bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of chronic kidney disease on long‐term clinical outcomes of everolimus‐eluting stent implantation: A subanalysis of the Tokyo‐MD PCI registry
Authors: Miyazaki Toru , Ashikaga Takashi , Asano Mitsutoshi , Sasaoka Taro , Kurihara Ken , Yoshikawa Shunji , Isobe Mitsuaki ,   for the Tokyo‐MD PCI Study Investigators
Published: February 2019

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the 5‐year clinical outcomes of everolimus‐eluting stent (EES) implantation.

Background

Recent studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of EES. However, limited information exists on the long‐term clinical outcomes associated with CKD.

Methods

The Tokyo‐MD PCI study is a multi‐center observational study designed to describe the clinical outcomes of unselected patients after EES implantation. In this subanalysis, patients on maintenance hemodialysis were excluded, and patients with (n = 316) or without (n = 1,424) CKD were evaluated for their 5‐year incidence rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as death, non‐fatal myocardial infarction, ischemia driven target lesion revascularization (ID‐TLR), and stent thrombosis (ST).

Results

The mean and median follow‐up duration were 1,391 ± 557 days and 1,769 days (interquartile range, 1,012–1,800 days), respectively. Although the incidence of ID‐TLR and ST was similar between patients with and without CKD (4.9% vs. 3.7%, P = 0.26, 0.5% vs. 1.0%, P = 0.20, respectively), cardiac death and MACE were significantly higher in patients with CKD than in those without CKD (6.5% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.007, 26.9% vs. 14.0%, P < 0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, CKD was an independent predictor of MACE (hazard ratio 1.22 [95% confidence interval 1.04–1.43], P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Patients with CKD had similar ID‐TLR and ST rates as those without CKD at 5 years after EES implantation. The risk of long‐term MACEs appeared to be associated with CKD.
Rh(III)‐Catalyzed Regioselective Acetylation of sp2 C−H Bond Starting from Paraformaldehyde
Authors: Wan Ting , Du Sidong , Pi Chao , Wang Yong , Li Rongbin , Wu Yangjie , Cui Xiuling
Published: February 2019

Rh(III)‐catalyzed acetylation of sp2 C−H bonds has been realized using paraformaldehyde as an acetylating reagent. This procedure features simultaneous formation of two C−C bonds, external oxidants free, and water as the sole byproducts, thus offering an environmentally benign acetylation of arenes. A range of functional groups tolerance were observed.
Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation by Mononuclear Cu(II) Aliphatic Tetraamine Complexes
Authors: Dong Huan , Du Jialei , Kong Jianfei , He Xiaoming , Chen Zuofeng
Published: February 2019

We report here electrocatalytic water oxidation by a series of mononuclear Cu(II) aliphatic tetraamine complexes at various pH. In phosphate buffer solution of pH 12, the Cu(II)‐Tren (Tren is tris‐(2‐aminoethyl)amine) complex is decomposed to generate a Cu oxide/hydroxide film with phosphate incorporated on the electrode surface which can catalyze water oxidation with a small onset overpotential of 420 mV and a low Tafel slope of 48 mV dec−1. By contrast, the other two Cu(II) complexes, Cu(II)‐Me3(Tren) (Me3(Tren) is (tris‐(2‐(methylamino)ethyl)amine)) and Cu(II)‐Me6(Tren) (Me6(Tren) is tris‐(3‐methyl‐3‐azabuty)amine), having the ligands that sharing the same molecular skeleton of Tren but with methyl group substituents, are noneffective to form the surface‐bound active species. The experimental results indicate that the Cu(II)‐Tren complex decomposes by intra‐complex proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) from the amine ligand to the higher‐oxidation‐state Cu with significant pH/buffer base effects. At pH 9, water oxidation with Cu(II)‐Tren transforms from heterogeneous to homogeneous featuring a single‐site catalysis mechanism. Moreover, the comparison of the three Cu(II) complexes at this pH also suggests a steric effect of methyl groups on the catalysis performance. As pH decreases further to 7, Tren, with pKb ∼5.9, becomes less coordinating and precipitation of a Cu3(PO4)2 film during electrolysis leads to electrode passivation, which inhibits the homogeneous water oxidation at this pH.
The Phenol‐Phenothiazine Coupling: an Oxidative Click Concept
Authors: Patureau Frederic W.
Published: February 2019

The phenol‐phenothiazine coupling reaction is attracting increasing attention, in part due to its enabling character of innovative radical, photochemical, and electrochemical concepts. Indeed, this C−N bond forming cross dehydrogenative coupling accommodates almost any oxidizing strategy, often with mild reaction conditions. This concept paper analyses the particularity of this simple, cheap, and reliable coupling reaction, and discusses some of its probable future applications.
Groundwater Treatment using a Solid Polymer Electrolyte Cell with Mesh Electrodes
Authors: Oriol Roger , Clematis Davide , Brillas Enric , Cortina José L. , Panizza Marco , Sirés Ignasi
Published: February 2019

