bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S-C3N4 Quantum Dot Decorated ZnO Nanorods to Improve Their Photoelectrochemical Performance
Authors: He Haizhou , Li Jie , Liu Yang , Liu Qiong , Zhan Faqi , Li Yaomin , Li Wenzhang , Wen Jin
Published: March 2017

S-doped C3N4 quantum dots (SCNQDs) were synthesized successfully by a low-temperature solid-phase method. The as-synthesised SCNQDs were decorated on ZnO nanorods by a dipping method. The ZnO nanorod films were prepared through a two-stage method, including pulse electrodeposition for depositing ZnO seed layer on fluorine doping SnO2 glass (FTO) and chemical bath for growing ZnO nanorods on the ZnO seed layer. The prepared samples were characterized via scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photoelectrochemical performances of the prepared samples were estimated using linear sweep voltammograms, electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS), Mott–Schottky, transient photocurrent and incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE). The results show that the light absorption edge of the prepared SCNQDs increases from 326[Formula: see text]nm (CNQDs) to 349[Formula: see text]nm after S doping. The CNQD decorated ZnO photoanode film exhibits 1.34 times as high photocurrent as bare ZnO photoanode film. Importantly, the photocurrent increased to 1.79 times than bare ZnO photoanode film by S doping at 1.0[Formula: see text]V (versus Ag/AgCl), which is attributed to a wider light absorption of SCNQDs and a better efficiency of electron transfer in the interface between SCNQDs and ZnO.
MnO/MWCNT Composite Anode Material with Low Temperature Calcination Process for High Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Shi Mengjiao , Zhang Huishuang , Cao Zhaoxia , Yin Yanhong , Yang Shuting
Published: March 2017

MnO/MWCNT composites were synthesized through a vacuum solution infiltration method and a subsequent low temperature calcination process. The MnO/MWCNT composites with an empty space among the nanoparticles or inside the Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), which can act as a buffer matrix to release the volume expansion, effectively solved the existing issues of active nanoparticle dissolution and aggregation during the lithium ion insertion/extraction. The MWCNTs in the composites can also improve the conductivity of electrode. Electrochemical tests show that the composites exhibit excellent cycling property and good rate performance.
Asymptotic dynamics of a modified discrete Leslie–Gower competition system
Authors: Chow Yunshyong , Jang Sophia R.-J.
Published: March 2017

We propose a modified discrete-time Leslie–Gower competition system of two populations to study competition outcomes. Depending on the magnitude of a particular model parameter that measures intraspecific competition between individuals within the same population, either one or both populations may be subject to Allee effects. The resulting system can have up to four coexisting steady states. Using the theory of planar competitive maps, it is shown that the model has only equilibrium dynamics. The competition outcomes then depend not only on the parameter regimes but may also depend on the initial population distributions.
Wright–Fisher-like models with constant population size on average
Authors: Grosjean Nicolas , Huillet Thierry
Published: March 2017

We first recall some basic facts from the theory of discrete-time Markov chains arising from two types neutral and non-neutral evolution models of population genetics with constant size. We then define and analyze a version of such models whose fluctuating total population size is conserved on average only. In our model, the population of interest is seen as being embedded in a frame process which is a critical Galton–Watson process. In this context, we address problems such as extinction, fixation, size of the population at fixation and survival probability to a bottleneck effect of the environment.
A model of cholera transmission with hyperinfectivity and its optimal vaccination control
Authors: Modnak Chairat
Published: March 2017

The use of cholera vaccines has been increasingly recognized as an effective control measure in cholera endemic countries. Also, the disease transmissions are getting more complicated and thus comprehensive strategies to implement public health control measures are worthwhile to be investigated. In this paper, we aim to better understand the effects of HI states of vibrios from the environment and from human contacts that cause cholera outbreaks. We also present and analyze our cholera mathematical model with vaccine incorporated. Equilibrium analysis is conducted in the case with constant control for both epidemic and endemic dynamics. Optimal control theory is applied to seek cost-effective solutions of time-dependent vaccination strategies against cholera outbreaks. Our results show that using vaccination during cholera outbreaks at the very beginning of the onset can reduce the number of infections significantly.
On transit functions in weighted graphs
Authors: Dhanyamol M. V. , Mathew Sunil
Published: March 2017

Certain types of transit functions are studied in this paper. Strong intervals and strong gates are introduced. Since there are different metrics available in weighted graphs, different intervals can be studied. Strong intervals and strong convexity arising out of strong geodesics are considered and as a consequence the concept of gate is introduced. Several results related to these definitions are obtained.
Arterial viscoelasticity: role in the dependency of pulse wave velocity on heart rate in conduit arteries
Authors: Xiao Hanguang , Tan Isabella , Butlin Mark , Li Decai , Avolio Alberto P.
Published: March 2017

