bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of socio-economic factors on quantity and type of municipal solid waste
Authors: Kala Kaveri , Bolia Nomesh B. , Sushil
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the socio-economic factors related to household solid waste generation and its type based on field surveys in South Delhi Municipal Corporation area in Delhi, India.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a framework to systematically identify the socio-economic factors related to household waste generation and its type. The framework uses both primary and secondary data. The primary data are collected through the instruments of questionnaire and interviews, and the secondary data are collected from the literature available in public domain. Multinomial logistic models are developed. The models are analyzed using the SPSS software version 22.0.

Findings

The study reports that socio-economic parameters like monthly income of the family, number of family members, occupation, education are statistically significant predictors. Further, detailed disaggregated models reveal more insights that are not apparent otherwise, such as the number of females can also be a significant factor for a targeted socio-economic group.

Practical implications

The results can help in forecasting the resource requirement for waste collection, establishment of processing facilities and other policy planning measures for effective waste management, as summarized in the discussion.

Originality/value

A systematic process to determine resource requirement according to socio-economic (and consequently spatial) group constitute an important component of the novelty of this study. Further, it provides new insights on the role of various socio-economic factors in determining the quantity and composition of household waste, e.g. quantity and type of waste can also be affected by male and female qualification within a socio-economic category.
Plasma activation and chitosan attachment on cotton and wool for improvement of dyeability and fastness properties
Authors: Haji Aminoddin
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The dyeing of cellulosic and proteinous fibers with natural and synthetic colorants usually needs large amounts of metal salts to promote the dyeing procedure. To get rid of the necessity to use metal salts, plasma treatment and subsequent attachment of chitosan biopolymer were considered as green processes for surface functionalization of wool and cotton. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of oxygen plasma treatment and attachment of chitosan on the dyeability of wool and cotton fabrics using walnut and weld as model natural dyes, as well as C.I. reactive blue 50 and C.I. acid blue 92 as model synthetic dyes.

Design/methodology/approach

Wool and cotton fabrics were modified with oxygen plasma and coated with chitosan solution. The un-modified and modified samples were dyed with the above-mentioned dyes under constant conditions. The color strength, color coordinates and fastness properties of the dyed samples were determined and compared.

Findings

The results showed that oxygen plasma treatment could improve the dyeability and fastness properties of wool and cotton fibers when dyed with all of the above-mentioned dyes. Attachment of chitosan to the plasma-treated samples significantly improved the dyeability of wool and cotton fibers with walnut, acid and reactive dyes. The fastness properties of the dyed samples were enhanced by plasma treatment and chitosan coating.

Originality/value

This study uses plasma treatment as an environmentally friendly pre-treatment for attachment of chitosan on wool and cotton. This process improved the dyeing properties of both fibers. The use of metal salts in not needed for dyeing of wool and cotton according to the investigated process.
Strong self‐regulation and widespread facilitative interactions in phytoplankton communities
Authors: Picoche Coralie , Barraquand Frédéric
Published: April 2020

The persistence of phytoplanktonic diversity in spite of competition for basic resources has long been a source of wonder and inspiration to ecologists. To sort out, among the many coexistence mechanisms suggested by theory and experiments, which ones actually maintain diversity in natural ecosystems, long‐term field studies are paramount.

We analysed a large dataset of phytoplankton abundance time series using dynamic, multivariate autoregressive (MAR) models. Phytoplankton was counted and identified down to the genus level, every 2 weeks over 20 years, at 10 sites along the French coastline. MAR models allowed to estimate biotic interaction networks while also accounting for abiotic variables that may drive part of the phytoplankton fluctuations. We then analysed the ratio of intra to intertaxa interactions (a measure of niche differentiation), the frequency of negative versus positive interactions, and how stability metrics (both at the network and genus level) relate to network complexity and genus self‐regulation or abundance.

We showed that a strong self‐regulation, with competition strength within a taxon (genus) an order of magnitude higher than between taxa, was present in all phytoplanktonic interaction networks. This much stronger intragenus competition suggests that niche differentiation—rather than neutrality—is commonplace in phytoplankton. Furthermore, interaction networks were dominated by positive net effects between phytoplanktonic taxa (on average, more than 50% of interactions were positive). While network stability (sensu resilience) was unrelated to complexity measures, we unveiled links between self‐regulation, intergenera interaction strengths and abundance. The less common taxa tend to be more strongly self‐regulated and can therefore maintain in spite of competition with more abundant ones.

Synthesis. We demonstrate that strong niche differentiation, widespread facilitation between phytoplanktonic taxa and stabilizing covariances between interaction strengths should be common features of coexisting phytoplankton communities in the field. These are structural properties that we can expect to emerge from plausible mechanistic models of phytoplankton communities. We discuss mechanisms, such as predation or restricted microscale movement, that are consistent with these findings, which paves the way for further research.
What is the threshold dose of upper limb training for children with cerebral palsy to improve function? A systematic review
Authors: Jackman Michelle , Lannin Natasha , Galea Claire , Sakzewski Leanne , Miller Laura , Novak Iona
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Neuroplasticity is harnessed through high‐intensity or high‐dose training. Given the costs and time burden for families of children with cerebral palsy (CP), it is important to quantify which rehabilitation training approaches and doses confer the largest clinical gain. The main objective of this systematic review was to determine any threshold dose of upper limb training needed for children with CP to achieve clinically significant functional improvements.