This article reports the high performance of a solid polymer electrolyte cell, equipped with a Nafion® N117 membrane packed between a Nb/boron‐doped diamond (Nb/BDD) mesh anode and a Ti/RuO2 mesh cathode, to degrade the insecticide imidacloprid spiked at 1.2–59.2 mg L−1 into low conductivity groundwater by electrochemical oxidation. The natural water matrix was first softened using valorized industrial waste in the form of zeolite as reactive sorbent. Total removal of the insecticide, always obeying pseudo‐first‐order kinetics, and maximum mineralization degrees of 70 %–87 % were achieved, with energy consumption of 26.4±1.6 kWh m−3. Active chlorine in the bulk and .OH at the BDD surface were the main oxidants. Comparative studies using simulated water with analogous anions content revealed that the natural organic matter interfered in the groundwater treatment. Trials carried out in ultrapure water showed the primary conversion of the initial N and Cl atoms of imidacloprid to NO3− and Cl− ions, being the latter anion eventually transformed into ClO3− and ClO4− ions. 6‐Chloro‐nicotinonitrile, 6‐chloro‐pyridine‐3‐carbaldehyde, and tartaric acid were identified as oxidation products.
Application of extended quadrature method of moments for simulation of bubbly flow and mass transfer in gas‐liquid stirred tanks
Authors: Askari Ehsan , St‐Pierre Lemieux Gabriel , Proulx Pierre
Published: February 2019

In the present paper, two gas‐liquid stirred tanks, one agitated by a radial impeller and another by an axial impeller, are modelled using the open‐source computational fluid dynamic (CFD) package OpenFOAM (open source field operation and manipulation). The combined effect of the bubble break‐up and coalescence in the tank is considered by a population balance model (PBM) called extended quadrature method of moments (EQMOM). The three‐dimensional simulation is made using a multiple reference frame (MRF), a well‐established method for the modelling of mixers. Dispersed gas and bubble dynamics in the turbulent flow are modelled using the Eulerian‐Eulerian approach (E‐E) with mixture k‐epsilon turbulent model and the modified Tomiyama drag coefficient for the momentum exchange. The model is developed to predict the spatial distribution of gas phase fraction, Sauter mean bubble diameter (), number density function (NDF), dissolved oxygen (DO) evolution, and flow structure. The numerical results are compared with experimental data and a fair agreement is achieved. The results of the axial impeller are discussed based on four impeller rotational speeds with different volumetric mass transfer coefficients.
Slurry rheology in mineral processing unit operations: A critical review
Authors: Cruz Nestor , Forster John , Bobicki Erin R.
Published: February 2019

Knowledge of slurry rheology in mineral processing is essential for the optimization of wet‐grinding, dewatering, transport, and tailings management and it is becoming important in flotation due to the increasing need to process complex ores with a high clay mineral content. Slurries of these ores often display complex rheological behaviour even at low solids concentration, and traditional rheology measurements in mineral processing, such as yield stress and apparent viscosities, may not provide the critical information needed for process optimization. The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of some of the previous rheology studies performed at the bench, pilot plant, and industrial scale for different unit operations and to discuss the potential for alternative rheology measurements to provide a better insight into colloidal particle interactions in slurries with clay minerals. Firstly, the fundamentals of slurry rheology and the influence of colloidal particles are presented. Secondly, rheology measurements for suspensions are described briefly. Thirdly, a review of rheology studies in grinding, classification, flotation, dewatering, and tailings management is done, outlining possible ways of determining types of particle associations in slurries. Finally, recommendations for future research directions are provided.
OpenForce MR: A low‐cost open‐source MR‐compatible force sensor
Authors: Santini Francesco , Bieri Oliver , Deligianni Xeni
Published: February 2019

Measuring the force exerted by muscles during dynamic MR acquisition (either imaging or spectroscopy) provides important information for the standardization of the exercise performed in the scanner and is therefore important for reproducible results in musculoskeletal imaging. However, existing commercial solutions for such measurements are often very expensive and impractical. In this work, a novel, open‐source, versatile force sensor made of non‐magnetic, off‐the‐shelf components is presented. The sensor is based on four aluminum Wheatstone bridge load cells enclosed in a custom‐built aluminum frame. These cells are connected to an Arduino microcontroller for data acquisition and serial communication with a host computer, on which a dedicated program visualizes and logs the recorded force in real time. All components were chosen to be compatible with the MR environment, commercially available, and low cost. The sensor was calibrated with a commercial dynamometer and subsequently tested in multiple MR acquisition scenarios (static morphological imaging, cine imaging during contraction, velocity‐encoded imaging). The sensor correctly recorded data during all tested sequences, without cross‐interference between the MR and the force acquisitions. Minor susceptibility artifacts are visible in the immediate vicinity of the sensor, but they did not impair the evaluation of the muscle of interest. In conclusion, the development of a low‐cost, MR‐compatible force sensor is feasible, and its usage does not interfere with MR acquisition. The full specifications of the sensor, including hardware design, firmware and host software are publicly released as open‐source for the potential benefit of the whole community.
Enhanced Peroxidase Mimetic Activity of Porous Iron Oxide Nanoflakes
Authors: Tanaka Shunsuke , Masud Mostafa Kamal , Kaneti Yusuf Valentino , Shiddiky Muhammad J. A. , Fatehmulla Amanullah , Aldhafiri Abdullah M. , Farooq W. Aslam , Bando Yoshio , Hossain Md. Shahriar A. , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: February 2019

