bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compliance of e-cigarette refill liquids with regulations on labelling, packaging and technical design characteristics in nine European member states
Authors: Girvalaki Charis , Vardavas Alexander , Tzatzarakis Manolis , Kyriakos Christina N , Nikitara Katerina , Tsatsakis Aristidis M , Vardavas Constantine I
Published: September 2019

Objective

To evaluate electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) product compliance with European regulations (Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), Implementing Decisions), with a focus on labelling/packaging practices and technical design/safety features.

Methods

Before the implementation of the TPD, in early 2016, we randomly selected e-cigarette refill liquids from the five top-selling companies in France, Poland, Germany, Netherlands, UK, Spain, Romania, Hungary and Greece. Identical products were purchased after the implementation of the TPD (early 2018) and assessment of compliance was performed on self-matched samples (n=107) using a prospective cohort design. Compliance with the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) regulations was also evaluated.

Results

Following the implementation of the TPD, improvements were noted with regards to the existence of text-only warnings (32.7% pre vs 86.0% post, p<0.001), child-resistant fastenings (93.3% pre vs 100.0% post, p=0.016), tamper-proof vials (58.9% pre vs 86.9%, post p<0.001) and maximum refill volume ≤10 mL in vials (86.9% pre vs 94.4% post, p=0.008). Lower compliance was noted with regards to the inclusion of a leaflet (26.2% pre vs 53.3% post, p<0.001), refilling instructions (28.0% pre vs 51.4% post, p<0.001) and health warnings on the box, vial or leaflet (32.7% pre vs 86.0%, p<0.001). Overall, 86.0% of products had a warning label in the post-TPD phase in comparison to 32.7% of products before the implementation of the TPD (p<0.001). Compliance with the CLP regulations, also increased in the post TPD follow-up phase.

Conclusions

This is the first study to evaluate the level of implementation of the e-cigarette regulations in nine EU member states. Our results indicate that refill liquids had substantial but not full compliance in most of the characteristics evaluated. Further effort is needed to ensure complete compliance.
Supersymmetry and the collider dark matter picture
Authors: Lorenz Jeanette Miriam
Published: September 2019

One of the key questions in particle physics and astrophysics is the nature of dark matter, the existence of which has been confirmed in many astrophysical and cosmological observations. Besides direct and indirect detection experiments, collider searches for dark matter offer the unique possibility to not only detect dark matter particles but in the case of discovery to also study their properties by making statements about the potential underlying theory. The search program for dark matter at the ATLAS and CMS experiments at the Large Hadron Collider is comprehensive, and includes both supersymmetric dark matter candidates and other alternatives. This review presents the latest status in these searches, with special focus on supersymmetric dark matter particles.
Bose–Einstein condensate of ultra-light axions as a candidate for the dark matter galaxy halos
Authors: Berman Gennady P. , Gorshkov Vyacheslav N. , Tsifrinovich Vladimir I. , Merkli Marco , Wang Xidi
Published: September 2019

We suggest that the dark matter halo in some of the spiral galaxies can be described as the ground state of the Bose–Einstein condensate of ultra-light self-gravitating axions. We have also developed an effective “dissipative” algorithm for the solution of nonlinear integro-differential Schrödinger equation describing self-gravitating Bose–Einstein condensate. The mass of an ultra-light axion is estimated.
Quantum yields of singlet oxygen of tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin in different solvents
Authors: Liu Shuai , Hu Yue , Hu Cun , Xiong Yan , Duan Ming
Published: September 2019

The singlet oxygen quantum yields of photosensitizers in different solvents are very important for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Here, we investigated the singlet oxygen quantum yields of tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) in various solvents by the iodide method. Results indicate that TCPP has different singlet oxygen formation efficiency in different solvents. When compared to TCPP dissolved in water, TCPP showed higher singlet oxygen yields in methanol and ethanol, but lower singlet oxygen yields in DMF under identical conditions. In particular, TCPP rapidly precipitated in acetone after potassium iodide added in the solution. The salting out effect of TCPP by potassium iodide in acetone was confirmed by re-dissolving the precipitation in water and the characteristic absorption of TCPP was measured. The phenomenon of salting out for TCPP in acetone suggests that acetone is not a good solvent for singlet oxygen generation when evaluated by the iodide method.
A multidisciplinary approach to sediment provenance analysis of the late Silurian–Devonian Lower Old Red Sandstone succession, northern Midland Valley Basin, Scotland
Authors: McKellar Z. , Hartley A. J. , Morton A. C. , Frei D.
Published: September 2019

