bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of methods to determine patent foramen ovale size
Authors: Kumar Preetham , Rusheen Joshua , Tobis Jonathan M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is implicated in the pathogenesis of clinical conditions such as cryptogenic stroke and migraine with aura. This study evaluated the challenges of sizing a PFO with different contemporary imaging modalities and assessed the relationship between PFO size and severity of the right‐to‐left shunt (RLS).

Methods

Patients who were referred to interventional cardiology with the diagnosis of a PFO and had undergone intra‐procedural balloon sizing (n = 147), transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) imaging (n = 67), or intracardiac echocardiogram (ICE) imaging (n = 73) at the time of workup were included in this study. TEE and ICE were used to obtain PFO length and height during normal respiration. A sizing balloon was used to obtain PFO width and height after the septum primum was opened with balloon inflation.

Results

The mean PFO length measured by TEE and ICE differed significantly (n = 27, 13.0 ± 4.1 vs. 9.9 ± 3.2 mm, p = .001). The mean PFO height measured by TEE and ICE (n = 27, 1.4 ± 0.6 vs. 1.7 ± 0.6 mm, p = .04), TEE and sizing balloon (n = 56, 1.5 ± 1.2 vs. 10.5 ± 4.2 mm, p < .0001), and ICE and sizing balloon (n = 66, 1.7 ± 0.7 vs. 9.1 ± 3.7 mm, p < .0001) also differed significantly. A poor correlation existed between anatomic PFO length or height and functional Spencer TCD grade RLS flow with Valsalva, irrespective of the imaging modality used.

Conclusions

The determination of a PFO size is dependent on the imaging modality used. Sizing balloon demonstrates a larger width or height than ultrasound imaging methods, such as TEE and ICE, because a PFO remains closed most of the time, leading the echocardiogram to underestimate the potential PFO size. Additionally, PFO length and height correlate poorly with the functional RLS grade. These findings imply that ultrasound‐based size characterization should not be used to determine whether a PFO should be closed.
Towards Preparative Chemoenzymatic Oxidative Decarboxylation of Glutamic Acid
Authors: Xu Xiaomin , But Andrada , Wever Ron , Hollmann Frank
Published: December 2019

The chemoenzymatic oxidative decarboxylation of glutamic acid to the corresponding nitrile using the vanadium chloroperoxidase from Curvularia inaequalis (CiVCPO) as HOBr generation catalysts has been investigated. Product inhibition was identified as major limitation. Nevertheless, 1630000 turnovers and kcat of 75 s−1 were achieved using 100 mM glutamate. The semi‐preparative enzymatic oxidative decarboxylation of glutamate was also demonstrated.
Using Peanut Shells to Construct a Porous MnO/C Composite Material with Highly Improved Lithium Storage Performance
Authors: Zhan Dan , Wen Tao , Li Yuqi , Zhu Yuqing , Liu Ke , Cui Ping , Jia Zhiyong , Liu Huajun , Lei Kelin , Xiao Zuoan
Published: December 2019

Rational utilization of biomass waste in creating new clean energy such as lithium‐ion batteries is conducive to alleviating the energy crisis and boosting environmental protection. Herein, using peanut shells as the carbon source, a MnO/C composite material was successfully prepared through an eco‐environmental and facile approach based on hydrothermal treatment and pyrolysis. The resultant MnO/C composite material demonstrated a hierarchical porous structure and MnO particles with irregular morphology were embedded in the pores. When used in a lithium‐ion battery, the material exhibited much better lithium storage properties than those for pristine MnO and peanut shell‐derived carbon. In 0.0–3.0 V, the composite material can supply an initial specific capacity of 1169.5 mA h g−1, with a capacity retention ratio of 84.9 % after 200 electrochemical cycles. Even at 2400 mA g−1, the material can still offer a discharge capacity of 532.3 mA h g−1, manifesting an outstanding rate performance. The enhanced lithium storage properties of the composite material are attributed to the support of the porous carbon matrix derived from peanut shells, which are not only conducive to improving conductivity but also capable of buffering the volume expansion/shrinkage caused by lithiation/delithiation during charge/discharge processes.
Metal Organic Framework Nanorod Doped Solid Polymer Electrolyte with Decreased Crystallinity for High‐Performance All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Zhang Zheng , You Jin‐Hai , Zhang Shao‐Jian , Wang Chuan‐Wei , Zhou Yao , Li Jun‐Tao , Huang Ling , Sun Shi‐Gang
Published: December 2019

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), an important solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) for solid‐state lithium batteries, suffers from low ionic conductivity and poor electrochemical stability; many inorganic solid compounds have been explored as fillers to address these issues. Herein, we report that Al‐metal organic framework (MOF) nanorods could work as efficient solid fillers to boost the electrochemical performance of PEO‐based SPEs. The addition of MOF nanorods was found to inhibit the crystallization of PEO and effectively weaken the interactions among the PEO chains, resulting in evidently enhanced ionic conductivity and improved electrochemical stability; moreover, when embedded in PEO, such Al‐MOF nanorods are microporous and micrometer long, which are expected to favor the transportation of Li+ over the significantly more bulky anions TFSI−. Compared with pure PEO SPE, our optimal sample PEO‐MOF5% SPE has higher ion conductivity (2.09×10−5 S/cm at 30 °C and 7.11×10−4 S/cm 60 °C), a larger lithium‐ion transference number (0.46) and an enlarged electrochemical window (4.7 V versus Li/Li+). Accordingly, the cell of LiFePO4/PEO‐MOF5%/Li shows excellent cycle performance and rate performance. Our work proved the advantages of MOF particles as solid fillers towards high‐performance PEO‐based SPE, and we also put emphasis on the shape effect of the solid fillers on the lithium‐ion transference number and, thus, the electrochemical performance of the resulting SPE.
Decision‐making regarding primary prevention implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators among older adults
Authors: Hess Paul L. , Matlock Daniel D. , Al‐Khatib Sana M.
Published: December 2019

