bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological study and radiofrequency ablation of hemodynamically-instable ventricular arrhythmias in a patient with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Zou Song , Cen Zhifu , Jia Ruikun , Lu Sijie , Hao Yan , Cui Kaijun
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Hemodynamically-instable ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are rare in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). To the best of our knowledge, only 1 case has been reported so far. Moreover, the pathogenesis of this kind of arrhythmia remains obscured and its treatment is challenging. Here we report another case and presented the substrate for VAs initiation and therapeutic effect of radiofrequency ablation.

Patient concerns:

This is a 57-year-old man who presented paroxysmal palpitation associated with presyncope at rest. Surface electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed frequent ventricular premature contractions and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia when symptoms occurred. He also had a history of severe PH which was secondary to atrial septal defect and partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage and suffered from obvious dyspnea when climbing stairs World Health Organization Class III (WHO Class III).

Diagnosis:

Hemodynamically-instable VAs associated with severe PH.

Intervention:

Echocardiography revealed enlargement of right ventricle (right ventricle [RV]: 43 mm). Electrophysiological examination showed the origin of VAs is next to a small low-voltage zone of RV. Radiofrequency delivery at the origin successfully terminated VAs without occurrence of complication.

Outcome:

The patient was free from arrhythmias and got an improvement of exercise tolerance, just with mild dyspnea when climbing stairs World Health Organization Class II (WHO class II), during six-month follow up.

Lessons:

This case suggests the low-voltage zone of remodeled RV, which may be secondary to increased pulmonary artery pressure, serves as the substrate for VAs initiation in patient with PH. Radiofrequency ablation can successfully terminate VAs and the termination of VAs can significantly improve the patient's impaired exercise tolerance.
Cytomegalovirus enterocolitis with subsequent diagnosis of coexisting new-onset inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Luangsirithanya Panupong , Treewaree Sukrit , Pongpaibul Ananya , Pausawasdi Nonthalee , Limsrivilai Julajak
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Gastrointestinal (GI) cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection coexisting with or followed by a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is infrequently reported. Not recognizing this condition may delay IBD diagnosis in patients with GI-CMV disease who do not or partially respond to antiviral agents, which could consequently result in unsatisfied treatment outcomes.

Patient concerns:

Two immunocompetent patients with no known underlying GI conditions presented with acute bloody diarrhea. The first patient developed diarrhea and hematochezia after admission to intensive care unit (ICU) because of severe alcoholic pancreatitis for 10 days duration. Computed tomography abdomen showed segmental jejunal thickening. The other patient presented with a 1-week history of severe bloody diarrhea which required ICU admission. Colonoscopy showed multiple ulcers along terminal ileum and colon.

Diagnosis:

These 2 patients were initially diagnosed with CMV jejunitis and ileocolitis, respectively, based on endoscopic and histopathologic findings. Both had partial response to treatment with 3 weeks of intravenous ganciclovir. Crohn disease was suspected because of persistent ulcerations on the follow-up endoscopy with the presence of pathological features of chronic inflammation and disappearance of previously detected CMV-infected cells.

Intervention:

Both patients were treated with systemic corticosteroids and azathioprine.

Outcomes:

Both patients had complete clinical improvement. Prednisolone could be tapered off in 6 months. Follow-up video capsule endoscopy (VCE) at 6 months showed improvement of mucosal inflammation and ulcers, but neither were completely healed in the first patient. Follow-up colonoscopy at 6 months showed complete resolution of ulcers and inflammation in the second patient.

Lessons:

IBD should be suspected in patients with a diagnosis of GI-CMV disease who are immunocompetent and have a partial response to antiviral agents. This clinical scenario could be caused by either CMV infection activating immune response resulting in IBD onset, or CMV infection superimposed on pre-existing latent IBD.
Comparing SARS-CoV-2 case rates between pupils, teachers and the general population: results from Germany
Authors: Köstner Clemens , Letzel Stephan , Eggert Viktoria , Beutel Till , Dietz Pavel
Published: March 2021

Given the inconsistent state of research regarding the role of pupils and teachers during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Germany, statewide and nationwide data of infection case rates were analyzed to contribute to the discourse. Infection data from official sources ranging from mid to late 2020 were collected, prepared and analyzed to answer the question if pupils, teachers and general population differed in active case rates or not. The data showed that pupils and teachers case rates didn’t exceeded those of the general population. In conclusion, it seems appropriate to appraise school-related measures to mitigate the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic sufficiently. Data-quality is a yet to overcome obstacle to provide good evidence-based recommendations regarding the management around infection cases in schools.
TheBorrelia burgdorferiadenylyl cyclase, CyaB, is important for virulence factor production and mammalian infection
Authors: Ante Vanessa M. , Farris Lauren C. , Saputra Elizabeth P. , Hall Allie J. , O’Bier Nathaniel S. , Chavez Adela S. Oliva , Marconi Richard T. , Lybecker Meghan C. , Hyde Jenny A.
Published: March 2021

