bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Annual Research Review: Not just a small adult brain: understanding later neurodevelopment through imaging the neonatal brain
Authors: Batalle Dafnis , Edwards A. David , O'Muircheartaigh Jonathan 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundThere has been a recent proliferation in neuroimaging research focusing on brain development in the prenatal, neonatal and very early childhood brain. Early brain injury and preterm birth are associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, indicating the importance of this early period for later outcome.Scope and methodologyAlthough using a wide range of different methodologies and investigating diverse samples, the common aim of many of these studies has been to both track normative development and investigate deviations in this development to predict behavioural, cognitive and neurological function in childhood. Here we review structural and functional neuroimaging studies investigating the developing brain. We focus on practical and technical complexities of studying this early age range and discuss how neuroimaging techniques have been successfully applied to investigate later neurodevelopmental outcome.ConclusionsNeuroimaging markers of later outcome still have surprisingly low predictive power and their specificity to individual neurodevelopmental disorders is still under question. However, the field is still young, and substantial challenges to both acquiring and modeling neonatal data are being met.
Effects of ultrasound on the physicochemical properties and microstructure of salted‐dried grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Authors: Wang Teng , Ning Zhengxiang , Wang Xuping , Zhang Yehui , Zhang Yousheng 
Published: November 2017

AbstractUltrasound treatment was used for accelerating drying process and shortening drying time of salted‐dried grass carp, in parallel with evaluation of physicochemical properties and microstructure. The grass carp blocks were salted with ultrasound‐assisted treatment at 0–480 W, 40 kHz for 120 min, then put into heat pump dryer for drying at 50% humidity, 30 °C for 50 hr. The moisture content results showed that ultrasound treatment could significantly promote water loss rate. As the ultrasound power increased, the hardness, the relative content of monounsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid and total content of free amino acid decreased while the saturated fatty acid and sensory scores increased, respectively. Furthermore, microstructure of the dried‐salted grass carp was studied using paraffin sections and the scanning electron microscope to understand the change of microstructure. In general, ultrasound‐assisted salting significantly increased drying rate, and improved the quality of salted‐dried grass carp. This study shows the potential application of ultrasound in food drying process.Practical applicationsThe ultrasound was applied in order to facilitate the traditional process to produce salted‐dried grass carp. And physicochemical properties and microstructure of salted‐dried fish were measured. The results showed that the application of ultrasound could significantly promote the mass transfer of water and improved the product's appeal for customers. The outcome of this study demonstrated a method for producing better quality dried‐salted fish products with a fast speed in the future and showed a great potential of ultrasound in food drying process.
Therapeutic effect of lyophilized, Kefir‐fermented milk on constipation among persons with mental and physical disabilities
Authors: Maki Rumiko , Matsukawa Mayumi , Matsuduka Atsuko , Hashinaga Masahiko , Anai Hirofumi , Yamaoka Yoshio , Hanada Katsuhiro , Fujii Chieko 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimConstipation is a serious problem for persons with mental and physical disabilities in Japan. However, prophylaxis is extremely difficult because the major causes of constipation in these individuals are related to their mental and physical disabilities. Constipation can be successfully treated with glycerol enemas (GEs) and other aperients. As constipation is a lifetime issue for these persons, dietary regimens to prevent constipation can be important.MethodsThis study evaluated the probiotic effects of kefir‐fermented milk for preventing constipation in 42 persons with mental and physical disabilities. The participants were administered 2 g of lyophilized kefir with each meal for 12 weeks and their bowel movements, the administration of GE and other aperients, and stool shape were recorded.ResultsThe intake of kefir significantly reduced constipation, compared with the baseline status. Some individuals showed complete relief of constipation, whereas others showed no effect.ConclusionDespite individual variations, consuming kefir daily could prevent constipation.
