bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phase-field modeling for pH-dependent general and pitting corrosion of iron
Authors: Tsuyuki Chisa , Yamanaka Akinori , Ogimoto Yasushi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study proposes a new phase-field (PF) model to simulate the pH-dependent corrosion of iron. The model is formulated based on Bockris’s iron dissolution mechanism to describe the pH dependence of the corrosion rate. We also propose a simulation methodology to incorporate the thermodynamic database of the electrolyte solutions into the PF model. We show the applications of the proposed PF model for simulating two corrosion problems: general corrosion and pitting corrosion in pure iron immersed in an acid solution. The simulation results of general corrosion demonstrate that the incorporation of the anodic and cathodic current densities calculated by a Corrosion Analyzer software allows the PF model to simulate the migration of the corroded iron surface, the variation of ion concentrations in the electrolyte, and the electrostatic potential at various pH levels and temperatures. The simulation of the pitting corrosion indicates that the proposed PF model successfully captures the anisotropic propagation of a pit that is affected by the local pH of the electrolyte solution and the aggregation of Cl− ions in the pit.
Associations between Variants in BDNF/BDNFOS Gene and Lumbar Disc Herniation Risk among Han Chinese People
Authors: Zhu Yong , Jia Haiyu , Li Jiabin , Ren Shaodong , Huang Zhi , Li Feng , Xing Wenhua , Li Shunan , Yang Xuejun 
Published: August 2018

AbstractLumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a low back pain disorder and associated with several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However, the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and BDNFOS gene in LDH susceptibility remains unknown. To examine whether the variants contribute to LDH, 7 SNPs were genotyped in 380 patients and 692 healthy controls among Han Chinese population. Multiple genetic models, stratification by age/gender and haploview analysis was used by calculating odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Rs11030064 in BDNFOS gene was associated with modified susceptibility for LDH at age ≤50 years but three loci (rs6265, rs11030104 and rs10767664) of BDNF gene increased LDH risk at age >50 years. Further, rs11030096 polymorphism in BDNFOS gene was associated with LDH the increased susceptibility of LDH in females. Haplotype analysis shown that haplotype “GCC” in the block (rs988712, rs7481311, and rs11030064) increased LDH risk (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.06–2.10, p = 0.022) at age ≤50 years. However, there was no significant association between BDNF/BDNFOS gene and LDH risk in the overall before stratified analysis. For the first time, our results provide evidence on polymorphism of BDNF / BDNFOS gene associated with LDH risk in Chinese Han population.
A magnet-actuated biomimetic device for isolating biological entities in microwells
Authors: Sharma Himani , John Kimberley , Gaddam Anvesh , Navalkar Ambuja , Maji Samir K. , Agrawal Amit 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMicrowell platforms show great promise in single-cell studies and protein measurements because of their low volume sampling, rapid analysis and high throughput screening ability. However, the existing actuation mechanisms to manipulate the target samples and fabrication procedures involved in the microwell-based microfluidic devices are complex, resource-intensive and require an external power source. In this work, we present proof of concept of a simple, power-free and low-cost closed magnet digital microfluidics device for isolating biological entities in femtoliter-sized microwells. The target biological entities were encapsulated in magnetic liquid marbles and shuttled back and forth between micropatterned top and bottom plates in the microdevice to obtain high loading efficiency and short processing time. The microdevice performance was studied through fluorescent detection of three different entities: microbeads, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and Escherichia coli, captured in the microwell array. Almost 80% of the microwells were loaded with single microbeads in five shuttling cycles, in less than a minute. Further, a low volume of BSA was compartmentalized in the microwell array over a two order range of concentration. The microdevice exhibits two unique features: lotus leaf stamps were used to fabricate micropatterns (microwells and micropillars) on top and bottom plates to impart functionality and cost-effectiveness, and the target samples were actuated by a permanent magnet to make the microdevice power-free and simple in operation. The developed biomimetic microdevice is therefore capable of capturing a multitude of biological entities in low-resource settings.
Southward shift of the coronal neutral line and the heliospheric current sheet: Evidence for radial evolution of hemispheric asymmetry
Authors: Koskela J. S. , Virtanen I. I. , Mursula K. 
Published: August 2018

