bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Focal cooling of brain parenchyma in a transient large vessel occlusion model: proof-of-concept
Authors: Caroff Jildaz , King Robert M , Mitchell Jennifer E , Marosfoi Miklos , Licwinko Joseph R , Gray-Edwards Heather L , Puri Ajit S , Merrill Thomas L , Gounis Matthew J
Published: July 2019

Introduction

The neuroprotective benefit of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has been demonstrated, but systemic side effects and time required to achieve effective TH in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) care limits clinical use. We investigate rapid and localized cooling using a novel insulated catheter in an ischemia-reperfusion model.

Methods

In phase I (n=4), cold saline was delivered to the canine internal carotid artery via an insulated catheter. Temperature was measured using intracerebral thermocouples. The coolant flow rate was varied to meet a target temperature of 31–32°C in the hemisphere infused. In phase II (n=8), a temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion was created. Five dogs underwent localized TH at the optimal flow rate from phase I, and the remaining animals were untreated controls. Cooling was initiated 5 min before recanalization and continued for an additional 20 min following 45 min of occlusion duration. The outcome was infarct volume and neurological function.

Results

Ipsilateral tissue cooling rates were 2.2±2.5°C/min at a flow rate of 20–40 mL/min with an observed minimum of 23.8°C. Tissue cooling was localized to the ipsilateral side of the infusion with little impact on temperatures of the core or contralateral hemisphere of the brain. In phase II, animals tolerated TH with minimal systemic impact. Infarct volume in treated animals was 0.2±0.2 cm3, which was smaller than in sham animals (3.8±1.0 cm3) as well as six untreated historical control animals (4.0±2.8 cm3) (p=0.013).

Conclusions

Proof-of-concept data show that localised brain TH can be quickly and safely achieved through a novel insulated catheter. The small infarct volumes suggest potential benefit for this approach.
Inconsistency in aortic stenosis severity between CT and echocardiography: prevalence and insights into mechanistic differences using computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Mittal Tarun Kumar , Reichmuth Luise , Bhattacharyya Sanjeev , Jain Manish , Baltabaeva Aigul , Rahman Haley Shelley , Mirsadraee Saeed , Panoulas Vasileios , Kabir Tito , Nicol Edward David , Dalby Miles , Long Quan
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The aims of this study were to evaluate the inconsistency of aortic stenosis (AS) severity between CT aortic valve area (CT-AVA) and echocardiographic Doppler parameters, and to investigate potential underlying mechanisms using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

Methods

A total of 450 consecutive eligible patients undergoing transcatheter AV implantation assessment underwent CT cardiac angiography (CTCA) following echocardiography. CT-AVA derived by direct planimetry and echocardiographic parameters were used to assess severity. CFD simulation was performed in 46 CTCA cases to evaluate velocity profiles.

Results

A CT-AVA>1 cm2was present in 23% of patients with echocardiographic peak velocity≥4 m/s (r=−0.33) and in 15% patients with mean Doppler gradient≥40 mm Hg (r=−0.39). Patients with inconsistent severity grading between CT and echocardiography had higher stroke volume index (43 vs 38 mL/m2, p<0.003) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) flow rate (235 vs 192 cm3/s, p<0.001). CFD simulation revealed high flow, either in isolation (p=0.01), or when associated with a skewed velocity profile (p=0.007), as the main cause for inconsistency between CT and echocardiography.

Conclusion

Severe AS by Doppler criteria may be associated with a CT-AVA>1 cm2in up to a quarter of patients. CFD demonstrates that haemodynamic severity may be exaggerated on Doppler analysis due to high LVOT flow rates, with or without skewed velocity profiles, across the valve orifice. These factors should be considered before making a firm diagnosis of severe AS and evaluation with CT can be helpful.
Cardiogenic shock after ST elevation myocardial infarction and IABP-SHOCK II risk score validation in a cohort treated with pharmacoinvasive strategy
Authors: Moraes Pedro Ivo M , Alves Claudia Rodrigues , Souza Marco Tulio , Kawakami Suzi Emiko , Goncalves Jr Iran , Barbosa Adriano Henrique Pereira , Moreno Antonio Celio , Caixeta Adriano Mendes , Carvalho Antonio Carlos
Published: July 2019

Objective

To validate the Intra-aortic Balloon Pump in Cardiogenic Shock II (IABP-SHOCK II) score in patients with cardiogenic shock after ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with pharmacoinvasive strategy (PhIS) and to analyse the influence of ischaemia time on different risk strata.

Methods

We analysed 2143 patients with STEMI who underwent reperfusion with tenecteplase in primary health services between May 2010 and April 2017 and were transferred to a tertiary hospital for cardiac catheterisation and continuity of care. Those who evolved to cardiogenic shock were scored as low (0–2), moderate (3–4) or high (5–9) risk of death in 30 days and pairwise-log-rank test was used to compare strata. Time intervals between symptoms onset and lytic (pain-to-needle) and fibrinolytic-catheterisation were also compared.