Sediment provenance analysis is important in reconstructing chronological and spatial relationships between source area erosion/exhumation and sediment deposition in adjacent basins. Here we provide new provenance data from conglomerate clast populations, sandstone petrography, heavy mineral assemblages and U–Pb detrital zircon geochronology from the 9 km-thick, Siluro-Devonian Lower Old Red Sandstone (LORS), northern Midland Valley Basin (MVB), Scotland. The MVB developed in the foreland to the Caledonian Orogeny and comprises a mixed succession of conglomerate and pebbly sandstone interbedded with volcanic lithologies. Analysis of 554 samples (137 petrographical thin sections across 22 formations/members; 390 conglomerate clast recordings across 7 locations; 17 heavy mineral and 10 detrital zircon samples) from the entire succession shows a proximal, consistent source or sources located to the east or NE. These results indicate that sediment derived directly from areas of Scandian uplift of Norwegian lithologies is unlikely to have made a significant contribution to the LORS of the northern MVB and the provenance instead lies more proximally in both the neighbouring Dalradian Supergroup metasedimentary rocks and other contemporaneous lithologies. The coarse-grained nature of the sedimentary rocks suggests consistent and continued uplift of these lithologies throughout deposition of the LORS. Integration of these provenance techniques allows robust interpretation of basin fill from a tectonically rejuvenating source in the Caledonian foreland.

Supplementary material:
MVB LORS palaeocurrent data; List of sample locations is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4661966
Understanding the Influences of Past Experience on Trust in Human-agent Teamwork
Authors: Hafizoğlu Feyza Merve , Sen Sandip
Published: September 2019

People use the knowledge acquired from past experiences in assessing the trustworthiness of a trustee. In a time where the agents are being increasingly accepted as
partners
in collaborative efforts and activities, it is critical to understand all aspects of human trust development in agent partners. For human-agent virtual ad hoc teams to be effective, humans must be able to trust their agent counterparts. To earn the humans’ trust, agents need to quickly develop an understanding of the expectation of human team members and adapt accordingly. This study empirically investigates the impact of past experience on human trust in and reliance on agent teammates. To do so, we developed a team coordination game, the Game of Trust (GoT), in which two players repeatedly cooperate to complete team tasks without prior assignment of subtasks. The effects of past experience on human trust are evaluated by performing an extensive set of controlled experiments with participants recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk, a crowdsourcing marketplace. We collect both teamwork performance data as well as surveys to gauge participants’ trust in their agent teammates. The results show that positive (negative) past experience increases (decreases) human trust in agent teammates; lack of past experience leads to higher trust levels compared to positive past experience; positive (negative) past experience facilitates (hinders) reliance on agent teammates; the relationship between trust in and reliance on agent teammates is not always correlated. These findings provide clear and significant evidence of the influence of key factors on human trust in virtual agent teammates and enhance our understanding of the changes in human trust in peer-level agent teammates with respect to past experience.
Resource Management in Fog/Edge Computing
Authors: Hong Cheol-Ho , Varghese Blesson
Published: September 2019

Contrary to using distant and centralized cloud data center resources, employing decentralized resources at the edge of a network for processing data closer to user devices, such as smartphones and tablets, is an upcoming computing paradigm, referred to as fog/edge computing. Fog/edge resources are typically resource-constrained, heterogeneous, and dynamic compared to the cloud, thereby making resource management an important challenge that needs to be addressed. This article reviews publications as early as 1991, with 85% of the publications between 2013 and 2018, to identify and classify the architectures, infrastructure, and underlying algorithms for managing resources in fog/edge computing.
A Systematic Review on Cloud Testing
Authors: Bertolino Antonia , Angelis Guglielmo De , Gallego Micael , García Boni , Gortázar Francisco , Lonetti Francesca , Marchetti Eda
Published: September 2019

A systematic literature review is presented that surveyed the topic of cloud testing over the period 2012--2017. Cloud testing can refer either to testing cloud-based systems (testing of the cloud) or to leveraging the cloud for testing purposes (testing in the cloud): both approaches (and their combination into testing of the cloud in the cloud) have drawn research interest. An extensive paper search was conducted by both automated query of popular digital libraries and snowballing, which resulted in the final selection of 147 primary studies. Along the survey, a framework has been incrementally derived that classifies cloud testing research among six main areas and their topics. The article includes a detailed analysis of the selected primary studies to identify trends and gaps, as well as an extensive report of the state-of-the-art as it emerges by answering the identified Research Questions. We find that cloud testing is an active research field, although not all topics have received enough attention and conclude by presenting the most relevant open research challenges for each area of the classification framework.
Formal Specification and Verification of Autonomous Robotic Systems
Authors: Luckcuck Matt , Farrell Marie , Dennis Louise A. , Dixon Clare , Fisher Michael
Published: September 2019

Autonomous robotic systems are complex, hybrid, and often safety critical; this makes their formal specification and verification uniquely challenging. Though commonly used, testing and simulation alone are insufficient to ensure the correctness of, or provide sufficient evidence for the certification of, autonomous robotics. Formal methods for autonomous robotics have received some attention in the literature, but no resource provides a current overview. This article systematically surveys the state of the art in formal specification and verification for autonomous robotics. Specially, it identifies and categorizes the challenges posed by, the formalisms aimed at, and the formal approaches for the specification and verification of autonomous robotics.
Multisensory Integration as a Window into Orderly and Disrupted Cognition and Communication
Authors: Wallace Mark T. , Woynaroski Tiffany G. , Stevenson Ryan A.
Published: September 2019

