bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligent algorithm for trapezoidal interval valued neutrosophic network analysis
Authors: Broumi Said , Nagarajan Deivanayagampillai , Lathamaheswari Malayalan , Talea Mohamed , Bakali Assia , Smarandache Florentin
Published: March 2020

The shortest path problem has been one of the most fundamental practical problems in network analysis. One of the good algorithms is Bellman‐Ford, which has been applied in network, for the last some years. Due to complexity in the decision‐making process, the decision makers face complications to express their view and judgment with an exact number for single valued membership degrees under neutrosophic environment. Though the interval number is a special situation of the neutrosophic, it did not solve the shortest path problems in an absolute manner. Hence, in this work, the authors have introduced the score function and accuracy function of trapezoidal interval valued neutrosophic numbers with their illustrative properties. These properties provide important theoretical base of the trapezoidal interval valued neutrosophic number. Also, they proposed an intelligent algorithm called trapezoidal interval valued neutrosophic version of Bellman's algorithm to solve neutrosophic shortest path problem in network analysis. Further, comparative analysis has been made with the existing algorithm.
Nonlinear analysis of extreme snow fragility of reactor hall frame
Authors: Králik Juraj , Grmanová Alžbeta , Králik Juraj
Published: March 2020

This paper gives the results of the safety analysis of the nuclear power plant structures in Slovakia in case of the extreme climatic loads. The linear and nonlinear analysis of NPP structures with the reactor VVER 440/213 in the case of the extreme external even is presented. On the base of the meteorological monitoring of the locality the extreme snow load was defined for the return period 104 years. There is showed summary of calculation models and calculation methods for the nonlinear analysis of the structural resistance in system ANSYS. The fragility curves of the critical structure elements were calculated using the FORM method.
Engineering and environmental benefits of using construction wastes in ground improvement works
Authors: Dobrescu Cornelia-Florentina , Calarasu Elena-Andreea
Published: March 2020

One of the key emerging trends to protect the environment is to reuse wastes generated from construction and demolition sites for various engineering purposes. Many studies are being developed for setting up and optimize the potential of recycled construction wastes. The aim of the paper is to estimate the degree of improvement for resistance parameters of soil mixed with 5% and 10% of concrete and brick and water-based polymeric suspension used as stabilizer agent, as well as drywall waste mixed with 5% eco-binder with puzzolanic character. Multiple options of mixtures, predominantly composed by clay soils with swelling potential, have been investigated in laboratory conditions in terms of compression strength at 7, 14 and 28 days curing time and deformability. In order to emphasize distinct benefits of tested mixtures, a comparative analysis of the parametric values has been achieved. The experimental results revealed the suitability of using construction wastes to be assimilated with natural or conventional materials, which leads to significant improvements rates of geotechnical parameters. A large-scale implementation of this type of practice can substantially contribute to the achievement of sustainable development targets by reusing construction waste according to the specific objectives of engineering works in terms of structure safety.
Using finite element analysis to obtain plastic zones in the vicinity of the crack edges, under mixed mode loading conditions
Authors: Turis Matúš , Ivánková Oľga
Published: March 2020

This paper deals with both size and shape of plastic zone in the vicinity of the crack edges. Determination of plastic zone is proposed using the three-dimensional finite element analysis. Both, linear elastic and elastic-plastic material models are considered in this paper. Subsequently, results of these approaches are compared and their applicability is evaluated. Geometry considered is a beam with L-shaped cross section containing a crack, as it is described below. Mentioned beam is subjected to mixed mode loading condition, that is represented by variable forces in the direction of global coordinate system. Evolution of plastic zones is observed and evaluated around the crack edges of the profile.
Comparison of fatigue crack propagation behaviour in two steel grades S235, S355 and a steel from old crane way
Authors: Seitl Stanislav , Pokorný Pavel , Miarka Petr , Klusák Jan , Kala Zdeněk , Kunz Ludvík
Published: March 2020

Utilization of various steel grades in civil engineering allows designing bridges, bridge elements or simple structures according to their fracture mechanical properties. The service intervals of structures, which are going to be in use for a long time, cannot be calculated only on the basis of tensile and brittle fracture properties but also on the knowledge of the resistance to the fatigue crack growth. This contribution presents a comparison of the fatigue behaviour of two modern steel grades S235 J2, S355 J2 and a steel extracted from an old crane way. The comparison of these steel grades is done by fatigue crack propagation tests (the results of the experimental tests are described using concept of the stress intensity factor range ΔK). The fatigue properties are discussed and recommendations for the use of the steels are stated.
Isothermal viscoelasticity and energy
Authors: Minárová Mária
Published: March 2020

Within the scope of the linear viscoelasticity theory, the change in the inner energy of a viscoelastic body is induced either by heat exchange or by a work performance. The first law of thermodynamics, balance equation of a closed system is mostly referred when the thermodynamic consistency of some rheological model is required. Accordingly, within the frame of the isothermal viscoelastic investigation we just distinguish between the stored and dissipated energy. And this is the issue that the paper is focused on. Subjected to a load, the one degree of freedom viscoelastic models’ behaviour is traced, together with the observation of the energy – total, stored and dissipated. Nevertheless, the only stored energy in viscoelastic model is potential energy. General considerations are applied on Maxwell model subjected to the standard both creep and relaxation tests.
Determination of deformation properties of soils as input parameters for calculation
Authors: Panulinova Eva , Harabinova Slavka
Published: March 2020

