bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Photoinactivation Using Visible Light Plus Water-Filtered Infrared-A (VIS + wIRA) and Hypericum Perforatum Modifies In Situ Oral Biofilms
Authors: Vollmer Andreas , Al-Ahmad Ali , Argyropoulou Aikaterini , Thurnheer Thomas , Hellwig Elmar , Attin Thomas , Vach Kirstin , Wittmer Annette , Ferguson Kerry , Skaltsounis Alexios Leandros , Karygianni Lamprini
Published: December 2019

Due to increasing antibiotic resistance, the application of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is gaining increasing popularity in dentistry. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effects of aPDT using visible light (VIS) and water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) in combination with a Hypericum perforatum extract on in situ oral biofilms. The chemical composition of H. perforatum extract was analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS). To obtain initial and mature oral biofilms in situ, intraoral devices with fixed bovine enamel slabs (BES) were carried by six healthy volunteers for two hours and three days, respectively. The ex situ exposure of biofilms to VIS + wIRA (200 mWcm−2) and H. perforatum (32 mg ml−1, non-rinsed or rinsed prior to aPDT after 2-min preincubation) lasted for five minutes. Biofilm treatment with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate solution (CHX) served as a positive control, while untreated biofilms served as a negative control. The colony-forming units (CFU) of the aPDT-treated biofilms were quantified, and the surviving microorganisms were identified using MALDI-TOF biochemical tests as well as 16 S rDNA-sequencing. We could show that the H. perforatum extract had significant photoactivation potential at a concentration of 32 mg ml−1. When aPDT was carried out in the presence of H. perforatum, all biofilms (100%) were completely eradicated (p = 0.0001). When H. perforatum was rinsed off prior to aPDT, more than 92% of the initial viable bacterial count and 13% of the mature oral biofilm were killed. Overall, the microbial composition in initial and mature biofilms was substantially altered after aPDT, inducing a shift in the synthesis of the microbial community. In conclusion, H. perforatum-mediated aPDT using VIS + wIRA interferes with oral biofilms, resulting in their elimination or the substantial alteration of microbial diversity and richness. The present results support the evaluation of H. perforatum-mediated aPDT for the adjunctive treatment of biofilm-associated oral diseases.
Farmer typology to understand differentiated climate change adaptation in Himalaya
Authors: Shukla Roopam , Agarwal Ankit , Gornott Christoph , Sachdeva Kamna , Joshi P. K.
Published: December 2019

Smallholder farmers’ responses to the climate-induced agricultural changes are not uniform but rather diverse, as response adaptation strategies are embedded in the heterogonous agronomic, social, economic, and institutional conditions. There is an urgent need to understand the diversity within the farming households, identify the main drivers and understand its relationship with household adaptation strategies. Typology construction provides an efficient method to understand farmer diversity by delineating groups with common characteristics. In the present study, based in the Uttarakhand state of Indian Western Himalayas, five farmer types were identified on the basis of resource endowment and agriculture orientation characteristics. Factor analysis followed by sequential agglomerative hierarchial and K-means clustering was use to delineate farmer types. Examination of adaptation strategies across the identified farmer types revealed that mostly contrasting and type-specific bundle of strategies are adopted by farmers to ensure livelihood security. Our findings show that strategies that incurred high investment, such as infrastructural development, are limited to high resource-endowed farmers. In contrast, the low resourced farmers reported being progressively disengaging with farming as a livelihood option. Our results suggest that the proponents of effective adaptation policies in the Himalayan region need to be cognizant of the nuances within the farming communities to capture the diverse and multiple adaptation needs and constraints of the farming households.
Modulated Photocurrent Spectroscopy for Determination of Electron and Hole Mobilities in Working Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Nojima Hiroki , Kobayashi Takashi , Nagase Takashi , Naito Hiroyoshi
Published: December 2019

Carrier drift mobility is an important physical constant in the charge transport process of organic solar cells (OSCs). Although time-of-flight and space-charge-limited current techniques have been frequently utilized for mobility measurements, the validity of a new method using modulation photocurrent spectroscopy is discussed in this contribution. The advantages of this method are its applicability to working OSCs with optimized device structures and the simultaneous determination of the electron and hole mobilities. These features make it possible to study the relation between the mobility balance and the solar cell characteristics, such as the power conversion efficiency, using only a single working OSC; hence, it is not necessary to fabricate electron-only and hole-only devices for mobility measurements. After carrying out numerical simulations to examine the validity of this method for mobility determination, the dependence of the mobility balance on the mixing ratio of the electron-donor and –acceptor materials is presented.
Enhanced oligomerization of full-length RAGE by synergy of the interaction of its domains
Authors: Moysa Alexander , Hammerschmid Dietmar , Szczepanowski Roman H. , Sobott Frank , Dadlez Michal
Published: December 2019

