bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential gene responses 3 days following infarction in the fetal and adolescent sheep heart
Authors: Lock Mitchell C. , Tellam Ross L. , Darby Jack R. T. , Soo Jia Yin , Brooks Doug A. , Macgowan Christopher K. , Selvanayagam Joseph B. , Porrello Enzo R. , Seed Mike , Keller-Wood Maureen , Morrison Janna L.
Published: January 2020

There are critical molecular mechanisms that can be activated to induce myocardial repair, and in humans this is most efficient during fetal development. The timing of heart development in relation to birth and the size/electrophysiology of the heart are similar in humans and sheep, providing a model to investigate the repair capacity of the mammalian heart and how this can be applied to adult heart repair. Myocardial infarction was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in fetal (105 days gestation when cardiomyocytes are proliferative) and adolescent sheep (6 mo of age when all cardiomyocytes have switched to an adult phenotype). An ovine gene microarray was used to compare gene expression in sham and infarcted (remote, border and infarct areas) cardiac tissue from fetal and adolescent hearts. The gene response to myocardial infarction was less pronounced in fetal compared with adolescent sheep hearts and there were unique gene responses at each age. There were also region-specific changes in gene expression between each age, in the infarct tissue, tissue bordering the infarct, and tissue remote from the infarction. In total, there were 880 genes that responded to MI uniquely in the adolescent samples compared with 170 genes in the fetal response, as well as 742 overlap genes that showed concordant direction of change responses to infarction at both ages. In response to myocardial infarction, there were specific changes in genes within pathways of mitochondrial oxidation, muscle contraction, and hematopoietic cell lineages, suggesting that the control of energy utilization and immune function are critical for effective heart repair. The more restricted gene response in the fetus may be an important factor in its enhanced capacity for cardiac repair.
Exploring Structural Characteristics of Lattices in Real World
Authors: Chen Yu , You Jinguo , Zou Benyuan , Gan Guoyu , Zhang Ting , Jia Lianyin
Published: January 2020

There are two important models for data analysis and knowledge system: data cube lattices and concept lattices. They both essentially have lattice structures, which are actually irregular in our real world. However, their structural characteristics and relationship are not yet clear. To the best of our knowledge, no work has paid enough attention to this challenging issue from the perspective of graph data, in spite of the importance of structures in lattice data. In this paper, we first tackle the structural statistics of lattice data from three aspects: the degree distribution, clustering coefficient, and average path length. We demonstrated by various datasets that data cube lattices and concept lattices share similarities underlying their topology, which are, in general, different from random networks and complex networks. Specifically, lattice data follow the Poisson distribution and have smaller clustering coefficient and greater average path length. We further discuss and explain these characteristics intrinsically by building the analytical model and the generating mechanism.
Hybrid Robust H2/H∞ Fault-Tolerant Control with Random Delay NCS
Authors: Wang Jun , Ling Miaomiao
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a hybrid fault-tolerant control method with off-line design and online scheduling is proposed for NCS with actuator faults, random delay, and external finite energy disturbance. The problem of less conservatism of robust generalized H2/H∞ hybrid fault-tolerant control is studied. Firstly, a closed-loop fault model of the system with random delay parameters was established according to the Bernoulli 0-1 distribution; all possible prior faults are divided into a few intervals according to certain rules, and then an interval fault-tolerant controller is designed off-line according to the prior faults of each interval. Secondly, when the fault is estimated online, the corresponding interval fault-tolerant controller is called through the scheduling mechanism to achieve rapid fault tolerance of prior faults within the interval and mitigate the impact of other faults within the interval, which provides a guarantee for subsequent safe reconstruction control. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by Matlab simulation.
The Main Determinants for Suicidal Ideation in a Romanian Cohort of Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Romaniuc Andreea , Bălaşa Rodica , Ştirbu Nicoleta , Maier Smaranda , Andone Sebastian , Bajko Zoltan , Bărcuţean Laura , Voidăzan Septimiu , Moţăţăianu Anca
Published: January 2020

Objective. To determine the prevalence of suicidal concerns (SC) in a large multiple sclerosis (MS) patient group and to assess the major determinants that are implicated in their occurrence.Methods. A total of 349 patients were included in the study. They completed a survey about their demographic characteristics, psycho-socio-economic data, and disease-related information. Their disability level was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) based on the neurological examination performed by the same doctor for every patient and the SC were documented with the Beck Depression Inventory-II questionnaire.Results. The study included 112 men and 237 women, with a mean age around 42 years old. Suicidal thoughts were more frequent in men, while suicidal intentions in women. Positive correlations were found between SC and depression, EDSS, total number of relapses, disease duration, and level of education. From the EDSS functional scores, only the pyramidal score and the cerebellar score presented a significant correlation with SC. None of the patients with clinically isolated syndrome had SC. The type of disease-modifying therapy, marital and occupational status, and the presence of children did not influence the presence of SC.Conclusions. The prevalence of SC is higher in patients with MS compared to the general population. Their occurrence is mostly influenced by the disease itself (duration, relapses, acquired disability) and also by depression and lack of education.
A Distributed Optimization Algorithm for Energy of Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Potential Game
Authors: Shao Lingfeng , Yang Junjie , Fang Jicheng
Published: January 2020

