bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac conditions in pregnancy and the role of midwives: A discussion paper
Authors: Millington Sandra , Magarey Judith , Dekker Gustaaf A. , Clark Robyn A.
Published: April 2019

Aim

This paper provides an overview of the two broad categories of cardiac conditions observed in pregnancy (congenital and acquired). It also identifies the midwives' role in the childbirth continuum and includes assessment, track and trigger systems and management during labour and delivery.

Design

Discussion paper.

Methods

Data were collected by reviewing international evidence and by searching computerized databases.

Results

Research has identified that women with associated risk factors of a cardiac condition who delay pregnancy have an increased risk of experiencing cardiovascular complications in pregnancy with poorer outcomes. The Three Ps in a Pod clinical initiative in the United Kingdom highlights working as a team in multidisciplinary programmes to improve mothers' care and save lives. Midwives play a key role during pregnancy and need to be appraised in relation to cardiovascular disease observed in pregnancy, its potential risks and anticipated problems and within the continuum of care.
Bile Diversion Improves Metabolic Phenotype Dependent on Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR)
Authors: Pierre Joseph F. , Li Yuxin , Gomes Charles K. , Rao Prahlad , Chang Eugene B. , Yin Deng Ping
Published: April 2019

Objective

The current study investigated whether bile diversion (BD) improves metabolic phenotype under farnesoid X receptor (FXR) deficiency.

Methods

BD was performed in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed FXR knockout (FXRko) and wild‐type (WT) animals. Metabolic phenotypes, circulating enteroendocrine hormones, total bile acids (BAs) and BA composition, and cecal gut microbiota were analyzed.

Results

FXR‐deficient mice were resistant to HFD‐induced obesity; however, FXR‐deficient mice also developed hyperglycemia and exhibited increased liver weight, liver steatosis, and circulating triglycerides. BD increased circulating total BAs and taurine‐b‐muricholic acid, which were in line with normalized hyperglycemia and improved glucose tolerance in HFD‐fed WT mice. FXR deficiency also increased total BAs and taurine‐b‐muricholic acid, but these animals remained hyperglycemic. While BD improved metabolic phenotype in HFD‐fed FXRko mice, these improvements were not as effective as in WT mice. BD increased liver expression of fibroblast growth factor 21 and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator‐1β and elevated circulating glucagon‐like peptide‐1 levels in WT mice but not in FXRko mice. FXR deficiency altered gut microbiota composition with a specific increase in phylum Proteobacteria that may act as a possible microbial signature of some diseases. These cellular and molecular changes in FXRko mice may contribute to resistance toward improved metabolism.

Conclusions

FXR signaling plays a pivotal role in improved metabolic phenotype following BD surgery.
Early life stress predicts cortisol response to psychosocial stress in healthy young adults
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Yao Zhuxi , Lin Li , Sun Xiaofang , Shi Xia , Zhang Liang
Published: April 2019

Repeated exposure to stress during early life has a lifetime impact on physical and psychological functions. Our study investigated the long‐term effects of early life stress (ELS; measured retrospectively) on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system functions under psychosocial stress among healthy adults. Fifty healthy volunteers (33 male, 17 female, mean age 22.6 ± 1.8 years) underwent a standardized psychosocial stress protocol (the Trier Social Stress Test), with the collection of salivary cortisol, heart rates, and positive and negative affect. The results showed increases in cortisol, heart rate, and negative affect after the stress inducement. More importantly, a significant negative correlation was found between the severity of ELS and the increase of cortisol to the stress. The severity of stress in one's early life predicted his/her cortisol reactivity to the stress in adulthood. Neither the heart rate reactivity nor the affective reactivity shows significant association with ELS. The blunted cortisol reactivity reflects the alteration of the HPA axis, which may confer the risk for certain stress‐related disorders.
Thin films of PS/PS‐b‐pnipam and ps/pnipam polymer blends with tunable wettability
Authors: Kanidi Maria , Papagiannopoulos Aristeidis , Skandalis Athanasios , Kandyla Maria , Pispas Stergios
Published: April 2019

We developed thin films of blends of polystyrene (PS) with the thermoresponsive polymer poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) (PS/PNIPAM) and its diblock copolymer polystyrene‐b‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PS/PS‐b‐PNIPAM) in different blend ratios, and we study their surface morphology and thermoresponsive wetting behavior. The blends of PS/PNIPAM and PS/PS‐b‐PNIPAM are spin‐casted on flat silicon surfaces with various drying conditions. The surface morphology of the films depends on the blend ratio and the drying conditions. The PS/PS‐b‐PNIPAM films do not show an increase in their water contact angles with temperature, as it is expected by the presence of the PNIPAM block. All PS/PNIPAM films show an increase in the water contact angle above the lower critical solution temperature of PNIPAM, which depends on the ratio of PNIPAM in the blend and is insensitive to the drying conditions of the films. The difference between the wetting behavior of PS/PS‐b‐PNIPAM and PS/PNIPAM films is due to the arrangement of the PNIPAM chains in the film. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 670–679
Strength of belief: Religious commitment, knowledge, and HPV vaccination adherence
Authors: Birmingham Wendy C. , Macintosh Janelle L.B. , Vaughn Allison A. , Graff Tyler C.
Published: April 2019

Objective

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infects millions of men and women annually and is a substantial contributing factor in many cancers including oral, penile, anal, and cervical. Vaccination can reduce risk but adherence nationwide and, particularly in highly religious states, is suboptimal. Religious principles of abstinence before marriage and total fidelity following marriage may create a belief of protection through adherence to religious guidelines. However, while one partner may remain monogamous, one cannot be assured of their partner's behavior both before and after marriage. These misconceptions may create a barrier to religious youth's adherence to vaccine recommendations.

