bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus Shaw, 1800): a review of recent sightings on mainland Australia
Authors: Hope Ben , Soderquist Todd , Eldridge Mark D. B.
Published: August 2019

Whether the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) is extinct on mainland Australia, particularly New South Wales (NSW), is the focus of this study. The species declined rapidly during the mid to late 1800s in parts of south-east Australia and in the early 1900s around Bega (New South Wales). The last definite live individual was recorded at Vaucluse, NSW in 1963. The recent emergence of a specimen from Barrington Tops, NSW, in 1989 caused much public interest and enabled us to seek reports of sightings after we advertised publicly for any records. Here we document numerous post-1963 records, the most noteworthy including: a photograph of an eastern quoll (reported to be taken in 2013 in the Nungatta area of NSW), records from Wollemi National Park (2002 and 2006) and multiple observations from the 1990s from around Barrington Tops and Carrai. There has been insufficient recent mammal survey effort to definitively support these public reports but at this stage there are sufficient recent credible records to consider that this species may not be extinct on mainland Australia.
Patterns and composition of medium and large vertebrate roadkill, based on six annual surveys along two adjoining highways in south-eastern Queensland, Australia
Authors: Matthews Robert W.
Published: August 2019

Six annual single-pass roadkill surveys along two adjoining rural Queensland highways near Carnarvon Gorge National Park revealed 612 medium-size to large vertebrates, representing more than 18 taxa. Most were mammals (92%), particularly macropods. Losses averaged 0.26 animals km–1 year–1 (range = 0.17–0.33), with variation possibly reflecting road repair/reconstruction and record seasonal rainfalls. Annual roadkill totals for the 390-km highway were projected to be over 5000 vertebrates, with more than half being large macropods. A consistent hotspot or ecological trap was noted along a 17-km high-traffic-volume stretch north of Roma. Because the sparsely populated outback is habitat for much Australian wildlife, multiyear baseline data are vital to identify the magnitude of the problem and inform future research.
Nuclear safety in the unexpected second nuclear era
Authors: Wu Yican , Chen Zhibin , Wang Zhen , Chen Shanqi , Ge Daochuan , Chen Chao , Jia Jiangtao , Li Yazhou , Jin Ming , Zhou Tao , Wang Fang , Hu Liqin
Published: August 2019

Significance

Despite great efforts to pursue a safe nuclear energy system during the first nuclear era, which was dominated by developed countries, severe nuclear accidents still occurred. Today, nuclear energy development has entered an unexpected second nuclear era, which is driven by developing countries. This may give rise to a great risk. Nuclear power plants are complex sociotechnical systems, and their safety has never been fully defined. We argue that social aspects, rather than just technical measures, must be involved to ensure nuclear safety. In this paper, the nature of nuclear safety is elucidated with identification of new challenges, and corresponding suggestions are proposed to improve nuclear safety in the unexpected second nuclear era.
A large-scale analysis of task switching practice effects across the lifespan
Authors: Steyvers Mark , Hawkins Guy E. , Karayanidis Frini , Brown Scott D.
Published: August 2019

An important feature of human cognition is the ability to flexibly and efficiently adapt behavior in response to continuously changing contextual demands. We leverage a large-scale dataset from Lumosity, an online cognitive-training platform, to investigate how cognitive processes involved in cued switching between tasks are affected by level of task practice across the adult lifespan. We develop a computational account of task switching that specifies the temporal dynamics of activating task-relevant representations and inhibiting task-irrelevant representations and how they vary with extended task practice across a number of age groups. Practice modulates the level of activation of the task-relevant representation and improves the rate at which this information becomes available, but has little effect on the task-irrelevant representation. While long-term practice improves performance across all age groups, it has a greater effect on older adults. Indeed, extensive task practice can make older individuals functionally similar to less-practiced younger individuals, especially for cognitive measures that focus on the rate at which task-relevant information becomes available.
Retromer and TBC1D5 maintain late endosomal RAB7 domains to enable amino acid–induced mTORC1 signaling
Authors: Kvainickas Arunas , Nägele Heike , Qi Wenjing , Dokládal Ladislav , Jimenez-Orgaz Ana , Stehl Luca , Gangurde Dipak , Zhao Qian , Hu Zehan , Dengjel Jörn , De Virgilio Claudio , Baumeister Ralf , Steinberg Florian
Published: August 2019

Retromer is an evolutionarily conserved multiprotein complex that orchestrates the endocytic recycling of integral membrane proteins. Here, we demonstrate that retromer is also required to maintain lysosomal amino acid signaling through mTORC1 across species. Without retromer, amino acids no longer stimulate mTORC1 translocation to the lysosomal membrane, which leads to a loss of mTORC1 activity and increased induction of autophagy. Mechanistically, we show that its effect on mTORC1 activity is not linked to retromer’s role in the recycling of transmembrane proteins. Instead, retromer cooperates with the RAB7-GAP TBC1D5 to restrict late endosomal RAB7 into microdomains that are spatially separated from the amino acid–sensing domains. Upon loss of retromer, RAB7 expands into the ragulator-decorated amino acid–sensing domains and interferes with RAG-GTPase and mTORC1 recruitment. Depletion of retromer in Caenorhabditis elegans reduces mTORC1 signaling and extends the lifespan of the worms, confirming an evolutionarily conserved and unexpected role for retromer in the regulation of mTORC1 activity and longevity.
Faster PET reconstruction with non-smooth priors by randomization and preconditioning
Authors: Ehrhardt Matthias J , Markiewicz Pawel , Schönlieb Carola-Bibiane
Published: August 2019

