bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flexible high energy density zinc-ion batteries enabled by binder-free MnO2/reduced graphene oxide electrode
Authors: Huang Yuan , Liu Jiuwei , Huang Qiyao , Zheng Zijian , Hiralal Pritesh , Zheng Fulin , Ozgit Dilek , Su Sikai , Chen Shuming , Tan Ping-Heng , Zhang Shengdong , Zhou Hang 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe demonstrate a rechargeable zinc-ion battery with high energy density and cyclability using MnO2 and reduced graphene oxide (MnO2/rGO) electrode. The flexible and binder free electrode, with high MnO2 mass ratio (80 wt% of MnO2), is fabricated using vacuum filtration without any additional additives other than rGO. Compared to batteries with conventional MnO2 electrodes, the Zn–MnO2/rGO battery shows a significant enhanced capacity (332.2 mAh g-1 at 0.3 A g-1), improved rate capability (172.3 mAh g-1 at 6 A g-1) and cyclability. The capacity retention remains 96% after 500 charge/discharge cycles at 6 A g-1. The high MnO2 mass ratio makes MnO2/rGO electrode advantageous when the capacity is normalized to the whole electrode, particularly at high rates. The calculated gravimetric energy density of Zn–MnO2/rGO battery is 33.17 W h kg-1, which is comparable to the existing commercial lead-acid batteries (30–40 W h kg-1). Furthermore, the discharge profile and capacity of our Zn–MnO2/rGO battery shows no deterioration during bending test, indicating good flexibility. As a result, zinc-ion battery is believed to be a promising technology for powering next generation flexible electronics.
Defects engineering for high-performance perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wang Feng , Bai Sai , Tress Wolfgang , Hagfeldt Anders , Gao Feng 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMetal halide perovskites have achieved great success in photovoltaic applications during the last few years. The solar to electrical power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells has been rapidly improved from 3.9% to certified 22.7% due to the extensive efforts on film deposition methods, composition and device engineering. Further investigation on eliminating the defect states in perovskite absorbers is necessary to push forward the PCE of perovskite solar cells approaching the Shockley-Queisser limit. In this review, we summarize the defect properties in perovskite films and present methodologies to control the defects density, including the growth of large size crystals, photo-curing method, grain boundary and surface passivation, and modification of the substrates. We also discuss the defects-related stability and hysteresis issues and highlight the current challenges and opportunities in defects control of perovskite films.
Long-term Rescue of Photoreceptors in a Rodent Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa Associated with MERTK Mutation
Authors: Lorach H. , Kang S. , Dalal R. , Bhuckory M. B. , Quan Y. , Palanker D. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMERTK mutation reduces the ability of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells to phagocytize the photoreceptor outer segments, which leads to accumulation of debris separating photoreceptors from RPE cells, resulting in their degeneration and loss of vision. In a rat model of Retinitis Pigmentosa due to MERTK mutation, we demonstrate that surgical removal of debris performed when about half of photoreceptors are lost (P38), allows the remaining photoreceptor cells to renew their outer segments and survive for at least 6 months – 3 times longer than in untreated eyes. In another set of experiments, patterned laser photocoagulation was performed before the debris formation (P19-25) to destroy a fraction of photoreceptors and thereby reduce the phagocytic load of shed outer segment fragments. This treatment also delayed the degeneration of the remaining photoreceptors. Both approaches were assessed functionally and morphologically, using electroretinography, optical coherence tomography, and histology. The long-term preservation of photoreceptors we observed indicates that MERTK-related form of inherited retinal degeneration, which has currently no cure, could be amenable to laser therapy or subretinal surgery, to extend the visual function, potentially for life.