During our everyday lives, we are confronted with a vast amount of information from several sensory modalities. This multisensory information needs to be appropriately integrated for us to effectively engage with and learn from our world. Research carried out over the last half century has provided new insights into the way such multisensory processing improves human performance and perception; the neurophysiological foundations of multisensory function; the time course for its development; how multisensory abilities differ in clinical populations; and, most recently, the links between multisensory processing and cognitive abilities. This review summarizes the extant literature on multisensory function in typical and atypical circumstances, discusses the implications of the work carried out to date for theory and research, and points toward next steps for advancing the field.
Unsuspected Protumorigenic Signaling Role for the Oncometabolite GABA in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Taylor Renea A. , Watt Matthew J.
Published: September 2019

Elucidating the events that underpin the transition from androgen-dependent to castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains a clinical challenge. In this issue of Cancer Research, Gao and colleagues identify that the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt is upregulated with the onset of CRPC, via phosphorylation and activation of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) 65. Overproduction of GABA, an oncometabolite, can directly regulate nuclear androgen receptor signaling to drive tumorigenesis, thereby providing a link between aberrant metabolism and protumorigenic signaling in advanced prostate cancer. The findings from this study support exploring the GABA shunt, GAD65 in particular, as a molecular target in the treatment of CRPC.

See related article by Gao et al., p. 4638
Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia Attenuation via Targeted Lung Denervation in Sheep and Humans
Authors: Valipour Arschang , Mayse Martin L. , Peterson Alexander D. , Johnson Philip J. , Rouw Kristina T. , Asadi Sherwin , Hummel James P.
Published: September 2019

Background: Targeted lung denervation (TLD) is a novel bronchoscopic therapy that disrupts parasympathetic pulmonary nerve input to the lung. Parasympathetic input to the heart originating from the lungs contributes to respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and disruption of pulmonary nerves via TLD may impact RSA. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the potential of TLD to affect RSA in sheep and humans. Methods: TLD was performed in 5 sheep and 9 humans using a novel lung denervation system (Nu­vaira Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) with an electrocardiogram collected before and after the procedure. Frequency domain analysis of heart rate variability was performed in 5 sheep and 6 humans with presence of RSA approximated as high-frequency power (HF power). Results: HF power decreased in 3 of 5 sheep with 1 animal reaching less than 7% of its baseline HF power 30 days after TLD. The average treatment location was more distal in the remaining 2 animals, which did not exhibit RSA attenuation, suggesting diminished denervation. HF power decreased in 5 of 6 humans, with 3 subjects reaching less than 50% of their baseline HF power 90 days after TLD. Conclusions: TLD appeared to attenuate RSA in both sheep and human cohorts of this sub-study. Further confirmation in humans is necessary to allow for RSA attenuation to be used as a marker of successful lung denervation via TLD.
Metabolic Syndrome and Mortality in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A 5-Year Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gu WenLong , Yi Chunyan , Yu Xueqing , Yang Xiao
Published: September 2019

Background/Aims: Metabolic syndrome (MS) has been widely proved as a predictor of cardiovascular disease, all-cause, and cardiovascular mortality in general population. But its effects on mortality and technique failure have not been well illustrated in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. We aimed to investigate the association of MS and clinical outcomes in Chinese continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) patients. Methods: A single-center, prospective, observational cohort study was conducted in CAPD patients enrolled from September 1 to December 31, 2011, and followed up until December 31, 2016. Demographic, clinical, biochemical and anthropological data were collected. The relationships between MS and mortality and technique failure were assessed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox Regression Survival Functions. Results: A total of 511 patients were enrolled. The baseline mean age was 48.4 ± 14.4 years, 282 patients (55.2%) were male, and 130 patients (25.4%) were diabetic. In total, 213 patients (41.7%) met the diagnostic criterion of MS. During a median of 4.4 years (interquartile range 2.3–5.3 years) follow-up period, 114 patients died, of whom, 65 patients (48%) died in MS group versus 49 patients (30%) in non-MS group. Patients who died tended to be older, higher in inflammation markers and with poorer nutritional state. Kaplan-Meier Survival Functions found patients with MS had a significant rising of all-cause mortality (log-rank test = 12.811, p < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (log-rank test = 14.529, p < 0.001) in all patients, and a significant rising of cardiovascular mortality (log-rank test = 4.486, p = 0.034) in non-diabetic patients. After adjusting for confounders, Cox Regression showed that MS was significantly associated with higher cardiovascular mortality in all patients (hazard ratio [HR] 2.21, 95% CI 1.12–4.36, p = 0.022) and in non-diabetic patients (HR 2.60, 95% CI 1.07–6.35, p = 0.036), but it has no significant effect on technique failure. Conclusion: In CAPD patients, MS predicted mortality, especially cardiovascular mortality. No relationship was found between MS and technique survival.
Effect of Endovascular Therapy on Subsequent Decompressive Hemicraniectomy in Cardioembolic Ischemic Stroke with Proximal Intracranial Occlusion in the Anterior Circulation: Sub-Analysis of the RESCUE-Japan Registry 2
Authors: Matsukawa Hidetoshi , Kiura Yoshihiro , Sakai Nobuyuki , Yamagami Hiroshi , Uchida Kazutaka , Morimoto Takeshi , Kageyama Hiroto , Yoshimura Shinichi ,   RESCUE-Japan Registry 2 Investigators
Published: September 2019

