bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A NONLINEAR MODEL FOR A SMART SEMANTIC BROWSER BOT FOR A TEXT ATTRIBUTE RECOGNITION
Authors: AGUILERA R. CARREÑO , MOSQUEDA M. A. ACEVEDO , MOSQUEDA M. E. ACEVEDO , CORONEL S. L. GOMEZ , BADILLO I. ALGREDO , BAUTISTA D. PACHECO , ORTIZ M. PATIÑO , ORTIZ J. PATIÑO , CRUZ M. A. MARTINEZ
Published: January 2020

In spite of the advances in the state of the art in semantic artificial intelligence applications, there is still a long way to go to bring it to a level of mass adoption. Thus, in order to contribute to the advancement of this topic, this study develops a feasible model with a potential scalability for semantic applications’ mass adoption, specifically for news or statement cluster attribute identification, either positive, negative or neutral. This paper proposes a disruptive system based on Blockchain using a Semantic Browser Expert System Bot with artificial intelligence called Blockchain Semantic Browser Expert System (BSBES) to look for and analyze relevant information that significantly represents the cryptocurrencies adoption patterns. The artificial intelligence in this study consists of a deep learning neural network to process the input information to identify the news pattern in a semantic way using deep learning based on two aspects of the news: technical aspect and adoption aspect of the cryptocurrencies. BSBES performance is achieved based on deep learning tools, and scalability is supported by a blockchain system including a stability study.
Having Entrepreneurial Friends and Following Them? The Role of Friends’ Displayed Emotions in Students’ Career Choice Intentions
Authors: Zhu Fei , Fan Shea Xuejiao , Zhao Li
Published: January 2020

Emotions have a social effect in that individuals’ emotions, attitudes, decisions, and behavior are affected by their perceptions of others’ emotions through social interactions. We introduce the social influence of emotions perspective to the career intentions literature and demonstrate how entrepreneurial friends’ work-related emotions influence university students’ entrepreneurial career intentions. Using an experimental design ([Formula: see text]), we reveal that entrepreneurial friends’ displayed positive emotions directly encourage students’ entrepreneurial career intentions, whereas negative emotions discourage students’ intentions indirectly by reducing the perceived desirability of being an entrepreneur. Our research contributes to the literature on career intentions, entrepreneurial intention, and emotions in the entrepreneurship context.
Hierarchical flower-like Ni3V2O8/Co3V2O8 composites as advanced anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Yang , Duan Feng , Liu Songli , Peng Cheng
Published: January 2020

Hierarchical flower-like Ni3V2O8/Co3V2O8 composites were prepared by a simple one-step hydrothermal process. When employed as an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the fabricated Ni3V2O8/Co3V2O8 composites exhibited significantly improved lithium storage performances with superior discharge capacity (1142.7[Formula: see text]mAh[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] at 100[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]), excellent cycling stability (933.2[Formula: see text]mAh[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] after 600 cycles at current density of 500[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]) and remarkable rate capability (607.6[Formula: see text]mAh[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] even at rate of 5000[Formula: see text]mA g[Formula: see text]). The superior electrochemical properties could be attributed to the hierarchical flower-like structure and impressive synergistic interplay between Ni3V2O8 and Co3V2O8, which resulted in improved electronic conductivity and stable mass transfer. This interesting hybridization strategy might open a new avenue to prepare micro/nanostructured composites for high-performance energy storage devices.
Optical Adjustment of the FITE Interferometer
Authors: Sasaki Ayana , Shibai Hiroshi , Matsuo Taro , Sumi Takahiro , Itoh Satoshi , Ohyama Teruhira , Tani Yoshito , Saiki Morito , Tsuboi Takahiro , Narita Masanao
Published: January 2020

We have developed a balloon-borne far-infrared interferometer, the Far-infrared Interferometric Telescope Experiment (FITE). The final goal of spatial resolution was one arcsec at 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m. As a first step, we aimed to achieve a spatial resolution of five arcsecs at 155[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m with a 6-m baseline. FITE is a two-beam interferometer like Michelson’s stellar interferometer. Positions and attitudes of all mirrors required to have their alignment checked and possibly adjusted before launch and were checked during observation. We had to satisfy three requirements: the coincidence of the phases of each beam (wavefront error), image quality of the two beams at the (common) focus, and no optical path difference between the two beams for celestial objects. In order to achieve the former two requirements, we developed an interferometer adjustment system that used a newly-developed interferometer measurement instrument. This instrument adopted a Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor to measure wavefront errors of the two off-axis parabolic mirrors, simultaneously. With this system, the adjustment of the FITE interferometer was carried out at the Alice Springs balloon base in Australia as the JAXA’s Australia balloon experiment campaign of 2018. On-site adjustment was successful; wavefront errors of the two off-axis parabolic mirrors were 1.78[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m and 4.99[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m (peak-to-valley), and the Hartmann constant was 13 arcsecs. As for the optical path difference, we achieved the requirement by step-wise displacement of a folding plane mirror. Results satisfied the requirements for an interferometer designed for a wavelength of 155[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m. Improvement of spatial resolution at far-infrared wavelengths is undoubtedly important for research on protoplanetary disks, circumstellar dust shells of late-type stars, and star-forming galaxies. The method we have developed is also useful for future space interferometers.
From African American Vernacular English to African American Language: Rethinking the Study of Race and Language in African Americans’ Speech
Authors: King Sharese
Published: January 2020

