. J.
Published: March 2020

Garnet textures and chemistry identify ultrahigh-pressure metasedimentary rocks.
South Asian summer monsoon projections constrained by the interdecadal Pacific oscillation
Authors: Huang Xin , Zhou Tianjun , Dai Aiguo , Li Hongmei , Li Chao , Chen Xiaolong , Lu Jingwen , Von storch Jin-Song , Wu Bo
Published: March 2020

The Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation offers hope for more reliable projections of near-term South Asian summer monsoon.
Absence of MHC class II on cDC1 dendritic cells triggers fatal autoimmunity to a cross-presented self-antigen
Authors: Wohn Christian , Le Guen Valentin , Voluzan Odessa , Fiore Frédéric , Henri Sandrine , Malissen Bernard
Published: March 2020

Wohn
et al.
demonstrate that cDC1 cross-tolerizing capacity requires MHCII-restricted interaction with regulatory T cells.
Multifunctional Acidocin 4356 Combats
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
through Membrane Perturbation and Virulence Attenuation: Experimental Results Confirm Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Modiri Sima , Kasra Kermanshahi Rouha , Soudi Mohammad Reza , Arab Seyed Shahriar , Khammari Anahita , Cousineau Benoit , Vali Hojatollah , Zahiri Hossein Shahbani , Noghabi Kambiz Akbari
Published: March 2020

Multidrug-resistant bacteria are a major threat to global health, and the
Pseudomonas
bacterium with the ability to form biofilms is considered one of the main causative agents of nosocomial infections. Traditional antibiotics have failed because of increased resistance. Thus, finding new biocompatible antibacterial drugs is essential. Antimicrobial peptides are produced by various organisms as a natural defense mechanism against pathogens, inspiring the possible design of the next generation of antibiotics. In this study, a new antimicrobial peptide was isolated from
Lactobacillus acidophilus
ATCC 4356, counteracting both biofilm and planktonic cells of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. A detailed investigation was then conducted concerning the functional mechanism of this peptide by using fluorescence techniques, electron microscopy, and
in silico
methods. The antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of this peptide may be important in the treatment of
Pseudomonas
infections.
Randomised trial of azithromycin to eradicate Ureaplasma in preterm infants
Authors: Viscardi Rose Marie , Terrin Michael L , Magder Laurence S , Davis Natalie L , Dulkerian Susan J , Waites Ken B , Ambalavanan Namasivayam , Kaufman David A , Donohue Pamela , Tuttle Deborah J , Weitkamp Jorn-Hendrik , Hassan Hazem E , Eddington Natalie D
Published: March 2020

Objective

To test whether azithromycin eradicates Ureaplasma from the respiratory tract in preterm infants.

Design

Prospective, phase IIb randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting

Seven level III–IV US, academic, neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Patients

Infants 240–286 weeks’ gestation (stratified 240–266; 270–286 weeks) randomly assigned within 4 days following birth from July 2013 to August 2016.

Interventions

Intravenous azithromycin 20 mg/kg or an equal volume of D5W (placebo) every 24 hours for 3 days.

Main outcome measures

The primary efficacy outcome was Ureaplasma-free survival. Secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, Ureaplasma clearance, physiological bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age, comorbidities of prematurity and duration of respiratory support.

Results

One hundred and twenty-one randomised participants (azithromycin: n=60; placebo: n=61) were included in the intent-to-treat analysis (mean gestational age 26.2±1.4 weeks). Forty-four of 121 participants (36%) were Ureaplasma positive (azithromycin: n=19; placebo: n=25). Ureaplasma-free survival was 55/60 (92% (95% CI 82% to 97%)) for azithromycin compared with 37/61 (61% (95% CI 48% to 73%)) for placebo. Mortality was similar comparing the two treatment groups (5/60 (8%) vs 6/61 (10%)). Azithromycin effectively eradicated Ureaplasma in all azithromycin-assigned colonised infants, but 21/25 (84%) Ureaplasma-colonised participants receiving placebo were culture positive at one or more follow-up timepoints. Most of the neonatal mortality and morbidity was concentrated in 21 infants with lower respiratory tract Ureaplasma colonisation. In a subgroup analysis, physiological BPD-free survival was 5/10 (50%) (95% CI 19% to 81%) among azithromycin-assigned infants with lower respiratory tract Ureaplasma colonisation versus 2/11 (18%) (95% CI 2% to 52%) in placebo-treated infants.

Conclusion

A 3-day azithromycin regimen effectively eradicated respiratory tract Ureaplasma colonisation in this study.

Trial registration number

NCT01778634.
Low risk of necrotising enterocolitis in enterally fed neonates with critical heart disease: an observational study
Authors: Nordenström Kajsa , Lannering Katarina , Mellander Mats , Elfvin Anders
Published: March 2020

Objective

We aimed to investigate the frequency of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in infants with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) hypothesising that preoperative enteral feeding does not increase the risk of NEC.

