bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fiber‐based fluorescence lifetime imaging of recellularization processes on vascular tissue constructs
Authors: Alfonso‐Garcia Alba , Shklover Jeny , Sherlock Benjamin E. , Panitch Alyssa , Griffiths Leigh G. , Marcu Laura
Published: May 2018

New techniques able to monitor the maturation of tissue engineered constructs over time are needed for a more efficient control of developmental parameters. Here, a label‐free fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIm) approach implemented through a single fiber‐optic interface is reported for nondestructive in situ assessment of vascular biomaterials. Recellularization processes of antigen removed bovine pericardium scaffolds with endothelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells were evaluated on the serous and the fibrous sides of the scaffolds, 2 distinct extracellular matrix niches, over the course of a 7 day culture period. Results indicated that fluorescence lifetime successfully report cell presence resolved from extracellular matrix fluorescence. The recellularization process was more rapid on the serous side than on the fibrous side for both cell types, and endothelial cells expanded faster than mesenchymal stem cells on antigen‐removed bovine pericardium. Fiber‐based FLIm has the potential to become a nondestructive tool for the assessment of tissue maturation by allowing in situ imaging of intraluminal vascular biomaterials.
Hierarchical deep convolutional neural networks combine spectral and spatial information for highly accurate Raman‐microscopy‐based cytopathology
Authors: Krauß Sascha D. , Roy Raphael , Yosef Hesham K. , Lechtonen Tatjana , El‐Mashtoly Samir F. , Gerwert Klaus , Mosig Axel
Published: May 2018

Hierarchical variants of so‐called deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) have facilitated breakthrough results for numerous pattern recognition tasks in recent years. We assess the potential of these novel whole‐image classifiers for Raman‐microscopy‐based cytopathology. Conceptually, DCNNs facilitate a flexible combination of spectral and spatial information for classifying cellular images as healthy or cancer‐affected cells. As we demonstrate, this conceptual advantage translates into practice, where DCNNs exceed the accuracy of both conventional classifiers based on pixel spectra as well as classifiers based on morphological features extracted from Raman microscopic images. Remarkably, accuracies exceeding those of all previously proposed classifiers are obtained while using only a small fraction of the spectral information provided by the dataset. Overall, our results indicate a high potential for DCNNs in medical applications of not just Raman, but also infrared microscopy.
Effects of phosphatidylserine‐containing supported lipid bilayers on the polarization of macrophages
Authors: Quan Hongxuan , Kim Yongjoon , Park Hee Chul , Yang Hyeong‐Cheol
Published: May 2018

Placement of dental implants initiates inflammatory foreign body response, in which macrophages play a central role and affect the subsequent tissue healing process such as bone formation. The purpose of this study was to fabricate phosphatidylserine (PS)‐containing supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) on a titanium surface to regulate the polarization of macrophages, a critical factor that affects following tissue healing and regeneration. The fluorescent recovery after photobleaching images showed that the percentage of PS had a critical influence on the fluidity, and 20% PS had the highest fluidity. Furthermore, more expanded and elongated cells were observed in the SLB‐coated groups. transforming growth factor‐β1 and vascular endothelial growth factor, the key cytokine markers of M2 macrophage polarization, were increased in the SLB‐coated groups, especially in the 20% PS group. Consistently, cells cultured on the SLB‐coated titanium exhibited the distribution of CD206+, which is a M2 macrophage specific maker. The results of this study demonstrated M2 polarization of macrophages on PS‐SLB‐coated titanium discs, which suggests the application of PS‐SLB as an immune‐regulating coating material to improve tissue reactions to dental implants. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2625–2633, 2018.
Learning to provide children with a secure base and a safe haven: The Circle of Security‐Parenting (COS‐P) group intervention
Authors: Kim Monica , Woodhouse Susan S. , Dai Chenchen
Published: May 2018

Insecure attachment is linked to a host of negative child outcomes, including internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Circle of Security‐Parenting (COS‐P) is a manualized, video‐based, eight unit, group parenting intervention to promote children's attachment security. COS‐P was designed to be easily implemented, so as to make attachment interventions more widely available to families. We present the theoretical background of COS‐P, research evidence supporting the COS approach, as well as a description of the COS‐P intervention protocol. The case example of “Alexa,” mother of three children (aged 7, 6, and 4 years), illustrates how parents can make use of the COS‐P intervention to better understand children's needs, build skills in observing and interpreting children's signals, learn to recognize and regulate their own responses to their children, and learn new ways of responding to children's needs.
Working with Video‐feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP‐SD): A case study
Authors: Juffer Femmie , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J.
Published: May 2018

Video‐feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP‐SD), based on attachment theory and social learning theory, is an intervention aimed at enhancing sensitivity and firm limit setting in parents, and reducing behavior problems in children. The VIPP‐SD program has been tested in populations of vulnerable children and parents at risk in twelve randomized controlled trials, and shows significant effects on both positive parenting and child outcomes. Here, we present a case study of an adoptive mother and her two‐and‐a‐half‐year‐old adopted daughter. During the VIPP‐SD program, including one introduction visit and six intervention sessions with video feedback, the mother–child interaction revealed important changes in positive parenting and child outcomes. By describing the intervention process in some detail we hope to shed light on how the VIPP‐SD program can be used by clinicians and practitioners who support families in need of parenting support.
A case study illustrating the use of an attachment video‐feedback intervention strategy
Authors: Tarabulsy George M. , Dubois‐Comtois Karine , Baudry Claire , Moss Ellen , Roberge Annie , Savage Laura‐Emilie , Cyr Chantal , St‐Laurent Diane , Bernier Annie
Published: May 2018