African American Vernacular English (AAVE), one of the most studied dialects in American English, has undergone several changes in its label across the years. Its most recent designation, African American Language (AAL), reflects a change in approaches to studying race and language in the field. Drawing on observations from related fields like linguistic anthropology and critical race theory, I discuss different conceptualizations of the relationship between race and language and argue in favor of an approach that both recognizes and prioritizes the study of variation within the dialect. This approach will enable researchers to advance theory in language variation and change while also contributing to larger sociopolitical objectives to diversify narratives of blackness.
Grammatical Gender: A Close Look at Gender Assignment Across Languages
Authors: Kramer Ruth
Published: January 2020

This review takes a broad perspective on one of the most fundamental issues for gender research in linguistics: gender assignment (i.e., how different nouns are sorted into different genders). I first build on previous typological research to draw together the main generalizations about gender assignment. I then compare lexical and structural approaches to gender assignment in linguistic theory and argue that a structural approach is likely more successful at explaining gender assignment cross-linguistically.
Progesterone and estrogen regulate NALCN expression in human myometrial smooth muscle cells
Authors: Amazu Chinwendu , Ma Xiaofeng , Henkes Clara , Ferreira Juan J. , Santi Celia M. , England Sarah K.
Published: January 2020

During pregnancy, the uterus transitions from a quiescent state to an excitable, highly contractile state to deliver the fetus. Two important contributors essential for this transition are hormones and ion channels, both of which modulate myometrial smooth muscle cell (MSMC) excitability. Recently, the sodium (Na+) leak channel, nonselective (NALCN), was shown to contribute to a Na+leak current in human MSMCs, and mice lacking NALCN in the uterus had dysfunctional labor. Microarray data suggested that the proquiescent hormone progesterone (P4) and the procontractile hormone estrogen (E2) regulated this channel. Here, we sought to determine whether P4 and E2 directly regulate NALCN. In human MSMCs, we found that NALCN mRNA expression decreased by 2.3-fold in the presence of E2 and increased by 5.6-fold in the presence of P4. Similarly, E2 treatment decreased, and P4 treatment restored NALCN protein expression. Additionally, E2 significantly inhibited, and P4 significantly enhanced an NALCN-dependent leak current in MSMCs. Finally, we identified estrogen response and progesterone response elements (EREs and PREs) in the NALCN promoter. With the use of luciferase assays, we showed that the PREs, but not the ERE, contributed to regulation of NALCN expression. Our findings reveal a new mechanism by which NALCN is regulated in the myometrium and suggest a novel role for NALCN in pregnancy.
Supplementation of a propionate-producing consortium improves markers of insulin resistance in an in vitro model of gut-liver axis
Authors: El Hage Racha , Hernandez-Sanabria Emma , Calatayud Arroyo Marta , Van de Wiele Tom
Published: January 2020

Gut-liver cross talk is an important determinant of human health with profound effects on energy homeostasis. While gut microbes produce a huge range of metabolites, specific compounds such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) can enter the portal circulation and reach the liver (Brandl K, Schnabl B. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 33: 128–133, 2017), a central organ involved in glucose homeostasis and diabetes control. Propionate is a major SCFA involved in activation of intestinal gluconeogenesis (IGN), thereby regulating food intake, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and leading to metabolic homeostasis. Although microbiome-modulating strategies may target the increased microbial production of propionate, it is not clear whether such an effect spreads through to the hepatic cellular level. Here, we designed a propionate-producing consortium using a selection of commensal gut bacteria, and we investigated how their delivered metabolites impact an in vitro enterohepatic model of insulin resistance. Glycogen storage on hepatocyte-like cells and inflammatory markers associated with insulin resistance were evaluated to understand the role of gut metabolites on gut-liver cross talk in a simulated scenario of insulin resistance. The metabolites produced by our consortium increased glycogen synthesis by ~57% and decreased proinflammatory markers such as IL-8 by 12%, thus elucidating the positive effect of our consortium on metabolic function and low-grade inflammation. Our results suggest that microbiota-derived products can be a promising multipurpose strategy to modulate energy homeostasis, with the potential ability to assist in managing metabolic diseases due to their adaptability.
Multivariate Joint Probability Function of Earthquake Ground Motion Prediction Equations Based on Vine Copula Approach
Authors: Cheng Yin , Du Jun , Ji Hao
Published: January 2020

In the structural earthquake engineering, a single parameter is often not sufficient enough to depict the severity of ground motions, and it is thus necessary to use multiple ones. In this sense, the correlation among multiple parameters is generally considered as an importance issue. The conventional approach for developing the correlation is based on regression analysis, along with simple pair copula approaches proposed in recent years. In this study, an innovative mathematical technique—vine copula—is firstly introduced to develop the empirical model for the multivariate dependence of pseudospectral accelerations (PSAs), which are the most commonly used earthquake ground motion parameters. This advancement not only offers a more flexible way of describing nonlinear dependence among multivariate PSAs from the marginal distribution functions but also highlights the extreme dependence. The results can be conventionally acquired in the ground motion selection and seismic risk and loss assessment based on multivariate parameters.
Spina Bifida Occulta with Bilateral Spondylolysis at the Thoracolumbar Junction Presenting Cauda Equina Syndrome
Authors: Mataki Kentaro , Koda Masao , Shibao Yosuke , Kumagai Hiroshi , Nagashima Katsuya , Miura Kousei , Noguchi Hiroshi , Funayama Toru , Abe Tetsuya , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: January 2020