Recently, we have witnessed the rapid development of techniques on upgrading energy efficiency for wireless sensor networks (WSN). With the improvement of the detection range and the detection intensity, the lifetime of wireless sensor networks (WSN) is still limited by sensor node batteries (BA). Due to the need for wireless sensor network energy optimization, the power supply side has been putting forward higher requirements, and the traditional wireless sensor network with energy supplement has difficulty in meeting this development trend. The game and potential game concepts were introduced to take economics into account. Taking the wireless sensor network (WSN) with photovoltaic (PV) array charging and mobile-charging car (MCC) as an example, a running optimization model based on potential game is proposed, and the existence of Nash equilibrium has been proven. The iterative solution is completed by communication between the players, and the energy utilization rate is effectively improved. This paper verifies that potential game theory can be used to improve the feasibility and efficiency of wireless sensor network energy optimization.
Business Intelligence Challenges for Independent Game Publishing
Authors: Su Yanhui , Backlund Per , Engström Henrik
Published: January 2020

With the continuous development of the game industry, research in the game field is also deepening. Many interdisciplinary areas of knowledge and theory have been used to promote the development of the game industry. Business intelligence technologies have been applied to game development for game design and game optimization. However, few systematic research efforts have focused on the field of game publishing, particularly with regard to independent (indie) game publishing. In this paper, we analyse data collected from a set of interviews with small indie game developers. The results indicate that most of the indie game developers have already used business intelligence for game self-publishing, although three main challenges have been identified: first, how to conduct marketing promotion and improve the return on investment (ROI); second, how to collect game publishing data; and third, how to analyse the data in order to guide game self-publishing. Our interviews also reveal that the business model applied to a game significantly impacts the role of game analytics. The study expands and advances the research on how game analytics can be used for game publishing, particularly for indie game self-publishing.
Impact of Financial Development and Its Spatial Spillover Effect on Green Total Factor Productivity: Evidence from 30 Provinces in China
Authors: Zhong Junhao , Li Tinghui
Published: January 2020

The relationship between financial development and green economic growth has received much attention in recent years. Research on the relationship between financial development and green total factor productivity (GTFP) is of great importance to China and other countries. This study has attempted to reveal the spatial distribution of China’s provincial GTFP and impact of financial development on GTFP by using the method of GML index based on SBM-DDF and the spatial Durbin model (SDM) during the period 1996–2015. Innovation is added to the SDM to reflect the influencing mechanism of financial development on GTFP. The empirical results show the following: (1) The mean of China’s provincial GTFP showed a U-shaped curve in 1996–2015. (2) China’s provincial financial development promotes the growth of GTFP through innovation channel. The reason is that financial development boosts eco-friendly innovation and the introduction of energy saving technology, leading to a decrease in energy consumption and pollutant emissions. (3) Increasing the level of financial development in the surrounding areas will restrain local GTFP. Our results provide new evidence that China’s regional financial development has a spatial spillover effect. (4) China’s provincial GTFP has a significant spatial positive correlation. Finally, several policy implications can be summarized to China’s 30 provinces.
Effect of JumpstartMD, a Commercial Low-Calorie Low-Carbohydrate Physician-Supervised Weight Loss Program, on 22,407 Adults
Authors: Bourke Sean , Morton John Magaña , Williams Paul
Published: January 2020

Background. Commercial weight loss programs provide valuable consumer options for those desiring support. Several commercial programs are reported to produce ≥3-fold greater weight loss than self-directed dieting. The effectiveness of JumpstartMD, a commercial pay-as-you-go program that emphasizes a low-to-very-low-carbohydrate real-food diet and optional pharmacologic treatment without prepackaged meals or meal replacement, has not previously been described. Methods. Completer and last observation carried forward (LOCF) of clinic-measured weight loss (kg) in 18,769 female and 3638 male JumpstartMD participants. Results. Completers lost (mean ± SE) 8.7 ± 0.04 kg, 9.5 ± 0.04% with 44.5 ± 0.5% achieving ≥10% weight loss at 3 months (mo, N = 14,999 completers); 11.8 ± 0.1 kg, 12.6 ± 0.1% with 66.4 ± 0.6% achieving ≥10% weight loss at 6 mo (N = 11,805); and 11.5 ± 0.2 kg, 12.0 ± 0.2% with 57.6 ± 0.9% achieving ≥10% weight loss at 12 mo (N = 8514). LOCF estimates were −6.5 ± 0.03 kg, −7.2 ± 0.03% with 27.1 ± 0.3% achieving ≥10% weight loss at 3 mo; −7.7 ± 0.04 kg, −8.5 ± 0.04% with 36.3 ± 0.3% achieving ≥10% weight loss at 6 mo; and −7.7 ± 0.1 kg, −8.4 ± 0.1% with 34.6 ± 0.3% achieving ≥10% weight loss after 12 mo. Frequent health coach meetings was a major determinant of weight loss, with women and men attending ≥75% of their weekly appointments losing 8.8 ± 0.04 and 11.9 ± 0.1 kg, respectively, after 3 mo, 13.1 ± 0.1 and 16.5 ± 0.3 kg after 6 mo, and 16.5 ± 0.3 and 19.4 ± 0.8 kg after 12 mo. Phentermine and phendimetrazine had a minor effect in women only at 1 (6.1% greater weight loss than untreated), 2 (4.1%), and 3 mo (1.2%), but treated patients showed longer enrollment than nontreated during the first 3 (females: +0.4 ± 0.01; males: +0.3 ± 0.04 mo), 6 (females: +1.1 ± 0.04; males: +1.0 ± 0.1 mo), and 12 mo (females: +2.7 ± 0.1; males: +2.4 ± 0.2 mo). JumpstartMD produced generally greater weight loss than published reports for other real-food and prepackaged-meal commercial programs and somewhat greater or comparable losses to meal replacement diets. Conclusion. A one-on-one medically supervised program that emphasized real low-carbohydrate foods produced effective weight loss, particularly in those attending ≥75% of their weekly appointments.
Update on Pathophysiology, Treatment, and Complications of Carcinoid Syndrome
Authors: Clement Dominique , Ramage John , Srirajaskanthan Raj
Published: January 2020