Background: Cardioembolic stroke is associated with a higher rate of functional limitation, which may be related to the larger ischemic lesion size. Endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute stroke caused by large vessel occlusion reduces severe disabilities. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the relationship between EVT and decompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) in patients with cardioembolic proximal intracranial occlusion in the anterior circulation (CPIOAC) using the data from the Recovery by Endovascular Salvage for Cerebral Ultra-acute Embolism (RESCUE)-Japan Registry 2. Methods: Among 2,420 patients in the RESCUE-Japan Registry 2, 555 patients aged 20–80 years with acute cardioembolic occlusion of the internal carotid artery and/or the first segment of the middle cerebral artery were included. The primary outcome was DH. Secondary outcomes were any type of intracranial hemorrhage, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage indicating neurological worsening of >4 points on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale within 72 h after the onset of stroke, and recurrence of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) within 90 days. Results: The median age was 73 years (66–77 years), and 360 patients (65%) were male. DH was performed in 1 of 374 patients in the EVT group and 5 of 181 patients in the no-EVT group (p = 0.032). The incidence of any type of intracranial hemorrhage and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 72 h and recurrence of stroke or TIA within 90 days were similar between both groups. Conclusions: EVT may reduce DH in patients with CPIOAC without increasing intracranial hemorrhage.
Problematic Social Media Use and Perceived Social Isolation in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Meshi Dar , Cotten Shelia R. , Bender Andrew R.
Published: September 2019

Background: Social isolation in older adults is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes. In today’s digital society, if individuals perceive themselves to be socially isolated, they can take steps to interact with others on social media platforms. Research with younger adults indicates that social media use is positively linked to social isolation. However, less is known about social media use and social isolation in older adults. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the possible association between social isolation and degree of social media use in older adults. Methods: Using Internet sources, we recruited 213 participants (79.8% female; mean age 62.6 years, SD 8.3) who responded to an online survey focusing on living situation, depression, social isolation, and 2 measures of social media use: estimated daily time on social media and problematic social media use. Next, using binary logistic regression, we assessed associations between social isolation and social media use. Results: Our analyses failed to identify a relationship between perceived social isolation and estimated daily time on social media; however, higher problematic social media use was associated with higher perceived social isolation (OR 1.17). Discussion and Conclusion: Although no causal attribution can be made, our findings demonstrate an association between problematic social media use and perceived social isolation in older adults. Researchers conducting social media interventions in older adults should note this potential and monitor maladaptive use of these platforms. Overall, our results provide an important starting point for future studies on social media use and social isolation in older adults.
Effective Use of Percutaneous Stellate Ganglion Blockade in Patients With Electrical Storm
Authors: Tian Ying , Wittwer Erica D. , Kapa Suraj , McLeod Christopher J. , Xiao Peilin , Noseworthy Peter A. , Mulpuru Siva K. , Deshmukh Abhishek J. , Lee Hon-Chi , Ackerman Michael J. , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Munger Thomas M. , Liu Xing-Peng , Friedman Paul A. , Cha Yong-Mei
Published: September 2019

Background:

Percutaneous stellate ganglion blockade (SGB) has been used for drug-refractory electrical storm due to ventricular arrhythmia (VA); however, the effects and long-term outcomes have not been well studied.

Methods:

This study included 30 consecutive patients who had drug-refractory electrical storm and underwent percutaneous SGB between October 1, 2013, and March 31, 2018. Bupivacaine, alone or combined with lidocaine, was injected into the neck with good local anesthetic spread in the vicinity of the left stellate ganglion (n=15) or both stellate ganglia (n=15). Data were collected for patient clinical characteristics, immediate and long-term outcomes, and procedure-related complications.

Results:

Clinical characteristics included age, 58±14 years; men, 73.3%; and left ventricular ejection fraction, 34±16%. At 24 hours, 60% of patients were free of VA. Patients whose VA was controlled had a lower hospital mortality rate than patients whose VA continued (5.6% versus 50.0%;
P
=0.009). Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator interrogation showed a significant 92% reduction in VA episodes from 26±41 to 2±4 in the 72 hours after SGB (
P
<0.001). Patients who died during the same hospitalization (n=7) were more likely to have ischemic cardiomyopathy (100% versus 43.5%;
P
=0.03) and recurrent VA within 24 hours (85.7% versus 26.1%;
P
=0.009). There were no procedure-related major complications.

Conclusions:

SGB effectively attenuated electrical storm in more than half of patients without procedure-related complications. Percutaneous SGB may be considered for stabilizing ventricular rhythm in patients for whom other therapies have failed.
Sex-Based Differences in Left Ventricular Assist Device Utilization
Authors: Joshi Aditya A. , Lerman Joseph B. , Sajja Aparna P. , Dahiya Garima , Gokhale Avantee V. , Dey Amit K. , Kyvernitakis Andreas , Halbreiner M. Scott , Bailey Stephen , Alpert Craig M. , Poornima Indu G. , Murali Srinivas , Benza Raymond L. , Kanwar Manreet , Raina Amresh
Published: September 2019

Background:

Women comprise approximately one-third of the advanced heart failure population but may receive fewer advanced heart failure therapies including left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). During the early pulsatile-flow device era, women had higher post-LVAD mortality and increased complications. However, knowledge about these differences in the continuous-flow device era is limited. Therefore, we sought to explore temporal trends in LVAD utilization and post-LVAD mortality by sex.