Borrelia burgdorferi,the causative agent of Lyme disease, traverses through vastly distinct environments between the tick vector and the multiple phases of the mammalian infection that requires genetic adaptation for the progression of pathogenesis. Borrelial gene expression is highly responsive to changes in specific environmental signals that initiate the RpoS regulon for mammalian adaptation, but the mechanism(s) for direct detection of environmental cues has yet to be identified. Secondary messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) produced by adenylate cyclase is responsive to environmental signals, such as carbon source and pH, in many bacterial pathogens to promote virulence by altering gene regulation.B. burgdorferiencodes a single non-toxin class IV adenylate cyclase (bb0723, cyaB). This study investigatescyaBexpression along with its influence on borrelial virulence regulation and mammalian infectivity. Expression ofcyaBwas specifically induced with co-incubation of mammalian host cells that was not observed with cultivated tick cells suggesting thatcyaBexpression is influenced by cellular factor(s) unique to mammalian cell lines. The 3’ end ofcyaBalso encodes a small RNA, SR0623, in the same orientation that overlaps withbb0722. The differential processing ofcyaBand SR0623 transcripts may alter the ability to influence function in the form of virulence determinant regulation and infectivity. Two independentcyaBdeletion B31 strains were generated in 5A4-NP1 and ML23 backgrounds and complemented with thecyaBORF alone that truncates SR0623,cyaBwith intact SR0623, orcyaBwith a mutagenized full length SR0623 to evaluate the influence on transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of borrelial virulence factors and infectivity. In the absence ofcyaB,expression and production ofospCwas significantly reduced, while the protein levels for BosR and DbpA were substantially lower than parental strains. Infectivity studies with both independentcyaBmutants demonstrated an attenuated phenotype with reduced colonization of tissues during early disseminated infection. This work suggests thatB. burgdorferiutilizescyaBand potentially cAMP as a regulatory pathway to modulate borrelial gene expression and protein production to promote borrelial virulence and dissemination in the mammalian host.
Reduced D-serine levels drive enhanced non-ionotropic NMDA receptor signaling and destabilization of dendritic spines in a mouse model for studying schizophrenia
Authors: Park Deborah K. , Petshow Samuel , Anisimova Margarita , Barragan Eden V. , Gray John A. , Stein Ivar S. , Zito Karen
Published: March 2021

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder that affects over 20 million people globally. Notably, schizophrenia is associated with decreased density of dendritic spines and decreased levels of D-serine, a co-agonist required for opening of theN-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). We hypothesized that lowered D-serine levels associated with schizophrenia would enhance ion flux-independent signaling by the NMDAR, driving destabilization and loss of dendritic spines. We tested our hypothesis using the serine racemase knockout (SRKO) mouse model, which lacks the enzyme for D-serine production. We show that activity-dependent spine growth is impaired in SRKO mice, but can be acutely rescued by exogenous D-serine. Moreover, we find a significant bias of synaptic plasticity toward spine shrinkage in the SRKO mice as compared to wild-type littermates. Notably, we demonstrate that enhanced ion flux-independent signaling through the NMDAR contributes to this bias toward spine destabilization, which is exacerbated by an increase in synaptic NMDARs in hippocampal synapses of SRKO mice. Our results support a model in which lowered D-serine levels associated with schizophrenia enhance ion flux-independent NMDAR signaling and bias toward spine shrinkage and destabilization.
Initial topical monotherapy may increase the risk of recurrence in patients with extramammary Paget’s disease
Authors: Choi Sooyie , Oh Yeongjoo , Roh Mi Ryung , Chung Kee Yang , Oh Byung Ho
Published: March 2021

Although topical therapies are used to treat extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD), reliable treatment outcomes and the effects of these therapies on subsequent surgical treatments are unclear. To assess the clinical outcomes of topical treatment of EMPD and establish the treatment guidelines the medical records of 166 patients diagnosed with EMPD were retrospectively reviewed. The recurrence rate was evaluated according to the previous use of topical agents. Thirty‐four patients (34/166, 20.5%) were initially treated with topical agents such as imiquimod, 5‐fluorouracil, and ingenol mebutate. Three patients (3/34, 8.8%) showed clinical response, while 31 patients required subsequent therapy owing to treatment failure. Analysis of the prognostic factors of recurrence in 166 patients revealed that initial topical treatment increased the hazard ratio (HR) in both univariate and multiple Cox proportional hazards models (HR = 3.770, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.768–8.037, P = 0.001, and adjusted HR = 3.628, 95% CI = 1.558–8.450, P = 0.003). Patients treated with topical agents showed significantly poorer 3‐year recurrence‐free survival than the nontreated group (66.3% vs 88.6%, P < 0.001). Topical treatment may be deleterious for some EMPD patients, thus increasing the recurrence risk.
Land‐use change erodes trophic redundancy in tropical forest streams: Evidence from amino acid stable isotope analysis
Authors: Chua Kenny W. J. , Liew Jia Huan , Wilkinson Clare L. , Ahmad Amirrudin B. , Tan Heok Hui , Yeo Darren C. J.
Published: March 2021

Studies have shown that food chain length is governed by interactions between species richness, ecosystem size and resource availability. While redundant trophic links may buffer impacts of species loss on food chain length, higher extinction risks associated with predators may result in bottom‐heavy food webs with shorter food chains.