Carcinoid syndrome (CS) develops in patients with hormone-producing neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) when hormones reach a significant level in the systemic circulation. The classical symptoms of carcinoid syndrome are flushing, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and wheezing. Neuroendocrine neoplasms can produce multiple hormones: 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) is the most well-known one, but histamine, catecholamines, and brady/tachykinins are also released. Serotonin overproduction can lead to symptoms and also stimulates fibrosis formation which can result in development of carcinoid syndrome-associated complications such as carcinoid heart disease (CaHD) and mesenteric fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is one of the main factors in developing fibrosis, but platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF or CCN2) are also related to fibrosis development. Treatment of CS focuses on reducing serotonin levels with somatostatin analogues (SSA’s). Telotristat ethyl and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) have recently become available for patients with symptoms despite being established on SSA’s. Screening for CaHD is advised, and early intervention prolongs survival. Mesenteric fibrosis is often present and associated with poorer survival, but the role for prophylactic surgery of this is unclear. Depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment are frequently present symptoms in patients with CS but not always part of their care plan. The role of antidepressants, mainly SSRIs, is debatable, but recent retrospective studies show evidence for safe use in patients with CS. Carcinoid crisis is a life-threatening complication of CS which can appear spontaneously but mostly described during surgery, anaesthesia, chemotherapy, PRRT, and radiological procedures and may be prevented by octreotide administration.
A Four-Chemokine Signature Is Associated with a T-cell–Inflamed Phenotype in Primary and Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Romero Joan M. , Grünwald Barbara , Jang Gun-Ho , Bavi Prashant P. , Jhaveri Aaditeya , Masoomian Mehdi , Fischer Sandra E. , Zhang Amy , Denroche Robert E. , Lungu Ilinca M. , De Luca Angela , Bartlett John M.S. , Xu Jing , Li Niandong , Dhaliwal Sharon , Liang Sheng-Ben , Chadwick Dianne , Vyas Foram , Bronsert Peter , Khokha Rama , McGaha Tracy L. , Notta Faiyaz , Ohashi Pamela S. , Done Susan J. , O'Kane Grainne M. , Wilson Julie M. , Knox Jennifer J. , Connor Ashton , Wang Yifan , Zogopoulos George , Gallinger Steven
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

The molecular drivers of antitumor immunity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are poorly understood, posing a major obstacle for the identification of patients potentially amenable for immune-checkpoint blockade or other novel strategies. Here, we explore the association of chemokine expression with effector T-cell infiltration in PDAC.

Experimental Design:

Discovery cohorts comprised 113 primary resected PDAC and 107 PDAC liver metastases. Validation cohorts comprised 182 PDAC from The Cancer Genome Atlas and 92 PDACs from the Australian International Cancer Genome Consortium. We explored associations between immune cell counts by immunohistochemistry, chemokine expression, and transcriptional hallmarks of antitumor immunity by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and mutational burden by whole-genome sequencing.

Results:

Among all known human chemokines, a coregulated set of four (CCL4, CCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL10) was strongly associated with CD8+ T-cell infiltration (P < 0.001). Expression of this “4-chemokine signature” positively correlated with transcriptional metrics of T-cell activation (ZAP70, ITK, and IL2RB), cytolytic activity (GZMA and PRF1), and immunosuppression (PDL1, PD1, CTLA4, TIM3, TIGIT, LAG3, FASLG, and IDO1). Furthermore, the 4-chemokine signature marked tumors with increased T-cell activation scores (MHC I presentation, T-cell/APC costimulation) and elevated expression of innate immune sensing pathways involved in T-cell priming (STING and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways, BATF3-driven dendritic cells). Importantly, expression of this 4-chemokine signature was consistently indicative of a T-cell–inflamed phenotype across primary PDAC and PDAC liver metastases.

Conclusions:

A conserved 4-chemokine signature marks resectable and metastatic PDAC tumors with an active antitumor phenotype. This could have implications for the appropriate selection of PDAC patients in immunotherapy trials.
Association between Aldose Reductase Gene C(-106)T Polymorphism and Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lin Shan , Peng Yuanzheng , Cao Mengtao , Chen Ruiting , Hu Jiying , Pu Zuhui , Cai Zhiming , Mou Lisha
Published: January 2020

