bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
α 2-Adrenoceptors: Challenges and Opportunities—Enlightenment from the Kidney
Authors: Pettinger William A. , Jackson Edwin K.
Published: May 2020

It was indeed a Don Quixote-like pursuit of the mechanism of essential hypertension when we serendipitously discovered α2-adrenoceptors (α2-ARs) in skin-lightening experiments in the frog. Now α2-ARs lurk on the horizon involving hypertension causality, renal denervation for hypertension, injury from falling in the elderly and prazosin’s mechanism of action in anxiety states such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our goal here is to focus on this horizon and bring into clear view the role of α2-AR-mediated mechanisms in these seemingly unrelated conditions. Our narrative begins with an explanation of how experiments in isolated perfused kidneys led to the discovery of a sodium-retaining process, a fundamental mechanism of hypertension, mediated by α2-ARs. In this model system and in the setting of furosemide-induced sodium excretion, α2-AR activation inhibited adenylate cyclase, suppressed cAMP formation, and caused sodium retention. Further investigations led to the realization that renal α2-AR expression in hypertensive animals is elevated, thus supporting a key role for kidney α2-ARs in the pathophysiology of essential hypertension. Subsequent studies clarified the molecular pathways by which α2-ARs activate prohypertensive biochemical systems. While investigating the role of α1-adrenoceptors (α1-ARs) versus α2-ARs in renal sympathetic neurotransmission, we noted an astonishing result: in the kidney α1-ARs suppress the postjunctional expression of α2-ARs. Here, we describe how this finding relates to a broader understanding of the role of α2-ARs in diverse disease states. Because of the capacity for qualitative and quantitative monitoring of α2-AR-induced regulatory mechanisms in the kidney, we looked to the kidney and found enlightenment.
Betacyanin as Bioindicator Using Time-Temperature Integrator for Smart Packaging of Fresh Goat Milk
Authors: Rahimah Souvia , Malinda Wikeu , Zaida  , Sukri Nandi , Salma Jihan Khairani , Tallei Trina Ekawati , Idroes Rinaldi
Published: May 2020

Smart packaging is a packaging system with embedded sensor or indicator technology, which provides information on the quality of the product, especially perishable foods such as goat milk. One application of smart packaging is to use a time-temperature bioindicator. The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of fresh goat milk during storage at freezing temperatures (−20 ± 2°C) for 31 days and room temperature (25 ± 3°C) for 24 hours using a time-temperature indicator by utilizing a natural dye betacyanin. The method used was descriptive analysis, and the data obtained were processed using the correlation regression test. The samples were observed at freezing temperature every 24 hours and room temperature at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 24 hours. The observation criteria consisted of changes in bioindicator color, milk pH, and total microbes. The results showed that color changes of the bioindicator film at room temperature were more noticeable than at freezing temperature. Based on changes in color of the bioindicator at room temperature, the sample was safe for consumption until the 5th hour with pH 6.51, and the biofilm color characteristics were L∗ = 82.49, a∗ = 21.46, and b∗ = −7.33, but the total number of microbes did not fulfil Indonesian National Standard at the 24th hour, i.e., 1.36 × 106 CFU/ml. At freezing temperatures, fresh goat milk was still safe for consumption until the 31st day with pH 6.51 and total microbe of 1.89 × 105 CFU/ml, and the biofilm color characteristics were L∗ = 80.52, a∗ = 24.15, and b∗ = −7.91. The results of this study concluded that the milk expiration limit based on the betacyanin indicator was 5 hours at room temperature and 31 days at freezing temperature.
WEB-Spline Finite Elements for the Approximation of Navier-Lamé System with CA,B Boundary Condition
Authors: Koubaiti Ouadie , Elkhalfi Ahmed , El-mekkaoui Jaouad
Published: May 2020

The objective of this article is to discuss the existence and the uniqueness of a weighted extended B-spline- (WEB-spline-) based discrete solution for the 2D Navier-Lamé equation of linear elasticity with a different type of mixed boundary condition called CA,B boundary condition. Along with the usual weak mixed formulation, we give existence and uniqueness results for weak solution. Then, we illustrate the performance of Ritz–Galerkin schemes for a model problem and applications in linear elasticity. Finally, we discuss several implementation aspects. The numerical tests confirm that, due to the new integration routines, the weighted B-spline solvers have become considerably more efficient.
Transient Characteristics of Water-Jet Propulsion with a Screw Mixed Pump during the Startup Process
Authors: Han Wei , Zhang Teng , Su You Liang , Chen Ran , Qiang Yan , Han Yang
Published: May 2020

In order to investigate the transient hydrodynamic characteristics of water-jet propulsion with a screw mixed pump during the startup period and to overcome the difficulties in measuring the transient process parameters over a very short period of time, a method based on a flume experiment combined with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is proposed. The thrust and torque of the pump-jet propulsion according to mooring status at different rotational speeds were measured by the test, which provided a group of data for the boundary and initial conditions of the numerical calculation of the user-defined function (UDF). Consecutive changes in the parameters of the water-jet propulsion dynamics can be captured from the numerical simulation of the startup process with the UDF. Thus, the transient hydrodynamic characteristics of water-jet propulsion according to time or rotation speed were obtained. The results show that the relationship between the thrust or torque of the water-jet propeller and pump rotational speed is close to the quadratic functions. The energy characteristic parameters of screw mixed water-jet pump, such as the flow rate, head, shaft power, and efficiency, rapidly increase and decrease and then remain relatively stable.
Nuclear-Targeting Delivery of CRISPRa System for Upregulation ofβ-Defensin against Virus Infection by Dexamethasone and Phenylalanine Dual-Modified Dendrimer
Authors: Zuo Mingxiang , Li Xiaoxia , Liu Shuang , Chen Bin , Cheng Du
Published: May 2020

