bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided antegrade treatment of bile duct stone in patients with surgically altered anatomy: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Iwashita Takuji , Nakai Yousuke , Hara Kazuo , Isayama Hiroyuki , Itoi Takao , Park Do Hyun 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for management of bile duct stone (BDS) in patients with surgically altered anatomy is challenging even when applying enteroscopy. Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided antegrade treatments (EUS‐AG) for BDS have been developed but have not been well studied yet. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of EUS‐AG for BDS in patients with surgically altered anatomy as a multicenter retrospective cohort study.MethodsA retrospective database analysis was performed to identify patients with surgically altered anatomy who underwent EUS‐AG for the management of BDS at four academic care centers. Basic characteristics of the patients and details of the procedures were determined and the success rates and adverse event rates were evaluated.ResultsEUS‐AG for BDS was attempted in 29 patients. Successful BDS removal was achieved in 72% (21/29) of patients. Reasons for failed EUS‐AG were unsuccessful bile duct puncture in six, unsuccessful guidewire manipulation in one, and unsuccessful stone removal using a retrieval balloon in one. Adverse events occurred in five (17%) but were successfully managed conservatively.ConclusionEUS‐AG for BDS is a feasible and safe alternative in patients with surgically altered anatomy, although further evaluation and development of dedicated devices are needed.
Promoting mobility and reducing length of stay in hospitalized general medicine patients: A quality‐improvement project
Authors: Hoyer Erik H. , Friedman Michael , Lavezza Annette , Wagner‐Kosmakos Kathleen , Lewis‐Cherry Robin , Skolnik Judy L. , Byers Sherrie P. , Atanelov Levan , Colantuoni Elizabeth , Brotman Daniel J. , Needham Dale M. 
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVETo determine whether a multidisciplinary mobility promotion quality‐improvement (QI) project would increase patient mobility and reduce hospital length of stay (LOS).PATIENTS AND METHODSImplemented using a structured QI model, the project took place between March 1, 2013 and March 1, 2014 on 2 general medicine units in a large academic medical center. There were 3352 patients admitted during the QI project period. The Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility (JH‐HLM) scale, an 8‐point ordinal scale ranging from bed rest (score = 1) to ambulating ≥250 feet (score = 8), was used to quantify mobility. Changes in JH‐HLM scores were compared for the first 4 months of the project (ramp‐up phase) versus 4 months after project completion (post‐QI phase) using generalized estimating equations. We compared the relative change in median LOS for the project months versus 12 months prior among the QI units, using multivariable linear regression analysis adjusting for 7 demographic and clinically relevant variables.RESULTSComparing the ramp‐up versus post‐QI phases, patients reaching JH‐HLM's ambulation status increased from 43% to 70% (P < 0.001), and patients with improved JH‐HLM mobility scores between admission and discharge increased from 32% to 45% (P < 0.001). For all patients, the QI project was associated with an adjusted median LOS reduction of 0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.57 to −0.21, P < 0.001) days compared to 12 months prior. A subgroup of patients expected to have a longer LOS (expected LOS >7 days), were associated with a significantly greater adjusted median reduction in LOS of 1.11 (95% CI: −1.53 to −0.65, P < 0.001) days. Increased mobility was not associated with an increase in injurious falls compared to 12 months prior on the QI units (P = 0.73).CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCEActive prevention of a decline in physical function that commonly occurs during hospitalization may be achieved with a structured QI approach. In an adult medicine population, our QI project was associated with improved mobility, and this may have contributed to a reduction in LOS, particularly for more complex patients with longer expected hospital stay. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
The Effect of Sterilization Methods on the Structural and Chemical Properties of Fibrin Microthread Scaffolds
Authors: Grasman Jonathan M. , O'Brien Megan P. , Ackerman Kevin , Gagnon Keith A. , Wong Gregory M. , Pins George D. 