Controversial results regarding the associations between aldose reductase (AR) genetic polymorphisms and diabetic retinopathy (DR) have been reported for many years. The present meta-analysis was performed to clarify the effects of the AR gene C(-106)T polymorphism on DR risk. The PubMed, Web of Sciences, Cochrane library, EMBASE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wan Fang databases were extensively searched in Chinese to select relevant studies with an updated date of April 25, 2018. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was applied to assess quality. The random-effects model was applied to calculate the pooled OR and 95% CI. This meta-analysis identified 23 studies with an average score of 7.52 for NOS analysis, including 4,313 DR cases and 5,128 diabetes mellitus (DM) control cases. In the overall analysis, a significant association between the AR gene C(-106)T polymorphism and DR susceptibility was found. In subgroups stratified by DM type and ethnicity, significantly increased risks for DR were found in DM type 1, East Asian populations, and Middle Eastern populations. Compared with DR control cases, the following associations were found: T vs. C: OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85–0.97, I2 = 72.9%; CT + TT vs. CC: OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.68–0.81, I2 = 86.7%; and CT vs. CC: OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.78–0.94, I2 = 70.5%. The results of this meta-analysis showed a significant association between the AR gene C(-106)T polymorphism and susceptibility to DR in DM patients. DM patients with allele T and CT+TT genotype of the AR gene may have a lower risk of DR.
Exome Sequencing for Prenatal Detection of Genetic Abnormalities in Fetal Ultrasound Anomalies: An Economic Evaluation
Authors: Kodabuckus Shahela S. , Quinlan-Jones Elizabeth , McMullan Dominic J. , Maher Eamonn R. , Hurles Matthew E. , Barton Pelham M. , Kilby Mark D.
Published: January 2020

Introduction: In light of the prospective Prenatal Assessment of Genomes and Exomes (PAGE) study, this paper aimed to determine the additional costs of using exome sequencing (ES) alongside or in place of chromosomal microarray (CMA) in a fetus with an identified congenital anomaly. Methods: A decision tree was populated using data from a prospective cohort of women undergoing invasive diagnostic testing. Four testing strategies were evaluated: CMA, ES, CMA followed by ES (“stepwise”); CMA and ES combined. Results: When ES is priced at GBP 2,100 (EUR 2,407/USD 2,694), performing ES alone prenatally would cost a further GBP 31,410 (EUR 36,001/USD 40,289) per additional genetic diagnosis, whereas the stepwise would cost a further GBP 24,657 (EUR 28,261/USD 31,627) per additional genetic diagnosis. When ES is priced at GBP 966 (EUR 1,107/USD 1,239), performing ES alone prenatally would cost a further GBP 11,532 (EUR 13,217/USD 14,792) per additional genetic diagnosis, whereas the stepwise would cost a further additional GBP 11,639 (EUR 13,340/USD 14,929) per additional genetic diagnosis. The sub-group analysis suggests that performing stepwise on cases indicative of multiple anomalies at ultrasound scan (USS) compared to cases indicative of a single anomaly, is more cost-effective compared to using ES alone. Discussion/Conclusion: Performing ES alongside CMA is more cost-effective than ES alone, which can potentially lead to improvements in pregnancy management. The direct effects of test results on pregnancy outcomes were not examined; therefore, further research is recommended to examine changes on the projected incremental cost-effectiveness ratios.
Advanced Endoscopic Imaging in Colonic Neoplasia
Authors: Rath Timo , Morgenstern Nadine , Vitali Francesco , Atreya Raja , Neurath Markus F.
Published: January 2020

Background: Endoscopic imaging is a rapidly evolving field with a constant influx of new concepts and technologies. Since the introduction of video endoscopy and subsequently high-definition imaging as the first revolutions in gastrointestinal endoscopy, several technologies of virtual chromoendoscopy have been developed and brought to the market in the past decade, which have shaped and revolutionized for a second time our approach to endoscopic imaging. In parallel to these developments, microscopic imaging technologies, such as endomicroscopy and endocytoscopy, allow us to examine single cells within the mucosa in real time, thereby enabling histological diagnoses during ongoing endoscopy. Summary: In this review, we provide an overview on the technical background of different technologies of advanced endoscopic imaging, and then review and discuss their role and applications for the diagnosis and management of colorectal neoplasms as well as limitations and challenges that exist despite all technological improvements. Key Messages: Technologies of advanced endoscopic imaging have profound impact not only on our imaging capabilities, they are also about to fundamentally change our approach to managing lesions in the gastrointestinal tract: not every lesion found during colonoscopy has to be excised or sent for histopathologic evaluation. However, before this becomes widespread reality, major obstacles such as patient acceptance, adoption by less trained endoscopists, and also legal aspects need to carefully addressed. The development of computer-aided diagnosis and artificial intelligence algorithms hold the potential to overcome the obstacles associated with the concept of optical biopsy and will most likely fundamentally facilitate, shape, and change decision making in the management of colorectal lesions.
Benign Thyroid Diseases: Are There Gender-Specific Differences for Diagnosis and Treatment of Nontoxic Thyroid Nodules? Results from a 4-Year Retrospective Analysis of an Endocrine Tumor Board
Authors: Mettler Jasmin , Armefti Stella , Schmidt Matthias , Faust Michael , Engels Marianne , Chiapponi Costanza
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Benign nodular goiters are endemic in Germany and diagnostic thyroidectomy is one of the most frequent surgical procedures. Less than 10% result in a malignant finding which is a poor ratio in comparison to other European countries. There is a female preponderance in almost all thyroid pathologies according to the current literature but not much is known concerning gender-specific differences in thyroid nodules. Objective: We aimed at finding gender-specific differences in diagnosis and treatment of nontoxic thyroid nodules and focused on preoperative workup as well as cytological and histological findings of patients with solitary and multinodular nontoxic goiters. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 392 cases out of 693 thyroid cases managed interdisciplinarily by the endocrine board of a university center between January 2015 and December 2018 (4 years). Results: The combination of fine needle biopsy and interdisciplinary case discussion resulted in a rate of malignancy of 28.9% in patients undergoing surgery for solitary and multinodular nontoxic goiter. Although there was no significant gender-specific difference in the distributions and malignancy rates of Bethesda categories, male patients had a significantly higher malignancy rate of 40% in our collective (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Surgical treatment for male patients with suspicious hypofunctioning thyroid nodules should be favored. However, well-designed prospective studies are required to investigate gender-specific recommendations for the treatment of benign thyroid diseases in the future.
Distribution of Cardioembolic Stroke: A Cohort Study
Authors: Pierik Ramon , Algra Ale , van Dijk Ewoud , Erasmus Michiel E. , van Gelder Isabella C. , Koudstaal Peter J. , Luijckx Gert-Jan R. , Nederkoorn Paul J. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Ruigrok Ynte M. , Scheeren Thomas W.L. , Uyttenboogaart Maarten , Visser Marieke C. , Wermer Marieke J.H. , van den Bergh Walter M. ,   on behalf of the Parelsnoer Institute-Cerebrovascular Accident Study Group
Published: January 2020

