bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of genetic variants for birth weight on fetal growth and placental haemodynamics
Authors: Vermeulen Marijn J , Gaillard Romy , Miliku Kozeta , Reiss Irwin , Steegers Eric A P , Jaddoe Vincent , Felix Janine
Published: October 2019

Objective

To determine the combined effect of 60 genetic variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs), previously identified as being associated with birth weight, on fetal growth and placental haemodynamics throughout pregnancy.

Design

Prospective birth cohort (Generation R Study).

Setting

General multiethnic population.

Participants

5374 singleton liveborn children with genome-wide association arrays and fetal growth data.

Methods

Longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses of a genetic score of the total number of birth weight–increasing alleles across the 59 available SNPs and repeated fetal growth and haemodynamic measures.

Main outcome measures

SD scores (SDS) of fetal weight, (femur) length, head circumference, umbilical artery pulsatility index, uterine artery mean resistance index and placental weight, in different periods of pregnancy until birth.

Results

In longitudinal analyses, the effect of the genetic score on the fetal growth measures increased throughout pregnancy (p<0.001). At 20 weeks of gestation, the genetic score was not associated with any of the fetal growth measures, whereas at 30 weeks it was associated with all. The strongest effects were observed at birth: per SD increase in genetic score, birth weight increased by 0.15 SDS (95% confidence interval: 0.13 to 0.18), birth length by 0.12 SDS (0.08 to 0.19) and head circumference by 0.08 SDS (0.05 to 0.12). The genetic score was not associated with placental haemodynamics, but was associated with a 14 g (10 to 18) increase in placental weight per SDS increase in genetic score.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that genetic variants related to birth weight exert their combined effect on fetal growth from second half of pregnancy onwards and have no effect on placental haemodynamics.
Successful angioplasty of saphenous venous graft in-stent restenosis using rotational atherectomy
Authors: Ponangi Udaya Prashant , Baveja Sugeet
Published: October 2019

An 81-year-old, functionally independent woman with a history of bypass surgery and a previous vein graft intervention presented to us with significant angina refractory to medical management. An urgent angiogram revealed severe in-stent restenosis (ISR) in the proximal stent of the right coronary artery graft. At the same time, multiple trials to predilate the tight ISR using various-sized non-compliant and cutting balloons were unsuccessful. During the second attempt the next day, rotational atherectomy was used for plaque modification as the lesion appeared fibrocalcific angiographically. A good imaging result was obtained after final dilatation with a drug-eluting balloon, and the patient also achieved immediate angina relief. Even though rotational atherectomy is contraindicated in vein graft interventions, it can be successfully used in selected cases when routine angioplasty techniques fail.
Dichorionic pregnancy complicated by a twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Cavazza Maria Carlota , Lai Ana Catarina , Sousa Sílvia , Pina Raquel
Published: October 2019

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a serious complication typical of monochorionic pregnancies. Cases in dichorionic pregnancies have been described. The authors present a case report of a presumed TTTS in a dichorionic pregnancy followed at our institution in which the patient presented to the emergency department at 31 4/7 weeks’ gestation complaining of lack of fetal movements. Both fetuses did not show any cardiac activity. On the first twin, an oligohydramnios was present and his bladder was not visualised and, on the second twin, a polyhydramnios and an augmented bladder were visualised. Pathological findings of the fetuses were compatible with a diagnosis of TTTS and placental study confirmed the presence of a dichorionic/diamniotic placenta, with superficial vessels crossing the dividing membrane.
What is ‘global surgery’? Defining the multidisciplinary interface between surgery, anaesthesia and public health
Authors: Bath Michael , Bashford Tom , Fitzgerald J E
Published: October 2019

‘Global surgery’ is the term adopted to describe a rapidly developing multidisciplinary field aiming to provide improved and equitable surgical care across international health systems. Sitting at the interface between numerous clinical and non-clinical specialisms, it encompasses multiple aspects that surround the treatment of surgical disease and its equitable provision across health systems globally. From defining the role of, and need for, optimal surgical care through to identifying barriers and implementing improvement, global surgery has an expansive remit. Advocacy, education, research and clinical components can all involve surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and allied healthcare professionals working together with non-clinicians, including policy makers, epidemiologists and economists. Long neglected as a topic within the global and public health arenas, an increasing awareness of the extreme disparities internationally has driven greater engagement. Not necessarily restricted to specific diseases, populations or geographical regions, these disparities have led to a particular focus on surgical care in low-income and middle-income countries with the greatest burden and needs. This review considers the major factors defining the interface between surgery, anaesthesia and public health in these settings.
Study protocol to develop a patient-reported outcome measuring disability associated with unilateral vocal fold paralysis: a mixed-methods approach with the CoPE collaborative
Authors: Fernandes-Taylor Sara , Damico Smith Cara , Arroyo Natalia , Bonnet Kemberlee , Schlundt David , Wichmann Margarete , Feurer Irene , Francis David O
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures are increasingly developed with multisite, representative patient populations so that they can serve as a primary endpoint in clinical trials and longitudinal studies. Creating multisite infrastructure during PRO measure development can facilitate future comparative effectiveness trials. We describe our protocol to simultaneously develop a PRO measure and create a collaborative of tertiary care centres to address the needs of patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). We describe the stakeholder engagement, information technology and regulatory foundations for PRO measure development and how the process enables plans for multisite trials comparing treatments for this largely iatrogenic condition.

