bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late‐gadolinium enhancement properties associated with atrial fibrillation rotors in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Nakamura Toshihiro , Kiuchi Kunihiko , Fukuzawa Koji , Takami Mitsuru , Watanabe Yoshiaki , Izawa Yu , Suehiro Hideya , Akita Tomomi , Takemoto Makoto , Sakai Jun , Yatomi Atsusuke , Sonoda Yusuke , Takahara Hiroyuki , Nakasone Kazutaka , Yamamoto Kyoko , Negi Noriyuki , Kono Atsushi , Ashihara Takashi , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: February 2021

Background

A computational model demonstrated that atrial fibrillation (AF) rotors could be distributed in patchy late‐gadolinium enhancement (LGE) areas and play an important role in AF drivers. However, this was not validated in humans.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the LGE properties of AF rotors in patients with persistent AF.

Methods

A total of 287 segments in 15 patients with persistent AF (long‐standing persistent AF in 9 patients) that underwent AF ablation were assessed. Non‐passively activated areas (NPAs), where rotational activation (AF rotor) was frequently observed, were detected by the novel real‐time phase mapping (ExTRa Mapping). The properties of the LGE areas were assessed using the LGE heterogeneity and the density which was evaluated by the entropy (LGE‐entropy) and the volume ratio of the enhancement voxel (LGE‐volume ratio), respectively.

Results

NPAs were found in 61 (21%) of 287 segments and were mostly found around the pulmonary vein antrum. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis yielded an optimal cutoff value of 5.7% and 10% for the LGE‐entropy and LGE‐volume ratio, respectively. The incidence of NPAs was significantly higher at segments with an LGE‐entropy of >5.7 and LGE‐volume ratio of >10% than at the other segments (38 [30%] of 126 vs. 23 [14%] of 161 segments;p = .001). No NPAs were found at segments with an LGE‐volume ratio of >50% regardless of the LGE‐entropy. Of five patients with AF recurrence, NPAs outside the PV antrum were not ablated in three patients and the remaining NPAs were ablated, but their LGE‐entropy and LGE‐volume ratio were low.

Conclusion

AF rotors are mostly distributed in relatively weak and much more heterogenous LGE areas.
Meiotic drive does not cause condition‐dependent reduction of the sexual ornament in stalk‐eyed flies
Authors: Finnegan Sam Ronan , Mondani Matteo , Fowler Kevin , Pomiankowski Andrew
Published: February 2021

Meiotic drive systems are associated with low‐frequency chromosomal inversions. These are expected to accumulate deleterious mutations due to reduced recombination and low effective population size. We test this prediction using the ‘sex‐ratio’ (SR) meiotic drive system of the Malaysian stalk‐eyed fly Teleopsis dalmanni. SR is associated with a large inversion (or inversions) on the X chromosome. In particular, we study eyespan in males carrying the SR chromosome, as this trait is a highly exaggerated, sexually dimorphic trait, known to have heightened condition‐dependent expression. Larvae were raised in low and high larval food stress environments. SR males showed reduced eyespan under the low and high stress treatments, but there was no evidence of a condition‐dependent decrease in eyespan under high stress. Similar but more complex patterns were observed for female eyespan, with evidence of additivity under low stress and heterosis under high stress. These results do not support the hypothesis that reduced sexual ornament size in meiotic drive males is due to a condition‐dependent response to the putative increase in mutation load. Instead, reduced eyespan likely reflects compensatory resource allocation to different traits in response to drive‐mediated destruction of sperm.
Enhancing clinical judgement in virtual care for complex chronic disease
Authors: Prasad G.V. Ramesh
Published: February 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has transformed traditional in‐person care into a new reality of virtual care for patients with complex chronic disease (CCD), but how has this transformation impacted clinical judgement? I argue that virtual specialist‐patient interaction challenges clinical reasoning and clinical judgement (clinical reasoning combined with statistical reasoning). However, clinical reasoning can improve by recognising the abductive, deductive, and inductive methods that the clinician employs. Abductive reasoning leading to an inference to the best explanation or invention of an explanatory hypothesis is the default response to unfamiliar or confusing situations. Deductive reasoning supports a previously established goal, but deductive accuracy requires sound premises leading to a valid conclusion. Inductive reasoning uses efficient data sorting, data interpretation, and plan creation without a previously established goal, and allows assessing inferential accuracy over time. In all cases, communication remains the backbone of the clinical encounter. Virtual care for CCD challenges clinical judgement by reducing available information, so even experienced specialists who use induction might default to deduction or abduction. The visit might shorten, decreasing narrative competence and in‐turn management quality. Clinical judgement in virtual encounters can be enhanced by allowing sufficient time, employing allied health staff, using an advance script, avoiding dogmatic commitment to either virtual or in‐person encounters, special training in virtual care, and conscious awareness of abductive, deductive, and inductive reasoning processes. Clinical judgement in virtual encounters especially calls for Gestalt cognition to assess a situational pattern irreducible to its parts and independent of its particulars, so that efficient data interpretation and self‐reflection are enabled. Gestalt cognition integrates abduction, deduction, and induction, appropriately divides the time and effort spent on each, and can compensate for reduced available information. Evaluating one's clinical judgement for those components especially vulnerable to compromise can help optimize the delivery of virtual care for patients with CCD.
The neural underpinnings of facial emotion recognition in ischemic stroke patients
Authors: van den Berg Nils S. , de Haan Edward H. F. , Huitema Rients B. , Spikman Jacoba M. ,   the visual brain group
Published: February 2021

