bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C1QTNF6 Overexpression Acts as a Predictor of Poor Prognosis in Bladder Cancer Patients
Authors: Zhu Xin , Tong Hang , Gao Shun , Yin Hubin , Zhu Gongmin , Li Xinyuan , He Weiyang , Gou Xin
Published: October 2020

Background. Bladder cancer is one of the most common urinary malignancies. This study is aimed at providing some promising molecular biomarkers for bladder cancer (BC) by investigating the correlation between C1QTNF6 expression and clinical characteristics as well as prognosis in patients with bladder cancer. Methods. Sequencing profiles of C1QTNF6 mRNA in BC patients were collected to evaluate the distinctive gene expression, between normal bladder mucosa and BC, according to the TCGA and GEO databases. The association between C1QTNF6 expression and the clinical features as well as the disease prognosis was evaluated using two independent cohorts. The expression of C1QTNF6 in normal bladder and BC cells was examined by western blotting and PCR, so the underlying molecular mechanism could be further investigated. Results. C1QTNF6 mRNA levels were found to be differentially expressed in two independent public cohorts, including the TCGA database and GSE13507 dataset from GEO. The protein and RNA levels of C1QTNF6 in BC cells were both elevated when compared to normal bladder cell lines. High C1QTNF6 expression was detected in advanced T/M stages, pathological grade, and AJCC stage when compared to the low C1QTNF6 expression group. The underlying mechanism related to this differential expression could be explained by cell migration and invasion assays, where bladder cancer cells 5637 and T24 had a significant reduction on migration and invasion ability upon knockdown of C1QTNF6 expression. The low C1QTNF6 expression group presented a more prominent OS advantage over the high‐expression group in both TCGA and GSE13507 cohorts. Moreover, the protein content in tissues was further validated using the HPA database and TMA. Survival analyses also indicated that the high C1QTNF6 expression group had an unfavorable OS when compared to the low‐expression group. Conclusions. High C1QTNF6 expression may serve as a predictor of poor prognosis in bladder cancer patients, and the underlying mechanism is possibly associated with changes on cancer cell migration and invasion ability.
Study on the Seismic Performance of Different Combinations of Rubber Bearings for Continuous Beam Bridges
Authors: Zhang Yumin , Li Jiawu , Wang Lingbo , Wu Hao
Published: October 2020

Rubber isolation bearings have been proven to be effective in reducing the seismic damage of bridges. Due to the different characteristics of isolation bearings, the mechanical properties of bridges with different combinations of rubber bearings are complex under the action of earthquakes. This paper focuses on the application of combinations of rubber isolation bearings on seismic performance of continuous beam bridges with T‐beams. The seismic performances of continuous beam bridges with different combinations of rubber isolation bearings, pier height, and span length were studied by the dynamic time history analysis method. It was found that the bridges with natural rubber bearings (NRBs) have the largest seismic responses compared to the other types of bearings. The continuous beam bridge with isolation bearings, such as lead rubber bearings (LRBs) and high damping rubber bearings (HDRBs), has approximately 20%∼30% smaller seismic response than that with NRBs under the action of earthquakes due to the hysteretic energy of the bearings, indicating that the isolation bearings improve the seismic performance of the bridge. The continuous beam bridges with both NRBs and LRBs or NRBs and HDRBs have larger seismic response of the piers than those with a single type of isolation bearings (LRBs or HDRBs) but smaller seismic response of the piers than those with only NRBs. For a continuous beam bridge with shorter span and lower pier, it is not economical to use LRBs or HDRBs underneath every single girder, but it is more reasonable to use cheaper NRBs underneath some girders. The larger difference in stiffness of the bearings between the side and middle piers leads to the more unbalanced seismic response of each pier of the bridge structure. The results also show that with increasing pier height and span length, the difference in the seismic response value between the cases gradually increases.
Changes in Temperature Trends and Extremes over Saudi Arabia for the Period 1978–2019
Authors: Almazroui Mansour
Published: October 2020

Climate change is posing severe threats to human health through its impacts on food, water supply, and weather. Saudi Arabia has frequently experienced record-breaking climate extremes over the last decade, which have had adverse socioeconomic effects on many sectors of the country. The present study explores the changes in average temperature and temperature extremes over Saudi Arabia using an updated daily temperature dataset for the period 1978–2019. Also, changes in frequency and percentile trends of extreme events, as well as in absolute threshold-based temperature extremes, are analyzed at seasonal and annual time scales. The results are robust in showing an increase in both temperature trends and temperature extremes averaged over the second period (2000–2019) when compared to the first period (1980–1999). Over the period 1978–2019, the minimum temperature for the country increased (0.64°C per decade) at a higher rate than the maximum temperature (0.60°C per decade). The rate of increase in the minimum and maximum temperatures was reported as 0.48 and 0.71°C per decade, respectively, for the period 1978–2009. The minimum temperature increased by 0.81°C per decade for the second period compared to an increase of 0.47°C per decade for the first period. The significant increase in minimum temperature has resulted in a decreasing linear trend in the diurnal temperature range over recent decades. The maximum (minimum) temperature increased at a higher rate for Jan-Mar (Jun-Nov) with the highest increase of 0.82 (0.89)°C per decade occurring in March (August). The analysis shows a substantial increase (decrease) in the number of warm (cold) days/nights over the second period compared to the first period. The number of warm days (nights) significantly increased by about 13 (21) days per decade, and there is a significant decrease of about 11 (13) days per decade of cold days (nights). The seasonal analysis shows that this increase in warm days/nights is enhanced in boreal summer, with a reduction in the number of cold days/nights in winter. These results indicate that the warming climate of Saudi Arabia is accelerating in recent decades, which may have severe socioeconomic repercussions in many sectors of the country.
Identification and Classification of Enhancers Using Dimension Reduction Technique and Recurrent Neural Network
Authors: Li Qingwen , Xu Lei , Li Qingyuan , Zhang Lichao
Published: October 2020