The pattern recognition receptor RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end-products) transmits proinflammatory signals in several inflammation-related pathological states, including vascular diseases, cancer, neurodegeneration and diabetes. Its oligomerization is believed to be important in signal transduction, but RAGE oligomeric structures and stoichiometries remain unclear. Different oligomerization modes have been proposed in studies involving different truncated versions of the extracellular parts of RAGE. Here, we provide basic characterization of the oligomerization patterns of full-length RAGE (including the transmembrane (TM) and cytosolic regions) and compare the results with oligomerization modes of its four truncated fragments. For this purpose, we used native mass spectrometry, analytical ultracentrifugation, and size-exclusion chromatography coupled with multi-angle light scattering. Our results confirm known oligomerization tendencies of separate domains and highlight the enhanced oligomerization properties of full-length RAGE. Mutational analyses within the GxxxG motif of the TM region show sensitivity of oligomeric distributions to the TM sequence. Using hydrogen–deuterium exchange, we mapped regions involved in TM-dependent RAGE oligomerization. Our data provide experimental evidence for the major role of the C2 and TM domains in oligomerization, underscoring synergy among different oligomerization contact regions along the RAGE sequence. These results also explain the variability of obtained oligomerization modes in RAGE fragments.
Characterization of potential biomarkers of reactogenicity of licensed antiviral vaccines: randomized controlled clinical trials conducted by the BIOVACSAFE consortium
Authors: Weiner January , Lewis David J. M. , Maertzdorf Jeroen , Mollenkopf Hans-Joachim , Bodinham Caroline , Pizzoferro Kat , Linley Catherine , Greenwood Aldona , Mantovani Alberto , Bottazzi Barbara , Denoel Philippe , Leroux-Roels Geert , Kester Kent E. , Jonsdottir Ingileif , van den Berg Robert , Kaufmann Stefan H. E. , Del Giudice Giuseppe
Published: December 2019

Biomarkers predictive of inflammatory events post-vaccination could accelerate vaccine development. Within the BIOVACSAFE framework, we conducted three identically designed, placebo-controlled inpatient/outpatient clinical studies (NCT01765413/NCT01771354/NCT01771367). Six antiviral vaccination strategies were evaluated to generate training data-sets of pre-/post-vaccination vital signs, blood changes and whole-blood gene transcripts, and to identify putative biomarkers of early inflammation/reactogenicity that could guide the design of subsequent focused confirmatory studies. Healthy adults (N = 123; 20–21/group) received one immunization at Day (D)0. Alum-adjuvanted hepatitis B vaccine elicited vital signs and inflammatory (CRP/innate cells) responses that were similar between primed/naive vaccinees, and low-level gene responses. MF59-adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine (ATIV) induced distinct physiological (temperature/heart rate/reactogenicity) response-patterns not seen with non-adjuvanted TIV or with the other vaccines. ATIV also elicited robust early (D1) activation of IFN-related genes (associated with serum IP-10 levels) and innate-cell-related genes, and changes in monocyte/neutrophil/lymphocyte counts, while TIV elicited similar but lower responses. Due to viral replication kinetics, innate gene activation by live yellow-fever or varicella-zoster virus (YFV/VZV) vaccines was more suspended, with early IFN-associated responses in naïve YFV-vaccine recipients but not in primed VZV-vaccine recipients. Inflammatory responses (physiological/serum markers, innate-signaling transcripts) are therefore a function of the vaccine type/composition and presence/absence of immune memory. The data reported here have guided the design of confirmatory Phase IV trials using ATIV to provide tools to identify inflammatory or reactogenicity biomarkers.
Tap water fingerprinting using a convolutional neural network built from images of the coffee-ring effect
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Sanderson Alyssa R. , Allen Selett S. , Lahr Rebecca H.
Published: December 2019

Tap waters produce unique “fingerprints” through the coffee-ring effect that can be assigned to water chemistry using convolutional neural networks.
Mechanistic insights into heavy metal ion sensing by NOS2-macrocyclic fluorosensors via the structure-function relationship: influences of fluorophores, solvents and anions
Authors: Lee Eunji , Ju Huiyeong , Park In-Hyeok , Park Sunhong , Ikeda Mari , Habata Yoichi , Lee Shim Sung
Published: December 2019

The sensing properties of heavy metal ions by macrocycle-based fluorosensors are sensitive not only to cation–receptors and cation–fluorophore interactions but also to cation–anion (endo/exo-coordination modes) and/or cation–solvent interactions.
Properties of the tetravalent actinide series in aqueous phase from a microscopic simulation self-consistent engine
Authors: Acher Eléonor , Masella Michel , Vallet Valérie , Réal Florent
Published: December 2019

Classical molecular dynamics hydration study for the An(iv) series performed using an automated iterative ab initio based engine.
The preventive effect of phenolic-rich extracts from Chinese sumac fruits against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rats induced by a high-fat diet
Authors: Wu Zihuan , Zhang Yan , Gong Xiarong , Cheng Guiguang , Pu Shibiao , Cai Shengbao
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study is to investigate the preventive effect of phenolic-rich extracts from Chinese sumac (Rhus chinensis Mill.) fruits against NAFLD in rats induced by a high-fat diet and to clarify the underlying mechanisms.
The mechanism of improved thermal stability of protein-enriched O/W emulsions by soy protein particles
Authors: Ma Wuchao , Wang Jiamei , Wu Di , Chen Hui , Wu Chao , Du Ming
Published: December 2019

Growing interest in nutritional and functional foods has motivated the design of protein-enriched products, which, however, is greatly challenged by undesirable aggregation and gelation of proteins induced by heating from pasteurization process.
Anti-Parkinson's disease activity of phenolic acids fromEucommia ulmoidesOliver leaf extracts and their autophagy activation mechanism
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Yu Zhangping , Xia Jingyu , Zhang Xuanming , Liu Kechun , Sik Attila , Jin Meng
Published: December 2019