Deficits in facial emotion recognition occur frequently after stroke, with adverse social and behavioural consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate the neural underpinnings of the recognition of emotional expressions, in particular of the distinct basic emotions (anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness and surprise). A group of 110 ischaemic stroke patients with lesions in (sub)cortical areas of the cerebrum was included. Emotion recognition was assessed with the Ekman 60 Faces Test of the FEEST. Patient data were compared to data of 162 matched healthy controls (HC’s). For the patients, whole brain voxel‐based lesion–symptom mapping (VLSM) on 3‐Tesla MRI images was performed. Results showed that patients performed significantly worse than HC’s on both overall recognition of emotions, and specifically of disgust, fear, sadness and surprise. VLSM showed significant lesion–symptom associations for FEEST total in the right fronto‐temporal region. Additionally, VLSM for the distinct emotions showed, apart from overlapping brain regions (insula, putamen and Rolandic operculum), also regions related to specific emotions. These were: middle and superior temporal gyrus (anger); caudate nucleus (disgust); superior corona radiate white matter tract, superior longitudinal fasciculus and middle frontal gyrus (happiness) and inferior frontal gyrus (sadness). Our findings help in understanding how lesions in specific brain regions can selectively affect the recognition of the basic emotions.
How perceptions of others’ work and impression management motives affect leader–member exchange development: A six‐wave latent change score model
Authors: Chen Ziguang , Huo Yuanyuan , Lam Wing , Luk Roger Chun‐To , Qureshi Israr
Published: February 2021

Grounded on attribution theory, we propose a dynamic development model to examine the influence of subordinates’ and leaders’ perceptions of one another’s work and impression management (IM) motives on leader–member exchange (LMX) over time in newly formed teams. We test our hypotheses using a two‐level bivariate latent change score model to investigate how changes in the quality of LMX from t − 1 to t relate to perceptions of the subordinate’s work motives at t − 1 while controlling for unobserved individual differences. The implications of our findings for research, method, and practice are discussed.

Practitioner points

For individual subordinates, strong perceptions of work motives help to build good leader–follower relationships, which in turn should enhance such motives.

‘You never get a second chance to make a first impression’; employees and managers at all organizational levels should recognize the importance of how their behaviour is perceived at the beginning of their interaction. However, if subordinates are continuously perceived as having high IM motives, this may negatively influence LMX.
Brandom's Leibniz
Authors: Gartenberg Zachary Micah
Published: February 2021

I discuss an objection by Margaret Wilson against Robert Brandom's interpretation of Leibniz's account of perceptual distinctness. According to Brandom, Leibniz holds that (i) the relative distinctness of a perception is a function of its inferentially articulated content and (ii) apperception, or awareness, is explicable in terms of degrees of perceptual distinctness. Wilson alleges that Brandom confuses ‘external deducibility’ from a perceptual state of a monad to the existence of properties in the world, with ‘internally accessible content’ for the monad in that state. Drawing on Leibniz, I develop a response to Wilson on Brandom's behalf.
Monitoring the Heart Rate Variability Responses to Training Loads in Competitive Swimmers Using a Smartphone Application and the Banister Impulse-Response Model
Authors: Piatrikova Eva , Willsmer Nicholas J. , Altini Marco , Jovanović Mladen , Mitchell Lachlan J.G. , Gonzalez Javier T. , Sousa Ana C. , Williams Sean
Published: February 2021

Purpose: First, to examine whether heart rate variability (HRV) responses can be modeled effectively via the Banister impulse-response model when the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) alone, and in combination with subjective well-being measures, are utilized. Second, to describe seasonal HRV responses and their associations with changes in critical speed (CS) in competitive swimmers. Methods: A total of 10 highly trained swimmers collected daily 1-minute HRV recordings, sRPE training load, and subjective well-being scores via a novel smartphone application for 15 weeks. The impulse-response model was used to describe chronic root mean square of the successive differences (rMSSD) responses to training, with sRPE and subjective well-being measures used as systems inputs. Changes in CS were obtained from a 3-minute all-out test completed in weeks 1 and 14. Results: The level of agreement between predicted and actual HRV data was R2 = .66 (.25) when sRPE alone was used. Model fits improved in the range of 4% to 21% when different subjective well-being measures were combined with sRPE, representing trivial-to-moderate improvements. There were no significant differences in weekly group averages of log-transformed (Ln) rMSSD (P = .34) or HRV coefficient of variation of Ln rMSSD (P = .12); however, small-to-large changes (d = 0.21–1.46) were observed in these parameters throughout the season. Large correlations were observed between seasonal changes in HRV measures and CS (changes in averages of Ln rMSSD: r = .51, P = .13; changes in coefficient of variation of Ln rMSSD: r = −.68, P = .03). Conclusion: The impulse-response model and data collected via a novel smartphone application can be used to model HRV responses to swimming training and nontraining-related stressors. Large relationships between seasonal changes in measured HRV parameters and CS provide further evidence for incorporating a HRV-guided training approach.
The Business End of the Season: A Comparison Between Playoff and Regular-Season Workloads in Professional Basketball Players
Authors: Ferioli Davide , Scanlan Aaron T. , Conte Daniele , Tibiletti Emanuele , Rampinini Ermanno
Published: February 2021

