bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kannan-Type Contractions on New Extended
b
-Metric Spaces
Authors: Aydi Hassen , Aslam Muhammad , Sagheer Dur-e-Shehwar , Batul Samina , Ali Rashid , Ameer Eskandar
Published: September 2021

This article is focused on the generalization of some fixed point theorems with Kannan-type contractions in the setting of new extended

b

-metric spaces. An idea of asymptotic regularity has been incorporated to achieve the new results. As an application, the existence of a solution of the Fredholm-type integral equation is presented.
Feasibility of Using Sequential Sulfurized Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron-Persulfate Process to Degrade Tetrabromobisphenol A
Authors: Quoc Tuan Nguyen , Nguyen Khanh Hoang , Thuy Huong Ngo Thi , Tien Nguyen Thi Hanh , Minh Chau Tran Thi , Dao Van-Duong , Le Thao Thanh
Published: September 2021

This study proposed a sequential redox process to partially degrade tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) within a reactor to a great extent. After 72 hours in an anoxic environment, 20 ppm of TBBPA could be effectively degraded by sulfurized zerovalent iron nanoparticles (S-nZVI) at concentrations of 2 g L-1 and 4 g L-1. Biphenol A (BPA) together with tri-, di-, and monobromobisphenol A was detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) suggesting that TBBPA was debrominated by S-nZVI in a stepwise manner. Following the S-nZVI treatment, a persulfate-advanced oxidation process (PS-AOP) system with persulfate concentrations varied from 5 to 20 mM was incorporated to degrade the final debrominated byproduct, BPA, for 2 hours. The two-stage anoxic/oxic reactions at the same reactor with initial conditions (0.037 mM TBBPA, 4 g L-1 of S-nZVI, pH 6 in anoxic stage, 20 mM of PS in the latter oxic stage) were investigated. The sulfurized layer played an important role in such a system and hypothetically contributes to increasing electron transfer from Fe0 core as well as hydrophobicity of the NP surface. It was demonstrated that the S-nZVI/PS-AOP system could effectively remediate TBBPA and BPA and consequently provide a promising strategy to remedy brominated organic pollutants in the environment.
Material Discrimination Algorithm Based on Hyperspectral Image
Authors: Zhou Jian , Wang Zhuping , Jiao Yingjie , Nie Cong
Published: September 2021

Hyperspectral information can be used to express the material properties of objects, which has a strong effect on camouflage recognition. However, it is difficult to process it directly because of the huge hyperspectral image data. Therefore, this paper proposes a new band selection algorithm to achieve band selection by simulating visual perception. The subspace clustering self-attention adversarial network is constructed to realize the initial selection of band. According to the visual chromatic aberration principle, a model is constructed to determine the band that combines the strongest response intensity of a particular material, and then this band is selected as the final band, therefore realizing the algorithm of material demarcation in this way.
Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Balances Scaffold Degradation and Bone Formation in Tissue-Engineered Laminae
Authors: Li Hailong , Li Linli , He Yiqun , Mao Wei , Ni Haofei , Yang Aolei , Lyu Feizhou , Dong Youhai
Published: September 2021

Tissue engineering provides a promising way for the regeneration of artificial vertebral laminae. Previous studies have confirmed the feasibility of reconstructing vertebral laminae via hydroxyapatite-collagen I scaffolds and mesenchymal stromal cells. However, there were no studies exploring the degradation of hydroxyapatite-collagen I scaffolds and the function of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the process. In this study, tissue-engineered laminae (TEL) were constructed by nanohydroxyapatite/collagen I scaffolds and umbilical cord Wharton’s Jelly mesenchymal stromal cells (WJ-MSCs). Cell attachment was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and cell viability was confirmed by Live/Dead staining. The rat models were randomly divided into control and β-catenin inhibition groups. Vertebral lamina defect rat models were made on the fifth lumbar vertebrate, and TEL was implanted into the defect site. After 14 weeks, the newborn laminae were harvested for microcomputed tomography, histology, or transcriptional profile analysis. We found that, for the control group, the newborn lamina formation matched with the scaffold degradation and complete newborn laminae formed at the 14th week; for the β-catenin inhibition group, the scaffold degradation rate overrated the lamina formation and no complete artificial laminae were formed at the 14th week. In addition, the osteoclastic genes, such as Cathepsin K or RANKL, in the control groups were significantly lower than the β-catenin inhibition group, and the antiosteoclastic gene, OPG, in the control group was significantly higher than the β-catenin inhibition group. In conclusion, inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin pathway led to speedy scaffold degradation and deferred artificial lamina formation. Wnt/β-catenin pathway played a critical role in maintaining the balance between scaffold degradation and bone formation in the process of vertebral lamina reconstruction.
Lightweight Privacy‐Preserving Data Sharing Scheme for Internet of Medical Things
Authors: Zhao Zhuo , Hsu Chingfang , Harn Lein , Yang Qing , Ke Lulu
Published: September 2021

Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is a kind of Internet of Things (IoT) that includes patients and medical sensors. Patients can share real‐time medical data collected in IoMT with medical professionals. This enables medical professionals to provide patients with efficient medical services. Due to the high efficiency of cloud computing, patients prefer to share gathering medical information using cloud servers. However, sharing medical data on the cloud server will cause security issues, because these data involve the privacy of patients. Although recently many researchers have designed data sharing schemes in medical domain for security purpose, most of them cannot guarantee the anonymity of patients and provide access control for shared health data, and further, they are not lightweight enough for IoMT. Due to these security and efficiency issues, a novel lightweight privacy‐preserving data sharing scheme is constructed in this paper for IoMT. This scheme can achieve the anonymity of patients and access control of shared medical data. At the same time, it satisfies all described security features. In addition, this scheme can achieve lightweight computations by using elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), XOR operations, and hash function. Furthermore, performance evaluation demonstrates that the proposed scheme takes less computation cost through comparison with similar solutions. Therefore, it is fairly an attractive solution for efficient and secure data sharing in IoMT.
The Influence of Mixing Orders on the Microstructure of Artificially Prepared Sand‐Clay Mixtures
Authors: Yin Kexin , Fauchille Anne-Laure , Di Filippo Eugenia , Othmani Khaoula , Branchu Samuel , Sciarra Giulio , Kotronis Panagiotis
Published: September 2021

The mixing order of silica sand, clay (kaolinite), and water controls the microstructure of resulting artificial soil samples. Most homogeneous microstructures can be achieved by applying the mixing order “sand‐water‐clay.” The following methods were used to validate this statement: (1) optical observation, (2) X‐ray tomography, (3) scanning electron microscopy, and (4) Mercury intrusion porosimetry. For all samples, clays are mainly organized in a homogeneous matrix but are also dispersed heterogeneously in micrometer‐sized layers surrounding sand particles, particularly where sand grains show a greater roughness. At water contents ≥1.5 wL, the microstructures are visually similar from the mm to μm scale whatever mixing order is used. However, for water contents lower than 1.5 wL, the mixing order controls the distribution of the clay particles. This paper proposes a motivated choice of a preparation protocol of artificial clayey materials to be used in laboratory experiments. It might contribute to better understanding and modeling grain movements and arrangements in artificial muds, used for instance in underground mining, foundation settlement, hydraulic containment, road construction, soil stabilization, and in natural soils in the occurrence of soil liquefaction, industrial brick manufacturing, and in studying shear processes in tectonic fault zones.
Case Study on the Stability Control of Broken Surrounding Rock in Roadway Excavation on the Edge of a Collapsed Stope Area
Authors: Wu Yabin , Hu Jianhua , Xie Chengyu , Shi Dongping
Published: September 2021

Predicting and controlling the collapse of surrounding rock (especially broken rock masses) in underground chambers is an important topic in mining and geotechnical engineering. Based on an example, this paper introduces a case study of surrounding rock stability control technology in stope mining around abandoned areas. Based on on‐site coring, mechanical properties of rock samples, and on‐site grouting reinforcement technology, the TRT6000 advanced geological prediction system was used to predict the stability status of the surrounding rock of the underground chamber. AUTODYNA software was used to build a dynamic coupling model for numerical simulation prediction and optimization of blasting parameters and to reveal the dynamic variation in the surrounding rock. The dynamic failure process of the surrounding rock of the chamber before and after optimization of the blasting parameters is simulated, and the deformation characteristics and damage and acoustic emission characteristics of the surrounding rock are clearly shown. The surrounding rock failure first appeared around the surface of the underground chamber because of the high stress concentration around the surface of the chamber after blasting; with the interaction between the explosive gas and the rock mass, the damaged area further propagated into the external rock, eventually leading to a large damage area. At the same time, there is a large tensile failure in the rock, resulting in expansion and rupture around the underground chamber. Finally, the 3D laser scanning method is used to verify the superiority of the optimized blasting initiation sequence. The new edge hole detonation sequence can effectively improve the blasting vibration and successfully control the further damage of the surrounding rock of the underground chamber, thus proving the edge hole drug pack. Moreover, the initiation mode of the delay stage of the side hole charge is determined. This study provides a useful reference for the stability control of surrounding rock in mining in mining areas.
Research on Parameter Optimization of the Express Warehousing and Distribution System Based on the Box–Behnken Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Zhao Nan , Wang Maochun
Published: September 2021

The response surface method, which has not been applied in the field of logistics, is used to study the express storage and distribution system. The goal is to find out the key factors affecting “customer satisfaction” and “warehouse explosion” and determine the optimal parameters to minimize the operation time and congestion rate of the system. The Box–Behnken response surface method is used to optimize the factors such as sorting speed, distribution speed, sorting temporary storage capacity, and distribution temporary storage capacity in the system, and the logistics simulation software is used to verify the experiment. The predicted value is in good agreement with the measured value. The optimal parameters are sorting speed of 0.002 D/PCS, distribution speed of 31 M/D, sorting temporary storage capacity of 502PCS, and distribution temporary storage capacity of 222PCS. It shows that the response surface method is feasible to optimize the parameters of express storage and distribution system and is helpful to further improve the logistics express service level.
Existence Results for
ψ
-Hilfer Fractional Integro-Differential Hybrid Boundary Value Problems for Differential Equations and Inclusions
Authors: Kiataramkul Chanakarn , Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Tariboon Jessada
Published: September 2021