When designing the foundations of any building structure, it is important to know not only the load of the structure, but also the deformation characteristics of the subsoil. Their underestimation leads to incorrect design of the foundations or even to failures, the reparation of which requires considerable financial costs. The real values of the deformation soil properties gained from the geotechnical investigation often do not match the tabulated values used in the design. In this contribution, actual and tabular values of selected soil properties in the bedrock in the locality of Kosicka kotlina are compared. Simple buildings designed according to the 1st geotechnical category are in the described location predominantly based on Neogene clay of intermediate plasticity class F6 and less on clays class F8. These are soils sensitive to changes in their natural moisture – they swell when exposed to water, thus become unstable. It is therefore important to use the most accurate values in the calculation of the foundations. The analysis of 130 measured values confirmed that 52% of the all measured values are outside the indicative table data. The use of inaccurate input values can bring a risk and threat to safety, reliability and proper use of any construction. It is therefore necessary to carry out the appropriate geotechnical investigation of soils for all types of buildings.
Shape-changing tensegrity-membrane building skin
Authors: Kabošová Lenka , Kormaníková Eva , Kmeť Stanislav , Katunský Dušan
Published: March 2020

Building skins are persistently exposed to changes in the weather, including the cases of weather extremes, increasing in frequency due to global climate change. As a consequence of the advancements of digital design tools, the integration of the weather conditions into the design process is much smoother. The impact of the ambient conditions on buildings and their structures can be digitally analyzed as early as in the conceptual design stage. These new design tools stimulate original ideas for shape-changing building skins, actively reacting to the dynamic weather conditions. In the paper, a digital design method is introduced, leading towards the design of a building skin, able of the passive shape adaptation when subjected to the wind. The designed building skin consists of a tensegrity structure where the tensioned elements are substituted by a tensile membrane, creating a self-equilibrated building skin element. In the previous research, a small prototype of this wind-adaptive element was created. The computer simulations are employed to predict the adaptive behavior of a bigger, full-scale building skin element. The before-mentioned building envelope becomes an active player in its surrounding environment, passively reacting to the wind in real-time, thanks to the geometric and material properties. Due to the local shape changes caused by the wind force, the wind can be perceived unconventionally through the adaptive building structure.
Identification of dry and wet 6 months’ period in eastern Slovakia using indices
Authors: Nagy Patrik , Zeleňáková Martina , Galas Slávka , Hlavatá Helena , Simonová Dorota
Published: March 2020

In the paper we evaluated dry and wet 6 months’ periods, which reflect changes in water resources of the country. We assessed Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Streamflow Drought Index (SDI), Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI). The time period was 1960 - 2015 and the study area includes eastern Slovakia – selected water and climatic stations. The results indicate dry periods and wet periods. The results of work are presented in the table for separate evaluated indices.
Macroscopic response of regular masonry from homogenization: comparison of isotropic and orthotropic damage models
Authors: Krejčí Tomáš , Koudelka Tomáš , Bernardo Vasco , Šejnoha Michal
Published: March 2020

This paper outlines prediction of macroscopic effective properties of a regular masonry from homogenization. It focuses on the derivation of nonlinear macroscopic stress strain curves adopting either classical isotropic or more advanced orthotropic damage model. The response resulting from both tensile and compressive uniaxial loading is examined in the light of strain and stress loading regimes. A masonry structure typical of ”Placa” buildings (mixed masonry- reinforced concrete buildings) built in Portugal is selected as one particular example to illustrate the differences in the predictive capabilities of the two constitute models on the one hand and the formulation of the homogenization problem on the other hand. It is suggested that the mixed loading conditions are essentially required when estimating all macroscopic material parameters needed in the corresponding macroscopic constitutive model
Multi-criteria analysis of ten single family houses regarding environmental impacts
Authors: Moňoková Andrea , Vilčeková Silvia
Published: March 2020

This study presents a life cycle assessment (LCA) of ten single family houses located in Eastern Slovakia with the aim to compare them in terms of the materials and technologies used. The main goal is to investigate and emphasize the reduction rate of environmental impact resulting from using green materials and technologies. Environmental impacts are determined by using eToolLCD software. Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) categories of global warming, ozone depletion, acidification, eutrophication and photochemical ozone creation potential, as well as abiotic depletion potential - elements, abiotic depletion potential - fossil fuels, use of renewable primary energy resources, net use of fresh water, components for reuse and materials for recycling are determined within the cradle-to-grave boundary. Assessed family houses are built as a combination of conventional materials such as aerated concrete blocks, expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS) and roofing mineral wool and natural materials such as wood, cellulose, clay, straw and extensive vegetation roofs. Multi-criteria decision analysis points out that material optimization of building structures as well as the application of green technologies can ensure a considerable reduction of environmental impacts.
La réponse au stress du réticulum endoplasmique dans la physiopathologie des maladies chroniques du foie
Authors: Vallée Déborah , Blanc Marina , Lebeaupin Cynthia , Bailly-Maitre Béatrice
Published: March 2020