Nocturnal nasal obstruction is frequent and reduces sleep quality in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Värendh Maria , Andersson Morgan , Bjørnsdottir Erla , Hrubos‐Strøm Harald , Johannisson Arne , Arnardottir Erna S. , Gislason Thorarinn , Juliusson Sigurdur 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThe prevalence and consequences of nasal obstruction in untreated obstructive sleep apnea patients are not known. The study objectives were to investigate the frequency of subjective and objective nasal obstruction in untreated sleep apnea patients and the associations with sleep and quality of life. Patients in the Icelandic Sleep Apnea Cohort were subjected to a type 3 sleep study, answered questionnaires and had their nasal dimensions measured by acoustic rhinometry. In total, 810 patients participated (including 153 females), aged 54.5 ± 10.6 years [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] with an apnea/hypopnea index 44.7 ± 20.7 h−1. Nocturnal nasal obstruction (greater than or equal to three times per week) was reported by 35% of the patients. These patients had smaller nasal dimensions measured by the minimum cross‐sectional area within the smaller nasal valve (0.42 ± 0.17 versus 0.45 ± 0.16 cm2, P = 0.013), reported more daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale score 12.5 ± 4.9 versus 10.8 ± 5.0; P < 0.001) and slightly lower mental quality of life than patients without nocturnal nasal obstruction. Nocturnal nasal obstruction is reported in one‐third of the sleep apnea patients and they are more likely to suffer from daytime sleepiness and slightly reduced quality of life than other sleep apnea patients.
Emergency ventricular drainage plus systemic antibiotics saved an elderly patient with intraventricular rupture as a result of a pituitary abscess
Authors: Takahashi Yoshiaki , Yamashita Toru , Morihara Ryuta , Nakano Yumiko , Shang Jingwei , Sato Kota , Takemoto Mami , Hishikawa Nozomi , Ohta Yasuyuki , Abe Koji 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA pituitary abscess is a rare intracranial infection, and direct transsphenoidal surgery is common for the therapy. Intracranial rupture of the pituitary abscess is usually fatal. Here, we report a 76‐year‐old woman with a pituitary abscess who showed headaches, left eyelid ptosis, periorbital swelling and external eye movement disturbances in the left eye. Although her symptoms initially improved after therapy with systemic antibiotics, the pituitary abscess suddenly developed an intraventricular rupture on admission day 27. However, emergency ventricular drainage in combination with different antibiotics gradually improved her condition. The present case suggests that the combination of emergency ventricular drainage and systemic antibiotic administration could serve as an alternative choice to manage pituitary abscesses of ventricular ruptures, especially in elderly patients.
Treatment of Chronic Refractory Neuropathic Pelvic Pain with High‐Frequency 10‐kilohertz Spinal Cord Stimulation
Authors: Simopoulos Thomas , Yong Robert J. , Gill Jatinder S. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractChronic neuropathic pelvic pain remains a recalcitrant problem in the field of pain management. Case series on application of 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation is presented. High frequency stimulation can improve chronic neuropathic pain states that are known to be mediated at the conus medullaris and offers another avenue for the treatment of these patients.
Isolation of five rice nonendosperm tissue‐expressed promoters and evaluation of their activities in transgenic rice
Authors: Li Hao , Li Juan , Xu Rongfang , Qin Ruiying , Song Fengshun , Li Li , Wei Pengcheng , Yang Jianbo 
Published: November 2017

SummaryUsing promoters expressed in nonendosperm tissues to activate target genes in specific plant tissues or organs with very limited expression in the endosperm is an attractive approach in crop transgenic engineering. In this article, five putative nonendosperm tissue‐expressed promoters were cloned from the rice genome and designated POsNETE1, POsNETE2, POsNETE3, POsNETE4 and POsNETE5. By qualitatively and quantitatively examining GUSplus reporter gene expression in transgenic rice plants, POsNETE1‐POsNETE5 were all found to be active in the roots, leaves, stems, sheaths and panicles but not in the endosperm of plants at different developmental stages. In addition, POsNETE2, POsNETE4 and POsNETE5 were also inactive in rice embryos. Among these promoters, POsNETE4 and POsNETE5 exhibited higher activities in all of the tested tissues, and their activities in stems, leaves, roots and sheaths were higher than or comparable to those of the rice Actin1 promoter. We also progressively monitored the activities of POsNETE1‐POsNETE5 in two generations of single‐copy lines and found that these promoters were stably expressed between generations. Transgenic rice was produced using POsNETE4 and POsNETE5 to drive a modified Bt gene, mCry1Ab. Bt protein expressed in the tested plants ranged from 1769.4 to 4428.8 ng/g fresh leaves, whereas Bt protein was barely detected in the endosperm. Overall, our study identified five novel nonendosperm tissue‐expressed promoters that might be suitable for rice genetic engineering and might reduce potential social concern regarding the safety of GMO crops.
