bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of glycyrrhetinic acid (enoxolone) toothpaste on periodontal treatment outcomes and salivary levels of IL-8, TNF-α, IL-17, MCP-1 and VEGF in patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Kaczyński Tomasz , Miskiewicz Andrzej , Górski Bartłomiej , Radkowski Marek , Strzemecki Damian , Kryczka Tomasz , Górska Renata 
Published: December 2018

This study evaluates the influence of glycyrrhetinic acid (enoxolone) toothpaste on the results of scaling and root planing as well as salivary levels of IL-8, TNF-α, IL-17, MCP-1 and VEGF in patients with chronic periodontitis. Clinical parameters and biomarkers of periodontitis were assessed longitudinally to determine response to the therapy. A 3-month case-controlled study of adults with chronic periodontitis was performed, with 18 patients receiving scaling and root planing and enoxlone toothpaste (group A) and 18 with scaling and root planing with regular toothpaste (group B). Clinical measurements of periodontal disease were recorded and saliva samples were collected at week 0 and 12. Samples were analyzed for immune markers: Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-17 (IL-17), Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein -1 (MCP-1) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). All parameters of periodontal health improved significantly in both groups by week 12 (p<0.01) with no significant differences between groups. However, improvements in group A were greater than in group B. IL-8, TNF-α, IL-17, MCP-1 and VEGF levels decreased significantly from baseline (p<0.01) in group A only. Salivary levels of IL-8, TNF-α, IL-17, MCP-1 and VEGF seem to reflect disease severity and response to therapy, suggesting their potential utility for monitoring periodontal disease status. Greater improvements of periodontal parameters and significant reduction of salivary biomarkers’ levels suggest potential benefits of glycyrrhetinic acid toothpaste in periodontal therapy.
Ellipse packing in 2D cell tessellation: A theoretical explanation for Lewis’s law and Aboav-Weaire’s law
Authors: Xu Kai 
Published: December 2018

Background: To date, the theoretical bases of Lewis’s law and Aboav-Weaire’s law are still unclear.
Methods: Software R with package Conicfit was used to fit ellipses based on geometric parameters of polygonal cells of red alga Pyropia haitanensis.
Results: The average form deviation of vertexes from the fitted ellipse was 0 \(\pm\) 3.1 % (8,291 vertices in 1375 cells were examined). The area of polygonal cell was 0.9 \(\pm\)0.1 times of the area of the ellipse’s maximal inscribed polygon (EMIP). These results indicated that the polygonal cells could be considered as ellipse’s inscribed polygons (EIPs) and tended to form EMIPs. This phenomenon was named as ellipse packing. Based on the numbers of cell edges, cell area and geometries of fitted ellipses, we derived and verified the new relations of Lewis’s law and Aboav-Weaire’s law.
Lewis’s law for a n-edged cell:
\[cell\ area=0.5nab\sin\left(\frac{2\pi}{n}\right)\left(1-\frac{3}{n^2}\right)\]
Aboav-Weaire’s law:
\[average\ side\ number\ of\ neighboring\ cells=6+\frac{6-n}{n}\times \left(\frac{a}{b}+\frac{3}{n^2}\right)\]
where \(a\) and \(b\) are the semi-major axis and the semi-minor axis of fitted ellipse, respectively.
Conclusions: Ellipse packing is a short-range order which places restrictions on the direction of cell division and the turning angles of cell edges. The ellipse packing requires allometric growth of cell edges. Lewis’s law describes the effect of deformation from EMIP to EIP on area. Aboav-Weaire’s law mainly reflects the effect of deformation from circle to ellipse on number of neighboring cells, and the deformation from EMIP to EIP has only a minor effect. The results of this study could help to simulate the dynamics of cell topology during growth.
