bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Network Comparison of Epileptogenic Human Cortex and Excited Rat Cortex
Authors: Smith Jodi L. , Hobbs Jon , Tang Aonan , Jackson David , Chen Wei , Patel Hema , Prieto Anita , Sher Alexander , Litke Alan , Beggs John M. 
Published: March 2008

Introduction
Epileptogenicity of neuronal tissues requires both altered excitability and altered synchronization of neurons. However, the network-level mechanisms responsible for neuronal hyperexcitability and synchronization remain unknown, and there is much to learn regarding how even small networks of neurons interact. The present study examines local and network properties of cortical neurons from epileptogenic human and excited (“epileptic”) rat cortex.

Methods
Epileptogenic cortex was harvested from pediatric patients with medically refractory seizures undergoing resective surgery. Local field potential signals (LFPs) were recorded continuously for up to several hours with a 60-channel microelectrode array. We also recorded LFPs from slices and organotypic and dissociated cultures of rat cortex bathed in high K+ and low Mg++. We then compared the human and rat data, applied a second-order maximum entropy model (MEM) to the data, and explored how well the MEM predicted sequences of correlated states over time.

Results
Both human and rat cortex produced LFP signals in the form of interictal spikes on almost all electrodes. However, only human cortex demonstrated spontaneous activity in normal cerebrospinal fluid, and the LFPs from human cortex showed greater synchrony across electrodes than the rat LFPs. Moreover, when a second-order MEM was applied to human and rat data, the model accounted for roughly 88% of network correlations. However, in 8/13 preparations the observed sequences of correlated states were significantly longer than predicted by independently concatenating states from the model, suggesting that temporal dependencies are a common feature of cortical network activity.

Conclusion
Excited slices of rat cortex fail to capture some important features of network activity found in epileptogenic human cortex. Furthermore, a second-order MEM successfully predicts correlated states in cortical networks, but not their evolution over time. Thus, higher-order MEMs are necessary to account for temporal correlations observed between states.
Exogenous Neonatal Erythropoietin Mitigates Brain Damage After a Combination of Prenatal Hypoxic-Ischemia and Lipopolysaccharide Inflammation in Rats
Authors: Robinson Shenandoah , Li Qing 
Published: March 2008

Introduction
Many infants born very preterm who suffer brain damage most likely experienced a combined insult from intrauterine infection and placental insufficiency. Damage is thought to be synergistic rather than additive but the mechanisms of combined injury remain elusive. A combination of lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and hypoxia-ischemia has been used in rats to model the dual insult that occurs in human infants prenatally. Erythropoietin, a pleiotrophic cytokine that is essential for central nervous system development, ameliorates brain injury after isolated hypoxic-ischemic or inflammatory insults through different intracellular signaling pathways. We hypothesized that exogenous neonatal EPO administration would lessen the damage of a combined prenatal insult in rats.

Methods
On embryonic Day 18 fetal rats experienced 60 minutes of transient uterine artery occlusion with or without intracervical LPS administration with sham controls receiving surgery but no occlusion and saline for LPS. Survival was recorded and histological biochemical and functional assays were performed. Means were compared with ANOVA with Tukey HSD post hoc analysis.

Results
After a combined insult of HI and 0.15-mg/kg LPS on E18 the survival of pups by postnatal Day 1 (P1) decreased from 77% with HI alone to 22% for LPS plus HI. When exogenous systemic EPO was administered P1–P3 survival to P9 improved markedly from 40% (2 of 5) for saline-treated insult pups to 100% (6 of 6) for EPO-treated. Initial histological analyses show EPO decreases the number of brain activated caspase 3 and activated microglia by P9. Additional analyses will be presented.

Conclusion
As at least 60% of placentas from infants born pre-term show evidence of chorioamnionitis, assessment of the impact of exogenous EPO on a model of a combination injury is essential prior to proceeding with a clinical trial. Initial results indicate neonatal exogenous EPO mitigates damage from the combined insult.
Ventriculogallbladder shunts in pediatric patients
Authors: Aldana Philipp R. , James Hector E. , Postlethwait Richard A. 
Published: March 2008

Object
The authors report a clinical protocol for the application of ventriculogallbladder (VGB) shunts in children who may be unable to maintain or receive ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts.

