bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peer Review
Authors: Pezzè Mauro
Published: October 2020

A sound review process is critical in contemporary scientific communities. The current discussion on peer review in the software engineering community is centered mainly around conferences, and focuses mostly on 'implementation' issues, like blind reviews, rebuttals, deadlines, with little attention to the ultimate goal of the review process, the external conditions that bias the process, and the role of journals.

In this short note, I would like to remind the community that review is a means not the goal. I overview the goals of reviews, discuss process and environment biases, highlight advantages and limitations of the current approaches, compare the review processes of conferences and journals, and present my vision about a possible healthy evolution of software engineering conferences and journals.
Acquisition of Sign Languages
Authors: Lillo-Martin Diane , Henner Jonathan
Published: October 2020

Natural sign languages of deaf communities are acquired on the same time scale as that of spoken languages if children have access to fluent signers providing input from birth. Infants are sensitive to linguistic information provided visually, and early milestones show many parallels. The modality may affect various areas of language acquisition; such effects include the form of signs (sign phonology), the potential advantage presented by visual iconicity, and the use of spatial locations to represent referents, locations, and movement events. Unfortunately, the vast majority of deaf children do not receive accessible linguistic input in infancy, and these children experience language deprivation. Negative effects on language are observed when first-language acquisition is delayed. For those who eventually begin to learn a sign language, earlier input is associated with better language and academic outcomes. Further research is especially needed with a broader diversity of participants.
SrCO3 Assisted Synthesis of Disk-Like Micron-Sized Monocrystalline LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 with Preferred (104) Plane and Its Enhanced Cycle Performance
Authors: Hu Guorong , Li Luyu , Lu Yan , Cao Yanbing , Peng Zhongdong , Xue Zhichen , Zhang Yinjia , Fan Ju , Du Ke
Published: October 2020

Disk-like micron-sized monocrystalline LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 is synthesized by the co-precipitation method accompanied with calcination assisted by strontian carbonate without washing process or other complicated treatment. Powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy are used to characterize the obtained samples. Characterizations reveal that the addition of SrCO3 help to form monocrystalline LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 with preferred (104) plane, and the particle is disk-like and in micrometer size. Electrochemical test results indicate that the LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 exhibits significantly improved capacity retentions of 95.6% and 89.3% after 100 cycles at 1C, for the voltage ranges of 2.8−4.3 V and 2.8−4.5 V, respectively. The excellent cycle performance of the LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 is ascribed to the unique monocrystalline morphology, high stability of (104) plane and reduced irreversible phase transition.
The Effects of Electric Field Distribution on the Interface Stability in Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Choudhury Rishav , Wang Michael , Sakamoto Jeff
Published: October 2020

Ceramic electrolytes could potentially enable Li metal anodes, leading to safer and more energy dense solid-state batteries. However, it has been hypothesized that electric field amplification at electrode edges can destabilize the interface and lead to short circuiting during charging. By comparing models of the electric field distribution at the electrode/electrolyte interface for varying electrode geometries with experimental solid-electrolyte systems, we show that areas of high electric field can localize at sharp corners, which may facilitate Li metal penetration at these locations. Symmetric Li/ Li6.5La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12 (LLZO) cells were cycled until failure and the spatial distribution of the degradation was analyzed using electron microscopy. We report a decrease in nominal critical current density (CCD) from 1.48 to 1.26 mA cm−2 due to a 15% increase in electric field from edge effects. Moreover, when considering the CCD locally at spots of high electric field amplification, we find current densities of at least 4 mA cm−2 can still be sustained. Non-uniform electric field distributions at the Li/LLZO interface could play a major role in determining cycling capabilities and failure modes of solid-state batteries and may also have important implications for the manufacturing of Li metal battery electrodes.
Diet during early life defines testicular lipid content and sperm quality in adulthood
Authors: Crisóstomo Luís , Videira Romeu A. , Jarak Ivana , Starčević Kristina , Mašek Tomislav , Rato Luís , Raposo João F. , Batterham Rachel L. , Oliveira Pedro F. , Alves Marco G.
Published: October 2020