Results

Cardiogenic shock occurred in 212 (9.9%) individuals. The 30-day mortality using the IABP-SHOCK II score was 26.6% for low-risk (n=94), 53.2% for moderate-risk (n=62) and 76% for high-risk (n=25) analysed patients (p<0.001). Validation of the score showed good discrimination for death, area under the curve of 0.73 (CI: 0.66 to 0.81; p<0.001). The median intervals of pain-to-needle and fibrinolytic-catheterisation showed no association with the group stratification (220 vs 251 vs 200 min; p=0.22 and 390 vs 435 vs 315 min; p=0.18, respectively).

Conclusions

In patients with cardiogenic shock after STEMI treated with PhIS, risk stratification using IABP-SHOCK II score was adequate. There was no influence of pain-to-needle and fibrinolytic-catheterisation times on the ability to the score model stratification.
Oversummer growth and survival of juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) across a natural gradient of stream water temperature and prey availability: an in situ enclosure experiment
Authors: Lusardi Robert A. , Hammock Bruce G. , Jeffres Carson A. , Dahlgren Randy A. , Kiernan Joseph D.
Published: July 2019

Conservation efforts for Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) increasingly prioritize maintenance of cool water temperatures that protect all freshwater life stages. However, development of appropriate temperature standards requires a robust understanding of the interactions among water temperature, ecosystem productivity, and fish performance. We used a series of in situ enclosures to examine how natural spatiotemporal gradients in thermal conditions and prey availability affected the summer growth and survival of age-0+ coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Coho salmon absolute growth rates peaked at a mean daily average water temperature (mean T) of 16.6 °C and an associated maximum weekly maximum temperature (MWMT) of 21.1 °C. Juvenile growth under these thermal conditions was sixfold greater than the growth rates observed for conspecifics rearing in the coolest study reach (mean T = 13.0 °C; MWMT = 16.0 °C). Even at the highest rearing temperature (mean T = 18.1 °C; MWMT = 24.0 °C), growth rates remained positive and above the study-wide average, although overall survival was reduced. Among the predictor variables examined, invertebrate prey abundance was the predominant factor influencing age-0+ coho salmon growth. These results suggest that abundant prey resources may mitigate the negative effects of elevated water temperature on fish growth in riverine environments. Given the likelihood of increasing stream temperatures with climate change, productive ecosystems may provide critical refuges for juvenile salmonids.
Host resistance and tolerance to parasitism: development-dependent fitness consequences in Common Hourglass Tree Frog (Polypedates cruciger) tadpoles exposed to two larval trematodes
Authors: Pathirana N.U.K. , Meegaskumbura M. , Rajakaruna R.S.
Published: July 2019

Tolerance and resistance to parasites are defense strategies of host organisms. Here, we tested the development-dependent tolerance and resistance of Polypedates cruciger Blyth, 1852 tadpoles to trematode infection. We exposed the tadpoles at Gosner stages 27, 28–29, and 30–31 to two types of cercariae (furcocercous and pleurolophocercous cercariae of Acanthostomum burminis (Bhalerao, 1926)) under laboratory conditions. To determine tolerance (the ability of a host to limit health effects of a given parasite load), we exposed the tadpoles until all cercariae penetrated the host. As a measure of determining resistance, we exposed tadpoles to cercariae for a limited time and counted the number of cercariae penetrating the tadpoles. The survival of tadpoles exposed at early stages was significantly lower than that of tadpoles exposed at later stages (mixed-effect model, p < 0.05), suggesting an age-dependent tolerance to parasitism. Tadpoles exposed at early stages were also smaller, took longer to metamorphosis, showed lower resistance to parasitism (ANOVA, p < 0.001), and developed axial malformations. In the resistance experiment, fewer parasites penetrated later stage tadpoles than early stage tadpoles. Tadpoles of P. cruciger showed a development-dependent tolerance and resistance to parasitism, resulting in greater survival and fewer malformations when parasitism occurs at late stages.
Coordination of a Socially Responsible Two-Stage Supply Chain Under Random Demand
Authors: Zhao Xia , Li Ning , Song Liang
Published: July 2019

This paper investigates the coordination problem of a supply chain (SC) composed of a manufacturer and a retailer both exhibiting corporate social responsibility (CSR) under generic random demand. Under a centralized decision, the unimodality of the expected profit is proven, and the expected profit of the SC is shown to be larger than that of the SC without CSR. Under a decentralized decision dominated by the manufacturer, the manufacturer determines the wholesale price and its CSR investment, and then the retailer decides the order quantity and its CSR investment. After showing that the revenue-sharing (RS) contract is not able to coordinate the SC, a modified RS (MRS) contract is proposed to coordinate the SC. At last, the numerical examples in which random demands follow normal distribution and uniform distribution are used to illustrate the validity of the theoretical analysis and the coordination effectiveness of the MRS contract.
Brieskorn submanifolds, local moves on knots, and knot products
Authors: Kauffman Louis H. , Ogasa Eiji
Published: July 2019