Enhancers are noncoding fragments in DNA sequences, which play an important role in gene transcription and translation. However, due to their high free scattering and positional variability, the identification and classification of enhancers have a higher level of complexity than those of coding genes. In order to solve this problem, many computer studies have been carried out in this field, but there are still some deficiencies in these prediction models. In this paper, we use various feature extraction strategies, dimension reduction technology, and a comprehensive application of machine model and recurrent neural network model to achieve an accurate prediction of enhancer identification and classification with the accuracy of was 76.7% and 84.9%, respectively. The model proposed in this paper is superior to the previous methods in performance index or feature dimension, which provides inspiration for the prediction of enhancers by computer technology in the future.
Photovoltaic Generation Integration with Radial Feeders Using GA and GIS
Authors: Getie Elias Mandefro , Gessesse Belachew Bantyirga , Workneh Tewodros Gera
Published: October 2020

The electric power generated from different electricity sources are not used efficiently by end users in the world. This is due to the loss of power supplied in the case of electricity transmission and distribution to residential, commercial, and industrial loads. Even if the loss of power in the power system cannot be avoided 100%, it should be reduced to the minimum optimal value. The loss of power in the radial feeders can be minimized using an optimally allocated photovoltaic (PV) generation system by considering the information of geography, solar irradiance of the site, and space availability, which should not have shadow from large buildings and trees. The PV generation system eliminates the problem of power demand by enhancing the capacity of the power network as well as by reducing the depletion and consumption of fossil fuel resources. To reduce power loss and improve system loading capacity for demand response, the integration and finding the optimal place of photovoltaic generation take high concern from power system operators and technicians. The optimal allocation of PV has been done using the Genetic Algorithm (GA) for optimization of a multiobjective function with different constraints. The main objective of this paper is to minimize the power loss of the radial distribution networks by maintaining the phase voltage of the load in balance and improving the drop in voltage along the phase. So, GA is used to determine the best location and capacity of PV generation that can reduce the loss of power in the system. The IEEE-33 bus system is used to test the proposed method. Generally, using the GA and GIS methods results in a high accuracy for optimal placement of PV generation in the IEEE-33 bus radial feeder and enables to reduce the loss of power during transmission and distribution by maintaining the power quality for consumers.
Influence of Rib Cage on Static Characteristics of Scoliotic Spine
Authors: Lin Liying , Jia Shaowei , Yang Hufei , Li Ye , Zhang Shunxin , Fan Jie , Han Li
Published: October 2020

Background. Scoliosis is a three-dimensional (3D) deformity of the spine, which affects the patient’s appearance and may lead to abnormal heart and lung function. The rib cage is a structure composed of ribs, sternum, and costal cartilage, which plays a vital role in stabilising the thoracolumbar spine. This study investigates the influence of the rib cage on the static characteristics of the scoliotic spine. Methods. Two types of 3D finite element (FE) models with or without rib cage (from T1 to S) were established and analysed based on computed tomography (CT) images, to determine the effects of the rib cage on the static characteristics of the scoliotic spine. The FE software, ABAQUS, was used to analyse the static behaviours of scoliotic spine models under a range of loading conditions, including left side bending, right side bending, front tilt, rear supine, and vertical compression. The changes in the von Mises stress (VMS) within the intervertebral discs of spine models with or without rib cage were studied and compared. Results. After including the rib cage, the maximum VMS at the stress concentrations of the normal and scoliotic spine effectively reduced. The VMS in normal intervertebral discs was gentler than that of scoliotic ones. However, the scoliotic spine was more likely to produce large stress concentration in the intervertebral discs of scoliotic segments. Conclusions. Under the common postures, intervertebral discs of scoliotic segments are more susceptible to generate stress concentrations compared with the normal spine. The rib cage could effectively keep the intervertebral discs of scoliotic segments from further injuries. These results are of great significance for the prevention and treatment of the scoliotic spine.
Modeling the Impact of Seasonal Weather Variations on the Infectiology of Brucellosis
Authors: Nyerere Nkuba , Luboobi Livingstone S. , Mpeshe Saul C. , Shirima Gabriel M.
Published: October 2020

A deterministic mathematical model for brucellosis that incorporates seasonality on direct and indirect transmission parameters for domestic ruminants, wild animals, humans, and the environment was formulated and analyzed in this paper. Both analytical and numerical simulations are presented. From this study, the findings show that variations in seasonal weather have the great impact on the transmission dynamics of brucellosis in humans, livestock, and wild animals. Thus, in order for the disease to be controlled or eliminated, measures should be timely implemented upon the fluctuation in the transmission of the disease.
Assessing 10-Year Safety of a Single Negative HPV Test for Cervical Cancer Screening: Evidence from FOCAL-DECADE Cohort
Authors: Gottschlich Anna , van Niekerk Dirk , Smith Laurie W. , Gondara Lovedeep , Melnikow Joy , Cook Darrel A. , Lee Marette , Stuart Gavin , Martin Ruth E. , Peacock Stuart , Franco Eduardo L. , Coldman Andrew , Krajden Mel , Ogilvie Gina
Published: October 2020

