bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Investigation of Heat and Mass Transport in the Flow over a Magnetized Wedge by Incorporating the Effects of Cross-Diffusion Gradients: Applications in Multiple Engineering Systems
Authors: Alqahtani Aisha M. , Adnan  , Khan Umar , Ahmed Naveed , Mohyud-Din Syed Tauseef , Khan Ilyas
Published: August 2020

The flow over a wedge is significant and frequently occurs in civil engineering. It is significant to investigate the heat and mass transport characteristics in the wedge flow. Therefore, the analysis is presented to examine the effects of preeminent parameters by incorporating the cross-diffusion gradients in the energy and mass constitutive relations. From the analysis, it is perceived that the temperature drops against a higher Prandtl number. Due to concentration gradients in the energy equation, the temperature rises slowly. Moreover, it is examined that the mass transfer significantly reduces due to Schmidt effects and more mass transfer is pointed against the Soret number. The shear stresses increase due to stronger magnetic field effects. The local thermal performance of the fluid enhances against more dissipative fluid, and DuFour effects reduced it. Furthermore, the mass transport rate drops due to higher Soret effects and increases against multiple Schmidt number values.
Failure and Remediation of an Embankment on Rigid Column‐Improved Soft Soil: Case Study
Authors: Gu Shaofu , Liu Weizheng , Ge Mengyuan
Published: August 2020

The south extension line was constructed as a new part of the Xintai Expressway in Guangdong Province, China. The project required the construction of an embankment over soft soil with a thickness of up to approximately 14.0 m, and prestressed pipe pile was selected for reinforcing the soft soil foundation to increase bearing capacity and reduce settlement. Embankment sliding with a length of approximately 110 m and cracking with a length that exceeded 300 m occurred before the construction of the pavement structure. Field investigation and theoretical analysis results indicate that the safety factor of the overall stability calculated by the existing code methods is overly large, thereby resulting in large design pile spacing, low design bearing capacity provided by single pile, and excessive load shared by subsoil between piles. These results all cause the flow sliding of soft soil between the piles and the bending fracture of some piles. The revised density method can be used to check the stability of flow sliding, and the bending moment of piles should also be checked during the embankment design stage. In addition, perpendicularity deviation and poor joint quality of pile construction also contributed to the reduction of the bearing capacity of the pipe piles and the overall stability of embankment. Reconstruction of additional rigid piles and add pile after drilling holes are adopted in the sliding and cracking sections to reinforce the failed embankment, respectively. The remediation effect was validated by the measured excess pore water pressure, subgrade settlement, and horizontal displacement.
Laboratory Evaluation of the Performance of Recycled Aggregate Concrete Containing Construction and Stone Factories Waste in Terms of Compressive and Tensile Strength
Authors: Anjam Ashkan Rah , Faghihmaleki Hadi
Published: August 2020

Nowadays, the rapid growth of waste production and, especially, construction wastes has become one of the main problems in societies. In the world, reinforced concrete structures are destructed for different reasons. These destructions generate increasing values of waste. Furthermore, there are several stone factories in every region that produce a large volume of decorative construction stone wastes. This experimental study has investigated the effect of using recycled aggregates of construction and stone factory wastes in concrete production. Different tests were performed on concrete samples in fresh state (slump) and hardened concrete (compressive and tensile strength and modulus of elasticity). The optimal percentage for replacement of each of the recycled materials was determined based on comparing the results of laboratory tests. Finally, a proper mix design was proposed for both recycled aggregate samples, and a comprehensive report of the results was also provided.
Space-Time Correlation for Three-Dimensional MIMO Channel Model Using Leaky Coaxial Cables in Rectangular Tunnel
Authors: Zhang Kai , Zhang Fangqi , Zheng Guoxin
Published: August 2020

The rapid development of high-speed train and Metro communications has provided new challenges for the application of MIMO technologies. Therefore, we propose a three-dimensional (3D) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel model using leaky coaxial cable (LCX) in a rectangular tunnel. The channel model is based on geometry-based single-bounce (GBSB) channel model and the electric field distribution of LCX in the tunnel environment. The theoretical expressions of channel impulse response (CIR) and space-time correlation function (CF) are also derived and analyzed. The CFs for different model parameters (moving velocity and moving time) and different regions of the tunnel are simulated by Monte Carlo method to verify the theoretical derivation at 1.8 GHz. In the same parametric configuration of nonstationary tunnel scenarios, the time delay of the first minimum value of CFs for LCX-MIMO is 1/5 of the time delay of the minimum value of CFs for dipole antennas MIMO when the train moving velocity is 360 km/h. It is shown that, for MIMO system, the performance of using LCXs is better than using dipole antennas.
A Nomogram Predicting Overall and Cancer‐Specific Survival of Patients with Primary Bone Lymphoma: A Large Population‐Based Study
Authors: Wang He-Hui , Dai Ke-Na , Li A-Bing
Published: August 2020