We first prove the following: Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be closed, oriented, [Formula: see text]-dimensional [Formula: see text]-connected, simple submanifolds of [Formula: see text]. Then [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are isotopic if and only if a Seifert matrix associated with a simple Seifert hypersurface for [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-equivalent to that for [Formula: see text]. We also discuss the [Formula: see text] case. This result implies one of our main results: Let [Formula: see text]. A 1-link [Formula: see text] is pass-equivalent to a 1-link [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-pass-equivalent to [Formula: see text]. Here, [Formula: see text] means the knot product of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] means [Formula: see text]. See the body of the paper for the definition of knot products. It also implies the other main results: We strengthen the authors’ old result that two-fold cyclic suspension commutes with the performance of the twist move for spherical [Formula: see text]-knots. See the body for the precise statement. Furthermore, it implies the following: Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be a closed oriented [Formula: see text]-submanifold of [Formula: see text]. Then [Formula: see text] is a Brieskorn submanifold if and only if [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-connected, simple and has a [Formula: see text]-Seifert matrix associated with a simple Seifert hypersurface that is [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-equivalent to a [Formula: see text]-type (see the body of the paper for a definition). We also discuss the [Formula: see text] case.
Betti numbers of toric algebras of certain bipartite graphs
Authors: Nandi Rimpa , Nanduri Ramakrishna
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we compute the graded Betti numbers of toric algebras of certain bipartite graphs [Formula: see text]. Also, the Castelnuovo–Mumford regularity, Hilbert series and multiplicity of [Formula: see text] are explicitly determined.
Deep neural networks for rotation-invariance approximation and learning
Authors: Chui Charles K. , Lin Shao-Bo , Zhou Ding-Xuan
Published: July 2019

Based on the tree architecture, the objective of this paper is to design deep neural networks with two or more hidden layers (called deep nets) for realization of radial functions so as to enable rotational invariance for near-optimal function approximation in an arbitrarily high-dimensional Euclidian space. It is shown that deep nets have much better performance than shallow nets (with only one hidden layer) in terms of approximation accuracy and learning capabilities. In particular, for learning radial functions, it is shown that near-optimal rate can be achieved by deep nets but not by shallow nets. Our results illustrate the necessity of depth in neural network design for realization of rotation-invariance target functions.
Proposing a Model for International Technology in Brazil
Authors: Cezar Lucato Wagner , Oliveira Sanches Ariane Gaiola de , Logiudice Renato
Published: July 2019

The Brazilian textile industry plays an important role in the country’s economy, and international technology transfer (TT) investments are of great importance for becoming more competitive, especially in textile machinery. This work aimed to propose a model that could be used by the textile industry for its international TT processes. To achieve this goal, this research used a quantitative approach to understand how TT procedures occur in the global textile industry as a way to support the proposal of a TT model comprising the best practices that are recommended by the literature and confirmed in the field. This was done through a survey that considered 41 Brazilian textile companies. The results identified a set of 12 steps as a guideline for the international TT processes that are used in the acquisition of new equipment. It was also noted that different company sizes did not influence the way TT is deployed. These findings contribute to the theory, as they add additional knowledge to the textile industry TT area that was previously non-existent. Furthermore, they can be used by companies and their management as a guideline for the future modernization of their industrial base.
Symmetries and conservation laws of some asymptotically symmetric spacetimes of interest in gravitational waves
Authors: Bokhari Ashfaque H. , Kara A. H. , Gadjagboui B. B. I. , Shabbir Ghulam
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we discuss symmetries and the corresponding conservation laws of certain exact solutions of the Einstein field equations (EFEs) representing a Schwarzschild black hole and gravitational waves in asymptotically flat space times. Of particular interest are symmetries of asymptotically flat spacetimes because they admit a property that identifies them for the existence of gravitational waves there. In the light of this fact, we discuss symmetry algebras of a few recently published solutions of Einstein equations in asymptotically flat metrics. Given the fact that gravitational waves are of great interest in relativity, we focus in this paper on finding the type of symmetries they admit and their corresponding conservation laws. We also show how these symmetries are radically different from the other well-known symmetries and present necessary condition that distinguishes them.
Adaptation Strategies and Constraints of a Displaced Population in Tanzania: The Case of an Airport Expansion Project
Authors: Mteki Nyandaro , Murayama Takehiko , Nishikizawa Shigeo
Published: July 2019

Within the context of infrastructure projects, the capacity of an affected population to cope with, and recover from, the adverse effects of displacement has been barely explored. Using a longitudinal 1 survey, we analysed the strengths of the displaced people in Tanzania through investigating their adaptation strategies. The KJ 2 analysis revealed two major adaptation trends. First, resettlees utilised their residential plots for crop cultivation immediately after relocation. Secondly, they reestablished their trading activities within a few years after they had settled in their new communities. The contextual disparity between the old and new settlements, however, impeded the growth of trading activities in the new settlement. Furthermore, the lack of infrastructure in the new settlement made it impossible for the resettlees to benefit financially from their crops. We argue that development planners should make deliberate efforts to reflect the real livelihoods of the affected people by ensuring that local skills fit into the new environment, thus enhancing the process of adaptation.
3D Ground Response Analysis of Simplified Kutch Basin by Spectral Element Method
Authors: Vijaya R. , Boominathan A. , Mazzieri Ilario
Published: July 2019

