nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Upright activity within the first week after stroke is associated with better functional outcome and health related quality of life: A Norwegian multi site study.
Venue: Journal of rehabilitation medicine

To assess the amount of early upright activity of patients managed in Norwegian stroke units and its association with functional outcome and health related quality of life 3 months later.  A prospective observational multi centre study.  A total of 390 acute stroke patients, mean age 76.8 years, 48.1% men, less than 14 days post stroke, recruited from 11 Norwegian stroke units.  Time spent in different activity categories (in bed, sitting out of bed, upright) was observed with a standard method. Outcome was assessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and health related quality of life by EuroQol 5 Dimension 5 level (EQ 5D 5L) 3 months later. Ordinal logistic and linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between activity categories and mRS and EQ 5D 5L, respectively. Age, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, premorbid mRS, sex, and hospital site were added as covariates.  The odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI) for poorer functional outcome (higher mRS) decreased as time spent in upright activities increased (OR 0.97 (95% CI 0.94 1.00) There was also a significant positive association between time in upright activity and higher EQ 5D 5L, Beta 0.184 (95% CI 0.001 0.008) 3 months later.  This study confirms the beneficial effect of upright activity applied during hospital stay in Norwegian stroke units.
Implementation of an autonomous taxi service in a multi modal traffic simulation using MATSim

In the foreseeable future it will be possible to have self driving cars in the city environment. A number of simulations have been performed to assess the impact and possibilities of autonomous vehicles, mainly seeing them as a means of public transportation. While previous studies have focused on the replacement of existing private car trips, the interplay between a newly introduced autonomous vehicle taxi service with the existing means of transport in a traffic scenario will be investigated here. The study is based on the agent based traffic simulation framework MATSim and covers the whole process from the implementation of the transport mode, several extensions of existing MATSim assets and the simulation results. It has been found that the introduced AVs are mainly competing with established public transport services and that the net driven distance by cars in the network is increased. It is claimed that varying pricing schemes alone cannot lead to a more balanced and sustainable mode share, but that they need to be supported by pinpointed incentive and/or taxation policy.
Engineering Human TMJ Discs with Protein Releasing 3D Printed Scaffolds
Venue: Journal of dental research

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc is a heterogeneous fibrocartilaginous tissue positioned between the mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa of the temporal bone, with important roles in TMJ functions. Tissue engineering TMJ discs has emerged as an alternative approach to overcoming limitations of current treatments for TMJ disorders. However, the anisotropic collagen orientation and inhomogeneous fibrocartilaginous matrix distribution present challenges in the tissue engineering of functional TMJ discs. Here, we developed 3 dimensional (3D) printed anatomically correct scaffolds with region variant microstrand alignment, mimicking anisotropic collagen alignment in the TMJ disc and corresponding mechanical properties. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFb3) were then delivered in the scaffolds by spatially embedding CTGF or TGFb3 encapsulated microspheres (uS) to reconstruct the regionally variant fibrocartilaginous matrix in the native TMJ disc. When cultured with human mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs) for 6 wk, 3D printed scaffolds with CTGF/TGFb3 uS resulted in a heterogeneous fibrocartilaginous matrix with overall distribution of collagen rich fibrous structure in the anterior/posterior (AP) bands and fibrocartilaginous matrix in the intermediate zone, reminiscent of the native TMJ disc. High dose of CTGF/TGFb3 uS (100 mg uS/g of scaffold) showed significantly more collagen II and aggrecan in the intermediate zone than a low dose (50 mg uS/g of scaffold) Similarly, a high dose of CTGF/TGFb3 uS yielded significantly higher collagen I expression in the AP bands compared with the low dose and empty uS. From stress relaxation tests, the ratio of relaxation modulus to instantaneous modulus was significantly smaller with CTGF/TGFb3 uS than empty uS. Similarly, a significantly higher coefficient of viscosity was achieved with the high dose of CTGF/TGFb3 uS compared with the low dose and empty uS, suggesting the dose effect of CTGF and TGFb3 on fibrocartilage formation. Together, our findings may represent an efficient approach to engineering the TMJ disc graft with anisotropic scaffold microstructure, heterogeneous fibrocartilaginous matrix, and region dependent viscoelastic properties.
A time dependent degeneration manner of condyle in rat CFA induced inflamed TMJ.
Venue: American journal of translational research

