bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Controlling Polymer Microfiber Structure by Micro Solution Blow Spinning
Authors: Hofmann Eddie , Dulle Martin , Liao Xiaojian , Greiner Andreas , Förster Stephan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRecent progress in microfluidic technology allows fabricating microfluidic devices to produce liquid microjets with unprecedented control of the jet diameter and velocity. Here it is demonstrated that microfluidic devices based on the gas dynamic virtual nozzle principle can be excellently used for micro solution blow spinning to continuously fabricate microfibers with excellent control of the fiber diameter and the internal crystalline alignment that determines the mechanical properties. Fiber spinning experiments with small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering are combined to directly relate the macroscopic spinning conditions to the bulk and molecular structure of the resulting fibers. The elongational rate is shown as the relevant parameter that transduces the nozzle flow conditions to the local macromolecular structure and orientation, and thus the mechanical properties of the resulting fiber. It is observed that the spinning process results in very uniform microfibers with a well‐defined shish–kebab crystal structure, which evolves into an extended chain crystal structure upon plastic deformation. Thus, the presented microfluidic spinning methodology has great implications for a precisely controlled production of microfibers using miniaturized spinning devices.
Comparison of Phasix, polypropylene, and primary closure of the abdominal donor site after bilateral free flap breast reconstruction: Long‐term evaluation of abdominal hernia and bulge formation
Authors: Yu Deborah , Patel Anika T. , Rossi Kristie , Topham Neil S. , Chang Eric I. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundAbdominal free flap harvest for breast reconstruction may result in significant morbidity in terms of hernias and bulges. Reinforcement of the donor site with mesh has been recommended to minimize the risk of hernias and bulges, but no studies exist evaluating the optimal type of mesh. Polypropylene has traditionally been used but the development of Phasix restorable mesh may be a reasonable alternative. Here, we compared the use of Phasix to polypropylene and primary closure and hypothesize that the former has lower rates of abdominal morbidity in the long term.Patients and MethodsA retrospective review of all patients undergoing bilateral free flap breast reconstruction from the abdomen was performed while patients with pedicle flaps or alternative donor sites were excluded. Patient demographics, medical/surgical history, cancer treatments, and flap type were analyzed. All patients were monitored for a minimum of 2 years for early donor site complications as well as hernia/bulges.ResultsSixty‐six consecutive patients were included (40 patients with Phasix, 20 patients with polypropylene, and 6 patients with primary closure). Use of Phasix mesh resulted in higher initial operative costs ($2,750 vs. $72 vs. $0). Two patients with polypropylene mesh and one patient undergoing primary closure developed an abdominal bulge in an average follow‐up of 25.2 months (11.5% vs. 0%, p = .04).ConclusionsMesh placement for abdominal wall reinforcement after bilateral free flap breast reconstruction minimizes the risk of hernias and bulges. Although Phasix results in increased initial costs, abdominal morbidity is significantly decreased after follow‐up beyond 2 years.
Automatic multi‐organ segmentation in dual‐energy CT (DECT) with dedicated 3D fully convolutional DECT networks
Authors: Chen Shuqing , Zhong Xia , Hu Shiyang , Dorn Sabrina , Kachelrieß Marc , Lell Michael , Maier Andreas 
Published: December 2019

PurposeDual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) has shown great potential in many clinical applications. By incorporating the information from two different energy spectra, DECT provides higher contrast and reveals more material differences of tissues compared to conventional single‐energy CT (SECT). Recent research shows that automatic multi‐organ segmentation of DECT data can improve DECT clinical applications. However, most segmentation methods are designed for SECT, while DECT has been significantly less pronounced in research. Therefore, a novel approach is required that is able to take full advantage of the extra information provided by DECT.MethodsIn the scope of this work, we proposed four three‐dimensional (3D) fully convolutional neural network algorithms for the automatic segmentation of DECT data. We incorporated the extra energy information differently and embedded the fusion of information in each of the network architectures.ResultsQuantitative evaluation using 45 thorax/abdomen DECT datasets acquired with a clinical dual‐source CT system was investigated. The segmentation of six thoracic and abdominal organs (left and right lungs, liver, spleen, and left and right kidneys) were evaluated using a fivefold cross‐validation strategy. In all of the tests, we achieved the best average Dice coefficients of 98% for the right lung, 98% for the left lung, 96% for the liver, 92% for the spleen, 95% for the right kidney, 93% for the left kidney, respectively. The network architectures exploit dual‐energy spectra and outperform deep learning for SECT.ConclusionsThe results of the cross‐validation show that our methods are feasible and promising. Successful tests on special clinical cases reveal that our methods have high adaptability in the practical application.