Background:

Long-term safety of a single negative human papillomavirus (HPV) test for cervical cancer screening is unclear. The HPV FOr cerviCAL Cancer Trial (FOCAL) was a randomized trial comparing HPV testing with cytology. The FOCAL-DECADE cohort tracked women who received one HPV test during FOCAL, and were HPV negative, for up to 10 years to identify cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) and grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) detected through a provincial screening program.

Methods:

FOCAL participants who received one HPV test, were negative, and had at least one post-FOCAL cervix screen were included (N = 5,537). We constructed cumulative incidence curves of CIN2+/CIN3+ detection, analyzed cumulative risk of detection at intervals post-HPV test, calculated average incidence rates for detection, and compared hazard across ages.

Results:

Ten years after one negative HPV test, the probability of CIN2+ detection was lower than 1%, with most lesions detected 7 years or later. Average incidence rates of CIN2+/CIN3+ lesions over follow-up were 0.50 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.31–0.78] and 0.18 (95% CI, 0.07–0.36) per 1,000 person-years, respectively. Hazards were higher for younger ages (nonsignificant trend).

Conclusions:

Among women with a single negative HPV test, long-term risk of CIN2+ detection was low, particularly through 7 years of follow-up; thus, one negative HPV test appears to confer long-term protection from precancerous lesions. Even 10-year risk is sufficiently low to support extended testing intervals in average-risk populations.

Impact:

Our findings support the safety of screening policies using HPV testing alone at 5-year or longer intervals.
Overcoming MET-Dependent Resistance to Selective RET Inhibition in Patients with RET Fusion–Positive Lung Cancer by Combining Selpercatinib with Crizotinib
Authors: Rosen Ezra Y. , Johnson Melissa L. , Clifford Sarah E. , Somwar Romel , Kherani Jennifer F. , Son Jieun , Bertram Arrien A. , Davare Monika A. , Gladstone Eric , Ivanova Elena V. , Henry Dahlia N. , Kelley Elaine M. , Lin Mika , Milan Marina S.D. , Nair Binoj C. , Olek Elizabeth A. , Scanlon Jenna E. , Vojnic Morana , Ebata Kevin , Hechtman Jaclyn F. , Li Bob T. , Sholl Lynette M. , Taylor Barry S. , Ladanyi Marc , Jänne Pasi A. , Rothenberg S. Michael , Drilon Alexander , Oxnard Geoffrey R.
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

The RET proto-oncogene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase that is activated by gene fusion in 1%–2% of non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) and rarely in other cancer types. Selpercatinib is a highly selective RET kinase inhibitor that has recently been approved by the FDA in lung and thyroid cancers with activating RET gene fusions and mutations. Molecular mechanisms of acquired resistance to selpercatinib are poorly understood.

Patients and Methods:

We studied patients treated on the first-in-human clinical trial of selpercatinib (NCT03157129) who were found to have MET amplification associated with resistance to selpercatinib. We validated MET activation as a targetable mediator of resistance to RET-directed therapy, and combined selpercatinib with the MET/ALK/ROS1 inhibitor crizotinib in a series of single patient protocols (SPP).

Results:

MET amplification was identified in posttreatment biopsies in 4 patients with RET fusion–positive NSCLC treated with selpercatinib. In at least one case, MET amplification was clearly evident prior to therapy with selpercatinib. We demonstrate that increased MET expression in RET fusion–positive tumor cells causes resistance to selpercatinib, and this can be overcome by combining selpercatinib with crizotinib. Using SPPs, selpercatinib with crizotinib were given together generating anecdotal evidence of clinical activity and tolerability, with one response lasting 10 months.

Conclusions:

Through the use of SPPs, we were able to offer combination therapy targeting MET-amplified resistance identified on the first-in-human study of selpercatinib. These data suggest that MET dependence is a recurring and potentially targetable mechanism of resistance to selective RET inhibition in advanced NSCLC.
T-cell–engaging Therapy for Solid Tumors
Authors: de Miguel Maria , Umana Pablo , Gomes de Morais Ana Luiza , Moreno Victor , Calvo Emiliano
Published: October 2020