The dual-modified dendrimer containing dexamethasone (DET) and phenylalanine (Phe) was prepared to deliver plasmid DNA encoding dCas9 and single-guide RNA (sgRNA) for specific upregulation ofβ-defensin. DET and Phe moieties synergistically enhanced the transfection efficiency and reduced cytotoxicity of dendrimers. Combination of three sgRNAs targetingβ-defensin gene demonstrated higher activation efficacy ofβ-defensin than any single sgRNA and combinations of any two sgRNAs, showing an efficient inhibition of virus infection and replication. The titer of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in the cells treated with dCas9-sgRNA targetingβ-defensin was reduced by about 100-fold compared to that of cells treated with dCas9-scramble sgRNA (dCas9-scr sgRNA).In vivoexperiments demonstrated that the DET- and Phe-modified dendrimer effectively delivered plasmid DNA encoding dCas9 protein into the airway epithelium, inducingβ-defensin expression. Delivery of the CRISPR activation system by a dendrimer modified with DET and Phe was a promising approach against viral disease.
The Effect of Ultrasound-Measured Preinduction Cervical Length on Delivery Outcome in a Low-Resource Setting
Authors: Anikwe Chidebe C. , Okorochukwu Bartholomew C. , Uchendu Emmanuel , Ikeoha Cyril C.
Published: May 2020

Background. Induction of labour is not without risk, and it calls for a method that will be sensitive enough to predict successful labour induction. Aim. This study aims to evaluate the role of transvaginal ultrasonographic cervical length measurement at term in the prediction of successful induction of labour (IOL). Materials and Methods. This prospective study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki between 1st of July and 30th of November 2015. Preinduction Bishop score and cervical length were assessed before induction of labour. Intracervical, cervical, extraamniotic Foley catheter was used to improve the Bishop score. The data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 20. Results. The mean maternal age of the study group was 30.68 ± 6.38 years with a range of 19–43 years. The mean gestational age and parity were 39.57 ± 1.49 and 1.85 ± 0.63, respectively. All the women studied had successful induction of labour with mean induction delivery time of 8.1 ± 3.0 hours and mean duration of labour of 7.4 ± 2.9 hours. Preinduction cervical length is a good predictor of a short duration of labour (P=0.001). Parturient with a preinduction cervical length of less than 3 cm was likely to have labour lasting less than 6 hours (RR = 4.20 (95% CI 1.85–9.529). Conclusion. Transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical length provides a useful prediction of the likelihood of duration of labour following the induction of labour. It is recommended that IOL should be considered and success anticipated in a parturient with a cervical length less than 3 cm.
Cardioprotective Effect of (Z)-2-Acetoxy-3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl) Acrylic Acid: Inhibition of Apoptosis in Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Guo Wei , Wang Zhijun , Jue Hao , Dong Chunnan , Yang Cheng
Published: May 2020

Background. Although many studies have been performed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of heart failure, an effective pharmacological therapy to protect cardiac tissues from severe loss of contractile function associated with heart failure after acute myocardial infarction (MI) has yet to be developed. Methods. We examined the cardioprotective effects of (Z)-2-acetoxy-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) acrylic acid, a new compound with potent antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities in a rat model of heart failure. (Z)-2-Acetoxy-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) acrylic acid was systemically delivered to rats 6 weeks after MI at different doses (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg). Cardiac function was assessed by hemodynamic measurements. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines, apoptosis-related molecules, and markers of adverse ventricular remodeling was measured using RT-PCR and Western blot. Results. Treatment with (Z)-2-acetoxy-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) acrylic acid significantly improved cardiac function, in particular by increasing dP/dt. Simultaneously, the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β was markedly reduced in the treatment group compared with the MI group. In addition, (Z)-2-acetoxy-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) acrylic acid-treated tissues displayed decreased expression of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 and increased expression of Bcl-2, which was in part due to the promotion of Akt phosphorylation. Conclusion. These data demonstrated that (Z)-2-acetoxy-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) acrylic acid possesses potent cardioprotective effects against cardiac injury in a rat model of heart failure, which is mediated, at least in part, by suppression of the inflammatory and cell apoptosis responses.
HACE1 Prevents Lung Carcinogenesis via Inhibition of RAC-Family GTPases
Authors: Kogler Melanie , Tortola Luigi , Negri Gian Luca , Leopoldi Alexandra , El-Naggar Amal M. , Mereiter Stefan , Gomez-Diaz Carlos , Nitsch Roberto , Tortora Davide , Kavirayani Anoop M. , Gapp Bianca V. , Rao Shuan , Uribesalgo Iris , Hoffmann David , Cikes Domagoj , Novatchkova Maria , Williams David A. , Trent Jeffrey M. , Ikeda Fumiyo , Daugaard Mads , Hagelkruys Astrid , Sorensen Poul H. , Penninger Josef M.
Published: May 2020