EEuOL relieved PD-like symptoms possibly through activating autophagy and phenolic acid compounds may contribute to autophagy activation.
An indirect way to achieve comprehensive performance improvement of resistive memory: when hafnium meets ITO in an electrode
Authors: Li Lei , Chang Kuan-Chang , Ye Cong , Lin Xinnan , Zhang Rui , Xu Zhong , Zhou Yi , Xiong Wen , Kuo Tzu-Peng
Published: December 2019

A method to improve RRAM performance through electrode material re-design by adopting a composite material with hafnium that exhibits superior interface properties.
Influence of functionalized core–shell structure on the thermodynamic and shape memory properties of nanocomposites
Authors: Liu Jingbiao , Min Benzhi , Wang Zhenqing , Teng Jianxin , Sun Xiaoyu , Li Shaofan , Li Shuzhou
Published: December 2019

Filler/matrix interfacial cohesion exerts a straightforward effect on stress transfer at the interface in composite structures, thereby significantly affecting their integrated mechanical properties.
Enhanced sodium storage kinetics by volume regulation and surface engineering via rationally designed hierarchical porous FeP@C/rGO
Authors: Wang Ye , Lim Yew Von , Huang Shaozhuan , Ding Meng , Kong Dezhi , Pei Yongyong , Xu Tingting , Shi Yumeng , Li Xinjian , Yang Hui Ying
Published: December 2019

The kinetics and dynamic studies demonstrate that the superior sodium storage capability of FeP@C/rGO is attributed to the rational designed hierarchical porous nanoarchitecture with a high capacitive contribution and a small volume expansion.
Asymmetric structural colors based on monodisperse single-crystal Cu2O spheres
Authors: Bi Jiajie , Wu Yue , Li Lu , Zhang Shufen , Wu Suli
Published: December 2019

Asymmetric structural colors were realized in film of Cu2O single crystal spheres based on asymmetric scattering effect.
Dual-peptide functionalized acetalated dextran-based nanoparticles for sequential targeting of macrophages during myocardial infarction
Authors: Torrieri Giulia , Fontana Flavia , Figueiredo Patrícia , Liu Zehua , Ferreira Mónica P. A. , Talman Virpi , Martins João P. , Fusciello Manlio , Moslova Karina , Teesalu Tambet , Cerullo Vincenzo , Hirvonen Jouni , Ruskoaho Heikki , Balasubramanian Vimalkumar , Santos Hélder A.
Published: December 2019

Fabrication of a dual-peptide functionalized acetalated dextran based nanosystem able to exploit macrophage recruitment occurring during myocardial infarction.
Access to 1,3-oxazine-2,4-diones/1,3-thiazine-2,4-diones via organocatalytic CO2/COS incorporation into allenamides
Authors: Zhou Hui , Wang Rui , Zhang Hui , Chen Wei , Lu Xiao-Bing
Published: December 2019

Lewis base-CO2/COS adducts were firstly studied as organocatalysts for [4 + 2] annulation of CO2/COS with allenamides to selectively synthesize 1,3-oxazine-2,4-diones/1,3-thiazine-2,4-diones.
Tuning the mechanical and dynamic properties of imine bond crosslinked elastomeric vitrimers by manipulating the crosslinking degree
Authors: Liu Yingjun , Tang Zhenghai , Chen Junlong , Xiong Jikang , Wang Dong , Wang Shu , Wu Siwu , Guo Baochun
Published: December 2019

Imine bond crosslinked networks with tunable mechanical and dynamic properties are prepared by varying the precursor molecular weight and network crosslinking degree.
Photoinduced free radical promoted cationic polymerization 40 years after its discovery
Authors: Tasdelen Mehmet Atilla , Lalevée Jacques , Yagci Yusuf
Published: December 2019

Free radical promoted cationic photopolymerization has been described with its historical background, main principles and usage in polymer synthesis.
Optimization of Cu catalysts for nitrophenol reduction, click reaction and alkyne coupling
Authors: Huang Yu , Zheng Kaibo , Liu Xiang , Meng Xu , Astruc Didier
Published: December 2019

Earth-abundant nanocatalysts are actively searched to replace expensive noble metal catalysts for a number of essential processes.
Explosion cratering in 3D granular media
Authors: Liu Tianyu , Cao Boen , Liu Xiao , Sun Ting-Pi , Cheng Xiang
Published: December 2019

Explosion cratering in 3D granular media leads to granular craters of various morphologies and shows a universal energy scaling rule.
Amoeboid swimming in a compliant channel
Authors: Dalal Swapnil , Farutin Alexander , Misbah Chaouqi
Published: December 2019

We studied influence of elasticity of surrounding environment on cell motility by numerically investigating effects of wall flexibility and channel confinement on flow dynamics of amoeboid swimming in compliant channel.
Achieving electronic structure reconfiguration in metallic carbides for robust electrochemical water splitting
Authors: Qiao Lulu , Zhu Anquan , Zeng Weixuan , Dong Rui , Tan Pengfei , Ding Zhengping , Gao Peng , Wang Shuangyin , Pan Jun
Published: December 2019