Several reports have described the coexistence of spina bifida occulta (SBO) and spondylolysis, but the majority of defects occur at L5. No report has described the coexistence of SBO and spondylolysis at the thoracolumbar junction. We report a case of SBO with spondylolysis at L1, presenting cauda equine syndrome. A 37-year-old man presented with a gait disorder as a result of bilateral motor weakness of the lower extremities. A plain radiograph showed local kyphosis at L1-2 as a result of severe degenerative change and wedging of the vertebral body at L1. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed degenerative disc changes and severe canal stenosis at L1-2. Computed tomography (CT) revealed SBO and spondylolysis at L1. He was diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome related to SBO and spondylolysis at L1. Posterior interbody fusion and decompression at L1-2 were performed. After surgery, his muscle power recovered to normal strength. The possible mechanisms in this case are the strain on anterior elements as a result of disruption of the posterior elements due to SBO and spondylolysis. The coexistence of SBO and spondylolysis at the thoracolumbar junction might induce at-risk status of increased strain to the anterior elements that may cause cauda equina syndrome.
Human Tongue Thermography Could Be a Prognostic Tool for Prescreening the Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu Usharani , Umapathy Snekhalatha , Krishnan Palani Thanaraj , Janardanan Kumar
Published: January 2020

Diabetes mellitus is one of the life threatening diseases over the globe, and an early prediction of diabetes is of utmost importance in this current scenario. International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reported nearly half of the world’s population was undiagnosed and unaware of being developed into diabetes. In 2017, around 84 million individuals were living with diabetes, and it might increase to 156 million by the end of 2045 stated by IDF. Generally, the diagnosis of diabetes relies on the biochemical method that may cause uneasiness and probability of infections to the subjects. To overcome such difficulties, a noninvasive method is much needed around the globe for primary screening. A change in body temperature is an indication of various diseases. Infrared thermal imaging is relatively a novel technique for skin temperature measurement and turned out to be well known in the medical field due to being noninvasive, risk‐free, and repeatable. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the human tongue is a sensitive mirror that reflects the body’s pathophysiological condition. So, we have (i) analysed and classified diabetes based on thermal variations at human tongue, (ii) segmented the hot spot regions from tongue thermogram by RGB (red, green, blue) based color histogram image segmentation method and extracted the features using gray level co‐occurrence matrix algorithm, (iii) classified normal and diabetes using various machine learning algorithms, and (iv) developed computer aided diagnostic system to classify diabetes mellitus. The baseline measurements and tongue thermograms were obtained from 140 subjects. The measured tongue surface temperature of the diabetic group was found to be greater than normal. The statistical correlation between the HbA1c and the thermal distribution in the tongue region was found to be r2 = 0.5688. The Convolutional Neural Network has outperformed the other classifiers with 94.28% accuracy rate. Thus, tongue thermograms could be used as a preliminary screening approach for diabetes prognosis.
Effectiveness of Conservative Treatment without Early Colonoscopy in Patients with Colonic Diverticular Hemorrhage
Authors: Doi Hirosato , Sasajima Keita , Takahashi Masanori , Sato Taira , Ootsu Iichirou , Chinzei Ryo
Published: January 2020

Aim. This study was aimed to clarify the effectiveness of conservative treatment without performing early colonoscopy and the indications for early colonoscopy in patients with colonic diverticular hemorrhage. Methods. This retrospective study included 142 participants who were urgently hospitalized due to bloody stools and were diagnosed with colonic diverticular hemorrhage between April 2012 and December 2016. At the time of hospital visit, only when both shock based on vital signs and intestinal extravasation on abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography were observed, early colonoscopy was performed within 24 hours after hospitalization. However, in other cases, patients were conservatively treated without undergoing early colonoscopy. In cases of initial treatment failure in patients with shock, interventional radiology (IVR) was performed without undergoing early colonoscopy. Results. Conservative treatment was performed in 137 (96.5%) patients, and spontaneous hemostasis was achieved in all patients. By contrast, urgent hemostasis was performed in five (3.5%) patients; three and two attained successful hemostasis via early colonoscopy and IVR, respectively. There were no significant differences between two groups in terms of early rebleeding (7.3% vs. 0%,P=0.690) and recurrent bleeding (22.7% vs. 20.0%, P=0.685). The factors associated with the cumulative recurrent bleeding rates were a previous history of colonic diverticular hemorrhage (hazard ratio 5.63, 95% confidence interval 2.68–12.0, P<0.0001) and oral administration of thienopyridine derivative (hazard ratio 3.05, 95% confidence interval 1.23–7.53, P=0.016). Conclusions. In this series, conservative treatment without early colonoscopy was successful in patients with colonic diverticular hemorrhage.
Neuropsychological Changes in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Authors: Halicka Monika , Vittersø Axel D. , Proulx Michael J. , Bultitude Janet H.
Published: January 2020

