bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atrial fibrillation type and renal dysfunction as important predictors of left atrial thrombus
Authors: Kapłon-Cieślicka Agnieszka , Budnik Monika , Gawałko Monika , Peller Michał , Gorczyca Iwona , Michalska Anna , Babiarz Aldona , Bodys Aleksandra , Uliński Robert , Żochowski Maciej , Scisło Piotr , Kochanowski Janusz , Filipiak Krzysztof J , Opolski Grzegorz
Published: April 2019

Objective

We aimed to identify predictors of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and to enhance the prognostic value of the CHA2DS2-VASc score.

Methods

Derivation cohort included 1033 consecutive AF patients referred for catheter ablation or direct current cardioversion, in whom transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) was performed prior to the procedure. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of LAA thrombus on TOE. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to compare the newly developed score with the CHA2DS2and CHA2DS2-VASc scores in the derivation and the validation (n=320) cohort.

Results

On TOE, LAA thrombus was present in 59 (5.7%) patients in the derivation cohort. Aside from variables encompassed by the CHA2DS2-VASc score, LAA thrombus predictors included AF type (persistent/’permanent’ vs paroxysmal) and renal dysfunction. These predictors were incorporated into the CHA2DS2-VASc score. In ROC analysis, area under the curve (AUC) for the new score (CHA2DS2-VASc-RAF score) was significantly higher (0.81) than those for the CHA2DS2and CHA2DS2-VASc scores (0.71 and 0.70, respectively). In the validation cohort, the CHA2DS2-VASc-RAF score also performed significantly better (AUC of 0.88) than the CHA2DS2and CHA2DS2-VASc scores (AUC of 0.63 and 0.60, respectively).

Conclusion

In real-world AF patients with majority on oral anticoagulation, LAA thrombus was found in approximately 6%. Two variables not included in the CHA2DS2-VASc score (AF type and renal dysfunction) proved strong, independent predictors of LAA thrombus and might improve thromboembolic risk stratification.
Sex-based associations with microvascular injury and outcomes after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Maznyczka Annette Marie , Carrick David , Carberry Jaclyn , Mangion Kenneth , McEntegart Margaret , Petrie Mark C , Eteiba Hany , Lindsay Mitchell , Hood Stuart , Watkins Stuart , Davie Andrew , Mahrous Ahmed , Ford Ian , Welsh Paul , Sattar Naveed , Oldroyd Keith G , Berry Colin
Published: April 2019

Objectives

We aimed to assess for sex differences in invasive parameters of acute microvascular reperfusion injury and infarct characteristics on cardiac MRI after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

Patients with STEMI undergoing emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were prospectively enrolled. Index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) were measured in the culprit artery post-PCI. Contrast-enhanced MRI was used to assess infarct characteristics, microvascular obstruction and myocardial haemorrhage, 2 days and 6 months post-STEMI. Prespecified outcomes were as follows: (i) all-cause death/first heart failure hospitalisation and (ii) cardiac death/non-fatal myocardial infarction/urgent coronary revascularisation (major adverse cardiovascular event, MACE) during 5- year median follow-up.

Results

In 324 patients with STEMI (87 women, mean age: 61 ± 12.19 years; 237 men, mean age: 59 ± 11.17 years), women had anterior STEMI less often, fewer prescriptions of beta-blockers at discharge and higher baseline N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels (all p < 0.05). Following emergency PCI, fewer women than men had Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) myocardial perfusion grades ≤ 1 (20% vs 32%, p = 0.027) and women had lower corrected TIMI frame counts (12.94 vs 17.65, p = 0.003). However, IMR, CFR, microvascular obstruction, myocardial haemorrhage, infarct size, myocardial salvage index, left ventricular remodelling and ejection fraction did not differ significantly between sexes. Female sex was not associated with MACE or all-cause death/first heart failure hospitalisation.

Conclusion

There were no sex differences in microvascular pathology in patients with acute STEMI. Women had less anterior infarcts than men, and beta-blocker therapy at discharge was prescribed less often in women.

Trial registration number

NCT02072850.
Mapping the global prevalence of bovine viral diarrhoea virus infection and its associated mitigation programmes
Authors: Richter Veronika , Kattwinkel Elisabeth , Firth Clair L , Marschik Tatiana , Dangelmaier Marc , Trauffler Martine , Obritzhauser Walter , Baumgartner Walter , Käsbohrer Annemarie , Pinior Beate
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to collect information on the global distribution of the prevalence of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) and respective mitigation programmes, using a questionnaire and literature review to provide as complete a picture of the worldwide BVDV situation as possible. This study collated information on 107 countries with respect to mitigation activities and 88 countries regarding BVDV infections during the observation period (1960–2017). A heterogeneous epidemiological situation for both BVDV prevalence and the presence of mitigation programmes was observed. The results of this analysis could be used to increase the visibility of the distribution of BVDV, to provide supporting data for global animal disease databases and to assist veterinary public health authorities in the decision‐making processes to establish mitigation activities.
Nutrient intake and dietary quality changes within a personalized lifestyle intervention program for metabolic syndrome in primary care
Authors: Brauer Paula , Royall Dawna , Li Airu , Rodrigues Ariellia , Green Jennifer , Macklin Sharon , Craig Alison , Pasanen Jennifer , Brunelle Lucie , Maitland Scott , Dhaliwal Rupinder , Klein Doug , Tremblay Angelo , Rheaume Caroline , Mutch David M. , Jeejeebhoy Khursheed
Published: April 2019