In this research work, we study a new class of

ψ

-Hilfer hybrid fractional integro-differential boundary value problems with nonlocal boundary conditions. Existence results are established for single and multivalued cases, by using suitable fixed-point theorems for the product of two single or multivalued operators. Examples illustrating the main results are also constructed.
Effectiveness of Viola Flower Syrup Compared with Polyethylene Glycol in Children with Functional Constipation: A Randomized, Active-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Tavassoli Sara , Eftekhari Kambiz , Karimi Mehrdad , Ghobadi Ali , Shati Mohsen , Naddaf Amir , Abbassian Alireza
Published: September 2021

Background. Functional constipation (FC) is a health concern that is prevalent in the pediatric population. It lowers the quality of life and increases the probability of comorbidities. As a complementary modality, herbal medicine has been considered useful in a variety of conditions. Persian medicine (PM) resources mention the Viola flower as an effective herb in treating constipation. The purpose of the current trial was to evaluate the efficacy of Viola flower syrup (VFS) compared with polyethylene glycol (PEG) in children with functional constipation. Methods. This randomized, active-controlled, single-center trial was conducted on 140 children aged between 4 and 10 years with confirmed FC according to Rome III criteria. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either VFS or PEG for four weeks. Independent t-test and general linear model (GLM) repeated measures analysis of variance were used to determine the intergroup difference, and paired sample t-test was used to evaluate the intragroup difference. Results. After four weeks of intervention, 133 individuals (66 in VFS and 67 in the PEG group) were analyzed. Results of both groups demonstrated significant improvement in all measured criteria at the end of the study compared to baseline (P<0.001). No significant difference was observed between the two groups at baseline or at the end of the study (P>0.05), except for fecal retention at baseline (P=0.028). Participants in the PEG group experienced more side effects compared to the VFS group. Conclusion. The findings of this investigation indicated that VFS is an effective and relatively safe medication to be used in the treatment of pediatric FC.
Lipidomic Alterations and PPARα Activation Induced by Resveratrol Lead to Reduction in Lesion Size in Endometriosis Models
Authors: Chen Zhengyun , Wang Chunyan , Lin Cuicui , Zhang Lifeng , Zheng Huimei , Zhou Yong , Li Xiaoyong , Li Chen , Zhang Xinmei , Yang Xiaohang , Guan Minxin , Xi Yongmei
Published: September 2021

Endometriosis is an estrogen‐dependent chronic inflammatory disease that affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age and up to 50% of women with infertility. The heterogeneity of the disease makes accurate diagnosis and treatment a clinical challenge. In this study, we generated two models of endometriosis: the first in rats and the second using human ectopic endometrial stromal cells (HEcESCs) derived from the lesion tissues of endometriosis patients. We then applied resveratrol to assess its therapeutic potential. Resveratrol intervention had significant efficacy to attenuate lesion size and to rectify aberrant lipid profiles of model rats. Lipidomic analysis revealed significant lipidomic alterations, including notable increases of sphingolipids and decreases of both glycerolipids and most phospholipids. Upon resveratrol application, both proliferation capacity and invasiveness parameters decreased, and the early apoptosis proportion increased for HEcESCs. The activation of PPARα was also noted as a factor potentially contributing to recovery from endometriosis in both models. Our study provides valuable insight into the mechanisms of resveratrol in endometriosis and therefore strengthens the potential for optimizing resveratrol treatment for this disease.
Arginase 1–Based Immune Modulatory Vaccines Induce Anticancer Immunity and Synergize with Anti–PD-1 Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Aaboe Jørgensen Mia , Ugel Stefano , Linder Hübbe Mie , Carretta Marco , Perez-Penco Maria , Weis-Banke Stine Emilie , Martinenaite Evelina , Kopp Katharina , Chapellier Marion , Adamo Annalisa , De Sanctis Francesco , Frusteri Cristina , Iezzi Manuela , Zocca Mai-Britt , Hargbøll Madsen Daniel , Wakatsuki Pedersen Ayako , Bronte Vincenzo , Andersen Mads Hald
Published: September 2021

Expression of the L-arginine catabolizing enzyme arginase 1 (ARG1) is a central immunosuppressive mechanism mediated by tumor-educated myeloid cells. Increased activity of ARG1 promotes the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment and leads to a more aggressive phenotype in many cancers. Intrinsic T-cell immunity against ARG1-derived epitopes in the peripheral blood of cancer patients and healthy subjects has previously been demonstrated. To evaluate the antitumor efficacy of ARG1-derived peptide vaccines as a monotherapy and as a combinational therapy with checkpoint blockade, different in vivo syngeneic mouse tumor models were utilized. To evaluate the antitumor effects, flow cytometry analysis and IHC were performed on tumors, and ELISPOT assays were performed to characterize immune responses. We show that ARG1-targeting therapeutic vaccines were able to activate endogenous antitumor immunity in several in vivo syngeneic mouse tumor models and to modulate the cell composition of the tumor microenvironment without causing any associated side effects or systemic toxicity. ARG1-targeting vaccines in combination with anti–PD-1 also resulted in increased T-cell infiltration, decreased ARG1 expression, reduced suppressive function of tumor-educated myeloid cells, and a shift in the M1/M2 ratio of tumor-infiltrating macrophages. These results indicated that the induced shift toward a more proinflammatory microenvironment by ARG1-targeting immunotherapy favors effective tumor control when combined with anti–PD-1 checkpoint blockade. Our data illustrate the ability of ARG1-based immune modulatory vaccination to elicit antigen-specific immunosurveillance and imply the feasibility of this novel immunotherapeutic approach for clinical translation.
Lymphatic Abnormalities in Noonan Syndrome Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sleutjes Julia , Kleimeier Lotte , Leenders Erika , Klein Willemijn , Draaisma Jos
Published: September 2021

