bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Craniocerebral Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo under Artificial Intelligence Algorithm and the Correlation with Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Xue Hailong , Jing Yanli , Chen Yingge , Xi Cong , Bian Na , Li Yujuan
Published: April 2022

This research aimed to discuss the characteristics of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and the correlation with cerebrovascular disease. An artificial intelligence algorithm under a parallel dual‐domain concatenated convolutional neural network (PDDC‐CNN) was proposed to process the images of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) were performed on all 60 research objects with a 3.0 MRI scanner. The number of cases with cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), SWI image display of small veins, the number of lacunar infarctions, vertebral artery dominance, and vertebrobasilar morphology were observed in the two groups. The number of lacunar infarctions was 2.400 ± 3.358 and 0.672 ± 0.251, respectively, in the BBPV group with 30 cases and the control group with the other 30 cases. The positive rates of CMBs on SWI images were 48% and 27% in the BBPV group and the control group, respectively, and the average CMBs were counted as 1.670 ± 2.326 and 0.487 ± 0.865. CMBs were shown as round or oval lesions of conventional sequence deletion in the images with a diameter of less than 1.5 cm. SWI images of the BBPV group showed a significant increase in intracerebral small veins compared to those of the control group. The curvature of the vertebrobasilar artery in the BBPV group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the curvature of the basilar artery was slightly higher than that in the control group. In conclusion, the MRI features of BPPV patients were related to their own microvascular lesions closely, and it was speculated that the cerebrovascular factors might play a dominant role in the early onset of BPPV.
Ray Tracing Acceleration Algorithm Based on FaceMap
Authors: Wang Jian , Xiao Hui , Wang Hongbin
Published: April 2022

Raster method and ray tracing are two important algorithms in computer graphics. The former, raster method, marked by high speed and efficiency, has the disadvantage of an unrealistic rendering effect. By contrast, ray tracing requires considerable computing resources and time despite its advantages of high fidelity and simple structure, thus only suitable for offline rendering. Given such limitations, a ray-tracing acceleration algorithm that combines the raster method and ray tracing is proposed in this study based on FaceMap, a two-dimensional data structure that stores surface distribution under point light or the view of a camera. Firstly, all triangular surfaces of the 3D model are rasterized by linear surface projection to form the surface distribution of a spherical panorama. Secondly, the structure of FaceMap is adopted to store the distribution information of all the surfaces in the scene. Thirdly, the data on the intersecting surfaces in this direction are collected by projecting the ray onto FaceMap in the ray-tracing process, thus reducing the intersection and propagation operations and improving the efficiency. Four object models including chessboard, grass patch, bust, and typewriter are selected for comparative rendering experiments. Our proposed method is used to compare with Rhino and VRay rendering software, respectively. The results show that our proposed method obtained better rendering effects within greatly reduced rendering time (© 2018Optical Society of America).
Salvianolic Acid B Suppresses Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Metastasis through PKM2-Independent Metabolic Reprogramming
Authors: Zhang Hong , Tang Jianming , Cao Yu , Wang Tianhu
Published: April 2022

Objective. Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) has been demonstrated to be a potential chemoprevention agent for several cancers. Herein, we investigated the pharmacological function of Sal B on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) metastasis. Methods. Two NSCLC cell lines (NCI-H2030 and NCI-H1650) were disposed of by 200 μM Sal B or 10 μM PKM2 agonist TEPP-46. Wound healing and transwell experiments were implemented for analyzing migratory and invasive capacities. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers β-catenin and E-cadherin were measured via western blotting. Cellular bioenergetics were evaluated with glucose uptake, lactate production, enolase activity, cellular ATP levels, as well as seahorse-based oxygen consumption rate (OCR), extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) analysis. Metabolic reprogramming markers PKM2, LDHA, and GLUT1 were detected via western blotting and immunofluorescence. Results. The results showed that Sal B disposal weakened the migration and invasion of NCI-H2030 and NCI-H1650 cells and inactivated the EMT process according to downregulation of β-catenin and upregulation of E-cadherin. Sal B-treated NSCLC cells displayed decreased glucose uptake, lactate production, enolase activity, cellular ATP levels, OCR, and ECAR, indicating a reduction in metabolic reprogramming. Additionally, Sal B downregulated the expression of PKM2, LDHA, and GLUT1. TEPP-46 may reverse the inhibitory effect of Sal B on metastasis as well as metabolic reprogramming. Conclusion. Our findings provide evidence that Sal B enables to weaken NSCLC metastasis through PKM2-independent metabolic reprogramming, which sheds light on the promising therapeutic usage of Sal B in treating NSCLC.
Essential m6A Methylation Regulator HNRNPC Serves as a Targetable Biomarker for Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Jiajin , Wei Yuang , Miao Chenkui , Wang Songbo , Wang Xiaoyi , Wang Zengjun
Published: April 2022