The lack of consensus in earlier empirical studies relating species richness and food chain length reflects the need to account robustly for the factors described above. In response to this, we conducted an empirical study to elucidate impacts of land‐use change on food chain length in tropical forest streams of Southeast Asia.

Despite species losses associated with forest loss at our study areas, results from amino acid isotope analyses showed that food chain length was not linked to land use, ecosystem size or resource availability. Correspondingly, species losses did not have a significant effect on occurrence likelihoods of all trophic guilds except herbivores.

Impacts of species losses were likely buffered by initial high levels of trophic redundancy, which declined with canopy cover. Declines in trophic redundancy were most drastic amongst invertivorous fishes. Declines in redundancy across trophic guilds were also more pronounced in wider and more resource‐rich streams.

While our study found limited evidence for immediate land‐use impacts on stream food chains, the potential loss of trophic redundancy in the longer term implies increasing vulnerability of streams to future perturbations, as long as land conversion continues unabated.
Location of recurrent cardiovascular events and anticardiolipin antibodies
Authors: Galán‐González Javier , Rico‐Martín Sergio , Calderón‐García Julián F. , Antón Joaquín , Ramírez‐Moreno José M. , Álvarez‐Rodríguez Lorenzo R. , Sánchez Muñoz‐Torrero Juan F. ,   for FRENA Investigators
Published: March 2021

Background

The relationship between anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies and cardiovascular events is uncertain and may vary according to arterial location.

Materials and methods

FRENA is an ongoing registry of stable outpatients with symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD) or peripheral artery disease (PAD). The rate of subsequent ischaemic events was cross‐referenced with the presence of aCL antibodies (any isotype, IgG or IgM).

Results

As of June 2017, 1387 stable outpatients were recruited. Of these, 120 (8.7%) showed positive levels of aCL antibodies. Over an average follow‐up of 18 months, 250 patients developed subsequent events: 101 myocardial infarction, 57 ischaemic stroke and 92 critical leg events. Patients with positive aCL antibodies had a higher risk of distal artery events (a composite of ischaemic stroke or critical leg events) than patients with undetectable or low levels (rate ratio: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.07‐2.60). However, an association with central coronary events was not found. The multivariate Cox analysis after adjustment for relevant clinical covariates showed that positivity of aCL antibodies is an independent risk factor for distal events (hazard ratio: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.01‐2.55; P < .05).

Conclusions

Positivity of aCL antibodies is associated with an increased risk of subsequent distal artery ischaemic events (cerebral or leg arteries) but not coronary artery events. Anticardiolipin antibodies appear to have a different relationship on the localisation of ischaemic events in patients with symptomatic artery disease.
The sociology of Catholicism: A review of research and scholarship
Authors: Conway Brian
Published: March 2021

This article seeks to review recent research and scholarship in the sociology of Catholicism, as well as focusing on areas needing greater attention. In taking stock of this literature, I identify institutional change, church‐society interactions, institutional resources and influence, and the church as international actor as four key topics that have engaged scholarship. I review existing research under each, as well as highlighting gaps and blind spots that invite further inquiry of this specific religious group.
Generalized Models of Design Iteration Using Signal Flow Graphs
Authors: Nukala Murthy V. , Eppinger Steven D. , Whitney Daniel E.
Published: March 2021

Changing customer preferences, demand for quality and new technologies have led to very short product life cycles. This requires firms to have short product development lead times while keeping product cost low and quality high in order to stay competitive. In this context, we focus on improved understanding of design iterations. We are creating tools for modeling product development projects in order to predict the performance of product development organizations. In this paper, signal flow graphs are presented as a flexible tool for design process modeling. Illustrated using an industrial example, key project performance metrics including the probability distribution of lead time, and to identify key drivers of lead time.
A Methodology of Perspective Browsing to Support Concurrent Design
Authors: Ito Teruaki , Fukuda Shuichi
Published: March 2021

A methodology of perspective browsing to support concurrent design is presented using the concept of perspective and a new idea called hypergraph. Our approach uses the idea of browsing design for concurrent work, where a designer can proceed designing sessions using navigational operations. Browsing design uses the view as a trigger for obtaining information, which strongly supports the natural sequence of a designer’s thought with the minimum interruption. The view is represented by the concept of perspective. We applied a model called PERMO, which encompasses the view and includes a navigational function using a new data structure called hypergraph. We developed a prototype system HYDRA based on the model to demonstrate the usefulness of our browsing methodology for design support system. The paper describes some examples of browsing design using HYDRA.
Dynamics of High Speed Roller Chain Drives
Authors: Fritz Peter , Pfeiffer Friedrich
Published: March 2021

This paper deals with roller chain drives applied in combustion engines. In order to find characteristics for an optimal design, all components of a chain drive are taken into account. For a detailed analysis of the chain strand vibrations and the contact configurations each chain link, sprocket and guide is treated as a separate body. A nonlinear force element describes the joint forces, including elasticity, damping, backlash and oil-displacement. To determine real contact forces between a link and a sprocket or a guide, the exact contour and the mutual dependence of the contacts are considered. The impact of one link may influence the other links in such a manner that their contact configuration may change. In the mechanical model these contacts are represented by unilateral constraints. Applying the formulation of the linear complementarities including additional inequality conditions, the determination of a valid contact configuration after a change in the system structure is simplified.
Self Excited Multi-Mode Vibrations of Aircraft Brakes With Nonlinear Negative Damping
Authors: Black Raymond J.
Published: March 2021

