SR Technique Research Articles

Optimisation of Multiple Response Processes Using Different Modeling Techniques

Purpose: This article aims to compare the impact on process optimisation with multiple responses of two different mathematical modelling methods: Ordinary Least Squares Method (OLS) and Symbolic Regression Method (SR). Methodology/Approach: Data from the literature were selected from the design of experiments for a process with multiple responses. Using these data, models were obtained that represented each response as a function of independent variables using the OLS and SR techniques. Then, the Desirability method was applied together with the Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) in order to obtain the process adjustment that would lead to the optimisation of the responses. Findings: The findings illustrate that the SR modelling technique yields models with superior predictive capabilities when contrasted with the OLS technique. Throughout the optimisation process, it becomes evident that the adjustments in the process diverge, even though the desirability function's value exhibits negligible variation. Research Limitation/implication: This research considered only an SR algorithm and a process with two dependent variables and two independent variables. Originality/Value of paper: No works were found in the literature that reported the use of the Age-Layered Population Structure (ALPS) algorithm in modelling processes that contain multiple responses. Furthermore, no comparison of this method with the OLS method was available. Category: Research paper.

Impact of using sinogram domain data in the super-resolution of CT images on diagnostic information.

In recent times, deep-learning-based super-resolution (DL-SR) techniques for computed tomography (CT) images have shown outstanding results in terms of full-reference image quality (FR-IQ) metrics (e.g., root mean square error and structural similarity index metric), which assesses IQ by measuring its similarity to the high-resolution (HR) image. In addition, IQ can be evaluated via task-based IQ (Task-IQ) metrics that evaluate the ability to perform specific tasks. Ironically, most proposed image domain-based SR techniques are not possible to improve a Task-IQ metric, which assesses the amount of information related todiagnosis. In the case of CT imaging systems, sinogram domain data can be utilized for SR techniques. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of utilizing sinogram domain data on diagnostic information restorationability. We evaluated three DL-SR techniques: using image domain data (Image-SR), using sinogram domain data (Sinogram-SR), and using sinogram as well as image domain data (Dual-SR). For Task-IQ evaluation, the Rayleigh discrimination task was used to evaluate diagnostic ability by focusing on the resolving power aspect, and an ideal observer (IO) can be used to perform the task. In this study, we used a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based IO that approximates the IO performance. We compared the IO performances of the SR techniques according to the data domain to evaluate the discriminative information restorationability. Overall, the low-resolution (LR) and SR exhibit lower IO performances compared with that of HR owing to their degraded discriminative information when detector binning is used. Next, between the SR techniques, Image-SR does not show superior IO performances compared to the LR image, but Sinogram-SR and Dual-SR show superior IO performances than the LR image. Furthermore, in Sinogram-SR, we confirm that FR-IQ and IO performance are positively correlated. These observations demonstrate that sinogram domain upsampling improves the representation ability for discriminative information in the image domain compared to the LR andImage-SR. Unlike Image-SR, Sinogram-SR can improve the amount of discriminative information present in the image domain. This demonstrates that to improve the amount of discriminative information on the resolving power aspect, it is necessary to employ sinogram domainprocessing.

Lightweight Implicit Blur Kernel Estimation Network for Blind Image Super-Resolution

Blind image super-resolution (Blind-SR) is the process of leveraging a low-resolution (LR) image, with unknown degradation, to generate its high-resolution (HR) version. Most of the existing blind SR techniques use a degradation estimator network to explicitly estimate the blur kernel to guide the SR network with the supervision of ground truth (GT) kernels. To solve this issue, it is necessary to design an implicit estimator network that can extract discriminative blur kernel representation without relying on the supervision of ground-truth blur kernels. We design a lightweight approach for blind super-resolution (Blind-SR) that estimates the blur kernel and restores the HR image based on a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) and a deep super-resolution residual convolutional generative adversarial network. Since the blur kernel for blind image SR is unknown, following the image formation model of blind super-resolution problem, we firstly introduce a neural network-based model to estimate the blur kernel. This is achieved by (i) a Super Resolver that, from a low-resolution input, generates the corresponding SR image; and (ii) an Estimator Network generating the blur kernel from the input datum. The output of both models is used in a novel loss formulation. The proposed network is end-to-end trainable. The methodology proposed is substantiated by both quantitative and qualitative experiments. Results on benchmarks demonstrate that our computationally efficient approach (12x fewer parameters than the state-of-the-art models) performs favorably with respect to existing approaches and can be used on devices with limited computational capabilities.

