bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of Gray ROM-Based Encoder for Flash ADCs
Authors: Soleimani Mohammad , Toofan Siroos 
Published: July 2018

In this paper, gray ROM-based encoder is proposed for the implementation of flash ADCs encoder block based on converting the conventional 1-of-[Formula: see text] thermometer codes to 2-of-[Formula: see text] codes ([Formula: see text]). The proposed gray ROM-based encoder is composed of three stages. In the first stage, the thermometer codes are converted to 2-of-[Formula: see text] codes by the use of two-input AND and four-input merged AND–OR gates. In the second stage, 2-of-[Formula: see text] codes are turned to [Formula: see text] gray codes and a binary code by a quasi-gray ROM encoder and a binary ROM encoder, respectively. Finally, in the third stage, [Formula: see text] MSB bits and LSB bit are determined by a quasi-gray-to-binary converter and a CMOS inverter, respectively. The advantages of the proposed encoder over the conventional encoder are higher speed of second stage, low power, low area and low latency with the same bubble and meta-stability errors removing capability. To demonstrate the mentioned specifications, two 5-bit flash ADCs with the conventional and proposed encoders in their encoder blocks are analyzed and simulated at 2-GS/s and 3.2-GS/s sampling rates in 0.18-[Formula: see text]m CMOS process. Simulation results show that the ENOBs of flash ADCs with the conventional and proposed encoders are equal. In this case, the proposed encoder outputs are determined to be approximately 30[Formula: see text]ps faster than the conventional encoder at 2 GS/s. The power dissipations of the conventional and proposed encoders were 19.50[Formula: see text]mW and 13.90[Formula: see text]mW at 3.2-GS/s sampling rate from a 1.8-V supply and also the latencies of the encoders were 4 ADC clocks and 3 ADC clocks, respectively. In this case, the number of D-FFs and logic gates of the proposed encoder is decreased approximately by 37% when compared to the conventional encoder.
Delivery of a matrix metalloproteinase-responsive hydrogel releasing TIMP-3 after myocardial infarction: effects on left ventricular remodeling
Authors: Purcell Brendan P. , Barlow Shayne C. , Perreault Paige E. , Freeburg Lisa , Doviak Heather , Jacobs Julia , Hoenes Abigail , Zellars Kia N. , Khakoo Aarif Y. , Lee TaeWeon , Burdick Jason A. , Spinale Francis G. 
Published: July 2018

Although improvements in timing and approach for early reperfusion with acute coronary syndromes have occurred, myocardial injury culminating in a myocardial infarction (MI) remains a common event. Although a multifactorial process, an imbalance between the induction of proteolytic pathways, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs), has been shown to contribute to this process. In the present study, a full-length TIMP-3 recombinant protein (rTIMP-3) was encapsulated in a specifically formulated hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel that contained MMP-cleavable peptide cross-links, which influenced the rate of rTIMP-3 release from the HA gel. The effects of localized delivery of this MMP-sensitive HA gel (HAMMPS) alone and containing rTIMP-3 (HAMMPS/rTIMP-3) were examined in terms of the natural history of post-MI remodeling. Pigs were randomized to one of the following three different groups: MI and saline injection (MI/saline group, 100-μl injection at nine injection sites, n = 7), MI and HAMMPS injection (MI/HAMMPS group; 100-μl injection at nine injection sites, n = 7), and MI and HAMMPS/rTIMP-3 injection (MI/HAMMPS/rTIMP-3 group; 20-μg/100-μl injection at nine injection sites, n = 7). Left ventricular (LV) echocardiography was serially performed up to 28 days post-MI. LV dilation, as measured by end-diastolic volume, and the degree of MI wall thinning were reduced by ~50% in the HAMMPS/rTIMP-3 group ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, indexes of heart failure progression post-MI, such as LV filling pressures and left atrial size, were also attenuated to the greatest degree in the HAMMPS/rTIMP-3 group. At 28 days post-MI, HAMMPS/rTIMP-3 caused a relative reduction in the transcriptional profile for myofibroblasts as well as profibrotic pathways, which was confirmed by subsequent histochemistry. In conclusion, these findings suggest that localized delivery of a MMP-sensitive biomaterial that releases a recombinant TIMP holds promise as a means to interrupt adverse post-MI remodeling. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study targeted a myocardial matrix proteolytic system, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), through the use of a recombinant tissue inhibitor of MMPs incorporated into a MMP-sensitive hydrogel, which was regionally injected using a large animal model of myocardial infarction. Left ventricular geometry and function and indexes of myocardial remodeling were improved with this approach and support the advancement of localized therapeutic strategies that specifically target the myocardial matrix.
Slow Potential at the Entrance of the Slow Conduction Zone in the Reentry Circuit of a Verapamil‐Sensitive Atrial Tachycardia Originating From the Atrioventricular Annulus
Authors: Yamabe Hiroshige , Kanazawa Hisanori , Ito Miwa , Kaneko Shozo , Kanemaru Yusuke , Kiyama Takuya , Tsujita Kenichi 
Published: July 2018

