bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of the source and dosage of dietary Cu on redox status in rat tissues
Authors: Ognik Katarzyna , Cholewińska Ewelina , Tutaj Krzysztof , Cendrowska‐Pinkosz Monika , Dworzański Wojciech , Dworzańska Anna , Juśkiewicz Jerzy
Published: September 2019

The aim of this experiment was to investigate whether the amount of Cu added to the diet of rats can be reduced without adversely affecting the antioxidant status of tissues and growth, and whether copper nanoparticles can be used for this purpose. For four weeks, four experimental groups of rats were fed diets with two dosages of added Cu (standard—6.5 or 3.25 mg/kg) in two forms (standard—CuCO3 or copper nanoparticles). Replacing the CuCO3 supplement with CuNPs resulted in a decreased lung weight and an increased Cu content in brain, kidney and lung, intensification of lipid peroxidation processes, and weakened antioxidant defence in the lungs and kidneys. This treatment also reduced the Cu content in heart, level of lipid oxidation in the liver and testes and improved antioxidant defence in the brain. Reducing the addition of Cu to the diet from 6.5 to 3.25 mg/kg reduced lung weight and increased lipid peroxidation in the liver, heart and lungs, and also weakened antioxidant defence in the lungs and testes. This treatment also weakened the lipid peroxidation process in the spleen, small intestine and brain and strengthened the antioxidant defence of the brain and kidneys. In conclusion, replacing CuCO3 with CuNPs and reducing the level of Cu in the diet of rats has a particularly unfavourable effect on the respiratory system, causing adverse changes in the lungs. However, these treatments have a clearly positive effect on the redox status of the liver and brain.
TAZ contributes to osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament cells under tensile stress
Authors: Wang Yi , Hu Bibo , Hu Rongdang , Tong Xianqin , Zhang Menghan , Xu Chuchu , He Zhiqi , Zhao Ya , Deng Hui
Published: September 2019

Background and objective

Bone remodeling during orthodontic treatment is achieved by the osteogenesis of human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) subjected to mechanical loadings. Transcriptional co‐activator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ) mediates bone remodeling in response to extracellular mechanical signals. This study aims to investigate the role of TAZ in osteogenesis of PDLCs under tensile strain.

Materials and methods

A uniaxial cyclic tensile stress (CTS) at 12% elongation and 6 cycles/min (5 s on and 5 s off) was applied to PDLCs. The osteogenic differentiation was determined by the protein and gene expressions of osteogenic markers using qRT‐PCR and Western blot, respectively, and further by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and Alizarin Red S staining. The interaction of TAZ with core‐binding factor α1 (Cbfα1) was examined by co‐immunoprecipitation. The immunofluorescence histochemistry was used to examine the nucleus aggregation of TAZ and the reorganization of actin filaments. Moreover, small interfering RNA‐targeting TAZ (TAZsiRNA) was used for TAZ inhibition and Y‐27632 was employed for Ras homologue‐associated coiled‐coil protein kinase (ROCK) signaling blockage.

Results

CTS clearly stimulated the nucleus accumulation of TAZ and its interaction with Cbfα1. CTS‐induced osteogenesis in PDLCs was significantly abrogated by the infection with TAZsiRNA, as shown by the decreased stained nodules and protein expressions of Cbfα1, collagen type I, osterix, and osteocalcin, along with the inhibition of β‐catenin signaling. Moreover, ROCK inhibition by Y‐27632 hindered TAZ nucleus aggregation and its binding with Cbfα1, which subsequently lead to the decreased osteoblastic differentiation of PDLCs.

Conclusions

Taken together, we propose that TAZ nucleus localization and its interaction with Cbfα1 are essential for the CTS‐induced osteogenic differentiation in PDLCs. And such TAZ activation by CTS could be mediated by ROCK signaling, indicating the pivot role of ROCK‐TAZ pathway for PDLCs differentiation.
Case of mesenchymal tumor with the PPP6R3‐USP6 fusion, possible nodular fasciitis with malignant transformation
Authors: Teramura Yasuyo , Yamazaki Yukari , Tanaka Miwa , Sugiura Yoshiya , Takazawa Yutaka , Takeuchi Kengo , Nakayama Takayuki , Kaneko Takao , Musha Yoshiro , Funauchi Yuki , Ae Keisuke , Matsumoto Seiichi , Nakamura Takuro
Published: September 2019

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a self‐limiting benign disease that is characterized by rapid proliferation of fibroblastic and myofibroblastic cells. The characteristic gene fusion containing the USP6 gene is a genetic hallmark of NF and MYH9‐USP6 is the most frequent fusion, suggesting that NF is not a reactive condition but a neoplastic disease. Malignant transformation of NF has been reported rarely as a single case associated with the PPP6R3‐USP6 fusion. Here we report a case of soft part tumor of which the histological feature was a typical NF but showed aggressive and non‐regressing growth with local invasion. Targeted RNA sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis identified PPP6R3‐USP6 with gene amplification. These findings indicate that the present case is the second case of malignant NF, and we suggest potential malignant transformation in certain NF cases.
Fast Parameter Inference in a Biomechanical Model of the Left Ventricle by Using Statistical Emulation
Authors: Davies Vinny , Noè Umberto , Lazarus Alan , Gao Hao , MacDonald Benn , Berry Colin , Luo Xiaoyu , Husmeier Dirk
Published: September 2019