We aimed to develop a nomogram for evaluating the overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) in patients with primary bone lymphoma (PBL). Patients diagnosed with PBL between 2007 and 2016 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. All patients were randomly allocated to the training cohort and validation cohort (2 : 1). The nomogram was developed by the training cohort and validated by the validation cohort using the concordance index (C‐index), calibration plots, and decision curve analyses (DCAs). The C‐index for CSS and OS prediction in the training cohort were 0.76 and 0.77, respectively; in the validation cohort, they were 0.76 and 0.79, respectively. The calibration curve showed good consistency between nomogram prediction and actual survival. The DCA indicated obvious net benefits of the new predictive model. The nomogram showed favorable applicability and accuracy, and it will be a reliable tool for predicting OS and CSS in patients with PBL.
Model Test and Numerical Simulation of the Mudcake Thickness Effect on the Bearing Capacity of Vertically Loaded Single Piles
Authors: Zhang Ziguang , Cui Jian , Ma Maoyan , Xi Peisheng
Published: August 2020

Mudcake is an important factor affecting the bearing capacity of vertically loaded single piles. The model test and numerical calculation were used to analyse the stress and displacement characteristics of vertically loaded single piles under the conditions of different mudcake thickness and loading capacity. The effect of mudcake thickness on bearing capacity has been analyzed systematically, and its mechanism and changing laws were revealed. Eventually, the concept of the mudcake thickness effect was proposed, which must be considered fully during the construction of mud protection bored piles. The research results have important scientific value and guiding significance for understanding of the influence of pile side mudcake on the bearing capacity of vertically loaded single piles.
Numerical Study on the Longitudinal Response Characteristics of Utility Tunnel under Strong Earthquake: A Case Study
Authors: Tang Guoyi , Fang Yumei , Zhong Yi , Yuan Jie , Ruan Bin , Fang Yi , Wu Qi
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the longitudinal seismic response characteristics of utility tunnel subjected to strong earthquake was investigated based on a practical utility tunnel project and numerical method. Firstly, the generalized response displacement method (GRDM) that was used to conduct this study was reviewed briefly. Secondly, the information of the referenced engineering and the finite element model was introduced in detail, where a novel method to model the joints between utility tunnel segments was presented. Thirdly, a series of seismic response of the utility tunnel were provided, including inner force and intersegment opening width. The results showed that (i) the seismic response of the utility tunnel under far‐field earthquake may be remarkable and even higher than that under near‐field earthquake; (ii) sharp variation of response may occur at the interface between “soft” soil and “hard” soil, and the variation under far‐field earthquake could be much more significant. This research provides a reference for the scientific study and design of relevant engineering.
Peripheral Blood Occludin Level as a Biomarker for Perioperative Cerebral Edema in Patients with Brain Tumors
Authors: Shi Shuhai , Cheng Jingli , Zhang Chunyang , Liang Tao , Zhang Yunxin , Sun Yongxing , Zhao Ying , Li Weili , Wang Baoguo
Published: August 2020

Objective. Cerebral edema is a common complication of brain tumors in the perioperative period. However, there is currently no reliable and convenient method to evaluate the extent of brain edema. The objective is to explore the effectiveness of serum occludin on predicting the extent of perioperative brain edema and outcome in patients with brain tumors. Methods. This prospective study enrolled 55 patients with brain tumors and 24 healthy controls in Sanbo Brain Hospital from June 2019 through November 2019. Serum occludin levels were measured preoperatively and on postoperative day 1. Peritumoral edema was assessed preoperatively using MRI. Pericavity brain edema on postoperative day 1 was evaluated using CT. Results. Compared with healthy controls, the serum occludin level was higher in patients with brain tumors both preoperatively and postoperatively (P<0.001). The serum occludin level correlated positively with the degree of brain edema preoperatively (r=0.78, P<0.001) and postoperatively (r=0.59, P<0.001). At an optimal cutoff of 3.015 ng/mL, the preoperative serum occludin level discriminated between mild and severe preoperative brain edema with a sensitivity of 90.48% and specificity of 84.62%. At an optimal cutoff value of 3.033 ng/mL, the postoperative serum occludin level distinguished between mild and severe postoperative brain edema with a sensitivity of 97.30% and specificity of 55.56%. Conclusions. The serum occludin level is associated with cerebral edema and could potentially be used as a biomarker for perioperative cerebral edema. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1900023742.
A Simple and Energy-Efficient Flooding Scheme for Wireless Routing
Authors: Yamazaki Satoshi , Abiko Yu , Mizuno Hideki
Published: August 2020

In many wireless networks, such as ad hoc, sensor, and delay-tolerant networks, the destination node is determined from the source node by the flooding process. Flooding efficiency is important for nodes, because they are driven by limited batteries. In this paper, we propose a simple flooding scheme to transmit a route request (RREQ) message based on the remaining power of its own node without using control packets and complex calculations. We applied the proposed scheme to ad hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV) routing protocol as an example and carried out computer simulations (ns3). The results showed that the proposed scheme was superior to conventional schemes in static and mobile scenarios. First, we showed the limit of node density that causes the decrease of throughput in the proposed scheme and that the proposed scheme was superior in terms of energy efficiency (bits/J), including throughput and energy consumption. Next, as the number of flooding times is made uniform in the proposed scheme, all nodes will have almost the same battery replacement time. As a result, when the nodes are static, the lifetime in the proposed scheme is longer than that in the conventional scheme.
Strength and Micromechanism Analysis of Microbial Solidified Sand with Carbon Fiber
Authors: Qiu Rongkang , Tong Huawei , Gu Meixiang , Yuan Jie
Published: August 2020

Microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is an effective and ecofriendly technology that utilizes the microbes‐induced mineralization to improve foundation soils of the transportation infrastructure. The carbon fiber can be used along with the MICP in order to reduce the brittleness of microbial solidified soil. This paper investigated the strength of carbon fiber‐reinforced sand with different mass fractions through a series of unconfined compression tests. The effect of fiber content on the solidification of carbon fiber‐reinforced sand was quantitatively analyzed using calcium carbonate content test and penetration test. The microsolidification mechanism was investigated by micrographs from the optical and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The test results showed that unconfined compressive strength generally increased first and then decreased with the increase of the fiber content. The optimal fiber content in the silica and calcareous sand was 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively. The bulging deformation of the fiber‐reinforced sand sample was gradually developed along with the fiber breakage during loading.
Bmi1 Severs as a Potential Tumor-Initiating Cell Marker and Therapeutic Target in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xiaochen , Li Kang , Cheng Maosheng , Wang Ganping , Han Hui , Chen Fangfang , Liao Wenjing , Chen Zhi , Chen Jianwen , Bao Yong , Peng Liang , Chen Demeng
Published: August 2020

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a frequent malignant tumor with low 5-year overall survival. Targeting ESCC tumor-initiating cells (TICs) may provide a new research avenue to achieve better therapeutic effects of ESCC. However, the identity and characteristics of ESCC TICs remain poorly understood. Through genetic lineage tracing approach, we found that a group of Moloney murine leukemia virus insertion site 1- (Bmi1-) expressing cell populations present in the invasive front of the esophageal epithelium, providing a continuous flow of tumor cells for ESCC. Subsequently, we found that ablation of Bmi1+ cells from mice with ESCC led to inhibition of tumor growth. In addition, our results demonstrated that PTC-209, an inhibitor of Bmi1, was able to inhibit ESCC progression when combined with cisplatin. In summary, our data suggest that Bmi1+ cells serve as TICs in ESCC.
A Survey on the Relationship between Ocean Subsurface Temperature and Tropical Cyclone over the Western North Pacific
Authors: Sun Difu , Song Junqiang , Ren Kaijun , Li Xiaoyong , Wang Guangjie
Published: August 2020

The relationship between ocean subsurface temperature and tropical cyclone (TC) over the western North Pacific (WNP) is studied based on the TC best-track data and global reanalysis data during the period of 1948–2012. Here the TC frequency (TCF), lifespan, and genesis position of TCs are analysed. A distinctive negative correlation between subsurface water temperature and TCF is observed, especially the TCF in the southeastern quadrant of the WNP (0–15°N, 150–180°E). According to the detrended subsurface temperature anomalies of the 125 m depth layer in the main TC genesis area (0–30°N, 100–180°E), we selected the subsurface cold and warm years. During the subsurface cold years, TCs tend to have a longer mean lifespan and a more southeastern genesis position than the subsurface warm years in general. To further investigate the causes of this characteristic, the TC genesis potential indexes (GPI) are used to analyse the contributions of environmental factors to TC activities. The results indicate that the negative correlation between subsurface water temperature and TCF is mainly caused by the variation of TCF in the southeastern quadrant of the WNP, where the oceanic and atmospheric environments are related to ocean subsurface conditions. Specifically, compared with the subsurface warm years, there are larger relative vorticity, higher relative humidity, smaller vertical wind shear, weaker net longwave radiation, and higher ocean mixed layer temperature in the southeastern quadrant during cold years, which are all favorable for genesis and development of TC.
Output Voltage Control of MMC-Based Microgrid Based on Voltage Fluctuation Compensation Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Xue Sheng , Wang Xinggui , Li Xiaoying
Published: August 2020

As a novel topology of microgrid, the output voltage control of MMC half bridge series microgrid (MMC-MG) is rarely studied. In this paper, on the basis of fully analyzing the mechanism of output voltage fluctuation of MMC-MG under the condition of islanded mode, a control strategy of a hybrid energy storage system is proposed to reduce the generating module (GM) DC-link voltage fluctuation caused by the randomness of renewable energy microsource output power. Moreover, in order to further improve the stabilization of the MMC-MG output voltage and meet the requirements of fast voltage recovery and antijamming, a sliding mode controller is designed. Then, a voltage fluctuation compensation controller is designed to suppress the DC component and fundamental frequency deviation of system output voltage caused by GM DC-link voltage fluctuation. The proposed control approach is validated against simulations using MMC-MG models with 4-GM per arm. The results show that the proposed hybrid energy storage control strategy can suppress the GM DC-link voltage fluctuation, the sliding mode controller can stabilize the system output voltage when the load drastic changes, and the fluctuation compensation strategy can suppress the DC component and the fundamental frequency deviation of system output voltage.
Reproducibility of a Rapid Human Papillomavirus Test at Different Levels of the Healthcare System in Tanzania: The AISHA Study
Authors: Baena Armando , De Vuyst Hugo , Mesher David , Kasubi Mabula , Yuma Safina , Mwaiselage Julius , Zouiouich Semi , Mlay Pendo , Kahesa Crispin , Landoulsi Sihem , de la Luz Hernandez Maria , Lucas Eric , Herrero Rolando , Almonte Maribel , Broutet Nathalie
Published: August 2020

Background:

To inform policy makers in Tanzania if and how best to implement rapid HPV testing, we assessed the interobserver reproducibility of careHPV test at three different levels of the healthcare system in an urban and a rural region of Tanzania.

