bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological and histological structure of the male reproductive system of the water strider Gerris lacustris (Linnaeus 1758) (Gerridae, Heteroptera)
Authors: Candan Selami , Özyurt Koçakoğlu Nurcan , Suludere Zekiye
Published: April 2018

This work presents the male reproductive system morphology and histology of the water strider Gerris lacustris (Linnaeus 1758) (Gerridae, Heteroptera) using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The male reproductive system of G. lacustris comprise of a pair of testes, two vasa deferentia, two seminal vesicles, an ejaculatory duct. There is no bulbus ejaculatorius and the long vas deferantia uniting to form a simple ductus ejaculatorius which is connected to the aedeagus. The testes are white colored and this cylindiric‐shaped structure lies along genital abdominal segment. The testicular follicles have three different development zones (growth zone, maturation zone, differentiation zone). Each testis has two follicles, which are not lined by a common peritoneal sheath and involving many cysts arranged in a progressive order of maturation from the distal to the proximal region; spermiogenesis occurs in mature males, finishing with the organization of sperm bundles. The testes are connected to the seminal vesicles, specialized sperm storage places, by the vas deferentia.
Effect of a filled adhesive as the desensitizer on bond strength of “Self‐Adhesive Cements To” differently severity of fluorosed dentin
Authors: Tan Yujie , Gu Mengqin , Li Wangyang , Guo Ling
Published: April 2018

The objectives were to evaluate the efficacy of a filled adhesive named Prime & Bond NT (P&B NT) as the dentin desensitizer in occluding fluorosis dentinal tubules and compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of RelyX U200 self‐adhesive resin cement (RXU) and RelyX Luting self‐adhesive resin‐modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) before and after P&B NT pretreatment. 176 non‐carious fluorosis were classified into four subgroups by the Thylstrup and Fejerskov index (TFI): normal group (TFI = 0), mild group (TFI = 1–3), moderate group (TFI = 4–5), severe group (TFI = 6–9). 160 composite cylinders (4 × 5 mm) were fabricated, then every severity of fluorosed dentin was subjected to four treatments: P&B NT + RXU (n = 40), RXU (n = 40), P&B NT + RMGIC (n = 40), RMGIC (n = 40). The specimens were immersed in water at 37°C for 24 hr first and half of them underwent 5,000 thermocycling before shear bond strength test. A factorial design (factorial 4 × 2 × 2 × 2) was developed to make statistical analysis. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis (n = 16) in cross section and longitudinal section view characterized the occlusion situation of dentinal tubules. P&B NT might occlude dentinal tubules as the dentin desensitizer for normal teeth and mild‐moderate fluorosis. P&B NT significantly increased the SBS of RXU (p < .05) but had no statistical significance on the SBS of RMGIC (p > .05). RXU could benefit from P&B NT desensitization to achieve a better quality of adhesion.
Changes in French weather pattern seasonal frequencies projected by a CMIP5 ensemble
Authors: Brigode P. , Gérardin M. , Bernardara P. , Gailhard J. , Ribstein P.
Published: April 2018

Over the last decades, general circulation model (GCM) simulations have been regularly evaluated in terms of their ability to reproduce the historical frequency of significantly recurrent weather patterns (WP) observed at the regional scale. Thus, a good simulation of the frequency of these particular WP by the GCM is generally conditioning the good representation of the regional statistics of surface variables such as temperature and precipitation. In this paper, the seasonal frequency of eight particular WP have been calculated using the daily geopotential height fields simulated by an ensemble of 26 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) GCM. These WP are known as significantly influencing the French regional hydro‐climatology in terms of both frequency of low‐flows and high‐precipitation events. Four different bias correction methods have been applied on the simulated geopotential height fields before the calculation of the seasonal WP frequencies. The GCM ensemble showed overall good performances in terms of the simulation of WP seasonal frequencies. The application of a spatially and temporally non‐homogenous correction of simulated geopotential height fields improved significantly the simulation of WP frequencies for the four seasons. Finally, the evolution of the WP frequencies over the next century has been quantified. Three WP (WP2, WP4 and WP8) have pronounced seasonal changes, with WP2 and WP4 being less frequent in summer and autumn seasons, respectively, while WP8 being more frequent over spring, summer and autumn seasons. The strong simulated frequency evolution of WP2 and WP8 is an interesting result, which predicts the climate to be drier with time for France. Thus, WP2 (western oceanic circulation), grouping rainy days over the northern France region, is simulated as less frequent in future summers, while WP8 (anticyclonic situations), which groups non‐rainy days over France, is simulated as more frequent in future summers.
Effects of natural blends of garlic and eucalypt essential oils on biogas production of four fibrous feeds at short‐term of incubation in the ruminal anaerobic biosystem
Authors: Elghandour Mona MY , Salem Mohamed ZM , Greiner Ralf , Salem Abdelfattah ZM
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

The present study explored the effect of garlic and/or eucalypt oils on biogas production during in vitro ruminal fermentation of four agro industry byproducts. For this, 0–180 mg oil L–1 incubation medium was added and gas volumes were recorded from 2 to 48 h of incubation. Dry matter substrate degradability and neutral as well as acid detergent fibre were determined after 72 h.

