bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of hepatic Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 is enhanced in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis and correlates with severity of the disease
Authors: Wunsch Ewa , Milkiewicz Małgorzata , Wasik Urszula , Trottier Jocelyn , Kempińska-Podhorodecka Agnieszka , Elias Elwyn , Barbier Olivier , Milkiewicz Piotr 
Published: August 2015

AbstractCholestasis induces adaptive mechanisms protecting the liver against bile acids (BA) toxicity including modulation of BA synthesis. Whether fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) or farnesoid X receptor (FXR) dependent signaling are involved in the regulation of BA homeostasis in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) remains unknown. Here we analyzed hepatic expression of FGF19 and other genes relevant to the adaptive response to cholestasis in tissues from non-cirrhotic (n = 24) and cirrhotic (n = 21) patients along with control tissues (n = 21). Moreover we searched for relationships between serum FGF19 and laboratory/clinical findings in 51 patients. Hepatic FGF19 mRNA expression was increased in non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic tissues (9-fold,p = 0.01; 69-fold,p < 0.0001, respectively). Protein levels of FGF19, FGF receptor 4, FXR and short heterodimer partner were increased in cirrhotic livers (9-fold, p < 0.001; 3.5-fold,p = 0.007; 2.4-fold,p < 0.0001; 2.8-fold,p < 0.0001 vs controls, respectively) which was accompanied by down-regulation of CYP7A1 (50% reduction, p = 0.006). Serum and liver levels of FGF19 correlated with worse liver biochemistry, BAs, quality of life and Mayo Risk Score. Serum FGF19 was elevated in UDCA non-responders. We conclude that PBC induces characteristic changes in liver expression of BAs synthesis regulatory molecules. FGF19 correlates with severity of liver disease and can potentially serve as an indicator of chronic cholestatic liver injury.
Smart e‐bike monitoring system: real‐time open source and open hardware GPS assistance and sensor data for electrically‐assisted bicycles
Authors: Kiefer Chris , Behrendt Frauke 
Published: August 2015

The smart e‐bike monitoring system (SEMS) is a platform for the real‐time acquisition of usage data from electrically‐assisted bikes (also called pedelecs or e‐bikes). It is autonomous (runs off the bike battery), replicable (open source and open hardware), scalable (different fleet sizes) and modular (sensors can be added), so it can be used for further research and development. The system monitors location (global positioning system), rider control data (level of assistance) and other custom sensor input in real time. The SEMS data feeds an online interface for data analysis, for riders to view their own data and for sharing on social media. The basic system can be replicated by other researchers and can be extended with modules to explore various issues in e‐bike research. The source code and hardware design are publicly available, under the General Public License, for non‐commercial use. SEMS was implemented on 30 bikes and collected data during 10 months of real‐word trials in the UK. This study details the design and implementation of the hardware and software, discusses the system use and explores features for future design iterations. The SEMS turns singular e‐bikes into a networked fleet and is an example of the internet of things in the cycling context.
Modelling, control and realisation of the single‐ended forward converter with resonant reset at the secondary side
Authors: Waltrich Gierri , Barbi Ivo 
Published: August 2015

This study presents modelling, control and realisation of a forward converter with resonant reset at the secondary side. The transformer reset occurs through the resonance between its magnetising inductance and the resonant capacitor during the switch off time. The mechanism is similar to a forward converter with resonant reset at the primary side. The only difference is that the transformer‐stored energy can now be partially delivered to the load instead of being dissipated in the switch at turn‐on. Another advantage compared with conventional forward converters is the lower switch voltage stress and transformer size, which are theoretically proved to be lower. Furthermore, this converter can be used as a step‐up and step‐down converter. To verify all the mentioned features, simulations were carried out and a 600 W prototype was implemented experimentally, reaching a maximum efficiency of 94.3%.
Biomechanical Analysis of the Proximal Adjacent Segment after Multilevel Instrumentation of the Thoracic Spine: Do Hooks Ease the Transition?
Authors: Metzger Melodie F. , Robinson Samuel T. , Svet Mark T. , Liu John C. , Acosta Frank L. 
Published: August 2015