Methods

We sampled single young adults, age 18 to 25 years, from a Christian university classified as highly religious and a university not categorized as highly religious.

Results

Highly religious young adults demonstrated low knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccination. High religious beliefs were associated with lower HPV vaccination adherence.

Conclusions

Understanding the role religious beliefs have on vaccine adherence can help in the creation of campaigns that specifically address these issues. Campaigns to increase vaccination should address misconceptions of religious youth's feelings of imperviousness to sexually transmitted diseases.
Deposition studies of aerosol delivery by nasal cannula to infants
Authors: Corcoran Timothy E. , Saville Al , Adams Phillip S. , Johnston Darragh J. , Czachowski Michael R. , Domnina Yuliya A. , Lin Jiuann‐Huey , Weiner Daniel J. , Huber Alex S. , Sanchez De Toledo Joan , Lo Cecilia W.
Published: April 2019

Aim

Nasal cannulas are used to provide oxygen support for infants and have been considered as a means for delivering aerosols to the lungs. To measure mucociliary clearance in the lungs of infants with congenital heart defects, we delivered radiopharmaceutical aerosols via a nasal cannula. Here we report on the pulmonary and nasal deposition of these aerosols.

Method

A total of 18 infants (median age = 26 days; quartiles = 11‐74 days) performed clearance measurements soon before or after corrective cardiac surgery. The regional aerosol deposition was assessed using gamma camera imaging.

Results

Cannula flow rate significantly affected pulmonary dosing. Flow rates useful for oxygen support were associated with low pulmonary deposition (2 L/min; mean, 4.5% of deposited dose; range, 2%‐9%; n = 7) and high nasal deposition. Much lower cannula flow rates increased the pulmonary deposition (0.2 L/min; mean, 33.5% of deposited dose; range, 15%‐51%; n = 5; P = 0.005 vs 2 L/min). The ratio of nose/lung dosing was approximately 26:1 at 2 L/min and 2:1 at 0.2 L/min. Bench studies demonstrated cannula output rates of 10.2 ± 1.7% (2 L/min) and 3.3 ± 0.4% (0.2 L/min) of the loaded nebulizer dose during a 2‐minute delivery. Combining in vitro and in vivo results, we estimate that 0.46% of the loaded nebulizer dose reaches the lungs at 2 L/min vs 1.10% at 0.2 L/min during a 2‐minute delivery.

Conclusion

With the delivery system used here, pulmonary aerosol delivery via nasal cannula was very inefficient at the flow rates required to provide oxygen support. Even at low flows, nasal deposition was substantial and local toxicity must be considered.
A Predictive Numerical Model of the Burning Rate of Pb3O4−Si Delay Composition
Authors: Zhang Han , Liu Shang‐Hao , Shu Chi‐Min
Published: April 2019

To understand the influence of silicon content and ambient temperature on the burning rate of the Pb3O4−Si delay composition, the relationship among these three factors was investigated using the control variable method. A predictive numerical model that correlates the burning rate with the silicon content and ambient temperature was presented in this study. When the silicon content was varied from 10 % to 50 %, the burning rate and ambient temperature could be correlated using an Arrhenius‐type temperature‐dependence model. The burning rate and silicon content varied linearly when the silicon content was varied from 25 % to 50 %. The correlations among burning rate, silicon content, and ambient temperature were described through a numerical model. The proposed numerical model is useful for estimating the influence of the ambient temperature and silicon content on the burning rate in Pb3O4−Si systems.
Theoretical Model and Experiments of Resonance Frequency Shift by LC Tuning in Magnetoelectric Sensor
Authors: Wang Xiefu , Zhao Jing , Xu Bingbing , Di Wenning , Lu Li , Hu Fei , Luo Haosu , Gu Haoshuang
Published: April 2019

In this work, the authors present the resonance frequency shift of the magnetic sensor with Terfenol‐D/PMN‐PT heterostructure by LC tuning. A custom‐built low noise voltage pre‐amplifier is used to convert the weak signal induced by magnetic field into an output voltage. A practical noise model is established to theoretically analyze the variation of noise level of LC tuning magnetoelectric (ME) sensor. Both the theoretical analysis and experimental results indicate that LC tuning is an effective way to adjust the resonance frequency and reduce the equivalent magnetic noise (EMN). The resonance frequency of the LC tuning ME sensor can be shifted from 54.8 kHz to 24.8 kHz, with the maximum responsivity being 131 V/Oe@24.8 kHz. Furthermore, the EMN is as low as 0.22 pT/Hz1/2@24.8 kHz, which indicates a significant reduction from 0.54 pT/Hz1/2 at the same frequency without LC tuning.
Doped State and Solubility Changes in PEDOT:PSS Thin Films by High‐Energy Gamma‐Ray Irradiation
Authors: Jang Hong , Park Juhyun , Kim Felix Sunjoo
Published: April 2019

