bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altering Silk Film Surface Properties through Lotus‐Like Mechanisms
Authors: Lintz Eileen S. , Neinhuis Christoph , Scheibel Thomas 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe nonwetting and self‐cleaning properties of the lotus depend on microscale and nanoscale roughness provided in part by a covering of epicuticular waxes that crystalize on the surface of its leaves. Wax deposition is driven by the evaporation of water, which carries waxes to the surface as it moves through the epidermis and cuticle. If the wax layer is damaged, repair occurs through the same mechanism. The experiments described herein have exploited this principle to establish a completely biologically derived system based on silk and lotus epicuticular wax, showing that it is possible to coat silk surfaces with waxes and thereby change their wetting characteristics and tensile properties. The robustness of the material is also documented by crystal regrowth after damage to the wax layer through abrasion (scratching and rubbing), resistance to water‐jetting, and UV exposure. To further characterize this system, the diffusion of natural and synthetic waxes through two types of silk films, Bombyx mori fibroin and engineered spider silk are studied, showing that the extent of wax diffusion through silk membranes depends upon wax type and protein structure, which remains unchanged through the process. Making use of the simple passive phenomenon of advection, these studies represent a method of low‐energy fabrication of completely biological, lotus‐inspired membranes with tunable surfaces.
Nonmotor symptoms evolution during 24 months of bilateral subthalamic stimulation in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Dafsari Haidar S. , Silverdale Monty , Strack Marian , Rizos Alexandra , Ashkan Keyoumars , Mahlstedt Picabo , Sachse Lena , Steffen Julia , Dembek Till A. , Visser‐Vandewalle Veerle , Evans Julian , Antonini Angelo , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Ray‐Chaudhuri K. , Timmermann Lars ,   on behalf of EUROPAR and the IPMDS Non Motor PD Study Group
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground: The objective of this study was to investigate 24‐month of effects of bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) on nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD).Methods: In this prospective, observational, multicenter, international study including 67 PD patients undergoing bilateral STN‐DBS, we examined the Non‐motor Symptom Scale, Non‐Motor Symptoms Questionnaire, Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire‐8, Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease‐motor examination, ‐activities of daily living, and ‐complications, and levodopa‐equivalent daily dose preoperatively and at 5 and 24‐month of follow‐up. After checking distribution normality, longitudinal outcome changes were investigated with Friedman tests or repeated‐measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons using multiple tests. Post hoc, Wilcoxon signed rank t tests were computed to compare visits. The strength of clinical responses was analyzed using effect size. Explorative Spearman correlations of change scores from baseline to 24‐month follow‐up were calculated for all outcomes.Results: The Non‐motor Symptom Scale and all other outcome parameters significantly improved from baseline to the 5‐month follow‐up. From 5 to 24‐month, partial decrements in these gains were found. Nonetheless, comparing baseline with 24‐month follow‐up, significant improvements were observed for the Non‐motor Symptom Scale (small effect), Scales for Outcomes in PD‐motor examination showed a moderate effect, and Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease‐complications and levodopa‐equivalent daily dose showed large effects. Non‐motor Symptom Scale change scores from baseline to 24‐month follow‐up correlated significantly with Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire‐8, Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease‐activities of daily living, and ‐motor complications change scores.Conclusions: This study provides evidence of beneficial effects of bilateral STN‐DBS on nonmotor symptoms at 24‐month follow‐up. The extent of nonmotor symptom improvement was directly proportionate to improvements in quality of life, activities of daily living, and motor complications. This study underlines the importance of nonmotor symptoms for holistic assessments of DBS outcomes. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Computer Simulations Reveal a Novel Blocking Mode of the hERG Ion Channel by the Antiarrhythmic Agent Clofilium
Authors: Șterbuleac Daniel , Maniu Călin Lucian 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe binding modes of many hERG ion channel blockers are well understood, but a notable exception is clofilium, a potent antiarrhythmic agent whose action relies on blocking the current mediated by hERG. From the previously hypothesized binding modes of clofilium to hERG, only two can explain most of the experimental results. In this study, computer simulations are performed in order to analyze the hypothesized binding modes and to identify the consensus one. This is accomplished by employing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and interaction energy calculations. The results show an unexpected binding mode, in which the quaternary nitrogen is placed in the upper part of the inner cavity, interacting strongly with Ser624, while the chlorophenyl group is located in the lower part, in better agreement with previous experimental results. This novel binding position also explains the higher affinity of clofilium for the related hEag1 channel and was correlated with the possibility that potent hERG blockers interact in specific ways with the residues near the intracellular activation gate, offering a new explanation that could help predict the potency of other hERG‐blocking compounds.