Experimental investigations have established that the stiffness of large arteries has a dependency on acute heart rate (HR) changes. However, the possible underlying mechanisms inherent in this HR dependency have not been well established. This study aimed to explore a plausible viscoelastic mechanism by which HR exerts an influence on arterial stiffness. A multisegment transmission line model of the human arterial tree incorporating fractional viscoelastic components in each segment was used to investigate the effect of varying fractional order parameter (α) of viscoelasticity on the dependence of aortic arch to femoral artery pulse wave velocity (afPWV) on HR. HR was varied from 60 to 100 beats/min at a fixed mean flow of 100 ml/s. PWV was calculated by intersecting tangent method (afPWVTan) and by phase velocity from the transfer function (afPWVTF) in the time and frequency domain, respectively. PWV was significantly and positively associated with HR for α ≥ 0.6; for α = 0.6, 0.8, and 1, HR-dependent changes in afPWVTan were 0.01 ± 0.02, 0.07 ± 0.04, and 0.22 ± 0.09 m/s per 5 beats/min; HR-dependent changes in afPWVTF were 0.02 ± 0.01, 0.12 ± 0.00, and 0.34 ± 0.01 m/s per 5 beats/min, respectively. This crosses the range of previous physiological studies where the dependence of PWV on HR was found to be between 0.08 and 0.10 m/s per 5 beats/min. Therefore, viscoelasticity of the arterial wall could contribute to mechanisms through which large artery stiffness changes with changing HR. Physiological studies are required to confirm this mechanism.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study used a transmission line model to elucidate the role of arterial viscoelasticity in the dependency of pulse wave velocity on heart rate. The model uses fractional viscoelasticity concepts, which provided novel insights into arterial hemodynamics. This study also provides a means of assessing the clinical manifestation of the association of pulse wave velocity and heart rate.
Prosthetic model, but not stiffness or height, affects the metabolic cost of running for athletes with unilateral transtibial amputations
Authors: Beck Owen N. , Taboga Paolo , Grabowski Alena M.
Published: March 2017

Running-specific prostheses enable athletes with lower limb amputations to run by emulating the spring-like function of biological legs. Current prosthetic stiffness and height recommendations aim to mitigate kinematic asymmetries for athletes with unilateral transtibial amputations. However, it is unclear how different prosthetic configurations influence the biomechanics and metabolic cost of running. Consequently, we investigated how prosthetic model, stiffness, and height affect the biomechanics and metabolic cost of running. Ten athletes with unilateral transtibial amputations each performed 15 running trials at 2.5 or 3.0 m/s while we measured ground reaction forces and metabolic rates. Athletes ran using three different prosthetic models with five different stiffness category and height combinations per model. Use of an Ottobock 1E90 Sprinter prosthesis reduced metabolic cost by 4.3 and 3.4% compared with use of Freedom Innovations Catapult [fixed effect (β) = −0.177; P < 0.001] and Össur Flex-Run (β = −0.139; P = 0.002) prostheses, respectively. Neither prosthetic stiffness ( P ≥ 0.180) nor height ( P = 0.062) affected the metabolic cost of running. The metabolic cost of running was related to lower peak (β = 0.649; P = 0.001) and stance average (β = 0.772; P = 0.018) vertical ground reaction forces, prolonged ground contact times (β = −4.349; P = 0.012), and decreased leg stiffness (β = 0.071; P < 0.001) averaged from both legs. Metabolic cost was reduced with more symmetric peak vertical ground reaction forces (β = 0.007; P = 0.003) but was unrelated to stride kinematic symmetry ( P ≥ 0.636). Therefore, prosthetic recommendations based on symmetric stride kinematics do not necessarily minimize the metabolic cost of running. Instead, an optimal prosthetic model, which improves overall biomechanics, minimizes the metabolic cost of running for athletes with unilateral transtibial amputations.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The metabolic cost of running for athletes with unilateral transtibial amputations depends on prosthetic model and is associated with lower peak and stance average vertical ground reaction forces, longer contact times, and reduced leg stiffness. Metabolic cost is unrelated to prosthetic stiffness, height, and stride kinematic symmetry. Unlike nonamputees who decrease leg stiffness with increased in-series surface stiffness, biological limb stiffness for athletes with unilateral transtibial amputations is positively correlated with increased in-series (prosthetic) stiffness.
Mathematical Modeling Links Pregnancy-Associated Changes and Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Temko Daniel , Cheng Yu-Kang , Polyak Kornelia , Michor Franziska
Published: March 2017

Recent debate has concentrated on the contribution of bad luck to cancer development. The tight correlation between the number of tissue-specific stem cell divisions and cancer risk of the same tissue suggests that bad luck has an important role to play in tumor development, but the full extent of this contribution remains an open question. Improved understanding of the interplay between extrinsic and intrinsic factors at the molecular level is one promising route to identifying the limits on extrinsic control of tumor initiation, which is highly relevant to cancer prevention. Here, we use a simple mathematical model to show that recent data on the variation in numbers of breast epithelial cells with progenitor features due to pregnancy are sufficient to explain the known protective effect of full-term pregnancy in early adulthood for estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) breast cancer later in life. Our work provides a mechanism for this previously ill-understood effect and illuminates the complex influence of extrinsic factors at the molecular level in breast cancer. These findings represent an important contribution to the ongoing research into the role of bad luck in human tumorigenesis. Cancer Res; 77(11); 2800–9. ©2017 AACR.
Erstlinientherapie des nicht oder mild symptomatischen metastasierten kastrationsresistenten Prostatakarzinoms
Authors: Gschwend Jürgen E.
Published: March 2017