Background: A cardiac origin in ischemic stroke is more frequent than previously assumed, but it is not clear which patients benefit from cardiac work-up if obvious cardiac pathology is absent. We hypothesized that thromboembolic stroke with a cardiac source occurs more frequently in the posterior circulation compared with thromboembolic stroke of another etiology. Methods: We performed a multicenter observational study in 3,311 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke who were enrolled in an ongoing prospective stroke registry of 8 University hospitals between September 2009 and November 2014 in The Netherlands. In this initiative, the so-called Parelsnoer Institute-Cerebrovascular Accident Study Group, clinical data, imaging, and biomaterials of patients with stroke are prospectively and uniformly collected. We compared the proportions of posterior stroke location in patients with a cardiac stroke source with those with another stroke etiology and calculated risk ratios (RR) with corresponding 95% CI with Poisson regression analyses. To assess which patient or disease characteristics were most strongly associated with a cardiac etiology in patients with ischemic stroke, we performed a stepwise backward regression analysis. Results: For the primary aim, 1,428 patients were eligible for analyses. The proportion of patients with a posterior stroke location among patients with a cardiac origin of their stroke (28%) did not differ statistically significant to those with another origin (25%), age and sex adjusted RR 1.16; 95% CI 0.96–1.41. For the secondary aim, 1,955 patients were eligible for analyses. No recent history of smoking, no hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, a higher age, and a higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score were associated with a cardiac etiology of ischemic stroke. Conclusions: We could not confirm our hypothesis that thromboembolic stroke localized in the posterior circulation is associated with a cardioembolic source of ischemic stroke, and therefore posterior stroke localization on itself does not necessitate additional cardiac examination. The lack of determinants of atherosclerosis, for example, no recent history of smoking and no hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, a higher age, and a higher NIHSS score are stronger risk factors for a cardiac source of ischemic stroke.
Low- Versus Moderate-Sodium Diet in Patients With Recent Hospitalization for Heart Failure
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Andreas , Papadimitriou Lampros , Georgiopoulou Vasiliki V. , Dunbar Sandra B. , Skopicki Hal , Butler Javed
Published: January 2020

Background:

We conducted a pilot study to assess feasibility, on-study retention, trends in natriuretic peptide levels, quality of life, and safety of a 12-week feeding trial with 1500- versus 3000-mg daily sodium meals in high-risk patients with heart failure.

Methods:

Of 196 patients with recent (≤2 weeks) hospitalization for heart failure, ejection fraction ≤40%, on optimal medical therapy, functionally independent, and able to communicate, 83 (47%) consented to participate. Of these, 27 (age, 62±11 years; 22 men; 20 white; ejection fraction, 26±8%) had 24-hour urine sodium ≥3000 mg and agreed to randomly receive either 1500-mg (N=12) or 3000-mg (N=15) sodium meals.

Results:

On-study retention at 12 weeks was 77% (82% versus 73%;
P
=0.53); 6 patients (2 in 1500-mg, 4 in 3000-mg arm) withdrew before study completion. Food satisfaction questionnaires indicated that both diets were well tolerated. Quality of life improved in the 1500-mg arm at 12 weeks but did not change in the 3000-mg arm. Average compliance with meals was 52% (based on urinary sodium) and was not significantly different between arms (42% versus 60%;
P
=0.25). Study meals reduced 24-hour urinary sodium by 137±21 mmol (1500-mg arm) and 82±16 mmol (3000-mg arm), both
P
<0.001; between-arms difference was 55 mmol (95% CI, 3–107;
P
=0.037). NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) was not affected. Hospitalizations and low blood pressure events did not differ significantly between arms. Serum creatinine decreased more (by 0.17 mg/dL [95% CI, 0.06–0.28];
P
=0.003) in the 1500-mg arm. Creatinine increases >0.5 mg/dL over baseline only occurred in 1 patient in the 3000-mg arm.

