bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contemporary practice pattern of permanent pacing for conduction disorders in inferior ST‐elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Misumida Naoki , Ogunbayo Gbolahan O. , Catanzaro John , Etaee Farshid , Kim Sun Moon , Abdel‐Latif Ahmed , Ziada Khaled M. , Elayi Claude S.
Published: June 2019

Background

Currently, there is no clear consensus regarding the optimal waiting period before permanent pacemaker implantation in patients with conduction disorders following an inferior myocardial infarction.

Hypothesis

We aimed to elucidate the contemporary practice pattern of pacing, especially the timing of pacemaker implantation, for sinoatrial node and atrioventricular (AV) conduction disorders following an inferior ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

Using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2010 to 2014, we identified patients with a primary diagnosis of inferior STEMI. Primary conduction disorders were classified into: (a) high‐degree AV block (HDAVB) consisting of complete AV block or Mobitz‐type II second‐degree AV block, (b) sinoatrial node dysfunction (SND), and (c) no major conduction disorders.

Results

Among 66 961 patients, 2706 patients (4.0%) had HDAVB, which mostly consisted of complete AV block (2594 patients). SND was observed in 393 patients (0.6%). Among the 2706 patients with HDAVB, 267 patients (9.9%) underwent permanent pacemaker. In patients with HDAVB, more than one‐third (34.9%) of permanent pacemakers were placed within 72 hours after admission. The median interval from admission to permanent pacemaker implantation was 3 days (interquartile range; 2‐5 days) for HDAVB vs 4 days (3‐6 days) for SND (P < .001). HDAVB was associated with increased in‐hospital mortality, whereas SND was not.

Conclusions

In patients who developed HDAVB following an inferior STEMI, only one in 10 patients underwent permanent pacemaker implantation. Despite its highly reversible nature, permanent pacemakers were implanted relatively early.
Phase 2 study of vascular endothelial growth factor trap for the treatment of metastatic thyroid cancer
Authors: Sherman Eric J. , Dunn Lara A. , Schöder Heiko , Ho Alan L. , Baxi Shrujal S. , Ghossein Ronald A. , Haque Sofia S. , Sima Cami , Tuttle Robert Michael , Pfister David G.
Published: June 2019

Background

Several multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have demonstrated activity in patients with thyroid cancer that is refractory to radioactive iodine (RAI). The antitumor effect is attributed at least in part to the ability of these TKIs to inhibit angiogenesis in these vascular tumors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) Trap (VT) is a recombinantly produced fusion protein consisting solely of human sequences for VEGF receptors 1 and 2 extracellular domains and human immunoglobulin 1. Evaluating VT in patients with thyroid cancer is reasonable considering the activity observed with TKIs targeting VEGF.

Methods

The current study was a single‐institution, phase 2, Simon 2‐stage design (21 to >41 patients) study based on the objective response rate and/or 6‐month progression‐free survival as the primary endpoints. Eligible patients were required to have progressive, RAI‐refractory and/or [18F]fludeoxyglucose‐avid, recurrent and/or metastatic, nonmedullary, nonanaplastic thyroid cancer; disease that was measurable using Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria; and adequate organ and bone marrow function. VT at a dose of 4 mg/kg intravenously was administered every 14 days.

Results

A total of 40 patients were included in the analysis. Of these patients, 24 had papillary thyroid cancer, 2 had follicular thyroid cancer, and 11 had Hurthle cell thyroid cancer. The final 3 tumors were classified as poorly differentiated. There were no complete and/or partial responses noted; 34 patients achieved stable disease and 6 patients experienced disease progression as their best response. Of the 34 patients with stable disease, 16 remained on the study for >6 months and 6 patients remained on the study for >12 months. The median duration on treatment was 4.1 months (range, 0.6‐30.8 months).

Conclusions

Unlike TKIs, which have shown responses in this setting, to the authors’ knowledge there have been no responses observed with the use of single‐agent VT to date. It does not appear to be a promising drug for the treatment of patients with thyroid cancer.
Early squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue with histologically benign lymph nodes: A model predicting local control and vetting of the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer pathologic T stage
Authors: Sridharan Shaum , Thompson Lester D. R. , Purgina Bibianna , Sturgis Charles D. , Shah Akeesha A. , Burkey Brian , Tuluc Madalina , Cognetti David , Xu Bin , Higgins Kevin , Hernandez‐Prera Juan C. , Guerrero Dominick , Bundele Manish M. , Kim Seungwon , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Ferris Robert L. , Gooding William E. , Chiosea Simion I.
Published: June 2019

Background

The eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging manual (AJCC8) added depth of invasion to the definition of pathologic T stage (pT). In the current study, the authors assess pT stage migration and the prognostic performance of the updated pT stage and compare it with other clinicopathologic variables in patients with early squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue (OTSCC; tumors measuring ≤4 cm) with histologically benign lymph nodes (pN0).

Methods

A multi‐institutional cohort of patients with early OTSCC was restaged as per AJCC8. Primary endpoints were local recurrence (LR) and locoregional recurrence (LRR). Influential variables were identified and an LR/LRR prediction model was developed.