This paper shows how vibratory modes of a brake/landing gear system can interact strongly when there is nonlinear negative damping being generated at the brake’s friction interface. The approach first considers the normal modes of the linearized system. The nonlinear frictional interface force is then added to the modal equations of motion. The energy added to each of the modes, per cycle of the lowest frequency mode, is then determined. From these functions an amplitude path map and limit cycle amplitudes are determined. Multiple limit cycles are found to exist for certain combinations of damping. Amplitude modulation of the higher-frequency mode at multiples of the lower frequency mode is explained. Time solutions of the motion are obtained and compared to computer simulation results. Results compare closely.

The method yields a global view of the stability and modal interactions caused by nonlinear negative damping at the brake’s friction interface.
Barrel-Stave Flextensional Transducers for Sonar Applications
Authors: Jones D. F. , Lewis D. J. , Reithmeier C. G. , Brownell G. A.
Published: March 2021

Barrel-stave flextensional transducers are low frequency underwater projectors that can be used as active components in long-range sonar systems or as versatile sound sources in oceanographic applications. The advantages offered by this type of flextensional transducer include low frequency, high power, small size, low weight, post-assembly frequency tuning, and low cost due to simplicity in its design and assembly. The construction of three barrel-stave projectors, investigated at the Defence Research Establishment Atlantic (DREA) in recent years, is briefly described. The performance goals for each of these projectors are shown to be consistent with the criteria that distinguish the first three classes in the Brigham-Royster classification scheme for flextensional transducers. Important in-water performance parameters, such as the resonance frequencies, transmitting voltage responses, source levels, mechanical quality factors, and electroacoustic efficiencies, are presented. In addition, these parameters are compared to those of other experimental and commercial barrel-stave flextensional designs.
Fast Total Variation-Based Image Reconstruction
Authors: Vogel Curtis R. , Oman Mary Ellen
Published: March 2021

We apply a total variation minimization technique for two tasks in image processing: denoising, which is the reconstruction of an image from noisy observations of the image; and deblurring, which is the reconstruction of an image which is convolved with a smooth kernel function and then contaminated with error. Total Variation minimization yields a nonlinear elliptic partial differential equation (PDE). In this paper we discuss numerical techniques for the efficient solution of this PDE.
An enhanced iterative receiver based on vector approximate message passing for deep-sea vertical underwater acoustic communications
Authors: Li Dong , Wu Yanbo , Zhu Min , Tao Jun
Published: March 2021

Vertical underwater acoustic (UWA) communications play a crucial role in deep-sea applications. A vertical UWA channel generally features a moderate multipath but with time-varying Doppler shifts as well as loud impulsive noise. To achieve a robust vertical single-carrier UWA communication, this paper proposes an enhanced iterative receiver. First, a spline interpolation-based timing estimation approach is proposed to compensate for the time-varying Doppler effects efficiently. Then, the residual timing errors and the multipath interference are tackled by a fractionally spaced self-iterative soft equalizer (SISE) based on the vector approximate message passing (VAMP) algorithm. The VAMP-SISE consists of four parts: an inner soft slicer and an inner soft equalizer for symbol detection as well as a denoiser and a minimum mean-squared error estimator for impulsive noise suppression. Different parts iteratively exchange extrinsic information to improve the equalization performance. Last, a channel-fitting irregular convolutional code and a unity-rate code are employed at the transmitter to lower the signal-to-noise ratio threshold for reliable communications. Deep-sea experiments verify the performance superiority of the proposed receiver over existing schemes.
Life could use oxygen long before it was abundant
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: March 2021

"Major innovation" emerged more than 3 billion years ago but was slow to catch on, study says.
Science's new frontier
Authors: Mertz Aaron F. , Mishra Abhilash
Published: March 2021

The year 2020 saw a reusable rocket launch two astronauts into space, multiple COVID-19 vaccines developed in record time, and a robot that could write a persuasive op-ed. In the United States, the year also saw public distrust of science contribute to the worst health crisis in modern history. This contrast highlights a sharp dichotomy in the role of science in American public life: breathtaking discovery and innovation alongside growing distrust of scientific evidence and recommendations. How can the country reconcile this dissociation?
The ABCs of ovarian cancer immunology: IgA, B cells, and CTLs
Authors: Lichtman Andrew
Published: March 2021

Intratumoral B cells in ovarian cancers produce IgA, which binds tumor antigens and inhibit tumor growth through myeloid cell–dependent mechanisms or by neutralization of secreted factors, and by antigen-nonspecific binding to poly-Ig receptor on cancer cells leading to transcytosis, which sensitizes the cells for CTL killing.
Chronic mesenteric ischaemia presenting as possible large bowl malignancy: an easily overlooked differential diagnosis
Authors: McDonald Benjamin
Published: March 2021