Published: February 2016

A challenge for the design of scaffolds in tissue engineering is to determine a terminal sterilization method that will retain the structural and biochemical properties of the materials. Since commonly used heat and ionizing energy‐based sterilization methods have been shown to alter the material properties of protein‐based scaffolds, the effects of ethanol and ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization on the cellular compatibility and the structural, chemical, and mechanical properties of uncrosslinked, UV crosslinked, or 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) crosslinked fibrin microthreads in neutral (EDCn) or acidic (EDCa) buffers are evaluated. EtO sterilization significantly reduces the tensile strength of uncrosslinked microthreads. Surface chemistry analyses show that EtO sterilization induces alkylation of EDCa microthreads leading to a significant reduction in myoblast attachment. The material properties of EDCn microthreads do not appear to be affected by the sterilization method. These results significantly enhance the understanding of how sterilization or crosslinking techniques affect the material properties of protein scaffolds.
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Lateral geniculate atrophy in Parkinson's with visual hallucination: A trans‐synaptic degeneration?
Authors: Lee Jee‐Young , Yoon Eun Jin , Lee Woong Woo , Kim Yu Kyeong , Lee Jun‐Young , Jeon Beomseok 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionDefective visual information processing contributes to visual hallucination in PD, for which “top‐down” and “bottom‐up” impairment are suggested mechanisms. This study was aimed to investigate macro‐ and microstructural neural changes in afferent visual pathways in relation to visual hallucination in nondemented PD patients.MethodsThis study included 24 nondemented, nondepressed PD patients (10 hallucinating and 14 nonhallucinating) and 15 age‐matched healthy controls. We analyzed volumetric and diffusion tensor MRI data by applying region of interest analyses on the visual pathways, including the optic chiasm, bilateral optic nerves, lateral geniculate bodies, optic radiations, and primary visual cortex.ResultsPatients' demographic characteristics, daily medication doses, as well as duration and motor severity of PD were similar in the two PD groups. Compared to PD patients without hallucination, those with hallucination had fractional anisotropy decrease in the left optic nerve and showed atrophy of lateral geniculate bodies, especially in the left side. In addition, the PD with hallucination group had diffusivity increase in the left optic radiation compared to that in the PD without hallucination and healthy control groups. There were no differences in the primary visual cortex volume among the study groups.ConclusionsWe found microstructural alterations in visual pathways in nondemented PD patients with hallucination, mainly in first‐order neurons and atrophy in the lateral geniculate body where the retinal ganglion cells synapse to second‐order neurons. Afferent visual pathway degeneration may occur in a trans‐synaptic way in PD. Further studies warrant to be conducted. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Pre‐existing differences and diet‐induced alterations in striatal dopamine systems of obesity‐prone rats
Authors: Vollbrecht Peter J. , Mabrouk Omar S. , Nelson Andrew D. , Kennedy Robert T. , Ferrario Carrie R. 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveInteractions between pre‐existing differences in mesolimbic function and neuroadaptations induced by consumption of fatty, sugary foods are thought to contribute to human obesity. This study examined basal and cocaine‐induced changes in striatal neurotransmitter levels without diet manipulation and D2/D3 dopamine receptor‐mediated transmission prior to and after consumption of “junk‐foods” in obesity‐prone and obesity‐resistant rats.MethodsMicrodialysis and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry were used to determine basal and cocaine‐induced changes in neurotransmitter levels in real time with cocaine‐induced locomotor activity. Sensitivity to the D2/D3 dopamine receptor agonist quinpirole was examined before and after restricted junk‐food exposure. Selectively bred obesity‐prone and obesity‐resistant rats were used.ResultsCocaine‐induced locomotion was greater in obesity‐prone rats versus obesity‐resistant rats prior to diet manipulation. Basal and cocaine‐induced increases in dopamine and serotonin levels did not differ. Obesity‐prone rats were more sensitive to the D2 receptor‐mediated effects of quinpirole, and junk‐food produced modest alterations in quinpirole sensitivity in obesity‐resistant rats.ConclusionsThese data show that mesolimbic systems differ prior to diet manipulation in susceptible versus resistant rats, and that consumption of fatty, sugary foods produce different neuroadaptations in these populations. These differences may contribute to enhanced food craving and an inability to limit food intake in susceptible individuals.