Porous nanomaterials with superior peroxidase mimetic activity (nanozyme) at room temperature have gained increasing attention as potential alternatives to natural peroxidase enzymes. Herein, we report the application of porous iron oxide nanoflakes (IONFs), synthesized using the combination of solvothermal method and high‐temperature calcination as peroxidase nanozyme for the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of H2O2. The four IONF catalysts possess porous structures with a wide pore size distribution between 2–30 nm and high specific surface areas around to 200 m2 g−1. The increase of calcination temperature of the IONFs from 250 °C to 400 °C resulted in a gradual decrease in their specific surface area and Michaelis‐Menten constant (Km) for TMB oxidation. The optimum IONF sample showed a much lower Km at 0.24 mM (towards TMB) compared to natural enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) at 0.434 mM, revealing the promising potential of the as‐prepared IONFs as alternatives to HRP for biosensing applications.
*‐Predictable MPSoC execution of real‐time control applications using invasive computing
Authors: Brand Marcel , Witterauf Michael , Sousa Éricles , Tanase Alexandru , Hannig Frank , Teich Jürgen
Published: February 2019

The fulfillment of non‐functional requirements like timing or energy consumption is of utmost importance in many embedded systems and respective applications. Especially, with the introduction of multi‐core architectures, the ability to predict non‐functional execution qualities becomes more and more difficult, as multiple concurrent application programs may interfere in execution when typically sharing all the resources. In this paper, we advocate a novel parallel computing paradigm called invasive computing that allows to isolate application programs on multi‐core targets. For a presented case study of a cyber‐physical real‐time control system, we show that invasive computing enables composability that in fact allows to characterize and analyze each application program statically and independent from each other. More specifically, it is shown that a distributed object detection algorithm for controlling an inverted pendulum and implemented on a heterogeneous invasive multi‐processor SoC (MPSoC) is able to provide real‐time guarantees as well as reliability requirements on demand.
Surface modification of melamine formaldehyde resin particles in a stratified glow discharge in neon
Authors: Karasev Viktor Yu. , Dzlieva Elena S. , Pavlov Sergey I. , Matvievskaya Olga V. , Polischuk Vladimir A. , Ermolenko Maxmim A. , Eikhval'd Alexey I. , Gorbenko Anna P.
Published: February 2019

The paper presents the description of the change in size and structure with time of the surface of polymer particles of melamine formaldehyde injected as a dust component of a complex plasma formed in a stratified glow discharge in neon. The experiment was carried out in a specialized discharge chamber, equipped with a device for collecting particles from a dust trap. The analysis of the size and surface structure was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, which gives the original and the resulting surface views of the plasma‐processed particles. These profiles show the variation in surface roughness distribution under the action of the plasma. The time dependence of the particle diameter on plasma exposure was tracked. Data show that 25 min of exposure results in the dust particles losing a substantial part of their volume, which is accompanied by a decrease of the diameter by half. Our results coincide with previous data for smaller particles in similar plasma conditions.The particles used in this work are larger but still are able to levitate in a dust trap, and corresponding processes of size degradation and surface modification are extremely intense.
Effect of ion mean free path length on plasma polarization behind a dust particle in an external electric field
Authors: Sukhinin G.I. , Fedoseev A.V. , Salnikov M.V.
Published: February 2019

In this paper, a self‐consistent numerical model that describes the behavior of plasma around an isolated, highly charged dust particle is presented. Using the developed model, self‐consistent distributions of the space charge density and plasma potential in the presence of an external electric field are obtained. These distributions are thoroughly analysed though Legendre decomposition. For different dust plasma parameters, such as the radius of the dust particle, the amplitude of the external field, and the mean free path of ions, the dipole moment of the ion cloud surrounding the dust particle is calculated. It turns out that the dependencies of the dipole moment on the value of the external electric field obtained for different parameters are reduced to a single curve by simple scaling.
The influence of dust particle geometry on its charge and plasma potential
Authors: Sukhinin G.I. , Fedoseev A.V. , Salnikov M.V.
Published: February 2019

In this paper, a self‐consistent numerical model describing the behaviour of plasma around isolated highly charged dust particles with different shapes of rotation figures is presented. Dust particles in the form of a sphere, oblate ellipsoids (disk‐like particles), and elongated ellipsoids (rod‐like particles) are considered in the presence of an external electric field. Using the developed model, self‐consistent distributions of a space charge and plasma potential are obtained around non‐spherical dust particles. These distributions are carefully analysed by decomposing them in a series of Legendre polynomials. Decompositions of these distributions are compared with particles of different geometry. In addition, for different geometries of dust particles, the dependencies of the charge of a dust particle on geometry in the absence of an external field are investigated.
Comprehensive Phenotyping of T Cells Using Flow Cytometry
Authors: Mousset Charlotte M. , Hobo Willemijn , Woestenenk Rob , Preijers Frank , Dolstra Harry , van der Waart Anniek B.
Published: February 2019