From spin liquid to magnetic ordering in the anisotropic kagome Y-kapellasite Y3Cu9(OH)19Cl8 : A single-crystal study

Y${}_{3}$Cu${}_{9}$(OH)${}_{19}$Cl${}_{8}$, also known as Y-kapellasite, realizes an original anisotropic frustrated kagome model. Here, the authors study large phase-pure single crystals, obtained via an external gradient method, by susceptibility, specific heat, thermal expansion, neutron scattering, and local $\ensuremath{\mu}$SR and NMR techniques. These find subtle structural changes along with long-range magnetic ordering (1/3,1/3). Large quantum fluctuations reduce the Cu${}^{2+}$ moments, likely as a result of the proximity to a phase boundary in the rich magnetic phase diagram of the model.

Negative muon spin rotation and relaxation on superconducting MgB2

The internal nuclear magnetic field in a superconducting MgB2 powder sample was studied with a µ− SR technique. Although the past µ +SR study on MgB2 reported the appearance of a dynamic behavior even below Tc due to µ + diffusion, µ− SR shows a static behavior in the whole temperature range measured, as expected. The ZF-µ− SR spectra do not suggest any appearance of additional magnetic field below Tc within the experimental accuracy. Considering the small asymmetry of the µ− SR signal, it is a challenge to detect the appearance of an internal magnetic field below Tc caused by the time reversal symmetry breaking.

Utility of Indigenous Cytology Technique in the Diagnosis of Oral Cavity Lesions using Normal Saline as a Processing Fluid: A Comparative Study.

Oral cancer is a major health problem in developing countries. Cytology has been widely accepted as a tool in the early diagnosis of cancer. To evaluate the diagnostic utility of four different cytology techniques, that is, modified brush cytology (BR) technique, brush cytology cytocentrifugation (BRCC) technique, modified scrape cytology (SR) technique, and scrape cytology cytocentrifugation (SRCC) technique and correlate the cytopathological diagnosis with the available histopathological diagnosis. It was a prospective observational study of oral cavity lesions conducted from January 2018 to December 2018 at a rural tertiary care referral institute. Smears prepared by four different techniques, that is, BR technique, BRCC technique, SR technique and SRCC technique were evaluated using a scoring system. Normal saline was used as a processing fluid for cytocentrifugation techniques, and the cytological diagnosis was compared with an available histopathological diagnosis for concordance. Twenty-seven cases of oral cavity lesions were analyzed. Squamous cell carcinoma (55.56%) constituted the most common lesion diagnosed by cytology. Total concordance was 95.65%. Brush cytology techniques were better technique than scrape cytology techniques. Cytocentrifugation techniques were better than modified brush cytology technique and modified scrape cytology technique and the values were statistically highly significant (P<0.0001). The utility of only normal saline as a processing fluid for cytocentrifugation may be considered an unexplored and prudent endeavor. This indigenously designed technique may be employed to improve the quality of cytological preparation for the evaluation of oral cavity lesions.

Evaluating Segment Routing Technology for MPLS-based Network

Multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) has proved its strength for large network traffic since it emerged. However, due to increasing demands on network services and for a massive traffic that continually growing, Segment Routing was developed and introduced to overcome the limitation in load balancing and scalability of current MPLS. This paper examines the effectiveness of the SR technique for MPLS-based networks with Traffic Engineering (TE) via experimental work where an implementation of basic SR scenarios is emulated and tested for some comparison criteria. These criteria were based on packet analysis for both simple ICMP and flow in stable conditions and for network convergence in case of failure. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of SR in MPLS-TE-based networks in terms of convergence and reducing overhead traffic control.

The value of synchrotron radiation X‐ray techniques to explore microscale chemistry for ecology and evolution research

AbstractSynchrotron radiation (SR) techniques, which use high‐energy photon beams to create high‐resolution images and spectra of a sample, are valuable analytical methods that have long benefited physical, geological, and biochemical research. Recent developments in synchrotron infrastructure have allowed SR techniques to become a more accessible resource for studying ecological and evolutionary phenomena at the micro‐ or nanoscale. Here we provide a synthesis to SR techniques, how they compare with other analytical techniques, how they have been used, and then discuss how this technology has significant potential for future applications within ecology and evolution research. A literature review demonstrates the growing use of SR techniques within environmental and ecological research communities, alongside the variety of organisms and target elements that have been prioritized since 2000. Clear gaps still exist within the imaging of lighter, biologically relevant elements (e.g., C, N, and P) for assessing their cycling within organisms, and also in the study of a wider range of microbial, vertebrate, and invertebrate species. While different organism types and target elements may require different sample preparation strategies, the selection of an appropriate elemental fixation method (chemical or cryogenic), embedding material, sample thickness, and mounting material is particularly important. We demonstrate the opportunities that SR techniques present to those in the fields of environmental biology, ecology, and evolutionary science who may be unfamiliar, while demystifying the caveats and sample preparation considerations that must be addressed to acquire high‐quality data. While these techniques are currently mainly employed within the context of environmental pollution and ecotoxicology studies, we argue that elemental imaging, X‐ray microscopy and spectroscopic analysis have a huge, largely untapped potential within agri‐ecology, paleoclimatology, and comparative and functional morphology studies.