Uncompressed clinical data from modern positron emission tomography (PET) scanners are very large, exceeding 350 million data points (projection bins). The last decades have seen tremendous advancements in mathematical imaging tools many of which lead to non-smooth (i.e. non-differentiable) optimization problems which are much harder to solve than smooth optimization problems. Most of these tools have not been translated to clinical PET data, as the state-of-the-art algorithms for non-smooth problems do not scale well to large data. In this work, inspired by big data machine learning applications, we use advanced randomized optimization algorithms to solve the PET reconstruction problem for a very large class of non-smooth priors which includes for example total variation, total generalized variation, directional total variation and various different physical constraints. The proposed algorithm randomly uses subsets of the data and only updates the variables associated with these. While this idea often leads to divergent algorithms, we show that the proposed algorithm does indeed converge for any proper subset selection. Numerically, we show on real PET data (FDG and florbetapir) from a Siemens Biograph mMR that about ten projections and backprojections are sufficient to solve the MAP optimisation problem related to many popular non-smooth priors; thus showing that the proposed algorithm is fast enough to bring these models into routine clinical practice.
Characterization of Engine Performance, Combustion Process and Emission of Diesel/CNG Dual Fuel Engines with Pilot Injection Timing Variation at Low Load
Authors: Yuvenda Dori , Sudarmanta Bambang , Wahjudi Arif , Silva Jose da
Published: August 2019

The use of CNG on dual fuel diesel engines causes a decrease in engine performance, combustion and increased emissions, especially at low loads, which is affected by the addition of ignition delay period so that the maximum of peak combustion away from the top dead center (TDC). Pilot injection timing acts as an ignition delay controller. This research was carried out using an experimental method on diesel/CNG dual fuel engine a single-cylinder to determine the engine performance, combustion process and emissions characteristics with a variation of pilot injection timing from 110 to 190 BTDC with an interval of 20. The results showed an increase in thermal efficiency of 3.006%, maximum cylinder pressure up to 4.78 MPa, maximum heat release rate of up to 52.05 kJ/m3/0CA, and decrease hydrocarbons (HC), carbon dioxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM) emissions at pilot injection timing 170 BTDC under low load. Likewise, combustion performance has increased marked by a reduction in combustion duration and maximum of peak combustion approaching TDC by advancing the pilot injection timing on diesel/CNGdual fuel engine.
Effect of jet velocity on LPG to flame stability and flame temperature distribution on Inverse Difusion Flame (IDF)
Authors: Sumadhijono Pramoda Agung , Sudarmanta Bambang , Wahjudi Arif
Published: August 2019

Liquid Pretolium Gas (LPG) experimental investigation used to Inverse Diffusion Flame (IDF) burners is presented. The effect of fuel jet velocity on the flame stability and flame temperature distribution of LPG Inverse Diffusion Flame (IDF) was investigated. Fuel jet speed (Vf) = 0.154 m/s and 0.330 m/s was chosen for analysis. Air jet velocity varies from Va = 7.431 m/s to Va = 15.924 m/s for Vf = 0.154 m/s and Va = 8.493 m/s up to Va = 21.231 m/s for Vf=0.330 m/s . The results of the observation show that the velocity of the fuel jet affects the ratio of the velocity of the air-fuel jet which will ultimately have a significant effect on the flame. It was found that the stability of LPG IDF flame at Vf = 0.154 m/s occurred at Va = 11.677 m/s, the equivalence ratio (ϕ) = 1.99. The stability of LPG IDF flame at Vf = 0.330 m/s occurs at Va = 14.862 m/s with an equivalence ratio (ϕ) = 1.56. It was observed that the temperature along the IDF centerline increased when the distance from the burner (Z) exit increased. The nature of this temperature distribution shows that central cold air in the air jet is gradually heated towards the IDF downstream. The highest flame temperature is seen in Z between 90-110 mm. It was found that the length of the flame increased with increasing flow of fuel jets. At a constant fuel jet speed the flame length increases but will return again to a certain fuel-air ratio. At Vf = 0.154 m/s the highest flame height is 111 mm and at Vf = 0.330 m/s the highest flame height is 143 mm.
IoT-based Control and Monitoring for DC Motor Fed by Photovoltaic System
Authors: Wibowo Kusmayanto Hadi , Aripriharta  , Diantoro Markus , Wibawanto Slamet , Kirana Kartika Candra , Yunianto Saputra Fitrah Wicaksono , Chanif M Nuzulul
Published: August 2019

Internet of Thing (IoT) makes the monitoring and controlling process become accessible everywhere and every time. In this paper, the IoT is used to control the speed of a DC Motor remotely through smartphone apps. The proposed system uses the 50Wp solar panel and DC-DC Converter to provide 24V dc to the motor. In specific, a PID algorithm is applied to control motor speed from the measured back EMF. There are 3 experiments that have been done. The first is controlling motor speed through a smart phone, the second is the relationship between EMF and DC Motor speed, the third experiment was monitoring motor speed on Thingspeak and Blynk apps.
Effect of Vacuum Level on Heating Speed on Ethanol Destillation Process Using Coaxial Vacuum Tube Solar Collector
Authors: Sutomo  , Nuriana W , Sutrisno  , Triono J
Published: August 2019