The significance of anterolateral neck cysts in early diagnosis of fetal malformations
Authors: Meyberg‐Solomayer Gabriele , Hamza Amr , Takacs Zoltan , Leingartner Anika , Radosa Julia , Joukhadar Ralf , Juhasz‐Böss Ingolf , Solomayer Erich‐Franz 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study is to examine the association of lateral fetal neck cysts with increased nuchal translucency, chromosomal abnormalities and fetal malformations.MethodIn a consecutive collective of 4216 prenatal ultrasound examinations between 11 and 17 weeks of gestation 32 fetuses with lateral neck cysts were found. The size of the cysts was examined. The association of the findings with increased nuchal translucency, chromosomal aberrations and fetal malformations was examined.ResultsAll but two out of 32 cases had bilateral cysts. Seventeen fetuses had aneuploidy and an increased nuchal translucency, 15 of those with major structural malformations. Of the 15 fetuses with normal karyotype nine (60%) had an increased nuchal translucency, seven had a fetal malformation or hydrops. A favorable outcome was found in 6/15 fetuses with normal karyotype and normal nuchal translucency. Lateral neck cyst diameter was associated to nuchal translucency, chromosomal abnormality and/or fetal malformations. Cysts smaller than 3 mm had a favorable outcome even in the presence of an increased nuchal translucency.ConclusionFetuses with lateral neck cysts often not only present with increased nuchal translucency and chromosomal aberrations but also with fetal malformations. Fetuses with lateral neck cysts and increased nuchal translucency were aneuploid or had a fetal malformation in 85%. Cysts smaller than 3 mm had a favorable outcome. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on inquiry‐based science education at township schools in South Africa
Authors: Ramnarain Umesh 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis mixed‐methods research investigated teachers' perceptions of intrinsic factors (personal attributes of the teacher) and extrinsic factors (environmental) influencing the implementation of inquiry‐based science learning at township (underdeveloped urban area) high schools in South Africa. Quantitative data were collected by means of an adapted version of the Science Curriculum Implementation Questionnaire (SCIQ) (Lewthwaite, 2001). The adapted version was renamed the Scientific Inquiry Implementation Questionnaire (SIIQ) and was administered to 186 science teachers at township schools in South Africa. The teachers at a township school were then interviewed in order to solicit in‐depth information on the findings that emerged from the questionnaire analysis. The findings highlight a lack of professional science knowledge (content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, knowledge of students, educational contexts, curricular knowledge, and educational purposes) that contributes toward teachers' uncertainty in inquiry‐based teaching. Also, extrinsic factors such as school ethos, professional support, resource adequacy, and time serve as significant constraints in the implementation of inquiry‐based education at the school. The data collected from SIIQ provides a foundation for understanding at a high school level how factors influence the delivery of a curriculum underpinned by inquiry. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 53: 598–619, 2016
Optimal and quasi‐optimal energy‐efficient storage sharing for opportunistic sensor networks
Authors: Kabashi Amar H. , Elmirghani Jaafar M. H. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis paper investigates optimum distributed storage techniques for data preservation, and eventual dissemination, in opportunistic heterogeneous wireless sensor networks where data collection is intermittent and exhibits spatio‐temporal randomness. The proposed techniques involve optimally sharing the sensor nodes' storage and properly handling the storage traffic such that the buffering capacity of the network approaches its total storage capacity with minimum energy. The paper develops an integer linear programming (ILP) model, analyses the emergence of storage traffic in the network, provides performance bounds, assesses performance sensitivities and develops quasi‐optimal decentralized heuristics that can reasonably handle the problem in a practical implementation. These include the Closest Availability (CA) and Storage Gradient (SG) heuristics whose performance is shown to be within only 10% and 6% of the dynamic optimum allocation, respectively. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Label‐free detection and manipulation of single biological nanoparticles
Authors: DeSantis Michael C. , Cheng Wei 
Published: February 2016