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulphonate) (PEDOT:PSS) thin films with various electrical‐conductivity ranges are irradiated with gamma rays over a wide range of doses (1–50 kGy). Spectroscopic analyses reveal that the high‐energy irradiation results in changes in the doped state and chemical structure of the thin polymer films. Through the absorption measurement of the doped PEDOT:PSS films, the authors find that the films are relatively insensitive to irradiation and that the neutral state peaks in the de‐doped PEDOT decrease relative to the doped state as the gamma‐ray dose increases. The gamma‐ray irradiation up to 50 kGy results in a decrease in electrical conductivity in the already doped polymer films whereas it induces re‐doping and electrical‐conductivity enhancement in the chemically de‐doped ones. The high‐dose irradiation also induces chemical cross‐linking, resulting in thin films that are robust against solvent dipping.
Embossed Hybrid Synthesis of ZnO Nanocrystals on Self‐Organized One‐Dimensional Poly(3‐butylthiophene) Nanowires
Authors: Lee Yi‐Huan , Hsu Ying‐Tien , Yeh Pin‐Sheng , Sun Wei‐Yen , Lee Chia‐Wei
Published: April 2019

In this research, the authors develope a novel organic/inorganic hybrid system by using a highly crystalline π‐conjugated polymer poly(3‐butylthiophene) (P3BT) as a structure‐regulating template. The efficient coordination between thiophene segments in P3BT and zinc ions as well as the formation of cooperative assembly of P3BT/Zn2+ complex system enable the facile synthesis of ZnO nanocrystals on one‐dimensional P3BT nanofibrils after a thermal oxidation treatment. The nanowire structured P3BT/ZnO system with optimized nanoscopic phase separation possess large donor/acceptor interfacial area for exciton dissociation and offers continuous channels for charge transport through the hybrid, leading to a significant photoluminescence quenching effect. Accelerated aging tests further demonstrate the superior thermal stability of the hybrid system. These results demonstrate that the in situ synthesized P3BT/ZnO nanohybrid could serve as a high quality optoelectronic material and show potential for advanced applications.
The Ultrahigh Quantum Thermal Conductance of Hydrogenated Boron Nanotubes
Authors: He Jia , Li Dengfeng , Ying Yan , Zhou Hangbo , Zhou Ping , Zhang Gang
Published: April 2019

Using first‐principles calculations and phonon dispersion analysis, the authors demonstrate theoretically that a hydrogenated monolayer borophene sheet can form a stable nanotube structure, denoted as H‐BNT. Combined with non‐equilibrium Green's function method, it is found that although thermal conductance of H‐BNT is lower than its carbon counterpart in the high‐temperature limit, at room temperature the phonon thermal conductance of H‐BNT is only slightly lower (2%) than carbon nanotube with the similar diameter. The high room temperature thermal conductance of boron nanotube is attributed to the light atomic mass of boron, strong interatomic force between boron atoms and high atomic density. Our studies shed light on the nature of quantum thermal transport in low‐dimensional materials, and can help in developing boron‐based nanoscale devices.
Bayesian sequential integration within a preclinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling framework: Lessons learned
Authors: La Gamba Fabiola , Jacobs Tom , Geys Helena , Jaki Thomas , Serroyen Jan , Ursino Moreno , Russu Alberto , Faes Christel
Published: April 2019

The present manuscript aims to discuss the implications of sequential knowledge integration of small preclinical trials in a Bayesian pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK‐PD) framework. While, at first sight, a Bayesian PK‐PD framework seems to be a natural framework to allow for sequential knowledge integration, the scope of this paper is to highlight some often‐overlooked challenges while at the same time providing some guidances in the many and overwhelming choices that need to be made. Challenges as well as opportunities will be discussed that are related to the impact of (1) the prior specification, (2) the choice of random effects, (3) the type of sequential integration method. In addition, it will be shown how the success of a sequential integration strategy is highly dependent on a carefully chosen experimental design when small trials are analyzed.
Protopine isolated from Nandina domestica induces apoptosis and autophagy in colon cancer cells by stabilizing p53
Authors: Son Younglim , An Younju , Jung Jaeyeon , Shin Sora , Park InWha , Gwak Jungsug , Ju Bong Gun , Chung Young‐Hwa , Na MinKyun , Oh Sangtaek
Published: April 2019

The tumor suppressor p53 plays essential roles in cellular protection mechanisms against a variety of stress stimuli and its activation induces apoptosis or autophagy in certain cancer cells. Here, we identified protopine, an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Nandina domestica, as an activator of the p53 pathway from cell‐based natural compound screening based on p53‐responsive transcription. Protopine increased the p53‐mediated transcriptional activity and promoted p53 phosphorylation at the Ser15 residue, resulting in stabilization of p53 protein. Moreover, protopine up‐regulated the expression of p21WAF1/CIP1 and BAX, downstream genes of p53, and inhibited the proliferation of HCT116 colon cancer cells. Apoptosis was elicited by protopine as indicated by caspase‐3/7 activation, poly ADP ribose polymerase cleavage, and increased population of Annexin V‐FITC‐positive cells. Furthermore, protopine induced the formation of microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) puncta and LC3‐II turnover, typical biochemical markers of autophagy, in HCT116 cells. Our findings suggest that protopine exerts its antiproliferative activity by stimulating the p53 pathway and may have potential as a chemopreventive agent for human colon cancer.
A valence bond description of the bromine halogen bond
Authors: Franchini Davide , Genoni Alessandro , Dapiaggi Federico , Pieraccini Stefano , Sironi Maurizio
Published: April 2019