m6A RNA modification is a common abundant posttranscriptional modification of mRNAs occurring in cancer growth and progression. Accumulated evidence has proved that HNRNPC, which acts as a m6A reader, plays an essential role in the promotion of cancer occurrence and development; nevertheless, the role of HNRNPC in papillary renal cell carcinoma remained to be discovered. In this study, we comprehensively identified HNRNPC as a hub gene involved in m6A modification in pRCC. Then, the expression level, survival outcomes, PPI network, function enrichment, immune cell infiltration, and single-cell analysis were performed. Finally, we found that HNRNPC significantly promoted renal cell carcinoma proliferation and migration in vitro. In conclusion, our work proved that HNRNPC may act as a momentous m6A regulator, as well as a potential targetable biomarker for pRCC.
Low‐Intensity Light‐Responsive Anticancer Activity of Platinum(II) Complex Nanocolloids on 2D and 3D In Vitro Cancer Cell Model
Authors: Vergaro Viviana , Baldassarre Francesca , De Castro Federica , Migoni Danilo , Dell’Anna Maria Michela , Mastrorilli Piero , Fanizzi Francesco Paolo , Ciccarella Giuseppe
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of low‐intensity visible light responsive nanocolloids of a Pt‐based drug using a 2D and three‐dimensional (3D) in vitro cancer cell model. Biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric nanocolloids, obtained using the ultrasonication method coupled with Layer by Layer technology, were characterized in terms of size (100 ± 20 nm), physical stability, drug loading (78%), and photoactivation through spectroscopy studies. The in vitro biological effects were assessed in terms of efficacy, apoptosis induction, and DNA‐Pt adducts formation. Biological experiments were performed both in dark and under visible light irradiation conditions, exploiting the complex photochemical properties. The light‐stimuli responsive nanoformulation gave a significant enhancement in drug bioactivity. This allowed us to achieve satisfying results by using nanomolar drug concentration (50 nM), which was ineffective in darkness condition. Furthermore, our nanocolloids were validated in 3D in vitro spheroids using confocal microscopy and cytofluorimetric assay to compare their behavior on culture in 2D monolayers. The obtained results confirmed that these nanocolloids are promising tools for delivering Pt‐based drugs.
Design and Implementation of Dancing Information Management System Based on Visual Processing
Authors: Peng Fentian
Published: April 2022

With the advent of the information age and the continuous updating of modern educational methods, the learning form of schools has developed into a diversified structure, and the status of network teaching in the modern educational mechanism has also been continuously improved, achieving irreplaceable results in modern teaching. The advantages of network teaching in its breadth and ubiquity have been recognized and now accepted by students. At present, most of the schools relax students’ study areas and increase students’ interest in self-directed learning. A good online teaching method is an educational method formed by comprehensive use of modern educational technology. To sum up, it is imperative to develop a system that is suitable for schools to manage many dance resource websites. The dance resource information management platform organically integrates related digital resources around a certain theme to form a resource combination covering text, pictures, audio, video, and other types of materials, specifically related to content associations and subject indexing. This dance digital resource information can be revealed from multiple dimensions through the information system. It is convenient for users to retrieve and browse various information. This method facilitates the interaction between teachers and students, thereby greatly improving the utilization rate of digital information resources. The three-dimensional teaching of dance classroom is realized. Through the platform, a wealth of characteristic dance resource information can be collected from all over the world. Through the system’s reorganization of dance information, value-added services of characteristic dance resources are realized, making the dance material novel and professional. The system has strong operability and practicability to achieve the integration of teaching design and diversification of learning applications.
Deformation Characteristics and Safety Evaluation of the Throw Filling Soft Clay Cofferdam under Super‐Historical Flood Conditions
Authors: Jiang Ping , Huang Yong , Tao Zhipeng , Zhu Junhua , Wang Ning , Qiao Jianwei
Published: April 2022

Affected by super‐historical flood, the surface deformation of throw filling soft clay cofferdam is obvious and the stability of the cofferdam slope is difficult to ensure. Relying on the cofferdam project of Jiangxi Xinjiang Shuanggang navigation power junction and according to the data of filed investigation and automatic monitoring, the Plaxis infinite element software is used to analyze the deformation characteristics and stabilities of cofferdam during the super‐historical flood period, and the effective emergency reinforcement measures are presented. The results show that (1) the stability of cofferdam is controlled by downstream face slope of cofferdam during the super‐historical flood period, and there is a most dangerous slide surface interpenetrating through the top to the toe of downstream face slope; (2) the stability of upstream face slope is influenced significantly by the water level fluctuation and it is reduced sharply during the water level decline process; and (3) real‐time remote monitoring can effectively reflect the deformation and failure characteristics of cofferdam under the condition of super‐historical flood level and provide early warning and prediction in time. The results and analyzing methods can be applied to analyze the similar projects excellently.
Dental Management of a Tunisian Child with Sanjad-Sakati Syndrome
Authors: Chouchene Farah , Ben Haj Khalifa Aymen , Masmoudi Fatma , Baaziz Ahlem , Maatouk Fethi , Ghedira Hichem
Published: April 2022