The T cell compartment can form a powerful defense against extrinsic (e.g., pathogens) and intrinsic danger (e.g., malignant cells). At the same time, specific subsets of T cells control this process to keep the immune system in check and prevent autoimmunity. A wide variety in T cell functionalities exists, which is dependent on the differentiation and maturation state of the T cells. In this review, we report an overview for the identification of CD4+ T‐αβ cells (T‐helper (Th)1, Th2, Th9, Th17, Th22, and CD4+ regulatory T cells), CD8+ T‐αβ cells (cytotoxic T lymphocyte (Tc)1, Tc2, Tc9, Tc17, and CD8+ regulatory T cells), and their additional effector memory status (naïve, stem cell memory, central memory, effector memory, and effector) using flow cytometry. These different subsets can be discriminated based on selective extracellular markers, in combination with intracellular transcription factor and/or cytokine stainings. Additionally, identification of very small subsets, including antigen‐specific T cells, and important technical considerations of flow cytometry are discussed. Together, this overview can be used for comprehensive phenotyping of a T cell subset of interest. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Robust Cell Detection and Segmentation for Image Cytometry Reveal Th17 Cell Heterogeneity
Authors: Tsujikawa Takahiro , Thibault Guillaume , Azimi Vahid , Sivagnanam Sam , Banik Grace , Means Casey , Kawashima Rie , Clayburgh Daniel R. , Gray Joe W. , Coussens Lisa M. , Chang Young Hwan
Published: February 2019

Image cytometry enables quantitative cell characterization with preserved tissue architecture; thus, it has been highlighted in the advancement of multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) and digital image analysis in the context of immune‐based biomarker monitoring associated with cancer immunotherapy. However, one of the challenges in the current image cytometry methodology is a technical limitation in the segmentation of nuclei and cellular components particularly in heterogeneously stained cancer tissue images. To improve the detection and specificity of single‐cell segmentation in hematoxylin‐stained images (which can be utilized for recently reported 12‐biomarker chromogenic sequential multiplex IHC), we adapted a segmentation algorithm previously developed for hematoxlin and eosin‐stained images, where morphological features are extracted based on Gabor‐filtering, followed by stacking of image pixels into n‐dimensional feature space and unsupervised clustering of individual pixels. Our proposed method showed improved sensitivity and specificity in comparison with standard segmentation methods. Replacing previously proposed methods with our method in multiplex IHC/image cytometry analysis, we observed higher detection of cell lineages including relatively rare TH17 cells, further enabling sub‐population analysis into TH1‐like and TH2‐like phenotypes based on T‐bet and GATA3 expression. Interestingly, predominance of TH2‐like TH17 cells was associated with human papilloma virus (HPV)‐negative status of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck, known as a poor‐prognostic subtype in comparison with HPV‐positive status. Furthermore, TH2‐like TH17 cells in HPV‐negative head and neck cancer tissues were spatiotemporally correlated with CD66b+ granulocytes, presumably associated with an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Our cell segmentation method for multiplex IHC/image cytometry potentially contributes to in‐depth immune profiling and spatial association, leading to further tissue‐based biomarker exploration. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Distributed optimization of enhanced intercell interference coordination and resource allocation in heterogeneous networks
Authors: Li Li , Zhou Zhaorong , Sun Sanshan , Wei Menghan
Published: February 2019

In two‐tier heterogeneous networks (HetNets), the cross‐tier interference caused by spectrum sharing between macrocell and small cells poses obstacle to ideal overall network performance. Both enhanced intercell interference coordination (eICIC) at the macrocell base station (MBS) and resource allocation (RA) at small cell base station (SBS) have been considered as efficient approaches to mitigate the cross‐tier interference. In this paper, we propose a distributed optimization framework to jointly optimize the eICIC and RA schemes at different tiers. In specific, an enhanced almost blank subframe (ABS) scheme is performed by the MBS to encourage SBSs to adopt hybrid access policy and admit the offloaded macrocell users (MUs) so as to guarantee their QoS requirements. To model the intricate interaction between two tiers, we formulate the joint optimization problem as a one‐leader multiple‐follower Stackelberg game. We prove the existence of Stackelberg equilibrium (SE) and obtain the optimal strategies for both tiers. Numerical results are presented to show that the proposed framework with hybrid access policy converges to a unique SE and utilities for both tiers is maximized, which creates a win‐win situation.
Association of serum testosterone with different classes of glucose metabolism and the mediation effect of obesity: The Henan Rural Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Xue , Jiang Jingjing , Liu Xiaotian , Luo Zhicheng , Wang Yan , Dong Xiaokang , Wei Dandan , Li Ruiying , Wang Yikang , Huo Wenqian , Yu Songcheng , Li Linlin , Jin Shuna , Wang Chongjian , Mao Zhenxing
Published: February 2019

Aims

We aimed to investigate the association of serum testosterone with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and calculate the proportion explained by obesity status on the relationship.

Materials and Methods

A case‐control study including 2775 participants was performed. Serum testosterone was quantified by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Conditional logistic regression and multivariable linear regression were performed to estimate the relationships between testosterone and different glucose status. Waist circumference (WC) was used as a mediator to estimate the mediation effect.