Children from high‐risk environments are more likely to experience problems in development. Many difficulties are linked to early experiences in the context of the emerging attachment relationship. Over the past 20 years, our group has collaborated with government agencies to develop and implement an attachment‐based video‐feedback intervention strategy (AVI) that targets parental sensitivity and attachment. This case study presents the manner in which a young mother and her 6‐month‐old son experienced AVI. The study shows how the absence of maternal sensitivity and responsiveness to infant signals, difficulties in helping the child regulate affect, and problems in autonomy support are addressed via eight semi‐structured mentoring visits. Discussion focuses on how AVI may be a helpful addition to primary prevention programs.
The factor structure of a short acculturation scale for Filipino Americans in an adult U.S.‐born sample
Authors: dela Cruz Felicitas A. , Yu Chong Ho , Vindua Kristine I.
Published: May 2018

The influx of non‐European immigrants since 1965 ushered the development and use of acculturation measures in immigrant health studies. A Short Acculturation Scale for Filipino Americans (ASASFA) represents a validated, unidirectional ethnic‐specific measure used with first‐generation FAs. ASASFA's psychometric properties with adult U.S.‐born children—the second generation—remain unexplored. This study determined (a) the factor structure of ASASFA with adult U.S.‐born FAs and (b) the predictors of their acculturation scores. A secondary analysis was conducted on ASASFA data from a mental health survey of 116 U.S.‐born FAs. Exploratory factor and parallel analyses showed a two‐factor solution: language use and preference (Factor 1) and ethnic social relations (Factor 2). Ordinary least squares regression indicated gender and ethnic self‐identification predict Factor 1 scores; self‐identification solely predicts Factor 2 scores. Results demonstrate ASASFA's validity and parsimony, supporting its use in FA health studies when lengthy bidirectional acculturation measures become impractical.
Synthesis of Some Quinazolinone Derivatives Functionalized with N‐3 Heterocyclic Side Chain
Authors: Youssef Ahmed S. A. , Hemdan Magdy M. , El‐Mariah Fatma A. , Hashem Heba E.
Published: May 2018

A number of quinazolinone derivatives substituted at position‐3 are prepared from 3, 1‐benzoxazinone. Thus, treatment of 3, 1‐benzoxazinon with cyanoacetohydrazide or thionocarbohydrazide gave the quinazolinone derivatives. The quinazolinones have been utilized as synthon for new pyridinone, azete, thiazole, thiazolidinone, thosemicarbazide, and thiosemicarbazone derivatives. The structures of the synthesized compounds were established on the basis of IR, 1HNMR, mass spectral data, and elemental analyses.
Topical rifampin powder for orthopedic trauma part I: Rifampin powder reduces recalcitrant infection in a delayed treatment musculoskeletal trauma model
Authors: Shiels Stefanie M. , Tennent David J. , Wenke Joseph C.
Published: May 2018

Open fractures become infected despite meticulous debridement and care. Locally applied antibiotics, commonly embedded in polymethylmethacrylate, deliver high doses of drug directly to the fracture site. Direct application of antibiotic powder, which is being applied prophylactically in spine surgery, is a recent interest in the trauma sector, where bacterial biofilms are more prevalent. Traditional antibiotics, such as vancomycin, are poor performers against bacterial biofilms thus are ineffective in delayed treatment. Rifampin is an effective eradicator of Staphylococcal biofilms. Here, a rat model of musculoskeletal trauma was used to evaluate the utility of locally applied rifampin powder for reducing established orthopedic Staphylococcal infections in a delayed treatment scenario that previously indicated the limited use of local vancomycin. By applying rifampin powder directly to the contaminated segmental defect, the number of bacteria, as well as clinical indications of infection, were significantly reduced compared to vancomycin and daptomycin. Considering the Infectious Disease Society of America's recommendation to use rifampin in combination with another antibiotic to reduce the onset of rifampin resistance, rifampin powder was also applied in combination with vancomycin or daptomycin with insignificant changes in eradication performance. No indications of rifampin resistance were identified. Clinical Significance: The use of locally applied rifampin is a promising therapy for mature and tolerant musculoskeletal infections. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. J Orthop Res 36:3136–3141, 2018.
Walking gait asymmetries 6 months following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction predict 12‐month patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: Pietrosimone Brian , Blackburn J. Troy , Padua Darin A. , Pfeiffer Steven J. , Davis Hope C. , Luc‐Harkey Brittney A. , Harkey Matthew S. , Stanley Pietrosimone Laura , Frank Barnett S. , Creighton Robert Alexander , Kamath Ganesh M. , Spang Jeffery T.
Published: May 2018

