bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of radiation‐induced ulcers with free flaps using the perforating vessel as a recipient vessel
Authors: Kim Ji Min , Kim Seong Ae , Kwon Hyo Jeong , Moon Suk‐Ho , Oh Deuk Young , Rhie Jong Won , Jun Young‐Joon 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundFree flaps can be options for coverage of radiation ulcers. However, due to radiation damage, it may be hard to find and dissect a reliable recipient vessel for microsurgical anastomosis. When the radiation fields are targeted for deep tissues, superficial tissues may be less affected by radiation. Therefore, damage to perforator vessels near the skin may be lesser than that to the major vessels in deeper structures. We would like to introduce our experiences of using these less injured perforating vessels within or near the wound as recipient vessels for free flap coverage.Patients and MethodsFrom 2013 to 2015, 11 patients underwent free flap coverage for the treatment of radiation‐induced ulceration. The location of ulcers were three cases of thigh, two cases of inguinal area, axilla, trochanteric area, chest wall, lower leg, perineal area, and back. Eleven cases were reconstructed using the anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap, and in one case, the thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap was used for inguinal area defect. With preoperative computed tomography, we found perforating vessels around the radiation ulcer. The perforating vessels that were identified before the operation were detected by hand‐held Doppler during the operation and meticulous dissection was performed. In all‐cases, the perforating vessels were accompanied by vena commitantes. A reliable perforator is one with visible pulsation, strong sound detected on Doppler, and sufficient diameter, preferably larger than 0.6 mm. Anastomosis was performed after confirming that the blood vessel was reliable.ResultsThe flap sizes ranged from 7 × 6 cm to 24 × 10 cm. No flap total necrosis developed. Patients were followed in the outpatient clinic for 21 to 31 months postoperatively. No patients experienced recurrence of ulceration during the follow‐up.ConclusionsIn free flap reconstruction of radiation ulcers, using perforating vessels within or outside the ulcer as recipient vessels provided less damaged vessels and healthier flaps for the defects with minimal wound complications. These perforating vessels can be a good option as recipient vessel for free flap coverage of radiation ulcers.
High correlation between radiation dose estimates for 256‐slice CT obtained by highly parallelized hybrid Monte Carlo computation and solid‐state metal‐oxide semiconductor field‐effect transistor measurements in physical anthropomorphic phantoms
Authors: Prinsen Peter , Trattner Sigal , Wiegert Jens , Gerland Elazar‐Lars , Shefer Efrat , Morton Thomas , Thompson Carla M. , Cheng Bin , Halliburton Sandra S. , Einstein Andrew J. 
Published: August 2019

PurposeAccurate, patient‐specific radiation dosimetry for CT scanning is critical to optimize radiation doses and balance dose against image quality. While Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is often used to estimate doses from CT, comparison of estimates to experimentally measured values is lacking for advanced CT scanners incorporating novel design features. We aimed to compare radiation dose estimates from MC simulation to doses measured in physical anthropomorphic phantoms using metal‐oxide semiconductor field‐effect transistors (MOSFETs) in a 256‐slice CT scanner.MethodsFifty MOSFETs were placed in organs within tissue‐equivalent anthropomorphic adult and pediatric radiographic phantoms, which were scanned using a variety of chest, cardiac, abdomen, brain, and whole‐body protocols on a 256‐slice system. MC computations were performed on voxelized CT reconstructions of the phantoms using a highly parallel MC tool developed specifically for diagnostic X‐ray energies and rapid computation. Doses were compared between MC estimates and physical measurements.ResultsThe average ratio of MOSFET to MC dose in the in‐field region was close to 1 (range, 0.96–1.12; mean ± SD, 1.01 ± 0.04), indicating outstanding agreement between measured and simulated doses. The difference between measured and simulated doses tended to increase with distance from the in‐field region. The error in the MC simulations due to the limited number of simulated photons was less than 1%. The errors in the MOSFET dose determinations in the in‐field region for a single scan were mainly due to the calibration method and were typically about 6% (8% if the error in the reading of the ionization chamber that was used for the MOSFET calibration was included).ConclusionsRadiation dose estimation using a highly parallelized MC method is strongly correlated with experimental measurements in physical adult and infant anthropomorphic phantoms for a wide range of scans performed on a 256‐slice CT scanner. Incorporation into CT scanners of radiation‐dose distribution estimation, employing the scanner’s reconstructed images of the patient, may offer the potential for accurate patient‐specific CT dosimetry.
Purity determination of a new antifungal drug candidate using quantitative 1H NMR spectroscopy: Method validation and comparison of calibration approaches
Authors: Franco Pedro Henrique Cavalcanti , Braga Saulo Fehelberg Pinto , de Oliveira Renata Barbosa , César Isabela Costa 
Published: August 2019

AbstractQuantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) is an analytical technique that offers numerous advantages in pharmaceutical applications including minimum sample preparation and rapid data collection times with no need for response factor corrections, being a powerful tool for assaying drug content in both drug discovery and early drug development. In the present work, we have applied qNMR, using both the internal standard and the electronic reference to access in vivo concentrations 2 calibration methods, to assess the purity of RI76, a novel antifungal drug candidate. NMR acquisition and processing parameters were optimized in order to obtain spectra with intense, well‐resolved signals of completely relaxed nuclei. The analytical method was validated following current guidelines, demonstrating selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness. The calibration approaches were statistically compared, and no significant difference was observed when comparing the obtained results and their dispersion in terms of relative standard deviation. The proposed qNMR method may, therefore, be used for both qualitative and quantitative assessments of RI76 in early drug development and for characterization of this compound.
Time optimal control‐based RF pulse design under gradient imperfections
Authors: Aigner Christoph S. , Rund Armin , Abo Seada Samy , Price Anthony N. , Hajnal Joseph V. , Malik Shaihan J. , Kunisch Karl , Stollberger Rudolf 
Published: August 2019

PurposeThis study incorporates a gradient system imperfection model into an optimal control framework for radio frequency (RF) pulse design.Theory and MethodsThe joint design of minimum‐time RF and slice selective gradient shapes is posed as an optimal control problem. Hardware limitations such as maximal amplitudes for RF and slice selective gradient or its slew rate are included as hard constraints to assure practical applicability of the optimized waveforms. In order to guarantee the performance of the optimized waveform with possible gradient system disturbances such as limited system bandwidth and eddy currents, a measured gradient impulse response function (GIRF) for a specific system is integrated into the optimization.ResultsThe method generates optimized RF and pre‐distorted slice selective gradient shapes for refocusing that are able to fully compensate the modeled imperfections of the gradient system under investigation. The results nearly regenerate the optimal results of an idealized gradient system. The numerical Bloch simulations are validated by phantom and in‐vivo experiments on 2 3T scanners.ConclusionsThe presented design approach demonstrates the successful correction of gradient system imperfections within an optimal control framework for RF pulse design.
Benign acute viral myositis in African migrants: A clinical, serological, and pathological study
Authors: Pancheri Elia , Lanzafame Massimiliano , Zamò Alberto , Angheben Andrea , Sartoris Silvia , Zorzi Antonella , Boaretti Marzia , Signoretto Caterina , Guglielmi Valeria , Ferrari Sergio , Tonin Paola , Vattemi Gaetano 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundSeveral viruses have been described as causes of acquired inflammatory myopathies; however, the mechanisms by which they cause muscle disease are still unclear. The aim of this study was to describe the laboratory features of benign acute myositis in a small case series.MethodsA detailed pathological and serological analysis was performed in five African migrants who developed an acute viral myositis complicated by rhabdomyolysis.ResultsMuscle biopsies clearly documented an inflammatory myopathy with histological features similar to polymyositis including CD8+ T cells surrounding and invading nonnecrotic muscle fibers, CD68+ macrophages and major histocompatibility complex class I antigen upregulation. In addition, positivity for myositis‐specific antibodies (MSA), in particular anti‐aminoacyl tRNA synthetases, was found in the serum of two patients.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that T‐cell mediated injury occurs in muscle of patients with acute viral myositis, and that MSA may be present in the serum of these patients.
Boundary element analysis of transversely isotropic bi‐material halfspaces with inclined planes of isotropy and interfaces
Authors: Xiao Sha , Yue Zhongqi Quentin , Xiao Hongtian 
Published: August 2019

SummaryIn this paper, a single‐region boundary element method (BEM) is presented for the analysis of transversely isotropic bi‐material halfspaces with arbitrarily inclined planes of isotropy and material interfaces. The proposed BEM uses the fundamental solution of a transversely isotropic bi‐material fullspace and five boundary element techniques. Infinite boundary elements are introduced to consider the far‐fields of a transversely isotropic bi‐material halfspace. The effective integration methods are proposed for dealing with various integrals in the discretized boundary integral equation. The stresses at internal points are obtained using the coordinate transformation of kernel functions, and the stresses on the boundary surface are calculated using an improved traction recovered method. Numerical verifications of displacements and stresses for a benchmark problem are conducted, and excellent agreement with previously published results is obtained. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the influence of non‐horizontal or horizontal planes of isotropy in bi‐material halfspaces on the displacements and stresses induced by the tractions on the horizontal boundary surface. Results reveal that the elastic fields vary clearly with the dip angle of the isotropic plane and the stresses across the bi‐material interface are closely related to the ratios of the elastic parameters of the bi‐material.
Formulation and implementation of strain rate‐dependent fracture toughness in context of the phase‐field method
Authors: Yin Bo , Steinke Christian , Kaliske Michael 
Published: August 2019

