bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Book Review: The World of Renaissance Italy: A Daily Life Encyclopedia
Authors: Wiebe Todd J.
Published: June 2019

This latest two-volume set from Greenwood’s Daily Life Encyclopedia series provides an overview of everyday life and society in Italy during the Renaissance period. After the preface, a brief introductory essay, and chronology, volume 1 contains thematic sections spanning “Arts” to “Food and Drink.” The second volume picks up at “Housing and Community” and concludes with “Science and Technology.” Sections begin with a broad overview (“Introduction”) and are then broken down into alphabetical sub-topical entries offering more nuanced explorations of each. The section “Family and Gender,” for example, contains entries such as “Childhood,” “Espousal and Wedding,” “Old Age,” and “Siblings.” Further readings suggestions, most of which are books, accompany each entry.
Lived Moments of Shift in Prospective Elementary Teachers' Mathematical Learning
Authors: Valentine Keri D. , Bolyard Johnna
Published: June 2019

Past experiences as mathematics learners play a critical role in the way mathematics teachers consider what it means to know, do, and teach mathematics. Thus, understanding past experiences and ways to work with them in teacher education is a critical concern. Using phenomenological inquiry, we investigated moments of shift that occur along one's mathematics journey. The study draws on 30 prospective teachers' experiences in the form of lived-experience writing and interview data. Findings show that prospective teachers' shifts manifest in relations with others, across different time frames, and through material relations with mathematics. Most salient was the tentative and mutable nature of shifts, showing that shift might be better viewed as a possibility rather than a single event.
Evaluation of environmental impacts at the Aluízio Campos complex, Paraíba, Brazil
Authors: Cerqueira Joaci dos Santos , Albuquerque Helder Neves de , Souza ÃŠnio Pereira de
Published: June 2019

The city of Campina Grande-PB is lacking preserved urban areas, particularly ecological reserves. The conservation of these areas provides an improvement in air quality in cities, in addition to improving the quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the environmental impacts, in order to support the management of natural resources, in Aluízio Campos Complex in the city of Campina Grande – PB. This research is characterized as exploratory, outlined the method of observation and qualitative, quantitative, descriptive and interdisciplinary analysis of nature. As a tool for the identification and assessment of environmental impacts used the Leopold matrix adapted and remote sensing tools. An expressive quantitative of fauna resources was identified, and the ecological importance of the area was recorded with representatives of the most diverse zoological groups (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and invertebrates); found too that the area is anthropic, with various vegetation types: area off quarry; vegetable remnants of large, grazing area, among others. Therefore, it is recommended actions for continuous and permanent environmental education with residents of the area and the surroundings; Regarding ecological integrity in the Aluízio Campos Complex, a high degree of degradation was observed, with remnants of vegetation from the ecotone caatinga and Atlantic forest.
DURABILITY OF CONCRETE MADE WITH SEAWATER RESISTANT CEMENT EXPOSED TO MARINE ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: ARGIZ LUCIO CRISTINA , SANJUAN BARBUDO MIGUEL ANGEL
Published: June 2019

Key factors in the durability of concretes exposed to seawater are the hardened concrete density, the proportion and type of cement in the concrete and the chemical resistance to seawater of the cement. Such chemical resistance to seawater is achieved by means of seawater resistant cements. Therefore, the Spanish structural concrete code, EHE-08, states that it is compulsory to use them in concrete exposed to marine environment. In Spain, they are named with the letters MR, SRC or SR. The main characteristic of this type of cement is the low amount of tricalcium aluminate and tetra-calcium alumino-ferrite, which allow them to minimize the ettringite formation. This paper discusses the technical reasons that justify the use of this type of cements and it is underlined the significant role of the cement quality Marks with regard to the control of such parameters in seawater resistant cement.

Keywords: Portland cement, sulphates, seawater, durability.
ANALYSIS OF BEHAVIOR OF CONCRETE WITH HYBRIDIZATION OF STEEL FIBERS AND CARBON NANOFIBERS
Authors: SERRANO SOMOLINOS RUBEN , PRIETO BARRIO MARIA ISABEL , DE LA ROSA GARCIA PILAR , MARTINEZ PEREZ INMACULADA
Published: June 2019

The present study shows an investigation on the mechanical behavior of the compressive strength in mixed fiber reinforced concretes in comparison with traditional concretes. A hybridization of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in 1% by weight of cement mixed with steel fibers in 1% by weight of cement was made. The specimens were subjected to the compression rupture test to analyze the maximum rupture stress, the maximum deformation and the deformation energy density and contrast the results with a concrete without additions. The thermal conductivity test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were also performed. The results show that concrete with hybridization of steel fibers and carbon nanofibers, in percentages of 1% by weight of cement of each fiber, achieves slightly higher average compressive stresses than non-added concrete, but loses ductility once the maximum stress is reached. The thermal conductivity in fiber-hybridized concrete is similar to that of fiberless concrete, not producing the improvement that could be expected by adding fibers from materials with high thermal conductivity.