Methods and Results:

Patients with LVAD implantation from 2004 to 2016 were identified using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Trends in LVAD utilization and post-LVAD inpatient mortality were compared by sex and device era. Although LVADs are being increasingly utilized for patients with advanced systolic heart failure, women continue to represent a smaller proportion of LVAD recipients—25.8% in 2004 to 21.9% in 2016 (
P
for trend, 0.91). Women had increased inpatient mortality after LVAD implantation compared with men in the pulsatile-flow era (46.9% versus 31.1%,
P
<0.0001) but not in the continuous-flow era (13.3% versus 12.1%,
P
=0.27;
P
for interaction=0.0002). Inpatient mortality decreased for both sexes over time after LVAD, with a sharp fall in 2008 to 2009. Female sex was independently associated with increased post-LVAD inpatient mortality beyond adjustment for demographics and risk factors during the pulsatile-flow era (odds ratio, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.45–3.10;
P
<0.0001) but not during the continuous-flow era (1.18; 0.93–1.48;
P
=0.16).

Conclusions:

Although utilization of LVAD therapy increased over time for both sexes, LVAD implantation remains stably lower in women, which may suggest a potential underutilization of this potentially life-saving therapy. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Association Between High‐Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T and Echocardiographic Parameters in Chronic Kidney Disease: Results From the KNOW‐CKD Cohort Study
Authors: Kang Eunjeong , Ryu Hyunjin , Kim Jayoun , Lee Joongyub , Lee Kyu‐Beck , Chae Dong‐Wan , Sung Su Ah , Kim Soo Wan , Ahn Curie , Oh Kook‐Hwan
Published: September 2019

Background

It is unclear whether high‐sensitivity troponin T (hs‐TnT) is associated with subclinical cardiac changes in chronic kidney disease (
CKD
). We evaluated the relationship between hs‐TnT and left ventricular structure and function in a
CKD
population, according to estimated glomerular filtration rate.

Methods and Results

We analyzed 2017 patients with
CKD
stages 1 to 5 (predialysis) in the
KNOW
‐CKD (Korean Cohort Study for Outcome in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease) cohort. The predictor was hs‐TnT level measured at baseline, and the outcomes were left ventricular hypertrophy (
LVH
) and systolic and diastolic dysfunction shown by echocardiography at baseline and after 4 years. Participants were categorized into quartiles according to hs‐TnT levels. The associations between quartiles of hs‐TnT and outcomes were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis with confounders including demographics, medical history, and laboratory findings. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the diagnostic power of hs‐TnT for the outcomes as a continuous variable. For subgroup analysis, patients were stratified based on an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
. Elevated hs‐TnT was associated with
LVH
and diastolic dysfunction at baseline in an adjusted model but was not associated with systolic dysfunction. These associations remained significant for both estimated glomerular filtration rate subgroups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that hs‐TnT as a continuous variable exhibited fair significance for detection of
LVH
(area under the curve: 0.689) and diastolic dysfunction (area under the curve: 0.744). Multivariable analysis showed that higher hs‐TnT levels at baseline were related to development of
LVH
but not diastolic dysfunction (n=864).

Conclusions

In
CKD
patients, hs‐TnT is strongly associated with alterations of left ventricular structure and diastolic dysfunction for both estimated glomerular filtration rate strata. Baseline hs‐TnT levels are predictive of new
LVH
on follow‐up.
Reduced Venous Oxygen Saturation Associates With Increased Dependence of Patients With Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy With Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Ling Chen , Zhang Zihao , Wu Yue , Fang Xiaojing , Kong Qingle , Zhang Wei , Wang Zhaoxia , Yang Qi , Yuan Yun
Published: September 2019

Background and Purpose—

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated hemodynamic abnormalities and cerebral hypoperfusion in patients with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). Increased venous susceptibility assessed by susceptibility weighted imaging and mapping has been shown to indicate a decrease in venous oxygen saturation. This study aimed to investigate whether altered venous oxygen saturation is related to clinical phenotypes of CADASIL patients.

Methods—

Using 7.0-T susceptibility weighted imaging and mapping, we compared venous susceptibility of cortical veins between 41 CADASIL patients and 43 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The magnetic resonance imaging lesion load, mini-mental state examination score, Barthel Index, and modified Rankin Scale were examined in the patient group, and the correlations between venous susceptibility and clinical characteristics were analyzed.