Conclusions:

Even with prepared meals, investigating optimal dietary sodium in heart failure comes with challenges, including need for extensive screening, reluctance to participate, and compliance issues. Because both diets reduced urinary sodium without adverse safety or quality of life signals, a larger trial, with modifications to improve participation and compliance, would be ethical and feasible.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02467296
Impact of Right Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction on Outcome in Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Bohbot Yohann , Guignant Pierre , Rusinaru Dan , Kubala Maciej , Maréchaux Sylvestre , Tribouilloy Christophe
Published: January 2020

Background:

Pulmonary hypertension is an established outcome predictor in patients with aortic stenosis (AS), but the prognostic impact of right ventricular dysfunction has not been well studied.

Methods:

We included 2181 patients (50.4% men; mean age, 77 years) with aortic valve area <1.3 cm
2
and analyzed the occurrence of all-cause death during follow-up according to tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) quartiles.

Results:

Patients in the lowest quartile (TAPSE <17 mm) were at a high risk of death, whereas survival was comparable for the 3 other quartiles. Five-year survival was 55±2% for TAPSE <17 mm, 72±2% for TAPSE of 17 to 20 mm, 71±2% for TAPSE of 20 to 24 mm, and 73±2% for TAPSE >24 mm (overall
P
<0.001). TAPSE <17 mm was associated with increased mortality after adjustment for established prognostic factors (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.55 [95% CI, 1.21–1.97]) and after further adjustment for aortic valve replacement (AVR; adjusted HR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.15–1.87]). The excess mortality risk associated with TAPSE <17 mm was noticed in both patients managed initially conservatively (adjusted HR, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.20–1.76]) and patients who underwent early (within 3 months after diagnosis) AVR (adjusted HR, 1.61 [95% CI, 1.03–2.52]). In asymptomatic patients with severe AS and preserved ejection fraction, TAPSE <17 mm was independently predictive of mortality (adjusted HR, 2.14 [95% CI, 1.31–3.51]). Early AVR was associated with similar survival benefit in TAPSE <17 and ≥17 mm (adjusted HR, 0.23 [95% CI, 0.16–0.34] for TAPSE <17 mm, adjusted HR, 0.26 [95% CI, 0.19–0.35] for TAPSE ≥17 mm;
P
for interaction, 0.97).

Conclusions:

Right ventricular dysfunction is an important and independent predictor of mortality in AS. TAPSE <17 mm at the time of AS diagnosis is a marker of poor survival under conservative management and after AVR even in asymptomatic patients with severe AS. AVR was associated with a pronounced reduction in mortality independent of TAPSE suggesting that AVR should be discussed before right ventricular dysfunction occurs in severe AS.
Revision of Cyrtandra tempestii (Gesneriaceae) and the description of Cyrtandra tuiwawai from Taveuni, Fiji

Authors: JOHNSON MELISSA A.
Published: January 2020

Cyrtandra tempestii, a species endemic to the southeast coast of Taveuni, Fiji, is reevaluated in light of recent field collections and a thorough examination of herbarium specimens. A revised description of this species based on observations and morphological measurements from the field is presented here. Cyrtandra tuiwawai sp. nov. was formerly included under C. tempestii based on similarities in floral morphology and is described here as a new species endemic to the montane forests of Taveuni. Habitat preference, as well as morphological characters, distinguish the two species from one another. The addition of C. tuiwawai brings the total number of Cyrtandra species in Fiji to 42, and supports the need for continued fieldwork in the region.
Validation of Shoemakerella fissipro Ortiz, Capetillo & Winfield, from the Gulf of California, northeastern Pacific Ocean (Amphipoda: Amphilochidea: Lysianassidae)
Authors: ORTIZ MANUEL , CAPETILLO NORBERTO , WINFIELD IGNACIO
Published: January 2020

Ortiz et al. (2018) described a new species of lysianassid amphipod, Shoemakerella fissipro, from Gulf of California, northeastern Pacific Ocean. Although the description and figures presented by Ortiz et al. (2018) fully characterize the new species, the journal issue in which the description appeared was published online only, and the article in which the new name appeared did not include a ZooBank registration number (LSID), required for validation of new names in electronic-only publications (ICZN 2012). As a result, the name Shoemakerella fissipro Ortiz, Capetillo & Winfield, 2018, as published in Cahiers de Biologie Marine 59: 599–605, is not available according the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 1999, 2012). Therefore, the present note serves to validate name Shoemakerella fissipro by fulfilling ICZN conditions for nomenclatural availability.
Redescription of Sphecapatoclea excisa Villeneuve, 1909 (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)
Authors: SZPILA KRZYSZTOF , WYBORSKA DOMINIKA , BYSTROWSKI CEZARY , PAPE THOMAS
Published: January 2020

Sphecapatoclea excisa Villeneuve, 1909, the type species of the Palaearctic genus Sphecapatoclea Villeneuve, 1909, is redescribed based on a female syntype and on material from Makhtesh Ramon National Park, Israel, and its first instar larva is described for the first time. The species is sexually dimorphic, with much darker adult males. The male genital apparatus is unique by its compressed and sclerotised epiphallus. The morphology of the first instar larva is in accordance with the recently suggested position of the genus Sphecapatoclea in the Old World clade of the “lower” Miltogramminae. Two COI mini-barcodes are provided for S. excisa, and molecular data are in agreement with sequences for Sphecapatoclea spp. available in GenBank. Morphology supports a broad concept of the genus, as S. excisa presents a mixture of character states traditionally used to diagnose either Sphecapatoclea (s. str.) or Parthomyia Rohdendorf, 1925. Available morphological keys for genera of Palaearctic Miltogramminae are compared for functionality, and possible autapomorphies from both adult and larval morphology are discussed.
Fabrication of Ce-Promoted Ni/Al2O3 Methane Steam Reforming Catalysts by Impregnation
Authors: Lim Ye Sol , Lee Min-Jin , Lee Kyoung-Jin , Lee Sangjin , Hwang Haejin
Published: January 2020

