bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using Lightning Flashes to Image Thunderclouds
Authors: Peterson Michael 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe optical energy emitted by lightning flashes interacts with the surrounding cloud medium through scattering and absorption. The optical signals recorded by space‐based lightning imagers describe a convolution of lightning flash energetics and radiative transfer effects in the intervening cloud layer. A thundercloud imaging technique is presented that characterizes cloud regions based on how they are illuminated by lightning. This technique models the spatial distribution of optical energy in radiant lightning pulses to determine whether and to what extent each illuminated cloud pixel behaves like a homogeneous planar cloud layer. A gridded product is constructed that differentiates flashes that illuminate convective cells from stratiform flashes with long horizontal channels and anvil flashes whose optical emissions reflect off of nearby cloud surfaces. Producing this imagery with a rolling 15‐min window allows us to visualize changes in convection with a rapid (20 s) update cycle.
Oceanic Aerosol Loading Derived From MISR's 4.4 km (V23) Aerosol Product
Authors: Witek Marcin L. , Garay Michael J. , Diner David J. , Smirnov Alexander 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA new version (V23) of the Multi‐angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) Level 2 (swath‐based) aerosol product was publicly released in mid‐2018. V23 has seen many updates to the retrieval process, most notably over dark water (DW), which applies over the global oceans and other deep bodies of water. Here the quality of the new MISR DW retrievals is assessed using surface‐based aerosol optical depth (AOD) observations from the Maritime Aerosol Network (MAN) and island/coastal sites within the AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET). About 406 MISR/MAN and 11,015 MISR/AERONET collocated observations were identified. Comparison against MAN reveals the unparalleled accuracy of the V23 AOD retrievals: the correlation coefficient is 0.98, the root‐mean‐square error is 0.041, and the mean bias is −0.002. Aerosol spatial heterogeneity negatively affects comparison statistics against AERONET observations—applying stricter collocation criteria drastically improves agreement between MISR and AERONET. The reported AOD uncertainties realistically represent retrieval errors as they exhibit behavior similar to that of the standard deviation of a Gaussian distribution. Over the 18 years of MISR data analyzed, the global area‐weighted average AOD over oceans is 0.103; it becomes 0.151 when the averaging is restricted to locations where MAN observations are available. The AOD uncertainties are generally higher than average in offshore areas dominated by anthropogenic and biomass burning aerosols and lower than average in regions with mineral dust outflows. These results suggest future directions for improving the predefined aerosol mixtures used in the MISR aerosol retrieval look‐up tables.
Terahertz spatial sampling with subwavelength accuracy
Authors: Peng Yan , Zhu Yiming , Gu Min , Zhuang Songlin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA simple terahertz (THz) spatial sampling method offers kilohertz (kHz) level sampling rates and greatly preserves the energy of a THz pulse, which enables THz imaging detection with a high signal-to-noise ratio, micron-grade accuracy, and subwavelength resolution.
Targeted therapy in chronic diseases using nanomaterial-based drug delivery vehicles
Authors: Singh Akhand Pratap , Biswas Arpan , Shukla Aparna , Maiti Pralay 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe application of nanomedicines is increasing rapidly with the promise of targeted and efficient drug delivery. Nanomedicines address the shortcomings of conventional therapy, as evidenced by several preclinical and clinical investigations indicating site-specific drug delivery, reduced side effects, and better treatment outcome. The development of suitable and biocompatible drug delivery vehicles is a prerequisite that has been successfully achieved by using simple and functionalized liposomes, nanoparticles, hydrogels, micelles, dendrimers, and mesoporous particles. A variety of drug delivery vehicles have been established for the targeted and controlled delivery of therapeutic agents in a wide range of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia, asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. After successful outcomes in preclinical and clinical trials, many of these drugs have been marketed for human use, such as Abraxane®, Caelyx®, Mepact®, Myocet®, Emend®, and Rapamune®. Apart from drugs/compounds, novel therapeutic agents, such as peptides, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), and genes have also shown potential to be used as nanomedicines for the treatment of several chronic ailments. However, a large number of extensive clinical trials are still needed to ensure the short-term and long-term effects of nanomedicines in humans. This review discusses the advantages of various drug delivery vehicles for better understanding of their utility in terms of current medical needs. Furthermore, the application of a wide range of nanomedicines is also described in the context of major chronic diseases.