Most implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are implanted for the purpose of primary prevention of sudden cardiac death among older patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Shared decision‐making prior to device implantation is guideline‐recommended and payer‐mandated. This article summarizes patient and provider attitudes toward device placement, device efficacy and effectiveness, potential periprocedural complications, long‐term events such as shocks, quality of life, costs, and shared decision‐making principles and recommendations. Most patients eligible for an ICD anticipate more than 10 years of survival. Physicians are less likely to offer an ICD to patients ≥80 years of age given a perceived lack of benefit. There is a dearth of data from randomized clinical trials addressing device efficacy among older patients; there is a need for more research in this area. However, currently available data support the use of ICDs irrespective of age provided life expectancy exceeds 1 year. Advanced age is independently associated with complications at the time of device placement but not the risk of device infection. The risk of inappropriate shock may be comparable or lower than that of younger patients. While quality of life is generally not adversely impacted by an ICD, a subset of patients experience post‐traumatic stress disorder. ICDs are cost‐effective from societal and health care sector perspectives; however, out‐of‐pocket costs vary according to insurance type and level. Shared decision‐making encounters may be incremental and iterative in nature. Providers are encouraged to partner with their patients, providing them counsel tailored to their values, preferences, and clinical presentation inclusive of age.
Ultrasound Accelerated Oxidation of Organic Dyes by a Micron‐Sized Copper/Peroxomonosulfate System
Authors: Liu Chaorong , Zhang Jing , Wang Qingguo , Zhou Peng , Hu Sikui
Published: December 2019

Experiments on the degradation of acid orange 7 (AO7) using micron‐sized zero‐valent copper (ZVC) are conducted in acidic aqueous solution under ultrasonic (US) irradiation. The US/ZVC/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) process for AO7 degradation is significantly better than that of an independent system. Based on the characterization of ZVC, it is observed that the corrosion speed of ZVC increases after ultrasound, owing to which a greater amount of Cu+ (0–3.03 mg L−1) and Cu2+ are produced. Exposure to US irradiation increases the available surface area of the catalysts to generate many new reactive sites for the degradation process. The AO7 degradation rate after the addition of a new copper reagent—neocuproine hemihydrate—from 6.33% to 100% proved that Cu+ is the main activator of PMS. Results indicated that free radicals (OH• and SO4−•) act as activators of PMS in the process. And higher ultrasound power, lower solution pH, and a larger ZVC dose are favorable for AO7 removal.
A self‐stabilizing distributed algorithm for the local (1,|Ni|)‐critical section problem
Authors: Kamei Sayaka , Kakugawa Hirotsugu
Published: December 2019

We consider the local (1,|Ni|)‐critical section (CS) problem where Ni is the set of neighboring processes for each process Pi. It dynamically maintains two disjoint dominating sets and is one of the generalizations of the mutual exclusion problem. The problem is one of controlling the system in such a way that, for each process, among its neighbors and itself, at least one process must be in the CS and at least one process must be out of the CS at each time. That is, in the system G=(V,E), there are always two disjoint dominating sets A1(⊂V) and A2(=V\A1) and each process alternates between its rule A1 and A2 infinitely. It is useful for sleep scheduling or cluster head scheduling in sensor networks. In this paper, first, we show the necessary and sufficient conditions to solve the problem without any deadlock detection. To discuss the conditions, we consider an inefficient (costly) self‐stabilizing algorithm for the local (1,|Ni|)‐CS problem. After that, an efficient self‐stabilizing algorithm for the local (1,|Ni|)‐CS problem is proposed under an additional assumption that the graph does not have a special matching, which we call unpreventable colorable maximal matching. The convergence time of the proposed algorithm is O(n) rounds under the weakly fair distributed daemon.
Room Temperature Phosphorescent (RTP) N‐Acetylphenothiazines
Authors: Sarkar Tanmay Kumar , Sarkar Samir Kumar , Thilagar Pakkirisamy
Published: December 2019