Background

Slow conduction zone in a verapamil‐sensitive reentrant atrial tachycardia originating from atrioventricular annulus is composed of calcium channel–dependent tissue. We examined whether there was a slow potential (
SP
) at the entrance of the slow conduction zone.

Methods and Results

We first identified the pacing site from where manifest entrainment and orthodromic capture of the earliest atrial activation site were demonstrated in 40 atrioventricular annulus patients with atrioventricular annulus. Radiofrequency energy was then delivered 2 cm proximal to the earliest atrial activation site in the direction of entrainment pacing site and gradually advanced toward the earliest atrial activation site until atrial tachycardia termination to localize the entrance of the slow conduction zone. Electrogram characteristics were analyzed at successful and unsuccessful ablation sites. During sinus rhythm,
SP
was observed at all 40 successful sites, but was observed at only 12 unsuccessful sites (
P
<0.0001). During sinus rhythm, there was no significant difference in electrogram amplitude nor width of atrial electrogram between successful and unsuccessful sites (0.407±0.281 versus 0.487±0.447 mV [
P
=0.1989] and 37.0±9.2 versus 38.9±8.0 ms [
P
=0.1773]); however,
SP
amplitude and width at successful sites were significantly greater than those at unsuccessful sites (0.110±0.049 versus 0.025±0.046 mV [
P
<0.0001] and 38.8±13.4 versus 8.1±13.2 ms [
P
<0.0001]). During atrial tachycardia,
SP
amplitude was significantly attenuated (0.088±0.042 versus 0.110±0.049 mV,
P
<0.001) and
SP
width was significantly prolonged (47.8±14.1 versus 38.8±13.4 ms,
P
<0.0001) at successful sites.