T-cell engagers (TCE) are a rapidly evolving novel group of treatments that have in common the concurrent engagement of a T-cell surface molecule and a tumoral cell antigen. Bispecific antibodies and genetically engineered adoptive cell therapies, as chimeric antigen receptors or T-cell receptors, have similarities and differences among their mechanisms of action, toxicity profiles, and resistance pathways. Nevertheless, the success observed in the hematologic field has not been obtained with solid tumors yet, as they are biologically more complex and have few truly tumor-specific cell surface antigens that can be targeted with high avidity T cells. Different strategies are under study to improve their short-term perspective, such as new generations of more active TCEs, multi-target or combination of different treatments approaches, or to improve the manufacturing processes. A comprehensive review of TCEs as a grouped treatment class, their current status, and research directions in their application to solid tumors therapeutics are discussed here.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Positively Affects the Natural History of Cancer in Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome
Authors: Wolska-Kusnierz Beata , Pastorczak Agata , Fendler Wojciech , Wakulinska Anna , Dembowska-Baginska Bozena , Heropolitanska-Pliszka Edyta , Piątosa Barbara , Pietrucha Barbara , Kałwak Krzysztof , Ussowicz Marek , Pieczonka Anna , Drabko Katarzyna , Lejman Monika , Koltan Sylwia , Gozdzik Jolanta , Styczynski Jan , Fedorova Alina , Miakova Natalia , Deripapa Elena , Kostyuchenko Larysa , Krenova Zdenka , Hlavackova Eva , Gennery Andrew R. , Sykora Karl-Walter , Ghosh Sujal , Albert Michael H. , Balashov Dmitry , Eapen Mary , Svec Peter , Seidel Markus G. , Kilic Sara S. , Tomaszewska Agnieszka , Wiesik-Szewczyk Ewa , Kreins Alexandra , Greil Johann , Buechner Jochen , Lund Bendik , Gregorek Hanna , Chrzanowska Krystyna , Mlynarski Wojciech
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) is a DNA repair disorder with a high predisposition to hematologic malignancies.

Experimental Design:

We describe the natural history of NBS, including cancer incidence, risk of death, and the potential effectiveness of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in preventing both pathologies: malignancy and immunodeficiency.

Results:

Among 241 patients with NBS enrolled in the study from 11 countries, 151 (63.0%) patients were diagnosed with cancer. Incidence rates for primary and secondary cancer, tumor characteristics, and risk factors affecting overall survival (OS) were estimated. The cumulative cancer incidence was 40.21% ± 3.5% and 77.78% ± 3.4% at 10 years and 20 years of follow-up, respectively. Most of the tumors n = 95 (62.9%) were non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Overall, 20 (13.2%) secondary malignancies occurred at a median age of 18 (interquartile range, 13.7–21.5) years. The probability of 20-year overall survival (OS) for the whole cohort was 44.6% ± 4.5%. Patients who developed cancer had a shorter 20-year OS than those without malignancy (29.6% vs. 86.2%; P < 10−5). A total of 49 patients with NBS underwent HSCT, including 14 patients transplanted before malignancy. Patients with NBS with diagnosed cancer who received HSCT had higher 20-year OS than those who did not (42.7% vs. 30.3%; P = 0.038, respectively). In the group of patients who underwent preemptive transplantation, only 1 patient developed cancer, which is 6.7 times lower as compared with nontransplanted patients [incidence rate ratio 0.149 (95% confidence interval, 0.138–0.162); P < 0.0001].

Conclusions:

There is a beneficial effect of HSCT on the long-term survival of patients with NBS transplanted in their first complete remission of cancer.
Therapy of Myeloid Leukemia using Novel Bispecific Fusion Proteins Targeting CD45 and 90Y-DOTA
Authors: Orozco Johnnie J. , Kenoyer Aimee L. , Lin Yukang , O'Steen Shyril , Guel Rosario , Nartea Margaret E. , Hernandez Alexandra H. , Hylarides Mark D. , Fisher Darrell R. , Balkin Ethan R. , Hamlin Donald K. , Wilbur D. Scott , Orcutt Kelly D. , Wittrup K. Dane , Green Damian J. , Gopal Ajay K. , Till Brian G. , Sandmaier Brenda , Press Oliver W. , Pagel John M.
Published: October 2020

Pretargeted radioimmunotherapy (PRIT) has been investigated as a multi-step approach to decrease relapse and toxicity for high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Relevant factors including endogenous biotin and immunogenicity, however, have limited the use of PRIT with an anti-CD45 antibody streptavidin conjugate and radiolabeled DOTA-biotin. To overcome these limitations we designed anti-murine and anti-human CD45 bispecific antibody constructs using 30F11 and BC8 antibodies, respectively, combined with an anti-yttrium (Y)-DOTA single-chain variable fragment (C825) to capture a radiolabeled ligand. The bispecific construct targeting human CD45 (BC8-Fc-C825) had high uptake in leukemia HEL xenografts [7.8 ± 0.02% percent injected dose/gram of tissue (% ID/g)]. Therapy studies showed that 70% of mice with HEL human xenografts treated with BC8-Fc-C825 followed by 44.4 MBq (1,200 μCi) of 90Y-DOTA-biotin survived at least 170 days after therapy, while all nontreated controls required euthanasia because of tumor progression by day 32. High uptake at sites of leukemia (spleen and bone marrow) was also seen with 30F11-IgG1-C825 in a syngeneic disseminated SJL murine leukemia model (spleen, 9.0 ± 1.5% ID/g and bone marrow, 8.1 ± 1.2% ID/g), with minimal uptake in all other normal organs (<0.5% ID/g) at 24 hours after 90Y-DOTA injections. SJL leukemia mice treated with the bispecific 30F11-IgG1-C825 and 29.6 MBq (800 μCi) of 90Y-DOTA-biotin had a survival advantage compared with untreated leukemic mice (median, 43 vs. 30 days, respectively; P < 0.0001). These data suggest bispecific antibody–mediated PRIT may be highly effective for leukemia therapy and translation to human studies.
Prognostic Impact of Intra-Ampullary Papillary-Tubular Neoplasm versus Flat Dysplasia as Precursor Lesions of Ampullary Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Han Sunjong , Jang Kee-Taek , Choi Dong Wook , Choi Seong Ho , Heo Jin Seok , Han In Woong , Park DaeJoon , Ryu Youngju
Published: October 2020