La prévalence des maladies chroniques du foie ne cesse d’augmenter, du fait de la pandémie de l’obésité. Ces maladies s’étendent de la bégnine stéatose à la stéatopathie non alcoolique (NASH) qui peut évoluer vers le carcinome hépatocellulaire. Il n’existe pas de traitement pour ces maladies. La transition stéatose-NASH apparaît déterminante dans leur progression. Au cours de l’obésité, l’activation chronique de la réponse au stress du réticulum endoplasmique (RE) jouerait un rôle crucial dans cette transition, conduisant à la mort cellulaire, à l’inflammation et à l’aggravation des désordres métaboliques. Dans cette revue, nous discutons ces aspects et proposons que le ciblage de cette réponse au stress du RE puisse être pertinent dans la prise en charge thérapeutique de la NASH.
Un marché d’échange de lipides
Authors: Bigay Joëlle , Mesmin Bruno , Antonny Bruno
Published: March 2020

Le cholestérol est synthétisé dans le réticulum endoplasmique (RE) puis transporté vers les compartiments cellulaires dont la fonction en nécessite un taux élevé. Nous décrivons ici le mécanisme de transport du cholestérol du RE vers le réseau trans golgien (TGN) par la protéine OSBP (oxysterol binding protein). Celle-ci présente deux activités complémentaires : elle arrime les deux compartiments, RE et TGN, en formant un site de contact où les deux membranes sont à une vingtaine de nanomètres de distance ; puis elle échange le cholestérol du RE avec un lipide présent dans le TGN, le phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P). Dans le RE, le PI4P est hydrolysé, rendant le cycle d’échange irréversible. OSBP est donc au cœur d’un marché d’échange de lipides dans lequel un cholestérol transporté « coûte » un PI4P. Des molécules à activités antivirales ou anticancéreuses ont pour cible OSBP, suggérant une importance dans différents contextes physiopathologiques du cycle d’OSBP, dont les bases générales sont partagées par d’autres protéines transporteurs de lipides.
Neue Einsichten durch CIRS: Prozesse optimieren
Authors: Nar Ersin , Flocken Christina
Published: March 2020

Für Mitarbeiter in Pflege und Medizin ist die Arbeit in einer Klinik ein normaler Arbeitsplatz mit allen Vor- und Nachteilen von Routineumgebungen. Insbesondere sind Routineabläufe Quelle für Flüchtigkeitsfehler und mangelnde Hinterfragung von Prozessabläufen. Das CIRS ist ein Instrument, mit dessen Hilfe Prozessabläufe analysiert und verbessert werden können.
Behandlungsfehler bei der Therapie der Rhizarthrose – Eine Analyse der Daten der Norddeutschen Schlichtungsstelle für Arzthaftpflichtfragen
Authors: Güven Asim , Asiri Mohammed Nasser , Allert Sixtus
Published: March 2020

Hintergrund Die Rhizarthrose ist eine der häufigsten Erkrankungen der Hand, die durch multiple medizinische und paramedizinische Fachdisziplinen behandelt wird. Vor allem die interventionellen und operativen Therapieoptionen bergen aufgrund ihrer Invasivität ein Risiko für Komplikationen und ebendann auch für Behandlungsfehler. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist die Beurteilung der Qualität der Therapie der Rhizarthrose anhand von Behandlungsfehlervorwürfen.

Patienten und Methoden Von der Norddeutschen Schlichtungsstelle für Arzthaftpflichtfragen wurden die Daten von Behandlungsfehlervorwürfen bei der Hauptdiagnose Rhizarthrose (ICD-10 M18) der Jahre 2010 bis einschließlich 2018 zur Verfügung gestellt. Diese wurden nach behandelnder Fachabteilung aufgeteilt und analysiert. Die nachgewiesenen Behandlungsfehler wurden näher betrachtet und statistisch ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt wurden 44 Behandlungsfehlervorwürfe in den 9 Jahre geäußert. In 16 Fällen wurde ein Behandlungsfehler nachgewiesen (36,4 %): Handchirurgie 8 von 24 (30,0 %), Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie 6 von 14 (42,9 %), Plastische Chirurgie 1 von 2 (50,0 %), Allgemeinchirurgie 1 von 1 (100,0 %) sowie je 0 von 1 (0,0 %) für die Fachabteilungen Diagnostische Radiologie, Strahlentherapie und Anästhesie. Bei chirurgischen Fachärzten mit der Zusatzqualifikation Handchirurgie kam es deutlich, jedoch nicht signifikant weniger zu Behandlungsfehlern (8 von 24 Fälle, 30 %) als bei chirurgischen Fachärzten ohne Zusatzqualifikation Handchirurgie (8 von 17 Fälle, 47,1 %) haben (p = 0,286).