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a poorly understood chronic pain condition of multifactorial origin. CRPS involves sensory, motor, and autonomic symptoms primarily affecting one extremity. Patients can also present with neuropsychological changes such as reduced attention to the CRPS-affected extremity, reminiscent of hemispatial neglect, yet in the absence of any brain lesions. However, this “neglect-like” framework is not sufficient to characterise the range of higher cognitive functions that can be altered in CRPS. This comprehensive literature review synthesises evidence of neuropsychological changes in CRPS in the context of potential central mechanisms of the disorder. The affected neuropsychological functions constitute three distinct but not independent groups: distorted body representation, deficits in lateralised spatial cognition, and impairment of non-spatially-lateralised higher cognitive functions. We suggest that many of these symptoms appear to be consistent with a broader disruption to parietal function beyond merely what could be considered “neglect-like.” Moreover, the extent of neuropsychological symptoms might be related to the clinical signs of CRPS, and rehabilitation methods that target the neuropsychological changes can improve clinical outcomes in CRPS and other chronic pain conditions. Based on the limitations and gaps in the reviewed literature, we provide several suggestions to improve further research on neuropsychological changes in chronic pain.
Comparative Study on Pulmonary Toxicity in Mice Induced by Exposure to Unflavoured and Apple- and Strawberry-Flavoured Tobacco Waterpipe Smoke
Authors: Nemmar Abderrahim , Al-Salam Suhail , Beegam Sumaya , Yuvaraju Priya , Ali Badreldin H.
Published: January 2020

The use of flavoured tobacco products in waterpipe smoking (WPS) has increased its attractiveness and consumption. Nonetheless, the influence of flavourings on pulmonary toxicity caused by WPS remains unclear. Here, the pulmonary toxicity induced by plain (P)-WPS, apple-flavoured (AF)-WPS, and strawberry-flavoured (SF)-WPS (30 minutes/day, 5 days/week for 1 month) was investigated in mice. Control mice were exposed to air. Exposure to P-WPS or AF-WPS or SF-WPS induced a dose-dependent increase of airway hyperreactivity to methacholine. The histological evaluation of the lungs in all the WPS groups revealed the presence focal areas of dilated alveolar spaces and foci of widening of interalveolar spaces with inflammatory cells. In the lung, the activity of neutrophil elastase and myeloperoxidase and the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α and glutathione were increased by the exposure to P-WPS, AF-WPS, or SF-WPS. However, the levels of interleukin-6 and catalase were only increased in the AF-WPS and SF-WPS groups, while nitric oxide activity was only increased in the SF-WPS group. DNA injury was increased in all the WPS groups, but the concentration of cleaved caspase-3 was only elevated in the SF-WPS group. The exposure to either P-WPS or AF-WPS or SF-WPS increased the expression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) in the lung. In conclusion, the exposure to P-WPS or AF-WPS or SF-WPS induces alterations in lung function and morphology and causes oxidative stress and inflammation via mechanisms that include activation of NF-κB. Overall, the toxicity of flavoured tobacco WPS, in particular SF-WPS, was found to be greater than that of unflavoured WPS.
Advanced Glycated apoA-IV Loses Its Ability to Prevent the LPS-Induced Reduction in Cholesterol Efflux-Related Gene Expression in Macrophages
Authors: Shimabukuro Okuda Ligia , Tallada Iborra Rodrigo , Ramos Pinto Paula , Fabres Machado Ubiratan , Corrêa-Giannella Maria Lucia , Pickford Russell , Woods Tom , Brimble Margaret Anne , Rye Kerry-Anne , Passarelli Marisa
Published: January 2020

We addressed how advanced glycation (AGE) affects the ability of apoA-IV to impair inflammation and restore the expression of genes involved in cholesterol efflux in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) treated macrophages. Recombinant human apoA-IV was nonenzymatically glycated by incubation with glycolaldehyde (GAD), incubated with cholesterol-loaded bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), and then stimulated with LPS prior to measurement of proinflammatory cytokines by ELISA. Genes involved in cholesterol efflux were quantified by RT-qPCR, and cholesterol efflux was measured by liquid scintillation counting. Carboxymethyllysine (CML) and pyrraline (PYR) levels, determined by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), were greater in AGE-modified apoA-IV (AGE-apoA-IV) compared to unmodified-apoA-IV. AGE-apoA-IV inhibited expression of interleukin 6 (Il6), TNF-alpha (Tnf), IL-1 beta (Il1b), toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (Traf6), Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Jak2/Stat3), nuclear factor kappa B (Nfkb), and AGE receptor 1 (Ddost) as well as IL-6 and TNF-alpha secretion. AGE-apoA-IV alone did not change cholesterol efflux or ABCA-1 levels but was unable to restore the LPS-induced reduction in expression ofAbca1andAbcg1. AGE-apoA-IV inhibited inflammation but lost its ability to counteract the LPS-induced changes in expression of genes involved in macrophage cholesterol efflux that may contribute to atherosclerosis.
Comparative Study between Generalized Maximum Entropy and Bayes Methods to Estimate the Four Parameter Weibull Growth Model
Authors: Kamar Saifaldin Hashim , Msallam Basim Shlaibah
Published: January 2020