HACE1 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase with important roles in tumor biology and tissue homeostasis. Loss or mutation of HACE1 has been associated with the occurrence of a variety of neoplasms, but the underlying mechanisms have not been defined yet. Here, we report that HACE1 is frequently mutated in human lung cancer. In mice, loss of Hace1 led to enhanced progression of KRasG12D-driven lung tumors. Additional ablation of the oncogenic GTPase Rac1 partially reduced progression of Hace1−/− lung tumors. RAC2, a novel ubiquitylation target of HACE1, could compensate for the absence of its homolog RAC1 in Hace1-deficient, but not in HACE1-sufficient tumors. Accordingly, ablation of both Rac1 and Rac2 fully averted the increased progression of KRasG12D-driven lung tumors in Hace1−/− mice. In patients with lung cancer, increased expression of HACE1 correlated with reduced levels of RAC1 and RAC2 and prolonged survival, whereas elevated expression of RAC1 and RAC2 was associated with poor prognosis. This work defines HACE1 as a crucial regulator of the oncogenic activity of RAC-family GTPases in lung cancer development.

Significance:

These findings reveal that mutation of the tumor suppressor HACE1 disrupts its role as a regulator of the oncogenic activity of RAC-family GTPases in human and murine lung cancer.
ERRα Expression in Bone Metastases Leads to an Exacerbated Antitumor Immune Response
Authors: Bouchet Mathilde , Lainé Alexandra , Boyault Cyril , Proponnet-Guerault Mathilde , Meugnier Emmanuelle , Bouazza Lamia , Kan Casina W.S. , Geraci Sandra , El-Moghrabi Soumaya , Hernandez-Vargas Hector , Benetollo Claire , Yoshiko Yuji , Duterque-Coquillaud Martine , Clézardin Philippe , Marie Julien C. , Bonnelye Edith
Published: May 2020

Bone is the most common metastatic site for breast cancer. Although the estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα) has been implicated in breast cancer cell dissemination to the bone from the primary tumor, its role after tumor cell anchorage in the bone microenvironment remains elusive. Here, we reveal that ERRα inhibits the progression of bone metastases of breast cancer cells by increasing the immune activity of the bone microenvironment. Overexpression of ERRα in breast cancer bone metastases induced expression of chemokines CCL17 and CCL20 and repressed production of TGFβ3. Subsequently, CD8+ T lymphocytes recruited to bone metastases escaped TGFβ signaling control and were endowed with exacerbated cytotoxic features, resulting in significant reduction in metastases. The clinical relevance of our findings in mice was confirmed in over 240 patients with breast cancer. Thus, this study reveals that ERRα regulates immune properties in the bone microenvironment that contributes to decreasing metastatic growth.

Significance:

This study places ERRα at the interplay between the immune response and bone metastases of breast cancer, highlighting a potential target for intervention in advanced disease.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Antitumor Effect of Apalutamide with Abiraterone Acetate plus Prednisone in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Phase Ib Study
Authors: Posadas Edwin M. , Chi Kim N. , de Wit Ronald , de Jonge Maja J.A. , Attard Gerhardt , Friedlander Terence W. , Yu Margaret K. , Hellemans Peter , Chien Caly , Abrams Charlene , Jiao Juhui J. , Saad Fred
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

Apalutamide is a next-generation androgen receptor (AR) inhibitor approved for patients with nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer. We evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety, and antitumor activity of apalutamide combined with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (AA-P) in patients with metastatic CRPC (mCRPC).

Patients and Methods:

Multicenter, open-label, phase Ib drug–drug interaction study conducted in 57 patients with mCRPC treated with 1,000 mg abiraterone acetate plus 10 mg prednisone daily beginning on cycle 1 day 1 (C1D1) and 240 mg apalutamide daily starting on C1D8 in 28-day cycles. Serial blood samples for pharmacokinetic analysis were collected on C1D7 and C2D8.

Results:

Systemic exposure to abiraterone, prednisone, and prednisolone decreased 14%, 61%, and 42%, respectively, when apalutamide was coadministered with AA-P. No increase in mineralocorticoid excess–related adverse events was observed. Patients without prior exposure to AR signaling inhibitors had longer median treatment duration and greater mean decrease in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) from baseline compared with those who had received prior therapy. Confirmed PSA reductions of ≥50% from baseline at any time were observed in 80% (12/15) of AR signaling inhibitor–naïve patients and 14% (6/42) of AR signaling inhibitor–treated patients.