Background: The aim of this study is to compare the prognostic impact of 2 precursor lesions of ampullary adenocarcinoma, intra-ampullary papillary-tubular neoplasm (IAPN) and flat dysplasia (FD). Methods: From December 1994 to December 2012, a total of 359 patients underwent curative surgery for ampullary adenocarcinoma. Results: The precursor lesions were IAPNs in 134 (37.3%) patients and FD in the other 225 (62.7%) patients. The FD group had more aggressive tumor biology with advanced T stage (p = 0.002), nodal involvement (p < 0.001), poor differentiation (p < 0.001), perineural and lymphovascular invasion (p < 0.001), and pancreatobiliary or mixed subtype (p < 0.001). Five-year overall survival rates were 71.1% in the IAPN group and 51.4% in the FD group (p = 0.002), respectively. Five-year disease-free survival rates were 69.7% in the IAPN group and 49.6% in the FD group (p < 0.001), respectively. The recurrence rate was also higher in the FD group (49.8 vs. 30.6%; p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, higher levels of tumor markers including CEA and CA19-9, lymph node metastasis, poorly differentiated histology, and perineural invasion were negative predictive factors for survival. Higher levels of CEA and CA19-9, lymphovascular invasion, and FD were independent prognostic factors for recurrence. Conclusion: FD was significantly associated with worse prognosis and a greater tendency toward advanced disease. Further studies are needed to clarify the impacts of these precursor lesions.
Incidence and Prognostic Impact of Intracranial Hemorrhage after Endovascular Treatment for Acute Large Vessel Occlusion
Authors: Kinjo Norito , Yoshimura Shinichi , Uchida Kazutaka , Sakai Nobuyuki , Yamagami Hiroshi , Morimoto Takeshi ,   RESCUE-Japan Registry 2 Investigators
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Endovascular treatment (EVT) is effective against acute cerebral large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, it has been associated with a high incidence of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Because the incidence of ICH and prognostic impact of ICH were not scrutinized in general patients, we investigated the impact of ICH after EVT on functional outcome at 90 days in patients with acute LVO. Methods: RESCUE-Japan Registry 2 was a multicenter registry that enrolled 2,420 consecutive patients with acute LVO within 24 h of onset. We analyzed 1,281 patients who received EVT and compared the functional outcomes between those with and without ICH (ICH and no-ICH groups, respectively) within 24 h after EVT. We explored the factors associated with ICH and prognostic impact of symptomatic ICH (SICH) among patients with ICH. We estimated the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for good functional outcome as modified Rankin Scale scores 0–2 and mortality. We also explored the prognostic impact of symptomatic ICH (SICH) among patients with ICH. Results: ICH occurred in 333 patients (26.0%). Several factors such as perioperative edaravone, stent retriever, and baseline glucose were associated with development of ICH within 24 h. A good outcome was observed in 80 (24.0%) and 454 (47.9%) patients in the ICH and no-ICH groups, respectively, and the adjusted OR was 0.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.2–0.5, p < 0.0001). Incidence of mortality within 90 days was not significantly different between the groups (adjusted OR 1.2; 95% CI: 0.7–1.9, p = 0.5). SICH was observed in 36 (10.8%) of 333 patients with ICH, and the good outcomes were 8.3 and 25.9% in patients with SICH and asymptomatic ICH (AICH), respectively (p = 0.02). Mortality at 90 days was 30.6 and 7.1% in patients with SICH and AICH, respectively (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The functional outcomes at 90 days were significantly worse in patients who developed ICH after receiving EVT for acute LVO, but the mortality was generally similar.
Survival After Heart Transplant Listing for Infants on Mechanical Circulatory Support
Authors: Conway Jennifer , Cantor Ryan , Koehl Devin , Spicer Robert , Gupta Dipankar , McCulloch Michael , Asante‐Korang Alfred , Eulrich Dean T. , Kirklin James K. , Pahl Elfriede
Published: October 2020

Background

Infants with heart failure remain at significant risk for wait list mortality, despite mechanical circulatory support (MCS). It is unclear if the outcomes are influenced by modality of support or underlying diagnosis. We sought to compare the outcomes of infants <10 kg, focusing on modality of support and underlying diagnosis.

Methods and Results

Using the Pediatric Heart Transplant Society database, we evaluated survival following first MCS device in children <10 kg who were listed for heart transplant between 2010 and 2018. There were 2049 children <10 kg, with the predominant diagnosis being congenital heart disease (CHD) (59.8% [n=1226]) and 28.1% (n=577) requiring MCS. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was the most common form of MCS at listing, with ventricular assist device (VAD) more common after listing. There was no difference in the use of ECMO at or after listing for cardiomyopathy versus CHD (8.9% versus 7.2%;
P
=0.2; 5.4% versus 6.4%;
P
=0.4). However, there was a significant difference in the use of VAD both at listing (8% versus 2.4%;
P
<0.001) and after (22.8% versus 5.1%;
P
<0.001) between the 2 groups. When comparing these groups, patients with CHD were smaller and younger and had a higher proportion with previous cardiac surgery. Survival at 3 months demonstrated better survival for VAD therapy compared with ECMO (74.3% versus 48.6%;
P
<0.001). In patients <5 kg, survival did not differ between ECMO and VAD (
P
=0.01) for the CHD or the cardiomyopathy group (
P
=0.38), but patients with cardiomyopathy demonstrated better survival on both forms of support.