Background

When NEC affects term infants, underlying risk factors such as asphyxia, sepsis or CCHD are often found. Due to fear of NEC development in infants with CCHD great caution is practised in many countries to defer preoperative enteral feeding, but in Sweden this is routinely provided.

Design, setting and patients

An observational study of all infants born with CCHD who were admitted to Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital in Gothenburg between 2010 and 2017. The International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision diagnosis code of NEC was used to identify NEC cases in this group. Infants described as ‘fully fed’ or who were fed at least 45 mL/kg/day before cardiac surgery were identified.

Main outcome measures

NEC in infants with CCHD in relation to preoperative enteral feeding.

Results

There were 458 infants with CCHD admitted during the study period. 408/458 were born at term and 361/458 required prostaglandin E1 before surgery. In total, 444/458 infants (97%) were fully fed or fed at least 45 mL/kg daily before cardiac surgery. Four of 458 infants developed NEC (0.9%). All four had other risk factors for NEC.

Conclusions

This study showed a low risk of NEC in term infants fed enterally before cardiac surgery. We speculate that preoperative enteral feeding of neonates with CCHD does not increase the risk of NEC development.
The risk of misdiagnosis in acute thoracic aortic dissection: a review of current guidelines
Authors: Salmasi M Yousuf , Al-Saadi Nina , Hartley Philip , Jarral Omar A , Raja Shahzad , Hussein Muthana , Redhead Julian , Rosendahl Ulrich , Nienaber Christoph A , Pepper John R , Oo Aung Y , Athanasiou Thanos
Published: March 2020

Acute aortic syndrome and in particular aortic dissection (AAD) persists as a cause of significant morbidity and mortality despite improvements in surgical management. This clinical review aims to explore the risks of misdiagnosis, outcomes associated with misdiagnosis and evaluate current diagnostic methods for reducing its incidence.

Due to the nature of the pathology, misdiagnosing the condition and delaying management can dramatically worsen patient outcomes. Several diagnostic challenges exist, including low prevalence, rapidly propagating pathology, non-discrete symptomatology, non-specific signs, analogy with other acute conditions and lack of management infrastructure. A similarity to acute coronary syndromes is a specific concern and risks patient maltreatment. AAD with malperfusion syndromes are both a cause of misdiagnosis and marker of disease complication, requiring specifically tailored management plans from the emergency setting.

Despite improvements in diagnostic measures, including imaging modalities and biomarkers, misdiagnosis of AAD remains commonplace and current guidelines are relatively limited in preventing its occurrence. This paper recommends the early use of AAD risk scoring, focused echocardiography and most importantly, fast-tracking patients to cross-sectional imaging where the suspicion of AAD is high. This has the potential to improve the diagnostic process for AAD and limit the risk of misdiagnosis. However, our understanding remains limited by the lack of large patient datasets and an adequately audited processes of emergency department practice.
Pre-existing inflammatory immune microenvironment predicts the clinical response of vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions to therapeutic HPV16 vaccination
Authors: Abdulrahman Ziena , de Miranda Noel , van Esch Edith M G , de Vos van Steenwijk Peggy J , Nijman Hans W , J. P. Welters Marij , van Poelgeest Mariette I E , van der Burg Sjoerd H
Published: March 2020

Background

Vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (vHSIL) is predominantly induced by high-risk human papilloma virus type 16 (HPV16). In two independent trials, therapeutic vaccination against the HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins resulted in objective partial and complete responses (PRs/CRs) in half of the patients with HPV16+vHSIL at 12-month follow-up. Here, the prevaccination and postvaccination vHSIL immune microenvironment in relation to the vaccine-induced clinical response was investigated.

Methods

Two novel seven-color multiplex immunofluorescence panels to identify T cells (CD3, CD8, Foxp3, Tim3, Tbet, PD-1, DAPI) and myeloid cells (CD14, CD33, CD68, CD163, CD11c, PD-L1, DAPI) were designed and fully optimized for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. 29 prevaccination and 24 postvaccination biopsies of patients with vHSIL, and 27 healthy vulva excisions, were stained, scanned with the Vectra multispectral imaging system, and automatically phenotyped and counted using inForm advanced image analysis software.

Results

Healthy vulvar tissue is strongly infiltrated by CD4 and CD8 T cells expressing Tbet and/or PD-1 and CD14+HLA-DR+inflammatory myeloid cells. The presence of such a coordinated pre-existing proinflammatory microenvironment in HPV16+vHSIL is associated with CR after vaccination. In partial responders, a disconnection between T cell and CD14+myeloid cell infiltration was observed, whereas clinical non-responders displayed overall lower immune cell infiltration. Vaccination improved the coordination of local immunity, reflected by increased numbers of CD4+Tbet+T cells and HLA-DR+CD14+expressing myeloid cells in patients with a PR or CR, but not in patients with no response. CD8+T cell infiltration was not increased after vaccination.