Methods
Eighteen patients underwent placement of VGB shunts as an alternative to VP shunt therapy for the following reasons: malfunction of the VP shunt due to suspected failure of the peritoneum to absorb cerebrospinal fluid (17 cases) and multiple intraabdominal general surgical procedures (1 case). The patients ranged in age from 4 months to 17 years (mean 6.5 ± 6.1 years [standard deviation {SD}]). All patients underwent preoperative imaging of the gall-bladder either by ultrasonography or computed tomography scanning. A team consisting of a pediatric neurological surgeon and a pediatric general surgeon performed all operative procedures. The procedures were conducted by open laparotomy to precisely place the appropriate length of distal catheter and to anchor it to the gallbladder wall.

Results
There were 2 early shunt malfunctions, both obstructions due to “sludge” (1 in the biliary duct and 1 in the common bile duct). A late-onset (5-year) malfunction occurred secondary to gallbladder stones. In all 3 cases of malfunction, the devices were successfully converted to VP shunts. In 1 patient a conversion to a VP shunt was chosen following a general surgical intervention. There were 2 shunt infections (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Haemophilus influenzae). These were successfully treated. Two patients underwent conversion to a VGB shunt on 2 occasions. Thirteen patients had functional VGB shunts at the time of their last follow-up assessment. The follow-up for these 13 patients ranged from 1 to 8 years (mean 2.1 ± 2.0 years [SD]).

Conclusions
Ventriculogallbladder shunts may be considered for the treatment of hydrocephalus in children when the peritoneal cavity cannot be used as a distal terminus.
Laminar screw fixation of the axis
Authors: Sciubba Daniel M. , Noggle Joseph C. , Vellimana Ananth K. , Conway James E. , Kretzer Ryan M. , Long Donlin M. , Garonzik Ira M. 
Published: March 2008

Object
Laminar fixation of the axis with crossing bilateral screws has been shown to provide rigid fixation with a theoretically decreased risk of vertebral artery damage compared with C1–2 transarticular screw fixation and C-2 pedicle screw fixation. Some studies, however, have shown restricted rigidity of such screws compared with C-2 pedicle screws, and others note that anatomical variability exists within the posterior elements of the axis that may have an impact on successful placement. To elucidate the clinical impact of such screws, the authors report their experience in placing C-2 laminar screws in adult patients over a 2-year period, with emphasis on clinical outcome and technical placement.

Methods
Sixteen adult patients with cervical instability underwent posterior cervical and cervicothoracic fusion procedures at our institution with constructs involving C-2 laminar screws. Eleven patients were men and 5 were women, and they ranged in age from 28 to 84 years (mean 57 years). The reasons for fusion were degenerative disease (9 patients) and treatment of trauma (7 patients). In 14 patients (87.5%) standard translaminar screws were placed, and in 2 (12.5%) an ipsilateral trajectory was used. All patients underwent preoperative radiological evaluation of the cervical spine, including computed tomography scanning with multiplanar reconstruction to assess the posterior anatomy of C-2. Anatomical restrictions for placement of standard translaminar screws included a deeply furrowed spinous process and/or an underdeveloped midline posterior ring of the axis. In these cases, screws were placed into the corresponding lamina from the ipsilateral side, allowing bilateral screws to be oriented in a more parallel, as opposed to perpendicular, plane. All patients were followed for > 2 years to record rates of fusion, instrumentation failure, and other complications.

Results
Thirty-two screws were placed without neurological or vascular complications. The mean follow-up duration was 27.3 months. Complications included 2 revisions, one for pseudarthrosis and the other for screw pullout, and 3 postoperative infections.

Conclusions
Placement of laminar screws into the axis from the standard crossing approach or via an ipsilateral trajectory may allow a safe, effective, and durable means of including the axis in posterior cervical and cervicothoracic fusion procedures.
Histopathological basis for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Louis Robert G. , Wartmann Christopher T. , Lott Robert , Chua Gina D. , Kelly David , Palmer Cheryl Ann , Shoja Mohamadali M. , Loukas Marios , Oakes W. Jerry 
Published: March 2008

Object
To the best of the authors' knowledge, no report exists that has demonstrated the histopathological changes of neural elements within the brachial plexus as a result of cervical rib compression.