Results—

Venous susceptibility increased with age (
r
=0.508,
P
=0.001) and was higher in CADASIL patients than in healthy controls (
t
=−4.673;
P
<0.001). We found a positive association between venous susceptibility and the age-related white matter change scores (
r
=0.364;
P
=0.019), number of lacunar infarctions (
r
=0.520;
P
<0.001), number of cerebral microbleeds (
ρ
=0.445;
P
=0.004), and small-vessel disease scores (
ρ
=0.465;
P
=0.002) in CADASIL patients. Moreover, increased venous susceptibility was associated with higher modified Rankin Scale scores in CADASIL patients after adjustment for age- and small-vessel disease scores (odds ratio=3.178; 95% CI, 1.101–9.179;
P
=0.033).

Conclusions—

Our findings indicate that extensive cerebral hypoperfusion may induce central nervous system impairment in CADASIL, and susceptibility weighted imaging and mapping could be used clinically to assess the condition of CADASIL patients.
Profiles of mitochondrial DNA methylation in the ridgetail white prawn, Exopalaemon carinicauda (Holthuis, 1950) (Decapoda, Palaemonidae) under heavy metal stress from chromium and cadmium
Authors: Ma Hangke , Sun Jinqiu , Xu Wanyuan , Dai Qin , Hu Guangwei , Lai Xiaofang , Yan Binlun , Gao Huan
Published: September 2019

For the purpose of studying the epigenetic characteristics of the mitochondrial genome of the ridgetail white prawn, Exopalaemon carinicauda (Holthuis, 1950) under Cd2+ and Cr6+ heavy metal stress, the mitochondrial DNA methylation of E. carinicauda was analysed by bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP). Many methylation sites were found at the 3′ end sequence of COX3 and at the starting region sequence of ND3, while only a few methylation sites were found at the 3′ end sequence of ND5. The mitochondrial genome was inferred to regulate the energy metabolism through the methylation process. In addition, under Cd2+ stress, mitochondrial DNA methylation was more common, and found during all stress periods (3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h), while under Cr6+ stress, mitochondrial DNA methylation was less common, mainly occurring after 48 hours of stress. The sensitivity of the mitochondrial genome response to Cd2+ stress was inferred to be greater than that to Cr6+. This study revealed for the first time that methylation occurs in the mitochondrial genome of E. carinicauda in response to heavy metal stress.
Cheirocratus pseudosundevallii (Amphipoda, Cheirocratidae), a new species from Arcachon Bay, Bay of Biscay
Authors: Gouillieux Benoit
Published: September 2019

An examination of some benthic amphipods belonging to the genus Cheirocratus from Arcachon Bay revealed that they exhibited a combination of morphological character states that distinguished them from all previously described Cheirocratus species. In the form of the gnathopods, Cheirocratus pseudosundevallii is very close to two other European species: C. sundevallii and C. intermedius. An actualized key to the species of Cheirocratus is provided.
Coloniality in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Americas
Authors: Poesche Jurgen
Published: September 2019

The objective of this article is to contribute to the development of a common narrative on coloniality in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Americas. Since scholars tend to focus on either Sub-Saharan Africa or the Americas, a gap between these important regions has emerged in the literature on coloniality. This article seeks to bridge this gap by providing a comparative perspective on coloniality, and this hopefully will enhance Indigenous African nations’ and Indigenous American nations’ understanding of what needs to be done to overcome coloniality. The article explores three key theses. First, in spite of the differences in the extant societal power structures in the postcolonial African states and the former settler colonial states in the Americas, this article argues that the continued dynamics of coloniality are similar in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Americas. The minority status of Indigenous American nations throughout the Americas renders addressing coloniality more challenging than in Sub-Saharan Africa where Indigenous African nations are in the majority although they generally do not have effective sovereignty. Second, the extant societal power structures associated with both coloniality and occidental modernity have weaponized occidental jurisprudence, natural science and social science to defend and proliferate the status quo assisted by state sovereignty. Addressing coloniality effectively therefore requires a renaissance of Indigenous African and Indigenous American cosmovisions unaffected by modernity. Third, addressing coloniality in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Americas requires the recognition of the comprehensive and supreme sovereignty of the Indigenous African nations in all of Sub-Saharan Africa, and Indigenous American nations in all of the Americas.
Inpatient vision screening: A needs assessment
Authors: Sweetnam Victoria I , Louis Allison J , Marsack William J , Hull Ashley M , Twu Nicole M , Arora Vineet M , Press Valerie G
Published: September 2019

Insufficient vision is a common but under-recognized risk factor among hospitalized patients that affects patient safety and self-care. Nurses may be ideal providers to screen inpatients’ vision, but little is known regarding their knowledge of inpatient vision, screening skills, and willingness to serve as screeners. We conducted a pilot, prospective, qualitative, and quantitative interview study and enrolled 25 consenting registered nurses. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze discrete questionnaire items and responses to qualitative open-ended items. Forty-eight percent (12/25) of nurses believed that vision problems were “moderately common,” half (13/25) did not know how to administer vision screenings, and three-quarters (19/25) had never administered screenings. Half of nurses (12/25) believed vision screening would be feasible, though over half (14/25) believed physicians should conduct the screening. This study underscores the necessity and positive support for inpatient vision screening; however, while nurses play a critical role, an inter-professional approach should be explored.
Investigation on the morphology, thermal properties, and in vitro cytotoxicity of the fish scale particulates filled high-density polyethylene composite
Authors: Balaji Ayyanar C , Marimuthu K
Published: September 2019