Purpose: To quantify and compare the internal workloads experienced during the playoffs and regular season in basketball. Methods: A total of 10 professional male basketball players competing in the Italian first division were monitored during the final 6 weeks of the regular season and the entire 6-week playoff phase. Internal workload was quantified using the session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) method for all training sessions and games. A 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (day type × period) was utilized to assess differences in daily s-RPE between game days, days within 24 hours of games, and days >24 hours from games during the playoffs and regular season. Comparisons in weekly training, game, and total workloads were made between the playoffs and regular season using paired t tests and effect sizes. Results: A significant interaction between day and competitive period for s-RPE was found (P = .003, moderate). Lower s-RPE was apparent during playoff and regular-season days within 24 hours of games than all other days (P < .001, very large). Furthermore, s-RPE across days >24 hours from playoff games was different than all other days (P ≤ .01, moderate–very large). Weekly training (P = .009, very large) and total (P < .001, moderate) s-RPE were greater during the regular season than playoffs, whereas weekly game s-RPE was greater during the playoffs than the regular season (P < .001, very large). Conclusions: This study presents an exploratory investigation of internal workload during the playoffs in professional basketball. Players experienced greater training and total weekly workloads during the regular season than during the playoffs with similar daily game workloads between periods.
The Effects of Anaerobic Swim Ergometer Training on Sprint Performance in Adolescent Swimmers
Authors: Pinos Adam J. , Bentley David J. , Logan-Sprenger Heather M.
Published: February 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare 4 weeks of pool-based sprint interval training with a similar ergometer training intervention on a maximal anaerobic lactate test (MANLT), 50-m (competition) freestyle performance, and 6- and 30-second maximal swimming ergometer performances. Methods: A total of 14 competitive adolescent swimmers (male, n = 8; female, n = 6) participated in this study. Swimmers were categorized into 2 sex-matched groups: swimming ergometer (ERG; n = 7) and pool-sprint training (n = 7) groups. Each athlete performed 4 preintervention and postintervention assessments consisting of a MANLT, a 50-m freestyle race, and 6- and 30-second maximal swim ERG performances. Results: Both groups demonstrated a significant effect (P < .05) of time for all assessments. Group differences were observed after 4 weeks of sprint interval training as follows: (1) The ERG group had a significantly faster speed in the fourth 50-m MANLT sprint (ERG 1.58 [0.05] vs pool-sprint training 1.48 [0.07] m/s, P < .01) and (2) The ERG group demonstrated enhanced Δblood lactate post-MANLT (ERG 2.4 [1.2] vs pool-sprint training 2.7 [0.9] mmol/L, P < .05). A significant correlation was found between the 30-second maximal ERG test and 50-m freestyle swimming velocity (r = .74, P < .01, effect size = 0.52). Conclusions: The results demonstrate significant physiological improvements to anaerobic sprint ability after 4 weeks of sprint interval training in both swim ERG and pool-based interventions. Thus, sprint ability may be improved through multiple modalities (pool and dry land) to elicit a positive training response.
The kinetoplastid-specific phosphatase KPP1 attenuates PLK activity to facilitate flagellum inheritance in
Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: An Tai , Hu Huiqing , Li Ziyin
Published: February 2021

Flagellum inheritance in trypanosomes requires strategically timed suppression of Polo-like kinase activity.
Activin A promotes the development of acquired heterotopic ossification and is an effective target for disease attenuation in mice
Authors: Mundy Christina , Yao Lutian , Sinha Sayantani , Chung Juliet , Rux Danielle , Catheline Sarah E. , Koyama Eiki , Qin Ling , Pacifici Maurizio
Published: February 2021

Inhibition of endogenous activin A reduces heterotopic ossification and ectopic bone accumulation in mice.
Plitidepsin: a Repurposed Drug for the Treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Martinez Miguel Angel
Published: February 2021

Finding antivirals to reduce coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) morbidity and mortality has been challenging. Large randomized clinical trials that aimed to test four repurposed drugs, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir-ritonavir, interferon beta 1a, and remdesivir, have shown that these compounds lack an impact on the COVID-19 course.
Efficacy and Safety of Oral Fosfomycin for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Results from a Spanish Multicenter Cohort
Authors: Ruiz-Ruigómez María , Fernández-Ruiz Mario , Silva José Tiago , Vidal Elisa , Origüen Julia , Calvo‐Cano Antonia , Luna‐Huerta Enrique , Merino Esperanza , Hernández Domingo , Jironda‐Gallegos Cristina , Escudero-Sánchez Rosa , Gioia Francesca , Moreno Antonio , Roca Cristina , Cordero Elisa , Janeiro Darío , Sánchez‐Sobrino Beatriz , Montero María Milagro , Redondo Dolores , Candel Francisco Javier , Pérez‐Flores Isabel , Armiñanzas Carlos , González-Rico Claudia , Fariñas María Carmen , Rodrigo Emilio , Loeches Belén , López‐Oliva María O. , Montejo Miguel , Lauzurica Ricardo , Horcajada Juan Pablo , Pascual Julio , Andrés Amado , Aguado José María , López-Medrano Francisco
Published: February 2021

