bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluctuations of the EEG‐fMRI correlation reflect intrinsic strength of functional connectivity in default mode network
Authors: Keinänen Tuija , Rytky Seppo , Korhonen Vesa , Huotari Niko , Nikkinen Juha , Tervonen Osmo , Palva J. Matias , Kiviniemi Vesa
Published: May 2018

Both functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electrophysiological recordings have revealed that resting‐state functional connectivity is temporally variable in human brain. Combined full‐band electroencephalography‐fMRI (fbEEG‐fMRI) studies have shown that infraslow (<.1 Hz) fluctuations in EEG scalp potential are correlated with the blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) fMRI signals and that also this correlation appears variable over time. Here, we used simultaneous fbEEG‐fMRI to test the hypothesis that correlation dynamics between BOLD and fbEEG signals could be explained by fluctuations in the activation properties of resting‐state networks (RSNs) such as the extent or strength of their activation. We used ultrafast magnetic resonance encephalography (MREG) fMRI to enable temporally accurate and statistically robust short‐time‐window comparisons of infra‐slow fbEEG and BOLD signals. We found that the temporal fluctuations in the fbEEG‐BOLD correlation were dependent on RSN connectivity strength, but not on the mean signal level or magnitude of RSN activation or motion during scanning. Moreover, the EEG‐fMRI correlations were strongest when the intrinsic RSN connectivity was strong and close to the pial surface. Conversely, weak fbEEG‐BOLD correlations were attributable to periods of less coherent or spatially more scattered intrinsic RSN connectivity, or RSN activation in deeper cerebral structures. The results thus show that the on‐average low correlations between infra‐slow EEG and BOLD signals are, in fact, governed by the momentary coherence and depth of the underlying RSN activation, and may reach systematically high values with appropriate source activities. These findings further consolidate the notion of slow scalp potentials being directly coupled to hemodynamic fluctuations.
Calf Circumference: A Marker of Muscle Mass as a Predictor of Hospital Readmission
Authors: Real Gustavo Gonzales , Frühauf Inara Regina , Sedrez José Henrique Koth , Dall'Aqua Eduarda Jaine Fachinello , Gonzalez Maria Cristina
Published: May 2018

Hospital readmissions (HRs) are common, potentially preventable, and a marker of poor quality in health services. This study aimed to identify risk factors for HR in clinical patients, with an emphasis on nutrition aspects, especially calf circumference (CC), as a marker of muscle mass. A prospective cohort study of patients admitted to the internal medicine ward was conducted. The short form of the Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment was performed in the first 24 hours of hospitalization. In addition, single‐frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to estimate the phase angle, CC as a surrogate of muscle mass, and handgrip strength as a marker of strength. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was used to assess the severity of the comorbidities. Reassessments were performed every 7 days during hospitalization. HR was evaluated 30 days after discharge by phone contact. A sample of 161 patients was assessed; 54.6% were male, with a mean age of 59.2 ± 17.8 years. The median CCI was 2.76 (interquartile range: 1–4), and nutrition risk and low CC were present in 77.6% and 46% of the patients, respectively. The readmission rate was 16.8% after 30 days. After controlling for sex and age, a CCI > 2 (odds ratio [OR]: 3.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21–8.97), the presence of cancer (OR: 4.52; 95% CI: 1.11–18.42), nutrition risk (OR: 9.53; 95% CI: 1.16–77.9), and a low CC (OR: 3.89; 95% CI: 1.34–11.31) were significantly associated with 30 day HR.

In conclusion, muscle mass loss, identified by CC, can be a good predictor of 30‐day HR, even after controlling for other well‐known risk factors.
Occurrence of peri‐implant diseases and risk indicators at the patient and implant levels: A multilevel cross‐sectional study
Authors: Pimentel Suzana P. , Shiota Roberto , Cirano Fabiano R. , Casarin Renato C.V. , Pecorari Vanessa G.A. , Casati Marcio Z. , Haas Alex N. , Ribeiro Fernanda V.
Published: May 2018

Background: High prevalence rates of peri‐implant diseases have been reported; however, the lack of standardization of definition criteria has lead to variations in the observed estimates. In addition, scarce data are available concerning patient and implant related factors associated to peri‐implantitis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of peri‐implant diseases and their risk indicators at the patient and implant levels.

Methods: One hundred forty‐seven patients with 490 dental implants were included. Dental implants were clinically and radiographically evaluated to determine their peri‐implant conditions. Patient‐related conditions and implant and prosthetic‐related factors were recorded. Multivariable Poisson regression was fitted and prevalence ratios (PR) were reported.

Results: 85.3% of implants (95%CI 80.2 to 90.4) had mucositis and 9.2% (95%CI 4.7 to 13.7) had peri‐implantitis. 80.9% (95%CI 73.8 to 86.8), and 19.1% (95%CI 12.6 to 25.5) of patients had mucositis and peri‐implantitis. At the patient level, it was observed an increased probability of peri‐implantitis in individuals with pocket depths ≥6 mm (PR = 2.47) and with ≥4 implants (PR = 1.96). Smoking increased the probability of peri‐implantitis by three times (PR = 3.49). The final multilevel Poisson regression model at the implant level indicated that platform switching reduced the probability of peri‐implantitis (PR = 0.18) and implants in function for ≥5 years increased this probability (PR = 2.11). The final model including patient and implant level indicators demonstrated that higher time of function (PR = 2.76) and smoking (PR = 6.59) were associated with peri‐implantitis.

