bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Control of Passive and Active Particle Distribution at the Outlet of Double Y-Microchannel Using Pulsatile Flow
Authors: Nguyen Minh Chau , Peerhossaini Hassan , Pashmi Elnaz , Salek Mohammad Mehdi , Jarrahi Mojtaba
Published: April 2020

While a variety of active and passive techniques have been proposed for steady flows, pulsatile flow has received much less attention. Pulsation makes more control parameters available for passive methods and enables them to separate particles. The purpose of this work is to determine the effects of the phase shift between two entering flows (only one includes the particles) on particle separation inside a double Y-microchannel. Numerical simulations were carried out for both steady and pulsating flow conditions. The results showed that when the velocity amplitude ratio (β) is less than 2, the separation index increases with the phase shift (φ) and the highest efficiency occurs at φ = 180 deg. A similar trend can be observed for higher values of β only if the pulsation period is short enough. A series of experiments qualitatively validated the numerical results.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in the initial evaluation of the kidney graft function: a pilot study.
Authors: Elec Florin Ioan , Elec Alina Daciana , Bolboaca Sorana , Socaciu Mihai Adrian , Muntean Adriana Milena , Iacob Gheorghiță , Moisoiu Tudor , Zaro Răzvan , Andries Alexandra-Ioana , Badulescu Maria Ramona , Ignat Radu Mihai , Badea Radu Ion
Published: April 2020

Aim: Our study aimed to assess the usefulness of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the initial evaluation of the graft function.Materials and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the early postoperative period on patients with kidney transplantation, between September 2017 to November 2018. Two groups of patients were investigated; delayed graft function (DGF) and early graft function (EGF). All patients were examined by grey scale, Doppler ultrasound and CEUS.Results: Nineteen patients, aged from 23 to 64 years (mean age 50 years), 7 in the DGF group and 12 in the EGF group were evaluated. The resistive index (RI) show significantly higher values in the DGF group at the level of upper interlobar artery (p=0.025) and medium interlobar artery (p=0.02). The CEUS investigation shows a greater region of interest (ROI) area (p=0.02) and lower values for wash-out area under the curve (WoAUC) (p=0.047) and respectively wash-in and wash-out area under the curve (WiWoAUC) (p=0.031) for the DGF group. The quality of fit (QoF) proved lower in the DGF group either for evaluation of global graft (p=0.012), cortex (p=0.025), or medulla (p=0.009).A significant relationship among all patients was found between the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) [ml/min] and the renal artery fall time (FT) [s] (p=0.012), WoAUC [a.u.] (p=0.03), and WiWoAUC [a.u.] (p=0.024). The arterial QoF [%] was associated with the arterial ROI area (p=0.048).Conclusions: Intensity CEUS parameters WoAUC and WiWoAUC may be useful to diagnose and follow-up grafts with delayed function. Additional studies on larger cohorts are required for the recommendation of CEUS as a routine evaluation of the transplanted kidney.
Modified silica nanoparticle coatings: Dual antifouling effects of self-assembled quaternary ammonium and zwitterionic silanes
Authors: Knowles Brianna R. , Wagner Pawel , Maclaughlin Shane , Higgins Michael J. , Molino Paul J.
Published: April 2020

This work examines the antifouling effect of quaternary ammonium silane (QAS) grafted from coatings of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs), independently and in combination with a zwitterionic sulfobetaine (SB) silane. The binding of QAS to the SiNP coatings was monitored using quartz crystal microgravimetry with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) under varied pH and solution concentrations. Adsorption of bovine serum albumin protein was reduced on QAS modified SiNP coatings prepared under alkaline conditions due to the proposed generation of a pseudozwitterionic interface, where the underlying SiNP surface presents an anionic charge at high pH. Significant reductions in protein binding were achieved at low functionalization concentrations and short modification times. Additionally, SiNP coatings modified with a combination of QAS and SB chemistries were investigated. Surface modifications were performed sequentially, varying silane concentration and order of addition, and monitored using QCM-D. Dual-functionalized surfaces presented enhanced resistance to protein adsorption compared to QAS or SB modified surfaces alone, even at low functionalization concentrations. The antiadhesive and antibacterial properties of functionalized surfaces were investigated by challenging the surfaces against the bacterium Escherichia coli. All dual-functionalized coatings showed equal or reduced bacterial adhesion compared to QAS and SB functionalizations alone, while coatings functionalized with high concentrations of combined chemistries reduced the adhesion of bacteria by up to 95% compared to control SiNP surfaces.
The Status of Youth Coach Training in the United States: Existing Programs and Room for Improvement
Authors: Fawver Bradley , Beatty Garrett F. , Roman John T. , Kurtz Kevin
Published: April 2020