Keywords: hybridization, carbon nanofibers, concrete, steel fibers
IMPACT OF MOF'S METALLIC-ORGANIC COMPOUNDS ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: ELICES ZABALA MONICA , ACHIAGA MENOR BEATRIZ
Published: June 2019

Metal-organic compounds, commonly known as MOFs (metal-organic frameworks), are porous solids formed by metal ions or clusters that coordinate with organic ligands to form uni-, di- or three-dimensional crystalline networks with permanent porosity by means of reticular synthesis (see figure 1). Thus, the same concept of metal-organic bond predisposes the possibility of synthesizing innumerable compounds, although in the case of ligands usually use rigid aromatic molecules. MOFs have been receiving the attention of the scientific and industrial community in recent years due to their characteristics and their various fields of application.
NEW LEGAL CHALLENGES IN ENGINEERING AND INDUSTRY: AUTONOMY, ROBOTICS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Authors: ROJO GALLEGO-BURIN MARINA
Published: June 2019

The development of a certain technology is going to have consequences, which we must prevent. In the first place, it is necessary to set certain limits to technological advances and secondly, we need to reflect on certain problems that are likely to arise and try to solve it, since all types of subjects will be affected: manufacturers, engineers, programmers, owners, users ... The relevance of these issues is of such magnitude that these subjects are required to have legal training so that their actions are respectful of the law. It is necessary to reflect on these issues, because in some aspects we are still faced with legal gaps or limbs, and remain vigilant about the measures adopted by the national, European and international legislator.
It is important that manufacturers, programmers and engineers consider this series of problems, because not everything in technology is allowed and it is not respectful to create or manufacture all types of machinery.

Keywords: industry, engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, Law
RECOGNITION OF PATTERNS AND EVALUATION OF THE DAMAGE GENERATED IN LOW-ALLOY STEELS FROM THE DIGITAL PROCESSING OF IMAGES AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Authors: RUELAS SANTOYO EDGAR AUGUSTO , VAZQUEZ LOPEZ JOSE ANTONIO , BAEZA SERRATO ROBERTO , JIMENEZ GARCIA JOSE ALFREDO , TAPIA ESQUIVIAS MOISES , FIGUEROA FERNANDEZ VICENTE
Published: June 2019

This paper describes the development of an intelligent integrated system able to estimate the damage on 2.25Cr-1Mo low alloy steel rated according to ASTM A200 grade T22.

Keywords: Expert system, metallographic analysis.
Fundamentos de diseño de un entorno tecnológico para el estudio de las habilidades en resolución de problemas en primeras edades escolares
Authors: Diago Pascual D. , González-Calero José A. , Arnau David
Published: June 2019

En este trabajo se presentan los fundamentos de diseño de un softwarecapaz de monitorizar y registrar datos referentes a la gestión de procesos de resolución de problemas matemáticos. El softwarepermite una recogida sistemática de las variables del proceso de resolución a partir de las cuales es posible obtener diferentes métricas de aprendizaje del estudiante. Al no centrar la atención exclusivamente en el resultado final del proceso de resolución, es posible identificar tendencias cognitivas de los estudiantes. En este manuscrito describimos las características de este entorno tecnológico junto con la base didáctica que justifica el interés de la investigación en niveles escolares en los que el escaso conocimiento limita la formalización de situaciones de resolución de problemas. Se adjuntan los primeros resultados de un estudio piloto que ha permitido evaluar fortalezas y debilidades de la versión en desarrollo. Finalmente, se discute sobre futuras direcciones para este entorno tecnológico como un paso más tanto en innovación como en investigación en Educación Matemática.
Interdisciplinary summer bridge programs to improve student outcomes
Authors: White Easton R
Published: June 2019

The Biology Undergraduate Scholars Program (BUSP) at UC Davis provides additional academic support and advising for a small (<40 students) cohort in the biological sciences each year. Students come from historically underrepresented racial or ethnic groups, the educational opportunity program, or have a disability. As part of the program, students participate in a two-week biology bridge program to prepare them for introductory ecology and evolution. The bridge program involves active learning assignments and team-based learning with a focus on the connection between biology and mathematics. We found that BUSP participants improved their biology knowledge through the summer bridge program. However, math confidence, SAT scores, Grit measures, and performance in the bridge program were not predictive of success in their biology course. We also found that BUSP students were more likely to remain in Life Science major and graduate.
Evaluation of extracellular polymeric substances extracted from waste activated sludge as a renewable corrosion inhibitor
Authors: Go Liew Chien , Holmes William , Depan Dilip , Hernandez Rafael
Published: June 2019

Background

Waste activated sludge (WAS) has recently gained attention as a feedstock for resource recovery. The aim of this study is to investigate the corrosion inhibition efficiencies of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) extracted from WAS.

Methods

The studied corrosion inhibitors were tested with carbon steel in 3.64% NaCl saturated with CO2 at 25 °C, which is the typical oilfield environment. They were first prepared by EPS extraction (heating at 80 °C), followed by centrifugation for solid and liquid separation, then the supernatant was freeze-thawed five times for sterilization of microorganisms in WAS to terminate metabolic activities in the test inhibitors to ensure consistency in corrosion inhibition. The EPS mixture (supernatant) was then deemed as the test corrosion inhibitor. The inhibition performance was determined using potentiodynamic polarization scans.

Results

Waste activated sludge alone showed unsatisfactory inhibition. However, EPS extracted from WAS showed an optimum inhibition of approximately 80% with 1,000 mg/L of inhibitor. The average total solid (TS) and EPS contents of the WAS were 7,330 mg TS/L WAS and 110 mg EPS/g TS, respectively. Three sets of extracted EPS were scanned with fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and showed almost overlapping curves, yielding the consistent inhibition performance.