Conclusions:

Treatment with apalutamide plus AA-P was well tolerated and showed evidence of antitumor activity in patients with mCRPC, including those with disease progression on AR signaling inhibitors. No clinically significant pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between abiraterone and apalutamide; however, apalutamide decreased exposure to prednisone. These data support development of 1,000 mg abiraterone acetate plus 10 mg prednisone daily with 240 mg apalutamide daily in patients with mCRPC.
Hypoxic Cancer-Secreted Exosomal miR-182-5p Promotes Glioblastoma Angiogenesis by Targeting Kruppel-like Factor 2 and 4
Authors: Li Junjun , Yuan Hongliang , Xu Hao , Zhao Hongyang , Xiong Nanxiang
Published: May 2020

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal primary brain tumor and has a complex molecular profile. Hypoxia plays a critical role during tumor progression and in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Exosomes released by tumor cells contain informative nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids involved in the interaction between cancer and stromal cells, thus leading to TME remodeling. Accumulating evidence indicates that exosomes play a pivotal role in cell-to-cell communication. However, the mechanism by which hypoxia affects tumor angiogenesis via exosomes derived from tumor cells remains largely unknown. In our study, we found that, compared with the parental cells under normoxic conditions, the GBM cells produced more exosomes, and miR-182-5p was significantly upregulated in the exosomes from GBM cells under hypoxic conditions. Exosomal miR-182-5p directly suppressed its targets Kruppel-like factor 2 and 4, leading to the accumulation of VEGFR, thus promoting tumor angiogenesis. Furthermore, exosome-mediated miR-182-5p also inhibited tight junction-related proteins (such as ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5), thus enhancing vascular permeability and tumor transendothelial migration. Knockdown of miR-182-5p reduced angiogenesis and tumor proliferation. Interestingly, we found elevated levels circulating miR-182-5p in patient blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples, and its expression level was inversely related to the prognosis.

Implications:

Overall, our data clarify the diagnostic and prognostic value of tumor-derived exosome-mediated miR-182-5p and reveal the distinctive cross-talk between tumor cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells mediated by tumor-derived exosomes that modulate tumor vasculature.
Clinical and Hemodynamic Associations and Prognostic Implications of Ventilatory Efficiency in Patients With Preserved Left Ventricular Systolic Function
Authors: Nayor Matthew , Xanthakis Vanessa , Tanguay Melissa , Blodgett Jasmine B. , Shah Ravi V. , Schoenike Mark , Sbarbaro John , Farrell Robyn , Malhotra Rajeev , Houstis Nicholas E. , Velagaleti Raghava S. , Moore Stephanie A. , Baggish Aaron L. , O’Connor George T. , Ho Jennifer E. , Larson Martin G. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Lewis Gregory D.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Ventilatory efficiency (minute ventilation required to eliminate carbon dioxide, VE/VCO2) during exercise potently predicts outcomes in advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, but its prognostic significance for at-risk individuals with preserved left ventricular systolic function is unclear. We aimed to characterize mechanistic determinants and prognostic implications of VE/VCO2 in a single-center dyspneic referral cohort (MGH-ExS [Massachusetts General Hospital Exercise Study]) and in a large sample of community-dwelling participants in the FHS (Framingham Heart Study).

Methods:

Maximum incremental cardiopulmonary exercise tests were performed. VE/VCO2 was assessed as the slope pre- and post-ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VE/VCO2
pre-VATslope
, VE/VCO2
post-VATslope
), the slope throughout exercise (VE/VCO2
overall-slope
), and as the lowest 30-second value (VE/VCO2
nadir
).

Results:

In the MGH-ExS (N=493, age 56±15 years, 61% women, left ventricular ejection fraction 64±8%), higher VE/VCO2
nadir
was associated with lower peak exercise cardiac output and steeper increases in exercise pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (both
P
<0.0001). VE/VCO2
nadir
(hazard ratio, 1.34 per 1-SD unit [95% CI, 1.10–1.62]
P
=0.003) was associated with future cardiovascular hospitalization/death and outperformed classical VE/VCO2 measures used in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (VE/VCO2
overall-slope
). In FHS (N=1936, age 54±9 years, 53% women), VE/VCO2 measures taken in low-to-moderate intensity exercise (including VE/VCO2
pre-VATslope
, VE/VCO2
nadir
) were directly associated with cardiovascular risk factor burden (smoking, Framingham cardiovascular disease risk score, and lower fitness; all
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

Impaired ventilatory efficiency is associated with cardiovascular risk in the community and with adverse hemodynamic profiles and future hospitalizations/death in a referral population, highlighting the prognostic importance of easily acquired submaximum exercise ventilatory gas exchange measurements in broad populations with preserved left ventricular systolic function.
An annotated checklist of the mantis shrimps of India (Crustacea: Stomatopoda)
Authors: TRIVEDI JIGNESHKUMAR N. , AHYONG SHANE T. , VACHHRAJANI KAUESH D. , KUMAR APPUKUTTANNAIR BIJU
Published: May 2020

An annotated checklist of the mantis shrimps (Stomatopoda) occurring in India is compiled from published literature and specimens collected from coastal areas of Gujarat state. A total of 72 species, 35 genera, 10 families and 5 superfamilies reported from Indian waters are listed. Four species were recorded for the first time from Gujarat while one species, Erugosquilla hesperia (Manning, 1968), is confirmed for the first time from India. The maximum number of species was reported from Tamil Nadu (48 species), while fewest species were reported from Karnataka (2 species). The results also suggest that the east coast is more diverse (66 species) than the west coast of India (32 species).
Trends in Winter Warm Spells in the Central England Temperature Record
Authors: Chapman S. C. , Murphy E. J. , Stainforth D. A. , Watkins N. W.
Published: May 2020