The Weibull growth model is an important model especially for describing the growth instability; therefore, in this paper, three methods, namely, generalized maximum entropy, Bayes, and maximum a posteriori, for estimating the four parameter Weibull growth model have been presented and compared. To achieve this aim, it is necessary to use a simulation technique to generate the samples and perform the required comparisons, using varying sample sizes (10, 12, 15, 20, 25, and 30) and models depending on the standard deviation (0.5). It has been shown from the computational results that the Bayes method gives the best estimates.
Salvage after Retroperitoneal Kidney Allograft Torsion
Authors: Greco Justin M. , Mulligan David C. , Yoo Peter S.
Published: January 2020

Torsion of a transplanted kidney into the retroperitoneal space is a rare occurrence, with only three other reported cases. Failure after kidney transplantation is caused by surgical, immunological, and infective complications. Torsion is a complication that poses a serious risk of ischemic graft failure, and, if suspected, sonographic evaluation helps ascertain the diagnosis. Here, we present the case of a 69-year-old transplant recipient whose routine postoperative ultrasound confirmed vessel patency, however subsequently developed clinical signs of renal allograft compromise. Repeat ultrasound showed signs of vascular compromise and the patient was emergently re-explored. Torsion of the renal allograft about its pedicle was encountered and corrected by manual detorsion and nephropexy to the retroperitoneal wall. Clinicians should recognize pedicle torsion as a potential cause of renal allograft failure and the role of nephropexy in its management.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors as a Therapeutic Target in Asthma
Authors: Kytikova Oxana Yu. , Perelman Juliy M. , Novgorodtseva Tatyana P. , Denisenko Yulia K. , Kolosov Viktor P. , Antonyuk Marina V. , Gvozdenko Tatyana A.
Published: January 2020

The complexity of the pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of chronic inflammation in asthma determines its heterogeneity and insufficient treatment effectiveness. Nuclear transcription factors, which include peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, that is, PPARs, play an important role in the regulation of initiation and resolution of the inflammatory process. The ability of PPARs to modulate not only lipid homeostasis but also the activity of the inflammatory response makes them an important pathogenetic target in asthma therapy. At present, special attention is focused on natural (polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), endocannabinoids, and eicosanoids) and synthetic (fibrates, thiazolidinediones) PPAR ligands and the study of signaling mechanisms involved in the implementation of their anti-inflammatory effects in asthma. This review summarizes current views on the structure and function of PPARs, as well as their participation in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation in asthma. The potential use of PPAR ligands as therapeutic agents for treating asthma is under discussion.
Study on the Main Factors of Frequency Variation of LC Resonant Prestress Detection Method
Authors: Zhang Benniu , Zhao Yuanyuan , Li Xingxing , Su Yanpeng , Yin Qiang , Jiang Jianhui
Published: January 2020

Stress loss of prestressed steel strands of existing bridges influences their bearing capacity, so it is of great significance to realize the stress detection. A steel strand that has an inductive property is designed into the resonant circuit, which can realize the stress measurement of the steel strands by testing the resonant frequency. This method is a promising approach for the stress detection of the steel strands. Previous research found that structural stress made the permeability of steel strands change due to the influence of magnetoelastic effect. In the process, the length of steel strands is also changed. Therefore, further research needs to be done to verify the main influence parameter affecting the resonant frequency of the circuit. Furthermore, it is very important to know how the stress affects the resonant frequency to realize the detection of the prestressed force of the steel strands. Therefore, in this paper, the relationship between stress and relative permeability and length is analyzed theoretically, and the theory of stress frequency of steel strands is modified and verified by experiments. The stress‐frequency experiments of steel strands and aluminum strands with great difference in relative permeability are carried out. Experiments on stress frequencies of 7‐Ф15.20 mm steel strands with different lengths are carried out. The influence of length and permeability parameters on resonance frequency is analyzed. The experimental results show that under the same conditions, the resonant frequencies of steel strands and aluminum strands are almost the same on LC electric circuits, and the resonant frequency decreases linearly with the increase of the natural length of the component and increases linearly with the increase of stress. Consequently, compared with the influence of length change on LC electromagnetic resonance frequency, the relative permeability of the stress change component can be ignored. The stress changes the resonant frequency mainly by changing the length of the strands.
Prospective Evaluation of Bone Metabolic Markers as Surrogate Markers of Response to Radium-223 Therapy in Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Agarwal Neeraj , Nussenzveig Roberto , Hahn Andrew W. , Hoffman John M. , Morton Kathryn , Gupta Sumati , Batten Julia , Thorley Jared , Hawks Josiah , Santos Victor Sacristan , Nachaegari Gayatri , Wang Xuechen , Boucher Kenneth , Haaland Benjamin , Maughan Benjamin L.
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

Radium-223 is approved for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) based on improved overall survival, and delay in skeletal related events. However, it is not associated with PSA or radiographic response, which poses a challenge in real-time assessment of its efficacy. Surrogate markers of treatment outcomes may facilitate tailoring treatment duration with radium-223, by limiting the duration of therapy with radium-223 in these patients. Here, we sought to investigate the utility of bone metabolic markers (BMMs) as surrogate markers of response to radium-223 in mCRPC.