Noonan syndrome spectrum disorders are a group of phenotypically related conditions, resembling Noonan syndrome, caused by germline pathogenic variants in genes within the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (Ras/MAPK) signalling pathway. Lymphatic dysplasia with a clinical lymphatic abnormality is one of the major features. We performed a systematic review to get more insight in (1) the prevalence of clinically lymphatic abnormalities in patients with a genetically proven Noonan syndrome spectrum disorder, (2) if a genotype-lymphatic phenotype relation can be found and describe the clinical presentation and course of the lymphatic abnormality. Most studies report patients with Noonan syndrome. Prenatally, the prevalence of increased nuchal translucency differs from 7% in patients with pathogenic PTPN11 variants to 38% in patients with pathogenic RIT1 variants, and the prevalence of pleural effusions differed from 7% in patients with pathogenic SOS1 to 29% in patients with pathogenic RIT1 variants. Postnatally, the prevalence of lymphedema differs from 16% in patients with pathogenic PTPN11 variants to 44% in patients with pathogenic SOS1 variants, and the prevalence of acquired chylothorax is 4% in patients with pathogenic RIT1 variants. Lymphatic abnormalities do occur in patients with cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome and Costello syndrome. In conclusion, Noonan syndrome spectrum disorders, Noonan syndrome in particular, are associated with lymphatic abnormalities. Combining the available published literature about genetically proven Noonan syndrome spectrum disorders, it appears likely that the lifetime prevalence of these abnormalities in Noonan syndrome is higher than the 20% that were generally accepted so far. This is increasingly important, because the activation of the RAS/MAPK pathway can be inhibited by RAS/MAPK inhibitors, and clinically severe lymphatic abnormalities may improve.
Computed Tomography Analysis of the Anterosuperior Portion of the Bulla Lamella in Chinese Subjects and Its Surgical Significance in Endoscopic Frontal Sinusotomy
Authors: Shi Muhan , Wu Yuxiao , Wang Yuguang , Wang Min , Yuan Fei , Xing Zhimin , Li Hui , Huang Shien
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The anterosuperior portion of the bulla lamella can extend into the frontal sinus and form the supra bulla frontal cell (SBFC) and supraorbital ethmoid cell (SOEC). This can affect the frontal drainage pathway and make surgery more challenging. Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the anatomical characteristics of SBFC and SOEC in Chinese chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients and explore the relationship between the cells and frontal sinusitis (FS). The surgical skills in dealing with these cells were also studied. Methods: We prospectively identified SBFC and SOEC in 114 patients with CRS by computed tomography (CT). The sides of the patients were divided into groups A (with FS) and B (without FS). CT scans were analyzed to distinguish the SBFC, SOEC, and the drainage pathway. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine whether the cells were associated with the occurrence of FS. Results: The prevalence of frontal cells was as follows: SBFC: 9.65%, SOEC: 21.93%. There was an association between the presence of SBFC and FS (p < 0.05). The anterior drainage pathway was present in patients with SBFC and SOEC, anterolateral pathway in those with SBFC/SOEC coexisting with the frontal septal cell, and anteromedial pathway in those with SBFC/SOEC coexisting with the supra agger frontal cell. Conclusions: There was an association between the presence of SBFC and the occurrence of FS. Extension of the anterosuperior portion of the bulla lamella into the frontal sinus obstructed the drainage pathway posteriorly. Understanding the anatomy may help surgeons thoroughly dissect the bulla lamella.
Nonocular Influencing Factors for Primary Glaucoma: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Wenman , Pan Jiaxing , Wei Maoling , Lv Zhiqing , Chen Sijie , Qin Yang , Li Ni
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Glaucoma is the main cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Still, little is known about nonocular risk factors. We use an umbrella review to examine the meta-analytic evidence of the correlation between nonocular factors and glaucoma. Method: We searched PubMed and Embase databases up to July 24, 2020. Eligible meta-analyses (MAs) included cohort, case-control, and randomized controlled study designs. Two authors independently extracted the data and evaluated the methodological quality of the MAs. AMSTAR 2 was used to assess the methodological quality of each included MA. Results: This umbrella review contains 22 MAs with 22 unique nonocular factors in total. We identified 11 factors that increase the risk of glaucoma: hyperlipidemia, nocturnal dip in blood pressure, infection with Helicobacter pylori, myopia, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, corneal properties, diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, migraine, and plasma homocysteine. We identified 3 factors that reduce the risk of glaucoma: dietary intake of vitamin A, dietary intake of vitamin C, and short-term statin use. We identified 8 factors that had no association with glaucoma: dietary intake of vitamin B, dietary intake of vitamin E, cigarette smoking, Alzheimer’s disease, serum folic acid, serum vitamin B6, serum vitamin B12, and serum vitamin D. Conclusions: In this umbrella review of MAs, evidence was found for associations of various nonocular factors with glaucoma to different degrees. However, risk factors were only mildly associated, suggesting low impact of systemic risk factors. Additional higher quality studies are needed to provide robust evidence.
Neurogenesis in the Maternal Rodent Brain: Impacts of Gestation-Related Hormonal Regulation, Stress, and Obesity
Authors: Noorjahan Noshin , Cattini Peter A.
Published: September 2021