An important impact of climate change on agriculture and the sustainability of ecosystems is the increase of extended warm spells during winter. We apply crossing theory to the central England temperature time series of winter daily maximum temperatures to quantify how increased occurrence of higher temperatures translates into more frequent, longer-lasting, and more intense winter warm spells. We find since the late 1800s an overall two- to threefold increase in the frequency and duration of winter warm spells. A winter warm spell of 5 days in duration with daytime maxima above 13°C has a return period that was often over 5 years but now is consistently below 4 years. Weeklong warm intervals that return on average every 5 years now consistently exceed ~13°C. The observed changes in the temporal pattern of environmental variability will affect the phenology of ecological processes and the structure and functioning of ecosystems.
Characteristic study of bamboo fibers in preforming
Authors: Chiu Hsuan-Hao , Young Wen-Bin
Published: May 2020

The bamboo fiber preforming is an important process in the liquid composite molding for fabricating fiber reinforced composites with non-planar geometric shapes. This study investigated the deformation and spring back behaviors of the single bamboo fiber and bamboo fiber mat under a simple bending preforming test. The effects of the heating temperature and moisture content of bamboo fibers were studied during the tests. The result showed that the [0/90] bamboo fiber mats could be perfectly preformed without spring back after bending under the conditions of a wet and high temperature conditions. The internal structure of bamboo fiber with moisture tends to expand and soften, which makes the fibers to deform plastically under external stresses. The single bamboo fiber preforming test and stress relaxation test were conducted to study its formability. Higher heating temperature and moisture content for the bamboo fibers during preforming process can reduce the spring back effect after preforming.
Patients’ preferences and factors influencing initial advance care planning discussions’ timing: A cross-cultural mixed-methods study
Authors: Miyashita Jun , Kohno Ayako , Cheng Shao-Yi , Hsu Su-Hsuan , Yamamoto Yosuke , Shimizu Sayaka , Huang Wei-Sheng , Kashiwazaki Motohiro , Kamihiro Noriki , Okawa Kaoru , Fujisaki Masami , Tsai Jaw-Shiun , Fukuhara Shunichi
Published: May 2020

Background:

Although advance care planning discussions are increasingly accepted worldwide, their ideal timing is uncertain and cultural factors may pertain.

Aim:

To evaluate timing and factors affecting initiation of advance care planning discussions for adult patients in Japan and Taiwan.

Design:

Mixed-methods questionnaire survey to quantitatively determine percentages of patients willing to initiate advance care planning discussions at four stages of illness trajectory ranging from healthy to undeniably ill, and to identify qualitative perceptions underlying preferred timing.

Setting/participants:

Patients aged 40–75 years visiting outpatient departments at four Japanese and two Taiwanese hospitals were randomly recruited.

Results:

Overall (of 700 respondents), 72% (of 365) in Japan and 84% (of 335) in Taiwan ( p < 0.001) accepted discussion before illness. In Japan, factors associated with willingness before illness were younger age and rejection of life-sustaining treatments; in Taiwan, older age, stronger social support, and rejection of life-sustaining treatments. Four main categories of attitudes were extracted: the most common welcomed discussion as a wise precaution, responses in this first category outnumbered preference for postponement of discussion until imminent end of life, acceptance of the universal inevitability of death, and preference for discussion at healthcare providers’ initiative.

Conclusion:

The majority of patients are willing to begin discussion before their health is severely compromised; about one out of five patients are unwilling to begin until clearly facing death. To promote advance care planning, healthcare providers must be mindful of patients’ preferences and factors associated with acceptance and reluctance to initiate advance care planning.
The strategy of cardiopulmonary bypass for total aortic arch replacement and the frozen elephant trunk technique with aortic balloon occlusion
Authors: Li Yunfeng , Yan Shujie , Lou Song , Sun Xiaogang
Published: May 2020

Objective

To investigate the use of the aortic balloon occlusion technique to assist total aortic arch replacement (TAR) with frozen elephant trunk (FET) to shorten the lower body circulatory arrest (CA) time and raise the nadir temperature during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed consecutive patients that underwent aortic balloon occlusion to assist TAR with FET and patients that received conventional TAR with FET procedures. Preoperative characteristics, perioperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

The study included130 patients treated with aortic balloon occlusion and 230 patients treated with conventional TAR with FET. The 30-day mortality rate was similar between the aortic balloon occlusion and conventional groups (4.62% versus 7.83%, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that aortic balloon occlusion reduced the incidence of acute kidney injury, hepatic injury and red blood cell transfusion. The application of aortic balloon occlusion reduced the mean ± SD CA time from 17.24 ± 4.36 min to 6.33 ± 5.74 min, with the target nadir nasal temperature being increased from 25°C to 28°C.