Sanjad-Sakati syndrome (SSS) is a rare autosomal recessive congenital disorder. The present case report is aimed at describing the orofacial manifestations and dental management of a 4-year seven-month-old, Tunisian boy with SSS. The patient has typical dysmorphic facial features and growth retardation. Intraoral examination revealed micrognathic mandible and maxilla, an arched palate, and small dental arches with an open bite. All the maxillary and mandibular teeth were decayed due to the poor oral hygiene, plaque accumulation, and enamel hypoplasia. Oral rehabilitation involved pulpotomies and root canal therapies on decayed teeth. Resin composite restorations were performed on maxillary and mandibular incisors, and stainless-steel crowns were placed on maxillary and mandibular first and second primary molars. Dental treatment of children with SSS should improve their quality of life and their general health. Undeveloped dental arches associated with dental anomalies as well as learning deficit make very difficult of the oral rehabilitation of such patients.
An Efficient Analytical Approach for the Periodicity of Nano/Microelectromechanical Systems’ Oscillators
Authors: Anjum Naveed , Ul Rahman Jamshaid , He Ji-Huan , Alam Md. Nur , Suleman Muhammad
Published: April 2022

Periodic behavior analysis of nano/microelectromechanical systems (N/MEMS) is an essential field owing to their many promising applications in microinstruments. The interesting and unique properties of these systems, particularly, small size, batch fabrication, low power consumption, and high reliability, have fascinated researchers and industries to implement these structures for the production of different microdevices. The dynamic oscillatory behavior of N/MEMS is very intricate due to the various types of nonlinearities present in these structures. The foremost objective of this study is to explore the periodicity of oscillatory problems from N/MEMS. The variational iteration method (VIM), which has been considered as an effective approach for nonlinear oscillators, is coupled with the Laplace transform to obtain the approximate analytic solution of these nonlinear vibratory systems with fewer computations. This coupling of VIM and Laplace transform not only helps in the identification of the Lagrange multiplier without getting into the details of the cryptic theory of variations, but also finds the frequency-amplitude relationship and the analytic approximate solution of N/MEMS. A generalized vibratory equation for N/MEMS is followed by three examples as special cases of this generalized equation are given to elucidate the effectivity of the coupling. The solution obtained from the Laplace-based VIM not only exhibits good agreement with observations numerically but also higher accuracy yields when compared to other established techniques in the open literature.
Evaluation of Airborne Asbestos Concentrations Associated with the Operation and Maintenance of Brakes and Clutches on Nonautomated Heavy Equipment
Authors: Sahmel J. , Avens H. , Ferracini T. , Banducci A. , Rickabaugh K.
Published: April 2022

This study evaluated the potential for chrysotile asbestos exposure during maintenance and operation of older, nonautomated heavy equipment with chrysotile‐containing brake and clutch linings. Recent reports indicate that such equipment may be in current use in the U.S. and other locations, including developing countries, due to its lower cost and ease of maintenance compared to newer equipment. Personal and area airborne fiber concentrations were measured for cranes with draglines during brake and clutch repair, equipment operation, shop cleanup, and clothes handling of the mechanic’s coveralls over a period of three days. The range of airborne chrysotile concentrations during the complete friction band replacement process, including band removal from the equipment, friction lining replacement, and reinstallation, ranged from 0.0053 to 0.0273 f/cc (phase contrast microscopy‐equivalent or PCME) over 3.3 to 6.2 hours. Additional bench work tasks, including electric wire brushing, hand sanding, riveting, and compressed air use were also performed. Full shift airborne chrysotile concentrations (6.1–8.5 hours) for all combined maintenance activities were 0.0093, 0.0414, and 0.0445 f/cc (PCME), on days 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Personal short‐term samples (14–36 minutes) for lining removal, installation, wire brushing, hand sanding, and compressed air use ranged from nondetect (ND) to 0.238 f/cc (PCME), below the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) 30‐minute excursion limit of 1 f/cc. Short‐term samples during crane operation, shop cleanup, and simulated laundry activities with the mechanic’s coveralls ranged from ND to 0.01 f/cc (PCME; 15–36 minutes). The results indicated that full‐shift measured airborne chrysotile concentrations during the brake and clutch maintenance activities evaluated remained below the U.S. 8‐hour time‐weighted average (TWA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) for asbestos of 0.1 f/cc. The results are likely to be relevant to farmers, construction workers, and vehicle maintenance workers historically, as well as today for those who choose to continue using and maintaining such equipment.
Colorectal Cancer Develops Inherent Radiosensitivity That Can Be Predicted Using Patient-Derived Organoids
Authors: Hsu Kuo-Shun , Adileh Mohammad , Martin Maria Laura , Makarov Vladimir , Chen Jiapeng , Wu Chao , Bodo Sahra , Klingler Stefan , Sauvé Charles-Etienne Gabriel , Szeglin Bryan C. , Smith J. Joshua , Fuks Zvi , Riaz Nadeem , Chan Timothy A. , Nishimura Makoto , Paty Philip B. , Kolesnick Richard
Published: April 2022

Identifying colorectal cancer patient populations responsive to chemotherapy or chemoradiation therapy before surgery remains a challenge. Recently validated mouse protocols for organoid irradiation employ the single hit multi-target (SHMT) algorithm, which yields a single value, the D0, as a measure of inherent tissue radiosensitivity. Here, we translate these protocols to human tissue to evaluate radioresponsiveness of patient-derived organoids (PDO) generated from normal human intestines and rectal tumors of patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy. While PDOs from adenomas with a logarithmically expanded Lgr5+ intestinal stem cell population retain the radioresistant phenotype of normal colorectal PDOs, malignant transformation yields PDOs from a large patient subpopulation displaying marked radiosensitivity due to reduced homologous recombination–mediated DNA repair. A proof-of-principle pilot clinical trial demonstrated that rectal cancer patient responses to neoadjuvant chemoradiation, including complete response, correlate closely with their PDO D0 values. Overall, upon transformation to colorectal adenocarcinoma, broad radiation sensitivity occurs in a large subset of patients that can be identified using SHMT analysis of PDO radiation responses.