Patients and Methods:

A prospective phase II trial of radium-223 plus enzalutamide (RE) versus enzalutamide alone was designed to assess surrogacy of BMMs with respect to response to radium-223. Enzalutamide was used as a comparator in lieu of placebo due to the progressive disease. Co-primary endpoints were relative change in serum BMM N-telopeptide (NTP) levels from baseline to 6 months between the two arms and safety and feasibility of the combination.

Results:

Thirty-nine men were randomized to RE (n = 27) or enzalutamide (n = 12). Combination was safe and feasible. Primary endpoint was met. A statistically significant relative change to NTP ratios between arms (0.64, 95% confidence interval, 0.51–0.81; P = 0.00048) favored RE versus enzalutamide. Overall, BMMs decreased with the RE therapy compared with enzalutamide. Improved PSA response rate in RE versus enzalutamide (P = 0.024), correlated with decline in BMMs.

Conclusions:

BMMs declined significantly with combination therapy, and were associated with improved outcomes. Upon external validation, BMMs may emerge as surrogate markers to monitor treatment with radium-223 in real-time.
Management of the Elderly Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patient
Authors: Hruz Petr , Juillerat Pascal , Kullak-Ublick Gerd-Achim , Schoepfer Alain M. , Mantzaris Gerassimos J. , Rogler Gerhard ,   on behalf of Swiss IBDnet, an official working group of the Swiss Society of Gastroenterology
Published: January 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasingly diagnosed among elderly persons (older than 60 years). Epidemiological studies show that late-onset IBD is characterized by predominance of colonic disease, milder disease course, and less frequent occurrence of extraintestinal manifestations. However, due to comorbidities, polypharmacy and reduced resistance to severe disease course elderly patients have an increased risk of mortality. Drug treatment generally follows the same algorithms as in the younger IBD patients. This is challenging for the treating physician as this population is usually underrepresented in clinical trials and treatment outcomes as well as safety data on the elderly population are scarce. Choice of drugs should consider risk of infections, skin cancer, lymphoma, and metabolic as well as cardiovascular side effects. Considering comorbidities, surgical interventions such as colectomy with ileo-anal pouch anastomosis for refractory ulcerative colitis can be performed safely provided that the anal sphincter function is adequately maintained. Special attention should be given in this age group to general health issues, including nutrition, vaccination, bone, muscle, and mental health as well as colorectal and skin cancer screening.
Frameless Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery: A Single-Center Experience and Retrospective Analysis of Placement Accuracy of 220 Electrodes in a Series of 110 Patients
Authors: Eleopra Roberto , Rinaldo Sara , Devigili Grazia , Mondani Massimo , D’Auria Stanislao , Lettieri Christian , Ius Tamara , Skrap Miran
Published: January 2020

Background: Proper lead placement is considered one of the key factors in achieving a good clinical outcome in deep brain stimulation (DBS), but there is still considerable controversy surrounding the accuracy of the frameless in comparison to the frame-based technique. Objective: We report our single-center experience with DBS electrode placement to evaluate the accuracy of the frameless stereotactic system. Methods: We prospectively analyzed the data of 110 patients who underwent DBS surgery for Parkinson disease, dystonia, essential tremor, or refractory epilepsy. The final targets (FTs) of the 220 leads were: subthalamic nucleus, globus pallidus pars interna, ventralis intermedius nucleus, and anterior nuclei of thalamus in thalamus. A bilateral stereotactic approach using a combined identification of target based on preoperative images (MRI and CT scan fusion) and intra-operative micro-electrode recording (MER) were done. We collected and compared the coordinates of planned target (PT), the definitive expected target (ET) during MER, and the effective final location (FT) of the lead using the postoperative CT. Accuracy was assessed by both vector error (VE) and deviation from the PT. Results: The mean and SD from PTs was 0.78 ± 0.43 mm in the x direction, 0.68 ± 0.41 mm in the y direction, and 0.76 ± 0.41 mm in the z direction. Global VE was 1.43 ± 0.37. Conclusion: Frameless systems appear to be a reliable and accurate technique.
Extracellular Histone Promotes Prostate Cancer Migration and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition through NF-κB-Mediated Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Chen Lei , Yang Fan , Li Tao , Xiao Pin , Han Zhi-Jun , Shu Lin-Fei , Yuan Zhi-Zhou , Liu Wen-Jin , Long Yong-Qi
Published: January 2020

Introduction: This study aims to explore the relationship betweenextracellular histone and prostate cancer and its mechanism. Methods: Migration of prostate cancer cells was detected by Transwell. Inflammatory factor expression was investigated by ELISA. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and expression of NF-κB pathway-related proteins were investigated using Western blotting. Results: Under the induction of extracellular histones, the migration rate of prostate cancer cells and the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were notably enhanced. Then, expression of E-cadherin was significantly down-regulated, while levels of N-cadherin, vimentin, β-catenin, Snail, p-p65 and p-IκBα were significantly up-regulated, which was reversed by PDTC (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate). Conclusion: Extracellular histone significantly promotes the progression of prostate cancer cells via NF-κB pathway-mediated inflammatory responses, which may serve as a novel target for treating prostate cancer.
Gastrointestinal Microbiome – What We Need to Know in Clinical Practice
Authors: Ortigão Raquel , Pimentel-Nunes Pedro , Dinis-Ribeiro Mário , Libânio Diogo
Published: January 2020