Results

There were a total of 494 patients, with 49 LR and 73 LRR. AJCC8 pT criteria resulted in upstaging of 37.9% of patients (187 of 494 patients), including 34.5% (64 of 185 patients) from pT2 to pT3, without improving the prognostication for LR or LRR. Both LR and LRR were found to be similar for patients with AJCC8 pT2 and pT3 disease. On multivariate analysis, LR was only found to be associated with distance to the closest margin (hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.20‐0.64 [P = .0007]) and perineural invasion (hazard ratio, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.10‐0.64 [P = .046]). Based on these 2 predictors, a final proportional hazards regression model (which may be used similar to a nomogram) was developed. The proposed model appeared to be superior to AJCC pT stage for estimating the probability of LR and LRR for individual patients with early OTSCC.

Conclusions

AJCC8 pT criteria resulted in pT upstaging of patients with pN0 disease without improved LR or LRR prognostication. The proposed model based on distance to the closest margin and perineural invasion, status outperformed pT as a predictor of LR and LRR in patients with early OTSCC.
Minor salivary gland tumors of the head and neck—Memorial Sloan Kettering experience: Incidence and outcomes by site and histological type
Authors: Hay Ashley J. , Migliacci Jocelyn , Karassawa Zanoni Daniella , McGill Marlena , Patel Snehal , Ganly Ian
Published: June 2019

Background

Minor salivary gland carcinomas of the head and neck are rare cancers with variable clinical behavior. This study explored the incidence, pathology, clinical behavior, and factors predictive of outcomes in a large cohort of patients treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center over a 30‐year period (1985‐2015).

Methods

Clinical, pathological, treatment, and outcome data were collected. Unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios for each variable were calculated with univariate and multivariable Cox regression for survival and recurrence outcomes.

Results

Four hundred fifty patients were included: 55% were female, 56% were younger than 60 years, and the median follow‐up was 74 months (range, 1‐364 months). The most common site was the oral cavity with 305 tumors (68%), which was followed by the oropharynx with 96 (21%), the sinonasal cavity with 38 (8%), the trachea with 7 (2%), and the larynx with 4 (1%). The most common histological types were mucoepidermoid carcinoma (180 tumors [40%]), adenoid cystic carcinoma (141 tumors [31%]), and polymorphous low‐grade adenocarcinoma (54 tumors [12%]). The 5‐year predicted overall survival rate was 86%, and the disease‐specific survival rate was 94% at 5 years. Pathology and tumor stage were significant variables on multivariate analysis for overall survival, disease‐specific survival, recurrence‐free survival, local recurrence–free survival, regional recurrence–free survival, and distant recurrence–free survival.

Conclusions

American Joint Committee on Cancer stage and pathology were the most predictive variables across all outcomes. Tumor site, postoperative radiotherapy, and margin status were not statistically significant variables after tumor stage and pathology were controlled for in most outcomes.
Evaluation of Mass Cytometry in the Clinical Laboratory
Authors: Ravkov Eugene V. , Charlton Cheryl M. , Barker Adam P. , Hill Harry , Peterson Lisa K. , Slev Patricia , Tebo Anne , Voelkerding Karl V. , Wittwer Carl T. , Heikal Nahla , Delgado Julio C. , Lázár‐Molnár Eszter , Kumánovics Attila
Published: June 2019

Background

Mass cytometry can differentiate more channels than conventional flow cytometry. However, for clinical use, standardization and agreement with well‐established methods is paramount. We compared mass cytometry to standard clinical flow cytometry.

Methods

Mass and flow cytometry were performed in parallel on peripheral blood samples from 25 healthy individuals. Antibody staining was performed on the same samples at the same time, and analyzed for granulocyte, monocyte, lymphocyte, T, B, NK, CD4 and CD8 percentages. Validation parameters included comparison to flow cytometry, inter‐ and intra‐assay precision and establishment of reference intervals.

Results

There was a positive correlation between mass and flow cytometry for the eight populations studied (R2 between 0.26 and 0.97). Slopes of the best‐fit lines varied from 0.50 to 1.21 (fluorescence/mass). No significant differences in variance were found (F‐test, P > 0.05). However, paired t‐tests were significantly different for four of the eight markers (granulocytes, NK cells, T cells and CD4 cells), resulting in different reference intervals. Signal intensities were correlated for monocytes, lymphocytes, T, CD4 and CD8 cells (R2 = 0.41–0.57). The mass cytometry intra‐assay precisions were 0.7–8.5% and inter‐assay precisions 1.5–13.8%.

Conclusion

Mass and flow cytometry evaluations of whole blood for major cell populations correlate with similar precision and signal intensity. However, for clinical use, separate reference interval studies are required. Cell population identification should rely on gating strategies that take advantage of the characteristics offered by each method. © 2019 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Natural gas: A transition fuel for sustainable energy system transformation?
Authors: Safari Amir , Das Nandini , Langhelle Oluf , Roy Joyashree , Assadi Mohsen
Published: June 2019