Aims. The heliospheric current sheet (HCS) has been observed to be southward shifted in the late declining to minimum phase of the solar cycle. Here we study the existence of a simultaneous shift in the heliosphere and in the corona using a robust new method.
Methods. We use the synoptic maps of the photospheric field of the Wilcox Solar Observatory (WSO) and the Mount Wilson Observatory (MWO) together with the potential field source surface (PFSS) model to calculate the coronal magnetic field and compare it with the simultaneous heliospheric magnetic field of the NASA/NSSDC OMNI 2 dataset. We divide the magnetic field into the two sectors, towards (T) and away (A) from the Sun, and calculate how often the sector polarities at 1 AU and in the corona match each other. We divide the sectors both at 1 AU and in the corona. We also calculate the annual (T − A)/(T + A) ratios of sector occurrence both at 1 AU and in the corona.
Results. We verify that the HCS/neutral line is southward shifted both in the corona and heliosphere. We find that the coronal shift is systematically larger than the simultaneous heliospheric shift.
Conclusions. The fact that the southward shift of the coronal neutral line is larger than the simultaneous shift of the heliospheric current sheet at 1 AU implies that the radial evolution of the magnetic field between the two sites is different between the northern and southern hemispheres.
Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) in Deutschland: Ergebnisse einer Befragung zu Empfehlungen für die Palliativmedizinische Lehre im Medizinstudium
Authors: Berendt Julia , Steigleder Tobias , van Oorschot Birgitt , Villalobos Matthias , Simon Steffen , Scherg Alexandra , Ostgathe Christoph 
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Die curriculare studentische palliativmedizinische Lehre ist in den geförderten Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCCs) unterschiedlich integriert. Da ein Strukturkonzept für die Förderung der Lehre zur spezialisierten Palliativmedizin in einem CCC gegeben sein soll, werden Empfehlungen diskutiert, konsentiert und berichtet.
Methodik Neun Aussagen zur Lehre in den CCCs wurden anhand von Richtlinien und Katalogen von Palliativmedizinern aus dem CCC-Netzwerk formuliert. Über ein quantitatives Untersuchungsdesign erfolgte zur Abstimmung eine Online-Befragung von 14 Ärzten aus den palliativmedizinischen Einrichtungen der CCCs, mit Leitungs- und Lehrverantwortung. Eine Aussage galt als konsentiert, insofern die Zustimmung in der Gruppe bei ≥ 80 % lag. Anmerkungen wurden über Freitextfelder erfasst.
Ergebnisse Von 14 haben 12 Personen von Mai bis August 2016 an der Umfrage teilgenommen, durch die 7 der 9 Empfehlungen konsentiert wurden. Einstimmig (100 %) verlief die Abtimmung zum Pflichtanteil der Lehre (mindestens 1,5 Semesterwochenstunden = 20 Unterrichtseinheiten à 45 min). Die Befragten befürworten überdies eine Wahlmöglichkeit im Praktischen Jahr für die Palliativmedizin (92 %). Die Empfehlung, eine Vollzeitkraft für die Lehre einzusetzen, erzielte keinen Konsens (75 %). Der lehrverantwortlichen Person sollte jedoch eine ¼-Stelle für administrative Aufgaben zugeordnet sein (83 %).
Diskussion Die ärztlichen Leiter der spezialisierten Palliativmedizin in den deutschen CCCs sind sich überwiegend einig, welche Strukturmerkmale der studentischen palliativmedizinischen Lehre zugrunde zu legen sind. Diese Empfehlungen können in ein Strukturkonzept zur Förderung der spezialisierten palliativmedizinischen Lehre eines CCC einfließen.
A Future for Simulation in Acute Neurology
Authors: Hocker Sara , Wijdicks Eelco 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAcute neurologic (and potentially disability prone) conditions are rarely taught and, if so, at the bedside and usually after the fact. Simulation training offers a realistic environment to teach rapid-fire decision making, how to take charge, and how best to approach a deteriorating, acutely ill neurologic patient.Simulating acute neurology is a newly emerging educational program. Proven principles of simulation, which may include teaching technical skills, can be applied to acute neurology (and neurointensive care). Communication skills pertaining to catastrophic neurologic injury with all its ethical ramifications can be taught and practiced. There is a growing need for well-designed, tested teaching scenarios and a need to validate this approach. This review provides an overview of the potential opportunities available in medical institutions with a simulation center.
Mixed Vascular Nevus Syndrome
Authors: Ruggieri Martino , Polizzi Agata , Battaglini Chiara , Tomarchio Stefania , Mendola Flavia , Restivo Domenico , Milone Pietro , Pirrone Concetta , Commodari Elena , Zanghì Antonio , Schepis Carmelo , Lacarrubba Francesco , Micali Giuseppe , Praticò Andrea 
Published: August 2018