Study Design Biomechanical cadaveric study. Objective Clinical studies indicate that using less-rigid fixation techniques in place of the standard all-pedicle screw construct when correcting for scoliosis may reduce the incidence of proximal junctional kyphosis and improve patient outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there is a biomechanical advantage to using supralaminar hooks in place of pedicle screws at the upper-instrumented vertebrae in a multilevel thoracic construct. Methods T7–T12 spines were biomechanically tested: (1) intact; (2) following a two-level pedicles screw fusion from T9 to T11; and after proximal extension of the fusion to T8–T9 with (3) bilateral supra-laminar hooks, (4) a unilateral hook + unilateral screw hybrid, or (5) bilateral pedicle screws. Specimens were nondestructively loaded while three-dimensional kinematics and intradiscal pressure at the supra-adjacent level were recorded. Results Supra-adjacent hypermobility was reduced when bilateral hooks were used in place of pedicle screws at the upper-instrumented level, with statistically significant differences in lateral bending and torsion ( p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). Disk pressures in the supra-adjacent segment were not statistically different among top-off techniques. Conclusions The use of supralaminar hooks at the top of a multilevel posterior fusion construct reduces the stress at the proximal uninstrumented motion segment. Although further data is needed to provide a definitive link to the clinical occurrence of PJK, this in vitro study demonstrates the potential benefit of “easing” the transition between the stiff instrumented spine and the flexible native spine and is the first to demonstrate these results with laminar hooks.
Velocities of unloaded muscle filaments are not limited by drag forces imposed by myosin cross-bridges
Authors: Brizendine Richard K. , Alcala Diego B. , Carter Michael S. , Haldeman Brian D. , Facemyer Kevin C. , Baker Josh E. , Cremo Christine R. 
Published: August 2015