Die Erstlinientherapie des nicht oder mild symptomatischen metastasierten kastrationsresistenten Prostatakarzinoms erfolgt heute vermehrt mit dem Androgen-Biosynthese-Inhibitor Abirateronacetat plus Prednison/Prednisolon oder dem Androgenrezeptor-Signalweg-Inhibitor Enzalutamid. Diese modernen antihormonellen Wirkstoffe konnten in den jeweiligen Zulassungsstudien bei insgesamt guter Verträglichkeit das Überleben der Patienten signifikant verlängern. Im Folgenden wird ein Überblick über weitere aktuelle Daten in Bezug auf die Erstlinientherapie gegeben. Diese Daten stammen größtenteils aus retrospektiven, hypothesengenerierenden Analysen, in denen meist kleine Patientenkollektive untersucht wurden, verfügen über eine entsprechend eingeschränkte Aussagekraft und erlauben keine Schlussfolgerungen für die klinische Praxis. Insbesondere kann eine Therapieempfehlung auf die derzeit verfügbaren Daten nicht gestützt werden. Dafür sind entsprechende prospektive klinische Studien erforderlich.
Abirateronacetat beim metastasierten kastrationsresistenten Prostatakarzinom: Wann beginnen?
Authors: Miller Kurt
Published: March 2017

Für die Therapie des metastasierten kastrationsresistenten Prostatakarzinoms (mCRPC) stehen inzwischen mehrere moderne Wirkstoffe zur Verfügung. Sie verdrängen zunehmend die aufgrund mangelnder Alternativen lange Jahre üblichen sekundären Hormonmanipulationen, denn neuere Substanzen konnten - im Gegensatz zu den konventionellen antihormonellen Therapien - das Überleben in Phase-III-Studien verlängern. So ist der Beginn der mCRPC-Therapie gemäß Leitlinie der European Association of Urology in den letzten Jahren im Krankheitsverlauf nach vorne gerückt. Für den Androgen-Biosynthese-Inhibitor Abirateronacetat, einen dieser modernen Wirkstoffe, liefern mehrere Analysen zusätzliche Hinweise, wann die Behandlung begonnen werden könnte.
Feasibility Study of the Three-Dimensional Flexible Endoscope in Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: An ex vivo Animal Study
Authors: Kikuchi Daisuke , Kaise Mitsuru , Nomura Kosuke , Toba Takahito , Kuribayashi Yasutaka , Tanaka Masami , Yamashita Satoshi , Furuhata Tsukasa , Matsui Akira , Mitani Toshifumi , Hoteya Shu , Iizuka Toshiro
Published: March 2017

Background/Aim: Clinical application of 3-dimensional (3D) technology for flexible endoscopes has not been reported. We developed a 3D flexible endoscope and conducted a feasibility study of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in porcine stomach. Methods: Four endoscopists used a 3D flexible endoscope to perform a total of 8 ESD procedures on resected porcine stomachs. We assessed the en bloc resection rate, perforation rate, and mechanical issues that arise during ESD. A visual analog scale (0, 2D superior; 100, 3D superior) was used to evaluate the depth perception, sense of security of the procedure, and eyestrain of 3D visualization. Results: En bloc resection was achieved in all cases and there were no cases of perforation or mechanical issues. Depth perception and sense of security were rated 85.5 ± 12.4 and 70.7 ± 9.7 respectively (mean ± SDs). Eyestrain was rated high for 3D visualization (mean ± SDs, 12.6 ± 8.6). Conclusions: ESD using a 3D flexible endoscope was technically feasible. The endoscopists reported good depth perception and a high sense of security when using 3D visualization but also noted strong eyestrain.
The Use of Direct Immunofluorescence in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
Authors: Donati Aline , Gupta Aditya K. , Jacob Carolina , Cavelier-Balloy Benedicte , Reygagne Pascal
Published: March 2017

Background: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) differs from lichen planopilaris (LPP) in many clinical aspects, but histology fails to distinguish between these entities. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) is a diagnostic technique used for autoimmune diseases, including those affecting skin and hair. Objective: To characterize DIF patterns in patients with FFA. Method: Data was collected retrospectively from FFA cases presenting to the Centre de Santé Sabouraud Hair Clinic in Paris from November 2013 to November 2014. Results: Of 149 patients with FFA, 44 cases underwent DIF. Thirteen cases showed positive results with DIF. Patterns characteristic of LPP and lupus erythematosus were observed, with nearly half showing nonspecific staining. Conclusion: DIF patterns in patients with FFA were variable. This diagnostic technique should be used with caution in cases of cicatricial alopecia, particularly FFA.
Dickkopf-Related Protein 2 is Epigenetically Inactivated and Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Growth and Tumor Metastasis by Antagonizing Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Wang Can , Yue Yujuan , Shao Bianfei , Qiu Zhu , Mu Junhao , Tang Jun , Han Xiaofan , Xiang Tingxiu , Ren Guosheng
Published: March 2017