Significance:

Analysis of inherent tissue radiosensitivity of patient-derived organoids may provide a readout predictive of neoadjuvant therapy response to radiation in rectal cancer, potentially allowing pretreatment stratification of patients likely to benefit from this approach.
ROADMAPS: An Online Database of Response Data, Dosing Regimens, and Toxicities of Approved Oncology Drugs as Single Agents to Guide Preclinical In Vivo Studies
Authors: Hollingshead Melinda G. , Greenberg Nathaniel , Gottholm-Ahalt Michelle , Camalier Richard , Johnson Barry C. , Collins Jerry M. , Doroshow James H.
Published: April 2022

Preclinical studies provide valuable data in the early development of novel drugs for patients with cancer. Many cancer treatment regimens now utilize multiple agents with different targets to delay the emergence of drug-resistant tumor cells, and experimental agents are often evaluated in combination with FDA-approved drugs. The Biological Testing Branch (BTB) of the U.S. NCI has evaluated more than 70 FDA-approved oncology drugs to date in human xenograft models. Here, we report the first release of a publicly available, downloadable spreadsheet, ROADMAPS (Responses to Oncology Agents and Dosing in Models to Aid Preclinical Studies, dtp.cancer.gov/databases_tools/roadmaps.htm), that provides data filterable by agent, dose, dosing schedule, route of administration, tumor models tested, responses, host mouse strain, maximum weight loss, drug-related deaths, and vehicle formulation for preclinical experiments conducted by the BTB. Data from 70 different single targeted and cytotoxic agents and 140 different xenograft models were included. Multiple xenograft models were tested in immunocompromised mice for many cancer histologies, with lung cancer as the most broadly tested (24 models). Many of the dose levels and schedules used in these experiments were comparable with those tolerated in humans. Targeted and cytotoxic single agents were included. The online spreadsheet will be updated periodically as additional agent/dose/model combinations are evaluated. ROADMAPS is intended to serve as a publicly available resource for the research community to inform the design of clinically relevant, tolerable single and combinatorial regimens in preclinical mouse models.

Significance:

ROADMAPS includes data that can be used to identify tolerable dosing regimens with activity against a variety of human tumors in different mouse strains, providing a resource for planning preclinical studies.
EXOC4 Promotes Diffuse-Type Gastric Cancer Metastasis via Activating FAK Signal
Authors: Li Haojie , Fu Xuhong , Zhao Junjie , Li Chen , Li Lingmeng , Xia Peiyan , Guo Jianping , Wei Wenyi , Zeng Rong , Wu Jiarui , Sun Yihong , Huang Liyu , Wang Xuefei
Published: April 2022

In comparison with intestinal-type gastric cancer, diffuse-type gastric cancer (DGC) is more likely to recur, metastasize, and exhibit worse clinical outcomes; however, the underlying mechanism of DGC recurrence remains elusive. By employing an LC/MS-MS proteomic approach, we identified that exocyst complex component 4 (EXOC4) was significantly upregulated in DGC with recurrence, compared to those with nonrecurrence. High expression of EXOC4 was correlated with tumor metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with DGC. Moreover, EXOC4 promoted cell migration and invasion as well as the tumor metastasis of DGC cells. Mechanistically, EXOC4 regulated the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) at Y397 sites by stimulating the secretion of integrin α5/β1/EGF and enhancing the interaction of FAK and integrin or EGFR. The FAK inhibitor VS-4718 reversed the metastasis mediated by EXOC4 overexpression and suppressed the tumor growth of patient-derived xenografts derived from DGC with high EXOC4 expression. The EXOC4–FAK axis could be a potential therapeutic target for patients with DGC with high expression of EXOC4.

Implications:

The EXOC4–FAK axis promoted DGC metastasis and could be a potential therapeutic target for patients with DGC.
Metabolic and Metabolomics Insights into Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ampong Isaac
Published: April 2022

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common form of heart muscle disease characterized by progressive dilatation and ventricular dysfunction. Metabolomics is an emerging and powerful discipline that provides a global information on the phenotype of mammalian systems via the study of endogenous and exogenous metabolites in cells, tissues, and biofluids. These studies aid in the identification of biomarkers to prevent diseases in later life or help to early detect onset of diseases as well as aiding in the elucidation of disease mechanisms. Summary: Metabolomics provides a unique opportunity to discover novel biomarkers for DCM. This review demonstrates evidence of metabolite-based biomarkers useful for predicting, diagnosing, and monitoring therapeutic interventions of DCM. Key metabolites identified as potential biomarkers for diagnosing DCM include acylcarnitines, succinic acid, malate, methylhistidine, aspartate, methionine, and phenylalanine. In terms of differentiating DCM from ischemic cardiomyopathy, potential biomarkers including 1-pyrroline-2-carboxylate, norvaline, lysophosphatidylinositol (16:0/0:0), phosphatidylglycerol, fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acid, and phosphatidylcholine were identified. Acylcarnitines, isoleucine and linoleic acid, and tryptophan were the main biomarkers to monitor treatment response to DCM. Mapping metabolites to metabolic pathways revealed dysregulation of branch-chain amino acid, glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and triacylglycerol and pentose phosphate metabolism, which have the therapeutic potential for DCM. This review shows several limitations including the use of small sample sizes, lack of interpretation of age and sex differences in most studies, and the fact that studies have so far been limited to case-control study designs. Key Messages: Metabolites have close proximity to disease phenotype. With recent advances in metabolomics field, potential biomarkers for DCM have been identified based on studies using different biological and metabolomics technologies. However, multicenter studies with larger populations that will lead to validation of these identified biomarkers to enable their clinical translation and utilization are still needed.
Faustino Xavier de Novais: um passeur culturel nos trópicos
Authors: Oliveira Aline Cristina
Published: April 2022