A central problem in biomechanical studies of personalized human left ventricular modelling is estimating the material properties and biophysical parameters from in vivo clinical measurements in a timeframe that is suitable for use within a clinic. Understanding these properties can provide insight into heart function or dysfunction and help to inform personalized medicine. However, finding a solution to the differential equations which mathematically describe the kinematics and dynamics of the myocardium through numerical integration can be computationally expensive. To circumvent this issue, we use the concept of emulation to infer the myocardial properties of a healthy volunteer in a viable clinical timeframe by using in vivo magnetic resonance image data. Emulation methods avoid computationally expensive simulations from the left ventricular model by replacing the biomechanical model, which is defined in terms of explicit partial differential equations, with a surrogate model inferred from simulations generated before the arrival of a patient, vastly improving computational efficiency at the clinic. We compare and contrast two emulation strategies: emulation of the computational model outputs and emulation of the loss between the observed patient data and the computational model outputs. These strategies are tested with two interpolation methods, as well as two loss functions. The best combination of methods is found by comparing the accuracy of parameter inference on simulated data for each combination. This combination, using the output emulation method, with local Gaussian process interpolation and the Euclidean loss function, provides accurate parameter inference in both simulated and clinical data, with a reduction in the computational cost of about three orders of magnitude compared with numerical integration of the differential equations by using finite element discretization techniques.
Grey eosinophils in a Miniature Schnauzer with a poorly differentiated mast cell tumor
Authors: Irvine Katherine L. , Raskin Rose E. , Smith Lauren C. , Friedrichs Kristen R.
Published: September 2019

A 10‐year‐old female spayed Miniature Schnauzer was presented for investigation of an intra‐nasal mass. The mass was diagnosed by histopathologic examination as an undifferentiated round cell neoplasm with an infiltrate of segmented leukocytes, interpreted as neutrophilic inflammation. The mass was treated with palliative radiation and systemic chemotherapy due to the presence of regional lymph node metastasis. During subsequent monitoring over several months, the peripheral leukocyte concentration was repeatedly within reference intervals to slightly increased with low numbers of toxic neutrophils. Four months after the initial diagnosis, there was a significant leukocytosis of 66 100 cells/μL, and 39 700 cells/μL of the leukocytes had variably mature, lobulated, and hypolobulated nuclei, and grey cytoplasm with clear vacuoles, resembling grey eosinophils. To further characterize these cells, peripheral blood smears from the patient and a canine control with eosinophilia were stained for alkaline phosphatase (AP), peroxidase, and esterase activities, and with Luxol fast blue (LFB). Histopathologic sections of the nasal mass were stained with LFB and immunohistochemically for tryptase. On blood smears, the cytoplasm of the suspected grey eosinophils stained for AP and granules stained with LFB confirmed that there was an eosinophilic lineage. Peroxidase staining was weak, and esterase staining was absent. On histopathologic sections from the nasal mass, the segmented leukocytes contained LFB‐staining granules, indicating an eosinophilic infiltrate was present. Neoplastic cells expressed tryptase, which confirms a mast cell lineage. Our findings suggest that grey eosinophils might be under‐recognized and interpreted incorrectly as toxic neutrophils. This report expands the canine breeds in which these eosinophils have been identified.
Experimental Analysis of a Micro Gas Turbine Combustor Optimized For Flexible Operation With Various Gaseous Fuel Compositions
Authors: Bower Hannah E. , Schwärzle Andreas , Grimm Felix , Zornek Timo , Kutne Peter
Published: September 2019

With the push to curb dangerous atmospheric pollutant production, energy generation technologies that reduce green-house gas emissions, while still providing adequate electrical supply, are of high importance. With major energy infrastructure already in place, developing enhanced pollutant-reducing combustor systems for micro gas turbines (MGTs), that can utilize low calorific fuels from renewable resources, is a major goal. The current work focuses on the experimental testing of an optimized two-stage combustor designed to operate with various fuel types, including natural gas and syngas produced via biomass gasification. Atmospheric experimental tests were performed and the results indicate larger flame lift-off heights and slightly higher CO gas emissions levels, while displaying lower NOx gas emissions levels for all thermal loads and air-to-fuel equivalence ratios tested, compared to that of the previous combustor designs. Additionally, steady-state computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted and the results are in general good agreement with the experimental data. Overall, the results indicate high fuel flexibility of the combustor, as well as the ability to comply with the NOx emissions limits for a larger range of operating points, compared to that of the previously tested combustors.
Radiographic Nondestructive Testing Simulations Using gate Software Toolkit
Authors: Taha Eslam , Mohammed M. S. , Banoqitah Essam
Published: September 2019