SignificanceIn vitro experiments that measure relative sliding velocities between actin and myosin filaments give insight into how the muscle motor protein myosin works in muscle. We show that when the physiological filamentous myosin moves along actin filaments, the velocities cannot be explained by the prevailing theory. Instead, we propose a paradigm in which myosin heads undergo unloaded “powerstrokes” rather than work in mechanical opposition to each other during contraction. This model is consistent with unloaded shortening velocities measured in muscle.
Gas phase synthesis of two ensembles of silicon nanoparticles
Authors: Mohan A , de Jong M M , Poulios I , Schropp R E I , Rath J K 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Dusty plasmas provide a very favorable environment for the growth of silicon nanocrystals. For application of silicon nanocrystals in a solar cell, the fabrication of monodisperse silicon quantum dots has been challenging. We report a single step method to synthesize silicon (Si) nanoparticles in a custom designed dedicated plasma reactor. The nanoparticles produced in the gas phase belong to two different phases exhibiting different structural and optical properties. Particles made in the bulk of the plasma are aggregates of crystalline particles with a mean size of 100 nm. Particles made in locally enhanced plasma regions produced at holes present in the grounded electrode contain free-standing quantum sized particles with crystallites (with mean size of 2.95 nm) embedded within an amorphous matrix. We provide insight on different plasma processes leading to the formation of aggregates and free-standing particles. We hypothesize that the free standing particles are formed due to the excess energetic electrons present in locally enhanced discharges.
Model-based analysis of keratin intermediate filament assembly
Authors: Martin Ines , Leitner Anke , Walther Paul , Herrmann Harald , Marti Othmar 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The cytoskeleton of epithelial cells consists of three types of filament systems: microtubules, actin filaments and intermediate filaments (IFs). Here, we took a closer look at type I and type II IF proteins, i.e. keratins. They are hallmark constituents of epithelial cells and are responsible for the generation of stiffness, the cellular response to mechanical stimuli and the integrity of entire cell layers. Thereby, keratin networks constitute an important instrument for cells to adapt to their environment. In particular, we applied models to characterize the assembly of keratin K8 and K18 into elongated filaments as a means for network formation. For this purpose, we measured the length of in vitro assembled keratin K8/K18 filaments by transmission electron microscopy at different time points. We evaluated the experimental data of the longitudinal annealing reaction using two models from polymer chemistry: the Schulz–Zimm model and the condensation polymerization model. In both scenarios one has to make assumptions about the reaction process. We compare how well the models fit the measured data and thus determine which assumptions fit best. Based on mathematical modelling of experimental filament assembly data we define basic mechanistic properties of the elongation reaction process.
Dark current measurements in humid SF6: influence of electrode roughness, relative humidity and pressure
Authors: Zavattoni L , Hanna R , Lesaint O , Gallot-Lavallée O 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The measurement of ‘dark current’ in pressurized SF6 at high electric field is performed using electrodes with a coaxial geometry. To identify the main mechanisms involved in measured currents, the influences of electrode roughness, gas pressure and relative humidity have been investigated. The experimental results reveal that charge injection from the electrode constitute the predominant process responsible for the dark current. The latter is nearly identical in positive and negative polarities, and shows an exponential increase versus the relative humidity and the electric field. The analysis of results shows that under high electric field, the emission of charged water clusters from the water films adsorbed on electrodes probably constitutes the main mechanism of charge emission.
The defect-induced fracture behaviors of hexagonal boron-nitride monolayer nanosheets under uniaxial tension
Authors: Qi-lin Xiong , Zhen-huan Li , Xiao-geng Tian 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Due to its excellent mechanical and electrical insulating properties, the hexagonal boron-nitride (h-BN) monolayer nanosheet is regarded as a complementary addition to graphene. However, its mechanical strength can be significantly affected by various defects pre-existing in it, such as a Stone–Wales defect, a vacancy defect, an atomic anti-site defect, etc. In this work, the influences of various pre-existing defects on the fracture behaviors of an h-BN monolayer nanosheet are investigated carefully using molecular dynamics simulation. The results show that the nucleation and evolution of a fracture induced by defects in the h-BN monolayer nanosheet are directional, and that the crack always starts from the location which has a weak bond energy. An unexpected observation is that the defect propagates mostly in the zigzag direction but occasionally in the armchair direction. The fracture strength and the fracture strain of the h-BN monolayer nanosheet are reduced at different extents due to the various pre-existing defects. Additionally, for the defective h-BN monolayer nanosheets, the fracture strength and strain measured in the armchair direction is much higher than the strength found in the zigzag direction. However, the strengths measured in the armchair and zigzag directions for the defect-free h-BN monolayer nanosheets almost are identical which implies that the armchair direction has a stronger ability to resist various defects compared to the zigzag direction.
Investigations of LHW-plasma coupling and current drive at high density related to H-mode experiments in EAST
Authors: Ding B.J. , Li Y.C. , Zhang L. , Li M.H. , Wei W. , Kong E.H. , Wang M. , Xu H.D. , Wang S.L. , Xu G.S. , Zhao L.M. , Hu H.C. , Jia H. , Cheng M. , Yang Y. , Liu L. , Zhao H.L. , Peysson Y. , Decker J. , Goniche M. , Amicucci L. , Cesario R. , Tuccillo A.A. , Baek S.G. , Parker R. , Bonoli P.T. , Paoletti F. , Yang C. , Shan J.F. , Liu F.K. , Zhao Y.P. , Gong X.Z. , Hu L.Q. , Gao X. , Wan B.N. , Li J.G. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Two important issues in achieving lower hybrid current drive (LHCD) high confinement plasma in EAST are to improve lower hybrid wave (LHW)-plasma coupling and to drive the plasma current at a high density. Studies in different configurations with different directions of toroidal magnetic field (B
t) show that the density near the antenna is affected by both the radial electric field induced by plasma without a LHW (E
r_plasma) in the scrape off layer (SOL), and the radial electric field induced by LHW power (E
r_LH) near the grill. Investigations indicate that E

r
×  B

t
in the SOL leads to a different effect of configuration on the LHW-plasma coupling and E

r_LH
×  B

t
accounts for the asymmetric density behaviour in the SOL observed in the experiments, where E
r is the total radial electric field in the SOL. Modelling of parametric instability (PI), collisional absorption (CA) and scattering from density fluctuations (SDF) in the edge region, performed considering the parameters of high density LHCD experiments in EAST, has shown that these mechanisms could be responsible for the low current drive (CD) efficiency at high density. Radiofrequency probe spectra, useful for documenting PI occurrence, show sidebands whose amplitude in the case of the lithiated vacuum chamber is smaller than in the case of poor lithiation, consistently with growth rates from PI modeling of the respective reference discharges. Since strong lithiation is also expected to diminish the parasitic effect on the LHCD of the remaining possible mechanisms, this appears to be a useful method for improving LHCD efficiency at a high density.
Gait Pattern and Lower Extremity Alignment in Children With Diastrophic Dysplasia
Authors: Bayhan Ilhan A. , Er Mehmet S. , Nishnianidze Tristan , Ditro Colleen , Rogers Kenneth J. , Miller Freeman , Mackenzie William G. 
Published: August 2015