The electronic structure modification of metallic carbide is achieved by introducing dual-source transition metallic copper and cobalt atoms, thus contributing abundant active sites to afford decent water splitting performances.
Substituent effect of conjugated microporous polymers on the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity
Authors: Gao Xiaomin , Shu Chang , Zhang Chong , Ma Wenyan , Ren Shi-Bin , Wang Feng , Chen Yu , Zeng Jing Hui , Jiang Jia-Xing
Published: December 2019

The influence of substituent groups on the photocatalytic activity of conjugated microporous polymers was investigated, and a high photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 18.93 mmol h−1 g−1 was achieved by PyDF with fluorine atoms.
A highly sensitive red-emitting probe for the detection of viscosity changes in living cells, zebrafish, and human blood samples
Authors: Fu Manlin , Shen Wei , Chen Yajun , Yi Wenjun , Cai Chunhui , Zhu Liquan , Zhu Qing
Published: December 2019

Intracellular viscosity can be measured to reflect the state of living cells. Fluorescent probes are powerful tools for viscosity detection in vivo.
Solution-processable black phosphorus nanosheets covalently modified with polyacrylonitrile for nonvolatile resistive random access memory
Authors: Gu Minchao , Zhang Bin , Liu Bo , Che Qiang , Zhao Zhizheng , Chen Yu
Published: December 2019

The as-fabricated Al/BP–PAN/ITO device exhibits excellent nonvolatile rewritable memory performance, with a high ON/OFF current ratio exceeding 104 and a small switch-on voltage of −1.45 V.
High efficiency and low efficiency roll-off all fluorescent white organic light-emitting diodes based on phosphor sensitization
Authors: Yao Jingwen , Chen Yuwen , Wu Yibing , Qiao Xianfeng , Yang Dezhi , Dai Yanfeng , Sun Qian , Ma Dongge
Published: December 2019

All fluorescent white organic light-emitting diodes (WOLEDs) have aroused significant interest owing to the advantages of excellent operational stability, low efficiency roll-off and low cost.
Unveiling Positioning Nystagmus in Patients of Horizontal Semicircular Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo by Diagnostic Head-Shaking in the Yaw Plane
Authors: Vats Ajay Kumar
Published: December 2019

Introduction The diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is largely dependent on elicitation of positioning nystagmus on the diagnostic positional tests, namely Dix-Hallpike and supine roll tests (DHT and SRT, respectively), in patients complaining of vertigo, which occurs when patient’s head moves relative to the gravity. The pattern of elicited positioning nystagmus localizes as well as lateralizes the diseased canal, and the therapeutic positioning maneuver is accordingly undertaken.

Objective The diagnostic positional tests, at times fail to elicit positional nystagmus, leaving clinician in a state of dilemma, when examining a patient who is currently experiencing paroxysms of vertigo triggered by positional change. In two patients with history consistent with BPPV but with negative positional tests initially, head shaking for 10 seconds in the yaw axis was done, and Dix-Hallpike and supine roll tests were repeated. The aim of head shaking for 10 seconds was to unveil positional nystagmus, to precisely localize and lateralize the diseased semicircular canal.

Results and Discussion In the two cases of horizontal semicircular canal BPPV (HSC-BPPV) reported here, the DHT and/or SRT initially failed to elicit positional nystagmus but head shaking for 10 seconds in the left Dix–Hallpike position in case one and with the head anteflexed 30-degrees in the sitting position in the case two, unveiled horizontal positional nystagmus on ensuing SRT. The use of head-shaking in the yaw plane to unveil a horizontal positioning nystagmus in cases where a conventional positional test (DHT and SRT) has failed to elicit the PN, has not been reported in the literature hitherto.

Conclusion After precise localization and lateralization of the diseased canal, both patients successfully underwent successful treatment with Gufoni maneuver. A verifying SRT done at 1 hour and/or at 24 hours follow-up was negative. In patients, who are currently experiencing paroxysms of vertigo triggered by the change of position of head relative to the gravity; head-shaking for few seconds just prior to the positioning test, can unveil positional nystagmus not elucidated with the conventionally performed positional tests.
Minimally Invasive Inlay Prosthesis Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Unicompartmental Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study with Minimum 2-Year Outcomes and up to 14-Year Survival
Authors: Scholes Corey , Ebrahimi Milad , Field Clarice , Farah Sami , Kerr Dennis , Kohan Lawrence
Published: December 2019