The study sought to determine the association between gait biomechanics (vertical ground reaction force [vGRF], vGRF loading rate [vGRF‐LR]) collected 6 months following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with patient‐reported outcomes at 12 months following ACLR. Walking gait biomechanics and all subsections of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (KOOS) were collected at 6 and 12 months following ACLR, respectively, in 25 individuals with a unilateral ACLR. Peak vGRF and peak instantaneous vGRF‐LR were extracted from the first 50% of the stance phase. Limb symmetry indices (LSI) were used to normalize outcomes in the ACLR limb to that of the uninjured limb (ACLR/uninjured). Linear regression analyses were used to determine associations between biomechanical outcomes and KOOS while accounting for walking speed. Receiver operator characteristic curves were used to determine the accuracy of 6‐month biomechanical outcomes for identifying individuals with acceptable patient‐reported outcomes, using previously defined KOOS cut‐off scores, 12 months post‐ACLR. Individuals with lower peak vGRF LSI 6 months post‐ACLR demonstrated worse patient‐reported outcomes (KOOS Pain, Activities of Daily life, Sport and Recreation, Quality of Life) at the 12‐month exam. A peak vGRF LSI ≥0.99 6 months following ACLR associated with 13.33× higher odds of reporting acceptable patient‐reported outcomes 12 months post‐ACLR. Lesser peak vGRF LSI during walking at 6‐months post‐ACLR may be a critical indicator of worse future patient‐reported outcomes. Clinical significance achieving early symmetrical lower extremity loading and minimizing under‐loading of the ACLR limb during walking may be a potential therapeutic target for improving patient‐reported outcomes post‐ACLR. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2932–2940, 2018.
Coherent Raman spectroscopy of solid‐state broadband quantum memories
Authors: Lanin A.A. , Voronin A.A. , Fedotov A.B. , Zheltikov A.M.
Published: May 2018

Coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering is shown to provide a versatile spectroscopic protocol for the optical interrogation of broadband quantum memories based on long‐lived coherent phonons in solids. In our scheme of coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering‐interrogated broadband quantum memory, a frequency‐tunable Stokes field, delivered by dispersion‐ and nonlinearity‐engineered photonic‐crystal fiber, maps the broadband pump wave packet into a memory based on coherently driven optical phonons of diamonds. The probe field is then applied with a variable delay time to read out the coherence driven by the pump and Stokes fields, giving rise to an anti‐Stokes signal, which serves to report the state of the phonon memory.
Influence of Cationic Surfactants on the Crystallization of Cis‐ and Trans‐Isomers
Authors: Yu Qiushuo , Qiao Xiaoyan , Qi Min , Li Xiaorui
Published: May 2018

The crystals of cis‐ and trans‐isomers present in principle similar chemical groups on their respective crystal faces. Here, the crystallization of cis‐ and trans‐isomers (maleic acid and fumaric acid) in an aqueous solution containing cationic surfactants with different hydrophobic chains (the long hydrophobic chains of dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide < cetyltrimethylammonium bromide < trimethylstearylammonium bromide) was investigated. Results showed that the surfactants presented different effects on the crystallization of cis‐ and trans‐isomers. For trans‐isomers (fumaric acid), the surfactants with longer hydrophobic chains or higher solution concentrations will favor a wider metastable zone width (MZW) and a greater morphology change. By contrast, both the MZW and morphology development of cis‐isomers (maleic acid) were not affected by these surfactants. The chemical groups on crystal faces, surface grooves, and molecular polarity were compared to reveal the different influences of surfactants on the crystallization of cis‐ and trans‐isomers.
Modelling crosstalk through common semiconductor layers in AMOLED displays
Authors: Penninck Lieven , Diethelm Matthias , Altazin Stéphane , Hiestand Roman , Kirsch Christoph , Ruhstaller Beat
Published: May 2018

High pixel density displays are demanded for active matrix organic light‐emitting diode displays (AMOLED) in applications such as virtual reality headsets, micro‐displays, and high‐end smartphones. Parasitic emission from non‐addressed neighboring pixels (crosstalk) is a common problem in such high pixel density AMOLED, and this crosstalk becomes more severe as the pixel density and fill ratio of the display increases. One of the causes of crosstalk is parasitic currents that travel through common organic semiconductor layers. In this paper, we model and quantify the pixel crosstalk using a 2 + 1D finite element model that is based on the conductivity of the common layer and the luminance–current–voltage curves of the subpixels as measured input parameters. We assess the effect of crosstalk on the pixel current, observed color, and luminance. The 2 + 1D model limits the number of degrees of freedom so that calculations on a standard personal computer are feasible.
Movement patterns of white‐tailed sea eagles near wind turbines
Authors: Krone Oliver , Treu Gabriele
Published: May 2018

White‐tailed sea eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) exhibit one of the highest mortality rates at wind power plants (WPPs) among raptor species in Europe, but data on circumstances of collision and behavioral response to WPPs are scarce. We analyzed the effect of WPPs on movement patterns of sea eagles in Germany with satellite telemetry. We analyzed ranging behavior and environmental parameters that influence the behavioral flight response to WPPs using multiple regression models. During 2003 through 2009 we radio‐tracked 25 white‐tailed sea eagles in northern Germany (8 territorial, 7 non‐territorial, 10 young eagles marked as nestlings). Mean home range sizes of territorial eagles varied with individuals tracked and the estimation method applied, ranging from 2.7 km2 to 669.7 km2. Sex or breeding status did not influence home range size. Ranging behavior varied between individuals and was correlated with habitat quality (i.e., nest distance to nearest water source and to anthropgogenic structure) and weather conditions. Among the 9 territorial eagles, only 1 individual resided within the officially proposed 3‐km minimum safety distance between nest and planned WPP. However, others frequently moved >3 km away from their nests, leaving the proposed safety area. One eagle inhabiting a territory within intensively cultivated landscape frequently approached a WPP and did not alter its movement patterns near the WPP compared to control areas. We identified several features visited by the eagles (e.g., perches, small lakes). To mitigate the collision risk of eagles, the recommended safety radius of 3 km between nest and WPP should become an international standard with a safe flight corridor to feeding grounds. To avoid frequent collisions at the population scale with WPPs, it is important to construct WPPs only outside the main distribution areas of white‐tailed sea eagles. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Geomorphological and sedimentological indicators of land degradation (Meghalaya Plateau, NE India)
Authors: Rączkowska Zofia , Bucała-Hrabia Anna , Prokop Paweł
Published: May 2018