Current discourse on the transition to a decarbonized energy system future is dominated by renewable energy solutions. Initial conditions for this transition may vary across different regions and countries. There are, however, also opportunities for innovative solutions that utilize other low‐carbon energy sources and technology mix. Sustainable development is a contested concept and varies with priorities attached to social, economic, and environmental goals. Therefore, the one‐size‐fits‐all type of solution paradigm needs to be broadened, to accelerate action in the short to medium term. Our argument is that natural gas can be an important complementary transition fuel to support renewable energy in the short‐ and medium‐term transition phases. This means that the goal of zero fossil fuel as a short‐ and medium‐term solution needs to be reconsidered. This takes us to the next argument that innovation and upgraded technology in the low‐carbon fossil fuel sector will provide an important impetus for low‐carbon transition, which we see as a phase lasting until the middle of the century. However, the transition toward a sustainable energy future of gas‐fueled solutions has challenges from the social, technical, economic, geographical, and political points of view. Suitable local solutions should, however, also be assessed. These should take into consideration infrastructure, local demands, resources, and economic aspects as well as national energy policies. An analysis based on the experiences of four countries, both developed and developing, is presented in this study. The countries selected for this study can be placed in two categories: those with an abundance of natural gas reserves (Iran and Norway) and those that are import‐dependent (India and UK). The cross‐country analysis will help us to understand the realistic challenges and opportunities of natural gas as a transition fuel.
Perceptions of Resilience in Fishery-Dependent Bahamian Communities Following a Category 4 Hurricane
Authors: Valdez Rene Xavier , Peterson Nils , Chen Alyssa , Steward Michael , Hannameyer Katrina , Seebaluck Hans , Hulthén Kaj , Langerhans R Brian
Published: June 2019

Fishery-dependent communities in coastal environments are often vulnerable to hurricanes, but diverse and accessible fisheries may buffer the effects of extreme storms and promote community resilience. We began evaluating this possibility with a qualitative study in the Lowe Sound and Red Bays communities in The Bahamas immediately after the impact of a category 4 hurricane. We interviewed 68 households, asking about the relationships between the storm's impacts and fisheries resources. Lowe Sound respondents described fisheries as natural insurance that provided food and income. Both communities indicated that retaining access to boats was critically important. Respondents most often blamed impacts on low-elevation geography, followed by religious interpretations. Fishers linked damages with climate change more often than other community members, suggesting that fishers have an experiential knowledge of climate change. We discuss the importance of fisheries as natural insurance, how recovery efforts can strengthen resilience, and potential outreach strategies that incorporate local knowledge.
Human papillomavirus genotypes in cervical and other HPV‐related anogenital cancer in Rwanda, according to HIV status
Authors: Mpunga Tharcisse , Chantal Umulisa Marie , Tenet Vanessa , Rugwizangoga Belson , Milner Jr Danny A. , Munyanshongore Cyprien , Heideman Daniëlle A.M. , Bleeker Maaike C.G. , Tommasino Massimo , Franceschi Silvia , Baussano Iacopo , Gheit Tarik , Sayinzoga Felix , Clifford Gary M.
Published: June 2019

The study aim was to describe human papillomavirus (HPV)‐attributable cancer burden in Rwanda, according to anogenital cancer site, HPV type, age and HIV status. Tissue specimens of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile and anal cancer diagnosed in 2012–2018 were retrieved from three cancer referral hospitals and tested for high‐risk (HR) HPV DNA. Cervical cancer represented the majority of cases (598 of 738), of which 96.0% were HR‐HPV positive. HPV‐attributable fractions in other cancer sites varied from 53.1% in 81 penile, through 76.7% in 30 vulvar, 83.3% in 24 vaginal, up to 100% in 5 anal cases. HPV16 was the predominant HR‐HPV type in cervical cancer (55.0%), followed by HPV18 (16.6%) and HPV45 (13.4%). HPV16 also predominated in other cancer sites (60–80% of HR‐HPV‐attributable fraction). For cervical cancer, type‐specific prevalence varied significantly by histology (higher alpha‐9 type prevalence in 509 squamous cell carcinoma vs. higher alpha‐7 type prevalence in 80 adenocarcinoma), but not between 501 HIV‐negative and 97 HIV‐positive cases. With respect to types targeted, and/or cross‐protected, by HPV vaccines, HPV16/18 accounted for 73%, HPV31/33/45/52/58 for an additional 22% and other HR‐HPV types for 5%, of HPV‐attributable cancer burden, with no significant difference by HIV status nor age. These data highlight the preventive potential of the ongoing national HPV vaccination program in Rwanda, and in sub‐Saharan Africa as a whole. Importantly for this region, the impact of HIV on the distribution of causal HPV types was relatively minor, confirming type‐specific relevance of HPV vaccines, irrespective of HIV status.
Characterizing capstone design teaching: A functional taxonomy
Authors: Pembridge James J. , Paretti Marie C.
Published: June 2019

Background

Capstone design courses represent a critical juncture in students' development at the transition from school to work. However, few studies have systematically explored teaching in this context, leaving a significant gap in our ability to concretely describe faculty practices in ways that support subsequent explorations of the relationships between teaching practices and learning outcomes.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive description of the pedagogical practices used by capstone design faculty from a functional perspective and provide researchers with a framework for subsequent work.

Design/Method

This study used qualitative methods to analyze interviews with 42 capstone faculty; the participants represent a stratified purposeful sample of respondents to a national survey. Analysis focused on descriptive coding, beginning with a priori codes, to define broad functions, supplemented with emergent coding to identify concrete practices used in the capstone context.