There are limited medium-term outcome data available for the Repicci II device in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). The purpose of this study was to report the medium-term (minimum 2 years) patient-reported outcomes and long-term (up to 14 years) procedure survival in a consecutive series of patients undergoing an inlay prosthesis UKA (Repicci II) at an independent orthopaedic clinic. Patients presenting with medially localized unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis and meeting the criteria appropriate for UKA were recruited to a clinical patient registry at the time of presentation. A cemented unicompartmental prosthesis (Repicci II) was implanted using minimally invasive techniques with rapid postoperative mobilization. Patients were asked to complete patient-reported outcomes preoperatively and annually postoperatively. A procedure list was cross-matched with the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR), and an analysis of procedure survival was performed with comparison to the national data for UKA. Data from a cohort of 661 primary medial compartment UKA procedures performed in 551 patients over a 15-year period were extracted from the clinical patient registry. Significant improvements were maintained in general health, disease symptoms, pain, and function at an average follow-up of 9 years compared with preoperative data. Threshold analysis revealed that >65% of patients exceeded Patient Acceptable Symptom State at the latest follow-up, with >80% within or exceeding age-matched norms for general health. Cumulative revision rate was significantly lower than that reported for UKA in the AOANJRR at up to 13 years follow-up. This series represents a lower cumulative revision rate than previously reported, with >65% of patients reporting satisfactory functional outcomes at an average of 9 years from surgery. Surgical options for treating unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis could include UKA as a viable alternative; however, clear definitions of procedure success and its overall cost–benefit ratio in the context of ongoing management of knee osteoarthritis remain to be elucidated.
When is My Baby Going Home? Moderate to Late Preterm Infants are Discharged at 36 Weeks Based on Admission Data
Authors: Higgins Joyce Alanna , Sengupta Arnab , Garfield Craig F. , Myers Patrick
Published: December 2019

Objective This study evaluates the effect of admission characteristics of uncomplicated moderate to late preterm infants on timing of discharge. One of the first questions that families of infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) ask is, “When is my baby going home?” Moderate to late preterm infants are the largest cohort of NICU patients but little data exist about their length of stay (LOS).

Study Design A retrospective electronic chart review was completed on 12,498 infants admitted to our NICU between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2015. All inborn infants with a gestational age between 320/7 and 366/7 weeks were studied.

Results A total of 3,240 infants met our inclusion criteria. The mean postmenstrual age at discharge was 363/7 weeks. Infants who were small for gestational age were significantly more likely to have an increased LOS. Infants born between 34 and 366/7 weeks had a significantly increased LOS if they had respiratory distress syndrome. Admission diagnoses of neonatal abstinence syndrome, meconium aspiration syndrome, hydrops, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, biliary emesis, ABO incompatibly, and a genetic diagnosis all had increased LOS for all late preterm infants.

Conclusion For uncomplicated moderate to late preterm infants, clinicians can counsel families that their infants will likely be discharged at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age. Small for gestational age infants and those with specific diagnoses may stay longer.
Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Recurrence with Central Nervous System Disease in Twins after Completion of a Six-Month Course of Suppressive Therapy: Case Report
Authors: Grondin Anthony , Baudou Eloïse , Pasquet Marlène , Pelluau Sonia , Jamal-Bey Karim , Bermot Cécile , Villega Frederic , Cheuret Emmanuel
Published: December 2019

Seventeen-day-old twins were hospitalized for neonatal herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) with central nervous system disease and internal capsule and thalamic lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They were treated with the usual intravenous (IV) treatment and oral therapy for 6 months. The clinical course was good in both children with negative HSV polymerase chain reaction on completion of IV therapy. The neurological condition recurred in one child with new radiological lesions at 7 months of age, 2 weeks after discontinuation of oral treatment. Cerebral lesions highlighted on the MRI scan are specific to the neonatal period and impact long-term prognosis. The likely genetic predisposition in this case is interesting and requires further investigation. In addition, this case raises questions about the duration of oral acyclovir suppressive therapy.
Aging and the Biological Response to Liver Injury
Authors: Marzioni Marco , Pinto Claudio , Ninfole Elisabetta , Gaggiano Laura , Benedetti Antonio , Maroni Luca
Published: December 2019

Interest in understanding the aging process has recently risen in the scientific community. Aging, commonly defined as the functional decline in the function of organs and tissues, is indeed the major risk factor for the development of many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, pathologies of nervous system, or cancer. To date, the influence of aging in the pathophysiology of liver and biliary diseases is not fully understood. Although liver cells have a high regenerative capacity, hepatocytes and cholangiocytes undergo extensive molecular changes in response to aging. Following time-dependent damage induced by aging, liver cells initially activate compensatory mechanisms that, if hyperstimulated, may lead to the decline of regenerative capacity and the development of pathologies. A deeper understanding of molecular aging has undoubtedly the potential to improve the clinical management of patients, possibly unveiling new pathways for selective drug treatment.
Radiographic Comparison of the Mechanical Axis Including Calcaneus to the Conventional Mechanical Axis in Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Kuroda Yuichi , Takayama Koji , Ishida Kazunari , Hayashi Shinya , Hashimoto Shingo , Tsubosaka Masanori , Kamenaga Tomoyuki , Matsushita Takehiko , Niikura Takahiro , Kuroda Ryosuke , Matsumoto Tomoyuki
Published: December 2019

Since a hindfoot alignment is not included in the conventional mechanical axis (hip–ankle [HA] line), a mechanical axis including the calcaneus (hip–calcaneus [HC] line) has recently attracted attention as an alternative weight-bearing line. However, there are few reports on unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) regarding the HC line. Therefore, this study aimed to compare postoperative alignments after UKA between the HA line and the HC line. Postoperatively, HC radiographs were taken in 88 consecutive patients who underwent medial UKA. The hip–knee–ankle (HKA) and hip–knee–calcaneus (HKC) angles were compared in the same patient. Regarding tibial inclination, the conventional tibial component–ankle (TCA) angle was compared with reference to the HC line (tibial component–calcaneus [TCC] angle). The mean postoperative HKA and HKC angles were 2.8 ± 2.7 and 2.0 ± 2.5 degree, respectively. The mean postoperative TCA and TCC angles were 87.7 ± 2.1 and 88.5 ± 2.1 degree, respectively. There were significant differences between the two groups in both lower limb alignment and tibial component angle. The present study indicated that the HKC and the TCC angles significantly decreased the varus alignment by approximately 1 degree compared with the HKA and TCA angles. Neutral in the HA line corresponds to valgus in reference to the HC line, which may result in overcorrection. Surgeons should consider evaluating the HC line in place of the HA line, which may affect preoperative planning and postoperative outcome during UKA. This is a Level II, diagnostic study.
Vestibular Rehabilitation and Factors That Can Affect Outcome
Authors: Whitney Susan L. , Sparto Patrick J. , Furman Joseph M.
Published: December 2019