Evaluating the use of whole genome sequencing for the investigation of a large mumps outbreak in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Stapleton P. J. , Eshaghi A. , Seo C. Y. , Wilson S. , Harris T. , Deeks S. L. , Bolotin S. , Goneau L. W. , Gubbay J. B. , Patel S. N. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn 2017 Ontario experienced the largest mumps outbreak in the province in 8 years, at a time when multiple outbreaks were occurring across North America. Of 259 reported cases, 143 occurred in Toronto, primarily among young adults. Routine genotyping of the small hydrophobic gene indicated that the outbreak was due to mumps virus genotype G. We performed a retrospective study of whole genome sequencing of 26 mumps virus isolates from early in the outbreak, using a tiling amplicon method. Results indicated that two of the cases were genetically divergent, with the remaining 24 cases belonging to two major clades and one minor clade. Phylogeographic analysis confirmed circulation of virus from each clade between Toronto and other regions in Ontario. Comparison with other genotype G strains from North America suggested that the presence of co-circulating major clades may have been due to separate importation events from outbreaks in the United States. A transmission network analysis performed with the software program TransPhylo was compared with previously collected epidemiological data. The transmission tree correlated with known epidemiological links between nine patients and identified new potential clusters with no known epidemiological links.
Microbiota signatures relating to reduced memory and exploratory behaviour in the offspring of overweight mothers in a murine model
Authors: Sanguinetti Elena , Guzzardi Maria Angela , Tripodi Maria , Panetta Daniele , Selma-Royo Marta , Zega Alessandro , Telleschi Mauro , Collado Maria Carmen , Iozzo Patricia 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAn elevated number of women of reproductive age are overweight, predisposing their offspring to metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders. Gut microbiota is influenced by maternal factors, and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Our aim was to explore the effects of maternal high-fat feeding on the relationship linking gut microbiota and cognitive development in the offspring. Murine offspring born to dams undergoing normal diet (NDm) and high-fat diet (HFDm) were studied at 1 or 6 months of age to assess cognitive function by Y-maze test, cerebral glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity by Positron Emission Tomography, brain density by Computed Tomography, microbiota profile (colon, caecum) and inferred metabolic pathways (KEGG analysis) by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. From 3 weeks post-weaning, mice born to HFDm developed hyperphagia and overweight, showing reduction in memory and exploratory behaviour, and brain insulin resistance in adulthood. We identified a panel of bacteria characterizing offspring born to HFD dams from early life, and correlating with dysfunction in memory and exploratory behaviour in adults (including Proteobacteria phylum, Parabacteroides and unclassified Rikenellaceae genera). Microbiota-derived metabolic pathways involved in fatty acid, essential aminoacid and vitamin processing, sulphur metabolism, glutaminergic activation and Alzheimer’s disease were differently present in the HFDm and NDm offspring groups. Our results document tight relationships between gut dysbiosis and memory and behavioural impairment in relation to maternal HFD. Persistent bacterial signatures induced by maternal HFD during infancy can influence cognition during adulthood, opening the possibility of microbiota-targeted strategies to contrast cognitive decline.
Application of hyperbolic geometry in link prediction of multiplex networks
Authors: Samei Zeynab , Jalili Mahdi 
Published: August 2019

AbstractRecently multilayer networks are introduced to model real systems. In these models the individuals make connection in multiple layers. Transportation networks, biological systems and social networks are some examples of multilayer networks. There are various link prediction algorithms for single-layer networks and some of them have been recently extended to multilayer networks. In this manuscript, we propose a new link prediction algorithm for multiplex networks using two novel similarity metrics based on the hyperbolic distance of node pairs. We use the proposed methods to predict spurious and missing links in multiplex networks. Missing links are those links that may appear in the future evolution of the network, while spurious links are the existing connections that are unlikely to appear if the network is evolving normally. One may interpret spurious links as abnormal links in the network. We apply the proposed algorithm on real-world multiplex networks and the numerical simulations reveal its superiority than the state-of-the-art algorithms.
Advanced Glycation End-Products Suppress Mitochondrial Function and Proliferative Capacity of Achilles Tendon-Derived Fibroblasts
Authors: Patel Shivam H. , Yue Feng , Saw Shannon K. , Foguth Rachel , Cannon Jason R. , Shannahan Jonathan H. , Kuang Shihuan , Sabbaghi Arman , Carroll Chad C. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDebilitating cases of tendon pain and degeneration affect the majority of diabetic individuals. The high rate of tendon degeneration persists even when glucose levels are well controlled, suggesting that other mechanisms may drive tendon degeneration in diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of advanced glycation end-products on tendon fibroblasts to further our mechanistic understanding of the development and progression of diabetic tendinopathy. We proposed that advanced glycation end-products would induce limitations to mitochondrial function and proliferative capacity in tendon-derived fibroblasts, restricting their ability to maintain biosynthesis of tendon extracellular matrix. Using an in-vitro cell culture system, rat Achilles tendon fibroblasts were treated with glycolaldehyde-derived advanced glycation end-products (0, 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml) for 48 hours in normal glucose (5.5 mM) and high glucose (25 mM) conditions. We demonstrate that tendon fibroblasts treated with advanced glycation end-products display reduced ATP production, electron transport efficiency, and proliferative capacity. These impairments were coupled with alterations in mitochondrial DNA content and expression of genes associated with extracellular matrix remodeling, mitochondrial energy metabolism, and apoptosis. Our findings suggest that advanced glycation end-products disrupt tendon fibroblast homeostasis and may be involved in the development and progression of diabetic tendinopathy.