Herein we disclose a series of purely organic molecules (1–4) with a donor‐acceptor architecture (phenothiazine donor (D) and the acyl acceptor (A)) exhibiting room temperature dual phosphorescence (RTDP) characteristics. Detailed computational and photophysical studies revealed that the dual RTP bands with different wavelengths and lifetimes in these compounds originate from excited triplet states of different energies. In particular, the electronic nature of the substituent on the acceptor acyl unit has a significant effect on the energy of the ICT state, hybridization of excited states, as well as the rate of intersystem crossing. Compound 1 with an electron‐deficient CF3−CO acceptor moiety exhibit RTDP in the longer wavelength region. In contrast, compounds 2, 3 and 4 with weaker acceptors (2; CH3−CO, 3; CH3−CH2−CO and 4; (CH3)2−CH−CO) exhibit RTDP in a shorter wavelength region.
Effects of Li Confined Motion on NMR Quadrupolar Interactions: A Combined 7Li NMR and DFT‐MD Study of LiR2(PO4)3 (R=Ti or Zr) Phases
Authors: Diez‐Gómez Virginia , de Andres Pedro L. , Sanz Jesús
Published: December 2019

Ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and NMR GIPAW (gauge including projector augmented wave) calculations have been used to analyze the coordination and mobility of Li ions in LiTi2(PO4)3 (rhombohedral), LiZr2(PO4)3 (triclinic), and LiZr2(PO4)3 (rhombohedral) phases. Significant discrepancies are observed between static calculations of 7Li quadrupolar parameters and experimental values. The dynamical origin of this disagreement is demonstrated by incorporating in the calculations thermal vibrations and local motion of atoms with MD simulations. For LiTi2(PO4)3, the quadrupolar constant associated with Li ions grows with temperature because the local symmetry of the system decreases, whereas for the Zr phases, the quadrupolar constant decreases because thermal vibrations reduce the anisotropy of the interaction. Finally, for both Zr phases, MD yields Li distributions that compare well with disorder reported from diffraction studies.
Oceanographic drivers of winter habitat use in Cassin’s Auklets
Authors: Johns Michael E. , Warzybok Pete , Jahncke Jaime , Lindberg Mark , Breed Greg A.
Published: December 2019

Reduced prey abundance and severe weather can lead to a greater risk of mortality for seabirds during the non‐breeding winter months. Resource patterns in some regions are shifting and becoming more variable in relation to past conditions, potentially further impacting survival and carryover to the breeding season. As animal tracking technologies and methods to analyze movement data have advanced, it has become increasingly feasible to draw fine‐scale inference about how environmental variation affects foraging behavior and habitat use of seabirds during this critical period. Here, we used archival light‐sensing tags to evaluate how interannual variation in oceanography affected the winter distribution of Cassin's Auklets from Southeast Farallon Island, California. Thirty‐five out of 93 geolocators deployed from 2015 to 2017 were recovered and successfully recorded light‐level data, from which geographic positions were estimated. Step‐selection functions were applied to identify environmental covariates that best explained winter movement decisions and habitat use, revealing Cassin's Auklets dispersed farther from the colony during a winter with warmSSTanomalies, but remained more centralized near the breeding colony during two average winters. Movement patterns were driven by avoidance of areas with higher sea surface temperatures and possible limits of dispersal from the breeding colony, and selection for areas with well‐defined mesoscale fronts and cooler surface waters. Through multiple years of tagging and the application of step‐selection functions, a robust and widely applied approach for analyzing animal movement in terrestrial species, we show how interannual differences in the movement patterns of a small seabird are driven by oceanographic variability across years. Understanding the winter habitat use of seabirds can help inform changes in population structure and measures of reproductive success, aiding managers in determining potential causes of breeding failures.
A giant mystery in giant cell myocarditis: navigating diagnosis, immunosuppression, and mechanical circulatory support
Authors: Fallon Julianne M. , Parker Alex M. , Dunn Steven P. , Kennedy Jamie L.W.
Published: December 2019

Giant cell myocarditis is a rare but often devastating diagnosis. Advances in cardiac imaging and mechanical circulatory support have led to earlier and more frequent diagnoses and successful management. This disease state has wide variation in acuity of presentation, and consequently, optimal treatment ranging from intensity and type of immunosuppression to mechanical circulatory support is not well defined. The following case describes the management of a patient with an unusual presentation of giant cell myocarditis over a 10 year course of advanced heart failure therapies and immunomodulatory support. This case highlights emerging concepts in the management of giant cell myocarditis including sub‐acute presentations, challenges in diagnosis, and treatment modalities in the modern era.
Synthesis of Biaryls Having a Piperidylmethyl Group Based on Space Integration of Lithiation, Borylation, and Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling
Authors: Takahashi Yusuke , Ashikari Yosuke , Takumi Masahiro , Shimizu Yutaka , Jiang Yiyuan , Higuma Ryosuke , Ishikawa Susumu , Sakaue Hodaka , Shite Ibuki , Maekawa Kei , Aizawa Yoko , Yamashita Hiroki , Yonekura Yuya , Colella Marco , Luisi Renzo , Takegawa Toshihiro , Fujita Chiemi , Nagaki Aiichiro
Published: December 2019

In a flow microreactor, aryllithiums bearing a piperidylmethyl group were generated using nBuLi by precise residence time control and effective temperature control, and then selectively borylated with boronic esters such as 2‐isopropoxy‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaborolane (BpinOiPr) and trimethyl borate B(OMe)3 by fast mixing. Moreover, the direct integration with Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling were successfully achieved to obtain nitrogen‐containing biaryl compounds. The present method could be applied for the straightforward synthesis of the key intermediate of a bioactive component bearing a piperidylmethyl‐biphenyl framework.
A two‐stage approach to shunt capacitor‐based optimal reactive power compensation using loss sensitivity factor and cuckoo search algorithm
Authors: Olabode Olakunle E. , Okakwu Ignatius K. , Alayande Akintunde S. , Ajewole Titus O.
Published: December 2019