Conclusion

The aortic balloon occlusion technique achieved significant improvements in reducing complications, but this did not translate into lower 30-day mortality.
London’s fatbergs and affective infrastructuring
Authors: Michael Mike
Published: May 2020

This exploratory article considers the accumulations of fat and other materials in London’s sewerage system – known as fatbergs in the UK – in terms of the processes of infrastructuring. In particular, drawing on a range of media, including a major museum exhibition, numerous newspaper and online articles, and a TV documentary, this article analyses how London’s fatbergs have been affectively enacted. The affects identified include: disgust in the composition of the fatberg, pride in the London-ness of the fatbergs, admiration at the ‘flushers’ courage, generic horror at the sewers, shame in the flushing of wet wipes, and anxiety about microbial threats. Such enactments simultaneously perform the fatbergs, the sewerage infrastructure, and the public audiences, through what we can call ‘affective infrastructuring’. This extends the analysis of infrastructuring to encompass the ways in which public audiences are affectively ‘made’. The article also suggests that the various affective enactments of the fatberg cumulatively perform London as spatially uniform and the sewerage system as temporally naturalized. A critical implication of this is an effacement of, on the one hand, class and cultural difference and, on the other, historical specificity.
Evaluation of Subway Bottleneck Mitigation Strategies using Microscopic, Agent-Based Simulation
Authors: Zhou Jiali , Koutsopoulos Haris N. , Saidi Saeid
Published: May 2020

Many subway systems operating near capacity face challenges in meeting reliability and level of service targets. This paper examines the effectiveness of various strategies to relieve congestion and increase capacity using a microscopic, agent-based, urban heavy rail simulation model. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Red Line serves as the testbed for the analysis. The Red Line operates very close to its capacity. Bottlenecks on the Red Line and possible strategies to mitigate them are discussed, including skip-stop, station consolidation, and dwell time control. The results show that, compared with the no strategy case, skip-stop and consolidation are effective in reducing runtimes and passenger journey times, increasing train throughput, and maintaining headway regularity during peak periods. Performance under these two strategies is also robust to dispatching irregularity and increases in passenger demand. The dwell time control strategy mitigates congestion and disturbances in operations to some extent, but is less effective and robust.
Early-Career Women Academics: Between Neoliberalism and Gender Conservatism
Authors: Vohlídalová Marta
Published: May 2020

The article examines the intersection between the gender culture and the neoliberal transformation of research and academia. It focuses on the impact of the transformation on the early-career women academic researchers in the Czech Republic (CR). It examines a sample of women academics to see how their career paths unfold over time and identify the mechanisms, factors, and barriers that affect their academic careers in the early stages. The article looks at 14 excellent early-career women academics from different domains based on two interviews repeated after 7 years and investigates the trajectory of their academic paths from the longitudinal perspective. The combination of a highly conservative gender culture, the neoliberal reforms introduced in the field of research and academia over the past decade, and the resistance to promoting gender equality measures make the CR an informative case to study. I argue that the gender culture of the CR and Czech research and academic institutions and the conditions for work-life balance combine with the neoliberal reforms to have a very negative impact on the early stage of women’s academic careers.
Reach on damping control and stability analysis of vehicle with double time-delay and five degrees of freedom
Authors: Wu Kaiwei , Ren Chuanbo , Cao Junshuai , Sun Zhichuan
Published: May 2020

Suspension system is one of the important parts of a vehicle, which is used to buffer the impact of uneven road to the body and passengers, so the suspension system has an important impact on the safety and ride comfort of the vehicle. In order to improve the safety and comfort of passengers and vehicles, in this paper a five-degree-of-freedom half car model is established, and the uncertainty of the model and the time-delay of the control are considered. The dynamic response of vehicle body acceleration root mean square, passenger acceleration root mean square, displacement root mean square and vehicle body pitch acceleration root mean square are selected as optimization objectives. The time-delay control parameters are determined by chaos particle swarm optimization algorithm. The time-delay stability of the suspension control system is analyzed by frequency-domain scanning method to ensure the stability of the time-delay control system. Finally, by establishing the simulation model of the active suspension system with double time-delay feedback control, the response characteristics of the suspension system with double time-delay active feedback control to simple harmonic excitation and random excitation input are analyzed. The results show that under the premise of ensuring the system stability, the active suspension system with double time-delay feedback control has good and obvious controlling and damping effect on the body and seats.
Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) and angiotensinogen (AGT M235T) polymorphisms with the risk of obesity in a Tunisian population
Authors: Khamlaoui Wided , Mehri Sounira , Hammami Sonia , Elosua Roberto , Hammami Mohamed
Published: May 2020

Objective:

This study aims to determine whether genetic variants in ACE I/D and AGT M235T are associated with overweight-obesity and body mass index (BMI) in a Tunisian population.

Methods:

We designed an age- and sex-matched case-control study. The height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. A total of 259 overweight-obese patients and 369 healthy controls were genotyped for the ACE I/D and AGT M235T genes using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results:

ACE I/D and AGT M235T genes were associated with BMI, waist circumference and overweight-obesity (p⩽0.001). In an additive model, the I and the M alleles in ACE and AGT variants, respectively, were associated with a lower BMI: –1.45 and −2.29 units, respectively. ACE I/D genotypes were associated with dyslipidemia; AGT M235T genotypes with dyslipidemia and total cholesterol.