The United States is one of the world’s perennial sports powers, yet the pathway to that success is littered with millions of youth athletes who either are not good enough to compete at a higher level or dropout from sport completely due to various personal, social, and organizational factors. These barriers are compounded by a win-at-all-costs mentality that pervades the U.S. sport culture and ultimately disenfranchises many youths from the opportunity to enjoy sport participation throughout their life. The authors argue that principle components in this flawed system are the lack of standardized coach education at the state and national level, weaknesses in the current curricula offered, and difficulties for aspiring coaches accessing existing training programs. In the current paper, the authors (a) briefly review the history of coach education in the United States as well as existing opportunities for coach education at the university, sport-specific, and private sectors; (b) provide a description of the strengths and weaknesses of the current coaching model; and (c) provide recommendations to improve coach education and training in the United States.
Three hits, one drug
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: April 2020

A pediatric brain cancer often caused by coincident mutations might be treated with a fungal analog.
Unraveling the Composition of Insecticidal Crystal Proteins in Bacillus thuringiensis: a Proteomics Approach
Authors: Caballero Javier , Jiménez-Moreno Nerea , Orera Irene , Williams Trevor , Fernández Ana B. , Villanueva Maite , Ferré Juan , Caballero Primitivo , Ancín-Azpilicueta Carmen
Published: April 2020

Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt)-based biological insecticides are used extensively to control insect pests and vectors of human diseases. Bt-based products provide greater specificity and biosafety than broad-spectrum synthetic insecticides. The biological activity of this bacterium resides in spores and crystals comprising complex mixtures of toxic proteins. We developed and validated a fast, accurate, and reproducible method for quantitative determination of the crystal components of Bt-based products. This method will find clear applications in the improvement of various aspects of the industrial production process of Bt. An important aspect of the production of Bt-based insecticides is its quality control. By specifically quantifying the relative proportion of each of the toxins that make up the crystal, our method represents the most consistent and repeatable evaluation procedure in the quality control of different batches produced in successive fermentations. This method can also contribute to the design of specific culture media and fermentation conditions that optimize Bt crystal composition across a range of Bt strains that target different pestiferous insects. Quantitative information on crystal composition should also prove valuable to phytosanitary product registration authorities that oversee the safety and efficacy of crop protection products.
Comparative Performance of SARS-CoV-2 Detection Assays Using Seven Different Primer-Probe Sets and One Assay Kit
Authors: Nalla Arun K. , Casto Amanda M. , Huang Meei-Li W. , Perchetti Garrett A. , Sampoleo Reigran , Shrestha Lasata , Wei Yulun , Zhu Haiying , Jerome Keith R. , Greninger Alexander L.
Published: April 2020

Nearly 400,000 people worldwide are known to have been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) beginning in December 2019. The virus has now spread to over 168 countries including the United States, where the first cluster of cases was observed in the Seattle metropolitan area in Washington. Given the rapid increase in the number of cases in many localities, the availability of accurate, high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 testing is vital to efforts to manage the current public health crisis.
Bazedoxifene Suppresses Intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis Growth by Enhancing Autophagy
Authors: Ouyang Qi , Zhang Kehong , Lin Dachuan , Feng Carl G. , Cai Yi , Chen Xinchun
Published: April 2020

Since current strategies for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) have low efficacy and highly negative side effects, research on new treatments including novel drugs is essential for curing drug-resistant tuberculosis. Host-directed therapy (HDT) has become a promising idea to modulate host cell responses to enhance protective immunity against pathogens. Bazedoxifene (BZA), which belongs to a new generation of SERMs, shows the ability to inhibit the growth of
M. tuberculosis
in macrophages and is associated with autophagy. Our findings reveal a previously unrecognized antibacterial function of BZA. We propose that the mechanism of SERMs action in macrophages may provide a new potential measure for host-directed therapies against TB.
MoLAEA
Regulates Secondary Metabolism in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Saha Pallabi , Ghosh Suvranil , Roy-Barman Subhankar
Published: April 2020

M. oryzae
causes blast disease, the most serious disease of cultivated rice affecting global rice production. The genome of
M. oryzae
has been shown to have a number of genes involved in secondary metabolism, but most of them are uncharacterized. In fact, compared to studies of other filamentous fungi, hardly any work has been done on secondary metabolism in
M. oryzae
. It is shown here (for the first time, to our knowledge) that penicillin G is being synthesized in
M. oryzae
and that
MoLAEA
is involved in this process. This is the first step in understanding the penicillin G biosynthesis pathway in
M. oryzae
. This study also unraveled the details of how
Mo
LaeA works by forming a nuclear complex with
Mo
VeA in
M. oryzae
, thus indicating functional conservation of such a gene across filamentous fungi. All these findings open up avenues for more relevant investigations on the genetic regulation of secondary metabolism in
M. oryzae
.
Supplemental Material: Multiproxy records in middle–late Miocene sediments from the Wushan Basin: Implications for climate change and tectonic deformation in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Weitao
Published: April 2020

Tables S1–S3 present Magnetic Susceptibility, color reference and lithofacies of the Wushan section
Rapid development of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome after abatacept treatment in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gower Jorge , Labarca Gonzalo , Enos Daniel , Nova-Lamperti Estefania
Published: April 2020