Reactive power compensation on radial distribution systems is a challenging issue. Electric power distribution systems are being bedeviled by high active power loss and severe voltage violation especially on the buses that are far from distribution substations. This article presents a two‐stage approach for sizing shunt capacitors and identifying the locations where their placement would be most beneficial within radial distribution systems. A multiobjective function capturing real power loss minimization and bus voltage profile enhancement was formulated and weighted approach was engaged to transform the function into single objective one. While backward forward sweep approach was used for the load flow analysis, loss sensitivity factor was employed to predetermine suitable sites for capacitor installation, with the optimal sites and sizes determined using cuckoo search algorithm. This approach was implemented on IEEE 15‐bus and Yale 17‐bus/11 kV feeder. Results obtained using the method was thereafter compared with those obtained through other methods as obtained from literature and the comparison shows that cuckoo search algorithm outsmarts others. Significant reduction in real power loss, coupled with appreciable enhancement in voltage profile, is achieved on the Yale 17‐bus/11 kV feeder. The approach is therefore viable for addressing reactive power compensation problems confronting practical radial distribution systems.
Icosabutate Exerts Beneficial Effects Upon Insulin Sensitivity, Hepatic Inflammation, Lipotoxicity, and Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: van den Hoek Anita M. , Pieterman Elsbet J. , van der Hoorn José W. , Iruarrizaga‐Lejarreta Marta , Alonso Cristina , Verschuren Lars , Skjæret Tore , Princen Hans M.G. , Fraser David A.
Published: December 2019

Icosabutate is a structurally engineered eicosapentaenoic acid derivative under development for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this study, we investigated the absorption and distribution properties of icosabutate in relation to liver targeting and used rodents to evaluate the effects of icosabutate on glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, as well as hepatic steatosis, inflammation, lipotoxicity, and fibrosis. The absorption, tissue distribution, and excretion of icosabutate was investigated in rats along with its effects in mouse models of insulin resistance (ob/ob) and metabolic inflammation/NASH (high‐fat/cholesterol‐fed APOE*3Leiden.CETP mice) and efficacy was compared with synthetic peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPAR‐α) (fenofibrate) and/or PPAR‐γ/(α) (pioglitazone and rosiglitazone) agonists. Icosabutate was absorbed almost entirely through the portal vein, resulting in rapid hepatic accumulation. Icosabutate demonstrated potent insulin‐sensitizing effects in ob/ob mice, and unlike fenofibrate or pioglitazone, it significantly reduced plasma alanine aminotransferase. In high‐fat/cholesterol‐fed APOE*3Leiden.CETP mice, icosabutate, but not rosiglitazone, reduced microvesicular steatosis and hepatocellular hypertrophy. Although both rosiglitazone and icosabutate reduced hepatic inflammation, only icosabutate elicited antifibrotic effects in association with decreased hepatic concentrations of multiple lipotoxic lipid species and an oxidative stress marker. Hepatic gene‐expression analysis confirmed the changes in lipid metabolism, inflammatory and fibrogenic response, and energy metabolism, and revealed the involved upstream regulators. In conclusion, icosabutate selectively targets the liver through the portal vein and demonstrates broad beneficial effects following insulin sensitivity, hepatic microvesicular steatosis, inflammation, lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. Icosabutate therefore offers a promising approach to the treatment of both dysregulated glucose/lipid metabolism and inflammatory disorders of the liver, including NASH.
Superpixel Raman spectroscopy for rapid skin cancer margin assessment
Authors: Feng Xu , Fox Matthew C. , Reichenberg Jason S. , Lopes Fabiana C.P.S. , Sebastian Katherine R. , Dunn Andrew K. , Markey Mia K. , Tunnell James W.
Published: December 2019

Spontaneous Raman micro‐spectroscopy has been demonstrated great potential in delineating tumor margins; however, it is limited by slow acquisition speed. We describe a superpixel acquisition approach that can expedite acquisition between ~×100 and ×10 000, as compared to point‐by‐point scanning by trading off spatial resolution. We present the first demonstration of superpixel acquisition on rapid discrimination of basal cell carcinoma tumor from eight patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery. Results have been demonstrated high discriminant power for tumor vs normal skin based on the biochemical differences between nucleus, collagen, keratin and ceramide. We further perform raster‐scanned superpixel Raman imaging on positive and negative margin samples. Our results indicate superpixel acquisition can facilitate the use of Raman microspectroscopy as a rapid and specific tool for tumor margin assessment.
Production of osteogenic and angiogenic factors by microencapsulated adipose stem cells varies with culture conditions
Authors: Leslie Shirae K. , Cohen David Joshua , Boyan Barbara D. , Schwartz Zvi
Published: December 2019

