bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New method to preserve the original proportion and integrity of urinary cell‐free DNA
Authors: Li Pei , Ning Jun , Luo Xipeng , Du Hongli , Zhang Qing , Zhou Ganlin , Du Qiu , Ou Zhenyu , Wang Long , Wang Yu 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundDue to high nuclease activity and complex contents in urine, urinary cell‐free DNA (ucfDNA) was prone to degrade. So, we developed standardized urine collection tube (UCT) to prevent ucfDNA degradation and simultaneously maintain urinary cells in their original form during the sample collection process, ensuring stabilization of the original proportion and integrity of ucfDNA.MethodsUrine samples were collected from bladder cancer patients and divided into 10‐mL normal tubes and 10‐mL UCTs, respectively, and kept at ambient temperature. Urine supernatant was separated by centrifuging, and ucfDNA was extracted. Then ucfDNA was quantified by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. UcfDNA fragments distribution was analyzed by Agilent 2200, and the frequency of specific mutations of urinary system disease was detected by next‐generation sequencing method.ResultsUrine collected into UCTs showed no statistically significant changes in their original proportion and integrity of ucfDNA up to 7 days at ambient temperature and also ucfDNA fragments were maintained well. Conversely, urine collected into normal tubes was observed an obviously decline in their original proportion of ucfDNA and ucfDNA fragments changed greatly. The △% of allele fraction (AF) for specific genes of ucfDNA from UCTs was lower than from normal tubes by 3.7‐fold.ConclusionUsing UCTs, they can maximally keep the original proportion and integrity of ucfDNA and stabilize urinary cells and minimize the background noise caused by urinary cellular DNA releasing, it will be help to open the door of next‐generation noninvasive liquid biopsy applications utilizing urine.
Perfusion microbioreactor system with permeable membranes to monitor bacterial growth
Authors: Vit Franciele Flores , Oliveira Aline Furtado , Rodríguez Daniel Andrés Osorio , de Carvalho Hernandes F , Lancellotti Marcelo , de la Torre Lucimara Gaziola 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDMicrofluidics offers itself as a potential platform for optimizing microbial growth in different substrate concentrations using a single assay. The aim of this study was to construct a reversible microfluidic device for monitoring the bacterial growth in chambers with different substrate concentrations with its respective technical triplicates. The convective concentration gradient generator (CCG) system was constructed with three inlets for solutions with different concentrations that distributed them to the sequential cultivation chambers (CCs). A perfusion microbioreactor system (PM) was constructed using a commercial polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sheet and glass, with an adapted semi‐permeable membrane system to constrain the cells within the CC. Cell growth of a fluorescent Escherichia coli JM109 was monitored by fluorescence microscope with time‐lapse technique.RESULTSThe growth profile of E. coli with different streptomycin concentrations and its specific growth rates (µx) in the microfluidics device (µx of 0.0088 and 0.0092 h−1) were compared in batch cultivations, which show no significant difference between the two methods. In addition, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values indicate that continuous perfusion surpasses consumption of the tested drug.CONCLUSIONThe results demonstrate the efficiency of the microfluidic device for cell cultivation and its applicability in industrial biotechnology, allowing rapid screening of multiple parameters. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Projected changes in summer precipitation over East Asia with a high‐resolution atmospheric general circulation model during 21st century
Authors: Woo Sumin , Singh Gyan Prakash , Oh Jai‐Ho , Lee Kyoung‐Min 
Published: September 2018

We provide a broad view of East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) precipitation and their changes in the 21st century under the representative concentration pathway RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios using a high‐resolution (at 40 km) atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM). The simulated fields are validated against the multiple observational data sets in the reference period (1979–2008). Validation of seasonal simulated global climatology and EASM precipitation, annual cycle and various circulation fields including 25 individual Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) and CMIP5 MME suggests that AGCM can be used to study the future projected characteristics of EASM. An investigation of uncertainty in precipitation shows larger values in the regions of high‐precipitation belt and low terrain.Future projections are categorized as near (2010–2039), mid (2040–2069) and far (2070–2100) futures. The model projects an increased summer precipitation of about 3.2% (2.3%) in near future, about 4.5% (4.5%) in mid‐future and about 2.4% (2.3%) in far future over East Asia region under RCP4.5 (RCP8.5) scenarios when compared to the reference period. As far as regional landmasses are concerned, model projects a gradual increase in the range of 5–15% over northeast China, coastal regions of southern China, Korea and Japan regions and a decrease of about 5–10% over southeastern and northwest parts of East Asia during the 21st century. The projected increase of EASM can be attributed to an increase in atmospheric moistures (relative humidity) over the east coast of China, Korea and northeast China and north and northwestwards enhancement of eddy geopotential height. Extreme events are examined by using various precipitation indices over EASM regions. Results indicate that the indices of heavy precipitation are projected to increase (both frequency and intensity) over Korea, Japan and northeast China in the range of 5–20%, indicating strong sensitivity of EASM to global warming.