Methods

This systematic review included studies if they were as follows: randomised controlled trials; participants had a diagnosis of CP or brain injury; mean age of participants was 0–18 years; and intervention was an active upper limb training intervention. Two raters independently extracted data. Data were pooled and analysed using a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and odds ratios to investigate the dose of practice that led to clinically significant gains.

Results

A total of 74 trials were included in this review. Quantitative analyses included 25 studies (707 participants; age range 18 months to 21 years) for motor function (Assisting Hand Assessment) and 20 studies (491 participants; age range 3 months to 17 years) for individual goal achievement (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure). ROC curve analyses found that approximately 40 hr of practice is needed to improve upper limb motor ability in the unilateral population. For all typographies of CP, individual goals were achieved at a lower dose (14–25 hr) of practice when goal‐directed interventions were provided.

Conclusion

To improve individual goals, children need to practice goals for more than 14–25 hr, combining face‐to‐face therapy with home practice. To improve general upper limb function (based on evidence in the unilateral population), children need to practice for more than 30–40 hr. Interventions that set functional goals and involve actual practice of those goals lead to goal achievement at a lower dose than general upper limb motor training.
A “quota silo” or positive equality reach? The equality impact of gender quotas on corporate boards in Norway
Authors: Seierstad Cathrine , Healy Geraldine , Sønju Le Bruyn Goldeng Eskil , Fjellvær Hilde
Published: April 2020

10 years after its implementation, we explore the equality reach of the 40% Norwegian gender quota regulation for boards of public limited companies (PLCs) using a multi‐strategy approach (administrative data and interviews with women directors) to capture interrelated macro and meso changes. We employ Acker's (2006) inequality regimes as our analytical framework, augmented by the “equality reach” concept. We found strong compliance with the 40% Quota. However, there was little evidence of voluntary spillover to limited companies as envisaged by Quota proponents; instead Quota coverage reduced as some PLCs changed status to avoid the Quota requirement. We reveal that positive equality reach in one of the most equal countries in the world is confined to a PLC “quota silo,” which has shrunk over the life of the Quota. Moreover, we suggest that PLC high levels of compliance may be a defensive strategy seen as necessary in the regulatory/high sanction context of the Quota. We demonstrate the need for further political and organisational interventions to improve equality reach beyond the quota silo. We also show the value of the equality reach concept for research on equality interventions and warn of the dangers of an intervention leading to an equality silo.
Relationship between the efficacy of immunotherapy and characteristics of specific tumor mutation genes in non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Song Peng , Yang Dongliang , Wang Hanping , Cui Xiaoxia , Si Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaotong , Zhang Li
Published: April 2020

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have greatly improved the prognosis and overall management of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, but in the long term less than 20% of patients benefit from treatment with ICIs. Therefore, it is necessary to guide the choice of immunotherapy population through biomarkers in order to maximize the benefit for NSCLC patients. This article mainly explores the relationship between the efficacy of immunotherapy and specific tumor mutation gene characteristics in an NSCLC population.

Methods

This was a prospective analysis of patients with advanced NSCLC who visited the Department of Respiratory Medicine of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from March 2018 to June 2019 and were instructed to use PD‐1 inhibitors. The follow‐up deadline was 31 December 2019. The tumor pathological tissues were tested for tumor mutation genes, and the patients were evaluated for efficacy according to RECIST 1.1. The patients were divided into the durable benefit group (DCB) and the nonsustainable benefit group (NDB). DCB/NDB was used as the outcome variable. Various statistics methods were used to explore the independent predictors of long‐term benefits associated with immunotherapy and to draw a progression‐free survival curve for the relevant predictors.

Results

A total of 44 patients were examined for tumor mutation genes in pathological tissues; 20 in the DCB group and 24 in the NDB group. Specific gene mutations occurred in TP53 38.64%, KRAS 31.82%, EGFR 20.45%, BRCA 20.45%, ERBB (excluding EGFR) 18.18%, PTEN 15.91%, CDK4/6 13.64%, POLE 11.36%, MET 11.36%, PIK3CA 9.10%, FGFR 9.10%, BRAF 9.10%, JAK 9.10%, ALK 6.82%, POLD1 4.55%, BLM 4.55%. Chi‐square test results showed that there were statistically significant differences between DCB and NDB groups with eight mutations such as KRAS. Logistic regression showed that the KRAS mutation was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Two accuracy indicators, Random Forest Classification of Mean Decrease Gini and Mean Decrease Accuracy, evaluated the importance of the impact of different gene mutations on the outcome. Under two different measures, the variables were all KRAS mutations. It is suggested that the mutation of the KRAS gene is an independent predictor of the long‐term benefit of immunotherapy.