Methods and analysis

The study has three phases: systematic review, measure development and measure validation. Systematic reviews and qualitative interviews (n=75) will inform the development of a conceptual framework. Qualitative interviews with patients with UVFP will characterise the lived experience of the condition. Candidate PRO measure items will be derivedverbatimfrom patient interviews and refined using cognitive interviews and expert input. The PRO measure will be administered to a large, multisite cohort of adult patients with UVFP via the CoPE (vocalCordParalysisExperience) Collaborative. We will establish CoPE to facilitate measure development and to create preliminary infrastructure for future trials, including online data capture, stakeholder engagement, and the identification of barriers and facilitators to participation. Classical test theory psychometrics and grounded theory characterise our approach, and validation includes assessment of latent structure, reliability and validity.

Ethics and dissemination

Our study is approved by the University of Wisconsin Health Sciences Institutional Review Board. Findings from this project will be published in open-access journals and presented at international conferences. Subsequent use of the PRO measure will include comparative effectiveness trials of treatments for UVFP at CoPE Collaborative sites.
Phase-out of smallpox vaccination and the female/male HIV-1 prevalence ratio: an ecological study from Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Rieckmann Andreas , Villumsen Marie , Hønge Bo Langhoff , Sørup Signe , Rodrigues Amabelia , da Silva Zacarias Jose , Whittle Hilton , Benn Christine , Aaby Peter
Published: October 2019

Objective

In Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, we observed that having a smallpox vaccination scar was associated with lower HIV-1 prevalence, more strongly for women than men. If this represents a causal effect, the female/male HIV-1 prevalence ratio would increase for birth cohorts no longer receiving smallpox vaccination due to the phase-out of this vaccine.

Design

An ecological design using HIV surveys and information about smallpox vaccination coverage.

Setting

Urban and rural Guinea-Bissau.

Participants

Participants in HIV surveys were grouped into an age group with decreasing smallpox vaccination coverage (15–34 years) and an age group with steady smallpox vaccination coverage (≥35 years).

Interventions

The exposure of interest was the phase-out of the smallpox vaccine in Guinea-Bissau.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

HIV-1 prevalence.

Results

At both sites, the female/male HIV-1 prevalence ratio increased by calendar time for the age group with decreasing smallpox vaccination coverage; the combined female/male HIV-1 prevalence ratio among people aged 15–34 years was 1.00 (95% CI 0.17 to 5.99) in 1987–1990, 1.16 (95% CI 0.69 to 1.93) in 1996–1997, 2.32 (95% CI 1.51 to 3.56) in 2006–2007 (p value for no trend=0.04). There was no increase in the female-to-male HIV-1 prevalence ratio for the age group >35 years with steady smallpox vaccination coverage; 1.93 (95% CI 0.40 to 9.25) in 1987–1990, 1.32 (95% CI 0.83 to 2.10) in 1996–1997, 0.81 (95% CI 0.56 to 1.16) in 2006–2007 (p value for no trend=0.07).

Conclusions

Thus, data was compatible with the deduction that the phase-out of smallpox vaccination may have increased the susceptibility to HIV-1 relatively more for women than men. Hence, phasing out smallpox vaccination may have contributed to the global increase in the female/male HIV-1 prevalence ratio among young individuals. Due to the potential fallacies of ecological studies, the results should be interpreted carefully, and this hypothesis needs further assessment. If the hypothesis is true, studies of smallpox vaccination could inform HIV-1 vaccine research.
An investigation into the impact and implications of published papers from retracted research: systematic search of affected literature
Authors: Avenell Alison , Stewart Fiona , Grey Andrew , Gamble Greg , Bolland Mark
Published: October 2019

Objective

Analyses of the impact of a body of clinical trial reports subject to research misconduct have been few. Our objective was to examine the impact on clinically relevant research of a group of researchers’ trial reports (‘affected trial reports’) affected by research misconduct, and whether identification of misconduct invoked a reappraisal.

Design

In 2016, we used five databases and search engines to identify ‘citing publications’, that is, guidelines, systematic and other reviews, and clinical trials citing any of 12 affected trial reports, published 1998–2011, eventually retracted for research misconduct. The affected trial reports were assessed more likely to have had impact because they had hip fracture outcomes and were in journals with impact factor >4. Two authors assessed whether findings of the citing publications would change if the affected trial reports were removed. In 2018, we searched for evidence that the citing publications had undertaken a reassessment as a result of the potential influence of the affected trial reports.

Results

By 2016 the affected trial reports were cited in 1158 publications, including 68 systematic reviews, meta-analyses, narrative reviews, guidelines and clinical trials. We judged that 13 guidelines, systematic or other reviews would likely change their findings if the affected trial reports were removed, and in another eight it was unclear if findings would change. By 2018, only one of the 68 citing publications, a systematic review, appeared to have undertaken a reassessment, which led to a correction.