In the past several years, there have been significant advances in the field of nanoparticle detection for various biological applications. Of considerable interest are synthetic nanoparticles being designed as potential drug delivery systems as well as naturally occurring or biological nanoparticles, including viruses and extracellular vesicles. Many infectious diseases and several human cancers are attributed to individual virions. Because these particles likely display different degrees of heterogeneity under normal physiological conditions, characterization of these natural nanoparticles with single‐particle sensitivity is necessary for elucidating information on their basic structure and function as well as revealing novel targets for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, biodefense and point‐of‐care clinical testing demand ultrasensitive detection of viral pathogens particularly with high specificity. Consequently, the ability to perform label‐free virus sensing has motivated the development of multiple electrical‐, mechanical‐, and optical‐based detection techniques, some of which may even have the potential for nanoparticle sorting and multi‐parametric analysis. For each technique, the challenges associated with label‐free detection and measurement sensitivity are discussed as are their potential contributions for future real‐world applications. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:717–729. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1392This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vitro Nanoparticle-Based Sensing
Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease
Study profile: the Durban Diabetes Study (DDS): a platform for chronic disease research
Authors: Hird T. R. , Young E. H. , Pirie F. J. , Riha J. , Esterhuizen T. M. , O'Leary B. , McCarthy M. I. , Sandhu M. S. , Motala A. A. 
Published: February 2016

The Durban Diabetes Study (DDS) is a population-based cross-sectional survey of an urban black population in the eThekwini Municipality (city of Durban) in South Africa. The survey combines health, lifestyle and socioeconomic questionnaire data with standardised biophysical measurements, biomarkers for non-communicable and infectious diseases, and genetic data. Data collection for the study is currently underway and the target sample size is 10 000 participants. The DDS has an established infrastructure for survey fieldwork, data collection and management, sample processing and storage, managed data sharing and consent for re-approaching participants, which can be utilised for further research studies. As such, the DDS represents a rich platform for investigating the distribution, interrelation and aetiology of chronic diseases and their risk factors, which is critical for developing health care policies for disease management and prevention. For data access enquiries please contact the African Partnership for Chronic Disease Research (APCDR) at data@apcdr.org or the corresponding author.
Aerodynamic forces and moments on an ogive cylinder at incidence
Authors: Luo S.C. , Ng Y.T. , Lim T.T. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn flows over an ogive cylinder placed at incidence, it is well documented that a side force acts on the cylinder. However, little is known about the relation between the side force (CFy) and other force and moment components. In this note, the variations of three force and three moment components, acting on the ogive cylinder, with roll angle are measured simultaneously. The model was placed at four different angles-of-attack, namely α = 30°, 45°, 50° and 60° and the results show that in addition to CFy, the variation of CFz, CMx, and CMz with the roll angle also exhibit the square wave like behaviour at α = 45° and 50°, and with the same cross over φ positions, while CFx and CMy remain relatively constant irrespective of the roll angle. The magnitudes of CFx and CMy were found to increase with angle of attack and were thought to be due to the increase in normal frontal area.
Flow visualisation experiments for turbine film cooling
Authors: Coat C. A. , Lock G. D. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractFlow visualisation experiments related to turbine film cooling have been conducted. These investigated the fluid mechanics of coolant ejection using a large-scale, flat-plate model at engine-representative Reynolds numbers in a low-speed tunnel with ambient-temperature mainstream flow. The coolant trajectories were captured using a fine nylon mesh covered with thermochromic liquid crystals, allowing measurement of gas temperature contours in planes perpendicular to the flow. Three injection geometries were assessed: cylindrical holes with stream-wise injection, cylindrical holes with cross-stream injection, and fan-shaped holes. The data demonstrated that the cylindrical holes produced discrete jets, which lifted off the surface at high coolant-to-mainstream momentum flux ratios; these jets were characterised by the kidney-shaped stream-tubes expected for injection into cross-flow. The jets injected with cross-stream momentum exhibited a more obvious kidney-shaped cross-section, which rotated with distance downstream of injection. The jets from the fan-shaped holes were attached to the surface even at high momentum flux ratios, were more diffuse, and exhibited two cores of high temperature. The trajectory visualisation data were used to interpret the adiabatic cooling effectiveness measured at the surface.