Methods
Four hundred seventy-five consecutive human cadavers were evaluated for the presence of cervical ribs. From this cohort, 2 male specimens (0.42%) were identified that harbored cervical ribs. One of the cadavers was found to have bilateral cervical ribs and the other a single right cervical rib. Following gross observations of the brachial plexus and, specifically, the lower trunk and its relationship to these anomalous ribs, the lower trunks were submitted for immunohistochemical analysis. Specimens were compared with two age-matched controls that did not have cervical ribs.

Results
The compressed plexus trunks were largely unremarkable proximal to the areas of compression by cervical ribs, where they demonstrated epi- and perineurial fibrosis, vascular hyalinization, mucinous degeneration, and frequent intraneural collagenous nodules. These histological findings were not seen in the nerve specimens in control cadavers. The epineurium was thickened with intersecting fibrous bands, and the perineurium appeared fibrotic. Many of the blood vessels were hyalinized. The nerve fascicles contained frequent intraneural collagenous nodules in this area, and focal mucinous degeneration was identified.

Conclusions
Cervical ribs found incidentally may cause histological changes in the lower trunk of the brachial plexus. The clinician may wish to observe or perform further evaluation in such patients.
Acute deterioration in occult Chiari malformation following missile spinal trauma
Authors: Shahlaie Kiarash , Hartman Jonathan , Utter Garth H. , Schrot Rudolph J. 
Published: March 2008

✓Patients with Chiari malformation (CM) Type I typically experience chronic, slowly progressive symptoms. Rarely, however, do they suffer acute neurological deterioration following an iatrogenic decrease in caudal cerebrospinal fluid pressure due to, for example, a lumbar puncture. To our knowledge, acute neurological deterioration following missile spinal injury in CM has not been previously described.
The authors report on a 16-year-old girl who was shot in the abdomen and lumbar spine. Although neurologically intact on initial workup, she developed precipitous quadriplegia and apnea in a delayed fashion. Tonsillar herniation with medullary compression and cerebellar infarction was diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging. Suboccipital decompression resulted in significant neurological improvement. Well-formed tonsillar ectopia diagnosed at surgery suggested a preexisting CM.
The authors conclude that missile spinal trauma can precipitate medullary compression and acute neurological decline, especially in patients with preexisting tonsillar ectopia. Immediate operative decompression to relieve impaction at the cervicomedullary junction can result in significant neurological recovery.
Development and Validation of a Measure to Assess Patient Experiences With Video Care Encounters
Authors: Slightam Cindie , SooHoo Sonya , Greene Liberty , Zulman Donna M. , Kimerling Rachel 
Published: April 2024