Vacuum tube collectors that could produce heat up to a temperature of 80°C could be used to process ethanol distillation, because the evaporation process of ethanol only requires a temperature of 79°C at 1 atm. Vacuum tube collectors in terms of many types of heat absorbers, each type had a different heat absorption ability. This study will review the performance of the coaxial vacuum tube collector used for the process of ethanol distillation. The study was carried out in space using halogen lamps as solar radiation simulators. In the study conducted with three radiation variations, namely 998 W/m2, 878 W/m2, and 782 W/m2. The pressure / vacuum level of the collector tube cavity varies from 0.043 atm, 0.179 atm, 0.315 atm, 0.5atm, and 1 atm. Ethanol research material with 30% content using water as a distillation cooling medium. The results of this research could be known the effect of the vacuum level on the speed of achieving temperature in the distillation process using a solar collector coaxial vacuum tube.
Determination of Shelf Life and Proximate Analysis of Orumy Beverage Produced by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise INOKAM in Dolly Distric
Authors: Ni’mah Yatim Lailun , Ameswari Vennycha Dwi
Published: August 2019

In this research, Orumy beverage have been made with the main ingredient of the Eucheuma cottoni seaweed spesies. For labeling and commercialization purposes, it is necessary to determine the shelf life and nutritional contents of seaweed beverages. The shelf life investigation in this study was conducted by Accelerated Shelf Life Testing (ASLT) method. While on the determination of nutritional content, the proximate analysis method was used. The Orumy beverage used in this research consists of three flavors: strawberry, lemon, and lychee. This study results that the shelf life of Orumy beverages with strawberry, lemon, and lychee flavors are 44 days, 45 days and 38 days at 30°C storage temperature respectively. The nutrients available in Orumy beverages with strawberry, lemon, and lychee flavors are ash content by 0.11 ± 0.01%, 0.11 ± 0.00%, 0.12 ± 0.02%, moisture content by 89.54 ± 0.01%, 88.53 ± 0.01%, 88.52 ± 0.01%, protein content by 0.65 ± 0.22%, 0.33 ± 0.23%, 0.33 ± 0.23%, crude fiber content by 3.34 ± 0.01%, 3.49 ± 0.01%, 3.39 ± 0.01%, fat content by 2.71 ± 0.24%, 2.75 ± 0.28%, 2.87 ± 0.21%, and carbohydrate by 2.71 ± 0.24%, 4.78 ± 0.55%, 4.78 ± 0.05%.
Enrichment Chromite Sand Grade Using Magnetic Separator
Authors: Subandrio S , Dahani W , Alghifar M , Purwiyono T T
Published: August 2019

To fulfil requirements of mettalurgical grade 48% Cr2O3 with Cr:Fe ratio 3:1 need the right beneficiation, one of them is using magnetic separator. Chromite sand sample obtain from Konowe-Southeast Sulawesi have low grade, so it needs process to enrichment Cr:Fe Ratio. Cr:Fe ratio feed was 0.55, after the process for size variation, roll speed, feeder speed and electric current decline Cr:Fe Ratio around 50.5%. When size -65+100 mesh Cr:Fe ratio was 0.282. At roll speed 20 RPM, feeder speed 50 Kg/Hr and electric current 1.5 A have Cr:Fe ratio 0.3525. Therefore, it needs more beneficiation before using magnetic separator for chromite sand from Konowe-Southeast Sulawesi.
Application of savonius turbine behind the propeller as energy source of fishing vessel in indonesia
Authors: Madi  , Sasono M E N , Hadiwidodo Y S , Sujiatanti S H
Published: August 2019

The energy wasted by the propeller of vessel can be gained as benefit by converting it using turbine as the source of electrical energy. The electrical energy can be used as the main energy source of fisherman vessel. The method in this research is redesigning the fisherman vessel combined with savonius turbine to obtain the correct dimension. Vessel dimension is built within Loa = 30.71 m; B = 7.67 m; H = 3.5 m; T = 2.2 m. From those dimensions can be obtained the coefficient between the propeller into the pitch 0.8 m, with the turbine diameter 0.5 m and the position of the turbine 0.1 m from the propeller. Savonius turbine captures electrical energy that produced by the low fluid flow that comes out from the propeller rotation, and will be converted by the generator inside the turbine to become energy. The power produced by the rotation of 1.31 rpm of the turbine is 25.689 kilowatt. It is enough to supply the engine generator with the power of 20.1 kilowatt from the power that produced by the turbine as big as 25.689 kilowatt to lighting the fisherman vessel. This technology can be applied massively to the fishermen vessel as renewable energy.
Energy harvesting and vibration reduction analysis on cantilever piezoelectric double vibration absorber (CPDVA) mechanism
Authors: Hendrowati W , Guntur H L , Daman A A A
Published: August 2019