Conclusions

The mutation of KRAS gene in tumor tissues is an independent predictor of the long‐term benefit of immunotherapy, and the predictive ability is better.
Heteropaternal superfecundation frequently occurs in multiple‐bearing mob‐mated sheep
Authors: Berry D. P. , Bohan A. , O'Brien A. C. , Campion F. C. , McHugh N. , Wall E.
Published: April 2020

Heteropaternal superfecundation may be defined as the fertilisation of two or more ova during the same oestrus cycle as a result of more than one coital act from different males; this results in foetuses being born in the same litter of the same age but different paternity. Heteropaternal superfecundation is more likely to occur in poly‐ovulatory species like sheep; moreover, female sheep are often mob‐mated with several rams concurrently, thus providing an opportunity for a given female to be served by multiple males during the same oestrus cycle. The objective of the present study was to determine the frequency of heteropaternal superfecundation in six sheep flocks where most of the ewes, lambs and rams were genotyped. A total of 685 multiple‐birth litters were available where the sire, dam and all lambs were genotyped. Of the 539 pairs of twins included in the analysis, 160 (i.e. 30%) were sired by two different rams. Of the 137 sets of triplets included in the analysis, 73 (i.e. 53%) were sired by more than one ram. Of the nine sets of quadruplets, eight were sired by two rams with the remaining litter being mono‐paternal. The overall incidence of heteropaternal superfecundation among litters was therefore 35%. Given that the incidence of multiple births in these flocks was 65%, heteropaternal superfecundation is expected to be relatively common in sheep; this is especially true as all but two of the litter‐mates were polyzygotic. Genotyping of progeny is one practical solution to identity such individuals.
Efficacy of quadruple treatment on different types of pre‐operative anaemia: secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rössler J. , Hegemann I. , Schoenrath F. , Seifert B. , Kaserer A. , Spahn G. H. , Falk V. , Spahn D. R.
Published: April 2020

In patients with pre‐operative anaemia undergoing cardiac surgery, combination treatment with intravenous iron, subcutaneous erythropoietin alpha, vitamin B12 and oral folic acid reduces allogeneic blood product transfusions. It is unclear if certain types of anaemia particularly benefit from this treatment. We performed a post‐hoc analysis of anaemic patients from a randomised trial on the ‘Effect of ultra‐short‐term treatment of patients with iron deficiency or anaemia undergoing cardiac surgery’. We used linear regression analyses to examine the efficacy of a combination anaemia treatment compared with placebo on the following deficiencies, each representing a part of the combination treatment: ferritin and transferrin saturation; endogenous erythropoietin; holotranscobalamine; and folic acid in erythrocytes. Efficacy was defined as change in reticulocyte count from baseline to the first, third and fifth postoperative days and represented erythropoietic activity in the immediate peri‐operative recovery phase. In all 253 anaemic patients, iron deficiency was the most common cause of anaemia. Treatment significantly increased reticulocyte count in all regression analyses on postoperative days 1, 3 and 5 (all p < 0.001). Baseline ferritin and endogenous erythropoietin were negatively associated with change in reticulocyte count on postoperative day 5, with an unstandardised regression coefficient B of −0.08 (95%CI −0.14 to −0.02) and −0.14 (95%CI −0.23 to −0.06), respectively. Quadruple anaemia treatment was effective regardless of the cause of anaemia and its effect manifested early in the peri‐operative recovery phase. The more pronounced a deficiency was, the stronger the subsequent boost to erythropoiesis may have been.
A non‐stationary bivariate INAR(1) process with a simple cross‐dependence: Estimation with some properties
Authors: Bakouch Hassan S. , Sunecher Y. , Mamode Khan N. , Jowaheer V.
Published: April 2020

This paper considers modelling of a non‐stationary bivariate integer‐valued autoregressive process of order 1 (BINAR(1)) where the cross‐dependence between the counting series is formed through the relationship of the current series with the previous‐lagged count series observations while the pair of innovations is independent and marginally Poisson. In addition, this paper proposes a generalised quasi‐likelihood (GQL) estimating equation based on the exact specification of the mean score and the auto‐covariance structure. The proposed approach is also compared with other popular techniques such as conditional maximum likelihood (CML), generalised least squares (GLS) and generalised method of moment (GMM) based on simulated data from the proposed BINAR(1). Moreover, the model is applied to weekly series of day and night road accidents arising in some regions of Mauritius and is compared with other existing BINAR(1) models.
nNOS‐CAPON blockers produce anxiolytic effects by promoting synaptogenesis in chronic stress‐induced animal models of anxiety
Authors: Zhu Li‐Juan , Shi Hu‐Jiang , Chang Lei , Zhang Cheng cheng , Si Meng , Li Na , Zhu Dong‐Ya
Published: April 2020

Background and Purpose

Anxiety disorder is a common mental health disorder. However, there are few safe and fast‐acting anxiolytic drugs available that can treat anxiety disorder. We previously demonstrated that the interaction of neuronal NOS (nNOS) with its carboxy‐terminal PDZ ligand (CAPON) is involved in regulating anxiety‐related behaviours. Here, we further investigated the anxiolytic effects of nNOS–CAPON disruptors in chronic stress‐induced anxiety in animals.