Conclusions

SP
was observed during sinus rhythm at the entrance of the slow conduction zone; however,
SP
amplitude was attenuated and
SP
width was prolonged during atrial tachycardia, suggesting that
SP
reflects the characteristics of calcium channel–dependent tissue involved in atrioventricular annulus reentry circuit.
A Numerical Study on the Aerodynamics of Freely Falling Planar Ice Crystals
Authors: Nettesheim Joseph J. , Wang Pao K. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractFluid flow fields and fall patterns of falling planar ice crystals are studied by numerically solving the unsteady, incompressible Navier–Stokes equations using a commercially available computational fluid dynamics package. The ice crystal movement and orientation are explicitly simulated based on hydrodynamic forces and torques representing the 6 degrees of freedom. This study extends the current framework by investigating four planar-type ice crystals: crystals with sector-like branches, crystals with broad branches, stellar crystals, and ordinary dendritic crystals. The crystals range from 0.2 to 5 mm in maximum dimension, corresponding to Reynolds number ranges from 0.2 to 384. The results indicate that steady flow fields are generated for flows with Reynolds numbers less than 100; larger plates generate unsteady flow fields and exhibit horizontal translation, rotation, and oscillation. Empirical formulas for the drag coefficient, 900-hPa terminal velocity, and ventilation effect are given. Fall trajectory, pressure distribution, wake structure, vapor field, and vorticity field are examined.
Comparison of Moisture Transport between Siberia and Northeast Asia on Annual and Interannual Time Scales
Authors: Piao Jinling , Chen Wen , Zhang Qiong , Hu Peng 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe moisture supplies over Siberia and Northeast Asia are investigated by comparing their similarities and differences, enlightened by the seesaw pattern in their summer precipitation. Based on the rotated empirical orthogonal functions in the 3-month standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI_03), Siberia and Northeast Asia are defined as the regions within 55°–70°N, 80°–115°E and 40°–55°N, 90°–115°E, respectively. Our results show that over both regions, evaporation contributes the most to the precipitation amount at the annual time scale, and moisture convergence contributes the most on the interannual time scale. For moisture convergence, both the stationary and transient terms are subject to impacts of the midlatitude westerlies. For the annual cycle, the net moisture supply over both Siberia and Northeast Asia is closely associated with both stationary and transient moisture transport. However, on the interannual time scale, the net moisture convergence is closely related to the stationary term only. The examination of the boundary moisture transport shows that in addition to the zonal component, the meridional stationary moisture transport plays a key role in the net moisture convergence. The transient moisture transport mainly depends on moisture transport through the western and southern boundaries, with a comparable magnitude to that of the stationary one, further confirming the importance of the stationary and transient terms on the moisture supply for the annual cycle. In addition, the circulations responsible for moisture transport anomalies indicate that the stationary moisture circulation is the key factor for the moisture supply anomalies over both Siberia and Northeast Asia, with limited impacts from the transient moisture circulation.
The role of the subchondral layer in osteonecrosis of the femoral head: analysis based on HR-QCT in comparison to MRI findings
Authors: Kolb Alexander R , Patsch Janina M , Vogl Wolf-Dieter , Benca Emir , Stelzeneder David , Windhager Reinhard , Hofstaetter Jochen G 
Published: July 2018

Background Non-traumatic avascular osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a severe disease causing destruction of the hip joint, often necessitating total hip arthroplasty (THA) even in young patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used for diagnosis of ONFH, but provides limited insight into the subchondral bone microstructure. Purpose To analyze routine MRI findings in comparison to high-resolution quantitative computed tomography (HR-QCT) with a special focus on the subchondral layer and to estimate the importance of differences determining the indication for THA. Material and Methods Twelve patients with ONFH were included before THA. Preoperative MRI and HR-QCT of the retrieved femoral heads were aligned using a registration algorithm. Pathological findings and trabecular bone parameters in matched areas were analyzed by two readers. McNemar, marginal homogeneity test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used for comparison. Results Subchondral delamination was found in nine cases on HR-QCT, but missed or underestimated in all but one case on MRI ( P = 0.016). Chondral discontinuity was found in all cases on HR-QCT and in two cases on MRI ( P = 0.016). Areas of complete bone resorption on HR-QCT were linked to high signal intensity on 3D gradient-echo MRI sequences with water-selective excitation, while there was no correlation between trabecular bone parameters and MRI signal intensities in other areas ( P = 0.304). Conclusion Subchondral delamination, subchondral resorption, and chondral discontinuity are found frequently in advanced stages of ONFH. These lesions tend to be underestimated on conventional MRI. Our results support the importance of CT imaging in the evaluation of ONFH.
Kinematics of Rugby Tackling: A Pilot Study With 3-dimensional Motion Analysis
Authors: Kawasaki Takayuki , Tanabe Yasumasa , Tanaka Hiroshi , Murakami Kenji , Maki Nobukazu , Ozaki Hiroki , Hirayama Daisaku , Kunda Masahiro , Nobuhara Katsuya , Okuwaki Toru , Kaneko Kazuo 
Published: July 2018