The CPDVA (Cantilever Piezoelectric Double Vibration Absorber) is a mechanism that combines the working principles of DVA and energy harvesting to reduce vibration while generating electrical energy. The working principle of CPDVA uses two masses as an absorber of the vibration system ie main absorber mass and piezoelectric mass. The CPDVA mechamism is designed to get the vibration reduction value at the first natural frequency (36.544rad/s) of system. The simulation results show the optimum value can be achieved if the design of CPDVA mechanism using piezoelctric as much as 4000 pieces. Because, by using 4000 piezoelectric on the CPDVA mechanism, the highest reduction value and electrical power can be achieved.
Using borax as a cross-linking agent in cellulose-based hydrogels
Authors: Phoothong Farin , Boonmahitthisud Anyaporn , Tanpichai Supachok
Published: August 2019

In this research, the cellulose-based hydrogels were obtained from the water hyacinth fibers (WHFs) with aids of borax as a chemical cross-linker. The chemical treatment on WHFs, confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), exhibited the reduction of hemicellulose and lignin. The treated cellulose fibers were dissolved in the mixed solution of NaOH/urea prior to mixing with borax at the cellulose/borax weight ratio of 1/0, 1/0.5 and 1/1 to prepare cellulose-based hydrogels. The effect of borax contents on the properties of cellulose-based hydrogels was investigated. The results showed that the swelling ratio and equilibrium water content of the obtained hydrogels were similar with increasing a borax content.
Surface modification of activated carbon by surfactants mixtures
Authors: Kochkodan Olga , Maksin Victor , Antraptseva Nadiya , Kochkodan Viktor
Published: August 2019

Adsorption of surfactants is widely used for surface modification of different materials. Using of the mixtures of the surfactants in many cases is more attractive compared with single surfactants, however composition of mixed adsorption layers at solid surface was not sufficiently studied yet. In this work, the mutual effect of anionic and nonionic surfactants on the composition of the mixed adsorption layer on the surface of activated carbon (AC) was studied. Sodium hexadecyl sulphate (SHS) and oxyethylated octylphenol Triton X100 (TX-100) were used as anionic and nonionic surfactants, respectively. Mixed SHS/TX-100 systems have been studied over a concentration range of 0.1-8.0 mmol/L and the molar fractions of SHS in the mixtures were within 0.2-0.8. It was shown that the adsorption isotherms of SHS or TX-100 surfactants at AC could be describe by the Langmuir equation. For surfactants mixtures at low equilibrium concentrations, it was found that adsorption of SHS increases when TX-100 is present in the solution. This might be explained by the decreasing of electrostatic interactions between the head groups of SHS molecules in the mixed adsorption layers due to incorporation of the molecules of the nonionic surfactant. At higher total surfactant concentrations, SDS adsorbed at AC surface is replaced by TX-100 molecules and as result the nonionic surfactants is preferentially adsorbed on AC.
ESD protection circuit for V-band RF applications in a 65nm CMOS technology
Authors: Lowaton Allenn C. , Bañez Lemuel Fil L.
Published: August 2019

To apply radio frequency circuits, nanoscale CMOS technologies are greatly used but this consequence to a thinner gate oxide and silicided drain/source. With this, the electrostatic discharge (ESD) robustness of RF circuits will be much more degraded. Therefore, there is a need for an ESD protection circuit design in RF circuits against ESD damages. In this paper, the proposed ESD protection circuit is presented with concept based silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) device, two diodes, PMOS transistor and an inductor to efficiently provide protection for radio-frequency (RF) circuits from ESD damages in nanoscale CMOS process. The concept based SCR device is aided with an inductor to provide efficient ESD path discharge to the SCR device. Moreover, the inductor is used to resonate out the parasitic capacitance generated by the ESD protection circuit at the preferred frequency. In addition, the proposed ESD protection circuit is implemented to a low noise amplifier (LNA) at 60-GHz frequency within an efficient area. Furthermore, the ESD protection circuit is simulated to achieve over 2-kV human body model ESD robustness with good RF performances on LNA in 65-nm CMOS technology.
Lifetime Drinking History of Persons With Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Jeon Christie Y , Whitcomb David C , Slivka Adam , Brand Randall E , Gelrud Andres , Tang Gong , Abberbock Judah , AlKaade Samer , Guda Nalini , Mel Wilcox C , Sandhu Bimaljit S , Yadav Dhiraj
Published: August 2019

Aims

Cumulative consumption of alcohol and variations of alcohol intake by age are unknown in chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients in North America. This study summarizes the lifetime drinking history (LDH) by physician attribution of alcohol etiology, smoking status and sex in persons with CP.

Methods

We analyzed data on 193 CP participants who completed the LDH questionnaire in the North American Pancreatitis Continuation and Validation Study (NAPS2-CV). We collected data on frequency of drinking and drinks per drinking day for each drinking phase of their lives. We examined differences in total number of alcoholic drinks and weight of ethanol consumed by physician’s assessment of CP etiology, sex and smoking status. We also compared intensity of drinking in 20, 30 and 40s by timing of CP diagnosis.

Results

Persons diagnosed with alcoholic CP consumed median of 34,488 drinks (interquartile range 18,240–75,024) prior to diagnosis of CP, which occurred earlier than in persons with CP of other etiology (47 vs. 52 years). Cumulative drinking was greater in male vs. female patients. Male CP patients with a diagnosis of CP before the age of 45 drank more intensely in their 20s as compared to those with later onset of disease. Current smoking was prevalent (67%) among those diagnosed with alcoholic CP. Twenty-eight percent of patients without physician attribution of alcohol etiology reported drinking heavily in the past.