Results

The study resulted in a model of capstone design teaching that includes nine functions (challenge, protect, coach, promote employability, provide exposure, provide role models, accept and confirm, counsel, and build rapport) and 28 associated practices.

Conclusions

Capstone faculty use a range of practices designed not only to coach students through the engineering design process but also to more broadly prepare students for workplace practice and build their identity as engineering professionals.
A Triple‐Shape Memory Material via Thermal Responsive Behavior of Liquid Crystalline Network Incorporating Main‐Chain/Side‐Chain LC Units
Authors: Chen Guokang , Zhang Qian , Lu Maoping , Liu Yingchun , Wang Shan , Wu Kun , Lu Mangeng
Published: June 2019

In the last several years, multiple‐shape memory liquid crystalline networks (LCNs) have received more and more attention due to the basic theoretical research on them and their wide potential applications. In this article, a novel main‐chain/side‐chain liquid crystalline monomer and its corresponding polymer networks based on the thiol‐ene click reaction are reported. Properties of the synthesized liquid crystalline monomer are well studied with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and polarized optical microscopy (POM). The as‐prepared free‐standing LCN films are investigated well by FTIR, DSC, POM, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), which show them having good liquid crystalline properties. Tensile test and dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA) results indicate the LCN films have excellent thermal mechanical properties. By adjusting the crosslinking densities, LCN films exhibit two thermal transition temperatures (Tg and TNI) that can be utilized to trigger the triple‐shape memory behaviors. The cyclic thermal mechanical analysis conducted by DMA reveals that LCN films exhibit good triple‐shape memory properties with high‐shape fixity ratio (Rf (S1→S2) is 99.2% and Rf (S2→S3) is 99.3%) and shape recovery ratio (Rr (S3→S2) is 92.4% and Rr (S2→S1) is 98.5%).
Quenched Polyampholyte Hydrogels Based on (3‐Acrylamidopropyl)trimethyl Ammonium Chloride and Sodium Salt of 2‐Acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐Propanesulfonic Acid
Authors: Toleutay Gaukhar , Dauletbekova Moldir , Shakhvorostov Alexey , Kudaibergenov Sarkyt
Published: June 2019

A series of polyampholyte hydrogels (PAHs) based on fully charged cationic monomer (3‐acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC) and anionic monomer sodium salt of 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid (AMPSNa) were synthesized by free radical copolymerization in the presence of N,N‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA) as a crosslinking agent. The functional groups and composition of copolymers were identified by FTIR and 1H NMR spectra. The dynamic swelling properties of PAHs were studied in aqueous‐salt solutions. The swelling behavior regardless of hydrogel composition, followed Fickian diffusion. The adsorption and desorption ability of PAHs was evaluated with respect to ionic dyes and surfactants.
Role of ACE I/D polymorphism in pathological assessment of preeclampsia in Pakistan
Authors: Shaheen Ghazala , Sajid Sabahat , Razak Suhail , Mazhar Saeeda Batool , Afsar Tayyaba , Almajwal Ali , Alam Iftikhar , Jahan Sarwat
Published: June 2019

Background

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy‐related hypertensive disorder, which may stem from impair placentation. Renin‐angiotensin system is one of the mediators of decidualization and trophoblastic proliferation. In the present study women with PE were studied in a comparison of normotensive controls to determine whether Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene I/D polymorphism affect the placental villi and umbilical cord formation with the assessment of biochemical and clinical risk factors.

Methods

Total 400 blood (PE/controls = 200), 400 urine (PE/controls = 200), 90 tissue samples of UC (PE = 50, controls = 40) and 90 placental tissue samples (PE = 50, controls = 40) were recruited. Histomorphological and Histomorphometric analysis were done for placental and umbilical cord tissues. Blood and serum parameters were analyzed, samples were genotyped for I/D polymorphism. Data were statistically analyzed by Independent sample t‐test, Chi‐square test and the odds ratio.

Results

Histological study revealed significant increase (p < 0.001) in distance from Wharton jelly (in both artery and vein) and outer layer thickness of vein; significant reduction (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) in the lumen area of artery and vein. Abnormal villi, more syncytial knots (SK) and a significant decrease in elongated and large villi in PE placentas. Analysis of ACE gene determined that genotypic frequencies were statistically significant (p < 0.02) among both groups and DD genotype was predominant in the PE group.

Conclusion

Present study reveals that ACE I/D polymorphism might affect the normal placental villi and umbilical cord formation in women with PE. In addition, histological studies and genetic evaluation can provide useful information in the determination of various reasons and mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of PE in Pakistan.
Improving the dose distributions in minibeam radiation therapy: Helium ions vs protons
Authors: Schneider Tim , Patriarca Annalisa , Prezado Yolanda
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Charged particle minibeam radiation therapy is a novel therapeutic strategy aiming at reducing the normal tissue complication probability by combining the normal tissue sparing of submillimetric, spatially fractionated beams with the improved dose deposition of ions. This may allow a safe dose escalation in the tumor and other targets. In particular, proton minibeam radiation therapy has already proven a remarkable increase of the therapeutic index for high‐grade gliomas in animal experiments. The reduced multiple Coulomb scattering and nuclear fragmentation of helium ions compared to protons and heavier ions, respectively, make them a good candidate for minibeam radiation therapy (MBRT). The purpose of the present work was to perform a comprehensive dosimetric comparison between proton and helium MBRT (pMBRT and HeMBRT).