Results

After adjusting for multiple variables, serum testosterone levels were negatively associated with T2DM in males (per 1 unit natural log‐transformed, odd ratio (OR) = 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.56, 0.96; Tertile 3 vs Tertile 1, OR = 0.46, 95% CI:0.29, 0.72) while were positively in females (per 1 unit natural log‐transformed, OR = 1.56, 95% CI:1.32, 1.84; Tertile 3 vs Tertile 1, OR = 3.55, 95% CI: 2.22, 5.66). In males, a higher testosterone tended to be associated with a lower fasting plasma glucose level and a weaker HOMA2‐IR but a stronger HOMA2‐β. Opposite findings were observed in females. Furthermore, WC played a full and partial mediating role in the relationship between testosterone and IFG and T2DM both in males and females.

Conclusion

Serum testosterone levels had opposite effects on IFG and T2DM in males and females. With higher serum testosterone levels, the dysglycemia progression was decreased among males while increased among females. In addition, WC played a full and partial mediating role in the relationship between testosterone and IFG and T2DM.
Variation in chronic radiation exposure does not drive life history divergence among Daphnia populations across the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone
Authors: Goodman Jessica , Copplestone David , Laptev Gennady V. , Gashchak Sergey , Auld Stuart K. J. R.
Published: February 2019

Ionizing radiation is a mutagen with known negative impacts on individual fitness. However, much less is known about how these individual fitness effects translate into population‐level variation in natural environments that have experienced varying levels of radiation exposure. In this study, we sampled genotypes of the freshwater crustacean, Daphnia pulex, from the eight inhabited lakes across the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ). Each lake has experienced very different levels of chronic radiation exposure since a nuclear power reactor exploded there over thirty years ago. The sampled Daphnia genotypes represent genetic snapshots of current populations and allowed us to examine fitness‐related traits under controlled laboratory conditions at UK background dose rates. We found that whilst there was variation in survival and schedules of reproduction among populations, there was no compelling evidence that this was driven by variation in exposure to radiation. Previous studies have shown that controlled exposure to radiation at dose rates included in the range measured in the current study reduce survival, or fecundity, or both. One limitation of this study is the lack of available sites at high dose rates, and future work could test life history variation in various organisms at other high radiation areas. Our results are nevertheless consistent with the idea that other ecological factors, for example competition, predation or parasitism, are likely to play a much bigger role in driving variation among populations than exposure to the high radiation dose rates found in the CEZ. These findings clearly demonstrate that it is important to examine the potential negative effects of radiation across wild populations that are subject to many and varied selection pressures as a result of complex ecological interactions.
Long‐term outcome in patients with Takotsubo syndrome presenting with severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Citro Rodolfo , Radano Ilaria , Parodi Guido , Di Vece Davide , Zito Concetta , Novo Giuseppina , Provenza Gennaro , Bellino Michele , Prota Costantina , Silverio Angelo , Antonini‐Canterin Francesco , Rigo Fausto , Vriz Olga , Galasso Gennaro , Bossone Eduardo , Salerno‐Uriarte Jorge , Piscione Federico
Published: February 2019

Aim

To evaluate the long‐term outcome of patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) and severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≤ 35%) at presentation.

Methods and results

The study population included 326 patients (mean age 69.5 ± 10.7 years, 28 male) with TTS enrolled in the Takotsubo Italian Network, divided into two groups according to LVEF (≤ 35%, n = 131; > 35%, n = 195), as assessed by transthoracic echocardiography at hospital admission. In‐hospital events were recorded in both groups. At long‐term follow‐up (median 26.5 months, interquartile range 18–33), composite major adverse cardiac events (MACE: cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and TTS recurrence) and rehospitalization were investigated. Compared to patients with LVEF > 35%, patients with LVEF ≤ 35% were older (71.2 ± 10.8 vs. 68.4 ± 10.6 years; P = 0.026) and experienced more frequently cardiogenic shock (16% vs. 4.6%; P < 0.001), acute heart failure (28.2% vs. 12.8%; P = 0.001), and intra‐aortic balloon pump support (11.5% vs. 2.6%; P = 0.001) in the acute phase. At long‐term follow‐up, higher rates of composite MACE (25.2% vs. 10.8%; P = 0.001) and rehospitalization for cardiac causes (26% vs. 13.3%; P = 0.004) were observed in these patients. LVEF ≤ 35% at admission [hazard ratio (HR) 2.184, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.231–3.872; P = 0.008] and age (HR 1.041, 95% CI 1.011–1.073; P = 0.006) were independent predictors of MACE. Patients with LVEF ≤ 35% also had a significant lower freedom from composite MACE during long‐term follow‐up (χ2 = 11.551, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 35% at presentation is a key parameter to identify TTS patients at higher risk not only in the acute phase but also at long‐term follow‐up.
Prognostic implications of plasma volume status estimates in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: insights from TOPCAT
Authors: Grodin Justin L. , Philips Steven , Mullens Wilfried , Nijst Petra , Martens Pieter , Fang James C. , Drazner Mark H. , Tang W.H. Wilson , Pandey Ambarish
Published: February 2019

Aims

Plasma volume expansion is clinically and prognostically relevant in individuals with heart failure. Prior cohorts either excluded or had limited representation of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We aimed to examine the relationship between calculated plasma volume status (PVS) and outcomes in HFpEF.