Replacement of forests by cultivation in hilly regions can dramatically increase overland flow and soil erosion, frequently resulting in land degradation. This study aimed to determine the impact of long‐term human activity and natural geomorphic processes in land degradation of 2 catchments located in the Meghalaya Plateau in northeast India. Both catchments are built by deeply weathered granites with hilly topography but have contrasting land uses. Forested catchment (1.5 ha) is covered by natural deciduous forest, whereas deforested catchment (3.5 ha) is affected by slash and burn cultivation and boulder extraction. Detailed geomorphological mapping and sediment pattern analysis revealed a complex anthropogenic role in land degradation. Human activity contributes directly to the creation of new landforms in the deforested catchment and indirectly by influencing the course and intensity of geomorphological processes, masking the pre‐existing natural relief. Discontinuous agricultural terraces, zero‐order valleys, and furrows created coexisting cascade system and direct connectivity of water and sediment transport within the same slope. Higher content of fine‐grained material and lower content of boulders in the deforested catchment reflect overlapping of 2 traditional occupations of the local population: agriculture and selective boulders extraction, respectively. Human activity combined with accelerated erosion of abundant weathered material led to the transformation of incised valley bottom into flat accumulation plain as well as the extension and aggradation of the alluvial fan. This process increased the proportion of flat landforms favourable for cultivating the deforested catchment under growing population pressure.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Hecky Robert E.
Published: May 2018

STERNER, ROBERT W. AND JAMES J. ELSER. 2002. Ecological Stoichiometry: The Biology of Elements from Molecules to the Biosphere. Princeton University Press. ISBN 0‐691‐07491‐7 (paperback). 439 p. US $29.95
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Laws Edward
Published: May 2018

SMOL, JOHN P. 2002. Pollution of Lakes and Rivers: A Paleoenvironmental Perspective. Arnold Publishers; co‐published by Oxford University Press. ISBN 0‐340‐69167‐0 (paperback). 280 p. US $29.95.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Mills Eric L.
Published: May 2018

CORFIELD, RICHARD. 2003. The Silent Landscape: The Scientific Voyage of HMS Challenger. Joseph Henry Press. ISBN 0‐309‐08904‐2 (hardbound). xiv + 285 p. US $25.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Burdige David J.
Published: May 2018

WEART, SPENCER R. 2003. The Discovery of Global Warming. Harvard University Press. ISBN 0‐674‐01157‐0 (hardbound). x + 240 p. US $25.
AN OCEANOGRAPHER'S REFLECTIONS ON 49 VOLUMES AND 50 YEARS OF L&O
Authors: Kirchman David L.
Published: May 2018

“The American Society of Limnology and Oceanography has established LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY in response to a need felt by its members for a common outlet for the publication of scientific papers on all aspects‐physical, chemical, geological and biological‐of the phenomena exhibited by natural bodies of water.”
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Royer Thomas C.
Published: May 2018

STENSETH, NILS CHR., GEIR OTTERSEN, JAMES W. HURRELL, and ANDREA BELGRANO (eds). 2004. Marine Ecosystems and Climate Variation. The North Atlantic: A Comparative Perspective. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0‐19‐850748‐8 (hardcover). xiii + 252 p. US $125; also available as ISBN 0‐1985‐0749‐6 (paperback) US $60.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Maffione Robert A.
Published: May 2018

MILLER, RICHARD L., CARLOS E. DEL CASTILLO, and BRENT A. MCKEE (eds.). 2005. Remote Sensing of Coastal Aquatic Environments. Springer. ISBN 1‐4020‐3099‐1 (hardcover). xviii + 345 p. US $129.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Guildford Stephanie J.
Published: May 2018

REYNOLDS, COLIN. 2006. The Ecology of Phytoplankton. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978‐0‐521‐60519‐9 (paperback). xiv + 535 p. US $80.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Parsons Timothy R.
Published: May 2018

DAVID M. CHECKLEY, Jr., JURGEN ALHEIT, YOSHIOKI OOZEKI AND CLAUDE ROY. 2009. Climate Change and Small Pelagic Fish. Cambridge University Press. ISBN978‐0‐521‐88482‐hardback 372 pp. CDN $ 155
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Carr Julie Palakovich
Published: May 2018

MOONEY, CHRIS AND SHERIL KIRSHENBAUM. 2009. Unscientific America: How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens Our Future. Basic Books. ISBN: 9780465013050. 224 pp. US$ 24
BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: Christaki Urania
Published: May 2018

THOMAS H. CRONIN 2009. Paleoclimates: Understanding Climate Change Past and Present. Columbia University Press. ISBN‐13: 978‐0231144940.448 pp. $76.00
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Vermeer Martin
Published: May 2018