A team-based 12-month lifestyle program for the treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS) (involving physicians, registered dietitians (RDs), and kinesiologists) was previously shown to reverse MetS in 19% of patients (95% confidence interval, 14% to 24%). This work evaluates changes in nutrient intake and diet quality over 12 months (n = 205). Individualized diet counselling was provided by 14 RDs at 3 centres. Two 24-h recalls, the Canadian Healthy Eating Index (HEI-C), and the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) were completed at each time point. Total energy intake decreased by 145 ± 586 kcal (mean ± SD) over 3 months with an additional 76 ± 452 kcal decrease over 3–12 months. HEI-C improved from 58 ± 15 to 69 ± 12 at 3 months and was maintained at 12 months. Similarly, MDS (n = 144) improved from 4.8 ± 1.2 to 6.2 ± 1.9 at 3 months and was maintained at 12 months. Changes were specific to certain food groups, with increased intake of fruits, vegetables, and nuts and decreased intake of “other foods” and “commercial baked goods” being the most prominent changes. There was limited change in intake of olive oil, fish, and legumes. Exploratory analysis suggested that poorer diet quality at baseline was associated with greater dietary changes as assessed by HEI-C.

Novelty Multiple dietary assessment tools provided rich information on food intake changes in an intervention for metabolic syndrome. Improvements in diet were achieved by 3 months and maintained to 12 months. The results provide a basis for further dietary change implementation studies in the Canadian context.
Photon-catalyzed optical coherent states generated via a non-degenerate parametric amplifier with quantum-optical catalysis
Authors: Yuan Hong-Chun , Xu Xue-Xiang , Li Heng-Mei , Xu Ye-Jun , Meng Xiang-Guo
Published: April 2019

We theoretically generate a kind of photon-catalyzed optical coherent states (PCOCSs) by heralded interference between any photons and coherent state via a non-degenerate parametric amplifier, which is also just a Laguerre polynomial excited coherent state. Based on obtaining the probability of successfully detecting them (also the normalization factor), the nonclassical properties of the PCOCSs are analytically investigated according to autocorrelation function, quadrature squeezing, and the negativity of the Wigner function. It is found that the nonclassicality depends on the amplitude of the coherent state, the catalysis photon number, and amplifier parameter. The negative volume of their Wigner function can be enlarged by increasing the catalysis photon number. These parameters may be effectively used to improve and enhance the nonclassical characteristics.
Thurston norms of tunnel number-one manifolds
Authors: Pacheco-Tallaj Natalia , Schreve Kevin , Vlamis Nicholas G.
Published: April 2019

The Thurston norm of a three-manifold measures the complexity of surfaces representing two-dimensional homology classes. We study the possible unit balls of Thurston norms of three-manifolds [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], and whose fundamental groups admit presentations with two generators and one relator. We show that even among this special class, there are three-manifolds such that the unit ball of the Thurston norm has arbitrarily many faces.
How do stress perturbations near salt bodies induce difficulty in salt imaging? Insights from a geomechanical model and salt imaging
Authors: Li Yaxing , Sun Yunqiang , Jia Xiaofeng , Luo Gang
Published: April 2019

Traditional methods for imaging salt bodies seldom consider near-salt stress perturbations caused by salt, and the associated velocity perturbations of seismic waves in the sediments near the salt. To demonstrate the importance of stress changes caused by the salt on accurately imaging salt bodies, in this study we develop and apply a combined method of geomechanical stress modelling and salt imaging. We simulate the stress perturbations in sediments induced by a salt sphere using a static geomechanical model, and calculate the associated velocity changes of seismic waves in the sediments by using our model stress perturbations. We use the reverse time migration and imaging method to image the salt sphere, and then analyse the imaging results of two cases including and excluding the effects of stress perturbations by the salt sphere on velocity changes of seismic waves. The results show that the near-salt velocity changes of seismic waves induced by stress perturbations near salt bodies can have a significant impact on the salt imaging. We find that when the effects of near-salt stress perturbations are ignored, the imaging of the salt sphere is clearly distorted: the salt sphere is extended vertically and becomes a salt ellipse with a vertical major axis. In contrast, when we include the effects of near-salt stress perturbations, the imaging of this salt sphere accurately matches the salt geometry and position. Thus, the near-salt stress perturbations should not be ignored in salt imaging. This study provides scientific insights for petroleum geologists and exploration geophysicists on the relationship between near-salt stress perturbations and accurate imaging of salt structures.
Improved Hieroglyph Representation for Image Retrieval
Authors: Pinilla-Buitrago Laura Alejandra , Carrasco-Ochoa Jesús Ariel , Martínez-Trinidad José Fco , Román-Rangel Edgar
Published: April 2019