In‐vivo elongation of anterior and posterior cruciate ligament in bi‐cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Tsai Tsung‐Yuan , Liow Ming H. L. , Peng Yun , Arauz Paul , Li Guoan , Kwon Young‐Min 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTAnterior and posterior cruciate ligament (ACL and PCL) sacrifice in contemporary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been considered a potential factor leading to abnormal knee kinematics. Bi‐cruciate retaining (BCR) TKA design allows retention of both ACL and PCL. However, there is a limited data on the ACL/PCL in‐vivo elongation characteristics of BCR TKA. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the in‐vivo elongation patterns of ACL/PCL between BCR TKA and contralateral non‐implanted knee and to explore potential factors leading to the changed elongation patterns between limbs. ACL/PCL elongations of both knees during sit‐to‐stand were measured in 29 unilateral BCR TKA patients using a validated dual fluoroscopic tracking technique. Joint gap changes of the BCR TKA knees relative to the contralateral knee were quantified. BCR TKA and the contralateral non‐implanted knee exhibited similar ACL elongation at extension and clinical anterior knee laxity. However, BCR TKA showed significantly greater PCL elongation during flexion than the non‐implanted knee. Variation of changed elongation was observed for both ACL and PCL, suggesting a heterogeneous restoration of normal ACL/PCL functions. A significant correlation was found between extension joint gap change and the change of ACL elongation, highlighting the importance of precise joint line restoration and soft tissue balancing during BCR TKA surgery. Our findings suggest that BCR TKA did not fully restore “near‐normal” cruciate ligament elongation patterns and anteroposterior stability. Considerable heterogeneity remains in the retained ligament elongation patterns and warrants further investigations of multifactorial factors to optimize ACL/PCL functions in BCR TKA. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3239–3246, 2018.
Unravelling the hip pistol grip/cam deformity: Origins to joint degeneration
Authors: Beaulé Paul E. , Grammatopoulos George , Speirs Andrew , Geoffrey Ng K. C. , Carsen Sasha , Frei Hanspeter , Melkus Gerd , Rakhra Kawan , Lamontagne Mario 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTThis article reviews a body of work performed by the investigators over 9 years that has addressed the significance of cam morphology in the development of hip osteoarthritis (OA). Early hip joint degeneration is a common clinical presentation and preexisting abnormal joint morphology is a risk factor for its development. Interrogating Hill's criteria, we tested whether cam‐type femoroacetabular impingement leads to hip OA. Strength of association was identified between cam morphology, reduced range‐of‐movement, hip pain, and cartilage degeneration. By studying a pediatric population, we were able to characterize the temporality between cam morphology (occurring 1st) and joint degeneration. Using in silico (finite element) and in vivo (imaging biomarkers) studies, we demonstrated the biological plausibility of how a cam deformity can lead to joint degeneration. Furthermore, we were able to show a biological gradient between degree of cam deformity and extent of articular damage. However, not all patients develop joint degeneration and we were able to characterize which factors contribute to this (specificity). Lastly, we were able to show that by removing the cam morphology, one could positively influence the degenerative process (experiment). The findings of this body of work show consistency and coherence with the literature. Furthermore, they illustrate how cam morphology can lead to early joint degeneration analogous to SCFE, dysplasia, and joint mal‐reduction post‐injury. The findings of this study open new avenues on the association between cam morphology and OA including recommendations for the study, screening, follow‐up, and assessment (patient‐specific) of individuals with cam morphology in order to prevent early joint degeneration. Statement of significance: By satisfying Hill's criteria, one can deduct that in some individuals, cam morphology is a cause of OA. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3125–3135, 2018.