Conclusions

We found evidence that this group of affected trial reports distorted the evidence base. Correction of these distortions is slow, uncoordinated and inconsistent. Unless there is a rapid, systematic, coordinated approach by bibliographic databases, authors, journals and publishers to mitigate the impact of known cases of research misconduct, patients, other researchers and their funders may continue to be adversely affected.
Prevalence of organ failure and mortality among patients in the emergency department: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Pedersen Peter Bank , Henriksen Daniel Pilsgaard , Brabrand Mikkel , Lassen Annmarie Touborg
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The aim was to describe population-based incidence and emergency department-based prevalence and 1-year all-cause mortality of patients with new organ failure present at arrival.

Design

This was a population-based cohort study of all citizens in four municipalities (population of 230 000 adults).

Setting

Emergency department at Odense University Hospital, Denmark.

Participants

We included all adult patients who arrived from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2015.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Organ failure was defined as a modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score≥2 within six possible organ systems: cerebral, circulatory, renal, respiratory, hepatic and coagulation.

The primary outcome was prevalence of organ failure, and secondary outcomes were 0–7 days, 8–30 days and 31–365 days all-cause mortality.

Results

We identified in total 175 278 contacts, of which 70 399 contacts were further evaluated for organ failure. Fifty-two per cent of these were women, median age 62 (IQR 42–77) years. The incidence of new organ failure was 1342/100 000 person-years, corresponding to 5.2% of all emergency department contacts.

The 0–7-day, 8–30-day and 31–365-day mortality was 11.0% (95% CI: 10.2% to 11.8%), 5.6% (95% CI: 5.1% to 6.2%) and 13.2% (95% CI: 12.3% to 14.1%), respectively, if the patient had one or more new organ failures at first contact in the observation period, compared with 1.4% (95% CI: 1.3% to 1.6%), 1.2% (95% CI: 1.1% to 1.3%) and 5.2% (95% CI: 5.0% to 5.4%) for patients without. Seven-day mortality ranged from hepatic failure, 6.5% (95% CI: 4.9% to 8.6%), to cerebral failure, 33.8% (95% CI: 31.0% to 36.8%), the 8–30-day mortality ranged from cerebral failure, 3.9% (95% CI: 2.8% to 5.3%), to hepatic failure, 8.6% (95% CI: 6.6% to 10.8%) and 31–365-day mortality ranged from cerebral failure, 9.3% (95% CI: 7.6% to 11.2%), to renal failure, 18.2% (95% CI: 15.5% to 21.1%).

Conclusions

The study revealed an incidence of new organ failure at 1342/100 000 person-years and a prevalence of 5.2% of all emergency department contacts. One-year all-cause mortality was 29.8% among organ failure patients.
Patient-reported reasons for delay in diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration: a national survey
Authors: Parfitt Alice , Boxell Emily , Amoaku Winfried M , Bradley Clare
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To investigate whether people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are able to self-detect symptoms and, if so, what symptoms they experience, from whom they first seek help, whether help is sought within the 1 week recommended by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ guidelines and reasons for any delay.

Methods and analysis

A retrospective, cross-sectional survey design. Postal surveys were sent to 4000 members of the UK Macular Society. Inclusion criteria were participants aged >50 years at diagnosis of AMD with diagnosis after August 2008; criteria were met by 621 respondents. The main outcome was reasons for delays in diagnosis for wet AMD. Data were analysed using χ2and conventional content analysis.

Results

Only one third (n=199; 32%) of respondents were able to self-detect symptoms. In line with national guidance, over half (n=131; 64%) of those self-detecting symptoms sought help promptly. For those whose initial diagnosis was delayed more than 1 week, 27% had potentially treatable wet AMD requiring urgent treatment to prevent vision loss. Reasons for delay reflected individual & service-related issues, including AMD not being detected in the initial consultation, and individuals not perceiving the urgency for symptom investigation.

Conclusion

In practice most patients sought help within 1 week; however, potentially sight-damaging delays occurred from symptom onset to diagnosis. Suggestions for reducing delay include increasing population awareness of AMD symptoms, the need for urgent detection and close monitoring for AMD and signposting patients to appropriate support services to ensure prompt detection of any future signs of wet AMD.
Demand and capacity in an ADHD team: reducing the wait times for an ADHD assessment to 12 weeks
Authors: Roughan Laura Ann , Stafford Jamie
Published: October 2019