Conclusions

Survival for patients <10 kg on ECMO is inferior compared with VAD. Patients with cardiomyopathy <5 kg had better survival with both modes of MCS compared with those with CHD. These findings support the need for small, durable devices for neonates and infants, with particular focus in patients with CHD.
Unwanted Memory Intrusions Recruit Broad Motor Suppression
Authors: Castiglione Anna , Aron Adam R.
Published: October 2020

Quickly preventing the retrieval of (inappropriate) long-term memories might recruit a similar control mechanism as rapid action-stopping. A very specific characteristic of rapid action-stopping is “global motor suppression”: When a single response is rapidly stopped, there is a broad skeletomotor suppression. This is shown by the technique of TMS placed over a task-irrelevant part of the primary motor cortex (M1) to measure motor-evoked potentials. Here, we used this same TMS method to test if rapidly preventing long-term memory retrieval also shows this broad skeletomotor suppression effect. Twenty human participants underwent a Think/No-Think task. In the first phase, they learned word pairs. In the second phase, they received the left-hand word as a cue and had to either retrieve the associated right-hand word (“Think”) or stop retrieval (“No-Think”). At the end of each trial, they reported whether they had experienced an intrusion of the associated memory. Behaviorally, on No-Think trials, they reported fewer intrusions than Think trials, and the reporting of intrusions decreased with practice. Physiologically, we observed that the motor-evoked potential, measured from the hand (which was irrelevant to the task), was reduced on No-Think trials in the time frame of 300–500 msec, especially on trials where they did report an intrusion. This unexpected result contradicted our preregistered prediction that we would find such a decrease on No-Think trials where the intrusion was not reported. These data suggest that one form of executive control over (inappropriate) long-term memory retrieval is a rapid and broad stop, akin to action-stopping, that is triggered by the intrusion itself.
Efficient Actor-Critic Reinforcement Learning With Embodiment of Muscle Tone for Posture Stabilization of the Human Arm
Authors: Iwamoto Masami , Kato Daichi
Published: October 2020

This letter proposes a new idea to improve learning efficiency in reinforcement learning (RL) with the actor-critic method used as a muscle controller for posture stabilization of the human arm. Actor-critic RL (ACRL) is used for simulations to realize posture controls in humans or robots using muscle tension control. However, it requires very high computational costs to acquire a better muscle control policy for desirable postures. For efficient ACRL, we focused on embodiment that is supposed to potentially achieve efficient controls in research fields of artificial intelligence or robotics. According to the neurophysiology of motion control obtained from experimental studies using animals or humans, the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTn) induces muscle tone suppression, and the midbrain locomotor region (MLR) induces muscle tone promotion. PPTn and MLR modulate the activation levels of mutually antagonizing muscles such as flexors and extensors in a process through which control signals are translated from the substantia nigra reticulata to the brain stem. Therefore, we hypothesized that the PPTn and MLR could control muscle tone, that is, the maximum values of activation levels of mutually antagonizing muscles using different sigmoidal functions for each muscle; then we introduced antagonism function models (AFMs) of PPTn and MLR for individual muscles, incorporating the hypothesis into the process to determine the activation level of each muscle based on the output of the actor in ACRL.

ACRL with AFMs representing the embodiment of muscle tone successfully achieved posture stabilization in five joint motions of the right arm of a human adult male under gravity in predetermined target angles at an earlier period of learning than the learning methods without AFMs. The results obtained from this study suggest that the introduction of embodiment of muscle tone can enhance learning efficiency in posture stabilization disorders of humans or humanoid robots.
Thermal ecology of the Atlas day gecko Quedenfeldtia moerens in an arid area of Morocco, and a comparison with its congener Q. trachyblepharus
Authors: Mouadi Jalal , El Mouden El Hassan , Bouazza Abdellah , Aourir Mohamed
Published: October 2020

The Atlas day gecko, Quedenfeldtia moerens, a Moroccan endemic lizard, is strictly diurnal and widely distributed across the dry Atlas Mountains. We quantified thermoregulation in adult males and adult females during their active season in the L’kest Mountain at 1300 m a.s.l., Anti-Atlas region of Morocco. The operative temperatures and air temperatures were sampled using data-loggers in the field from 2016 to 2018. Body temperatures of active lizards and substrate temperatures in the field were simultaneously measured. Finally, we measured preferred body temperatures (Tset) in a laboratory thermal gradient for 24 adult geckos. Mean Tset was 33.3 ± 0.3°C, with the mean 25% and 75% quartiles being 32.3 ± 0.3°C and 34.6 ± 0.3°C, respectively. Active lizards rarely reached their Tset range from March to June, but spent most of the day within Tset in July and August. Our study suggests that Q. moerens have higher Tset than its congeneric Q. trachyblepharus living at high altitude. Likewise, thermoregulatory effectiveness of Q. moerens showed an increase from spring to summer while it was the opposite for Q. trachyblepharus.
Textual Criticism and Bibliography: The Case of Qurʾānic Studies
Authors: Tottoli Roberto
Published: October 2020