CeO2-promoted Ni/Al2O3 catalysts were fabricated by impregnation. The effects of the CeO2 promotion and impregnation order on the microstructural evolution and catalytic durability were investigated for methane steam reforming. The CeO2-promoter
nanoparticles resulted in good dispersion and reduced particle size of Ni catalysts. The enhanced durability of CeO2-promoted Ni/Al2O3 catalysts might be associated with the depression of carbon deposition by the presence of CeO2-promoter nanoparticles.
Anisotropic Wetting Characteristics of Biomimetic Rice Leaf Surface with Asymmetric Asperities
Authors: Jang Mu-Yeon , Park Jeong-Woo , Baek Seung-Yub , Kim Tae-Wan
Published: January 2020

Rice leaf surface has known as having functional performances such as self cleaning and antifouling as well as directional flowing due to a unique micro structure with groove. In this study, we investigated the effects of asymmetrical cone protrusions on the surface of droplet flow
through the contact angle and contact angle hysteresis of the droplet. First, static and dynamic contact angles of droplet on the rice leaf are measured. We found that the rice leaf surface has a directional flow characteristic through the difference of the contact angle hysteresis with flow
directions. We also fabricated the rice leaf-like surfaces with asymmetric asperities along microgrooves using rapid prototyping technique and evaluated anisotropic wettability properties for the produced biomimetic surfaces. The experimental results show that the direction of the micro asperity
tip relative to the droplet flow and its inclined angle has a very important influence on the anisotropic flow. This research can help to clarify the anisotropic wettability by the surface structure.
Engineered Celery-Structured Electrospun Fibers Surface and Its Initial Cell Attachment Ability Effect
Authors: Jang Se Rim , Park Chan Hee , Kim Cheol Sang
Published: January 2020

The fabrication of various types of scaffolds using electrospinning has been greatly researched for tissue engineering applications in recent times. The rapid initial cell adhesion in electrospun scaffolds helps in the rapid recovery of graft sites. The characteristics of nanofibrous
scaffolds can be improved by modifying the topological features and surface of the nanofibers. Previous studies have shown that the scaffold structure is related to a cell attachment ability. In this study, we modified the surface of the fibers to mimic celery structure. It was confirmed that
solvent evaporation and polymer concentration influenced the formation of the surface. This structural property can improve the initial adhesion ability of cells. Cellulose acetate solutions were prepared and tested in various concentrations (15 wt%, 20 wt%, and 30 wt%). Scanning electron
microscopy (SEM), tensile test and cell experiments were performed to evaluate the physical properties and biocompatibility. The structure of the present nanofiber can be applied as a very effective scaffold and it is expected to have a positive effect in the tissue engineering field.
Illumination Effect on Electrical Characteristics of Poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Shin Hyunji , Park Jaehoon , Baang Sungkeun , Choi Jong Sun
Published: January 2020

We investigate the electrical characteristics of solution-processed poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) thin-film transistors (TFTs) under monochromatic illumination conditions at different wavelengths of 700, 655, 515, and 315 nm. The TFT characteristics measured under light illumination
at the wavelengths of 700 and 655 nm were comparable to those measured in the dark state. In addition, light illumination at a wavelength of 515 nm, of which photon energy (~2.4 eV) is higher than the band gap energy of P3HT (~1.7 eV), had a little effect on the electrical characteristics
of P3HT TFTs. On the other hand, the TFT performance was notably changed by light illumination at a wavelength of 315 nm. These results indicate that the photon energy, which cause the characteristic degradation in the solution-processed P3HT TFTs, is much higher than the band gap energy of
P3HT. Consequently, the illumination-induced variation in the TFT performance can be understood through a broad distribution of energetic states in the solution-processed P3HT semiconductor.
Solid Particle Erosion Characteristics of 2.25Cr–1Mo Steel Aged at 750 °C
Authors: Jung Kwang-Hu , Kim Seong-Jong
Published: January 2020

This study evaluated the solid particle erosion characteristics of 2.25Cr–1Mo steel with aging time. Aging was performed at 750 °C until 100 h. Specimens aged at each time were characterized by microstructure analysis and Micro-Vickers hardness. An erosion experiment was conducted
using 100~200 μm of stainless steel shot at a flow velocity of 20 m/s for 4 h. A consequently, a microstructure degradation phenomenon in which Cr-rich carbide was coarsened occurred, and the surface hardness decreased by 45%. With a decrease in the hardness, the solid particle erosion
damage increased and the erosion damage type changed.
Sunlight-Triggered Dye Degradation and Antibacterial Activity of Graphene-Iron Oxide—Titanium Dioxide Heterostructure Nanocomposites
Authors: Zhou Xiaomei , Zou Tianshu , Chen Rui
Published: January 2020