A workspace is created within the geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission (gate) software toolkit for radiographic nondestructive testing (NDT) simulations. The workspace contains models for X-ray and gamma ray emissions, test sample geometries, radiation interaction with the test sample, and image receptors to afford a radiographic NDT setup. The setup is then evaluated by simulating radiographic testing (RT) of stainless-steel step-wedges and a carbon steel flawed welded plate. The results are validated by comparing a simulated step-wedge image to an experimental radiograph. The workspace can be advantageous to the industrial radiography specialists who are unfamiliar with medical imaging software. Running the simulation does not require working knowledge of gate; the open-source software toolkit.
Reverberation due to a moving, narrowband source in an ocean waveguide
Authors: Hefner Brian T. , Hodgkiss William S.
Published: September 2019

In this paper, a model for the bistatic reverberation associated with seafloor scattering of sound from a moving, narrowband source in an ocean waveguide is developed. Studies of the Doppler effect for moving sources in waveguides have typically focused on the forward propagating field where the Doppler shift leads to a splitting or broadening of the received spectrum. In contrast, the contributions to the scattered field come from all directions and as a consequence the spectrum of the received energy is spread across the entire range of Doppler-shifted frequencies possible for the speed of the source. The model developed here uses rays for the incident field, ray-mode analogies for the scattering, and normal modes to propagate the scattered field to the receiver. Results from this model are compared with data collected using a towed source during the Target and Reverberation Experiment 2013. The possible applications of this Doppler reverberation for seafloor characterization are also considered.
Computation of the radiation force exerted by the acoustic tweezers using pressure field measurements
Authors: Zhao Dan , Thomas Jean-Louis , Marchiano Régis
Published: September 2019

Acoustic tweezers allow for manipulation of small objects like elastic spheres with a force generated by the radiation pressure which arises from the nonlinear interaction between the incident and scattered waves by the object. The accurate control of the object by acoustic tweezers requires the study of the components of the three-dimensional (3D) force. If the physical properties of the elastic sphere are known, then the 3D components of the force can be calculated thanks to a decomposition of the incident acoustic field in the spherical functions basis. This study proposes evaluating the expansion coefficients. Three methods are used and compared. The first one consists of measuring the acoustic field on a spherical surface centered on the theoretical position of the object and to calculate the spherical functions decomposition by Lebedev quadratures. The second method is based on the measurement of the acoustic field at random points in a spherical volume and on the resolution of the inverse problem by a sparse method called the orthogonal matching pursuit. In the third method, the incident beam is measured on a transverse plane, decomposed into a sum of plane waves, and then the expansion coefficients are calculated. The results of the three methods will be presented and compared.
Sound source ranging using a feed-forward neural network trained with fitting-based early stopping
Authors: Chi Jing , Li Xiaolei , Wang Haozhong , Gao Dazhi , Gerstoft Peter
Published: September 2019

When a feed-forward neural network (FNN) is trained for acoustic source ranging in an ocean waveguide, it is difficult evaluating the FNN ranging accuracy of unlabeled test data. The label is the distance between source and receiver array. A fitting-based early stopping (FEAST) method is introduced to evaluate the FNN ranging error on test data where the distance to the source is unknown. Based on FEAST, when the evaluated ranging error is minimum on test data, training is stopped. This will improve the FNN ranging accuracy on the test data. The FEAST is demonstrated on simulated and experimental data.
Nanoscale stacking fault–assisted room temperature plasticity in flash-sintered TiO
2
Authors: Li Jin , Cho Jaehun , Ding Jie , Charalambous Harry , Xue Sichuang , Wang Han , Phuah Xin Li , Jian Jie , Wang Xuejing , Ophus Colin , Tsakalakos Thomas , García R. Edwin , Mukherjee Amiya K. , Bernstein Noam , Hellberg C. Stephen , Wang Haiyan , Zhang Xinghang
Published: September 2019

Flash-sintered ceramics exhibit unexpected room temperature plasticity due to the high density preexisting defects.
Sulfate Ester Detergent Degradation inPseudomonas aeruginosaIs Subject to both Positive and Negative Regulation
Authors: Panasia Gianna , Oetermann Sylvia , Steinbüchel Alexander , Philipp Bodo
Published: September 2019

Bacterial degradation of toxic compounds is important not only for bioremediation but also for the colonization of hostile anthropogenic environments in which biocides are being used. This study withPseudomonas aeruginosaexpands our knowledge of gene regulation of the enzymes initiating degradation of sulfate ester detergents, which occurs in many hygiene and household products and, consequently, also in wastewater. As an opportunistic pathogen,P. aeruginosacauses severe hygienic problems because of its pronounced biocide resistance and its metabolic versatility, often combined with its pronounced biofilm formation. Knowledge about the regulation of detergent degradation, especially regarding the ligands of DNA-binding regulators, may lead to the rational development of specific inhibitors for restricting growth and biofilm formation ofP. aeruginosain hygienic settings. In addition, it may also contribute to optimizing bioremediation strategies not only for detergents but also for alkanes, which when degraded merge with sulfate ester degradation at the level of long-chain alcohols.
Effect of incretin-based therapies on cancers of digestive system among 101 595 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and network meta-analysis combining 84 trials with a median duration of 30 weeks
Authors: Chai Sanbao , Yu Shuqing , Yang Zhirong , Wu Shanshan , Gao Le , Wang Haining , Zhang Yuan , Zhan Siyan , Ji Linong , Sun Feng
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the risk of cancers of digestive system with incretin-based therapies among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Research design and methods

Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for randomized controlled clinical trials that compared incretin-based drugs with placebo or other antidiabetic drugs. Paired reviewers independently screened citations, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies. Network meta-analysis was performed, followed by subgroup analysis. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system was used to assess the quality of evidence.