Abatacept is a biological agent that modulates T-cell costimulation by blocking CD28 signalling. This cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4-Ig fusion protein was approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, a few case reports have revealed respiratory failure after abatacept treatment. In this report, we present a patient with RA who developed severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and who passed away 2 months after starting abatacept. A comprehensive analysis including radiology, blood examinations, infectious panel and flow cytometry lymphocyte analysis was done to determine the cause of respiratory failure. Since no infection was detected in this patient, an association between ARDS and abatacept is a strong possibility due to significant adverse reactions to the biological agent. Considering the rapid progression of respiratory failure after abatacept treatment in this report, we suggest that pulmonary function testing and lung structure evaluation be regarded throughout the early stage of treatment of patients with RA.
Bony cystic lesion with associated submandibular lymphadenopathy on a background of breast carcinoma: an unexpected case of cervicofacial actinomycosis
Authors: Sibanda Lwazi , Wates Emma , Higginson James
Published: April 2020

Actinomycosis is an uncommon, chronic suppurative granulomatous infection and needs to be considered as a differential diagnosis. A 56-year-old woman with a background of type 2 diabetes mellitus and breast carcinoma was referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2-week wait clinic, regarding a tender sublingual mass and firm erythematous swelling in the right submandibular and submental region. This was slowly progressive and had not responded to oral co-amoxiclav. An orthopantomogram showed a well-defined radiolucency and smaller radiolucent lesions throughout the edentulous right body of the mandible. A contrast-enhanced CT confirmed a right submandibular abscess communicating with cavitating lesions. The differentials included osteomyelitis, bony metastases, multiple myeloma or other cystic lesions. The patient underwent incision and drainage of the abscess, alongside biopsies, and intravenous co-amoxiclav was given. Microbiology cultures confirmed the presence ofActinomyces israeliiand a diagnosis of cervicofacial actinomycosis with mandibular osteomyelitis. The patient was successfully treated with prolonged antibiotics.
Grade I meningioma with disseminated bone disease: a rare clinical phenomenon
Authors: Mirallas Oriol , Marmolejo David , Valdivia Augusto , Vieito Maria
Published: April 2020

Meningioma, the second most common primary tumour of the central nervous system, is classified into three different grades based on their characteristics. Each tumour grade includes different molecular subtype, growth potential, and thus, different prognosis. Grade I meningioma is the most common subtype with a benign course, in which systemic dissemination rarely occurs. We present the case of a 48-year-old male patient with a history of grade I meningioma who was referred 3 years after the initial diagnosis to our centre due to pelvic pain. Computed tomography (CT) images showed new pelvic bone lesions whose histopathological report was compatible with a grade I meningioma. Neither hormonal therapy concomitant with octreotide nor hydroxiurea treatments were effective. Very little is known about this entity’s prevalence and treatment when disseminated disease occurs. Thus, we think it is important to increase the positive and negative clinical experiences in this setting.
Syphilitic chorioretinitis presenting as a choroidal granuloma
Authors: Dogra Avantika , Tyagi Mudit , Kaza Hrishikesh , Pathengay Avinash
Published: April 2020

A rare case of syphilitic uveitis presenting as a choroidal granuloma is described in this case report. The clinical picture resembled that of a tubercular choroidal granuloma. However, the patient was positive for treponemal (treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay) as well as non-treponemal tests (venereal disease research laboratory test) for syphilis. Therefore, the patient was treated for ocular syphilis and responded to antisyphilitic therapy. There was a complete resolution of the lesion at the end of 14 days of treatment.
Intense exercise may not be so benign: chest pain in a young athletic woman may be spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)
Authors: Oluwole Adegbola S , Virk Hafeez Ul Hassan , Witzke Christian
Published: April 2020

We present a 26-year-old woman who came to the emergency department with chest pain of 1 hour duration that started while she was exercising on the treadmill. At presentation, ECG showed sinus bradycardia. Initial troponin level was 0.05 ng/mL and her chest pain resolved within 3 hours of onset. Troponins were trended serially, which continued to rise and peaked at 28.77 ng/mL and so heparin drip was started. On the second day of admission, a coronary angiogram was performed along with intravascular ultrasound, which revealed type 3 spontaneous coronary artery dissection. No obstructive atherosclerotic disease was noted in any of the coronary vessels. No coronary intervention was performed. Patient was started on aspirin and clopidogrel. Patient was discharged home in stable condition and was followed outpatient, where she remained in excellent health condition at her first clinic visit.
Gut microbiome composition and risk factors in a large cross-sectional IBS cohort
Authors: Agnello Melissa , Carroll Lauren N , Imam Nabeel , Pino Rodolfo , Palmer Christina , Varas Ignacio , Greene Claire , Hitschfeld Maureen , Gupta Sarah , Almonacid Daniel E , Hoaglin Michael C
Published: April 2020

Objective

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that is difficult to diagnose and treat due to its inherent heterogeneity and unclear aetiology. Although there is evidence suggesting the importance of the microbiome in IBS, this association remains poorly defined. In the current study, we aimed to characterise a large cross-sectional cohort of patients with self-reported IBS in terms of microbiome composition, demographics, and risk factors.