Conclusions

Lifetime cumulative consumption of alcohol and prevalence of current smoking are high in persons diagnosed with alcoholic pancreatitis. Intense drinking in early years is associated with earlier manifestation of the disease.
Circulating extracellular vesicle-associated TGFβ3 modulates response to cytotoxic therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Rodrigues-Junior Dorival Mendes , Tan Soon Sim , Lim Sai Kiang , Leong Hui Sun , Melendez Matias Eliseo , Ramos Cintia Regina Niederauer , Viana Luciano de Souza , Tan Daniel S W , Carvalho Andre Lopes , Iyer N Gopalakrishna , Vettore Andre Luiz
Published: August 2019

Management of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) requires a multi-prong approach comprising surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy, yet outcomes are limited. This is largely due to a paucity of biomarkers that can predict response to specific treatment modalities. Here, we evaluated TGFβ3 protein levels in extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by HNSCC cells as a predictor for response to chemoradiation therapy (CRT). To this end, specific EV-fractions were isolated from cell lines or HNSCC patient plasma, and TGFβ3 protein was quantified. In patients treated with CRT, TGFβ3 levels were found to be significantly higher in plasma EV-fractions or non-responders compared with responders. High levels of TGFβ3 levels in Annexin V-EVs were associated with the worst progression-free survival. In vitro experiments demonstrated that TGFβ3 silencing sensitized HNSCC cells to cytotoxic therapies, and this phenotype could be rescued by treatment with exogenous. In addition, specific EV-fractions shed by cisplatin-resistant cells were sufficient to transfer the resistant phenotype to sensitive cells through activation of TGFβ-signaling pathway. Therefore, our data show that TGFβ3 transmitted through EV plays a significant role in response to cytotoxic therapy, which can be exploited as a potential biomarker for CRT response in HNSCC patients treated with curative intent.
Incidence of Hospitalizations and Emergency Department Visits for Herpes Zoster in Immunocompromised and Immunocompetent Adults in Ontario, Canada, 2002–2016
Authors: Buchan Sarah A , Daneman Nick , Wang Jun , Garber Gary , Wormsbecker Anne E , Wilson Sarah E , Deeks Shelley L
Published: August 2019

Background

Immunocompromised adults are at .increased risk of herpes zoster (HZ) infection and related complications. We aimed to assess the incidence of hospital-attended HZ (ie, seen in hospital or emergency department) in immunocompromised populations and compare it to immunocompetent populations.

Methods

We calculated incidence rates (IRs) of hospital-attended HZ in Ontario, Canada, between 1 April 2002 and 31 August 2016 in adults ≥18 years of age categorized as immunocompromised or immunocompetent. We repeated these analyses by type of immunocompromising condition and provided incidence rate ratios (IRRs) comparing to immunocompetent adults. We also calculated IRs and IRRs of HZ complications by immunocompromised status.

Results

There were 135 206 incident cases of hospital-attended HZ during the study period. Immunocompromised adults accounted for 13% of these cases despite representing 3% of the population. The risk of hospital-attended HZ was higher for immunocompromised adults compared with immunocompetent adults (IRR, 2.9 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.9–3.0]) and ranged across type of immunocompromising conditions, from 2.6 (95% CI, 2.6–2.7) in those with a solid tumor malignancy to 12.3 (95% CI, 11.3–13.2) in those who had undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The risk of any HZ complication was higher in immunocompromised adults (IRR, 3.6 [95% CI, 3.5–3.7]) and highest for disseminated zoster (IRR, 32.8 [95% CI, 27.8–38.6]).

Conclusions

The risk of hospital-attended HZ and related complications was higher in immunocompromised populations compared with immunocompetent populations. Our findings underscore the high-risk nature of this population and the potential benefits that may be realized through HZ vaccination.
Multidirectional wall shear stress promotes advanced coronary plaque development: comparing five shear stress metrics
Authors: Hoogendoorn Ayla , Kok Annette M , Hartman Eline M J , de Nisco Giuseppe , Casadonte Lorena , Chiastra Claudio , Coenen Adriaan , Korteland Suze-Anne , Van der Heiden Kim , Gijsen Frank J H , Duncker Dirk J , van der Steen Antonius F W , Wentzel Jolanda J
Published: August 2019

Aims

Atherosclerotic plaque development has been associated with wall shear stress (WSS). However, the multidirectionality of blood flow, and thus of WSS, is rarely taken into account. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively compare five metrics that describe (multidirectional) WSS behaviour and assess how WSS multidirectionality affects coronary plaque initiation and progression.