Background/Aims: Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a key role in the pathogenesis of multiple tumors including digestive cancers. Recent studies have reported that Dickkopf-related protein 2 (DKK2) is epigenetically inactivated in numerous types of cancers and that its gene products exhibit tumor-suppressive properties. However, the biological functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of DKK2 in colon carcinoma remains obscure. Methods: We examined the expression of DKK2 in colon tumor cell lines by RT-PCR and its promoter methylation status in colon tumor cell lines and primary tumors by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Ectopic expression of DKK2 was measured by RT-PCR prior to the other experiments. To investigate the function of DKK2, we assayed colony formation and cell proliferation, utilized flow cytometric analyses of the cell cycle and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) fluorescence staining for apoptosis, and examined wound healing, transwell migration and tumor growth in vivo. Western blots were used to explore the mechanisms of DKK2 in epithelial- mesenchymal transition and canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Results: We show here that downregulation or silencing of DKK2 was closely associated with the hypermethylation status of its promoter and that DKK2 expression could be restored by demethylation treatment. Methylation of the DKK2 promoter was detected in nearly all tumors and tumor-adjacent tissues, but not in normal colon tissues. Ectopic expression of DKK2 in colon cell lines HCT116 and HT-29 inhibited colony formation and cell viability by inducing cell cycle G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis, and growth of stable DKK2-infected HCT116 cells in nude mice was decreased compared to controls. Furthermore, DKK2 restrained cell migration through partial reversal of epithelial-to- mesenchymal transition and also by downregulating several stem cell markers. Our data further showed that restoration of DKK2 expression resulted in downregulation of active β-catenin and its downstream target genes. Conclusion: DKK2 appears to be a functional tumor suppressor regulating tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer by antagonizing Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Influence of Left Atrial Function on Exercise Capacity and Left Ventricular Function in Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: von Roeder Maximilian , Rommel Karl-Philipp , Kowallick Johannes Tammo , Blazek Stephan , Besler Christian , Fengler Karl , Lotz Joachim , Hasenfuß Gerd , Lücke Christian , Gutberlet Matthias , Schuler Gerhard , Schuster Andreas , Lurz Philipp
Published: March 2017

Background—

Although left atrial (LA) dysfunction is common in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), its functional implications beyond the reflection of left ventricular (LV) pathology are not well understood. The aim of this study was to further characterize LA function in HFpEF patients.

Methods and Results—

We performed cardiac magnetic resonance myocardial feature tracking in 22 patients with HFpEF and 12 patients without HFpEF. LA reservoir strain, LA conduit strain, and LA booster pump strain were quantified. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2max) was determined. Invasive pressure–volume loops were obtained to evaluate LV diastolic properties. LV early filling was determined from LV volume–time curves as derived from cardiac magnetic resonance. LA reservoir and conduit strain were significantly lower in HFpEF (LA reservoir strain, 22±7% versus 29±6%,
P
=0.04; LA conduit strain, −9±5% versus −15±4%,
P
<0.01). Patients with HFpEF showed lower oxygen uptake (17±6 versus 29±8 mL/(kg min);
P
<0.01). Strain measurement for LA conduit function was strongly associated with VO2max (
r
=0.80;
P
<0.01). On multivariable regression analysis, LA conduit strain emerged as strongest predictor for VO2max even after inclusion of LV stiffness and relaxation time (β=0.80;
P
<0.01). LA conduit strain correlated with the volume of early ventricular filling (
r
=0.67;
P
<0.01), but not LV stiffness constant β (−0.34;
P
=0.051) or relaxation constant τ (
r
=−0.33;
P
=0.06).

Conclusions—

Cardiac magnetic resonance myocardial feature tracking–derived conduit strain is significantly impaired in HFpEF and associated with exercise intolerance. Impaired conduit function is associated with impaired early ventricular filling, as potential mechanism leading to impaired oxygen uptake. Our results propose that impaired LA conduit function represents a distinct feature of HFpEF, independent of LV stiffness and relaxation.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02459626.
Multimodality Strategy for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
Authors: de Lemos James A. , Ayers Colby R. , Levine Benjamin D. , deFilippi Christopher R. , Wang Thomas J. , Hundley W. Gregory , Berry Jarett D. , Seliger Stephen L. , McGuire Darren K. , Ouyang Pamela , Drazner Mark H. , Budoff Matthew , Greenland Philip , Ballantyne Christie M. , Khera Amit
Published: March 2017

Background:

Current strategies for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment among adults without known CVD are limited by suboptimal performance and a narrow focus on only atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD). We hypothesized that a strategy combining promising biomarkers across multiple different testing modalities would improve global and atherosclerotic CVD risk assessment among individuals without known CVD.

Methods:

We included participants from MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) (n=6621) and the Dallas Heart Study (n=2202) who were free from CVD and underwent measurement of left ventricular hypertrophy by ECG, coronary artery calcium, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Associations of test results with the global composite CVD outcome (CVD death, myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary or peripheral revascularization, incident heart failure, or atrial fibrillation) and ASCVD (fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke) were assessed over >10 years of follow-up. Multivariable analyses for the primary global CVD end point adjusted for traditional risk factors plus statin use and creatinine (base model).

Results:

Each test result was independently associated with global composite CVD events in MESA after adjustment for the components of the base model and the other test results (
P
<0.05 for each). When the 5 tests were added to the base model, the c-statistic improved from 0.74 to 0.79 (
P
=0.001), significant integrated discrimination improvement (0.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06–0.08,
P
<0.001) and category free net reclassification improvement (0.47; 95% CI, 0.38–0.56;
P
=0.003) were observed, and the model was well calibrated (χ
2
=12.2,
P
=0.20). Using a simple integer score counting the number of abnormal tests, compared with those with a score of 0, global CVD risk was increased among participants with a score of 1 (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4–2.6), 2 (hazard ratio, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.3–4.4), 3 (hazard ratio, 4.7; 95% CI, 3.4–6.5), and ≥4 (hazard ratio, 7.5; 95% CI, 5.2–10.6). Findings replicated in the Dallas Health Study were similar for the ASCVD outcome.