Este trabalho intenta ofertar uma breve biografia intelectual do poeta e jornalista português Faustino Xavier de Novais, que emigrou para o Brasil em 1858. A partir de uma investigação em fontes primárias, foi possível observar que Faustino desempenhou a função de mediador cultural desde a sua juventude, em Portugal, até sua morte, em 1869, no Brasil.  Considerando-se que o periodismo nacional oitocentista era formado por uma intelectualidade luso-brasileira, pensar as transferências culturais é traçar um tripé que atrela as práticas da imigração, do jornalismo periódico e os agentes mediadores dessas trocas.
Nas grandes e pequenas folhas: Álvares de Azevedo na imprensa lusa oitocentista
Authors: Santos Natália Gonçalves de Souza
Published: April 2022

Este artigo discute a recepção do escritor brasileiro Álvares de Azevedo na imprensa acadêmica de Coimbra. No intuito de melhor compreender as possíveis especificidades dos periódicos estudantis, o texto retoma, inicialmente, a perspectiva geral assumida pela imprensa lusa em relação à nascente literatura brasileira e alguns exemplos da abordagem conferida ao autor na grande imprensa, em especial, os escritos de Lopes de Mendonça. É à luz desse percurso que se discute como a poesia alvaresiana foi interpretada pelos acadêmicos coimbrenses.
Amanitaceous fungi of central Western Ghats: taxonomy, phylogeny, and six new reports to Indian mycobiota
Authors: Kantharaja Rangappa , Maddappa Krishnappa
Published: April 2022

The study presents nine species from the family Amanitaceae collected during field work in Western Ghats forests of Karnataka State, of which six species (Amanita ballerina, A. franzii, A. griseofusca, A. lignitincta, Saproamanita manicata, and S. praeclara) are newly recorded from India. Descriptions, illustrations, molecular phylogenetics of all species, and brief discussions on distinguishing characters, ecology, & distribution are provided.
Acetylsalicylic Acid Is Associated With a Lower Prevalence of Ascending Aortic Aneurysm and a Decreased Aortic Expression of Cyclooxygenase 2
Authors: Granath Carl , Freiholtz David , Bredin Fredrik , Olsson Christian , Franco‐Cereceda Anders , Björck Hanna M.
Published: April 2022

Background

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) therapy has been associated with a reduced prevalence and growth rate of abdominal as well as intracranial aneurysms, but the relationship between ASA and ascending aortic aneurysm formation remains largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether ASA therapy is associated with a lower prevalence of ascending aortic aneurysm in a surgical cohort.

Methods and Results

One thousand seven hundred patients undergoing open‐heart surgery for ascending aortic aneurysm and/or aortic valve disease were studied in this retrospective cross‐sectional study. Aortic dilatation was defined as an aortic root or ascending aortic diameter ≥45 mm. Medications were self‐reported by the patients in a systematic questionnaire. Cyclooxygenase gene expression was measured in the intima‐media portion of the ascending aorta (n=117). In a multivariable analysis, ASA was associated with a reduced prevalence of ascending aortic aneurysm (relative risk, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.48–0.95],
P
=0.026) in patients with tricuspid aortic valves, but not in patients with bicuspid aortic valves (relative risk, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.64–1.34],
P
=0.687). Intima‐media cyclooxygenase expression was positively correlated with ascending aortic dimensions (
P
<0.001 for cyclooxygenase‐1 and
P
=0.05 for cyclooxygenase‐2). In dilated, but not nondilated tricuspid aortic valve aortic specimens, ASA was associated with significantly lower cyclooxygenase‐2 levels (
P
=0.034).

Conclusions

Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that ASA treatment may attenuate ascending aortic aneurysmal growth, possibly via cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibition in the ascending aortic wall and subsequent anti‐inflammatory actions.
Incremental Prognosis by Left Atrial Functional Assessment: The Left Atrial Coupling Index in Patients With Floppy Mitral Valves
Authors: Essayagh Benjamin , Benfari Giovanni , Antoine Clémence , Maalouf Joseph , Pislaru Sorin , Thapa Prabin , Michelena Hector I. , Enriquez‐Sarano Maurice
Published: April 2022

Background

Emerging data suggest important prognostic value to left atrial (LA) characteristics, but the independent impact of LA function on outcome remains unsubstantiated. Thus, we aimed to define the incremental prognostic value of LA coupling index (LACI), coupling volumetric and mechanical LA characteristics and calculated as the ratio of left atrial volume index to tissue Doppler imaging a′, in a large cohort of patients with isolated floppy mitral valve.