Growth factors produced by stem cells aid in the bone repair process. We investigated the ability of encapsulated rat adipose‐derived stem cells (rASCs) treated with osteogenic media (OM) to produce growth factors, and determined the optimal combination of OM components that will lead to the production of both osteogenic and angiogenic factors. Our results demonstrate that microencapsulated stem cells were able to produce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor‐2, and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP2) necessary for bone regeneration. OM led to the reduction of angiogenic factors; however, the removal of dexamethasone restored angiogenic factor production. Additionally, we determined whether the effect of dexamethasone on VEGF and BMP2 varied among rat, rabbit, mouse, and humans. Dexamethasone led to a reduction in VEGF levels in ASCs derived from rats, mice, and humans, while this reduction was absent in rabbit ASCs (rbASCs). Human ASCs (hASCs) from donors of different race and sex showed a similar response to dexamethasone with secreted VEGF levels. BMP2 levels secreted by rbASCs, mouse ASCs (mASCs), and hASCs were independent of the media treatments, while rASCs responded differently in the surrounding media and within the microbeads. In conclusion, microencapsulated ASCs can be treated to produce osteogenic and angiogenic factors for tissue regeneration applications, but outcomes may vary with culture conditions.
Sociodemographic characteristics of youth in a trauma focused‐cognitive behavioral therapy effectiveness trial in the city of Philadelphia
Authors: Last Briana S. , Rudd Brittany N. , Gregor Courtney A. , Kratz Hilary E. , Jackson Kamilah , Berkowitz Steven , Zinny Arturo , Cliggitt Lauren P. , Adams Danielle R. , Walsh Lucia M. , Beidas Rinad S.
Published: December 2019

While randomized controlled trials of trauma‐focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF‐CBT) have demonstrated efficacy for youth with posttraumatic stress disorder, TF‐CBT effectiveness trials typically show attenuated outcomes. This decrease in effectiveness may be due to the differences in sociodemographic characteristics of youth in these trials; youth in efficacy trials are more often white and middle‐income, whereas youth in effectiveness trials are more often racial/ethnic minorities, of low socioeconomic status (SES) and live in high crime neighborhoods. In this study—drawn from an effectiveness trial of TF‐CBT in community mental health clinics across Philadelphia—we describe the sociodemographic characteristics of enrolled youth. We measured neighborhood SES by matching participants’ addresses to American Community Survey data from their Census tracts, housing stability using the National Outcomes Measurement System, and neighborhood violence using police department crime statistics. Our results suggest that the majority of youth presenting for TF‐CBT in mental health clinics in the City of Philadelphia live in poor and high‐crime neighborhoods, experience substantial housing instability, and are predominantly ethnic and racial minorities. Thus, youth presenting for treatment experience significant racial and socioeconomic adversity. We also explored the association between these characteristics and youth symptom severity upon presenting for treatment. These factors were not associated with youth symptom severity or overall mental health functioning in our sample (with small effect sizes and p > .05 for all). Implications for future research, such as the need for efficacy and effectiveness trials to more fully characterize their samples and the need for pragmatic trials are discussed.
Micro‐shear bond strength of adhesives with different degrees of acidity: Effect on sound and artificially hypermineralized dentin
Authors: Neves Tamíris da Costa , Presoto Cristina Dupim , Wajngarten Danielle , Campos Edson Alves
Published: December 2019

This study evaluates the bond strength of four self‐etching adhesive systems with different acidity levels in normal and artificially hypermineralized dentin substrate. Healthy human molars were divided into groups: normal dentin—N (n = 36) and artificially hypermineralized dentin—H (n = 36). Self‐etching adhesive systems Clearfil S3 Bond (n = 9), Optibond All in One (n = 9), Clearfil SE Bond (n = 9), and Adhese (n = 9) were used for both the N and H groups. Transparent cylindrical matrices were positioned on the treated dentin surfaces, filled with composite resin, and light‐cured for 40 s. After the transparent cylindrical matrices were removed, the specimens were stored for 24 hr in a humid environment at 37°C and were subjected to a micro‐shear bond strength test. For each group, a specimen was prepared and evaluated in scanning electron microscope for adhesive interface observation. Normality was confirmed and the two‐way analysis of variance and Games–Howell post‐tests were conducted (α = .05). The data demonstrated an interaction between the adhesive system and type of dentin substrate (p < .01). For normal dentin, all adhesive systems assessed were adequate; however, in the hypermineralized dentin, the Clearfil SE Bond two‐step self‐etching adhesive system with mild pH presented the highest immediate bond strength. There was a predominance of adhesive failures for all adhesive systems in the different dentin substrates evaluated. It was concluded that the self‐etching adhesive systems evaluated were efficient for both substrates, and for the hypermineralized dentin, the Clearfil SE Bond presented a higher bond strength value.
Timing, magnitude and geochemistry of major Southeast Asian volcanic eruptions: identifying tephrochronologic markers
Authors: De Maisonneuve Caroline Bouvet , Bergal‐Kuvikas Olga
Published: December 2019

