bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viscoelastic shear modulus measurement of thin materials by interferometry at ultrasonic frequencies
Authors: Simon Alverède , Lefebvre Gautier , Valier-Brasier Tony , Wunenburger Régis
Published: November 2019

This paper presents a technique for measuring the complex shear modulus of thin slabs of viscoelastic solids based on the measurement of the reflection and transmission of plane shear waves through a sample inserted between two delays lines. Reproducible shear wave transmission through the sample is achieved by inserting bond layers with controlled thickness between the delay lines and the sample and by characterizing beforehand the bond rheology. The frequency dependent complex shear modulus is quantitatively evaluated from the transmission and reflection coefficients using an exact model of interferences within the delay line-bond-sample-bond-delay line sandwich and by selecting the solution among the muliple solutions of the inverse problem from considerations on time of flight and sample thickness. Thanks to its reproducibility and accuracy, this method appears as an original and efficient technique for quantitatively characterizing the high frequency shear modulus of attenuating materials.
Mentoring Tenure-Track Faculty in Kinesiology
Authors: Knudson Duane , Liu Ting , Schmidt Dan , Van Mullem Heather
Published: November 2019

The scarcity of tenure-track lines in most kinesiology departments supports the need for the implementation of faculty mentoring programs. This article summarizes key elements of mentoring programs for tenure-track kinesiology faculty at 3 kinds of state universities. Mentoring at a bachelor’s college or university might emphasize support to enhance a new faculty member’s teaching effectiveness and student advising strategies and assist new faculty with a positive integration into the campus community. A comprehensive university mentoring approach may place equal emphasis on both formal (e.g., orientation and mentoring committee) and informal (e.g., collegial and self-selected mentoring) interactions. Helping new faculty members understand their role as an important part of the departmental team and organizational mission is a consistent theme. Mentoring at a research-intensive university might emphasize clarifying scholarship, tenure, and promotion expectations relative to support; guidance in portfolio presentation; retention, tenure, and promotion evaluation; and strong communication that promotes mutual professional development and improves or sustains faculty retention.
Elucidating the Interactions between Influenza Virus Polymerase and Host Factor ANP32A
Authors: Mistry Bhakti , Long Jason S. , Schreyer Jocelyn , Staller Ecco , Sanchez-David Raul Yusef , Barclay Wendy S.
Published: November 2019

Successful zoonotic transmission of influenza A virus into humans can lead to pandemics in an immunologically naive population. Host-encoded ANP32A proteins are required to support influenza A virus polymerase activity, and species differences in ANP32A can restrict the host range of influenza virus. Understanding how ANP32A proteins support the viral polymerase and how differences in ANP32A affect the ability of the polymerase to coopt these proteins will enhance our understanding of viral replication and species restriction as well as suggesting targeted antiviral approaches to treat influenza virus infection.
Nearly Complete Genome Sequences of 17 Enterovirus D68 Strains from Kansas City, Missouri, 2018
Authors: Pakala Suman B. , Tan Yi , Hassan Ferdaus , Mai Annie , Markowitz Robert H. , Shilts Meghan H. , Rajagopala Seesandra V. , Selvarangan Rangaraj , Das Suman R.
Published: November 2019

Here, we report 17 nearly complete genome sequences of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) isolated from Kansas City, MO, in 2018. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that these strains belong to subclade B3, similar to the ones that caused the 2016 epidemics in the United States but different from the 2014 outbreak B1 strains.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Nonomuraea
sp. Strain C10, a Producer of Brartemicin, Isolated from a Mud Dauber Wasp Nest in Nepal
Authors: Aryal Niraj , Aziz Saefuddin , Rajbhandari Prajwal , Gross Harald
Published: November 2019

Nonomuraea
sp. strain C10 produces the cytotoxic natural product brartemicin. Here, we report its draft genome sequence to get insight into brartemicin biosynthesis and to enable genome mining for novel secondary metabolites.
The Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of the Antibiotic Producer Empedobacter haloabium ATCC 31962 Provides Indications for Its Taxonomic Reclassification
Authors: Miess Henrike , Arlt Patricia , Apel Alexander Kristian , Weber Tilmann , Nieselt Kay , Hanssen Friederike , Czemmel Stefan , Nahnsen Sven , Gross Harald
Published: November 2019

Strain ATCC 31962 was formerly taxonomically classified as
Empedobacter haloabium
and reported to be the producer of the lipopeptide antibiotic empedopeptin. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of ATCC 31962, which encodes regions that suggest a distinct biosynthetic capacity and suggests its taxonomic reclassification.
Complete Genome Sequences of the Campylobacter fetus subsp.
venerealis
, Campylobacter lari subsp.
concheus
, Campylobacter sputorum bv. sputorum, and Campylobacter volucris Type Strains
Authors: Miller William G. , Yee Emma
Published: November 2019