Conclusion:

These data suggest that variations in ACE I/D and AGT M235T affect the risk of overweight-obesity, BMI and dyslipidemia, and could point to a key molecular pathway of metabolic syndrome and its related comorbidities.
Preparation and characterization of copper/zinc nanoparticles-loaded bacterial cellulose for electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Wasim Muhammad , Naeem Muhammad A , Khan Muhammad R , Mushtaq Muhammad , Wei Qufu
Published: May 2020

This work describes that bacterial cellulose was successively modified by copper/zinc nanoparticles with the help of direct current and radio frequency magnetron sputter-coating method for electromagnetic interference shielding to enhance its hydrophobic, mechanical, and conductive properties. The surface morphology and properties of bacterial cellulose/copper/zinc nanocomposite were analyzed by various testing methods (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction) and instruments to analyze smooth deposition of metallic nanoparticles. The conductive and shielding effects were examined by a four-point probe and vector analyzer. The mechanical properties were investigated by a uniaxial testing machine. The combined structure of bacterial cellulose, copper, and zinc nanoparticles (Zn–Np) improves the surface hydrophobicity, mechanical strength, as well as electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness, while zinc nanoparticles act as a protective layer over the surface of bacterial cellulose/copper nanocomposite. So, the findings revealed that the bacterial cellulose/copper/zinc nanocomposite has excellent hydrophobic ( θ; 143.7°), good mechanical (T.F; 39.67 MPa, elongation; 13.1%, Y.M; 5.90 MPa), conductive (50 W; 0.0323 S/m), and electromagnetic interference shielding (28.54 dB) properties.
Perceptual design method for smart industrial robots based on virtual reality and synchronous quantitative physiological signals
Authors: Xiao Wangqun , Cheng Jianxin
Published: May 2020

In the research of industrial robot design, designing using only the perceptual thinking and creativity of an industrial designer or overemphasizing the intervention of quantitative data research in the field of emotional cognition is relatively one sided. In this article, research on how to combine the above two aspects effectively will be conducted. The aim is to present a design method which provides artistic creativity and scientific support for industrial robot design. Therefore, a method for representing perceptual image spaces of industrial robots through pictures and semantics by evaluating the perceptual images and using statistical approaches such as factor analysis will be proposed. Perceptual design elements of industrial robots are decomposed from the perspective of style and color. After the quantitative type I analysis, the numerical relationships between the semantics of images and design elements are identified. Also, a method for mapping relationships between the perceptual image spaces and design elements of industrial robots is developed. After three-dimensional modeling and simulation, the semantic difference methods are used in combination with the emotional evaluation and measurement methods for physiological experiments such as eye tracking, skin conductance, heart rate, and electroencephalography experiments with the aid of virtual reality. Finally, a perceptual design method is extracted for smart industrial robots based on virtual reality and synchronous quantitative physiological signals.
Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation using the novel Manta vascular closure device
Authors: Bemtgen Xavier , Heidt Timo , Zotzmann Viviane , Rilinger Jonathan , Wengenmayer Tobias , Biever Paul M , von zur Mühlen Constantin , Benk Christoph , Bode Christoph , Staudacher Dawid L
Published: May 2020

Aims:

Removal of large calibre arterial sheaths, as employed in venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, is still associated with a high risk for vascular access site complications. In this study, we investigated the large bore Manta closure device as an option for venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation.

Methods and results:

Sixteen patients weaned from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between January–June 2019 were prospectively included in a registry (eight during extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, seven with severe cardiogenic shock and one patient with fulminant pulmonary embolism). All patients had an arterial sheath removed at bedside using the Manta device achieving rapid haemostasis without clinically relevant complications afterwards. A computed tomography angiography was available for 11 patients (68.8%) and reassessed with regards to relevant pathologies at the closure device. Average intraluminal area was 40.4 mm2 (12.2–76.3 mm2) at the closure site. All devices but one were correctly deployed. Three patients (27.3%) had a visible thrombus at the closure device resulting in a >60% stenosis, two of which had a puncture site distal of the femoral artery bifurcation.

Conclusion:

Decannulation from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using the Manta closure device is a viable approach for rapid haemostasis, but is also associated with a significant risk of thrombotic vessel stenosis. These preliminary findings indicate that puncture in near proximity or distal to the femoral bifurcation might identify patients at risk and further studies are needed.
Classifying settlement types from multi-scale spatial patterns of building footprints
Authors: Jochem Warren C , Leasure Douglas R , Pannell Oliver , Chamberlain Heather R , Jones Patricia , Tatem Andrew J
Published: May 2020

Urban settlements and urbanised populations continue to grow rapidly and much of this transition is occurring in less developed countries. Remote sensing techniques are now often applied to monitor urbanisation and changes in settlement patterns. In particular, increasing availability of very high resolution imagery (<1 m spatial resolution) and computing power is enabling complete sets of settlement data in the form of building footprints to be extracted from imagery. These settlement data provide information on the changes occurring in cities, particularly in countries which may lack other data on urbanisation. While spatially detailed, extracted building footprints typically lack other information that identify building types or can be used to differentiate intra-urban land uses or neighbourhood types. This work demonstrates an approach to classifying settlement types through multi-scale spatial patterns of urban morphology visible in building footprint data extracted from very high resolution imagery. The work uses a Gaussian mixture modelling approach to select and hierarchically merge components into clusters. The results are maps classifying settlement types on a high spatial resolution (100 m) grid. The approach is applied in Kaduna, Nigeria; Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; and Maputo, Mozambique and demonstrates the potential of computational methods to take advantage of large spatial datasets and extract meaningful information to support monitoring of urban areas. The model-based approach produces a hierarchy of potential clustering solutions, and we suggest that this can be used in partnership with local knowledge of the context when creating settlement typologies.
Processing of Positive Visual Stimuli Before and After Symptoms Provocation in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder – A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Trauma-Affected Male Refugees
Authors: Uldall Sigurd W. , Madsen Kristoffer H. , Siebner Hartwig R. , Lanius Ruth , Frewen Paul , Fischer Elvira , Madsen Camilla G. , Leffers Anne-Mette , Rostrup Egill , Carlsson Jessica L. , Nejad Ayna B.
Published: May 2020

Background

Symptoms of anhedonia are often central to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it is unclear how anhedonia is affected by processes induced by reliving past traumatic memories.