A Robust, Air‐Stable and Recyclable Hydrogel Toward Stretchable Electronic Device Applications
Authors: Shih Chien‐Chung , Wu Mercedes , Hsu Sheng‐Ning , Huang Chao‐Wei , Hsu Li‐Che , Lam Jeun‐Yan , Chen Wen‐Chang 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA novel hygroscopic hydrogel with air‐stable, recyclable, and stretchable properties is demonstrated in this study. The hydrogel is prepared by the simple polymer blends of two hydrophilic polymers, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA), using ethylene glycol as a hygroscopic solvent and cross‐linker. The PVA/PMAA hydrogel is highly stretchable after absorbing water molecules from the ambient environment as plasticizers. The hydrogel shows a high mechanical strength with a Young’s modulus of 0.75 MPa, linear region of 42%, and elongation of over 550% at break, and could be hydrolyzed by water then recast for high quality film for many times. The unique advantages of this hydrogel is further demonstrated by fabricating a stretchable organic memory device using the deoxyribonucleic acid as the memory layer on top of the hydrogel substrate. The device exhibits a write‐once‐read‐many‐times type behavior with a memory ratio of 104, retention time over 105 s, and mechanical durability over 30% strain.
Submicrofiber‐Incorporated 3D Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibrous Scaffolds with Enhanced Cell Performance
Authors: Wan Yizao , Cui Teng , Zhang Quanchao , Yang Zhiwei , Yao Fanglian , Luo Honglin 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCombining nanofibers with submicrofibers is an effective way to design morphologically biomimetic tissue engineering scaffolds that imitate natural fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) with varying lengths from nano‐ to submicrometer scales. Herein, the preparation of ECM‐mimetic scaffolds by conjugating electrospun cellulose acetate (CA) submicrofibers with bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibers via a facile and scalable dispersion freeze‐drying process is reported. The morphology, structure, mechanical properties, and cell behavior of the as‐prepared nano/submicrofibrous BC/CA scaffolds are assessed. It is found that that the nano/submicrofibrous BC/CA scaffolds have 3D porous network structure with larger pores than the bare BC scaffold. Although the BC/CA scaffolds show decreased mechanical properties and porosity than their BC counterparts, they exhibit improved cell behavior over the bare BC scaffold. Moreover, the submicrofibers enable cell infiltration into the scaffolds. This suggests that the coexistence of nano‐ and submicrometer fibers enhances the attachment and spreading of cells on the nano/submicrofibrous scaffolds. This novel nano/submicrofibrous scaffold has great potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Enzyme‐Responsive Polymer Nanoparticles via Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly
Authors: Wright Daniel B. , Thompson Matthew P. , Touve Mollie A. , Carlini Andrea S. , Gianneschi Nathan C. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractOpen‐to‐air aqueous‐phase ring‐opening metathesis polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (ROMPISA) is reported for forming well‐defined peptide polymer nanoparticles at room temperature and with high solids concentrations (10 w/w%). For these materials, ROMPISA is shown to provide control over molecular weight with high conversion while open‐to‐air. Moreover, these peptide polymer nanoparticles can spontaneously rearrange into larger aggregate scaffolds in the presence of the proteolytic enzyme, thermolysin. This work demonstrates the robust nature of ROMPISA, highlighted here for the preparation of stimuli‐responsive nanostructures in one pot, in air.