RESULTS

Gas production and nutrient degradability was oil type dependent. The oils enhanced (P < 0.05) biogas and asymptotic biogas production for corn stalks and oat straw, although no effect was observed on asymptotic biogas production for sorghum straw and sugarcane bagasse. Addition of both oils decreased (P < 0.05) fermentation pH for corn stalks, sorghum straw and oat straw and also increased (P < 0.05) dry matter degradability for all four byproducts. Neutral detergent fibre degradability for all byproducts was higher (P < 0.05) with garlic oil. Eucalypt oil, however, decreased (P < 0.05) neutral detergent fibre degradability for sugarcane bagasse and corn stalks, although only weak effects were observed for sorghum and oat straws.

CONCLUSION

With respect to ruminal biogas production, the addition of garlic oil showed better environmental effects than the addition of eucalypt oil and increasing oil concentrations resulted in enhanced fermentation characteristics. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of phthalates in beverages using multiwalled carbon nanotubes dispersive solid‐phase extraction before HPLC–MS
Authors: González‐Sálamo Javier , Hernández‐Borges Javier , Afonso María del Mar , Rodríguez‐Delgado Miguel Ángel
Published: April 2018

A microdispersive solid‐phase extraction method has been developed using multiwalled carbon nanotubes of 110–170 nm diameter and 5–9 μm length for the extraction of a group of nine phthalic acid esters (i.e., bis(2‐methoxyethyl) phthalate, bis‐2‐ethoxyethyl phthalate, dipropyl phthalate, butylbenzyl phthalate, bis‐2‐n‐butoxyethyl phthalate, bis‐isopentyl phthalate, bis‐n‐pentyl phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, and di‐n‐octyl phthalate) from tap water as well as from different beverages commercialized in plastic bottles (mineral water, lemon‐ and apple‐flavored mineral water, and an isotonic drink). Determination was carried out by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The extraction procedure was optimized following a step‐by‐step approach, being the optimum extraction conditions: 50 mL of each sample at pH 6.0, 80 mg of sorbent, and 25 mL of acetonitrile as elution solvent. To validate the methodology, matrix‐matched calibration and a recovery study were developed, obtaining determination coefficients >0.9906 and absolute recovery values between 70 and 117% (with relative standard deviations < 17%) in all cases. The limits of quantification of the method were between 0.173 and 1.45 μg/L. After the evaluation of the matrix effects, real samples were also analyzed, finding butylbenzyl phthalate in all samples (except in apple‐flavored mineral water), though at concentrations below its limit of quantification of the method.
Preparative enantioseparation of loxoprofen precursor by recycling countercurrent chromatography with hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin as a chiral selector
Authors: Zhang Hui , Qiu Xujun , Lv Liqiong , Sun Wenyu , Wang Chaoyue , Yan Jizhong , Tong Shengqiang
Published: April 2018

Recycling countercurrent chromatography was successfully applied to the resolution of 2‐(4‐bromomethylphenyl)propionic acid, a key synthetic intermediate for synthesis of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug loxoprofen, using hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin as chiral selector. The two‐phase solvent system composed of n‐hexane/n‐butyl acetate/0.1 mol/L citrate buffer solution with pH 2.4 (8:2:10, v/v/v) was selected. Influence factors for the enantioseparation were optimized, including type of substituted β‐cyclodextrin, concentration of hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, separation temperature, and pH of aqueous phase. Under optimized separation conditions, 50 mg of 2‐(4‐bromomethylphenyl)propionic acid was enantioseparated using preparative recycling countercurrent chromatography. Technical details for recycling elution mode were discussed. The purities of both the S and R enantiomers were over 99.0% as determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The enantiomeric excess of the S and R enantiomers reached 98.0%. The recovery of the enantiomers from eluted fractions was 40.8–65.6%, yielding 16.4 mg of the S enantiomer and 10.2 mg of the R enantiomer. At the same time, we attempted to enantioseparate the anti‐inflammatory drug loxoprofen by countercurrent chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography using a chiral mobile phase additive. However, no successful enantioseparation was achieved so far.
A Simple and Easy Technique for Imaging the Fetal Esophagus in the First, Second, and Third Trimesters Using the Transverse Section of the Esophagus in the Area Behind the Heart as a Reference Point
Authors: Venkatesh Priti
Published: April 2018

Objective

To describe and evaluate a simple technique of imaging the fetal esophagus, using the echogenic transverse section of the esophagus in the area behind the heart as a reference point, in all the 3 trimesters of pregnancy.

Method

This was a prospective cross‐sectional study of ultrasound imaging of the esophagus in 2 groups of patients: the first group comprised women at 18 to 30 weeks' gestation (208 fetuses); the second group comprised women at 11 to 14 weeks' gestation (102 fetuses). Using a 3‐ to 5‐MHz curvilinear transducer, the transverse section of the collapsed esophagus was imaged in the area behind the heart. The probe was rotated 90 degrees to identify the longitudinal section of the esophagus which was then traced along its entire length.

Result

This study shows that the collapsed, echogenic, transverse section of the esophagus was persistently seen in the area behind the heart, in more than 99% of fetuses in both the groups. It was a useful starting point to image the longitudinal section of the esophagus in both the groups, particularly in the 18 ‐ 30 week group. Using this technique, the entire length of the esophagus could be traced in 92.3% of 18 ‐ 30 week fetuses and 88.23% of the 11 ‐ 14 week fetuses.