Campylobacter
spp. are recovered from a wide variety of sources, including birds, livestock, shellfish, and human clinical samples. We present here the complete genomic data for the type strains of
Campylobacter fetus
subsp.
venerealis
,
Campylobacter lari
subsp.
concheus
,
Campylobacter sputorum
bv. sputorum, and
Campylobacter volucris
.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain KUIN-1, a Model Strain for Studies on the Production of Cell-Free Ice Nucleation Proteins
Authors: Yamamoto Taisei , Hasegawa Yoshie , Kawahara Hidehisa , Iwaki Hiroaki
Published: November 2019

Pseudomonas
sp. (formerly
Pseudomonas fluorescens
) strain KUIN-1 is an ice-nucleating bacterium that was isolated from the leaves of field beans (
Phaseolus vulgaris
L.). This microorganism can release cell-free ice nucleation proteins and shows cold shock-induced freezing tolerance. Here, we report the 6,028,589-bp complete genome sequence of
Pseudomonas
sp. KUIN-1.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Radioresistant Bacterial Strain, Deinococcus grandis ATCC 43672
Authors: Shibai Atsushi , Satoh Katsuya , Kawada Masako , Kotani Hazuki , Narumi Issay , Furusawa Chikara
Published: November 2019

Deinococcus grandis
is a radioresistant bacterial species isolated from freshwater fish. In this article, we report the complete genome sequence of
D. grandis
strain ATCC 43672. This sequence is useful for comparative genomics to understand the traits of
Deinococcus
species and can be used as a reference in experimental genetics.
Disappearance of angina attacks after administration of mepolizumab
Authors: Imai Koichi , Ochiai Hidenobu
Published: November 2019

A 75-year-old woman with bronchial asthma and angina presented with dyspnea. She was using nifedipine, nitroglycerin, pranlukast and salmeterol plus fluticasone propionate inhalations. We diagnosed her with severe bronchial asthma. Oral steroids prescribed for the asthma symptoms had only temporary effects. Therefore, we additionally prescribed mepolizumab; the bronchial asthma improved and the angina attacks disappeared. However, after the patient discontinued treatment, the bronchial asthma and angina attacks recurred, which were treated with nitroglycerin. When she returned 12 weeks later, we resumed mepolizumab administration; the bronchial asthma improved and the angina attacks disappeared again. Hence, we concluded that her angina was due to eosinophilia since the angina attacks disappeared with the mepolizumab therapy. Despite limitations such as lack of arterial blood gas data, perfusion scan, gastrointestinal fiberscopy and Aspergillus skin and precipitation tests, we believe that this is the first report to suggest mepolizumab treatment for angina attacks.
Are formal self-care interventions for healthy people effective? A systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Perera Nilushka , Agboola Shade
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Preventative interventions are shown to be effective in reducing 40% of the mortality due to unhealthy behaviours and lifestyles. Health-promoting self-care has been recognised as a promising strategy in preventative health. However, self-care research is being done around the self-management of chronic illnesses and the promotion of self-care practices among healthy populations has been overlooked by many healthcare systems.

Method

The study methodology was a systematic review with a narrative synthesis. The search was done through seven academic databases, reference tracking of selected articles and grey literature. The scoping, selection, screening and quality assessments of the articles were reviewed independently by two reviewers.

Results

Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Self-care behaviour, health-promotive lifestyle changes and medical care utilisation were some of the main outcomes evaluated in the studies. Positive effects were seen in increasing self-care and health-promotive behaviours in most interventions although limited or mixed impact was seen in health attitudes, beliefs and utilisation of medical services. Most studies were from high income settings with low-quality study designs. The complexity of the word ‘self-care’ and inconsistencies in the terminology used in health-promotive self-care were significant highlights of the study.

Conclusion

Health-promoting preventative self-care interventions show promise in increasing the well-being of healthy people. However, the methodological drawbacks limit the generalisability of the findings. As the demand for self-care interventions increases, the lack of a formal globally accepted definition and framework and complexity of behaviour change are key limitations to consider moving forward.
Cost-effectiveness of point-of-care viscoelastic haemostatic assays in the management of bleeding during cardiac surgery: protocol for a prospective multicentre pragmatic study with stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled design and 1-year follow-up (the IMOTEC study)
Authors: Rigal Jean-Christophe , Boissier Elodie , Lakhal Karim , Riche Valéry-Pierre , Durand-Zaleski Isabelle , Rozec Bertrand
Published: November 2019

Introduction

During cardiac surgery-associated bleeding, the early detection of coagulopathy is crucial. However, owing to time constraints or lack of suitable laboratory tests, transfusion of haemostatic products is often inappropriately triggered, either too late (exposing to prolonged bleeding and thus to avoidable administration of blood products) or blindly to the coagulation status (exposing to unnecessary haemostatic products administration in patients with no coagulopathy). Undue exposition to transfusion risks and additional healthcare costs may arise. With the perspective of secondary care-related costs, the IMOTEC study (Intérêt MédicO-économique de la Thrombo-Elastographie, dans le management transfusionnel des hémorragies péri-opératoires de chirurgies Cardiaques sous circulation extracorporelle) aims at assessing the cost-effectiveness of a point-of-care viscoelastic haemostatic assay (VHA: RoTem or TEG)-guided management of bleeding. Among several outcome measures, particular emphasis will be put on quality of life with a 1-year follow-up.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre, prospective, pragmatic study with stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled design. Over a 36-month period (24 months of enrolment and 12 months of follow-up), 1000 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass will be included if a periprocedural significant bleeding occurs. The primary outcome is the cost-effectiveness of a VHA-guided algorithm over a 1-year follow-up, including patients’ quality of life. Secondary outcomes are the cost-effectiveness of the VHA-guided algorithm with regard to the rate of surgical reexploration and 1-year mortality, its cost per-patient, its effectiveness with regard to haemorrhagic, infectious, renal, neurological, cardiac, circulatory, thrombotic, embolic complications, transfusion requirements, mechanical ventilation free-days, duration of intensive care unit and in-hospital stay and mortality.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov and was approved by the Committee for the Protection of Persons of Nantes University Hospital, The French Advisory Board on Medical Research Data Processing and the French Personal Data Protection Authority. A publication of the results in a peer-reviewed journal is planned.