Philological studies on Arabic and Islamic literature have traditionally been limited in many respects. The approaches to the texts and their editing have mostly reflected a primary interest in diffusing texts without sharing the editing methodology or discussing the specific problematic aspects of Arabic. In the realm of Qurʾānic studies most of the research has been devoted to the formation of the text and early manuscript evidence with some significant results but without addressing many other aspects and critical problems which still await the attention of scholarly research. Later manuscript attestations and the history of the printed Qurʾān have also been in general neglected fields of critical research.
Ostrich Eggs as a Conceptual-Symbolic Accessory in Jewish Synagogues
Authors: Shemesh Abraham Ofir
Published: October 2020

The current article discusses the origins and formation of the Jewish custom of hanging ostrich eggs in the synagogue. This habit has been more common in specific countries such as Yemen, and in cities in the land of Israel, such as Safed, Meron, and Jerusalem. The initial reason given for hanging the eggs was that they might arouse one to concentrate on prayers, as like eggs, prayers are fruitful when accompanied by concentration and true intent. This explanation is based on the “miraculous power” of the ostrich’s sense of sight, capable of warming the eggs and causing them to hatch.
Beat the Drums or Break Them: Bells and Drums as Communication Devices in Early Chinese Warfare
Authors: Rom Avital Hedva
Published: October 2020

Warring States (453-221 BCE) and Western Han (206 BCE-9 CE) texts abound in references to drums and bells in discussions of warfare and martial affairs. This begs the question: how are we to understand such references? What role did these instruments have to play on the battlefield? This paper examines the role of sound in early Chinese warfare. By analyzing textual references to sound-producing instruments within the context of warfare, it seeks to emphasize the importance of organized sound production on the battlefield. I argue that, rather than mere ornamental “military music,” drums and bells were perceived by early Chinese strategists as indispensable sonic communication devices, which played a crucial role in victory or defeat in any battle.
Description and evolution of wood anatomical characters in the ebony wood genus Diospyros and its close relatives (Ebenaceae): a first step towards combatting illegal logging
Authors: Jahanbanifard Mehrdad , Beckers Vicky , Koch Gerald , Beeckman Hans , Gravendeel Barbara , Verbeek Fons , Baas Pieter , Priester Carlijn , Lens Frederic
Published: October 2020

The typical black coloured ebony wood (Diospyros, Ebenaceae) is desired as a commercial timber because of its durable and aesthetic properties. Surprisingly, a comprehensive wood anatomical overview of the genus is lacking, making it impossible to fully grasp the diversity in microscopic anatomy and to distinguish between CITES protected species native to Madagascar and the rest. We present the largest microscopic wood anatomical reference database for ebony woods and reconstruct evolutionary patterns in the microscopic wood anatomy within the family level using an earlier generated molecular phylogeny. Wood samples from 246 Diospyros species are described based on standardised light microscope observations. For the ancestral state reconstruction, we selected eight wood anatomical characters from 88 Ebenaceae species (including 29 Malagasy Diospyros species) that were included in the most recently reconstructed family phylogeny. Within Diospyros, the localisation of prismatic crystals (either in axial parenchyma or in rays) shows the highest phylogenetic value and appears to have a biogeographical signal. The molecular defined subclade Diospyros clade IX can be clearly distinguished from other ebony woods by its storied structure. Across Ebenaceae, Lissocarpa is distinguishable from the remaining genera by the combined presence of scalariform and simple vessel perforation plates, and Royena typically has silica bodies instead of prismatic crystals. The local deposition of prismatic crystals and the presence of storied structure allow identifying ebony wood species at the subgeneric level, but species-level identification is not possible. In an attempt to improve the identification accuracy of the CITES protected Malagasy woods, we applied computer vision algorithms based on microscopic images from our reference database (microscopic slides from ca. 1000 Diospyros specimens) and performed chemical profiling based on DART TOFMS.
Changing Lateral Boundary Conditions for Probable Maximum Precipitation Studies: A Physically Consistent Approach
Authors: Ødemark Karianne , Müller Malte , Tveito Ole Einar
Published: October 2020

This article presents a conceptual study toward establishing a new method for altering lateral boundary conditions in numerical model based estimates for probable maximum precipitation (PMP). We altered an extreme event in a physically and dynamically consistent way in a regional convective-scale weather prediction model (AROME-MetCoOp) by applying fields from a global ensemble climate model approach based on EC-EARTH. Ten ensemble members are downscaled with the regional model, which results in 10 different realizations of an extreme precipitation event for the west coast of Norway. We show how the position and orientation of the moisture flow is different between the individual ensemble members, which leads to relatively large changes in precipitation values for a selected catchment. For example, the modification of the moisture transport on scales of several hundred kilometers impacts the extreme precipitation amount by about 75% among the model members. Compared with historical rainfall records, precipitation changes of 62% and 71% are found for two selected catchments. Although the present study is restricted to one particular extreme event that is modified 10 times with the ensemble approach, there is a considerable spread of the moisture transport compared to the spread of the moisture transport of extreme precipitation events of the past 40 years. We conclude that the described approach is a step toward a new method to derive PMP values for a given catchment; however, a larger amount of events and larger ensembles would have to be considered to estimate PMP values.
Collaborative Pre-Task Planning Processes and Second Language Task Performance
Authors: Leeming Paul , Aubrey Scott , Lambert Craig
Published: October 2020