Conclusion

A collapsed transverse section of the esophagus was persistently and easily seen as a bright echogenic structure in the area behind the heart in more than 99% of fetuses in all 3 trimesters (in both the groups) and, therefore, was an ideal starting point to begin tracing the esophagus in its longitudinal axis.
Ground Beef High in Total Fat and Saturated Fatty Acids Decreases X Receptor Signaling Targets in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Men and Women
Authors: Choi Seong H. , Gharahmany Ghazal , Walzem Rosemary L. , Meade Thomas H. , Smith Stephen B.
Published: April 2018

We hypothesized that consumption of saturated fatty acids in the form of high‐fat ground beef for 5 weeks would depress liver X receptor signaling targets in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and that changes in gene expression would be associated with the corresponding changes in lipoprotein cholesterol (C) concentrations. Older men (n = 5, age 68.0 ± 4.6 years) and postmenopausal women (n = 7, age 60.9 ± 3.1 years) were assigned randomly to consume ground‐beef containing 18% total fat (18F) or 25% total fat (25F), five patties per week for 5 weeks with an intervening 4‐week washout period. The 25F and 18F ground‐beef increased (p < 0.05) the intake of saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, palmitic acid, and stearic acid, but the 25F ground‐beef increased only the intake of oleic acid (p < 0.05). The ground‐beefs 18F and 25F increased the plasma concentration of palmitic acid (p < 0.05) and decreased the plasma concentrations of arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenic acids (p < 0.05). The interventions of 18F and 25F ground‐beef decreased very low‐density lipoprotein C concentrations and increased particle diameters and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐I‐C and LDL‐II‐C concentrations (p < 0.05). The ground‐beef 25F decreased PBMC mRNA levels for the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding cassette A, ATP binding cassette G1, sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1, and LDL receptor (LDLR) (p < 0.05). The ground‐beef 18F increased mRNA levels for stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 (p < 0.05). We conclude that the increased LDL particle size and LDL‐I‐C and LDL‐II‐C concentrations following the 25F ground‐beef intervention may have been caused by decreased hepatic LDLR gene expression.
Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact of Donor‐Specific Alloantibodies After Adult Liver Transplantation
Authors: Vandevoorde Katia , Ducreux Stéphanie , Bosch Alexie , Guillaud Olivier , Hervieu Valérie , Chambon‐Augoyard Christine , Poinsot Domitille , André Patrice , Scoazec Jean‐Yves , Robinson Philip , Boillot Olivier , Dubois Valérie , Dumortier Jérôme
Published: April 2018

The incidence and impact of anti–human leukocyte antigen donor‐specific alloantibodies (DSAs) developing after liver transplantation (LT) remains controversial and not extensively studied. The aim of the present study was to assess the incidence of DSAs, to identify risk factors for the development of DSAs, and to understand the impact of DSAs in a large population of adult LT recipients. This single‐center retrospective study included all adult patients who underwent a first LT between 2000 and 2010 in our center. The study population mainly consisted of male patients, the mean age was 52.4 years, and the main indication was alcoholic cirrhosis (54.1%). From the 297 patients included in the cross‐sectional study, 14 (4.7%) had preformed DSAs, and 59 (19.9%) presented de novo DSAs (12.2% at 1 year, 13.4% at 5 years, and 19.5% at 10 years). Multivariate analysis found that female donor sex (hazard ratio [HR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12‐2.01; P = 0.01) and delay between LT and DSA screening (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.20; P = 0.03) were associated with occurrence of de novo DSAs. From the 190 patients included in the subgroup longitudinal analysis, exposure to tacrolimus (mean trough level during the periods 0‐2 years and 0‐3 years) was significantly lower for patients having DSAs at 5 years. Concerning histology, only acute rejection (P = 0.04) and portal fibrosis ≥2 (P = 0.02) were more frequent at 1 year for patients with DSAs. Patient survival and graft survival were not significantly different according to the presence or not of DSAs at 1 year. Among the 44 patients who had de novo or persistent preformed DSAs, the diagnosis of antibody‐mediated rejection was made in 4 (9.1%) patients after 1, 47, 61, and 74 months following LT. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that DSAs are observed in a minority of LT adult patients, with limited overall impact on graft and patient outcome.
Hemostatic and Absorbent PolyHIPE–Kaolin Composites for 3D Printable Wound Dressing Materials
Authors: Streifel Benjamin C. , Lundin Jeffrey G. , Sanders Allix M. , Gold Karli A. , Wilems Thomas S. , Williams Sierra J. , Cosgriff‐Hernandez Elizabeth , Wynne James H.
Published: April 2018

A novel hemostatic and absorbent wound dressing material compatible with 3D printing is developed to address deficiencies in current wound dressing protocol. The design involves an open celled, microporous hydrogel foam via a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) template with biocompatible components and tunable hemostatic character by kaolin loading, the viscosity and cure kinetics of which are tailored for 3D printing applications. The use of nontoxic mineral oil organic phase results in cytocompatability with human dermal fibroblasts. Kaolin distribution is shown by X‐ray diffraction and elemental dispersive spectroscopy to be exfoliated and dispersed in the hydrogel dressing. In addition to demonstrating high fluid absorption and noncytotoxicity of relevant cell lines, the high internal phase emulsion polymers (polyHIPEs) also match the hemostatic performance of commercial wound dressing materials. Furthermore, the polyHIPEs display the requisite rheological properties for 3D printing that result in the fabrication of a prototype dressing with hierarchical porosity and a large number of controllable form factors.
Base Catalyzed Thiol–Ene Click Chemistry toward Inner CHCF Bonds for Controlled Functionalization of Poly(vinylidene fluoride)
Authors: Tan Shaobo , Li Dan , Zhang Yanan , Niu Zhijing , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: April 2018