Methods and results

Adult familial hypercholesterolaemic pigs (n = 10) that were fed a high-fat diet, underwent imaging of the three main coronary arteries at three-time points [3 (T1), 9 (T2), and 10–12 (T3) months]. Three-dimensional geometry of the arterial lumen, in combination with local flow velocity measurements, was used to calculate WSS at T1 and T2. For analysis, arteries were divided into 3 mm/45° sectors (n = 3648). Changes in wall thickness and final plaque composition were assessed with near-infrared spectroscopy–intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography imaging, and histology. Both in pigs with advanced and mild disease, the highest plaque progression rate was exclusively found at low time-averaged WSS (TAWSS) or high multidirectional WSS regions at both T1 and T2. However, the eventually largest plaque growth was located in regions with initial low TAWSS or high multidirectional WSS that, over time, became exposed to high TAWSS or low multidirectional WSS at T2. Besides plaque size, also the presence of vulnerable plaque components at the last time point was related to low and multidirectional WSS. Almost all WSS metrics had good predictive values for the development of plaque (47–50%) and advanced fibrous cap atheroma (FCA) development (59–61%).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that low and multidirectional WSS promote both initiation and progression of coronary atherosclerotic plaques. The high-predictive values of the multidirectional WSS metrics for FCA development indicate their potential as an additional clinical marker for the vulnerable disease.
European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) international consensus document on how to prevent, diagnose, and treat cardiac implantable electronic device infections—endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS), International Society for Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases (ISCVID) and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)
Authors: Blomström-Lundqvist Carina , Traykov Vassil , Erba Paola Anna , Burri Haran , Nielsen Jens Cosedis , Bongiorni Maria Grazia , Poole Jeanne , Boriani Giuseppe , Costa Roberto , Deharo Jean-Claude , Epstein Laurence M , Saghy Laszlo , Snygg-Martin Ulrika , Starck Christoph , Tascini Carlo , Strathmore Neil ,   ESC Scientific Document Group, Kalarus Zbigniew , Boveda Serge , Dagres Nikolaos , Rinaldi Christopher A , Biffi Mauro , Gellér LászlóA , Sokal Adam , Birgersdotter-Green Ulrika , Lever Nigel , Tajstra Mateusz , Kutarski Andrzej , Rodríguez Diego A , Hasse Barbara , Zinkernagel Annelies , Mangoni EmanueleDurante
Published: August 2019

Pacemakers, implantable cardiac defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices are potentially life-saving treatments for a number of cardiac conditions, but are not without risk. Most concerning is the risk of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection, which is associated with significant morbidity, increased hospitalizations, reduced survival, and increased healthcare costs. Recommended preventive strategies such as administration of intravenous antibiotics before implantation are well recognized. Uncertainties have remained about the role of various preventive, diagnostic, and treatment measures such as skin antiseptics, pocket antibiotic solutions, anti-bacterial envelopes, prolonged antibiotics post-implantation, and others. Guidance on whether to use novel device alternatives expected to be less prone to infections and novel oral anticoagulants is also limited, as are definitions on minimum quality requirements for centres and operators and volumes. Moreover, an international consensus document on management of CIED infections is lacking. The recognition of these issues, the dissemination of results from important randomized trials focusing on prevention of CIED infections, and observed divergences in managing device-related infections as found in an European Heart Rhythm Association worldwide survey, provided a strong incentive for a 2019 International State-of-the-art Consensus document on risk assessment, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CIED infections.
Does the modelling of the pectus bar affect its stability? Rationale for using a short flat bar
Authors: Pérez David , Martel Oscar , Yánez Alejandro , Cano José R , Cuadrado Alberto , Torrent Gara , López Luis
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVES

Although the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum is still associated with a non-negligible risk of postoperative bar displacement, the potential effects of the length and shape of the bar on its corrective ability and stability have not been sufficiently studied. The aim of this study was to determine how the modelling of the pectus bar affects its stability and whether an alternative configuration of the implant can improve clinical success.

METHODS

Simulated implantation of bars with different shapes and sizes in a computational model was carried out. A 250 N sternal force was applied to the bars, and the resulting forces and moments on the fixation points were identified. Afterwards, a clinical trial was carried out in a group of patients with pectus excavatum, some of whom received long inverted U-shaped bars and some of whom received implants designed from the computational results.

RESULTS

When U-shaped bars were tested, the sternal force generated unbalanced horizontal reaction forces (16 vs 61 N) and large reaction moments at the ends of the bar, conferring the tendency to slide and to rotate, respectively. No lateral or rotational destabilizing forces occurred in the case of a flat bar. Cosmetic outcomes, postoperative times and hospital stays were similar in both clinical groups. However, 2 cases (2/15) of bar flipping occurred in patients who received the conventional bar.

CONCLUSIONS

The shape of the bar is a determinant of its stability. A flat, shorter pectus bar provides adequate correction of the deformity with less tendency for bar displacement in the repair of pectus excavatum.
Natural courses and long-term results of type A acute aortic intramural haematoma and retrograde thrombosed type A acute aortic dissection: a single-centre experience
Authors: Chen Yen-Yu , Yen Hsu-Ting , Lo Chien-Ming , Wu Chia-Chen , Huang David Kwan-Ru , Sheu Jiunn-Jye
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVES

Few reports on the outcomes of patients treated for Stanford type A acute aortic intramural haematoma (TAAIMH) and retrograde thrombosed type A acute aortic dissection exist. This study aimed to evaluate their long-term results and predictors of adverse outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed 40 patients with TAAIMH and retrograde thrombosed type A acute aortic dissection. All patients underwent urgent surgery on presentation of life-threatening complications. Before discharge, 18 patients underwent open aortic surgery, and 22 were treated with medical therapy alone. Clinical features of these patients and image appearances were reviewed, and the relationship with overall survival, aortic events, and aortic death was investigated.