We review the current knowledge about Southeast Asian volcanoes and their eruption histories, and focus on identifying tephrochronologic markers representing major explosive eruptions in order to further future palaeoclimate and volcanological studies. Forty‐one volcanic edifices in Southeast Asia have been classified as large calderas by Whelleyet al. (2015) and thus have, or are likely to have, produced large explosive eruptions with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 6–8. Unfortunately, only 20 such eruptions have known ages, spanning from 1.2 Ma to 1991ad, and fewer have geochemical data that can be used for tephrostratigraphic correlations. Volcanic products from different geodynamic regions and different sources can generally be distinguished on major element plots (e.g. K2O versus CaO) of matrix glass composition. However, the distinction of multiple eruptions from the same source often requires additional data such as trace element compositions of matrix glass and/or mineral compositions. Biotite, but also magnetite compositions (MgO and TiO2content in particular) appear to be very discriminating. Up to nine tuffs in addition to the three to four Toba tuffs can be utilised as widespread tephrochronologic markers and span a range from 1.2 to 1.6 Ma to recent. As only a few Holocene major eruptions have been well characterised and dated, many large calderas are still unstudied, and many distal tephra layers are still lacking a source, more tephrochronologic markers can certainly be defined in the future.
Mechanisms of decision‐making in preoperative assessment for older adult prostate cancer patients—A qualitative study
Authors: Kierkegaard Patrick , Vale Mira D. , Garrison Spencer , Hollenbeck Brent K. , Hollingsworth John M. , Owen‐Smith Jason
Published: December 2019

Background and Objective

Little research exists which investigates the contextual factors and hidden influences that inform surgeons and surgical teams decision‐making in preoperative assessment when deciding whether to or not to operate on older adult prostate cancer patients living with aging‐associated functional declines and illnesses. The aim of this study is to identify and examine the underlying mechanisms that uniquely shape preoperative surgical decision‐making strategies concerning older adult prostate cancer patients.

Methods

Qualitative methodologies were used that paired ethnographic field observations with semistructured interviews for data collection. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to identify, analyze, and describe patterns in the data.

Results

Factors underlining surgical decision‐making originated from the context of two categories: (1) clinical and surgery‐specific factors; and (2) non‐patient factors. Thematic subcategories included personal experiences, methods of assessment during medical encounters, anticipation of outcomes, perceptions of preoperative assessment instruments for frailty and multimorbidity, routines and workflow patterns, microcultures, and indirect observation and second‐hand knowledge.

Conclusion

Surgeon's personal experiences has a significant impact on the decision‐making processes during preoperative assessments. However, non‐patient factors such as institutional microcultures passively and actively influence decision‐making process during preoperative assessment.
Theoretical investigation of the formic acid decomposition kinetics
Authors: Machado Gladson de Souza , Martins Eduardo Monteiro , Baptista Leonardo , Bauerfeldt Glauco Favilla
Published: December 2019

Decomposition of formic acid (HCO2H) proceeds via three unimolecular channels: dehydration, decarboxylation, and dissociation, the latter expected to be of minor contribution to the overall kinetics. In addition, despite the similar values reported for the individual activation energies for the dehydration and decarboxylation reactions, experimental works have shown that the former is dominant in the reaction mechanism. These reactions show pressure‐dependent rate coefficients, and the high‐pressure condition is not yet verified at atmospheric pressure. This work aims to investigate the influence of temperature and pressure on the rate coefficients. Hence, theoretical calculations at the CCSD(T)/CBS level have been performed to accurately describe the unimolecular reaction and Rice‐Ramsperger‐Kassel‐Marcus (RRKM) rate coefficients have been calculated and integrated for the prediction of k(T,P) rate coefficients, adopting both strong and weak collision models, over the intervals 0.5‐10 atm and 298‐2200 K. Our results suggest that the isomerization path is important and explains the preference for the (CO + H2O) channel. Rate coefficients for the (CO2 + H2) and (CO + H2O) formations are given, in s−1, as exp(−34404/T) and exp(−33785/T), respectively. The dissociation limit of 107.29 kcal mol–1, with respect the Z‐HCO2H conformer, leading to OH + HCO, via a barrierless potential curve, with rate coefficients, in s−1, expressed as kHCO+OH(T) = 1.68 × 1017 exp(−56018/T). Temperature and pressure dependence for the HCO + OH → CO2 + H2 and HCO + OH → CO + H2O reactions have also been estimated.
A new analysis approach for long‐term variations of forest loss, fragmentation, and degradation resulting from road‐network expansion using Landsat time‐series and object‐based image analysis
Authors: Shirvani Zeinab , Abdi Omid , Buchroithner Manfred F.
Published: December 2019

Despite facilitating transport by low‐volume roads for multiple purposes, these roads also open corridors to the remote pristine forests and accelerate forest dynamics with deleterious consequences to the forest functionalities and indigenous inhabitants. We assessed the spatial variations of Hyrcanian forest loss, fragmentation, and degradation resulting from the expansion of rural, logging, and mine roads between 1966 and 2016 in northeast Iran. Various data were employed to generate a precise road network; the density of road segments was weighted on the basis of their carrying capacity during 1966–1986, 1986–2000, and 2000–2016. Three dimensions of forest changes were retrieved using the Landsat time‐series and object‐based image analysis. The spatial patterns of high rates of forest changes were clustered using spatial autocorrelation indicators. The spatial regression models were carried out to explore relationships between forest change and road expansion. The results showed that rural roads were upgraded but forest and mine roads remarkably expanded in recent decades. The spatial variations of forest‐dynamic patterns have been changing from forest loss (1966–2000) to forest fragmentation and degradation (1986–2016). The high density of rural roads was significant on the high rates of forest loss and fragmentation during 1966–2000, and the expansion of forest and mine roads significantly intensified the rates of fragmentation and degradation during 1986–2016. Our findings suggest for mitigating destructive schemes over Hyrcanian forests, developing either protected areas or joining unprotected forests to the reserved areas should be prioritized.
Recent Progress in 2D Material‐Based Saturable Absorbers for All Solid‐State Pulsed Bulk Lasers
Authors: Zhang Baitao , Liu Jun , Wang Cong , Yang Kejian , Lee Chaokuei , Zhang Han , He Jingliang
Published: December 2019