Human gut microbiota plays an important role in individual health. When the balance between host and gut microbiota is disrupted, changes in microbiota composition and function occur, which is referred as dysbiosis. Environmental factors as diet, proton pump inhibitors, and antibiotics can lead to a permanent dysbiotic disruption. Clarification of these imbalances was made possible by recent advances in genome sequencing methods that supported acknowledgment of the interplay between microbiome and intestinal and extraintestinal disorders. This review focuses on the microbiota impact in inflammatory bowel disease, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Furthermore, novel therapies are summarized. Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is a successful and established therapy in recurrent CDI, and its application in other dysbiosis-related diseases is attracting enormous interest. Pre- and probiotics target microbial rebalance and have positive effects mainly in NAFLD, ulcerative colitis, IBS, and CDI patients. Promising anticarcinogenic effects have also been demonstrated in animal models. The literature increasingly describes microbial changes in many dysbiotic disorders and shows what needs to be treated. However, probiotics and FMT application in clinical practice suffers from a shortage of randomized controlled trials with standardized therapy regimens to support their recommendation.
Quality of Life after Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
Authors: Philipp Mark , Leuchter Matthias , Klar Ernst
Published: January 2020

Background: Component separation (CS) for tension-free approximation of fascial edges is the established technique for the repair of large ventral hernias mostly regarding midline defects. Recent studies suggest lower complication rates following a modified version of this technique using a partially endoscopic-assisted approach, whereas little is known about the quality of life (QoL) in the long-term evaluation of these patients. Methods: A retrospective study and analysis of patients undergoing hernia repair using an open CS (OCS) and endoscopically assisted CS (ECS) technique, respectively, from 2011 to 2016 at the Rostock University Medical Center. Patients underwent a mesh-based sublay reinforcement following a distinct CS with closure of the linea alba. Patient characteristics, technical details, and short-term postoperative outcomes were determined by a physician chart review. A health-related QoL survey (EQ-5D) including a pain assessment was evaluated at a median of 19.5 months postoperatively. Results: Thirty-five patients had a CS: 25 OCS and 10 ECS. Perioperative variables were comparable except for the median defect size (169 cm2 OCS vs. 86 cm2 ECS; p < 0.05) and maximum width of hernia (25 vs. 13 cm). Hospitalization lasted 16.6 days in the OCS group and 7.9 days in the endoscopic group (p = 0.04). Wound complications occurred in 24% of OCS and 10% of ECS patients. Conclusions: Patients in the ECS group had a shorter hospital stay and less minor and major wound complications. These advantages led to a faster recovery directly affecting the QoL in the ECS group. This effect diminishes in the long-term follow-up with a positive trend towards the OCS technique.
Intestinal Mucosal and Serosal Microcirculation at the Planned Anastomosis during Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Tavy Arthur L.M. , de Bruin Anton F.J. , Smits Anke B. , Boerma E. Christiaan , Ince Can , Noordzij Peter G. , Boerma Djamila , van Iterson Mat
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Intestinal blood flow is often named as a key factor in the pathophysiology of anastomotic leakage. The distribution between mucosal and serosal microperfusion during surgery remains to be elucidated. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess if the mucosal microcirculation of the intestine is more vulnerable to a surgical hit than the serosal microcirculation during surgery. Methods: In an observational cohort study (n = 9 patients), the microcirculation of the bowel serosa and mucosa was visualized with incident dark-field imaging during surgery. At the planned anastomosis, the following microcirculatory parameters were determined: microvascular flow index (MFI), percentage of perfused vessels (PPV), perfused vessel density (PVD), and total vessel density (TVD). Data are presented as median (interquartile range [IQR]). Results: Perfusion parameters and vessel density were significantly higher for the mucosa than the serosal microcirculation at the planned site for anastomosis or stoma. Mucosal MFI was 3.00 (IQR 3.00–3.00) compared to a serosal MFI of 2.75 (IQR 2.21–2.94), p = 0.03. The PPV was 99% (IQR 98–100) versus 92% (IQR 66–94), p = 0.01. The TVD was 16.77 mm/mm2 (IQR 13.04–18.01) versus 10.42 mm/mm2 (IQR 9.36–11.81), p = 0.01, and the PVD was 15.44 mm/mm2 (IQR 13.04–17.78) versus 9.02 mm/mm2 (IQR 6.43–9.43), p = 0.01. Conclusions: The mucosal microcirculation was preserved, while lower perfusion of the serosa was found at the planned anastomosis or stoma during surgery. Further research is needed to link our observations to the clinically relevant endpoint of anastomotic leakage.
Effect of Ultrafiltration on Sleep Apnea and Cardiac Function in End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Inami Toru , Lyons Owen D. , Perger Elisa , Yadollahi Azadeh , Floras John S. , Chan Christopher T. , Bradley T. Douglas
Published: January 2020