Methods and Results

All consecutive 4792 patients (61±16 years, 48% women) with isolated floppy mitral valve in sinus rhythm diagnosed at Mayo Clinic from 2003 to 2011, comprehensively characterized and with prospectively measured left atrial volume index and tissue Doppler imaging a′ in routine practice, were enrolled, and their long‐term survival analyzed. Overall, LACI was 5.8±3.7 and was <5 in 2422 versus ≥5 in 2370 patients. LACI was independently higher with older age, more mitral regurgitation (no 3.8±2.3, mild 5.1±3.0, moderate 6.5±3.8, and severe 7.8±4.3), and with diastolic (higher E/e′) and systolic (higher end‐systolic dimension) left ventricular dysfunction (all
P
≤0.0001). At diagnosis, higher LACI was associated with more severe presentation (more dyspnea, more severe functional tricuspid regurgitation, and elevated pulmonary artery pressure, all
P
≤0.0001) independently of age, sex, comorbidity index, ventricular function, and mitral regurgitation severity. During 7.0±3.0 years follow‐up, 1146 patients underwent mitral valve surgery (94% repair, 6% replacement), and 880 died, 780 under medical management. In spline curve analysis, LACI ≥5 was identified as the threshold for excess mortality, with much reduced 10‐year survival under medical management (60±2% versus 85±1% for LACI <5,
P
<0.0001), even after comprehensive adjustment (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.10–1.53] for LACI ≥5;
P
=0.002). Association of LACI ≥5 with higher mortality persisted, stratifying by mitral regurgitation severity of LA enlargement grade (all
P
<0.001) and after propensity‐score matching (
P
=0.02). Multiple statistical methods confirmed the significant incremental predictive power of LACI over left atrial volume index (all
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions

LA functional assessment by LACI in routine practice is achievable in a large number of patients with floppy mitral valve using conventional Doppler echocardiographic measurements. Higher LACI is associated with worse clinical presentation, but irrespective of baseline characteristics, LACI is strongly, independently, and incrementally determinant of outcome, demonstrating the crucial importance of LA functional response to mitral valve disease.
Microcirculatory Function in Nonhypertrophic and Hypertrophic Myocardium in Patients With Aortic Valve Stenosis
Authors: Sabbah Muhammad , Olsen Niels Thue , Minkkinen Mikko , Holmvang Lene , Tilsted Hans‐Henrik , Pedersen Frants , Joshi Francis R. , Ahtarovski Kiril , Sørensen Rikke , Linde Jesper James , Søndergaard Lars , Pijls Nico , Lønborg Jacob , Engstrøm Thomas
Published: April 2022

Background

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has often been supposed to be associated with abnormal myocardial blood flow and resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate and quantify the physiological and pathological changes in myocardial blood flow and microcirculatory resistance in patients with and without LVH attributable to severe aortic stenosis.

Methods and Results

Absolute coronary blood flow and microvascular resistance were measured using a novel technique with continuous thermodilution and infusion of saline. In addition, myocardial mass was assessed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Fifty‐three patients with aortic valve stenosis were enrolled in the study. In 32 patients with LVH, hyperemic blood flow per gram of tissue was significantly decreased compared with 21 patients without LVH (1.26±0.48 versus 1.66±0.65 mL·min
−1
·g
−1
;
P
=0.018), whereas minimal resistance indexed for left ventricular mass was significantly increased in patients with LVH (63 [47–82] versus 43 [35–63] Wood Units·kg;
P
=0.014).

Conclusions

Patients with LVH attributable to severe aortic stenosis had lower hyperemic blood flow per gram of myocardium and higher minimal myocardial resistance compared with patients without LVH.
Endovascular Treatment May Benefit Patients With Low Baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score: Results From the MR CLEAN Registry
Authors: Kappelhof Manon , Jansen Ivo G.H. , Ospel Johanna M. , Yoo Albert J. , Beenen Ludo F.M. , Roosendaal Stefan D. , Mulder Maxim J.H.L. , Martens Jasper M. , Postma Alida A. , Dippel Diederik W.J. , van Zwam Wim H. , Berkhemer Olvert A. , Marquering Henk A. , Majoie Charles B.L.M. ,   the MR CLEAN Registry Investigators
Published: April 2022

Background

Current American guidelines are uncertain regarding endovascular treatment (EVT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke with an Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) <6. Dutch guidelines do not specify ASPECTS‐based exclusion criteria for EVT. In this retrospective observational cohort study, we investigated outcomes of EVT in patients with low ASPECTS in the MR CLEAN (Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in The Netherlands) registry.

Methods

ASPECTS was trichotomized into 0 to 2, 3 to 5, and 6 to 10, according to the grouping used in the ongoing trials. The effect of ASPECTS (granular and trichotomized) on 90‐day functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was assessed with multivariable logistic regression. We included multiplicative interaction terms to evaluate treatment interaction between ASPECTS and reperfusion (extended thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score 2B‐3) as a proxy for EVT.