Remote Sensing Image Super-Resolution via Residual-Dense Hybrid Attention Network

Nowadays, remote sensing datasets with long temporal coverage generally have a limited spatial resolution, most of the existing research uses the single image super-resolution (SISR) method to reconstruct high-resolution (HR) images. However, due to the lack of information in low-resolution (LR) images and the ill-posed nature of SISR, it is difficult to reconstruct the fine texture of HR images under large-scale magnification factors (e.g., four times). To address this problem, we propose a new reference-based super-resolution method called a Residual-Dense Hybrid Attention Network (R-DHAN), which uses the rich texture information in the reference image to make up for the deficiency of the original LR image. The proposed SR model employs Super-Resolution by Neural Texture Transfer (SRNTT) as a backbone. Based on this structure, we propose a dense hybrid attention block (DHAB) as a building block of R-DHAN. The DHAB fuses the input and its internal features of current block. While making full use of the feature information, it uses the interdependence between different channels and different spatial dimensions to model and obtains a strong representation ability. In addition, a hybrid channel-spatial attention mechanism is introduced to focus on important and useful regions to better reconstruct the final image. Experiments show that compared with SRNTT and some classical SR techniques, the proposed R-DHAN method performs well in quantitative evaluation and visual quality.

Operando Muon Spin Rotation and Relaxation Measurement on LiCoO2 Half-Cell

The self-diffusion coefficient of Li+ ions (DLiJ) in LixCoO2 has been determined during charge and discharge reactions of a LiCoO2 half-cell using a positive muon spin rotation and relaxation (μ+SR) technique through the observation of the fluctuating nuclear magnetic field at room temperature: specifically, with an operando μ+SR technique in the half-cell potential range between 3.0 and 4.7 V. The estimated DLiJ was found to range between 10–12 and 10–11 cm2/s and increase as Li content (x) decreased. Although the slope (dDLiJ/dx) was relatively steep below the vicinity of x = 1, DLiJ slowly increases with decreasing x at x < 0.8 with two small minima at x ∼ 2/3 and x ∼ 1/2. The obtained result in the initial charging process agreed with that obtained in the second charging process. Furthermore, it was discovered that the change in DLiJ with x is similar to that of the reported self-diffusion coefficient estimated using an electrochemical technique for a film sample. By combining with the electrochemical measurement, the x dependence of the reactive surface area of the LixCoO2 electrode was first determined, while it was assumed to be independent of x.

Report from: US Muon Workshop 2021: A Road Map for a Future Muon Facility February 1-2, 2021

The workshop titled "US Muon Workshop 2021: A road map for a future Muon Facility" was held virtually on February 1-2, 2021. The workshop aimed to bring together world experts in muon spectroscopy ($\mu$SR) and other techniques along with interested stakeholders to evaluate the scientific need to construct a new $\mu$SR facility in the United States (US). The more than 200 participants highlighted several key scientific areas for $\mu$SR research, including quantum materials, hydrogen chemistry, and battery materials, and how each area could benefit from a new, high flux pulsed muon source. Experts also discussed aspects of the $\mu$SR technique, such as low-energy $mu$SR, novel software developments, and beam and detector technologies that could enable revolutionary advances in $\mu$SR at a next-generation facility. The workshop concluded with discussion of a concept being developed for a new $\mu$SR facility at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). That novel design concept was first envisioned by many of the same $\mu$SR experts at a workshop held previously at ORNL in 2016. The participants expressed that the current design had the potential to be a world-leading $\mu$SR facility, and strongly encouraged the principal investigators to continue their work in order to refine the concept and determine instrument parameters that would enable new scientific opportunities.

Selecting the Appropriate First-Line Strategy Based on Hyperdense Vessel Sign in Acute Ischemic Stroke Increases First Pass Recanalization: A Tertiary Center Experience.