An 80-year-old woman presented to a regional emergency department with postprandial pain, weight loss and diarrhoea for 2 months and a Computed Tomography (CT) report suggestive of descending colon malignancy. Subsequent investigations revealed the patient to have chronic mesenteric ischaemia (CMI) with associated bowel changes. She developed an acute-on-chronic ischaemia that required emergency transfer, damage control surgery and revascularisation. While the patient survived, this case highlights the importance of considering CMI in elderly patients with vague abdominal symptoms and early intervention to avoid potentially catastrophic outcomes.
Physiological response of the moderately halophilic psychrotolerant strain Chromohalobacter sp. N1 to salinity change and low temperature
Authors: Anan’ina Lyudmila N. , Gorbunov Aleksey A. , Pyankova Anna A.
Published: March 2021

The available information on de novo synthesized compatible solutes in response to high medium salinity by bacteria of the Chromohalobacter genus is limited to studies of the mesophilic moderately halophilic strain Chromohalobacter salexigens DSM 3043T. Therefore, there is a need for studies of representatives of other species of the Chromohalobacter genus of the Halomonadaceae family. A moderately halophilic psychrotolerant bacterium, strain N1, closely related to the species Chromohalobacter japonicus was isolated from the salt crust of a rock salt waste pile in Berezniki, Perm Krai, Russia. An intracellular pool of compatible solutes of strain N1 was investigated by NMR spectroscopy. Cells grown in the presence of 5% NaCl at optimal growth temperature (28 °C) accumulated ectoine, glutamate, N(4)-acetyl-l-2,4-diaminobutyrate (NADA), alanine, trehalose, hydroxyectoine, and valine. Such a combination of compatible solutes is unique and distinguishes the strain from C. salexigens DSM 3043T. Hyperosmotic stress induced by 15% NaCl caused the accumulation of ectoine, NADA, and hydroxyectoine but led to a decrease in the amount of alanine, valine, and trehalose. The intracellular pool of glutamate was not significantly changed. A reduction of the growth temperature from 28 to 5 °C led to an increase in the amount of ectoine, NADA, trehalose, and hydroxyectoine. Ectoine was the major compatible solute.
PTFE Content in Catalyst Layers and Microporous Layers: Effect on Performance and Water Distribution in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Mohseninia A. , Eppler M. , Kartouzian D. , Markötter H. , Kardjilov N. , Wilhelm F. , Scholta J. , Manke I.
Published: March 2021

This work describes the effects of catalyst layers (CLs) consisting of hydrophobic PTFE on the performance and water management of PEM fuel cells. Catalyst inks with various PTFE contents were coated on Nafion membranes and characterized using contact angle measurements, SEX-EDX, and mercury porosimetry. Fuel cell tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were conducted under varying operating conditions for the prepared materials. At dry conditions, CLs with 5 wt.% PTFE were advantageous for cell performance due to improved membrane hydration, whereas under humid conditions and high air flow rates CLs with 10 wt.% PTFE improved the performance in high current density region. Higher PTFE contents (≥20 wt.%) increased the mass transport resistance due to reduced porosity of the CLs structure. Operando neutron radiography was utilized to study the effects of hydrophobicity gradients within CLs and cathode microporous layer (MPLC) on liquid water distribution. More hydrophobic CLs increased the water content in adjacent layers and improved performance, especially at dry conditions. MPLC with higher PTFE contents increased the overall liquid water within the CLs and GDLs and escalated the water transfer to the anode side. Furthermore, the role of back-diffusion transport mechanism on water distribution was identified for the investigated cells.
A First Outlook of Sputtered FeWO4 Thin Films for Micro-Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Buvat Gaëtan , Iadecola Antonella , Blanchard Florent , Brousse Thierry , Roussel Pascal , Lethien Christophe
Published: March 2021

The next generation of Internet of Things devices requires micro-supercapacitors operating at high voltage which is difficult to achieve using symmetrical design. Thus, their fabrication in an asymmetric configuration is mandatory. While MnO2 is well-established as positive electrode, the scarcity of existing efficient materials able to be used at the negative side drives the research towards new promising materials. Since few years, a new class of oxide materials, named multicationic oxides, were demonstrated to be attractive solutions as bulk electrodes for electrochemical capacitor. Among them, the wolframite-type FeWO4 oxide was proposed as an interesting negative electrode material for asymmetric FeWO4/MnO2 electrochemical capacitors. The present paper reports for the first time on the successful thin film synthesis of such iron-tungstate oxide films by reactive DC magnetron sputtering, a deposition method widely used in the semiconductor industry to manufacture micro-devices. The pseudocapacitive behaviour documented at the bulk scale is preserved at the thin film level as well, and opens-up the possibility to use FeWO4 in the next generations of micro-supercapacitors.
Geometrical remodeling of the mitral and tricuspid annuli in response to exercise training: a 3-D echocardiographic study in elite athletes
Authors: Fábián Alexandra , Lakatos Bálint Károly , Tokodi Márton , Kiss Anna Réka , Sydó Nóra , Csulak Emese , Kispál Erika , Babity Máté , Szűcs Andrea , Kiss Orsolya , Merkely Béla , Kovács Attila
Published: March 2021