Design

Individuals who had previously submitted a stool sample for 16S microbiome sequencing were sent a comprehensive survey regarding IBS diagnosis, demographics, health history, comorbidities, family history, and symptoms. Log ratio-transformed abundances of microbial taxa were compared between individuals reporting a diagnosis of IBS without any comorbidities and individuals reporting no health conditions. Univariable testing was followed by a multivariable logistic regression model controlling for relevant confounders.

Results

Out of 6386 respondents, 1692 reported a diagnosis of IBS without comorbidities and 1124 reported no health conditions. We identified 3 phyla, 15 genera, and 19 species as significantly associated with IBS after adjustment for confounding factors. Demographic risk factors include a family history of gut disorders and reported use of antibiotics in the last year.

Conclusion

The results of this study confirm important IBS risk factors in a large cohort and support a connection for microbiome compositional changes in IBS pathogenesis. The results also suggest clinical relevance in monitoring and investigating the microbiome in patients with IBS. Further, the exploratory models described here provide a foundation for future studies.
Cohort profile: the Funen Diabetes Database—a population-based cohort of patients with diabetes in Denmark
Authors: Adelborg Kasper , Szentkúti Péter , Henriksen Jan Erik , Thomsen Reimar Wernich , Pedersen Lars , Sundbøll Jens , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Hother-Nielsen Ole , Beck-Nielsen Henning
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Detailed population-based data are essential to understanding the epidemiology of diabetes and its clinical course. This article describes the Funen Diabetes Database (FDDB). The purpose of the FDDB was to serve as a shared electronic medical record system for healthcare professionals treating patients with diabetes. The cohort can also be used for research.

Participants

The FDDB covers a geographical area of almost 500 000 Danish inhabitants. It currently includes 3691 patients with type 1 diabetes, 19 085 patients with type 2 diabetes, 292 patients with other types of diabetes and 5992 patients with an unknown type of diabetes. Patients have been continuously enrolled from general practitioners and endocrinology departments in the Funen area in Denmark since 2003. Patients undergo a clinical work-up at their first diabetes contact and during follow-up visits. The information collected includes type of diabetes contact, blood pressure, height, weight, lifestyle factors (smoking, exercise), laboratory records (eg, haemoglobin A1c and cholesterol levels), results from foot examinations (eg, pulse, cutaneous sensitivity and ankle brachial index), results from eye examinations (eg, degree of retinopathy assessed by retinal photo and eye examination), glucose-lowering drugs and diabetic complications.

Findings to date

The FDDB cohort was followed for a total of 212 234 person-years up to 2016. A cross-sectional study described the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and its associated risk factors. The clinical outcomes of patients with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults have been assessed. Linkage to population-based medical registries with complete follow-up has enabled the collection of extensive continuous data on general practice contacts, diagnoses and procedures from hospital contacts, medication use and mortality.

Future plans

The FDDB serves as a strong data resource that will be used in future studies of diabetes epidemiology with focus on occurrence, risk factors, treatment, complications and prognosis.
Preterm children’s developmental coordination disorder, cognition and quality of life: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Uusitalo Karoliina , Haataja Leena , Nyman Anna , Ripatti Liisi , Huhtala Mira , Rautava Päivi , Lehtonen Liisa , Parkkola Riitta , Lahti Katri , Koivisto Mari , Setänen Sirkku
Published: April 2020

Objective

To evaluate the rate of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and its correlation to cognition and self-experienced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children born very preterm.

Design

Prospective follow-up study.

Setting

Regional population of children born very preterm in Turku University Hospital, Finland, in 2001–2006.

Patients

A total of 170 children born very preterm were followed up until 11 years of age.

Main outcome measures

Motor and cognitive outcomes were evaluated using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - Second Edition (Movement ABC-2) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fourth Edition, respectively, and HRQoL using the 17-Dimensional Illustrated Questionnaire (17D). The Touwen neurological examination was performed to exclude other neurological conditions affecting the motor outcome.

Results

Eighteen children born very preterm (17 boys) (11.3%) had DCD, defined as Movement ABC-2 total test score ≤5th percentile. A positive correlation between motor and cognitive outcome (r=0.22, p=0.006) was found. Children born very preterm with DCD had lower cognitive scores than those without DCD (Full-Scale IQ mean 76.8 vs 91.6, p=0.001). Moreover, children born very preterm with DCD reported lower HRQoL than children born very preterm without motor impairment (17D mean 0.93 vs 0.96, p=0.03). However, HRQoL was higher in this group of children born very preterm compared with population-based normative test results (p<0.001).