Trial registration number

NCT02972684; Pre-results.
Mental well-being and job satisfaction in general practitioners in Denmark and their patients’ change of general practitioner: a cohort study combining survey data and register data
Authors: Nørøxe Karen Busk , Vedsted Peter , Bro Flemming , Carlsen Anders Helles , Pedersen Anette Fischer
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Low job satisfaction and poor well-being (eg, stress and burnout) among physicians may have negative consequences for patient experienced healthcare quality. In primary care, this could manifest in patients choosing another general practitioner (GP). The objective of this study was to examine change of GP (COGP) (unrelated to change of address) among patients in relation to their GPs’ job satisfaction, well-being and self-assessed work-ability.

Design and setting

Data from a nationwide questionnaire survey among Danish GPs in May 2016 was combined with register data on their listed patients. Associations between patients’ COGP in the 6-month study period (from May 2016) and the job satisfaction/well-being of their GP were estimated as risk ratios (RRs) at the individual patient level using binomial regression analysis. Potential confounders were included for adjustment.

Participants

The study cohort included 569 776 patients aged ≥18 years listed with 409 GPs in single-handed practices.

Results

COGP was significantly associated with occupational distress (burnout and low job satisfaction) in the GP. This association was seen in a dose-response like pattern. For burnout, associations were found for depersonalisation and reduced sense of personal accomplishment (but not for emotional exhaustion). The adjusted RR was 1.40 (1.10–1.72) for patients listed with a GP with the lowest level of job satisfaction and 1.24 (1.01–1.52) and 1.40 (1.14–1.72) for patients listed with a GP in the most unfavourable categories of depersonalisation and sense of personal accomplishment (the most favourable categories used as reference). COGP was not associated with self-assessed work-ability or domains of well-being related to life in general.

Conclusions

Patients’ likelihood of changing GP increased with GP burnout and decreasing job satisfaction. These findings indicate that patients’ evaluation of care as measured by COGP may be influenced by their GPs’ work conditions and occupational well-being.
Preferences for centralised emergency medical services: discrete choice experiment
Authors: Bhattarai Nawaraj , Mcmeekin Peter , Price Christopher I , Vale Luke
Published: November 2019

Objectives

It is desirable that public preferences are established and incorporated in emergency healthcare reforms. The aim of this study was to investigate preferences for local versus centralised provision of all emergency medical services (EMS) and explore what individuals think are important considerations for EMS delivery.

Design

A discrete choice experiment was conducted. The attributes used in the choice scenarios were: travel time to the hospital, waiting time to be seen, length of stay in the hospital, risks of dying, readmission and opportunity for outpatient care after emergency treatment at a local hospital.

Setting

North East England.

Participants

Participants were a randomly sampled general population, aged 16 years or above recruited from Healthwatch Northumberland network database of lay members and from clinical contact with Northumbria Healthcare National Health Service Foundation Trust via Patient Experience Team.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Analysis used logistic regression modelling techniques to determine the preference of each attribute. Marginal rates of substitution between attributes were estimated to understand the trade-offs individuals were willing to make.

Results

Responses were obtained from 148 people (62 completed a web and 86 a postal version). Respondents preferred shorter travel time to hospital, shorter waiting time, fewer number of days in hospital, low risk of death, low risk of readmission and outpatient follow-up care in their local hospital. However, individuals were willing to trade off increased travel time and waiting time for high-quality centralised care. Individuals were willing to travel 9 min more for a 1-day reduction in length of stay in the hospital, 38 min for a 1% reduction in risk of death and 112 min for having outpatient follow-up care at their local hospital.

Conclusions

People value centralised EMS if it provides higher quality care and are willing to travel further and wait longer.
The CoDiNOS trial protocol: an international randomised controlled trial of intravenous sildenafil versus inhaled nitric oxide for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Cochius-den Otter Suzan , Schaible Thomas , Greenough Anne , van Heijst Arno , Patel Neil , Allegaert Karel , van Rosmalen Joost , Tibboel Dick
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a developmental defect of the diaphragm that impairs normal lung development, causing pulmonary hypertension (PH). PH in CDH newborns is the main determinant for morbidity and mortality. Different therapies are still mainly based on ‘trial and error’. Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is often the drug of first choice. However, iNO does not seem to improve mortality. Intravenous sildenafil has reduced mortality in newborns with PH without CDH, but prospective data in CDH patients are lacking.