Methods:

Women aged 30 to 50 years were screened by careHPV testing in two primary healthcare centers (PHC), two district hospitals (DiH), and two regional hospitals (ReH). Aliquots were retested at regional (ReH) and national referral laboratories (NRL). Reproducibility was evaluated using agreement and kappa index measures. Intralaboratory reproducibility was also evaluated in a set of 10 positive and 10 negative samples.

Results:

Samples from 1,134 women were locally tested and retested at ReH and/or NRL. Test results from Dar es Salaam ReH and Kilimanjaro PHC showed clear quality problems including suspicion of contamination during testing or aliquoting. After excluding these samples, 18.8% of 743 women were HPV positive at clinic level. The resulting careHPV reproducibility at different levels of the healthcare system was very good [agreement 95.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 94.0–96.9; kappa, 0.86, 95% CI, 0.81–0.91]. Intralaboratory agreement was also very good across four different experiments, with Fleiss' kappa between 0.87 (95% CI, 0.61–1.00) and 1.00 (0.75–1.00).

Conclusions:

Rapid HPV testing was highly reproducible between lower and higher levels of the healthcare system in Tanzania; however, performance seems to be operator dependent.

Impact:

The careHPV test seems to be a feasible option for cervical cancer screening in an organized, decentralized system and in limited-resource settings if quality assurance measures are in place.
Estrogen Receptor-β Expression of Ovarian Tumors and Its Association with Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors
Authors: Shafrir Amy L. , Babic Ana , Gates Kuliszewski Margaret , Rice Megan S. , Townsend Mary K. , Hecht Jonathan L. , Tworoger Shelley S.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Differential associations between ovarian cancer risk factors and estrogen receptor-α (ERα) ovarian tumor expression have been noted; however, no research has assessed estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) expression. Thus, in exploratory analyses, we assessed the association of several factors with ovarian cancer risk by ERβ tumor status.

Methods:

We conducted a nested case–control study within the prospective Nurses' Health Study cohorts (NHS/NHSII), with exposures collected through biennial questionnaires. Paraffin-embedded tumor blocks were requested for cases diagnosed from 1976 to 2006 (NHS) and 1989 to 2005 (NHSII) and tissue microarrays were stained for nuclear ERβ (ERβ-nuc) and cytoplasmic ERβ (ERβ-cyto), with any staining considered positive (+). We obtained odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using multivariate polytomous logistic regression.

Results:

We included 245 cases [43% ERβ-cyto (+) and 71% ERβ-nuc (+)] and 1,050 matched controls. An inverse association was observed between parity and risk of ERβ-nuc (+) (OR, parous vs. nulliparous: 0.46; 95% CI, 0.26–0.81), but not ERβ-nuc (–) tumors (OR, parous vs. nulliparous: 1.51; 95% CI, 0.45–5.04; Pheterogeneity = 0.04). Conversely, parity was inversely associated with ERβ-cyto (–) tumors (OR, parous vs. nulliparous: 0.42; 95% CI, 0.23–0.78), but was not associated with ERβ-cyto (+) tumors (OR, parous vs. nulliparous: 1.08; 95% CI, 0.45–2.63; Pheterogeneity = 0.05). Associations for other exposures, including hormone therapy, did not differ by ERβ-nuc or ERβ-cyto status.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that parity may influence ovarian cancer risk, in part, through alterations in ERβ localization within tumor cells.

Impact:

Alterations in ERβ expression and localization appear to be important for ovarian cancer etiology. Future research should confirm our results and assess potential biologic mechanisms for the observed associations.
Overexpression of miR-331 Indicates Poor Prognosis and Promotes Progression of Breast Cancer
Authors: Jiang Fuguo , Zhang Lei , Liu Yunxia , Zhou Yanhua , Wang Honggang
Published: August 2020

Background: With the increasing number of cases of breast cancer every year, the exploration of novel biomarkers has drawn attention. miR-331 has been demonstrated to play a role in various cancers, but its role in breast cancer is still unknown. Methods: In this study, we included 121 patients with breast cancer treated at Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University. Breast cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected during the surgery. The expression of miR-331 in breast cancer tissues and cell lines was detected by qRT-PCR assay. Then, with the help of Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses, the role of miR-331 in the prognosis of breast cancer was analyzed. Finally, the effect of miR-331 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion was investigated with CCK-8 assay and transwell assay. Results: miR-331 was significantly upregulated in breast cancer tissues compared with normal tissues. The overexpression of miR-331 was associated with lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and poor prognosis. From the results of Cox regression analyses, it was found that miR-331 served as an independent indicator in the prognosis of breast cancer. In addition, miR-331 was also found to be upregulated in breast cancer cells, which promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer. Conclusion: As shown from our data, miR-331 may be a potential prognostic biomarker in breast cancer. Moreover, the development and progression of breast cancer may involve miR-331. These findings suggest a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of breast cancer.
Retinal Ganglion Cell Topography and Spatial Resolving Power in Echolocating and Non-Echolocating Bats
Authors: Cechetto Clément , de Busserolles Fanny , Jakobsen Lasse , Warrant Eric J.
Published: August 2020