In recent years, an interdisciplinary effort between archaeologists and computer vision experts has emerged to provide image retrieval tools that facilitate and support cultural heritage preservation. The performance of these tools largely depends on the hieroglyph representation quality. In the literature, the most successful hieroglyph representation for retrieval following the BoVW model includes a thinning hieroglyph process and selects interest points through uniform random sampling. However, thinned hieroglyphs could have noise or redundant information, and a random set of interest points could include non-useful interest points that are different in each iteration. In this article, we propose improving this hieroglyph representation by pruning thinned hieroglyphs and introducing an improved interest-point selection. Our experiments show that our proposal significantly improves the hieroglyph retrieval results of state-of-the-art methods.
From the chair
Authors: Hollingsworth Jeff
Published: April 2019

It's less than six weeks to Supercomputing (SC)! If your calendar is like mine, it is already starting to fill up with critical meetings and must-see events. SC is also a chance to highlight the best and brightest in our field. As you will see elsewhere in this issue, we have our third cohort of SIGHPC/Intel Fellows and two new George Michael Memorial HPC Fellows.
Water Use Efficiency as a Constraint and Target for Improving the Resilience and Productivity of C3 and C4 Crops
Authors: Leakey Andrew D.B. , Ferguson John N. , Pignon Charles P. , Wu Alex , Jin Zhenong , Hammer Graeme L. , Lobell David B.
Published: April 2019

The ratio of plant carbon gain to water use, known as water use efficiency (WUE), has long been recognized as a key constraint on crop production and an important target for crop improvement. WUE is a physiologically and genetically complex trait that can be defined at a range of scales. Many component traits directly influence WUE, including photosynthesis, stomatal and mesophyll conductances, and canopy structure. Interactions of carbon and water relations with diverse aspects of the environment and crop development also modulate WUE. As a consequence, enhancing WUE by breeding or biotechnology has proven challenging but not impossible. This review aims to synthesize new knowledge of WUE arising from advances in phenotyping, modeling, physiology, genetics, and molecular biology in the context of classical theoretical principles. In addition, we discuss how rising atmospheric CO2 concentration has created and will continue to create opportunities for enhancing WUE by modifying the trade-off between photosynthesis and transpiration.
Idiosyncrasies of Viral Noncoding RNAs Provide Insights into Host Cell Biology
Authors: Withers Johanna B. , Mondol Vanessa , Pawlica Paulina , Rosa-Mercado Nicolle A. , Tycowski Kazimierz T. , Ghasempur Salehe , Torabi Seyed F. , Steitz Joan A.
Published: April 2019

Like their host cells, many viruses express noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Despite the technical challenge of ascribing function to ncRNAs, diverse biological roles for virally expressed ncRNAs have been described, including regulation of viral replication, modulation of host gene expression, host immune evasion, cellular survival, and cellular transformation. Insights into conserved interactions between viral ncRNAs and host cell machinery frequently lead to novel findings concerning host cell biology. In this review, we discuss the functions and biogenesis of ncRNAs produced by animal viruses. Specifically, we describe noncanonical pathways of microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis and novel mechanisms used by viruses to manipulate miRNA and messenger RNA stability. We also highlight recent advances in understanding the function of viral long ncRNAs and circular RNAs.
A New Air Traffic Flow Management User-Driven Prioritisation Process for Low Volume Operator in Constraint: Simulations and Results
Authors: Ruiz Sergio , Guichard Laurent , Pilon Nadine , Delcourte Kris
Published: April 2019

This document presents a new potential feature for the User Driven Prioritisation Process (UDPP) concept to give access and flexibility to Airspace Users (AUs) when they operate a low number of flights involved in a particular hotspot, a.k.a., Low Volume Users in Constraint (LVUC). Capacity constraints and congestion in the Air Traffic Management system impose delay to flights that cause large costs on airlines and passengers alike, with no significant capacity increases expected in the near-nor medium-term. Current UDPP features such as Enhanced Slot Swapping can increase flexibility for AUs to adapt their operations during capacity constrained situations. However, AUs are often impacted in their flight schedules by constraints that only affect a reduced number of flights, thus being in a situation of reduced flexibility—or no flexibility at all—to prioritise those flights. Some AUs are more vulnerable to this problem because they typically operate a low number of flights, e.g., business aviation. The new method proposed, named Flexible Credits for LVUC (FCL), is based on the use of “credits”, as a virtual currency, to increase the flexibility of LVUCs irrespective of the number of flights operated or affected by delay. FCL aims at facilitating the smooth coordination between AUs during the optimisation of their operations across multiple constraints and over the time. An initial set of simulations performed under credible conditions are presented to preliminarily analyse the feasibility and limitations of the method and to shed light on future research aspects. A first empirical evidence is given in this paper showing that increasing flexibility for LVUCs is possible without jeopardising equity.
Moduli Space in Homological Mirror Symmetry
Authors: Sato Matsuo
Published: April 2019