Conclusions:

Among adults without known CVD, a novel multimodality testing strategy using left ventricular hypertrophy by ECG, coronary artery calcium, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein significantly improved global CVD and ASCVD risk assessment.
Potential Impact and Study Considerations of Metabolomics in Cardiovascular Health and Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Cheng Susan , Shah Svati H. , Corwin Elizabeth J. , Fiehn Oliver , Fitzgerald Robert L. , Gerszten Robert E. , Illig Thomas , Rhee Eugene P. , Srinivas Pothur R. , Wang Thomas J. , Jain Mohit
Published: March 2017

Through the measure of thousands of small-molecule metabolites in diverse biological systems, metabolomics now offers the potential for new insights into the factors that contribute to complex human diseases such as cardiovascular disease. Targeted metabolomics methods have already identified new molecular markers and metabolomic signatures of cardiovascular disease risk (including branched-chain amino acids, select unsaturated lipid species, and trimethylamine-
N
-oxide), thus in effect linking diverse exposures such as those from dietary intake and the microbiota with cardiometabolic traits. As technologies for metabolomics continue to evolve, the depth and breadth of small-molecule metabolite profiling in complex systems continue to advance rapidly, along with prospects for ongoing discovery. Current challenges facing the field of metabolomics include scaling throughput and technical capacity for metabolomics approaches, bioinformatic and chemoinformatic tools for handling large-scale metabolomics data, methods for elucidating the biochemical structure and function of novel metabolites, and strategies for determining the true clinical relevance of metabolites observed in association with cardiovascular disease outcomes. Progress made in addressing these challenges will allow metabolomics the potential to substantially affect diagnostics and therapeutics in cardiovascular medicine.
Biomarker Profiles in Heart Failure Patients With Preserved and Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Tromp Jasper , Khan Mohsin A. F. , Klip IJsbrand T. , Meyer Sven , de Boer Rudolf A. , Jaarsma Tiny , Hillege Hans , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , van der Meer Peter , Voors Adriaan A.
Published: March 2017

Background

Biomarkers may help us to unravel differences in the underlying pathophysiology between heart failure (
HF
) patients with a reduced ejection fraction (
HF
r
EF
) and a preserved ejection fraction (
HF
p
EF
). Therefore, we compared biomarker profiles to characterize pathophysiological differences between patients with
HF
r
EF
and
HF
p
EF
.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively analyzed 33 biomarkers from different pathophysiological domains (inflammation, oxidative stress, remodeling, cardiac stretch, angiogenesis, arteriosclerosis, and renal function) in 460
HF
patients (21%
HF
p
EF
, left ventricular ejection fraction ≥45%) measured at discharge after hospitalization for acute
HF
. The association between these markers and the occurrence of all‐cause mortality and/or
HF
‐related rehospitalizations at 18 months was compared between patients with
HF
r
EF
and
HF
p
EF
. Patients were 70.6±11.4 years old and 37.4% were female. Patients with
HF
p
EF
were older, more often female, and had a higher systolic blood pressure. Levels of high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein were significantly higher in
HF
p
EF
, while levels of pro‐atrial‐type natriuretic peptide and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide were higher in
HF
r
EF
. Linear regression followed by network analyses revealed prominent inflammation and angiogenesis‐associated interactions in
HF
p
EF
and mainly cardiac stretch–associated interactions in
HF
r
EF
. The angiogenesis‐specific marker, neuropilin and the remodeling‐specific marker, osteopontin were predictive for all‐cause mortality and/or
HF
‐related rehospitalizations at 18 months in
HF
p
EF
, but not in
HF
r
EF
(
P
for interaction <0.05).

Conclusions

In
HF
p
EF
, inflammation and angiogenesis‐mediated interactions are predominantly observed, while stretch‐mediated interactions are found in
HF
r
EF
. The remodeling marker osteopontin and the angiogenesis marker neuropilin predicted outcome in
HF
p
EF
, but not in
HF
r
EF
.
Mutable Mobiles: Charting the Cartography of Banarasi Toymakers
Authors: Patil Koumudi , Athavankar Uday
Published: March 2017

From the perspective of design, Latour's cycles of inscriptions and mobility promises to be of significance to the future exploration of self-organizing tendencies, as well as distributed cognition in decentralized decision making between heterogeneous team members scattered across time and space. Of particular relevance is the role of the artefact in the absence or lack of communication as an object- to-think-with, as well as to negotiate design decisions over time and space. Artefacts, as in this study- Banarasi toys, acting as probes not only accumulate design decisions, but also inscribe the worldview of the members on themselves. Their mutability and mobility endows on them the promising role of gathering members and eventually an entire community around them. On completion of the cycles, they become a microcosm of the worldview, similar to Latour's map encapsulating the earth.
ἡ κίνησις τῆς τέχνης: Crafts and Souls as Principles of Change
Authors: Fernandez Patricio A. , Mittelmann Jorge
Published: March 2017