Radiomic analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound data
Authors: Theek Benjamin , Opacic Tatjana , Magnuska Zuzanna , Lammers Twan , Kiessling Fabian 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRadiomics describes the use radiological data in a quantitative manner to establish correlations in between imaging biomarkers and clinical outcomes to improve disease diagnosis, treatment monitoring and prediction of therapy responses. In this study, we evaluated whether a radiomic analysis on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) data allows to automatically differentiate three xenograft mouse tumour models. Next to conventional imaging biomarker classes, i.e. intensity-based, textural, and wavelet-based features, we included biomarkers describing morphological and functional characteristics of the tumour vasculature. In total, 235 imaging biomarkers were extracted and evaluated. Dedicated feature selection allowed us to identify user-independent and stable imaging biomarkers for each imaging biomarker class. The selected radiomic signature, composed of median image intensity, energy of grey-level co-occurrence matrix, vessel network length, and run length nonuniformity of the grey-level run length matrix from the diagonal details, was used to train a linear support vector machine (SVM) to classify tumour phenotypes. The model was trained by using a four-fold cross-validation scheme and achieved 82.1% (95% CI [0.64 0.92]) correct classifications. In conclusion, our results show that a radiomic analysis can be successfully performed on CEUS data and may help to render ultrasound-based tumour imaging more accurate, reproducible and reliable.
User experience of instant blood pressure: exploring reasons for the popularity of an inaccurate mobile health app
Authors: Plante Timothy B. , O’Kelly Anna C. , Urrea Bruno , MacFarlane Zane T. , Blumenthal Roger S. , Charleston Jeanne , Miller Edgar R. , Appel Lawrence J. , Martin Seth S. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractInstant blood pressure (IBP) is a top-selling yet inaccurate blood pressure (BP)-measuring app that underreports elevated BP. Its iTunes app store user ratings and reviews were generally positive. Whether underreporting of elevated BP improves user experience is unknown. Participants enrolled at five clinics estimated their BP, measured their BP with IBP, then completed a user experience survey. Participants were grouped based on how their IBP BP measurements compared to their estimated BP (IBP Lower, IBP Similar, or IBP Higher). Logistic regressions compared odds of rating “agree” or “strongly agree” on survey questions by group. Most participants enjoyed using the app. In the adjusted model, IBP Higher had significantly lower proportions reporting enjoyment and motivation to check BP in the future than IBP Similar. All three groups were comparable in perceived accuracy of IBP and most participants perceived it to be accurate. However, user enjoyment and likelihood of future BP monitoring were negatively associated with higher-than-expected reported systolic BP. These data suggest reassuring app results from an inaccurate BP-measuring app may have improved user experience, which may have led to more positive user reviews and greater sales. Systematic underreporting of elevated BPs may have been a contributor to the app’s success. Further studies are needed to confirm whether falsely reassuring output from other mobile health apps improve user experience and drives uptake.
Theory of Coulomb drag in spatially inhomogeneous 2D materials
Authors: Ho Derek Y. H. , Yudhistira Indra , Hu Ben Yu-Kuang , Adam Shaffique 
Published: July 2018

AbstractCoulomb drag is a favored experimental probe of Coulomb interactions between layers of 2D materials. In reality, these layers display spatial charge density fluctuations known as puddles due to various imperfections. A theoretical formalism for incorporating density inhomogeneity into calculations has however not been developed, making the understanding of experiments difficult. Here, we remedy this by formulating an effective medium theory of drag that applies in all 2D materials. We show that a number of striking features at zero magnetic field in graphene drag experiment which have not been explained by existing literature emerge naturally within this theory. Applying the theory to a phenomenological model of exciton condensation, we show that the expected divergence in drag resistivity is replaced by a peak that diminishes with increasing puddle strength. Given that puddles are ubiquitous in 2D materials, this work will be useful for a wide range of future studies.