Discussion

The potentiodynamic polarization results indicated that EPS acts as a mixed-type inhibitor which inhibits corrosion on both anode and cathode sites of metal surfaces. Based on the FTIR results, it was assumed that major chemical groups O–H, N–H, C–N, C=O, and C–H contributed to the inhibition by adsorbing on the metal surface, forming a biofilm that acts as a protective barrier to isolate the metal from its corrosive environment. Results show that WAS EPS corrosion inhibitors have inhibition performance comparable to commercial products, signifying their potential in commercialization. This corrosion inhibitor is renewable, biodegradable, non-toxic, and free from heavy metal, making it a superior green corrosion inhibitor candidate. Additionally, turning biomass into value-added product can be beneficial to the environment and, in this case, deriving new materials from WAS could also transform the economics of wastewater treatment operations.
Effects of Plant Species on the Physico-chemical Properties of Soil in Falgore Game Reserve, Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Amonum J. I. , Dawaki S. A. , Dachung G.
Published: June 2019

This study was carried out to examine the effect of plant species on soil properties in the Falgore Game Reserve (FGR) in Kano State, Nigeria; with the aim to promote sustainable conservation and management of the game reserve and to encourage the use of multiple tree species on farmlands. Strata, systematic and random sampling techniques were employed in order to capture the variability of land cover. Composite samples of soil were randomly collected at a depth of 0-30cm from sample plots of 50 m × 50 m sizes at five points using soil auger. This experiment was replicated four times. The samples were thoroughly mixed and spread out on a dry floor to air dried under the roofed shade. The samples were packaged in polythene bags and taken to the biological science laboratory (Bayero University Kano, Nigeria) for preparation and analysis. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Correlation at p< 0.05. Based on this finding, shrubs and tree species diversity were found to be inversely related to soil total Nitrogen, N, % O.C and soil pH (H2O). The nitrogen content of the soil sample was more stable compared with the carbon content across the strata in the study area. The results of this finding revealed that plants species diversity have different effects on soil properties of FGR. Thus, it is recommended that conservation and restoration of threatened plant species should be encouraged for soil amendment. For easy adoption of plant species on farmlands, farmers should be enlightened more on the effects and environmental functions of trees on farm land.
Ontology negotiation: Knowledge interchange between distributed ontologies through agent negotiation
Authors: Zhu Junwu , Teng Ling , Lu Huimin , Shi Jieke , Li Bin
Published: June 2019

With the proliferation of knowledge source on the internet as well as the widely professional agents, the knowledge interchange is drawing much attention. Ontology is recognized as the crucial technology due to their nature of sharing, formalization, and conceptualization to integrate and share the knowledge. In this paper, by interpreting and negotiating the communication content, a unified understanding of knowledge is formed; then, we can realize the interoperability between ontologies. We have developed the ontology automatic negotiation by agent elect protocol (AEP) to elect optimal participants and encourage agents to obey the protocol, concept mapping protocol (CMP) to find the corresponding concept mappings with the highest relevancy, and in addition, agent negotiation protocol (ANP). In ANP, we define the simultaneous negotiation protocol and agents' strategies to combine distributed ontologies interchange with agent negotiation. Finally, the implementation and preliminary results are given to verify the validity of the proposed ontology negotiation.
Searching source code fragments using incremental clustering
Authors: Ďuračík Michal , Kršák Emil , Hrkút Patrik
Published: June 2019

Plagiarism is becoming an increasingly serious problem in academic environment. In this paper, we deal with a specific kind of plagiarism: source code plagiarism. In this case, there is no software available for detecting plagiarism on a larger scale (hundreds of student submissions every year). We propose algorithms for source code parsing and processing as a part of a complex system for plagiarism detection. A source code vectorization using characteristic vectors is a vital piece of the whole process, and k‐means algorithm helps with the classification and clustering of vectors. Student assignments are submitted regularly, and any plagiarism detection system needs to handle them as they come. For this reason, we propose a modified incremental k‐means algorithm and a method for determining the number of clusters. We also consider methods for vector search among clusters and suggest the use of conditional entropy to select the important vector elements used in the search algorithm. Our results show how the proposed algorithms and methods work on real student submissions.
Chimeric antigen receptors designed to overcome transforming growth factor‐β‐mediated repression in the adoptive T‐cell therapy of solid tumors
Authors: Hartley Jordan , Abken Hinrich
Published: June 2019

Adoptive cell therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐engineered T cells produced lasting remissions in the treatment of advanced, so far refractory B‐cell malignancies; however, the elimination of solid tumors remains so far elusive. The low efficacy of CAR T cells is thought to be due to the immune‐repressive milieu within the tumor lesion, predominantly mediated by transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) that represses effector T‐cell activities and drives differentiation towards regulatory T cells (Tregs). Seeking to boost antitumor immunity, TGF‐β is currently targeted by different means in pre‐clinical studies. While a recent clinical trial showed the utility of shielding CAR T cells from TGF‐β repression, further strategies in counteracting TGF‐β in the adoptive cell therapy warrant exploration. We here discuss the most recent advances in the field and draw future developments to make CAR T‐cell therapy more potent in the treatment of solid cancer.
The Role of Senescence in the Development of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Progression to Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Papatheodoridi Alkistis‐Maria , Chrysavgis Lampros , Koutsilieris Michael , Chatzigeorgiou Antonios
Published: June 2019