This review will discuss the developmental, environmental, medical, psychological, visual, and other sensory-related factors that affect recovery after vestibular dysfunction. A general overview of the evidence for vestibular rehabilitation for patients with peripheral and central vestibular disorders is provided. Recent findings suggest that age, physical activity, certain congenital disorders, length of symptoms, musculoskeletal, visual and neuromuscular comorbidities, cognition, sleep, and medications are all factors that influence the effectiveness and outcome of vestibular rehabilitation. Psychological factors that also affect outcome include anxiety, depression, fear of movement, and fear of falling. Recovery in patients with vestibular disorders may be enhanced if the practitioner recognizes and attempts to remediate modifiable factors.
Preoperative Performance of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System in Patients with Meniscal Root Tears
Authors: Gulbrandsen Trevor R. , Khazi Zain M. , Bollier Matthew , Wolf Brian , Larson Christopher , Duchman Kyle , An Qiang , Westermann Robert W.
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to establish preoperative validity of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System physical function computer adaptive test (PROMIS PF-CT) with legacy patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for meniscal root tears (MRTs). Our study included 51 patients (52 knees) with MRT. Patients completed PROMIS PF-CT, Short Form 36 (SF-36 physical function, pain, general health, vitality, social function, emotional well-being, role limitations due to physical health, and role limitations due to emotional problems), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS pain, symptoms, activities of daily living [ADLs], sports, and quality of life [QOL]), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC pain, stiffness, and function), EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D), and Knee Activity Scale questionnaires at their preoperative visit. Correlations between the PROMs listed above were evaluated along with floor and ceiling effects. Correlations were defined as weak (0.2–0.39), moderate (0.4–0.59), strong (0.6–0.79), and very strong (0.8–1.0). Preoperative data showed that PROMIS PF-CT has a strong correlation with SF-36 PF, KOOS-ADL, WOMAC-function, and EQ-5D; and moderate correlation with KOOS-sport, KOOS-pain, KOOS-symptoms, KOOS-QOL, WOMAC-pain, and WOMAC-stiffness. The Knee Activity Scale did not show any significant correlation with PROMIS PF-CT (r = 0.12, p = 0.2080). Of all the PROMs administered, PROMIS PF-CT demonstrated no floor or ceiling effects compared with 11.54% ceiling effect in KOOS-sports, and 5.77% floor effect in KOOS-ADL. On average, patients answered fewer PROMIS PF-CT questions (4.15 ± 0.72). PROMIS PF-CT is a valuable tool to assess preoperative patient-reported physical function in patients that may undergo MRT repair. It correlates strongly with other well-established PROMs. It also demonstrated no floor or ceiling effects and demonstrated a low test burden in our sample of 52 knees. This is a level III, prognostic retrospective comparative study.
Local Vancomycin Concentrations after Intra-articular Injection into the Knee Joint: An Experimental Porcine Study
Authors: Bue Mats , Thomassen Maja B. , Larsen Ole H. , Jørgensen Andrea R. , Stilling Maiken , Søballe Kjeld , Hanberg Pelle
Published: December 2019

Intra-articular injection of vancomycin may be an important antimicrobial prophylactic supplement to systemic administration in the prevention of prosthetic joint infections. In eight female pigs, 500 mg of diluted vancomycin was given by intra-articular injection into the knee joint. Microdialysis was used for dense sampling of vancomycin concentrations over 12 hours in the synovial fluid of the knee joint, and in the adjacent femoral and tibial cancellous bone and subcutaneous tissue. Venous blood samples were obtained as reference. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) peak drug concentration of vancomycin in the synovial fluid of the knee joint was 5,277 (5,668) μg/mL. Only one pig failed to reach a peak drug concentration above 1,000 μg/mL. The concentration remained high throughout the sampling interval with a mean (SD) concentration of 337 (259) μg/mL after 690 minutes. For all extraarticular compartments, the pharmacokinetic parameters (area under the concentration time-curve, peak drug concentration, and time to peak drug concentration) were comparable. The highest extraarticular mean (SD) peak drug concentration of 4.4 (2.3) μg/mL was found in subcutaneous tissue. An intra-articular injection of 500 mg diluted vancomycin was found to provide significant prophylactic mean concentrations for at least 12 hours in the synovial fluid of the knee joint. Correspondingly, the adjacent tissue and plasma concentrations were low but remained stable, signifying low risk of systemic toxic side effects and a slow release or uptake from the synovium to the systemic circulation.
Extracellular Mitochondria in Traumatic Brain Injury Induced Coagulopathy
Authors: Zhao Zilong , Zhou Yuan , Li Min , Zhang Jianning , Dong Jing-Fei
Published: December 2019