Aristotle’s soul is a first principle (an ‘efficient cause’) of every vital change in an animal, in the way that a craft is a cause of its product’s coming-to-be. We argue that the soul’s causal efficacy cannot therefore be reduced to the formal constitution of vital phenomena, or to discrete interventions into independently constituted processes, but involves the exercise of vital powers. This reading does better justice to Aristotle’s conception of craft as a rational productive disposition; and it captures the soul’s continuous causal role as that which brings about all forms of vital change and underwrites their unity.
A new species and new section in Bulbophyllum (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae; Malaxideae)
Authors: VERMEULEN JAAP J. , SUKSATHAN PIYAKASET , WATTHANA SANTI
Published: March 2017

In 2010, the second author found a possible new species of Bulbophyllum in Mae Hong Son Province, northern Thailand. Three years later, Pitak Panyachan (Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden) found the same species on a fallen tree some six km from the first locality. Living plants were collected and brought back to QSBG in Chiang Mai for further investigation. A year later, the plants flowered and proved to be a species of Bulbophyllum new to science.
“Paintings Fade Like Flowers”: Pigment Analysis and Digital Reconstruction of a Faded Pink Lake Pigment in Vincent van Gogh’s Undergrowth with Two Figures
Authors: Fieberg Jeffrey E. , Knutås Per , Hostettler Kurt , Smith Gregory D.
Published: March 2017

Color fading in Vincent van Gogh’s Undergrowth with Two Figures was studied chemically to facilitate the creation of a digital reconstruction of fugitive colors . The painting contains a field of white, green, orange, and yellow flowers under a canopy of poplar trees with two central figures—a man and a woman, arms entwined. From Van Gogh’s letters, however, it is known that he painted the picture with some pink flowers, which appear to have altered, presumably to white. Raman spectroscopy was applied to microsamples of paint to identify the faded pigment as geranium lake, which in this painting consists of the dye, eosin (2′,4′,5′,7′-tetrabromofluorescein). For the first time, lead(II) sulfate has been specifically identified as the likely inorganic substrate for a geranium lake used by Van Gogh in the last months of his life. Microfocus X-ray fluorescence (MXRF) spectroscopy was subsequently used in situ to analyze the white flowers to identify bromine as a proxy for eosin, thus indicating an original pink coloration. Of the 387 white flowers analyzed, 37.7% contained measurable bromine and were, therefore, originally pink. Several cross-sections from these formerly pink areas were assessed using a combination of visual inspection and microcolorimetry to create a colored mask in Adobe Photoshop to digitally reconstruct a suggestion of the original appearance of the painting with regard to the faded flowers. Additionally, microfadeometry was undertaken for the first time on a painting cross-section sample to understand the actual fading kinetics of the underlying bright pink geranium lake used by Van Gogh. A combination of Raman microspectroscopy, MXRF, and scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were utilized in situ and on paint microsamples to identify the complete palette used to create Undergrowth with Two Figures.
The Public Costs of Grand Strategy in the Trump Era
Authors: Lin Shaohan
Published: March 2017

American grand strategy is at a crossroads. The preferred trajectory of president‐elect Trump, hardball isolationism and nationalism, runs counter to the American tradition of global leadership and liberal interventionism. Despite Trump's preference for a new grand strategy, it is far from preordained that he will successfully resist Washington's perennial pull of hegemony once sworn into office. Therefore, it is imperative to examine the strategic preferences of the American public, given that it has to bear the costs of this grand strategy. So what can one expect when the public is disinterested in supporting such an ambitious grand strategy?
Stimulus-evoked changes in cerebral vessel diameter: A study in healthy humans
Authors: Bizeau Alexandre , Gilbert Guillaume , Bernier Michaël , Huynh Minh Tung , Bocti Christian , Descoteaux Maxime , Whittingstall Kevin
Published: March 2017

The high metabolic demand of neuronal tissue, coupled with its relatively low energy storage capacity, requires that increases in neuronal activation are quickly matched with increased blood flow to ensure efficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tissue. For this to occur, dilation of nearby arterioles must be coordinated with the dilation of larger upstream feeding arteries. As it stands, the exact spatial extent of such dilation in humans is unknown. Using non-invasive time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography in healthy participants, we developed an automatic methodology for reconstructing cerebral arterial vessels and quantifying their diameter on a voxel-by-voxel basis. Specifically, we isolated the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) supplying each occipital lobe and quantified its vasodilation induced by visual stimulation. Stimulus-induced changes were strongest (∼30%) near primary visual cortex and progressively decreased in a non-linear fashion as a function of distance. Surprisingly, weak – albeit significant – changes (∼2%) were observed ∼70 mm from the visual cortex. This demonstrates that visual stimulation modulates vascular tone along the bulk of the PCA segment, and thus may have important implications for our understanding of functional hyperemia in healthy and diseased states.
Progressive massive fibrosis in patients with pneumoconiosis: utility of MRI in differentiating from lung cancer
Authors: Ogihara Yukihiro , Ashizawa Kazuto , Hayashi Hideyuki , Nagayasu Takeshi , Hayashi Tomayoshi , Honda Sumihisa , Uetani Masataka
Published: March 2017

Background

It is occasionally difficult to distinguish progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) from lung cancer on computed tomography (CT) in patients with pneumoconiosis.

Purpose

To evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of PMF and to assess its ability to differentiate PMF from lung cancer.