All solid‐state pulsed lasers (ASSPLs) play a significant role in the fields of medical, military, industry, and scientific research. Passive Q‐switching and mode‐locking are two of the most effective techniques for generating ASSPLs, in which a saturable absorber (SA) is the key element that has great impact on laser output parameters. Recently, 2D layered materials have been widely studied due to their intriguing properties. Their advantages of ultrafast dynamic processing, excellent nonlinear optical response, broadband operation, and easy fabrication and integration with lasers, enable them to be excellent SAs. Herein, the recent progress of ASSPLs with 2D layered material‐based SAs is reviewed, including a brief introduction of the fundamental characteristics, fabrication methods, characterization techniques of ultrafast dynamics, and nonlinear optical properties of 2D materials, design criteria of passively Q‐switched and mode‐locked bulk lasers, and their applications in ASSPLs. Finally, the potential developments and perspectives on 2D material‐based ASSPLs are also highlighted.
Cardiac Noradrenaline Turnover and Heat Shock Protein 27 Phosphorylation in Dyskinetic Monkeys
Authors: Almela Pilar , Cuenca‐Bermejo Lorena , Yuste José E. , Estrada Cristina , de Pablos Vicente , Bautista‐Hernández Víctor , Fernández‐Villalba Emiliano , Laorden María‐Luisa , Herrero María‐Trinidad
Published: December 2019

Background

Autonomic dysfunction is a well‐known dominant symptom in the advanced stages of Parkinson's disease. However, the role of cardiac sympathetic nerves still needs to be elucidated.

Objectives

To evaluate cardiac sympathetic response in Parkinsonian and dyskinetic monkeys.

Methods

Adult male monkeys were divided into 1 of the following 3 groups: controls, 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine–treated monkeys, and 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine+levodopa–treated animals. Noradrenaline, its metabolite normetanephrine, and phospho‐Heat shock proten 27 (p‐Hsp27) at serine 82 levels were analyzed in the left and right ventricles of the heart. Tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry was performed in the ventral mesencephalon.

Results

The results were the following: (1) 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine intoxication significantly increased normetanephrine levels and decreased noradrenaline turnover in the right ventricle without changes in the left ventricle; however, (2) levodopa treatment decreased noradrenaline levels and enhanced the normetanephrine/noradrenaline ratio in parallel with a very significant increase of Hsp27 activity in both ventricles.

Conclusions

Levodopa treatment could induce protective cardiac effects through the increased Hsp27 activity. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
When moments matter: Finding answers with rapid exome sequencing
Authors: Powis Zöe , Farwell Hagman Kelly D. , Blanco Kirsten , Au Margaret , Graham John M. , Singh Kathryn , Gallant Natalie , Randolph Linda M. , Towne Meghan , Hunter Jesse , Shinde Deepali N. , Palmaer Erika , Schoenfeld Brian , Tang Sha
Published: December 2019

Background

When time is of the essence in critical care cases, a fast molecular diagnosis is often necessary to help health care providers quickly determine best next steps for treatments, prognosis, and counseling of their patients. In this paper, we present the diagnostic rates and improved quality of life for patients undergoing clinical rapid exome sequencing.

Methods

The clinical histories and results of 41 patients undergoing rapid exome sequencing were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Clinical rapid exome sequencing identified a definitive diagnosis in 13/41 (31.7%) and other relevant findings in 17 of the patients (41.5%). The average time to verbal report was 7 days; to written report was 11 days.

Conclusions

Our observations demonstrate the utility and effectiveness of rapid family‐based diagnostic exome sequencing in improving patients care.
On the Cauchy problems for certain regularized models to the incompressible viscoelastic flow
Authors: Qiu Hua , Yao Zheng‐an
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we study the Cauchy problems for certain regularized models to the incompressible viscoelastic flow in n space dimensions with n=2,3. Firstly, we establish a regularity condition for the solution under
. Furthermore, we obtain a regularity condition to the smooth solution for the inviscid regularized models in two space dimensions. Finally, we prove a global existence result of classical solutions for a three‐dimensional incompressible Oldroyd‐α model with fractional diffusion.
Stability of the planar rarefaction wave to two‐dimensional Navier‐Stokes‐Korteweg equations of compressible fluids
Authors: Li Yeping , Chen Zhengzheng , Luo Zhen
Published: December 2019