Iron oxide (Fe2O3)–titanium dioxide (TiO2) heterostructure nanocomposite has been used for contaminant decomposition and antibacterial application. However, both the photogenerated electrons and holes of TiO2 may transfer to Fe2O3
due to straddling band alignment in type-I heterostructure, which is not helpful to more efficiently inhibit the electron–hole recombination. In this paper graphene-Fe2O3–TiO2 (GFT) heterostructure nanocomposites (NCs) were fabricated to facilitate
the separation of photo-induced electrons and holes according to their staggered energy level, further improve dye degradation efficiency and antibacterial activity. GFT NCs were fabricated through a simple hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction patterns and transmission electron microscopy
images indicated that Fe2O3 and TiO2 were successfully loaded on graphene. UV-Vis spectra showed that GFT NCs had higher absorption against sunlight. Under simulated sunlight irradiation, GFT NCs could effectively degraded dyes and inhibit bacterial growth.
Preparation of TiC/Ti3SiC2 Composite by Sintering Mechanical Alloyed Ti–Si–C Powder Mixtures
Authors: Pais Alves Manuel Fellipe R. , Santos Claudinei dos , Freitas Bruno Xavier de , Ramos Alfeu Saraiva , Ramos Erika Coaglia Trindade , Strecker Kurt
Published: January 2020

The present work aims to evaluate the crystalline phases and microstructure of a TiC–Ti3SiC2 ceramic composite, obtained by mechanical alloying of Ti, C and Si powders and subsequent sintering. A mechanical alloying technique in a planetary ball mill for
1, 10, 50, 100 and 200 h using Ti, Si and C powders with molar ratios of 3:1:2 as feedstock in argon (Ar) gas was employed to prepare nano-sized Ti–Si–C powders. TiC crystallite size and lattice strain were evaluated by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and the morphological characteristics
and particle size distribution were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). After milling, a reduction of the average particle size and crystallinity is observed. Furthermore, after 10 h of milling time, TiC starts to crystallize. The powder mixture obtained after 200 h of milling
was compacted and sintered at 1200 °C under controlled atmosphere, for 15 min, 2 h or 4 h with a heating rate of 5 °C/min. Almost full densification of samples sintered for 2 h and 4 h has been achieved, with relative densities close to 98.8±0.2% and TiC and Ti3SiC2
as crystalline phases with an average crystallite size of TiC near 0.7 μm. Rietveld refinement indicates that the majority TiC-cubic phase (>85 vol%) presents a unit cell volume of 8.03 nm3 after sintering at 1200 °C. Despite the maintenance of the volume of the
hexagonal unit cell of Ti3SiC2, (15.05 nm3), the increase of the isothermal sintering time resulted in an increase of the lattice parameter “a”, from 0.315 nm to 0.320 nm, and a reduction of the lattice parameter “c” from 1.750 nm to
1.705 nm. The control of the changes in the residual stresses within the TiC matrix and the Ti3SiC2 precipitates, which is associated with the deformation in the lattice parameters, must be controlled to achieve high fracture toughness in the composite.
Investigation of Diclofenac Sodium Adsorption by a Purified Algerian Diatomite Using Hydrochloric Acid
Authors: Ghabeche Wafia , Boukhezar Skander , Chaoui Kamel , Benayache Sihem , Meradi Hazem
Published: January 2020

The objective of this investigation is to use hydrochloric acid (HCl) at different concentration as a chemical treatment for the Algerian diatomite (DE) in order to get it ready for further applications oriented towards pharmaceutical aspects. Commercial diclofenac sodium (DS) is used
to study adsorption on DE in aqueous laboratory conditions. It is found that DE contains roughly 60% SiO2 and 13% CaO. Its morphology is characterized by a porous structure composed of several broken and compacted diatomic aggregates, containing cylindrical and alveolus forms of
varying diameters, girdle bands and other clayey compounds. The hydrochloric acid treatment is proven to be one attractive choice as it entails a significant raise of SiO2 and facilitates reducing most of impurities. After 10% HCl (DE-10) treatment of crude DE, the amount of SiO2
increased by over 64%. The result showing DS adsorption as a function of time is optimal for DE-10 as the quantity of the absorbed DS on treated DE (qt) reached 60 mg/g and maintained this equilibrium level from 90 up to 120 min. The pseudo second order model has been successfully
applied. The quantity of the absorbed DS on treated DE at equilibrium (qe) and the pseudo second order rate constant (k2) for the case DE-10 are found 114.94 mg/g and 1.3 10−4 g mg−1 min−1 respectively.
Are U.S. Schools Discriminating When Suspending Students With Disabilities? A Best-Evidence Synthesis
Authors: Morgan Paul L. , Wang Yangyang , Woods Adrienne D. , Mandel Zoe , Farkas George , Hillemeier Marianne M.
Published: January 2020

We examined whether U.S. schools systemically discriminate when suspending or otherwise disciplining students with disabilities (SWD). Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria. We coded 147 available risk estimates from these 18 studies. Of four studies including individual-level controls for infraction reasons, over half of the available estimates (i.e., 14 of 24, or 58%) failed to indicate that SWD were more likely to be suspended than otherwise similar students without disabilities. Of the seven available estimates adjusted for the strong confound of individual-level behavior, most (i.e., five of seven, or 71%) failed to indicate that SWD were more likely to be suspended. The other two estimates indicating SWD were more likely to be suspended were from one study. We also examined whether SWD were less likely to be suspended than otherwise similar students without disabilities. There was no strong evidence of this. Empirical evidence regarding whether U.S. schools discriminate when disciplining SWD is currently inconclusive.