Effects of plate thickness on fatigue fracture behaviors of an aluminum alloy (Al‐Cu‐Mg)
Authors: Jian H. , Luo J. , Tang X. , Li X. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHigh cycle fatigue properties of 2124 aluminum alloy plates with different thickness were investigated by determining fatigue S−N curves, fatigue crack growth rates and fracture toughness of 2124‐T851 aluminum alloy plates with the thickness of 30 mm, 40 mm and 55 mm, respectively. Fatigue fracture behaviors of alloy plates were also analyzed and discussed using scanning electron microscope morphology observation, energy spectrum analysis, X‐ray diffraction phase analysis and transmission electron microscopy observation in this paper. The results indicate that plate thickness affects the comprehensive fatigue properties of 2124 aluminum alloy plates. Thinner plate achieves better comprehensive fatigue properties. Due to the different amount of deformation during hot rolling, the variation of microstructure of alloy plates with different thickness mainly concentrates on the difference of grain sizes, substructure and volume fraction of grain boundaries. The thinner the plate, the smaller the grain sizes and therefore the thinner plate produces a higher volume fraction of grain boundaries and substructure, and a greater resistance to fatigue crack growth, thus thinner plate exhibits better fatigue properties.
Correlation between the thermal responses and microstructure patterns in aluminum‐based silicon carbide composites (SiCp/Al) consolidated by different high pressure torsion schemes
Authors: Li P. , Ji X.H. , Xue K.M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHigh pressure torsion of powder mixture is a novel strategy for manufacturing high‐quality aluminum‐based silicon carbide composite SiCp/Al billet used in electronic packaging, however, the correlation between thermal properties and the high pressure torsion process and the related mechanisms are still unclear. To this end, the variation rules of thermal expansion coefficient and thermal conductivity with high pressure torsion turns are studied and the corresponding microstructure morphology and dislocation patterns are observed by optical and transmission electron microscopes. The results show that thermal expansion coefficient decreases monotonically but thermal conductivity first increases then decreases with the increase of high pressure torsion turns. Moreover, the results of differential scanning calorimetry experiments indicate the decrease of recrystallization temperature with turns of high pressure torsion. The non‐monotonic variation of thermal conductivity is attributed to the combined effect of the improved relative mass density brought by the consolidation effect and the dislocation tanglement and pattern transformation (formation of in‐situ sub‐grains) during high pressure torsion process.
Is the Latency from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Onset to Diagnosis Improving?
Authors: Mamarabadi Mansoureh , Razjouyan Hadie , Golbe Lawrence I. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundProgressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a neuropathologically defined disease with a broad clinical spectrum. It can initially be mistaken for other neurodegenerative diseases. Diagnosis of PSP earlier in the course may reduce its psychological and financial burden, permit earlier access to neuroprotective interventions, and avoid unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Our impression is that physicians are more aware of PSP in the 2010s than in the 1990s. This study tests that hypothesis using the latency from symptom onset to PSP diagnosis as a surrogate outcome.MethodsWe reviewed records of 385 patients with “possible” or “probable” PSP from 1990 to 2016 at the Movement Disorders Center, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. The time from symptom onset to diagnosis was calculated for each patient and labeled as latency. We used the Pearson correlation coefficient, Student's t‐test, and ANOVA as appropriate.ResultsOur data show that the mean latency (SD) from symptom onset to diagnosis PSP, in months, was 43.76 (25.60) in the 1990s, 40.76 (28.73) in the 2000s, and 29.15 (16.80) in the 2010s (P < .001). There was also an inverse relationship between age at onset and latency (Pearson's r = −0.23, P < .001). This relationship did not affect the statistical significance of our main observation.ConclusionOur finding suggests that there is a progressive reduction in the latency over the past three decades. It may reflect increased awareness of PSP by physicians in our referral area.