Methods

Sixty-nine male refugees (PTSD = 38) were interviewed and scanned with functional magnetic resonance imaging while viewing positive, neutral and Scrambled Pictures after being read personalized scripts evoking an emotionally neutral memory and a traumatic memory. We further measured postprovocation state symptoms, physiological measures and PTSD symptoms. We tested whether neural activity associated with positive picture viewing in participants with PTSD was differentially affected by symptom provocation compared to controls.

Results

For the pictures > scrambled contrast (Positive contrast), PTSD participants had significantly less activity than controls in fusiform gyrus, right inferior temporal gyrus and left middle occipital gyrus. The Positive contrast activity in fusiform gyrus scaled negatively with anhedonia symptoms in PTSD participants after controlling for total PTSD severity. Relative to the emotionally Neutral Script, the Trauma Script decreased positive picture viewing activity in posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus and left calcarine gyrus, but there was no difference between PTSD participants and controls.

Conclusions

We found reduced responsiveness of higher visual processing of emotionally positive pictures in PTSD. The significant correlation found between positive picture viewing activity and anhedonia suggests the reduced responsiveness to be due to the severity of anhedonia.
Fabrication of lightweight and high-strength carbon fiber-reinforced poly(ethylene-2,6-naphthalene) solid and foam composites
Authors: Chen Yi-Fan , Zhou Ying-Guo , Huang Ming
Published: May 2020

Poly(ethylene-2,6-naphthalene) (PEN) is one of the most important engineering polymers with high performance. However, the effects and foaming behavior of carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced PEN (CFRPEN) remain to be explored. In this study, PEN was used as the matrix for CF-reinforced composites, and its foaming behavior and mechanical properties were investigated. High mechanical properties can be evaluated through comparison with other similar CF-reinforced thermoplastic composites. A fabrication method to generate lightweight and high-strength CFRPEN composites is hence proposed.
Progress in the knowledge of ‘ruby silvers’: New structural and chemical data of pyrostilpnite, Ag3SbS3
Authors: Biagioni Cristian , Zaccarini Federica , Roth Philippe , Bindi Luca
Published: May 2020

The crystal structure of pyrostilpnite from the Plaka mine, Lavrion Mining District, Greece, was refined in the space group P21/c to a final R1 index of 0.0283 on the basis of 2047 reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo) and 65 refined parameters. Unit-cell parameters of the crystal examined are a = 6.8629(6), b = 15.8800(14), c = 6.2711(5) Å, β = 117.087(2)°, V = 608.48(9) Å3 and Z = 4. Chemical data agree with the stoichiometric formula Ag3SbS3. The crystal structure reported previously was confirmed, although a higher precision of refinement was achieved. It can be described as formed by {010} slabs running along c and connected along a through relatively longer Ag–S bonds. The analysis of the atomic displacement parameters together with a refinement with higher order tensors in the expression of the structure factors revealed no hint for pyrostilpnite as an ionic conductor. A historical background of the ‘ruby silvers’ is also reported.
Conditional deletion of HDAC4 from collagen type 2α1-expressing cells increases angiogenesis in vivo
Authors: Gao Lilan , Li Shengchun , Wei Xiaochun , Du Guoqing , Wei Dennis , Wei Lei
Published: May 2020

Background

HDAC4 is a key regulator of chondrocyte hypertrophy and skeletal development, but it is not clear whether the increase in vascular invasion at growth plates is related to HDAC4 expression. To determine it, we investigated the relationship between HDAC4 and angiogenesis in both in vivo and in vitro models.

Methods

HDAC4 was deleted in Col2α1-Cre; HDAC4fl/fl mice. Growth of the Col2α1-Cre; HDAC4d/d mice was compared with HDAC4fl/fl mice at postnatal days 2, 4, 6, and 8. X-rays were taken to examine skeletal development. At postnatal days 14 and 21, mice were euthanized for specimen collection. Murine chondrocytes were isolated from the ventral parts of rib cages of 6-day-old mice (C57Bl/6) and transfected with a vector expressing HDAC4 as a fusion protein with green fluorescent protein (GFP). Relative expression levels of HDAC4, VEGF, and Hif1α were measured in these cells by Western blot, RT-qPCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent, histology, and immunohistochemistry assays.

Results

The Col2α1-Cre; HDAC4d/d mice were markedly smaller compared with the control mice. At postnatal days 14 and 21, the Col2α1-Cre; HDAC4d/d mice exhibited a shortened growth plate, a larger secondary ossification center, and stronger staining of CD31 and CD34 compared to control mice. The isolated chondrocyte cells exhibited a high transfection efficiency of HDAC4 which resulted in the detection of a significant decrease in VEGF and Hif1α levels compared with the control chondrocytes.

Conclusions

HDAC4 expression in chondrocytes contributes to angiogenesis in the growth plate, and its absence in vivo negatively affects growth plates.