bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parenting and Children's Executive Function Stability Across the Transition to School
Authors: Helm Abigail F. , McCormick Sarah A. , Deater‐Deckard Kirby , Smith Cynthia L. , Calkins Susan D. , Bell Martha Ann
Published: December 2019

When children transition to school between the ages of 4 and 6 years, they must learn to control their attention and behaviour to be successful. Concurrently, executive function (EF) is an important skill undergoing significant development in childhood. To understand changes occurring during this period, we examined the role of parenting in the development of children's EF from 4 to 6 years old. Participants were mother and child dyads (N= 151). Children completed cognitive tasks to assess overall EF at age 4 and age 6. At both time points, mothers and children completed interaction tasks which were videotaped and coded to assess various parenting dimensions. Results indicated that children with high EF at age 4 were more likely to have high EF at age 6. In addition, results suggested that higher levels of positive parenting across the transition to school promote stability of individual differences in EF.

Highlights

This study investigated the association between parenting and the development of children's executive function (EF) skills across the transition to school.

Children's EF and mothers' parenting were assessed at age 4 and age 6.

The stability of individual differences in EF was linked to positive parenting.

Parenting practises may be related to the stability of individual difference in EF across the transition to school.
Study on microstructure, microhardness, bioactivity, and biocompatibility of La2O3‐containing bioceramic coating doping SiO2 fabricated by laser cladding
Authors: Fu Qi , Liu Qibin , Li Long , Li Xingmao , Gu Huaizhang , Sheng Bo , Yang Bangcheng
Published: December 2019

To solve the lack of strength of calcium phosphate ceramic coatings in load‐bearing applications, gradient Ca‐P bioceramic coatings doped with La2O3 and SiO2 are fabricated by laser cladding on Ti‐6Al‐4 V. The effect of SiO2 on microstructure, microhardness, bioactivity, and biocompatibility of coatings was investigated. The experimental results illustrate that the coating doped with La2O3 and SiO2 has excellent metallurgical bonding. The XRD analysis confirms that the amount of hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate in the coating reached maximum when doping amount of SiO2 is 10 wt %. SiO2‐doped coatings show a significantly higher bone‐like apatite precipitation after immersion in SBF than that of other coatings. in vitro experiment also shows that coating with 10 wt % SiO2 is more suitable for the attachment and proliferation of MG63 cells, indicating that coating with 10 wt % SiO2 exhibits best bioactivity and biocompatibility. These results suggest that the addition of SiO2 improves the bonding strength, bioactivity, and biocompatibility of coatings.
The diagnosis and prognosis values of WNT mRNA expression in colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ruan Guo‐Tian , Zhu Li‐Chen , Gong Yi‐Zhen , Liao Xi‐Wen , Wang Xiang‐Kun , Liao Cun , Wang Shuai , Yan Ling , Xie Hai‐Lun , Zhou Xin , Li Yang‐Zi , Gao Feng
Published: December 2019

WNT family genes have participated in the progression and development of many cancers, however, the association between colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) and WNTs have been rarely reported. This study investigated the significance of WNT genes expression in COAD from the standpoint of diagnosis and prognosis. The RNA‐sequencing dataset of COAD was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and University of California, Santa Cruz Xena browser. The biology functions of WNT genes were investigated by biological analysis. Biological analysis of WNT family genes indicated that WNT genes were noticeably enriched in the complex process of WNT signaling pathway. The Pearson correlation analysis suggested WNT1 and WNT9B had a strong correlation. And receiver operating characteristic curves suggested that most of the genes could serve as a significant diagnostic makers in COAD (P < .05), especially WNT2 and WNT7B had high diagnostic values that the area under curve were 0.997 (95% confidence interval [0.994‐1.000]) and 0.961 (95%CI [0.939‐0.983]), respectively. And our multivariate survival analysis suggested the downregulated of WNT10B (P < .05) showed a favor prognosis in COAD overall survival. And the risk score model predicted that the upregulated expression of WNT10B might increase the risk of death. The very study we had conducted suggested that WNT genes had a certain connection with the diagnosis and prognosis of COAD. The messenger RNA expression of WNT2 and WNT7B might become potentially diagnostic biomarkers, and WNT10B might serve as an independent prognosis indicator for COAD.
Identification of hub‐methylated differentially expressed genes in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus by multi‐omic WGCNA basing epigenome‐wide and transcriptome‐wide profiling
Authors: Chen Min , Yan Jianying , Han Qing , Luo Jinying , Zhang Qinjian
Published: December 2019