We prove that the moduli space of the pseudo holomorphic curves in the A-model on a symplectic torus is homeomorphic to a moduli space of Feynman diagrams in the configuration space of the morphisms in the B-model on the corresponding elliptic curve. These moduli spaces determine the A∞ structure of the both models.
Biomarkers of Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Key to Disease Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Savvateeva Elena N. , Rubina Alla Yu. , Gryadunov Dmitry A.
Published: April 2019

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a dangerous disease caused by a spectrum of bacterial and viral pathogens. The choice of specific therapy and the need for hospitalization or transfer to the intensive care unit are determined by the causative agent and disease severity. The microbiological analysis of sputum largely depends on the quality of the material obtained. The prediction of severity and the duration of therapy are determined individually, and existing prognostic scales are used generally. This review examines the possibilities of using specific serological biomarkers to detect the bacterial or viral aetiology of CAP and to assess disease severity. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of biomarker signatures and the discovery of biomarker candidates for a single multiplex analysis.
Analyses on Prestress Loss and Flexural Performance of the Laminated Bamboo Beam Applied with Prestressed BFRP Sheet
Authors: Lv Qingfang , Liu Ye , Ding Yi
Published: April 2019

Inspired by the studies about wooden beam applied with prestressed steel plate and bamboo beam strengthened by fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP), this paper aims to explore the applicability of the prestressed basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer (BFRP) sheet to the laminated bamboo beam and the variation of the flexural performance of the laminated bamboo beam applied with prestressed BFRP sheet. Two series of tests were conducted in the present study. In the first series of tests, the prestress loss of the prestressed BFRP sheet was classified and analyzed based on measured strains and deflections, which led to a derivation of the effective prestressed force considering the prestress loss. Analyses showed that the recommended value of prestress loss compared with the initial prestressed force was 22.0% based on the existing test data in the specimen preparation stage. In the second series of tests, the static loading test was performed to investigate the flexural performance of the laminated bamboo beam applied with prestressed BFRP sheet and analyze the difference between the laminated bamboo beams applied with prestressed and non‐prestressed BFRP sheets. Test results showed that the no significant variation of the ultimate load and a reduction of the ultimate deformation capacity were caused by the application of the prestressed BFRP sheet.
Rapid Recognition of Geoherbalism and Authenticity of a Chinese Herb by Data Fusion of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) and Mid-Infrared (MIR) Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometrics
Authors: Fu Haiyan , Shi Qiong , Wei Liuna , Xu Lu , Guo Xiaoming , Hu Ou , Lan Wei , Xie Shunping , Yang Tianming
Published: April 2019

Fourier transform near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy play important roles in all fingerprint techniques because of their unique characteristics such as reliability, versatility, precision, and ease of measurement. In this paper, a supervised pattern recognition method based on the PLSDA algorithm by NIR and the NIR-MIR fusion spectra has been established to identify geoherbalism of Angelica dahurica from different regions and authenticity of Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. Wang. Comparing principle component analysis (PCA) cannot successfully identify geographical origins of Angelica dahurica. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) also hardly distinguishes those origins. Furthermore, the PLSDA model based on the data fusion of NIR and IR was more accurate and efficient. But, the identification of authenticity of Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. Wang was still inaccurate in the PLSDA model. Consequently, data fusion of NIR-MIR original spectra combined with moving window partial least-squares discriminant analysis was firstly used and showed perfect properties on authenticity and adulteration discrimination of Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. Wang. It indicated that data fusion of NIR-MIR spectra combined with MWPLSDA could be considered as the promising tool for rapid discrimination of the geoherbalism and authenticity of more Chinese herbs in the future.
Bioinformatics Analysis of Gene Expression Profiles of Sex Differences in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhu Wenhao , Nan Yinan , Wang Shaoqing , Liu Wei
Published: April 2019

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a complex disease with sex differences in epidemiology, presentations, and outcomes. However, the sex-specific mechanism underlying IS remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify key genes contributing to biological differences between sexes. First, we downloaded the gene expression data of GSE22255 from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using R software and related packages. Second, DEGs were separately analyzed by Gene Ontology enrichment and pathways analyses. Third, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to further investigate the interactions of DEGs. A total of 123 DEGs were identified between sexes, including 8 upregulated and 115 downregulated genes. In the PPI network, ten key genes were identified, including IL1α, IL1β, IL6, IL8, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL20, CCL4, ICAM1, and PTGS2. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were mainly enriched in biological processes of immune response and apoptotic process, also in pathways of TNF and NOD-like receptor signaling. In conclusion, the above ten genes may have a protective effect on IS females through their direct or indirect involvement in biological processes of immune response and apoptotic process, as well as in TNF and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways. The results of this study may help to gain new insights into the sex-specific mechanisms underlying IS females and may suggest potential therapeutic targets for disease treatment.
Severe Myositis, Myocarditis, and Myasthenia Gravis with Elevated Anti-Striated Muscle Antibody following Single Dose of Ipilimumab-Nivolumab Therapy in a Patient with Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Fazel Mahdieh , Jedlowski Patrick M.
Published: April 2019

Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed cell death protein 1 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 have improved survival in patients with metastatic melanoma, especially in combination (i.e., ipilimumab-nivolumab). Postmarketing surveillance has identified rare but at times life-threatening adverse effects associated with these agents in combination and as monotherapy, which include myocarditis, myositis, myasthenia gravis (MG), and hepatotoxicity. Further evaluation of immune checkpoint therapy-induced MG identified the rapid clinical progression, prolonged treatment/supportive therapy course, and higher frequency of myasthenic crisis in these patients versus those with idiopathic MG. More rapid incorporation of aggressive treatment options (i.e., intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis) may be necessary in these cases. Anti-striational antibodies are often detected in individuals with myasthenia gravis and concurrent myositis and myocarditis. A high-index of suspicion is necessary to assist with rapid treatment initiation as these patients can rapidly deteriorate into respiratory compromise. A case of a 78-year-old woman with metastatic melanoma status after combination therapy with ipilimumab-nivolumab that developed transaminitis, myositis, myocarditis, and myasthenia gravis (with positive anti-striational antibodies) five days after the first cycle, is presented. Despite high dose intravenous methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment, she ultimately entered hospice care eight days after hospital admission, 36 days after her first cycle.
Fourier-Based Footfall Placement Variability in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Shin Sunghoon , Lim Bee-oh , Socie Michael J. , Sosonff Jacob J. , Lee Ki-Kwang
Published: April 2019

The current investigation examined whether Parkinson’s patients (PD) have greater Fourier-based footfall placement gait with the greatest mobility dysfunction variability (FPV) than the age and gender matched control group and that variability would be the greatest in the PD participants with the greatest mobility dysfunction indexed Hoehn/Yahr scale. 35 persons undergoing PD and 30 age-matched controls participated in this investigation. Participants repeated two trials’ normal walking and average and variability parameters of gait were measured using a 3.66 m electronic walkway. FPV was quantified as a change in the center of pressure during gait. Persons with PD were divided into two groups based on Hoehn/Yahr scale. Overall, persons with PD had smaller average performance indexed by mean and greater gait variability than controls as indexed by CV and Fourier-based variability (p’s<0.05). Moreover, PD with higher mobility dysfunction had not only greater variability in traditional parameters but also greater Fourier-based variability than nonfallers with MS (p<.001) with higher effect size (η2=0.37 vs.0.18-0.29). These observations highlight the fact that footfall placement variability is related to mobility dysfunction in PD. Further study is necessary to determine contributing factors to an increased FPV and whether targeted interventions such as exercise can reduce FPV.
A Case of Suspected Adverse Reactions to Sirolimus in the Treatment of Generalized Lymphatic Anomaly
Authors: Fujii Takayuki , Shimono Ryuichi , Tanaka Aya , Katami Hiroto
Published: April 2019

Generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA) is characterized by diffuse or multicentric proliferation of dilated lymphatic vessels resembling common lymphatic malformation, and thoracic lesions can be related to a poor prognosis. Sirolimus, an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin, is effective against vascular anomalies with few severe adverse drug reactions. Here, we report the case of a patient with intractable hemothorax pleural effusion due to GLA who was treated with sirolimus and experienced disseminated intravascular coagulation. Although a standard treatment for GLA has not been established, pleural fluid might be reduced using the Kampo medicine Eppikajyutsuto.
Statistical Postprocessing of Different Variables for Airports in Spain Using Machine Learning
Authors: Quintero Plaza David , García-Moya Zapata José Antonio
Published: April 2019

The results of a deterministic calibration for the nonhydrostatic convection-permitting LAM-EPS AEMET-γSREPS are shown. LAM-EPS AEMET-γSREPS is a multiboundary condition, multimodel ensemble forecast system developed for Spain. Machine learning tools are used to calibrate the members of the ensemble. Machine learning (hereafter ML) has been considerably successful in many problems, and recent research suggests that meteorology and climatology are not an exception. These machine learning tools range from classical statistical methods to contemporary successful and powerful methods such as kernels and neural networks. The calibration has been done for airports located in many regions of Spain, representing different climatic conditions. The variables to be calibrated are the 2-meter temperature, the 10-meter wind speed, and the precipitation in 24 hours. Classical statistical methods perform very well with the temperature and the wind speed; the precipitation is a subtler case: it seems there is not a general rule, and for each point, a decision has to be taken of what method (if any) improves the direct output of the model, but even recognizing this, a slight improvement can be shown with ML methods for the precipitation.
Whole-Exome Sequencing Identified a Novel Compound Heterozygous Genotype in ASL in a Chinese Han Patient with Argininosuccinate Lyase Deficiency
Authors: Zhao Mei , Hou Lingling , Teng Huajing , Li Jinchen , Wang Jiesi , Zhang Kunlin , Yang Lin
Published: April 2019