Equity in genetic newborn screening
Authors: El Hajj Hussein , Bish Douglas R. , Bish Ebru K. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractState‐level newborn screening allows for early treatment of genetic disorders, which can substantially improve health outcomes for newborns. As the cost of genetic testing decreases, it is becoming an essential part of newborn screening. A genetic disorder can be caused by many mutation variants; therefore, an important decision is to determine which variants to search for (ie, thepaneldesign), under a testing budget. The frequency of variants that cause a disorder and the incidence of the disorder vary by racial/ethnic group. Consequently, it is important to consider equity issues in panel design, so as to reduce disparities among different groups. We study the panel design problem using cystic fibrosis (CF) as a model disorder, considering the trade‐offs between equity and accuracy, under a limited budget. Most states use a genetic test in their CF screening protocol, but panel designs vary, and, due to cost, no state's panel includes all CF‐causing variants. We develop models that design equitable genetic testing panels, and compare them with panels that maximize sensitivity in the general population. Our case study, based on realistic CF data, highlights the value of equitable panels and provides important insight for newborn screening practices.
Reviewing the palaeopathological evidence for bovine tuberculosis in the associated bone groups at Wetwang Slack, East Yorkshire
Authors: Wooding Jeanette E. , King Sarah S. , Taylor G. Michael , Knüsel Christopher J. , Bond Julie M. , Dent John Strickland 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe excavation by T. C. M Brewster and J. S. Dent between 1964 and 1989 of the multiperiod site at Wetwang Slack, East Yorkshire, has gained international importance for its square barrow cemetery and multiple Arras‐style Iron Age cart/chariot burials. A lesser known fact is that the excavations also produced the largest Iron Age faunal assemblage identified outside of southern Britain, in addition to several late Iron Age/early Romano‐British articulated animal bone groups (ABGs). The presence of pathological human and articulated faunal remains provides the unique opportunity to review the macroscopic evidence for zoonotic diseases, specifically bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in an Iron Age community where close working relationships with animals, the use of animal by‐products, and the consumption of infected dairy products all form potential avenues of infection. This paper presents the palaeopathological evidence for possible infectious disease in the ABGs at Wetwang Slack with a focus on bTB. Several cases of suspected tuberculosis are described in the human remains, with one example of gastrointestinal infection that could potentially indicate a case of bTB. Ancient DNA (aDNA) samples were taken from five ABGs testing for both Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and Brucella pathogen DNA. The results were negative, but DNA degradation was highlighted as a contributing factor. This paper highlights the importance of considering the evidence for zoonotic diseases at sites where human and faunal assemblages are recovered and especially where articulated animal skeletons are present. The paper also emphasizes that future aDNA studies of diseased faunal remains should focus on smaller amplicons or whole genome sequencing to amplify pathogen DNA.