A Computational Method for Measuring Transport Related Carbon Emissions in a Healthcare Supply Network under Mixed Uncertainty: An Empirical Study
Authors: Nasrollahi Meisam , Razmi Jafar , Ghodsi Reza 
Published: December 2018

Measuring carbon emissions is an essential step in taking required action to fight global warming. This research presents a computational method for measuring transport related carbon emissions in a healthcare supply network. The network configuration significantly impacts carbon emissions. First, a multi-objective mathematical programing model is developed for designing a healthcare supply network in the form of a two-graph location routing problem under demand and fuel consumption uncertainty. Objective functions are minimizing total cost and minimizing total fuel consumption. In the presented model, the demand of each customer must be completely satisfied in each time period, and backlog is not permitted. The number and capacity of vehicles are determined, and vehicles are heterogeneous. Furthermore, fuel consumption depends on traveling distance, vehicle and road conditions, and the load of a vehicle. The centroid method is applied to face demand uncertainty. Next, a multi-objective non-dominated ranked genetic algorithm (M-NRGA) is proposed to solve the model. Then, a Monte Carlo based approach is presented for measuring transport-related carbon emissions based on fuel consumption in supply network. Finally, the proposed approach is applied to the case of a healthcare supply network in the Fars province in Iran. The obtained results illustrate that the proposed approach is a practical tool in designing healthcare supply networks and measuring transport-related carbon emissions in the network.
Extended SSD VMAT treatment for total body irradiation
Authors: Pierce Greg , Balogh Alex , Frederick Rebecca , Gordon Deborah , Yarschenko Adam , Hudson Alana 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn this work, we develop a total body irradiation technique that utilizes arc delivery, a buildup spoiler, and inverse optimized multileaf collimator (MLC) motion to shield organs at risk. The current treatment beam model is verified to confirm its applicability at extended source‐to‐surface distance (SSD). The delivery involves 7–8 volumetric modulated arc therapy arcs delivered to the patient in the supine and prone positions. The patient is positioned at a 90° couch angle on a custom bed with a 1 cm acrylic spoiler to increase surface dose. Single‐step optimization using a patient CT scan provides enhanced dose homogeneity and limits organ at risk dose. Dosimetric data of 109 TBI patients treated with this technique is presented along with the clinical workflow. Treatment planning system (TPS) verification measurements were performed at an extended SSD of 175 cm. Measurements included: a 4‐point absolute depth‐dose curve, profiles at 1.5, 5, and 10 cm depth, absolute point‐dose measurements of an treatment field, 2D Gafchromic® films at four locations, and measurements of surface dose at multiple locations of a Alderson phantom. The results of the patient DVH parameters were: Body‐5 mm D98 95.3 ± 1.5%, Body‐5 mm D2 114.0 ± 3.6%, MLD 102.8 ± 2.1%. Differences between measured and calculated absolute depth‐dose values were all <2%. Profiles at extended SSD had a maximum point difference of 1.3%. Gamma pass rates of 2D films were greater than 90% at 5%/1 mm. Surface dose measurements with film confirmed surface dose values of >90% of the prescription dose. In conclusion, the inverse optimized delivery method presented in the paper has been used to deliver homogenous dose to over 100 patients. The method provides superior patient comfort utilizing a commercial TPS. In addition, the ability to easily shield organs at risk is available through the use of MLCs.
Prevalence of Foot Pain Across an International Consortium of Population‐Based Cohorts
Authors: Gates Lucy S. , Arden Nigel K. , Hannan Marian T. , Roddy Edward , Gill Tiffany K. , Hill Catherine L. , Dufour Alyssa B. , Rathod‐Mistry Trishna , Thomas Martin J. , Menz Hylton B. , Bowen Catherine J. , Golightly Yvonne M. 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveDespite the potential burden of foot pain, some of the most fundamental epidemiologic questions surrounding the foot remain poorly explored. The prevalence of foot pain has proven to be difficult to compare across existing studies due to variations in case definitions. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of foot pain in several international population‐based cohorts using original data and to explore differences in the case definitions used.MethodsFoot pain variables were examined in 5 cohorts: the Chingford 1000 Women Study, the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project, the Framingham Foot Study, the Clinical Assessment Study of the Foot, and the North West Adelaide Health Study. One question about foot pain was chosen from each cohort based on its similarity to the American College of Rheumatology pain question.ResultsThe precise definition of foot pain varied between the cohorts. The prevalence of foot pain ranged from 13% to 36% and was lowest in the cohort in which the case definition specific to pain was used, compared to the 4 remaining cohorts in which a definition included components of pain, aching, or stiffness. Foot pain was generally more prevalent in women and obese individuals and generally increased with age, with the prevalence being much lower in younger participants (ages 20–44 years).ConclusionFoot pain is common and is associated with female sex, older age, and obesity. Estimates of the prevalence of foot pain are likely to be affected by the case definition used. Therefore, in future population studies, the use of consistent measures of data collection must be considered.