Material and Methods

Between 2000 and 2014, 40 pulmonary lesions suspected to be lung cancer on the basis of CT in 28 patients with known pneumoconiosis were evaluated. Twenty-four of the 40 lesions were pathologically or clinically diagnosed as PMF. The signal pattern on T2-weighted (T2W) images, post-contrast enhancement pattern on T1-weighted (T1W) images, and the pattern of the time intensity curve (TIC) on contrast-enhanced dynamic studies were evaluated. All images were analyzed independently by two chest radiologists.

Results

All 24 PMF lesions showed low signal intensity (SI) on T2W images (sensitivity, 100%), while 15 of 16 lung cancer lesions showed intermediate or high SI on T2W images (specificity, 94%) when PMF was regarded as a positive result. Six of 17 PMF lesions showed a homogeneous enhancement pattern (sensitivity, 35%), and 4/9 lung cancer lesions showed an inhomogeneous or a ring-like enhancement pattern (specificity, 44%). Six of 16 PMF lesions showed a gradually increasing enhancement pattern (sensitivity, 38%), and 7/9 lung cancer lesions showed rapid enhancement pattern (specificity, 78%).

Conclusion

When differentiation between PMF and lung cancer in patients with pneumoconiosis is difficult on CT, an additional MRI study, particularly the T2W imaging sequence, may help differentiate between the two.
The “Most Important Problem” Dataset (MIPD): a new dataset on American issue importance
Authors: Heffington Colton , Park Brandon Beomseob , Williams Laron K
Published: March 2017

This article introduces the Most Important Problem Dataset (MIPD). The MIPD provides individual-level responses by Americans to “most important problem” questions from 1939 to 2015 coded into 58 different problem categories. The MIPD also contains individual-level information on demographics, economic evaluations, partisan preferences, approval and party competencies. This dataset can help answer questions about how the public prioritizes all problems, domestic and foreign, and we demonstrate how these data can shed light on how circumstances influence foreign policy attentiveness. Our exploratory analysis of foreign policy issue attention reveals some notable patterns about foreign policy public opinion. First, foreign policy issues rarely eclipse economic issues on the public’s problem agenda, so efforts to shift attention from poor economic performance to foreign policy via diversionary maneuvers are unlikely to be successful in the long term. Second, we find no evidence that partisan preferences—whether characterized as partisan identification or ideology—motivate partisans to prioritize different problems owing to perceptions of issue ownership. Instead, Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and liberals, respond in similar fashions to shifting domestic and international conditions.
Under Fire: The Falklands War and the Revival of Naval Gunfire Support
Authors: Paget Steven
Published: March 2017

The provision of naval gunfire support was an important aspect of the Falklands War. By the end of the 1970s, naval gunfire support appeared to be doomed, but its vital role during the Falklands War led to a timely reappraisal. Indeed, the use of naval gunfire support during the Iraq War in 2003 and the conflict in Libya in 2011 vindicated the revival of interest in the capability. The Falklands War provided a number of valuable lessons about the role and significance of naval gunfire support, particularly during amphibious and expeditionary operations. With the threat of defence cuts ever-present, it is important that those lessons are not forgotten.
Wage and Earnings from Participation in MGNREGA Works in Jharkhand
Authors: Sarkar Anupam , Islary Jechonia
Published: March 2017

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (2005) is regarded as largest public employment programme in the world. As per the official parlance MGNREGA belongs to the core of core programmes of Government of India. Majority of participants of MGNREGA are poor and vulnerable sections of the society. ₹480 billion has been allocated for the programme in Central government budget in 2017–18. However, in recent years there are criticisms on the government to weaken and dilute the key features of the programme to the detriment of the interest of poor labourers. On the other hand many see the programme as unnecessary drag on public money. In this context this article aims to study recent trend and patterns of participation, employment and income generation from MGNREGA among casual labourers in Jharkhand which happens to be one of poor and tribal dominated states of India.
Salvage of Combat Hindfoot Fractures in 2003-2014 UK Military
Authors: Bennett Philippa M. , Stevenson Thomas , Sargeant Ian D. , Mountain Alistair , Penn-Barwell Jowan G.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Hindfoot fractures pose a considerable challenge to military orthopaedic surgeons, as combat injuries are typically the result of energy transfers not seen in civilian practice. This study aimed to characterize the pattern of hindfoot injuries sustained by UK military casualties in recent conflicts, define the early amputation and infection rate, and identify factors associated with poor early outcomes.

Methods:

The UK Joint Theatre Trauma Registry was searched for British military casualties sustaining a hindfoot fracture from Iraq and Afghanistan between 2003 and 2014. Data on the injury pattern and management were obtained along with 18-month follow-up data. Statistical analysis was performed with the chi-square test and binomial logistic regression analysis. The threshold for significance was set at P < .05. One hundred fourteen patients sustained 134 hindfoot injuries. Eighteen-month follow-up was available for 92 patients (81%) and 114 hindfeet (85%).

Results:

The calcaneus was fractured in 116 cases (87%): 54 (47%) were managed conservatively, 32 (28%) underwent K-wire fixation, and 30 (26%) underwent internal fixation. Nineteen patients (17%) required transtibial amputation during this time. A deep infection requiring operative treatment occurred in 13 cases (11%) with Staphylococcus aureus, the most common infectious organism (46%). A deep infection was strongly associated with operative fracture management ( P = .0016). When controlling for multiple variables, the presence of a deep infection was significantly associated with a requirement for amputation at 18 months ( P = .023). There was no association between open fractures and a requirement for amputation at 18 months ( P = .640), nor was conservative management associated with a requirement for amputation ( P = .999). Thirty-six fractures (32%) required unplanned revision surgery within the first 18 months following salvage, of which 19 (53%) involved amputation.