Current guidelines recommend against systematic screening for or treating asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB) among kidney transplant (KT) recipients, although the evidence regarding episodes occurring early after transplantation or in the presence of anatomical abnormalities is inconclusive. Oral fosfomycin may constitute a good option for the treatment of posttransplant AB, particularly due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) uropathogens.
Sharing Notes Is Encouraged: Annotating and Cocreating with Hypothes.is and Google Docs
†
Authors: Goller Carlos C. , Vandegrift Micah , Cross Will , Smyth Davida S.
Published: February 2021

Effectively analyzing literature can be challenging for those unfamiliar with studies from rapidly evolving research fields. Previous studies have shown that incorporating primary literature promotes scientific literacy and critical thinking skills.
Extensive Genetic Diversity and Widespread Azole Resistance in Greenhouse Populations of Aspergillus fumigatus in Yunnan, China
Authors: Zhou Duanyong , Korfanty Greg A. , Mo Meizi , Wang Ruirui , Li Xiao , Li Haixia , Li Shuoshuo , Wu Jin-Yan , Zhang Ke-Qin , Zhang Ying , Xu Jianping
Published: February 2021

The origin and prevalence of azole-resistant
Aspergillus fumigatus
have been attracting increasing attention from biologists, clinicians, and public health agencies. Current evidence suggests agricultural fungicide use as a major cause.
Bouveret’s syndrome: a strategic approach for management
Authors: Taggarsi Meghana , Lapsia Snehal Kishore , Raymond Thomas , Sultana Asma
Published: February 2021

An 81-year-old woman, diabetic and hypertensive, presented with nausea and intermittent vomiting. She had dysphagia and loss of appetite for over 6 weeks and significant weight loss over 3 weeks and was admitted in general surgery unit on emergency basis. Investigations revealed dilated stomach and a stone in first part of duodenum, with probable site of obstruction at level of first part of duodenum, secondary to a cholecystoduodenal fistula. With a preoperative diagnosis of Bouveret’s syndrome, she underwent laparotomy and subtotal cholecystectomy. Postoperative recovery was delayed due to gastroparesis and delayed gastric emptying which resolved with conservative management. Successful management of this case required a multidisciplinary team approach. Early diagnosis was the key to management. Mode of treatment and management of Bouveret’s syndrome should be tailored to suit patient’s age, comorbidities and performance status.
Thinking ahead: gallbladder intussusception following transperitoneal percutaneous cholecystostomy tube placement
Authors: England Ryan William , Heiberger Caleb , Singh Harjit
Published: February 2021

Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is a common minimally invasive, image-guided procedure performed primarily on high-risk patients with acute cholecystitis for gallbladder decompression. Herein, we present a case of a patient undergoing PC placement using a transperitoneal approach. On subsequent upsizing attempts, the gallbladder fundus was found to invaginate during advancement of replacement drains, causing gallbladder intussusception. The use of a balloon and locked pigtail catheter were required to reposition the gallbladder to proper position. The patient’s planned percutaneous cholecystoscopy was delayed by 4 weeks until intended upsizing could be performed. This case demonstrates the advantage of achieving transhepatic gallbladder access to support tract formation and limit procedural complications.
Hepatic hilum-type II choledochal cyst masquerading as gallbladder duplication
Authors: Chowdhury Anish , Tandup Cherring , Aruni Amaresh , Subramani Vanji Nathan
Published: February 2021

Choledochal cyst and gallbladder duplication are rare congenital anomalies. They typically are surgical problems of infancy or childhood but rarely may present in adults also. Despite high resolution imaging, the differentiation of type II choledochal cyst from gallbladder duplication often causes the diagnostic dilemma; which may result in high risk for intraoperative iatrogenic injury. Operative management of choledochal cyst is the definite treatment because of its malignant potential. A type II choledochal cyst arising from the hepatic hilum presenting as gallbladder duplication on imaging has not been reported earlier in the literature and here we present a case report of the same which was managed successfully.
Seronegative Goodpasture’s syndrome associated with organising pneumonia
Authors: Bae Ju Young , Hussein Khalil Ian , Leibert Eric , Archer Herbert M
Published: February 2021

Goodpasture’s syndrome is a rare vasculitis associated with anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) autoantibodies that target type IV collagen found in the basement membranes of glomeruli and alveoli. We present a case of a 79-year-old man with seronegative Goodpasture’s syndrome with predominant respiratory symptoms and mild acute kidney injury that initially improved. Final diagnosis was made by immunofluorescent staining on open lung biopsy which also revealed concomitant organising pneumonia. The patient underwent treatment with corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, haemodialysis and plasmapheresis. This was an atypical presentation wherein the patient only exhibited pulmonary symptoms early in the course of illness in the setting of negative anti-GBM antibody serum testing, which made diagnosis challenging. With this case, we emphasise that clinicians should have a high suspicion for Goodpasture’s syndrome in the setting of unexplained severe pulmonary or renal disease despite negative anti-GBM antibody testing.
Primary intraventricular haemorrhage: the role of frontal minicraniotomy and external ventricular drainage
Authors: Páscoa Pinheiro João , Carneiro Diogo Reis , Matos Daniela , Pereira Ricardo
Published: February 2021