Superwettability‐Based Interfacial Chemical Reactions
Authors: Wu Yuchen , Feng Jiangang , Gao Hanfei , Feng Xinjian , Jiang Lei 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSuperwetting interfaces arising from the cooperation of surface energy and multiscale micro/nanostructures are extensively studied in biological systems. Fundamental understandings gained from biological interfaces boost the control of wettability under different dimensionalities, such as 2D surfaces, 1D fibers and channels, and 3D architectures, thus permitting manipulation of the transport physics of liquids, gases, and ions, which profoundly impacts chemical reactions and material fabrication. In this context, the progress of new chemistry based on superwetting interfaces is highlighted, beginning with mass transport dynamics, including liquid, gas, and ion transport. In the following sections, the impacts of the superwettability‐mediated transport dynamics on chemical reactions and material fabrication is discussed. Superwettability science has greatly enhanced the efficiency of chemical reactions, including photocatalytic, bioelectronic, electrochemical, and organic catalytic reactions, by realizing efficient mass transport. For material fabrication, superwetting interfaces are pivotal in the manipulation of the transport and microfluidic dynamics of liquids on solid surfaces, leading to the spatially regulated growth of low‐dimensional single‐crystalline arrays and high‐quality polymer films. Finally, a perspective on future directions is presented.
On‐Surface Synthesis of Graphyne‐Based Nanostructures
Authors: Li Xuechao , Zhang Haiming , Chi Lifeng 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe successful synthesis of stacking graphdiynes has stimulated numerous fascinating applications. However, it still remains challenging to prepare atomically precise 2D graphdiyne and other graphyne‐based structures. The development of on‐surface synthesis has contributed to many secondary graphyne‐based structures that are directive in fabricating extended graphyne networks. Herein, the recent progress concerning on‐surface synthesis of graphyne‐based nanostructures, especially atomically precise graphdiyne nanowires, is summarized.
Ultrastrong Medium‐Entropy Single‐Phase Alloys Designed via Severe Lattice Distortion
Authors: Sohn Seok Su , Kwiatkowski da Silva Alisson , Ikeda Yuji , Körmann Fritz , Lu Wenjun , Choi Won Seok , Gault Baptiste , Ponge Dirk , Neugebauer Jörg , Raabe Dierk 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSevere lattice distortion is a core effect in the design of multiprincipal element alloys with the aim to enhance yield strength, a key indicator in structural engineering. Yet, the yield strength values of medium‐ and high‐entropy alloys investigated so far do not substantially exceed those of conventional alloys owing to the insufficient utilization of lattice distortion. Here it is shown that a simple VCoNi equiatomic medium‐entropy alloy exhibits a near 1 GPa yield strength and good ductility, outperforming conventional solid‐solution alloys. It is demonstrated that a wide fluctuation of the atomic bond distances in such alloys, i.e., severe lattice distortion, improves both yield stress and its sensitivity to grain size. In addition, the dislocation‐mediated plasticity effectively enhances the strength–ductility relationship by generating nanosized dislocation substructures due to massive pinning. The results demonstrate that severe lattice distortion is a key property for identifying extra‐strong materials for structural engineering applications.