RESULTS

The in-hospital mortality rate was 4.5% (1 patient) with medical therapy alone and 11.1% (2 patients) with surgical intervention. No patient with initial medical therapy required urgent surgery for life-threatening complications beyond 3 days of admission. The overall survival and aortic death-free survival rates at 1, 5 and 10 years were 85.0%, 72.5% and 59.8% and 90.0%, 81.6% and 77.1%, respectively. TAAIMH associated with penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) was a risk factor of aortic events (P = 0.020) and significantly influenced aortic death-free survival (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Urgent surgery for complicated TAAIMH and retrograde thrombosed type A acute aortic dissection patients and initial medical therapy for uncomplicated patients show favourable long-term survival rates. TAAIMH is frequently associated with PAU; PAU enlargement is common. Although PAU can remain stable for years, it is a strong predictor of poor prognosis. For optimal long-term results, surgical repair is recommended for TAAIMH associated with PAU.
Incorporating transnational labour: Migration rent, combined relocation, and offshore production networks in Malaysia
Authors: Bastide Loïs
Published: August 2019

The article explores the interactions between transnational labour migration, multinational corporations’ (MNCs) location strategies, and public policies in the context of contemporary Malaysia. My main hypothesis is that the country’s position in global production networks is dependent on the presence of a large pool of foreign workers. To demonstrate this relationship, I develop the concept of ‘migration rent’ in order to account for the specific characteristics of migrant labour in Malaysia. By showing that this rent allows the optimisation of labour, as a production factor, beyond the sole issue of labour costs, the concept allows an explanation for why foreign direct investment does not move to lower-wage countries. By allowing and organising the recruitment of foreign workers on a large scale, the government has shaped territories where both capital and labour can be relocated to achieve effective production factor combinations. To understand this process, I articulate the concept of ‘combined relocation’, which describes transnational investment strategies where both capital and labour are moved to a third country—here Malaysia—under the former’s command. In so doing, the paper thus adds to the literature on MNCs’ spatial strategies, on transnational labour migration, and on Malaysia’s political economy.
Matter power spectrum: from Ly α forest to CMB scales
Authors: Chabanier Solène , Millea Marius , Palanque-Delabrouille Nathalie
Published: August 2019

We present a new compilation of inferences of the linear 3D matter power spectrum at redshift $z\, {=}\, 0$ from a variety of probes spanning several orders of magnitude in physical scale and in cosmic history. We develop a new lower noise method for performing this inference from the latest Ly α forest 1D power spectrum data. We also include cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature and polarization power spectra and lensing reconstruction data, the cosmic shear two-point correlation function, and the clustering of luminous red galaxies. We provide a Dockerized Jupyter notebook housing the fairly complex dependences for producing the plot of these data, with the hope that groups in the future can help add to it. Overall, we find qualitative agreement between the independent measurements considered here and the standard ΛCDM cosmological model fit to the Planck data.
Effect of quercetin supplementation on plasma lipid profiles, blood pressure, and glucose levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Haohai , Liao Dan , Dong Yong , Pu Rong
Published: August 2019

Context

Clinical trials examining the cardiovascular protective effects of quercetin in humans have reported conflicting results.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to summarize evidence of the effects of quercetin supplementation on plasma lipid profiles, blood pressure (BP), and glucose levels in humans by performing a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched electronically from their inception to July 2018 to identify randomized controlled trials that assessed the impact of quercetin on lipid profiles, BP, and glucose levels.

Study Selection

Randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of quercetin or a standardized quercetin-enriched extract on plasma lipid profiles, BP, and glucose levels in humans were eligible for inclusion.

Data Extraction

A random-effects model was used for data analysis. Continuous variables were expressed as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95%CIs. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore possible influences of study characteristics. Sensitivity analyses were also performed, as were analyses of publication bias.

Results

Seventeen trials (n = 896 participants total) were included in the overall analysis. Pooled results showed that quercetin significantly lowered both systolic BP (WMD, −3.09 mmHg; 95%CI, −4.59 to −1.59; P = 0.0001) and diastolic BP (WMD, −2.86 mmHg; 95%CI, −5.09 to −0.63; P = 0.01). Neither lipid profiles nor glucose concentrations changed significantly. In subgroup analyses, significant changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were observed in trials with a parallel design and in which participants consumed quercetin for 8 weeks or more.

Conclusion

Quercetin intake resulted in significantly decreased BP in humans. Moreover, participants who consumed quercetin for 8 weeks or more showed significantly changed levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides in trials with a parallel design.
Strigolactone-Based Node-to-Bud Signaling May Restrain Shoot Branching in Hybrid Aspen
Authors: Katyayini Niveditha Umesh , Rinne P�ivi L H , van der Schoot Christiaan
Published: August 2019