Primary intraventricular haemorrhage (PIVH) is an uncommon type of intracerebral haemorrhage, accounting for only 0.31% of all strokes and 3.1% of all intracerebral haemorrhages. Due to the low incidence of PIVH, little is known about its clinical characteristics, risk factors, aetiologies, prognosis and treatment. Acute hydrocephalus is common and is associated with a poor prognosis. External ventricular drainage (EVD) could promptly reduce intracranial pressure by diverting cerebrospinal fluid and intraventricular blood; however, the incidence of complications such as central nervous system infection, catheter occlusion and rebleeding are relatively common. Despite being an invasive procedure, frontal minicraniotomy is an available therapeutic option to avoid complications of EVD. The authors report a case of a PIVH managed with frontal minicraniotomy and perform a literature review about epidemiological data, clinical features and treatment of PIVH.
Endoscopic management of a giant dentigerous cyst
Authors: Thattarakkal Vinay Raj , Saravanam Prasanna Kumar , Rajan Jinoraj
Published: February 2021

Dentigerous cyst is one of the most common developmental cyst of the jaw which accounts for approximately 20%–30% of bone cyst in the head and neck region. Most common site is the third molar of the mandible. However, maxillary involvement is not uncommon. The clinical presentation of this depends mainly on the size and anatomical compromise that occur due to compression. This case highlights the role of endoscopic approach in the management of large expansible cyst of maxilla involving the palate, thus preserving the anatomy and reducing the morbidity associated with an open procedure.
Ten-year follow-up of cardiac function and neural regulation in a group of amateur half-marathon runners
Authors: De Maria Beatrice , de Oliveira Gois Mariana , Catai Aparecida Maria , Marra Christian , Lucini Daniela , Porta Alberto , Pagani Massimo , Dalla Vecchia Laura Adelaide
Published: February 2021

Objective

In the last years, a debate exists about type, intensity and frequency of physical exercise that is really indicated to protect healthy subjects from cardiovascular disease. Regular physical training has been associated with an improved cardiovascular risk profile, but it has also been demonstrated that strenuous and uncontrolled physical exercise could be dangerous, in terms of increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In the present study, we evaluated a group of 35 amateur half-marathon runners, who were likewise studied 10 years before (B). The results of B suggested that an increased cardiac sympathetic modulation could potentially represent a negative prognostic factor. The aim of this follow-up was to assess the medium–long-term effects of moderate to vigorous physical training on the cardiovascular neural control, cardiac function and occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.

Methods

Each enrolled subject underwent: (1) an interview and physical examination to ascertain the presence of cardiovascular disease; (2) standing test to evaluate the cardiovascular neural control by means of heart rate variability (HRV), arterial blood pressure (AP) variability and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS); (3) transthoracic echocardiography to evaluate cardiac function.

Results

At 10-year follow-up (FU), in this group of middle-aged athletes the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases was low, not unlike that of the overall population. The results of HRV analysis showed a decreased sympathetic and increased vagal modulation directed to the heart, compared with B. In addition, HRV, AP variability and BRS indices showed a physiological response to active standing. Finally, athletes had normal echocardiographic measures.

Conclusion

We conclude that in our group of athletes a regular moderate–vigorous physical training through the 10 years was quite beneficial as the prevalence of sympathetic cardiac modulation observed at B was not accompanied by increased cardiovascular risk, on the contrary a slight prevalence of vagal indices was observed at FU.
Effects of saccharified corn straw on growth performance, nutrient metabolic rates, gastrointestinal tract development, and serum antioxidant index of broilers
Authors: Wang Ping , Chang Juan , Liu Chaoqi , Yin Qingqiang , Liu Mengjie , Dang Xaowei , Lu Fushan
Published: February 2021

This study was conducted to investigate effects of saccharified corn straw (SCS) on broiler growth. A total of 250 one-day-old female Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were distributed into five groups. The broilers in groups 1–5 were fed with diets containing 0% (basal diet), 4%, 8%, 12% SCS, and 8% SCS (high oil), respectively. The experiment lasted 42 d including early and later stages. In the early stage, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in groups 2 and 5 were almost the same as the control group; higher levels of SCS additions would decrease ADG and increase FCR (P < 0.05). In the later stage, ADG was higher, and FCR was lower in group 5 than that in other groups (P < 0.05); ADG in groups 3–4 was higher than that in groups 1 (P < 0.05) and 2. The different levels of SCS supplementation had different effects on nutrient metabolic rates and relative organ weight (P < 0.05), but they had insignificant effects on relative organ length. In the later stage, SCS supplementation could significantly increase serum total antioxidant capacity activity. It could be concluded that dietary 4% SCS in the early stage and 4%–12% SCS in the later stage had no negative effects on growth performance and nutrient metabolic rates for broilers.
An extensible lattice Boltzmann method for viscoelastic flows: complex and moving boundaries in Oldroyd-B fluids
Authors: Kuron Michael , Stewart Cameron , de Graaf Joost , Holm Christian
Published: February 2021

Most biological fluids are viscoelastic, meaning that they have elastic properties in addition to the dissipative properties found in Newtonian fluids. Computational models can help us understand viscoelastic flow, but are often limited in how they deal with complex flow geometries and suspended particles. Here, we present a lattice Boltzmann solver for Oldroyd-B fluids that can handle arbitrarily shaped fixed and moving boundary conditions, which makes it ideally suited for the simulation of confined colloidal suspensions. We validate our method using several standard rheological setups and additionally study a single sedimenting colloid, also finding good agreement with the literature. Our approach can readily be extended to constitutive equations other than Oldroyd-B. This flexibility and the handling of complex boundaries hold promise for the study of microswimmers in viscoelastic fluids.