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), defined as dysglycaemia that is detected during pregnancy for the first time, has become a global health burden. GDM was found to be correlated to epigenetic changes, which would cause abnormal expression of placental genes. In the present study, we performed multi‐omic weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to systematically identify the hub genes for GDM using both epigenome‐ and transcriptome‐wide microarray data. Two microarray datasets (GSE70493 and GSE70494) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GEO2R was used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially methylated genes (DMGs) between normal and GDM samples, separately. The results of WGCNA found that 15 modules were identified and the MEblack module had a significantly negative correlation with GDM (r = −.28, P = .03). GO enrichment analysis by BinGO of the MEblack module showed that genes were primarily enriched for the presentation of antigen processing, regulation of interferon‐α production and interferon‐γ‐mediated signaling pathway. By comparing the DEGs, DMGs and hub genes in the coexpression network, we identified five hypermethylated, lowly expressed genes (ABLIM1, GRHL1, HLA‐F, NDRG1, and SASH1) and one hypomethylated, highly expressed gene (EIF3F) as GDM‐related hub DMGs. Moreover, the expression levels of ABLIM1, GRHL1, HLA‐F, NDRG1, and SASH11 in the GDM patients and healthy controls were validated by a real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis showed that the biological function of cardiac muscle contraction was enriched for four GDM‐related hub DMGs (ABLIM1, GRHL1, NDRG1, and SASH1). Analysis of this study revealed that dysmethylated hub genes in GDM placentas might affect the placental function and thus, take part in GDM pathogenesis and fetal cardiac development.
Noncoding RNA miR‐205‐5p mediates osteoporosis pathogenesis and osteoblast differentiation by regulating RUNX2
Authors: Huang Mingwei , Li Xiaowen , Zhou Can , Si Min , Zheng Haiyan , Chen Lianhua , Ding Hongcheng
Published: December 2019

As a kind of noncoding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in disease pathogenesis by regulating gene expression. However, the molecular mechanism of miRNAs in osteoporosis remains largely unknown. In the present study, we aim to explore the genome‐wide miRNAs expression profile and the regulatory mechanism of miR‐205‐5p in osteoporosis. A total of 72 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in osteoporosis via microarray technology and bioinformatics analysis. We focused on one of the abnormally expressed miRNAs, miR‐205‐5p, which was previously unknown in osteoporosis. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) results showed that miR‐205‐5p was upregulated in osteoporosis samples and its expression was gradually decreased during osteogenic differentiation. Besides, miR‐205‐5p overexpression could inhibit the activity of osteoblast markers, including collagen, type I, α 1 (COL1A1) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) while miR‐205‐5p inhibition showed the opposite results. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis identified the potential targets of miR‐205‐5p, including runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), SMAD1 and BCL6, etc. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay confirmed RUNX2 was directly targeted by miR‐205‐5p. Furthermore, the rescue experiments showed that RUNX2 overexpression could significantly weaken the effect of miR‐205‐5p on osteoblast markers, indicating that miR‐205‐5p may inhibit osteogenic differentiation by targeting RUNX2.
Latinas’ knowledge of and experiences with genetic cancer risk assessment: Barriers and facilitators
Authors: Gómez‐Trillos Sara , Sheppard Vanessa B. , Graves Kristi D. , Song Minna , Anderson Lyndsay , Ostrove Nancy , Lopez Katherine , Campos Claudia , Gonzalez Nathaly , Hurtado‐de‐Mendoza Alejandra
Published: December 2019

Disparities in genetic cancer risk assessment (GCRA) uptake persist between Latinas and Non‐Hispanic Whites. This study utilized a mental model approach to interview 20 Latinas (10 affected, 10 unaffected) at increased risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). Participants were asked about their knowledge and perceptions of GCRA, HBOC, risk, benefits, motivators, barriers, challenges, and experiences with GCRA. Using the Consensual Qualitative Analysis Framework, two authors independently coded the interviews and applied the final codes upon consensus. Additionally, interviews were coded to identify whether participants spontaneously brought up certain topics without a prompt. Findings identified multiple barriers and facilitators to GCRA uptake in this population, including patient level psychosocial/cultural factors (e.g., limited knowledge, worry about relatives’ risk) and healthcare system factors (e.g., receiving no referrals). There were notable differences in awareness and knowledge between affected and unaffected women (e.g., genetic testing awareness), as well as knowledge gaps that were evident in both groups (e.g., age of diagnosis as a risk factor). To reduce disparities in GCRA uptake, interventions should address identified facilitators and barriers. Differences in knowledge and awareness between affected and unaffected women support the development of targeted interventions that address specific knowledge gaps. This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03075540) by Alejandra Hurtado de Mendoza, Ph.D.
Clinical significance of isolated gastric varices in liver cirrhotic patients: A single‐referral‐centre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lesmana Cosmas Rinaldi A , Kalista Kemal F , Sandra Sharon , Hasan Irsan , Sulaiman Andri Sanityoso , Kurniawan Juferdy , Jasirwan Chyntia O M , Nababan Saut H , Lirendra Mutiara , Aprilicia Gita , Gani Rino A
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Gastric varices (GVs) occur in 10–30% of liver cirrhotic patients, with a mortality rate of up to 45%. Rupture of isolated GVs (IGVs) is less prevalent but often results in more severe hemorrhage and a higher risk of mortality than rupture of esophageal varices (EVs). However, there is no clear consensus yet about the optimal management for incidentally discovered IGVs.

Objective

To determine the clinical significance of IGVs in liver cirrhotic patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort endoscopy database study within a 2‐year period (2016–2017). All study subjects were liver cirrhotic patients with OVs or GVs. The exclusion criteria were noncirrhotic portal hypertension, presence of malignancy, absence of varices, and incomplete data. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 23.