Unterschiede im Verlauf der neurologischen Frührehabilitation bei Patienten nach Hirninfarkt, intrazerebraler Blutung und nicht-traumatischer Subarachnoidalblutung
Authors: Röttinger Amely , Seidel Günter , Kücken Detmar , Zukunft Elke , Töpper Rudolf , Majewski Anja , Klose Karsten , Terborg Christoph , Klass Irina , Debacher Ulf 
Published: July 2018

ZusammenfassungPatienten mit schweren neurologischen Krankheitsbildern werden nach Abschluss der Akutbehandlung in einer neurologisch-neurochirurgischen Frührehabilitation der Phase B behandelt. Über die Hälfte dieser Patienten hat einen Schlaganfall. In dieser Arbeit erfolgt eine Beschreibung des rehabilitativen Verlaufes von Patienten, differenziert nach dem jeweils vorliegenden Schlaganfallsubtyp Hirninfarkt, intrazerebrale Blutung oder nicht-traumatische Subarachnoidalblutung. Mit dem Erhebungsinstrument der Hamburger Asklepios Kliniken für die Schlaganfallfrührehabilitation wurde zwischen 07/12 und 12/16 der frührehabilitative Verlauf sowie der Aufnahme- und Entlassungsstatus von insgesamt 1327 Schlaganfallpatienten mit Hirninfarkt (921 Patienten), intrazerebraler Blutung (324 Patienten) und nicht-traumatischer Subarachnoidalblutung (82 Patienten) dokumentiert. Es erfolgte eine deskriptive und analytische Auswertung der Daten. Es zeigte sich ein positiver Effekt der Frührehabilitation auf die Erholung aller Schlaganfallsubtypen mit einer Verbesserung des Frühreha-Barthel-Index, einer Reduktion der vorhandenen Kathetersysteme und der Verlegung der Mehrheit der Patienten in eine weiterführende Rehabilitationseinrichtung. Auch veranschaulichten die Daten den teilweise komplexen Verlauf der Frührehabilitation, hervorgerufen durch häufige medizinische Komplikationen, den hohen Anteil an Begleiterkrankungen und der großen Anzahl an Kathetersystemen bei Aufnahme als Hinweis auf Störung verschiedener Organfunktionen. Die einzelnen Schlaganfallsubtypen unterschieden sich wesentlich in den Patientencharakteristika (Alter, Geschlechtsverteilung) und im rehabilitativen Verlauf (Latenz bis zum Einschluss in die Phase B, Dauer der rehabilitativen Behandlung, Frühreha-Barthel-Index bei Aufnahme, Häufigkeit von bestimmten Kathetersystemen, Begleiterkrankungen und Komplikationen). Aufgrund dieser Unterschiede im rehabilitativen Verlauf sollte eine Betrachtung von Daten aus der neurologisch-neurochirurgischen Frührehabilitation differenziert nach dem jeweiligen Schlaganfallsubtyp erfolgen.
Short-term Results of Microendoscopic Muscle-preserving Interlaminar Decompression versus Spinal Process Splitting Laminectomy
Authors: Yoshimoto Mitsunori , Iesato Noriyuki , Terashima Yoshinori , Takebayashi Tsuneo , Yamashita Toshihiko , Fukushi Ryunosuke 
Published: July 2018

Study Design A retrospective comparative study.
Objective To compare retrospectively the clinical results and surgical invasiveness of two different types of minimally invasive surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis: microendoscopic muscle-preserving interlaminar decompression (ME-MILD) and spinal process splitting laminectomy (SPSL).
Summary of Background Data ME-MILD and SPSL are minimally invasive procedures. However, the two procedures have not been compared in the literature.
Materials and Methods We retrospectively enrolled patients who underwent ME-MILD or SPSL from 2011 to 2015. The surgical invasiveness of each technique was determined by evaluating the time required for the surgical procedure, amount of blood loss, serum creatine kinase (CK) levels on postoperative day (POD) 1, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels on POD 3 and 7, and the hospitalization. The clinical results were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire score, the Short Form (36) Health Survey patient-reported outcome score, the visual analog scale for pain, a patient satisfaction score, and the incidence of surgical complications.
Results A total of 97 patients were evaluated: 58 patients underwent ME-MILD, and 39 patients underwent SPSL. No significant differences were observed in the clinical results between the two groups. Regarding surgical invasiveness, no significant difference was found in the amount of blood loss, levels of CK, hospitalization, or time required for the procedure. However, CRP levels were significantly lower in the ME-MILD group.
Conclusions ME-MILD and SPSL are both minimally invasive procedures. In a comparison of these two procedures, CRP was significantly lower in the ME-MILD group.
Clenching Reduction Technique for Osteosynthesis of Atypical C2 Fractures with the Combining Use of Laminar and Pedicle Screw: A Technical Note
Authors: Lee Suk-Joong , Lee Hyun-Joo , Mun Jong-Uk , Choi Ji-Yeon , Min Woo-Kie 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAtypical C2 fractures refer to all fracture types of the C2 body excluding odontoid fractures and traumatic spondylolisthesis of C2. A 55-year-old male patient presented with neck pain after a vehicular accident. Computed tomography (CT) showed an oblique fracture line of the C2 vertebral body through the pedicle and lamina with fracture gap and posterior displacement. We used a clenching reduction technique to treat this fracture by using an ipsilateral laminar screw and contralateral pedicle screw. The final follow-up CT scan showed complete bone union. Neck motion was preserved including rotation. For this unstable atypical C2 fracture, the clenching reduction technique proved to be a safe and effective technique while salvaging neck motion.