Bats are nocturnal mammals known for their ability to echolocate, yet all bats can see, and most bats of the family Pteropodidae (fruit bats) do not echolocate – instead they rely mainly on vision and olfaction to forage. We investigated whether echolocating bats, given their limited reliance on vision, have poorer spatial resolving power (SRP) than pteropodids and whether tongue click echolocating fruit bats differ from non-echolocating fruit bats in terms of visual performance. We compared the number and distribution of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) as well as the maximum anatomical SRP derived from these distributions in 4 species of bats: Myotis daubentonii, a laryngeal echolocating bat from the family Vespertilionidae, Rousettus aegyptiacus, a tongue clicking echolocating bat from the family Pteropodidae, and Pteropus alecto and P. poliocephalus, 2 non-echolocating bats (also from the Pteropodidae). We find that all 3 pteropodids have a similar number (≈200,000 cells) and distribution of RGCs and a similar maximum SRP (≈4 cycles/degree). M. daubentonii has fewer (∼6,000 cells) and sparser RGCs than the pteropodids and thus a significantly lower SRP (0.6 cycles/degree). M. daubentonii also differs in terms of the distribution of RGCs by having a unique dorsal area of specialization in the retina. Our findings are consistent with the existing literature and suggest that M. daubentonii likely only uses vision for orientation, while for pteropodids vision is also important for foraging.
Greater Attendance at a Community Weight Loss Programme over the First 12 Weeks Predicts Weight Loss at 2 Years
Authors: Piernas Carmen , MacLean Fiona , Aveyard Paul , Ahern Amy L. , Woolston Jenny , Boyland Emma J. , Halford Jason C.G. , Jebb Susan A.
Published: August 2020

Background: There is considerable heterogeneity in long-term weight loss among people referred to obesity treatment programmes. It is unclear whether attendance at face-to-face sessions in the early weeks of the programme is an independent predictor of long-term success. Objective: To investigate whether frequency of attendance at a community weight loss programme over the first 12 weeks is associated with long-term weight change. Methods: Participants were randomised to receive brief support only (control, n = 211), or a weight loss programme for 12 weeks (n = 530) or 52 weeks (n = 528). This study included participants with data on session attendance over the first 12 weeks (n = 889) compared to the control group. The association between attendance (continuously) and weight loss was explored using a linear model. A multi-level mixed-effects linear model was used to investigate whether attendance (categorised as 0, 1, 2–5, 6—9, and 10–12 sessions) was associated with weight loss at 3, 12, and 24 months compared to the control. Results: For every session attended in the first 12 weeks, the average weight loss was –0.259 kg/session at 24 months (p = 0.005). Analysis by attendance group found only those attending 10–12 sessions had significantly greater weight loss (–7.5 kg [95% CI –8.1 to –6.9] at 12 months; –4.7 kg [95% CI –5.3 to –4.1] at 24 months) compared to the control group (–3.4 [95% CI –4.5 to –2.4] at 12 months, –2.5 [95% CI –3.5 to –1.5] at 24 months). Early attendance was higher for people ≥70 years, but there was no evidence of a difference by gender, ethnicity, education, or income. Conclusions: Greater attendance at a community weight loss programme in the first 12 weeks is associated with enhanced weight loss up to 24 months. Regular attendance at a programme could be used as a criterion for continued provision of weight loss services to maximise the cost-effectiveness of interventions.
Device- and Analytics-Agnostic Infrastructure for Continuous Inpatient Monitoring: A Technical Note
Authors: Brasier Noé , Geissmann Lukas , Käch Miro , Mutke Markus , Hoelz Bianca , De Ieso Fiorangelo , Eckstein Jens
Published: August 2020

The internet of healthcare things aims at connecting biosensors, clinical information systems and electronic health dossiers. The resulting data expands traditionally available diagnostics with digital biomarkers. In this technical note, we report the implementation and pilot operation of a device- and analytics-agnostic automated monitoring platform for in-house patients at hospitals. Any available sensor, as well as any analytics tool can be integrated if the application programming interface is made available. The platform consists of a network of Bluetooth gateways communicating via the hospital’s secure Wi-Fi network, a server application (Device Hub) and associated databases. Already existing access points or low-cost hardware can be used to run the gateway software. The platform can be extended to a remote patient monitoring solution to close the gap between in-house treatments and follow-up patient monitoring.
Area Deprivation and Risk of Death and CKD Progression: Long-Term Cohort Study in Patients under Unrestricted Nephrology Care
Authors: Borrelli Silvio , Chiodini Paolo , Caranci Nicola , Provenzano Michele , Andreucci Michele , Simeon Vittorio , Panico Salvatore , De Stefano Toni , De Nicola Luca , Minutolo Roberto , Conte Giuseppe , Garofalo Carlo
Published: August 2020