Results

A total of 153 patients were included in this study. IGVs were found in 13 (8.49%) patients, whereas OVs were found in 112 (73.20%) patients and gastro‐OVs were found in 28 (18.30%) patients. Child‐Pugh class C (CP C) score was the strongest independent risk factor for variceal bleeding in bivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR]: 10.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.15–25.12, P = 0.001) and multivariate analysis (HR: 12.49, 95% CI: 4.95–31.54, P 0.001); however, the presence of IGVs was not an independent risk factor. CP C score was also the only significant risk factor associated with 1‐year mortality in liver cirrhotic patients on multivariate analysis (HR: 26.77, 95% CI: 6.01–119.34, P 0.001).

Conclusion

The presence of IGVs has no clinical significance in the occurrence of 1‐year rebleeding and in patient survival.
Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Martin Felicity C , Yang Linda S , Fehily Sasha R , D'Souza Basil , Lim Allan , McKelvie Penelope A
Published: December 2019

In 1991, Genta and Haggitt described four patients with segmental ischemic colitis caused by idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia in the small mesenteric veins (IMHMV). There are now 33 published cases of IMHMV in the literature; however, this condition is still sufficiently rare that it poses a diagnostic challenge to pathologists and clinicians and is often clinically or histologically confused with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or ischemic colitis. IMHMV is characterized by intimal smooth muscle hyperplasia resulting in thickened small and medium‐sized mesenteric veins (with arterial sparing). Clinically, it presents with symptoms that mimic IBD, such as bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Surgical resection appears to be curative. The present case describes a 63‐year‐old Vietnamese man with cardiovascular risk factors who was diagnosed with IMHMV after many months of severe symptoms. A review of the current literature follows the case report.
Choosing between medical management and liver transplant in urea cycle disorders: A conceptual framework for parental treatment decision‐making in rare disease
Authors: Gerstein Maya T. , Markus Anne R. , Gianattasio Kan Z. , Le Mons Cynthia , Bartos Janice , Stevens David M. , Mew Nicholas Ah
Published: December 2019

Urea cycle disorders (UCD) are rare inherited metabolic disorders caused by deficiencies of enzymes and transporters required to convert neurotoxic ammonia into urea. These deficiencies cause elevated blood ammonia, which if untreated may result in death, but even with optimal medical management, often results in recurrent brain damage. There are two major treatments for UCD: medical management or liver transplantation. Both are associated with mortality and morbidity but the evidence comparing outcomes is sparse. Thus, families face a dilemma: should their child be managed medically, or should they undergo a liver transplant? To (a) describe the factors that contribute to treatment choice among parents of children diagnosed with UCD and to (b) organise these factors into a conceptual framework that reflects how these issues interrelate to shape the decision‐making experience of this population. Utilising grounded theory, qualitative data were collected through semi‐structured interviews with parents (N = 35) and providers (N = 26) of children diagnosed with UCD and parent focus groups (N = 19). Thematic content analysis and selective and axial coding were applied. The framework highlights the life‐cycle catalysts that frame families' personal perceptions of risks and benefits and describes the clinical, personal, social, and system factors that drive treatment choice including disease severity, stability, and burden, independence, peer experiences, and cost, coverage and access to quality care. Findings equip providers with evidence upon which to prepare for productive patient interactions about treatment options. They also provide a foundation for the development of patient‐centred outcome measures to better evaluate effectiveness of treatments in this population.
Convergently evolved muscle architecture enables high‐performance ballistic movement in salamanders
Authors: Scales Jeffrey , Bloom Segall V. , Deban Stephen M.
Published: December 2019

Elastically powered ballistic movements, such as tongue projection, are common in nature, likely due to benefits such as increased acceleration and distance of movement, and decreased thermal sensitivity imparted by elastic mechanisms. Within Plethodontidae, both muscle‐powered and elastically powered ballistic tongue projection occur. Thus, we examine how elastically powered ballistic tongue projection morphology has evolved from muscle powered projection at the level of the projector muscles (m. subarcualis rectus [SAR]). We find that two main SAR morphologies have evolved within Plethodontidae. The first SAR morphology is conducive to elastically powered ballistic projection. This ballistic SAR morphology has evolved multiple, independent times within Plethodontidae, and results from the correlated evolution of several traits including increased collagen aponeuroses, larger SAR muscles, and the loss of inner myofibers attaching directly to the tongue skeleton. While the independent evolution of ballistic SAR morphology has arrived at a similar anatomical design, other tongue structures such as tongue attachment and skeleton folding type varies among species with a ballistic SAR morphology. The second morphology is conducive to muscle‐powered projection and is similar to morphology found in an outgroup, Salamandridae. The SAR of these species have inner myofibers that attach to the tongue skeleton, limiting projection distance, coupled with reduced collagen aponeuroses present in relatively small projector muscles. This SAR morphology has likely been retained from ancestors or may be related to feeding ecology. Overall, a ballistic SAR morphology has evolved repeatedly and independently due to the correlated evolution of several SAR traits, including the loss of inner myofibers, which is likely a defining feature of ballistic projection.
A European multicentre evaluation of detection and typing methods for human enteroviruses and parechoviruses using RNA transcripts
Authors: Hayes A. , Nguyen D. , Andersson M. , Antón A. , Bailly J.‐L. , Beard S. , Benschop K. S. M. , Berginc N. , Blomqvist S. , Cunningham E. , Davis D. , Dembinski J. L. , Diedrich S. , Dudman S. G. , Dyrdak R. , Eltringham G. J. A. , Gonzales‐Goggia S. , Gunson R. , Howson‐Wells H. C. , Jääskeläinen A. J. , López‐Labrador F. X. , Maier M. , Majumdar M. , Midgley S. , Mirand A. , Morley U. , Nordbø S. A. , Oikarinen S. , Osman H. , Papa A. , Pellegrinelli L. , Piralla A. , Rabella N. , Richter J. , Smith M. , Söderlund Strand A. , Templeton K. , Vipond B. , Vuorinen T. , Williams C. , Wollants E. , Zakikhany K. , Fischer T. K. , Harvala H. , Simmonds P.
Published: December 2019