Childhood obesity is a serious concern associated with ill health later in life. Emerging data suggest that obesity has long-term adverse effects upon male sexual and reproductive health, but few studies have addressed this issue. We hypothesized that exposure to high-fat diet during early life alters testicular lipid content and metabolism, leading to permanent damage to sperm parameters. After weaning ( day 21 after birth), 36 male mice were randomly divided into three groups and fed with a different diet regimen for 200 days: a standard chow diet (CTRL), a high-fat diet (HFD) (carbohydrate: 35.7%, protein: 20.5%, and fat: 36.0%), and a high-fat diet for 60 days, then replaced by standard chow (HFDt). Biometric and metabolic data were monitored. Animals were then euthanized, and tissues were collected. Epididymal sperm parameters and endocrine parameters were evaluated. Testicular metabolites were extracted and characterized by 1H-NMR and GC-MS. Testicular mitochondrial and antioxidant activity were evaluated. Our results show that mice fed with a high-fat diet, even if only until early adulthood, had lower sperm viability and motility, and higher incidence of head and tail defects. Although diet reversion with weight loss during adulthood prevents the progression of metabolic syndrome, testicular content in fatty acids is irreversibly affected. Excessive fat intake promoted an overaccumulation of proinflammatory n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the testis, which is strongly correlated with negative effects upon sperm quality. Therefore, the adoption of high-fat diets during early life correlates with irreversible changes in testicular lipid content and metabolism, which are related to permanent damage to sperm quality later in life.
Intrarenal oxygenation determines kidney function during the recovery from an ischemic insult
Authors: Nensén Oskar , Hansell Peter , Palm Fredrik
Published: October 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant clinical problem associated with poor outcome. The kidney, due to its inhomogeneous blood flow, is particularly susceptible to changes in oxygen delivery, and intrarenal hypoxia is a hallmark of AKI and progression to chronic kidney disease. However, the role of intrarenal hypoxia per se in the recovery from an ischemic insult is presently unclear. The present study was designed to investigate 1) the role of systemic hypoxia in the acute progression and recovery of AKI and 2) whether increased intrarenal oxygenation improves recovery from an ischemic insult. Anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to unilateral warm renal ischemia for 45 min followed by 2 h of reperfusion under systemic hypoxia (10% inspired oxygen), normoxia (21% inspired oxygen), or hyperoxia (60% inspired oxygen). Intrarenal oxygen tension was successfully manipulated by altering the inspired oxygen. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) before the ischemic insult was independent of intrarenal oxygen tension. GFR during the recovery from the ischemic insult was significantly lower compared with baseline in all groups (3 ± 1%, 13 ± 1%, and 30 ± 11% of baseline for hypoxia, normoxia, and hyperoxia, respectively). However, GFR was significantly higher in hyperoxia than hypoxia ( P < 0.05, hypoxia vs. hyperoxia). During recovery, renal blood flow was only reduced in hyperoxia, as a consequence of increased renal vascular resistance. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that renal function during the recovery from an ischemic insult is dependent on intrarenal oxygen availability, and normobaric hyperoxia treatment has the potential to protect kidney function.
Robust Chatter Stability Prediction of the Milling Process considering Uncertain Machining Positions
Authors: Deng Congying , Zhou Wei , Yang Kai , Huang Zhiyu , Tang Qian
Published: October 2020

Milling stability is a function of the tool point frequency response functions (FRFs), which vary with the movements of the moving parts within the whole machine tool work volume. The position-dependent tool point FRFs result in uncertain prediction of the stability lobe diagram (SLD) for chatter-free machining parameter selection. Taking the variations of modal parameters to represent the variations of tool point FRFs, this paper introduces the edge theorem to predict the robust milling chatter stability. The application of the edge theorem requires the minimum and maximum modal parameters within the machining space defined by the machining position and machining allowance information. Then, radial basis function artificial neural networks (RBFANNs) are used to predict the position-dependent modal parameters in X and Y directions based on the sample information of machining positions and related modal parameters at the tool point. Moreover, sample machining spaces are determined based on the aforementioned sample positions, and the trained RBFANNs are used to obtain corresponding sample extreme modal parameters. On this basis, RBFANNs for predicting the position and machining allowance-dependent extreme modal parameters can also be trained, and they are combined with the edge theorem and zero exclusion condition to calculate robust pairs of the spindle speed (n) and limiting axial cutting depth (aplim) and then plot the robust SLD (RSLD). A case study was performed on a real three-axial vertical machining center, and the plotted RSLD considering position variations was compared with the traditional SLD. Results of the chatter tests show that the RSLD can provide more reliable (ap, n) pairs to guarantee the milling stability, validating the feasibility of the proposed robust milling chatter stability prediction method.
Network Pharmacology Identifies the Mechanisms of Sang‐Xing‐Zhi‐Ke‐Fang against Pharyngitis
Authors: Deng Yinhe , Li Quanjiang , Li Menglin , Han Tiantian , Li Guixian , Liu Qiong
Published: October 2020

Background. Sang‐Xing‐Zhi‐Ke‐Fang (SXZKF) demonstrates good therapeutic effect against pharyngitis. Nevertheless, the pharmacological mechanism underlying its effectiveness is still unclear. Objective. To investigate the underlying mechanisms of SXZKF against pharyngitis using network pharmacology method. Methods. Bioactive ingredients of SXZKF were collected and screened using published literature and two public databases. Using four public databases, the overlapping genes between these bioactive compound‐related and pharyngitis‐related genes were identified by Venn diagram. Protein‐protein interaction (PPI) was obtained using “Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING)” database. “Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery ver. 6.8 (DAVID 6.8)” was used to perform Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis to explore the molecular mechanisms of SXZKF against pharyngitis. Finally, Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct and visualize the networks. Result. A total of 102 bioactive compounds were identified. Among them, 886 compounds‐related and 6258 pharyngitis‐related genes were identified, including 387 overlapping genes. Sixty‐three core targets were obtained, including ALB, PPARγ, MAPK3, EGF, and PTGS2. Signaling pathways closely related to mechanisms of SXZKF for pharyngitis were identified, including serotonergic synapse, VEGF signaling pathway, Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and influenza A. Conclusion. This is the first identification of in‐depth study of SXZKF against pharyngitis using network pharmacology. This new evidence could be informative in providing new support on the clinical effects of SXZKF on pharyngitis and for the development of personalized medicine for pharyngitis.
Cyber-Enabled Intelligence Control and Security Optimization for Complex Microgrid Networks Transient Frequency Stability Analysis of Power Systems considering Photovoltaic Grid Connection
Authors: Wu Jun , Xing Xiangyu , Wu Chen , Li Baolin , Huang Wei , Gan Peiying , Zhou Hui
Published: October 2020