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation is a potential risk factor of osteoarthritis (OA) but the detailed degenerative changes in the inflamed TMJ remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the changes of condylar cartilage and subchondral bone in rat inflamed TMJ induced by Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA) Articular cavity was injected with CFA and the TMJ samples were collected 1, 2, 3, and 4 week post injection. Hematoxylin Eosin (H&E) staining, toluidine blue (TB) staining, Safranin O (S.O) staining, Masson trichrome staining and micro CT were used to assess TMJ degeneration during inflammation. Osteoclast and osteoblast activities were analyzed by tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and osteocalcin (OCN) immunohistochemistry staining respectively. The expression of receptor activator of NF kB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in condylar cartilage and subchondral bone was also evaluated through immunohistochemistry and RANKL/OPG ratio was evaluated. Reduced cartilage thickness, decreased number of chondrocytes, and down regulated proteoglycan expression were observed in the condylar cartilage in the inflamed TMJ. Enhanced osteoclast activity, and expanded bone marrow cavity were reached the peak in the 2 week after CFA injection. Meanwhile the RANKL/OPG ratio in the cartilage and subchondral bone also increased in the 2 week CFA injection. Immature, unmineralized new bones with irregular trabecular bone structure, atypical condylar shape, up regulated OCN expression, and decreased bone mineral density (BMD) were found in the inflamed TMJ. The time dependent degeneration manner of TMJ cartilage and subchondral bone was found in CFA induced arthritis rat model. The degeneration in the TMJ with inflammation might be a risk factor and should be concerned.
Osteophyte formation and matrix mineralization in a TMJ osteoarthritis mouse model are associated with ectopic hedgehog signaling.
Venue: Matrix biology journal of the International Society for Matrix Biology

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a diarthrodial joint that relies on lubricants for frictionless movement and long term function. It remains unclear what temporal and causal relationships may exist between compromised lubrication and onset and progression of TMJ disease. Here we report that Proteoglycan 4 (Prg4) null TMJs exhibit irreversible osteoarthritis like changes over time and are linked to formation of ectopic mineralized tissues and osteophytes in articular disc, mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa. In the presumptive layer of mutant glenoid fossa's articulating surface, numerous chondrogenic cells and/or chondrocytes emerged ectopically within the type I collagen expressing cell population, underwent endochondral bone formation accompanied by enhanced Ihh expression, became entrapped into temporal bone mineralized matrix, and thereby elicited excessive chondroid bone formation. As the osteophytes grew, the roof of the glenoid fossa/eminence became significantly thicker and flatter, resulting in loss of its characteristic concave shape for accommodation of condyle and disc. Concurrently, the condyles became flatter and larger and exhibited ectopic bone along their neck, likely supporting the enlarged condylar heads. Articular discs lost their concave configuration, and ectopic cartilage developed and articulated with osteophytes. In glenoid fossa cells in culture, hedgehog signaling stimulated chondrocyte maturation and mineralization including alkaline phosphatase, while treatment with hedgehog inhibitor HhAntag prevented such maturation process. In sum, our data indicate that Prg4 is needed for TMJ integrity and long term postnatal function. In its absence, progenitor cells near presumptive articular layer and disc undergo ectopic chondrogenesis and generate ectopic cartilage, possibly driven by aberrant activation of Hh signaling. The data suggest also that the Prg4 null mice represent a useful model to study TMJ osteoarthritis like degeneration and clarify its pathogenesis.
TMJ replacement utilizing patient fitted TMJ TJR devices in a re ankylosis child.
Venue: Journal of cranio maxillo facial surgery official publication of the European Association for Cranio Maxillo Facial Surgery