In recent years, cellular senescence has generated a lot of interest among researchers because of its involvement in both the normal aging process and common human diseases. During senescence, cells undergo alterations that include telomere shortening, nuclear area enlargement, and genomic and mitochondrial DNA damage, leading to irreversible cell cycle arrest, and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Evidence suggests that the complex process of senescence is involved in the development of a plethora of chronic diseases including metabolic and inflammatory disorders and tumorigenesis. Recently, several human and animal studies have emphasized the involvement of senescence in the pathogenesis and development of liver steatosis including the progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) as characterized by the additional emergence of inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning, and liver fibrosis. The development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression to NASH are commonly accompanied by several pathophysiological events including metabolic dysregulation and inflammatory phenomena occurring within the liver that may contribute to or derive from cellular senescence, implying that the latter may be both a stimulus and a consequence of the disease. Conclusion: In this review, we summarize the current literature on the impact of cellular senescence in NAFLD/NASH and discuss the effectiveness and safety of novel senolytic drugs and therapeutic options available to delay or treat the disease. Finally, we identify the open questions and issues to be addressed in the near future.
Mu‐KRAS attenuates Hippo signaling pathway through PKCι to sustain the growth of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Wang Peipei , Zhang Hongmei , Yang Jinhe , Li Zongxian , Wang Yiren , Leng Xiaohong , Ganapathy Suthakar , Isakson Pauline , Chen Changyan , Zhu Tongbo
Published: June 2019

The atypical protein kinase C isoform ι (PKCι) is upregulated, which cooperates with mutated KRAS (mu‐KRAS) to promote the development of pancreatic cancers. However, the exact role of PKCι in KRAS‐mediated pancreatic tumorigenesis is not fully defined. In the present study, we demonstrate that mu‐KRAS upregulates and activates PKCι, accompanied by dephosphorylation of large tumor suppressor (LATS), a key member of the growth‐inhibiting Hippo signaling pathway. As a result, Yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1; a transcriptional coactivator) is dephosphorylated and translocates to the nucleus, which promotes transcription of downstream target genes to sustain the transformed growth of pancreatic cancer cells. In contrast, when PKCι is suppressed by the chemical inhibitor or small‐hairpin RNA, the levels of phosphorylated LATS and YAP1 are elevated and YAP1 is excluded from the nucleus, which enhances the susceptibility of pancreatic cancer cells harboring mu‐KRAS to apoptosis. These findings shed new light on the mechanisms underlying the pancreatic tumorigenesis initiated by mu‐KRAS, and suggest that the PKCι‐YAP1 signaling may potentially be therapeutically targeted for restricting the growth and inducing apoptosis in pancreatic tumors expressing mu‐KRAS.
High incidence of rhinovirus infection in children with community‐acquired pneumonia from a city in the Brazilian pre‐Amazon region
Authors: Ferreira Hivylla L. dos Santos , Costa Karla Luana P. , Cariolano Marilha S. , Oliveira Gustavo S. , Felipe Karen K. P. , Silva Elen S. A. , Alves Matheus S. , Maramaldo Carlos Eduardo C. , de Sousa Eduardo M. , Rego Joseany S. , Silva Ilana C. P. A. , Albuquerque Rejane K. S. , Araújo Nathalya S. C. , Amorim Angela M. M. , Costa Luciane D. , Pinheiro Claudiana S. , Guimarães Vinícius A. , Santos Mirleide C. , Mello Wyller A. , Falcai Angela , Lima‐Neto Lidio Gonçalves
Published: June 2019

Community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the leading cause of child death worldwide. Viruses are the most common pathogens associated with CAP in children, but their incidence varies greatly. This study investigated the presence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, human rhinovirus (HRV), human metapneumovirus (HMPV), human coronavirus (HCoV‐OC43 and HCoV‐NL63), and influenza A virus (FluA) in children with CAP and the contributing risk factors. Here, children with acute respiratory infections were screened by pediatrics; and a total of 150 radiographically‐confirmed CAP patients (aged 3 months to 10 years) from two clinical centers in Sao Luis, Brazil were recruited. Patient's clinical and epidemiological data were recorded. Nasopharyngeal swab and tracheal aspirate samples were collected to extract viral nucleic acid. RSV, adenovirus, rhinovirus, FluA, HMPV, HCoV‐OC43, and HCoV‐NL63 were detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The severe CAP was associated with ages between 3 and 12 months. Viruses were detected in 43% of CAP patients. Rhinovirus infections were the most frequently identified (68%). RSV, adenovirus, FluA, and coinfections were identified in 14%, 14%, 5%, and 15% of children with viral infection, respectively. Rhinovirus was associated with nonsevere CAP (P = .014); RSV, FluA, and coinfections were associated with severe CAP (P < .05). New strategies for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory infections, mainly rhinovirus and RSV infections, are necessary.
Task Group 174 Report: Utilization of [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography ([18F]FDG‐PET) in Radiation Therapy
Authors: Das Shiva K. , McGurk Ross , Miften Moyed , Mutic Sasa , Bowsher James , Bayouth John , Erdi Yusuf , Mawlawi Osama , Boellaard Ronald , Bowen Stephen R. , Xing Lei , Bradley Jeffrey , Schoder Heiko , Yin Fang‐Fang , Sullivan Daniel C. , Kinahan Paul
Published: June 2019