Conclusion: Peri‐implant diseases are highly prevalent in the studied sample, and factors associated with the occurrence of peri‐implantitis were presence of pockets ≥6 mm, smoking, time of function, and type of platform.
Vibration enhances PGE2, IL‐6, and IL‐8 expression in compressed hPDL cells via cyclooxygenase pathway
Authors: Phusuntornsakul Pussadee , Jitpukdeebodintra Suwanna , Pavasant Prasit , Leethanakul Chidchanok
Published: May 2018

Background

Although vibration combined with orthodontic force may accelerate orthodontic tooth movement, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate the associated cellular responses. The goal of this study was to investigate whether mechanical vibration combined with compressive force regulates cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression in human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells via the COX pathway.

Methods

The primary cultured hPDL cells were exposed to mechanical vibration, compressive force or a combination of both mechanical vibration and compressive force at 24, 48, and 72 hours. The COX‐2, IL‐6, IL‐8, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐Β ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegrin (OPG) mRNA expressions were determined using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The PGE2, IL‐6, and IL‐8 protein expressions were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To demonstrate whether the expression of PGE2, IL‐6, and IL‐8 was in the COX‐dependent pathway, the hPDL cells were treated with indomethacin. To determine whether PGE2 stimulated the hPDL cells to express IL‐6 and IL‐8, exogenous PGE2 was added to the culture media.

Results

The combination of mechanical vibration and compressive force synergistically upregulated RANKL/OPG, COX‐2/PGE2, IL‐6 and IL‐8 mRNA, and protein expression. The indomethacin significantly attenuated the increases of PGE2, IL‐6, and IL‐8 expression in cells stimulated with compressive force or mechanical vibration combined with compressive force. In addition, exogenous PGE2 increased IL‐6 and IL‐8 mRNA and protein expressions in hPDL cells.

Conclusion

Mechanical vibration may enhance alveolar bone resorption at the compression side during orthodontic tooth movement via a mechanism involving the cyclooxygenase pathway.
Clinical outcomes and cost effectiveness of computer‐guided versus conventional implant‐retained hybrid prostheses: A long‐term retrospective analysis of treatment protocols
Authors: Ravidà Andrea , Barootchi Shayan , Tattan Mustafa , Saleh Muhammad H. A. , Gargallo‐Albiol Jordi , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: May 2018

Background

Computer‐guided systems were developed to facilitate implant placement at optimal positions in relation to the future prosthesis. However, the time, cost and, technique sensitivity involved with computer‐guided surgery impedes its routine practice. The aim of this study is to evaluate survival rates and complications associated with computer‐guided versus conventional implant placement in implant‐retained hybrid prostheses. Furthermore, long‐term economic efficiency of this approach was assessed.

Methods

Patients were stratified according to implant placement protocol into a test group, using computer‐guided placement, and a control group, using traditional placement. Calibrated radiographs were used to measure bone loss around implants. Furthermore, the costs of the initial treatment and prosthetic complications, if any, were standardized and analyzed.

Results

Forty‐five patients (149 implants in the test group and 111 implants in the control group) with a minimum follow‐up of 5 years, and a mean follow‐up of 9.6 years, were included in the study. While no significant difference was found between both groups in terms of biologic and technical complications, lower incidence of implant loss was observed in the test group (P < 0.001). A statistically significant difference in favor of the non‐guided implant placement group was found for the initial cost (P < 0.05) but not for the prosthetic complications and total cost (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Computer‐guided implant placement for an implant‐supported hybrid prosthesis is a valid, reliable alternative to the traditional approach for implant placement and immediate loading. Computer‐guided implant placement showed higher implant survival rates and comparable long‐term cost to non‐guided implant placement.
Efficacy of tunnel technique in the treatment of localized and multiple gingival recessions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tavelli Lorenzo , Barootchi Shayan , Nguyen Trang V.N. , Tattan Mustafa , Ravidà Andrea , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: May 2018

Background

Tunnel technique (TUN) has recently gained popularity among clinicians for its promising clinical and esthetic results in treating gingival recession (GR) defects. However, evidence regarding the efficacy of the TUN is not yet conclusive. Therefore, the aim of the present systematic review and meta‐analysis was to investigate the predictability of TUN and its comparison to the coronally advanced flap (CAF) procedure.

Methods

A literature search on PubMed, Cochrane libraries, EMBASE, and hand‐searched journals through November 2017 was conducted to identify clinical studies investigating TUN for root coverage procedures. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered for the meta‐analysis comparing TUN to CAF.

Results

A total of 20 articles were included in the systematic review and six in the meta‐analysis. The overall calculated mean root coverage (mRC) of TUN for localized and multiple GR defects was 82.75 ± 19.7% and 87.87 ± 16.45%, respectively. Superior results were found in maxillary and in Miller Class I and II GR defects. TUN outcomes may have been enhanced by split‐thickness flap preparation and microsurgical approach. TUN and CAF had comparable mRC, complete root coverage (CRC), keratinized tissue gain, and root coverage esthetic score when varying combinations of graft material were evaluated. However, CAF demonstrated superior outcomes to TUN when the same graft (connective tissue or acellular dermal matrix) was used in both techniques.