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural disorder characterised by the core symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. ADHD is thought to affect about 3%–9% of school-age children and young people in the UK. With increased awareness and early identification of ADHD, and the long-term impact of the condition, there is a growing demand for ADHD services for both assessment and treatment of children and young people with the condition. Demand and capacity modelling carried out in October 2017 identified the ADHD pathway team in City and Hackney Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) were working at 127% utilisation, indicating a mismatch between capacity and demand. A quality improvement (QI) project was implemented to improve efficiency and effectiveness of processes within the team and to support the increasing demand within the limited capacity and resource. The aim of the project was to reduce the average length of time from initial referral to CAMHS to ‘ADHD assessment feedback’ to 12 weeks by September 2018, which is in line with trust-level targets. The team followed the model for improvement and guidance from East London Foundation Trust (ELFT) QI Microsite to structure the project. They used a variety of tools to develop a theory of change, and used Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to test change ideas. Overall wait times have reduced from 28 weeks to below our target of 12 weeks. Data examining the entry point to the ADHD pathway to completion of the ADHD assessment and feedback reduced from an average of 87 days, to an average of 18 days.The diagnostic rate has increased from 62% to 78% (due to more appropriate screening and referrals). The QI approach was systematic and supported the development of more efficient systems; reducing wait times and increasing capacity to manage the demand. Team engagement in ‘change’, by embedding QI into fortnightly team meetings, has resulted in collective ownership and responsibility across team members. A monitoring system is supporting the sustainability and maintenance of improvement.
Factors associated with inappropriate use of emergency departments: findings from a cross-sectional national study in France
Authors: Naouri Diane , Ranchon Guillaume , Vuagnat Albert , Schmidt Jeannot , El Khoury Carlos , Yordanov Youri
Published: October 2019

Background

Inappropriate visits to emergency departments (EDs) could represent from 20% to 40% of all visits. Inappropriate use is a burden on healthcare costs and increases the risk of ED overcrowding. The aim of this study was to explore socioeconomic and geographical determinants of inappropriate ED use in France.

Method

The French Emergency Survey was a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted on June 11 2013, simultaneously in all EDs in France and covered characteristics of patients, EDs and counties. The survey included 48 711 patient questionnaires and 734 ED questionnaires. We focused on adult patients (≥15 years old). The appropriateness of the ED visit was assessed by three measures: caring physician appreciation of appropriateness (numeric scale), caring physician appreciation of whether or not the patient could have been managed by a general practitioner and ED resource utilisation. Descriptive statistics and multilevel logistic regression were used to examine determinants of inappropriate ED use, estimating adjusted ORs and 95% CIs.

Results

Among the 29 407 patients in our sample, depending on the measuring method, 13.5% to 27.4% ED visits were considered inappropriate. Regardless of the measure method used, likelihood of inappropriate use decreased with older age and distance from home to the ED >10 km. Not having a private supplementary health insurance, having universal supplementary health coverage and symptoms being several days old increased the likelihood of inappropriate use. Likelihood of inappropriate use was not associated with county medical density.

Conclusion

Inappropriate ED use appeared associated with socioeconomic vulnerability (such as not having supplementary health coverage or having universal coverage) but not with geographical characteristics. It makes us question the appropriateness of the concept of inappropriate ED use as it does not consider the distress experienced by the patient, and segments of society seem to have few other choices to access healthcare than the ED.
Physical preparation and return to sport of the football player with a tibia-fibula fracture: applying the ‘control-chaos continuum’
Authors: Taberner Matt , van Dyk Nicol , Allen Tom , Richter Chris , Howarth Carl , Scott Simon , Cohen Daniel D
Published: October 2019

Contact in elite football can result in severe injury such as traumatic fracture. Limited information exists regarding the rehabilitation and return to sport (RTS) of these injuries especially in elite football. We outline the RTS of an elite English Premier League footballer following a tibia-fibula fracture including gym-based physical preparation and the use of ‘control-chaos continuum’ as a framework for on-pitch sport-specific conditioning, development of technical skills while returning the player to pre-injury chronic running loads considering the qualitative nature of movement in competition. Strength and power diagnostics were used to back up clinical reasoning and decision-making throughout rehabilitation and the RTS process. The player returned to full team training after 7.5 months, completed 90 min match-play after 9 months and remains injury-free 11 months post-RTS.
Effects of simulation for gynaecological ultrasound scan training: a systematic review
Authors: Woodhead Natalie Jane , Mahmud Ayesha , Clark Justin
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Simulation is a potentially promising solution to some of the challenges in delivering ultrasound training, and in the last decade, research in simulation-based education has rapidly expanded. There have been no prior focused systematic reviews on the effects of simulation on gynaecological ultrasound scan training. The aim of this review was to summarise and critically appraise the available evidence.

Methods

Medline, EMBASE, CINHAL, BNI, PubMed, ERIC, Cochrane Library and ISRCTN Register of Clinical Trials were searched using selected terminology. No language restrictions were applied. The selection criteria were studies of all types that investigated the use of a simulator to teach gynaecological ultrasound. Data evaluating study outcomes, along with methodological details, were extracted in duplicate. The outcomes were classified according to the Kirkpatrick hierarchy and included: patient-related outcomes, such as discomfort; organisational efficiency outcomes, such as examination times; and trainee-related outcomes, such as competence, skill and confidence.