Results

A total of 84 studies (n=101 595) involving cancers of digestive system were identified (a median follow-up of 30 weeks). The risk of cancers of digestive system with incretin-based therapies was comparable with insulin (OR: 0.86, 95% CI 0.27 to 2.69), metformin (OR: 0.32, 95% CI 0.07 to 1.38), sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (OR: 5.26, 95% CI 0.58 to 47.41), sulfonylureas (OR: 1.27, 95% CI 0.68 to 2.39), thiazolidinediones (OR: 0.42, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.42), alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (OR: 2.98, 95% CI 0.12 to 73.80), and placebo (OR: 0.87, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.05). The results of subgroup analysis based on the type of digestive system cancers indicated that incretin-based therapies did not increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancers, respectively. The results of subgroup analysis based on age, duration, mean HbA1c, trial duration, and sample size did not indicate the risk of digestive system cancers.

Conclusions

Moderate to high Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation evidence suggests that incretin-based therapies were not associated with an increased risk of cancer of digestive system in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
A two-level large-volume epidural blood patch protocol for spontaneous intracranial hypotension: retrospective analysis of risk and benefit
Authors: Martin Ryan , Louy Charles , Babu Vijay , Jiang Yi , Far Azita , Schievink Wouter
Published: September 2019

Background

We report a retrospective analysis of a two-level, variable-volume epidural blood patch (EBP) technique for the treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH).

Methods

Ninety-four patients with SIH underwent EBPs. Injectate volume was variable and guided by the onset of back pain, radiculopathy or symptoms referable to the EBP. Patients were a responder if no invasive treatment was necessary for SIH symptoms after the first EBP. Baseline patient characteristics, including presenting symptoms and imaging findings, were compared between responders and non-responders. Adverse events were recorded.

Results

The mean first EBP volume was 45.3±23.2 (range 4–124 mL). The responder rate was 28.7% after the first EBP, improving to 41.5% and 46.8% after a second and third EBP, respectively. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, except for the greater prevalence of subdural fluid collections in the responder group (48% vs 18%, p=0.003). Two severe complications occurred: transient bilateral paraplegia and cauda equina syndrome from arachnoiditis.

Conclusions

Our protocol can be used to treat SIH but carries risks that require meticulous attention. EBP volumes were variable across patients, demonstrating the variability in the elastance of the epidural space. Rigorous monitoring for neurological symptoms is necessary throughout the procedure to limit complications and determine the endpoint of the EBP. We advocate for rigorous confirmation of epidural placement of the EBP with contrast-imaging studies to limit intrathecal placement of blood, which can lead to arachnoiditis. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of large-volume EBPs.
Plant regeneration by somatic embryogenesis in Pinus thunbergii resistant to the pine wood nematode
Authors: Sun Tingyu , Wang Yanli , Zhu Lihua , Wu Xiaoqin , Ye Jianren
Published: September 2019

Pine wilt disease (PWD) is a severe threat to pine forests in East Asia. Screening and breeding of resistant varieties is a very effective way to prevent and control PWD; however, no reliable somatic embryogenesis system has yet been developed for the elite nematode-resistant Pinus thunbergii Parl. line. In this study, we studied the plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis of nematode-resistant P. thunbergii. Initiation of embryogenic tissue was significantly affected by seed family (p = 0.017), immature zygotic embryo stage (p = 0.032), and initiation medium (p = 0.004). Seed family 37 was the most favorable female parent for initiation of P. thunbergii. Furthermore, the initiation rate increased from the pre-embryonic stage to the cleavage polyembryonic stage. The optimal medium was I2, containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (9 μmol·L−1) and 6-benzyladenine (4.4 μmol·L−1). A statistically significant interaction between cell line and subculture time (24 months) was observed in the influence on proliferation rate, somatic embryo production, and percentage germination (p < 0.001). In this study, the highest somatic embryo production was achieved using cell line 37-1 (1983 somatic embryos per gram fresh mass), with approximately 83.5% of somatic embryos germinating after transferring to germination medium, of which 77.6% converted into plantlets.
Dark energy and quantum gravity
Authors: Berglund Per , Hübsch Tristan , Minić Djordje
Published: September 2019