Schlussfolgerung Bedankt man, dass Operationen der Rhizarthrose zu den häufigsten Eingriffen an der Hand gehören, sprechen die vorliegenden Daten für eine fehlerarme Behandlung der Rhizarthrose in Deutschland. Dabei ist die Rate an Behandlungsfehlern von Handchirurgen deutlich geringer als bei chirurgischen Fachärzten ohne Zusatzbezeichnung Handchirurgie.
Angehörige sind herzlich willkommen
Authors: Sewing Frank , Jehle Carsten
Published: March 2020

Nach wie vor gibt es auf den meisten Intensivstationen vorgegebene Besuchszeiten. Dies hindert die Angehörigen mitunter daran, ihren Angehörigen zu begleiten und zu unterstützen. Im Jahr 2007 hat die Stiftung Pflege e. V. erstmalig das Zertifikat „Angehörigenfreundliche Intensivstation“ verliehen. Die Intensivstation des Evangelischen Krankenhauses (EVK) in Hattingen war bundesweit die erste, die dieses Zertifikat verliehen bekommen hat.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness is a Predictor of Subclinical Myocardial Damage in Men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hörber Sebastian , Lehn-Stefan Angela , Hieronimus Anja , Hudak Sarah , Fritsche Louise , Fritsche Andreas , Heni Martin , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Peter Andreas , Randrianarisoa Elko
Published: March 2020

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) promotes the development of atherosclerosis and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assays fundamentally improved the diagnosis of myocardial injury and even enable the prediction of future cardiovascular events in the general population. However, data about the association of hs-cTnI with cardiovascular risk factors and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) as a marker of atherosclerosis are limited, especially in patients with T2DM.

Methods In this cross-sectional study we analyzed clinical and laboratory parameters of 234 patients (43% women) with T2DM and a median age of 65 years (interquartile range: 57–71). The median duration of diabetes mellitus was 10 years (6–17). Anthropometric data, blood pressure, glycemic parameters and lipid profiles were determined. Hs-cTnI plasma concentrations were measured on an ADVIA Centaur XPT immunoassay analyzer and cIMT was evaluated by high-resolution ultrasound.

Results Hs-cTnI plasma concentrations were below the gender-specific 99th  percentile in 93% of T2DM patients with a median concentration of 4.0 ng/l (interquartile range: 2.0–10.0). Hs-cTnI was significantly associated with gender, renal function and C-reactive protein in the entire study cohort. Gender-specific analyses revealed cIMT and renal function to be significantly associated with hs-cTnI in men. Contrary, only age was significantly associated with hs-cTnI in women.

Conclusion In a real-world clinical setting in patients with T2DM, cIMT is a predictor of subclinical myocardial damage in men, but not in women.
Nickel-Catalyzed Annulation of Aliphatic Amides with Alkynyl­silanes: An Expeditious Approach to Five-Membered Lactams
Authors: Lin Cong , Shen Liang , Xu Yiqing , Teng Qiuxun , Lin Jingyi , Gao Fei
Published: March 2020

An expeditious approach for the synthesis of diverse five-membered lactams through nickel-catalyzed annulation of the C(sp3)–H bonds of aliphatic amides with alkynylsilanes assisted by an 8-aminoquinolinyl directing group is reported, delivering the corresponding lactam derivatives in moderate to high yields. It is worth noting that alkynylsilanes are employed for the first time as coupling partners in the transition-metal-catalyzed functionalization of C(sp3)–H bonds of aliphatic amides. Equimolar amounts of alkynylsilanes and aliphatic amides are utilized, which greatly increases the efficiency of this protocol.
Acute Mesenteric Ischemia Remains a Highly Morbid Diagnosis after Initial Hospitalization Survival
Authors: Erben Y. , Spaulding A. C. , Oderich G. S. , Da Rocha-Franco J. A. , Farres H. , Cochuyt J. J. , Sorrells W. S. , Oldenburg A. W. , Frey G. T. , Toskich B. B. , Becher R. , Hakaim A. G.
Published: March 2020

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) remains a vascular emergency. Our aim was to explore readmission for AMI. We identified all patients admitted for AMI from the state of California through the Healthcare and Utilization Project from 2005 to 2011. Our primary end point was the rate and etiology for readmission. Our secondary end points were the length of hospitalization and in-hospital mortality. Cox proportional hazard regression was utilized to assess risk of 30-day readmission. There were 534 (9.9%) readmissions at 30 days. The mean age was 67 ± 17 years and 209 (39.1%) were male. The five most common etiologies for readmission were AMI (7.6%), cardiac events (5.3%), severe sepsis (1.2%), dehydration (1.1%), and acute kidney failure (1.1%). Once readmitted, these patients were most likely to experience cardiac catheterizations (25.4%), red blood cell transfusions (23.6%), intubation and mechanical ventilation (17.6%), biopsy of the large intestine (13.9%), reoperation for small bowel resection (10.9%), administration of total parenteral nutrition (10.5%), and transfusion of other blood products (6.9%). This hospitalization was 8.8 ± 12.7 days long. In-hospital mortality was 36 patients (6.7%). On multivariable Cox-regression analysis, severe (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.1 [1.4–3.2], p = 0.0005) and moderate (HR: 1.5 [1.03–2.13], p = 0.04) Elixhauser Comorbidity Group, complications (HR: 1.5 [1.2–1.9], p = 0.0007), and longer index hospitalization (HR: 1.02 [1.01–1.02], p < 0.0001) were predictors of readmission. Conclusion AMI remains a vascular emergency. Readmissions have a significant rate of morbid invasive procedures and can lead to an in-hospital mortality of 6.7%. The adoption of guidelines similar to the European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery should be considered.
Development and Deployment of an Intraoperative Clinical Summary Document: A Veterans Health Care Affairs Perspective
Authors: Mudumbai Seshadri C. , Tanaka Troy , Mariano Edward R.
Published: March 2020

Background Clinical summary documents that abstract details of episodes of care are essential to Advancing Care Information requirements for electronic health records. Few examples exist for intraoperative clinical summary documents (ICSD).