ImportanceAs video-based care expands in many clinical settings, assessing patient experiences with this care modality will help optimize health care quality, safety, and communication.ObjectiveTo develop and assess the psychometric properties of the video visit user experience (VVUE) measure, a patient-reported measure of experiences with video-based technology.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsIn this survey study, veterans completed a web-based, mail, or telephone survey about their use of Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA) virtual care between September 2021 and January 2022. The survey was completed by patients who reported having a VHA video visit on their own device or a VHA-issued device and linked to VHA utilization data for the 6 months following the survey. Data analysis was performed from March 2022 to February 2023.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe survey included 19 items about experiences with video visits that were rated using a 4-point Likert-type scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree). First, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the factor structure and parsimonious set of items, using the McDonald Omega test to assess internal consistency reliability. Then, a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test structural validity, and bivariate correlations between VVUE and VHA health care engagement were calculated to test concurrent validity. Finally, predictive validity was assessed using logistic regression to determine whether VVUE was associated with future VHA video visit use.ResultsAmong 1887 respondents included in the analyses, 83.2% (95% CI, 81.5%-84.8%) were male, 41.0% (95% CI, 38.8%-43.1%) were aged 65 years or older, and the majority had multiple chronic medical and mental health conditions. The exploratory factor analysis identified a 10-item single-factor VVUE measure (including questions about satisfaction, user-centeredness, technical quality, usefulness, and appropriateness), explaining 96% of the total variance, with acceptable internal consistency reliability (ω = 0.95). The confirmatory factor analysis results confirmed a single-factor solution (standardized root mean squared residual = 0.04). VVUE was positively associated with VHA health care engagement (ρ = 0.47; P &amp;lt; .001). Predictive validity models demonstrated that higher VVUE measure scores were associated with future use of video visits, where each 1-point increase on VVUE was associated with greater likelihood of having a video visit in subsequent 6 months (adjusted odds ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.06).Conclusions and RelevanceThe findings of this study of veterans using video visits suggest that a brief measure is valid to capture veterans’ experiences receiving VHA virtual care.
Precision Interface Engineering of CuNi Alloys by Powder ALD Toward Better Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: He Shiyang , Bahrami Amin , Jung Chanwon , Zhang Xiang , He Ran , Ren Zhifeng , Zhang Siyuan , Nielsch Kornelius 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe main bottleneck in obtaining high‐performance thermoelectric (TE) materials is identified as how to decouple the strong interrelationship between electrical and thermal parameters. Herein, a precise interface modification approach based on the powder atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology is presented to enhance the performance of CuNi alloys. ZnO and Al2O3 layers as well as their combinations are deposited on the surface of powders, typically in 10–100 ALD cycles, and their effects on the TE performance of bulks is thoroughly investigated. The enhancement of the Seebeck coefficient, caused by the energy filtering effect, compensates for the electrical conductivity deterioration due to the low electrical conductivity of oxide layers. Furthermore, the oxide layers may significantly increase the phonon scattering. Therefore, to reduce the resistivity of coating layer, a multilayer structure is deposited on the surface of powders by inserting Al2O3 into ZnO. The accurate microstructure characterization shows that the Al atoms diffused into ZnO and realized the doping effect after pressing. Al diffusion has the potential to increase the electrical conductivity and complexity of coating layers. Compared to pure CuNi, zT increases by 128% due to the decrease in resistivity and stronger phonon scattering in phase boundaries.
Ion‐Specific Hydrogel Microcarriers with Biomimetic Niches for Bioartifical Liver System
Authors: Lin Xiang , Li Jinbo , Wang Jinglin , Filppula Anne M. , Zhang Hongbo , Zhao Yuanjin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBioartificial livers have showcased significant value in the treatment of acute liver failure (ALF). Current efforts are directed toward overcoming challenges in the development of microcarriers, with a specific emphasis on integrating higher‐density liver cells to enhance detoxification capabilities. Here, inspired by the radial filtration model in hepatic lobules, ion‐specific silk fibroin microcarriers are proposed with biomimetic niches for cultivating functional liver cells at high density. These biomimetic microcarriers are generated by capillary microfluidic device with controllable adjustments of ion type or concentration within the aqueous phase. When cultivating human induced pluripotent stem cell ‐differentiated mature liver cells on these recrystallized microcarriers, notably enhanced cell proliferation activity, as well as increased metabolic and secretory functionality is observed. Based on these features, the microcarrier‐integrated bioreactor can effectively reduce hepatic transaminase levels and significantly improve urea, albumin production, and survival rate in rabbit ALF models is demonstrated. Thus, it is believed that the biomimetic microcarriers and their derived bioreactor may hold potential for clinical applications in managing ALF and other liver diseases.