Background: The data pertaining to selecting an optimal first-line strategy (stent retriever [SR] vs. contact aspiration [CA]) based on noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) in cases of acute ischemic stroke consequent to large vessel occlusion (LVO) is lacking. Aims: This article studies the influence of hyperdense vessel sign (HVS) in selecting optimal first-line strategy, with intention of increasing first-pass recanalization (FPR). Methods: Upfront approach at our center is SR technique with rescue therapy (CA) adoption consequent to three failed SR attempts to achieve successful recanalization. Data of patients with acute LVO who underwent mechanical thrombectomy from June 2017 to May 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified into HVS (+) and HVS (−) cohort. Rate of successful recanalization (first pass, early, and final) and efficacy of rescue therapy was assessed between the two cohorts. Results: Of 52 patients included, 28 and 24 were assigned to the HVS (+) and HVS (−) cohort, respectively. FPR was observed in 50% of HVS (+) and 20.9% of HVS (−) ( p = 0.029). Early recanalization was documented in 64.2% of HVS (+) and 37.5% of HVS (−) ( p = 0.054). Rescue therapy need was higher in patients not demonstrating HVS ( p = 0.062). Successful recanalization was achieved with rescue therapy in 50% of HVS (−) group. Conclusion: A higher FPR is achievable following individualized first-pass strategy (based on NCCT appearance of clot), instead of a generalized SR first-pass approach. This CT imaging-based strategy is a step closer to achieving primary angiographic goal of FPR.

Ion dynamics in fluoride-containing polyatomic anion cathodes by muon spectroscopy

Polyatomic anion insertion electrodes present compositional and morphological variety, as well as the ability to tune operational voltages by influencing the nature of metal-oxygen bonding. Realizing the application of these compounds as electrodes in Li- and Na-ion batteries requires a detailed understanding of ion dynamics in these systems. Here is presented the microscopic Li-ion and Na-ion diffusion properties in LiFeSO4F and Na2FePO4F, respectively, using muon spin relaxation (μ +SR) spectroscopy for the first time. Li-ion diffusion processes in the tavorite LiFeSO4F phase are found to proceed with an activation energy (E a) of 48(4) meV and a diffusion coefficient of 1.71 × 10−9 cm2 s−1, while Na-ion mobility in Na2FePO4F has a calculated diffusion coefficient of 3.47 × 10−10cm2 s−1 and a higher energy barrier to ion diffusion at 96(8) meV. This is the first such examination of fluoride-containing polyatomic cathodes using μ +SR, where the presence of the highly electronegative fluoride species was thought to preclude activation energy and diffusion coefficient determination due to strong μ +-F− interactions. These insights open up the possibility of studying a myriad of fluoride-containing electrode materials using the μ +SR technique.

Combination of Inverted ILM Flap Technique and Subretinal Fluid Application Technique for Treatment of Chronic, Persistent and Large Macular Holes.

IntroductionThe choice of surgical treatment for chronic, persistent and large full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) continues to be undefined and challenging, as some of these cases remain refractory to the treatment. We report the efficacy of combination of inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique (IILMFT) and subretinal application of the fluid (SR fluid application) technique for treatment of refractory FTMHs.MethodsNine patients (nine eyes) were enrolled into this retrospective non-randomized exploratory consecutive case series study. All patients were diagnosed with chronic, persistent or large FTMH and were treated with a combination of IILMFT and SR fluid application technique. The following outcome parameters were analysed during 1- and 6-month follow-up visits: anatomical FTMH closure rate on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), degree of postoperative retinal displacement.ResultsThe mean preoperative diameter of FTMH was 542.0 μm (range 154–1930 μm). Final closure of FTMH was achieved in nine of nine cases (100%). In one case a second operation was required because of postoperative rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. The mean BCVA after the FTMH closure increased from 1.0 logMAR (0.7–1.3) to 0.4 logMAR (0.2–0.8 logMAR) (W = 2.67; p = 0.008). A positive correlation was revealed between preoperative BCVA and axial length (ρ = 0.67, p = 0.048), between preoperative BCVA and duration of the symptoms (ρ = 0.818, p = 0.007), as well as between postoperative BCVA at 1-month follow-up and BCVA at 6-month follow-up (ρ = 0.821, p = 0.007).ConclusionCombination of IILMFT with SR fluid application technique for refractory FTMH surgery appears to be effective and safe. Improvement of anatomical and visual outcomes after the single surgery benefits from and is ensured by the advantages of both novel surgical approaches.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40123-021-00361-2.