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection has become the gold standard for diagnosis and typing of enterovirus (EV) and human parechovirus (HPeV) infections. Its effectiveness depends critically on using the appropriate sample types and high assay sensitivity as viral loads in cerebrospinal fluid samples from meningitis and sepsis clinical presentation can be extremely low. This study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of currently used commercial and in‐house diagnostic and typing assays. Accurately quantified RNA transcript controls were distributed to 27 diagnostic and 12 reference laboratories in 17 European countries for blinded testing. Transcripts represented the four human EV species (EV‐A71, echovirus 30, coxsackie A virus 21, and EV‐D68), HPeV3, and specificity controls. Reported results from 48 in‐house and 15 commercial assays showed 98% detection frequencies of high copy (1000 RNA copies/5 µL) transcripts. In‐house assays showed significantly greater detection frequencies of the low copy (10 copies/5 µL) EV and HPeV transcripts (81% and 86%, respectively) compared with commercial assays (56%, 50%; P = 7 × 10−5). EV‐specific PCRs showed low cross‐reactivity with human rhinovirus C (3 of 42 tests) and infrequent positivity in the negative control (2 of 63 tests). Most or all high copy EV and HPeV controls were successfully typed (88%, 100%) by reference laboratories, but showed reduced effectiveness for low copy controls (41%, 67%). Stabilized RNA transcripts provide an effective, logistically simple and inexpensive reagent for evaluation of diagnostic assay performance. The study provides reassurance of the performance of the many in‐house assay formats used across Europe. However, it identified often substantially reduced sensitivities of commercial assays often used as point‐of‐care tests.
New opposition cuttlefish optimizer based two‐step approach for optimal design of fractional order proportional integral derivative controller for time delay systems
Authors: Sumathi Ramakrishnan , Umasankar Periyasamy
Published: December 2019

In this article, an optimal design of the fractional order proportional integral derivative (FOPID) controller for time delay system is proposed. The proposed optimal design is the combined performance of both the cuttlefish optimizer (CFO) and Opposition‐based learning (OBL) scheme called CFOBL scheme. The proposed CFOBL uses the concept of opposition based population initialization and opposition based position updating to improve its searching behavior, computational speed and convergence profile in the basic CFO. In FOPID controller, apart from the three tuning parameters (GP, GI, and GD) there are two additional tuning parameters that are λ and μ. Here, CFOBL is used to tune the three controller parameters and also to find the optimal values of λ and μ. The uniqueness of the proposed technique is to reduce the FOPID controller's fault in the higher order time delay scheme by the aid of the controller's increase limits. The objective of the proposed technique is chosen by considering the set point parameters and the accomplished parameters from the time delay system. The proposed technique is used to avoid high‐order delays and reliability constraints such as small overruns, time resolution and fixed condition defects. This technique is performed on the MATLAB/Simulink platform and the results are compared with different existing techniques such as Ziegler‐Nichols (ZN) tuning method, curve fitting (CF) technique, Wang technique, and regression technique.
Supercritical fluid extraction followed by supramolecular solvent microextraction as a fast and efficient preconcentration method for determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in apple peels
Authors: Falsafi Zohreh , Raofie Farhad , Ariya Parisa A.
Published: December 2019

In this work, reverse micelle‐based supramolecular solvent microextraction method coupled with supercritical fluid extraction and used for determining trace amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in apple peels. The extract was analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography equipped with a fluorescence detector. Coupling supramolecular solvent microextraction with supercritical fluid extraction method, resolve low preconcentration factor of supercritical fluid extraction method, improved limit of detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and allow the use of supramolecular solvent microextraction in solid matrices. The effective parameters on the supramolecular solvent microextraction and supercritical fluid extraction efficiency were optimized using one variable at a time and face centered design methods, respectively. Under the optimum condition, the limits of detection and limits of quantifications were in the range of 0.34–1.27 and 1.03–3.82 µg/kg, respectively. Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in apple peels showed that the supercritical fluid extraction/ supramolecular solvent microextraction method provide great potential for trace analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fruit samples (RSDs < 7.7%).
Practices and perceptions of cognitive assessment for adults with age‐related hearing loss
Authors: Raymond Mallory J. , Lee Annika C. , Schader Lindsey M. , Moore Renee H. , Raol Nikhila R. , Vivas Esther X.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To investigate the landscape of cognitive impairment (CI) screening for adults with age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) among otolaryngologists and audiologists. To identify provider factors and patient characteristics that impact rates of CI screening and referral.