Methods and analysis

In an open label, multicentre, international randomised controlled trial in Europe, Canada and Australia, 330 newborns with CDH and PH are recruited over a 4-year period (2018–2022). Patients are randomised for intravenous sildenafil or iNO. Sildenafil is given in a loading dose of 0.4 mg/kg in 3 hours; followed by continuous infusion of 1.6 mg/kg/day, iNO is dosed at 20 ppm. Primary outcome is absence of PH on day 14 without pulmonary vasodilator therapy and/or absence of death within the first 28 days of life. Secondary outcome measures include clinical and echocardiographic markers of PH in the first year of life. We hypothesise that sildenafil gives a 25% reduction in the primary outcome from 68% to 48% on day 14, for which a sample size of 330 patients is needed. An intention-to-treat analysis will be performed. A p-value (two-sided) <0.05 is considered significant in all analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been granted by the ethics committee in Rotterdam (MEC-2017-324) and the central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (NL60229.078.17) in the Netherlands. The principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, the Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act and the national rules and regulations on personal data protection will be used. Parental informed consent will be obtained.

Trial registration number

NTR6982; Pre-results.
Leveraging massive open online courses to expand quality of healthcare education to health practitioners in Rwanda
Authors: Scott Kirstin Woody , Dushime Theophile , Rusanganwa Vincent , Woskie Liana , Attebery Clint , Binagwaho Agnes
Published: November 2019

Improving the quality of healthcare delivery is increasingly a global health priority. However, quality improvement training opportunities that provide theoretical foundations and basic skills for patient safety and other quality initiatives have been limited or historically out of reach, especially in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). To address this gap, the Harvard Initiative on Global Health Quality (HIGHQ) created and launched a massive open online course (MOOC) in 2014 focused on patient safety and quality of care using the edX platform. More than 30 000 students from across 195 countries registered for the online course. This paper summarises an innovative educational partnership between the course team and one of these countries, Rwanda, to develop a blended-learning model to bolster participation in this new course among Rwandan healthcare professionals. Although a small country, Rwanda was among the top performing countries for attracting course registrants and was the leading country for the proportion of enrollees who ultimately completed the course. Further, half (21 of 42) of Rwanda’s district hospitals opted to appoint a PH555x course facilitator at their site to help lead regular meetings and discussions about the course content at their facility. The majority of Rwandan enrollees were health professionals (63%) and 81% reported that PH555x was their first experience taking an online course. Among those participating in the ‘flipped’ component at hospital sites, 94% reported that the course helped them to think of specific ways to improve healthcare quality at their facility. In this paper, we describe this innovative public–private educational model, challenges to implementation and lessons learned that may be helpful for future MOOC developers who wish to augment learning opportunities among healthcare professionals in LMICs.
Pain medicine fellow neuromodulation surgical skill assessment tool: a pilot
Authors: Pittelkow Thomas P , Hagedorn Jonathan M , Bendel Markus A , Eldrige Jason S , Pingree Matthew J , Mauck W. David , Gazelka Halena M , Lamer Tim J , Sanders Rebecca A , Billinges Heather A , Moeschler Susan M
Published: November 2019

Objective

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an evidence-based therapy for the treatment of refractory pain. Current American College of Graduate Medical Education requirements for pain medicine fellowship graduation include observation of five neuromodulation cases. Matriculating fellows have varying degrees of technical skill, training, and experience. The purpose of this study was to use an innovative skill-based assessment tool using the validated Zwisch scale to evaluate fellow surgical performance during SCS cases.

Design

Cross-sectional survey

Setting

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

Subjects

Consultant faculty (10) in the Division of Pain Medicine and pain medicine fellows (5).

Methods

A list of faculty-driven neuromodulation surgical objectives was formed and a rubric was created that focused on technical approach, imaging, epidural access and wound closure. Consultants who perform surgical cases were instructed to use the Zwisch scale as a guide to evaluate fellow surgical performance during a neuromodulation case. Faculty and fellows were surveyed before and after implementation of the tool to determine their satisfaction with use of the skill assessment tool.

Results

The consultants reported they were more satisfied, consistent, and efficient with feedback provided to the trainee on every aspect of neuromodulation surgical cases. The improvement was most significant during the fellows’ intraoperative skill assessment. The fellows indicated increased satisfaction, improved communication, and increased efficiency of feedback when the tool was utilized. The fellows reported greater intraoperative skill assessment and consistency of feedback provided.

Conclusions

The diverse nature of primary specialty backgrounds observed in pain medicine fellowship training offers a unique opportunity to assess and improve fellow skill and surgical competence in the field of neuromodulation. Both faculty and fellows reported improved satisfaction, consistency and efficiency with feedback provided. Importantly, this pilot project observed that implementation of a skill assessment tool was beneficial for both the faculty and fellow as the feedback received was viewed as strongly beneficial to the educational experience.
Mapping the teaching of honeybee veterinary medicine in the European Union and European Free Trade Area
Authors: Iatridou Despoina , Pohl Laura , Tlak Gajger Ivana , De Briyne Nancy , Bravo Ana , Saunders Jimmy
Published: November 2019

Background

Honey bee (Apis mellifera) is a very important species for human beings, animals, environmental biodiversity, crop production and economic sustainability in Europe and worldwide. This study investigates whether future veterinarians are trained to deal with the particular needs of the only traditional food‐producing insect in Europe.