Mixed vascular nevus (or nevus vascularis mixtus) represents an admixture of cutaneous vascular malformations of the telangiectatic type and angiospastic spots of nevus anemicus. It can occur as a purely cutaneous trait or as a hallmark of a neurocutaneous phenotype, the so-called mixed vascular nevus syndrome. The latter is characterized by the combination of paired vascular twin nevi and brain abnormalities of the Dyke–Davidoff–Masson type, consisting of crossed cerebral/cerebellar hemiatrophy with hypoplasia of the ipsilateral cerebral vessels, and homolateral hypertrophy of the skull and sinuses (hyperpneumatization) with contralateral hemispheric hypertrophy. In other cases, the paired vascular twin nevi and brain malformations of the Dyke–Davidoff–Masson type occur in association with systemic abnormalities consisting of facial asymmetry, skeletal anomalies, and disorders of autoimmunity. In 2014, Happle proposed to name the syndrome with the eponym Ruggieri–Leech's syndrome after the first two authors who reported (independently) this phenotype in different patients.Pathogenically, this complex phenotype suggests that embryonic pairing and somatic recombination of recessive (didymotic) alleles controlling the balance between constriction (i.e., nevus anemicus) and dilatation (i.e., nevus telangiectaticus) of blood vessels could be the primary event causing the phenomena of cutaneous and brain vascular twin spotting and the paired phenomena of skull hyperpneumatization versus hypertrophy and brain megalencephaly/colpocephaly versus cortical dysplasia.
Hypomelanosis of Ito
Authors: Sullo Federica , Polizzi Agata , Battaglini Chiara , Schepis Carmelo , Pirrone Concetta , Lacarrubba Francesco , Micali Giuseppe , Dinotta Franco , Savasta Salvatore , Commodari Elena , Salafia Stefania , Zanghì Antonio , Pascual-Castroviejo Ignacio , Ruggieri Martino , Praticò Andrea 
Published: August 2018

AbstractHypomelanosis of Ito (HI) is a congenital neurocutaneous syndrome presenting in the first year of life. It was first described by Ito in 1952 as a purely cutaneous disease presenting with skin hypopigmentation. Several extracutaneous manifestations were later described, and it is now known that several organs can be involved (including brain, muscle, bone, heart, eye, kidney, and teeth) and that the prognosis is strictly related to the number of involved organs. The incidence and prevalence of this syndrome have been estimated to range between 1 in 7,540 births and 1 in 82,000; the disorder affects both the sexes, occurs in all races, and is characterized by depigmentation of the skin along the lines of Blaschko on the trunk and extremities in whorled and linear streaks and patterns. The pathogenesis is unknown, but it is likely to be multifactorial. Several models of inheritance have been proposed but not proved; genetic mosaicism is nowadays the most likely explanation for its inheritance. The differential diagnosis comprises other disorders with hypopigmentation following the lines of Blaschko and thus includes the atrophic/hypopigmented (fourth) stage manifestations of incontinentia pigmenti of the Bloch–Sulzberger type, tuberous sclerosis complex, vitiligo, and skin fungal infections. Consensus recommendations for the screening of associated extracutaneous conditions do not exist and management is symptomatic, but a regular evaluation of somatic growth, neurodevelopment, endocrine status, eyes, and teeth should be performed, and the screening of renal function is also advisable. HI still represents a challenging disorder for the child neurologist and a controversial issue in the medical literature. Awareness of this disorder could allow an early diagnosis and appropriate genetic counseling and screening.
The Ratio of Tibial Slope and Meniscal Bone Angle for the Prediction of ACL Reconstruction Failure Risk
Authors: Sauer Steffen , English Robert , Clatworthy Mark 
Published: August 2018