Task-based language teaching research has investigated the impact of planning on task performance, but little has been reported on the processes that take place while planning is undertaken. This study builds on previous planning research by providing a detailed analysis of four Japanese university learners’ collaborative pre-task planning (two dyads) and their performance on a subsequent second language (L2) oral monologue task that required them to express their opinions on a problem and propose a solution to it. Follow-up interviews incorporating stimulated recall were also conducted to gain insight into learners’ perceptions. Results suggest that the note-taking strategies employed, the interpersonal dynamics of the pairs, the L2 proficiency of the participants, and the language of planning (first language [L1] or L2) resulted in important differences in these learners’ planning processes and subsequent task performances. The results are discussed in terms of how pre-task planning processes might be optimized in teaching and research.
A Longitudinal Examination of Social Support as a Mediator of the Personality-Health Relationship in a National Sample of African Americans
Authors: Clark Eddie M. , Ma Lijing , Knott Cheryl L. , Williams Beverly R. , Park Crystal L. , Schulz Emily K. , Ghosh Debarchana
Published: October 2020

The present study investigated whether social support mediated the relationship between personality traits and health among African Americans over a 5-year period, filling a gap in the literature on longitudinal tests of the personality-health association. Data were collected from a national probability sample of African American adults ( N = 200). Personality was assessed at Time 1 (T1), social support was assessed 2.5 years later (T2), and physical functioning was examined 5 years (T3) after T1. Telephone surveys included measures of the five-factor model personality traits (T1), social support (T2), and physical functioning (T3). Results suggested that relationships between the T1 personality traits and T3 physical functioning were not mediated by T2 social support. Secondary analyses found that among all T1 personality traits, higher openness and lower neuroticism uniquely predicted higher T2 social support. Furthermore, among T1 personality traits, higher conscientiousness uniquely predicted better T3 physical functioning. This information may be useful to health care providers and community members in developing prevention and intervention strategies for African Americans.
Hearing Loss–Related Issues Affecting Quality of Life in Preschool Children
Authors: Lindburg Miranda , Ead Banan , Jeffe Donna B. , Lieu Judith E. C.
Published: October 2020

Objective

The impact of hearing loss (HL) on quality of life (QOL) in young children has not been examined systematically. The objective of this study was to examine patient, parent, and professional perspectives on experiences and situations that affect the QOL in young children with HL and to identify themes that emerged from coded data to develop a parent‐proxy QOL measure for young children with HL.

Study Design

Qualitative study with 6 focus groups followed by semistructured interviews with other parents and professionals as stakeholder checks.

Setting

Academic medical center and local schools for the deaf.

Methods

Audiology department clinic lists were used to identify eligible participants, who included 5‐ to 7‐year‐old children with permanent HL and parents of 2‐ to 7‐year‐old children with permanent HL. A sample of 6 children and 12 parents participated in focus groups. An audiology department and multiple schools for the deaf in the area were contacted to recruit for professional participants, resulting in a sample of 10 professionals who participated in focus groups. Focus groups and interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic analysis of focus group transcripts identified key concepts and emerging themes of how HL affects young children.

Results

Six themes emerged from the data: behavior, feelings, environments, social/activities, family, and hearing equipment. Child, parent, and professional focus group themes overlapped well, and data saturation was reached.

Conclusion

These qualitative data provided insight into HL‐related issues affecting young children’s QOL and were used to create items for a new parent‐proxy QOL questionnaire.
Interpretation of Normal and Abnormal Tympanogram Findings in Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Authors: Parsel Sean M. , Unis Graham D. , Souza Spenser S. , Bartley Heather , Bergeron Jeffrey M. , Master Adam N. , McCoul Edward D.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To characterize the relationship between objective tympanogram values and patient‐reported symptoms and associations with common comorbid conditions.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study with prospective data collection.

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Methods

Patients undergoing routine audiometric evaluation between October 2018 and June 2019 were included. Participants with temporomandibular joint dysfunction, inner ear hydrops, and similar conditions were excluded. Symptoms were assessed with the 7‐item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire. Demographics and medical comorbidities were recorded from the medical record. Analysis of tympanometric peak pressure (TPP), demographics, and comorbidities was performed to determine associations with clinically significant eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) symptoms.

Results

A total of 250 patients were included with similar demographics: 101 (40.4%) in the asymptomatic group and 149 (59.6%) in the symptomatic group. The median (interquartile range) TPP was –10 (20) daPa and –25 (100) daPa in the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups, respectively. A diagnosis of rhinitis was more likely to be associated with significant ETD symptoms (adjusted odds ratio, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.23‐5.63). A subgroup analysis revealed that symptomatic patients with normal TPP values were negatively skewed as compared with asymptomatic patients. This symptomatic group had a higher prevalence of rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis than the asymptomatic group.

Conclusion

Patients with symptoms of ETD may have a TPP within a range typically considered normal per conventional standards. This suggests that the currently accepted interpretation of tympanometry findings may be insensitive for the diagnosis of less severe cases of ETD.