Background: Area deprivation index (ADI) associates with prognosis in non-dialysis CKD. However, no study has evaluated this association in CKD patients under unrestricted nephrology care. Methods: We performed a long-term prospective study to assess the role of deprivation in CKD progression and mortality in stage 1–4 CKD patients under regular nephrology care, living in Naples (Italy). We used ADI calculated at census block levels, standardized to mean values of whole population in Naples, and linked to patients by georeference method. After 12 months of “goal-oriented” nephrology treatment, we compared the risk of death or composite renal outcomes (end-stage kidney disease or doubling of serum creatinine) in the tertiles of standardized ADI. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline was evaluated by mixed effects model for repeated eGFR measurements. Results: We enrolled 715 consecutive patients (age: 64 ± 15 years; 59.1% males; eGFR: 49 ± 22 mL/min/1.73 m2). Most (75.2%) were at the lowest national ADI quintile. At referral, demographic, clinical, and therapeutic features were similar across ADI tertiles; after 12 months, treatment intensification allowed better control of hypertension, proteinuria, hypercholesterolaemia, and anaemia with no difference across ADI tertiles. During the subsequent long-term follow-up (10.5 years [interquartile range 8.2–12.6]), 166 renal events and 249 deaths were registered. ADI independently associated with all-cause death (p for trend = 0.020) and non-cardiovascular (CV) mortality (p for trend = 0.045), while CV mortality did not differ (p for trend = 0.252). Risk of composite renal outcomes was similar across ADI tertiles (p for trend = 0.467). The same held true for eGFR decline (p for trend = 0.675). Conclusions: In CKD patients under regular nephrology care, ADI is not associated with CKD progression, while it is associated with all-cause death due to an excess of non-CV mortality.
Early Treatment with Human Albumin Solution in Continuous Renal Replacement Patients
Authors: O’Brien Zachary , Finnis Mark , Gallagher Martin , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: August 2020

Aims: To study the impact of early human albumin solution (HAS) in continuous renal replacement therapy (RRT) patients. Methods: Analysis of Randomized Evaluation of Normal versus Augmented Level (RENAL) RRT trial data. Results: Of 1,464 patients, 500 (34%) received early albumin. These patients had higher illness severity scores, greater use of mechanical ventilation, and 90-day mortality (51 vs. 41%; p < 0.001). However, early albumin carried similar RRT dependence risk among survivors at day 90 (4.9 vs. 5.8%; p = 0.62). On Cox proportional hazards regression, with standardized inverse probability of treatment weighting, early albumin was not associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.97–1.55; p = 0.09) or recovery to RRT independence (HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.78–1.10; p = 0.38). Conclusions: Early albumin was administered to one-third of RENAL trial patients and in those with greater illness severity. Early albumin was not independently associated with mortality risk or rate of recovery to RRT independence.
Intertexto, entrelaço e interdiscursividade
Authors: Barbosa Afonso , Mousinho Luiz Antonio
Published: August 2020

Este artigo pretende investigar as interconexões de elementos presentes em algumas produções de Jorge Furtado, no âmbito cinematográfico e literário, examinando os processos conversacionais gerados a partir das relações que estabelecem com obras de William Shakespeare. Para isso, a análise se estrutura pelo mapeamento de dados de interdiscursividade, observando a influência e a ressignificação de Shakespeare em filmes como Houve uma vez dois verões (2002) e no livro Trabalhos de amor perdidos.
Valores-notícia e futebol
Authors: Reis Rodrigo Nascimento
Published: August 2020

A proposta do artigo é identificar os valores-notícia presentes na cobertura do jornal The New York Times a respeito do futebol brasileiro quando a seleção brasileira é derrotada e assim discutir a importância dada por um jornal internacional à modalidade esportiva mais difundida no Brasil. Para tanto, selecionamos as notícias dos jogos da seleção brasileira nas Copas do Mundo de 2014 no Brasil e 2018 na Rússia, especificamente referentes aos momentos de eliminação do campeonato.  No trajeto metodológico, utilizamos a proposta de Silva (2014) para classificar os valores-notícia. Encontramos nove notícias com foco na seleção brasileira, sendo oito referentes ao ano de 2014 e uma em 2018; entre elas registramos os valores-notícias como surpresa, tragédia/drama, entretenimento/curiosidade, impacto e justiça.
Modos de ver, formas de pensar
Authors: Domènech Josep Maria Català
Published: August 2020

Los actuales procesos de digitalización ponen de manifiesto la profunda transformación de la visión humana que ha venido gestándose subterráneamente desde el advenimiento de la fotografía hace casi doscientos años. Las últimas derivas neovanguardistas del cine de lo real, desde los documentales interactivos a los de realidad virtual, señalan la emergencia de una posvisión que desplaza la vista más allá del cotejo óptico y naturalista: aliada con la tecnología, la vista se convierte en un dispositivo hermenéutico alimentado por la confluencia de la imaginación con el pensamiento. La posvisión implica el paso del tradicional ver es creer a un expresivo ver es pensar, cuyas bases ya sentó Gilles Deleuze al plantear que el cine era la imagen del pensamiento.
Unveiling unseen climate practices on Instagram
Authors: Uusitalo Niina
Published: August 2020