A facile and controlled base catalyzed thiol–ene click chemistry toward electron‐deficient CHCF double bonds in poly(vinylidene fluoride) PVDF (P(VDF‐DB)) is reported in present contribution for the first time. The addition reaction is carefully conducted under varied conditions including at the elevated temperature, in the different solvents, and with the altered catalysts and thiols. The addition reaction is well confirmed to follow the base catalyzed route and exhibits close dependence onto the reaction conditions. Besides the addition reaction, the other two side reactions catalyzed by alkylamines, including the further main chain degradation of P(VDF‐DB) substrates together with the nucleophilic substitution of thiols to CHCF units, can be completely avoided by choosing a catalyst with a proper pKa value. With respect to the universality and well controlled feature of the reaction, the low cost and readily prepared P(VDF‐DB) substrate and the mild reaction conditions, this strategy may offer a robust tool for attaching various functional groups into PVDF side chain.
On the finite axiomatizability of
Authors: Pollett Chris
Published: April 2018

The question of whether the bounded arithmetic theoriesandare equal is closely connected to the complexity question of whetheris equal to. In this paper, we examine the still open question of whether the prenex version of,, is equal to. We give new dependent choice‐based axiomatizations of the‐consequences ofand. Our dependent choice axiomatizations give new normal forms for the‐consequences ofand. We use these axiomatizations to give an alternative proof of the finite axiomatizability ofand to show new results such asis finitely axiomatized and that there is a finitely axiomatized theory,, containingand contained in. On the other hand, we show that our theory forsplits into a natural infinite hierarchy of theories. We give a diagonalization result that stems from our attempts to separate the hierarchy for.
Normal forms, linearity, and prime algebraicity over nonflat domains
Authors: Karádais Basil A.
Published: April 2018

Using representations of nonflat Scott domains to model type systems, it is natural to wish that they be “linear”, in which case the complexity of the fundamental test for entailment of information drops from exponential to linear, the corresponding mathematical theory becomes much simpler, and moreover has ties to models of computation arising in the study of sequentiality, concurrency, and linear logic. Earlier attempts to develop a fully nonflat semantics based on linear domain representations for a rich enough type system allowing inductive types, were designed in a way that felt rather artificial, as it featured certain awkward and counter‐intuitive properties; eventually, the focus turned on general, nonlinear representations. Here we try to turn this situation around, by showing that we can work linearly in a systematic way within the nonlinear model, and that we may even restrict to a fully linear model whose objects are in a bijective correspondence with the ones of the nonlinear and are easily seen to form a prime algebraic domain. To obtain our results we study mappings of finite approximations of objects that can be used to turn approximations into normal and linear forms.
Two new equivalents of Lindelöf metric spaces
Authors: Keremedis Kyriakos
Published: April 2018

In the realm of Lindelöf metric spaces the following results are obtained in : (i) If is a Lindelöf metric space then it is both densely Lindelöf and almost Lindelöf. In addition, under the countable axiom of choice , the three notions coincide. (ii) The statement “every separable metric space is almost Lindelöf” implies that every infinite subset of has a countably infinite subset). (iii) The statement “every almost Lindelöf metric space is quasi totally bounded implies . (iv) The proposition “every quasi totally bounded metric space is separable” lies, in the deductive hierarchy of choice principles, strictly between the countable union theorem and . Likewise, the statement “every pre‐Lindelöf (or Lindelöf) metric space is separable” lies strictly between and .
On the classification of contact metric ‐spaces via tangent hyperquadric bundles
Authors: Loiudice Eugenia , Lotta Antonio
Published: April 2018

We classify locally the contact metric ‐spaces whose Boeckx invariant is as tangent hyperquadric bundles of Lorentzian space forms.
Wellposedness of abstract differential equations with state‐dependent delay
Authors: Hernández Eduardo , Azevedo Katia A. G. , Rolnik Vanessa
Published: April 2018

We study the existence and uniqueness of solutions, and the wellposedness of a general class of second order abstract differential equations with state‐dependent delay. Some examples related to partial differential equations with state‐dependent delay are presented.
Possible Post‐Traumatic Focal Dystonia Associated with Tau Pathology Localized to Putamen‐Globus Pallidus
Authors: Iacono Diego , Lee Patricia , Hallett Mark , Perl Daniel
Published: April 2018

Background

Dystonia is often associated with damage to basal ganglia (BG), but neuropathological assessments of these cases are infrequent.

Methods

A brain was assessed with possible post‐traumatic focal dystonia that appeared after an accident occurred during childhood.

Results

Tau pathology was found within putamen and globus pallidus of the right hemisphere, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) was observed in the cortex of the left hemisphere. No diffuse axonal injury (DAI), β‐amyloid, ubiquitin, p62, or pTDP43 pathology was found.