A theoretical investigation on the nature of the halogen bond through a valence‐bond approach has been carried out with two main goals: (a) finding further confirmations of already existing explanations on the physical origins of the halogen bond and (b) possibly enriching the current models with new details. To achieve these goals we have exploited the spin‐coupled method and we have performed computations on RBr⋯NH3dimers characterized by a different electron withdrawing power of substituent R to the bromine atom. The analysis of typical spin‐coupled descriptors (eg, shapes and overlaps of the spin‐coupled orbitals, weights of the spin‐coupled structures) in the different cases and in function of the distance between the monomers allowed us to draw qualitative conclusions about the formation and the strength of the halogen bonds. In particular, the investigation not only confirmed the validity of already existing models (ie, σ‐hole and lump‐hole models) but also highlighted interesting new features, such as the fact that the depletion of electron density around the bromine atom does not extend only toward the acceptor of the halogen bond, but also in the opposite direction (toward the substituent of the halogen), thus forming a sort of σ‐tunnel, rather than a simple σ‐hole.
Four‐Component Reaction of Arynes with Primary Amines, Aldehydes, and Proton Source: Novel Formation of tert‐Anilines and 3,1‐Benzoxazines
Authors: Okuma Kentaro , Maehata Yusuke , Kinoshita Hiroaki , Sosogi Kana , Nagahora Noriyoshi
Published: April 2019

Four‐component reaction of arynes derived from 2‐(trimethylsilyl)aryl triflates with primary amines and aldehydes, followed by the addition of chloroform or aromatic aldehydes in the presence of CsF was accomplished, featuring sequential formation of imines, nucleophilic addition, proton abstraction of chloroform or electrophilic addition of aromatic aldehydes, and intramolecular cyclization in one‐pot operation. The reactions proceed under mild conditions and have broad perspective for selecting starting substrates.
Leukocyte‐Repelling Biomimetic Immunomagnetic Nanoplatform for High‐Performance Circulating Tumor Cells Isolation
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxi , Luo Bin , Kang Ke , Zhang Yujia , Jiang Peipei , Lan Fang , Yi Qiangying , Wu Yao
Published: April 2019

Downstream studies of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which may provide indicative evaluation information for therapeutic efficacy, cancer metastases, and cancer prognosis, are seriously hindered by the poor purity of enriched CTCs as large amounts of interfering leukocytes still nonspecifically bind to the isolation platform. In this work, biomimetic immunomagnetic nanoparticles (BIMNs) with the following features are designed: i) the leukocyte membrane camouflage, which could greatly reduce homologous leukocyte interaction and actualize high‐purity CTCs isolation, is easily extracted by graphene nanosheets; ii) facile antibody conjugation can be achieved through the “insertion” of biotinylated lipid molecules into leukocyte‐membrane‐coated nanoparticles and streptavidin conjunction; iii) layer‐by‐layer assembly techniques could integrate high‐magnetization Fe3O4 nanoparticles and graphene nanosheets efficiently. Consequently, the resulting BIMNs achieve a capture efficiency above 85.0% and CTCs purity higher than 94.4% from 1 mL blood with 20–200 CTCs after 2 min incubation. Besides, 98.0% of the isolated CTCs remain viable and can be directly cultured in vitro. Moreover, application of the BIMNs to cancer patients' peripheral blood shows good reproducibility (mean relative standard deviation 8.7 ± 5.6%). All results above suggest that the novel biomimetic nanoplatform may serve as a promising tool for CTCs enrichment and detection from clinical samples.
Flash Surface Treatment of CH3NH3PbI3 Films Using 248 nm KrF Excimer Laser Enhances the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Shan Xueyan , Wang Shimao , Dong Weiwei , Pan Ning , Shao Jingzhen , Wang Xiangqi , Tao Ruhua , Deng Zanhong , Hu Linhua , Kong Fantai , Meng Gang , Fang Xiaodong
Published: April 2019

For perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the surface traps of perovskite films have great influence on the charge carrier behavior at the interface of perovskite and charge transport layers. In this investigation, a 248 nm KrF excimer laser with high photon energy and shallow penetration depth is introduced to perform surface modification on the CH3NH3PbI3 film through irradiation for reducing its surface trap density for the first time. A whole excimer laser surface modification (ELSM) process can be completed in few seconds, and the actual interaction time of the excimer laser and perovskite film is only several hundred nanoseconds. After ELSM, the trap density of the CH3NH3PbI3 film decreases from 1.61 × 1016 cm−3 to 5.81 × 1015 cm−3, and the nonradiative recombination is suppressed effectively. As a result, the open‐circuit voltage and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of CH3NH3PbI3‐based PSCs increase from 1082 ± 27 to 1117 ± 16 mV and from 16.69% ± 0.77% to 18.50% ± 0.65%, respectively, and the PCE of the champion device reaches 19.38%. In addition, the measured larger charge recombination resistance, slower open‐circuit photovoltage decay, and longer charge recombination lifetime confirm the effective suppression effect of ELSM on the charge carrier recombination in PSCs.
Review of Recent Progress in Antimony Chalcogenide‐Based Solar Cells: Materials and Devices
Authors: Lei Hongwei , Chen Jianjun , Tan Zuojun , Fang Guojia
Published: April 2019