In order to maintain maternal behavior, it is important that the maternal rodent brain promotes neurogenesis. Maternal neurogenesis is altered by the dynamic shifts in reproductive hormone levels during pregnancy. Thus, lifestyle events such as gestational stress and obesity that can affect hormone production will affect neuroendocrine control of maternal neurogenesis. However, there is a lack of information about the regulation of maternal neurogenesis by placental hormones, which are key components of the reproductive hormonal profile during pregnancy. There is also little known about how maternal neurogenesis can be affected by health concerns such as gestational stress and obesity, and its relationship to peripartum mental health disorders. This review summarizes the changing levels of neurogenesis in mice and rats during gestation and postpartum as well as regulation of neurogenesis by pregnancy-related hormones. The influence of neurogenesis on maternal behavior is also discussed while bringing attention to the effect of health-related concerns during gestation, such as stress and obesity on neuroendocrine control of maternal neurogenesis. In doing so, this review identifies the gaps in the literature and specifically emphasizes the importance of further research on maternal brain physiology to address them.
Complications Associated with Worse Visual Outcomes in Patients with Exudative Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Barresi Costanza , Borrelli Enrico , Fantaguzzi Federico , Grosso Domenico , Sacconi Riccardo , Bandello Francesco , Querques Giuseppe
Published: September 2021

Background: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) represents a leading cause of vision loss in older subjects. The introduction of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy has enormously improved the visual prognosis in these patients. Summary: However, severe complications may still occur in this disease and their development may significantly affect short- and long-term visual outcomes. Key Messages: In this article, we provided a review of these complications, highlighting their distinctive signs or symptoms and focusing on the current evidence of treatment. To place the complications related to neovascular AMD in a proper context, this review deals with core components essential for proper comprehension of neovascular AMD that includes pathogenesis, clinical signs, and basic principles of treatment.
Baseline and Postprocedural Health Status Outcomes in Contemporary Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Who Underwent Catheter Ablation: A Report from the Japanese Outpatient Registry
Authors: Ikemura Nobuhiro , Spertus John A. , Kimura Takehiro , Katsumata Yoshinori , Fujisawa Taishi , Ueda Ikuko , Fukuda Keiichi , Takatsuki Seiji , Kohsaka Shun
Published: September 2021

Background

Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation improves health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). In daily practice, however, CA is performed on a wide range of patients, and outcomes may vary. We aimed to examine baseline and 1‐year HRQoL outcomes of patients with atrial fibrillation after CA in daily practice.

Methods and Results

Using a registry‐based cohort study designed to recruit patients with atrial fibrillation newly referred to 11 hospitals, we extracted data from 1097 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent CA between 2012 and 2019. The Atrial Fibrillation Effects on Quality of Life Overall Summary (AFEQT‐OS) was assessed at registration and 1 year after, and a 5‐point increase in AFEQT‐OS score was considered a meaningful improvement. Overall, the median age was 64 (interquartile range, 56–70) years, 836 (76.2%) were men, and 93.0% (n=1021) of the patients answered the AFEQT questionnaire. The mean AFEQT‐OS score was 74.9 (SD, 18.0) at registration and 88.8 (SD, 12.6) at 1 year after. Notably, the incidence of meaningful improvement in HRQoL after CA was 88.6% for the patients with impaired HRQoL (AFEQT‐OS score <80), which was only 40.1% in those with preserved HRQoL (AFEQT‐OS score ≥80). Female sex, left atrium diameter, and high baseline HRQoL were independently associated with nonimprovement after CA.

Conclusions

The improvement in HRQoL after CA was similar to that seen in clinical trials; however, one‐third of patients did not show improvement. These results underscore the importance of quantitative evaluation of patients’ HRQoL to maximize the effect of CA before its performance.
Associations Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Cardiovascular Risk, and Cognition Are Mediated by Structural Brain Health in Midlife
Authors: España‐Irla Goretti , Gomes‐Osman Joyce , Cattaneo Gabriele , Albu Sergiu , Cabello‐Toscano María , Solana‐Sanchéz Javier , Redondo‐Camós María , Delgado‐Gallén Selma , Alviarez‐Schulze Vanessa , Pachón‐García Catherine , Tormos Josep M. , Bartrés‐Faz David , Morris Timothy P. , Pascual‐Leone Álvaro
Published: September 2021

Background

Evidence in older adults suggests that higher cardiorespiratory fitness and lower cardiovascular risk are associated with greater cognition. However, given that changes in the brain that lead to cognitive decline begin decades before the onset of symptoms, understanding the mechanisms by which modifiable cardiovascular factors are associated with brain health in midlife is critical and can lead to the development of strategies to promote and maintain brain health as we age.