Myasthenia gravis with muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase antibodies: A narrative review
Authors: Morren John , Li Yuebing 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTGrowing evidence provides new insights about myasthenia gravis (MG) with antibodies against muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK‐MG), including its pathogenesis, clinical and electrophysiological manifestations, and treatment. Data now support the presence of both presynaptic and postsynaptic dysfunction in MuSK‐MG. This is 1 of many key differences between MuSK‐MG and acetylcholine receptor antibody‐MG (AChR‐MG), especially as it pertains to potential therapeutic implications. In comparison to AChR‐MG, MuSK‐MG is generally more refractory to treatment. However, because MuSK‐MG is better understood and more readily recognized today, there are more reports of a relatively benign course. The most effective immunotherapies for MuSK‐MG are corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, and rituximab. With appropriate therapy, most patients with MuSK‐MG achieve minimal manifestation status or better on the postintervention status outlined by the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. A minority of patients remain refractory to treatment, and optimal management for this group remains a considerable challenge. Muscle Nerve 58: 344–358, 2018
Psychometric analysis of the pediatric quality of life inventory 3.0 neuromuscular module administered to patients with duchenne muscular dystrophy: A rasch analysis
Authors: Landfeldt Erik , Mayhew Anna , Straub Volker , Lochmüller Hanns , Bushby Katharine , Lindgren Peter 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Our objective in this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the English (UK and USA) version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 3.0 Neuromuscular Module (PedsQL NMM) administered to patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).Methods: Patients with DMD from the UK and the US completed the PedsQL NMM online. The psychometric properties of the instrument were examined using Rasch analysis.Results: A total of 278 patients completed the PedsQL NMM. Model misfit was identified for 6 of 25 items (item fit residual: mean 0.162, standard deviation [SD] 2.333), 22 of 25 items displayed disordered thresholds, and item dependency was high. The mean person fit residual was estimated at −0.183 (SD 1.475). The Person Separation Index and Cronbach's α were estimated at 0.904 and 0.915, respectively.Discussion: The English version of the PedsQL NMM may not be a valid measure of health‐related quality of life in patients with DMD.Muscle Nerve58: 367–373, 2018
A real‐world experience with augmentation enterocystoplasty—High patient satisfaction with high complication rates
Authors: Wu Shu‐Yu , Kuo Hann‐Chorng 
Published: February 2018

AimsTo investigate the real treatment outcomes after augmentation enterocystoplasty (AE) of patients with refractory neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.MethodsRetrospective follow‐up in a single center. The videourodynamic data, renal function, incontinence grade, voiding pattern and management, clinical outcome, and complications were evaluated.ResultsSeventy‐nine patients (62 men and 17 women) were included. The mean age at operation was 39.4 ± 11.6 years and the mean follow‐up period was 128.4 ± 85.2 months. At follow‐up, 5 (6.7%) patients had spontaneous voiding, 60 (80%) had to perform clean intermittent catheterization, and 10 (13.3%) chose to keep the indwelling catheter. The catheter‐dependent rate was 93.3% and complete catheter‐dependent rate was 76%. Renal function of the patients did not appear to be significantly different after AE. Three patients developed end‐stage renal disease. The incontinence grade showed significant improvement (P = 0.000). Among all the patients, 41.8% experienced recurrent urinary tract infections requiring medical treatment and 21.5% suffered from chronic diarrhea. Overall, 45.6% of the patients experienced complications requiring surgical interventions, most of which were stones. Life‐threatening complications like bowel obstruction and bladder cancer were also noted. Three patients even expired within one year postoperatively. The majority (86.8%) of patients reported moderate to excellent satisfaction with the outcome of AE.ConclusionsAE is a procedure with long‐term durability and high rates of patient satisfaction. However, several bothersome complications affecting life quality may occur. Both patients and doctors thus need to consider possible outcomes carefully before the operation.
Pelvimetry in nulliparous and primiparous women using 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Hampel Franziska , Hallscheidt Peter , Sohn Christof , Schlehe Bettina , Brocker Kerstin A. 