Expression and assembly of largest foreign protein in chloroplasts: oral delivery of human FVIII made in lettuce chloroplasts robustly suppresses inhibitor formation in haemophilia A mice
Authors: Kwon Kwang‐Chul , Sherman Alexandra , Chang Wan‐Jung , Kamesh Aditya , Biswas Moanaro , Herzog Roland W. , Daniell Henry 
Published: November 2017

SummaryInhibitor formation is a serious complication of factor VIII (FVIII) replacement therapy for the X‐linked bleeding disorder haemophilia A and occurs in 20%–30% of patients. No prophylactic tolerance protocol currently exists. Although we reported oral tolerance induction using FVIII domains expressed in tobacco chloroplasts, significant challenges in clinical advancement include expression of the full‐length CTB‐FVIII sequence to cover the entire patient population, regardless of individual CD4+ T‐cell epitope responses. Codon optimization of FVIII heavy chain (HC) and light chain (LC) increased expression 15‐ to 42‐fold higher than the native human genes. Homoplasmic lettuce lines expressed CTB fusion proteins of FVIII‐HC (99.3 kDa), LC (91.8 kDa), C2 (31 kDa) or single chain (SC, 178.2 kDa) up to 3622, 263, 3321 and 852 μg/g in lyophilized plant cells, when grown in a cGMP hydroponic facility (Fraunhofer). CTB‐FVIII‐SC is the largest foreign protein expressed in chloroplasts; despite a large pentamer size (891 kDa), assembly, folding and disulphide bonds were maintained upon lyophilization and long‐term storage as revealed by GM1‐ganglioside receptor binding assays. Repeated oral gavages (twice/week for 2 months) of CTB‐FVIII‐HC/CTB‐FVIII‐LC reduced inhibitor titres ~10‐fold (average 44 BU/mL to 4.7 BU/mL) in haemophilia A mice. Most importantly, increase in the frequency of circulating LAP‐expressing CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg in tolerized mice could be used as an important cellular biomarker in human clinical trials for plant‐based oral tolerance induction. In conclusion, this study reports the first clinical candidate for oral tolerance induction that is urgently needed to protect haemophilia A patients receiving FVIII injections.
Comparative Probabilistic Assessment of Occupational Pesticide Exposures Based on Regulatory Assessments
Authors: Pouzou Jane G. , Cullen Alison C. , Yost Michael G. , Kissel John C. , Fenske Richard A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractImplementation of probabilistic analyses in exposure assessment can provide valuable insight into the risks of those at the extremes of population distributions, including more vulnerable or sensitive subgroups. Incorporation of these analyses into current regulatory methods for occupational pesticide exposure is enabled by the exposure data sets and associated data currently used in the risk assessment approach of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Monte Carlo simulations were performed on exposure measurements from the Agricultural Handler Exposure Database and the Pesticide Handler Exposure Database along with data from the Exposure Factors Handbook and other sources to calculate exposure rates for three different neurotoxic compounds (azinphos methyl, acetamiprid, emamectin benzoate) across four pesticide‐handling scenarios. Probabilistic estimates of doses were compared with the no observable effect levels used in the EPA occupational risk assessments. Some percentage of workers were predicted to exceed the level of concern for all three compounds: 54% for azinphos methyl, 5% for acetamiprid, and 20% for emamectin benzoate. This finding has implications for pesticide risk assessment and offers an alternative procedure that may be more protective of those at the extremes of exposure than the current approach.