The effects of playing music on mental health outcomes
Authors: Wesseldijk Laura W. , Ullén Fredrik , Mosing Miriam A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe association between active musical engagement (as leisure activity or professionally) and mental health is still unclear, with earlier studies reporting contrasting findings. Here we tested whether musical engagement predicts (1) a diagnosis of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar or stress-related disorders based on nationwide patient registers or (2) self-reported depressive, burnout and schizotypal symptoms in 10,776 Swedish twins. Information was available on the years individuals played an instrument, including their start and stop date if applicable, and their level of achievement. Survival analyses were used to test the effect of musical engagement on the incidence of psychiatric disorders. Regression analyses were applied for self-reported psychiatric symptoms. Additionally, we conducted co-twin control analyses to further explore the association while controlling for genetic and shared environmental confounding. Results showed that overall individuals playing a musical instrument (independent of their musical achievement) may have a somewhat increased risk for mental health problems, though only significant for self-reported mental health measures. When controlling for familial liability associations diminished, suggesting that the association is likely not due to a causal negative effect of playing music, but rather to shared underlying environmental or genetic factors influencing both musicianship and mental health problems.
Oncodermatology of the Head and Neck
Authors: Klop W. Martin C. , Elshot Yannick S. , Beck Ann-Jean C. C. , Brandsen Renate E. , Lohuis Peter J. F. M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery celebrates its 40th anniversary. We aimed to describe innovations in the diagnostics and treatment in head and neck skin cancer over the past 40 years as well as future perspectives. Landmark events, developments, and highlights over the past decades for basal cell carcinoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are discussed.
Outcomes of Vascularized Bone Allotransplantation with Surgically Induced Autogenous Angiogenesis in a Large Animal Model: Bone Healing, Remodeling, and Material Properties
Authors: Houben Rudolph H. , Kotsougiani Dimitra , Friedrich Patricia F. , Shin Alexander Y. , Bishop Allen T. 
Published: August 2019

Background Bone vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is a possible alternative for the treatment of large bone defects. Clinical application of VCAs is limited by the need for life-long immunosuppression (IS). We report an alternative method to maintain bone allotransplant viability in a large animal model without the need for life-long IS by using autogenous vessel implantation.
Methods Fourteen bone only VCAs were transplanted in a porcine tibia defect model with short-term IS. Two groups were used to evaluate the effect of the implantation of an autogenous arteriovenous (AV)-bundle, therefore the only difference between the groups was the patency of the AV-bundle. We radiographically evaluated bone healing and allogenic pedicle patency. AV-bundle patency and union were evaluated with micro-CT. Bone remodeling was assessed with histomorphometry and material properties were evaluated with axial compression testing and cyclic reference point indentation.
Results Two subjects did not reach the final time point. Twelve tibiae healed proximally, and nine at the distal transplant–bone interface. Bone allotransplants showed their viability in the first 4 to 6 weeks by significant periosteal bridging arising from the transplant and maintained pedicle patency. Bone material properties were not affected by the implantation of an AV-bundle when compared with ligated AV-bundle controls, but diminished compared with normal bone. Significantly higher bone formation rates resulted from the implantation of a patent AV-bundle.
Conclusion New periosteal bone formation and subsequent bone healing result from blood flow through the microsurgically repaired nutrient blood supply, demonstrated by maintained allogenic pedicle patency. The implantation of a patent autogenous AV-bundle has no adverse effect on material properties, but a positive effect on bone remodeling of endosteal surfaces despite thrombosis of the allogenic pedicle. Bone material properties change after transplantation compared with normal bone, although 20-weeks survival time is relatively short for the final evaluation of bone material properties.