This study is concerned with the large time behavior of the two‐dimensional compressible Navier‐Stokes‐Korteweg equations, which are used to model compressible fluids with internal capillarity. Based on the fact that the rarefaction wave, one of the basic wave patterns to the hyperbolic conservation laws is nonlinearly stable to the one‐dimensional compressible Navier‐Stokes‐Korteweg equations, the planar rarefaction wave to the two‐dimensional compressible Navier‐Stokes‐Korteweg equations is first derived. Then, it is shown that the planar rarefaction wave is asymptotically stable in the case that the initial data are suitably small perturbations of the planar rarefaction wave. The proof is based on the delicate energy method. This is the first stability result of the planar rarefaction wave to the multi‐dimensional viscous fluids with internal capillarity.
TCAD‐based statistical modeling methodology for nanoscale FinFET variability
Authors: Guo Ao , Shang Enming , Hu Shaojian , Chen Shoumian
Published: December 2019

We demonstrated in this article a TCAD‐based (TCAD is defined as Technology Computer Aided Design) statistical modeling methodology for FinFET devices, which included TCAD Monte Carlo simulation, SPICE model library buildup, and model verification in circuit level. As a demonstrative example, a set of 14 nm FinFET devices are investigated for TCAD variability simulation and statistical model development. The stability and variability of different SRAM cells are further evaluated to verify the applicability of proposed statistical modeling methodology. The demonstrative statistical modeling method in this article is fully compatible with industrial standard methodology of CMOS device model, which can be easily immigrated into advanced technologies.
Arterial spin labeling MR image denoising and reconstruction using unsupervised deep learning
Authors: Gong Kuang , Han Paul , El Fakhri Georges , Ma Chao , Li Quanzheng
Published: December 2019

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) imaging is a powerful magnetic resonance imaging technique that allows to quantitatively measure blood perfusion non‐invasively, which has great potential for assessing tissue viability in various clinical settings. However, the clinical applications of ASL are currently limited by its low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), limited spatial resolution, and long imaging time. In this work, we propose an unsupervised deep learning‐based image denoising and reconstruction framework to improve the SNR and accelerate the imaging speed of high resolution ASL imaging. The unique feature of the proposed framework is that it does not require any prior training pairs but only the subject's own anatomical prior, such as T1‐weighted images, as network input. The neural network was trained from scratch in the denoising or reconstruction process, with noisy images or sparely sampled k‐space data as training labels. Performance of the proposed method was evaluated using in vivo experiment data obtained from 3 healthy subjects on a 3T MR scanner, using ASL images acquired with 44‐min acquisition time as the ground truth. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed txtc framework over the reference methods. In summary, our proposed unsupervised deep learning‐based denoising and reconstruction framework can improve the image quality and accelerate the imaging speed of ASL imaging.
A new total‐Lagrangian smooth particle hydrodynamics approximation for the simulation of damage and fracture of ductile materials
Authors: de Vaucorbeil Alban , Hutchinson Christopher R.
Published: December 2019

Smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is gaining popularity for the simulation of solids subjected to machining, wear, and impacts. Its attractiveness is due to its abilities to simulate problems, involving large deformations resulting from the absence of mesh as well as the development of the total‐Lagrangian version of SPH (TLSPH) to solve tensile instabilities and an hourglass control algorithm to reduce rank‐deficiency problems. However, when TLSPH is used with continuum damage mechanics, nonphysical residual forces can emerge and lead to instabilities. To solve this issue, the “pseudospring” method that scales the kernel function with damage was proposed by Chakraborty and Shaw. This method preserves local linear momentum and is stable for elastic solids but can generate instabilities when solids damage after experiencing high plastic strains. In this contribution, we present a new TLSPH approximation that conserves both linear and angular momenta, which is suitable for the simulation of damage and fracture of ductile materials. Using single‐edge notched samples and tensile tests, we show that this approximation is stable whatever the stress/strain state and is in good agreement with finite element simulations and experimental results.
Associations of Thigh and Abdominal Adipose Tissue Radiodensity with Glucose and Insulin in Nondiabetic African‐Ancestry Men
Authors: Tilves Curtis , Zmuda Joseph M. , Kuipers Allison L. , Carr J. Jeffrey , Terry James G. , Wheeler Victor , Peddada Shyamal D. , Nair Sangeeta , Miljkovic Iva
Published: December 2019

Objective

Decreased radiodensity of adipose tissue (AT) located in the visceral AT (VAT), subcutaneous AT (SAT), and intermuscular AT (IMAT) abdominal depots is associated with hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance independent of AT volumes. These associations were sought in African‐ancestry men, who have higher risk for type 2 diabetes and have been underrepresented in previous studies.

Methods

This cross‐sectional analysis included 505 nondiabetic men of African‐Caribbean ancestry (median age: 61 years; median BMI: 26.8 kg/m2) from the Tobago Health Study. AT volumes and radiodensities were assessed using computed tomography, including abdominal (VAT and SAT) and thigh (IMAT) depots. Associations between AT radiodensities were assessed with fasting serum glucose and insulin and with insulin resistance (updated homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, HOMA2‐IR).

Results

Higher radiodensity in any AT depot was associated with lower log‐insulin and log‐HOMA2‐IR (β range: −0.16 to −0.18 for each; all P < 0.0001). No AT radiodensity was associated with glucose. Thigh IMAT radiodensity associations were independent of, and similar in magnitude to, VAT radiodensities. Model fit statistics suggested that AT radiodensities were a better predictor for insulin and insulin resistance compared with AT volumes in individuals with overweight and obesity.

Conclusions

AT radiodensities at multiple depots are significantly associated with insulin and insulin resistance in African‐ancestry men.