Pathogenic variants in the argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) gene have been shown to cause argininosuccinate lyase deficiency (ASLD); therefore, sequencing analysis offers advantages for prenatal testing and counseling in families afflicted with this condition. Here, we performed a genetic analysis of an ASLD patient and his family with an aim to offer available information for clinical diagnosis. The research subjects were a 23-month-old patient with a high plasma level of citrulline and his unaffected parents. Whole-exome sequencing identified potential related ASL gene mutations in this trio. Enzymatic activity was detected spectrophotometrically by a coupled assay using arginase and measuring urea production. We identified a novel nonsynonymous mutation (c.206A>G, p.Lys69Arg) and a stop mutation (c.637C>T, p.Arg213∗) in ASL in a Chinese Han patient with ASLD. The enzymatic activity of a p.Lys69Arg ASL construct in human embryonic kidney 293T cells was significantly reduced compared to that of the wild-type construct, and no significant activity was observed for the p.Arg213∗ construct. Compound heterozygous p.Lys69Arg and p.Arg213∗ mutations that resulted in reduced ASL enzyme activity were found in a patient with ASLD. This finding expands the clinical spectrum of ASL pathogenic variants.
Experimental Investigation of the Deformation Characteristics of Tianjin Clays under Coupled Dynamic Stress and Seepage Fields
Authors: Lei Huayang , Feng Shuangxi , Jia Rui , Jiang Mingjing
Published: April 2019

The causes, prevention, and control of clay disasters are of great concern in practical engineering applications. Recently, due to unprecedented economic development, increasing numbers of tunnels and subgrades of tidal flat areas have been built in Tianjin, China. Soft soil ground not only bears the vibration load during operation and construction but also receives seepage effects caused by the bursting of pipelines and variations in groundwater levels. Under the coupling action of dynamic and seepage loads, large settlement can occur in soft soil since the deformation is related to both cyclic stress and seepage. Therefore, it is significant to understand the dynamic deformation characteristics of soil to ensure the safety of engineering applications. In this study, a series of laboratory cyclic triaxial tests were conducted to study the deformation behaviours of Tianjin clays under coupled cyclic stress and seepage fields. To simulate the seepage field, water pressure is applied at the bottom of the specimen, and the water can be drained from the top of the specimen to form a head difference in the specimen during the tests. The effects of the seepage pressure, cyclic stress ratio (CSR), and a number of cycles (N) on the hydraulic conductivity, axial deformation, hysteresis curve and dynamic modulus of Tianjin clays were systematically investigated. The laboratory results show that the hydraulic conductivity (k) decreases with the increasing seepage pressure, CSR, and N, and its range is from 4.6 × 10−8 cm/s to 7.4 × 10−8 cm/s. The axial deformation of the soil increases with increasing CSR and seepage pressure. With an applied water pressure of 150 kPa at the bottom of the specimen and a CSR of 0.3, the maximum cumulative plastic strain reaches 4.78%, increasing by 53.2% compared with a CSR of 0.1. The hysteresis curve gradually becomes denser or thinner with increasing CSR and N; the hysteretic curve tends to a straight line for N of 5,000. The dynamic modulus increases with increasing N and depends on the CSR and seepage pressure. Empirical equations are suggested for calculating the dynamic modulus with different CSR values and seepage pressures. The results of this study can provide reference parameters for the construction and design of tunnels and subgrades of tidal flat areas in clay strata under the influence of water environments.
An Unusual Presentation of Pediatric Conjunctival Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma
Authors: Bobba Samantha , Go Christopher , Charlton Amanda , Smith James , Kuzniarz Maciek , Kadappu Subhashini
Published: April 2019

Ocular adnexal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is uncommon in the pediatric population. Initial misdiagnosis is common and there is lacking consensus regarding the optimal approach to treatment. Herein, we report an atypical presentation of pediatric conjunctival MALT lymphoma and review the presentation and management of this rare condition.
The Role of Ultrasound and Shear-Wave Elastography in Evaluation of Cervical Lymph Nodes
Authors: Heřman Jan , Sedláčková Zuzana , Fürst Tomáš , Vachutka Jaromír , Salzman Richard , Vomáčka Jaroslav , Heřman Miroslav
Published: April 2019

Aim. To evaluate the prognostic value of ultrasound and shear-wave elastography (SWE) in diagnosing malignant cervical lymph nodes. Methods. A total of 99 patients with enlarged lymph nodes (99 lymph nodes presenting as a neck mass) were examined clinically with conventional ultrasound including Doppler examination and shear-wave elastography. The results of the examinations were compared with the final diagnosis. Results. There were 43 benign and 56 malignant lymph nodes in our cohort. Age and sex were significant predictors of malignancy. The standard ultrasound parameters—node size, long/short axis ratio, hilum, vascularization, and the presence of microcalcifications—were also statistically significant. Lymph node volume combined with age showed the best predictive power. The maximum stiffness found on SWE was also a significant predictor of malignancy. The combination of epidemiologic, classic ultrasound, and elastographic parameters yielded the highest sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of malignancy; however, the additional impact of elastographic parameters was low. Conclusion. A combination of epidemiologic and classic ultrasound parameters can discriminate between malignant and benign lymph nodes with satisfactory sensitivity and specificity. Examining the stiffness of lymph nodes by means of SWE does not add much new predictive power.
Chronically Retained Central Venous Catheter in Deceased Donor Liver Allograft
Authors: Zielsdorf Shannon , Kelly Beau , Genyk Yuri , Emamaullee Juliet
Published: April 2019