Wrist arthrodesis with the medial femoral condyle flap: Outcomes of vascularized bone grafting for osteomyelitis
Authors: Mattos David , Ko Jason H. , Iorio Matthew L. 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundOsteomyelitis of the wrist is rare but destructive. Subsequent bone defects often require vascularized bone for successful healing. Recent literature has pointed to the successful use of the medial femoral condylar (MFC) flap for difficult non‐unions, yet it has not been specifically described for wrist fusion. We present our experience with this technique for limited and complete wrist arthrodesis.Patients and MethodsWe reviewed 4 cases of radiocarpal bone loss from osteomyelitis. All cases utilized debridement of nonviable tissues, and at least 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics, followed by vascularized bone grafting with a MFC flap. The flap was based on the horizontal periosteal branch of the descending geniculate artery, and utilized to directly bridge the bony defects following resection.ResultsThree patients healed primarily, and 1 patient required secondary cancellous bone grafting to reach union. One patient required revision of the donor site closure. None of the patients had a recurrence of infection or other complications. Average follow up was 8.5 months after reconstruction. Average time to union was 11.5 weeks. Three patients demonstrated full composite fist, and 1 patient had incomplete finger range of motion following several flexor and extensor tendon grafts.ConclusionsThese cases illustrate the use of the MFC in wrist arthrodesis after osteomyelitis defects. In all cases, there was complete union in a short time, no recurrence of infection, and low donor‐site morbidity.
Modification of the LSMPS method for the conservation of the thermal energy in laser irradiation processes
Authors: Tanaka Masayuki , Cardoso Rui , Bahai Hamid 
Published: September 2018

SummaryIn this work, new least‐square moving particle semi‐implicit (LSMPS) formulations for the modeling of the heat conduction in laser irradiation processes for both thick blocks and thin plates are developed. These new LSMPS formulations guarantee the conservation of the total thermal energy during the heat exchange between particles. The conservation of the thermal energy in the LSMPS method was implemented together with multiresolution techniques for the discretization of the domain with particles of different sizes so that a better characterization of the thermal gradients in the vicinity of the laser beam can be obtained. The simulation of laser irradiation processes for thin plates is still very challenging for particle methods with spherical particles and this is essentially because it is difficult to accommodate a minimum number of particles along the thickness direction without increasing considerably the resolution or the number of particles in the entire plate. In order to overcome this difficulty, a new multiresolution method based on particles with ellipsoidal shapes was also developed for a more efficient modeling of the laser irradiation in thin plates. By conducting the heat conduction simulations, in which the standard LSMPS method can provide accurate temperature distribution and by comparing the results with an analytical solution, it was confirmed that the proposed method is as accurate as the standard LSMPS method. Moreover, the heat conduction with an external heat source, in which the total thermal energy is not conserved by using the standard LSMPS method, was successfully simulated by using the proposed method. The simulations of laser irradiations were also conducted, and the validity of the proposed method has been confirmed by comparing numerical results with experimental data.
Mehrkampf mit vier Bällen
Authors: Amberger Christian , Mathelitsch Leopold , Thaller Sigrid 
Published: September 2018

ZusammenfassungRacketlon umfasst als Mehrkampf‐Sportart Tischtennis, Badminton, Squash und Tennis. Bei jeder Disziplin unterscheiden sich die physikalischen Eigenschaften von Bällen und Schlägern. Verblüffenderweise erreicht der Badminton‐Federball kurz nach dem Schlag die bei Weitem höchsten Fluggeschwindigkeiten bis über 400 km/h, bremst aber schnell ab. Beim Squash beeinflusst die Temperatur des Balls das Sprungverhalten stark. Solche unterschiedlichen Eigenschaften der nacheinander gespielten Disziplinen machen Racketlon zu einer anspruchsvollen Sportart.
Bis an die Grenzen des Messbaren
Authors: Müller Holger , Haslinger Philipp 
Published: September 2018

ZusammenfassungAtominterferometer haben in den letzten Jahren große experimentelle Hürden gemeistert. So konnte mit ihnen vor kurzem der bis jetzt genaueste Wert der Feinstrukturkonstante bestimmt werden. Aber auch bei der Erforschung von Dunkler Energie lieferten sie wichtige Resultate. Selbst eine heftig debattierte, durch Schwarzkörperstrahlung hervorgerufene Kraft konnte experimentell nachgewiesen werden. In näherer Zukunft sind weitere bahnbrechende Entwicklung zu erwarten. Ein in einem optischen Resonator levitierendes Atominterferometer sollte die Empfindlichkeit und räumliche Genauigkeit von jetzigen Atominterferometern in der Messung von Kraftfeldern um viele Größenordnungen übertreffen. Das sollte viele neue spannende Experimente ermöglichen.