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a pathological condition characterized by articular bony or fibrous tissue fusion. TMJ ankylosis developing during childhood can lead to growth complications because of the loss of mandibular function. Hard and soft autogenous tissue grafting has been used for TMJ reconstruction in the growing patient. However, in cases where autogenous tissue grafts fail either due to unpredictable growth or ankylosis, total alloplastic temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJ TJR) can provide a viable option. The case of a 7 year old female suffering from recurrent bilateral TMJ ankylosis resulting from birth trauma, and with concomitant obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is presented. Due to prior surgical and autogenous graft failures, the decision was made to complete her joint reconstructions utilizing patient fitted TMJ prostheses. Questions have been raised about the longevity of TMJ TJR devices as well as their lack of growth potential, but children with TMJ ankylosis do not have condyle related growth potential and that replacing failed autogenous tissue graft material with more autogenous tissue will result in the same adverse outcomes. Therefore, in growing patients with recurrent TMJ ankylosis and/or failed autogenous tissue grafts, there may be a role for TMJ TJR.
Theoretical and experimental study on competitive adsorption of SF 6 decomposed components on Au modified anatase (101) surface

Partial discharge inside gas insulated switchgear in electric systems will lead to the decomposition of SF 6 gas, the insulating medium, producing several kinds of characteristic components. Detecting the species and concentrations of decomposed components of SF 6 is considered a feasible way of early warning to avoid occurrence of sudden fault. As a research hotspot in gas sensing field, TiO 2 nanotubes possess wide application prospect in online monitoring of fault gases in gas insulated switchgear. In this paper, adsorption parameters of SO 2 SOF 2 and SO 2 F 2 characteristic products of SF 6 decomposition, on Au doped anatase TiO 2 (101) surface were calculated using software Materials Studio. The adsorption processes of gas molecules on Au doped anatase TiO 2 (101) surface were theoretically analyzed, which can be used to explain the gas sensing mechanism of TiO 2 nanotubes sensor. Besides, adsorption parameters of Au doped anatase TiO 2 (101) surface were compared with those of intrinsic anatase TiO 2 (101) surface. As can be concluded, Au doping changes the sensitivity and selectivity of TiO 2 nanotubes to the above three kinds of gases. Furthermore, gas sensing experiment of intrinsic and Au doped TiO 2 nanotubes to SO 2 SOF 2 and SO 2 F 2 was carried out, of which the results were consistent with simulation analysis. Research of this paper illustrates sensitive and selective changes of TiO 2 nanotubes gas sensor after Au doping, which lays foundation for preparation of gas sensors applied for detection of partial discharge inside gas insulated switchgear.
Catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) A review

Emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is one of the major contributors to air pollution. The main sources of VOCs are petroleum refineries, fuel combustions, chemical industries, decomposition in the biosphere and biomass, pharmaceutical plants, automobile industries, textile manufacturers, solvents processes, cleaning products, printing presses, insulating materials, office supplies, printers etc. The most common VOCs are halogenated compounds, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, aromatic compounds, and ethers. High concentrations of these VOCs can cause irritations, nausea, dizziness, and headaches. Some VOCs are also carcinogenic for both humans and animals. Therefore, it is crucial to minimize the emission of VOCs. Among the available technologies, the catalytic oxidation of VOCs is the most popular because of its versatility of handling a range of organic emissions under mild operating conditions. Due to that fact, there are numerous research initiatives focused on developing advanced technologies for the catalytic destruction of VOCs. This review discusses recent developments in catalytic systems for the destruction of VOCs. Review also describes various VOCs and their sources of emission, mechanisms of catalytic destruction, the causes of catalyst deactivation, and catalyst regeneration methods.
Detection of hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by metal oxide nanostructures based gas sensors: A review