In view of the photovoltaic grid-connected power system, the transient frequency stability of the system is analyzed in this paper. First, the photovoltaic grid-connected power system was modeled and analyzed. On this basis, the maximum frequency deviation is used as the index to determine the interval in which the system accommodates the maximum photovoltaic capacity, and the influence of frequency stability of the high-permeability photovoltaic high disturbance system is studied. Second, the evaluation and prediction methods of frequency dynamic characteristics of photovoltaic access nodes based on surface fitting are proposed, and the critical values of high penetration photovoltaic access for different grid points are given. Finally, an improvement measure based on the optimization of the frequency modulation parameters of large-capacity units is proposed, and the effectiveness of the proposed method in improving the transient frequency stability of the system after photovoltaic access is verified by the IEEE 39-standard system.
Optimal Clutch Pressure Control in Shifting Process of Automatic Transmission for Heavy-Duty Mining Trucks
Authors: Zhang Heng , Zhao Xinxin , Sun Jianning
Published: October 2020

The optimal control of automatic transmission plays an important role in the shifting smoothness and fuel economy of heavy-duty mining trucks. In this paper, a dynamic model of the powertrain system is built to study the clutch pressure control during the shifting process. A linear-quadratic optimal regulator is used to achieve the optimum control pressure of clutches, where shifting jerk and clutch friction loss are chosen to a form quadratic performance index function. Besides, a detailed solution of the linear-quadratic problem with the disturbance matrix in the state equations is provided. This paper also carries out a software simulation and verification of the normal condition (no load without slope) and the extreme condition (full load with maximum slope). Compared with the preset reference trajectory control, the simulation results show that the proposed optimal clutch pressure control can effectively reduce jerk and friction loss during the shifting process and has good robustness to different operating conditions.
A Real-Time Garbage Truck Supervision and Data Statistics Method Based on Object Detection
Authors: Zhang Xuanyu , Gao Yining , Xiao Guangyi , Feng Bo , Chen Wenshu
Published: October 2020

Garbage classification is difficult to supervise in the stage of collection and transportation. This paper proposes a computer vision-based method for intelligent supervision and workload statistics of garbage trucks. In terms of hardware, this paper deploys a camera and an image processing unit with NPU based on the original on-board computing and communication equipment. In terms of software, this paper uses the YOLOv3-tiny algorithm on the image processing unit to perform real-time target detection on garbage truck work, collects statistics on the color, specifications, and quantity of garbage bins cleaned by the garbage truck, and uploads the results to the server for recording and display. The proposed method has low deployment and maintenance costs while maintaining excellent accuracy and real-time performance, which makes it have good commercial application value.
Quasi-Einstein Hypersurfaces of Complex Space Forms
Authors: Chen Xiaomin , Cui Xuehui
Published: October 2020

Based on a well-known fact that there are no Einstein hypersurfaces in a nonflat complex space form, in this article, we study the quasi-Einstein condition, which is a generalization of an Einstein metric, on the real hypersurface of a nonflat complex space form. For the real hypersurface with quasi-Einstein metric of a complex Euclidean space, we also give a classification. Since a gradient Ricci soliton is a special quasi-Einstein metric, our results improve some conclusions of Cho and Kimura.
Remisión espontánea de cáncer de pulmón no-microcítico avanzado, progresivo y poco diferenciado: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura
Authors: Yoon Hee-Young , Park Heae Surng , Cho Min Sun , Shim Sung Shin , Kim Yookyung , Lee Jin Hwa
Published: October 2020

Antecedentes: La remisión espontánea (RE) del cáncer es un fenómeno muy raro, cuyo mecanismo se desconoce. En particular, hay escasos reportes de RE de cáncer de pulmón no-microcítico (CPNM). Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 74 años con CPNM avanzado, poco diferenciado (con alta expresión del ligando 1 de muerte programada [PD-L1]), que progresó a pesar de administrar múltiples de líneas quimioterapia y posteriormente remitió de manera espontánea. Presentación del caso: La paciente presentaba hemoptisis y se le diagnosticó CPNM poco diferenciado en estadio IIIA mediante biopsia broncoscópica. No había características notables en su historial médico y su estado funcional era moderado. El plan inicial de tratamiento consistió en cirugía después de quimioterapia neoadyuvante. A pesar de la quimioterapia convencional, la tomografía computada (TC) de seguimiento mostró una progresión gradual del tumor, y la paciente decidió no continuar con el tratamiento después de la quimioterapia de quinta línea. Sin embargo, el tamaño de la masa tumoral disminuyó marcadamente en una TC torácica de seguimiento un año después de suspender la quimioterapia. Asimismo, imágenes de tomografía por emisión de positrones tomadas en el seguimiento mostraron una menor actividad metabólica en la masa tumoral, y una muestra de biopsia percutánea de la masa pulmonar reducida no reveló células tumorales viables. Se confirmó el diagnóstico de RE de CPNM, y la paciente no mostró progresión tumoral en el seguimiento, nueve meses después. Más tarde, la inmunotinción para PD-L1 mostró una alta positividad (>99%) en las células tumorales iniciales. Conclusión: Nuestro caso, que muestra la RE de CPNM avanzado, poco diferenciado y refractario a múltiples líneas de quimioterapia, sugiere una asociación entre la inmunidad y la regresión tumoral.
Ultrasonido endobronquial para el diagnóstico de tumores pulmonares de localización central: Revisión sistemática y metaanálisis
Authors: Kuijvenhoven Jolanda C. , Leoncini Fausto , Crombag Laurence C. , Spijker René , Bonta Peter I. , Korevaar Daniël A. , Annema Jouke T.
Published: October 2020