Conclusions

Post‐traumatic dystonia could be associated with post‐traumatic tau pathology formation. However, more cases are necessary to establish causality. The tau lesions found in the BG of this patient did not fit within CTE criteria. We hypothesize that due to the anatomo‐histological characteristics of the BG, tau pathology associated with brain traumas produce histopathological patterns different from sulcal‐tau pathology, which is the only tau pathology distribution currently accepted as pathognomonic of CTE.
Posterior tibial perforators relationship with superficial nerves and veins: A cadaver study
Authors: Bulla Antonio , Bolletta Alberto , Fiorot Luca , Maffei Matteo , Bandiera Pasquale , Casoli Vincent , Montella Andrea , Campus Gian Vittorio
Published: April 2018

Background

Most authors have evaluated the location of lower leg arterial perforators, but little is still known about the relationship between the arterial network and great saphenous vein (GSV) and saphenous nerve (SN). The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the arterial network of the posterior tibial artery perforators, the cutaneous nerves, and the superficial venous system in the lower one third of the leg.

Methods

Eighteen lower limbs from cadavers were used for this study. The arterial and venous compartment were selectively injected with a mixture of barium sulfate and epoxy. The specimen were CT scanned and the superficial veins, nerves, and the arterial perforators were dissected.

Results

A large perforator of the posterior tibial artery was found at a mean distance of 6.23 cm ± 0.88, with a 95% CI: 5.79–6.67, from the medial malleolus. The average diameter was 0.9 mm ± 0.17, with a 95% CI: 0.81–0.99. In 67% the connection of the venae comitantes to the superficial venous system was established with the GSV, in the other cases, with Leonardo's vein. Both dissection and imaging studies showed perineural interperforator connections along the branches of SN in all the specimens examined.

Conclusions

The distribution pattern of posterior tibial artery perforators followed the superficial nerves in this region. There is an interperforator anastomotic network along the SN. The various patterns of the venous drainage system, in relationship to the distribution of the branches of posterior tibial artery perforators, have been clarified.
Morphological Study of Nascent Growth of α‐Olefin Polymers on Spatially Unconstrained Silica Surfaces
Authors: Tran Dennis , Choi Kyu Yong
Published: April 2018

The experimental study of polymer growth on spatially unconstrained flat silica surfaces is presented for propylene and ethylene polymerization in liquid and gas phases with high activity metallocene catalyst (rac‐Et(Indenyl)2ZrCl2/ methylaluminoxane at 30–70 °C and 30–50 psig. The study shows a surprisingly rich spectrum of nascent morphologies for each polymer synthesized in two different reaction phases. In propylene polymerization in a liquid phase, polypropylene nanofibrils are first formed at the catalyst sites and quickly develop into microglobular morphology, whereas in ethylene polymerization in a liquid phase, polyethylene nanofibrils formed at the catalyst sites grow to a ribbon‐like morphology. In gas phase polymerization where polymerization rate is much lower due to low monomer concentration, both polymers grow to compact aggregates of globules. Unlike in liquid phase polymerization, no ribbon‐like structure is formed in ethylene polymerization. The sequential polymerization of these olefin monomers has also been carried out and the experimental data show two distinct regions of corresponding polymers as observed in separate ethylene and propylene homopolymerization experiments.
GRAPPA reconstructed wave‐CAIPI MP‐RAGE at 7 Tesla
Authors: Schwarz Jolanda M. , Pracht Eberhard D. , Brenner Daniel , Reuter Martin , Stöcker Tony
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The aim of this project was to develop a GRAPPA‐based reconstruction for wave‐CAIPI data. Wave‐CAIPI fully exploits the 3D coil sensitivity variations by combining corkscrew k‐space trajectories with CAIPIRINHA sampling. It reduces artifacts and limits reconstruction induced spatially varying noise enhancement. The GRAPPA‐based wave‐CAIPI method is robust and does not depend on the accuracy of coil sensitivity estimations.

Methods

We developed a GRAPPA‐based, noniterative wave‐CAIPI reconstruction algorithm utilizing multiple GRAPPA kernels. For data acquisition, we implemented a fast 3D magnetization‐prepared rapid gradient‐echo wave‐CAIPI sequence tailored for ultra‐high field application. The imaging results were evaluated by comparing the g‐factor and the root mean square error to Cartesian CAIPIRINHA acquisitions. Additionally, to assess the performance of subcortical segmentations (calculated by FreeSurfer), the data were analyzed across five subjects.

Results

Sixteen‐fold accelerated whole brain magnetization‐prepared rapid gradient‐echo data (1 mm isotropic resolution) were acquired in 40 seconds at 7T. A clear improvement in image quality compared to Cartesian CAIPIRINHA sampling was observed. For the chosen imaging protocol, the results of 16‐fold accelerated wave‐CAIPI acquisitions were comparable to results of 12‐fold accelerated Cartesian CAIPIRINHA. In comparison to the originally proposed SENSitivity Encoding reconstruction of Wave‐CAIPI data, the GRAPPA approach provided similar image quality.