The use of positron emission tomography (PET) in radiation therapy (RT) is rapidly increasing in the areas of staging, segmentation, treatment planning, and response assessment. The most common radiotracer is 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG), a glucose analog with demonstrated efficacy in cancer diagnosis and staging. However, diagnosis and RT planning are different endeavors with unique requirements, and very little literature is available for guiding physicists and clinicians in the utilization of [18F]FDG‐PET in RT. The two goals of this report are to educate and provide recommendations. The report provides background and education on current PET imaging systems, PET tracers, intensity quantification, and current utilization in RT (staging, segmentation, image registration, treatment planning, and therapy response assessment). Recommendations are provided on acceptance testing, annual and monthly quality assurance, scanning protocols to ensure consistency between interpatient scans and intrapatient longitudinal scans, reporting of patient and scan parameters in literature, requirements for incorporation of [18F]FDG‐PET in treatment planning systems, and image registration. The recommendations provided here are minimum requirements and are not meant to cover all aspects of the use of [18F]FDG‐PET for RT.
Occurrence and distribution of organic and inorganic pollutants in groundwater
Authors: Kurwadkar Sudarshan
Published: June 2019

Depletion of groundwater resources and continued decline in overall groundwater quality is a cause of concern because large human population around the world uses groundwater as a source of drinking water. This paper presents a comprehensive review of studies published in the year 2018 that documented issues of groundwater pollution, sources, and distribution reported from across the world due to anthropogenic, hydroclimatogical, and natural processes. Groundwater pollution due to organic contaminants focuses particularly on pesticides, herbicides, and contaminants of emerging concern. Pollution due to inorganic pollutants such as arsenic and other heavy metals is also reviewed with particular emphasis on regions that have reported a significantly higher incidence of these pollutants in groundwater. A compilation of various studies is also included in the review paper that showed increased incidences of waterborne illnesses due to fecal and microbial contamination due to poor sanitary practices. Reviews of groundwater contaminants such as fluoride and nitrate are included to provide readers a holistic understanding of groundwater pollution problem around the world.

Practitioner points

Groundwater pollution issues during 2018 are reviewed and documented.

Occurrence of organic and inorganic pollutants in groundwater is reported.

Groundwater pollution vulnerability remains a critical issue.
Dirac-cone induced gating enhancement in single-molecule field-effect transistors
Authors: Sun Hantao , Liu Xunshan , Su Yanjie , Deng Bing , Peng Hailin , Decurtins Silvio , Sanvito Stefano , Liu Shi-Xia , Hou Shimin , Liao Jianhui
Published: June 2019

Dirac-cone induced electrostatic gating enhancement in single-molecule FETs with graphene electrodes and a solid-state local bottom gate.
Synthesis and characterization of a nematic fully aromatic polyester based on biphenyl 3,4′-dicarboxylic acid
Authors: Heifferon Katherine V. , Spiering Glenn A. , Talley Samantha J. , Hegde Maruti , Moore Robert B. , Turner S. Richard , Long Timothy E.
Published: June 2019

Fully-aromatic homopolyester based on biphenyl 3,4′-bibenzoate facilitated a nematic mesophase and restricted crystallization.
Up to 80 Gbaud DP‐16QAM operation using InP‐based high‐bandwidth coherent driver modulator
Authors: Ozaki J. , Ogiso Y. , Hashizume Y. , Kanazawa S. , Ueda Y. , Nunoya N. , Tanobe H. , Ishikawa M.
Published: June 2019

The authors obtained very good back‐to‐back bit error rate performance in up to 80 Gbaud DP‐16QAM operation by using their coherent driver modulator of a 3‐dB electro‐optic bandwidth of over 50 GHz. To achieve high bandwidth and good signal integrity, they used double ultra‐low loop wires between the driver IC and the modulator and a differential capacitively loaded travelling‐wave RF electrode based on straight coupled coplanar waveguide with a ground‐signal–signal‐ground configuration for their InP modulator. As far as they know, this is the highest bandwidth and baud rate operation so far for the high‐bandwidth coherent driver modulator configuration.
Research on classification and influencing factors of metro commuting patterns by combining smart card data and household travel survey data
Authors: Ji Yanjie , Cao Yu , Liu Yang , Guo Weihong , Gao Liangpeng
Published: June 2019

Smart card data (SCD) provide a new perspective for analysing the long‐term spatiotemporal travel characteristics of public transit users. Understanding the commuting patterns provides useful insights for urban traffic management. This study attempts to identify and cluster commuting patterns and explore the influencing factors by combining SCD and traditional household travel survey data (HTSD) in Nanjing, China. First, the authors generate the commuting regularity rules using one‐day HTSD. Then, the regular metro commuters are identified in four‐week (20‐weekday) SCD. Using the clustering method of the Gaussian mixture model, they classify metro commuters in SCD into three commuting pattern groups, namely, classic pattern, off‐peak pattern, and long‐distance pattern, based on their spatiotemporal characteristics. Next, they identify the corresponding metro commuters of these three groups in HTSD and apply a mixed logit regression model to determine the factors influencing metro commuting patterns from multiple dimensions. The results show that some socioeconomic attributes (e.g. gender, age, annual income, education, and occupation) as well as bus station density, metro lines, transfer mode, and transfer distance significantly impact commuting patterns. The findings can provide valuable information for planners and managers to put forward relevant transport guiding measures for alleviating traffic congestion and improving urban traffic management.
The mean HαEW and Lyman-continuum photon production efficiency for faintz≈ 4−5 galaxies
Authors: Lam Daniel , Bouwens Rychard J. , Labbé Ivo , Schaye Joop , Schmidt Kasper B. , Maseda Michael V. , Bacon Roland , Boogaard Leindert A. , Nanayakkara Themiya , Richard Johan , Mahler Guillaume , Urrutia Tanya
Published: June 2019