Conclusions

TUN is an effective procedure in treating localized and multiple GR defects. Limited evidence is available comparing TUN to CAF; however, CAF seemed to be associated with higher percentage of CRC than was TUN when the same grafts (connective tissue or acellular dermal matrix) were used in both techniques.
Mandibular reconstruction in elderly patients
Authors: Miyamoto Shimpei , Higashino Takuya , Sakuraba Minoru
Published: May 2018

Background and Objectives

The choice of reconstructive technique for a segmental mandibular defect in elderly patients is controversial. The aim of this study was to establish an algorithm for selecting a method of mandibular reconstruction in elderly patients.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 121 patients aged ≥65 years who underwent immediate microvascular mandibular reconstruction after oncologic resection. Patients were divided into three groups based on method of reconstruction: vascularized bone graft (n = 49), mandibular reconstruction plate and soft tissue flap (n = 22), and soft‐tissue flap (n = 50). We compared perioperative outcomes among groups and investigated factors affecting the choice of reconstructive technique.

Results

Rates of postoperative complications did not differ significantly among groups. Mandibular reconstruction plate was indicated only for anterior mandibular defects. Soft‐tissue flap was indicated for posterior mandibular defects in patients aged ≥75 years or with a poor postoperative Eichner index.

Conclusions

Mandibular reconstruction plate and soft‐tissue flap can be good alternatives to vascularized bone graft in the elderly. Our algorithm uses defect type, patient age, and postoperative Eichner index to determine reconstructive technique.
Variation of Carotid Intima Media Thickness With Body Mass Index in Healthy Adults of Black African Descent
Authors: Asaleye Adesola Abiodun , Braimoh Kolawole Thomas , Oyinloye Olalekan Ibukun , Asaleye Christianah Mopelola , Omisore Adeleye Dorcas
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Studies have shown that common carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) measured by B‐mode sonography increases with body mass index (BMI) among subjects with cardiovascular diseases in different populations. However, association of body fat and subclinical atherosclerosis in the absence of these cardiovascular diseases is understudied. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between BMI and CIMT in a healthy adult population of black African ancestry.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional prospective study in 300 consecutive apparently healthy subjects aged 18 to 70 years without history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and renal disease. Subjects' common carotid artery intima media thickness was measured with a 7.5‐MHz linear ultrasound transducer at a point 10 mm proximal to the carotid bulb. All subjects' biodata, medical history, anthropometric (weight and height from which BMI was calculated), laboratory (fasting lipid profile and blood glucose), and CIMT values were recorded on a pro forma. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21, and significant P was set at less than .05.

Results

The right, left, and average CIMT of both sides in our study subjects are 0.52 ± 0.11 mm, 0.51 ± 0.11 mm and 0.52 ± 0.11 mm respectively, with no significant difference between the right and left sides (P > .05). The right, left, and average CIMT increased with increasing age and BMI category (all P < .01) but were not significantly different between men and women (all P > .05). Age (r = .824, .825, and .827; P < .01) and BMI (r = .503, .504, .507; P < .01) had strong positive correlations with right, left, and average CIMT.

Conclusions

Increasing age and BMI category, but not sex, significantly influenced CIMT values in our apparently healthy black African population.
Scapular Upward Rotator Morphologic Characteristics in Individuals With and Without Forward Head Posture: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: Khosravi Fariba , Peolsson Anneli , Karimi Noureddin , Rahnama Leila
Published: May 2018

Objectives

There are several reports suggesting that forward head posture contributes to alterations in scapular kinematics and muscle activity, leading to the development of shoulder problems. Currently, it is unknown whether forward head posture alters the thickness of the scapular muscles. The aim of this study was to compare the thickness of the serratus anterior and upper and lower trapezius muscles at rest and during loaded isometric contractions in individuals with and without forward head posture.

Methods

Twenty individuals with forward head posture and 20 individuals with normal head posture participated in this case‐control study. Three separate ultrasound images of the serratus anterior and upper and lower trapezius muscles were captured under 2 randomized conditions: at rest and during a loaded isometric contraction.

Results

The thickness of each muscle significantly increased from rest to the loaded isometric contraction (P < .001). The only difference between the groups was that the thickness of the serratus anterior muscle at rest in the normal‐posture group was larger than that in the forward‐posture group (P = .01).