Introducción: Es difícil obtener un diagnóstico tisular de tumores pulmonares de localización central en pacientes que no presentan anormalidades endobronquiales, y por tanto es un problema diagnóstico de consideración. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el desempeño del ultrasonido endobronquial lineal con biopsia transbronquial por aspiración con aguja (USEB-BTBA) para el diagnóstico de tumores pulmonares de localización central. Métodos: Realizamos una revisión sistemática (PROSPERO, CRD42017080968) y buscamos estudios que evaluaran el rendimiento y/o la sensibilidad de USEB-BTBA para el diagnóstico de tumores pulmonares de localización central, en MEDLINE, Embase, BIOSIS Previews y Web of Science hasta el 18 de noviembre de 2018. Evaluamos la calidad del estudio mediante QUADAS-2 y efectuamos un metaanálisis de efectos aleatorios. Resultados: En total se identificaron 5,657 manuscritos; de éstos, se consideraron 14 para el estudio, que incluyeron a 1,175 pacientes sometidos a USEB-BTBA para el diagnóstico de un tumor intrapulmonar. Todos los estudios mostraron un alto riesgo de sesgo o problemas de aplicabilidad, especialmente en la selección de los pacientes. El rendimiento promedio de USEB-BTBA para diagnosticar tumores pulmonares de localización central fue 0.89 (IC 95% 0.84-0.92), y la sensibilidad promedio para diagnosticar tumores malignos fue 0.91 (IC 95% 0.88-0.94). Entre los estudios que publican esta información ocurrieron complicaciones relacionadas con el USEB en 5.4% de los pacientes (42/721). Conclusión: El USEB-BTBA tiene alto rendimiento y sensibilidad para diagnosticar tumores pulmonares de localización central, y es segura en pacientes seleccionados. Se recomienda emprender estudios prospectivos para evaluar el uso rutinario de este procedimiento en el diagnóstico de tumores intrapulmonares.
Catéter pleural tunelizado para el derrame pleural maligno: Terapia con alta efectividad
Authors: Genis-Zarate Julián
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Recurrent pleural effusion is a common cause of dyspnoea, cough and chest pain during the course of malignant diseases. Chemical pleurodesis had been the only definitive treatment option until two decades ago. Indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) emerged as an alternative, not only assuring immediate symptom relief but also potentially leading to pleurodesis in the absence of sclerosing agents. Methods: In this single-centre retrospective observational study patient characteristics, procedural variables and outcome in a large population of patients with IPC in malignancy were evaluated and prognostic factors for pleurodesis were identified. Results: From 2006 to 2016, 395 patients received 448 IPC, of whom 121 (30.6%) had ovarian, 91 (23.0%) lung and 45 (11.4%) breast cancer. The median length of IPC remaining in place was 1.2 months (IQR, 0.5-2.6), the median survival time after insertion 2.0 months (IQR, 0.6-6.4). An adequate symptom relief was achieved in 94.9% of all patients, with no need for subsequent interventions until last visit or death. In patients surviving ≥30 days after IPC insertion, pleurodesis was observed in 44.5% and was more common in patients < 60 years (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.05-2.78; p = 0.03). The use of an additional talc slurry via the IPC was highly predictive for pleurodesis (HR 6.68; 95% CI,1.44-31.08; p = 0.02). Complications occurred in 13.4% of all procedures (n = 60), 41.8% concerning infections (local infections at the tunnel/exit site (n = 14) and empyema (n = 11)), and 98.3% being low or mild grade (n = 59). Complication rates were higher in men than women (18.6 vs. 12.4%, p = 0.023). Conclusion: High efficacy in symptom relief and a favourable safety profile confirm IPC as suitable first line option in most malignant pleural effusions. The study presents the largest dataset on IPC in gynaecologic cancer to date. Gender-specific differences in complication rates warrant further study.
CPCNP: Tratamiento inmuno-oncológico y masa tumoral
Authors: Chanona-Alcocer Oscar
Published: October 2020

Background: Immuno-oncological (IO) therapies such as PD-1 and PD-L1 antibodies have been introduced in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) since 2015 based on randomized trials showing unprecedentedad vantages in overall survival (OS) with hazard ratios (HRs) between 0.5 and 0.7. The impact of these treatmentson OS in routine clinical practice and the role of tumor mass have not been studied. Methods: 557 consecutive patients with inoperable stage III or stage IV NSCLC diagnosed in our certified lung cancer center from 2006 to 2018 were included if they had received at least one line of systemic treatment.OS of immuno-oncologically treated patients (IO patients, n = 144) who received treatment with a PD-1 antibody (nivolumab [n = 77] or pembrolizumab [n = 51]) or a PD-L1 antibody (atezolizumab [n = 4] or durvalumab [n = 12]) was compared to historic controls treated before availability ofIO treatment (n = 413) using case-control analysis. IO patientsand historic controls were individually matched forstage, performance state, histology, smoking status, gender,age, and initial treatment mode (palliative vs. definitive radio-chemotherapy). Results: Case-control analysis of 91 matched pairs showed significantly longer OS in IO patients compared to historic controls (21.2 vs. 10.9 months, HR 0.526, CI 0.373-0.723). The benefit was more pronounced inpatients with lower tumor stage (HR 0.48 [stage III], 0.40 [IVA], 0.63 [IVB]) or smaller tumor size (HR 0.38 [RECIST ≤57 mm], 0.40 [RECIST 58-94 mm], 0.59 [RECIST 95-141 mm], 0.75 [RECIST ≥142 mm]). Conclusions: IO patients showed significant benefit in OS with HRs comparable to those reported in phase III trials. The benefit tended to be greater in patients with lower tumor mass.
Pacientes con cáncer de pulmón: Factores asociados al ingreso a unidades de cuidados intensivos
Authors: Huizar-Hernández Víctor
Published: October 2020