Conclusions

DCD was still common at 11 years of age in children born very preterm in 2000s. DCD associated with adverse cognitive development and lower self-experienced HRQoL. However, this group of children born very preterm reported better HRQoL in comparison with Finnish norms.
Impact of multidisciplinary team huddles on patient safety: a systematic review and proposed taxonomy
Authors: Franklin Brian J , Gandhi Tejal K , Bates David W , Huancahuari Nadia , Morris Charles A , Pearson Madelyn , Bass Michelle Beth , Goralnick Eric
Published: April 2020

Background

Despite significant advances, patient safety remains a critical public health concern. Daily huddles—discussions to identify and respond to safety risks—have been credited with enhancing safety culture in operationally complex industries including aviation and nuclear power. More recently, huddles have been endorsed as a mechanism to improve patient safety in healthcare. This review synthesises the literature related to the impact of hospital-based safety huddles.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature related to scheduled, multidisciplinary, hospital-based safety huddles through December 2019. We screened for studies (1) in which huddles were the primary intervention being assessed and (2) that measured the huddle programme’s apparent impact using at least one quantitative metric.

Results

We identified 1034 articles; 24 met our criteria for review, of which 19 reflected unit-based huddles and 5 reflected hospital-wide or multiunit huddles. Of the 24 included articles, uncontrolled pre–post comparison was the prevailing study design; we identified only two controlled studies. Among the 12 unit-based studies that provided complete measures of statistical significance for reported outcomes, 11 reported statistically significant improvement among some or all outcomes. The objectives of huddle programmes and the language used to describe them varied widely across the studies we reviewed.

Conclusion

While anecdotal accounts of successful huddle programmes abound and the evidence we reviewed appears favourable overall, high-quality peer-reviewed evidence regarding the effectiveness of hospital-based safety huddles, particularly at the hospital-wide level, is in its earliest stages. Additional rigorous research—especially focused on huddle programme design and implementation fidelity—would enhance the collective understanding of how huddles impact patient safety and other targeted outcomes. We propose a taxonomy and standardised reporting measures for future huddle-related studies to enhance comparability and evidence quality.
Ridesharing and motor vehicle crashes: a spatial ecological case-crossover study of trip-level data
Authors: Morrison Christopher N , Mehranbod Christina , Kwizera Muhire , Rundle Andrew G , Keyes Katherine M , Humphreys David K
Published: April 2020

Background

Ridesharing services (eg, Uber, Lyft) have facilitated over 11 billion trips worldwide since operations began in 2010, but the impacts of ridesharing on motor vehicle injury crashes are largely unknown.—

Methods

This spatial ecological case-cross over used highly spatially and temporally resolved trip-level rideshare data and incident-level injury crash data for New York City (NYC) for 2017 and 2018. The space-time units of analysis were NYC taxi zone polygons partitioned into hours. For each taxi zone-hour we calculated counts of rideshare trip origins and rideshare trip destinations. Case units were taxi zone-hours in which any motor vehicle injury crash occurred, and matched control units were the same taxi zone from 1 week before (−168 hours) and 1 week after (+168 hours) the case unit. Conditional logistic regression models estimated the odds of observing a crash (separated into all injury crashes, motorist injury crashes, pedestrian injury crashes, cyclist injury crashes) relative to rideshare trip counts. Models controlled for taxi trips and other theoretically relevant covariates (eg, precipitation, holidays).

Results

Each additional 100 rideshare trips originating within a taxi zone-hour was associated with 4.6% increased odds of observing any injury crash compared with the control taxi zone-hours (OR=1.046; 95% CI 1.032 to 1.060). Associations were detected for motorist injury and pedestrian injury crashes, but not cyclist injury crashes. Findings were substantively similar for analyses conducted using trip destinations as the exposure of interest.

Conclusions

Ridesharing contributes to increased injury burden due to motor vehicle crashes, particularly for motorist and pedestrian injury crashes at trip nodes.
Incidence, treatment and mortality of new-onset atrial fibrillation patients at the intensive care unit
Authors: Jacobs Maartje S , Loef Bert , Reidinga Auke C , Postma Maarten J , Van Hulst Marinus , Tieleman Robert G
Published: April 2020

Objective

Critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) often develop atrial fibrillation (AF), with an incidence of around 5%. Stroke prevention in AF is well described in clinical guidelines. The extent to which stroke prevention is prescribed to ICU patients with AF is unknown. We aimed to determine the incidence of new-onset AF and describe stroke prevention strategies initiated on the ICU of our teaching hospital. Also, we compared mortality in patients with new-onset AF to critically ill patients with previously diagnosed AF and patients without any AF.

Methods

This study was a retrospective cohort study including all admissions to the ICU of the Martini Hospital (Groningen, The Netherlands) in the period 2011 to 2016. Survival analyses were performed using these real-world data.

Results

In total, 3334 patients were admitted to the ICU, of whom 213 patients (6.4%) developed new-onset AF. 583 patients (17.5%) had a previous AF diagnosis, the other patients were in sinus rhythm. In-hospital mortality and 1-year mortality after hospital discharge were significantly higher for new-onset AF patients compared with patients with no history of AF or previously diagnosed AF. At hospital discharge, only 56.3% of the new-onset AF-patients eligible for stroke prevention received an anticoagulant. Anticoagulation was not dependent on CHA2DS2-VASc score or other patient characteristics. An effect of anticoagulative status on mortality was not significant.