We present the first measurements of the Lyman-continuum photon production efficiencyξion, 0atz ∼ 4–5 for galaxies fainter than 0.2L*(−19 mag).ξion, 0quantifies the production rate of ionizing photons with respect to the UV luminosity density assuming a fiducial escape fraction of zero. Extending previous measurements ofξion, 0to the faint population is important, as ultra-faint galaxies are expected to contribute the bulk of the ionizing emissivity. We probeξion, 0to such faint magnitudes by taking advantage of 200-h depthSpitzer/IRAC observations from the GREATS program and ≈300 3 <  z <  6 galaxies with spectroscopic redshifts from the MUSE GTO Deep + Wide programs. Stacked IRAC [3.6]−[4.5] colors are derived and used to infer the Hαrest-frame equivalent widths, which range from 403 Å to 2818 Å. The derivedξion, 0is log10(ξion,0/Hz erg−1) = 25.36 ± 0.08 over −20.5 <  MUV <  −17.5, similar to those derived for brighter galaxy samples at the same redshift and therefore suggesting thatξionshows no strong dependence onMUV. Theξion, 0values found in our sample imply that the Lyman-continuum escape fraction forMUV ≈ −19 star-forming galaxies cannot exceed ≈8–20% in the reionization era.
Predictors for Residual Pulmonary Vascular Obstruction after Unprovoked Pulmonary Embolism: Implications for Clinical Practice—The PADIS-PE Trial
Authors: Raj Leela , Robin Philippe , Le Mao Raphael , Presles Emilie , Tromeur Cécile , Sanchez Olivier , Pernod Gilles , Bertoletti Laurent , Jego Patrick , Leven Florent , Lemarié Catherine A. , Martin Aurore , Planquette Benjamin , Le Roux Pierre-Yves , Salaun Pierre-Yves , Nonent Michel , Girard Philippe , Lacut Karine , Melac Solen , Mismetti Patrick , Laporte Silvy , Meyer Guy , Leroyer Christophe , Couturaud Francis ,   for the PADIS-PE Investigators
Published: June 2019

Background We aimed to identify risk factors for residual pulmonary vascular obstruction after a first unprovoked pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods Analyses were based on data from the double-blind randomized “PADIS-PE” trial that included 371 patients with a first unprovoked PE initially treated during 6 uninterrupted months; all patients underwent baseline ventilation–perfusion lung scanning at inclusion (i.e., after 6 months of anticoagulation). Each patient's pulmonary vascular obstruction indexes (PVOIs) at PE diagnosis and at inclusion were centrally assessed.

Results Among the 371 included patients, residual PVOI was available in 356 patients, and 150 (42.1%) patients had PVOI ≥ 5%. At multivariable analysis, age > 65 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.81, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58–5.00), PVOI ≥ 25% at PE diagnosis (OR, 3.53, 95% CI, 1.94–6.41), elevated factor VIII (OR, 3.89, 95% CI, 1.41–10.8), and chronic respiratory disease (OR, 2.18, 95% CI, 1.11–4.26) were independent predictors for residual PVOI ≥ 5%. Patients with ≥ 1 of these factors represented 94.5% (123 patients) of all patients with residual PVOI ≥ 5%.

Conclusion Six months after a first unprovoked PE, age > 65 years, PVOI ≥ 25% at PE diagnosis, elevated factor VIII, or chronic respiratory disease were found to be independent predictors for residual pulmonary vascular obstruction.

Clinical Trials Registration URL: http://www.controlled-trials.com. Unique identifier: NCT00740883.
Risk Factors for Major Bleeding during Prolonged Anticoagulation Therapy in Patients with Venous Thromboembolism: From the COMMAND VTE Registry
Authors: Kim Kitae , Yamashita Yugo , Morimoto Takeshi , Kitai Takeshi , Yamane Takafumi , Ehara Natsuhiko , Kinoshita Makoto , Kaji Shuichiro , Amano Hidewo , Takase Toru , Hiramori Seiichi , Oi Maki , Akao Masaharu , Kobayashi Yohei , Toyofuku Mamoru , Izumi Toshiaki , Tada Tomohisa , Chen Po-Min , Murata Koichiro , Tsuyuki Yoshiaki , Saga Syunsuke , Sasa Tomoki , Sakamoto Jiro , Kinoshita Minako , Togi Kiyonori , Mabuchi Hiroshi , Takabayashi Kensuke , Shiomi Hiroki , Kato Takao , Makiyama Takeru , Ono Koh , Furukawa Yutaka , Kimura Takeshi ,   On behalf of the COMMAND VTE Registry Investigators
Published: June 2019

Background There are limited data assessing the risk for bleeding on anticoagulation therapy beyond the acute phase in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). The present study aimed to identify risk factors for major bleeding during prolonged anticoagulation therapy in VTE patients.

Patients and Methods The COMMAND VTE Registry is a multicenter registry enrolling 3,027 consecutive patients with acute symptomatic VTE. The current study population consisted of 2,728 patients who received anticoagulation therapy beyond the acute phase, after excluding those patients with major bleeding events (n = 48), death (n = 66), or loss to follow-up (n = 32) during the initial parenteral anticoagulation period within 10 days after diagnosis, and those without anticoagulation therapy beyond 10 days after diagnosis (n = 153).