The damage pattern observed during the 1819 Kutch earthquake and 2001 Bhuj earthquake of magnitude [Formula: see text] in India implied the significance of the effect of Kutch basin on seismic ground motion. In the present study, the Kutch rift basin is modeled as a simplified rectangular basin of size 150[Formula: see text]km [Formula: see text] 90[Formula: see text]km [Formula: see text] 1.5[Formula: see text]km. The shear wave velocity of the Kutch region varies from 300[Formula: see text]m/s at the surface to 800[Formula: see text]m/s at the depth of 60[Formula: see text]m. Three-dimensional ground response analysis is carried out for the simplified Kutch basin subjected to ricker wave, using the spectral element code SPEED. The soil medium is modeled through visco-elastic soil model, where the damping is represented by Quality factor. It is found out from the numerical analysis that maximum amplification of 3.6 times occurs at the corner of the basin where interference of waves reflected from multiple edges happen. The long period structures with fundamental period in the range of 1.5–2.5[Formula: see text]s located near the basin edge are found to be significantly affected by the basin effect.
Collision of eigenvalues for matrix-valued processes
Authors: Jaramillo Arturo , Nualart David
Published: July 2019

We examine the probability that at least two eigenvalues of a Hermitian matrix-valued Gaussian process, collide. In particular, we determine sharp conditions under which such probability is zero. As an application, we show that the eigenvalues of a real symmetric matrix-valued fractional Brownian motion of Hurst parameter [Formula: see text], collide when [Formula: see text] and do not collide when [Formula: see text], while those of a complex Hermitian fractional Brownian motion collide when [Formula: see text] and do not collide when [Formula: see text]. Our approach is based on the relation between hitting probabilities for Gaussian processes with the capacity and Hausdorff dimension of measurable sets.
Artificial Neural Network and Machine Learning Based Methods for Population Estimation of Rohingya Refugees: Comparing Data-Driven and Satellite Image-Driven Approaches
Authors: Ahmed Nahian , Diptu Nazmul Alam , Shadhin M. Sakil Khan , Jaki M. Abrar Fahim , Hasan M. Ferdous , Islam M. Naimul , Rahman Rashedur M.
Published: July 2019

Manual field-based population census data collection method is slow and expensive, especially for refugee management situations where more frequent censuses are necessary. This study aims to explore the approaches of population estimation of Rohingya migrants using remote sensing and machine learning. Two different approaches of population estimation viz., (i) data-driven approach and (ii) satellite image-driven approach have been explored. A total of 11 machine learning models including Artificial Neural Network (ANN) are applied for both approaches. It is found that, in situations where the surface population distribution is unknown, a smaller satellite image grid cell length is required. For data-driven approach, ANN model is placed fourth, Linear Regression model performed the worst and Gradient Boosting model performed the best. For satellite image-driven approach, ANN model performed the best while Ada Boost model has the worst performance. Gradient Boosting model can be considered as a suitable model to be applied for both the approaches.
Recognizing Experts on Social Media
Authors: Horne Benjamin D. , Nevo Dorit , Adalı Sibel
Published: July 2019

Knowing who is an expert on social media is a challenging yet important task, especially in a world where misleading information is commonplace and where social media is an important information source for knowledge seekers. In this paper we investigate expertise heuristics by comparing features of experts versus non-experts in big data settings. We employ a large set of features to classify experts and non-experts using data collected on two social media platform (Twitter and reddit). Our results show a good ability to predict who is an expert, especially using language-based features, validating that heuristics can be developed to differentiate experts from novices organically, based on social media use. Our results contribute to the development of expertise location and identification systems as well as our understanding on how experts present themselves on social media.
Sociologies of Islam
Authors: Kurzman Charles
Published: July 2019

The sociology of Islam arguably emerged in the fourteenth century with the work of Ibn Khaldun, but the term itself appeared first in 1931. In recent years, the field has expanded to encompass the study of all aspects of the social lives of the world's Muslims, who constitute one-fifth of the global population—hence the plural label, sociologies of Islam. This article reviews four central debates in the field: approaches to Muslim modernities, challenging Orientalist images of Islam as enduringly premodern; tensions between national and global Islamic identities and institutions; activism around Muslim women's rights, both by women and by state-building men; and proliferating challenges to Muslim authorities. As the field confronts political pressures and barriers to scholarly travel, the way forward may involve collaborations that extend training opportunities and comparative research across national and regional borders.
Social Networks and Health: New Developments in Diffusion, Online and Offline
Authors: Zhang Jingwen , Centola Damon
Published: July 2019