Results

Among 3075 included patients, higher ASPECTS was associated with improved functional outcome (granular: adjusted common odds ratio [acOR], 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02–1.10; trichotomized: acOR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.23–1.87). Interaction with reperfusion was not significant (
P
=0.99 for granular,
P
=0.76 for trichotomized ASPECTS). All ASPECTS subgroups showed benefit of reperfusion (0–2 [n = 39]: acOR, 7.40; 95% CI, 1.41–18.68; 3–5 [n = 214]: acOR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.13–3.34; 6–10 [n = 2822]: acOR, 2.41; 95% CI, 2.08–2.80). ASPECTS was not associated with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (granular: acOR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.92–1.10, trichotomized: acOR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.60–1.41).

Conclusion

Benefit of reperfusion was not modified by baseline ASPECTS. Patients in all ASPECTS subgroups showed benefit of reperfusion. These findings do not support withholding EVT on the basis of low ASPECTS only.
Description of five new eulophid species (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) associated with leaf vein galls of Madhuca longifolia (J. Koenig) (Sapotaceae) in India
Authors: SINGH SUDHIR , KUMAR ARVIND , KANERIA MANISH
Published: April 2022

Five species of eulophids were reared from the leaf vein galls of Madhuca longifolia (Koenig) (Sapotaceae), which is a multipurpose tree in the tropical forests of India. Surveys from 2015 to 2018 in the states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand revealed that M. longifolia were heavily galled. Rearing of galls during 2015–16 resulted in emergence of only one species of Selitrichodes (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), but in subsequent rearings during 2017 to 2018 an additional 4 eulophid species were found to be associated with these galls. Two species belonged to genus Aprostocetus Westwood, one to genus Quadrastichus Girault and one to Chrysonotomyia Ashmead. All five species—Selitrichodes madhucae Singh & Kaneria sp. nov., Aprostocetus madhucae Singh sp. nov., A. dehradunensis Singh sp. nov., Quadrastichus manmohani Singh sp. nov. and Chrysonotomyia madhucae Singh sp. nov. are new to science and described from both female and male specimens. Some observations on their biology are also given.
The genus Pseudohemiodon (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) in Ecuador, with the description of a new species
Authors: PROVENZANO-RIZZI FRANCISCO , ARGÜELLO PABLO , BARRIGA-SALAZAR RAMIRO
Published: April 2022

At the Fish Collection of the Museo de la Escuela Politecnica Nacional (MEPN), Quito, the specimens of the genus Pseudohemiodon were revised and three species were identified. The three species inhabit the Amazon versant of Ecuador. Chronologically the species are: P. lamina (Günther 1868) originally described from Xeberos (Jeberos), Peru; P. apithanos Isbrücker & Nijssen 1978, originally described from the Conejo River, Putumayo River system, Ecuador, and a new species described herein. The new species was caught in the Aguarico River, Napo River system, and is represented by two small sized specimens. It is distinguished from all congeners by the combination of the following characters: abdomen totally covered with small to medium-sized, irregularly shaped plates; absence of small plates, anterior to gill openings; eyes relatively small, and six to seven dark transverse bands, posterior to the dorsal-fin. Isbrücker & Nijssen (1978) indicate the presence of P. laticeps (Regan 1904) in Ecuador; however we didn’t find any specimen of this species. The specimens that could potentially be identified as P. laticeps are large sized specimens of P. apithanos. Some external morphological characters, morphometric and meristic data of analyzed specimens of P. apithanos and P. lamina are provided.
A Proposed Generalized Method of Moment Estimation of the Panel Vector Autoregressive Model with Missing Data
Authors: Rady El-Housainy A. , Abdallah Mohamed , Abonazel Mohamed R.
Published: April 2022

Estimation methods to handle missing data problems in various panel data models are rarely discussed. However in the panel vector autoregressive model, there is no estimator to handling this type of problems. The traditional treatment for cases of involving incomplete data is to use generalized method of moment estimation based only on the available data without imputation the missing data. Thus, this study introduces a generalized method of moment estimator for the panel vector autoregressive model for solving problems involving incomplete dataset. Our proposed estimator is based on mean imputation with generalized method of moment estimation to achieve more efficiency. The statistical properties of the proposed estimator are presented. Additionally, real data application is used to investigate the efficiency of the proposed estimator compared with the traditional generalized method of moment estimator. The results showed that the proposed estimator is better than the traditional generalized method of moment estimator, even if the percentage of missing data is up to 40%.
Optimal Reactive Power Allocation in Distribution Grid with Emphasis on Voltage Stability Using Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Hosseini Rostami Seyyed Mohammad , Jafari Ahmad , Darvish Mohamadreza , Tari Mahdie
Published: April 2022

The structured environment requires an appropriate solution to reactive power management. During the restructuring of the electricity industry, power systems were divided into three main parts: generation, transmission, and distribution companies, coordinated by an independent system
operator. Active power is the most important commodity traded in the electricity market. The independent operator of the grid has the duty of providing the necessary conditions for the realization of energy contracts on the transmission grid at any time. The arrangements that are considered
for the production and delivery of energy to the consumer are called ancillary services. Among the various ancillary services required in a competitive market, reactive power services to control the bus voltage are among the most important services provided by the system operator. Lack of
reactive power in the grid is one of the factors that limit the fulfillment of energy contracts and can even endanger the security and voltage stability in the grid. In references, by assuming the results of the active power market is constant, the optimal load of reactive power is distributed.
This model always entitles the generator to receive cost for the reactive power needed to stabilize its active energy.
Synoptic Connections and Impacts of 14-Day Extreme Precipitation Events in the United States
Authors: Schroers Melanie , Martin Elinor
Published: April 2022