Methods and Results

In 501 middle‐aged (aged 40–65 years) adult participants of the BBHI (Barcelona Brain Health Initiative), we found differential associations among cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiovascular risk, and cognition and cortical thickness. Higher cardiorespiratory fitness was significantly associated with better visuospatial abilities and frontal loading abstract problem solving (β=3.16,
P
=0.049) in the older middle‐aged group (aged 55–65 years). In contrast, cardiovascular risk was negatively associated with better visuospatial reasoning and problem‐solving abilities (β=−0.046,
P
=0.002), flexibility (β=−0.054,
P
<0.001), processing speed (β=−0.115,
P
<0.001), and memory (β=−0.120,
P
<0.001). Cortical thickness in frontal regions mediated the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and cognition, whereas cortical thickness in a disperse network spanning multiple cortical regions across both hemispheres mediated the relationship between cardiovascular risk and cognition.

Conclusions

The relationships between modifiable cardiovascular factors, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cardiovascular risk, and cognition are present in healthy middle‐aged adults. These relationships are also mediated by brain structure highlighting a potential mechanistic pathway through which higher cardiorespiratory fitness and lower cardiovascular risk can positively impact cognitive function in midlife.
Peripheral Blood Cytopenia and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality
Authors: Gangaraju Radhika , Koh Insu , Irvin Marguerite R. , Lange Leslie , Houghton Damon E. , Herrera Diego Adrianzen , Safford Monika , Cushman Mary , Bhatia Smita , Zakai Neil A.
Published: September 2021

Background

Individual blood cell count abnormalities have been associated with cardiovascular disease and increased mortality. In this study, we defined a “cytopenia phenotype,” reflecting bone marrow hypoproliferation, to determine if peripheral blood cytopenia is associated with increased cardiovascular disease and mortality risk.

Methods and Results

Study participants were derived from a biracial observational cohort study, REGARDS (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke), that enrolled 30 239 Black and White participants aged ≥45 years between 2003 and 2007. Median follow up was ≈9 years. The current study included 19 864 participants from REGARDS study (37.9% men, 40% Black participants) who have complete blood count available at study enrollment. We defined a cytopenia phenotype based on age‐, sex‐, and race‐adjusted lowest fifth percentile of blood counts. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models estimated the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CI of cytopenia for mortality and incident cardiovascular disease in adjusted models. Mean age of the study participants was 64 years (SD:9.7). The prevalence of cytopenia was 1.9% (n=378). Cytopenia was associated with increased risk of all‐cause mortality (HR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.34–2.22) and cardiovascular disease mortality (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.11–2.29). Cytopenia was associated with stroke risk in Black but not White participants (HR, 1.96 versus 0.86;
P
‐interaction for race=0.08) and was not associated with coronary heart disease risk.

Conclusions

We defined a cytopenia phenotype with clinical implications for mortality and stroke risk in a large biracial and geographically diverse population. Whether generated through somatic mutations or decreased organ function, cytopenia was associated with mortality risk and was a race‐specific risk factor for stroke.
Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring in Cardiogenic Shock Is Associated With Lower In‐Hospital Mortality
Authors: Osman Mohammed , Syed Moinuddin , Patel Brijesh , Munir Muhammad Bilal , Kheiri Babikir , Caccamo Marco , Sokos George , Balla Sudarshan , Basir Mir Babar , Kapur Navin K. , Mamas Mamas A. , Bianco Christopher M.
Published: September 2021

Background

There is increasing utilization of cardiogenic shock treatment algorithms. The cornerstone of these algorithms is the use of invasive hemodynamic monitoring (IHM). We sought to compare the in‐hospital outcomes in patients who received IHM versus no IHM in a real‐world contemporary database.

Methods and Results

Patients with cardiogenic shock admitted during October 1, 2015 to December 31, 2018, were identified from the National Inpatient Sample. Among this group, we compared the outcomes among patients who received IHM versus no IHM. The primary end point was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary end points included vascular complications, major bleeding, need for renal replacement therapy, length of stay, cost of hospitalization, and rate of utilization of left ventricular assist devices and heart transplantation. Propensity score matching was used for covariate adjustment. A total of 394 635 (IHM=62 565; no IHM=332 070) patients were included. After propensity score matching, 2 well‐matched groups were compared (IHM=62 220; no IHM=62 220). The IHM group had lower in‐hospital mortality (24.1% versus 30.6%,
P
<0.01), higher percentages of left ventricular assist devices (4.4% versus 1.3%,
P
<0.01) and heart transplantation (1.3% versus 0.7%,
P
<0.01) utilization, longer length of hospitalization and higher costs. There was no difference between the 2 groups in terms of vascular complications, major bleeding, and the need for renal replacement therapy.

Conclusions

Among patients with cardiogenic shock, the use of IHM is associated with a reduction in in‐hospital mortality and increased utilization of advanced heart failure therapies. Due to the observational nature of the current study, the results should be considered hypothesis‐generating, and future prospective studies confirming these findings are needed.
Clinical Impact of Intraprocedural Stent Thrombosis During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients Treated With Potent P2Y12 inhibitors ‐ a VALIDATE‐SWEDEHEART Substudy
Authors: Bergman Sofia , Mohammad Moman A. , James Stefan K. , Angerås Oskar , Wagner Henrik , Jensen Jens , Scherstén Fredrik , Fröbert Ole , Koul Sasha , Erlinge David
Published: September 2021

Background

The clinical importance of intraprocedural stent thrombosis (IPST) during percutaneous coronary intervention in the contemporary era of potent oral P2Y12 inhibitors is not established. The aim of this study was to assess IPST and its association with clinical outcome in patients with myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with contemporary antithrombotic medications.