Conclusion

High‐quality, wave‐CAIPI magnetization‐prepared rapid gradient‐echo images can be reconstructed by means of a GRAPPA‐based reconstruction algorithm. Even for high acceleration factors, the noniterative reconstruction is robust and does not require coil sensitivity estimations. By altering the aliasing pattern, ultra‐fast whole‐brain structural imaging becomes feasible.
Carpal tunnel release: Lifetime prevalence, annual incidence, and risk factors
Authors: Pourmemari Mohammad‐Hossein , Heliövaara Markku , Viikari‐Juntura Eira , Shiri Rahman
Published: April 2018

Introduction: We estimated the lifetime prevalence and incidence of carpal tunnel release (CTR) and identified risk factors for CTR. Methods: The study population consisted of individuals aged ≥30 years living in Finland during 2000–2001 (N = 6,256) and was linked to the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register from 2000 to 2011. Results: Lifetime prevalence of CTR was 3.1%, and incidence rate was 1.73 per 1,000 person‐years. Female sex (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–2.8), age of 40–49 years (HR = 2.5, CI 1.7–3.8 compared with other age groups), education (HR = 0.6, CI 0.4–0.9 for high level vs. low/medium level), obesity (HR = 1.7, CI 1.2–2.5 for body mass index ≥30 vs. < 30 kg/m2), and hand osteoarthritis (HR = 2.4, CI 1.4–3.9) were associated with incidence of CTR. Discussion: CTR is a common surgical procedure, performed on 1.9% of men and 4.1% of women during their lifetimes. Obesity and hand osteoarthritis are associated with an increased risk of CTR. Muscle Nerve 58: 497–502, 2018
Can the idealized voider derived flow indexes be a measure of voiding efficiency and how accurate are they?
Authors: Franco Israel , Franco Jacob A. , Nussenblatt Brandon
Published: April 2018

Objective

Our hypothesis was to confirm whether an idealized voider flow equation (IVFE) that we created is more accurate than trying to rely on estimated flow rates in the same patient in two consecutive voids. We also looked to confirm whether flow index (FI) can be a proxy for voiding efficiency and to identify which FI was best; those based off our own IVFE equations or those derived from the commonly used power equations.

Study Design

We used data from a previous study and calculated flow rates using our IVFE and the power equations. Descriptive statistics and non‐parametric tests were performed along with error analysis using Bland Altman (BA) and accuracy analysis (AA).

Results

Bland Altman (BA) analysis revealed that flows obtained from normal voiders voiding between 100 and 200 cc as well as from 50 cc to 115% of EBC are comparable and tend to be reproducible in subsequent voids. FI derived from the IVFE exhibit less bias than Qmax making it a better way to compare these voids. A comparison of Qmax and flow index for different combinations of volumes and PVR's was done utilizing BA and accuracy measures both indicating that FI was more reproducible.

Conclusion

The data support both of our hypothesis that flow index is a good measure of voiding efficiency. We have also shown that IVFE is a better and more accurate measure of calculating a flow index than the power equations regardless of the volume and PVR scenarios that are presented.
An energy momentum consistent integration scheme using a polyconvexity‐based framework for nonlinear thermo‐elastodynamics
Authors: Franke M. , Janz A. , Schiebl M. , Betsch P.
Published: April 2018

The present contribution provides a new approach to the design of energy momentum consistent integration schemes in the field of nonlinear thermo‐elastodynamics. The method is inspired by the structure of polyconvex energy density functions and benefits from a tensor cross product that greatly simplifies the algebra. Furthermore, a temperature‐based weak form is used, which facilitates the design of a structure‐preserving time‐stepping scheme for coupled thermoelastic problems. This approach is motivated by the general equation for nonequilibrium reversible‐irreversible coupling (GENERIC) framework for open systems. In contrast to complex projection‐based discrete derivatives, a new form of an algorithmic stress formula is proposed. The spatial discretization relies on finite element interpolations for the displacements and the temperature. The superior performance of the proposed formulation is shown within representative quasi‐static and fully transient numerical examples.
Scaling up PLA requires strong policies, planning backend processes
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: April 2018

SAN DIEGO — Prior learning assessment might be one of the education modes of the future, but can it be scaled up in an effective way? At the annual conference of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, Bitsy Cohn, director of credit for prior learning for the Colorado Community College System; Lisa Duddy, academic director for the New Jersey Health Professions Consortium, Bergen County; Anne Kamps, dean of learning solutions at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College; and Heather McKay, director of the Education and Employment Research Center at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, shared ways they used grant money to implement and scale prior learning assessment initiatives.
The pattern of human bone dissolution—A histological study ofIronAge warriors from aDanish wetland site
Authors: Tjelldén A.K.E. , Kristiansen S.M. , Birkedal H. , Jans M.M.E.
Published: April 2018

Bioerosion of archaeological bone is well documented histologically. However, although several studies have examined the physicochemical properties of dissolved archaeological bone, few studies have focused on the specific histological pattern of dissolution, orgeneralised destruction. Hence, the primary aim of this study is to characterise the histomorphological pattern and chronology of in situ dissolution of bone caused by precipitation and oxidation of pyrite and other exogenous minerals.