The relationship between social networks and health encompasses everything from the flow of pathogens and information to the diffusion of beliefs and behaviors. This review addresses the vast and multidisciplinary literature that studies social networks as a structural determinant of health. In particular, we report on the current state of knowledge on how social contagion dynamics influence individual and collective health outcomes. We pay specific attention to research that leverages large-scale online data and social network experiments to empirically identify three broad classes of contagion processes: pathogenic diffusion, informational and belief diffusion, and behavioral diffusion. We conclude by identifying the need for more research on ( a) how multiple contagions interact within the same social network, ( b) how online social networks impact offline health, and ( c) the effectiveness of social network interventions for improving population health.
Learning clinical skills through audiovisual aids embedded in electronic-PBL sessions in undergraduate medical curriculum: perception and performance
Authors: Arain Shoukat Ali , Afsar Nasir Ali , Rohra Dileep Kumar , Zafar Muhammad
Published: July 2019

Learning clinical skills in a large group of undergraduate medical students is challenging. Innovative technology-based modalities are being evaluated to complement limited hospital rotations. We determined the effectiveness of clinical skills-related audiovisual (AV) aids embedded in electronic-problem-based learning (PBL) sessions, in terms of students’ feedback and formative Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) grades. This mixed-method study was conducted during the Cardiovascular System module in year 3 of the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery program. The AV aids, mainly consisting of abnormal chest auscultation sounds, were linked to the cases for the intervention group. The control group received only a description of clinical signs. Sessions were conducted using an intranet platform. At the end of the module, feedback was obtained from intervention group students and faculty using a self-administered questionnaire. The learning was compared between intervention and control groups through an OSCE. Finally, focus group interviews were conducted to explore factors underlying deviation from the expected results. Out of 110 intervention group students, 86 (78%) responded. The students appreciated the inclusion of AV aids, as suggested by a high average satisfaction score of 4.2 (SD 0.8). They agreed that, apart from being appropriate and relevant, the aids improved the learning environment and engagement in the process. The tutors also gave a similar feedback. However, no difference in the OSCE scores was found between control and intervention groups. The study indicates that inclusion of AV aids improved students’ engagement and classroom environment in electronic-PBL sessions, but did not improve diagnostic abilities based on the learned clinical skills.
Anomalous bone changes in ovariectomized type 2 diabetic rats: inappropriately low bone turnover with bone loss in an estrogen-deficient condition
Authors: Aeimlapa Ratchaneevan , Wongdee Kannikar , Tiyasatkulkovit Wacharaporn , Kengkoom Kanchana , Krishnamra Nateetip , Charoenphandhu Narattaphol
Published: July 2019

Estrogen deprivation accelerates bone resorption, leading to imbalance of bone remodeling and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. In the elderly, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) frequently coexists as an independent factor of bone loss. However, little is known about the skeletal changes in a combined condition of estrogen deficiency and T2DM. Herein, we performed ovariectomy (OVX) in nonobese Goto-Kakizaki (GK) T2DM rats to examine changes associated with calcium and phosphate metabolism and bone microstructures and strength. As expected, wild-type (WT) rats subjected to ovariectomy (OVX-WT) had low trabecular bone volume and serum calcium with increased dynamic histomorphometric and serum bone markers, consistent with the high turnover state. T2DM in GK rats also led to low trabecular volume and serum calcium. However, the dynamic histomorphometric markers of bone remodeling were unaffected in these GK rats, indicating the distinct mechanism of T2DM-induced bone loss. Interestingly, OVX-GK rats were found to have anomalous and unique changes in bone turnover-related parameters, i.e., decreased osteoblast and osteoclast surfaces with lower COOH-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen levels compared with OVX-WT rats. Furthermore, the levels of calciotropic hormones, i.e., parathyroid hormone and 1,25(OH)2D3, were significantly decreased in OVX-GK rats. Although the OVX-induced bone loss did not further worsen in GK rats, a three-point bending test indicated that OVX-GK bones exhibited a decrease in bone elasticity. In conclusion, T2DM and estrogen deficiency both led to microstructural bone loss, the appearance of which did not differ from each factor alone. Nevertheless, the combination worsened the integrity and suppressed the turnover, which might eventually result in adynamic bone disease.
Early nutrition and gut microbiome: interrelationship between bacterial metabolism, immune system, brain structure, and neurodevelopment
Authors: Cerdó Tomás , Diéguez Estefanía , Campoy Cristina
Published: July 2019