Methods

This study analyses data collected from 77 European veterinary education establishments in EU and the European Free Trade Area.

Results

The results show that 75 per cent of those establishments (58 out of 77) teach honeybee veterinary medicine. There is a clear geographical differentiation. In north‐western countries only about half of the establishments include honeybee health, production and product inspection in their undergraduate curricula, while in eastern, central and southern countries, which are also important beekeeping countries, the great majority of the establishments incorporate honeybee veterinary medicine in their undergraduate curriculum. Eighty‐six per cent of all the establishments teaching honeybee veterinary medicine (50 of the 58) incorporate it in their core curriculum either as separate subject or as part of other subjects. Twenty‐five per cent of all the establishments (19 out of 77) organise postgraduate training courses in this field.

Conclusions

Veterinarians have an important role in ensuring the health, sustainability and productivity of managed honeybee colonies as they do for other animal species. It seems however that teaching of honeybee veterinary medicine receives less attention in undergraduate veterinary curricula in EU compared with other fields of veterinary medicine. Seeing the increasing importance of honey bees for crop protection, environmental protection and economic sustainability, it would be beneficial to further strengthen the education of honeybee veterinary medicine in the future. Establishments should encourage and prepare veterinarians for practising science‐based veterinary medicine in honey bees by incorporating such teaching in undergraduate curricula and by providing postgraduate opportunities to qualified veterinarians wishing to enhance their basic skills in this field.
Dielectric and electrical properties of near-surface layers of TlInS2 crystals under the proton irradiation
Authors: Samadov S. F. , Samedov O. A. , Alekperov O. Z. , Kulik M. , Najafov A. I. , Mehdiyev N. M. , Huseynov E. M.
Published: November 2019

In this work, the dielectric and electrical properties of TlInS2 crystal have been studied in the temperature range of 300–550 K before and after being implanted with H[Formula: see text] ion. The dielectric parameters such as the real and imaginary parts of permittivity, impedance and dielectric loss have been investigated in this temperature range. The role of free ions in the relaxation process when f [Formula: see text] 10 kHz on the basis of the study of dielectric parameters in the frequency range of 25–106 Hz has been determined. It has been observed that the interdependencies of the real and imaginary parts of dielectric permittivity go beyond the standard.
Functional Results after Intramuscular Ulnar Nerve Anterior Transposition for Young Adults Patients
Authors: Wang Teng-Hui , Shih Jui-Tien
Published: November 2019

Background: This study investigated the functional outcomes of intramuscular ulnar nerve transposition (IMUNT) in young adults with cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS).

Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 37 military soldiers on active duty diagnosed with and treated for CuTS to determine the compression sites, complication rate, and postoperative results. Patient outcomes were analyzed using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Bishop–Kleinman rating scales.

Results: Patient outcomes were analyzed after a mean follow-up duration of 26.1 (22–29) months for 37 extremities. DASH scores improved from 38.7 (range, 13–63 points) preoperatively to 5.8 (range, 0–18 points) postoperatively. Patient improvement was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Based on the 12-point Bishop–Kleinman rating system, 30 (82.1%) patients were graded as excellent; five (13.5%) as good, and two (5.4%) as failed outcomes. Statistically significant improvements in both key pinch and grip strength were noted. Complications included one case of transient neuroparaxias of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve and one case of hematoma formation.

Conclusions: We consider intramuscular ulnar nerve transposition to be a satisfactory procedure for CuTS. The procedure enhances upper limb function, thus allowing the patients to resume their physically demanding work with minimal complications.
Distal Radius Fracture Fixation Devices and Their Radiographs
Authors: Boydstun Seth , Nash Lisa , Rayan Ghazi M.
Published: November 2019

Background: Distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures encountered in orthopedic practices. If treated operatively, most implants are retained after the fracture heals unless there is hardware failure, limitation of wrist motion, pain, infection, tendon rupture, or tenosynovitis. Complications have been reported during hardware removal, including not knowing the exact implant prior to its removal. If a patient presents for plate removal to a surgeon who did not perform the initial fracture fixation, having a preoperative visual aid can help the treating surgeon choose the right instruments for their removal.

Methods: To identify many of the available distal radius fixation devices, we searched the Internet and contacted local industry representatives. We also approached industry personnel at the commercial exhibit of a national hand society meeting to provide us with implants they manufacture. The implants were placed on the volar and dorsal aspects of sawbone models of the distal radius and in one case the radial styloid, using the screws, screwdrivers and accessories in the standard implant set and then posteroanterior and lateral x-rays of the implants were obtained. We created an atlas and a list of the screwdriver(s) used for each.