Climate change is often portrayed through stereotypical, extreme or controversial messages, with the role of human agency attached to consumption and demonstrations. Such depictions can be demotivating and cause issue fatigue. There is a need to broaden and elaborate our understanding of human connections to climate change. The aim of this paper is to identify a wide array of climate practices expressed by social media users. An empirical study of 42 Finnish ecological Instagram accounts was conducted. The textual and visual contents of climate-related posts were qualitatively analyzed to identify climate practices and the role visual images play in these representations. Six types of climate practices were identified in the data: detaching, reforming, transilluminating, persevering, caring and consolidating. The visualization of climate practices should be expanded in the media to broaden the understanding of potential human agency in the climate crisis.
Displasia folicular dos pêlos negros. Relato de caso
Authors: Cunha F. M. , Silveira L. M. G. , Perrone E. A. , Ferrigno C. R. A. , Futema F.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Estudo comparativo da incidência de endoparasitoses entre gatos domésticos (Felis catus) jovens, adultos e senis no município de Vargem Grande do Sul, Estado de São Paulo
Authors: Perez R. R.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Características clínico-epidemiológicas do hiperadrenocorticismo na região de Botucatu - SP
Authors: Aptekmann K. P. , Peixoto A. S. , Altwegg D. , Vicente P. C. , Schwartz D. S.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Emprego do bezafibrato no tratamento da hipertrigliciridemia primária em Schnauzer. Relato de dois casos
Authors: Jericó M. M. , Maschietto L. A.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Displasia microvascular hepática. Relato de um caso
Authors: Mariano C. S. , Sá L. R. M. , Málaga S. K.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Restaurações estéticas: nova alternativa em tratamentos odontológicos
Authors: Venceslau A. , Corrêa H. L. , Gioso M. A.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Análise retrospectiva do Tumor Venéreo Transmissível (TVT) em cadelas, durante os anos de 1996 a 2002. Avaliação da resposta ao tratamento quimioterápico
Authors: Bueno M. G. , Brito C. P. , Haipek K. , Oliveira C. M.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Carcinoma broncogênico primário em felino. Relato de caso
Authors: Fragata F. S. , Krumenerl Jr J. L. , Silva P. T. D. , Marcondes Santos M. , Ubukata R. , Merlo A.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Estudo histoquímico da matriz extracelular de tumores de partes moles
Authors: Pinheiro M. L. , Xavier J. G.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
Osteossarcoma de patela em cão. Relato de caso
Authors: Selmi A. L. , Nishiya A. T. , Moreira M. A. B. , Moura C. A. , Provasi A. , Eimantas G. C. , Coelho H. C. C. , Guerra J. L.
Published: August 2020

O artigo não apresenta resumo.
High-Mobility Group Box-1 Is Associated With Obesity, Inflammation, and Subclinical Cardiovascular Risk Among Young Adults
Authors: Chen Li , Zhu Haidong , Su Shaoyong , Harshfield Gregory , Sullivan Jennifer , Webb Clinton , Blumenthal James A. , Wang Xiaoling , Huang Ying , Treiber Frank A. , Kapuku Gaston , Li Wenjun , Dong Yanbin
Published: August 2020

Objective:

We aimed to characterize circulating HMGB1 (high-mobility group box-1) levels, one of the better-characterized damage-associated molecular patterns, with respect to age, sex, and race in the general population, and investigate the longitudinal associations of HMGB1 with inflammatory markers, obesity, and preclinical markers of cardiovascular disease.

Approach and Results:

The analyses included 489 participants (50% Blacks, aged 24.6±3.3 years at the first visit) with up to 4 follow-up visits (1149 samples) over a maximum of 8.5 years. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, and carotid intima-media thickness together with plasma HMGB1, hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), IFN-γ (interferon-γ), IL-6 (interleukin-6), IL-10 (interleukin-10), and TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) were measured at each visit. At baseline, plasma HMGB1 concentrations were higher in Blacks compared with Whites (3.86 versus 3.20 ng/mL,
P
<0.001), and in females compared with males (3.75 versus 3.30 ng/mL,
P
=0.005). HMGB1 concentrations increased with age (
P
=0.007), and higher levels of obesity measures (
P
<0.001). Without adjustment for age, sex, race, and body mass index, HMGB1 concentrations were positively associated with hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (
P
<0.05) but not IL-10, IFN-γ or carotid intima-media thickness. After covariate adjustments, the associations of HMGB1 with hs-CRP, and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity remained statistically significant (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates the age, sex, and race differences in circulating HMGB1. The increasing circulating concentrations of HMGB1 with age suggest a potential role of HMGB1 in the pathogenesis of chronic low-grade inflammation, obesity, and subclinical cardiovascular disease risk.
Vascular Endothelial Function in Midlife/Older Adults Classified According to 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Blood Pressure Guidelines
Authors: Craighead Daniel H. , Freeberg Kaitlin A. , Seals Douglas R.
Published: August 2020

Background

Impaired endothelial function is thought to contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk associated with above‐normal blood pressure (BP). However, the association between endothelial function and BP classified by 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines is unknown. Our objective was to determine if endothelial function decreases in midlife/older adults across the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines BP classifications and identify associated mechanisms of action.