Since the sensing capability of semiconducting metal oxides was demonstrated in the 1960s, solid state gas sensors based on these materials have attracted considerable attention from both scientific and practical point of view. Because of the promising characteristics for detecting toxic gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to conventional techniques, these devices are expected to play a key role in environmental monitoring, chemical process control, personal safety and so on in the near future. Therefore, in recent years, intensive studies have been conducted to improve their sensing performances, particularly to increase the sensitivity and detection limit of such devices. This can be accomplished by using metal oxide nanostructures with various shapes such as nanoparticles, nanowires, nanorods and nanotubes having sizes in the nanometer range. Owing to the high surface to volume ratios and consequently large number of surface sites exposed to target gas, nanostructured metal oxides enable a larger gas sensing layer interaction and hence a higher sensitivity in comparison with conventional materials. This article extensively reviews recent developments in this field, focusing the attention on the detection of some common VOCs, including acetone (C3H6O) acetylene (C2H2) benzene (C6H6) cyclohexene (C6H10) ethanol (C2H5OH) formaldehyde (HCHO) n butanol (C4H9OH) methanol (CH3OH) toluene (C7H8) and 2 propanol (C3H8O) by means of conductometric solid state sensors based on nanostructured semiconducting metal oxides.
Is providing mobile interventions "just in time" helpful? an experimental proof of concept study of just in time intervention for stress management
Venue: 2016 IEEE Wireless Health (WH)

Although there is growing interest in using mHealth approaches to provide just in time [JIT] intervention elements tailored to current emotional states in real time, critical evidentiary questions remain unanswered. This study was a `proof of concept' evaluation to see if, in the context of a manualized stress management program, adding JIT intervention reminders via mobile technology would enhance outcomes more than the provision of random (untailored) reminders (both also relative to a measurement only active control condition) Individuals participated in a stress management course and carried a palmtop computer for 11 days (2 days acclimation and assessment, 1 week intervention, and 2 days post treatment assessment) For the intervention week participants were assigned to one of three groups and either: (a) only completed self report assessments multiple times each data (using ecological momentary assessment [EMA] (b) completed EMA and received random reminders to use stress management skills; (c) completed EMA and received JIT tailored reminders to use stress management intervention elements when high stress or negative affect were reported. Individuals receiving JIT reminders reported stressful events less frequently, lower stress severity, less negative affect, lower levels of a stress biomarker (cortisol) less frequent eating, less alcohol consumption, less smoking and better sleep quality than the other two groups at post treatment assessment. Tailored mHealth interventions designed in conjunction with ambulatory assessment protocols to provide JIT intervention elements can improve the efficacy of a standard stress intervention above and beyond any effects of simple reminders or over the intervention training. Implications for mHealth and JIT interventions are discussed.
Productivity Improvement in Small Scale Industries through the Application of PLC Technology A Case Study

Automation has become a prime contributor when productivity of an Industry is concerned. This paper tells about the Programmable Logic Controllers and their applications in Industries to reduce the wastage of resources. In this paper the perspective of small and medium scale industries about incorporating new technologies to their industrial processes is discussed. What they think of technology is extra burden that requires more handling which they cannot afford. What they are not aware is that most of it includes a onetime cost only. Further, the paper discusses the technical as well as financial aspects of the PLC technology. A Case study is provided to support the importance of Automation and PLC in any Industry.
Thermoreversible physically crosslinked hydrogels from UCST type thermosensitive ABA linear triblock copolymers

This article reports on a new class of thermoreversible physically crosslinked hydrogels formed from ABA linear triblock copolymers composed of a hydrophilic poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (PPEGMMA) middle block and UCST type thermosensitive poly(acrylamide co acrylonitrile) (P(AAm co AN) outer blocks. A series of P(AAm co AN) b PPEGMMA b P(AAm co AN) ABA triblock copolymers was prepared by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization using a difunctional chain transfer agent. At appropriate block lengths, chemical compositions, and polymer concentration, aqueous solutions of the ABA triblock copolymers underwent cooling induced, reversible sol gel transitions in water, and the sol gel transition temperature increased with the increase of the outer block length, the AN molar content in the outer block, and polymer concentration. Dynamic light scattering studies confirmed that the cooling induced sol gel transition stemmed from the UCST behavior of the outer blocks of ABA triblock copolymers. These UCST type thermosensitive block copolymer hydrogels expanded the scope of injectable polymer hydrogels, and will have potential applications in many areas.
Synthesis and characterization of a new photo crosslinkable glycol chitosan thermogel for biomedical applications.
Venue: Carbohydrate polymers