Antimony chalcogenides such as Sb2S3, Sb2Se3, and Sb2(SxSe1−x)3 have emerged as very promising alternative solar absorber materials due to their high stability, abundant elemental storage, nontoxicity, low‐cost, suitable tunable bandgap, and high absorption coefficient. Remarkable achievements have been made in antimony chalcogenide solar cells in the past few decades, with the power conversion efficiency (PCE) currently reaching 9.2%, which is close to the PCE level required for industrial applications. To facilitate the realization of highly efficient antimony chalcogenide solar cells in the future, a comprehensive review of antimony chalcogenide‐based materials and photovoltaic devices is presented. First, the fundamental physical properties and preparation methods of antimony chalcogenide‐based materials are outlined, and then, notable recent developments in antimony chalcogenide‐based photovoltaic devices with various architectures are highlighted. Finally, the most prominent limitations are described, and approaches to achieving remarkable advances in antimony chalcogenide solar cells in the future are provided.
Impact of Light Soaking on p‐Type Boron‐ and Indium‐Doped Passivated Emitter and Rear Solar Cells on Czochralski‐Grown Silicon
Authors: Balaji Nagarajan , Shanmugam Vinodh , Raj Samuel , Ali Jaffar Moideen Yacob , Aguilar Ma Luisa O. , Garcia Ison Jeffrey , Rodriguez John , Aberle Armin , Duttagupta Shubham
Published: April 2019

Solar cells fabricated on boron‐doped Czochralski‐grown silicon (Cz‐Si) wafers are known to suffer from light‐induced degradation (LID). In this work, the effect of light soaking on passivated emitter and rear (PERC) solar cells fabricated on both indium (In)‐doped Cz‐Si and boron (B)‐doped Cz‐Si wafers are investigated. Efficiencies up to 20.7% and 21.2% are obtained on In‐doped and B‐doped Si wafers, respectively. Though the initial conversion efficiency is lower with In‐doped Si wafers, these cells show no LID after light soaking (1.0 Sun illumination at 25 °C for 85 h). In contrast, cell efficiencies dropped significantly for B‐doped Si wafers, by 0.8%.
Fabrication of a hydrazone‐linked covalent organic framework‐bound capillary column for gas chromatography separation
Authors: Huang Xiao‐Ling , Lan Hai‐Hang , Yan Yi‐Lun , Chen Gui , He Zi‐Hao , Zhang Kai , Cai Song‐Liang , Zheng Sheng‐Run , Fan Jun , Zhang Wei‐Guang
Published: April 2019

Covalent organic frameworks are a new class of crystalline porous materials that have various potential applications. However, utilization of covalent organic frameworks as new stationary phases for gas chromatography separation has been less explored. In this work, a hydrazone‐linked chiral covalent organic framework has been covalently bonded onto the inner surface of fused silica capillary. The fabricated hydrazone‐linked covalent organic framework‐bound capillary column displays a moderate polarity nature and exhibits relatively high resolution performances for separation of linear alkanes and alcohols, as well as aromatic positional isomers including xylene, nitrotoluene, chloronitrobenzene, benzenediol, and naphthol isomers. The present study reveals that the hydrazone‐linked covalent organic framework‐bound capillary column is quite promising for the gas chromatography separation of aromatic positional isomers.
Notch Signaling in Nestin-Expressing Cells in the Bone Marrow Maintains Erythropoiesis via Macrophage Integrity
Authors: Sakamoto Tatsuhiro , Obara Naoshi , Nishikii Hidekazu , Kato Takayasu , Cao-Sy Luan , Fujimura Ryosuke , Yagita Hideo , Sakata-Yanagimoto Mamiko , Takahashi Satoru , Chiba Shigeru
Published: April 2019

Notch signaling plays pivotal roles in both hematopoietic stem/progenitor and their niche cells. Myeloproliferative phenotypes are induced by disruption of Notch signaling in nonhematopoietic bone marrow (BM) cells. Nestin-expressing cells in the BM reportedly represent a component of the hematopoietic stem cell niche. We established mice in which rare Nestin-expressing cells in the BM were marked by green fluorescent protein, and Notch signaling was conditionally disrupted in these cells specifically. We observed impairment of erythropoiesis in the BM accompanying splenomegaly with BM hematopoietic programs in other lineages undisturbed. Transplantation experiments revealed that the microenvironmental rather than the hematopoietic cells were attributable to these phenotypes. We further found that the erythroid-island-forming ability of BM central macrophages was compromised along with the transcriptional upregulation of interleukin-6. Various Inflammatory conditions hamper BM erythropoiesis, which often accompanies extramedullary hematopoiesis. The mouse model demonstrated here may be of relevance to this common pathophysiologic condition. Stem Cells  2019;37:924–936
Emergent Leadership and Group Interaction in the Task‐Based Language Classroom
Authors: Leeming Paul
Published: April 2019