Results: We obtained radiographs and photographs for 28 implants that were manufactured by 14 different companies. Two companies sent us radiographs and photographs placed on either a sawbone or cadaveric model. We found that 7 of the implants were outliers and could be identified easily on the x-rays, whereas 21 implants had similar design of shaft and distal components.

Conclusions: To aid the orthopedic surgeon in their removal, we compiled a comprehensive list of most distal radius fixation devices on the market including plates and their corresponding screws and screwdrivers. The goal was to help the surgeon when removing the plate to identify the implant on radiographs.
Ulnar Stump Stabilization Using the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris Tendon for the Rheumatoid Wrist
Authors: Abe Asami , IshikawaKim Hajime
Published: November 2019

Background: The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcomes of ulnar stump stabilization after ulna head resection using the FCU tendon by investigating the rate of postoperative extensor tendon rupture and click on forearm rotation.

Methods: Wrist synovectomy (distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), radiocarpal and midcarpal joints) and ulnar head resection combined with ulnar stump stabilizing procedure were performed in 58 wrists of 53 patients with RA in our hospital. Before operation, the dorsal subluxation ratio (DSR) of the ulnar head was measured with a multi-slice computed tomography (CT) images. The stabilization of ulnar stump after head resection was performed by the value of the DSR or the instability before the operation.

Results: There was neither extensor tendon rupture nor click on forearm rotation in all the patients. Smooth forearm rotation was achieved by ulnar head resection and stabilizing procedure for the ulnar stump. The active range of forearm supination and pronation increased significantly from 68° ± 23° (mean ± SD) to 80° ± 10°, and from 69° ± 17° to 74° ± 13°. The grip power increased from 117 ± 62 mmHg to 185 ± 55 mmHg. In the assessment using 3DCT, the preoperative DSR of 54% improved to 8% on the whole (n = 58). In the wrists with extensor tendon rupture (n = 36), the preoperative DSR of 58% improved to 12%. In the wrists without tendon rupture (n = 22), the preoperative DSR of 46% improved to 2%.

Conclusions: The operative technique of ulnar stump stabilization using the FCU tendon was one of the suitable procedure to prevent complications after ulnar head resection.
Delayed Repair of Severed Thenar Branch with Transligamentous Variation after Open Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: Lee Chul-Hyung , Kim Cheol-U
Published: November 2019

A 49-year-old female patient with carpal tunnel syndrome at both hands was performed open carpal tunnel release. 4 months later, on the left hand, severance of the thenar branch was found by electromyography. On the 138th day, re-exploration was performed for direct nerve repair. During exploration, we identified the transligamentous variation of recurrent motor branch. Direct nerve repair was successful. At 6 months after direct repair, the nerve function began to return. At 2 years after direct repair, the nerve function has almost returned. There are some variations on the recurrent motor branch. And we overlooked transligamentous variation when we perform more decompression around the median nerve. It is important that recognize variations of thenar branch when we perform carpal tunnel release for not occurrence of severance of thenar branch.
Investigating Tumor Heterogeneity in Mouse Models
Authors: Tammela Tuomas , Sage Julien
Published: November 2019

Cancer arises from a single cell through a series of acquired mutations and epigenetic alterations. Tumors gradually develop into a complex tissue comprised of phenotypically heterogeneous cancer cell populations, as well as noncancer cells that make up the tumor microenvironment. The phenotype, or state, of each cancer and stromal cell is influenced by a plethora of cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors. The diversity of these cellular states promotes tumor progression, enables metastasis, and poses a challenge for effective cancer treatments. Thus, the identification of strategies for the therapeutic manipulation of tumor heterogeneity would have significant clinical implications. A major barrier in the field is the difficulty in functionally investigating heterogeneity in tumors in cancer patients. Here we review how mouse models of human cancer can be leveraged to interrogate tumor heterogeneity and to help design better therapeutic strategies.
Adaptation to slope in locomotor-trained spinal cats with intact and self-reinnervated lateral gastrocnemius and soleus muscles
Authors: Higgin Dwight , Krupka Alexander , Maghsoudi Omid Haji , Klishko Alexander N. , Nichols T. Richard , Lyle Mark A. , Prilutsky Boris I. , Lemay Michel A.
Published: November 2019

Sensorimotor training providing motion-dependent somatosensory feedback to spinal locomotor networks restores treadmill weight-bearing stepping on flat surfaces in spinal cats. In this study, we examined if locomotor ability on flat surfaces transfers to sloped surfaces and the contribution of length-dependent sensory feedback from lateral gastrocnemius (LG) and soleus (Sol) to locomotor recovery after spinal transection and locomotor training. We compared kinematics and muscle activity at different slopes (±10° and ±25°) in spinalized cats ( n = 8) trained to walk on a flat treadmill. Half of those animals had their right hindlimb LG/Sol nerve cut and reattached before spinal transection and locomotor training, a procedure called muscle self-reinnervation that leads to elimination of autogenic monosynaptic length feedback in spinally intact animals. All spinal animals trained on a flat surface were able to walk on slopes with minimal differences in walking kinematics and muscle activity between animals with/without LG/Sol self-reinnervation. We found minimal changes in kinematics and muscle activity at lower slopes (±10°), indicating that walking patterns obtained on flat surfaces are robust enough to accommodate low slopes. Contrary to results in spinal intact animals, force responses to muscle stretch largely returned in both SELF-REINNERVATED muscles for the trained spinalized animals. Overall, our results indicate that the locomotor patterns acquired with training on a level surface transfer to walking on low slopes and that spinalization may allow the recovery of autogenic monosynaptic length feedback following muscle self-reinnervation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Spinal locomotor networks locomotor trained on a flat surface can adapt the locomotor output to slope walking, up to ±25° of slope, even with total absence of supraspinal CONTROL. Autogenic length feedback (stretch reflex) shows signs of recovery in spinalized animals, contrary to results in spinally intact animals.
Back‐Calculation of Soil Modulus from PFWD Based on a Viscoelastic Model
Authors: Zhang Rui , Ren Tianzeng , Khan Md Ashrafuzzaman , Teng Yusheng , Zheng Jianlong
Published: November 2019