Conclusion

A prevaccination inflamed type 1 immune contexture is required for stronger vaccine-induced immune infiltration and is associated with better clinical response. Therapeutic vaccination did not overtly increase immune infiltration of cold lesions.
Pneumoconiosis progression patterns in US coal miner participants of a job transfer programme designed to prevent progression of disease
Authors: Hall Noemi B , Blackley David J , Halldin Cara N , Laney A Scott
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Pneumoconiosis prevalence and severity among US coal miners has been increasing for the past 20 years. An examination of the current approaches to primary and secondary prevention efforts is warranted. One method of secondary prevention is the Mine Safety and Health Administration-administered part 90 option programme where US coal miners with radiographic evidence of pneumoconiosis can exercise their right to be placed in a less dusty area of the mine. This study focuses on characterising the progression of disease among US coal miners who participated in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-administered Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Programme (CWHSP) and exercised their part 90 job transfer option.

Methods

Chest radiograph classifications of working underground coal miners who exercised their part 90 job transfer option during 1 January 1986 to 21 November 2016 and participated in the CWHSP during 1 January 1981 to 19 March 2019 were analysed.

Results

513 miners exercised their part 90 option and participated in the CWHSP at least once during this time period. Of the 149 miners with ≥2 radiographs available, 48 (32%) showed progression after exercising part 90 and had more severe disease prior to exercising, compared with miners who did not progress (severity score of 2.8 vs 1.7, p=0.0002).

Conclusion

The part 90 job transfer option programme is not routinely used as intended to prevent progression of pneumoconiosis among US coal miners. The one-third of miners who participated in part 90 and continued to progress, exercised their part 90 option at a later stage of disease compared with non-progressors.
HYR-PB21-LA, a potential extended-release bupivacaine formulation, produces long-lasting local anesthesia in rats and guinea pigs
Authors: Peng Jiashi , Liu Chang , Liu Jingjing , Wang Yihua , Lu Xiaorong , Sun Hongzhang , Yu Yunxian , Gao Shu , Zhang Shanchun
Published: March 2020

Background

Effective postoperative pain management plays a key role in enhancing recovery of patients after surgery. Bupivacaine hydrochloride is one of the most commonly local anesthetics used for the postoperative pain control. However, the relatively short anesthesia duration of bupivacaine preparations limited their clinical application.

Methods

Both guinea pig pin-prick study and rat tail-flick test were performed to evaluate the local anesthesia efficacy of HYR-PB21-LA, a new microparticle suspension injection of bupivacaine pamoate.

Results

In the pin-prick test, the complete cutaneous trunci muscle reflex inhibitions were observed at 30 min in all treatment groups containing bupivacaine. In comparison with 6.7 mg/mL HYR-PB21-LA, both 10 and 20 mg/mL HYR-PB21-LA groups had significantly higher area under effect time curve (AUEC) values (p<0.001 and p<0.0001) and slower offset time (p<0.0001). Significantly higher AUEC (p<0.0001) and slower offset time (p<0.0001) were also found in 10 mg/mL HYR-PB21-LA treatment group compared with bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension (liposomal bupivacaine). In the rat tail-flick test, significantly increased local anesthesia effect was lasted for 5 hours after 2.5 mg/mL HYR-PB21-LA administration, which was fivefold longer than bupivacaine hydrochloride. The longer lasted efficacy of significantly increased local anesthesia was also observed in 5 mg/mLHYR-PB21-LA than those in liposomal bupivacaine (8 hour vs 1 hour).

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that the HYR-PB21-LA produced longer local anesthesia effect than current clinical preparations of bupivacaine in two animal models. These findings raise the potential clinical value of HYR-PB21-LA as a long-lasting local anesthesia for controlling postsurgical pain in humans.
Use of smartphones to aid the teaching of equine ocular fundus examination
Authors: Shipman Emma , Burford John H , Bowen Mark , Duz Marco
Published: March 2020

Background

Teaching and learning how to perform examination of the ocular fundus is challenging. Smartphones can support to enhance students’ confidence and experience.

Methods

Following an optional year‐4 ophthalmoscopy practical using hand‐held ophthalmoscopes, students completed a questionnaire using a visual analogue scale (VAS) investigating if students felt smartphone use aided learning and if student's self‐assessed confidence in visualising the ocular fundus had improved. VAS scores were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test (significance: P<0.05).

Results

All 30 year‐4 students attending the practical participated to the study. Confidence in performing direct ophthalmoscopy significantly increased after the practical. Confidence after the practical was 65.3 (±19.8) per cent compared with before the practical when confidence was 20.1 (±15.6) per cent (P<0.001). The perceived usefulness of traditional teaching was 62.3 (±23.8) per cent. The perceived usefulness of the teaching with the smartphone was 91.1 (±8.6) per cent. While students found both methods useful, they perceived the use of the smartphone to be significantly more useful (P<0.001). Free‐text comments on the use of the smartphone were all positive and included ‘useful’, ‘fun’ and ‘good teaching tool’.

Conclusions

This study shows that students positively received the use of the smartphone, which can be a useful tool to teach the equine ocular examination to undergraduate veterinary students.