Background A growing body of research is indicating that the tibial slope and the geometry of the tibiofemoral meniscal–cartilage interface may affect the risk of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) failure. Increased lateral tibial posterior slope (LTPS) and reduced meniscal bone angle (MBA) are associated with increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The significance of a LTPS–MBA ratio regarding the prediction of ACL failure risk remains unknown. As LTPS and MBA may eventually potentiate or neutralize each other, it is expected that a low LTPS–MBA ratio is associated with high chance of ACL graft survival while a high LTPS–MBA ratio is associated with high risk of ACL failure.
Material and Methods Out of 1,487 consecutive patients who underwent hamstring ACLR between August 2000 and May 2013, 54 ACLR failures with intact lateral menisci were included in this study and matched one-to-one with 54 control participants by age, sex, graft, surgical technique, and graft fixation method. Control participants had undergone ACLR without signs of lateral meniscal injury, graft failure, or insufficiency. MBA and LTPS were assessed on magnetic resonance imaging. Logistic regression was used to identify LTPS/MBA key cut-off ratios.
Results In this cohort, a LTPS–MBA ratio under 0.27 was associated with a 28% risk of ACLR failure (36% of patients), while a ratio exceeding 0.42 was associated with an 82% risk of ACLR failure (31% of patients). The odds of ACL failure increased by 22.3% per reduction of 1 degree in MBA (odds ratio [OR], 1.22; 95% limits, 1.1–1.34). No significant association was found between LTPS and the risk of ACL graft failure in transtibial ACLR, while the odds of ACL failure increased by 34.9% per degree of increasing LTPS in transportal ACLR (OR, 1.34; 95% limits, 1.01–1.79). No significant correlation was found between MBA and LTPS (p = 0.5).
Conclusion Reduced MBA was associated with significantly increased risk of ACL graft failure. A ratio of LTPS and MBA was found to be useful for the prediction of ACLR failure risk and may preoperatively help to identify patients at high risk of ACLR failure. This may have implications for patient counseling and the indication of additional extra-articular stabilizing procedures.
Feasibility and Safety of Transtympanic Balloon Dilatation of Eustachian Tube
Authors: Kapadia Mustafa , Tarabichi Muaaz 
Published: August 2018

Objective:
Assess safety and feasibility of transtympanic dilatation of proximal (tympanic-end) of the cartilaginous segment of the Eustachian tube in patients undergoing surgery for chronic ear disease.

Study Design:
Case series.

Setting:
Tertiary care hospital.

Subject and Methods:
We reviewed the charts of 40 consecutive patients undergoing chronic ear surgery in our practice with manometric evidence of obstruction who underwent attempted transtympanic dilatation of proximal (tympanic-end) segment of the Eustachian tube. A range of outcome measures were reported that included pre and postdilatation opening pressure measurement of the Eustachian tube, closure of perforation, audiometric data, and complications.

Results:
Dilatation of proximal (tympanic-end) of the cartilaginous segment of the Eustachian tube was technically feasible in 37 of 40 patients (93%). Postdilatation inspection of protympanum showed increased aperture in all dilated tubes. Opening pressure of Eustachian tube declined in 36 of 37 patients (97%). Residual perforation was evident in 5 of 40 patients (12%). No facial nerve or carotid complications were observed. Two patients had severe dizziness (5%) with one patient sustaining severe cochlear loss.