Background:
The aim of this study was to describe the dynamic lower extremity alignment in children with diastrophic dysplasia (DD) by 3-dimensional gait analyses. Our main hypothesis was that gait kinematics and kinetics are different than the age-normalized population and patellar dislocation can alter the gait in patients with DD.

Methods:
A retrospective review of clinical data and radiographs was conducted for patients with DD who had gait analysis before lower extremity skeletal surgery excluding foot procedures. Lower extremity range of motion was measured. The Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) was administered to parents to evaluate their children’s functional status. Gait laboratory data were collected to compare the hip and knee kinematics in cases with and without patellar dislocation. Anteroposterior standing radiographs were taken for all patients to assess the correlation between measurements (clinical, radiologic, and gait) for coronal knee alignment.

Results:
Thirty lower extremities of 15 children (7 females and 8 males) were evaluated. The mean age was 7.4±3 years, the mean height was 97.7±15 cm (z=−5.1), and the mean weight was 20.6±6.2 kg (z=−0.8). The DD PODCI subscores were statistically significantly lower (P<0.05) than the average stature for developing children, except for the happiness score. Gait analysis, compared between all DD and an age-normalized average stature group, showed decreased forward velocity, step length, and stride length with an increased average forward tilt of the trunk and pelvis, hip flexion, hip adduction, and internal rotation (P<0.001). Delta hip and knee motion were also decreased (P<0.001). The patella was dislocated in 19 (63.3%) and central in 11 (36.6%) knees. Comparison of the minimum knee and hip flexion at the stance phase demonstrated increased crouch gait in the patellar dislocation group (P<0.001). Knee alignment measurements between clinical examination and gait analysis showed moderate correlation (r, 0.476; P=0.008).

Conclusions:
Children with DD demonstrated lower PODCI subscores except for happiness. Gait analysis showed limited lower extremity function of the children with DD in our study group. Patella dislocation group had increased crouch gait.

Levels of Evidence:
Level III—diagnostic study.
Temperature Change When Drilling Near the Distal Femoral Physis in a Skeletally Immature Ovine Model
Authors: Tenfelde Allison M. , Esquivel Amanda O. , Cracchiolo Allison M. , Lemos Stephen E. 
Published: August 2015

Background:The possibility of physeal injury during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the pediatric population is a concern. The purpose of this study was to determine whether drilling at or near the physis could cause a temperature increase that could trigger chondrolysis.Methods:Skeletally immature cadaveric lamb distal femurs were used for this study and randomly placed in 1 of 6 groups (n=10 in each group). We examined the 8 and 10 mm Flipcutter at a distance of 0.5 mm from the physis and an 8 and 10 mm acorn-tipped reamer at a distance of 0.5 and 3.0 mm from the physis. During drilling, temperature change at the distal femoral physis was continuously measured until the temperature decreased to the original value.Results:An interreamer comparison yielded a significant difference when drilling 0.5 mm from the physis (P=0.001). Pair-wise Mann-Whitney post hoc tests were performed to further evaluate the differences among the groups. The 8 mm FlipCutter had a significantly higher maximum temperature (39.8±1.4°C) compared with the 10 mm FlipCutter (38.0±0.6°C,P=0.001), 8 mm acorn-tipped reamer (38.1±0.9°C,P=0.007), and 10 mm acorn-tipped reamer (37.5±0.3°C,P<0.001).Conclusions:The risk of thermal-induced injury to the physis is low with an all epiphyseal drilling technique, when a traditional acorn-tipped reamer over a guidepin is utilized, even if the drilling occurs very close to the physis. In addition, the risk of drilling with a FlipCutter is low, but may be greater than a traditional reamer.Clinical Relevance:Thermal-induced necrosis is a realistic concern, due to the characteristics of the distal femoral physis, and the propensity for this physis to respond poorly to injury. Our study supports that drilling near the physis can be done safely, although smaller reamers and nontraditional designs may generate higher heat.Level of Evidence:Level I—basic science.
Outcomes of Hemiepiphyseal Stapling for Genu Valgum Deformities in Patients With Multiple Hereditary Exostoses: A Comparative Study of Patients With Deformities of Idiopathic Cause
Authors: Kang Seungcheol , Kim Jae Young , Park Soo-Sung 
Published: August 2015