From Self‐Assembly Hierarchical h‐BN Patterns to Centimeter‐Scale Uniform Monolayer h‐BN Film
Authors: Geng Dechao , Zhao Xiaoxu , Zhou Ke , Fu Wei , Xu Zhiping , Pennycook Stephen J. , Ang Lay Kee , Yang Hui Ying 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe self‐assembly into highly ordered pattern is a universal phenomenon with unprecedented natural properties. However, the nonequilibrium processes in complex systems demand rigorous molecular formation mechanism, which are highly important for fundamental research. Herein, a large‐scale formation of highly self‐assembly hierarchical hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) superordered structures on a liquid Cu surface by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method is demonstrated. The hierarchical h‐BN superordered structure is found to be composed of two vertical stacking parts: one part is underneath h‐BN film and the other part is top orientated branched h‐BN patterns. In addition, the size, orientation, and morphology of the h‐BN superordered structures can be precisely tuned by varying the gas flow rate and growth time. A kinetics‐limited growth mechanism is proposed to elucidate the formation process, owing a well consistency with experimental results. Further, by mechanically peeling off the top few‐layer h‐BN, centimeter‐scale uniform monolayer h‐BN film is produced, demonstrating a direct and facile top‐down fabrication method. This synthesis of highly ordered hierarchical h‐BN patterns and following uniform monolayer h‐BN film can be applied to other 2D materials, paving way for great potential in the investigation of growth mechanism and construction of homo‐ and heterostructures.
Gate‐Tunable Photoresponse Time in Black Phosphorus–MoS2 Heterojunctions
Authors: Walmsley Thayer S. , Chamlagain Bhim , Rijal Upendra , Wang Tianjiao , Zhou Zhixian , Xu Ya‐Qiong 
Published: December 2018

AbstractGate‐/wavelength‐dependent scanning photocurrent measurements of black phosphorous (BP)–MoS2 heterojunctions have shown that the Schottky barrier at the MoS2–metal interface plays an important role in the photoresponse dynamics of the heterojunction. When the Fermi level is close to the conduction band of MoS2, photoexcited carriers can tunnel through the narrow depletion region at the MoS2–metal interface, leading to a short response time of 13 µs regardless of the incident laser wavelength. This response speed is comparable or better than that of other few‐layer BP–MoS2 heterojunctions. Conversely, when the MoS2 channel is in the off‐state, the resulting sizeable Schottky barrier and depletion width make it difficult for photoexcited carriers to overcome the barrier. This significantly delays the carrier transit time and thus the photoresponse speed, leading to a wavelength‐dependent response time since the photoexcited carriers induced by short wavelength photons have a higher probability to overcome the Schottky barrier at the MoS2–metal interface than long wavelength photons. These studies not only shed light on the fundamental understanding of photoresponse dynamics in BP–MoS2 heterojunctions, but also open new avenues for engineering the interfaces between 2D materials and metal contacts to reduce the response time of 2D optoelectronics.
Rapid assessment of hyperdiploidy in plasma cell disorders using a novel multi‐parametric flow cytometry method
Authors: Sidana Surbhi , Jevremovic Dragan , Ketterling Rhett P. , Tandon Nidhi , Dispenzieri Angela , Gertz Morie A. , Greipp Patricia T , Baughn Linda B. , Buadi Francis K. , Lacy Martha Q. , Morice William , Hanson Curtis , Timm Michael , Dingli David , Hayman Suzanne R. , Gonsalves Wilson I. , Kapoor Prashant , Kyle Robert A. , Leung Nelson , Go Ronald S. , Lust John A. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kumar Shaji K. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractTrisomies of odd numbered chromosomes are seen in nearly half of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and typically correlate with a hyperdiploid state and better overall survival (OS). We compared DNA ploidy of monoclonal plasma cells (as a surrogate for the presence of trisomies) assessed simultaneously by PCPRO (plasma cell proliferative index), a novel method that estimates DNA index by multi‐parametric flow cytometry to fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in 1703 patients with plasma cell disorders. The distribution of ploidy was hyperdiploid: 759 (45%), diploid 765 (45%), hypodiploid: 71 (4%), tetraploid/near‐tetraploid: 108 (6%). FISH identified trisomies in 82% (621/756) of patients with hyperdiploidy by PCPRO and no trisomy by FISH was observed in 88% (730/834) of patients without hyperdiploidy. 95% (795/834) of patients without hyperdiploidy on PCPRO had one or less trisomy by FISH. Sensitivity and specificity of PCPRO for detecting hyperdiploidy was 86% (621/725) and 84% (730/865), respectively. Sensitivity increased to 94% (579/618) for patients with more than one trisomy. Newly diagnosed MM patients with hyperdiploidy on PCPRO (147/275) had better OS compared to nonhyperdiploid patients (median not reached vs 59 months, P = 0.008) and better progression free survival (median: 33 vs 23 months, P = 0.03). Within the hyperdiploidy group, patients with high‐hyperdiploidy (DNA index: 1.19‐1.50) versus those with low‐hyperdiploidy (DNA index: 1.05‐1.18) had superior OS (3 year OS of 88% vs 68% P = 0.03). Ploidy assessment by flow cytometry can provide rapid, valuable prognostic information and also reduces the number of copy number FISH probes required and hence the cost of FISH.