Graphic abstract
Chapter 5.2b Erebus Volcanic Province: petrology
Authors: Martin Adam P. , Cooper Alan F. , Price Richard C. , Kyle Philip R. , Gamble John A.
Published: February 2021

Igneous rocks of the Erebus Volcanic Province have been investigated for more than a century but many aspects of petrogenesis remain problematic. Current interpretations are assessed and summarized using a comprehensive dataset of previously published and new geochemical and geochronological data. Igneous rocks, ranging in age from 25 Ma to the present day, are mainly nepheline normative. Compositional variation is largely controlled by fractionation of olivine + clinopyroxene + magnetite/ilmenite + titanite ± kaersutite ± feldspar, with relatively undifferentiated melts being generated by <10% partial melting of a mixed spinel + garnet lherzolite source. Equilibration of radiogenic Sr, Nd, Pb and Hf is consistent with a high time-integrated HIMU
sensu stricto
source component and this is unlikely to be related to subduction of the palaeo-Pacific Plate around 0.5 Ga. Relatively undifferentiated whole-rock chemistry can be modelled to infer complex sources comprising depleted and enriched peridotite, HIMU, eclogite-like and carbonatite-like components. Spatial (west–east) variations in Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic compositions and Ba/Rb and Nb/Ta ratios can be interpreted to indicate increasing involvement of an eclogitic crustal component eastwards. Melting in the region is related to decompression, possibly from edge-driven mantle convection or a mantle plume.
Structural Mechanism of Transport of Mitochondrial Carriers
Authors: Ruprecht J. J. , Kunji E.R.S.
Published: February 2021

Members of the mitochondrial carrier family [solute carrier family 25 (SLC25)] transport nucleotides, amino acids, carboxylic acids, fatty acids, inorganic ions, and vitamins across the mitochondrial inner membrane. They are important for many cellular processes, such as oxidative phosphorylation of lipids and sugars, amino acid metabolism, macromolecular synthesis, ion homeostasis, cellular regulation, and differentiation. Here, we describe the functional elements of the transport mechanism of mitochondrial carriers, consisting of one central substrate-binding site and two gates with salt-bridge networks on either side of the carrier. Binding of the substrate during import causes three gate elements to rotate inward, forming the cytoplasmic network and closing access to the substrate-binding site from the intermembrane space. Simultaneously, three core elements rock outward, disrupting the matrix network and opening the substrate-binding site to the matrix side of the membrane. During export, substrate binding triggers conformational changes involving the same elements but operating in reverse.
Repair of DNA Double-Strand Breaks by the Nonhomologous End Joining Pathway
Authors: Stinson Benjamin M. , Loparo Joseph J.
Published: February 2021

DNA double-strand breaks pose a serious threat to genome stability. In vertebrates, these breaks are predominantly repaired by nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ), which pairs DNA ends in a multiprotein synaptic complex to promote their direct ligation. NHEJ is a highly versatile pathway that uses an array of processing enzymes to modify damaged DNA ends and enable their ligation. The mechanisms of end synapsis and end processing have important implications for genome stability. Rapid and stable synapsis is necessary to limit chromosome translocations that result from the mispairing of DNA ends. Furthermore, end processing must be tightly regulated to minimize mutations at the break site. Here, we review our current mechanistic understanding of vertebrate NHEJ, with a particular focus on end synapsis and processing.
Microglia and Central Nervous System–Associated Macrophages—From Origin to Disease Modulation
Authors: Prinz Marco , Masuda Takahiro , Wheeler Michael A. , Quintana Francisco J.
Published: February 2021

The immune system of the central nervous system (CNS) consists primarily of innate immune cells. These are highly specialized macrophages found either in the parenchyma, called microglia, or at the CNS interfaces, such as leptomeningeal, perivascular, and choroid plexus macrophages. While they were primarily thought of as phagocytes, their function extends well beyond simple removal of cell debris during development and diseases. Brain-resident innate immune cells were found to be plastic, long-lived, and host to an outstanding number of risk genes for multiple pathologies. As a result, they are now considered the most suitable targets for modulating CNS diseases. Additionally, recent single-cell technologies enhanced our molecular understanding of their origins, fates, interactomes, and functional cell statesduring health and perturbation. Here, we review the current state of our understanding and challenges of the myeloid cell biology in the CNS and treatment options for related diseases.
Topological Indices of Derived Networks of Benzene Ring Embedded in
P
-Type Surface on
2