Conclusion

AF is associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients admitted to the ICU. More guidance is needed to optimise anticoagulant treatment in critically ill new-onset AF patients.
Influence of initial water content on unsaturated shear strength of compacted GaoMiaoZi (GMZ) bentonite
Authors: Zhao N.F. , Ye W.M. , Wang Q. , Chen B. , Cui Y.-J.
Published: April 2020

This paper presents an experimental study on the influence of initial water content on unsaturated shear strength of compacted bentonite. Isotropic loading and triaxial shear tests were conducted on compacted GaoMiaoZi (GMZ) bentonite specimens with different initial water contents. Isotropic loading test and triaxial shear test results show that the compression index increases and yield stress decreases with increasing water content, while the swelling index stays constant. For normally consolidated and lightly overconsolidated bentonite, unsaturated shear strength can be described by the critical state line. For highly overconsolidated bentonite, unsaturated shear strength can be described by the Hvorslev surface. The critical state line and Hvorslev surface are found to be linear for the specimens with different water contents. The critical state stress ratio and the Hvorslev surface parameters are found to decrease with an increase in water content of the bentonite studied.
A vegetative index of stand productivity based on tree inventory for predicting oak site index in the Central Hardwood Region
Authors: McNab W. Henry , Keyser Tara L.
Published: April 2020

Models for prediction of site index (SI) typically include only abiotic causal variables (e.g., soil) and lack biotic response variables (e.g., vegetation), which could exhibit greater sensitivity to important environmental factors affecting tree height growth. Our study objective was to evaluate Whittaker’s moisture condition index (MCI) (R.H. Whittaker. 1956. Ecol. Monogr. 26: 1–80) as a potential biotic variable for inclusion with conventional abiotic variables in oak (Quercus L.) SI prediction models. The MCI is the sum of relative abundances of inventoried plot tree species weighted by their moisture affinity classification. We compared regression parameters of conventional base models including only abiotic variables with exploratory models configured with abiotic variables and MCI for explaining variation of SI. The best abiotic model included only aspect. When MCI was included in the abiotic model, aspect became insignificant, resulting in a single-variable biotic model that accounted for increased SI variation. The MCI biotic model remained significant when tested with independent data from a distant location. The MCI is easily calculated using plot inventory data, and with further evaluation, it may be confirmed as a useful biotic variable in combination with abiotic soil and topographic variables for prediction of oak SI.
Steering entropic uncertainty of qutrit system
Authors: Huang Zhiming , Wu Dongwu , Wang Tianqing , Bian Yungang , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2020

High-dimensional quantum system plays an important role in quantum information tasks. However, the interaction between quantum system and environment would give rise to decoherence. In this paper, we examine the quantum-memory-assisted entropic uncertainty relation under amplitude damping (AD) decoherence. It is found that entropic uncertainty first inflates and then reduces to a nonzero value with the growing decoherence strength. In addition, it is revealed that the mixedness is not closely associated with entropic uncertainty which is different from the previous result. Furthermore, we construct a remarkably effective filtering operator to steer and reduce the entropic uncertainty. Our exploration might offer fresh insights into the dynamics and manipulation of the entropic uncertainty in high-dimensional quantum system.
Time varying parameter in modified Chaplygin gas cosmology
Authors: Singh Koijam Manihar , Mahanta K. L. , Devi Longjam Parbati , Sahoo R. R.
Published: April 2020

In the course of study of the evolution of the universe, it is seen that perhaps the extra energy generated and particles created due to the accelerated expansion of the universe might be absorbed by the dark energy and dark matter which are already existing in this universe. It is found that the energy density of dark energy can be expressed as a function of the energy density of the remaining matter portion of the universe which shows that the different components of the universe are correlated. According to the forms of the different types of interaction occurring between dark energy and the other different contents of the universe it may be possible to utilize the dark energy in different ways as it may take different forms of energy. As an interesting phenomenon, it is also observed that the concept of negative time may exist in this universe, and it may revolutionize some of the original concepts of nature and the physical world.
Exact solutions to the space-time fraction Whitham–Broer–Kaup equation
Authors: Cao Damin , Li Cheng , He Fajiang
Published: April 2020

The objective work of this paper is to transform the nonlinear space-time fraction Whitham–Broer–Kaup equation into ordinary differential equation by using the conformal fractional derivative, and find the exact solutions through the complete polynomial discriminant system. At the same time, we build the appropriate solution for the identified parameters to show the existence of the solution. In addition, we provide the 3D and 2D graphics to show that the solutions are real and effective.
Balanced joint maximum mean discrepancy for deep transfer learning
Authors: Meng Chuangji , Xu Cunlu , Lei Qin , Su Wei , Wu Jinzhao
Published: April 2020