Experimental Approach

Mice were intravenously treated with nNOS–CAPON disruptors, ZLc‐002 or Tat‐CAPON12C, at the last week of chronic mild stress (CMS) exposure. We also infused corticosterone (CORT) into the hippocampus of mice to model anxiety behaviours and also delivered ZLc‐002 or Tat‐CAPON12C on the last week of chronic CORT treatment via pre‐implanted cannula. Anxiety‐related behaviours were examined using elevated plus maze, open field, novelty‐suppressed feeding and light–dark (LD) tests. The level of nNOS–CAPON interaction was determined by co‐immunoprecipitation (CO‐IP) and proximity ligation assay (PLA). The neural mechanisms underlying the behavioural effects of nNOS–CAPON uncoupling in anxiety animal models were assessed by western blot, immunofluorescence and Golgi‐Cox staining.

Key Results

ZLc‐002 and Tat‐CAPON12C reversed CMS‐ or CORT‐induced anxiety‐related behaviours. ZLc‐002 and Tat‐CAPON12C increased synaptogenesis along with improved dendritic remodelling in CMS mice or CORT‐treated cultured neurons. Meanwhile, blocking nNOS–CAPON interaction significantly activated the cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB)–brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathway, which is associated with synaptic plasticity.

Conclusion and Implications

Collectively, these results provide evidence for the anxiolytic effects of nNOS–CAPON uncouplers and their underlying mechanisms in anxiety disorders.
Extensional tectonics during the Tyrrhenian back‐arc basin formation and a new morpho‐tectonic map
Authors: Loreto Maria F. , Zitellini Nevio , Ranero César R. , Palmiotto Camilla , Prada Manel
Published: April 2020

We present a new tectonic map focused upon the extensional style accompanying the formation of the Tyrrhenian back‐arc basin. Our basin‐wide analysis synthetizes the interpretation of vintage multichannel and single‐channel seismic profiles, integrated with modern seismic images, P‐wave velocity models, and high‐resolution morpho‐bathymetric data. Four distinct evolutionary phases of the Tyrrhenian back‐arc basin opening are further constrained, redefining the initial opening to Langhian/Serravallian time. Listric and planar normal faults and their conjugates bound a series of horst and graben, half‐graben and triangular basins. Distribution of extensional faults, active throughout the basin since Middle Miocene, allows us to define an arrangement of faults in the northern/central Tyrrhenian mainly related to a pure shear which evolved to a simple shear opening. At depth, faults accommodate over a Ductile‐Brittle Transitional zone cut by a low‐angle detachment fault. In the southern Tyrrhenian, normal, inverse and transcurrent faults appear to be related to a large shear zone located along the continental margin of the northern Sicily. Extensional style variation throughout the back‐arc basin combined with wide‐angle seismic velocity models allows to explore the relationships between shallow deformation, faults distribution throughout the basin, and crustal‐scale processes as thinning and exhumation.
Creative heritage: Overcoming tensions between innovation and tradition in the luxury industry
Authors: Carvajal Pérez Daniel , Le Masson Pascal , Weil Benoit , Araud Axelle , Chaperon Vincent
Published: April 2020

“Marketing” and “design” teams often experience conflicts when cooperating on innovation projects. In luxury industries, these difficulties are exacerbated by a tension betweeninnovationandtradition, which, in turn, causes a loss of originality and operational efficiency. Based on three case studies of a luxury champagne house, we provide evidence of the existence of a type of cognitive resource—acreative heritage—that can help marketing and design teams in luxury organizations manage these tensions, address destructive and creative tensions, and, hence, gain originality that is coherent with tradition and operational efficiency.
Caspase‐1 inhibition prevents neuronal death by targeting the canonical inflammasome pathway of pyroptosis in a murine model of cerebral ischemia
Authors: Li Jia , Hao Jia‐Huan , Yao Di , Li Rong , Li Xue‐Fei , Yu Zhi‐Yuan , Luo Xiang , Liu Xing‐Hua , Wang Ming‐Huan , Wang Wei
Published: April 2020

Aims

The involvement of pyroptosis in ischemic stroke remains to be established. Therefore, we used the specific pyroptosis inhibitor Vx765 as an experimental intervention target in a murine model of stroke.

Methods

A total of 564 C57BL/6 mice were subjected to photothrombotic procedures and treated via gavage with Vx765 at 1‐hour post‐ischemia. We subsequently assessed the expression of Gasdermin D (GSDMD), inflammasomes, caspase‐1, and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) using immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot (WB) analyses. We also examined ultrastructural changes of cortical neurons with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and measured infarct volumes dynamically by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Moreover, we evaluated the neurologic deficits by modified neurological severity scores, the rotarod test, and Treadscan.

Results

Elevated expression of GSDMD and GSDMD p30, the pore‐forming subunit, was evident in the peri‐ischemic region on days one and three post‐ischemia. The neuronal plasma, nuclear, and mitochondrial membranes showed ultrastructural damage at day three post‐stroke. Elevated expression of inflammasomes, caspase‐1, and IL‐1β was also present on days one and three post‐injury. There were significant differences between Vx765‐treated and vehicle groups in mean infarct volumes (14.36 vs 21.52 mm3; 12.34 vs 18.56 mm3; 4.13 vs 10.06 mm3; P < .05 at day one, three, and seven post‐surgery, respectively). Mice treated with Vx765 showed better motor recovery as assessed by serial behavior tests and had better neuronal survival, which was attributable to pyroptosis inhibition, as illustrated by downregulated expression of the effector protein GSDMD, inflammasomes, caspase‐1, and IL‐1β. Besides, treatment with Vx765 preserved neuronal membrane structures after the ischemic injury.