The major limitations of typical thermogelling polymers for practical applications are low gel stability and weak mechanical properties under physiological conditions. In this study, we have synthesized a new polysaccharide based thermogelling polymer that can be photo crosslinked by UV irradiation to form a mechanically resilient and elastic hydrogel. Methacrylated hexanoyl glycol chitosan (M HGC) was synthesized by a series of chemical modifications, N hexanoylation and N methacrylation, of glycol chitosan (GC) Various M HGC polymers with different methacryl group contents were synthesized and their thermogelling and photo crosslinkable properties were evaluated. The M HGCs demonstrated a thermo reversible sol gel transition behavior in aqueous solutions. The thermally induced hydrogels could be chemically crosslinked by UV triggered photo crosslinking. From the cytotoxicity studies using MTT and the live/dead assay, the M HGC hydrogels showed non cytotoxicity. These photo crosslinkable thermogelling M HGC polymers may hold great promises for various biomedical applications, such as an injectable delivery system and 3D cell culture.
Preparation and evaluation of oral dissolving film containing local anesthetic agent, lidocaine
Venue: Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation

A lot of polymeric oral dosage forms have been invented for suitable drug delivery and compliance of patient. Oral dissolving film (ODF) offers a comfortable way to enable drug administration. The purpose of this study was to develop an ODF using lidocaine, with moderate mechanical strength and thickness, fast disintegration time and local anesthetic effect. Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, sodium alginate, glycerin, sodium lauryl sulfate, polyvinylpyrrolidone and citric acid were used to build the polymeric film base of the ODF. The optimal composition was determined by changing the ratio of individual excipients. The thickness was insignificantly varied in the range of 0.04 0.01 to 0.06 0.01 mm. On the other hand, the tensile strength was 1.23 0.20 to 1.83 0.30 N/cm2. Drug content in the films was evaluated and the values were 16 mg of lidocaine per each ODF (40 mg/strip) Lidocaine ODF formulation showed the release of 91.7% of lidocaine within 1 min and 96.3% of lidocaine in 5 min. These results suggested that lidocaine ODF was well prepared and showed the fast release of lidocaine.
The Rupture of Territoriality and the Diminishing Relevance of Cross cutting Ties in Somalia after 1990

The notion of territoriality has changed in the Somali setting. Once it connoted flexibility and was mainly related to economic survival in a harsh environment; today (2016) after more than two decades of civil war, insecurity and foreign intervention, this notion is more rigid and exclusive. Clearly demarcated territory, inhabited by one group or at least under the control of a dominant group, has become a key political resource in an ongoing process of state formation. This article shows that territorialization in Somalia constitutes a complex mixture of bottom up and externally driven dynamics. It also shows that new forms of territoriality accompany new forms of sociality in the Somali setting. This is illustrated with regard to the diminishing relevance of cross cutting ties among Somali descent groups.
Dervish State (Somali)

Between 1899 and 1920, the Dervishes under Sayyid Mohammed Abdullah Hassan challenged the external colonial forces, the British, the Ethiopians, and the Italians in the northern Somali Peninsula, and temporarily established a relatively effective Somali proto state. It was based on the Sayyid's charisma and supported by strong religious belief (legitimizing the war against "unbelievers" and by the general contempt of foreign domination on the part of Somali pastoral nomads. The Dervish rule, however, was characterized by war and did not contribute to economic or social development of the region.  East Africa; rebellion; religious history