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) induced coagulopathy remains a significant clinical challenge, with unmet needs for standardizing diagnosis and optimizing treatments. TBI-induced coagulopathy is closely associated with poor outcomes in affected patients. Recent studies have demonstrated that TBI induces coagulopathy, which is mechanistically distinct from the deficient and dilutional coagulopathy found in patients with injuries to the body/limbs and hemorrhagic shock. Multiple causal and disseminating factors have been identified to cause TBI-induced coagulopathy. Among these are extracellular mitochondria (exMTs) released from injured cerebral cells, endothelial cells, and platelets. These circulating exMTs not only express potent procoagulant activity but also promote inflammation, and could remain metabolically active to become a major source of oxidative stress. They activate platelets and endothelial cells to propagate TBI-induced coagulopathy and secondary tissue injury after primary traumatic impact. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the role of exMTs in the development of TBI-induced coagulopathy.
Genetic Background of von Willebrand Disease: History, Current State, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Zolkova Jana , Sokol Juraj , Simurda Tomas , Vadelova Lubica , Snahnicanova Zuzana , Loderer Dusan , Dobrotova Miroslava , Ivankova Jela , Skornova Ingrid , Lasabova Zora , Kubisz Peter , Stasko Jan
Published: December 2019

Sequencing of the gene encoding for von Willebrand factor (VWF) has brought new insight into the physiology of VWF as well as its pathophysiology in the context of von Willebrand disease (VWD). Molecular testing in VWD patients has shown high variability in the overall genetic background of this condition. Almost 600 mutations and many disease-causing mechanisms have been described in the 35 years since the VWF gene was identified. Genetic testing in VWD patients is now available in many centers as a part of the VWD diagnostic algorithm. Molecular mechanisms leading to types 2 and 3 VWD are well characterized; thus, information from genetic analysis in these VWD types may be beneficial for their correct classification. However, the molecular basis of type 1 VWD is still not fully elucidated and most likely represents a multifactorial disorder reflecting a combined impact of environmental and genetic factors within and outside of VWF. Regarding sequencing methods, the previous gold-standard Sanger sequencing is gradually being replaced with next-generation sequencing methods that are more cost- and time-effective. Instead of gene-by-gene approaches, gene panels of genes for coagulation factors and related proteins have recently become a center of attention in patients with inherited bleeding disorders, especially because a high proportion of VWD patients, mainly those with low VWF plasma levels (type 1), appear to be free of mutations in VWF. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) are accessible in a very limited number of laboratories. Results from these studies have presented several genes other than VWF or ABO possibly affecting VWF levels, and such findings will need further validation studies.
Inductive approach to loop vertex expansion
Authors: Zhao Fang-Jie
Published: December 2019

An inductive realization of loop vertex expansion is proposed and is applied to the construction of the ϕ14 theory. It appears simpler and more natural than the standard one at least for some situations.
A radio-frequency spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscope
Authors: Friedlein J. , Harm J. , Lindner P. , Bargsten L. , Bazarnik M. , Krause S. , Wiesendanger R.
Published: December 2019

A scanning tunneling microscope for spin-resolved studies of dynamic systems is presented. The cryogenic setup allows the scanning tunneling microscope to achieve a cutoff frequency beyond 26 GHz at the tunnel junction and to be operable at temperatures of 1.1 K–100 K in a magnetic field of up to 3 T. For this purpose, the microscope and its wiring as well as the associated cryostat system were specially designed and manufactured. For sample preparation, an ultrahigh vacuum system was developed, which is equipped with modular preparation platforms. Measurements showing the characteristics of the scanning tunneling microscope in the time and frequency domain are presented. As a proof of concept, experimental data of the Pd/Fe/Ir(111) sample system at 95 K in a magnetic field of 3 T are presented.
Particle-in-cell simulations of cathode plasma evolution in small-gap magnetically insulated transmission lines
Authors: Luo Wei , Zhang Jianwei , Li Yongdong , Wang Hongguang , Liu Chunliang , Guo Fan , Zou Wenkang
Published: December 2019

The formation and evolution of the cathode plasma in small-gap magnetically insulated transmission lines (MITLs) may lead to enormous current loss and even gap closure. This issue has been investigated through particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision simulations. Based on gas desorption from the cathode, the plasma is formed at the cathode when the emitted electrons collide with the desorbed gas contaminants. The expansion velocity and the electron and ion density distributions of the cathode plasma were analyzed. Rapid expansion of the plasma occurs when plasma instability increases due to a transverse magnetic mode in the MITL. Factors affecting the expansion velocity such as voltage amplitude and rate of gas desorption were examined. The simulation results indicated that a relatively high desorption rate of neutral gas resulted in a higher expansion velocity for the cathode plasma. This work extends our knowledge and understanding of cathode plasma dynamics in high-current MITLs.
Modeling dislocation-related leakage currents in GaN p-n diodes
Authors: Robertson C. A. , Qwah K. S. , Wu Y.-R. , Speck J. S.
Published: December 2019