An investigation of the flight dynamic characteristics of gyroplanes by use of flight tests
Authors: Spathopoulos V. M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAn analysis is presented both of flight test and simulation data obtained from a gyroplane aircraft. This class of rotary-wing vehicle has found limited application in areas other than recreational flying, however the accident rate has been such that it has prompted the study of the configuration’s stability and control characteristics. It is concluded that the flight dynamic response of the gyroplane examined is dominated by a fast, non-stable mode, affecting all states and thus increasing pilot workload. Simulation results indicate that the position of the centre of gravity significantly influences the stability of this mode.
Enhancement of thrust reverser cascade performance using aerodynamic and structural integration
Authors: Butterfield J. , Yao H. , Price M. , Armstrong C. , Raghunathan S. , Benard E. , Cooper R. , Monaghan D. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis paper focuses on the design of a cascade within a cold stream thrust reverser during the early, conceptual stage of the product development process. A reliable procedure is developed for the exchange of geometric and load data between a two dimensional aerodynamic model and a three dimensional structural model. Aerodynamic and structural simulations are carried out using realistic operating conditions, for three different design configurations with a view to minimising weight for equivalent or improved aerodynamic and structural performance. For normal operational conditions the simulations show that total reverse thrust is unaffected when the performance of the deformed vanes is compared to the un-deformed case. This shows that for the conditions tested, the minimal deformation of the cascade vanes has no significant affect on aerodynamic efficiency and that there is scope for reducing the weight of the cascade. The pressure distribution through a two dimensional thrust reverser section is determined for two additional cascade vane configurations and it is shown that with a small decrease in total reverse thrust, it is possible to reduce weight and eliminate supersonic flow regimes through the nacelle section. By increasing vane sections in high pressure areas and decreasing sections in low pressure areas the structural performance of the cascade vanes in the weight reduced designs, is improved with significantly reduced levels of vane displacement and stress.
Achieving drag measurement accuracy from a high load capacity internal balance design
Authors: Porter R. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAs one aspect of a balance research and development programme, engineers at the Aircraft Research Association (ARA) have addressed the unique problems associated with the design of an internal single piece balance suitable for small military type aircraft models that experience very high loads during a wind tunnel test. The paper details the nature of the problems and the stages undertaken in the design, manufacture and commissioning of an initial prototype balance followed by a re-designed version to meet the stringent requirements. Data from recent tests indicate the quality of the measurements and the suitability of the balance for the testing of fighter type aircraft.
Integrated design of flight simulator
motion cueing systems
Authors: Hosman R. , Advani S. , Haeck N. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAn advanced design process applicable to the
specification of flight simulator cueing systems is
presented in this paper. This process is based on
the analysis of the pilot-vehicle control loop by
using a pilot model incorporating both visual and
vestibular feedback, and the aircraft dynamics.
After substituting the model for the simulated
aircraft, the analysis tools are used to adjust the
washout filter parameters with the goal of restoring
pilot control behaviour. This process allows the
specification of the motion cueing algorithm. Then,
based on flight files representative of the
operational flight envelope, the required motion
system space is determined. The motion-base geometry
is established based on practical limitations, as
well as criteria for the stability of the platform
with respect to singular conditions. With this
process the characteristics of the aircraft, the
tasks to be simulated, and the missions themselves
are taken into account in defining the simulator
motion cueing system.