To improve the accuracy of back‐calculation of soil modulus using the portable falling weight deflectometer (PFWD), a viscoelastic method (VEM) overcoming the limitations of the conventional linear elastic method (LEM) was proposed. A quasi‐static dynamic analysis technique of Laplace transformation and a modified Gauss–Newton optimization algorithm were adopted in the proposed method. The back‐calculation program was compiled with MATLAB. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified with the in situ plate load test (PLT) conducted on a highway embankment. In situ test results showed that a time lag existed between the peaks of deflection and load, and load‐deflection curves were nonlinear, which indicated the viscoelastic nature of the soil. The back‐calculated modulus using the LEM and VEM was higher than that using the PLT. In the case of low stiffness soil, the average error of back‐calculation using the LEM and VEM was 53.1% and 14.8%, respectively. However, for stiffer soil, the average error of back‐calculation using the LEM and VEM method was 12.4% and 4.3%, respectively. Moduli of back‐calculation using LEM and VEM methods were used to perform flexible pavement analysis, which showed that with an 8% reduction of modulus, the pavement service life reduced by 25%. More accurate estimation of modulus can save maintenance cost in the future.
Construction of Three‐Dimensional Crack Calculation Method for Transparent Rock‐Like Materials Based on Stereo Vision Principle
Authors: Zhu Shu , Luo Zhihua , Zhende Zhu , Gao Yufeng , Wu Nan
Published: November 2019

Disasters of deep underground caverns often occur during excavation or operation stage, which is closely related to the growth and evolution of surrounding rock cracks. The understanding of spatial distribution of internal cracks in rock mass is the key to reveal its deformation and failure mechanism. The transparent resin material with prefabricated crack was used to simulate the initial crack inside the rock, and the uniaxial compression experiment of transparent rock material under complete stress‐strain path was carried out by using the rock mechanical rigidity testing machine. Four high‐speed cameras were arranged around it to record the images of the same moment from different angles. Based on the theory of stereoscopic vision, a calculation method for the three‐dimensional constitutive structure of crack propagation inside the rock was proposed, which can quantitatively describe the crack spatial morphological change. Therefore, the calculation method provides a reliable theoretical support for the surrounding rock reinforcement of underground engineering.
Using XGBoost to Discover Infected Hosts Based on HTTP Traffic
Authors: Niu Weina , Li Ting , Zhang Xiaosong , Hu Teng , Jiang Tianyu , Wu Heng
Published: November 2019

In recent years, the number of malware and infected hosts has increased exponentially, which causes great losses to governments, enterprises, and individuals. However, traditional technologies are difficult to timely detect malware that has been deformed, confused, or modified since they usually detect hosts before being infected by malware. Host detection during malware infection can make up for their deficiency. Moreover, the infected host usually sends a connection request to the command and control (C&C) server using the HTTP protocol, which generates malicious external traffic. Thus, if the host is found to have malicious external traffic, the host may be a host infected by malware. Based on the background, this paper uses HTTP traffic combined with eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm to detect infected hosts in order to improve detection efficiency and accuracy. The proposed approach uses a template automatic generation algorithm to generate feature templates for HTTP headers and uses XGBoost algorithm to distinguish between malicious traffic and normal traffic. We conduct a performance analysis to demonstrate that our approach is efficient using dataset, which includes malware traffic from MALWARE-TRAFFIC-ANALYSIS.NET and normal traffic from UNSW-NB 15. Experimental results show that the detection speed is about 1859 HTTP traffic per second, and the detection accuracy reaches 98.72%, and the false positive rate is less than 1%.
Determination of Hydraulic Properties of a Large Self-Propped Hydraulic Fracture in the Geothermal Research Borehole Horstberg Z1 in the Northwest German Basin
Authors: Jung Reinhard , Hassanzadegan Alireza , Tischner Torsten
Published: November 2019