Dual Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Villa Jesus M. , Pannu Tejbir S. , Riesgo Aldo M. , Patel Preetesh D. , Mont Michael A. , Higuera-Rueda Carlos A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe risk of surgical site infection in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been reduced with the use of prophylactic antibiotics. First or second generation cephalosporins are still recommended as the primary prophylactic choice, but with the rise in the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, evidence has emerged in favor of using dual antibiotics including vancomycin. However, it is unclear whether these combinations of antibiotic regimens further reduce postoperative infection rates. As a result, the objective of this review is to summarize the current literature concerning the use of dual prophylactic antibiotics in TKA. The most common dual prophylactic antibiotic combination is cefazolin (C) and vancomycin (V). In general, when comparing the effectiveness of single versus dual antibiotics, conflicting results have been reported. Three studies demonstrated no substantial decrease in overall postoperative infection rates with the use of dual antibiotics when compared with cefazolin alone. One found a significant decrease only in MRSA infection rates when using cefazolin and vancomycin (CV) (0.8% C alone vs. 0.08% CV, p < 0.05). Another investigation evaluated revision TKA patients who had combined cefazolin and vancomycin prophylaxis and showed a significant decline in both overall infection (7.89% [C] vs. 3.13% [CV]) and MRSA infection rates (4.21% [C] vs. 0.89% [CV]; p < 0.05). Concerning the safety profile of dual antibiotics, particular precautions must be adopted with the use of vancomycin because of the risk of acute kidney injury. Instead of vancomycin, an alternate less nephrotoxic antibiotic option might be teicoplanin. Unfortunately, this latter agent is only available outside of the United States. In conclusion, the value of dual antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of periprosthetic knee infections remains unclear primarily because all comparative studies performed between dual and single antibiotics have been of low evidence with retrospective designs. Larger multicenter randomized controlled trials are warranted.
Impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on Postoperative Complications Following Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Gu Alex , Wu Shitong , Mancino Fabio , Liu Jiabin , Ast Michael P. , Abdel Matthew P. , Sculco Peter K. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractFor patients who qualify, simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a viable option for the treatment of bilateral symptoms. However, the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been steadily rising over the past few decades and may impact those who qualify as candidates for bilateral TKA. As such, the aim of this study was to determine the impact of COPD on postoperative outcomes in patients who receive simultaneous bilateral TKA. A retrospective cohort study was conducted utilizing data provided through the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. All patients who had undergone simultaneous bilateral TKA between 2007 and 2016 were identified and further stratified into groups based upon the COPD status. Incidence of adverse events after TKA in the acute postoperative period was evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses. COPD was found to be an independent risk factor for the development of major (odds ratio [OR]: 2.5; p = 0.015), renal (OR: 5.1; p = 0.02), and thromboembolic complications (OR: 2.5; p = 0.027). In addition, patients with COPD were at increased risk for having an extended hospital length of stay (LOS; p < 0.001) and development of urinary tract infections (p < 0.001). Patients with COPD are at higher risk for development of overall major complications, as well as renal and thromboembolic complications after simultaneous bilateral TKA. Interestingly, patients were not at increased risk for the development of pulmonary or wound complications. When considering a staged versus simultaneous bilateral TKA, surgeons should be aware of the impact COPD status has on the postoperative complication rate.
Greater Blood Loss in Contemporary Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty than Cemented Total Knee Arthroplasty despite Tranexamic Acid Use: A Match-Controlled Retrospective Study
Authors: Hood Mark , Dilley Julian E. , Ziemba-Davis Mary , Meneghini R. Michael 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this retrospective study was to assess whether tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces blood loss in cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) comparable to levels observed with cemented fixation. After exclusions from 109 consecutive TKAs, 76 cementless knees were matched to 78 cemented knees of identical implant and surgeon. Blood loss with and without TXA was compared. There was no difference between cohorts in sex, age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification, or preoperative hemoglobin (p ≥ 0.119). Use of TXA reduced median drain output by only 205 mL in cementless knees compared to 470 mL in cemented knees (p < 0.001). Median drain output per hour was highest in cementless knees without TXA (39.5 mL) followed by cemented knees without TXA (38.2 mL), cementless knees with TXA (28.5 mL), and cemented knees with TXA (12.7 mL; p < 0.001). Hemoglobin drop and total blood loss did not differ between cohorts regardless of TXA use. Cementless fixation in TKA resulted in greater intra-articular blood loss as measured by drain output, despite the use of TXA. Further research is warranted to examine whether a higher TXA dose, TXA delivery method, or the application of bone wax sealant would mitigate blood loss in cementless TKA, and subsequently whether intra-articular blood accumulation resulting in postoperative hemarthrosis affects recovery, function, and clinical outcomes.