Association of body mass index and osteoarthritis with healthcare expenditures and utilization
Authors: Johnston Stephen S. , Ammann Eric , Scamuffa Robin , Samuels Jonathan , Stokes Andrew , Fegelman Elliott , Hsiao Chia‐Wen 
Published: December 2019

SummaryObjectiveOsteoarthritis is highly prevalent and, on aggregate, is one of the largest contributors to US spending on hospital‐based health care. This study sought to examine body mass index (BMI)–related variation in the association of osteoarthritis with healthcare utilization and expenditures.MethodsThis is a retrospective study using administrative insurance claims linked to electronic health records. Study patients were aged ≥ 18 years with ≥1 BMI measurement recorded in 2014, with the first (index) BMI ≥ 25 kg m−2. Study outcomes and covariates were measured during a 1‐year evaluation period spanning 6 months before and after index. Multivariable regression analyses examined the association of BMI with osteoarthritis prevalence, and the combined associations of osteoarthritis and BMI with osteoarthritis‐related medication utilization, all‐cause hospitalization, and healthcare expenditures.ResultsA total of 256 459 patients (median age = 56 y) met study eligibility criteria; 14.8% (38 050) had osteoarthritis. In multivariable analyses, the adjusted prevalence of osteoarthritis increased with increasing BMI (12.7% in patients who were overweight [25.0‐29.9 kg m−2] to 21.9% in patients with class III obesity [BMI ≥ 40 kg m−2], P < .001). Among patients with osteoarthritis, increasing BMI (from overweight to class III obesity) was associated with increased (all P < .01): utilization rates for analgesic medications (41.5‐53.5%); rates of all‐cause hospitalization (26.3%‐32.0%); and total healthcare expenditures ($18 204‐$23 372).ConclusionThe prevalence and economic burden of osteoarthritis grow with increasing BMI; primary prevention of weight‐related osteoarthritis and secondary weight management may help to alleviate this burden.
Exponentially weighted moving average chart with a likelihood ratio test for monitoring autocorrelated processes
Authors: Wang Fu‐Kwun , Cheng Xiao‐Bin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this article, an exponential weighted moving average chart based on a likelihood ratio test is developed to monitor the mean and variance shifts simultaneously for autocorrelated processes. A simple method is used to transform the positively autocorrelated data to the negatively autocorrelated data. The average run length of the proposed chart is derived from a simulation approach. The performance of our proposed chart is compared with some existing charts. The results show that the proposed chart provides better performance for detecting a wide range of shifts in the process mean and variance simultaneously. Additionally, the economic performance of different charts under the first‐order autoregressive model is provided. A real example of a stepper motor in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning module is used to demonstrate the application of the proposed method.
Exploring the Limitations of Quantum Networking through Butterfly‐Based Networks
Authors: Wilkinson Kieran N. , Cope Thomas P. W. , Pirandola Stefano 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe classical and quantum networking regimes of the butterfly network and a group of larger networks constructed with butterfly network blocks are investigated. By considering simultaneous multicasts from a set of senders to a set of receivers, the corresponding rates for transmitting classical and quantum information through the networks are analyzed. More precisely, achievable rates (i.e., lower bounds) for classical communication are compared with upper bounds for quantum communication, quantifying the performance gap between the rates for networks connected by identity, depolarizing, and erasure channels. For each network considered, a range is observed over which the classical rate non‐trivially exceeds the quantum capacity. It is found that, by adding butterfly blocks in parallel, the difference between transmitted bits and qubits can be increased up to one extra bit per receiver in the case of perfect transmission (identity channels). The aim is to provide a quantitative analysis of those network configurations which are particularly disadvantageous for quantum networking, when compared to classical communication. By clarifying the performance of these “negative cases,” some guidance on how quantum networks should be built is also provided.
Large‐Area Integrated Triboelectric Sensor Array for Wireless Static and Dynamic Pressure Detection and Mapping
Authors: Wang Hai Lu , Kuang Shuang Yang , Li Hua Yang , Wang Zhong Lin , Zhu Guang 
Published: December 2019

AbstractLarge‐area flexible pressure sensors are of paramount importance for various future applications, such as electronic skin, human–machine interfacing, and health‐monitoring devices. Here, a self‐powered and large‐area integrated triboelectric sensor array (ITSA) based on coupling a triboelectric sensor array and an array chip of CD4066 through a traditional connection is reported. Enabled by a simple and cost‐effective fabrication process, the size of the ITSA can be scaled up to 38 × 38 cm2. In addition, unlike previously proposed triboelectric sensors arrays, which can only react to the dynamic interaction, this ITSA is able to detect static and dynamic pressure. Moreover, through integrating the ITSA with a signal processing circuit, a complete wireless sensing system is present. Diverse applications of the system are demonstrated in detail, including detecting pressure, identifying position, tracking trajectory, and recognizing the profile of external contact objects. Thus, the ITSA in this work opens a new route in the direction of large‐area, self‐powered, and wireless triboelectric sensing systems.