Methods

Proton and helium minibeams of the same range (7.7 cm) have been simulated in a water phantom and in CT images of an anonymized human head. The Monte Carlo simulation toolkit GATE v8.0 was used. Different beam sizes (1 and 3 mm) and multiple beam spacings were evaluated. Depth dose curves, lateral profiles, peak‐to‐valley dose ratios (PVDR), and dose‐averaged linear energy transfer (LET) were assessed. Furthermore, evaluations of the secondary products in the valley regions were carried out and a basic example of a treatment plan in pMBRT and HeMBRT was considered.

Results

Compared to protons, helium ions yield a significantly improved Bragg‐peak‐to‐entrance dose ratio (BEDR) and higher PVDR at equal minibeam spacing. At the same time, due to the lower lateral scattering, dose homogenization in the target becomes more difficult for helium ions than for protons. To achieve a homogeneous target dose in HeMBRT, the minibeam spacing has to be reduced which in turn decreases the PVDR in normal tissues to values lower than those observed for protons. LET maps show up to 20%–30% higher values in the valley regions than in the peak regions for all evaluated cases. Helium ions lead to higher LET than protons at all depths, including the entrance region. However, this is compensated by a lower dose at shallow depths thanks to the improved BEDR of HeMBRT.

Conclusions

Helium ions might offer a good choice for minibeam radiation therapy. They provide a more pronounced spatial fractionation than protons without the possible drawbacks linked to nuclear fragmentation of heavier ions. However, biological experiments are needed to evaluate whether the higher dose heterogeneity in the target volume in HeMBRT would still lead to an efficient tumor control, as in the case of pMBRT.
Technical Note: Monte Carlo study on the reduction in x‐ray contamination of therapeutic electron beams for Intraoperative Radiation Therapy by means of improvements in the design of scattering foils
Authors: Adrich Przemyslaw
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This work is aimed at studying the feasibility of reducing stray x‐ray contamination of therapeutic electron beams used in Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IOERT) through improvements in the design of the dual foil beam forming system.

Methods

We assess the validity of a known method for designing the primary scattering foil. To this end, we perform, for the first time, a systematic computational study of the performance of beam forming systems equipped with primary scattering foils of different thicknesses, including a foil designed according to the currently used method. In this study, we further develop and apply a recently proposed method for optimization of dual foil systems.

Results

For each of the considered primary foils, a secondary foil that minimizes the stray x‐ray contamination was designed under additional conditions on the clinically acceptable therapeutic range and flatness of off‐axis dose profile. For comparison, we also designed secondary foils that enable the production of the best flattened beams irrespective of x‐ray contamination and therapeutic range.

Conclusions

By means of a comparative analysis, we demonstrated that currently employed design methods do not lead to an optimal solution in terms of stray x‐ray contamination and therapeutic range. It is further demonstrated that, in comparison to older designs, reduction in x‐ray contamination exceeding 30% may be expected in a system designed using the novel method developed here. Such a reduction is beneficial for IOERT delivered in a regular, unshielded operating room.
Prenatal findings in 1p36 deletion syndrome: New cases and a literature review
Authors: Guterman Sarah , Beneteau Claire , Redon Sylvia , Dupont Céline , Missirian Chantal , Jaeger Pauline , Herve Berenice , Jacquin Clémence , Douet‐Guilbert Nathalie , Till Marianne , Tabet Anne‐Claude , Moradkhani Kamran , Malan Valérie , Doco‐Fenzy Martine , Vialard François
Published: June 2019

Objective/Method

1p36 deletion syndrome is considered to be the most common deletion after 22q11.2 deletion. It is characterized by specific facial features, developmental delay, and organ defects. The primary objective of the present multicenter study was to survey all the cases of 1p36 deletion diagnosed prenatally by French cytogenetics laboratories using a chromosomal microarray. We then compared these new cases with the literature data.

Results

Ten new cases were reported. On average, the 1p36 deletion was diagnosed at 19 weeks of gestation. The size of the deletion ranged from 1.6 to 16 Mb. The 1p36 deletion was the only chromosomal abnormality in eight cases and was associated with a complex chromosome 1 rearrangement in the two remaining cases. The invasive diagnostic procedure had always been prompted by abnormal ultrasound findings: elevated nuchal translucency, structural brain abnormality, retrognathia, or a cardiac defect. Multiple anomalies were present in all cases.