Disturbances of diet during pregnancy and early postnatal life may impact colonization of gut microbiota during early life, which could influence infant health, leading to potential long-lasting consequences later in life. This is a nonsystematic review that explores the recent scientific literature to provide a general perspective of this broad topic. Several studies have shown that gut microbiota composition is related to changes in metabolism, energy balance, and immune system disturbances through interaction between microbiota metabolites and host receptors by the gut-brain axis. Moreover, recent clinical studies suggest that an intestinal dysbiosis in gut microbiota may result in cognitive disorders and behavioral problems. Furthermore, recent research in the field of brain imaging focused on the study of the relationship between gut microbial ecology and large-scale brain networks, which will help to decipher the influence of the microbiome on brain function and potentially will serve to identify multiple mediators of the gut-brain axis. Thus, knowledge about optimal nutrition by modulating gut microbiota-brain axis activity will allow a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the crosstalk between gut microbiota and the developing brain during critical windows. In addition, this knowledge will open new avenues for developing novel microbiota-modulating based diet interventions during pregnancy and early life to prevent metabolic disorders, as well as neurodevelopmental deficits and brain functional disorders.
Leptin receptor-expressing neurons in ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus contribute to weight loss caused by fourth ventricle leptin infusions
Authors: Seamon Marissa , Ahn WonMo , Li Ai-Jun , Ritter Sue , Harris Ruth B. S.
Published: July 2019

Leptin administration into the hindbrain, and specifically the nucleus of the solitary tract, increases phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3), a marker of leptin receptor activation, in hypothalamic nuclei known to express leptin receptors. The ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) shows the greatest response, with a threefold increase in pSTAT3. This experiment tested the importance of VMH leptin receptor-expressing neurons in mediating weight loss caused by fourth ventricle (4V) leptin infusion. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received bilateral VMH 75-nL injections of 260 ng/μL of leptin-conjugated saporin (Lep-Sap) or blank-saporin (Blk-Sap). After 23 days they were fitted with 4V infusion cannulas and 1 wk later adapted to housing in a calorimeter before they were infused with 0.9 μg leptin/day for 14 days. There was no effect of VMH Lep-Sap on weight gain or glucose clearance before leptin infusion. Leptin inhibited food intake and respiratory exchange ratio in Blk-Sap but not Lep-Sap rats. Leptin had no effect on energy expenditure or brown adipose tissue temperature of either group. Inguinal and epididymal fat were significantly reduced in leptin-treated Blk-Sap rats, but the response was greatly attenuated in Lep-Sap rats. VMH pSTAT3 was increased in leptin-treated Blk-Sap but not Lep-Sap rats. These results support the concept that leptin-induced weight loss results from an integrated response across different brain areas. They also support previous reports that VMH leptin receptors do not play a significant role in maintaining energy balance in basal conditions but limit weight gain during positive energy balance.
Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced PEEK Intramedullary Nails Defining the Niche
Authors: Vles Georges F. , Brodermann Maximillian H. , Roussot Mark A. , Youngman James
Published: July 2019

Background. Carbon-fiber-reinforced Polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) nails are gaining interest as they have biomechanical properties potentially capable of overcoming disadvantages of conventional metal nails. Case Summary. Three cases are illustrated which required superior mechanical toughness, compatibility with radiotherapy, and postoperative advanced imaging. Conclusion. CFR-PEEK nails seem to have a niche role in distinct groups of patients.
Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Fractal Characteristics of Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Cement Soil under Impact Loading
Authors: Mo Yi-xin , Pang Jian-yong , Huang Jin-kun
Published: July 2019

This paper aims to study the dynamic mechanical properties, failure patterns, fractal behaviors, and energy dissipation of polypropylene fiber-reinforced cement soil under impact loading. Dynamic compression tests for reinforced cement soil with different polypropylene fiber contents of 0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2% were conducted using a 50 mm diameter split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) device. The static and dynamic stress-strain curves, dynamic strength increase factor (DIF), fractal behaviors, and energy dissipation properties of polypropylene fiber-reinforced cement soil were investigated and analyzed. The experimental results indicated that the dynamic strength increase factor (DIF) of cement soil increases firstly and then decreases with the increase of polypropylene fiber content from 0% to 1.2%. The maximum dynamic compressive strength of cement soil was obtained with adding 0.8% polypropylene fiber. With the increase of polypropylene fiber content, the average particle size of cement soil fragments has an increasing trend, whereas the fractal dimension presents a decreasing trend. Besides, the fragmentation degree of cement soil decreases correspondingly with the increase of polypropylene fiber content. The fractal dimension value has a linear relationship with the polypropylene fiber content and a decreasing exponential relationship with the average particle size. The absorbed energy per unit volume of cement soil presents an increasing trend firstly and a decreasing trend subsequently as the polypropylene fiber content increases from 0% to 1.2%. When the fractal dimension of cement soil is kept in the range of 2.04 to 2.15, the absorbed energy per unit volume of cement soil increases first and then decreases. The absorbed energy per unit volume of cement soil has a quadratic parabola relationship with polypropylene fiber content and fractal dimension, respectively. At last, the relationship of the absorbed energy per unit volume, fractal dimension, and polypropylene fiber content can be established, which can be used in the studies of dynamic behaviors and fractal properties of the fiber-reinforced cement soil under impact loading.
Prediction Method for Overconsolidation Ratio of Marine SoftSoil Based on the Piezocone Penetration Tests
Authors: Fu Yanbin , Zhang Sizhan , Lv Guiyang , Han Kaihang
Published: July 2019

Because of the strong structural and sensitive behavior, the properties of marine soft soil change greatly when subjected to external disturbances, which leads to great difficulty in reflecting its real mechanical properties in the laboratory soil tests. The piezocone penetration test (CPTU) is one of the main technologies for in situ testing of geotechnical engineering. CPTU has the advantages of being fast and convenient, no sampling, low disturbance to soil, large amount of data, and reliable testing. The determination of the overconsolidation ratio (OCR) based on the CPTU results can solve the problems of soil disturbance and stress release, which occur during the consolidation test in the laboratory. However, there are still some problems such as lack of strict theoretical analysis of penetration mechanism and incomplete interpretation theory of in situ test parameters of CPTU. In this paper, the CPTU cone head is assumed to be hemispherical considering the penetration mechanism of CPTU. Moreover, the compaction modes of the CPTU probe penetrating into soil are adopted as spherical and cylindrical cavity expansion modes, respectively. The ultimate expansion pressures of the probe penetrating into soil under the spherical and cylindrical cavity expansion modes are first obtained by virtue of the theory of cavity expansion. Then, two prediction methods for OCR considering the roughness and penetration rate of the cone are proposed by combining the ultimate expansion pressures of the probe penetrating the approximate closed solution of cavity expansion in the modified Cambridge model, which is suitable for predicting the OCR of marine soft clay. Finally, to verify the reliability of the two proposed prediction methods, comparisons with the in situ CPTU tests of marine soft clay in two coastal areas and two existing prediction methods are made. The comparison results show that predictions of OCR of marine soft clay in this paper are close to Wayne’s method and more accurate than Chanmee’s method since the factors such as cone roughness and penetration rate are considered in the new proposed prediction methods. In order to improve the applicability in different cases of the OCR predictions, the average values of the two proposed methods are recommended as the reference value for the OCR of marine soft soil.
Native Valve Infective Endocarditis with Osteomyelitis and Brain Abscess Caused byGranulicatella adiacenswith Literature Review
Authors: Patil Sachin M. , Arora Niraj , Nilsson Peter , Yasar S. J. , Dandachi Dima , Salzer W. L.
Published: July 2019

Granulicatella adiacensis a type of NVS (nutritionally variant streptococci) rarely causing infective endocarditis (IE). NVS are fastidious and unable to sustain growth on routine culture media due to lack of specific nutrients. Endocarditis caused by NVS due to their virulence is associated with higher treatment failures and mortality rates. New antimicrobial susceptibility patterns are indicative of a significant rise in penicillin resistance and susceptibility differences between NVS subspecies. Initial empirical therapy is essential as a delay in using the appropriate agent leads to poor results. We present a case of an immunocompetent young female with recent intravenous drug abuse resulting in native mitral valve endocarditis with ruptured chordae tendineae and septic embolization, causing brain abscess and lumbar spine osteomyelitis. She was transferred to a tertiary center where she underwent mitral valve replacement successfully and treated with six weeks of intravenous vancomycin and ertapenem. To our knowledge, ours is the first case report ofG. adiacensendocarditis in an adult with brain abscess and osteomyelitis with an excellent response to antibiotic therapy. Based on our case report, literature review, and new antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, updates to treatment guidelines are suggested to improve the therapeutic outcomes.
Development of a Predictive Model of Tuberculosis Transmission among Household Contacts
Authors: Wang Saibin
Published: July 2019

Background. Household contacts of patients with tuberculosis (TB) are at great risk of TB infection. The aim of this study was to develop a predictive model of TB transmission among household contacts. Method. This was a secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort study, in which a total of 700 TB patients and 3417 household contacts were enrolled between 2010 and 2013 at two study sites in Peru. The incidence of secondary TB cases among household contacts of index cases was recorded. The LASSO regression method was used to reduce the data dimension and to filter variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to develop the predictive model, and internal validation was performed. A nomogram was constructed to display the model, and the AUC was calculated. The calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were also evaluated. Results. The incidence of TB disease among the contacts of index cases was 4.4% (149/3417). Ten variables (gender, age, TB history, diabetes, HIV, index patient’s drug resistance, socioeconomic status, spoligotypes, and the index-contact share sleeping room status) filtered through the LASSO regression technique were finally included in the predictive model. The model showed good discriminatory ability, with an AUC value of 0.761 (95% CI, 0.723–0.800) for the derivation and 0.759 (95% CI, 0.717–0.796) for the internal validation. The predictive model showed good calibration, and the DCA demonstrated that the model was clinically useful. Conclusion. A predictive model was developed that incorporates characteristics of both the index patients and the contacts, which may be of great value for the individualized prediction of TB transmission among household contacts.
Spectroelectrochemical Investigation of the Interaction of Adenine with Pyridoxine at Physiological pH
Authors: Roye Yasmin , Udeochu Uche , Ukaegbu Maraizu , Onuegbu Jonathan
Published: July 2019

Spectroelectrochemical techniques were used to probe the interaction of adenine with pyridoxine at pH 7.0. Analysis of UV-visible absorption of the adenine-pyridoxine complex at 260 nm using the Lineweaver–Burk double reciprocal plot produced a linear graph indicating a 1 : 1 mode of interaction between the compounds and a binding constant of 29.1. Change in the background current and broadening of adenine and pyridoxine cyclic voltammetry (CV) oxidation peaks at 1.0 V and 0.8 V, respectively, compared to the CV of the individual compounds is indicative of an interaction. The Raman shift of the coupled –C(11)H2-OH bending and in-plane N(7)-H mode at 1235 cm−1 to 1215 cm−1 of pyridoxine and the shift to the lower wavenumber of the adenine –N(10)H2 rocking band from 942 to 906 cm−1 confirm that the adenine exocyclic amino group and its purine nitrogen atom N(7) interacts with pyridoxine O(12) via the formation of hydrogen bonds. Strong enhancement of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) bands pertaining to adenine and the bathochromic shift of the normal Raman band due to the adenine ring breathing mode observed at 722 cm−1 in the spectrum of adenine, to 732 cm−1 in the SERS spectrum of aqueous adenine-pyridoxine indicates that the complex adsorbs onto the Ag nanoparticle surface with the adenine portion possessing a perpendicular orientation.
Parents’ and Teachers’ Views on Digital Communication in Finland
Authors: Kuusimäki Anne-Mari , Uusitalo-Malmivaara Lotta , Tirri Kirsi
Published: July 2019

Parents’ and teachers’ well-functioning communication supports their partnership and also benefits pupils’ well-being. Today, communication largely takes place using electronic tools. In the current study, Finnish parents’ (N = 1123) and teachers’ (N = 118) opinions on digital communication in urban and rural areas were studied by applying a new 14-item Digital Communication Scale (DCS) created for the purpose. The three-factor structured DCS was used to elucidate parents’ and teachers’ views on their partnership, feedback, and clarity of messaging. In contrast to some negative headlines and myths, the main finding of our study was overall satisfaction with digital communication, which was seen as supporting the parent-teacher partnership and providing valuable information on pupils’ development and their everyday issues. In particular, rural parents seemed satisfied with digital communication as a partnership-building tool. However, the view of parents was that they received less encouraging feedback about their children than teachers believed they had given. On the other hand, teachers experienced more ambiguity in digital communication than parents. This was more salient among urban teachers than among rural teachers. To summarize, rural parents and rural teachers saw digital communication as serving their collaboration better than did their urban peers. The results of the current study can be used for further development of parent-teacher communication in digital environments.
Application of kDNA Minicircle PCR-RFLP to CharacterizeLeishmania donovaniClinical Isolates Obtained from Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Pokhrel Ojesh , Rai Keshav , Bhattarai Narayan Raj , Rijal Suman , Rijal Arpana , Khanal Basudha
Published: July 2019

Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a skin manifestation of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) which develops after apparent cure in some patients. PKDL is considered as the potential reservoir for the VL infection. Molecular epidemiological characterization ofL. donovaniisolates obtained from VL and PKDL isolates is essentially required in order to understand the transmission dynamics of the VL infection. To date, genetic variation among the VL and PKDLL. donovaniisolates was not fully elucidated. Therefore, 14 clinical isolates from VL and 4 clinical isolates from PKDL were speciated byhsp70and rDNA genes. Further characterization ofL. donovanibyhaspBPCR demonstrates two different genotypes. All PKDL isolates have the same genetic structure. kDNA PCR-RFLP assay revealed 18 different genotypes; however, structural analysis showed the two distinct kDNA genotype population (k = 2). The kDNA fingerprint patterns of parasites from hilly districts were clustered separately from low-land districts. Therefore, further study with a large number of samples is urgently required for systematic characterization of the clinical isolates to track the molecular epidemiology of theLeishmania donovanicausing VL and the role of PKDL as a reservoir.
P4HB, a Novel Hypoxia Target Gene Related to Gastric Cancer Invasion and Metastasis
Authors: Zhang Jun , Guo Shuai , Wu Yue , Zheng Zhi-chao , Wang Yue , Zhao Yan
Published: July 2019

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common tumor-associated lethal disease, and invasiveness and metastasis are primary challenges in its clinical treatment. Hypoxia microenvironment cannot be ignored in the process of metastasis. Hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) is the core component of the hypoxia signaling pathway. The aim of this study was to identify potential hub genes and signaling pathways associated with HIF-1α. We explored the invasiveness- and metastasis-associated phenotype of GC via bioinformatics analysis and molecular studies. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in GC cells and HIF-1α-knockdown GC cells. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Hub genes were identified via centrality analysis and Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) module analysis. The findings suggested that prolyl 4-hydroxylase beta polypeptide (P4HB) has strong associations with HIF-1α. Further, we observed that HIF-1αandP4HBwere upregulated in SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cells. In addition, inhibition of HIF-1αexpression reduced invasion and metastasis in GC cells; this effect was partially reversed byP4HBoverexpression. Our results confirm thatP4HBplays a significant role in the regulatory network of HIF-1α. Therefore, HIF-1αandP4HBmay be considered potential biomarkers of GC.