D
Authors: Yin Feng , Numan Muhammad , Butt Saad Ihsan , Aslam Adnan , Kausar Andleeb
Published: February 2021

Topological index (TI) is a numerical number assigned to the molecular structure that is used for correlation analysis in pharmacology, toxicology, and theoretical and environmental chemistry. Benzene ring embedded in the

P

-type surface on

2
 
D

network has stability similar to

C

60

and can be defined as

3
 
D

linkage of

C

8

rings. This structure is the simplest possible tilling of the periodic minimal surface

P

which contains one type of carbon atom. In this paper, we compute general Randić, general Zagreb, general sum-connectivity, first Zagreb, second Zagreb, and

A
B
C

and

G
A

indices of two operations (simple medial and stellation) of

2
 
D

network of benzene ring. Also, the exact expressions of

A
B

C

4

and

G

A

5

indices of these structures are computed.
Study on Influencing Factors of Asphalt‐Aggregate Stripping Mechanism
Authors: Wang Fuyu , Li Yan , Yu Liting , Pang Weichen
Published: February 2021

In order to study the stripping mechanism of asphalt aggregate comprehensively, the conditions of the stripping of asphalt aggregate are divided into two types, which are anhydrous environment and water environment. The stress generation and release of asphalt film under anhydrous environment and the differences in stripping mechanism of asphalt film under tensile and pressure stress were analyzed. The existence of water in the mixture and its harmfulness to stability were also described in this paper. Moreover, the transport behavior of water in asphalt was studied by the principles of electrochemical testing. The test results show that the diffusion rate of water in modified asphalt film is one half of that of base asphalt, so the blocking water ability of modified asphalt is better than that of matrix asphalt. Moreover, the condition of water spalling the asphalt‐aggregate interface is characterized by a change in the mass of asphalt film before and after boiling. It can be concluded that the mass loss of asphalt film is minimal with limestone and modified asphalt, which shows that it has the best spalling resistance.
A Novel Prognostic Nomogram for Gallbladder Cancer after Surgical Resection: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Ma Zuyi , Dong Fengying , Li Zhenchong , Zheng Zehao , Zhou Zixuan , Zhuang Hongkai , Liu Chunsheng , Huang Bowen , Huang Shanzhou , Zou Yiping , Yang LinLing , Gong Yuanfeng , Zhang Chuanzhao , Hou Baohua
Published: February 2021

Background. Gallbladder cancer (GBC), which accounts for more than 80% of biliary tract malignancies, has a poor prognosis with an overall 5-year survival less than 10%. The study aimed to identify risk factors and develop a predictive model for GBC following surgical resection. Methods. 98 GBC patients who underwent surgical resection from Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital were enrolled in the study. Cox-regression analysis was performed to identify significant prognostic factors. A nomogram was constructed and Harrell’s concordance index, calibration plot, and decision cure analysis were used to evaluate the discrimination and calibration of the nomogram. Results. Liver resection, tumor size, perineural invasion, surgical margin, and liver invasion were identified as independent risk factors for overall survival (OS) in GBC patients who underwent surgical resection. Based on the selected risk factors, a novel nomogram was constructed. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.777, which was higher than the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system (0.724) and Nevin staging system (0.659). Decision cure analysis revealed that the nomogram had a better net benefit and the calibration curves for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival probabilities were also well matched with the actual survival rates. Lastly, high-risk GBC were stratified based on the scores of the nomogram and we found high-risk GBC were associated with both worse OS and disease-free survival (DFS). Conclusion. We developed a nomogram showing a better predictive capacity for patients’ survival of resected GBC than the AJCC staging systems. The established model may help to stratify high-risk GBC and facilitate decision-making in the clinic.
Integrating Sensor Ontologies with Global and Local Alignment Extractions
Authors: Xue Xingsi , Wu Xiaojing , Jiang Chao , Mao Guojun , Zhu Hai
Published: February 2021

In order to enhance the communication between sensor networks in the Internet of things (IoT), it is indispensable to establish the semantic connections between sensor ontologies in this field. For this purpose, this paper proposes an up‐and‐coming sensor ontology integrating technique, which uses debate mechanism (DM) to extract the sensor ontology alignment from various alignments determined by different matchers. In particular, we use the correctness factor of each matcher to determine a correspondence’s global factor, and utilize the support strength and disprove strength in the debating process to calculate its local factor. Through comprehensively considering these two factors, the judgment factor of an entity mapping can be obtained, which is further applied in extracting the final sensor ontology alignment. This work makes use of the bibliographic track provided by the Ontology Alignment Evaluation Initiative (OAEI) and five real sensor ontologies in the experiment to assess the performance of our method. The comparing results with the most advanced ontology matching techniques show the robustness and effectiveness of our approach.
Numerical Simulation Analysis and Experimental Research on Damping Performance of a Novel Magnetic Fluid Damper
Authors: Yang Wenrong , Wei Dejie , Su Jianzheng , Yang Xiaorui , Yang Qingxin
Published: February 2021