Conclusions

Forward head posture appears to be related to atrophy of the serratus anterior muscle, which may contribute to the development of shoulder problems. Further research is required to identify more about the association of forward head posture with the imbalance of shoulder girdle muscles and the impact of head posture on upper quadrant pain.
Unitary couplings, scattering suboperators and regular factorizations of bounded operator‐valued functions III
Authors: Boiko S. S. , Dubovoy V. K.
Published: May 2018

The present part of the paper develops a geometrical approach to the study of factorizations of contractive operator functions in the class . The proposed approach is based on the methods of the theory of unitary couplings elaborated in the previous sections of this article. This technique is related, first of all, to the concepts of a factorizing channel of a coupling and the factorization of the scattering suboperator of this coupling that it generates.
Parallel Replica Dynamics of Bead‐Spring Elastomers at Low Strain Rates
Authors: Subramanian Gopinath
Published: May 2018

A new application of the recently developed superbasin‐parallel replica (ParRep) method is presented. As a demonstration of this new application, mechanical properties of elastomeric networks of Lennard‐Jones polymer chains are calculated. In this application, superbasin boundaries are placed at locations in phase space corresponding to chain breakage. It is shown that placing superbasin boundaries at this natural location satisfies the prerequisites for using superbasin‐ParRep, and for the simulations conducted, leads to a near‐ideal scaling of wall clock time with the number of replicas, thereby demonstrating the potential for a drastic extension of simulation timescales for this class of systems.
Technical Note: Experimental verification of magnetic field‐induced beam deflection and Bragg peak displacement for MR‐integrated proton therapy
Authors: Schellhammer Sonja M. , Gantz Sebastian , Lühr Armin , Oborn Bradley M. , Bussmann Michael , Hoffmann Aswin L.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Given its sensitivity to anatomical variations, proton therapy is expected to benefit greatly from integration with magnetic resonance imaging for online anatomy monitoring during irradiation. Such an integration raises several challenges, as both systems mutually interact. The proton beam will experience quasi‐continuous energy loss and energy‐dependent electromagnetic deflection at the same time, giving rise to a deflected beam trajectory and an altered dose distribution with a displaced Bragg peak. So far, these effects have only been predicted using Monte Carlo and analytical models, but no clear consensus has been reached and experimental benchmark data are lacking. We measured proton beam trajectories and Bragg peak displacement in a homogeneous phantom placed inside a magnetic field and compared them to simulations.

Methods

Planar dose distributions of proton pencil beams (80–180 MeV) traversing the field of a 0.95 T NdFeB permanent magnet while depositing energy in a PMMA slab phantom were measured using EBT3 radiochromic films and simulated using the Geant4 toolkit. Deflected beam trajectories and the Bragg peak displacement were extracted from the measured planar dose distributions and compared against the simulations.

Results

The lateral beam deflection was clearly visible on the EBT3 films and ranged from 1 to 10 mm for 80 to 180 MeV, respectively. Simulated and measured beam trajectories and Bragg peak displacement agreed within 0.8 mm for all studied proton energies.

Conclusions

These results prove that the magnetic field‐induced Bragg peak displacement is both measurable and accurately predictable in a homogeneous phantom at 0.95 T, and allows Monte Carlo simulations to be used as gold standard for proton beam trajectory prediction in similar frameworks for MR‐integrated proton therapy.
Technical Note: Deep learning based MRAC using rapid ultrashort echo time imaging
Authors: Jang Hyungseok , Liu Fang , Zhao Gengyan , Bradshaw Tyler , McMillan Alan B.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

In this study, we explore the feasibility of a novel framework for MR‐based attenuation correction for PET/MR imaging based on deep learning via convolutional neural networks, which enables fully automated and robust estimation of a pseudo CT image based on ultrashort echo time (UTE), fat, and water images obtained by a rapid MR acquisition.

Methods

MR images for MRAC are acquired using dual echo ramped hybrid encoding (dRHE), where both UTE and out‐of‐phase echo images are obtained within a short single acquisition (35 s). Tissue labeling of air, soft tissue, and bone in the UTE image is accomplished via a deep learning network that was pre‐trained with T1‐weighted MR images. UTE images are used as input to the network, which was trained using labels derived from co‐registered CT images. The tissue labels estimated by deep learning are refined by a conditional random field based correction. The soft tissue labels are further separated into fat and water components using the two‐point Dixon method. The estimated bone, air, fat, and water images are then assigned appropriate Hounsfield units, resulting in a pseudo CT image for PET attenuation correction. To evaluate the proposed MRAC method, PET/MR imaging of the head was performed on eight human subjects, where Dice similarity coefficients of the estimated tissue labels and relative PET errors were evaluated through comparison to a registered CT image.

Result

Dice coefficients for air (within the head), soft tissue, and bone labels were 0.76 ± 0.03, 0.96 ± 0.006, and 0.88 ± 0.01. In PET quantitation, the proposed MRAC method produced relative PET errors less than 1% within most brain regions.

Conclusion

The proposed MRAC method utilizing deep learning with transfer learning and an efficient dRHE acquisition enables reliable PET quantitation with accurate and rapid pseudo CT generation.
Effects of Gizzard Shad Reduction on Relative Abundance, Growth, and Body Condition of Bluegills and Largemouth Bass in a Small Kansas Impoundment
Authors: Neely Ben C. , Koch Jeff D. , Lynott Sean T.
Published: May 2018

Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum are commonly manipulated as a prey species in the United States but are widely viewed as undesirable in small impoundments because of direct and indirect effects on desirable sport fishes. Montgomery State Fishing Lake in southeastern Kansas became populated with Gizzard Shad during a flood event in 2007, and subsequent monitoring efforts indicated the Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus population was negatively affected. Remedial action involving reservoir dewatering and application of rotenone (target concentration of 7.5 μg/L) was conducted during the winter of 2013–2014, and responses of Bluegills and Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides were monitored for 3 years posttreatment. Gizzard Shad were not extirpated following treatment, but their relative abundance decreased 99.8%. Relative abundance of age-0 Bluegills and Largemouth Bass immediately increased following treatment in 2014 but decreased to pretreatment levels in 2015 and 2016. Conversely, growth of age-0 Bluegills decreased in 2014, but increased to pretreatment levels in 2015 and 2016. Growth of age-0 Largemouth Bass slightly decreased following treatment. Growth between the development of the second and third annulus did not differ among years for either species. Body condition of stock-length Bluegills and stock-length Largemouth Bass was greatest in 2012 but declined in subsequent years. These results suggest that, contrary to previously published studies, the reduction of Gizzard Shad had minimal effect on Bluegill and Largemouth Bass populations in Montgomery State Fishing Lake. However, intraspecific, density-dependent functions might have masked true responses of Bluegill and Largemouth Bass growth and body condition to Gizzard Shad reduction. Managers should understand that Gizzard Shad removal or reduction can have variable effects in aquatic systems and should be cognizant of potential outcomes and how those might affect fish populations and associated fisheries.
Modified Calix[4]crowns as Molecular Receptors for Barium
Authors: Steinberg Janine , Bauer David , Reissig Falco , Köckerling Martin , Pietzsch Hans‐Jürgen , Mamat Constantin
Published: May 2018

A series of modified calix[4]crown‐6 derivatives was synthesized to chelate the heavy group 2 metal barium, which serves as a non‐radioactive surrogate for radium‐223/‐224; radionuclides with promising properties for radiopharmaceutical use. These calixcrowns were functionalized with either cyclic amide moieties or with deprotonizable groups, and the corresponding barium complexes were synthesized. Stability constants of these complexes were measured by using NMR and UV/Vis titration techniques to determine logK values of >4.1. Further extraction studies were performed to characterize the binding affinity of calixcrowns to radioactive barium‐133. Additionally, the ligands containing cyclic amides were investigated regarding their rotational barriers by using temperature‐dependent NMR measurements.
Modular photoinduced grafting onto approach by ketene chemistry
Authors: Alkan Goksu Yonca , Kumbaraci Volkan , Yagci Yusuf
Published: May 2018

A modular approach for the synthesis of graft copolymers by the combination of reversible addition–fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) polymerization and photoinduced acylation processes is described. In the two‐step approach, first the copolymers of benzodioxinone containing monomer, namely, 4‐oxo‐2,2‐diphenyl‐4H‐benzo[d][1,3]dioxin‐7‐yl methacrylate (BDMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) in different feed ratios were prepared by RAFT polymerization. In the subsequent step, dichloromethane solutions of these copolymers (PMMA‐co‐PBDMA) were irradiated at λ = 300 nm in the presence of independently prepared hydroxyl functional polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol) (MeO‐PEG‐OH) and poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL‐OH). Side‐chain esterification reaction between photochemically generated ketene groups and hydroxyl functionalities resulted in the formation graft copolymers. The intermediates and final graft copolymers were characterized by 1H NMR, UV, IR, fluorescence, and GPC measurements. The success of the process was also confirmed by a model reaction using pyrene methanol. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 274–280
Toward flexible and antibacterial piezoresistive porous devices for wound dressing and motion detectors
Authors: da Silva Fernando A. G. , de Araújo Clisman M. S. , Alcaraz‐Espinoza Jose J. , de Oliveira Helinando P.
Published: May 2018

Wearable and antibacterial porous devices are promising new multifunctional materials with a wide range of applications in wound dressing and human motion monitoring systems. The deposition of carbon nanotubes and polypyrrole coating on conventional elastomers (polyurethane) is a single‐step procedure that results in a low‐cost, highly conductive, and flexible piezoresistive material with pressure sensitivity of 0.09 kPa−1, Gauge Factor of −10.3, high stability in response to different mechanical efforts and reversible netlike microcracks formation under moderate stretching deformation. The resulting porous material provides direct detection of simple movements from human joints (knee, finger, and elbow) and intrinsic antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1063–1072
Quantitative assessment of cold atmospheric plasma anti‐cancer efficacy in triple‐negative breast cancers
Authors: Xu Xiaoyu , Dai Xiaofeng , Xiang Liangjian , Cai Dongyan , Xiao Shaoqing , Ostrikov Kostya
Published: May 2018

Cold atmospheric plasma has emerged as a novel oncotherapeutic approach that has undergone a fast growth in the past few years. However, there is no quantitative assessment of the factors influencing its anti‐tumor efficacy and the mechanism driving its activity remains mysterious. Through the use of 18 orthogonal experiments followed by linear model construction, we identified four deterministic parameters, that is, “treatment time,” “liquid surface area,” “thickness of medium,” and “number of cells,” which play deterministic roles on the anti‐tumor efficacy of plasma. We propose “Reactive Species Diffusion Model” and “Signal Transduction Model” to explain the mechanics determining the activity of plasma treated medium and its cell‐death induction efficacy. We, in addition, proposed the use of deterministic parameters in defining plasma dose in the liquid form to more objectively reflect its multi‐modality nature. Our study contributes in elucidating plasma activity and efficacy in a quantitative way, which guides other plasma related investigations and accelerates plasma clinical applications as a type of precision oncotherapy.
Trends in Search for Bright Mixed Scintillators
Authors: Sidletskiy Oleg
Published: May 2018