Background: Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer related death worldwide and survival is poor. Patients with lung cancer may develop a critical illness, but it is unclear what features are associated with an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. Methods: This retrospective, observational, population-based study of linked cancer registration, ICU, hospital discharge and mortality data described the factors associated with ICU admission in patients with lung cancer. The cohort comprised all incident cases of adult lung cancer diagnosed between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2009 in the West of Scotland, UK, who were subsequently admitted to an ICU within 2 years of cancer diagnosis. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with admission. Results: 26,731 incident cases of lung cancer were diagnosed with 398 (1.5%) patients admitted to an ICU. Patients were most commonly admitted with respiratory conditions and there was a high rate of invasive mechanical ventilation. ICU, in-hospital and six-month survival were 58.5, 42.0 and 31.2%, respectively. Surgical treatment of lung cancer increased the odds of ICU admission (OR 7.23 (5.14-10.2)). Odds of admission to ICU were reduced with older age (75-80 years OR 0.69 (0.49-0.94), > 80 years OR 0.21 (0.12-0.37)), female gender (OR 0.73 (0.59-0.90)) and radiotherapy (OR 0.54 (0.39-0.73)) or chemotherapy treatment (OR 0.52 (0.38-0.70)). Conclusion: 1.5% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer are admitted to an ICU but both short term and long term survival was poor. Factors associated with ICU admission included age <75 years, male gender and surgical treatment of cancer.
Biomarkers Related to Endothelial Dysfunction and Vascular Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Martins-Filho Rui Kleber , Zotin Maria Clara , Rodrigues Guilherme , Pontes-Neto Octavio
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The damage in the endothelium and the neurovascular unit appears to play a key role in the pathogenesis of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Although there have been many advances in understanding the physiopathology of this disease, several questions remain unanswered. The association with other degenerative diseases and the heterogeneity of its clinical spectrum establish a diagnostic problem, compromising a better comprehension of the pathology and halting the development of effective treatments. The investigation of biomarkers is an important movement to the development of novel explicative models and treatment targets involved in VCI. Methods: We searched MEDLINE considering the original research based on VCI biomarkers in the past 20 years, following prespecified selection criteria, data extraction, and qualitative synthesis. Results: We reviewed 42 articles: 16 investigated plasma markers, 17 analyzed neuropathological markers, 4 studied CSF markers, 4 evaluated neuroimaging markers (ultrasound and MRI), and 1 used peripheral Doppler perfusion imaging. Conclusions: The biomarkers in these studies suggest an intrinsic relationship between endothelial dysfunction and VCI. Nonetheless, there is still a need for identification of a distinctive set of markers that can integrate the clinical approach of VCI, improve diagnostic accuracy, and support the discovery of alternative therapies.
Safety of Endoscopic Mucosal Resection Using a Bipolar Snare for Superficial Nonampullary Duodenal Epithelial Tumors and the Predictive Factors of Piecemeal Resection
Authors: Yamamura Masafumi , Nagami Yasuaki , Sakai Taishi , Maruyama Hirotsugu , Ominami Masaki , Fukunaga Shusei , Otani Koji , Hosomi Shuhei , Tanaka Fumio , Taira Koichi , Yamagami Hirokazu , Tanigawa Tetsuya , Watanabe Toshio , Fujiwara Yasuhiro
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Endoscopic mucosal resection for small superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors is a noninvasive treatment; however, perforations can occur. Bipolar snares can reduce the risk of perforation due to small tissue damage. Currently, only few studies have reported endoscopic mucosal resection for small superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors using a bipolar snare and the effect of preoperative findings. Objective: To investigate (1) resectability and adverse events of endoscopic mucosal resection using a bipolar snare for small superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors and (2) the predictions of piecemeal resection. Methods: Between 2007 and 2017, 89 patients with 107 lesions underwent endoscopic mucosal resection using a bipolar snare. Among them, 88 lesions of 77 patients were evaluated. The primary outcome was the incidence of en bloc resection and R0 resection and adverse events. Risk factors associated with piecemeal resection, including preoperative lesion findings, were also examined. Results: The incidence rates of en bloc and R0 resections were 85.2 and 48.9%, respectively. Neither intraoperative or delayed perforations nor procedure-related mortality was noted. The nonlifting sign after submucosal injection was associated with an increase in piecemeal resection (odds ratio: 20.3, 95% confidence interval: 2.53–162; p = 0.005). Conclusion: Endoscopic resection for small superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors can cause perforation; however, endoscopic mucosal resection using a bipolar snare can be a safe treatment option as it does not cause perforations. The nonlifting sign after submucosal injection is a predictive factor for piecemeal resection.
What Role Does Activity Engagement Play in the Association between Cognitive Frailty and Falls among Older Adults? Evidence from Rural Shandong, China
Authors: Zhao Dan , Li Jie , Fu Peipei , Hao Wenting , Yuan Yemin , Yu Caiting , Jing Zhengyue , Wang Yi , Zhou Chengchao
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Previous studies have demonstrated the relationship between cognitive frailty and falls among older adults. Activity engagement (AE) is known to be related to falls in older adults but the subject has been limited to empirical study. This study aimed to explore the mediating role of AE between cognitive frailty and falls among older adults in rural Shandong, China. Methods: A total of 3,242 rural seniors (age ≥60 years; 63.6% women) were included in this cross-sectional study. Regression and bootstrap analyses were performed to explore the mediating role of AE between cognitive frailty and falls. Results: The prevalence of falls was 13.1% and the prevalence of cognitive frailty was 6.6% among the participants. AE mediated the association between cognitive frailty and falls (95% CI 0.077–0.223). However, the direct effect was no longer significant after being adjusted for AE (95% CI –0.037 to 0.684; p = 0.078). Conclusion: Cognitive frailty was found to be associated with falls among rural older adults, and AE mediated this association. More attention should be paid to promote AE among Chinese rural older adults with cognitive frailty.
Extended Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling in Complex Pediatric Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Abdullatif Abdussalam M. , Macky Tamer A. , Mortada Hassan A.
Published: October 2020