The biosynthesis and roles of strigolactones (SLs) have been investigated in herbaceous plants, but so far, their role in trees has received little attention. In this study, we analyzed the presence, spatial/temporal expression and role of SL pathway genes in Populus tremula � Populus tremuloides. In this proleptic species, axillary buds (AXBs) become para-dormant at the bud maturation point, providing an unambiguous starting point to study AXB activation. We identified previously undescribed Populus homologs of DWARF27 (D27), LATERAL BRANCHING OXIDOREDUCTASE (LBO) and DWARF53-like (D53-like) and analyzed the relative expression of all SL pathway genes in root tips and shoot tissues. We found that, although AXBs expressed MORE AXILLARY GROWTH1 (MAX1) and LBO, they did not express MAX3 and MAX4, whereas nodal bark expressed high levels of all SL biosynthesis genes. By contrast, expression of the SL perception and signaling genes MAX2, D14 and D53 was high in AXBs relative to nodal bark and roots. This suggests that AXBs are reliant on the associated nodes for the import of SLs and SL precursors. Activation of AXBs was initiated by decapitation and single-node isolation. This rapidly downregulated SL pathway genes downstream of MAX4, although later these genes were upregulated coincidently with primordia formation. GR24-feeding counteracted all activation-related changes in SL gene expression but did not prevent AXB outgrowth showing that SL is ineffective once AXBs are activated. The results indicate that nodes rather than roots supply SLs and its precursors to AXBs, and that SLs may restrain embryonic shoot elongation during AXB formation and para-dormancy in intact plants.
Dietary Inflammatory Index Scores Are Associated with Pressure Pain Hypersensitivity in Women with Fibromyalgia
Authors: Correa-Rodríguez María , Casas-Barragán Antonio , González-Jiménez Emilio , Schmidt-RioValle Jacqueline , Molina Francisco , Aguilar-Ferrándiz María Encarnación
Published: August 2019

Objective

Pain hypersensitivity has been described as one of the most disabling symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Here we analyzed the relationship between an anti-inflammatory diet profile and the pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) of tender point sites and other fibromyalgia-related symptoms in patients with FMS.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 95 women diagnosed with FMS and 98 menopause-status matched controls. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) was calculated by conducting a 24-hour diet recall interview. The PPTs of tender point sites and self-reported global pain levels were evaluated by algometry and the visual analog scale, respectively. Disease severity, fatigue, sleep anxiety, and central sensitization were also evaluated.

Results

Linear regression analysis revealed that the PPTs of tender point sites including the occiput (β = 0.234, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.016–0.452, P = 0.036), trapezius (β = 0.299, 95% CI = 0.083–0.515, P = 0.007), zygapophyseal joint (β = 0.291, 95% CI = 0.022–0.559, P = 0.035), second rib (β = 0.204, 95% CI = 0.060–0.348, P = 0.006), gluteus (β = 0.591, 95% CI = 0.110–1.072, P = 0.017), greater trochanter (β = 0.379, 95% CI = 0.016–0.742, P = 0.041), and knee (β = 0.482, 95% CI = 0.117–0.850, P = 0.011) were associated with DII score after adjustments for the age, menopausal status, and global energy levels reported by the patients with FMS. No significant differences were found for the cases or controls between the DII score and the remaining clinical symptoms. Analyses of covariance showed that the PPTs of the aforementioned tender point sites were also significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the DII score quartiles in patients with FMS, but no significant differences were found between these quartiles and the other clinical symptoms.

Conclusions

A pro-inflammatory diet was associated with pain hypersensitivity in patients with FMS.
Derivation of an angiographically based classification system in Takayasu’s arteritis: an observational study from India and North America
Authors: Goel Ruchika , Gribbons K Bates , Carette Simon , Cuthbertson David , Hoffman Gary S , Joseph George , Khalidi Nader A , Koening Curry L , Kumar Sathish , Langford Carol , Maksimowicz-McKinnon Kathleen , McAlear Carol A , Monach Paul A , Moreland Larry W , Nair Aswin , Pagnoux Christian , Quinn Kaitlin A , Ravindran Raheesh , Seo Philip , Sreih Antoine G , Warrington Kenneth J , Ytterberg Steven R , Merkel Peter A , Danda Debashish , Grayson Peter C
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To develop and replicate, using data-driven methods, a novel classification system in Takayasu’s arteritis based on distribution of arterial lesions.

Methods

Patients were included from four international cohorts at major academic centres: India (Christian Medical College Vellore); North America (National Institutes of Health, Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium and Cleveland Clinic Foundation). All patients underwent whole-body angiography of the aorta and branch vessels, with categorization of arterial damage (stenosis, occlusion or aneurysm) in 13 territories. K-means cluster analysis was performed to identify subgroups of patients based on pattern of angiographic involvement. Cluster groups were identified in the Indian cohort and independently replicated in the North American cohorts.

Results

A total of 806 patients with Takayasu’s arteritis from India (n = 581) and North America (n = 225) were included. Three distinct clusters defined by arterial damage were identified in the Indian cohort and replicated in each of the North American cohorts. Patients in cluster one had significantly more disease in the abdominal aorta, renal and mesenteric arteries (P < 0.01). Patients in cluster two had significantly more bilateral disease in the carotid and subclavian arteries (P < 0.01). Compared with clusters one and two, patients in cluster three had asymmetric disease with fewer involved territories (P < 0.01). Demographics, clinical symptoms and clinical outcomes differed by cluster.

Conclusion

This large study in Takayasu’s arteritis identified and replicated three novel subsets of patients based on patterns of arterial damage. Angiographic-based disease classification requires validation by demonstrating potential aetiological or prognostic implications.