Methods We describe the development and deployment of an ICSD at a tertiary hospital within the United States. Development included identification of needs of key stakeholders, evaluation of current clinical and data workflows, iterative development of prototypes with primary stakeholders, i.e., anesthesiologists and evaluation of prototypes with test patients. We deployed the ICSD over 6-months with tracking of (1) usage (number and types of end users and surgery types) and (2) written and oral feedback.

Results Current workflows involved accessing a 10 to 40 page document presenting all surgery details with review described as burdensome. The ICSD prototype was a separate one-page summary optimized for viewing on a monitor or paper. The document had four sections: (1) administrative data, allergies, and precautions; (2) medications, infusions, and fluid intake and output; (3) airway assessments and a graphical presentation of hemodynamic trends (blood pressure), and (4) standardized text for events (hypotension) occurring intraoperatively. During the 6-month deployment, postanesthesia care unit and intensive care unit nurses were most prominent users followed by anesthesiologists. While overall well received, our pilot users reported challenges for readability, font size, and the lack of customization.

Conclusion While the ICSD was designed for anesthesiologists, postanesthesia care unit and intensive care unit nurses were the most frequent users. Future development will involve customization for different stakeholders.
Platelet Dysfunction in Noonan and 22q11.2 Deletion Syndromes in Childhood
Authors: Ruiz-Llobet Anna , Isola Ignacio , Gassiot Susanna , Català Albert , Díaz-Ricart Maribel , Martínez-Monseny Antonio F. , Serrano Mercedes , Berrueco Rubén
Published: March 2020

Introduction An underlying thrombocytopathy seems to be responsible for hemorrhagic symptoms in patients diagnosed with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) or Noonan syndrome (NS). In 22q11DS, it is explained by a defect in the membrane glycoprotein (GP) complex Ib-V-IX. The cause of thrombocytopathy in NS remains unclear.

Aim The objective is to study the incidence of thrombocytopathy in pediatric patients diagnosed with 22q11DS or NS assessing the utility of ISTH-BAT questionnaire and laboratory techniques.

Materials and Methods Prospective study between March and December 2018 in children (2–18 years old) diagnosed with 22q11DS or NS. Hemorrhagic symptoms using ISTH-BAT score, total cell blood count, platelet indices, PFA-200 closure times, and platelet aggregation were evaluated in all patients and membrane GP expression in 22q11DS patients.

Results Nearly 70% of NS patients (n = 22) had a platelet aggregation defect without thrombocytopenia. A defect of platelet aggregation with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and epinephrine was the most frequent pattern. A statistically significant inverse correlation between closure times and aggregation with arachidonic acid (p = 0.049, p = 0.043) and epinephrine (p = 0.021, p = 0.035), and ADP (p = 0.117, p = 0.05) was found. Total 5 out of 29 patients diagnosed with 22q11DS had macrothrombocytopenia; more noteworthy in older patients. Twenty-six patients showed an impairment in ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation that correlated with prolonged collagen/epinephrine (p = 0.034) and collagen/ADP (p = 0.01). A significant association between ISTH-BAT score >3 and closure times (p = 0.022, p = 0.002) and aggregation defect with ristocetin (p = 0.043) was also demonstrated.

Conclusion Most NS and 22q11DS patients show an impairment of platelet aggregation that correlates with closure times. In 22q11DS patients, these results were also related to hemorrhagic symptoms.
Physical Activity Mediates the Relationship between Gait Function and Fall Incidence after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Taniguchi Masashi , Sawano Shinichiro , Maegawa Shoji , Ikezoe Tome , Ichihashi Noriaki
Published: March 2020

The present study aims to examine (1) the preoperative factors that can predict postoperative falls, (2) whether postoperative physical activity (PA) mediates the relationship between fall incidence and gait function, and (3) whether postoperative PA levels are associated with fall risk in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. Ninety-six patients (mean age: 72.0 ± 6.1 years) who were observed postoperatively for 6 months were selected. Timed up and go (TUG) was assessed as an indicator of gait function. Fall incidence and PA were investigated for 6 months post-TKA. The body mass index, history of preoperative falls, knee pain, knee extensor strength, range of motion in knee flexion, and modified gait efficacy scale were evaluated. Additionally, postoperative PA levels were categorized into three groups—low: <3,000, moderate: 3,000 to 4,000, and high: ≥4,000 steps/day. The relative fall incidence rate was calculated according to the total number of falls normalized for every 1,000 steps/day for 6 months postoperatively. Twenty-five (26.0%) of the 96 patients had at least one fall. The TUG, knee pain, and knee extensor strength were identified preoperatively as significant variables affecting postoperative falls. The mediated effects model revealed that postoperative fall incidence was predicted by preoperative TUG and postoperative PA. Postoperative PA was significantly associated with preoperative TUG. Moreover, both the preoperative TUG and postoperative PA were selected as significant variables for predicting fall incidence. Thus, postoperative PA mediates the relationship between gait function and fall incidence after TKA. Furthermore, the relative fall incidence rate associated with a low PA level was significantly higher than that associated with moderate and high PA levels. In conclusion, preoperative assessments of TUG performance, muscle strength, and knee pain were effective in predicting fall risk. Additionally, an increase in PA could contribute to reducing fall risk in TKA patients. Therefore, our results suggest that preoperative screening for fall predictors and managing postoperative PA could reduce the fall incidence in TKA patients.
Pretransplant Genetic Susceptibility: Clinical Relevance in Transplant-Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy
Authors: Gavriilaki Eleni , Touloumenidou Tasoula , Sakellari Ioanna , Batsis Ioannis , Mallouri Despina , Psomopoulos Fotis , Tsagiopoulou Maria , Koutra Maria , Yannaki Evangelia , Papalexandri Apostolia , Taylor Pat , Nikolousis Emmanuel , Stamouli Maria , Holbro Andreas , Baltadakis Ioannis , Liga Maria , Spyridonidis Alexandros , Tsirigotis Panagiotis , Charchalakis Nikolaos , Tsakiris Dimitrios A. , Brodsky Robert A. , Passweg Jacob , Stamatopoulos Kostas , Anagnostopoulos Achilles
Published: March 2020

Transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) is a life-threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). We hypothesized that pretransplant genetic susceptibility is evident in adult TA-TMA and further investigated the association of TMA-associated variants with clinical outcomes. We studied 40 patients with TA-TMA, donors of 18 patients and 40 control non-TMA HCT recipients, without significant differences in transplant characteristics. Genomic DNA from pretransplant peripheral blood was sequenced for TMA-associated genes. Donors presented significantly lower frequency of rare variants and variants in exonic/splicing/untranslated region (UTR) regions, compared with TA-TMA patients. Controls also showed a significantly lower frequency of rare variants in ADAMTS13, CD46, CFH, and CFI. The majority of TA-TMA patients (31/40) presented with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants. Patients refractory to conventional treatment (62%) and patients that succumbed to transplant-related mortality (65%) were significantly enriched for variants in exonic/splicing/UTR regions. In conclusion, increased incidence of pathogenic, rare and variants in exonic/splicing/UTR regions of TA-TMA patients suggests genetic susceptibility not evident in controls or donors. Notably, variants in exonic/splicing/UTR regions were associated with poor response and survival. Therefore, pretransplant genomic screening may be useful to intensify monitoring and early intervention in patients at high risk for TA-TMA.
Plasma Protein Signatures of a Murine Venous Thrombosis Model and Slc44a2 Knockout Mice Using Quantitative-Targeted Proteomics
Authors: Tilburg Julia , Michaud Sarah A. , Maracle Chrissta X. , Versteeg Henri H. , Borchers Christoph H. , van Vlijmen Bart J. M. , Mohammed Yassene
Published: March 2020

The plasma compartment of the blood holds important information on the risk to develop cardiovascular diseases such as venous thrombosis (VT). Mass spectrometry-based targeted proteomics with internal standards quantifies proteins in multiplex allowing generation of signatures associated with a disease or a condition. Here, to demonstrate the method, we investigate the plasma protein signatures in mice following the onset of VT, which was induced by RNA interference targeting the natural anticoagulants antithrombin and protein C. We then study mice lacking Slc44a2, which was recently characterized as a VT-susceptibility gene in human genome-wide association studies. We use a recently developed panel of 375 multiplexed mouse protein assays measured by mass spectrometry. A strong plasma protein siganture was observed when VT was induced. Discriminators included acute phase response proteins, and proteins related to erythrocyte function. In mice lacking Slc44a2, protein signature was primarily overruled by the difference between sexes and not by the absent gene. Upon separate analyses for males and females, we were able to establish a signature for Slc44a2 deficiency, in which glycosylation-dependent cell adhesion molecule-1 and thrombospondin-1 were shared by both sexes. The minimal impact of Slc44a2 deficiency on the measured plasma proteins suggests that the main effect of Slc44a2 on VT does not lay ultimately in the plasma compartment. This suggests further investigation into the role of this VT-susceptibility gene should perhaps also question the possible involvement in cellular mechanisms.
Influence of Gestational Weight Gain on the Risk of Preterm Birth for Underweight Women Living in Food Deserts
Authors: Madzia Juliana , McKinney David , Kelly Elizabeth , DeFranco Emily
Published: March 2020

Objective Preterm birth (PTB) and food insecurity are two of the most significant public health crises in the United States. Effects of being underweight among populations with low food security are not well understood. We assess whether the protective effect of gestational weight gain (GWG) for women with low prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) differs by accessibility to sources of healthy food.

Study Design Population-based retrospective cohort study using Ohio birth records analyzing all live births, 2006 to 2015. Analyses were stratified by maternal BMI (underweight, normal, overweight, and obese), Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended GWG (under vs. met), and whether the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) classified the residential census tract for each birth as a food desert. Food access data were retrieved from the USDA's 2018 Food Access Research Atlas. Covariates were selected using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. Logistic regression models estimated the risk ratio (RR) of PTB for each group based on under or exceeded recommended GWG (reference = met), adjusting for coexisting risk factors.

Results Analysis was performed on 1,124,299 births. PTB risk was highest for underweight women below GWG recommendations (no food desert: 21.3%, RR = 2.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.81–2.57; food desert: 21.0%, RR = 1.46, 95% CI: 0.96–2.21). Underweight women living in food deserts who exceeded GWG recommendations had lower PTB risk than those who met GWG recommendations (13.5 vs. 14.3%, RR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.51–1.41). Factors other than GWG significantly associated with PTB included in the adjusted analysis include maternal age and race, education, marital status, interpregnancy interval, and presence of prepregnancy diabetes or hypertension.