Methods and Results

The VALIDATE‐SWEDEHEART study (Bivalirudin Versus Heparin in ST‐Segment and Non–ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients on Modern Antiplatelet Therapy in the Swedish Web System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence‐Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies Registry Trial) included 6006 patients with myocardial infarction, treated with potent P2Y12 inhibitors during percutaneous coronary intervention. IPST, defined as a new or worsening thrombus related to a stent deployed during the procedure, was reported by the interventional cardiologist in 55 patients (0.9%) and was significantly associated with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction presentation, longer stents, bailout glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, and final Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow <3. The primary composite end point included cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, out‐of‐laboratory definite stent thrombosis and target vessel revascularization within 30 days. Secondary end points were major bleeding and the individual components of the primary composite end point. Patients with versus without IPST had significantly higher rates of the primary composite end point (20.0% versus 4.4%), including higher rates of cardiovascular death, target vessel revascularization, and definite stent thrombosis, but not myocardial infarction or major bleeding. By multivariable analysis, IPST was independently associated with the primary composite end point (hazard ratio, 3.82; 95% CI, 2.05–7.12;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

IPST is a rare but dangerous complication during percutaneous coronary intervention, independently associated with poor prognosis, even in the current era of potent antiplatelet agents. Future treatment studies are needed to reduce the rate of IPST and to improve the poor outcome among these patients.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02311231.
Multimodal Pretraining Unmasked: A Meta-Analysis and a Unified Framework of Vision-and-Language BERTs
Authors: Bugliarello Emanuele , Cotterell Ryan , Okazaki Naoaki , Elliott Desmond
Published: September 2021

Large-scale pretraining and task-specific fine- tuning is now the standard methodology for many tasks in computer vision and natural language processing. Recently, a multitude of methods have been proposed for pretraining vision and language BERTs to tackle challenges at the intersection of these two key areas of AI. These models can be categorized into either single-stream or dual-stream encoders. We study the differences between these two categories, and show how they can be unified under a single theoretical framework. We then conduct controlled experiments to discern the empirical differences between five vision and language BERTs. Our experiments show that training data and hyperparameters are responsible for most of the differences between the reported results, but they also reveal that the embedding layer plays a crucial role in these massive models.
A catalogue of Nolidae Bruand, 1846 from India (Lepidoptera, Noctuoidea)
Authors: JOSHI RAHUL , SINGH NAVNEET , KUNI NIKHIL
Published: September 2021

The present catalogue is the first résumé of the family Nolidae Bruand, 1846 recorded in India comprising 354 species under 98 genera of 6 subfamilies, including four new records to India: Casminola seminigra (Hampson, 1896), Evonima ronkaygabori Han & Hu, 2019, Meganola suffusata (Wileman & West, 1929) and Nola euryzonata (Hampson, 1900). The Indian Nolidae represents 16.2 % of the global species (2,179 species) of Nolidae. The information on the type locality, type depository, sex of the type (wherever available), first reference, synonymy, host plants (wherever available) and distribution within as well as outside India for each of the included species is provided. Some clarifications regarding type locality, type depository along with new distributional records within Indian states are also given with 72 images of adults.
Revision of the French Terebellidae sensu stricto (Annelida, Terebelliformia), with descriptions of nine new species
Authors: LAVESQUE NICOLAS , DAFFE GUILLEMINE , LONDOÑO-MESA MARIO H. , HUTCHINGS PAT
Published: September 2021

This work is the last of four papers of the Spaghetti Project, aiming to revise the species of terebellids, a.k.a. “spaghetti” worms, present in the European French waters. In this last paper the Terebellidae, sensu stricto, from French waters are revised based, on material available in the French marine stations, type materials stored in the MNHN collection and newly collected specimens. Nine new species are described using both morphological and molecular tools: Eupolymnia gili n. sp., E. lacazei n. sp., E. meissnerae n. sp., Lanice kellyslateri n. sp., Paramphitrite dragovabeci n. sp., Pista labruneae n. sp., P. miosseci n. sp., P. sauriaui n. sp., and Terebella banksyi n. sp. European species of Eupolymnia are distinguished mainly by the shape of the lateral lobes and the size of the branchial stems. The two species belonging to Lanice genus are distinguished by the fusion of the first ventral shields, the shape of both noto- and neuropodia, and the pigmentation of the upper lip. The two species of Paramphitrite are distinguished by the presence or absence of a medial dorsal gap between the pairs of branchiae, by the shape of the lateral lobes and the presence or absence of a nephridial papilla on segment 4. The different species of Pista are distinguished by the number of pairs of branchiae, the shape of the lateral lobes and uncini. Finally, the two species of Terebella are distinguished by the number of segments with nephridial and genital papillae and the segments on which the branchiae occur. An identification key for European species of Terebellidae sensu stricto is also provided.
First description of the tadpole of Kurixalus baliogaster (Inger, Orlov, and Darevsky, 1999) (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Vietnam, with comments on reproductive biology
Authors: KROPACHEV IVAN I. , VASSILIEVA ANNA B. , ORLOV NIKOLAI L. , RYBALTOVSKY EVGENY M. , NGUYEN TAO THIEN
Published: September 2021