The high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and fish scale particulates are in the ratio of 10:3 (matrix 100 g:filler 30 g) which is filled and blended with thermoplastic composites and are then fabricated by the injection molding machine. In this work, the thermal energy absorption is obtained as 103.9 J g−1 that melts onset temperature at 121.75°C and melts peak temperature at 129.98°C of the specimen using differential scanning calorimetry instrument. A gradual mass degradation and decomposition of the prepared samples were analyzed from the thermogravimetric analysis. Evaluation of microstructure, surface morphology, and elemental analysis was carried out using field emission scanning electron microscope. The presence of functional groups in the polymeric materials was identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity testing of composites has been carried out using MG 63 cell line. In these studies, five different volumes of liquid extract of the prepared specimen having different concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 μL) were allowed to interact with fresh cell culture medium for 24 h. The cell viability, cell morphology, and the levels of cytotoxicity of the composite specimen were studied as per ISO 10993:12 and ISO 10993:5 test standards. It was found that the natural fiber filled composite showed none to slight cytotoxic reactivity to MG-63 cells after 24 h contact. The cytotoxicity level of fish scale particulate filled HDPE composite material was compared with standard reactivity level and it was confirmed to have low toxic level (none to slight).
Publication Bias Among Conference Abstracts Reporting on Pediatric Quality Improvement Projects
Authors: Tumin Dmitry , Akpan Uduak S. , Kohler John A. , Uffman Joshua C.
Published: September 2019

This study evaluated progress to publication of pediatric quality improvement (QI) projects initially presented as national conference abstracts, according to project findings and other characteristics. QI abstracts were identified among presentations at the 2010-2015 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition, and publications were tracked through June 2018. Positive findings (improvement on at least 1 quantitative project outcome), interventions, and analyses were correlated with journal publication. Of 142 abstracts, 128 (90%) reported positive findings. Forty-nine positive abstracts and 3 abstracts reporting negative results resulted in publication (38% vs 21%, respectively; P = .256). Median time to publication was 1.2 years for projects with positive findings, compared to >3 years for abstracts with negative findings ( P = .029). Ninety percent of abstracts reported positive findings, and these abstracts progressed to publication more quickly. Overcoming publication bias for pediatric QI projects may enhance selection of promising interventions as new projects are designed.
Ongoing and Focused Provider Performance Evaluations in Emergency Medicine: Current Practices and Modified Delphi to Guide Future Practice
Authors: Walker Laura E. , Phelan Michael P. , Bitner Matthew , Legome Eric , Tomaszewski Christian A. , Strauss Robert W. , Nestler David M.
Published: September 2019

The Joint Commission requires ongoing and focused provider performance evaluations (OPPEs/FPPEs). The authors aim to describe current approaches in emergency medicine (EM) and identify consensus-based best practice recommendations. An online survey was distributed to leaders in EM to gain insight into current practices. A modified Delphi approach was then used to develop consensus to recommend best practice. A variety of strategies are currently in use for OPPE/FPPE. “Peer reviewed cases with opportunity for improvement” was identified as a preferred metric for OPPE. Although the preference was for use of peer review in OPPE, a consistent and standard adoption of robust internal care review processes is needed to establish expected norms. National benchmarking is not available currently. This was a limited survey of self-identified leaders, and there is an opportunity for additional engagement of leaders in EM to identify a unified approach that appropriately relates to patient outcomes.
Standing in a Crowded Room: Exploring the Relation between Interest Group System Density and Access to Policymakers
Authors: Hanegraaff Marcel , van der Ploeg Jens , Berkhout Joost
Published: September 2019

The numerous presence of interest groups may be a recipe for policy deadlock or, more optimistically, indicate the vibrancy of a political community. Population-ecology theory suggests that the number of interest groups active in a policy domain is relevant for strategies and political outcomes, such as policy access, and interest group density is expected to reduce access for individual organizations. Competitive pressures in dense domains necessitate groups to specialize to gain access to the policy access. We empirically assess this argument and indeed find lower levels of access in denser policy fields, moderated by specialization of organizations in lobbying. Furthermore, we identify important differences between mature (the Netherlands and Belgium) and young (Slovenia and Lithuania) interest group systems. These findings address theoretical concerns about the lack of linkages between micro- and macro-studies on interest representation.
When do political parties prioritize labour? Issue attention between party competition and interest group power
Authors: Otjes Simon , Green-Pedersen Christoffer
Published: September 2019

This article analyses the conditions under which political parties pay attention to labour issues. It compares the dominant partisan perspective, which proposes that attention to issues is shaped by party competition, to an interest group perspective, which proposes that strong interest groups, in particular when their power is institutionalized in corporatist systems, can force parties to pay attention to their issue. We use the Comparative Agenda Project data set of election manifestos to examine these patterns in seven West European countries and corroborate our findings in the Comparative Manifesto Project data set for 25 countries. The evidence supports the interest group perspective over the partisan perspective. This shows that the study of party attention to issues should not isolate party competition from the influence of other political actors.
A novel Fourier-based deconvolution algorithm with improved efficiency and convergence
Authors: Shen Linbang , Chu Zhigang , Zhang Yongxiang , Yang Yang
Published: September 2019