Methods and results

We included enrollees from the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist Trial (TOPCAT) with available haematocrit and weight data (n = 3414). Plasma volume was derived from the Hakim formula and compared to estimates of ideal plasma volume to generate a relative PVS. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models tested the association of PVS with clinical outcomes. The median PVS was –11.9% (25th–75th percentile: –17.2% to –6.4%) and the majority (91.1%) had PVS consistent with relative volume contraction (PVS ≤ 0%) as opposed to volume expansion (8.9%, PVS > 0%). After multivariable adjustment, each 5% increment in PVS was associated with a ∼11%, 14%, and 12% higher risk for the primary composite endpoint, all‐cause death, and heart failure hospitalization, respectively (P < 0.002 for all), but not cardiovascular death (P = 0.051). After additional adjustment for natriuretic peptides, PVS only remained associated with heart failure hospitalization (HR 1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.001–1.21, P = 0.047). There were no significant interactions between spironolactone use and the PVS–risk relationship for any endpoint (P > 0.1 for all).

Conclusion

Higher calculated estimates of PVS were independently associated with a higher risk of long‐term clinical outcomes in HFpEF, and particularly, heart failure hospitalization.
Techno‐economic analysis of applying linear parabolic and flat plate solar collectors for heating a building and their comparative evaluation
Authors: Hashemi Neda Mohammad , Abdolzadeh Morteza , Rahnama Mohammad
Published: February 2019

In this study, utilizing two types of solar collectors, including linear parabolic (LPC) and flat solar (FPC) collectors to heat a residential building was investigated from technical and economical point of views. The performance of these two systems were obtained and compared with each other in the cold months of the year in the South‐East of Iran. The building and the heating systems were simulated in the TRNSYS software. Both the heating systems were separately analyzed from the energy and economic point of views. Results showed that the FPC and LPC heating systems delivered 51.3% and 46.7% of the received solar energy to the building, respectively. The results also showed that the solar fractions of the LPC and FPC heating systems are 22% and 8.6%, respectively. It was found that the thermal storage tank in the FPC hearing system is more useful than the LPC heating system as the LPC heating system with storage tank has a lower rate of heat loss compared to the system with no thermal storage tank. The rate of return investments in the FPC and LPC heating systems were 18.1% and 22.8%, respectively. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13121, 2019
Scandinavian Higher Education Governance—Pursuing Similar Goals Through Different Organizational Arrangements
Authors: Bleiklie Ivar , Michelsen Svein
Published: February 2019

The differences and similarities among the three Scandinavian countries, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have been discussed by social scientists on several occasions. Focusing on higher education (HE) governance systems, this paper raises three questions. (1) What are the differences and similarities among the three countries? (2) How can the similarities and differences be explained? (3) Are the similarities strong enough to justify the common label of a Scandinavian model ofHEgovernance? The threeHEgovernance systems are briefly described and compared. They are then analyzed as, respectively, outcomes of partisan politics or politico‐administrative regimes. The paper argues that similarities such as publicness, massive investments, and emphasis on access are best explained in terms of partisan politics, while the variation in governance arrangements can best be explained by path dependencies following choices made at critical junctures within similar politico‐administrative regimes.
Comparison of the Chronic Toxicity of Nickel to Temperate and Tropical Freshwater Species
Authors: Peters Adam , Merrington Graham , Leverett Dean , Wilson Iain , Schlekat Christian , Garman Emily
Published: February 2019

Reliable ecotoxicity data are required to derive thresholds protective for aquatic life that are scientifically defensible and practically implementable as environmental risk assessment and management tools. Much of the data that have been used to derive thresholds for environmental quality have been collected for temperate species. There are concerns that due to a lack of data for the different species present in tropical ecosystems, they may not be adequately protected by thresholds derived from temperate species. In the present study, chronic ecotoxicity data for nickel and freshwater species from different climatic regions have been collated. Comparisons were performed between tropical and temperate datasets on the basis of the threshold values and overall distributions of the ecotoxicity data, as well as between groups of species and closely related species from different climatic regions. The analysis indicated that the sensitivities of tropical and temperate species cover similar ranges. An approach based on the inclusion of as diverse a range of taxa as possible is recommended to ensure the protection of sensitive species in both temperate and tropical ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1211–1220. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
The flame‐retardant effect of calcium hypophosphite in various thermoplastic polymers
Authors: Savas Atabek Lemiye , Tayfun Umit , Hancer Mehmet , Dogan Mehmet
Published: February 2019