SummaryThe phase‐field approach is a promising technique for the realistic simulation of brittle fracture processes, both in quasi‐static and transient analysis. Considering fast loading, experimental evidence indicates a strong relationship between the rate of strain and the material's resistance against fracture, which can be considered by a dynamic increase factor for the strength of the material. The paper at hand presents a novel approach within the framework of phase‐field models for brittle fracture. A rate‐dependent fracture toughness is formulated as a function of the rate of crack driving strain components, which results in higher strength for faster loading. Beside the increased amount of energy necessary to evolve a crack at a high strain rate loading situation, the model incorporates quasi‐viscous stress‐type quantities that are not directly related to the formation of the crack and exist only in the phase‐field transition zone between broken and sound material. The governing strong form equations for a transient simulation are derived and the relevant information for an implementation of the model into a finite element code is outlined in detail. The performance of the model is demonstrated for static and dynamic benchmark simulations and for a comparison to experimental findings.
Effectiveness of a Community‐Based Weight Management Program for Patients Taking Antidepressants and/or Antipsychotics
Authors: Wharton Sean , Kuk Jennifer L. , Petrova Lana , Rye Peter I. , Taylor Valerie H. , Christensen Rebecca A.G. 
Published: August 2019

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare weight loss (WL) outcomes for patients taking antidepressants and/or antipsychotics with those not taking psychiatric medication.MethodsA total of 17,519 adults enrolled in a lifestyle WL intervention at the Wharton Medical Clinics in Ontario, Canada, were analyzed. Sex‐stratified multivariable linear regression analysis was used to examine the association of taking antidepressants, antipsychotics, both, or neither with WL when adjusting for age, initial weight, and treatment time.ResultsTwenty‐three percent of patients were taking at least one psychiatric medication. Patients lost a significant amount of weight (P < 0.0001) regardless of psychiatric medication use. Women taking psychiatric medications lost a similar amount of weight as women who were not (P > 0.05). Conversely, men taking antidepressants lost only slightly less weight than men taking both classes or neither class of psychiatric medication (3.2 ± 0.3 kg vs. 5.6 ± 0.9 kg and 4.3 ± 0.1 kg; P < 0.05). However, taking psychiatric medications that cause weight gain was associated with similar significant decreases in weight as taking medications that are weight neutral or associated with WL for both sexes (P > 0.05).ConclusionsResults of this study suggest that those who participate in a weight management program can lose significant amounts of weight regardless of psychiatric medication use.
Effect of surface treatments on interfacial properties of natural intralaminar hybrid composites
Authors: de Araujo Alves Lima Rosemere , Kawasaki Cavalcanti Daniel , de Souza e Silva Neto Jorge , Meneses da Costa Hector , Banea Mariana Doina 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe objective of this work was to analyze the influence of the alkalization and alkalization + silanization (mixed) treatments on the interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties of intralaminar hybrid composites (jute + sisal, jute + curauá, jute + ramie, and jute + glass fiber). Single‐fiber tensile tests, fragmentation, and short beam tests were performed. Finally, a SEM analysis was used to study the influence of surface chemical treatments on the morphology of the natural fibers used. SEM images showed that the chemical treatments altered the morphology of the natural fibers. The chemical treatments improved the tensile strength of the fibers studied. It was found that the alkaline treatment is the best suited for jute, ramie, and curauá fibers, while the sisal fiber presented the best results after the mixed treatment. The superficial chemical treatments also affect the interfacial/interlaminar adhesion of the hybrid composites studied here. The best superficial treatments for each type of hybrid composite were: alkaline treatment for jute + ramie and jute + sisal, while for jute + curauá the best results were obtained for the untreated specimens.
Continuous‐wave plasma‐generated electric field in 3D collagen gel during cold atmospheric plasma treatment
Authors: Zolotukhin Denis B. , Lin Li , Gjika Eda , Keidar Michael 
Published: August 2019