Finite element analysis software was used to model and visualize two p-n junction models: one with a single threading dislocation (TD) and a control model without a dislocation. TDs are modeled as a Gaussian distribution of trap states with an FWHM of 5 nm localized around the r=0 line in a cylindrical coordination such that the linear trap state density was 1 trap/c-translation; this model allows the cylindrical symmetry of the c-plane GaN crystal orientation to be utilized to avoid more computationally intensive 3D models. It was discovered that the interaction of the charged dislocation region with the p-n junction had many notable effects. At zero bias, it was observed that the depletion region width (using the Depletion Approximation) and the maximum electric field were markedly reduced near the dislocation line. More significantly, an asymmetric reduction in the diffusion barrier for electrons (Vbieff=3.03eV) and holes (Vbieff=0.81eV) was observed due to the asymmetric nature of the dislocation band bending related to the doping. The asymmetric reductions in diffusion barriers persisted into VA=2.4V leakage case where asymmetric current profiles for electrons and holes were also observed. Lastly, the diffusion barrier reduction resulted in an additional Shockley-Read-Hall nonradiative recombination leakage caused by a high np-product and trap state density near the intersection of the dislocation with the junction.
Rapid deconvolution of low-resolution time-of-flight data using Bayesian inference
Authors: Pieterse Cornelius L. , de Kock Michiel B. , Robertson Wesley D. , Eggers Hans C. , Miller R. J. Dwayne
Published: December 2019

The deconvolution of low-resolution time-of-flight data has numerous advantages, including the ability to extract additional information from the experimental data. We augment the well-known Lucy-Richardson deconvolution algorithm using various Bayesian prior distributions and show that a prior of second-differences of the signal outperforms the standard Lucy-Richardson algorithm, accelerating the rate of convergence by more than a factor of four, while preserving the peak amplitude ratios of a similar fraction of the total peaks. A novel stopping criterion and boosting mechanism are implemented to ensure that these methods converge to a similar final entropy and local minima are avoided. Improvement by a factor of two in mass resolution allows more accurate quantification of the spectra. The general method is demonstrated in this paper through the deconvolution of fragmentation peaks of the 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid matrix and the benzyltriphenylphosphonium thermometer ion, following femtosecond ultraviolet laser desorption.
Influence of magnetostriction on the lattice constants of the secondary phases in Nd-Fe-B sintered magnets studied by synchrotron X-ray diffraction
Authors: Kobayashi Shintaro , Martín-Cid Andrés , Toyoki Kentaro , Okazaki Hiroyuki , Hirosawa Satoshi , Nakamura Tetsuya
Published: December 2019

We investigated the structural influence of Nd2Fe14B phase magnetostriction on the Nd-rich secondary phases of hcp-Nd2O3, fcc-NdOx, dhcp-Nd, and fcc-Nd, in Nd-Fe-B bulk-sintered magnets. The temperature dependence of the secondary phase lattice constants was evaluated by synchrotron X-ray diffraction using rod-shaped isotropic (randomly oriented) and anisotropic (c-axis oriented) Nd-Fe-B-Cu sintered magnets. The lattice constants of each secondary phase in the rod-shaped isotropic and anisotropic samples exhibited an invar-type expansion below the Nd2Fe14B phase Curie temperature (TC), despite the phases not showing ferromagnetic ordering at TC—and peak broadening was seen for the secondary phases below TC. Since such volume expansion has not been seen in powdered sintered magnets, we viewed it as a phenomenon particular to rod-shaped sintered magnets. These results indicated that the Nd2Fe14B phase spontaneous volume expansion induced the volume expansion observed in all the constituent phases of the bulk sintered magnets.
Characteristics analysis of a high-speed permanent magnet synchronous generator considering magnetic reactance derived from short circuit analysis
Authors: Lee Hoon-Ki , Bang Tae-Kyoung , Lee Jeong-In , Shin Kyung-Hun , Choi Jang-Young
Published: December 2019

In this paper, the characteristics analysis of a high-speed permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) was performed considering saturation reactance. The equivalent circuit method (EMC) is a method for predicting performance in the design process of a generator. When using EMC, if the inductance of the equivalent circuit is not considering saturation, it is difficult to predict the performance of a generator accurately. Therefore, we applied a reactance that considered saturation to derive more accurate performance prediction through short-circuit analysis. The proposed method was verified using finite element method.
Accurate calculation of zero point energy from molecular dynamics simulations of liquids and their mixtures
Authors: Tiwari A. , Honingh C. , Ensing B.
Published: December 2019

The two-phase thermodynamic (2PT) method is used to compute the zero point energy (ZPE) of several liquids and their mixtures. The 2PT method uses the density of states (DoS), which is computed from the velocity autocorrelation (VAC) function obtained from a short classical molecular dynamics trajectory. By partitioning the VAC and the DoS of a fluid into solid and gaslike components, quantum mechanical corrections to thermodynamical properties can be computed. The ZPE is obtained by combining the partition function of the quantum harmonic oscillator with the vibrational part of the solidlike DoS. The resulting ZPE is found to be in excellent agreement with both experimental and ab initio results. Solvent effects such as hydrogen bonding and polarization can be included by the utilization of ab initio density functional theory based molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that these effects significantly influence the DoS of water molecules. The obtained results demonstrate that the 2PT model is a powerful method for efficient ZPE calculations, in particular, to account for solvent effects and polarization.