Various deconvolution algorithms for acoustic source are developed to improve spatial resolution and suppress sidelobe of the conventional beamforming. To improve the computational efficiency and solution convergence of deconvolution, this paper proposes a Fourier-based improved fast iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm. Simulations and experiments show that Fourier-based improved fast iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm can achieve excellent acoustic identification performance, with high computational efficiency and good convergence. For Fourier-based improved fast iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm, the larger the weight coefficient, the narrower the mainlobe width, and the better the convergence, but the spurious source also increases. The recommended weight coefficient for the array described herein is 3. In addition, like other Fourier-based deconvolution algorithms, Fourier-based improved fast iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm using irregular focus grid can obtain better acoustic source identification performance than using the conventional regular focus grid.
Assessment of compacted-cementitious composites as porous restrictors for aerostatic bearings
Authors: Missagia Zélia Maria Velloso , Santos Júlio Cesar dos , Silva Leandro José da , Panzera Túlio Hallak , Campos Rubio Juan Carlos , Thomas Carlos
Published: September 2019

Cementitious composites reinforced with silica, silicon carbide or carbon microfibres are designed, manufactured, characterised and tested as porous restrictor for aerostatic bearings. Carbon microfibres are residues obtained from the cutting process of carbon fibre-reinforced polymers. Porosity, permeability, flexural strength and stiffness are quite relevant in the design of aerostatic porous bearings. A 3141 full factorial design is carried out to identify the effects of particle inclusion and water-to-cement ratio(w/c) factors on the physical and mechanical properties of cementitious composites. Higher density material is achieved by adding silicon carbide. Higher porosity is obtained at 0.28 w/c level when silica and silicon carbide are used. Carbon microfibres are not effective under bending loads. Higher compressive strength is reached especially when silica particles are combined with 0.33 or 0.35 w/c. According to the permeability coefficient values the cementitious composites consisted of CMF (0.28 w/c), silica (0.30 w/c) or silicon carbide (0.30 w/c) inclusions are promising as porous restrictor; however, carbon microfibre porous bearings achieved the lowest air gap variation under the tested working conditions.
Approved mental health professionals: A jack of all trades? Hybrid professional roles within a mental health occupation
Authors: Leah Caroline
Published: September 2019

This article presents findings from the Hybrid Identities Project that investigated the professional role and identities of ten multi-professional Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs) from social work, mental health nursing and occupational therapy backgrounds as hybrid professionals. Hybrid professionals are professionals of a mixed origin who work across several roles and areas of expertise within public services. AMHPs have a legal role within the Mental Health Act 1983 (2007) in England and Wales to plan the assessment of individuals who require care and treatment for a mental disorder. An intrinsic case study approach was undertaken with data generated through semi-structured interviews that examined professional hybridisation, illustrated through AMHPs’ enactment of eight hybrid roles. The article contributes to empirical understandings of AMHP professional practice through advancing ideas about role hybridisation within a previously under-researched mental health occupation.
Surgical Management of Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Fracture-Dislocations: A Review of Outcomes
Authors: Demino Cory , Yates Megan , Fowler John R.
Published: September 2019

Background: Treatment of proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) fracture-dislocations is difficult given the potential long-term complications of the involved finger and entire hand. Several surgical methods have been utilized for management of these injuries, none of which have shown consistently favorable results. The purpose of this systematic review of the literature is to report the post-operative outcomes of multiple treatment modalities for PIPJ fracture-dislocations in various studies. Methods: A literature review of PubMed and EMBASE databases was performed for all articles on PIPJ fracture-dislocations. Outcomes of interest included PIPJ range of motion, grip strength (% of contralateral hand), and quick disabilities of arm, shoulder, hand (QuickDASH). Articles were distributed into 5 groups by surgical method: open reduction, percutaneous fixation, dynamic external fixation, extension-block pinning, and hemi-hamate arthroplasty. Results: Forty-eight of 1679 total screened articles were included. The weighted means of post-operative range of motion (ROM; degrees) at final follow-up were open reduction 84.7 (n = 146), percutaneous fixation 86.5 (n = 32), dynamic external fixation 81.7 (n = 389), extension-block pinning 83.6 (n = 85), and hemi-hamate arthroplasty 79.3 (n = 52). Dorsal fracture-dislocations, regardless of surgical method, had an average ROM of 83.2 (n = 321), grip strength 91% (n = 132), and QuickDASH of 6.6 (n = 59) while pilon injuries had an average ROM of 80.2 (n = 48), grip strength 100% (n = 13), and QuickDASH of 11.4 (n = 13). Conclusion: Percutaneous fixation yielded the highest post-operative ROM at final follow-up while extension-block pinning resulted in the greatest grip strength. While dorsal fracture-dislocations produced higher average ROM and lower QuickDASH score, pilon fractures produced a higher grip strength. No treatment method or fracture type yielded consistently better outcomes than another.