Immunohistochemical Analysis of Cerebral Intraparenchymal Choroid Plexus Tumor: Case Report
Authors: Sawamura Yutaka , Tanaka Shinya , Fujimaki Takamitsu , Hirose Shigehisa , Aida Toshimitsu , Katoh Masahito 
Published: July 2018

Background It is very rare for a choroid plexus tumor to occur intraparenchymally in the absence of a relation to the choroid plexus.
Clinical Presentation A case of cerebral intraparenchymal choroid plexus tumor in a 30-year-old woman presenting with left hemiparesis is described. Brain magnetic resonance imaging depicted a large cystic mass in the right frontal lobe. Tumor resection was performed by right frontal craniotomy. No connection with the choroid plexus was observed during the operation. Histologically, the tumor exhibited a glandular structure with a papillary pattern suggesting a neoplasm of epithelial origin. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed the tumor as an atypical choroid plexus papilloma.
Conclusion Immunohistochemical findings, especially regarding Kir7.1, are very important for the differential diagnosis of cerebral intraparenchymal choroid plexus tumors from metastatic tumors. The present case reveals that an atypical choroid plexus papilloma can occur intraparenchymally without an association with the choroid plexus. Intraparenchymal atypical choroid plexus papillomas may have previously been diagnosed incorrectly as metastatic adenocarcinomas of unknown origin.
Reintroduction of the Rat for Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage with Accelerated Clot Formation: A Low Mortality Model with Persistent Clots as a Precondition for Studies in Vasospasm
Authors: Budde Ulrich , Middendorff Ralf , Manthei Gerd , Kemmling Andre , Tiemann Bastian , Ehlert Angelika 
Published: July 2018

Background Cerebral vasospasm as a delayed, possibly treatable sequel of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a focus of experimental animal research. For this purpose, the rat is not a good model because of the difficulty creating a stable subarachnoid clot that persists > 1 to 2 days and could induce vasospasm. Only in rat models with a high mortality of ∼ 50% or more can SAH and its effects be investigated. Therefore, other animals than rodents are used for investigating the delayed effects of SAH. Only animal studies addressing the acute effects of SAH use rats.
Objective We designed a model that allows intensive clot formation combined with low mortality to facilitate studies on the delayed effects of experimental SAH, for example, delayed vasospasm or other alterations of vessels.
Methods After in vitro acceleration of the clotting process in the rats' blood by tissue factor and preliminary in vivo testing, we induced a SAH by injecting blood together with tissue factor in 22 rats. We analyzed clot expansion, length of clot persistence, chronic alterations, and histologic changes.
Results The injection of blood supplemented by tissue factor led to persistent voluminous blood clots in the subarachnoid space close to the large arteries. Despite the pronounced SAH, all animals survived, allowing investigation of delayed SAH effects. All animals killed within the first 7 days after surgery had extensive clots; in some animals, the clots remained until postoperative day 12. During further clot degradation connective tissue appeared, possibly as a precursor of SAH-related late hydrocephalus.
Conclusion The injection of blood together with tissue factor significantly improves SAH induction in the rat model. This rat model allows studying delayed SAH effects as found in humans.
Atlantoaxial Instability in Patients Older Than 70 Years: What Is the Outcome When Further Conservative Treatment Is Not an Option?
Authors: Klingler Jan-Helge , Scheiwe Christian , Naseri Yashar , Masalha Waseem , Hubbe UIrich , Scholz Christoph 
Published: July 2018

Objective We report on our experiences of navigated posterior C1–C2 spondylodesis in the elderly (≥ 70 years of age).
Patients This retrospective cohort study evaluated all patients ≥ 70 years of age treated with navigated posterior spondylodesis C1-C2 (at the most to C3) from 2008 to 2015 with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Minor and major complications within 30 days after surgery, patient outcome, and the rate of solid fusion in computed tomography were recorded. The follow-up over 1 year was conducted by outpatient examinations and via telephone interviews.