The paper addresses the recent progress in study of light yield behavior in scintillators based on solid solutions (mixed crystals), which are among the brightest known scintillators. Following the prior work [O. Sidletskiy et al., Phys. Status Solidi A 2014, 211, 2384], the extended phenomenological analysis of the correlations between light yield behavior and physical properties of mixed crystals (band gaps of the components, ionic radii, and atomic weights of the substitutional atoms) is carried out. The trend to light yield enhancement is notable in systems with the substitution of atoms in two non‐equivalent crystallographic sites in the lattice leading to formation of planes and columns enriched with one of the substitutional atoms. This evidences an important role of nanoscale spatial inhomogeneity (domains or clusters) in scintillation process in mixed scintillators. A roadmap of search for new bright scintillators is proposed basing on the established trends.
Benchmarking DFT methods on linear and nonlinear electric properties of spatially confined molecules
Authors: Chołuj Marta , Kozłowska Justyna , Bartkowiak Wojciech
Published: May 2018

The accurate evaluation of molecular electric properties still constitutes a challenge for density functional theory (DFT) methods. Moreover, some new issues appear, within this area of research, that require analysis. One of them concerns the electric properties of confined matter. This study aims at a quantitative evaluation of the performance of DFT framework in the description of dipole moment, polarizability, and first hyperpolarizability of the isolated and spatially confined molecules. The calculations were performed using a set of 35 exchange‐correlation functionals. The reference data were determined employing the highly accurate CCSD(T) method. To mimic the effect of spatial confinement the cylindrically symmetric harmonic oscillator potential was applied. Based on the conducted research it was found that the behavior of the considered functionals substantially differs depending on the studied electric property and molecule. Moreover, it was observed that the strength of spatial confinement strongly influences the performance of DFT methods.
Robot‐assisted total hip arthroplasty: Clinical outcomes and complication rate
Authors: Perets Itay , Walsh John P. , Close Mary R. , Mu Brian H. , Yuen Leslie C. , Domb Benjamin G.
Published: May 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to report minimum 2‐year outcomes and complications for robotic‐arm‐assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed between June 2011 and April 2014. Inclusion criteria were primary robotic‐arm‐assisted THAs treating idiopathic osteoarthritis with ≥ 2‐year follow‐up. Demographics, operating time, complications, 2‐year outcome scores and satisfaction, and subsequent surgeries were recorded.

Results

There were 181 cases eligible for inclusion, of which 162 (89.5%) had minimum 2‐year follow‐up. At the latest follow‐up, the mean visual analogue scale was 0.7, satisfaction was 9.3, Harris hip score was 91.1 and forgotten joint score was 83.1. Six (3.7%) intraoperative complications and six (3.7%) postoperative complications were reported. No leg length discrepancies (LLDs) or dislocations were reported.

Conclusions

Robotic‐arm‐assisted THA demonstrates favourable short‐term outcomes and does not result in a higher complication rate compared to non‐robotic THA as reported by the literature.
Congenital Zika syndrome: Pitfalls in the placental barrier
Authors: Robinson Nia , Mayorquin Galvan Evangelina E. , Zavala Trujillo Isidro G. , Zavala‐Cerna Maria G.
Published: May 2018

Much progress with respect to congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) pathogenesis has been achieved after the 2015 outbreak in Brazil. It is now accepted that ZIKV is vertically transmitted, infects cells of the developing central nervous system and the placenta, yet it is unclear to what extent placental affection contributes to the development of congenital ZIKV. The association between fulminant villitis and severe fetal involvement emerges as a possibility. ZIKV is unique among the Flaviviruses in its ability to be sexually transmitted, possibly responsible for its teratogenicity. Furthermore, there is controversy over the participation of antibody dependent enhancement (ADE) in patients with non‐neutralizing anti‐Flavivirus antibodies, a phenomenon previously recognized in serious DENV infections. Our aim was to analyze information regarding the contribution of the placental barrier as an actual player in neonatal ZIKV. Therefore, we underwent a systematic review with keywords “Zika virus” and “ZIKV”. Articles were screened for relevance concerning the topics of microcephaly, transplacental transmission, sexual transmission, and ADE. We identified variables that affect the severity of congenital Zika syndrome: age of gestation at maternal infection, the extent of placental disruption (villitis), sexual transmission, initial viral replication at the uterine wall, anti‐DENV antibodies, and the possibility of antibody‐mediated transcytosis of ZIKV through the placenta. These questions may not seem relevant when Zika becomes endemic, and we are no longer witness to the extreme clinical sequelae seen when the virus moves through an immunologically naïve population; however, characterizing the pathogenesis of congenital Zika syndrome will continue to further our understanding.
Photo‐Induced Polymerization and Reconfigurable Assembly of Multifunctional Ferrocene‐Tyrosine
Authors: Yang Xuejiao , Wang Yuefei , Qi Wei , Zhang Jiaxing , Zhang Liwei , Huang Renliang , Su Rongxin , He Zhimin
Published: May 2018