Learning language in the classroom often means interacting with peers in small groups. There is a growing body of empirical research highlighting the factors that have an impact on student interaction and an increasing focus on the social context. This article aims to broaden the focus of research by considering the influence of emergent leadership on group interaction and opportunities for language learning. Japanese university students in an oral English course were placed into random small groups, fixed for a semester. The researcher collected video observation data of student classroom interaction twice during the semester, during midterm and final group conversation tests. Students rated the leadership of group members, and interactions were analyzed by selecting individuals representing strong leadership, moderate leadership, and weak or no leadership. The researcher conducted a regression analysis to determine the relative influence of English proficiency, extraversion, and leadership on behavioral engagement. Language‐related episodes also were examined to determine cognitive engagement. Results show that leadership rather than proficiency or extraversion predicted participation in conversation, and cognitive engagement seemed to be negatively associated with strong leadership. The implications of emergent leadership for researchers and teachers are discussed.
Reliability evaluation of power system incorporating wind farm for generation expansion planning based on ANLSA approach
Authors: Ballireddy Tulasi RamaKrishna Rao , Modi Pawan Kumar
Published: April 2019

Reliability evaluation of power‐generating systems gives a mechanism to guarantee proper system operations in the face of different uncertainties including equipment failures. It is regularly not attainable to identify all possible failure states to figure the reliability indices because of the large number of system states engaged with system operations. Therefore, a hybrid optimization technique is required to analyse the reliability of the power system. This paper proposes a hybrid optimization technique to evaluate the reliability of a power system for the generation expansion planning incorporating wind energy source. The proposed hybrid methodology is the joined execution of both ant lion optimization algorithm (ALO) and lightning search algorithm (LSA), and it is named as ANLSA. ALO searching behavior is enhanced by LSA. Through the inherent convergence mechanisms, ANLSA search the meaningful system states. The most probable failure states contribute reliability indices of power generating system including mean down time (MDT), loss of load probability (LOLP), loss of load expectation (LOLE), loss of load frequency (LOLF), and expected demand not supplied (EDNS). Furthermore, ANLSA is utilized to assess the reliability of system under normal condition, integration of wind farm with capacity of 150 MW, and considering spinning reserve requirement (SRR). By then, the proposed work is actualized in MATLAB/Simulink platform and it is demonstrated on IEEE reliability test system (IEEE RTS‐79). Furthermore, the statistical analysis of proposed and existing techniques such as Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) and discrete convolution (DC) is considered. The comparison results demonstrate that proposed approach confirms its ability for evaluating the power system reliability.
Competing Risk Analysis in Lung Cancer Patients Over 80 Years Old Undergoing Surgery
Authors: Hino Haruaki , Karasaki Takahiro , Yoshida Yukihiro , Fukami Takeshi , Sano Atsushi , Tanaka Makoto , Furuhata Yoshiaki , Kashiwabara Kosuke , Ichinose Junji , Kawashima Mitsuaki , Nakajima Jun
Published: April 2019

Background

This study aimed to analyze cause‐specific mortality in lung cancer patients over 80 years old undergoing surgery.

Methods

This retrospective, multi‐institutional analysis included patients aged ≥ 80 years who underwent radical surgery for primary lung cancer from January 1998 to December 2015. Preoperative clinical data, surgical results, survival, and cause of death were evaluated. Competing risk analysis for cause‐specific mortality was performed.

Results

Of the 337 patients (median age 82 years) enrolled and analyzed, 68.1% were male. There were 52 and 44 cancer‐specific and non‐cancer‐specific deaths, respectively. On competing risk regression analysis, non‐cancer‐specific deaths were significantly associated with male sex (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–9.12, p = 0.046), coronary artery disease (HR: 2.49, 95% CI: 2.49 [1.14–5.47], p = 0.02), interstitial pneumonia (HR: 3.58, 95% CI: 1.73–7.40, p < 0.001), and pathological stage III (HR: 3.83, 95% CI: 1.44–10.13, p = 0.007). In contrast, cancer‐specific deaths were significantly associated with limited resection (HR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.02–3.89, p = 0.04) and pathological stage III (HR: 3.13, 95% CI: 1.44–6.80, p = 0.004). The 5‐year cumulative incidences of lung cancer‐specific and non‐cancer‐specific deaths were 18.0% and 15.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Prognostic factors for non‐cancer‐specific death were different from those of cancer‐specific death, except for pathological stage. Each prognostic factor should be considered when deciding surgical indication and procedure and monitoring for pulmonary events during outpatient follow‐up.
Low Preoperative Mental and Physical Health is Associated with Poorer Postoperative Recovery in Patients Undergoing Day Surgery: A Secondary Analysis from a Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Nilsson Ulrica , Dahlberg Karuna , Jaensson Maria
Published: April 2019

Background

Day surgical procedures are increasing both in Sweden and internationally. Day surgery patients prepare for and handle their recovery on their own at home. The aim of this study was to investigate patients’ preoperative mental and physical health and its association with the quality of their recovery after day surgery.