Conclusions

Pyroptosis emerges as an important pathway for neuronal death in an acute ischemic stroke. Vx765, a low molecular weight drug that has proven safe in clinical epilepsy trials, has potential therapeutic value for cerebral ischemia by targeting the canonical inflammasome pathway of pyroptosis.
Ultrasound image resolution influences analysis of skeletal muscle composition
Authors: Paris Michael T. , Bell Kirsten E. , Avrutin Egor , Mourtzakis Marina
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Analysis of muscle composition using ultrasound requires standardization of several equipment settings (i.e. gain). However, the influence of image resolution, which is altered by imaging depth, on measures of muscle composition is unknown.

Methods

We analysed rectus femoris muscle composition using ultrasound images captured from 32 males and females (aged 28 ± 5 years) at depths of 9.0, 7.3, 5.9 and 4.7 cm. The transducer's orientation was fixed using a clamp during image acquisition to minimize movement. Across each image resolution, a region of interest encompassing the same anatomical area within the muscle was used for muscle composition analysis. Muscle composition was analysed using a combination of first‐, second‐ and higher‐order texture features. Muscle composition agreement across image resolutions was evaluated using a one‐way ANOVA and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results

Most muscle composition features displayed differences due to image resolution (p < .05). ICCs demonstrated poor‐to‐good agreement across different image resolutions. In general, higher resolution images (i.e. shallower imaging depth) demonstrated better agreement (ICC > 0.90) compared to lower resolution images.

Conclusions

Ultrasound image resolution influences muscle composition analysis. Image resolution should be fixed within and between individuals when evaluating muscle composition using ultrasound.
Storage of an avulsed tooth prior to replantation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: De Brier Niels , O Dorien , Borra Vere , Singletary Eunice M. , Zideman David A. , De Buck Emmy ,   the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation First Aid Task Force
Published: April 2020

Background/Aim

It is crucial to store an avulsed tooth appropriately to preserve the viability of the periodontal ligament cells prior to replantation. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the best available evidence for the effectiveness of any technique available to laypeople for storing an avulsed tooth compared with storage in milk or saliva.

Methods

The following databases were searched (September 2019): Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Embase. Two reviewers independently considered trial eligibility, then extracted and analyzed data, and assessed the risk of bias. The certainty of the body of evidence was appraised according to the GRADE methodology.

Results

Out of 4118 references, 33 studies were included and reported 23 comparisons of which 10 were synthesized in a meta‐analysis. The limited evidence available favors storing an avulsed tooth in Hank's balanced salt solution (pooled SMD 2.47, 95% CI [1.59;3.34], P < .00001), propolis solution (pooled SMD 1.73, 95% CI [1.12;2.33], P < .00001), oral rehydration salts (pooled SMD 4.16, 95% CI [2.10;6.23], P < .0001), rice water, and cling film compared with storage in milk. The cell viability rate was significantly lower in teeth stored in saline solutions (pooled SMD −4.35, 95% CI [−7.55;−1.14], P = .008), tap water, buttermilk, castor oil, GC Tooth Mousse, and turmeric extract than those stored in milk. There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against temporary storage of an avulsed tooth in saliva compared with alternative solutions. The certainty of evidence was considered low to very low due to limitations in study design, indirect study populations and outcome measures, and imprecision.

Conclusion

Although milk was shown to extend the periodontal ligament cell viability before replantation compared with saline or tap water, the following media have also demonstrated efficacy at preserving the cell viability: Hank's balanced salt solution, propolis, oral rehydration salts, rice water, and cling film.
Informed feature regularization in voxelwise modeling for naturalistic fMRI experiments
Authors: Yılmaz Özgür , Çelik Emin , Çukur Tolga
Published: April 2020

Voxelwise modeling is a powerful framework to predict single‐voxel functional selectivity for the stimulus features that exist in complex natural stimuli. Yet, because VM disregards potential correlations across stimulus features or neighboring voxels, it may yield suboptimal sensitivity in measuring functional selectivity in the presence of high levels of measurement noise. Here, we introduce a novel voxelwise modeling approach that simultaneously utilizes stimulus correlations in model features and response correlations among voxel neighborhoods. The proposed method performs feature and spatial regularization while still generating single‐voxel response predictions. We demonstrated the performance of our approach on a functional magnetic resonance imaging dataset from a natural vision experiment. Compared to VM, the proposed method yields clear improvements in prediction performance, together with increased feature coherence and spatial coherence of voxelwise models. Overall, the proposed method can offer improved sensitivity in modeling of single voxels in naturalistic functional magnetic resonance imaging experiments.
No association between migraine frequency, white matter lesions and silent brain infarctions: a study in a series of women with chronic migraine
Authors: Meilán A. , Larrosa D. , Ramón C. , Cernuda‐Morollón E. , Martínez‐Camblor P. , Saiz A. , Santamarta E. , Pérez‐Pereda S. , Pascual J.
Published: April 2020

Background and purpose

It has been suggested that silent infarctions (SIs) and hyperintense white matter lesions (WMLs) are related to migraine frequency. We studied their prevalence and anatomical distribution in patients with chronic migraine (CM).