The photo‐induced reconfigurable assembly of nanostructures via the simultaneous noncovalent and covalent polymerization of a functional ferrocene‐tyrosine (Fc‐Y) molecule is reported. The Fc‐Y monomers can directly self‐assemble into nanospheres with a smooth surface driven by noncovalent interactions. By covalent photo‐crosslinking of the Fc‐Y monomers, the nanospheres transform spontaneously into hollow vesicles composed of hierarchically ordered lamellar structures. It is worth noting that the formed nanostructures exhibit both reducing property for in situ mineralization of gold nanoparticles with tunable biocatalytic behavior, and the redox activity for superior energy storage capacity. The measured energy storage capacity is 31 mAh g−1 for the nanospheres, which is the highest value reported so far for peptide assemblages as supercapacitor. The results offer insights into the dynamic self‐assembly of highly ordered multifunctional materials with promising applications in catalysis, sensing, energy and biomedical fields.
Metropolitan intelligent surveillance systems for urban areas by harnessing IoT and edge computing paradigms
Authors: Dautov Rustem , Distefano Salvatore , Bruneo Dario , Longo Francesco , Merlino Giovanni , Puliafito Antonio , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: May 2018

Recent technological advances led to the rapid and uncontrolled proliferation of intelligent surveillance systems (ISSs), serving to supervise urban areas. Driven by pressing public safety and security requirements, modern cities are being transformed into tangled cyber‐physical environments, consisting of numerous heterogeneous ISSs under different administrative domains with low or no capabilities for reuse and interaction. This isolated pattern renders itself unsustainable in city‐wide scenarios that typically require to aggregate, manage, and process multiple video streams continuously generated by distributed ISS sources. A coordinated approach is therefore required to enable an interoperable ISS for metropolitan areas, facilitating technological sustainability to prevent network bandwidth saturation. To meet these requirements, this paper combines several approaches and technologies, namely the Internet of Things, cloud computing, edge computing and big data, into a common framework to enable a unified approach to implementing an ISS at an urban scale, thus paving the way for the metropolitan intelligent surveillance system (MISS). The proposed solution aims to push data management and processing tasks as close to data sources as possible, thus increasing performance and security levels that are usually critical to surveillance systems. To demonstrate the feasibility and the effectiveness of this approach, the paper presents a case study based on a distributed ISS scenario in a crowded urban area, implemented on clustered edge devices that are able to off‐load tasks in a “horizontal” manner in the context of the developed MISS framework. As demonstrated by the initial experiments, the MISS prototype is able to obtain face recognition results 8 times faster compared with the traditional off‐loading pattern, where processing tasks are pushed “vertically” to the cloud.
Aging Precipitation Behavior of 316LN + Nb SS at 750 °C and Its Influences on Intergranular Corrosion Resistance
Authors: Peng Xinyuan , Zhou Xianliang , Ye Zhiguo , Dong Yinghu
Published: May 2018

The precipitation behavior of Nb‐containing 316LN stainless steel with different aging time at 750 °C are investigated by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The degree of sensitization (DOS) of aged Nb‐containing 316LN SS to intergranular corrosion (IGC) are determined by double loop electrochemical potentiodynamic reactivation (DL‐EPR) technique. The precipitation sequence and the preferred nucleation sites for secondary precipitates (Z‐phase, χ‐phase, η‐phase, σ‐phase, M23C6) are summarized. Z‐phase is the priority phase in Nb‐containing 316LN SS, and it precipitates uniformly in austenite matrix. Therefore, Z‐phase has no observable effect on IGC due to the absence of Cr‐depleted regions along grain boundaries. With Nb element addition, the precipitates of χ‐phase, η‐phase, and σ‐phase are accelerated, while M23C6 incubation time is significantly delayed relative to Nb free SS. The DOS increases considerably with increasing aging time and no self‐healing process be observed even after aging for 1000 h, which is well consistent with the increase trend of precipitates.
Loss of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Exacerbates Diabetic Retinopathy by Promoting Bone Marrow Dysfunction
Authors: Duan Yaqian , Beli Eleni , Li Calzi Sergio , Quigley Judith L. , Miller Rehae C. , Moldovan Leni , Feng Dongni , Salazar Tatiana E. , Hazra Sugata , Al-Sabah Jude , Chalam Kakarla V. , Phuong Trinh Thao Le , Meroueh Marya , Markel Troy A. , Murray Matthew C. , Vyas Ruchi J. , Boulton Michael E. , Parsons-Wingerter Patricia , Oudit Gavin Y. , Obukhov Alexander G. , Grant Maria B.
Published: May 2018