Results

Fourteen studies with 573 participants were included: seven randomised controlled trials, three controlled observational studies and four uncontrolled observational studies. The use of simulation practice in gynaecological ultrasound in addition to standard approaches for teaching is associated with significant improvements in competence, skill and confidence of trainees and reduced patient discomfort, increased perceived patient safety and enhanced confidence in the trainee.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that simulation in the early stages of training in gynaecological ultrasound is beneficial for the trainee, patients and has organisational benefits through reduced examinations times and need for supervision. Future research needs to confirm these findings in the different settings.
Hair arsenic level in rice‐based diet‐fed Staffordshire bull terriers
Authors: Rosendahl Sarah , Anturaniemi Johanna , Hielm‐Björkman Anna
Published: October 2019

Background

There have been concerns related to inorganic arsenic (iAs) in rice and the risk of chronic toxicity in human beings, especially children. Rice is a common constituent of pet food, and dogs often eat the same food on a continual daily basis for long periods of time. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the risk of chronic iAs exposure in rice‐based diet‐fed dogs.

Methods

Hair iAs level was measured in seven rice‐based diet‐fed dogs (mean age 3.8 years) and in nine dogs that did not consume any rice (mean age 4.4 years), using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results

The hair iAs level was significantly higher (P=0.005) in dogs fed a rice‐based diet (mean 0.143 µg/g) than in dogs that did not consume any rice (mean 0.086 µg/g), while age and sex did not show associations with hair iAs level.

Conclusion

The results suggest that eating a rice‐based diet for long periods of time represents a risk for chronic iAs exposure in dogs.
Protective effects of olmesartan and l-carnitine on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats
Authors: Aziz Malek M. , Abd El Fattah Mai A. , Ahmed Kawkab A. , Sayed Helmy M.
Published: October 2019

Doxorubicin (DOX), an anthracycline antibiotic, is an important antineoplastic agent due to its high antitumor efficacy in hematological as well as in solid malignancies. The clinical use of DOX is limited due to its cardiotoxic effects. The present study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of olmesartan (Olm), l-carnitine (L-CA), and their combination in cardiotoxicity induced by DOX in rats. Male albino rats were randomly divided into seven experimental groups (n = 8): group I: normal control, group II: L-CA, group III: Olm, group IV: DOX. The other three groups were treated with Olm (10 mg/kg), L-CA (300 mg/kg), and their combination for 2 weeks after induction of cardiotoxicity by a single dose of DOX (20 mg/kg). In the results, DOX showed a significant elevation in serum troponin I, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) together with increased inflammation manifested by the rise of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), intercellular adhesion molecules-1 (ICAM-1), interleukin IL-1β (IL-1β), myeloperoxidase (MPO), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in cardiac tissues as well as DOX-induced oxidative stress by increasing in malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreasing in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) in heart tissues. In addition, caspase-3 activity was boosted as indication of increased apoptosis. On the other hand, administration of L-CA and Olm attenuated the DOX-evoked disturbances in the abovementioned parameters. In addition, DOX exhibited echocardiographic changes and severe histopathological changes, which were significantly reversed by L-CA and Olm treatment. In conclusion, the present study data confirm the protective role of L-CA and Olm in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, which may be related to its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antiapoptotic agents.
Controlling a quantum system via its boundary conditions
Authors: Duffin Christian , Dijkstra Arend G.
Published: October 2019

We numerically study a particle in a box with moving walls. In the case where the walls are oscillating sinusoidally with a small amplitude, we show that states up to the fourth state can be populated with more than 80 percent population, while higher lying states can also be selectively excited. This work introduces a way of controlling quantum systems which does not rely on (dipole) selection rules.

Graphical abstract
Stability diagrams for a memristor oscillator
Authors: Gallas Jason A. C.
Published: October 2019

The simplest chaotic circuit containing a memristor involves a capacitor C, an inductor L, and two parameters, α and β, characterizing the memristor. Chaos was observed experimentally for three combinations of these parameters. Here, we report high resolution stability diagrams displaying an abundance of tunable ranges of periodic and chaotic self-oscillations for this circuit, in all six possible control planes. We predict dynamically rich and intricate sequences of oscillations that are experimentally accessible in the system.
The magnetization and magnetic susceptibility of GaAs Gaussian quantum dot with donor impurity in a magnetic field
Authors: Elsaid Mohammad , Ali Mohamoud , Shaer Ayham
Published: October 2019

We present a theoretical study to investigate the effect of donor impurity on the magnetization (M) and the magnetic susceptibility [Formula: see text] of single electron quantum dot (QD) with Gaussian confinement in the presence of a magnetic field. We solve the Hamiltonian of this system, including the spin, by using the exact diagonalization method. The ground state binding energy (BE) of an electron has been shown as a function of QD radius and confinement potential depth. The behaviors of the magnetization and the magnetic susceptibility of a QD have been studied as a function of temperature, confinement potential depth, quantum radius and magnetic field. We have shown the effect of donor impurity on the magnetization and magnetic susceptibility curves of Gaussian quantum dot (GQD).
Efficiency Optimization of Capsule Network Model Based on Vector Element
Authors: Zhou Lijuan , Feng Kai , Li Hui , Zhang Shudong , Huang Xiangyang
Published: October 2019