Background: Although improper tackling technique in rugby can affect the outcome of the tackle and lead to head, neck, and shoulder injuries, the effects of the height of the tackle or the side of the leading leg at the time of impact have not been investigated. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose was to characterize the trunk orientation at impact during various tackles. It was hypothesized that 3-dimensional motion analysis would be able to capture the critical kinematic differences in the 4 types of tackles studied. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 66 tackles on a tackle bag were recorded among 13 elite rugby players. Four types of tackles were evaluated: the normal shoulder tackle, in which the tackler’s dominant shoulder made impact while the leading foot was on the same side as that shoulder; the low tackle, in which the tackler targeted the lower portion of the tackle bag; the opposite-leg tackle, in which the tackler’s leading leg was on the opposite side as the shoulder making impact; and the low and opposite-leg tackle, which was a combination of the previous 2 types of tackles. The orientation of the trunk at impact was calculated, and 2-way repeated-measures analyses of variance were used to compare the characteristics of these tackles. Results: Trunk inclination at impact was lower in the low tackle than in the normal tackle ( P < .01), regardless of the side of the leading leg. Trunk bending to the side of the impacted shoulder was lower in the opposite-leg tackle ( P < .01), and these findings were more significant in the normal-height tackles ( P < .01). Trunk rotation to the side of the impacted shoulder was lower in the opposite-leg tackles ( P < .01) and more significant in the lower-height tackles ( P = .03). Conclusion: The 3-dimensional motion capture system was effective in investigating the kinematics of rugby tackling. The kinematics in the low and opposite-leg tackles were significantly different from those in the normal shoulder tackle, which may affect tackle performance and the possible risk of contact injury. Clinical Relevance: When a rugby coach provides tackling instructions to players, it is advantageous to have information about the kinematics of different types of tackles.
Hemodialysis during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with severe metabolic acidosis
Authors: Sahutoglu Tuncay , Sahutoglu Elif 
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Severe metabolic acidosis during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an important and yet unresolved issue. The potential use of hemodialysis for severe metabolic acidosis during cardiopulmonary resuscitation was investigated. Methods: Acute hemodialyses between January 2012 and April 2017 were reviewed for patients with concomitant hemodialysis and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In addition, MEDLINE was searched for similar reports. Data were extracted from hospital records. Results: Two patients (36M, 70F) were found to study, without similar reports in MEDLINE. Cardiac arrests (in-hospital) occurred due to severe metabolic acidosis in both patients (due to ethylene glycol and metformin intoxications, respectively). Return of spontaneous circulation could not be obtained within the first 28 and 30 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation only, whereas both patients had return of spontaneous circulation following at least 45 min of concomitant hemodialysis and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. One patient (70F) was discharged with good neurological outcome, but the other died. Conclusion: The addition of high-efficiency hemodialysis during cardiopulmonary resuscitation may contribute to the return of spontaneous circulation in patients with severe metabolic acidosis due to intoxication.
A mixed methods pilot of Beat the Bugs: A community education course on hygiene, self-care and antibiotics
Authors: Eley Charlotte Victoria , Young Vicki Louise , Hayes Catherine Victoria , Parkinson Gill , Tucker Katie , Gobat Nina , McNulty Cliodna Ann Miriam 
Published: July 2018

Background: e-Bug is an international health education resource which support World Health Organization (WHO) public health recommendations by educating young people about microbes, hygiene and antibiotics use. The e-Bug team collaborated with Kingfisher Treasure Seekers to develop a six-session course for community groups called Beat the Bugs covering: microbes; hygiene; antibiotic use; and self-care. A pilot was used to inform further development and evaluation. Methods: Pilot courses with 9–12 adults with learning difficulties and young parents were delivered by community leaders and observed by researchers. Participants completed before and after knowledge questionnaires. Two participant focus groups and two course leader interviews explored views on the course and retention of knowledge. Results: Completed questionnaires and qualitative results showed an improvement in participant knowledge in each session; microbes and antibiotics sessions showed the greatest knowledge improvement. Self-care showed the greatest knowledge retention and participants reported behaviour change including an increase in appropriate hand-washing and tooth-brushing. Conclusion: The Beat the Bugs course is a useful intervention for communities to give individuals the knowledge and confidence to manage their own infection and change behaviour around hygiene, self-care and antibiotics. Beat the Bugs is freely available to download.
The use of motivational interviewing in improving medication adherence for individuals with asthma: a systematic review
Authors: Gesinde B , Harry S 
Published: July 2018