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the primary enzyme of the vasoprotective axis of the renin angiotensin system (RAS). We tested the hypothesis that loss of ACE2 would exacerbate diabetic retinopathy by promoting bone marrow dysfunction. ACE2–/y were crossed with Akita mice, a model of type 1 diabetes. When comparing the bone marrow of the ACE2–/y-Akita mice to that of Akita mice, we observed a reduction of both short-term and long-term repopulating hematopoietic stem cells, a shift of hematopoiesis toward myelopoiesis, and an impairment of lineage–c-kit+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HS/PC) migration and proliferation. Migratory and proliferative dysfunction of these cells was corrected by exposure to angiotensin-1-7 (Ang-1-7), the protective peptide generated by ACE2. Over the duration of diabetes examined, ACE2 deficiency led to progressive reduction in electrical responses assessed by electroretinography and to increases in neural infarcts observed by fundus photography. Compared with Akita mice, ACE2–/y-Akita at 9-months of diabetes showed an increased number of acellular capillaries indicative of more severe diabetic retinopathy. In diabetic and control human subjects, CD34+ cells, a key bone marrow HS/PC population, were assessed for changes in mRNA levels for MAS, the receptor for Ang-1-7. Levels were highest in CD34+ cells from diabetics without retinopathy. Higher serum Ang-1-7 levels predicted protection from development of retinopathy in diabetics. Treatment with Ang-1-7 or alamandine restored the impaired migration function of CD34+ cells from subjects with retinopathy. These data support that activation of the protective RAS within HS/PCs may represents a therapeutic strategy for prevention of diabetic retinopathy.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Adiponectin administration alleviates DSS-induced colonic inflammation in Caco-2 cells and mice
Authors: Zhao Qin , Liu Yang , Tan Lei , Yan Liyong , Zuo Xiuli
Published: May 2018

Background

Adiponectin, a protein hormone produced by adipose tissues, exhibits anti-inflammatory functions in various models. This study was investigated the effects of adiponectin on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-colonic injury, inflammation, apoptosis, and intestinal barrier dysfunction in Caco-2 cell and mice.

Materials and methods

The results showed that DSS caused inflammatory response and intestinal barrier dysfunction in vitro and in vivo. Adiponectin injection alleviated colonic injury and rectal bleeding in mice. Meanwhile, adiponectin downregulated colonic IL-1β and TNF-α expressions and regulated apoptosis relative genes to attenuate DSS-induced colonic inflammation and apoptosis. Adiponectin markedly reduced serum lipopolysaccharide concentration, a biomarker for intestinal integrity, and enhanced colonic expression of tight junctions (ZO-1 and occludin). The in vitro data further demonstrated that adiponectin alleviated DSS-induced proinflammatory cytokines production and the increased permeability in Caco-2 cells.

Conclusion

Adiponectin plays a beneficial role in DSS-induced inflammation via alleviating apoptosis and improving intestinal barrier integrity.
Lateral directional parameter estimation of a miniature unmanned aerial vehicle using maximum likelihood and Neural Gauss Newton methods
Authors: Saderla Subrahmanyam , Rajaram Dhayalan , Ghosh A. K.
Published: May 2018

The current research paper describes the lateral-directional parameter estimation from flight data of a miniature Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) using Maximum Likelihood (ML), and Neural-Gauss-Newton (NGN) methods. An unmanned configuration with a cropped delta planform and thin rectangular cross-section has been designed, fabricated and instrumented. Exhaustive full-scale wind-tunnel tests were performed on the UAV to extract the form of aerodynamic model that has to be postulated a priori for parameter estimation. Rigorous flight tests have been performed to acquire the flight data for several prescribed manoeuvres. Four sets of compatible flight data have been used to carry out parameter estimation using classical ML and neural-network-based NGN methods. It is observed that the estimated parameters are consistent and the lower values of the Cramer-Rao bound for the corresponding estimates have shown significant confidence in the obtained parameters. Furthermore, to validate the aerodynamic model used and to enhance the confidence in the estimated parameters, a proof of match exercise has been carried out.
Procedural sedation by advanced care paramedics for emergency gastrointestinal endoscopy
Authors: Wiemer Hana M. , Butler Michael B. , Froese Patrick C. , Lapierre Allan , Carriere Chris , Etsell Glen R. , Farina Dana , Jones Jennifer , Murray Jock , Campbell Samuel G.
Published: May 2018

Objectives

At the QEII Health Sciences Centre Emergency Department (ED) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, advanced care paramedics (ACPs) perform procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) for many indications, including orthopedic procedures. We have begun using ACPs as sedationists for emergent upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy. This study compares ACP-performed ED PSA for UGI endoscopy and orthopedic procedures in terms of adverse events, airway intervention, vasopressor requirement, and PSA medication use.

Methods

A data set was built from an ED PSA quality control database matching 61 UGI endoscopy PSAs to 183 orthopedic PSAs by propensity scores calculated using age, gender, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification. Outcomes assessed were hypotension (systolic BP<100 mm Hg or a 15% decrease from baseline), hypoxia (SaO2<90%), apnea (>30 sec), vomiting, arrhythmias, death, airway intervention, vasopressor requirement, and PSA medication use.

Results

UGI endoscopy patients experienced hypotension more frequently than orthopedic patients (OR=4.11, CI: 2.05-8.22) and required airway repositioning less often (OR=0.24, CI: 0.10-0.59). They received ketamine more frequently (OR=15.7, CI: 4.75-67.7) and fentanyl less often (OR=0.30, CI: 0.15-0.63) than orthopedic patients. Four endoscopy patients received phenylephrine, and one required intubation. No patient died in either group.

Conclusions

In ACP-led sedation for UGI endoscopy and orthopedic procedures, adverse events were rare with the notable exception of hypotension, which was more frequent in the endoscopy group. Only endoscopy patients required vasopressor treatment and intubation. We provide preliminary evidence that ACPs can manage ED PSA for emergent UGI endoscopy, although priorities must shift from pain control to hemodynamic optimization.