AbstractCold atmospheric plasma (CAP) devices based on a plasma jet with helium flow are actively used nowadays in the studies of cancer treatment. In addition to well‐known factors produced by CAP devices (reactive chemical species, UV radiation, heat) that can reduce the viability of cancer cells, the effect of alternating continuous‐wave nonthermal electromagnetic fields generated by a plasma source inside the tissue remains unclear. In this article, we measured the values and frequency composition of the continuous‐wave electric field induced inside the model of a living tissue—a three‐dimensional artificial tissue composed of bovine type I collagen gel—during its irradiation with a helium plasma jet using the set of probes immersed into the gel. It was found that the electric field in artificial tissue has strong direct current (DC) with the main discharge frequency components, and at least up to four harmonics of the discharge frequency. The e‐field absolute values in artificial tissue during plasma treatment were within 300–30,000 V/m, which is significantly lower than the estimated cell membrane field of about ~107 V/m. The absolute value of the e‐field DC component nonmonotonically depends on discharge frequency with the optimal frequency range of 14–16 kHz dependent on the thickness of the artificial tissue.
Debris flows triggered from melt of seasonal snow and ice within the active layer in the semi‐arid Andes
Authors: Vergara Dal Pont Iván , Moreiras Stella Maris , Santibañez Ossa Fernanda , Araneo Diego , Ferrando Francisco 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDebris flows triggered from rapid melt of seasonal snow, and/or ice within the active layer have not been studied in periglacial areas of the semi‐arid Andes. Therefore, through a representative watershed we investigated the thermo‐radiative characteristics, possible water sources, and current and future frequency of these debris flows. Information was collected on three temporal clusters of debris flows during which no rains or major earthquakes occurred. The thermo‐radiative conditions of each cluster were analyzed through nearby stations that cover the entire watershed altitudinal range. Snow cover was calculated using the closest satellite images before and after each cluster in order to evaluate the potential contribution of snowmelt for each. The frequency of melting‐driven debris flows, for the remainder of the 21st century, was evaluated by calculating the trends of climatic variables that control them. The results indicate that debris flows show several patterns such as: a lag of several hours between the warmest hours of the day and their triggering, occurrence in clusters of 3–5 days during the early summer, and an accelerated increase in temperature over the days previous to the beginning of the clusters. In addition, it was inferred that the water of debris flows can come from the melt of seasonal snow as well as of shallow ice within the active layer. Lastly, due to a positive trend of maximum air temperature of the warmest trimester and high inter‐annual variability of precipitation, a frequency increase is likely, followed by a possible decrease due to the negative and positive trends of precipitation and mean air temperature, respectively.
Visible Light Photocatalytic Functional TiO2/PVDF Nanofibers for Dye Pollutant Degradation
Authors: Lou Lihua , Wang Jilong , Lee Yong Joon , Ramkumar Seshadri S. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe photodegradation of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/titanium oxide (TiO2) nanofibers under visible light is described, something that has not been previously reported in the literature. Visible light photocatalytic electrospun PVDF/TiO2 nanofiber webs with anatase TiO2 concentration varying from 0% to 20% (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, and 20%) are produced, and their ability to degrade a toxic pollutant, Rhodamine B (RhB), is studied. Photodegradation study using UV–vis spectroscopy on PVDF/TiO2 nanofiber webs (with TiO2 concentration of 20%) shows that 80% of RhB is degraded within 6 h at the wavelength of 546 nm, which clearly falls within the visible spectra. The color of RhB solvent catalyzed by PVDF/TiO2 nanofiber webs gradually changes from red to orange, then to yellow, further to light yellow till colorless, which suggests the complete photodegradation of RhB under visible light. To estimate the rate of photodegradation, the reaction constant k is calculated. Based on the k value, PVDF/TiO2 nanofiber webs with 20% TiO2 concentration show the highest degradation rate compared to other PVDF/TiO2 nanofiber webs and pure TiO2 nanoparticles. This study proves the viability of TiO2‐based nanofibers to have catalytic capabilities under low‐energy visible light.
Halides‐Assisted Low‐Temperature Synthesis of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheets
Authors: Wang Haixu , Wang Ning , Cheng Tianshu , Wan Xuejuan , Sun Rong , Wong Ching‐Ping 
Published: August 2019

AbstractHexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (hBNNS) have various promising applications in dielectric and thermal conductive materials. However, in the bottom‐up method, well‐crystallized hBNNS could only be attained at very high temperatures. In this paper, a facile halide‐assisted hydrothermal assembly (HAHTA) method for the low‐temperature synthesis of well‐crystallized hBNNS is prepared. In HAHTA, the lateral growth of hBNNS is enhanced by the halide addition in the precursor, and the dimension reaches several micrometers. In addition, the obtained hBNNS enhance the oxidization resistance of vanadium dioxide (VO2) though the formation of a VO2/hBN composite, which is meaningful in facilitating the potential applications of VO2 as smart phase transition materials.