We studied cortical bone from 24 human tibiae of one single event of mass deposition 2,000 years ago. Bones from 3 groups with contrasting degrees of macroscopic preservation were included: (a) bones excavated at shallow depth (approximately 60‐ to 70‐cm subsurface); (b) bones excavated in 2012–2013 (1‐ to 2‐m subsurface); and (c) bones excavated in 1954–1959 from the same level as (b). Bones are at present found even in the plough layer (i.e., <30 cm below surface) in this organic soil, meaning that parts of the find are extremely endangered or already lost to decomposition. Bone histology and identification of precipitations were performed by transmitted and reflected light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Quantitative analysis of inclusions and infiltrations of Fe (iron) and Mn (manganese) compounds from the environment was determined by inductively coupled plasma excitation with optical emission spectrometry. Field measurement results of present‐day in situ soil and water quality are discussed in relation to the bone preservation.

A postdeposition uptake of Fe and Mn has occurred in the bone structure, and a direct link between areas of generalised destruction and precipitation/oxidation of pyrite is suggested. Moreover, a distinction is made between physical and chemical generalised destruction (microfragmentation vs. mineral dissolution) of the bone matrix; however, both processes seem to be initiated in the periphery of the osteons between the resting line and a “secondary” resting line within the osteon. Also, the process seems to start at the canaliculi adjacent to the osteocytic lacunae. Understanding this initial deterioration region may provide knowledge on best ancient DNA sampling area.
A Guide to Industrial Metrologists
Authors: Lavoie Jérôme‐Alexandre
Published: April 2018

Traditional metrology consumes a considerable amount of time and effort. Because traditional equipment is not located on the production floor, workers must move components to the measuring room to carry out inspections.
Research & Technology: Optik & Photonik 2/2018
Authors: Reischer Franz
Published: April 2018

The use of diffractive optical elements (DOE) leads to new applications in all optical fields. The accurate measurement of the micro structures is an important part of production. Mahr offers manufacturers of these optics convenient and highly accurate solutions for the measurement and characterization of DOEs.
Anisotropic polypropylene cellular polymers filled with nanoclays: Microstructure and properties
Authors: Lopez‐Gil A. , Benanti M. , Lopez‐Gonzalez E. , Ruiz‐Herrero J.L. , Oliveira‐Salmazo L. , Briatico‐Vangosa F. , Rodriguez‐Perez M.A.
Published: April 2018

This work deals with the production and characterization of low‐density rigid foams with anisotropic cellular structures based on polypropylene filled with nanoclays, which present a high potential to be employed for structural applications. The use of nanoclays and different external pressures during foaming allowed to modify several structural parameters such as anisotropy ratio, cell size, and open cell content which had a huge impact on their mechanical behavior. Moreover, nanoparticles catalyzed the thermal decomposition reaction of the blowing agent, which involved the formation of bimodal cellular structures. The mechanical anisotropy of these foams was characterized by measuring the compressive modulus in three different directions. The results indicate that mechanical properties can be significantly improved due to the introduction of nanoclays and to the structural modifications induced by their presence, especially when it comes to the anisotropy ratio parameter. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E526–E539, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fabrication of nanocellulose loaded poly(AA‐co‐HEMA) hydrogels for ceftriaxone controlled delivery and crystal violet adsorption
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Soleyman , Hosseinzadeh Hossein , Pashaei Shahryar
Published: April 2018

Superabsorbent polymer nanocomposites (SAPCs) are very promising and versatile materials for biomedical applications. In this research work, we focused on a novel nanocellulose‐based SAPC, poly(acrylic acid‐co‐2‐hyderoxy ethyl methacrylate)‐grafted cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) composite, P(AA‐co‐HEMA)‐g‐CNC as a potential drug delivery vehicle and a dye adsorbent. Ceftriaxone and crystal violet were selected as a model drug and dye, respectively. P(AA‐co‐HEMA)‐g‐CNC was synthesized by graft copolymerization reaction and the product was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. A proposed mechanism for SAPC formation was suggested and the morphology of the sample was studied by SEM spectroscopy. The swelling of SAPCs was examined in buffer solutions with pH ranged 4‐12. The product exhibited a pH‐responsiveness character so that a swelling‐deswelling pulsatile behavior was recorded at pHs 2 and 8. Drug loading efficiency and drug release profiles of the P(AA‐co‐HEMA)‐g‐CNC as well as the dye adsorption behavior were studied in detail. Maximum drug encapsulation efficiency and dye adsorption capacity were found to be 89% and 231 mg g−1, respectively. Conclusively, the obtained results indicated that the synthesized SAPCs could be successfully used as promising drug delivery systems and dye adsorbent materials in wastewater treatment. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E559–E569, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Types II and III congenital pulmonary airway malformation with hydrops treated in utero with percutaneous sclerotherapy
Authors: Chon Andrew H. , Korst Lisa M. , Abdel‐Sattar Mira , Llanes Arlyn , Ouzounian Joseph G. , Chmait Ramen H.
Published: April 2018

Objective

To present outcomes of fetuses with congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) treated with sclerotherapy.

Methods

Retrospective study of 8 patients with a prenatal diagnosis of CPAM type II or III with secondary hydrops treated with percutaneous sclerotherapy using 5% ethanolamine oleate (EO). All patients underwent ultrasonic measurement of the CPAM volume ratio. Results are expressed as median (range).