The effect of increased maternal body habitus on image quality and ability to identify fetal anomalies at a routine 18‐20‐week morphology ultrasound scan: a narrative review
Authors: Hennig Christina L. , Childs Jessie , Aziz Aamer , Quinton Ann 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe number of obese pregnant women is increasing. Increased maternal body habitus is related to greater maternal health risks and an increased risk of fetal anomalies. The 18‐20‐week morphology scan is a routine clinical tool to detect fetal viability, anomalies, gestational age and number. Suboptimal ultrasound visualisation (SUV) affecting image quality increases with larger body habitus. This results in longer scanning times, incomplete and repeat scans, misdiagnosis, sonographer injuries and patient disappointment. This review aims to establish the effect increased maternal body habitus has on ultrasound image quality, specifically, the relationship between maternal body habitus and the 18‐20‐week morphology scan and detection of fetal anomalies. Inability to assess fetal structures due to SUV creates great challenges for the health system, imaging departments and patients. Studies have used different variables to measure the effect SUV has on the detection of fetal anomalies in obese women such as prenatal/neonatal comparisons, scan completion rates, the number of repeated scans and subjective judgements about diagnostic image quality. Some studies also included other influences such as fetal lie or placental position. Most studies concluded that a linear relationship exists between increased body habitus and decreased detection of fetal anomalies due to SUV particularly cardiac structures.
Development of the brainstem respiratory circuit
Authors: van der Heijden Meike E. , Zoghbi Huda Y. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe respiratory circuit is comprised of over a dozen functionally and anatomically segregated brainstem nuclei that work together to control respiratory rhythms. These respiratory rhythms emerge prenatally but only acquire vital importance at birth, which is the first time the respiratory circuit faces the sole responsibility for O2/CO2 homeostasis. Hence, the respiratory circuit has little room for trial‐and‐error‐dependent fine tuning and relies on a detailed genetic blueprint for development. This blueprint is provided by transcription factors that have specific spatiotemporal expression patterns along the rostral‐caudal or dorsal‐ventral axis of the developing brainstem, in proliferating precursor cells and postmitotic neurons. Studying these transcription factors in mice has provided key insights into the functional segregation of respiratory control and the vital importance of specific respiratory nuclei. Many studies converge on just two respiratory nuclei that each have rhythmogenic properties during the prenatal period: the preBötzinger complex (preBötC) and retrotrapezoid nucleus/parafacial nucleus (RTN/pF). Here, we discuss the transcriptional regulation that guides the development of these nuclei. We also summarize evidence showing that normal preBötC development is necessary for neonatal survival, and that neither the preBötC nor the RTN/pF alone is sufficient to sustain normal postnatal respiratory rhythms. Last, we highlight several studies that use intersectional genetics to assess the necessity of transcription factors only in subregions of their expression domain. These studies independently demonstrate that lack of RTN/pF neurons weakens the respiratory circuit, yet these neurons are not necessary for neonatal survival because developmentally related populations can compensate for abnormal RTN/pF function at birth.This article is categorized under:
Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development
Subleading power factorization with radiative functions
Authors: Moult Ian , Stewart Iain W. , Vita Gherardo 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The study of amplitudes and cross sections in the soft and collinear limits allows for an understanding of their all orders behavior, and the identification of universal structures. At leading power soft emissions are eikonal, and described by Wilson lines. Beyond leading power the eikonal approximation breaks down, soft fermions must be added, and soft radiation resolves the nature of the energetic partons from which they were emitted. For both subleading power soft gluon and quark emissions, we use the soft collinear effective theory (SCET) to derive an all orders gauge invariant bare factorization, at both amplitude and cross section level. This yields universal multilocal matrix elements, which we refer to as radiative functions. These appear from subleading power Lagrangians inserted along the lightcone which dress the leading power Wilson lines. The use of SCET enables us to determine the complete set of radiative functions that appear to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(λ2) in the power expansion, to all orders in αs. For the particular case of event shape observables in e+e−→ dijets we derive how the radiative functions contribute to the factorized cross section to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(λ2).