Purpose: To assess the feasibility and investigate the anatomical and functional outcomes of extended internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for complex pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods: This was a retrospective interventional case series where children (≤18 years) with RRD and severe PVR (grade C) were included. All eyes underwent PPV with ILM peeling up to 2-disk diameter beyond the vascular arcades. The main outcome measures were assessment of feasibility of ILM peeling in the pediatric RRD and evaluation of the rate of complete retinal reattachment and corrected-distance visual acuity (CDVA) at the final follow-up. Results: A total of 29 eyes (25 patients) were enrolled in this study. ILM peeling performed on these children was not more difficult than in adult eyes. After a mean follow-up of 18 months, the patients achieved final CDVA better than 20/200 in 37.9%. The initial retinal reattachment was 55.2% while the final anatomical success was 86.2%. Conclusion: Vitrectomy with ILM peeling is technically feasible in pediatric RRD, limiting epiretinal proliferation and achieving favorable anatomical outcomes in cases of complex pediatric RRD. The long-term effects of ILM peeling need further investigation.
Genome-Wide Analysis Identifies an Essential Human TBX3 Pacemaker Enhancer
Authors: van Eif Vincent W.W. , Protze Stephanie I. , Bosada Fernanda M. , Yuan Xuefei , Sinha Tanvi , van Duijvenboden Karel , Ernault Auriane C. , Mohan Rajiv A. , Wakker Vincent , de Gier-de Vries Corrie , Hooijkaas Ingeborg B. , Wilson Michael D. , Verkerk Arie O. , Bakkers Jeroen , Boukens Bastiaan J. , Black Brian L. , Scott Ian C. , Christoffels Vincent M.
Published: October 2020

Rationale:

The development and function of the pacemaker cardiomyocytes of the sinoatrial node (SAN), the leading pacemaker of the heart, are tightly controlled by a conserved network of transcription factors, including TBX3 (T-box transcription factor 3), ISL1 (ISL LIM homeobox 1), and SHOX2 (short stature homeobox 2). Yet, the regulatory DNA elements (REs) controlling target gene expression in the SAN pacemaker cells have remained undefined.

Objective:

Identification of the regulatory landscape of human SAN-like pacemaker cells and functional assessment of SAN-specific REs potentially involved in pacemaker cell gene regulation.

Methods and Results:

We performed Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin using sequencing on human pluripotent stem cell–derived SAN-like pacemaker cells and ventricle-like cells and identified thousands of putative REs specific for either human cell type. We validated pacemaker cell–specific elements in the
SHOX2
and
TBX3
loci. CRISPR-mediated homozygous deletion of the mouse ortholog of a noncoding region with candidate pacemaker-specific REs in the
SHOX2
locus resulted in selective loss of
Shox2
expression from the developing SAN and embryonic lethality. Putative pacemaker-specific REs were identified up to 1 Mbp upstream of
TBX3
in a region close to
MED13L
harboring variants associated with heart rate recovery after exercise. The orthologous region was deleted in mice, which resulted in selective loss of expression of
Tbx3
from the SAN and (cardiac) ganglia and in neonatal lethality. Expression of
Tbx3
was maintained in other tissues including the atrioventricular conduction system, lungs, and liver. Heterozygous adult mice showed increased SAN recovery times after pacing. The human REs harboring the associated variants robustly drove expression in the SAN of transgenic mouse embryos.