Central venous catheters (CVC) are commonly used across multiple medical specialties and are inserted for various reasons. A known, but rare, serious complication of CVC is fracture and retention of residual catheter. Here we describe a chronically retained catheter within the inferior vena cava (IVC) that was asymptomatic and neither diagnosed nor addressed until time of deceased donor liver donation. Prior to transplantation into the recipient, the retained catheter was removed, and a venoplasty of the suprahepatic IVC, middle hepatic vein, and left hepatic vein was performed with no significant issues after transplant in the recipient. With the persistent shortage of suitable organs for transplant leading to patients dying on the waiting list, every good quality organ should be carefully considered. Thus, even though a chronically retained, fractured CVC in a deceased organ donor presents a unique challenge, it can be managed surgically and should not be considered a contraindication to organ utilization.
Effects of Exercise on EEG Activity and Standard Tools Used to Assess Concussion
Authors: Devilbiss David M. , Etnoyer-Slaski Jena L. , Dunn Emily , Dussourd Christopher R. , Kothare Mayuresh V. , Martino Stephen J. , Simon Adam J.
Published: April 2019

A variety of cognitive assessment tools are used to determine the functional status of the brain before and after injury in athletes. Questionnaires, neuropsychological tests, and electroencephalographic (EEG) measures have been recently used to directly assess brain function on and near the playing field. However, exercise can affect cognitive performance and EEG measures of cortical activity. To date, little empirical evidence exists on the effects of acute exercise on these measures of neurological function. We therefore quantified athlete performance on a standardized battery of concussion assessment tools and EEG measurements immediately before and after acute exercise to simulate conditions of athletic competition. Heart rate and arterial oxygen levels were collected before and after the exercise challenge consisting of a 1-mile run. Together these data, from a gender-balanced cohort of collegiate athletes, demonstrated that moderate to hard levels of acute exercise improved performance on the King-Devick test (K-D test) and Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC) component of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT3). Gender played an important role in these effects, and performance was most affected by exercise in female athletes. EEG activity in the theta band (4–8 Hz) was decreased during periods of quiet resting with eyes open or eyes closed. Additionally, exercise produced a slowing of the EEG during the K-D test and a shift to higher frequencies during the balance assessment of the SCAT3. Together, these data indicate that exercise alone can influence outcome measures of cognitive assessment tools used to assess brain function in athletes. Finally, care must be taken to acquire postinjury measurements during a comparable physiologic state to that in which baseline assessment data were measured, and further research is needed into the factors influencing outcome measures of these tests.
Continuum Analysis of Rarefaction Effects on a Thermally Induced Gas Flow
Authors: Hssikou Mohamed , Baliti Jamal , Alaoui Mohammed
Published: April 2019

A Maxwell gas confined within a micro cavity with nonisothermal walls is investigated in the slip and early transition regimes using the classical and extended continuum theories. The vertical sides of the cavity are kept at the uniform and environmental temperature T0, while the upper and bottom ones are linearly heated in opposite directions from the cold value T0 to the hot one TH. The gas flow is, therefore, induced only by the temperature gradient created along the longitudinal walls. The problem is treated from a macroscopic point of view by solving numerically the so‐called regularized 13‐moment equations (R13) recently developed as an extension of Grad 13‐moment theory to the third order of the Knudsen number powers in the Chapman‐Enskog expansion. The gas macroscopic properties obtained by this method are compared with the classical continuum theory results (NSF) using the first and second order of velocity slip and temperature jump boundary conditions. The gas flow behavior is studied as a function of the Knudsen number (Kn), nonlinear effects, for different heating rates T0/TH. The micro cavity aspect ratio effect is also evaluated on the flow fields in this study.
The Empowerment of Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Is Associated with Their Executive Functions
Authors: Łuczyński Włodzimierz , Łazarczyk Izabela , Szlachcikowska Ilona , Kiernozek Żaneta , Kaczmarek Anna , Szylaj Oliwia , Szadkowska Agnieszka , Jarosz-Chobot Przemysława , Głowińska-Olszewska Barbara , Bossowski Artur
Published: April 2019

Background. Adolescence is a difficult period for young people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), both in psychological and clinical terms. Empowerment therapy may support these patients, provided they are ready to change and have adequate executive functions to facilitate this change. Therefore, we hypothesise that the readiness of adolescents with T1DM to change is related to clinical features and/or their executive functions. Methods. Using the Diabetes Empowerment Scale and the Behavioural Rating Inventory of Executive Function, we evaluated patients with T1DM duration of more than one year from three Polish diabetes centres of the PolPeDiab study group (N = 146). We related the data to features associated with disease and treatment and compared the results to those of adolescents without diabetes (N = 110). Results. We observed that adolescents with T1DM had a higher rate of abnormal results in executive function tests than their peers without diabetes (p > 0.05). Diabetes empowerment in this group of patients decreased with disease duration (r = -0.25, p = 0.006) and increased with deteriorating metabolic control (HbA1c; r = 0.25, p = 0.006). The greater the deficiencies in executive functions among adolescents with T1DM, the greater their readiness to change. The relationship between executive functions and diabetes empowerment is partially gender-differentiated. Conclusions. To conclude, we propose individualized diabetes education in this group of patients based on the assessment of readiness to change and executive functions.
Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis with Empyema due to Salmonellosis
Authors: Lianos Georgios D. , Drosou Panagiota , Souvatzoglou Rizos , Karampa Anastasia , Vangelis Georgios , Angelakis Emmanouil , Pappas Vassilios , Lekkas Epameinontas
Published: April 2019