Conclusion Underweight women who do not meet GWG recommendations are at high risk for PTB. Increasing pregnancy weight gain to a level that exceeds IOM recommendations was not associated with a reduction in PTB risk for underweight women who reside in food deserts compared with women who met GWG recommendations.

Key Points
An effective Xe+–Xe interaction potential for electric propulsion systems
Authors: Wang Jiahong , Jiang Yazhong , Chen Laiwen , Lee Chun-Hian
Published: March 2020

An effective Xe+–Xe interaction potential for electric propulsion systems is proposed based on both spin–orbit free interaction potentials and the screened-Coulomb potential. The model not only conforms with the potential obtained by an ab initio method at large internuclear distances but also matches well with the potential derived from experimental scattering data at short internuclear distances. The scattering angles and differential cross sections computed by the effective potential are in good agreement with those obtained by the Morse potential in low-energy regions and those via two screened-Coulomb potentials (the Ziegler–Biersack–Littmark and Zinoviev potential) in high-energy regions, respectively. To further validate the effective potential, a particle-in-cell method with a Monte Carlo collisions technique, coupled with a direct method for solving the scattering equation, was applied to simulate the collisions of 1500-eV and 7000-eV single-charged xenon ions with background xenon atoms in a test cell. The simulated currents on the inner cylinder, exit plate, exit orifice, and front plate are calculated by different potentials. Results show that the effective potential can give a good prediction of the Xe+–Xe elastic collisions in the wider energy region compared with the Morse, Ziegler–Biersack–Littmark, and Zinoviev potentials.
Method for conducting in situ high-temperature digital image correlation with simultaneous synchrotron measurements under thermomechanical conditions
Authors: Rossmann Lin , Sarley Brooke , Hernandez Johnathan , Kenesei Peter , Köster Alain , Wischek Janine , Almer Jonathan , Maurel Vincent , Bartsch Marion , Raghavan Seetha
Published: March 2020

This work presents a novel method of obtaining in situ strain measurements at high temperature by simultaneous digital image correlation (DIC), which provides the total strain on the specimen surface, and synchrotron x-ray diffraction (XRD), which provides lattice strains of crystalline materials. DIC at high temperature requires specialized techniques to overcome the effects of increased blackbody radiation that would otherwise overexpose the images. The technique presented herein is unique in that it can be used with a sample enclosed in an infrared heater, remotely and simultaneously with synchrotron XRD measurements. The heater included a window for camera access, and the light of the heater lamps is used as illumination. High-temperature paint is used to apply a random speckle pattern to the sample to allow the tracking of displacements and the calculation of the DIC strains. An inexpensive blue theatrical gel filter is used to block interfering visible and infrared light at high temperatures. This technique successfully produces properly exposed images at 870 °C and is expected to perform similarly at higher temperatures. The average strains measured by DIC were validated by an analytical calculation of the theoretical strain. Simultaneous DIC and XRD strain measurements of Inconel 718 (IN718) tensile test specimens were performed under thermal and mechanical loads and evaluated. This approach uses the fact that with DIC, the total strain is measured, including plastic strain, while with XRD, only elastic strain is captured. The observed differences were discussed with respect to the effective deformation mechanisms.
Helicity maximization in a planar array of achiral high-density dielectric nanoparticles
Authors: Hanifeh Mina , Capolino Filippo
Published: March 2020

We investigate how a periodic array composed of achiral isotropic high-refractive index dielectric nanospheres generates nearfield over the array surface reaching helicity density very close to its upper bound. The required condition for an array of nanospheres to generate “optimally chiral” nearfield, which represents the upper bound of helicity density, is derived in terms of array effective electric and magnetic polarizabilities that almost satisfy the effective Kerker condition for arrays. The discussed concepts find applications in improving chirality detection based on circular dichroism (CD) at the surface level instead of in the bulk. Importantly, the array would not contribute to the generated CD signal when used as a substrate for detecting chirality of a thin layer of chiral molecules. This eliminates the need to separate the CD signal generated by the array from that of the chiral sample.
Exploring the shear strain contribution to the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy of (Ga,Mn)As
Authors: Kraimia M. , Largeau L. , Boujdaria K. , Croset B. , Mocuta C. , Lemaître A. , Gourdon C. , Thevenard L.
Published: March 2020

We present an experimental and k⋅p theoretical study on the origin of the strong in-plane uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in (Ga,Mn)As layers, unexpected from the cubic crystalline structure. The symmetry lowering can be accounted for by structural or effective shear strains. We find theoretically out-of-plane and in-plane magnetic anisotropy constants being linear with the shear strain. Searching for a real shear strain arising from lattice relaxation, we perform two types of measurements: anomalous x-ray diffraction and strain-induced optical birefringence, at room temperature. Working on a strongly anisotropic (Ga,Mn)As layer, the estimated ϵxy=10−4 was not found although it lied an order of magnitude above the detection threshold. This ensemble of results indicates as unlikely a relaxation-driven uniaxial anisotropy. As previously suggested theoretically, the magnetic symmetry-lowering could instead originate from the anisotropic incorporation of Mn atoms during growth. This would yield a perfectly in-plane matched lattice, with an anisotropy that could nevertheless be modeled as an effective shear strain and modified by an external shear stress, in agreement with the existing experimental literature.
Cell patterning by surface tension pinning in microfluidic channels
Authors: Curtis Allison , Cheng Jessica J. , Hui Elliot E.
Published: March 2020