We have characterized the annular geometry of mitral and tricuspid valves in elite athletes using 3-D echocardiography. We have found that exercise-induced remodeling of the atrioventricular annuli comprises a disproportionate dilation of annular dimensions and increased leaflet tenting of both valves. Moreover, we have demonstrated a more pronounced saddle shape of the mitral annulus in athletes without mitral regurgitation, which was not present in those who had mild regurgitation.
Successful Anesthesia Management of Postoperative Maternal Pulmonary Edema and Uterine Hyperactivity following Open Fetal Myelomeningocele Repair
Authors: Snegovskikh Denis , Svokos Konstantina , Souza Dmitri , Renaud Elizabeth , Carr Stephen R. , Kendall Mark C. , Luks Francois I.
Published: March 2021

Effective tocolysis is essential after fetal myelomeningocele repair and is associated with the development of pulmonary edema. The increased uterine activity in the immediate postoperative period is commonly treated with magnesium sulfate. However, other tocolytic agents such as nitroglycerine, nifedipine, indomethacin, terbutaline, and atosiban (outside the US) have also been used to combat uterine contractility. The ideal tocolytic regimen which balances the risks and benefits of in-utero surgery has yet to be determined. In this case report, we describe a unique case of fetal myelomeningocele repair complicated by maternal pulmonary edema and increased uterine activity resistant to magnesium sulfate therapy.
An Urban Network Study of Government Procurement Activities: A Case Study of Northeast China
Authors: Cheng Lisha , Tong Daoqin , Ji Xuepeng , Wang Shijun
Published: March 2021

Urban networks have been widely examined using infrastructure connection and firm connection data. In particular, urban networks constructed based on firm connection data have been used to depict the circulation of capital, information, personnel, and products between cities. Existing studies on firm connection networks rely on either inter‐ or intrafirm relationships. However, there exist various important extra‐firm relationships, such as those between firms and governments, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations. This study innovatively incorporates the extra‐firm relationships between governments and firms into urban network construction to provide new insights into the field of urban network research. Using Northeast China as a case study, we construct government procurement activity (GPA) connection networks for both central projects and local projects at the regional and national scales. Social network analysis and regression analysis are used to analyze the network characteristics and factors associated with the network structure. The results show that three provincial capitals (Harbin, Changchun, and Shenyang) hold dominant positions across all the networks. While these capitals serve as GPA suppliers in the region, they are mainly GPA consumers nationally. The factors of spatial proximity, economic development, population, and provincial boundaries were found to be significantly associated with GPA connections. Our study provides important insights into the role of cities in firm‐government supply‐demand networks. This research can be used to help formulate effective strategies to improve a city’s competitiveness and cities’ cooperation in the GPA supply‐demand network.
The Emerging Roles of RNA m6A Methylation and Demethylation as Critical Regulators of Tumorigenesis, Drug Sensitivity, and Resistance
Authors: Lan Qing , Liu Pei Y. , Bell Jessica L. , Wang Jenny Y. , Hüttelmaier Stefan , Zhang Xu Dong , Zhang Lirong , Liu Tao
Published: March 2021

RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification occurs in approximately 25% of mRNAs at the transcriptome-wide level. RNA m6A is regulated by the RNA m6A methyltransferases methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), METTL14, and METTL16 (writers), demethylases FTO and ALKBH5 (erasers), and binding proteins YTHDC1–2, YTHDF1–3, IGF2BP1–3, and SND1 (readers). These RNA m6A modification proteins are frequently upregulated or downregulated in human cancer tissues and are often associated with poor patient prognosis. By modulating pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA nuclear export, decay, stability, and translation of oncogenic and tumor suppressive transcripts, RNA m6A modification proteins regulate cancer cell proliferation, survival, migration, invasion, tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and sensitivity to anticancer therapies. Importantly, small-molecule activators of METTL3, as well as inhibitors of METTL3, FTO, ALKBH5, and IGF2BP1 have recently been identified and have shown considerable anticancer effects when administered alone or in combination with other anticancer agents, both in vitro and in mouse models of human cancers. Future compound screening and design of more potent and selective RNA m6A modification protein inhibitors and activators are expected to provide novel anticancer agents, appropriate for clinical trials in patients with cancer tissues harboring aberrant RNA m6A modification protein expression or RNA m6A modification protein–induced resistance to cancer therapy.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Induces IL34 Signaling and Promotes Chemoresistance via Tumor-Associated Macrophage Polarization in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Nakajima Shotaro , Mimura Kosaku , Saito Katsuharu , Thar Min Aung Kyi , Endo Eisei , Yamada Leo , Kase Koji , Yamauchi Naoto , Matsumoto Takuro , Nakano Hiroshi , Kanke Yasuyuki , Okayama Hirokazu , Saito Motonobu , Neupane Prajwal , Saze Zenichiro , Watanabe Yohei , Hanayama Hiroyuki , Hayase Suguru , Kaneta Akinao , Momma Tomoyuki , Ohki Shinji , Ohira Hiromasa , Kono Koji
Published: March 2021