JOHN A. CHURCH, PHILIP L. WOODWORTH, THORKILD AARUP AND W. STANLEY WILSON (eds). 2010. Understanding sea‐level rise and variability. Wiley‐Blackwell, ISBN 978‐1‐4443‐3452‐4. 456 pp. $79.95
Book Review
Authors: Raybaud Virginie
Published: May 2018

DAVID M. GLOVER, WILLIAM J. JENKINS AND SCOTT C. DONEY 2011. Modeling Methods for Marine Science. Cambridge University Press. ISBN‐13: 978‐0521867832. pp. 571.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Sime‐Ngando Télesphore
Published: May 2018

FONTANETO D. (ed) 2011. Biogeography of Microscopic Organisms. Is Everything Small Everywhere? Cambridge University Press, ISBN‐13: 978‐0‐521‐76670‐8. 365 pp. US $99.00
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Laird Kathleen R. , Cumming Brian F.
Published: May 2018

P. SAM LAKE. 2011. Drought and Aquatic Ecosystems. Wiley‐Blackwell. ISBN‐13: 978‐1‐405‐18560‐8. 400pp $89.95 400 pp.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Tranvik Lars J.
Published: May 2018

DAVID L. KIRCHMAN. 2012. Processes in Microbial Ecology. Oxford University Press. ISBN13: 9780199586929, ISBN10: 0199586926, Paperback, 368 pages, $49.95.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Roehm Charlotte L.
Published: May 2018

ARNOLD G. VAN DERVALK 2012. The Biology of Freshwater Wetlands (2nd Ed.). Oxford University Press, ISBN‐13: 978‐0199608959, 312 pp, $54
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Hurlbert Stuart H.
Published: May 2018

ROBERT R. SOKAL AND F. JAMES ROLF. 2012. Biometry 4th Ed. W.H. Freeman. ISBN‐13 978‐0‐7167‐86047, 937 pp, $115 (hardcover)
Optomechanical Akhmediev Breathers
Authors: Xiong Hao , Wu Ying
Published: May 2018

The Akhmediev breather has attracted considerable attention over the past decades in various fields such as hydrodynamics, plasma physics, and nonlinear optics because of its wide applications and its importance in understanding nonlinear coherent phenomena. Here, we introduce optomechanical arrays as an integrated platform to observe both photonic and phononic Akhmediev breathers, with remarkable functionality for readout and control, complementing existing research on hydrodynamic and plasma systems. Our results pave a path toward reconfigurable nanophotonic and phononic networks, and may enable a new class of devices in signal processing and on‐chip nonlinear dynamical systems.
A novel titanium sapphire picosecond‐domain laser safely and effectively removes purple, blue, and green tattoo inks
Authors: Bernstein Eric F. , Bhawalkar Jayant , Schomacker Kevin T.
Published: May 2018

Background

Green, blue, and purple tattoo pigments are often the colors most resistant to laser removal. Recently, the first ever production picosecond‐domain laser with a 785 nm wavelength was developed to improve the rate of clearance of green, blue, and purple tattoo inks.

Methods

Twenty‐two tattoos from 15 subjects with skin phototypes II–IV were enrolled in the study. A total of four treatments were administered using a single 785 nm picosecond‐domain laser wavelength. Blinded assessment of digital, cross‐polarized photographs taken approximately 8 weeks following the last treatment was performed using an 11‐point clearance scale.

Results

Fourteen subjects with 21 tattoos completed all study visits. The 21 tattoos contained the following pigments: black (n = 15), green (n = 13), blue (n = 8), yellow (n = 5), purple (n = 4), and red (n = 3). Treatments were performed with a 2‐4‐mm beam diameter and fluences ranging from 1.1 to 3.1 J/cm2. Blinded assessment of photographs found 85%, 81%, 74%, 61%, 11%, and 5% clearance from baseline photos for purple, blue, green, black, red, and yellow pigments, respectively. Treatments were well tolerated with typical erythema, edema and one case of pinpoint bleeding. No scarring was noted.

Conclusion

This first study of a new 785 nm picosecond‐domain laser demonstrates safe and effective removal of multicolor tattoos. Although clearance was shown for a multitude of colors including black, the 785 nm laser wavelength has special affinity to purple, blue and green tattoo pigments. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:704–710, 2018. © 2018 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Places as authentic consumption contexts
Authors: Spielmann Nathalie , Babin Barry J. , Manthiou Aikaterini
Published: May 2018

Consumers build social capital through purposeful consumer–place interactions. Airbnb claims that consumers want to “experience a place like [they] live there.” Previous research concentrates primarily on authenticity of objects, brands, and people, with limited development of place authenticity as a concept. But place authenticity represents an increasingly important marketing concept as consumers today, particularly millennials (Schulz, P. (2015, August 8). Not just millennials: Consumers want experiences, not things. Adage. Retrieved from https://adage.com/article/digitalnext/consumers-experiences-things/299994/), value experience over “stuff.” Authenticity provides an important place characteristic that if perceived, potentially unlocks a truly valuable consumer experience. Consequently, the research presented here develops an auxiliary theory of place authenticity (PA). The theory proposes a second‐order factor indicated by three coordinate subdimensions. Phase I of the research consists of five studies that develop PA, explore its dimensionality, and confirm the PA scale's construct validity. Phase II of the research involves a sixth study, which examines a set of hypotheses that begin to establish PA's nomological net. The results shed light on the psychology by which consumers extract value from experience and into ways marketing efforts can build effective place–value propositions.
Phantom, clinical, and texture indices evaluation and optimization of a penalized‐likelihood image reconstruction method (Q.Clear) on a BGO PET/CT scanner
Authors: Reynés‐Llompart Gabriel , Gámez‐Cenzano Cristina , Vercher‐Conejero José Luis , Sabaté‐Llobera Aida , Calvo‐Malvar Nahúm , Martí‐Climent Josep M
Published: May 2018