Recent studies have revealed that deep networks can learn transferable features that generalize well to novel tasks with little or unavailable labeled data for domain adaptation. However, justifying which components of the feature representations can reason about original joint distributions using JMMD within the regime of deep architecture remains unclear. We present a new backpropagation algorithm for JMMD called the Balanced Joint Maximum Mean Discrepancy (B-JMMD) to further reduce the domain discrepancy. B-JMMD achieves the effect of balanced distribution adaptation for deep network architecture, and can be treated as an improved version of JMMD’s backpropagation algorithm. The proposed method leverages the importance of marginal and conditional distributions behind multiple domain-specific layers across domains adaptively to get a good match for the joint distributions in a second-order reproducing kernel Hilbert space. The learning of the proposed method can be performed technically by a special form of stochastic gradient descent, in which the gradient is computed by backpropagation with a strategy of balanced distribution adaptation. Theoretical analysis shows that the proposed B-JMMD is superior to JMMD method. Experiments confirm that our method yields state-of-the-art results with standard datasets.
Optimal rate for prediction when predictor and response are functions
Authors: Zhou Yang , Chen Di-Rong
Published: April 2020

In functional data analysis, linear prediction problems have been widely studied based on the functional linear regression model. However, restrictive condition is needed to ensure the existence of the coefficient function. In this paper, a general linear prediction model is considered on the framework of reproducing kernel Hilbert space, which includes both the functional linear regression model and the point impact model. We show that from the point view of prediction, this general model works as well even the coefficient function does not exist. Moreover, under mild conditions, the minimax optimal rate of convergence is established for the prediction under the integrated mean squared prediction error. In particular, the rate reduces to the existing result when the coefficient function exists.
Log++ logging for a cloud-native world
Authors: Marron Mark
Published: April 2020

Logging is a fundamental part of the software development and deployment lifecycle but logging support is often provided as an afterthought via limited library APIs or third-party modules. Given the critical nature of logging in modern cloud, mobile, and IoT development workflows, the unique needs of the APIs involved, and the opportunities for optimization using semantic knowledge, we argue logging should be included as a central part of the language and runtime designs. This paper presents a rethinking of the logger for modern cloud-native workflows.

Based on a set of design principles for modern logging we build a logging system, that supports near zero-cost for disabled log statements, low cost lazy-copying for enabled log statements, selective persistence of logging output, unified control of logging output across different libraries, and DevOps integration for use with modern cloud-based deployments. To evaluate these concepts we implemented the Log++ logger for Node.js hosted JavaScript applications.
Molecular Mechanisms of Facultative Heterochromatin Formation: An X-Chromosome Perspective
Authors: Żylicz Jan J. , Heard Edith
Published: April 2020

Facultative heterochromatin (fHC) concerns the developmentally regulated heterochromatinization of different regions of the genome and, in the case of the mammalian X chromosome and imprinted loci, of only one allele of a homologous pair. The formation of fHC participates in the timely repression of genes, by resisting strong trans activators. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of fHC in mammals using a mouse model. We focus on X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) as a paradigm for fHC but also relate it to genomic imprinting and homeobox ( Hox) gene cluster repression. A vital role for noncoding transcription and/or transcripts emerges as the general principle of triggering XCI and canonical imprinting. However, other types of fHC are established through an unknown mechanism, independent of noncoding transcription ( Hox clusters and noncanonical imprinting). We also extensively discuss polycomb-group repressive complexes (PRCs), which frequently play a vital role in fHC maintenance.
The Neural Basis of Escape Behavior in Vertebrates
Authors: Branco Tiago , Redgrave Peter
Published: April 2020

Escape is one of the most studied animal behaviors, and there is a rich normative theory that links threat properties to evasive actions and their timing. The behavioral principles of escape are evolutionarily conserved and rely on elementary computational steps such as classifying sensory stimuli and executing appropriate movements. These are common building blocks of general adaptive behaviors. Here we consider the computational challenges required for escape behaviors to be implemented, discuss possible algorithmic solutions, and review some of the underlying neural circuits and mechanisms. We outline shared neural principles that can be implemented by evolutionarily ancient neural systems to generate escape behavior, to which cortical encephalization has been added to allow for increased sophistication and flexibility in responding to threat.
Alanine, arginine, cysteine, and proline, but not glutamine, are substrates for, and acute mediators of, the liver-α-cell axis in female mice
Authors: Galsgaard Katrine D. , Jepsen Sara L. , Kjeldsen Sasha A. S. , Pedersen Jens , Wewer Albrechtsen Nicolai J. , Holst Jens J.
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to identify the amino acids that stimulate glucagon secretion in mice and whose metabolism depends on glucagon receptor signaling. Pancreata of female C57BL/6JRj mice were perfused with 19 individual amino acids and pyruvate (at 10 mM), and secretion of glucagon was assessed using a specific glucagon radioimmunoassay. Separately, a glucagon receptor antagonist (GRA; 25–2648, 100 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered to female C57BL/6JRj mice 3 h before an intraperitoneal injection of four different isomolar amino acid mixtures (in total 7 µmol/g body wt) as follows: mixture 1 contained alanine, arginine, cysteine, and proline; mixture 2 contained aspartate, glutamate, histidine, and lysine; mixture 3 contained citrulline, methionine, serine, and threonine; and mixture 4 contained glutamine, leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Blood glucose, plasma glucagon, amino acid, and insulin concentrations were measured using well-characterized methodologies. Alanine ( P = 0.03), arginine ( P < 0.0001), cysteine ( P = 0.01), glycine ( P = 0.02), lysine ( P = 0.02), and proline ( P = 0.03), but not glutamine ( P = 0.9), stimulated glucagon secretion from the perfused mouse pancreas. However, when the four isomolar amino acid mixtures were administered in vivo, the four mixtures elicited similar glucagon responses ( P > 0.5). Plasma concentrations of total amino acids in vivo were higher after administration of GRA when mixture 1 ( P = 0.004) or mixture 3 ( P = 0.04) were injected. Our data suggest that alanine, arginine, cysteine, and proline, but not glutamine, are involved in the acute regulation of the liver-α-cell axis in female mice, as they all increased glucagon secretion and their disappearance rate was altered by GRA.
Consensus on the Clinical Approach to Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Spain: A Delphi Survey
Authors: Sastre Joaquín , Baldrich Esther Serra , Armario Hita José Carlos , Herráez L. , Jáuregui Ignacio , Martín-Santiago Ana , Ortiz de Frutos Javier , Silvestre Juan Francisco , Valero Antonio
Published: April 2020