Currently, Deep Learning and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) have been widely used in many fields and have generated very high value in these fields, especially in the field of image recognition. But there are some deficiencies in certain issues of image recognition. For example, CNN’s recognizing performance is not good at different angles of objects and overlapping objects. Also, CNN is sometimes very sensitive to slight perturbations, modifying one pixel of a recognized image may cause recognition errors. For these problems, the capsule network (CapsNet) proposed by Geoffrey Hinton can solve the problems of traditional convolutional networks. Shortly after CapsNet was proposed, the model structure was relatively simple, and many aspects could be explored for improvement. This paper will optimize CapsNet from two aspects: “optimization of routing mechanism” and “increase Dropout operation.” And carry out experiments and results analysis on these optimizations.
On proper strong Property (𝒜) for rings and modules
Authors: Ait Ouahi A. , Bouchiba S. , El-Arabi M.
Published: October 2019

The main purpose of this paper is to introduce and investigate a new class of rings lying properly between the class of [Formula: see text]-rings and the class of [Formula: see text]-rings. The new class of rings, termed the class of [Formula: see text]-rings, turns out to share common characteristics with both [Formula: see text]-rings and [Formula: see text]-rings. Numerous properties and characterizations of this class are given as well as the module-theoretic version of [Formula: see text]-rings is introduced and studied.
The Role of Platform Architecture Characteristics in Flexible Decision-Making
Authors: Yoeruer Haluk
Published: October 2019

The platform-based product development strategy is well-known as an efficient development methodology for high variety products in many industries. The development of a physical platform prior to the development of platform-based products receives more and more importance in industrial practice and academic research. Through the upstream development of the product platform there can be a significant time delay between the planning of a platform and the development of the final platform-based product. This time delay is even more reinforced by the fact that product platforms have a longer usage time than a single product. During this time, market dynamics can negatively affect the decisions which are made in the upstream product platform development project. Flexible decision-making within platform development projects will be therefore a key challenge to develop a successful product platform in a dynamic market environment. The influence of the different platform architecture characteristics, being one of the most crucial decisions within a platform project, is evaluated in this paper, regarding flexible decision-making. In total, five key characteristics of platform architectures are identified from literature and described. The “degree of module and component reuse” which specifies closed and open platforms, the “degree of modularization versus integration” which specifies the main function structure of the platform, the “degree of scalability” which describes the potential for scaling main functions, the “degree of commonality” which from top-down specifies the common unchanged parts across all product variants within the product family, and “the share of platform modules developed within a platform project”. Based on the case study analysis of well-known and often cited platform development publications, this study shows that a significant number of platform development decisions are affected by the different characteristics of platform architectures, in terms of flexible decision-making. Based on the findings, this paper provides a new perspective to introduce development flexibility in platform projects by using the distinct characteristics of platform architectures which support flexible decision-making.
The white marbles of Brasília, a World Heritage site and capital of Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Frascá Maria Heloisa Barros , Neves Risale , Castro Nuria Fernández
Published: October 2019

Created in the central and western part of Brazil to be the new capital of the country, Brasília is a definitive example of modernist twentieth-century urbanism and was named a Cultural Heritage Property by UNESCO in 1987. It was built in just four years (1956–60), following a design by urbanist Lúcio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer. However, despite the worldwide recognition of the architectural value of the buildings, the extensive use of white marbles as cladding is scarcely mentioned in the literature. Surveys conducted in this work indicate that the majority of the marble was sourced primarily from the Italva region (Rio de Janeiro), and probably, in minor quantities, from Cachoeiro de Itapemirim region (Espírito Santo). Available technological data for rocks from those regions revealed their suitable engineering properties as natural stone. Currently, although most of the slabs still remain on the buildings, the preservation of this world cultural heritage is urgent, as pointed out by UNESCO. For this purpose, the potential designation under the name the Brasília white marbles as a Global Heritage Stone Resource would be very beneficial, encouraging the availability of these natural stones for conservation and restoration.
E-cigarette use increases susceptibility to bacterial infection by impairment of human neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and NET formation
Authors: Corriden Ross , Moshensky Alexander , Bojanowski Christine M. , Meier Angela , Chien Jason , Nelson Ryan K. , Crotty Alexander Laura E.
Published: October 2019