The pressure records of an interference test on a huge hydraulic fracture in a layered sedimentary rock formation of the Northwest German Basin were analysed in order to determine fracture transmissivity and fracture storage coefficient. The fracture had been created by injecting some 20,000 m3 of freshwater at 3800 m depth in borehole Horstberg Z1 of the geothermal research project GeneSys. Its main purpose is to study the hydraulic properties and mechanical behaviour of artificial fractures kept open by the so called self-propping effect which results from the misfit of the opposite fracture surfaces being sheared during fracture propagation. A diagnosis of the pressure records of the interference test showed that the flow geometry is parallel (vertical linear fracture flow) rather than radial or bilinear. This is explained by assuming a highly conductive flow channel within the fracture resulting from a turn of tensile to mixed-mode fracture propagation. Based on this observation an analytical 1D-model was developed that describes transient fluid-flow in a vertical fracture that is imbedded in impermeable rock and is vertically confined by permeable rock layers. This model was verified by a corresponding 1D-numerical model and was then used to fit the observed pressure records of the constant rate interference test. The fitting procedure yielded a transmissivity of the self-propped fracture in claystone that is more than ten times lower than the transmissivity of self-propped fractures in granite as observed in HDR/EGS systems (Hot-Dry-Rock/Enhanced Geothermal Systems). At the same time it is more than ten times higher than the transmissivity of propped fractures in shale gas reservoirs. The injectivity index of the studied fracture resulting from transmissivity and the high length to height ratio of the fracture enables to circulate water or brine through the fracture at flow rates up to about 0.005 m3/s. For the given temperature of about 150°C this would satisfy the heat demand of small to medium size building complexes. Higher flow rates and heat production could be achieved with multiple fractures of this kind. The results obtained in borehole Horstberg Z1 are promising but more in-situ experiments in various rock formations and different stress regimes are necessary to generalize the results.
Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Bone Tissue Engineering: Useful Tools with New Applications
Authors: Storti Gabriele , Scioli Maria Giovanna , Kim Bong-Sung , Orlandi Augusto , Cervelli Valerio
Published: November 2019

Adipose stem cells (ASCs) are a crucial element in bone tissue engineering (BTE). They are easy to harvest and isolate, and they are available in significative quantities, thus offering a feasible and valid alternative to other sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), like bone marrow. Together with an advantageous proliferative and differentiative profile, they also offer a high paracrine activity through the secretion of several bioactive molecules (such as growth factors and miRNAs) via a sustained exosomal release which can exert efficient conditioning on the surrounding microenvironment. BTE relies on three key elements: (1) scaffold, (2) osteoprogenitor cells, and (3) bioactive factors. These elements have been thoroughly investigated over the years. The use of ASCs has offered significative new advancements in the efficacy of each of these elements. Notably, the phenotypic study of ASCs allowed discovering cell subpopulations, which have enhanced osteogenic and vasculogenic capacity. ASCs favored a better vascularization and integration of the scaffolds, while improvements in scaffolds’ materials and design tried to exploit the osteogenic features of ASCs, thus reducing the need for external bioactive factors. At the same time, ASCs proved to be an incredible source of bioactive, proosteogenic factors that are released through their abundant exosome secretion. ASC exosomes can exert significant paracrine effects in the surroundings, even in the absence of the primary cells. These paracrine signals recruit progenitor cells from the host tissues and enhance regeneration. In this review, we will focus on the recent discoveries which have involved the use of ASCs in BTE. In particular, we are going to analyze the different ASCs’ subpopulations, the interaction between ASCs and scaffolds, and the bioactive factors which are secreted by ASCs or can induce their osteogenic commitment. All these advancements are ultimately intended for a faster translational and clinical application of BTE.
Immobilization of Amorphous NiB Nanoparticles on Mesoporous Supports: Superior Catalysis for Controllably Hydrolyzing NaBH4 to Release H2
Authors: Liu Quanxing , Zhang Jun , Du Xigang , Mi Gang , Dong Yana
Published: November 2019

Taking Ni(CH3COO)2 and NaBH4 as the Ni and B sources and selecting three kinds of mesoporous materials (carbon nanotube (CNTs), activated carbon (AC), and silica (SiO2)) as supports, the liquid-phase reduction-in situ deposition tactics was employed to fabricate the amorphous alloy NiB and its corresponding supported catalysts (NiB/CNTs, NiB/AC, and NiB/SiO2) with assistance of a suitable stabilizer and ultrasonic treatment. The X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry were used to characterize the morphology and phase composition of the products. The catalytic activity of the four products for the hydrolytic hydrogen release in NaBH4 solution under different conditions was minutely investigated. The research results indicate that the as-fabricated products belong to amorphous alloy nanoparticles with the single phase and higher purity. The satisfactory dispersion and stronger interaction between NiB and CNTs give NiB/CNTs the best thermal stability. All the four catalysts hold satisfactory catalysis, but their catalytic abilities are obviously discrepant, in the following order: NiB/CNTs > NiB/SiO2 > NiB > NiB/AC. The mean reaction turnover frequency of the NiB/CNTs catalyst at both 318 K and 298 K separately comes up to 28206 ml(H2)·min−1·g−1(NiB) and 13424 ml(H2)·min−1·g−1(NiB), with an apparent activation energy of 47.37 kJ·mol−1. The proposed synthetic strategy could be extended to the fabrication of other similar amorphous alloy catalysts, expected for extensive application prospect.