The non-antibiotic macrolide EM900 attenuates HDM and poly(I:C)-induced airway inflammation with inhibition of macrophages in a mouse model
Authors: Sadamatsu Hironori , Takahashi Koichiro , Tashiro Hiroki , Kato Go , Noguchi Yoshihiko , Kurata Keigo , Ōmura Satoshi , Kimura Shinya , Sunazuka Toshiaki , Sueoka-Aragane Naoko 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveMacrolides have been reported to reduce the exacerbation of severe asthma. The aim of this study was to clarify the effects and mechanisms of EM900, a non-antibiotic macrolide, on allergic airway inflammation.MethodsMice were sensitized and challenged by house dust mite (HDM), then exposed to polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) as a model of asthma complicated with viral infection. Mice were administered with EM900. Airway inflammation was assessed from inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and cytokines in lung tissues. Lung interstitial macrophages were counted by flow cytometry. Cytokine production, phosphorylation of NF-κB, and p38 in macrophages were examined by ELISA and western blotting.ResultsCounts of cells in BALF and concentrations of IL-13, IL-5, RANTES, IL-17A, and MIP-2 were significantly decreased by EM900 compared to those without EM900. Percentages of lung interstitial macrophages were significantly decreased with EM900. Concentrations of IL-6, RANTES, and MIP-2 induced by HDM and poly(I:C) were significantly suppressed by EM900 through the suppression of NF-κB and p38 phosphorylation in macrophages.ConclusionsHDM and poly(I:C)-induced airway inflammation is attenuated by EM900 with the inhibition of lung interstitial macrophages. Clinical use of EM900 is expected, because EM900 has inhibitory effects against airway inflammation without inducing bacterial drug resistance.
Analytical and preparative separation of phosphorothioated oligonucleotides: columns and ion-pair reagents
Authors: Enmark Martin , Bagge Joakim , Samuelsson Jörgen , Thunberg Linda , Örnskov Eivor , Leek Hanna , Limé Fredrik , Fornstedt Torgny 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOligonucleotide drugs represent an emerging area in the pharmaceutical industry. Solid-phase synthesis generates many structurally closely related impurities, making efficient separation systems for purification and analysis a key challenge during pharmaceutical drug development. To increase the fundamental understanding of the important preparative separation step, mass-overloaded injections of a fully phosphorothioated 16mer, i.e., deoxythymidine oligonucleotide, were performed on a C18 and a phenyl column. The narrowest elution profiles were obtained using the phenyl column, and the 16mer could be collected with high purity and yield on both columns. The most likely contribution to the successful purification was the quantifiable displacement of the early-eluting shortmers on both columns. In addition, the phenyl column displayed better separation of later-eluting impurities, such as the 17mer impurity. The mass-overloaded injections resulted in classical Langmuirian elution profiles on all columns, provided the concentration of the ion-pairing reagent in the eluent was sufficiently high. Two additional column chemistries, C4 and C8, were also investigated in terms of their selectivity and elution profile characteristics for the separation of 5–20mers fully phosphorothioated deoxythymidine oligonucleotides. When using triethylamine as ion-pairing reagent to separate phosphorothioated oligonucleotides, we observed peak broadening caused by the partial separation of diastereomers, predominantly seen on the C4 and C18 columns. When using the ion-pair reagent tributylamine, to suppress diastereomer separation, the greatest selectivity was found using the phenyl column followed by C18. The present results will be useful when designing and optimizing efficient preparative separations of synthetic oligonucleotides.