E-cigarettes are portrayed as safer relative to conventional tobacco. However, burgeoning evidence suggests that E-cigarettes may adversely affect host defenses. However, the precise mechanisms by which E-cigarette vapor alters innate immune cell function have not been fully elucidated. We determined the effects of E-cigarette exposure on the function and responses to infectious challenge of the most abundant innate immune cell, the neutrophil, using isolated human neutrophils and a mouse model of gram-negative infection. Our results revealed that human neutrophils exposed to E-cigarette vapor had 4.2-fold reductions in chemotaxis toward the bacterial cell-well component f-Met-Leu-Phe ( P < 0.001). F-actin polarization and membrane fluidity were also adversely affected by E-cigarette vapor exposure. E-cigarette-exposed human neutrophils exhibited a 48% reduction in production of reactive oxygen species (ROS; P < 0.001). Given the central role of ROS in neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) production, NET production was quantified, and E-cigarette vapor exposure was found to reduce NETosis by 3.5-fold ( P < 0.01); formulations with and without nicotine containing propylene glycol exhibiting significant suppressive effects. However, noncanonical NETosis was unaffected. In addition, exposure to E-cigarette vapor lowered the rate of phagocytosis of bacterial bioparticles by 47% ( P < 0.05). In our physiological mouse model of chronic E-cigarette exposure and sepsis, E-cigarette vapor inhalation led to reduced neutrophil migration in infected spaces and a higher burden of Pseudomonas. These findings provide evidence that E-cigarette use adversely impacts the innate immune system and may place E-cigarette users at higher risk for dysregulated inflammatory responses and invasive bacterial infections.
Identification and characterization of the Atlantic salmon peptide transporter 1a
Authors: Gomes Ana S. , Vacca Francesca , Cinquetti Raffaella , Murashita Koji , Barca Amilcare , Bossi Elena , Rønnestad Ivar , Verri Tiziano
Published: October 2019

Peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) mediates the uptake of dietary di-/tripeptides in vertebrates. However, in teleost fish gut, more than one PepT1-type transporter might operate, because of teleost-specific whole gen(om)e duplication event(s) that occurred during evolution. Here, we describe a novel teleost di-/tripeptide transporter, i.e., the Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar) peptide transporter 1a [PepT1a; or solute carrier family 15 member 1a (Slc15a1a)], which is a paralog (77% similarity and 64% identity at the amino acid level) of the well-described Atlantic salmon peptide transporter 1b [PepT1b, alias PepT1; or solute carrier family 15 member 1b (Slc15a1b)]. Comparative analysis and evolutionary relationships of gene/protein sequences were conducted after ad hoc database mining. Tissue mRNA expression analysis was performed by quantitative real-time PCR, whereas transport function analysis was accomplished by heterologous expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes and two-electrode voltage-clamp measurements. Atlantic salmon pept1a is highly expressed in the proximal intestine (pyloric ceca ≈ anterior midgut > midgut >> posterior midgut), in the same gut regions as pept1b but notably ~5-fold less abundant. Like PepT1b, Atlantic salmon PepT1a is a low‐affinity/high‐capacity system. Functional analysis showed electrogenic, Na+-independent/pH-dependent transport and apparent substrate affinity ( K0.5) values for Gly-Gln of 1.593 mmol/L at pH 7.6 and 0.076 mmol/L at pH 6.5. In summary, we show that a piscine PepT1a-type transporter is functional. Defining the role of Atlantic salmon PepT1a in the gut will help to understand the evolutionary and functional relationships among peptide transporters. Its functional characterization will contribute to elucidate the relevance of peptide transporters in Atlantic salmon nutritional physiology.
Heme oxygenase-1 dampens the macrophage sterile inflammasome response and regulates its components in the hypoxic lung
Authors: Vitali Sally H. , Fernandez-Gonzalez Angeles , Nadkarni Janhavi , Kwong April , Rose Chase , Mitsialis S. Alex , Kourembanas Stella
Published: October 2019

Exposure to hypoxia causes an inflammatory reaction in the mouse lung, and this response can be modulated by overexpressing the hypoxia-inducible stress-response enzyme, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). We hypothesized that the inflammasome activity may be a central pathway by which HO-1 controls pulmonary inflammation following alveolar hypoxia. Therefore, we investigated whether HO-1 controls inflammasome activation by altering its expression in macrophages primed with classic NOD-like receptor containing a pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inducers, and in murine lungs lacking HO-1 and exposed to acute hypoxia. We found that lack of HO-1 activated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and ATP-treated bone marrow-derived macrophages, causing an increase in secreted levels of cleaved interleukin (IL)-1B, IL-18, and caspase-1, markers of increased inflammasome activity, whereas HO-1 overexpression suppressed IL-1B, NLRP3, and IL-18. The production of cleaved IL-1B and the activation of caspase-1 in LPS- and ATP-primed macrophages were inhibited by hemin, an HO-1 inducer, and two HO-1 enzymatic products [bilirubin and carbon monoxide (CO)]. Exposure of mice to hypoxia induced the expression of several inflammasome mRNA components (IL-1B, Nlrp3, and caspase-1), and this was further augmented by HO-1 deficiency. This pronounced inflammasome activation was detected as increased protein levels of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a COOH-terminal caspase recruitment domain, IL-18, procaspase-1, and cleaved caspase-1 in the lungs of hypoxic mice. Systemically, Hmox1-deficient mice showed increased basal levels of IL-18 that were further increased after 48 h of hypoxic exposure. Taken together, these finding point to a pivotal role for HO-1 in the control of baseline and hypoxic inflammasome signaling, perhaps through the antioxidant properties of bilirubin and CO’s pleiotropic effects.
Role of TRP channels in Gq-coupled protease-activated receptor 1-mediated activation of mouse nodose pulmonary C-fibers
Authors: Sun Hui , Meeker Sonya , Undem Bradley J.
Published: October 2019