Long periods of extreme precipitation can cause costly damages to a region’s infrastructure while also creating a higher risk for the region’s population. Planning for these periods would ideally begin at the subseasonal-to-seasonal time scale, yet prediction of precipitation at this time scale has low skill. In this study, we will use Jennrich et al.’s database of 14-day extreme precipitation events to understand more about the synoptic connections and impacts of these extended extreme events. The synoptic connections of events were examined using the composites of event-day 500-hPa geopotential height and precipitable water anomalies. The combination of these two drivers leads to higher skill in the West Coast and Great Lakes than other regions, with an equitable threat score of 0.137 and 0.084, respectively, and higher conditional probabilities of event occurrence. Therefore, the synoptic patterns associated with events, although significant, are not unique, which poses prediction challenges. Historical impacts of these events, using NCEI storm reports, were assessed to benefit decision-makers in future risk mitigation. A variety of reports were found during events, from winter weather reports in West Coast events to tropical storm reports in Southeast events. Every region has significantly more flooding reports during events than in nonextreme 14-day periods, demonstrating the impacts of such extended events. Although there is still much to learn about extreme precipitation events, this study contributes to the foundational knowledge of synoptic drivers and impacts of events.
The Characteristics and Variability of Intraseasonal Coastal Kelvin Waves in the Bay of Bengal under Hindcast Conditions and the RCP8.5 Scenario
Authors: Zhang Zheen , Pohlmann Thomas , Chen Xueen
Published: April 2022

The characteristics and variability of intraseasonal internal coastal Kelvin waves (CKWs) along the Bay of Bengal (BoB) waveguide are investigated in the context of global warming by employing a regional ocean model. The analyzed period covers 120 years from 1980 to 2099, which includes the historical scenario and the RCP8.5 scenario. CKW information is successfully extracted from the temperature anomalies along the pycnocline by applying a newly developed methodology. The analysis reveals that intraseasonal CKWs in the BoB are highly in accordance with the intraseasonal zonal wind stress in the western equatorial Indian Ocean; the downwelling CKW lags the equatorial intraseasonal westerly winds, and the upwelling CKW lags the equatorial intraseasonal easterly winds. The CKWs significantly affect subsurface characteristics at the eastern BoB boundary, and the weakening of CKWs near the Irrawaddy Delta tip is a general feature occurring in the subsurface. With respect to the long-term scale, the occurrence of significant CKWs is predicted to be more frequent in the future under the high emissions pathway. Remarkably, the monthly climatology of CKWs varies over time; unlike the first two 30-yr analyzed periods, significant CKWs are predicted to mainly occur around August during the last two 30-yr periods due to the corresponding variabilities in the equatorial wind field, suggesting that the BoB characteristics may greatly deviate from the current climatological state.
Damage Analysis and Close-Range Radar Observations of the 13 April 2019 Greenwood Springs, Mississippi, Tornado during VORTEX-SE Meso18-19
Authors: Lyza Anthony W. , Goudeau Barrett T. , Knupp Kevin R.
Published: April 2022

A tornado outbreak occurred across the Southeast United States on 13–14 April 2019, during the Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment–Southeast (VORTEX-SE) Meso18-19 experiment. Among the most noteworthy events was a pair of large tornadoes in Monroe County, Mississippi, near the Columbus Air Force Base (GWX) Weather Surveillance Radar–1988 Doppler (WSR-88D). The second tornado, near the Greenwood Springs community, formed within the “no data” region near the radar and passed about 900 m to its east, rapidly strengthening into an intense tornado. This tornado produced forest devastation and electrical infrastructure damage up to at least EF4 intensity. The maximum radial velocity from GWX was 81.5 m s−1 (182 mph) in a resolution volume centered at 56 m (183 ft) above radar level. This paper presents a damage survey of the Greenwood Springs tornado and compares this assessment to the GWX data. A displacement of the maximum forest damage from the maximum radial velocity, despite the radar beam sampling <100 m ARL, is documented, as well as other likely effects of debris loading by the tornado on the observed radar signatures. The radar observations are placed into context with past mobile radar studies to illustrate the unique nature of this dataset. The relationship between radar data and damage observations, the implications for tornado structure in rough terrain and land cover, and the use of forest damage and radar data in tornado intensity estimation are discussed.

Significance Statement

This study showcases radar and damage observations of an intense tornado in a forested region of Mississippi. The formation of the tornado within 1 km of a WSR-88D allowed for near-surface radar observations to be collected as significant tree destruction was occurring. Doppler velocities below 60 m above radar level (ARL), near tree canopy top, exceeded 80 m s−1. Tree damage patterns were complicated while the tornado was near maximum intensity. The most severe tree damage was notably displaced from the highest radar-observed velocities, despite the radar sampling as low as 45 m ARL. These findings highlight challenges in utilizing radar data to estimate tornado intensity and structure, particularly in a region of relatively high surface and terrain roughness.