Realizing dark energy and the observed de Sitter spacetime in quantum gravity has proven to be obstructed in almost every usual approach. We argue that additional degrees of freedom of the left- and right-movers in string theory and a resulting doubled, noncommutatively generalized geometric formulation thereof can lead to an effective model of dark energy consistent with de Sitter spacetime. In this approach, the curvature of the canonically conjugate dual space provides for the dark energy inducing a positive cosmological constant in the observed spacetime, whereas the size of the above dual space is the gravitational constant in the same observed de Sitter spacetime. As a hallmark relation owing to a unique feature of string theory which relates short distances to long distances, the cosmological constant scale, the Planck scale and the effective TeV-sized particle physics scale must satisfy a see-saw-like formula — precisely the generic prediction of certain stringy cosmic brane type models.
Male Hormonal Contraception
Authors: Thirumalai Arthi , Page Stephanie T.
Published: September 2019

The economic and public health burdens of unplanned pregnancies are evident globally. Since the introduction of the condom >300 years ago, assumptions about male willingness to participate in contraception, as well as concerns about failure rates and side effects, have stagnated the development of additional reversible male contraceptives. However, changing attitudes and recent research advances have generated renewed interest in developing reversible male contraceptives. To achieve effective and reversible suppression of spermatogenesis, male hormonal contraception relies on suppression of testicular testosterone and sperm production using an androgen-progestin combination. While these may be associated with side effects—changes in libido, weight, hematocrit, and cholesterol—recently, novel androgens and progestins have shown promise for a “male pill” with reduced side effects. Here we summarize landmark studies in male contraceptive development, showcase the most recent advances, and look into the future of this field, which has the potential to greatly impact global public health.
Thoracic spinal cord neuromodulation obtunds dorsal root ganglion afferent neuronal transduction of the ischemic ventricle
Authors: Salavatian Siamak , Ardell Sarah M. , Hammer Mathew , Gibbons David , Armour J. Andrew , Ardell Jeffrey L.
Published: September 2019

Aberrant afferent signaling drives adverse remodeling of the cardiac nervous system in ischemic heart disease. The study objective was to determine whether thoracic spinal dorsal column stimulation (SCS) modulates cardiac afferent sensory transduction of the ischemic ventricle. In anesthetized canines ( n = 16), extracellular activity generated by 62 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) soma (T1-T3), with verified myocardial ischemic (MI) sensitivity, were evaluated with and without 20-min preemptive SCS (T1-T3 spinal level; 50 Hz, 90% motor threshold). Transient MI was induced by 1-min coronary artery occlusion (CAO) of the left anterior descending (LAD) or circumflex (LCX) artery, randomized as to sequence. LAD and LCX CAO activated cardiac-related DRG neurons (LAD: 0.15 ± 0.04–1.05 ± 0.20 Hz, P < 0.00002; LCX: 0.08 ± 0.02–1.90 ± 0.45 Hz, P < 0.0003). SCS decreased basal neuronal activity of neurons that responded to LAD (0.15 ± 0.04 to 0.02 ± 0.01 Hz, P < 0.006) and LCX (0.08 ± 0.02 to 0.02 ± 0.01 Hz, P < 0.003). SCS suppressed responsiveness to transient MI (LAD: 1.05 ± 0.20–0.03 ± 0.01 Hz; P < 0.0001; LCX: 1.90 ± 0.45–0.03 ± 0.01 Hz; P < 0.001). Suprathreshold SCS (1 Hz) did not activate DRG neurons antidromically ( n = 10 animals). Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was associated with a rapid increase in DRG activity to a maximum of 4.39 ± 1.07 Hz at 20 s after VF induction and a return to 90% of baseline within 10 s thereafter. SCS obtunds the capacity of DRG ventricular neurites to transduce the ischemic myocardium to second-order spinal neurons, a mechanism that would blunt reflex sympathoexcitation to myocardial ischemic stress, thereby contributing to its capacity to cardioprotect.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Aberrant afferent signaling drives adverse remodeling of the cardiac nervous system in ischemic heart disease. This study determined that thoracic spinal column stimulation (SCS) obtunds the capacity of dorsal root ganglia ventricular afferent neurons to transduce the ischemic myocardium to second-order spinal neurons, a mechanism that would blunt reflex sympathoexcitation to myocardial ischemic stress. This modulation does not reflect antidromic actions of SCS but likely reflects efferent-mediated changes at the myocyte-sensory neurite interface.

Listen to this article’s corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/spinal-cord-stimulation-blunts-dorsal-root-transduction-of-the-ischemic-ventricle/ .
ddeeper Than Deep: Can ddPCR Predict Successful Imatinib Cessation?
Authors: Yan Dongqing , Pomicter Anthony D. , O'Hare Thomas , Deininger Michael W.
Published: September 2019

BCR-ABL1 transcripts at imatinib cessation were quantified by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for 175 patients on the STIM2 trial. Patients with BCR-ABL1 transcripts below a defined cutoff had a 12-month molecular recurrence rate of 46% versus 68% for those above the cutoff. Implications of using ddPCR in forecasting successful imatinib cessation are discussed.