Discussion

We conclude that 1p36 deletion is not associated with any specific prenatal signs. We suggest that a prenatal observation of ventriculomegaly, congenital heart defect, or facial dysmorphism should prompt the clinician to consider a diagnosis of 1p36 deletion syndrome.
Utilization of supercritical CO2 as a processing aid for preparation of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/functionalized activated nanocarbon fibers
Authors: Lei Ting , Huang Kuo‐Shien , Kuo Mu‐Chen , Runt James , Yeh Jen‐Taut
Published: June 2019

This is the first investigation to report the processing and properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/functionalized activated nanocarbon (FANC) gel solutions with the aid of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). The ultradrawing and ultimate tensile properties of scCO2UHMWPE and scCO2UHMWPE/FANC fibers were found to improve considerably compared to those of UHMWPE and UHMWPE/FANC fibers prepared in the conventional way. The maximum achievable draw ratio obtained for the optimal scCO2UHMWPE/FANC fibers drawn at 95°C reached 445. The highest tensile tenacity (σf) of the fully drawn scCO2UHMWPE/FANC fiber reached an extraordinary high value of 104 g/d, which is about 3.2 and 1.1 times of that of the optimal UHMWPE and UHMWPE/FANC fully drawn fibers, respectively. The σf obtained for the optimally fully drawn scCO2UHMWPE/FANC fiber is about 25 times of those of steel fibers and is the highest tensile tenacity ever reported for single‐stage drawn polymeric fibers. Considerably lower dynamic transition temperatures and evaluated thinner crystal lamellae nucleated off of extended chains or FANC nucleants were found for as‐prepared scCO2UHMWPE and scCO2UHMWPE/FANC fibers compared with UHMWPE and UHMWPE/FANC fibers, respectively. Specific surface area, morphological, and Fourier transform infrared analyses of the activated nanocarbon (ANC), acid‐treated activated nanocarbon (ATANC) and FANC nanofillers and investigation of thermal, morphological, and orientation factor properties of the as‐prepared and drawn UHMWPE, UHMWPE/FANC, scCO2UHMWPE, and scCO2UHMWPE/FANC fibers were performed to understand the remarkable ultradrawing, dynamic transition, and ultimate tensile properties obtained for scCO2UHMWPE and scCO2UHMWPE/FANC fibers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1462–1471 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Oxygen Precipitation Properties of Nitrogen‐Doped Czochralski Silicon Single Crystals with Low Oxygen Concentration
Authors: Kajiwara Kaoru , Harada Kazuhiro , Torigoe Kazuhisa , Hourai Masataka
Published: June 2019

Oxygen precipitation properties in the as‐grown defect‐free region of nitrogen‐doped Czochralski silicon (Cz‐Si) single crystals with very low oxygen concentrations ([Oi]) are investigated. At [Oi] values of 4.6–5.9 × 1017 atoms cm−3, oxide precipitates with a high density of 109 cm−3 are generated owing to the enhancement in oxygen precipitation by nitrogen‐doping. In contrast, at [Oi] values of 1.3–2.6 × 1017 atoms cm−3, no oxide precipitates are observed even though the crystals are nitrogen‐doped. Oxygen precipitation in the as‐grown defect‐free region is analyzed based on a thermodynamic model, in which some embryos are assumed to exist in nitrogen‐doped Cz‐Si crystals at high temperatures of crystal growth, and they grow as oxide precipitates during a subsequent cooling process. The analysis of oxygen precipitation indicates that, at [Oi] values below 3 × 1017 atoms cm−3, the radii of oxide precipitates included in the as‐grown Cz‐Si crystals remain small owing to a low growth onset temperature; therefore, oxide precipitates cannot be detected after heat treatment for wafer evaluation. These findings suggest that nitrogen‐doped Cz‐Si crystals with [Oi] values below 3 × 1017 atoms cm−3 are potential materials for power devices, such as insulated gate bipolar transistors.
Quantized feedback control for nonlinear feedforward systems with unknown output functions and unknown control coefficients
Authors: Wang Ping , Yu Chengpu , Sun Jian
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates the quantized feedback control for nonlinear feedforward systems with unknown output functions and unknown control coefficients. The unknown output function is Lipschitz continuous but may not be derivable, and the unknown control coefficients are assumed to be bounded. To deal with this challenging quantized control problem, a time‐varying low‐gain observer is designed and a delicate time‐varying scaling transformation is introduced, which can avoid using the derivative information of the output function. Then, based on the well‐known backstepping method and the sector bound approach, a time‐varying quantized feedback controller is designed using the quantized output, which can achieve the boundedness of the closed‐loop system states and the convergence of the original system states. Moreover, a guideline is provided for choosing the parameters of the input and output quantizers such that the closed‐loop system is stable. Finally, two simulation examples are given to show the effectiveness of the control scheme.
Density‐driven water circulation in a typical tributary of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China
Authors: Long Lianghong , Ji Daobin , Yang Zhengjian , Ma Jun , Wells Scott A. , Liu Defu , Lorke Andreas
Published: June 2019

A 2‐D hydrodynamic model was developed for modelling water circulation from 2008 to 2011 in a typical tributary of the Three Gorges Reservoir. The model is capable of describing flow behaviour and mixing mechanisms for different density current patterns and performs well in computing the velocity, the intrusion layer at the plunge point, and the travel distance of the density current. The effects of 10 flow patterns on thermal stratification, hydrodynamics, and algal bloom risk are discussed and classified in terms of algal growth. Patterns (6) and (10) can effectively prevent algal blooms; Patterns (7) and (8) are good for algal blooms. More frequent transformations of flow‐driven patterns, as observed in 2010–2011, could create more eddies and mixing and thus reduce bloom risk. Further studies are necessary and recommended for more accurate predictions, assessing the impact of water level fluctuations on transform flow patterns and water quality.
Microwave‐Assisted Ultrafast Synthesis of Molybdenum Carbide Nanoparticles Grown on Carbon Matrix for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Huang Huawei , Yu Chang , Huang Hongling , Guo Wei , Zhang Mengdi , Han Xiaotong , Wei Qianbing , Cui Song , Tan Xinyi , Qiu Jieshan
Published: June 2019

Molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) coupled with carbon materials has received widespread attention in catalysis and energy storge/conversion. However, most of the existing synthetic pathways involve high operating temperature, time‐consuming processes, and flammable gases. Herein, a novel, facile, and rapid method to synthesize Mo2C nanoparticles grown on a series of carbon substrates (such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and commercial carbon black) in a few minutes by using the strong interaction between the microwave and the carbon materials, in which the carbon matrix acts as the in situ heating media and carbon sources to accelerate carbon diffusion during the formation of Mo2C, is presented. Moreover, this method can also be extended to prepare a self‐standing electrode (Mo2C/CF) in just 10 s, the uniformly dispersed Mo2C nanoparticles anchored on carbon fiber paper, which demonstrates superior catalytic performance and long‐term stability (>100 h) in both acid and alkaline conditions for hydrogen evolution reaction.
Knowledge from Falsehood
Authors: Turri John ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2019

Philosophers have debated whether it is possible to knowledgeably infer a conclusion from a false premise. For example, if a fan believes that the actress’s dress is blue, but the dress is actually green, can the fan knowledgeably infer “the dress is not red” from “the dress is blue?” One aspect of this debate concerns what the intuitively correct verdict is about specific cases such as this. Here, I report a simple behavioral experiment that helps answer this question. The main finding is that people attribute knowledge in cases where a true conclusion is inferred from a false premise. People did this despite judging that the premise was false and unknown. People also viewed the agent as inferring the conclusion from the premise. In closely matched conditions where the conclusion was false, people did not attribute knowledge of the conclusion. These results support the view that the ordinary knowledge concept includes in its extension cases of knowledge inferred from false premises.
Characterization of respiratory compromise and the potential clinical utility of capnography in the post-anesthesia care unit: a blinded observational trial
Authors: Chung Frances , Wong Jean , Mestek Michael L. , Niebel Kathleen H. , Lichtenthal Peter
Published: June 2019

The utility of capnography to detect early respiratory compromise in surgical patients after anesthesia is unclear due to limited prospective data. The purpose of this trial was to determine the frequency and duration of capnography-detected respiratory adverse events in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). In this prospective observational trial, 250 consenting patients undergoing elective surgery with general anesthesia were monitored by standard monitoring together with blinded capnography and pulse oximetry monitoring. The capnography notification settings were adjusted to match nursing (Level II) and physician (Level I) alarm thresholds. 163 (95%) patients had a Level II notification and 135 (78%) had a Level I notification during standard monitoring. The most common events detected by the capnography monitor included hypocapnia, apnea, tachypnea, bradypnea and hypoxemia, with silent notification duration for these events ranging from 17 ± 13 to 189 ± 127 s. During standard monitoring, 15 respiratory adverse events were reported, with 8 events occurring when valid blinded/silenced capnography and pulse oximetry data was collected simultaneously. Capnography and the Integrated Pulmonary Index™ algorithm (IPI) detected respiratory adverse events earlier than standard monitoring in 75% and 88% of cases, respectively, with an average early warning time of 8 ± 11 min. Three patients’ blinded capnography was unblinded to facilitate clinical care. Respiratory adverse events are frequent in the PACU, and the addition of capnography and IPI to current standard monitoring provides potentially clinically relevant information on respiratory status, including early warning of some respiratory adverse events.

Trial registration ClinialTrials.gov Identifier NCT02707003 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02707003).
On a Simple Method for Calculating Laminar
Boundary Layers
Authors: Wieghardt K. E. G.
Published: June 2019

A simple one parametric method, due to A. Walz and based on the momentum and energy equations, for calculating approximately laminar boundary layers is extended to cover axi-symmetric flow as well as plane flow. The necessary computing work is reduced a little.

Another known method which requires still less computing work is also extended for axi-symmetric flow and, with the amendment of a numerical constant, proves adequate for practical purposes.
A Theory of Uniform Supersonic Flow Past a Thin Oscillating Aerofoil at Appreciable Incidence to the Main Stream
Authors: Sewell Geoffrey L.
Published: June 2019

A number of authors (e.g., Refs. 1 and 2) have dealt with the problem of uniform two-dimensional supersonic flow past a thin oscillating aerofoil, whose angle of incidence to the main stream is small. In this special case, the effects of vorticity are negligible, while the fields of flow on either side of the aerofoil may be treated on the same footing.

The object of this paper is to deal with the more general case in which the aerofoil performs small oscillations about a fixed position, in which its incidence to the main stream is appreciable.
Flame Stabilisation in High Velocity Gas Streams and the Effect of Heat Losses at Low Pressures
Authors: Spalding D. B. , Tall B. S.
Published: June 2019

The first object of this paper is to show the concordance between three different theoretical approaches to flame stabilisation and to compare published experimental data with the theoretical predictions. Good agreement between the theory and experimental results is obtained. The second object is to show that, at low pressures, the predictions of these theories must be qualified in view of the increasing importance of heat losses from the flame region. It is shown that there must exist a minimum pressure below which a flame cannot be maintained in a given combustible mixture, irrespective of the rate of flow of the mixture, unless heat losses are entirely eliminated.
A Simple Approach to the Theory of Secondary Flows
Authors: Preston J. H.
Published: June 2019

A simple method is developed for computing the trailing vorticity which arises when a non-uniform stream is turned.