Conclusions:

We provided a genome-wide collection of candidate human pacemaker-specific REs, including the loci of
SHOX2
,
TBX3
, and
ISL1
, and identified a link between human genetic variants influencing heart rate recovery after exercise and a variant RE with highly conserved function, driving SAN expression of
TBX3
.
Blood Pressure Management in Stroke
Authors: Gorelick Philip B. , Whelton Paul K. , Sorond Farzaneh , Carey Robert M.
Published: October 2020

Hypertension is a well-established and modifiable risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Notably, stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and the second most common cause of disability-adjusted life-years. As such, we provide a viewpoint on blood pressure management in stroke and emphasize blood pressure control or management for first and recurrent stroke prevention, acute stroke treatment, and for prevention of cognitive impairment or dementia.
Verification of automated latex-enhanced particle immunoturbidimetric

D-Dimer assays on different analytical platforms and comparability of test
results
Authors: Lapić Ivana , Prpić Snježana , Rogić Dunja , Zadro Renata , Raščanec Vanja , Prce Andrea , Coen Herak Désirée
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The aim of the study was the analytical verification of automated latex-enhanced particle immunoturbidimetric (LPIA) D-Dimer
assay INNOVANCE D-dimer on Sysmex CS-5100 and Atellica COAG 360 analysers, and HemosIL D-dimer HS500 on ACL TOP 550, as well as the comparison
with the enzyme-linked immunofluorescent assay (ELFA) on the miniVidas analyser.
Materials and methods: Verification included assessment of within-run and between-run precision, bias, measurement uncertainty (MU), verification
of the cut-off, method comparison between all assessed assays, and the reference commercial ELFA VIDAS D-Dimer Exclusion II.
Results: Within-run coefficients of variations (CVs) ranged from 1.6% (Atellica COAG 360) to 7.9% (ACL TOP 550), while between-run CVs ranged
from 1.7% (Sysmex CS-5100) to 6.9% (Atellica COAG 360). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were > 0.99 between LPIAs and ≥ 0.93 when
comparing ELFA with LPIA. Passing-Bablok regression analysis yielded constant and proportional difference for comparison of ACL TOP 550 with
both Sysmex CS-5100 and Atellica COAG360, and for miniVidas with Atellica COAG360. Small proportional difference was found between miniVidas
and both Sysmex CS-5100 and ACL TOP 550. Calculated MUs using D-dimer HS 500 calibrator were 12.6% (Sysmex CS-5100) and 15.6% (Atellica COAG
360), while with INNOVANCE D-dimer calibrator 12.0% (Sysmex CS-5100), 10.0% (Atellica COAG 360) and 28.1% (ACL TOP 550). Excellent agreement
of results was obtained, with occasional discrepancies near the cut-off. The cut-off (0.5 mg/L FEU) was confirmed.
Conclusions: The obtained results prove satisfactory analytical performance of LPIAs, their high comparability and almost equal discriminatory
characteristics, suggesting them as a valid alternative to ELFA.
Urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin concentration in healthy newborns during the first three postnatal days
Authors: Mikulić Vinka , Mikulić Ivanka , Radić Mišković Helena , Tomić Vajdana , Ćuk Ana , Ljubić Kristina , Rogić Dunja
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) is a biochemical marker significant for early prediction of acute kidney
injury in adults. However, it has not been examined sufficiently among the infant population, particularly newborns in terms of reference values.
The aim of our study was to determine the concentration of uNGAL in healthy term newborns and to determine if there was a difference in uNGAL
concentration according to gender, postnatal age and birth weight.
Materials and methods: Our study involved 81 healthy term newborns birth (≥ 37 weeks, Apgar score ≥ 8 in the first minute after birth, CRP < 5
mg/L). Urine NGAL was measured using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) within 72 hours after birth, on Architect plus ci8200
analyser (Abbott, Chicago, USA). Data were analysed using Statistica software.
Results: The median concentration of uNGAL in the whole study group of healthy term newborns was 27.1 ng/mL (16.5-56.0 ng/mL) (newborn girls,
27.1 ng/mL (15.8-47.9 ng/mL); newborn boys, 27.9 ng/mL (16.5-61.0 ng/mL), P = 0.941). Median uNGAL concentration according to postnatal age
expressed in days was 28.2 ng/mL (11.7-57.2 ng/mL) 1st day, 28.9 ng/mL (16.5-64.2 ng/mL ) 2nd day and 23.9 ng/mL (20.2-46.6) 3rd day, P = 0.863.
Regarding birth weight for newborns < 3500 g, median concentration was 25.0 ng/mL (16.5-45.4 ng/mL ) and for weight ≥ 3500 g 30.6 ng/mL
(16.5-64.2 ng/mL), P = 0.455.
Conclusions: There were no significant difference in uNGAL concentration in relation to gender, postnatal age and birth weight.
Reasons for Migration of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire before 1915
Authors: Özkan Selim Hilmi
Published: October 2020

Migration has been common throughout human history and has been part of Armenian history for many centuries in varying degrees. However, at the end of the 19th century and in the early years of the 20th century, Armenians experienced an unprecedented rate of migration. The large outflow caused complications that affected many aspects of the social life of Armenians. They had lived in peace throughout the Anatolian territory without any geographical limitations until the last period of the Ottoman Empire when they began to be radicalized by some countries that wished to make Christian Armenians and Muslims enemies. Consequently, Armenians started to migrate abroad from Anatolia. This article examines the reasons for the migration of the Ottoman Armenians before World War I by reference to Ottoman archival documents.
Additions to the Tanaidacea (Crustacea: Peracarida) of Rangitâhua, the Kermadec Islands, from the Southwest Pacific Expedition 2017
Authors: BIRD GRAHAM J.
Published: October 2020