We evaluated the mechanisms underlying protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1)-mediated activation of nodose C-fibers in mouse lungs. The PAR1-induced action potential discharge at the terminals was strongly inhibited in phospholipase C-β3 (PLCβ3)-deficient animals. At the level of the cell soma, PAR1 activation led to an increase in cytosolic calcium that was largely inhibited by transient receptor potential (TRP) A1 antagonism. Patch-clamp recordings, however, revealed that neither TRPA1 nor TRPV1 or any other ruthenium red-sensitive ion channels are required for the PAR1-mediated inward current or membrane depolarization in isolated nodose neurons. Consistent with these findings, PAR1-mediated action potential discharge in mouse lung nodose C-fiber terminals was unaltered in Trpa1/ Trpv1 double-knockout animals and Trpc3/ Trpc6 double-knockout animals. The activation of the C-fibers was also not inhibited by ruthenium red at concentrations that blocked TRPV1- and TRPA1-dependent responses. The biophysical data show that PAR1/Gq-mediated activation of nodose C-fibers may involve multiple ion channels downstream from PLCβ3 activation. TRPA1 is an ion channel that participates in PAR1/Gq-mediated elevation in intracellular calcium. There is little evidence, however, that TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPC3, TRPC6, or other ruthenium red-sensitive TRP channels are required for PAR1/Gq-PLCβ3-mediated membrane depolarization and action potential discharge in bronchopulmonary nodose C-fibers in the mouse.
Pitch of harmonic complex tones: rate and temporal coding of envelope repetition rate in inferior colliculus of unanesthetized rabbits
Authors: Su Yaqing , Delgutte Bertrand
Published: October 2019

Harmonic complex tones (HCTs) found in speech, music, and animal vocalizations evoke strong pitch percepts at their fundamental frequencies. The strongest pitches are produced by HCTs that contain harmonics resolved by cochlear frequency analysis, but HCTs containing solely unresolved harmonics also evoke a weaker pitch at their envelope repetition rate (ERR). In the auditory periphery, neurons phase lock to the stimulus envelope, but this temporal representation of ERR degrades and gives way to rate codes along the ascending auditory pathway. To assess the role of the inferior colliculus (IC) in such transformations, we recorded IC neuron responses to HCT and sinusoidally modulated broadband noise (SAMN) with varying ERR from unanesthetized rabbits. Different interharmonic phase relationships of HCT were used to manipulate the temporal envelope without changing the power spectrum. Many IC neurons demonstrated band-pass rate tuning to ERR between 60 and 1,600 Hz for HCT and between 40 and 500 Hz for SAMN. The tuning was not related to the pure-tone best frequency of neurons but was dependent on the shape of the stimulus envelope, indicating a temporal rather than spectral origin. A phenomenological model suggests that the tuning may arise from peripheral temporal response patterns via synaptic inhibition. We also characterized temporal coding to ERR. Some IC neurons could phase lock to the stimulus envelope up to 900 Hz for either HCT or SAMN, but phase locking was weaker with SAMN. Together, the rate code and the temporal code represent a wide range of ERR, providing strong cues for the pitch of unresolved harmonics.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Envelope repetition rate (ERR) provides crucial cues for pitch perception of frequency components that are not individually resolved by the cochlea, but the neural representation of ERR for stimuli containing many harmonics is poorly characterized. Here we show that the pitch of stimuli with unresolved harmonics is represented by both a rate code and a temporal code for ERR in auditory midbrain neurons and propose possible underlying neural mechanisms with a computational model.
Enhanced p62-NRF2 Feedback Loop due to Impaired Autophagic Flux Contributes to Arsenic-Induced Malignant Transformation of Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Wu Xiafang , Sun Ru , Wang Huihui , Yang Bei , Wang Fang , Xu Hongtao , Chen Shimin , Zhao Rui , Pi Jingbo , Xu Yuanyuan
Published: October 2019

Chronic exposure to arsenic induces a variety of cancers, particularly in the skin. Autophagy is a highly conserved process which plays a dual role in tumorigenesis. In the present study, we found that chronic exposure to an environmentally relevant dose of arsenite induced malignant transformation of human keratinocytes (HaCaT) with dysregulated autophagy as indicated by an increased number of autophagosomes, activation of mTORC1 pathway, and elevated protein levels of p62 and LC3II. Meanwhile, arsenite-transformed cells showed lower intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species compared with control. Silencing p62 ameliorated elevation in mRNA levels of NRF2 downstream genes (AKR1C1 and NQO1) and malignant phenotypes (acquired invasiveness and anchor-independent growth) induced by chronic arsenite exposure. On the other hand, silencing NRF2 abrogated the increase in mRNA and protein levels of p62 and malignant phenotypes induced by arsenite. In response to acute arsenite exposure, impaired autophagic flux with an increase in p62 protein level and interrupted autophagosome-lysosome fusion was observed. The increase in p62 protein levels in response to arsenite was not completely dependent on NRF2 activation and at least partially attributed to protein degradation. Our data indicate that accumulation of p62 by impaired autophagic flux is involved in the activation of NRF2 and contributes to skin tumorigenesis due to chronic arsenite exposure.