Methods

A total of 96 women with CM [mean age 43 (range 16–65) years] and 29 women with episodic migraine (EM) [mean age 36 (range 16–58) years] underwent 1.5‐T magnetic resonance imaging following the CAMERA protocol. The number, size and location of SIs and deep WMLs were recorded and a modified Fazekas scale was applied to assess periventricular WMLs.

Results

White matter lesions were found in 59 (61.5%) women with CM and 17 (58.6%) women with EM (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence intervals, 0.48–2.62; P = 0.784). The majority (63% CM and 71% EM) were small deep WMLs. Exclusive periventricular WMLs were exceptional. Of the 739 WMLs seen in patients with CM, 734 (99.3%) were hemispheric and mostly frontal (81%). Posterior fossa WMLs were seen in only five (5.2%) women with CM (always in the pons) and two (6.9%) women with EM. Age >45 years was the only vascular risk factor associated with a higher WML number (median: 0 < 45 years and 3 > 45 years; P = 0.004). We found seven SIs in six women with CM (6.3%).

Conclusions

As compared with the expected prevalence at this age, this study confirms that the prevalence of WMLs, in most cases small, deep and frontal, was increased in CM and EM. However, our results do not support an association of WMLs or SIs with a higher frequency of attacks, but with the presence of vascular risk factors and mainly age >45 years.
Early data on long‐term efficacy and safety of inotersen in patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis: a 2‐year update from the open‐label extension of the NEURO‐TTR trial
Authors: Brannagan T. H. , Wang A. K. , Coelho T. , Waddington Cruz M. , Polydefkis M. J. , Dyck P. J. , Plante‐Bordeneuve V. , Berk J. L. , Barroso F. , Merlini G. , Conceição I. , Hughes S. G. , Kwoh J. , Jung S. W. , Guthrie S. , Pollock M. , Benson M. D. , Gertz M. ,   for the NEURO‐TTR open‐label extension investigators
Published: April 2020

Background and purpose

Hereditary transthyretin (hATTR) amyloidosis causes progressive polyneuropathy resulting from transthyretin (TTR) amyloid deposition throughout the body, including the peripheral nerves. The efficacy and safety of inotersen, an antisense oligonucleotide inhibitor of TTR protein production, were demonstrated in the pivotal NEURO‐TTR study in patients with hATTR polyneuropathy. Here, the long‐term efficacy and safety of inotersen are assessed in an ongoing open‐label extension (OLE) study.

Methods

Patients who completed NEURO‐TTR were eligible to enroll in the OLE (NCT02175004). Efficacy assessments included the modified Neuropathy Impairment Score plus seven neurophysiological tests composite score (mNIS + 7), the Norfolk Quality of Life – Diabetic Neuropathy (Norfolk QOL‐DN) questionnaire total score and the Short‐Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36) Physical Component Summary (PCS) score. Safety and tolerability were also assessed.

Results

Overall, 97% (135/139) of patients who completed NEURO‐TTR enrolled in the OLE. Patients who received inotersen for 39 cumulative months in NEURO‐TTR and the OLE continued to show benefit; patients who switched from placebo to inotersen in the OLE demonstrated improvement or stabilization of neurological disease progression by mNIS + 7, Norfolk QOL‐DN and SF‐36 PCS. No new safety concerns were identified. There was no evidence of increased risk for grade 4 thrombocytopenia or severe renal events with increased duration of inotersen exposure.

Conclusion

Inotersen slowed disease progression and reduced deterioration of quality of life in patients with hATTR polyneuropathy. Early treatment with inotersen resulted in greater long‐term disease stabilization than delayed initiation. Routine platelet and renal safety monitoring were effective; no new safety signals were observed.
Fast and improved backpropagation learning of multi‐layer artificial neural network using adaptive activation function
Authors: Panda Sashmita , Panda Ganapati
Published: April 2020

In the conventional backpropagation (BP) learning algorithm used for the training of the connecting weights of the artificial neural network (ANN), a fixed slope−based sigmoidal activation function is used. This limitation leads to slower training of the network because only the weights of different layers are adjusted using the conventional BP algorithm. To accelerate the rate of convergence during the training phase of the ANN, in addition to updates of weights, the slope of the sigmoid function associated with artificial neuron can also be adjusted by using a newly developed learning rule. To achieve this objective, in this paper, new BP learning rules for slope adjustment of the activation function associated with the neurons have been derived. The combined rules both for connecting weights and slopes of sigmoid functions are then applied to the ANN structure to achieve faster training. In addition, two benchmark problems: classification and nonlinear system identification are solved using the trained ANN. The results of simulation‐based experiments demonstrate that, in general, the proposed new BP learning rules for slope and weight adjustments of ANN provide superior convergence performance during the training phase as well as improved performance in terms of root mean square error and mean absolute deviation for classification and nonlinear system identification problems.
Fatigue testing and non‐destructive characterization of AlSi9Cu3(Fe) die cast specimens by computer tomography
Authors: Szalva Péter , Orbulov Imre Norbert
Published: April 2020