Four new species or morphospecies of tanaidaceans, all of small size (c. 1 mm), from the Rangitâhua-Kermadecs component of the Southwest Pacific Expedition 2017 survey are recorded and described: Collettea coralensis n. sp., leptocheliid sp.RK#1, Psalidichelia concinna n. g. & n. sp., and Stachyops cf. sebparri. Six had been described or recorded from the earlier Kermadec Biodiscovery Expedition 2011: Aparatanais tetradonta, Chondrochelia acrolophus, Metatanais progenitor, Paradoxapseudes floppae, Tanais sp., and Zeuxo kermadecensis. This brings the number of known tanaid species from the Rangitâhua/Kermadecs group to ten. The records of the Collettea species are notable for the shallow depths from which they were collected, 4–18 m, and the habitats sampled: coral rubble, coral encrusts on rocks, and red algae.
Sensitivity of U.S. Drought Prediction Skill to Land Initial States
Authors: Shin Chul-Su , Huang Bohua , Dirmeyer Paul A. , Halder Subhadeep , Kumar Arun
Published: October 2020

In addition to remote SST forcing, realistic representation of land forcing (i.e., soil moisture) over the United States is critical for a prediction of U.S. severe drought events approximately one season in advance. Using “identical twin” experiments with different land initial conditions (ICs) in the 32-yr (1979–2010) CFSv2 reforecasts (NASA GLDAS-2 reanalysis versus NCEP CFSR), sensitivity and skill of U.S. drought predictions to land ICs are evaluated. Although there is no outstanding performer between the two sets of forecasts with different land ICs, each set shows greater skill in some regions, but their locations vary with forecast lead time and season. The 1999 case study demonstrates that although a pattern of below-normal SSTs in the Pacific in the fall and winter is realistically reproduced in both reforecasts, GLDAS-2 land initial states display a stronger east–west gradient of soil moisture, particularly drier in the eastern United States and more consistent with observations, leading to warmer surface temperature anomalies over the United States. Anomalies lasting for one season are accompanied by more persistent barotropic (warm core) anomalous high pressure over CONUS, which results in better prediction skill of this drought case up to 4 months in advance in the reforecasts with GLDAS-2 land ICs. Therefore, it is essential to minimize the uncertainty of land initial states among the current land analyses for improving U.S. drought prediction on seasonal time scales.
“It’s Raining Bits”: Patterns in Directional Precipitation Persistence across the United States
Authors: Goodwell Allison E.
Published: October 2020

The spatial and temporal ordering of precipitation occurrence impacts ecosystems, streamflow, and water availability. For example, both large-scale climate patterns and local landscapes drive weather events, and the typical speeds and directions of these events moving across a basin dictate the timing of flows at its outlet. We address the predictability of precipitation occurrence at a given location, based on the knowledge of past precipitation at surrounding locations. We identify “dominant directions of precipitation influence” across the continental United States based on a gridded daily dataset. Specifically, we apply information theory–based measures that characterize dominant directions and strengths of spatial and temporal precipitation dependencies. On a national average, this dominant direction agrees with the prevalent direction of weather movement from west to east across the country, but regional differences reflect topographic divides, precipitation gradients, and different climatic drivers of precipitation. Trends in these information relationships and their correlations with climate indices over the past 70 years also show seasonal and spatial divides. This study expands upon a framework of information-based predictability to answer questions about spatial connectivity in addition to temporal persistence. The methods presented here are generally useful to understand many aspects of weather and climate variability.
Wave–Current Interactions at Meso- and Submesoscales: Insights from Idealized Numerical Simulations
Authors: Villas Bôas Ana B. , Cornuelle Bruce. D. , Mazloff Matthew. R. , Gille Sarah. T. , Ardhuin Fabrice
Published: October 2020

Surface gravity waves play a major role in the exchange of momentum, heat, energy, and gases between the ocean and the atmosphere. The interaction between currents and waves can lead to variations in the wave direction, frequency, and amplitude. In the present work, we use an ensemble of synthetic currents to force the wave model WAVEWATCH III and assess the relative impact of current divergence and vorticity in modifying several properties of the waves, including direction, period, directional spreading, and significant wave height Hs. We find that the spatial variability of Hs is highly sensitive to the nature of the underlying current and that refraction is the main mechanism leading to gradients of Hs. The results obtained using synthetic currents were used to interpret the response of surface waves to realistic currents by running an additional set of simulations using the llc4320 MITgcm output in the California Current region. Our findings suggest that wave parameters could be used to detect and characterize strong gradients in the velocity field, which is particularly relevant for the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite as well as several proposed satellite missions.
Radar Super Resolution Using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Geiss Andrew , Hardin Joseph C.
Published: October 2020

Super resolution involves synthetically increasing the resolution of gridded data beyond their native resolution. Typically, this is done using interpolation schemes, which estimate sub-grid-scale values from neighboring data, and perform the same operation everywhere regardless of the large-scale context, or by requiring a network of radars with overlapping fields of view. Recently, significant progress has been made in single-image super resolution using convolutional neural networks. Conceptually, a neural network may be able to learn relations between large-scale precipitation features and the associated sub-pixel-scale variability and outperform interpolation schemes. Here, we use a deep convolutional neural network to artificially enhance the resolution of NEXRAD PPI scans. The model is trained on 6 months of reflectivity observations from the Langley Hill, Washington, radar (KLGX), and we find that it substantially outperforms common interpolation schemes for 4× and 8× resolution increases based on several objective error and perceptual quality metrics.