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of a penalized‐likelihood image reconstruction method (Q.Clear) under different count statistics and lesion‐to‐background ratios (LBR) on a BGO scanner, in order to obtain an optimum penalization factor (β value) to study and optimize for different acquisition protocols and clinical goals.

Methods

Both phantom and patient images were evaluated. Data from an image quality phantom were acquired using different Lesion‐to‐Background ratios and acquisition times. Then, each series of the phantom was reconstructed using β values between 50 and 500, at intervals of 50. Hot and cold contrasts were obtained, as well as background variability and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR). Fifteen 18F‐FDG patients (five brain scans and 10 torso acquisitions) were acquired and reconstructed using the same β values as in the phantom reconstructions. From each lesion in the torso acquisition, noise, contrast, and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) were computed. Image quality was assessed by two different nuclear medicine physicians. Additionally, the behaviors of 12 different textural indices were studied over 20 different lesions.

Results

Q.Clear quantification and optimization in patient studies depends on the activity concentration as well as on the lesion size. In the studied range, an increase on β is translated in a decrease in lesion contrast and noise. The net product is an overall increase in the SNR, presenting a tendency to a steady value similar to the CNR in phantom data. As the activity concentration or the sphere size increase the optimal β increases, similar results are obtained from clinical data. From the subjective quality assessment, the optimal β value for torso scans is in a range between 300 and 400, and from 100 to 200 for brain scans. For the recommended torso β values, texture indices present coefficients of variation below 10%.

Conclusions

Our phantom and patients demonstrate that improvement of CNR and SNR of Q.Clear algorithm which depends on the studied conditions and the penalization factor. Using the Q.Clear reconstruction algorithm in a BGO scanner, a β value of 350 and 200 appears to be the optimal value for 18F‐FDG oncology and brain PET/CT, respectively.
Data‐driven gating in PET: Influence of respiratory signal noise on motion resolution
Authors: Büther Florian , Ernst Iris , Frohwein Lynn Johann , Pouw Joost , Schäfers Klaus Peter , Stegger Lars
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Data‐driven gating (DDG) approaches for positron emission tomography (PET) are interesting alternatives to conventional hardware‐based gating methods. In DDG, the measured PET data themselves are utilized to calculate a respiratory signal, that is, subsequently used for gating purposes. The success of gating is then highly dependent on the statistical quality of the PET data. In this study, we investigate how this quality determines signal noise and thus motion resolution in clinical PET scans using a center‐of‐mass‐based (COM) DDG approach, specifically with regard to motion management of target structures in future radiotherapy planning applications.

Methods

PET list mode datasets acquired in one bed position of 19 different radiotherapy patients undergoing pretreatment [18F]FDG PET/CT or [18F]FDG PET/MRI were included into this retrospective study. All scans were performed over a region with organs (myocardium, kidneys) or tumor lesions of high tracer uptake and under free breathing. Aside from the original list mode data, datasets with progressively decreasing PET statistics were generated. From these, COM DDG signals were derived for subsequent amplitude‐based gating of the original list mode file. The apparent respiratory shift d from end‐expiration to end‐inspiration was determined from the gated images and expressed as a function of signal‐to‐noise ratio SNR of the determined gating signals. This relation was tested against additional 25 [18F]FDG PET/MRI list mode datasets where high‐precision MR navigator‐like respiratory signals were available as reference signal for respiratory gating of PET data, and data from a dedicated thorax phantom scan.

Results

All original 19 high‐quality list mode datasets demonstrated the same behavior in terms of motion resolution when reducing the amount of list mode events for DDG signal generation. Ratios and directions of respiratory shifts between end‐respiratory gates and the respective nongated image were constant over all statistic levels. Motion resolution d/dmax could be modeled as , with dmax as the actual respiratory shift. Determining dmax from d and SNR in the 25 test datasets and the phantom scan demonstrated no significant differences to the MR navigator‐derived shift values and the predefined shift, respectively.

Conclusions

The SNR can serve as a general metric to assess the success of COM‐based DDG, even in different scanners and patients. The derived formula for motion resolution can be used to estimate the actual motion extent reasonably well in cases of limited PET raw data statistics. This may be of interest for individualized radiotherapy treatment planning procedures of target structures subjected to respiratory motion.
Initial derivation of diagnostic clusters combining history elements and physical examination tests for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Décary Simon , Feldman Debbie , Frémont Pierre , Pelletier Jean‐Pierre , Martel‐Pelletier Johanne , Fallaha Michel , Pelletier Bruno , Belzile Sylvain , Sylvestre Marie‐Pierre , Vendittoli Pascal‐André , Desmeules François
Published: May 2018

Introduction

The aim of the present study was to assess the validity of clusters combining history elements and physical examination tests to diagnose symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (SOA) compared with other knee disorders.