AlSi9Cu3(Fe) aluminum alloy fatigue test specimens were produced by high pressure die casting (HPDC) and vacuum‐assisted die casting (VPDC) techniques. Non‐destructive material tests (NDT) have been performed on cast specimens by computed tomography (CT). Uniaxial fatigue tests with two stress ratios of R = −1 and R = 0.1 have been performed in the high cycle fatigue (HCF) regime, and the CT results were reassigned after the fatigue test in order to identify the origin of the failure. The aim of this paper is to establish a relationship between the CT result and fatigue failure of die cast specimens. The location and the size of the casting defect determine the specimen fatigue life. It has also been found that the fatigue life is determined not only by the size of the defect but also by its location with respect to the position of the highly stressed area. The results can be used to judge the applicability of cast parts after non‐destructive testing.
Drought and recovery effects on belowground respiration dynamics and the partitioning of recent carbon in managed and abandoned grassland
Authors: Ingrisch Johannes , Karlowsky Stefan , Hasibeder Roland , Gleixner Gerd , Bahn Michael
Published: April 2020

The supply of soil respiration with recent photoassimilates is an important and fast pathway for respiratory loss of carbon (C). To date it is unknown how drought and land‐use change interactively influence the dynamics of recent C in soil‐respired CO2. In an in situ common‐garden experiment, we exposed soil‐vegetation monoliths from a managed and a nearby abandoned mountain grassland to an experimental drought. Based on two 13CO2 pulse‐labelling campaigns, we traced recently assimilated C in soil respiration during drought, rewetting and early recovery. Independent of grassland management, drought reduced the absolute allocation of recent C to soil respiration. Rewetting triggered a respiration pulse, which was strongly fuelled by C assimilated during drought. In comparison to the managed grassland, the abandoned grassland partitioned more recent C to belowground respiration than to root C storage under ample water supply. Interestingly, this pattern was reversed under drought. We suggest that these different response patterns reflect strategies of the managed and the abandoned grassland to enhance their respective resilience to drought, by fostering their resistance and recovery respectively. We conclude that while severe drought can override the effects of abandonment of grassland management on the respiratory dynamics of recent C, abandonment alters strategies of belowground assimilate investment, with consequences for soil‐CO2 fluxes during drought and drought‐recovery.
Influence of glass network ionicity on the mixed‐alkali effect
Authors: Calahoo Courtney , Xia Yang , Zhou Ru
Published: April 2020

Most studies of the mixed‐alkali effect (MAE) have focused on relating the differences between the cations to the strength of the MAE; here we examine the effect of the glass former by comparing the MAE in aluminofluorophosphate (FP) and aluminosulfofluorophosphate (FPS) glasses. The sulfate anion in the FPS series does not bond directly to the aluminophosphate network, decreasing connectivity and increasing the ionicity of the FPS glasses. The increased degrees of freedom imparted by the sulfate are evident in the single‐alkali FPS glasses, which have lower Ea, hardness, shear moduli, and Young's moduli, and higher Tg than the corresponding single‐alkali FP glasses (without sulfate). Conversely, for the mixed‐alkali FPS compositions, the sulfate's mobility is reduced by the mixed cations, resulting in a magnified MAE for the FPS series. For dynamic properties, this phenomenon is explained by reduced plasticity and slippage along ion channels, while understanding Tg and elastic properties requires examination of the shape of the sulfate's potential energy well and the resulting regions of compressive and tensile stress. We posit that glass compositions with higher plasticity, that is, less covalent bonding, will exhibit a larger MAE, but, simultaneously, sufficient conventional glass network must be present to constrain the mobile ions.
Lymphocyte‐monocyte ratio (LMR) can predict bendamustine therapeutic efficacy in low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Shimono Joji , Izumiyama Koh , Ito Shinichi , Tsutsmi Yutaka , Kondo Takeshi , Kakinoki Yasutaka , Teshima Takanori
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Bendamustine has been reported to be effective against low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma. We examined the effect of bendamustine on the lymphocyte‐monocyte ratio (LMR) in low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 127 cases of first line or relapse/refractory low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma in three individual institutions (Asahikawa Municipal Hospital, Aiiku Hospital, and Hakodate Municipal Hospital). Only patients who had received at least three courses of bendamustine therapy were selected; the LMR was evaluated at starting the initial course of bendamustine therapy. Time to next treatment (TTNT) was used to ascertain the efficacy of bendamustine therapy.