See related article by Nicolini et al., p. 6606
Identification of Expression Profiles Defining Distinct Prognostic Subsets of Radioactive-Iodine Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer from the DECISION Trial
Authors: Capdevila Jaume , Matos Ignacio , Mancuso Francesco M. , Iglesias Carmela , Nuciforo Paolo , Zafon Carles , Palmer Hector G. , Ogbah Zighereda , Muiños Laura , Hernando Jorge , Villacampa Guillermo , Peña Carol E. , Tabernero Josep , Brose Marcia S. , Schlumberger Martin , Vivancos Ana
Published: September 2019

Several biomarkers have been suggested to have prognostic value in differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTC) with no validation in the refractory setting, including all tumor subtypes. We aim to correlate RNA expression profiles with survival based on patients included in the DECISION trial. We obtained 247 samples from the 417 patients included in the DECISION study and performed RNAseq analysis (77 million paired-end reads for each sample on HiSeq2000). After quality control, 125 samples were included in the secondary analysis and mapped against the human reference genome (GRCh38) with STAR (v2.5.1b) using ENCODE parameter. Survival analysis was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test was used for statistical comparison. In this post hoc analysis, we identified three groups of tumors based on their gene expression profile: BRAF-like, RAS-like, and non-BRAF-non-RAS-like (NoBRaL). No significant correlation with sorafenib responders was observed. However, we identified a statistically significant correlation between the RNA-expression profiles and progression-free survival. The BRAF-like profile had a significantly better outcome compared with RAS-like and NoBRaL (11.8, 6.2, and 5.5 months, respectively) [HR: 0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.17–0.60; P < 0.001 and HR: 0.36 (95% CI, 0.21–0.63); P < 0.001] and HR: 0.36 (95% CI, 0.21–0.63; P < 0.001) and maintained significance as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in the multivariate analysis for papillary thyroid cancers. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive RNA-seq analysis of all histologic subtypes of DTC. The RNA expression profiles identified may suggest a new prognostic parameter to be considered before recommendation of systemic therapies or the design of stratification factors for future clinical trials.
Usefulness of Transesophageal Echocardiography for Predicting Covert Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source
Authors: Ohya Yuichiro , Osaki Masato , Fujimoto Shigeru , Jinnouchi Juro , Matsuki Takayuki , Mezuki Satomi , Kumamoto Masaya , Kanazawa Makoto , Tagawa Naoki , Ago Tetsuro , Kitazono Takanari , Arakawa Shuji
Published: September 2019

Background: Covert paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (CPAF) is a major cause of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). However, detecting PAF during hospitalization in these patients is difficult. Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether findings of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during hospitalization are associated with later detection of PAF in patients with ESUS. Method: We retrospectively studied 348 patients with ESUS who were admitted to our hospital within 1 week of onset. These patients met the criteria of ESUS, underwent TEE during hospitalization, and were followed up for at least 1 year. Results: We found PAF in 35 (10.0%) patients. In patients with PAF, spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) and low left atrial appendage flow (LAAF) by TEE and enlargement of the left atrial dimension (LAD) by transthoracic echocardiography were identified more frequently compared with those who did not have PAF. In multivariate analysis, SEC and an LAD ≥42 mm were independently associated with later detection of PAF (p < 0.05). An association of LAAF <46.9 cm/s and PAF was marginal (p = 0.09). The specificity of the combined finding of SEC and/or LAAF with that of LAD increased up to 90%, while that of LAD alone was 70%. Conclusions: The findings of TEE during hospitalization may be useful for identifying patients at increased risk of CPAF in patients with ESUS.
Evaluation of Rapid, Molecular-Based Assays for the Detection of Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Leonardi Gary P.
Published: September 2019

Objective: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection causes lower respiratory tract infection primarily in infants and toddlers. RSV reinfection also occurs throughout life and can be a significant cause of pneumonia and mortality in the elderly. Surges in physician offices, emergency department visits, and hospitalization often result from RSV illness. Point-of-care (POC) testing reduces healthcare costs and permits informed decisions on treatment, further testing, or hospitalization to occur during the physician-patient encounter. Optimal POC assays must be sensitive, easy to perform, and provide rapid results. Methods: In this study, 2 POC assays (Alere i; Abbot Rapid Diagnostics and cobas Liat, Roche Molecular, Inc.) and a laboratory-based assay (Solana; Quidel, Inc.) were evaluated using 133 patient nasopharyngeal specimens. Results: Sensitivity/specificity values (%) of 94.7/96.1, 98.2/96.1, and 96.5/94.7 were obtained for the Alere i, Liat, and Solana assays, respectfully. These values approximated those stated in each assay’s package insert. Conclusion: Rapid molecular assays for RSV are sensitive and accurate. The choice of assay should reflect each healthcare institution’s specific testing needs with respect to the benefits and drawbacks of each product.
An Analysis of Clinical Efficacy of Microsurgical Resection of Intradural Neoplasm by Unilateral Approach with Caspar Retractors
Authors: Wang Xuan , Zhao Hong-Yang , Lei De-Qiang , Zhu Wen-De , Zhou Ying-Chun
Published: September 2019