To date, 20 species of Kurixalus Ye, Fei, and Dubois have been described, and all of these species are distributed throughout South and Southeast Asia, from eastern India, throughout Myanmar and the mountainous regions of southern China, to Indochina, western and northern peninsular Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, and the Philippines (Frost 2021). Descriptions of the tadpoles of only 6 species have been published: K. berylliniris and K. wangi Wu, Huang, Tsai, Li, Jhang, & Wu (Wu et al. 2016); K. eiffingeri (Boettger) (Kuramoto & Wang 1987); K. idiootocus (Kuramoto & Wang) (Kuramoto & Wang 1987); K. cf. verrucosus (Boulenger) (Ziegler & Vences 2002), and Kurixalus yangi Yu, Hui, Rao, & Yang (Humtsoe et al. 2020). A description of the tadpoles of K. baliogaster (Inger, Orlov, & Darevsky) is also given in the species description (Inger et al. 1999), but described larvae are “assigned tentatively to this species” in the published text. Additional studies on the identification of the conspecificity of the described tadpoles with K. baliogaster have not been conducted. Based on the much larger size of the tadpole body (TL up to 40.3 mm), as well as the labial tooth row formula 6(2–6)/5(1) given by Inger et al. (1999), we concluded that these described tadpoles cannot be larval K. baliogaster and most likely belong to some other species of rhacophorid frogs.
Subantarctic Mode Water and its long-term change in CMIP6 models
Authors: Hong Yu , Du Yan , Xia Xingyue , Xu Lixiao , Zhang Ying , Xie Shang-Ping
Published: September 2021

The Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW) is a major water mass in the South Indian and Pacific oceans and plays an important role in the ocean uptake and anthropogenic heat and carbon. The characteristics, formation, and long-term evolution of the SAMW are investigated in the “historical” and “SSP245” scenario simulations of the sixth Coupled Models Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). Defined by the low potential vorticity, the simulated SAMW is consistently thinner, shallower, lighter, and warmer than in observations, due to biases in the winter mixed layer properties and spatial distribution. The biases are especially large in the South Pacific Ocean. The winter mixed layer bias can be attributed to unrealistic heat loss and stratification in the models. Nevertheless, the SAMW is presented better in the CMIP6 than CMIP5, regarding its volume, location, and physical characteristics. In warmer climate, the simulated SAMW in the South Indian Ocean consistently becomes lighter in density, with a reduced volume and a southward shift in the subduction region. The reduced heat loss, instead of the increased Ekman pumping induced by the poleward intensified westerly wind, dominates in the SAMW change. The winter mixed layer shoals in the northern outcrop region and the SAMW subduction shifts southward where the mixed layer remains deep. The projected reduction of the SAMW volume is likely to impact the heat and freshwater redistribution in the Southern Ocean.
An Analysis of 2016–18 Tornadoes and National Weather Service Tornado Warnings across the Contiguous United States
Authors: Bentley Evan S. , Thompson Richard L. , Bowers Barry R. , Gibbs Justin G. , Nelson Steven E.
Published: September 2021

Previous work has considered tornado occurrence with respect to radar data, both WSR-88D and mobile research radars, and a few studies have examined techniques to potentially improve tornado warning performance. To date, though, there has been little work focusing on systematic, large-sample evaluation of National Weather Service (NWS) tornado warnings with respect to radar-observable quantities and the near-storm environment. In this work, three full years (2016–18) of NWS tornado warnings across the contiguous United States were examined, in conjunction with supporting data in the few minutes preceding warning issuance, or tornado formation in the case of missed events. The investigation herein examines WSR-88D and Storm Prediction Center (SPC) mesoanalysis data associated with these tornado warnings with comparisons made to the current Warning Decision Training Division (WDTD) guidance. Combining low-level rotational velocity and the significant tornado parameter (STP), as used in prior work, shows promise as a means to estimate tornado warning performance, as well as relative changes in performance as criteria thresholds vary. For example, low-level rotational velocity peaking in excess of 30 kt (15 m s−1), in a near-storm environment, which is not prohibitive for tornadoes (STP > 0), results in an increased probability of detection and reduced false alarms compared to observed NWS tornado warning metrics. Tornado warning false alarms can also be reduced through limiting warnings with weak (<30 kt), broad (>1 n mi; 1 n mi = 1.852 km) circulations in a poor (STP = 0) environment, careful elimination of velocity data artifacts like sidelobe contamination, and through greater scrutiny of human-based tornado reports in otherwise questionable scenarios.
An Analysis of Strategies for Teaching and Assessing Standards-Based Assessment Design to Preservice Teachers
Authors: Drost Bryan R. , Levine Anita C.
Published: September 2021

Research consistently shows that solid assessment designs lead to better student learning outcomes. The development of well-designed assessments presents a challenge to preservice teachers in their attempts to master the process and to the teacher educators who instruct them. This exploratory study examined strategies for teaching assessment design utilized by 87 teacher educators in the United States. Analysis of the results showed that expository, collaborative, and hands-on approaches were used, with assessment approaches aligning to structured or unstructured approaches. Data also revealed that the participants tended to focus more on the vocabulary related to assessments rather than the strategies for design.