Methods

A 15 question online survey was sent to members of the Georgia Society of Otolaryngology (GSO), Georgia Academy of Audiology (GAA), American Otological Society and American Neurotology Society (AOS/ANS), and posted on the web forum for two hearing disorders special interest groups within the American‐Speech‐Language‐Hearing Association (ASHA). Responses were collected anonymously. Chi‐square tests were used to compare responses.

Results

Of the 66 included respondents, 61% (n = 40) were otolaryngologists and 35% (n = 23) were audiologists. Respondents were significantly more likely to refer patients for CI assessment than to screen (64% vs 21%, respectively, P < .001). The complaint of a neurological symptom, such as memory loss, would prompt screening or referral for only 27.3% (n = 18) and 51.52% (n = 34) of respondents, respectively. Forty‐two percent (n = 28) of respondents suggested CI screening with the MMSE vs 20% (n = 13) with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.

Conclusions

Despite recommendations for cognitive assessment in high‐risk populations, such as older adults with ARHL, the practice of CI screening and referral is not yet commonplace among otolaryngologists and audiologists. These providers have a unique opportunity to assess adults with ARHL for CI and ensure appropriate referral.

Level of Evidence

5
Numerical analysis of a dual‐phase‐lag model involving two temperatures
Authors: Bazarra Noelia , Fernández José R. , Magaña Antonio , Quintanilla Ramón
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we numerically analyse a phase‐lag model with two temperatures which arises in the heat conduction theory. The model is written as a linear partial differential equation of third order in time. The variational formulation, written in terms of the thermal acceleration, leads to a linear variational equation, for which we recall an existence and uniqueness result and an energy decay property. Then, using the finite element method to approximate the spatial variable and the implicit Euler scheme to discretize the time derivatives, fully discrete approximations are introduced. A discrete stability property is proved, and a priori error estimates are obtained, from which the linear convergence of the approximation is derived. Finally, some one‐dimensional numerical simulations are described to demonstrate the accuracy of the approximation and the behaviour of the solution.
A Lagrangian approach for inhomogeneous Boussinesq equations
Authors: Huang Jingchi , Wei Zhengzhen , Yao Zheng‐an
Published: December 2019

This paper investigates the Cauchy problem for inhomogeneous Boussinesq equations with the data in the scaling invariant Besov spaces:
. We shall prove under some smallness assumption on the data:

, Boussinesq equations with partial viscosity exists a unique global solution, where we extend recent results as regards the conditions for uniqueness. Using Lagrangian coordinates enables us to solve the nonhomogeneous Boussinesq equations by means of the contraction mapping theorem.
Advances in the repair of segmental nerve injuries and trends in reconstruction
Authors: Pan Deng , Mackinnon Susan E. , Wood Matthew D.
Published: December 2019

Despite advances in surgery, the reconstruction of segmental nerve injuries continues to pose challenges. In this review, current neurobiology regarding regeneration across a nerve defect is discussed in detail. Recent findings include the complex roles of nonneuronal cells in nerve defect regeneration, such as the role of the innate immune system in angiogenesis and how Schwann cells migrate within the defect. Clinically, the repair of nerve defects is still best served by using nerve autografts with the exception of small, noncritical sensory nerve defects, which can be repaired using autograft alternatives, such as processed or acellular nerve allografts. Given current clinical limits for when alternatives can be used, advanced solutions to repair nerve defects demonstrated in animals are highlighted. These highlights include alternatives designed with novel topology and materials, delivery of drugs specifically known to accelerate axon growth, and greater attention to the role of the immune system.
Preparation of hydrophobic tannins‐inspired polymer materials via low‐ppm ATRP methods
Authors: Zaborniak Izabela , Chmielarz Paweł , Flejszar Monika , Surmacz Karolina , Ostatek Robert
Published: December 2019

The novel hydrophobic coating material was received for the first time by a two‐step synthetic route. Firstly, the 15‐functional brominated macroinitiator was prepared by the esterification methodology. Next step covers synthesis of star‐like polymers by poly(n‐butyl acrylate) (PBA) arms polymerization via three low‐ppm atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) approaches including application of copper and silver wire in SARA and ARGET ATRP, respectively, as driving forces in redox cycle of catalyst, and an external stimulus in the form of electric current (seATRP) as the third approach in copper(II) regeneration system. As expected, the electrochemically mediated technique allows synthesis of tannic acid‐inspired coating polymers in precisely controlled manner during the entire polymerization process, proved by linear first‐order kinetics plot in contrast to above‐mentioned methods, low dispersity (Ð = 1.18) of star‐shaped polymers, and high efficiency of initiation (ƒ
i = 81%) determined after detaching of polymers side arms. Macromolecules received by all low‐ppm ATRP solutions were characterized by preserved chain‐end functionality (theoretical dead chain fraction; DCFtheo <1%). Adhesive and hydrophobic properties of received polymer materials were investigated by contact angles (θ) and free surface energy (FSE) calculations. Prepared polymer films besides excellent hydrophobic properties have great potential as a self‐healing solution.
Simulation of stochastic flow considering mesoscale permeability variability during the resin transfer molding process
Authors: He Longfei , Yan Shilin , Li Yongjing , Wen Pin , Xie Xiangyu , Liu Wenchao
Published: December 2019