It is shown that, for a sudden and constant deflection of a non-uniform stream, no net trailing vorticity is set up in the exit flow and hence there is no secondary motion.

In the case of an impulse cascade of finite dimensions with constant turning, it is found that the trailing vorticity has three distinct components—the passage vorticity and two components which appear as vortex sheets springing from the trailing edges of the aerofoils. It is shown that for small angles of deflection there is no net circulation associated with the trailing vorticity downstream, of the cascade, and it is inferred that this should still be so for large deflections.
The Effect of Delta Vanes on Supersonic Wings
Authors: Gorgui M. A.
Published: June 2019

For supersonic wings it is known that the presence of a tip reduces the lift and the performance compared with the corresponding values for the two-dimensional wing. It appeared from some work by K. Stewartson that the addition of a vane at the wing tip might counteract this effect. The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect due to the presence of the vane. For this purpose a wing in the form of a semi-infinite wedge whose leading edge is swept back is supposed placed at incidence to the flow, with a symmetric triangular vane with diamond-shaped base attached to it, its vertex being at the tip of the leading edge, and its plane of symmetry parallel to the flow. The problem is of the “conical field” type and is solved by the method of S. Goldstein and G. N. Ward.

The problem is divided into its anti-symmetrical and symmetrical parts. The results obtained in Ref. 1 are applied to determine the field in each case, both outside and inside the Mach cone of the vertex.
Estimation of the Effects of Distortion on the Longitudinal Stability of Swept Wing Aircraft at High Speeds (Sub-Critical Mach Numbers)
Authors: Campion B. S.
Published: June 2019

The effects of distortion on the longitudinal stability of swept wing aircraft at high speeds (sub-critical Mach numbers) are considered on a quasi-static basis. The method is based on the theory of Gates and Lyon but involves some extension of this theory.

The treatment of wing distortion is considered in some detail and the effects of built-in twist and camber and wing weight are included, using the so-called superposition method. The application of the analysis of Lyon and Ripley for investigating fuselage, tail and control circuit distortion is suggested, but means of modifying and simplifying this procedure where desirable are put forward.

The analysis is illustrated by means of a simple example of a swept wing fighter aircraft for which wing, fuselage and tail distortion effects are considered, and the results are discussed with reference to the individual and combined distortion effects, as well as the effect of compressibility.
Some Integrals Relating to the Vibration of a Cantilever Beam and Approximation for the Effect of Taper on Overtone Frequencies
Authors: Martin A. I.
Published: June 2019

In the investigation of approximate numerical values of overtone frequencies of a turbine blade it is desirable to know formulae for certain integrals of the modes of vibration of an ordinary cantilever beam. The first object of this paper is to obtain such formulae and to arrange them in tabulated form. By proceeding along the lines of the calculus of perturbations, these results may then be used to obtain new formulae which give second order approximations for the effects of uniform breadth and thickness tapers on the overtone frequencies. The theory gives good agreement with experiments for tapers which do not exceed about 0·5, which is present-day practice for turbine blading.
A Further Discussion on Mixing and the Jet Flap
Authors: Stratford B. S.
Published: June 2019

The result derived in a previous paper for the primary effect of the jet mixing on the thrust is confirmed, both by an investigation using momentum principles and by a quantitative examination of the sink effect. Boundary layer behaviour still cannot be predicted with accuracy, but it is suggested that, even under cruising conditions, a jet flapped aerofoil may exhibit unconventional properties.
Integration of International Legislation
Authors: Engel Salo
Published: June 2019

Efforts are being made in the United Nations toward a greater integration in one field of international legislation which are different from those undertaken on earlier occasions (such as in the case of the Buenos Aires Treaty of 1936 to Co-ordinate Existing Treaties, or even of the Pact of Bogotá of 1948 and the 1949 Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others), and which do not seem to have attracted much attention. They are therefore briefly described hereafter.
Some Further Experiments in the use of the Incomplete Gamma Function For the Calculation of Actuarial Functions
Authors: Beard R. E.
Published: June 2019

The experiments described in this paper arose from some calculations made in connexion with the recent discussion on the mortality of life-office annuitants (J.I.A. lxxviii, 27) and are a natural development of the principles described in the paper submitted to the Centenary Assembly of the Institute (Proceedings, 11, 89). They fall into two groups. Those in the first, arising from an attempt to find an alternative method on which to base projections, have an affinity with those set out by Starke in his recent paper (J.I.A. lxxviii, 171), in that a formula for expressing mortality is derived essentially dependent on year of birth. There are, however, fundamental differences between the approaches, in that Starke is concerned mainly with an ad hoc expression for a derived function of qx without regard to the problem of computing functions, whereas the present experiments are concerned with (i) further developing actuarial technique based on the curve of deaths rather than on rates of mortality, and (ii) the calculation of actuarial functions without recourse to the usual methods of commutation columns. The second group of experiments is an extension of the gamma-function technique to the calculation of joint-life functions, including contingent assurances.