Published: February 2018

AimsTo perform pelvimetry in nulliparous and primiparous women using 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (3T MRI).MethodsTwenty‐five nulliparous volunteers and 25 primiparous women underwent pelvic 3T MRI within one week after vaginal childbirth in a prospective clinical single‐center trial. The pelvimetric parameters interspinous distance (ISD), intertuberous distance (ITD), sagittal outlet (SO), obstetric conjugate (OC), and coccygeal curved length (CCL) were adapted from anthropometric measurements as well as from sonographic and computed tomography‐based pelvimetry performed on high‐resolution T2‐weighted images. We compared the results of the two study groups to one another, recent literature and postpartum‐diagnosed levator ani muscle (LAM) injuries.ResultsThe mean values for primipara/nullipara were ISD 107 ± 8.3/105 ± 8.4 mm, ITD 119.8 ± 10.2/118.4 ± 13.1 mm, OC 129.4 ± 10/130.8 ± 6.9 mm, SO 114.3 ± 7.8/112.5 ± 8.9 mm, and CCL 37.3 ± 7.4/39 ± 8 mm. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between the results for OC, SO, and CCL (primipara) and ISD, ITD and OC (nullipara) and the values in the literature. No significant difference in pelvimetric values was found between the groups. A significant correlation was found between the pelvimetric parameters and five types of LAM injuries.ConclusionsTwo‐dimensional 3T MRI combines high‐resolution images with objective pelvimetric measurements applicable in a postpartum setting. Our results provide a good foundation for further MRI‐based studies evaluating the bony pelvis and its relation to LAM injuries during vaginal childbirth.
Multiphoton Tomography for in Vivo Skin Age Determination
Authors: Schindele Andreas , Breunig Hans Georg , König Karsten 
Published: February 2018

AbstractNothing represents our age better than our most outer layer: the skin. But the age of the skin may differ from the person's chronological age due to a complex interplay of external and internal factors. A non‐invasive method to determine the skin age on a microscopic level in vivo is clinical multiphoton tomography which allows for direct non‐invasive imaging of biological tissue with subcellular resolution. By directly detecting signals from the major structural proteins of the skin, elastin and collagen, a skin‐age parameter, the so‐called SAAID, can be derived. This elastin‐collagen‐based skin age is exclusively provided by multiphoton tomography. The parameter allows assessing the dermatological skin status and evaluating the effects of cosmetic products like anti‐ageing creams or physical procedures such as laser treatments on a microscopic scale in vivo. Furthermore, the skin‐age parameter provides information on the influence of UV exposure and other skin‐damaging processes and helps NASA and ESA to understand skin‐ageing effects and wound healing related problems due to extended stays in space.
Special Education Financing and ADHD Medications: A Bitter Pill to Swallow
Authors: Morrill Melinda Sandler 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAccurate diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children is difficult because the major symptoms, inattentiveness and hyperactivity, can be exhibited by any child. This study finds evidence of systematic differences in diagnosis and treatment of ADHD due to third party financial incentives. In some states, due to the financing mechanism for special education, schools face a financial incentive to facilitate the identification of children with ADHD. Using variation in special education funding policies across states, we find that children living in states with financial incentives are about 15 percent more likely to report having ADHD and are about 22 percent more likely to be taking medication for ADHD. We provide support that these findings are causal by leveraging variation from two states that implemented policy changes during the time period studied.
Self‐assembly morphology evolution of the polyamide 6 (PA6) component in the PA6/polyethylene glycol system by in situ polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactam monomer
Authors: Liu Yan , Fu Xubing , Duan Jianping , Yang Guisheng 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper describes the morphology evolution of polyamide 6 (PA6) components in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) by self‐assembly via in situ anionic ring‐opening polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactam (CL) monomer and expands the study of morphology changes of PA6 in the PA6/PEG system. With a fixed mass ratio of [CL]/[PEG], it was found that by simply changing the reaction conditions the morphology of PA6 components could be changed from nano‐sized microspheres to regular 3D microsphere structured polyhedrons to 3D nano‐sized particle clusters to micro‐scale microspheres. The morphologies of the PA6 components were investigated by SEM and TEM analyses. The diameter range of the PA6 nano‐sized microspheres was controlled within 400 nm. The side length of an individual polyhedron could be effectively tuned from 10 µm to 100 µm. The diameter range of micrometer microspheres was about 5–8 µm. The results suggest that this strategy for self‐assembly can be applied to design materials with complex geometric structures. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteomic Adaptation of Australian Epidemic Bordetella pertussis
Authors: Luu Laurence Don Wai , Octavia Sophie , Zhong Ling , Raftery Mark J. , Sintchenko Vitali , Lan Ruiting 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBordetella pertussis causes whooping cough. The predominant strains in Australia changed to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) cluster I (pertussis toxin promoter allele ptxP3/pertactin gene allele prn2) from cluster II (non‐ptxP3/non‐prn2). Cluster I was mostly responsible for the 2008–2012 Australian epidemic and was found to have higher fitness compared to cluster II using an in vivo mouse competition assay, regardless of host's immunization status. This study aimed to identify proteomic differences that explain higher fitness in cluster I using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ), and high‐resolution multiple reaction monitoring (MRM‐hr). A few key differences in the whole cell and secretome were identified between the cluster I and II strains tested. In the whole cell, nine proteins were upregulated (>1.2 fold change, q < 0.05) and three were downregulated (<0.8 fold change, q < 0.05) in cluster I. One downregulated protein was BP1569, a TLR2 agonist for Th1 immunity. In the secretome, 12 proteins were upregulated and 1 was downregulated which was Bsp22, a type III secretion system (T3SS) protein. Furthermore, there was a trend of downregulation in three T3SS effectors and other virulence factors. Three proteins were upregulated in both whole cell and supernatant: BP0200, molybdate ABC transporter (ModB), and tracheal colonization factor A (TcfA). Important expression differences in lipoprotein, T3SS, and transport proteins between the cluster I and II strains were identified. These differences may affect immune evasion, virulence and metabolism, and play a role in increased fitness of cluster I.