Central venous catheters for chronic hemodialysis: Is “last choice” never the “right choice”?
Authors: Dumaine Chance S. , Brown Robert S. , MacRae Jennifer M. , Oliver Matthew J. , Ravani Pietro , Quinn Robert R. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSince the publication of the first vascular access clinical practice guidelines in 1997, the global nephrology community has dedicated significant time and resources toward increasing the prevalence of arteriovenous fistulas and decreasing the prevalence of central venous catheters for hemodialysis. These efforts have been bolstered by observational studies showing an association between catheter use and increased patient morbidity and mortality. To date, however, no randomized comparisons of the outcomes of different forms of vascular access have been conducted. There is mounting evidence that much of the difference in patient outcomes may be explained by patient factors, rather than choice of vascular access. Some have called into question the appropriateness of fistula creation for certain patient populations, such as those with limited life expectancy and those at high risk of fistula‐related complications. In this review, we explore the extent to which catheters and fistulas exhibit the characteristics of the “ideal” vascular access and highlight the significant knowledge gaps that exist in the current literature. Further studies, ideally randomized comparisons of different forms of vascular access, are required to better inform shared decision making.
Preoperative screening and intervention for mild anemia with low iron stores in elective hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Pujol‐Nicolas Andrea , Morrison Rory , Casson Clare , Khan Sameer , Marriott Allan , Tiplady Christopher , Kotze Alwyn , Gray William , Reed Mike 
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUNDPreoperative anemia in patients undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty is associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality, red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, and length of stay (LOS). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of optimizing hemoglobin (Hb) levels before elective primary hip and knee arthroplasty.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis is a prospective comparative cohort study of patients who underwent elective hip and knee arthroplasty before (control) and after (intervention) the launch of a Hb optimization program. Patients with anemia followed an agreed upon algorithm dependent on their medical history and blood variables taken on listing for surgery. The primary outcome for this study was the requirement for allogenic RBC transfusion. Secondary outcomes included hospital LOS, admission to critical care, readmission, medical complications, incidence of thromboembolic events, mortality, and costs.RESULTSA total of 1814 control patients operated between February 2012 and February 2013 were compared to 1622 intervention patients operated between February 2013 and May 2014. In the intervention group transfusion was significantly reduced (108 [6%] vs. 63 [4.1%], p = 0.005) as well as readmission (81 [4.5%] vs. 48 [2.3%], p= 0.020) and critical care admission (23 [1.3%] vs. 9 [0.5%], p = 0.030). LOS was significantly reduced from 3.9 days to 3.6 days (p = 0.017). The saving for the cohort was £263,000 ($342,000).CONCLUSIONSAlgorithm‐led preoperative anemia screening and management in elective arthroplasty was associated with reduced RBC transfusion, readmission, critical care admission, LOS, and costs.
Kinematic behavior of a novel pedicle screw‐rod fixation system for the canine lumbosacral joint
Authors: Zindl Claudia , Litsky Alan S. , Fitzpatrick Noel , Allen Matthew J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the biomechanical behavior of a novel distraction‐stabilization system, consisting of an intervertebral distraction bolt, polyaxial screws, and connecting rods, in the canine lumbosacral spine.Study designBiomechanical study.Sample populationCadaveric canine lumbosacral spines (L4‐Cd3) (N = 8).MethodsCadaveric lumbosacral spines were harvested, stripped of musculature, mounted on a 4‐point bending jig, and tested in extension, flexion, and lateral bending using nondestructive compressive axial loads (0‐150 N). Angular displacement was recorded from reflective optical trackers rigidly secured to L6, L7, and S1. Data for primary and coupled motion were collected from intact spines, after destabilization at L7‐S1, and following surgical stabilization with the new implant system.ResultsAs compared with the intact spine, laminectomy resulted in a modest increase in angular displacement at L6‐L7 and a marked increase at L7‐S1. Instrumentation significantly reduced motion at the operated level (L7‐S1) with a concomitant increase at the adjacent level (L6‐L7).ConclusionThe combination of a polyaxial pedicle screw‐rod system and intervertebral spacer provides a versatile solution of surgical stabilization of the lumbosacral joint following surgical decompression in the canine lumbosacral spine. The increase in motion at L6‐L7 may suggest the potential for adjacent level effects and clinical trials should be designed to address this question.Clinical relevanceThese results support the feasibility of using this new implant system for the management of degenerative lumbosacral disease in dogs. The increase in motion at L6‐L7 may suggest the potential for adjacent level effects and clinical trials should be designed to address this question.