Dynamic Interfacial Protection via Molecularly Tailored Copolymer for Durable Artificial Solid Electrolyte Interphase in Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Luo Jing , Huang Qinzhui , Shi Dehuan , Qiu Yanbin , Zheng Xinyu , Yang Sisheng , Li Borong , Weng Jianqiang , Wu Mingmao , Liu Zheyuan , Yu Yan , Yang Chengkai 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe serious dendrite formation and safety hazards associated with side reactions hinder the practical application of lithium metal batteries. A molecular customization strategy based on both physical and chemical properties is reported. A copolymer of acrylamide and hexafluorobutyl acrylate molecules is used as an artificial solid electrolyte interface(ASEI) for lithium metal to achieve dynamic interface protection during cycling. The amide group serves as the rigid unit, while the hexafluorobutyl group serves as the flexible unit, and imparts excellent mechanical properties to the copolymer. Synergistically abundant C─F bonds exhibit excellent water and oxygen resistance and have good electrolyte affinity. The ester and amide groups serve as amphiphilic sites for Li+ and PF6−, regulating the ion flux at the interface and achieving dendrite‐free lithium deposition. During cycling, the organic–inorganic composite SEI dynamically evolves to safeguard the lithium metal, preventing undue electrolyte consumption. The copolymer achieves stable cycling for 1500 and 950 h at 1 and 2 mA cm−2, respectively. It demonstrates excellent performance with LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 and LiFePO4 cathodes. This study introduces a new approach to designing polymers at the molecular level to optimize the physical properties/chemical activity of lithium metal interfaces.
Cobalt MOF‐Based Porous Carbonaceous Spheres for Multimodal Soft Actuator Exhibiting Intricate Biomimetic Motions
Authors: Taseer Ashhad Kamal , Oh Saewoong , Kim Ji‐Seok , Garai Mousumi , Yoo Hyunjoon , Nguyen Van Hiep , Yang Yang , Khan Mannan , Mahato Manmatha , Oh Il‐kwon 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe advancement of active electrode materials is essential to meet the demand for multifaceted soft robotic interactions. In this study, a new type of porous carbonaceous sphere (PCS) for a multimodal soft actuator capable of both magnetoactive and electro‐ionic responses is reported. The PCS, derived from the simultaneous oxidative and reductive breakdown of specially designed cobalt‐based metal–organic frameworks (Co‐MOFs) with varying metal‐to‐ligand ratios, exhibits a high specific surface area of 529 m2 g−1 and a saturated magnetization of 142.7 Am2 kg−1. The size of the PCS can be controlled through the Ostwald ripening mechanism, while the porous structure can be regulated by adjusting the metal‐to‐ligand mol ratio. Its exceptional compatibility with poly(3,4‐ethylene‐dioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) enables the creation of uniform electrode, crucial for producing soft actuators that work in both magnetic and electrical fields. Operated at an ultralow voltage of 1 V, the PCS‐based actuator generates a blocking force of 47.5 mN and exhibits significant bending deflection even at an oscillation frequency of 10 Hz. Employing this simultaneous multimodal actuation ensures the dynamic and complex motions of a balancing bird robot and a dynamic eagle robot. This advancement marks a significant step toward the realization of more dynamic and versatile soft robotic systems.
MXene‐Enabled Pneumatic Multiscale Shape Morphing for Adaptive, Programmable and Multimodal Radar‐infrared Compatible Camouflage
Authors: Liang Leilei , Yang Xiuyue , Li Chen , Yu Ruoling , Zhang Baoshan , Yang Yi , Ji Guangbin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAchieving radar‐infrared compatible camouflage with dynamic adaptability has been a long‐sought goal, but faces significant challenges owing to the limited dispersion relations of conventional material systems operating in different wavelength ranges. Here, this work proposes the concept of pneumatic multiscale shape morphing and design a periodically arranged pneumatic unit consisting of MXene‐based morphable conductors and intake platforms. During gas actuation, the morphable conductor transforms centimeter‐scale 2D flat sheets into 3D balloon shapes to enhance microwave absorption behavior, and also reconfigures micrometer‐scale MXene wrinkles into smooth planes in combination with cavity‐induced low heat transfer to minimize infrared (IR) signatures. Through theory‐guided reverse engineering, the final pneumatic matrix shows remarkable frequency tunability (2.64–18.0 GHz), moderate IR emissivity regulation (0.14 at 7–16.5 µm), rapid responsiveness (≈30 ms), wide‐angle operation (>45°), and excellent environmental tolerance. Additionally, the multiplexed pneumatic matrix enables over 14 programmable coding sequences that independently alter thermal radiation without compromising radar stealth, and allows multimodal camouflage switching between three distinct compatible states. The approach may facilitate the evolution of camouflage techniques and electromagnetic functional materials toward multispectral, adaptability and intelligence.