Methods

This was a prospective diagnostic accuracy study, in which 279 consecutive patients consulting for a knee complaint were assessed. History elements and standardized physical examination tests were obtained independently by a physiotherapist and compared with an expert physician's composite diagnosis, including clinical examination and imaging. Recursive partitioning was used to develop diagnostic clusters for SOA. Diagnostic accuracy measures were calculated, including sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+/−), with associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 129 patients had a diagnosis of SOA (46.2%). Most cases (76%) had combined tibiofemoral and patellofemoral knee OA and 63% had radiological Kellgren–Lawrence grades of 2 or 3. Different combinations of history elements and physical examination tests were used in clusters accurately to discriminate SOA from other knee disorders. These included age of patients, body mass index, presence of valgus/varus knee misalignment, palpable knee crepitus and limited passive knee extension. Two clusters to rule in SOA reached an LR+ of 13.6 (95% CI 6.5 to 28.4) and three clusters to rule out SOA reached an LR– of 0.11 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.20).

Discussion

Diagnostic clusters combining history elements and physical examination tests were able to support the differential diagnosis of SOA compared with various knee disorders without relying systematically on imaging. This could support primary care clinicians' role in the efficient management of these patients.
The Impact of Insurance Coverage on Utilization of Prescription Contraceptives: Evidence from the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Becker Nora V.
Published: May 2018

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that prescription contraceptives be covered by private health insurance plans with no cost sharing. Using medical and prescription claims from a large national insurer, I estimate individual claim rates and out‐of‐pocket (OOP) costs of prescription contraceptives for 329,642 women aged 13 to 45 who were enrolled in private health insurance between January 2008 and December 2013. I find that OOP spending on contraceptives has decreased sharply since the implementation of the ACA mandate. Using a difference‐in‐difference model that leverages employer‐level variation in compliance with the mandate, I estimate the effect of the mandate on use of both short‐ and long‐term methods of prescription birth control. I find that the mandate has increased insurance claims for short‐term contraceptive methods (the pill, patch, ring, shot, diaphragms/cervical caps, and prescription emergency contraception) by 4.8 percent and increased initiation of long‐term methods (intrauterine devices, implant, or sterilization) by 15.8 percent. Using data from a national survey of reproductive age women during this same time period, a back‐of‐the‐envelope calculation suggests that the mandate increased total use of any method of prescription contraceptive use by 2.95 percentage points among privately insured women in 2013, or a 6.57 percent relative increase. These increases in use of prescription contraceptives among privately insured women in the United States as a result of the ACA mandate have important potential implications for fertility rates, health care spending, and economic outcomes for women and their families.
Localized vaginal/uterine rhabdomyosarcoma—results of a pooled analysis from four international cooperative groups
Authors: Minard‐Colin Veronique , Walterhouse David , Bisogno Gianni , Martelli Helene , Anderson James , Rodeberg David A. , Ferrari Andrea , Jenney Meriel , Wolden Suzanne , De Salvo Gianluca , Arndt Carola , Merks Johannes H. M. , Gallego Soledad , Schwob Dominique , Haie‐Meder Christine , Bergeron Christophe , Stevens Michael C. G. , Oberlin Odile , Hawkins Douglas ,   International Society of Pediatric Oncology Sarcoma Committee, the Children's Oncology Group, the Italian Cooperative Soft Tissue Sarcoma Group, and the European pediatric Soft tissue sarcoma Study Group
Published: May 2018

Background

Vaginal/uterine rhabdomyosarcoma (VU RMS) is one of the most favorable RMS sites. To determine the optimal therapy, the experience of four cooperative groups (Children's Oncology Group [COG], International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) Malignant Mesenchymal Tumor Group [MMT], Italian Cooperative Soft Tissue Sarcoma Group [ICG], and European pediatric Soft tissue sarcoma Study Group [EpSSG]) was analyzed.

Procedure

From 1981 to 2009, 237 patients were identified. Median age (years) at diagnosis differed by tumor location; it was 1.9 for vagina (n = 160), 2.7 for uterus corpus (n = 26), and 13.5 for uterus cervix (n = 51). Twenty‐eight percent of patients received radiation therapy (RT) as part of primary therapy (23% COG, 27% MMT, 46% ICG, and 42% EpSSG), with significant differences in the use of brachytherapy between the cooperative groups (23% COG, 76% MMT, 64% ICG, and 88% EpSSG).

Results

Ten‐year event‐free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 74% (95% CI, 67–79%) and 92% (95% CI, 88–96%), respectively. In univariate analysis, OS was inferior for patients with uterine RMS and for those with regional lymph node involvement. Although EFS was slightly lower in patients without initial RT (71% without RT vs. 81% with RT; P = 0.08), there was no difference in OS (94% without RT vs. 89% with RT; P = 0.18). Local control using brachytherapy was excellent (93%). Fifty‐one (51.5%) of the 99 survivors with known primary therapy and treatment for relapse were cured with chemotherapy with or without conservative surgery.