Results

Gestational age at initial sclerotherapy was 22.0 weeks (19.6‐31.4); 3 patients underwent 2 procedures. Intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) occurred in 4 cases; 2 died on postoperative day #1 (one from inadvertent intravascular EO injection); 2 died >6 weeks after the procedure. Preoperative CPAM volume ratio was 3.6 (1.6‐7.8) in survivors and 2.7 (1.7‐4.7) in those with IUFD. The volume of EO at the initial sclerotherapy procedure was 3 mL (2‐5) in survivors and 7 mL (6‐10) in IUFD cases. The gestational age at delivery of the 4 survivors was 38.4 weeks (37.4‐39.3); all underwent postnatal resection.

Conclusion

The efficacy of percutaneous sclerotherapy for CPAM types II and III remains in question. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dose of sclerotherapy agent and the safety and efficacy of this procedure.
The legal frameworks that govern fetal surgery in the United Kingdom, European Union, and the United States
Authors: Cao Kevin X. , Booth Alice , Ourselin Sebastien , David Anna L. , Ashcroft Richard
Published: April 2018

The specialty of fetal surgery or fetal intervention is one of the most exciting emerging fields of modern medicine. It is made possible by decades of major developments in antenatal imaging, obstetric anaesthesia, fetal medicine, paediatric surgery, and of course by the bold and novel practitioners willing to take new steps to advance the field. Beginning in the 1970s, it has now reached a stage of maturity where there are several established in utero procedures and countless clinical trials and studies to develop more. But what is the legal situation that fetal surgeons find themselves in? What are the rights and legal protections for the fetus and the mother, both of which are arguably the patient? This article will address this question, discussing and summarising the current legal frameworks governing fetal surgery in the jurisdictions of the United Kingdom, European Court of Human Rights, and the United States of America as well as discuss what the future may hold and how researchers and physicians in the specialty can best navigate the legal environment.
The controversy about nonclassical ions: Finished too early?
Authors: Schneider Hans‐Jörg
Published: April 2018

The debate on nonclassical ions centered almost exclusively on the behavior of 2‐norbornyl esters. The hallmark of a nonclassical charge distribution in solvolysis reactions was always seen in the seemingly exceptional fast reaction of the 2‐exo‐derivatives, with slow rates of the endo‐esters. While the nonclassical bridged structure of the free norbornyl ion has been unequivocally established, possible steric contributions to the rate differences in solution remained a matter of debate. Many formerly used solvents were less suited to exhibit uniform reaction mechanisms; the most appropriate solvent hexafluorisopropanol was introduced rather late. Solvolysis rates of many cyclic esters including medium rings can be predicted by force field calculated strain energy differences ΔSIsp3/sp2 between sp3 and sp2 states. Large deviations from the correlation are observed for 2‐tosyloxy norbornane‐ and for 17‐tosyloxy steroids; they indicate that both nonclassical charge delocalization and steric hindrance play a major role for the reactivity differences. These reach an unprecedented rate constant ratio of >30.000 between, eg, the 17‐steroid epimers, much larger than the ratio of 1.550 in 2‐norbornyl reactions. The presence of alkyl groups or hydrogen antiperiplanar to the leaving group can lead to extreme reactivities by 1,2‐shifts or Wagner‐Meerwein rearrangement if asymmetric bridged transition states can occur which approach the stability of tertiary cations. The long controversy about nonclassical ions illustrates how progress in science can deviate significantly from the ideal pathways lined out by Karl Popper.
Synthesis and healing properties of poly(arylene ether sulfone)‐poly(alkyl disulfide) multiblock copolymers
Authors: Kawaguchi Yuya , Matsumoto Kazuya , Jikei Mitsutoshi
Published: April 2018

A multiblock copolymer consisting of hard (poly(arylene ether sulfone)) and soft (poly(alkyl disulfide)) segments was successfully synthesized by oxidative coupling of the corresponding thiol‐terminated oligomers. Its structure was confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The GPC data (Mw = 82,000, Mw/Mn = 2.7) and inherent viscosity (0.67 dL g−1) indicated the formation of a high‐molecular‐weight multiblock copolymer, while AFM and DSC indicated a microphase‐separated morphology. Tensile testing of the multiblock copolymer films showed a large elongation at break, which is characteristic of microphase‐separated hard/soft multiblock copolymers. Over 90% of the elongation at break of damaged samples (notched or cut) was recovered by UV irradiation. The elongation recovery was proportional to the UV irradiation energy, and the high recovery was achieved by relatively weak irradiation (<170 J cm−2). The high content of disulfide bonds in the multiblock copolymer resulted in a lower self‐healing energy. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1358–1365
Combined Mini‐Cylex & Disk Acceleration Tests in Type K Copper
Authors: Maines Warren R. , Kittell David E. , Hobbs Michael L.
Published: April 2018

We combined the miniature cylinder expansion test (Mini‐Cylex), with the Disk Acceleration Test (DAX) using Type K copper, Picatinny Liquid Explosive, and photonic Doppler velocimetry. We estimated the CJ state using plate reverberation methods at the test cap. We extracted velocities at 2, 7, and 10 volume expansions to fit Jones‐Wilkins‐Lee Equation of State and estimated Gurney velocity at the tube wall. The test also provides an additional method to estimate reaction products Hugoniot through knowledge of the copper test cap. Our experiments and simulations are within expected uncertainty. The test and the analysis effectively reduce costs while keeping or increasing fidelity.