Results During the median follow-up period of 555 days, major bleeding occurred in 189 patients (70 patients within 3 months; 119 patients beyond 3 months) with fatal bleeding in 24 patients (13%). The cumulative incidence of major bleeding was 2.7% at 3 months, 5.2% at 1 year, and 11.8% at 5 years. Active cancer (hazard ratio [HR], 3.06, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.23–4.18), previous major bleeding (HR, 2.38, 95% CI, 1.51–3.59), anemia (HR, 1.75, 95% CI, 1.27–2.43), thrombocytopenia (HR, 2.11, 95% CI, 1.27–3.33), and age ≥75 years (HR, 1.64, 95% CI, 1.22–2.20) were independently associated with an increased risk for major bleeding by the multivariable Cox regression model.

Conclusion Major bleeding events were not uncommon during prolonged anticoagulation therapy in real-world VTE patients. Active cancer, previous major bleeding, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and old age were the independent risk factors for major bleeding.
Interventional Radiology-Guided Procedures in the Treatment of Pediatric Solid Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zambaiti Elisa , Siles Hinojosa Alexander , Montano Valentina , Mutanen Annika , Glenisson Mathilde , Sarnacki Sabine , Franchi Abella Stephanie , Pariente Daniele , Pio Luca
Published: June 2019

Introduction The use of interventional radiology (IR) in the treatment of pediatric solid tumors has markedly increased over the last three decades. However, data on effectiveness of IR-techniques, such as embolization/ablation, are scarce. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we examined the outcomes of IR-procedures in the treatment of solid tumors in children.

Materials and Methods Using a defined search strategy, we searched for studies reporting the use of IR-techniques for pediatric solid tumors from 1980 to 2017. Reports with less than three patients, review, and opinion articles were excluded. The study was conducted under preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We analyzed dichotomous and continuous variables by appropriate statistical methods.

Results Of 567 articles screened, 21 papers met the inclusion criteria (12 retrospective, 7 prospective, and 2 randomized-control trials). Many of the analyzed papers described relatively small cohorts of patients. IR-guided procedures were mainly rescue procedures to treat primarily unresectable tumors, local recurrences, or metastases. Inclusion/exclusion criteria and success definition were not specified in most reports. Major side effects were documented in 17/286 (6%) infants, while minor side effects were self-limiting in most patients. Six studies had a comparison between tumor embolization (127 infants) to surgery or chemotherapy without IR-procedures (113 controls). The meta-analysis showed lower mortality (16 vs. 47%) and surgical time for resection (206 vs. 250 m), higher 2-year tumor-free survival (82 vs. 36%), and favorable histology in IR group (p < 0.001 for all).

Conclusion IR-guided techniques are promising in the treatment of pediatric solid tumors. Further prospective (randomized) trials are needed to clarify efficacy.
Changes in mechanical power output in rowing by varying stroke rate and gearing
Authors: Held Steffen , Siebert Tobias , Donath Lars
Published: June 2019

Each stretch‐shortening‐cycle (SSC) in elite sports (e.g. jumping, cycling), is characterised by utilising optimal movement‐parameters (e.g. muscle shortening velocity), for maximum power (jump height, cycle velocity). It is however unclear if relevant SSC movement‐parameters in rowing, such as stroke rate and gearing, have to be maximised to obtain maximum power output or if an optimum relation emerges. Thus, we measured rowing‐power (Prow), leg‐power (Pleg) and work‐per‐stroke (WPS) at of varying stroke rates (20–45 spm), gearings (lever‐changes 0.87–0.90 m) and drag factors (100–180 Ws3/m3) during rowing. Experienced sub‐elite young athletes performed sprint‐series on (single scull, n = 69, 20 ± 2 years, 186 ± 7 cm, 84 ± 9 kg) and off the water (rowing‐ergometer, n = 30, 19 ± 3 years, 185 ± 11 cm, 77 ± 19 kg). Prow increased with stroke rate for ergometer‐test (r = 0.97, p < 0.001) and boat measurement (r = 0.98, p < 0.001) by 2.7%/stroke and 4.4%/stroke, respectively. Interestingly, stroke rate had a high impact on WPS (r = 0.79, p < 0.001) during boat measurement, compared to no (or specifically no high) impact on WPS (r = −0.10, p = 0.166) during ergometer‐measurements. Drag factor (ergometer: r = 0.83, p < 0.001) and gearing (boat: r = 0.60, p < 0.001) yielded moderate to high correlations to Prow. These results indicate that no optimum stroke rate, gearing and drag factor exist for maximum power in rowing (sprint‐measurement‐range). Accordingly, the measurements yielded maximum power for maximum stroke rate, gearing, and drag factor.
DOZ047.01: Risk factors for anastomotic strictures in the first year after esophageal atresia repair: data from a prospective multicentric cohort
Authors: Aumar M , Rousseau V , Bonnard A , Sfeir R , Gelas T , Boubnova J , Jacquier C , Irtan S , Breton A , Guinot A , Lamireau T , Fouquet V , Habonimana E , Schneider A , Elbaz F , Ranke A , Polimerol M L , Allal H , Michel J L , Buisson P , Petit T , Sapin E , Lopez M , Levard G , Schmitt F , Lardy H , Borderon C , Jaby O , Breaud J , Pelatan C , Auber F , Tolg C , De Vries P , Pouzac M , Grosos C , Geiss S , Laplace C , Pierache A , Gottrand F , Michaud L
Published: June 2019

Objectives and study

Anastomotic stricture (AS) is a frequent complication of the surgery for œsophageal atresia (OA) during the first year of life. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of AS before 1 year old in infants with type A and C OA who were operated on. Secondary objectives were to determine risk factors for AS in OA, for recurrent and refractory AS, and to establish if AS is associated with antireflux surgery.