Some Dynamic Properties of Contact Patches in Bolted Joints
Authors: Lancereau Damien P. T. , Goyder Hugh G. D. , Ind Philip , Brown Daniel 
Published: November 2017

The dynamics of structures built-up from components connected by bolted joints are not well understood. Experiments were conducted with bolted joints in a shear configuration in which instantaneous vibration frequencies and damping could be measured. A system with bolted joints was excited and the free vibration decay measured. As the vibration decays, the damping decreases and the frequencies increase.
This suggests a new interpretation for the contact patch in a bolted joint, involving bound, slipping and alternating regions. The changing size of the bound region controls the instantaneous frequencies and the relative displacement inside the slipping region and the alternating region controls the damping behaviour.
Shims of different lengths enabled the behaviour of the contact patch to be investigated. A clear trend exists between the length of the shims and the non-linear dynamic behaviour. The introduction of multiple shims did not increase the damping or alter the dynamic nonlinear behaviour. The introduction of grease into the bolted joint increased the damping but oil did not. The vibration measurements enable the size of the contact patch to be estimated.
What is a Prototype?: Emergent Roles of Prototypes From Empirical Work in Three Diverse Companies
Authors: Lauff Carlye , Kotys-Schwartz Daria , Rentschler Mark E. 
Published: November 2017

This paper explores the nature of prototypes from three diverse companies in the fields of consumer electronics, footwear, and medical devices. It is part of a larger qualitative research study developing a prototyping framework grounded in the emergent findings from practice and detailed inductive inquiry. In this paper, we describe the methods for setting up an appropriate research design, highlighting the conceptual framework, means for data collection and analysis, and validity. Then, we describe the emergent findings, introducing a modified definition of a prototype and the three roles of prototypes.
This research is a contribution to the field of design theory and methodology by adding new knowledge about prototypes from companies. Prototyping is an essential part of product development, and yet it is one of the least formally explored areas of design. The significance of this work lies in its ability to gain insights into the role of prototyping in the natural work environment, which has not been holistically documented. By using diverse industries, we will build and test our framework across them all to ensure validity.
Reduction of Vibration in Spur Gears by an Asymmetric Tooth Profile With High Contact Ratio
Authors: Fujikawa Ryo , Ikejo Kiyotaka , Ibaraki Soichi , Nagamura Kazuteru 
Published: November 2017

Gear drive is a mechanism transmitting a power and a motion through the teeth contact. The number of teeth in contact changes during a mesh cycle. That raises a discontinuity of the mesh stiffness, and causes a gear vibration. The discontinuity implies a direct relationship with the contact ratio of the gear pair. In general, the high contact ratio more than two decreases the discontinuity of the mesh stiffness. Therefore, the increase of the contact ratio is able to reduce the vibration and the noise in the gear drives. An adoption of a helical gear pair is a method to obtain two or more contact ratio. However, that provides a thrust force and a difficulty to machine and assemble. For a spur gear pair, though it is possible to increase the contact ratio by stretching the tooth depth, the tooth thickness may reduce or be excessively sharp at the tooth tip on the addendum circle.
In this study, we designed and made a high contact ratio spur gear pair with an asymmetric tooth profile. The gear pair has a large tooth depth to increase the contact ratio, and the asymmetric tooth profile to prevent the sharpness of tooth at the tip circle. In the running test, the vibration and the noise were measured. Consequently, we succeeded in a reduction of vibration and noise in spur gear drives with the asymmetric tooth profile.