Method

This was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Data were collected at four‐day surgery units in Sweden. Health‐related quality of life was measured using the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) Health Survey, and postoperative recovery was assessed using the Swedish web version of the Quality of Recovery (SwQoR) scale.

Result

This study included 756‐day surgery patients. A low, compared with a high, preoperative mental component score was associated with poorer recovery as shown by responses to 21/24 and 22/24 SwQoR items, respectively, on postoperative days (PODs) 7 and 14. A low compared with a high preoperative physical component score was associated with poorer recovery in 18/24 SwQoR items on POD 7 and 13/24 on POD 14.

Conclusion

A clear message from this study is for surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses to consider the fact that postoperative recovery largely depends on patients’ preoperative mental and psychical status. A serious attempt must be made, as a part of the routine preoperative assessment, to assess and document not only the physical but also the mental status of patients undergoing anaesthesia and surgery.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT0249219.
Metabolic engineering of glucose uptake systems in Corynebacterium glutamicum for improving the efficiency of l-lysine production
Authors: Xu Jian-Zhong , Yu Hai-Bo , Han Mei , Liu Li-Ming , Zhang Wei-Guo
Published: April 2019

Traditional amino acid producers typically exhibit the low glucose uptake rate and growth deficiency, resulting in a long fermentation time because of the accumulation of side mutations in breeding of strains. In this study, we demonstrate that the efficiency of l-lysine production in traditional l-lysine producer Corynebacterium glutamicum ZL-9 can be improved by rationally engineering glucose uptake systems. To do this, different bypasses for glucose uptake were investigated to reveal the best glucose uptake system for l-lysine production in traditional l-lysine producer. This study showed that overexpression of the key genes in PTSGlc or non-PTSGlc increased the glucose consumption, growth rate, and l-lysine production. However, increasing the function of PTSGlc in glucose uptake led to the increase of by-products, especially for plasmid-mediated expression system. Increasing the participation of non-PTSGlc in glucose utilization showed the best glucose uptake system for l-lysine production. The final strain ZL-92 with increasing the expression level of iolT1, iolT2 and ppgK could produce 201.6 ± 13.8 g/L of l-lysine with a productivity of 5.04 g/L/h and carbon yield of 0.65 g/(g glucose) in fed-batch culture. This is the first report of a rational modification of glucose uptake systems that improve the efficiency of l-lysine production through increasing the participation of non-PTSGlc in glucose utilization in traditional l-lysine producer. Similar strategies can be also used for producing other amino acids or their derivatives.
Correction to: Opioid-Free Total Knee Arthroplasty? Local Infiltration Analgesia Plus Multimodal Blood-Loss Prevention Make it Possible
Authors: Rodriguez-Merchan E. Carlos , Vaquero-Picado Alfonso , Ruiz-Perez Juan S.
Published: April 2019

Due to a metadata tagging error, the name of author E. Carlos Rodriguez-Merchan was indexed incorrectly. E. Carlos is the given name and Rodriguez-Merchan is the family name.
Declining Foraging Efficiency in the Middle Tennessee River Valley Prior to Initial Domestication
Authors: Weitzel Elic M.
Published: April 2019

Recently, researchers investigating the origins of domestication have debated the significance of resource intensification in the shift from foraging to food production. In eastern North America, one of several independent centers of domestication, this question remains open. To determine whether initial domestication may have been preceded by intensification in eastern North America at approximately 5000 cal BP, I evaluated the archaeofaunal assemblages from six sites in the middle Tennessee River valley. Analyses of these data suggest that overall foraging efficiency gradually declined prior to initial domestication, but patch-specific declines in foraging efficiency occurred in wetland habitats and not terrestrial ones. Climatic warming and drying during the Middle Holocene, growing human populations, and oak-hickory forest expansion were the likely drivers of these changes in foraging efficiency. These results support the hypothesis that initial domestication in eastern North America was an outcome of intensification driven by environmental change and human population increases. Finally, while the debate concerning the relationship of intensification to domestication has been framed in terms of a conflict between niche construction theory and optimal foraging theory, these perspectives are compatible and should be integrated to understand domestication more fully.
Domestic Legal Conditions for Space Activities in Asia
Authors: Aoki Setsuko
Published: April 2019

This essay compares the national space legislation of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK), outlining the reasons behind the legislation and then explaining what it authorizes, the jurisdiction it asserts, and the conditions it imposes on nongovernmental space activities. The essay also compares the compensation available to victims in case of damages and governmental indemnification payments to protect victims and the space launch industry in Japan and the ROK. Differences in industry policies and dates of enactment help to account for variations among these states. However, the comparative analysis suggests that the domestic legal conditions across Asia's three spacefaring nations are similar to those found worldwide.
Virtue, Rule-Following, and Absolute Prohibitions
Authors: REID JEREMY
Published: April 2019