Rationale: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients have high annual mortality mainly due to cardiovascular causes. The acute effects of obstructive and central sleep apnea on cardiac function in ESRD patients have not been determined. We therefore tested, in patients with ESRD, the hypotheses that (1) sleep apnea induces deterioration in cardiac function overnight and (2) attenuation of sleep apnea severity by ultrafiltration (UF) attenuates this deterioration. Methods: At baseline, ESRD patients, on conventional hemodialysis, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >45% had polysomnography (PSG) performed on a non-dialysis day to determine the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Echocardiography was performed at the bedside, before and after sleep. Isovolumetric contraction time divided by left ventricular ejection time (IVCT/ET) and isovolumetric relaxation time divided by ET (IVRT/ET) were measured by tissue doppler imaging. The myocardial performance index (MPI), a composite of systolic and diastolic function was also calculated. One week later, subjects with sleep apnea (AHI ≥15) had fluid removed by UF, followed by repeat PSG and echocardiography. ­Results: Fifteen subjects had baseline measurements, of which 7 had an AHI <15 (no–sleep-apnea group) and 8 had an AHI ≥15 (sleep-apnea group). At baseline, there was no overnight change in the LVEF in either the no-sleep-apnea group or the sleep-apnea group. In the no-sleep-apnea group, there was also no overnight change in MPI, IVCT/ET and IVRT/ET. However, in the sleep-apnea group there were overnight increases in MPI, IVCT/ET and IVRT/ET (p = 0.008, 0.007 and 0.031, respectively), indicating deterioration in systolic and diastolic function. Following fluid removal by UF in the sleep-apnea group, the AHI decreased by 48.7% (p = 0.012) and overnight increases in MPI, IVCT/ET and IVRT/ET observed at baseline were abolished. Conclusions: In ESRD, cardiac function deteriorates overnight in those with sleep apnea, but not in those without sleep apnea. This overnight deterioration in the sleep-apnea group may be at least partially due to sleep apnea, since attenuation of sleep apnea by UF was accompanied by elimination of this deleterious overnight effect.
Inability to Smell Peppermint Is Related to Cognitive Decline: A Prospective Community-Based Study
Authors: Liang Xiaoniu , Ding Ding , Zhao Qianhua , Wu Wanqing , Xiao Zhenxu , Luo Jianfeng , Hong Zhen
Published: January 2020

Background: A few studies have demonstrated the association of poorer olfactory identification (OI) with poorer cognition in population-based cohorts. None of them considered the outcome associated with the inability to smell a certain odor. Objective: To verify the hypothesis that at least one specific odor is associated with incident cognitive decline among older adults. Methods: In the Shanghai Aging Study, a sub-cohort of 948 dementia-free participants who had baseline OI measurements were prospectively followed for 5 years. Results: An inability to smell peppermint (β = –0.44, p < 0.001), rose (β = –0.14, p = 0.040), or coffee (β = –0.37, p = 0.002) was inversely related to the annual rate of change in the Mini Mental State Examination score, and an inability to smell peppermint was associated with a higher risk for incident dementia (hazard ratio 2.67, 95% CI 1.44–4.96) after adjustment for confounders. Conclusion: Our study suggests that some odors, especially peppermint, might be considered as a potential predictor for dementia in older populations.
Evaluation of ECG Imaging to Map Hemodynamically Stable and Unstable Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Graham Adam J. , Orini Michele , Zacur Ernesto , Dhillon Gurpreet , Daw Holly , Srinivasan Neil T. , Martin Claire , Lane Jem , Mansell Josephine S. , Cambridge Alex , Garcia Jason , Pugliese Francesca , Segal Oliver , Ahsan Syed , Lowe Martin , Finlay Malcolm , Earley Mark J. , Chow Anthony , Sporton Simon , Dhinoja Mehul , Hunter Ross J. , Schilling Richard J. , Lambiase Pier D.
Published: January 2020

Background:

ECG imaging (ECGI) has been used to guide treatment of ventricular ectopy and arrhythmias. However, the accuracy of ECGI in localizing the origin of arrhythmias during catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in structurally abnormal hearts remains to be fully validated.

Methods:

During catheter ablation of VT, simultaneous mapping was performed using electroanatomical mapping (CARTO, Biosense-Webster) and ECGI (CardioInsight, Medtronic) in 18 patients. Sites of entrainment, pace-mapping, and termination during ablation were used to define the VT site of origin (SoO). Distance between SoO and the site of earliest activation on ECGI were measured using co-registered geometries from both systems. The accuracy of ECGI versus a 12-lead surface ECG algorithm was compared.

Results:

A total of 29 VTs were available for comparison. Distance between SoO and sites of earliest activation in ECGI was 22.6, 13.9 to 36.2 mm (median, first to third quartile). ECGI mapped VT sites of origin onto the correct AHA segment with higher accuracy than a validated 12-lead ECG algorithm (83.3% versus 38.9%;
P
=0.015).

Conclusions:

This simultaneous assessment demonstrates that CardioInsight localizes VT circuits with sufficient accuracy to provide a region of interest for targeting mapping for ablation. Resolution is not sufficient to guide discrete radiofrequency lesion delivery via catheter ablation without concomitant use of an electroanatomical mapping system but may be sufficient for segmental ablation with radiotherapy.