Extreme Suppression of Antiferromagnetic Order and Critical Scaling in a Two-Dimensional Random Quantum Magnet.

Sr_{2}CuTeO_{6} is a square-lattice Néel antiferromagnet with superexchange between first-neighbor S=1/2 Cu spins mediated by plaquette centered Te ions. Substituting Te by W, the affected impurity plaquettes have predominantly second-neighbor interactions, thus causing local magnetic frustration. Here we report a study of Sr_{2}CuTe_{1-x}W_{x}O_{6} using neutron diffraction and μSR techniques, showing that the Néel order vanishes already at x=0.025±0.005. We explain this extreme order suppression using a two-dimensional Heisenberg spin model, demonstrating that a W-type impurity induces a deformation of the order parameter that decays with distance as 1/r^{2} at temperature T=0. The associated logarithmic singularity leads to loss of order for any x>0. Order for small x>0 and T>0 is induced by weak interplane couplings. In the nonmagnetic phase of Sr_{2}CuTe_{1-x}W_{x}O_{6}, the μSR relaxation rate exhibits quantum critical scaling with a large dynamic exponent, z≈3, consistent with a random-singlet state.

Magnetism and ion diffusion in honeycomb layered oxide {hbox {K}_2hbox {Ni}_2hbox {TeO}_6}

In the quest for developing novel and efficient batteries, a great interest has been raised for sustainable K-based honeycomb layer oxide materials, both for their application in energy devices as well as for their fundamental material properties. A key issue in the realization of efficient batteries based on such compounds, is to understand the K-ion diffusion mechanism. However, investigation of potassium-ion (K^+) dynamics in materials using e.g. NMR and related techniques has so far been very challenging, due to its inherently weak nuclear magnetic moment, in contrast to other alkali ions such as lithium and sodium. Spin-polarised muons, having a high gyromagnetic ratio, make the muon spin rotation and relaxation (mu ^+SR) technique ideal for probing ions dynamics in these types of energy materials. Here we present a study of the low-temperature magnetic properties as well as K^+ dynamics in honeycomb layered oxide material {hbox {K}_2hbox {Ni}_2hbox {TeO}_6} using mainly the mu ^+SR technique. Our low-temperature mu ^+SR results together with complementary magnetic susceptibility measurements find an antiferromagnetic transition at T_{mathrm{N}}approx 27 K. Further {mu}^{+}SR studies performed at higher temperatures reveal that potassium ions (K^+) become mobile above 200 K and the activation energy for the diffusion process is obtained as E_{mathrm{a}}=121 (13) meV. This is the first time that K^+ dynamics in potassium-based battery materials has been measured using mu ^+SR. Assisted by high-resolution neutron diffraction, the temperature dependence of the K-ion self diffusion constant is also extracted. Finally our results also reveal that K-ion diffusion occurs predominantly at the surface of the powder particles. This opens future possibilities for potentially improving ion diffusion as well as K-ion battery device performance using nano-structuring and surface coatings of the particles.

Resolving multiple geological events using in situ Rb–Sr geochronology: implications for metallogenesis at Tropicana, Western Australia

Abstract. Dating multiple geological events in single samples using thermochronology and geochronology is relatively common, but it is only with the recent advent of triple quadrupole laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) that in situ rubidium–strontium (Rb–Sr) dating has become a more commonly applied and powerful tool to date K-rich or Rb-bearing minerals. Here, we date two generations of mineral assemblages in individual thin sections using the in situ Rb–Sr method. Two distinct mineral assemblages, both probably associated with Au mineralization, are identified in samples from the Tropicana gold mine in the Albany–Fraser Orogen, Western Australia. For Rb–Sr purposes, the key dateable minerals are two generations of biotite as well as additional phengite associated with the younger assemblage. Our results reveal that the first, coarse-grained generation of biotite grains records a minimum age of 2535±18 Ma, coeval with previous 40Ar∕39Ar biotite, rhenium–osmium (Re–Os) pyrite and uranium–lead (U–Pb) rutile results. The second, fine-grained and recrystallized generation of biotite grains record an age of 1207±12 Ma across all samples. Phengite and muscovite yielded broadly similar results at ca. 1.2 Ga, but data are overdispersed for a single coeval population of phengite and show elevated age uncertainties for muscovite. We propose that the ca. 2530 Ma age recorded by various geochronometers represents cooling and exhumation and that the age of ca. 1210 Ma is related to major shearing associated with the regional deformation as part of Stage II of the Albany–Fraser Orogeny. This is the first time that an age of ca. 1210 Ma has been identified in the Tropicana Zone, which may have ramifications for constraining the timing of mineralization in the region. The in situ Rb–Sr technique is currently the only tool capable of resolving both geological events in these rocks.