Results Twenty-two patients with a mean age of 79.9 years (range: 71–91 years) were treated. Minor complications were mild pneumonia (18.2%), postoperative confusion (9.1%), and urinary tract infection (4.5%). Major complications were severe pneumonia (4.5%) and clinically asymptomatic vertebral artery injury (4.5%). The mortality rate was 13.6% (n = 3) within the first 30 days after surgery and 22.7% (n = 5) within 1 year. All deceased patients were > 85 years of age.
Conclusion In our patient population, posterior spondylodesis was shown to be beneficial for patients > 70 years up to age ∼ 85 years. The mortality rate increased sharply in patients > 85 years. In these patients the indication for surgery should be critically evaluated.
Carrier Detection in Severe (Type III) von Willebrand Disease Using Two Intragenic Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms
Authors: Bahnak B R , Lavergne J M , Verweij C L , Rothschild C , Pannekoek H , Larrieu M J , Meyer D 
Published: July 2018

SummaryDNA from a family with a female member affected with severe (type III) vWD was analysed using three restriction enzymes and a partial vWF cDNA probe. Two restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) detected with the enzymes Bgl II and Xba I proved to be informative in this family. A 36.0 Kb allele, demonstrated with the enzyme Xba I was rare in the general population but very important in this family for segregation analysis of the alleles and their association with the putative defective chromosome. The propositus was homozygous for the 36.0 Kb Xba I polymorphic band and heterozygous for the Bgl II polymorphism. She was the only member of the family showing this allelic pattern. The linkage of the alleles could be determined because her mother was homozygous for the 9.0 Kb Bgl II polymorphism but heterozygous for the Xba I polymorphism. The segregation of the alleles could be traced to the proband’s son and a niece. The genotypic analysis revealed that her niece could be considered as carrying a defective gene for severe vWD.
In Vitro Inhibition of Urokinase by Penicillins
Authors: Higazi Abd Al-Roof , Mayer Michael 
Published: July 2018

SummaryUrokinase activity was assayed by a two-stage globinolytic method and by a direct chromogenic assay. With both methods, the enzyme activity was found to be inhibited by penicillins. The inhibition by penicillin G, carbenicillin, cloxacillin and penicilloic acid was dose-dependent. The Kj of penicillin G and urokinase with the S-2444 as substrate is 4 mM. This compound exhibited a competitive pattern of inhibition. Ampicillin and 6-amino penicillanic acid failed to inhibit urokinase. These results imply that hydrophobic side chains of penicillins interact with the active site of urokinase. The present observation could be relevant in clinical situation in which high doses of beta-lactam antibiotics could modulate the endogenous fibrinolytic activity of circulating urokinase.
Dose-Response Aggregometry in Maternal/Neonatal Platelets
Authors: Gader A M A , Bahakim H , Jabbar F A , Lambourne A L , Gaafar T H , Edrees Y B 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThe aggregation of platelets collected from maternal/neonatal pairs (n = 240) at the time of childbirth, was studied in response to multiple doses of ADP, collagen, arachidonic acid and ristocetin. Similar responses were obtained from healthy nonpregnant adult controls for comparison. The lag phase, slope of the aggregation curves as well as maximum aggregation (MA%) were recorded and analysed. Neonatal and adult platelets exhibited more enhanced responses to decreasing doses of ADP, arachidonic acid and ristocetin, than maternal platelets. These enhanced responses were exhibited more consistantly in the slopes of the aggregation curves than in MA%. Although neonatal platelets have shown longer lag phase in their responses to collagen, the rate of the aggregation reaction was significantly faster than maternal platelets, with no differences in MA%. These results contradict many previous reports suggesting impaired aggregation responses of neonatal platelets to these agonist. The possible reasons for these contradictions were discussed.
Morphological and Functional Aspects of Cellular Hemostatic Mechanisms
Authors: White J. G. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryTransmission, scanning and low-voltage, high resolution scanning electron microscopy have provided fundamental knowledge of relationships between plate-let structure and function. In combination with ultrastructural cytochemistry and immunocytochemistry, basic aspects of shape change, pseudopod extension, internal transformation, secretion, adhesion, aggregation, spreading, hemostatic plug formation and thrombus development have been defined. The morphological events of the platelet reaction in hemostasis have been linked to biochemical alterations. The result is a comprehensive picture of cellular aspects of hemosta-sis. This knowledge provides a basis for designing programs of treatment for heart attacks, strokes and other occlusive vascular disorders, as well as for their prevention.