Background. The purpose of this study was to gather information on the current assessment and management of patients with moderate-to-severe AD in routine daily practice. Methods. A cross-sectional two-round Delphi survey with the participation of dermatologists and allergologists throughout Spain was conducted. They completed a 46-item questionnaire, and consensus was defined when responses of ≥80% of participants coincided in the categories of a 5-point Likert scale for that item. Results. A total of 105 specialists (aged 40–59 years) completed the two rounds. Participants agreed regarding the consideration of AD as a multifaceted disease and the differences in clinical presentation of AD according to the patient’s age. It is recommendable to perform a skin biopsy to exclude early stage T-cell cutaneous lymphoma, psoriasis, or dermatitis herpetiformis, among others (99.1%). Also, consensus was reached regarding the use of the SCORAD index to quantify the severity of the disease (86.7%), the use of wet wraps to increase the effect of topical corticosteroids (90.4%), the usefulness of proactive treatment during follow-up (85.6%) and tacrolimus ointment (91.2%) to reduce new flares, and the fact that crisaborole is not the treatment of choice for severe AD (92.4%). AD was not considered a contraindication for immunotherapy in patients with allergic respiratory diseases (92.4%). In patients with severe AD, the use of immune response modifier drugs (97.6%) or phototherapy (92.8%) does not sufficiently cover their treatment needs. Consensus was also obtained regarding the role of the new biologic drugs (93.6%) targeting cytokines involved in the Th2 inflammatory pathway (92.0%) and the potential role of dupilumab as first-line treatment (90.4%) in moderate-to-severe AD patients. Conclusion. This study contributes a reference framework to the care of AD patients. There is no diagnostic test or biomarkers to direct treatment or to assess the severity of the disease, and many therapeutic challenges remain.
Mixture of MMP-2, MLC, and NOS Inhibitors Affects NO Metabolism and Protects Heart from Cardiac I/R Injury
Authors: Krzywonos-Zawadzka Anna , Franczak Aleksandra , Sawicki Grzegorz , Bil-Lula Iwona
Published: April 2020

Objectives. Coronary reperfusion procedure leads to ischemia/reperfusion injury of the heart (IRI). IRI arises from increased degradation of myosin light chains and increased activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2). Increased production of toxic peroxynitrite (ONOO−) during oxidative stress is a source of increased nitration/nitrosylation of contractile proteins, which enhance their degradation through MMP-2. Hence, an imbalance in nitric oxide (NO) metabolism along with oxidative stress is an important factor contributing to pathophysiology of cardiovascular disorders, including myocardial infarction. The aim of the current study was to provide an important insight into understanding the interaction of iNOS, eNOS, and ADMA during oxidative stress and to propose the beneficial therapy to modulate this interaction. Material and Methods. Pathogen-free Wistar rats were used in this study as a surrogate heart model ex vivo. Rat hearts perfused using the Langendorff method were subjected to global no-flow ischemia with or without administration of DOXY (1 µM), ML-7 (0.5 µM), and L-NAME (2 µM) mixture. Haemodynamic parameters of heart function, markers of I/R injury, tissue expression of iNOS, eNOS, and phospho-eNOS, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and NO production as well as MMP-2 activity were measured. Results. Mechanical heart function and coronary flow (CF) were decreased in the hearts subjected to I/R. Treatment of the hearts with the tested mixture resulted in a recovery of mechanical function due to decreased activity of MMP‐2. An infusion of Doxy, ML-7, and L-NAME mixture into I/R hearts decreased the expression of iNOS, eNOS, and phospho-eNOS and in consequence reduced ADMA expression. Decreased ADMA production led to enhanced NO synthesis and improvement of cardiac function at 85% of aerobic control. Conclusions. Synergistic effect of the multidrug therapy with the subthreshold doses allows addressing a few pathways of I/R injury simultaneously to achieve protection of cardiac function during I/R.