Intertwined magnetic sublattices in the double perovskite compound LaSrNiReO6

We report a muon spin rotation ($\mu^{+}$SR) study of the magnetic properties of the double perovskite compound LaSrNiReO$_{6}$. Using the unique length and time scales of the $\mu^{+}$SR technique, we successfully clarify the magnetic ground state of LaSrNiReO$_{6}$, which was previously deemed as a spin glass state. Instead, our $\mu^{+}$SR results point towards a long-range dynamically ordered ground state below $T_{\rm C}= 23$ K, for which a static limit is foreseen at $T=0$. Furthermore, between 23 K$<T\leq$300 K, three different magnetic phases are identified: a dense ($23$ K$<T\leq75$ K), a dilute ($75$ K$<T\leq250$ K), and a paramagnetic ($T>250$ K) state. Our results reveal how two separate, yet intertwined magnetic lattices interact within the unique double perovskite structure and the importance of using complementary experimental techniques to obtain a complete understanding of the microscopic magnetic properties of complex materials.

An Experimental Study on the Safety and Mechanism of Reduction of Subaxial Cervical Facet Dislocation Using Z-Shape Elevating-Pulling Reduction Technique

We sought to clarify the safety and unlocking mechanism of the Z-shape elevating-pulling closed reduction (ZR) technique and to analyze the differences in facet contact force and intraspinal pressure during subaxial facet dislocation reduction using the ZR technique and traditional skull traction closed reduction (SR). In 15 human cadaveric skull-neck-thorax specimens, reproducible unilateral and bilateral facet dislocations (UFDs/BFDs) were created at the C5-C6 level and then reduced by applying the ZR and SR techniques, respectively. Tekscan FlexiForce A-201 pressure sensors were used to measure the anterior and posterior intraspinal pressure and injured facet contact force under physiological conditions and before and after reduction. The maximum pressures during the reduction process were recorded. After creation of the facet dislocation, the anterior and posterior intraspinal pressure and facet contact force were significantly increased relative to normal (P < 0.001). The UFDs and BFDs of all specimens were successfully reduced by both ZR and SR, and the intraspinal pressure and facet contact force were significantly reduced compared with before reduction (P < 0.001). Compared with SR, the maximum posterior intraspinal pressure during BFD reduction (P= 0.027) and the maximum facet contact force during UFD reduction (P < 0.001) were lower when ZR was used for closed reduction. Our findings suggest that ZR and SR can both be used to reduce subaxial facet dislocation and decompress the spinal cord. However, the ZR technique appears to safer and more effective than the SR technique for closed reduction of subaxial facet dislocations.

A Majority of Single Versus Double-Row Rotator Cuff Repair Comparisons Fail to Consider Modern Single-Row Techniques: A Systematic Review.

There is considerable published research comparing single-row (SR) and double-row (DR) rotator cuff repairs. Conclusions of primary studies as well as multiple meta-analyses have differed. One underexplored factor has been the variability in techniques that are identified as "single-row" or "double-row." Our goal was to conduct a systematic review of primary research and meta-analyses comparing SR and DR fixation techniques, with attention to the specific technique types compared. We evaluated meta-analyses and individual studies that directly compared SR and DR repairs. Primary studies from 8 high-quality meta-analyses published prior to 2014, and any Level-III or higher studies published from 2014 to 2019, were included. Specific techniques of repair were identified, and the manuscripts were classified on the basis of the specific type of simple or complex SR or DR repair that was performed. Conclusions of the studies were then assessed according to these classifications. Twenty-two studies met the eligibility criteria; 9 were Level-I studies, 7 were Level-II, and 6 were Level-III. Of the 22 studies, only 3 (14%) of the studies compared a biomechanically superior complex SR technique and a DR repair. The remaining 19 (86%) of the studies utilized biomechanically inferior, simple SR techniques in their comparisons. While there is a large amount of published evidence comparing SR and DR rotator cuff repair techniques, there are few studies assessing how the strongest SR techniques compare with DR techniques. This identifies a deficiency in the current understanding of rotator cuff repair techniques. Future studies specifically designed with these techniques in mind will help to further the understanding of which technique is clinically and financially superior in this continuously changing medical environment. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.