Conclusion:

A deep infection was the sole variable significantly associated with a requirement for amputation by 18 months. These results suggest that attempts at salvaging these injuries are at the limits of orthopaedic technical feasibility.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative series.
A Systematic Review on Oral Isotretinoin Therapy and Clinically Observable Wound Healing in Acne Patients
Authors: McDonald Katherine A. , Shelley Amanda J. , Alavi Afsaneh
Published: March 2017

The association between isotretinoin and atypical wound healing remains controversial. It is common practice to delay elective procedures for 6 to 24 months after oral isotretinoin therapy. The studies supporting common practices (SCP) recommend extending this period to include the 6 to 24 months preceding treatment. The opposing studies (challenging common practices; CCP) state that the rate of scarring in isotretinoin patients is low and that delaying elective procedures is unnecessary. These practices impact a large number of dermatology patients undergoing acne treatment. This systematic review compiled articles obtained from online databases and examined data from both SCP and CCP studies. The inconsistencies in the reported data and the methodological flaws in the literature preclude any firm conclusions that can resolve the controversy. As such, this review demonstrates that there is insufficient evidence to either corroborate or refute delaying elective procedures in isotretinoin acne patients. Although the recent literature trends toward removing the procedural delay, we advocate for clinicians to consider the research presented in this review in the context of their own clinical experience and each individual patient’s situation. The possible negative procedural outcomes must be weighed against the severity of the patient’s acne scarring and the psychosocial impact of this scarring on the patient.
Discussing moral goods and confronting research fetish: Review of “Fundamentals of research on culture and psychology: Theory and methods”
Authors: Cresswell James , Curtis Evan
Published: March 2017

We review Valery Chirkov’s “Fundamentals of research on culture and psychology: Theory and methods.” The book is written as a textbook, but clearly takes a position that work in culture and psychology should be “problem-oriented, realist, and case-based” (p. 299). It is an innovative piece that covers philosophical paradigms, planning research, and conducting research. Our review outlines main claims made by the book that are likely provocative to mainstream variable-based research and ones that will likely challenge cultural psychologists. Despite the provocations, we argue that the book is an excellent place to start because, as illustrated through the work of Charles Taylor, Chirkov insinuates generative conversations about moral goods. A complimentary discussion through the purview Slavoj Žižec shows how Chirkov promotes awareness of a potential fetish with research methods that are counter productive and unethical.
Developing a Drawing Task to Differentiate Group Average Time Course vs. Dynamics in the Individual
Authors: Blech Christine , Gaschler Robert
Published: March 2017

Teaching and theorizing in psychology has long been torn between targeting general underlying principles by observing dynamics in the individual or focusing on average behavior. As dealing with group averages is common practice in psychology, it is important for students to understand how individual learning curves relate to group average curves. In two experiments, we explore whether posing questions about the individual time course of learning can help psychology students to generate valid representations of the average time course of learning. Attempting to foster learning as a generative process, we provided students in Experiment 1 ( N = 83) with vignettes asking them to draw hypothetical learning curves of individuals vs. averages over individuals (order of vignettes varied as experimental manipulation) into an empty coordinate system (time on the x-axis, performance on the y-axis; fixed start and endpoints). However, students who worked on the individual-time-course vignette first did not draw better average curves than those undertaking the reverse order of tasks. Experiment 2 ( N = 36) found tentative evidence that providing students with a metaphor (falling leaves) can guide attention towards the variability of individual time courses.
Efferocytosis-induced prostaglandin E2 production impairs alveolar macrophage effector functions during Streptococcus pneumoniae infection
Authors: Salina Ana CG , Souza Tais P , Serezani Carlos H , Medeiros Alexandra I
Published: March 2017

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are multitasking cells that maintain lung homeostasis by clearing apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) and performing antimicrobial effector functions. Different PRRs have been described to be involved in the binding and capture of non-opsonized Streptococcus pneumoniae, such as TLR-2, mannose receptor (MR) and scavenger receptors (SRs). However, the mechanism by which the ingestion of apoptotic cells negatively influences the clearance of non-opsonized S. pneumoniae remains to be determined. In this study, we evaluated whether the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) produced during efferocytosis by AMs inhibits the ingestion and killing of non-opsonized S. pneumoniae. Resident AMs were pre-treated with an E prostanoid (EP) receptor antagonist, inhibitors of cyclooxygenase and protein kinase A (PKA), incubated with apoptotic Jurkat T cells, and then challenged with S. pneumoniae. Efferocytosis slightly decreased the phagocytosis of S. pneumoniae but greatly inhibited bacterial killing by AMs in a manner dependent on PGE2 production, activation of the EP2–EP4/cAMP/PKA pathway and inhibition of H2O2 production. Our data suggest that the PGE2 produced by AMs during efferocytosis inhibits H2O2 production and impairs the efficient clearance non-opsonized S. pneumoniae by EP2–EP4/cAMP/PKA pathway.