Objective: This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive microsurgical resection of intraspinal tumors with the aid of Caspar retractors. Materials and Methods: A total of 125 intraspinal tumor patients with lesions smaller than 6 cm, who were treated at the Neurosurgery Department of our hospital from March 2010 to March 2016, were retrospectively analyzed. Among these, 73 patients underwent microsurgical resection of intraspinal tumors with the aid of Caspar retractors, while 52 patients underwent conventional laminectomy for resection of intraspinal tumors. Relevant indicators between both groups of patients were compared, including length of surgical incision, duration of surgery, postoperative drainage volume, time to first out-of-bed activity after surgery, postoperative hospitalization period, visual analog score (VAS) score, and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, at 1 month after surgery. Results: Compared with the conventional laminectomy group, patients who underwent microsurgical resection with the aid of Caspar retractors had better outcomes in terms of length of surgical incision, postoperative drainage volume, time to first out-of-bed activity after surgery, postoperative hospitalization period, and VAS scores (p < 0.05). However, JOA scores at 1 month after surgery did not have any significant differences (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The microsurgical resection of intraspinal tumors with the aid of Caspar retractors has advantages of small trauma, less bleeding, and faster recovery. It is a safe and efficacious method for treating small intraspinal tumors.
Short-Term Outcome and In-Hospital Complications After Acute Cerebral Infarcts in Multiple Arterial Territories
Authors: Novotny Vojtech , Khanevski Andrej N. , Bjerkreim Anna T. , Kvistad Christopher E. , Fromm Annette , Waje-Andreassen Ulrike , Næss Halvor , Thomassen Lars , Logallo Nicola
Published: September 2019

Background and Purpose—

Patients with acute cerebral infarcts in multiple arterial territories (MACI) represent a substantial portion of the stroke population. There are no data on short-term outcome and in-hospital complications in patients with MACI. We compared patients with MACI with patients having acute cerebral infarct(s) in a single arterial territory.

Methods—

We analyzed 3343 patients with diffusion-weighted imaging-confirmed acute cerebral infarcts. MACI was defined as at least 2 acute cerebral ischemic lesions in at least 2 arterial cerebral territories. Patients with MACI were compared with patients with acute cerebral infarct(s) in a single arterial territory for relevant in-hospital complications and short-term outcome, namely National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale at day 7 after admission or at discharge when earlier.

Results—

A total of 311 patients (9.3%) met the definition of MACI. Both median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (2 [1–7] versus 1 [0–4]) and modified Rankin Scale (3 [1–4] versus 2 [1–3]) were higher in patients with MACI. MACI was independently associated with higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale. Deep venous thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and any complications were more frequent in patients with MACI.

Conclusions—

In-hospital complications were more frequent in patients with MACI, which may adversely affect short-term clinical and functional outcome. Closer follow-up of patients with MACI during hospitalization may prevent such events and negative progression.
The Musical Geometry of Genes: Generating Rhythms from DNA
Authors: Yanez Alvaro
Published: September 2019

DNA encodes all sorts of information that makes us human, but, aside from encoding genes, could DNA also encode for a mapping of musical rhythms in a very abstract way? This project sought to generate rhythms out of DNA and compose a musical piece out of a gene's rhythmic sequence. Computational rules inspired by geometric analyses of rhythms guided the mapping of DNA's molecular structure into rhythmic timelines and melodic scales; these basic structures were then used to compose a song according to the sickle cell gene DNA sequence. The rhythms generated by this ‘genetic analysis’ alternate pleasantly between even and odd time signatures.
The Rhythmotron
Authors: Taylor John R. , Milne Andrew J.
Published: September 2019

This paper describes the Rhythmotron: a percussion-centered robotic orchestrion, commissioned for the CoLABS festival in Sydney in 2017. The authors describe how they electronically reimagined the mechanical components of a cylinder piano by using a variant of the XronoMorph software, and they consider the synergy between algorithmically generated rhythms in a digital environment alongside its analogous mechanical counterpart. The authors detail the idiosyncratic behaviors of linear actuators when used to power drumming robots, and they discuss the aesthetic implications of the Rhythmotron.
Summerland: Exploring the Intersection of Spiritualism and Technology at the Dawn of the Electrical Age
Authors: Ostrowski Matthew
Published: September 2019

The author describes Summerland, a generative installation for 24 computer-controlled telegraph sounders. This work uses texts from Samuel F.B. Morse and his contemporary, the Spiritualist medium Kate Fox, as source material, driving the sounders through both linguistic and spectral encoding of their words.
Dynamics of Subsiding Shells in Actively Growing Clouds with Vertical Updrafts
Authors: Nair Vishnu , Heus Thijs , van Reeuwijk Maarten
Published: September 2019