Background:
Patients with multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE) frequently present with a genu valgum deformity. Temporary hemiepiphysiodesis, such as hemiepiphyseal stapling, is a relatively safe surgical method to correct angular deformities in skeletally immature patients, but its outcomes for genu valgum deformity in MHE patients have not been extensively reported. We investigated the outcomes of hemiepiphyseal stapling in MHE patients (MHE group) and compared those with the outcomes in patients with idiopathic deformities (idiopathic group) after adjusting for potential bias.

Methods:
Data from 70 limbs with genu valgum deformity (15 MHE and 55 idiopathic), which had undergone hemiepiphyseal stapling, were retrospectively reviewed. The outcomes were focused on the achievement of satisfactory correction and the velocity of correction. The independent effects of each characteristic on each outcome were investigated using multivariate analyses. The outcomes between the groups were also compared after 1:2 matching using propensity score analysis.

Results:
The mean valgus angle of the MHE group was 7.4±4.1 degrees at stapling and was corrected to 1.3±3.0 degrees at staple removal. The rate of satisfactory corrections was not different between the MHE and idiopathic groups (67% and 70%, respectively, P=0.820). However, the correction velocity was significantly lower in the MHE group than in the idiopathic group on both multivariate analysis (P=0.001) and matching comparison (4.4 vs. 7.9 degrees/y, P<0.001). The duration of correction was longer in the MHE group than in the idiopathic group by approximately half a year (1.5±0.6 vs. 0.9±0.3 y, respectively, P=0.003).

Conclusions:
In MHE patients with genu valgum deformity, satisfactory correction can be achieved by hemiepiphyseal stapling and is comparable with that seen in idiopathic patients. However, the MHE group showed lower correction velocity and required a longer time by about one half year for correction compared with the idiopathic group. Temporary hemiepiphysiodesis should be considered at an earlier age for patients with MHE compared with those with idiopathic deformity.

Level of Evidence:
Level III—prognostic study.
Pediatric Orthopaedic Providers’ Views on Transition From Pediatric to Adult Care
Authors: Fishman Laurie N. , DiFazio Rachel , Miller Patricia , Shanske Susan , Waters Peter M. 
Published: August 2015

Background:
Surgical specialties are underrepresented in the discussions regarding transition and transfer of patients to adult care. We sought the pediatric orthopaedic perspective on types of patients seen into adulthood, age cut-offs, triggers for transfer, and barriers to transition. We examined provider demographic factors that may influence perspectives.

Methods:
An internet-based survey was sent to all members of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America and the Pediatric Orthopaedic Practitioner Society. Responses were voluntary and anonymous.

Results:
Response rates were 27% for the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America and 24% for the Pediatric Orthopaedic Practitioner Society. Most respondents (70%) care for patients over the age of 25 years and many (35%) for patients over the age of 40. The most common conditions cared for were neuromuscular and congenital disorders. Respondents who worked in a fully salaried model reported caring for fewer of these adult patients compared with those working in other types of payment structure (P<0.001). Respondents working in free-standing children’s hospitals reported fewer patients over 30 years old compared with nonchildren’s hospital settings (P<0.001). There were no significant differences between profit-based and nonprofit settings. The top triggers for transfer to adult providers were: (1) adult comorbidities; (2) transition to medical specialist; and (3) institutional policy. The top barriers to transfer were: (1) lack of qualified adult providers; (2) institutional policy; and (3) on-going surgical issues.

Conclusions:
Many providers care for older patients, often using external triggers for transfer to adult care. Financial considerations may need to be further explored. Variation in care may be aided by national society guidelines.

Level of Evidence:
Level III—survey research.