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a key role in the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in solid tumors including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the TME profile of ESCC treated with NAC is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of NAC on the TME especially tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), the important immunosuppressive components of the TME, in ESCC. We quantified the expression of CD163, a crucial marker of TAM, in pretherapeutic biopsy and surgically resected ESCC specimens from patients who received NAC (n = 33) or did not receive NAC (n = 12). We found that NAC dramatically increased the expression of CD163 on TAMs in ESCC. Colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) and IL34 are crucial cytokines that recruit monocytes into tumor sites and differentiate them into TAMs. Interestingly, NAC significantly upregulated the expression of IL34 but not CSF-1 on tumor cells, and the frequencies of CD163+ TAMs were significantly correlated with IL34 expression in ESCC after NAC. The expression of IL34 in NAC-nonresponsive patients was significantly higher than that in NAC-responsive patients, and patients with IL34-high ESCC exhibited worse prognosis as compared with patients with IL34-low ESCC. We also demonstrated that 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/cisplatin preferentially increased mRNA expression of IL34 on human ESCC cell lines. Human peripheral blood monocytes co-cultured with ESCC cells treated with 5-FU/cisplatin increased the expression of CD163, which was attenuated by the treatment with CSF-1R inhibitors. These data suggest that IL34 expression by NAC shifts the TME toward CD163+ TAM-rich immunosuppressive and chemo-insensitive microenvironment in ESCC.

Implications:

The blockade of IL34 signaling may offer a novel therapeutic strategy against chemoresistance in ESCC by inhibiting M2-TAM polarization.
Harmonics elimination for DC/DC power supply based on piezoelectric filters
Authors: Almgotir Hasan Ma , Ali Enaam A. Khaliq , Abd al ameer Wedian H. , Al-Qaisi Mustafa A. Fadel
Published: March 2021

This research presents a study, modelling and simulation of the piezoelectric material work as filters (piezoelectric filter) used to eliminate the harmonics in power electronic circuits, high order harmonics are generating due to the high switching frequencies and circuit equipment, detailed simulation is achieved for the piezoelectric filter tested in full-bridge DC/DC converter circuit with resistive load works as dc power supply (12 to 48 volt). As a result, the uses of piezoelectric filters have a great impact on harmonics elimination, which leads to reduce the overall total harmonic distortion leads to increase the efficiency, as well as the output voltage from the dc power supply remain constant by varying the load resistance over a wide range. The dc power supply circuit including the piezoelectric filter has been simulated using PSIM (V9.1) power electronic circuit simulation software.
Active battery balancing system for electric vehicles based on cell charger
Authors: Amin Amin , Budiman Alexander Christantho , Kaleg Sunarto , Sudirja Sudirja , Hapid Abdul
Published: March 2021

Cell imbalance can cause negative effects such as early stopping of the battery charging and discharging process which can reduce its capacity. In the previous active balancing research, the energy used for the balancing process was taken from the cell or battery pack, resulting in drop of electric vehicle driving range. In this paper, a cell charger based battery balancing system is proposed with a reduction in the number of switches. The use of a cell charger aims to increase the usable energy of the battery pack, since the energy used for the balancing process is taken directly from the grid. The use of fewer switches aims to reduce the cost and space used on the battery management system (BMS) hardware. The charger used for the balancing process has a maximum current of 3 A and a maximum voltage of 3.65 V while the number of switches used is n+5 for n batteries. A 15S1P 200 Ah LiFePO4 battery pack consists of 15 cells used for testing purpose. The test results show that the time needed to equalize the 15 cell battery voltage reaches 6 hours from the difference between the highest and lowest battery cell voltages of 145.1 mV to 15.1 mV.
Kathy McKeown Interviews Bonnie Webber
Authors: Webber Bonnie
Published: March 2021

Because the 2020 ACL Lifetime Achievement Award presentation could not be done in person, we replaced the usual LTA talk with an interview between Professor Kathy McKeown (Columbia University) and the recipient, Bonnie Webber. The following is an edited version of the interview, with added citations.
Conditional power of antidepressant network meta-analysis
Authors: Holper Lisa
Published: March 2021

Background

Conditional power of network meta-analysis (NMA) can support the planning of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing medical interventions. Conditional power is the probability that updating existing inconclusive evidence in NMA with additional trial(s) will result in conclusive evidence, given assumptions regarding trial design, anticipated effect sizes, or event probabilities.

Methods

The present work aimed to estimate conditional power for potential future trials on antidepressant treatments. Existing evidence was based on a published network of 502 RCTs conducted between 1979-2018 assessing acute antidepressant treatment in major depressive disorder (MDD). Primary outcomes were efficacy in terms of the symptom change on the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and tolerability in terms of the dropout rate due to adverse events. The network compares 21 antidepressants consisting of 231 relative treatment comparisons, 164 (efficacy) and 127 (tolerability) of which are currently assumed to have inconclusive evidence.

Results

Required sample sizes to achieve new conclusive evidence with at least 80% conditional power were estimated to range between N = 894 - 4190 (efficacy) and N = 521 - 1246 (tolerability). Otherwise, sample sizes ranging between N = 49 - 485 (efficacy) and N = 40 - 320 (tolerability) may require stopping for futility based on a boundary at 20% conditional power. Optimizing trial designs by considering multiple trials that contribute both direct and indirect evidence, anticipating alternative effect sizes or alternative event probabilities, may increase conditional power but required sample sizes remain high. Antidepressants having the greatest conditional power associated with smallest required sample sizes were identified as those on which current evidence is low, i.e., clomipramine, levomilnacipran, milnacipran, nefazodone, and vilazodone, with respect to both outcomes.