This article presents a method to obtain the random permeability field of the single‐layer woven fabric. Specifically, a unit cell model based on actual geometric characteristics of a single‐layer fiber reinforcement is established in the open‐source software TexGen. The local permeability value is retrieved from flow analysis in the software ANSYS/CFX based on TexGen voxel models. Probability distribution of reinforcement permeability is determined from the image analysis. Then, continuous random fields describing the local permeability in the fiber reinforcement are generated based on the Karhunen‐Loève (K‐L) expansion method, and suitable dimension‐reducing techniques are employed to represent all the random fields in the physical system. Furthermore, influences of the selected correlation lengths on the random field are explored. Finally, it is demonstrated in the flow numerical simulation that the stochastic flow model indeed more qualitatively and quantitatively agrees with the radial injection experiment than the traditional basic model.
Fetal MRI assessment of mediastinal shift angle in isolated left congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A new postnatal survival predictive tool?
Authors: Savelli Sara , Bascetta Stefano , Carducci Chiara , Carnevale Enza , Caforio Leonardo , Romiti Anita , Tomà Paolo
Published: December 2019

Objective

To quantify the mediastinal shift angle (MSA) in fetuses with isolated left congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) by magnetic resonance imaging and evaluate survival.

Method

Fetuses from singleton pregnancies with isolated left CDH were matched for gestational age with controls without thoracic malformations. For all fetuses the MSA was determined by two operators and inter‐operator variability and differences between cases and controls were investigated. For all cases total fetal lung volume (TFLV) was calculated and the correlation between MSA and TFLV was assessed, and its predictive value towards survival was determined.

Results

Thirty‐four fetuses were included as cases and 42 as controls. The mean gestational age for assessment of CDH fetuses was 32 weeks (range 27‐38). Twenty‐four fetuses survived until discharge and 10 did not. There was an excellent inter‐operator reliability for measuring the MSA and a significant difference between MSA in cases and controls. There was an inverse correlation between MSA values and survival, a correlation between TFLV and survival and an inverse correlation between MSA and TFLV. The area under the ROC curve for MSA in predicting survival was 0.931 (95% CI 0.851‐1.000).

Conclusion

The MSA measured late in gestation correlates with postnatal survival in patients with isolated left CDH.
Environmentally Friendly Radiation Hardd‐Limonene and Laccol Copolymers Synthesized via Cationic Copolymerization
Authors: Arachchilage Imalka H. A. M. , Patel Milly K. , Basi Joseph , Harmon Julie P.
Published: December 2019

In the modern world, petroleum‐based synthetic polymers have a great number of applications in fields ranging from food packaging to space travel. However, the processing of petroleum products and the resulting depletion of fossil fuels are major environmental concerns in today's society. As a result, the development of sustainable polymers which are made up of renewable resources and waste products is an immerging area of research. Considering the world food production, citrus fruit is most abundant and its contribution to waste generation is immense. Therefore, this study focuses on offering an alternative to the use of petroleum‐based polymers and also providing a regulatory pathway to manage citrus waste by developing novel copolymers of laccol and limonene. Two environmentally friendly compounds, laccol, derived from the sap ofToxicodendron succedaneumtree and limonene, extracted from orange peels, were copolymerized via cationic polymerization to generated‐limonene:laccol copolymers with radiation hardening capabilities which is relevant in fields such as nuclear energy generation, medicinal sterilization, commercial irradiation, and space exploration. Formation of these copolymers was verified with infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. The synthesized copolymers were characterized using different methods and exposed to Co‐60 gamma radiation to identify alterations to their properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:607–618, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Association Between Hemoglobin A1c and Major Adverse Coronary Events in Patients with Diabetes Following Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Turgeon Ricky D. , Koshman Sheri L. , Youngson Erik , Pearson Glen J.
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Diabetes is associated with a higher risk of major adverse coronary events (MACE) following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Guidelines recommend disparate targets for glycemic control of patients with diabetes who have undergone CABG, ranging from a target hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of < 7.0% to 7.1–8.5%, based on data from non‐CABG patients. To date, no study has evaluated the long‐term impact of HbA1c concentrations on MACE post‐CABG.

Objective

To evaluate the association between HbA1c and MACE in CABG patients with diabetes.

Methods

A secondary analysis of the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI2D) trial, which enrolled patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease, restricted to participants who underwent CABG with ≥ 1 HbA1c measurement post‐CABG, was performed. The index date was date of first post‐CABG HbA1c measurement. The primary outcome was MACE (composite of death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or repeat revascularization). Secondary outcomes included MACE components and heart failure. Cox proportional hazards models treating HbA1c as a time‐dependent exposure (reference group: HbA1c 6.1–7.0%) were used to derive hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals adjusting for age, sex and baseline characteristics selected by stepwise regression.