In her seminal article ‘Modern Moral Philosophy’ (1958) Elizabeth Anscombe argued that we need a new ethics, one that uses virtue terms to generate absolute prohibitions against certain act-types. Leading contemporary virtue ethicists have not taken up Anscombe's challenge in justifying absolute prohibitions and have generally downplayed the role of rule-following in their normative theories. That they have not done so is primarily because contemporary virtue ethicists have focused on what is sufficient for characterizing the deliberation and action of the fully virtuous person, and rule-following is inadequate for this task. In this article, I take up Anscombe's challenge by showing that rule-following is necessary for virtuous agency, and that virtue ethics can justify absolute prohibitions. First, I offer a possibility proof by showing how virtue ethics can generate absolute prohibitions in three ways: by considering actions that directly manifest vice or that cannot be performed virtuously; actions that are prohibited by one's institutional roles and practical identities; and actions that are prohibited by the prescriptions of the wise. I then seek to show why virtue ethicists should incorporate rule-following and absolute prohibitions into their theories. I emphasize the central role that rules have in the development of virtue, then motivate the stronger view that fully virtuous agents follow moral rules by considering the importance of hope, uncertainty about consequences, and taking responsibility for what eventuates. Finally, I provide an account of what Anscombe called a ‘corrupt mind’, explaining how our understanding of virtue is corrupted if we think that virtue may require us to do vicious actions.
Questions and Answers: Metaphysical Explanation and the Structure of Reality
Authors: THOMPSON NAOMI
Published: April 2019

This paper develops an account of metaphysical explanation according to which metaphysical explanations are answers towhat-makes-it-the-case-thatquestions. On this view, metaphysical explanations are not to be considered entirely objective, but are subject to epistemic constraints imposed by the context in which a relevant question is asked. The resultant account of metaphysical explanation is developed independently of any particular views aboutgrounding. Toward the end of the paper an application of the view is proposed that takes metaphysical explanations conceived in this way to characterize reality's structure. According to this proposal, reality's structure is partly constituted by a projection of our explanatory practices onto reality.
Incidentaloma Discoveries in the Course of Neuroimaging Research
Authors: Stip Emmanuel , Miron Jean-Philippe , Nolin Marie , Letourneau Geneviève , Bernazzani Odette , Chamelian Laurie , Boileau Bernard , Gupta Mona , Luck David , Lungu Ovidiu
Published: April 2019

Among healthy volunteers in psychiatric brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research studies, the prevalence of incidentalomas can be as high as 34%, of which 10% show clinical significance. An incidentaloma is a lesion found by coincidence without clinical symptoms or suspicion. Like lesions and other types of accidental findings, it is found in healthy individuals recruited to take part in psychiatric studies. The prevalence of these accidental findings among specific psychiatric populations remains unknown. However, a precise understanding of cerebral neuroanatomy, neuroradiological expertise, and an appropriate choice of fMRI exploration sequences will increase the sensitivity of identifying these accidental findings and enable researchers to address their clinical relevance and nature. We present recommendations on how to appropriately inform patients or participants of the accidental findings. Additionally, we propose specific suggestions pertaining to the clinical research setting aimed for investigators and psychiatrists. Unlike current articles pertaining to incidentaloma, the current report provides a distinct focus on psychiatric issues and specific recommendations for studies involving psychiatric patients.
Eagle Syndrome as a Cause of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Authors: Zhang Fu-Liang , Zhou Hong-Wei , Guo Zhen-Ni , Yang Yi
Published: April 2019

A 15-year-old teenager presented with a 2-month history of headache. Neurological examination was normal except for papilledema. Further lumbar puncture indicated intracranial hypertension (330 mm H2O). Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was normal but phase contrast-magnetic resonance venography (PC-MRV) (Figure 1(A)) suggested possible left transverse-sigmoid sinus thrombosis; subsequent contrast-enhanced 3D fat-saturated T1 volumetric isotropic turbo spin echo acquisition (VISTA) MRI (Figure 1(B)) confirmed the pathology. Hyper-coagulable panel results (including six steroid sex hormones, antithrombin III, protein C, protein S, lupus anticoagulant, and anticardiolipin antibodies) were all within normal range. In further examination, computed tomography (CT) venography images (Figure 1(C) and (D)) showed that the left jugular vein was compressed by the styloid process, consistent with Eagle syndrome.1 The patient who refused the recommended surgical treatment, however, chose anticoagulant therapy consisting of low-molecular weight heparin subcutaneous injection in addition to new oral anticoagulant. At 18-month follow-up, the patient reported no symptoms remained.
The Changing Landscape of Treatment for Intracranial Aneurysm
Authors: Lozano Christopher S. , Lozano Andres M. , Spears Julian
Published: April 2019

There has been a significant transformation in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) over the past century, with the most pivotal changes occurring in the past three decades. To characterize this evolution, we assessed the number of articles published on various procedures for the treatment of IA as a measure of their interest and usage over time. We separated our analysis into two main areas: surgical and endovascular approaches. We further subdivided these two main categories into clipping and bypass for surgery, and coiling, flow diversion, and liquid material embolization for endovascular approaches. We found 5956 publications on open surgical approaches in the 70-year period from 1947 to 2017, with papers on clipping (n = 4204), being the most common. We found 8602 endovascular publications beginning in 1964, with most of the activity taking place in the late 1990s and beyond. Coiling had the most publications of the endovascular approaches (n = 5436). In 1999, the number of annual publications on endovascular treatments surpassed those of open surgery, signaling a crossover point in the IA literature. The same trend continues to this date.