Conclusions

The present results suggest that conditional power to achieve new conclusive evidence in ongoing or future trials on antidepressant treatments is low. Limiting the use of the presented conditional power analysis are primarily due to the estimated large sample sizes which would be required in future trials as well as due to the well-known small effect sizes in antidepressant treatments. These findings may inform researchers and decision-makers regarding the clinical relevance and justification of research in ongoing or future antidepressant RCTs in MDD.
Resistance of strongylid nematodes to anthelmintic drugs and driving factors at Czech goat farms
Authors: Vadlejch Jaroslav , Kyriánová Iveta Angela , Várady Marián , Charlier Johannes
Published: March 2021

Background

Strongylid nematode infections may negatively affect both animal health and welfare, with deleterious consequences for livestock productivity. Many farmers in recent decades have relied on anthelmintics as the sole strategy of control, but the intensive use of these chemotherapeutics has led to the development of anthelmintic resistance (AR). Knowledge of both the efficacy of anthelmintics and factors promoting AR are essential to effectively control nematode infections, but no information on these topics for goats in the Czech Republic (CR) is available. This survey aimed to determine the occurrence of AR at Czech goat farms and to identify risk factors for the development of AR. A total of 24 herds of dairy goats across the CR were evaluated using in vitro tests for detecting AR, and a questionnaire survey was carried out to evaluate factors associated with AR.

Results

Resistance against benzimidazoles was confirmed at 18 (75%) farms, and the level of resistance was high in four (22%) of the affected herds based on the egg hatch test. Ivermectin-resistant nematodes were detected in 13 (54%) herds using the larval development test; Teladorsagia/Trichostrongylus and Haemonchus were the predominant types of resistant larvae. Eight (62%) of the affected herds were evaluated as highly resistant to ivermectin. Eleven (46%) of the herds were resistant to both benzimidazoles and ivermectin. This report is the first on dual AR in the CR. A univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that a high stocking rate and farmer inexperience were significantly associated with ivermectin and benzimidazole resistance, respectively.

Conclusions

The results of our survey suggest that AR is widespread amongst herds of dairy goats in the CR, likely due to inappropriate practices of pasture and health management. AR may be an issue for expanding dairy-goat production in the CR in the near future unless both veterinary practitioners and farmers widely adopt strategies to prevent the development of AR.
Suppression of TLR4-MyD88 signaling pathway attenuated chronic mechanical pain in a rat model of endometriosis
Authors: Su Wenliang , Cui Huan , Wu Danning , Yu Jiawen , Ma Lulu , Zhang Xiuhua , Huang Yuguang , Ma Chao
Published: March 2021

Background

As a classic innate immunity pathway, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling has been intensively investigated for its function of pathogen recognition. The receptor is located not only on immune cells but also on sensory neurons and spinal glia. Recent studies revealed the involvement of neuronal TLR4 in different types of pain. However, the specific role of TLR4 signaling in the pain symptom of endometriosis (EM) remains obscure.

Methods

The rat endometriosis model was established by transplanting uterine horn tissue into gastrocnemius. Western blotting and/or immunofluorescent staining were applied to detect high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor-88 adaptor protein (MyD88), and nuclear factor kappa-B-p65 (NF-κB-p65) expression, as well as the activation of astrocyte and microglia. The antagonist of TLR4 (LPS-RS-Ultra, LRU) and MyD88 homodimerization inhibitory peptide (MIP) were intrathecally administrated to assess the behavioral effects of blocking TLR4 signaling on endometriosis-related pain.

Results

Mechanical hyperalgesia was observed at the graft site, while HMGB1 was upregulated in the implanted uterine tissue, dorsal root ganglion (DRG), and spinal dorsal horn (SDH). Compared with sham group, upregulated TLR4, MyD88, and phosphorylated NF-κB-p65 were detected in the DRG and SDH in EM rats. The activation of astrocytes and microglia in the SDH was also confirmed in EM rats. Intrathecal application of LRU and MIP alleviated mechanical pain on the graft site of EM rats, with decreased phosphorylation of NF-κB-p65 in the DRG and reduced activation of glia in the SDH.

Conclusions

HMGB1-TLR4-MyD88 signaling pathway in the DRG and SDH may involve in endometriosis-related hyperpathia. Blockade of TLR4 and MyD88 might serve as a potential treatment for pain in endometriosis.
The hidden fluctuation-dissipation theorem for growth
(a)
Authors: Gomes-Filho Márcio S. , Oliveira Fernando A.
Published: March 2021

In a stochastic process, where noise is always present, the fluctuation-dissipation theorem (FDT) becomes one of the most important tools in statistical mechanics and, consequently, it appears everywhere. Its major utility is to provide a simple response to study certain processes in solids and fluids. However, in many situations we are not talking about a FDT, but about the noise intensity. For example, noise has enormous importance in diffusion and growth phenomena. Although we have an explicit FDT for diffusion phenomena, we do not have one for growth processes where we have a noise intensity. We show that there is a hidden FDT for the growth phenomenon, similar to the diffusive one. Moreover, we show that growth with correlated noise presents as well a similar form of FDT. We also call attention to the hierarchy within the theorems of statistical mechanics and how this explains the violation of the FDT in some phenomena.