Methods and Results

A retrospective analysis of endothelial function (brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation) from 988 midlife/older adults (aged 50+ years) stratified by BP status (normal BP; elevated BP; stage 1 hypertension; stage 2 hypertension) was performed. Endothelium‐independent dilation (sublingual nitroglycerin), reactive oxygen species–mediated suppression of endothelial function (∆brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation with vitamin C infusion), and endothelial cell and plasma markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were assessed in subgroups. Compared with normal BP (n=411), brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation was 12% (
P
=0.04), 15% (
P
<0.01) and 20% (
P
<0.01) lower with elevated BP (n=173), stage 1 hypertension (n=248) and stage 2 hypertension (n=156), respectively, whereas endothelium‐independent dilation did not differ (
P
=0.14). Vitamin C infusion increased brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation in those with above‐normal BP (
P
≤0.02) but not normal BP (
P
=0.11). Endothelial cell p47
phox
(
P
<0.01), a marker of superoxide/reactive oxygen species–generating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, and circulating interleukin‐6 concentrations (
P
=0.01) were higher in individuals with above‐normal BP.

Conclusions

Vascular endothelial function is progressively impaired with increasing BP in otherwise healthy adults classified by 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines. Impaired endothelial function with above‐normal BP is mediated by excessive reactive oxygen species signaling associated with increased endothelial expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and circulating interleukin‐6.
Rooting Hebelomas: The Japanese ‘Hebeloma radicosum’ is a distinct species, Hebeloma sagarae sp. nov. (Hymenogastraceae, Agaricales)

Authors: EBERHARDT URSULA , BEKER HENRY J. , SCHÜTZ NICOLE , MIKAMI MEGU , KASUYA TAIGA
Published: August 2020

Hebeloma radicosum, known for its long ‘root’ and membranous ring, has regularly been recorded in Japan and been the subject of many studies revolving around ectomycorrhizal fungi exposed to high levels of nitrogen compounds and tripartite associations between fungi, host trees and mammals, including moles, wood mice and shrews. However, the species recorded in Japan is in fact not H. radicosum but a closely related species, also in Hebeloma section Myxocybe, described here as Hebeloma sagarae. This mushroom is macroscopically very similar to Hebeloma radicosum, also with a long ‘root’ and membranous ring, but distinct molecularly and in its distribution. We also examine other ‘rooting’ Hebeloma species from Japan: H. luchuense and H. radicosoides; both are shown to be members of H. sect. Scabrispora. A fourth ‘rooting’ Hebeloma from Japan is shown to be the same as or a close relative of Hebeloma danicum originally described from Europe.
Firmiana daweishanensis sp. nov. (Malvaceae) from Southeast Yunnan, China

Authors: ZHANG GUILIANG , CAI LEI , DUAN JIEQIU , WANG TING , XIANG JIANYING
Published: August 2020

A new species of Malvaceae, Firmiana daweishanensis Gui L.Zhang & J.Y.Xiang from Southwest Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated here. It is similar to F. hainanensis in its bark and leaf shape, while its flower is quite similar to F. major. However, it is obviously different from both species by its character of proteranthus (flowering before the leaves), which is the critical character of Erythropsis distinguishing from Firmiana with hysteranthus (flowering after the leaves) character. Moreover, the androecium of F. daweishanensis is consisting of more than 30 sessile 2-celled anthers while that of the other two species only 10–15 anthers. The discovery of this species supports the idea that Firmiana and Erythropsis may be indistinct. This new species is only found in Daweishan area in Southeast Yunnan, China.
Insight of phylogeny and the number of sporangium annulus cells in Coniogramme ser. Coniogramme

Authors: WANG CAI-HONG , YANG WEN-LI , ZHANG DAN-KE , ZHANG GANG-MIN
Published: August 2020

Coniogramme ser. Coniogramme is a perennial herbaceous fern group of the subfamily Cryptogrammoideae in Pteridaceae. The phylogenetic reconstruction of this series was performed using five chloroplast markers (matK/psbA-trnH/rbcL/rps4-trnS/trnL-F). The sporangium annulus cell numbers of eight species have also been counted and statistically assessed. The results showed that the present defined C. ser. Coniogramme is not a monophyletic group. Coniogramme merrillii, which has the highest number of annulus cells (median 18), is sister to the other species of this genus, and the number of sporangium annulus cells is stable at the species level and of great phylogenetic significance. It is not supported by both molecular and morphological evidence to synonymize C. merrillii, C. petelotii and C. gigantea in C. fraxinea. C. merrillii should be treated as a synonym of C. macrophylla, while C. lanceolata be accepted as a distinct species.
Redescription of the African assassin bug Ectomocoris proximus (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) with a new synonymy
Authors: LIU YINGQI , WEBB MICHAEL D. , CAI WANZHI
Published: August 2020

The African peiratine assassin bug species, Ectomocoris proximus Miller, 1952 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) is redescribed and E. limbatus Miller, 1952, syn. nov., is placed as its junior synonym. Types of both nominal species were examined, habitus images and figures of the male genitalia are provided.