Objective: This review was conducted to examine current literature on the use of motivational interviewing (MI) as a strategy to promote individuals with asthma to make behavioral changes and improve health outcomes. This article systematically reviews empirical MI studies which were used to promote asthma medication adherence in children, adolescents, and adults. Methods: Studies were obtained from several databases. We searched CINAHL, MEDLINE, PyscINFO, PubMed, and Cochrane database for articles on the use of MI to improve asthma medication adherence in individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe asthma. Various combinations of the following search terms were used: motivational interviewing, asthma, medication adherence, medication non-adherence, and MI. Results: MI intervention showed evidence of improved self-efficacy, asthma, self-management, and positive behavior change for individuals diagnosed with asthma. The results suggest that MI is a feasible and promising approach to improve attitudes toward asthma medication adherence. Conclusion: The generally favorable results indicate MI merged with other interventions and support is effective in improving medication adherence and is also more sustainable than MI as a stand-alone intervention. Additional research is necessary to assess the effectiveness of MI in ensuring individuals fill their prescriptions and use their medications as recommended.
Cerebral imaging in paediatric mitochondrial disorders
Authors: Finsterer Josef , Zarrouk-Mahjoub Sinda 
Published: July 2018

Objectives Because the central nervous system (CNS) is the second most frequently affected organ in mitochondrial disorders (MIDs) and since paediatric MIDs are increasingly recognised, it is important to know about the morphological CNS abnormalities on imaging in these patients. This review aims at summarising and discussing current knowledge and recent advances concerning CNS imaging abnormalities in paediatric MIDs. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted. Results The most relevant CNS abnormalities in paediatric MIDs on imaging include white and grey matter lesions, stroke-like lesions as the morphological equivalent of stroke-like episodes, cerebral atrophy, calcifications, optic atrophy, and lactacidosis. Because these CNS lesions may be seen with or without clinical manifestations, it is important to screen all MID patients for cerebral involvement. Some of these lesions may remain unchanged for years whereas others may be dynamic, either in the sense of progression or regression. Typical dynamic lesions are stroke-like lesions and grey matter lesions. Clinically relevant imaging techniques for visualisation of CNS abnormalities in paediatric MIDs are computed tomography, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, MR spectroscopy, single-photon emission computed tomography, positron-emission tomography, and angiography. Conclusions CNS imaging in paediatric MIDs is important for diagnosing and monitoring CNS involvement. It also contributes to the understanding of the underlying pathomechanisms that lead to CNS involvement in MIDs.
Scar endometriosis: A case report and literature review
Authors: De Pinho Cunha Paiva Sara , Cirilio Priscilla Benfica , Lage Giulia Campos , Das Chagas Angela Storino 
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Surgical scar endometrioma is defined as the presence of an endometrial tissue near or inside an abdominal surgical incision. This is a rare clinical event that can occur in women after gynecological or obstetric surgery, with a global prevalence estimated at 0.01%–1%. The most prevalent clinical feature includes a painful mass with a cyclic pain that exacerbates with menstruation. The aim of this work is to facilitate the identification and support the diagnosis of abdominal wall endometrioma associated with the cesarean section scar, with basis on a case study of a tumor in the cesarean surgical scar of a patient who also complains of dyspareunia and menorrhagia. Case report: A 43-year-old female patient, G4PC4A0, with a single, rounded and painful subcutaneous nodule in the right inguinal region, on the cesarean section scar, which had progressively grown for two years. Patient also reported increased nodule size during menstrual period, associated with pain and menorrhagia. In February 2016, a surgical procedure was performed and by the post-surgical evaluation, the patient had already presented a menstrual cycle and reported decrease in symptoms. Biopsy report brought findings compatible with endometriosis. Conclusion: According to the literature, the clinical picture of the patient confirms the suspected endometrioma. The set of signals and symptoms associated with well-specified additional tests allowed an early and efficient diagnosis. The knowledge of the disease and the adoption of these criteria may mean a reduced burden on health services, but mainly, improve the quality of life of patients.