The flame‐retardant behavior of calcium hypophosphite (CaHP) was investigated in different thermoplastic polymers including polyamide 6 (PA), poly (lactic acid) (PLA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and poly methyl metacrylate (PMMA). CaHP was used at three different amounts of 10, 20, and 30 wt%. The characterization of the composites was performed using limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL 94), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and mass loss calorimeter test. According to the test results, CaHP enhances the fire‐retardant properties in different levels depending on the polymer type. The CaHP exhibits its flame‐retardant effect via the formation of foamed char structure in the condensed phase and via the dilution and radical scavenging effect in the gas phase.
Social–ecological mismatches create conservation challenges in introduced species management
Authors: Beever Erik A , Simberloff Daniel , Crowley Sarah L , Al‐Chokhachy Robert , Jackson Hazel A , Petersen Steven L
Published: February 2019

Introduced species can have important effects on the component species and processes of native ecosystems. However, effective introduced species management can be complicated by technical and social challenges. We identify “social–ecological mismatches” (that is, differences between the scales and functioning of interacting social and ecological systems) as one such challenge. We present three case studies in which mismatches between the organization and functioning of key social and ecological systems have contributed to controversies and debates surrounding introduced species management and policy. We identify three common issues: social systems and cultures may adapt to a new species’ arrival at a different rate than ecosystems; ecological impacts can arise at one spatial scale while social impacts occur at another; and the effects of introduced species can spread widely, whereas management actions are constrained by organizational and/or political boundaries. We propose strategies for collaborative knowledge building and adaptive management that may help address these challenges.
Microbiome engineering: enhancing climate resilience in corals
Authors: Epstein Hannah E , Smith Hillary A , Torda Gergely , van Oppen Madeleine JH
Published: February 2019

The world's coral reefs are under unparalleled pressure due to climate change, stimulating research focused on preventing further damage and loss in these ecosystems. The coral microbiome has been widely acknowledged as crucial to coral health and function, playing multiple roles in key biological processes. Recent empirical studies suggest that microbes may contribute to coral host tolerance of thermal stress, and harnessing these benefits through microbiome engineering (ME) may provide a mechanism for enhancing climate resilience in corals. Although coral ME is in its infancy, similar and successful ME approaches that are already underway in other fields – including agriculture, medicine, and wastewater treatment – may serve to guide and improve ME techniques in corals. We discuss current applications of ME, identify three key research priorities that will help elucidate the viability of ME for corals, and consider the implications of using these approaches for reef restoration.
Depression in carers of people with dementia from a minority ethnic background: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials of psychosocial interventions
Authors: Akarsu Nazire E. , Prince Martin J. , Lawrence Vanessa C. , Das‐Munshi Jayati
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the effectiveness of interventions in reducing depressive symptoms in ethnic minority carers of people with dementia.

Methods

We systematically searched EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Sociological Abstracts and Social Policy and Practices databases from 1990 to 2015, supplemented by a grey literature search, hand searches of bibliographies, and contacting authors. Study quality was assessed independently by two researchers using The Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool, with an inter‐rater reliability of Cohen's kappa of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.42‐1.01). Narrative synthesis and meta‐analysis were used to assess intervention effectiveness. Meta‐regression was used to assess whether factors such as intervention type, peer support, and ethnicity accounted for hetereogeneity.

Results

Thirteen studies were eligible for inclusion, with 1076 participants in control groups and 980 participants in intervention groups; 12 studies provided estimates for meta‐analysis. All studies were from the United States. Interventions were associated with an overall mean reduction in depression in caregivers (SMD −0.17 (95% CI, −0.29 to −0.05; P = 0.005). Meta‐regression did not indicate any potential sources of heterogeneity, although narrative synthesis suggested that interventions developed with the target ethnic minority group's preferred mode of engagement in mind alongside cultural adaptations may have enhanced effectiveness.

Conclusions

Psychosocial interventions for depression in ethnic minority carers of people with dementia are effective and could be enhanced through cultural adaptations. High‐quality studies targeting minority ethnic groups outside of the United States are needed.
Cognitive behavioral therapy improves diverse profiles of depressive symptoms in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Dobkin Roseanne D. , Mann Sarah L. , Interian Alejandro , Gara Michael A. , Menza Matthew
Published: February 2019

Objective

Depression is among the most common and debilitating nonmotor complaints in Parkinson's disease (PD), yet there is a paucity of controlled research to guide treatment. Little research has focused on the extent to which specific depressive symptom profiles may dictate unique clinical recommendations to ultimately improve treatment outcomes. The current study examined the impact of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on different types of depressive symptoms in PD. It was hypothesized that the cognitive (eg, guilt, rumination, and negative attitudes towards self) and behavioral (eg, avoidance and procrastination) symptoms targeted most intensively by the treatment protocol would show the most robust response. The extent to which stabilized antidepressant use moderated specific symptom change was examined on an exploratory basis.

Method

Eighty depressed people with PD participated in a randomized controlled trial of CBT plus clinical management, versus clinical management only. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) subscale scores, reflecting depressive symptom heterogeneity in PD, were the focus of this investigation.

Results

CBT response was associated with significant improvements in mood, sleep, anxiety, and somatic symptoms (HAMD), and negative attitudes toward self, performance impairment, and somatic symptoms (BDI). As hypothesized, the largest effect sizes were observed for cognitive and behavioral (vs somatic) symptoms of depression. Stabilized antidepressant use moderated the effect of CBT on somatic complaints (HAMD and BDI).