Results

Follicular lymphoma (FL), at 68.5% (87/127), is the most common histological subtype of low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the LMR showed a cutoff value of 2.0, and 33 cases (26.0%) had an LMR ≤2.0. Cases with LMR ≤2.0 had a significantly earlier progression than those with LMR > 2.0, based on the TTNT (P = .0007). Additionally, LMR ≤2.0 indicates earlier progression in TTNT when comparing only FL and low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma cases without FL (P = .007, 0.002). For multivariate analysis, the factors associated with an LMR ≤2.0 (HR, 2.741; 95% CI, 1.4330‐5.245; P = .002) were considered as early progression factors with regard to the TTNT.

Conclusion

Lymphocyte‐monocyte ratio effectively predicts the efficacy of bendamustine therapy for low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma, particularly FL; its application may improve treatment strategies for this disease.
Subjective health, general medicine beliefs and social desirability response among older hospital outpatients in Hong Kong
Authors: Wan Bosco , Ball Patrick , Jackson David , Maynard Gregg
Published: April 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate any association between self-rated health (SRH) and general perception about medicines using the Beliefs About Medicine Questionnaire-General (BMQ-G) in Hong Kong hospital outpatients. Moreover, the study aims to demonstrate any association between social desirability bias or response (SDR) and BMQ-G, SRH reporting in this population.

Methods

Seven hundred and sixty-nine outpatients, who satisfied the selection criteria, were cordially invited to participate in this study by completing a combined questionnaire of demographic information, BMQ-G, SRH and SDR Set-5 in person, while waiting to collect their medications outside a Hong Kong hospital pharmacy. Results were analysed statistically.

Key Findings

The number of valid questionnaires returned for statistical analysis was 698.

Logistic regressions indicated age groups, gender and SRH were significant predictors for BMQ-G reporting. Patients aged over 62, male or those with high SRH were less likely to present high BMQ-G scores, compared to patients aged under 45, female or those with low SRH, respectively (OR 0.43, 0.73 and 0.66, respectively, all CIs 95%). Logistic regressions also demonstrated overall BMQ-G, and SRH reporting was unlikely to be associated with SDR (all P > 0.05) although age was a significant predictor for SDR reporting (OR = 1.10; CI 95%).

Conclusions

This study illustrated age groups, gender and self-rated health significantly associated with general medicine beliefs reporting. The possible association between socially desirable bias and general medicine beliefs or self-rated health reporting was insignificant.
Association between severity of cardiac dysfunction caused by ventricular pre‐excitation‐led dyssynchrony and cardiac function recovery after ablation in children
Authors: Zhang Yi , Li Xiao‐Mei , Jiang He , Cui Jian , Ge Hai‐Yan , Liu Hai‐Ju , Li Mei‐Ting
Published: April 2020

Objective

To investigate the association between the severity of cardiac dysfunction caused by ventricular pre‐excitation‐led dyssynchrony and cardiac function recovery time after catheter ablation and identify predictors of cardiac function recovery after ablation.

Methods and Results

A total of 49 children underwent successful ablation (median 2.92 years). This study included 23 patients with mild cardiac dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]: 45% ≤ LVEF ≤ 55%), 15 with moderate (30% ≤ LVEF < 45%), and 11 with severe (LVEF <30%). The time for mean LVEF reaching 55% was 0.75, 3, and more than 12 months, respectively. The mean LVEF of children with severe cardiac dysfunction aged ≤6 years normalized within 12 months of follow‐up (63.00% ± 1.41%). Mean LVEF of those aged more than 6 years did not normalize at 12 months of follow‐up (38.67% ± 10.97%). LVEF recovery time was significantly different between these two age groups (median 11 months vs >12 months, χ2 = 4.55; P = .04). Cox regression analysis showed that preablation smaller left ventricular diastolic diameter (LVDd) Z score and higher LVEF were predictors of cardiac dysfunction recovery time (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.82‐0.99, P = .04; HR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.03‐1.15, P = .01).

Conclusion

Patients with higher LVDd Z scores and lower LVEF tend to have slower improvement in cardiac function after ablation. Patients with LVEF less than 30% and aged more than 6 years need more than 12 months to fully recover, and some might not even completely recover. Early catheter ablation is suggested once ventricular pre‐excitation‐led cardiac dysfunction is suspected.
TNF‐α–induced p53 activation induces apoptosis in neurological injury
Authors: Shao Xuefei , Yang Xiping , Shen Jun , Chen Sansong , Jiang Xiaochun , Wang Qifu , Di Qiang
Published: April 2020

It was previously confirmed that the apoptotic and necrotic neurons are found during the acute post‐traumatic period, suggesting the induction of apoptosis after traumatic brain injury (TBI). To further explore the involvement of apoptotic factors in TBI, an apoptosis antibody array was conducted to measure the alterations of apoptotic factors in rat brain cortex after TBI. As a result, the Neurological Severity Scale (NSS) scores after TBI were increased, and the cell morphology of the brain cortex was destructed with increased neuronal apoptosis. Furthermore, the caspase‐3 activity was increased, and the apoptotic‐related factors TNF‐α and p53 were up‐regulated in the brain cortex. More importantly, in vitro experiments demonstrated that down‐regulation of TNF‐α in oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) cells increased cell viability and decreased apoptosis and the p53 expression. These results suggested the involvement of TNF‐α–induced apoptotic signalling pathway by activating p53 in the molecular mechanism of neurological injury.