Conclusion:
Transtympanic dilatation increases the patency of the Eustachian tube immediately after instrumentation. No carotid complications were observed. Continuous endoscopic control is essential to avoid subluxation of stapes. Further study of this technique is warranted to identify its role, if any, in chronic ear surgery.
Roux-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy directly change gut microbiota composition independent of operation type
Authors: Paganelli Fernanda L. , Luyer Misha , Hazelbag C. Marijn , Uh Hae-Won , Rogers Malbert R.C. , Adriaans Danielle , Berbers Roos-Marijn , Hendrickx Antoni P.A. , Viveen Marco C. , Groot James A. , Bonten Marc J. M. , Fluit Ad C. , Willems Rob J.L. , Leavis Helen L. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundBariatric surgery in patients with morbid obesity, either through gastric sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-Y gastric bypass surgery, leads to sustainable weight loss, improvement of metabolic disorders and changes in the intestinal microbiota. Yet, the relationship between changes in gut microbiota, weight loss and the surgical procedure remains incompletely understood.Subjects/MethodsWe determined temporal changes in microbiota composition in 45 obese patients undergoing a crash diet followed by gastric sleeve gastrectomy (n= 22) or Roux-Y gastric bypass (n= 23). Intestinal microbiota composition was determined before intervention (baseline, S1), 2 weeks after a crash diet (S2), and 1 week (S3), 3 months (S4) and 6 months (S5) after surgery.ResultsRelative to S1, the microbial diversity index declined at S2 and S3 (p< 0.05), and gradually returned to baseline levels at S5. The crash diet was associated with an increased abundance of Rikenellaceae and decreased abundances of Ruminococcaceae and Streptococcaceae (p< 0.05). After surgery, at S3, the relative abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae had decreased (compared to the moment directly after the crash diet), whereas those of Streptococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae had increased (p< 0.05). Increased weight loss during the next 6 months was not associated without major changes in microbiota composition. Significant differences between both surgical procedures were not observed at any of the time points.ConclusionsIn conclusion, undergoing a crash diet and bariatric surgery were associated with an immediate but temporary decline in the microbial diversity, with immediate and permanent changes in microbiota composition, with no differences between patients undergoing gastric sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-Y gastric bypass surgery.
Modeling of artificially triggered lightning currents by multi-peaked analytically extended functions
Authors: Javor Vesna , Lundengård Karl , Rančić Milica , Silvestrov Sergei 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to present the approximation of lightning currents waveshapes by the multi-peaked analytically extended function (MP-AEF) for the experimentally measured channel-base currents in the artificially triggered lightning discharges. Modified transmission line model of lightning return strokes having the channel current both linearly decaying and sinusoidally changing with height (MTLSIN) is used to calculate the lightning electromagnetic field.

Design/methodology/approach
MP-AEF’s parameters for the artificially triggered lightning channel-base currents are calculated by using Marquardt least squares method (MLSM). Lightning electromagnetic fields are calculated based on electromagnetic theory relations, thin-wire antenna model of the vertical lightning channel and the assumption of the perfectly conducting ground. MTLSIN model as an engineering model of lightning strokes is used to obtain the electric field results as these are simultaneously measured in rocket-triggered lightning experiments together with the channel-base currents.

Findings
MP-AEF approximates multi-peaked pulse waveshapes. Some important function parameters are chosen prior to the approximation procedure, such as current peaks and the corresponding time moments of those peaks, which presents an advantage in comparison to other functions. The desired accuracy of approximation is obtained by choosing an adequate number of function terms. MLSM is used for the estimation of unknown parameters. Using MTLSIN model, the influence of the channel height and return stroke speed on the lightning electromagnetic field waveshape is analyzed in this paper.

Research limitations/implications
MP-AEF may be used for approximation of various multi-peaked waveshapes. It has no errors in the points of maxima which is important for the lightning protection systems design. MTLSIN model may be validated by using simultaneously measured lightning electromagnetic fields at various distances from the channel and for channel heights estimated in the experiments. It is also possible to approximate measured current derivatives by MP-AEF and use them for further computation.

Originality/value
MTLSIN model is proposed in this paper for the evaluation of lightning electromagnetic fields induced by artificially triggered lightning discharges. The procedure is based on the approximation of lightning channel-base currents by the multi-peaked analytically extended function previously proposed by the authors. This function may be used not only for representing lightning currents but also for other waveshapes as current derivatives, electric and magnetic fields and their derivatives, which are all important for the lightning protection design. MTLSIN gives lightning electromagnetic fields results which are in better agreement with measured fields than those obtained by other models from literature.