Results

A total of 549 patients were followed over a median 3.5 years. The median age of the cohort was 64 years, 25.1% were female, and median baseline HbA1c was 6.7%. Compared to achieving an HbA1c 6.1‐7.0%, HbA1c > 8.0% was associated with an increased risk of MACE (HR 1.77, 1.01–3.10). This association was strongest for unstable angina (HR 5.21, 1.03–26.39). Achieving an HbA1c ≤ 6.0% was associated with an increased risk of death (HR 2.41, 1.01–5.74). Other comparisons were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Among patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent CABG, achieving HbA1c 6.1–7.0% was associated with a lower risk of MACE and unstable angina versus achieving an HbA1c > 8.0% and lower risk of death versus achieving an HbA1c ≤ 6.0%.
The effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on endothelial function and arterial stiffness in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Pereira de Araujo Cintia Laura , Pereira Reinaldo Gustavo , Foscarini Betina Gabriele , Ferreira Schneider Bárbara , Moraes Menezes Vlademir Junior , Dal Lago Pedro
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and endothelial dysfunction may enhance the mortality risk. Exercise training has shown to be beneficial for improvement of endothelial function in patients with cardiovascular disease, but this remains unclear in COPD. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effect of exercise‐based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on endothelium function, arterial stiffness and plasma nitrite levels in patients with COPD.

Methods

Patients with COPD engaged a 48‐session PR program. Reactive hyperaemia index (RHI), augmentation index (AIx), and heart rate (HR) assed by peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT), plasma nitrite levels, systemic blood pressure, functional capacity (six‐minute walk test) and the BODE index were assessed at baseline and after 24 and 48 sessions of PR. Plasma nitrite levels were also assessed before and after the first session of PR.

Results

Twenty‐one subjects were included and completed 24 PR sessions, and 16 subjects completed 48 sessions. It was observed that a poorer AIx adjusted for HR in frequent COPD exacerbators (4.67 ± 16.5 vs. 20.9 ± 12.9; p = .02). PR improved functional capacity (380 ± 107 m vs. 442 ± 115 m; p < .001) and the BODE index (6 [2.8] vs. 4 [3]; p = .001), but did not change HR, systemic arterial pressure, RHI, AIx, and plasma nitrite levels during the follow‐up. Plasma nitrite levels reduced after the first session of PR (0.074 [0.079] μM vs. 0.061 [0.04] μM; p = .027). The acute change in plasma nitrite levels correlated with RHI in patients with preserved endothelial function (r = 0.71; p = .01).

Conclusions

Although exercise‐based PR improved functional capacity and the BODE index, it did not change endothelial function and arterial stiffness in patients with COPD.
The linearity of the El Niño teleconnection to the Amundsen Sea region
Authors: Yiu Yu Yeung Scott , Maycock Amanda C.
Published: December 2019

El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) drives interannual variability in West Antarctic climate through altering atmospheric circulation in the Amundsen Sea region (ASR). The El Niño–ASR teleconnection is known to be strongest in austral winter and spring, but its variation with El Niño amplitude is underexplored. This study uses experiments from the HadGEM3‐A climate model to investigate the El Niño–ASR teleconnection for a range of imposed SST perturbations spanning weak (0.75 K) to strong (3 K) amplitudes. In austral winter, the El Niño–ASR teleconnection behaves linearly for El Niño amplitudes up to 2.25 K, but is found to weaken for stronger forcing (3 K). The anomalous Rossby wave source in the subtropical South Pacific increases monotonically with El Niño amplitude. However, a Rossby wave reflection surface originally located in the western South Pacific sector extends progressively eastward with increasing El Niño amplitude, reducing wave propagation into the ASR. The wave reflection surface is associated with curvature in the upper tropospheric zonal winds which intensifies as the subtropical jet strengthens under El Niño forcing. In contrast, the El Niño–ASR teleconnection in austral summer, which more closely resembles the Southern Annular Mode, is found to increase linearly for El Niño amplitudes up to 3 K. The results explicitly demonstrate that a linear approximation of the El Niño teleconnection to the ASR is reasonable based on the range of El Niño amplitudes observed in recent history.
Recursive parameter estimation methods and convergence analysis for a special class of nonlinear systems
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Ding Feng , Xu Ling
Published: December 2019

This paper is concerned with the joint estimation of states and parameters of a special class of nonlinear systems, ie, bilinear systems. The key is to investigate new estimation methods for interactive state and parameter estimation of the considered system based on the interactive estimation theory. Because the system states are unknown, a bilinear state observer is established based on the Kalman filtering principle. Then, the unavailable states are updated by the state observer outputs recursively. Once the state estimates are obtained, the bilinear state observer–based hierarchical stochastic gradient algorithm is developed by using the gradient search. For the purpose of improving the convergence rate and the parameter estimation accuracy, a bilinear state observer–based hierarchical multi‐innovation stochastic gradient algorithm is proposed by expanding a scalar innovation to an innovation vector. The convergence analysis indicates that the parameter estimates can converge to their true values. The numerical example illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Finite‐time robust simultaneous stabilization of a set of nonlinear time‐delay systems
Authors: Yang Renming , Zhang Guangyuan , Sun Liying
Published: December 2019