Failure mode and effects analysis based on D numbers and TOPSIS
Authors: Bian Tian , Zheng Haoyang , Yin Likang , Deng Yong 
Published: February 2018

AbstractFailure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is a widely used technique for assessing the risk of potential failure modes in designs, products, processes, system, and services. One of the main problems with FMEA is the need to address a variety of assessments given by FMEA team members and the sequence of the failure modes according to the degree of risk factors. Many different methods have been proposed to improve the traditional FMEA, which is impractical when the risk assessments given by multiple experts to one failure mode are imprecise, incomplete, or inconsistent. However, the existing methods cannot adequately handle these types of uncertainties. In this paper, a new risk priority model based on D numbers and technique for the order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is proposed to evaluate the risk in FMEA. In the proposed model, the assessments given by the FMEA team members are represented by D numbers, where a new feasible and effective method can effectively represent the uncertain information. The TOPSIS method, a multicriteria decision‐making method is presented to rank the preference of failure modes with respect to risk factors. Finally, an application of the failure modes of the rotor blades of an aircraft turbine is provided to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
An efficient adaptive EWMA control chart for monitoring the process mean
Authors: Haq Abdul , Gulzar Rabia , Khoo Michael B. C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn recent years, the memory‐type control charts—exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) and cumulative sum (CUSUM)—along with the adaptive and dual control‐charting structures have received considerable attention because of their excellent ability in providing an overall good detection over a range of mean‐shift sizes. These adaptive memory‐type control charts include the adaptive exponentially weighted moving average (AEWMA), dual CUSUM, and adaptive CUSUM charts. In this paper, we propose a new AEWMA chart for efficiently monitoring the process mean. The idea is to first design an unbiased estimator of the mean shift using the EWMA statistic and then adaptively update the smoothing constant of the EWMA chart. The run length profiles of the proposed AEWMA chart are computed using extensive Monte Carlo simulations. Based on a comprehensive comparative study, it turns out that the proposed AEWMA chart performs better than the existing AEWMA, adaptive CUSUM, dual CUSUM, and Shewhart‐CUSUM charts, in terms of offering more balanced protection against mean shifts of different sizes. An example is also used to explain the working of the existing and proposed control charts.
Modified particle filter and Gaussian filter with packet dropouts
Authors: Yang Chen , Fang Huajing 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThis technical note is concerned with the nonlinear filtering for networked control systems. First, the modified particle filter algorithm with intermittent observations is proposed and the conditional Cramér‐Rao lower (CRL) bound with packet dropouts for nonlinear non‐Gaussian system is derived. Second, an upper bound for the CRL bound of the Gaussian filter with packet losses is obtained by constructing a linear Gaussian‐Markovian networked system because of the complexity in direct analysis and computation. Third, a sufficient condition is given for the bounded expectation of the CRL bound, which is the necessary condition for bounded mean‐square error covariance. Finally, an example illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed filter.
Fault‐tolerant reference generation for model predictive control with active diagnosis of elevator jamming faults
Authors: Ferranti L. , Wan Y. , Keviczky T. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThis paper focuses on the longitudinal control of an Airbus passenger aircraft in the presence of elevator jamming faults. In particular, in this paper, we address permanent and temporary actuator jamming faults using a novel reconfigurable fault‐tolerant predictive control design. Due to their different consequences on the available control authority and fault duration, the above 2 actuator jamming faults need to be distinguished so that appropriate control reconfigurations can be adopted accordingly. Their similarity in symptoms, however, prevents an effective discrimination of the root cause of the jamming when using only a passive fault‐diagnosis approach. Hence, we propose the use of model predictive control (MPC) as a fault‐tolerant controller to actively help the fault‐detection (FD) unit discriminate between a permanent and a temporary jamming fault, while ensuring the performance of the aircraft. The MPC controller and the FD unit closely interact during the detection and diagnosis phases. In particular, every time a fault is detected, the FD module commands the MPC controller to perform a predefined sequence of reconfigurations to diagnose the root cause of the fault. An artificial reference signal that accounts for changes in the actuator operative ranges is used to guide the system through this sequence of reconfigurations. Our strategy is demonstrated on an Airbus passenger aircraft simulator.