We present a simple method to pattern multiple cell populations inside a microfluidic channel. The microchannel is partially filled with a cell suspension, and the position of the liquid boundary remains pinned by surface tension. Cells then adhere only in the filled portion of the channel, producing a very sharp boundary. The process can be performed in an unmodified microfluidic channel with only a manual syringe and can be repeated multiple times to pattern cocultures or tricultures. We demonstrate the patterning method with two different mammalian cell types, 3T3 fibroblasts and NMuMG epithelial cells, and channel heights of 1.5 mm and 0.5 mm. We anticipate that this method will be useful for studies of cell–cell interactions where precise control of the fluidic microenvironment is required.
Calculation of the ion–ion recombination rate coefficient via a hybrid continuum-molecular dynamics approach
Authors: Tamadate Tomoya , Higashi Hidenori , Seto Takafumi , Hogan Christopher J.
Published: March 2020

Accurate calculation of the ion–ion recombination rate coefficient has been of long-standing interest as it controls the ion concentration in gas phase systems and in aerosols. We describe the development of a hybrid continuum-molecular dynamics (MD) approach to determine the ion–ion recombination rate coefficient. This approach is based on the limiting sphere method classically used for transition regime collision phenomena in aerosols. When ions are sufficiently far from one another, the ion–ion relative motion is described by diffusion equations, while within a critical distance, MD simulations are used to model ion–ion motion. MD simulations are parameterized using the Assisted Model Building with Energy Refinement force-field as well as by considering partial charges on atoms. Ion–neutral gas collisions are modeled in two mutually exclusive cubic domains composed of 103 gas atoms each, which remain centered on the recombining ions throughout calculations. Example calculations are reported for NH4+ recombination with NO2− in He, across a pressure range from 10 kPa to 10 000 kPa. Excellent agreement is found in comparison with calculations to literature values for the 100 kPa recombination rate coefficient (1.0 × 10−12 m3 s−1) in He. We also recover the experimentally observed increase in the recombination rate coefficient with pressure at sub-atmospheric pressures, and the observed decrease in the recombination rate coefficient in the high pressure continuum limit. We additionally find that non-dimensionalized forms of rate coefficients are consistent with recently developed equations for the dimensionless charged particle–ion collision rate coefficient based on Langevin dynamics simulations.
Purely physical fabrication of 10 cm × 10 cm, highly uniform PbI2 thin films on rigid and flexible substrates for x-ray photodetection application
Authors: Sun Hui , Wei Qing , Su Qianfa , Zhu Xinghua , Wangyang Peihua , Gao Xiuying , Yang Dingyu
Published: March 2020

Lead iodide, PbI2, is one of the promising metal halide materials used for x- and γ-ray detection; it is also a key constituent of organometallic halide perovskites for low-cost solar cells. Here, we report a mature technology for the fabrication of microelectronic devices—an electron beam evaporation method to prepare highly uniform PbI2 thin films with a size of up to 10 cm × 10 cm on various rigid and flexible substrates at room temperature; the fabricated x-ray detectors show a consistent detection performance. The detection performance of the PbI2 thin film based flexible detectors demonstrate high robustness and stability under various bending states, suggesting themselves as potential candidates for the development of next-generation, large-area, and flexible x-ray detecting devices by using pure PbI2 films.
Apparent nutrient digestibility, nitrogen metabolism and microbial protein synthesis in sheep supplemented with different vegetable fats
Authors: Benhissi H. , Beltrán de Heredia I. , García-Rodríguez A.
Published: March 2020

The objective of the present study was to delineate the effect of different vegetable lipid supplements on apparent nutrients digestibility, nitrogen (N) metabolism and microbial protein synthesis in sheep reared under intensive conditions. Three Latxa sheep were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design, with three 21-day periods (14-day adaptation and a 7-day sample collection each period), and were fed barley straw plus a concentrate mixture supplemented with (1) prilled palm fat (PALM), (2) cold-pressed rapeseed cake (CPRC) or (3) cold-pressed sunflower cake (CPSC). Organic matter intake did not differ among dietary treatments (P = 0.246). No significant differences were found between PALM and CPRC for apparent nutrients digestibility (P > 0.05), (N) balance (P > 0.05) or microbial protein synthesis (P > 0.05). The CPSC diet did not affect (N) intake (P = 0.481) and faecal losses (P = 0.753), but increased urinary N excretion (P = 0.030), and decreased N retention (P = 0.034), compared with PALM. Daily microbial protein synthesis, expressed as mmol of microbial N/day, was reduced by 18% with CPSC, compared with PALM (P = 0.001). Decreased microbial (N) supply was mainly due to a decline in the amount of substrate available for microbial protein synthesis due to a lower organic matter digestibility in CPSC-fed sheep. Overall, substituting palm fat with cold-pressed rapeseed cake in a high-concentrate fattening diet of sheep did not alter feed digestibility, efficiency of N utilisation or microbial protein synthesis. In contrast, replacing palm fat with cold-pressed sunflower cake reduced organic matter digestibility, increased (N) urinary losses and reduced microbial protein supply to the host animal.