Conclusions

About half of all patients with VU RMS can be cured without systematic RT or radical surgery. When RT is indicated, modalities that limit sequelae should be considered, such as brachytherapy.
New approach to accurate interpretation of sickle cell disease newborn screening by applying multiple of median cutoffs and ratios
Authors: Allaf Bichr , Patin Franck , Elion Jacques , Couque Nathalie
Published: May 2018

Background

The main goal of newborn screening (NBS) for sickle cell disease (SCD) is to detect affected neonates so that specific preventive care can be implemented. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) used for NBS has high sensitivity and specificity, but we lack guidelines for quantitative hemoglobin (Hb) fraction interpretation. The purpose of this study was to determine cutoff values to standardize quantitative interpretation in SCD NBS for different clinical situation such as, red blood cell transfusion or beta‐thalassemia, which can be real screening pitfalls.

Methods

Retrospective study of 75,026 samples from the neonatal screening program analyzed in our laboratory. Precise HbA and HbS percentages at birth were recorded and median values established for each gestational age, allowing percentage results to be expressed in normal gestation‐specific multiples of the median (MoM). Three threshold values of clinical interest were determined.

Results

High levels of HbA (>2.5 MoM) allowed identification of newborns who received transfusions. Low levels of HbS (≤0.7 MoM) allowed detection of the association between HbS and other mutations of the beta‐globin gene (i.e., HbHope, β0‐thalassemia, etc.). An HbA/HbS ratio <0.5 to distinguish healthy carriers from SCD with S/β+‐thalassemia. The screening accuracy for each threshold was established. The screening accuracy of low‐level HbA, which is determinant in identifying the subgroup of patients at risk of β‐thalassemia, will be determined prospectively.

Conclusions

This new approach introduces tools for a quantitative interpretation in SCD NBS by HPLC methods and could allow standardization of interpretation between centers.
Highly selective and sensitive response of Polypyrrole–MnO2 based composites towards ammonia gas
Authors: Malook Khan , Khan Hamayun , Shah Mutabar , Haque Ihsan‐Ul‐
Published: May 2018

Polypyrrole (PPy) and PPy/MnO2 composites of varying wt% of MnO2 were synthesized by chemical oxidation polymerization. The synthesis of the required samples was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic studies. The PPy was amorphous and all its composites with MnO2 were of crystalline nature as confirmed by x‐ray diffraction analyses. The PPy was of globular morphology while the composites were of elongated shape maintaining the morphology of MnO2 as ratified by scanning electron microscopy. The actual relative amount of MnO2 in the composites was greater than the amount added. The gas sensitivity and selectivity of the samples was checked for ammonia gas and some organic liquid vapors using LCR (L = inductance, C = capacitance, R = resistance) meter as resistance detector. The effect of MnO2 amount in the composites, concentration of ammonia and working temperature was studied on sensitivity of the materials. The composite with 10 wt% of MnO2 was found to be of the best performance having working range of 1–30 ppm and limit of detection 0.4 ppm. Similarly, this material showed excellent dynamic response, sensitivity and selectivity towards ammonia gas with response and recovery time of 32 and 40 s respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1676–1683, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reinforcing styrene‐butadiene rubber composites by constructing multiple interaction between rubber and silica
Authors: Qian Zhenghua , Peng Zonglin
Published: May 2018

Reinforcing rubber is of great significance in material science and engineering. In this work, a kind of ionic liquid, 1‐allyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium chloride (AMI) was used as compatibilizer in styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR)/silica composites. AMI and bis(3‐triethoxysilylpropyl)‐tetrasulfide (TESPT) were used together to construct multiple interactions of covalent bonds, cation–pi interaction as well as hydrogen bonds between silica and SBR chains. After introducing TESPT and AMI, vulcanization rate of SBR/silica composites and crosslink density of the rubber vulcanizates increased obviously. Moreover, better dispersion of silica in SBR matrix as well as stronger interaction between silica and SBR chains was achieved. Additionally, the mechanical properties of rubber vulcanizates were improved remarkably compared with the vulcanizates with TESPT or AMI individually. When compared with only introducing one kind of interaction between silica and SBR to reinforce SBR/silica composites, this work of constructing multiple interactions between silica and SBR is of valuable reference in preparing high‐performance rubber/silica composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1740–1747, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Improving stability of mechanical properties for nitrile butadiene rubber composite by carbon nanotube with antioxidant loading distribution
Authors: Zhang Jihua , Zhang Hui , Chen Fengbo , Liu Mingjie
Published: May 2018

Antioxidants are necessarily used in nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) products to prolong their lifetimes. But blooming of antioxidants limits the anti‐aging efficiency. Herein, a novel solution was proposed to avoid such a blooming. Antioxidant, 3, 9‐bis‐{1, 1‐dimethyl‐2(β‐[3‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxy‐5‐methylphenyl‐] propionyloxy) ethyl}‐2, 4, 8, 10‐tetraoxaspiro [5, 5]‐undecane (AO‐80) was loaded to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by chemically grafting after shearing force and then physically melting to encapsulate. In the AO‐80 loaded CNTs (CNT‐AO80), physical loading amounts of antioxidants were 2.1% and strongly suppressed by those parts from chemically grafting (13.9%), developing a distribution around CNTs. CNT‐AO80 therefore maintained a high total loading efficiency of antioxidant and reduced its physical release amounts not to bloom. When 20 phr CNT‐AO80 were doped to NBR, they allowed a good dispersity and reinforcement for rubber matrix. After thermal‐oxidative aging at 70, 80, and 90°C for 60 days, the composite gave an extremely low deterioration of mechanical property. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1172–E1180, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers