bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using correspondence analysis to evaluate consumer terminology and understand the effects of smoking method and type of wood on the sensory perception of smoked meat
Authors: Sharma Chetan , Swaney‐Stueve Marianne , Severns Bryan , Talavera Martin
Published: August 2019

It has been established that consumers are capable of hedonic judgments, but their role beyond hedonics continues to be debated. Many novel methodologies, such as sorting, word association, napping, flash profiling, and so forth, have been extensively developed and used in the past few decades to describe, differentiate, and classify products while gathering consumer terminology, using untrained or semi‐trained assessors to meet cost and time commitments. This study was designed to provide another way to document consumer perceptions using their own terminology and explore analysis options by assessing “open‐ended” responses. A total of 149 consumers from the Kansas City area evaluated smoked pork prepared using electric and offset smokers and four wood types (apple, oak, hickory, and mesquite). The prompted terms provided information about the attributes that drive consumers' likes and dislikes using their own language. Correspondence analysis was used to obtain a plot of the samples based on consumers' descriptions. Open‐ended questions highlighted textural attributes as a chief modality, driving consumers' “tasty” perception, backed by 9‐point liking data. Offset smoked pork was liked more by consumers than pork smoked using an electric smoker.

Practical Applications

Findings from this study contribute to methodology understanding, applicability, and further developments when collecting consumer terminology to assess sensory differentiation among products. The use of open‐ended questions as a stand‐alone method for terminology generation has been highlighted in this experiment. Additionally, consumer terminology was generated to uncover the key attributes of a product. In this case, we used the famous Kansas City‐style barbeque as an example that could help pit masters, food developers, chefs, and others working in the hospitality/culinary or restaurant industry perfect their classic recipes using consumer friendly terms.
Innovative strategies for the elimination of viral hepatitis at a national level: A country case series
Authors: Schröeder Sophia E. , Pedrana Alisa , Scott Nick , Wilson David , Kuschel Christian , Aufegger Lisa , Atun Rifat , Baptista‐Leite Ricardo , Butsashvili Maia , El‐Sayed Manal , Getahun Aneley , Hamid Saeed , Hammad Radi , ‘t Hoen Ellen , Hutchinson Sharon J. , Lazarus Jeffrey V. , Lesi Olufunmilayo , Li Wangsheng , Binti Mohamed Rosmawati , Olafsson Sigurdur , Peck Raquel , Sohn Annette H. , Sonderup Mark , Spearman Catherine W. , Swan Tracy , Thursz Mark , Walker Tim , Hellard Margaret , Howell Jessica
Published: August 2019

Viral hepatitis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but has long been neglected by national and international policymakers. Recent modelling studies suggest that investing in the global elimination of viral hepatitis is feasible and cost‐effective. In 2016, all 194 member states of the World Health Organization endorsed the goal to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, but complex systemic and social realities hamper implementation efforts. This paper presents eight case studies from a diverse range of countries that have invested in responses to viral hepatitis and adopted innovative approaches to tackle their respective epidemics. Based on an investment framework developed to build a global investment case for the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030, national activities and key enablers are highlighted that showcase the feasibility and impact of concerted hepatitis responses across a range of settings, with different levels of available resources and infrastructural development. These case studies demonstrate the utility of taking a multipronged, public health approach to: (a) evidence‐gathering and planning; (b) implementation; and (c) integration of viral hepatitis services into the Agenda for Sustainable Development. They provide models for planning, investment and implementation strategies for other countries facing similar challenges and resource constraints.
An efficient algorithm for architecture design of Bayesian neural network in structural model updating
Authors: Yin Tao , Zhu Hong‐Ping
Published: August 2019

There has been growing interest in applying the artificial neural network (ANN) approach in structural system identification and health monitoring. The learning process of neural network can be more robust when presented in the Bayesian framework, and rational architecture of the Bayesian neural network is critical to its performance. Apart from number of hidden neurons, the specific forms of the transfer functions in both hidden and output layers are also crucially important. To the best of our knowledge, however, the simultaneous design of proper number of hidden neurons, and specific forms of hidden‐ and output‐layer transfer functions has not yet been reported in terms of the Bayesian neural network. It is even more challenging when the transfer functions of both layers are parameterized instead of using fixed shape forms. This paper proposes a tailor‐made algorithm for efficiently designing the appropriate architecture of Bayesian neural network with simultaneously optimized hidden neuron number and custom transfer functions in both hidden and output layers. To cooperate with the proposed algorithm, both the Jacobian of the network function and Hessian of the negative logarithm of weight posterior are derived analytically by matrix calculus. This is much more accurate and efficient than the finite difference approximation, and also vital for properly designing the Bayesian neural network architecture as well as further quantifying the confidence interval of network prediction. The validity and efficiency of the proposed methodology is verified through probabilistic finite element (FE) model updating of a pedestrian bridge by using the field measurement data.
Estimating tsetse fertility: daily averaging versus periodic larviposition
Authors: Barclay H. J. , Hargrove J. W. , van den Driessche P.
Published: August 2019

When computing mean daily fertility in adult female tsetse, the common practice of taking the reciprocal of the interlarval period (called averaged fertility) was compared with the method of taking the sum of the products of daily fertility and adult survivorship divided by the sum of daily survivorships (called periodic fertility). The latter method yielded a consistently higher measure of fertility (approximately 10% for tsetse) than the former method. A conversion factor was calculated to convert averaged fertility to periodic fertility. A feasibility criterion was determined for the viability of a tsetse population. Fertility and survivorship data from tsetse populations on Antelope Is. and Redcliff Is., both in Zimbabwe, were used to illustrate the feasibility criterion, as well as the limitations imposed by survivorship and fertility on the viability of tsetse populations. The 10% difference in fertility between the two methods of calculation makes the computation of population feasibility with some parameter combinations sometimes result in a wrong answer. It also underestimates both sterile male release rates required to eradicate a pest population, as well as the speed of resurgence if an eradication attempt fails.
MpTCP1 controls cell proliferation and redox processes in Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Busch Andrea , Deckena Marek , Almeida‐Trapp Marilia , Kopischke Sarah , Kock Cilian , Schüssler Esther , Tsiantis Miltos , Mithöfer Axel , Zachgo Sabine
Published: August 2019

TCP transcription factors are key regulators of angiosperm cell proliferation processes. It is unknown whether their regulatory growth capacities are conserved across land plants, which we examined in liverworts, one of the earliest diverging land plant lineages.

We generated knockout mutants for MpTCP1, the single TCP‐P clade gene in Marchantia polymorpha, and characterized its function by conducting cell proliferation and morphological analyses as well as messenger RNA expression, transcriptome, chemical, and DNA binding studies.

Mptcp1ge lines show a reduced vegetative thallus growth and extra tissue formation in female reproductive structures. Additionally, mutant plants reveal increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels and an enhanced pigmentation in the thallus caused by formation of secondary metabolites, such as aminochromes. MpTCP1 proteins interact redox dependently with DNA and regulate the expression of a comprehensive redox network, comprising enzymes involved in H2O2 metabolism.

MpTCP1 regulates Marchantia growth in a context‐dependent manner. Redox sensitivity of the DNA binding capacity of MpTCP1 proteins provides a mechanism to respond to altered redox conditions. Our data suggest that MpTCP1 activity could thereby have contributed to diversification of land plant morphologies and to adaptations to abiotic and biotic challenges, as experienced by liverworts during early land plant colonization.
Neurological excitation in a 6‐week‐old male infant after morphine overdose
Authors: Thomas Jörg , Corson Nils I. , Meinhold Anke , Both Christian P.
Published: August 2019

While respiratory depression is a known complication of morphine overdose, the neuro‐excitatory side effect of the morphine metabolite morphine‐3‐glucuronide is less widely known. Here, we report the case of an infant with neurological excitation after morphine overdose. The neuro‐excitation in this infant was probably induced by an elevated morphine‐3‐glucuronide concentration.
The Theory of Agricultural Price Bubble & Price Crash in Global Economy
Authors: Dastagiri M.B. , Bhavigna L.
Published: August 2019

Agricultural prices play greater role in living Economics. Since many decades’ farmers faced declining agricultural prices and low prices in developing countries. Therefore, in these countries agricultural price policies are under closer appraisal.  Government and policy makers worry about inflation. Economic precision is required in determining prices. This understanding led to conception of the study. The specific objectives are to review various agricultural price theories, research evidences and construct the theory of agricultural price bubble and crash and their effect on macro economy and suggest measures to improve. The study reviews various agricultural price theories, concepts, policies, research gaps and do meta-analysis and formulated the theory of Agricultural prices bubble and price crash. Since 1950, many development economists and practitioners prophesy in developing countries is that low agricultural commodities prices discourage poverty alleviation. Many countries are unable to make successful pricing policies due to there is not enough operative methodological and theoretical support for decision-making. According to the economic theory of cooperativism, the entities come closer to the pecking order theory. Unexpected changes and changes in regulations can have significant impact on the profitability of farming activities. “Demand channel" is the crucial factor in elucidation of commodity price growth. Future prices moments in agriculture have fat-tailed distributions and display quick and unpredicted price jumps. World Trade Organization study highlights the importance of strengthening multilateral disciplines on both import and export trade interventions to food price fluctuations to reduce beggar-thy-neighbor unilateral trade policy. The theory of NAFTA regionalism did not lead to regionalization and not increasing share of intraregional international trade. In EU countries land rents in modern agriculture causing upward trend in agricultural land prices. Information friction, agricultural supports, agricultural price & trade policies, agricultural price transmission are responsible price fluctuations. In economic theory, asymmetric price transmission has been the subject of considerable attention in agricultural gaps. Selection of forecasting models are based on chaos theory. Chaos in agricultural wholesale price data provides a good theoretical basis for selecting forecasting models. This theory can be applied to agricultural prices forecasting. Novelties in agricultural products fluctuations research offer scientific basis in planning of agricultural production.
Water scaling of ecosystem carbon cycle feedback to climate warming
Authors: Quan Quan , Tian Dashuan , Luo Yiqi , Zhang Fangyue , Crowther Tom W. , Zhu Kai , Chen Han Y. H. , Zhou Qingping , Niu Shuli
Published: August 2019

Soil water availability determines the feedback of ecosystem carbon cycle to climate warming.
Quantitative prediction of erythrocyte sickling for the development of advanced sickle cell therapies
Authors: Lu Lu , Li Zhen , Li He , Li Xuejin , Vekilov Peter G. , Karniadakis George Em
Published: August 2019

Computational models advance the development of drug therapies for sickle cell disease.
A CsrA-Binding,
trans
-Acting sRNA of
Coxiella burnetii
Is Necessary for Optimal Intracellular Growth and Vacuole Formation during Early Infection of Host Cells
Authors: Wachter Shaun , Bonazzi Matteo , Shifflett Kyle , Moses Abraham S. , Raghavan Rahul , Minnick Michael F.
Published: August 2019

Regulation of metabolism and virulence in
C. burnetii
is not well understood. Here, we show that
C. burnetii
small RNA 12 (CbsR12) is highly transcribed in the metabolically active large-cell variant compared to the nonreplicative small-cell variant. We show that CbsR12 directly regulates several genes involved in metabolism, along with a type IV effector gene, in
trans
. In addition, we demonstrate that CbsR12 binds to CsrA-2
in vitro
and induces autoaggregation and biofilm formation when transcribed ectopically in
Escherichia coli
, consistent with other CsrA-sequestering sRNAs. These results implicate CbsR12 in the indirect regulation of a number of genes via CsrA-mediated regulatory activities. The results also support CbsR12 as a crucial regulatory component early on in a mammalian cell infection.
Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Phage vB_EcoM Sa157lw, Isolated from Surface Water Collected in Salinas, California
Authors: Liu Fang , Liao Yen-Te , Li Robert W. , Wu Vivian C. H.
Published: August 2019

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a new member of Vi1-like phages,
Escherichia coli
phage vB_EcoM Sa157lw, isolated from surface water collected near a produce-growing area in California. This phage does not harbor
stx
or other lysogeny-associated genes and therefore may have biocontrol application potential.
Recognition and management of congenital ichthyosis in a low-income setting
Authors: Saso Anja , Dowsing Benjamin , Forrest Karen , Glover Mary
Published: August 2019

We report the case of a 3-week old girl in The Gambia who presented to hospital with an undiagnosed skin disorder evolving since birth. Using telemedicine to seek specialist dermatology advice abroad, she was diagnosed with and managed for suspected congenital lamellar ichthyosis. Poor early recognition and limited resources, for both acute and chronic care, created significant challenges to optimal management; these were overcome, in part, by adopting a common sense, back-to-basics approach to treatment and by empowering the parents to take ownership of their infant’s daily skin and eye care. This case highlights key global health issues associated with managing chronic, often debilitating, paediatric dermatological conditions in a low-income setting; namely, poor access to important diagnostic tools and medications, lack of experience and expertise in the management of severe skin disease and its associated complications, absence of long-term community support, alternative health beliefs and risk of sociocultural stigma.
The general practice perspective on barriers to integration between primary and social care: a London, United Kingdom-based qualitative interview study
Authors: Naqvi Danial , Malik Anam , Al-Zubaidy Mohaimen , Naqvi Falak , Tahir Anas , Tarfiee Ali , Vara Sarina , Meyer Edgar
Published: August 2019

Objective

There is an ongoing challenge of effective integration between primary and social care in the United Kingdom; current systems have led to fragmentation of services preventing holistic patient-centred care for vulnerable populations. To improve clinical outcomes and achieve financial efficiencies, the barriers to integration need to be identified and addressed. This study aims to explore the unique perspectives of frontline staff (general practitioners and practice managers) towards these barriers to integration.

Design

Qualitative study using semistructured interviews and thematic analysis to obtain results.

Setting

General practices within London.

Participants

18 general practitioners (GPs) and 7 practice managers (PMs) based in London with experience of working with social care.

Results

The study identified three overarching themes where frontline staff believed problems exist: accessing social services, interprofessional relationships and infrastructure. Issues with contacting staff from other sectors creates delays in referrals for patient care and perpetuates existing logistical challenges. Likewise, professionals noted a hostile working culture between sectors that has resulted in silo working mentalities. In addition to staff being overworked as well as often inefficient multidisciplinary team meetings, poor relationships across sectors cause a diffusion of responsibility, impacting the speed with which patient requests are responded to. Furthermore, participants identified that a lack of interoperability between information systems, lack of pooled budgets and misaligned incentives between managerial staff compound the infrastructural divide between both sectors.

Conclusion

In this study, primary care staff identify intangible barriers to integration such as poor interprofessional relationships, in addition to more well-described structural issues such as insufficient funding and difficulty accessing social care. Participants believe that educating the next generation of medical professionals may lead to the development of collaborative, instead of siloed, working cultures and that change is needed at both an interpersonal and institutional level to successfully integrate care.
Reducing pressure ulcers across multiple care settings using a collaborative approach
Authors: Wood Julia , Brown Bob , Bartley Annette , Margarida Batista Custódio Cavaco Andreia , Roberts Anthony Paul , Santon Karla , Cook Susannah
Published: August 2019

In the UK, over 700 000 patients are affected by pressure ulcers each year, and 180 000 of those are newly acquired each year. The occurrence of pressure ulcers costs the National Health Service (NHS) more than 3.8 million every day. In 2004, pressure ulcers were estimated to cost the NHS £1.4–£2.4 billion per year, which was 4% of the total NHS expenditure.

The impact on patients can be considerable, due to increased pain, length of hospital stay and decreased quality of life. However, it is acknowledged that a significant number of these are avoidable.

In early 2015, it was identified that for the North East and North Cumbria region the incidence of pressure ulcers was higher than the national average. Because of this, a 2-year Pressure Ulcer Collaborative was implemented, involving secondary care, community services, care homes and the ambulance service, with the aim of reducing the percentage of pressure ulcers developed by patients within their care.

The Breakthrough Series Collaborative Model from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement provided the framework for this Collaborative.

In year 1, pressure ulcers were reduced by 36%, and in year 2 by 33%, demonstrating an estimated cost saving during the lifespan of the Collaborative of £513 000, and a reduction in the number of bed days between 220 and 352.
Outcome after heart–lung or lung transplantation in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome
Authors: Hjortshøj Cristel S , Gilljam Thomas , Dellgren Göran , Pentikäinen Markku O , Möller Thomas , Jensen Annette Schophuus , Turanlahti Maila , Thilén Ulf , Gustafsson Finn , Søndergaard Lars
Published: August 2019

Objective

The optimal timing for transplantation is unclear in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome (ES). We investigated post-transplantation survival and transplantation-specific morbidity after heart–lung transplantation (HLTx) or lung transplantation (LTx) in a cohort of Nordic patients with ES to aid decision-making for scheduling transplantation.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, descriptive, population-based study of patients with ES who underwent transplantation from 1985 to 2012.

Results

Among 714 patients with ES in the Nordic region, 63 (9%) underwent transplantation. The median age at transplantation was 31.9 (IQR 21.1–42.3) years. Within 30 days after transplantation, seven patients (11%) died. The median survival was 12.0 (95% CI 7.6 to 16.4) years and the overall 1-year, 5-year, 10-year and 15-year survival rates were 84.1%, 69.7%, 55.8% and 40.6%, respectively. For patients alive 1 year post-transplantation, the median conditional survival was 14.8 years (95% CI 8.0 to 21.8), with 5-year, 10-year and 15-year survival rates of 83.3%, 67.2% and 50.0%, respectively. There was no difference in median survival after HLTx (n=57) and LTx (n=6) (14.9 vs 10.6 years, p=0.718). Median cardiac allograft vasculopathy, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and dialysis/kidney transplantation-free survival rates were 11.2 (95% CI 7.8 to 14.6), 6.9 (95% CI 2.6 to 11.1) and 11.2 (95% CI 8.8 to 13.7) years, respectively. The leading causes of death after the perioperative period were infection (36.7%), bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (23.3%) and heart failure (13.3%).

Conclusions

This study shows that satisfactory post-transplantation survival, comparable with contemporary HTx and LTx data, without severe comorbidities such as cardiac allograft vasculopathy, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and dialysis, is achievable in patients with ES, with a conditional survival of nearly 15 years.
An extended car-following model considering the low visibility in fog on a highway with slopes
Authors: Tan Jinhua , Gong Li , Qin Xuqian
Published: August 2019

To depict the effect of low-visibility foggy weather upon traffic flow on a highway with slopes, this paper proposes an extended car-following model taking into consideration the drivers’ misjudgment of the following distance and their active reduction of the velocity. By linear stability analysis, the neutral stability curves are obtained. It is shown that under all the three road conditions: uphill, flat road and downhill, drivers’ misjudgment of the following distance will change the stable regions, while having little effect on the sizes of the stable regions. Correspondingly, drivers’ active reduction of the velocity will increase the stability. The numerical simulations agree well with the analytical results. It indicates that drivers’ misjudgment contributes to a higher velocity. Meanwhile, their active reduction of the velocity helps mitigate the influences of small perturbation. Furthermore, drivers’ misjudgment of the following distance has the greatest effect on downhill and the smallest effect on uphill, so does drivers’ active reduction of the velocity.
On the initial-boundary value problem for the Euler equations in presence of a rarefaction wave
Authors: Li Dening
Published: August 2019

We study the initial-boundary value problem for the general non-isentropic 3D Euler equations with data which are incompatible in the classical sense, but are “rarefaction-compatible”. We show that such data are also rarefaction-compatible of infinite order and the initial-boundary value problem has a piece-wise smooth solution containing a rarefaction wave.
Adversarial Training for Unknown Word Problems in Neural Machine Translation
Authors: Ji Yatu , Hou Hongxu , Chen Junjie , Wu Nier
Published: August 2019

Nearly all of the work in neural machine translation (NMT) is limited to a quite restricted vocabulary, crudely treating all other words the same as an <
unk
> symbol. For the translation of language with abundant morphology, unknown (UNK) words also come from the misunderstanding of the translation model to the morphological changes. In this study, we explore two ways to alleviate the UNK problem in NMT: a new generative adversarial network (added value constraints and semantic enhancement) and a preprocessing technique that mixes morphological noise. The training process is like a win-win game in which the players are three adversarial sub models (generator, filter, and discriminator). In this game, the filter is to emphasize the discriminator’s attention to the negative generations that contain noise and improve the training efficiency. Finally, the discriminator cannot easily discriminate the negative samples generated by the generator with filter and human translations. The experimental results show that the proposed method significantly improves over several strong baseline models across various language pairs and the newly emerged Mongolian-Chinese task is state-of-the-art.
FADS1 and FADS2 Polymorphisms Modulate Fatty Acid Metabolism and Dietary Impact on Health
Authors: Koletzko Berthold , Reischl Eva , Tanjung Conny , Gonzalez-Casanova Ines , Ramakrishnan Usha , Meldrum Suzanne , Simmer Karen , Heinrich Joachim , Demmelmair Hans
Published: August 2019

Variants in the FADS gene cluster modify the activity of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) desaturation and the lipid composition in human blood and tissue. FADS variants have been associated with plasma lipid concentrations, risk of cardiovascular diseases, overweight, eczema, pregnancy outcomes, and cognitive function. Studies on variations in the FADS genecluster provided some of the first examples for marked gene–diet interactions in modulating complex phenotypes, such as eczema, asthma, and cognition. Genotype distribution differs markedly among ethnicities, apparently reflecting an evolutionary advantage of genotypes enabling active long-chain PUFA synthesis when the introduction of agriculture provided diets rich in linoleic acid but with little arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids. Discovering differential effects of PUFA supply that depend on variation of FADS genotypes could open new opportunities for developing precision nutrition strategies based either on an individual's genotype or on genotype distributions in specific populations.
Structural metastability and reversibility in anionic redox-based cathode for next generation rechargeable battery
Authors: Qiu Bao , Zhang Minghao , Lee Seung-Yong , Liu Haodong , Wynn Thomas A. , Wu Lijun , Zhu Yimei , Wen Wen , Zhou Dong , Liu Zhaoping , Meng Ying Shirley
Published: August 2019

Great focus has recently been placed on the advancement of anionic redox, to which high capacities of Li-rich layered oxides are attributed. With almost doubled capacity compared with state-of-the-art cathode materials, Li-rich layered oxides still fall short in other performance metrics. Among these, gradual voltage decay upon cycling remains the most hindering obstacle, in which defect electrochemistry plays a critical role. Here, we reveal the metastable state of cycled Li-rich layered oxide which stems from structural defects in different dimensions. We demonstrate the unique cycled metastable structure concomitant with anionic redox activity is responsible for the voltage decay. More importantly, through mild thermal energy, the metastable state can be driven to a stable state close to the pristine state, bringing about structural and voltage recovery. These insights elucidate understanding the structure metastability and reversibility is essential for implementing rational design strategies to improve cycling stability for high-capacity layered oxides.
The impact of skeletal muscle contraction on CD146+Lin− pericytes
Authors: Dvoretskiy Svyatoslav , Garg Koyal , Munroe Michael , Pincu Yair , Mahmassani Ziad S. , Coombs Charlotte , Blackwell Brent , Garcia Gabriela , Waterstradt Garret , Lee Isaac , Drnevich Jenny , Rhodes Justin S. , Boppart Marni D.
Published: August 2019

Unaccustomed resistance exercise can initiate skeletal muscle remodeling and adaptive mechanisms that can confer protection from damage and enhanced strength with subsequent stimulation. The myofiber may provide the primary origin for adaptation, yet multiple mononuclear cell types within the surrounding connective tissue may also contribute. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute response of muscle-resident interstitial cells to contraction initiated by electrical stimulation (e-stim) and subsequently determine the contribution of pericytes to remodeling as a result of training. Mice were subjected to bilateral e-stim or sham treatment. Following a single session of e-stim, NG2+CD45−CD31− (NG2+Lin−) pericyte, CD146+Lin− pericyte, and PDGFRα+ fibroadipogenic progenitor cell quantity and function were evaluated via multiplex flow cytometry and targeted quantitative PCR. Relative quantity was not significantly altered 24 h postcontraction, yet unique gene signatures were observed for each cell population at 3 h postcontraction. CD146+Lin− pericytes appeared to be most responsive to contraction, and upregulation of genes related to immunomodulation and extracellular matrix remodeling was observed via RNA sequencing. Intramuscular injection of CD146+Lin− pericytes did not significantly increase myofiber size yet enhanced ECM remodeling and angiogenesis in response to repeated bouts of e-stim for 4 wk. The results from this study provide the first evidence that CD146+Lin− pericytes are responsive to skeletal muscle contraction and may contribute to the beneficial outcomes associated with exercise.
Extracellular release of ATP promotes systemic inflammation during acute pancreatitis
Authors: Dixit Ajay , Cheema Hassam , George John , Iyer Srikanth , Dudeja Vikas , Dawra Rajinder , Saluja Ashok K.
Published: August 2019

In the current study, we explored the role of extracellular ATP (eATP) in promoting systemic inflammation during development of acute pancreatitis (AP). Release of extracellular (e)ATP was evaluated in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice with experimental acute pancreatitis (AP). Prophylactic intervention using apyrase or suramin was used to understand the role and contribution of eATP in pancreatitis-associated systemic injury. AP of varying severity was induced in C57BL/6 mice using 1-day or 2-day caerulein, caerulein + LPS and l-arginine models. eATP was measured in plasma and BALF. Mice were treated with suramin or apyrase in the caerulein and l-arginine models of AP. Plasma cytokines, lung, and pancreatic myeloperoxidase, and morphometric analysis of pancreatic and lung histology, were used to assess the severity of pancreatitis. Plasma eATP and purinergic 2 (P2) receptors in the pancreas and lungs were significantly elevated in the experimental models of AP. Blocking the effect of eATP by suramin led to reduced levels of plasma IL-6 and TNFα as well as reduced lung, and pancreatic injury. Neutralizing eATP with apyrase reduced systemic injury but did not ameliorate local injury. The results of this study support the role of eATP and P2 receptors in promoting systemic inflammation during AP. Modulating purinergic signaling during AP can be an important therapeutic strategy in controlling systemic inflammation and, thus, systemic inflammatory response syndrome during AP.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Released ATP from injured cells promotes systemic inflammation in acute pancreatitis
Analysis of maximal expiratory flow-volume curves in adult survivors of preterm birth
Authors: Molgat-Seon Yannick , Dominelli Paolo B. , Peters Carli M. , Guenette Jordan A. , Sheel A. William , Gladstone Igor M. , Lovering Andrew T. , Duke Joseph W.
Published: August 2019

Adult survivors of very preterm (≤32 wk gestational age) birth without (PRE) and with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have variable degrees of airflow obstruction at rest. Assessment of the shape of the maximal expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curve in PRE and BPD may provide information concerning their unique pattern of airflow obstruction. The purposes of the present study were to 1) quantitatively assess the shape of the MEFV curve in PRE, BPD, and healthy adults born at full-term (CON), 2) identify where along the MEFV curve differences in shape existed between groups, and 3) determine the association between an index of MEFV curve shape and characteristics of preterm birth (i.e., gestational age, mass at birth, duration of oxygen therapy) in PRE and BPD. To do so, we calculated the average slope ratio (SR) throughout the effort-independent portion of the MEFV curve and at increments of 5% of forced vital capacity (FVC) between 20 and 80% of FVC in PRE ( n = 19), BPD ( n = 25), and CON ( n = 20). We found that average SR was significantly higher in PRE (1.34 ± 0.35) and BPD (1.33 ± 0.45) compared with CON (1.03 ± 0.22; both P < 0.05) but similar between PRE and BPD ( P = 0.99). Differences in SR between groups occurred early in expiration (i.e., 20–30% of FVC). There was no association between SR and characteristics of preterm birth in PRE and BPD groups (all P > 0.05). The mechanism(s) of increased SR during early expiration in PRE/BPD relative to CON is unknown but may be due to differences in the structural and mechanical properties of the airways.
Early stages of sensorimotor map acquisition: learning with free exploration, without active movement or global structure
Authors: van Vugt F. T. , Ostry D. J.
Published: August 2019

One of the puzzles of learning to talk or play a musical instrument is how we learn which movement produces a particular sound: an audiomotor map. The initial stages of map acquisition can be studied by having participants learn arm movements to auditory targets. The key question is what mechanism drives this early learning. Three learning processes from previous literature were tested: map learning may rely on active motor outflow (target), on error correction, and on the correspondence between sensory and motor distances (i.e., that similar movements map to similar sounds). Alternatively, we hypothesized that map learning can proceed without these. Participants made movements that were mapped to sounds in a number of different conditions that each precluded one of the potential learning processes. We tested whether map learning relies on assumptions about topological continuity by exposing participants to a permuted map that did not preserve distances in auditory and motor space. Further groups were tested who passively experienced the targets, kinematic trajectories produced by a robot arm, and auditory feedback as a yoked active participant (hence without active motor outflow). Another group made movements without receiving targets (thus without experiencing errors). In each case we observed substantial learning, therefore none of the three hypothesized processes is required for learning. Instead early map acquisition can occur with free exploration without target error correction, is based on sensory-to-sensory correspondences, and possible even for discontinuous maps. The findings are consistent with the idea that early sensorimotor map formation can involve instance-specific learning.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study tested learning of novel sensorimotor maps in a variety of unusual circumstances, including learning a mapping that was permuted in such as way that it fragmented the sensorimotor workspace into discontinuous parts, thus not preserving sensory and motor topology. Participants could learn this mapping, and they could learn without motor outflow or targets. These results point to a robust learning mechanism building on individual instances, inspired from machine learning literature.
Effect of Strengthening of Steel Beams with Variable Length by Using Carbon Fiber
Authors: Al-Ridha Ahmed S. D. , Atshan Ali F. , Mahmoud Kamal Sh. , Hameed Qusai Kh.
Published: August 2019

In this research, four steel beams were fabricated and tested to understand the influence of their strengthening (by using carbon fiber) with various span lengths on load deflection, load-strain, and ultimate load responses. All tested beams have the same cross-sectional area, and they are all strengthened by using intermediate stiffeners and cover steel plate at top flange to insure that failure will occur at the bottom flange. The tested steel beams are divided into two groups according to their clear span lengths 1400 and 1900 mm, and each group is subdivided into two beam cases based on whether they are strengthened by carbon fiber or not. From this study, it was found that the load deflection and load-strain curves for the beams strengthened by carbon fiber are stiffer than the original beams (without carbon fiber) with similar clear span lengths (this behavior was more obvious with smaller lengths). Moreover, the load deflection and load-strain responses have shown that beams became stiffer when the effective length is reduced (with and without carbon fiber), and this behavior was more apparent with the beams strengthened by carbon fiber. On the contrary, from the results of ultimate load of the beams, it can be concluded that the percentage of increase in ultimate load for the beam strengthened by carbon fiber is increased with the decrease in its span length. One could also conclude that when the effective length decreases, the ultimate load was increased and the percentage of this increasing is magnified with the presence of carbon fiber.
Visceral Leishmaniasis Treatment Outcome and Associated Factors in Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Gidey Kidu , Belay Desalegn , Hailu Berhane Yohannes , Kassa Tesfaye Dessale , Niriayo Yirga Legesse
Published: August 2019

Background. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), one of the most neglected tropical diseases, is placing a huge burden on Ethiopia. Despite the introduction of antileishmanial drugs, treatment outcomes across regions are variable due to drug resistance and other factors. Thus, understanding of VL treatment outcomes and its contributing factors helps decisions on treatment. However, the magnitude and the risk factors of poor treatment outcome are not well studied in our setting. Therefore, our study was designed to assess treatment outcomes and associated factors in patients with VL. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in VL patients admitted between June 2016 and April 2018 to Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Data was collected through chart review of patient records. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with poor treatment outcome. Results. A total of 148 VL patients were included in the study. The mean age (SD) of the patients was 32.86 (11.9) years; most of them (94.6%) were male patients. The proportion of poor treatment outcome was 12.1%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that long duration of illness (> four weeks) (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 6.1 [95% confidence interval (CI); 1.3-28.6], p=0.02) and concomitant tuberculosis (TB) infection (AOR 4.6 [95% CI; 1.1-19.1], p=0.04) were the independent predictors of poor treatment outcome. Conclusions. Poor treatment outcome was observed in a considerable proportion of VL patients. Long duration of illness and coinfection with TB were associated with poor VL treatment outcome. Hence, early diagnosis and effective prompt treatment are important to improve treatment outcomes among VL patients. Special attention should also be given in the treatment of VL/TB coinfected patients in our setting.
Gut Flora: Novel Therapeutic Target of Chinese Medicine for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Ou Yangwen , Zhang Cuiping , Yao Miaoen , Wang Lei
Published: August 2019

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the three major threats to human health identified by WHO. Dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are well established as common CVD risk factors. However, controversies exist on the effects of gut flora on cardiovascular disease (CVD). Current evidence suggests that gut microbiota is a double-edged sword for CVD risk, and its effects are largely determined by the metabolites of the gut microbiota. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), as one of the metabolites of gut flora, is consistently associated with higher CVD risk. A few studies have emerged providing early evidence about the safety and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating cardiovascular diseases by regulating gut flora. In this article, we review and interpret the existing evidence as well as explore the potential of intestinal flora as novel therapeutic targets of traditional Chinese medicine for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Short-Term Effect of Low-Dose Atropine and Hyperopic Defocus on Choroidal Thickness and Axial Length in Young Myopic Adults
Authors: Sander Beata P. , Collins Michael J. , Read Scott A.
Published: August 2019

Purpose. To examine the interaction between a short period of hyperopic defocus and low-dose atropine upon the choroidal thickness and ocular biometrics of healthy myopic subjects. Methods. Twenty young adult myopic subjects had subfoveal choroidal thickness (ChT) and ocular biometry measurements taken before and 30 and 60 min following the introduction of optical blur (0.00 D and −3.00 D) combined with administration of 0.01% atropine or placebo. Each combination of optical blur and drug was tested on different days in a fixed order. Results. The choroid exhibited significant thinning after imposing hyperopic defocus combined with placebo (mean change of −11 ± 2 μm, p<0.001). The combination of hyperopic blur and 0.01% atropine led to a significantly smaller magnitude of subfoveal choroidal thinning (−4 ± 8 μm), compared to placebo and hyperopic defocus (p<0.01). Eyes treated with 0.01% atropine with no defocus exhibited a significant increase in ChT (+6 ± 2 μm, p<0.01). Axial length also underwent small but significant changes after treatment with hyperopic blur and placebo and 0.01% atropine alone (both p<0.01), but of opposite direction to the changes in choroidal thickness. However, the 0.01% atropine/hyperopic blur condition did not lead to a significant change in axial length compared to baseline (p>0.05). Conclusion. Low-dose atropine does inhibit the short-term effect of hyperopic blur on choroidal thickness and, when used alone, does cause a slight thickening of the choroid in young healthy myopic adults.
Practice Variations in the Use of Novel Oral Anticoagulants for Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation-Related Stroke among Stroke Neurologists in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alanazy Mohammed H. , Muayqil Taim
Published: August 2019

Clinical trials have demonstrated that novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are noninferior to warfarin in preventing nonvalvular atrial fibrillation- (nvAF-) related stroke and systemic embolism. However, in these trials, NOACs initiation was delayed for a variable period after stroke. Herein, we aimed to investigate the variability in early initiation of NOACs after nvAF-related stroke among stroke neurologists in Saudi Arabia. A standardized questionnaire was distributed electronically to all the stroke neurologists and fellows in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire primarily focused on the timing of NOACs initiation after an nvAF-related stroke, according to stroke size (small, medium, and large) and location (anterior or posterior circulation). Thirty-six (85.7%) of the 42 stroke neurologists, who were contacted, participated in the survey. All participants would initiate NOACs in the first 3 days after a TIA; most of them initiate NOACs within 7 days after a small stroke, 4–14 days after a medium stroke, and ≥12 days after a large stroke, regardless of stroke location. Presence of a symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage further delayed initiation of NOACs. Additionally, 77.8% of the participants would bridge with antiplatelets before initiation of NOACs, and 55.6% would use a single antiplatelet agent. In conclusion, the practice of stroke neurologists is consistent with and supports the available evidence from observational studies on the time of initiation of NOACs. Our findings provide a guide for clinicians who manage nvAF-related stroke until more robust evidence from randomized controlled trials is available.
Optimization Method for Solving the Reasonable Arch Axis of Long‐Span CFST Arch Bridges
Authors: Zhang Xuesong , Liang Ningyi , Lu Xiaohong , Gu Anbang , Shan Jidong
Published: August 2019

With the continuous construction of 500 m concrete‐filled steel‐tube (CFST) arch bridges such as the Bosideng Yangtze River Bridge and the Hejiang Changjiang Highway Bridge, the deviation between the dead pressure line and the arch axis produced by extant arch axis optimization methods increases. Therefore, an arch axis optimization method for long‐span CFST arch bridges with a truss section must be designed. Following the optimization of the truss arch axis, this study develops the minimum section eccentricity method that aims to optimize the arch axis of long‐span CFST arch bridges. To minimize the main tube eccentricity of the truss arch, the bending moment of the main tubes is reduced by applying the main tube eccentricity method iteratively in a finite element model. Afterward, a smooth and reasonable arch axis is fitted by applying a cubic spline interpolation function in MATLAB. The entire optimization procedure is performed using the Bosideng Yangtze River Bridge as an example. Compared with that of optimal arch axis line types (e.g., parabola and catenary) and other traditional arch axes, the bending moment of main tubes optimized by the proposed method is substantially lower and more uniformly distributed along the arch axis span. The mechanical properties of the finished bridge, including its strength, stiffness, and stability, are all improved, thereby verifying the feasibility of using the proposed method to optimize the arch axis of CFST arch bridges with a truss section.
Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Are They Associated with Disease Occurrence and Its Features?
Authors: Maciejewski Adam , Kowalczyk Michał J. , Herman Waldemar , Czyżyk Adam , Kowalska Marta , Żaba Ryszard , Łącka Katarzyna
Published: August 2019

Purpose. Vitamin D, besides its role in calcium-phosphorus metabolism, turned out to play a significant immunomodulating function. Until now four single nucleotide polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor gene (VDR), rs2228570 (FokI), rs1544410 (BsmI), rs7975232 (ApaI), and rs731236 (TaqI), have been studied in autoimmune thyroid disorders, with conflicting results. Another functional polymorphism of the VDR gene, rs11568820 (Cdx2), has been shown to influence the immune system, although it has not been studied for its association with autoimmune thyroiditis to date. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the association of these five VDR gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to autoimmune thyroiditis among Caucasian Polish population. A relationship between the studied polymorphisms and selected clinical features of the disease was additionally assessed. Methods. 223 patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and 130 control subjects were enrolled in the study. VDR polymorphisms were studied by PCR-RFLP or TaqMan real-time PCR. Results. Allele and genotype distributions of any of the studied polymorphisms did not differ significantly between patients and controls. Similarly, frequencies of haplotypes derived from rs1544410-rs7975232-rs731236 (BsmI-ApaI-TaqI) polymorphisms were not significantly different in the two studied groups. However, a weak association between rs1544410 (BsmI) or rs7975232 (ApaI) VDR polymorphisms and thyroid volume was found (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, resp.). Conclusions. Our results suggest that VDR gene is not a major susceptibility factor for autoimmune thyroiditis development, at least in Caucasian Polish population.