Conclusions

CBT may improve a diverse array of depressive symptoms in PD. Cognitive and behavioral (vs somatic) symptoms showed the greatest change. Combining CBT with antidepressants may help optimize the management of somatic complaints in depression in PD (dPD).
Artificial intelligence for identifying hydrologically homogeneous regions: A state‐of‐the‐art regional flood frequency analysis
Authors: Cassalho Felício , Beskow Samuel , de Mello Carlos Rogério , de Moura Maíra Martim , de Oliveira Leroi Floriano , de Aguiar Marilton Sanchotene
Published: February 2019

Due to the severity related to extreme flood events, recent efforts have focused on the development of reliable methods for design flood estimation. Historical streamflow series correspond to the most reliable information source for such estimation; however, they have temporal and spatial limitations that may be minimized by means of regional flood frequency analysis (RFFA). Several studies have emphasized that the identification of hydrologically homogeneous regions is the most important and challenging step in an RFFA. This study aims to identify state‐of‐the‐art clustering techniques (e.g., K‐means, partition around medoids, fuzzy C‐means, K‐harmonic means, and genetic K‐means) with potential to form hydrologically homogeneous regions for flood regionalization in Southern Brazil. The applicability of some probability density function, such as generalized extreme value, generalized logistic, generalized normal, and Pearson type 3, was evaluated based on the regions formed. Among all the 15 possible combinations of the aforementioned clustering techniques and the Euclidian, Mahalanobis, and Manhattan distance measures, the five best were selected. Several watersheds' physiographic and climatological attributes were chosen to derive multiple regression equations for all the combinations. The accuracy of the equations was quantified with respect to adjusted coefficient of determination, root mean square error, and Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient, whereas, a cross‐validation procedure was applied to check their reliability. It was concluded that reliable results were obtained when using robust clustering techniques based on fuzzy logic (e.g., K‐harmonic means), which have not been commonly used in RFFA. Furthermore, the probability density functions were capable of representing the regional annual maximum streamflows. Drainage area, main river length, and mean altitude of the watershed were the most recurrent attributes for modelling of mean annual maximum streamflow. Finally, an integration of all the five best combinations stands out as a robust, reliable, and simple tool for estimation of design floods.
Targeted OMA1 therapies for cancer
Authors: Alavi Marcel V.
Published: February 2019

The mitochondrial inner membrane proteins OMA1 and OPA1 belong to the BAX/BAK1‐dependent apoptotic signaling pathway, which can be regulated by tumor protein p53 and the prohibitins PHB and PHB2 in the context of neoplastic disease. For the most part these proteins have been studied separate from each other. Here, I argue that the OMA1 mechanism of action represents the missing link between p53 and cytochrome c release. The mitochondrial fusion protein OPA1 is cleaved by OMA1 in a stress‐dependent manner generating S‐OPA1. Excessive S‐OPA1 can facilitate outer membrane permeabilization upon BAX/BAK1 activation through its membrane shaping properties. p53 helps outer membrane permeabilization in a 2‐step process. First, cytosolic p53 activates BAX/BAK1 at the mitochondrial surface. Then, in a second step, p53 binds to prohibitin thereby releasing the restraint on OMA1. This activates OMA1, which cleaves OPA1 and promotes cytochrome c release. Clearly, OMA1 and OPA1 are not root causes for cancer. Yet many cancer cells rely on this pathway for survival, which can explain why loss of p53 function promotes tumor growth and confers resistance to chemotherapies.
Relationship between antithrombin activity and interval from diagnosis to delivery among pregnant women with early‐onset pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Morikawa Mamoru , Umazume Takeshi , Hosokawa‐Miyanishi Ami , Watari Hidemichi , Kobayashi Takao , Seki Hiroyuki , Saito Shigeru
Published: February 2019

Objective

To determine the cutoff of antithrombin activity for predicting the interval from diagnosis of early‐onset pre‐eclampsia to delivery.

Methods

At Hokkaido University Hospital, Japan, data were retrospectively assessed on antithrombin activity measured at both diagnosis of pre‐eclampsia and delivery among women with singleton pregnancy and pre‐eclampsia (defined by combined gestational hypertension and proteinuria) between 2009 and 2017. The timing of delivery was determined by maternal and fetal well‐being.

Results

Among 2904 singleton deliveries, antithrombin activity was measured for 94 (3.2%) women diagnosed with pre‐eclampsia. The median (range) interval was significantly longer for 38 (40%) women with early‐onset than for 56 (60%) women with late‐onset pre‐eclampsia (6.5 [0–27] vs 1 [0–29] days, respectively; P<0.001). In the early‐onset group, median antithrombin activity at diagnosis was significantly lower for 19 women with an interval of less than 7 days (72% [60%–92%]) than for 19 women with a longer interval (≥7 days) (84% [59%–110%]; P=0.012). Antithrombin activity of 78% at diagnosis of early‐onset pre‐eclampsia was optimal for predicting a delivery interval of less than 7 days.

Conclusion

A cutoff of 78% antithrombin activity at diagnosis of early‐onset pre‐eclampsia might be used as a predictor of delivery within 7 days.