Considering the low‐frequency and large‐amplitude vibration characteristics of the high‐rise structure, a tuned magnetic fluid rolling‐ball damper is proposed to suppress the vibration of the structure. By adjusting the external magnetic field to control the natural rolling frequency of the ball, the purpose of tuning vibration reduction is achieved. Firstly, the working principle of the damper is theoretically analysed, a three‐dimensional (3D) magnetic‐fluid‐solid multiphysical field coupling mathematical model of the damper is established and the governing equations of multiphysical field coupling are derived. Secondly, the magnetic field distribution and operating characteristics of the damper are simulated and analysed. Finally, the effectiveness of the model is verified by experiments, and the damping performance of the damper with two kinds of magnetic fluid is tested and compared. The results show that the magnetic‐fluid‐solid multiphysical field coupling model can accurately simulate the working characteristics of the damper. The maximum damping force of the damper is about 12% of the elastic force of the structure, which can increase the damping ratio of the structure by about two times, effectively reduce the vibration response time, and suppress the vibration of the high‐rise structure.
A Safe Method for Early Rehabilitation of Articular Fracture at the Base of Thumb Metacarpal Bone
Authors: Oc Yunus , Kilinc Bekir Eray , Varol Ali , Kara Adnan
Published: February 2021

Background. To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of closed reduction, distraction using an external fixator, and percutaneous fixation in patients with Bennet and Rolando fractures. Methods. Patients over 18 years of age, who had isolated fracture at the base of the first metacarpal bone, had no previous functional limitations and pain complaints, were regularly followed up, and had fixation using K-wire combined with an external fixator, were included. Arthrosis was evaluated according to Eaton and Littler classification. Pain intensity was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) on a 0–10 scale. Furthermore, patients were questioned regarding limitations in their daily activities and hobbies. Pinch and grasp strengths were evaluated. Results. Thirteen of the patients were male and five were female, with a mean age of 31.5 ± 12.5 years. The surgical procedure was performed on the right extremity in 12 patients and left extremity in six patients. Twelve patients were found to have Bennet fractures, whereas six patients had Rolando fractures. The mean follow-up period of the patients was found to be 29.6 ± 5.4 months. The VAS score was rated as 2 in one patient and 1 in one patient. Other patients had a pain VAS score of 0. The mean Quick-DASH score was calculated to be 1.20. No statistical difference was found in pinch strength between the two extremities (

p

 > 0.05). No difference was observed in terms of the range of motion (

p

 > 0.05). Conclusion. Fixation using K-wire combined with an external fixator has more benefits than its disadvantages and is superior to other methods in the intra-articular fractures of the first metacarpal bone.
Ground Deformation Characteristics Induced by Mechanized Shield Twin Tunnelling along Curved Alignments
Authors: Wu Dangzhong , Xu Kaiping , Guo Panpan , Lei Gang , Cheng Kang , Gong Xiaonan
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates the ground deformation characteristics induced by mechanized shield twin tunnelling along curved alignments by adopting the nonlinear three‐dimensional (3D) finite element method (FEM). The performance of the adopted FEM is demonstrated to be satisfactory by comparing the numerical analysis results with the field monitoring data in a typical case history and with the predicted results generated by a modified version of the Peck’s empirical Gaussian formula. It has been found that the tunnelling‐induced transverse ground surface settlement troughs and the distributions of the subsurface horizontal and vertical ground displacements are mostly similar in both form and magnitude for the considered various radii of curvature of tunnel alignment including 50 m, 100 m, 150 m, 200 m, 250 m, 300 m, 400 m, and infinity (i.e., straight‐line tunnel). Considering the variational characteristics of the ground deformations with the magnitude of the radius of curvature, the radius of curvature of 100 m can be regarded as a critical tunnel alignment radius of curvature controlling the transformation of the curved tunnelling‐induced ground deformational behaviors. For the benefit of geotechnical engineers interested in curved tunnelling with a small radius of curvature, a discussion of the technologies for reducing the overexcavation and improving the accuracy of tunnel lining segment installation is also presented.
Uncovering the Anti-Lung-Cancer Mechanisms of the Herbal Drug FDY2004 by Network Pharmacology
Authors: Lee Ho-Sung , Lee In-Hee , Kang Kyungrae , Park Sang-In , Kwon Tae-Wook , Lee Dae-Yeon
Published: February 2021

With growing evidence on the therapeutic efficacy and safety of herbal drugs, there has been a substantial increase in their application in the lung cancer treatment. Meanwhile, their action mechanisms at the system level have not been comprehensively uncovered. To this end, we employed a network pharmacology methodology to elucidate the systematic action mechanisms of FDY2004, an anticancer herbal drug composed of Moutan Radicis Cortex, Persicae Semen, and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, in lung cancer treatment. By evaluating the pharmacokinetic properties of the chemical compounds present in FDY2004 using herbal medicine-associated databases, we identified its 29 active chemical components interacting with 141 lung cancer-associated therapeutic targets in humans. The functional enrichment analysis of the lung cancer-related targets of FDY2004 revealed the enriched Gene Ontology terms, involving the regulation of cell proliferation and growth, cell survival and death, and oxidative stress responses. Moreover, we identified key FDY2004-targeted oncogenic and tumor-suppressive pathways associated with lung cancer, including the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinase, tumor necrosis factor, Ras, focal adhesion, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling pathways. Overall, our study provides novel evidence and basis for research on the comprehensive anticancer mechanisms of herbal medicines in lung cancer treatment.