Brief report: Population‐based reversal of the adverse impact of opioids on disability in Washington State workers’ compensation
Authors: Franklin Gary M. , Mercier Mark , Mai Jaymie , Tuman Doug , Fulton‐Kehoe Deborah , Wickizer Thomas , Sears Jeanne M. 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundEvidence has associated opioid use initiated early in a workers’ compensation claim with subsequent disability. In 2013, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (DLI) implemented procedures based on new regulations that require improvement in pain and function to approve opioids beyond the acute pain period.MethodsWe measured opioid prescriptions between 6 and 12 weeks following injury, an indicator of persistent opioid use. Actuarial data for the association of any opioid use versus no opioid use with development of lost time payments are reported.ResultsPrior authorization with hard stops led to a sustained drop in persistent opioid use, from nearly 5% in 2013 to less than 1% in 2017. This reduction was also associated with reversal of the increased lost work time patterns seen from 1999 to 2010.ConclusionsPrior authorization targeted at preventing transition to chronic opioid use can prevent and reverse adverse time loss development that has occurred on a population basis concomitant with the opioid epidemic.
Brain growth in modern humans using multiple developmental databases
Authors: Vannucci Robert C. , Vannucci Susan J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveCurrently, there are several published articles detailing brain growth in modern humans. The contained databases were derived using disparate methodologies. The objective of the present investigation was to determine the level of agreement among several collections of immature modern human brains.Materials and methodsTwenty‐one developmental collections of endocranial volume, brain weight, or brain volume were selected for analysis, including one skeletal, six autopsy, and 14 computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging samples. Step‐wise comparisons were determined, using conversion factors for brain specific gravity and size of the subarachnoid space.ResultsDerived brain weights are comparable and increase especially during the first year of postnatal life, with a further slight increase (+8–10%) between one and five years, and little change thereafter. The expansion in brain size occurs earlier than body size. Significant sex differences are apparent at all stages of development. Combining all datasets produced a composite database consisting of 3,491 brain weight values, with ages near birth through 18 years. Individual brain weights ranged from 190 to 1,792 g, and mean brain weights ranged from 457 to 1,365 g, with an overall mean and standard deviation of 897 ± 387 g.ConclusionsThe investigation compares modern human collections regarding brain size trajectories from birth through 18 years of age. The 21 datasets are then incorporated into a single composite database. All major age groups and both sexes are well represented. The composite database should prove useful to other investigators interested in developmental aspects of the modern human brain.
Facile preparation of Ag/Ag2WO4/g‐C3N4 ternary plasmonic photocatalyst and its visible‐light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Li Jiang , Zhu Xiaolu , Qiu Fengxian , Zhang Tao , Hu Fengping , Peng Xiaoming 
Published: December 2018

Introducing plasmonic metals into semiconductor materials has been proven to be an attractive strategy for enhancing photocatalytic activity in the visible region. In this work, a novel and efficient Ag/Ag2WO4/g‐C3N4 (AACN) ternary plasmonic photocatalyst was successfully synthesized using a facile one‐step in situ hydrothermal method. The composition, structure, morphology and optical absorption properties of AACN were investigated using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, respectively. Photocatalytic performance of AACN was evaluated via rhodamine B and tetracycline degradation. The results indicated that AACN had excellent photocatalytic performance for rhodamine B degradation with a rate constant of 0.0125 min−1, which was higher than those of Ag2WO4 and Ag/Ag2WO4. Characterization and photocatalytic tests showed that the strong coupling effect between the Ag/Ag2WO4 nanoparticles and the exfoliated ultrathin g‐C3N4 nanosheets was superior for visible‐light responsivity and reduced the recombination rate of photogenerated electrons and holes. A proposed mechanism is also discussed according to the band energy structure and the experimental results.