This paper investigates the finite‐time robust simultaneous stabilization problem of a set of nonlinear time‐delay systems with general forms and proposes some new simultaneous stabilization results. First, by developing an equivalent form and applying augmented technique, this paper obtains an augmented equivalent form of the original systems. Secondly, based on the equivalent form, we study finite‐time simultaneous stabilization problem and present some new stabilization results by constructing some suitable Lyapunov functionals. Thirdly, using the simultaneous stabilization results obtained, this paper investigates the finite‐time robust simultaneous stabilization problem for the set systems and proposes a delay‐dependent robust simultaneous stabilization result. Finally, the study of an illustrative example shows that the results obtained by this paper work well in the finite‐time robust simultaneous stabilization the set systems. It is shown that, by using the method in this paper, the developed conditions do not contain delay terms, which can avoid solving nonlinear mixed matrix inequalities and reduce effectively computational burden in studying nonlinear time‐delay systems.
Adaptation to climate change and conservation of biodiversity using green infrastructure
Authors: Nakamura Futoshi , Ishiyama Nobuo , Yamanaka Satoshi , Higa Motoki , Akasaka Takumi , Kobayashi Yoshiko , Ono Satoru , Fuke Nao , Kitazawa Munehiro , Morimoto Junko , Shoji Yasushi
Published: December 2019

In recent years, we have experienced mega‐flood disasters in Japan due to climate change. In the last century, we have been building disaster prevention infrastructure (artificial levees and dams, referred to as “grey infrastructure”) to protect human lives and assets from floods, but these hard protective measures will not function against mega‐floods. Moreover, in a drastically depopulating society such as that in Japan, farmland abandonment prevails, and it will be more difficult to maintain grey infrastructure with a limited tax income. In this study, we propose the introduction of green infrastructure (GI) as an adaptation strategy for climate change. If we can use abandoned farmlands as GI, they may function to reduce disaster risks and provide habitats for various organisms that are adapted to wetland environments. First, we present a conceptual framework for disaster prevention using a hybrid of GI and conventional grey infrastructure. In this combination, the fundamental GI, composed of forests and wetlands in the catchment (GI‐1) and additional multilevel GIs such as flood control basins that function when floodwater exceeds the planning level (GI‐2) are introduced. We evaluated the flood attenuation function (GI‐1) of the Kushiro Wetland using a hydrological model and developed a methodology for selecting suitable locations of GI‐2, considering flood risk, biodiversity and the distribution of abandoned farmlands, which represent social and economic costs. The results indicated that the Kushiro Wetland acts as a large natural reservoir that attenuates the hydrological peak discharge during floods and suitable locations for introducing GI‐2 are concentrated in floodplain areas developing in the downstream reaches of large rivers. Finally, we discussed the network structure of GI‐1 as a hub and GI‐2 as a dispersal site for conservation of the Red‐crowned Crane, one of the symbolic species of Japan.
Short‐length rate‐compatible code design for noncoherent detection
Authors: Kayhan Farbod , Montorsi Guido
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we propose a simple method for generating short‐length rate‐compatible codes that are robust to noncoherent detection forM‐PSK constellations. For any given constellation set, first we use a greedy algorithm to construct a family of rotationally invariant codes. Then, by properly modifying such codes, we obtain a new family of codes that are robust to noncoherent detection. We briefly discuss the optimality of the constructed codes for special cases of BPSK and QPSK constellations. Our method provides an upper bound for the length of optimal codes with a given desired noncoherent distance. We also derive a simple asymptotic upper bound on the frame error rate (FER) of such codes and provide some simulations. Finally, the problem of designing binary codes that are robust to noncoherent detection for QPSK constellation is briefly discussed.
Effect of Warm Rolling and Annealing on Microstructure, Texture, and Mechanical Properties of a 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Tavares Tairine Berbert , Rodrigues Daniella Gomes , Santos Dagoberto Brandão
Published: December 2019

The effect of warm rolling and annealing processes on the microstructure, microtexture, and mechanical properties of a 2205 duplex stainless steel is investigated in this work. To evaluate the microstructure, scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron backscatter diffraction are used as the main techniques. The mechanical properties are assessed through tensile tests. A transition from a bamboo type into a pearl structure is observed as the thickness reduction increases. Furthermore, the ferrite phase presents a weakening of the α‐fiber (<011>//rolling direction, RD) and a development of γ‐fiber (<111>//normal direction, ND), whereas the austenite has a reduction in the intensity of the {110}<112> brass component and a strengthening of the {110}<001> Goss and {112}<111> copper components. Multistage work hardening behavior is observed by Jaoul–Crussard analysis, which indicates the presence of secondary deformation mechanisms during the plastic deformation of the steel. Post‐deformation SEM and TEM results reveal the formation of α′ and ε‐martensite at deformed regions. The orientation relationship that develops between γ‐ and ε‐martensite is Shoji–Nishiyama (S–N) <110>γ//<2110>ε.