Empyema of acalculous gallbladder in the setting of salmonellosis represents an extremely rare and life-threatening clinical condition in adults. In this unique case report, we deal with a previously healthy patient who developed acalculous cholecystitis and empyema due to infection by Salmonella. He underwent explorative laparotomy in emergency setting, and cholecystectomy was performed due to his toxic clinical condition. Empyema of gallbladder was revealed and cultures were collected. A combination of antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and metronidazole) was set, and the patient was discharged 8 days after the surgical operation in good condition. It has to be highlighted that acalculous cholecystitis is a rare entity, mostly at critically ill patients, and treatment options depend on clinical condition, risk factors, and etiology. To our knowledge, this is the first case report dealing with acalculous cholecystitis with empyema due to salmonellosis up to date. Although it is extremely rare, high index of suspicion is needed by the operating surgeon in order to avoid unfavorable outcomes.
Oligodendroglial Lineage Cells in Thyroid Hormone-Deprived Conditions
Authors: Kim Min Joung , Petratos Steven
Published: April 2019

Oligodendrocytes are supporting glial cells that ensure the metabolism and homeostasis of neurons with specific synaptic axoglial interactions in the central nervous system. These require key myelinating glial trophic signals important for growth and metabolism. Thyroid hormone (TH) is one such trophic signal that regulates oligodendrocyte maturation, myelination, and oligodendroglial synaptic dynamics via either genomic or nongenomic pathways. The intracellular and extracellular transport of TH is facilitated by a specific transmembrane transporter known as the monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8). Dysfunction of the MCT8 due to mutation, inhibition, or downregulation during brain development leads to inherited hypomyelination, which manifests as psychomotor retardation in the X-linked inherited Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS). In particular, oligodendroglial-specific MCT8 deficiency may restrict the intracellular T3availability, culminating in deficient metabolic communication between the oligodendrocytes and the neurons they ensheath, potentially promulgating neurodegenerative adult diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Based on the therapeutic effects exhibited by TH in various preclinical studies, particularly related to its remyelinating potential, TH has now entered the initial stages of a clinical trial to test the therapeutic efficacy in relapsing-remitting MS patients (NCT02506751). However, TH analogs, such as DITPA or Triac, may well serve as future therapeutic options to rescue mature oligodendrocytes and/or promote oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation in an environment of MCT8 deficiency within the CNS. This review outlines the therapeutic strategies to overcome the differentiation blockade of oligodendrocyte precursors and maintain mature axoglial interactions in TH-deprived conditions.
A Randomized Study to Compare the Effects of Once-Weekly Dulaglutide Injection and Once-Daily Glimepiride on Glucose Fluctuation of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A 26-Week Follow-Up
Authors: Li Huiqin , Xu Xiaohua , Wang Jie , Kong Xiaocen , Chen Maoyuan , Jing Ting , Zhang Zhiying , Yin Guoping , Liu Xiaomei , Hu Yun , Ye Lei , Su Xiaofei , Ma Jianhua
Published: April 2019

Objective. To evaluate the effects of once-weekly dulaglutide injection and once-daily glimepiride on glucose fluctuation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS). Methods. A total of 23 patients with T2DM were randomly assigned into two groups for 26 weeks: the dulaglutide group (n=13) and the glimepiride group (n=10). 72-hour CGMS was applied to all patients: before and after the treatment. General clinical data were collected and measured, such as fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Results. HbA1c of the dulaglutide group was reduced from 8.38±0.93% to 6.68±0.73% after the treatment (P<0.05); similarly, it was reduced from 7.91±0.98% to 6.67±0.74% (P<0.05) in the glimepiride group. The levels of serum 8-iso-PGF2α, TNF-α, and IL-6 all decreased significantly in both groups after treatment, and there was no significant difference found between the two groups (P>0.05). The Mean Blood Glucose (MBG) of the two groups declined significantly after therapy (P<0.05). However, the Standard Deviation of Blood Glucose (SDBG) decreased significantly only in the dulaglutide group (from 2.57±0.74 mmol/L to 1.98±0.74 mmol/L, P<0.05). There were no significant changes of Mean Amplitude of Glycemic Excursion (MAGE) and Absolute Means of Daily Difference (MODD) after treatment in both groups. Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in MBG, SDBG, MAGE, and MODD (P>0.05). The percentage time (PT) (>10 mmol/L and 3.9-10 mmol/L) of the two groups was significantly changed after the treatment (P<0.05). However, this was not seen in the PT<3.9 mmol/L after the treatment (P>0.05). Conclusion. Once-weekly dulaglutide injection has the same effectiveness as daily glimepiride on lowering blood glucose and decreasing oxidation stress and inflammation and is more effective in controlling glucose fluctuation as compared with glimepiride. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01644500.