The dynamics of a subsiding shell at the edges of actively growing shallow cumulus clouds with updrafts is analyzed using direct numerical simulation. The actively growing clouds have a fixed in-cloud buoyancy and velocity. Turbulent mixing and evaporative cooling at the cloud edges generate a subsiding shell that grows with time. A self-similar regime is observed for first- and second-order moments when normalized with respective maximum values. Internal scales derived from integral properties of the flow problem are identified. A self-similarity analysis using these scales reveals that contrary to classical self-similar flows, the turbulent kinetic energy budget terms and velocity moments scale according to the buoyancy and not with the mean velocity. The shell thickness is observed to increase linearly with time. The buoyancy scale remains time invariant and is set by the initial cloud–environment thermodynamics. The shell accelerates ballistically with a magnitude set by the saturation value of the buoyancy of the cloud–environment mixture. In this regime, the shell is buoyancy driven and independent of the in-cloud velocity. Relations are obtained for predicting the shell thickness and minimum velocities by linking the internal scales with external flow parameters. The values thus calculated are consistent with the thickness and velocities observed in typical shallow cumulus clouds. The entrainment coefficient is a function of the initial state of the cloud and the environment, and is shown to be on the same order of magnitude as fractional entrainment rates calculated for large-scale models.
Atmospheric Predictability: Revisiting the Inherent Finite-Time Barrier
Authors: Leung Tsz Yan , Leutbecher Martin , Reich Sebastian , Shepherd Theodore G.
Published: September 2019

The accepted idea that there exists an inherent finite-time barrier in deterministically predicting atmospheric flows originates from Edward N. Lorenz’s 1969 work based on two-dimensional (2D) turbulence. Yet, known analytic results on the 2D Navier–Stokes (N-S) equations suggest that one can skillfully predict the 2D N-S system indefinitely far ahead should the initial-condition error become sufficiently small, thereby presenting a potential conflict with Lorenz’s theory. Aided by numerical simulations, the present work reexamines Lorenz’s model and reviews both sides of the argument, paying particular attention to the roles played by the slope of the kinetic energy spectrum. It is found that when this slope is shallower than −3, the Lipschitz continuity of analytic solutions (with respect to initial conditions) breaks down as the model resolution increases, unless the viscous range of the real system is resolved—which remains practically impossible. This breakdown leads to the inherent finite-time limit. If, on the other hand, the spectral slope is steeper than −3, then the breakdown does not occur. In this way, the apparent contradiction between the analytic results and Lorenz’s theory is reconciled.
Antitrust Enforcement for the 21st Century
Authors: Jarsulic Marc
Published: September 2019

Market competition is faltering in important parts of the U.S. economy. Measures commonly used by economists to evaluate firm-level economic performance now indicate that many firms have market power and are earning profits above competitive levels. The expected response—the entry of new firms that want to earn a share of those higher returns in those markets—has not happened. This is a consequence of barriers to entry, arising from a variety of sources including increased market concentration, the increased use of intellectual property protection in the form of patents, the rise of business models dependent on network externalities, and the rising importance of digital data as an input in production. The principal conclusion of this article is that antitrust policy must be reoriented to effectively limit the creation of barriers to entry. An example of how merger policy could be changed is developed.
The Influence of Static Factors on Seating Comfort of Motorcycles: An Initial Investigation
Authors: Velagapudi Sai Praveen , Ray Gaur Gopal
Published: September 2019

Objective:

The aim of the current study is to examine the influence of static factors on overall seating comfort in motorcycles and validate the use of static lab-based setups for evaluating seating comfort in motorcycles.

Background:

Seating comfort in automobiles has two factors, static and dynamic. Research on seating comfort of passenger cars has shown that when the magnitude of vibration reaching the seat is low, comfort is largely determined by static factors. Studies have also validated the use of static lab-based setups for research on seating comfort in passenger cars. Static lab-based setups are easy to develop, provide a controlled environment, and efficient for experimental research. The riding posture, mass distribution, and dynamics of a motorcycle differ from a passenger car and warrant further investigation to extend the results from the research on passenger cars.

Method:

The study compares subjective rating of seating comfort and objective measurement of seat interface pressure in two test conditions: a static lab-based setup and actual driving on a flat test track where the magnitude of vibration reaching the seat is low. The vibration at the seat is measured for the driving trial. A group of 18 male volunteers from TVS Motor Company participated in the study, and two motorcycles from the economy/executive segment of India are used in the study. The subjective ratings are analyzed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson’s correlation. The vibration data are analyzed as per ISO 2631-1 to calculate the frequency-weighted acceleration, aw.

Results:

The results show that there is no significant difference between the two test conditions either in the objective measurements or in the subjective rating of comfort. There is also a statistically significant correlation between the subjective ratings of seating comfort in static lab-based setup and actual riding ( r = .77, p < .01, n = 36). The mean aw at the seat while driving in the test track used in this study is 0.2 m/s2.

Conclusion:

Static factors have a significant influence on seating comfort in motorcycles. When the vibration reaching the seat is low ( aw ≤ 0.2 m/s2), seating comfort is largely determined by the static factors. The use of static lab-based setups for evaluating static factors of seating comfort in motorcycles is validated.

Application:

The results of this study enable further research to understand the human criterion for seating comfort in motorcycles using static lab-based setups which are easier to develop and provide controlled environment that is essential for any research.