Methods

A prospective national multicentric study was conducted including all infants born with OA between 2008 and 2015. Patients deceased before one year old, OA types B and E, and patients for whom data about AS were missing were excluded from the study. Data were collected at birth and at 12 months of age. Anastomosis under tension was defined by the surgeon and a delayed anastomosis was defined by an anastomosis after 15 days of life. Recurrent stricture was defined by the need of ≥3 dilations and refractory stricture was defined by the need of ≥5 dilations. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were conducted.

Results

Of the 1258 eligible patients (84%), 1054 were included in the study from 38 centers. The prevalence of AS in the first year of life was 23.3% [20.7–28.9]. Anastomosis under tension (AUT) and delayed anastomosis (DA) were found to be independent risk factors for AS (respectively 2.5 [1.73–3.45] and 3.7 [1.95–7.2] (OR [CL 95%])) in the total population. Neither sex, birth weight, prematurity, intrauterine growth retardation, associated malformations, type A OA, nor the type of surgical approach was a risk factor for AS. In type C OA, DA was the only risk factor for AS (OR: 3.1 [1.65–5.86]). The group with AS had 2.5-fold more fundoplication compared to the patients without AS (P = 0.0005) in the total population and in type C OA. AUT and DA were found to be independent risk factors for recurrent stricture (OR: 2.4 [1.47–3.9] and 4.7 [2.2–10.4], respectively) and DA was the only risk factor for refractory stricture (OR: 6.23 [2.4–16.2]).

Conclusion

Surgical factors at the time of first repair of OA are the only risk factors for AS.
DOZ047.08: Endoscopic management of esophageal stenosis in patients with congenital esophageal atresia: experience of a single tertiary care center in Italy
Authors: Deganello Saccomani M , Bortolotti V , Gastaldi A , Camoglio F S , Piacentini G , Banzato C
Published: June 2019

Objective and Study

Esophageal stenosis is the most common morbidity associated with congenital esophageal atresia (EA). There is no consensus regarding the endoscopic management of strictures in terms of timing and techniques of dilations. The aim of this study is to describe the endoscopic management of esophageal stenosis in children with EA admitted to our tertiary care center.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive single-center study was conducted. Data were collected of all patients diagnosed with EA admitted to the ‘Women's and Children's Hospital’ of Verona, Italy, between 2004 and 2017.

Results

Thirty-seven patients with EA were admitted to our center between 2004 and 2017. Twenty of them were excluded for insufficient data. All patients underwent surgical correction within 2 months of life. An endoscopic control with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed in all of them. Eleven (65%) subjects had tracheoesophageal fistula. All of them had type C EA. Three (18%) had long-gap EA. Eleven patients (65%), 8 with Type C EA and 3 with Type A EA, underwent endoscopic dilation. Semirigid Savary-Giliard bougies were used in most of them. Pneumatic dilation with balloon was performed only in one case. Nine (81%) needed more than one dilation due to anastomotic stricture recurrence. In 3 of the 11 subjects (27%) more than 3 dilations were necessary. Two of them had long-gap EA. The median age of first endoscopic dilation was 3 months (range: 1–12 months). The median age of the last dilation was 6 months (range: 1–18 months). One of the 11 patients who underwent dilations (Type C EA with long gap) underwent surgical retreatment due to fistula recurrence. Six of the 17 subjects (35%) enrolled developed long-term complications.

Conclusion

Our data confirmed that anastomotic stricture is frequent in patients with EA who underwent surgical correction. Endoscopic management of stenosis is a safe and effective procedure that leads to a limited number of complications. Side effects are more likely to occur in patients with long-gap EA. Timing of dilations and endoscopic technique should be defined by international guidelines in order to improve patient's outcome.
DOZ047.101: Preclinical studies of tissue engineering for long-gap esophageal atresia in pigs. A systematic literature review
Authors: Garrido M , Phylactopoulos D-E , De Coppi P , Bonfanti P
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Current approaches for esophageal substitution in long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) are associated with complications that impact quality of life. Tissue-engineered (TE) esophagus appears as a promise to overcome these issues. The pig has been used as large-animal model to test TE esophagus before its clinical application. Different approaches have been reported. This study aims at conducting a systematic review of TE approaches for complete esophageal defects in pigs.

Materials and Methods

This work was registered in PROSPERO (ID 127838). A systematic literature review was performed following SYRCLE’s guidelines, using the CAMARADES-NC3Rs platform (SyRF). PubMed and OpenGrey databases were reviewed identifying articles on complete esophagus defects in pigs restored by TE. The analyses of bias and 3Rs were based on the ARRIVE guidelines.

Results

In the period 2009–2018, 14 articles were identified using pigs as a model for a TE approach in complete esophageal defects. Animal age/weight/sex, size/localization of the defect, TE strategy, follow-up, and outcomes greatly differ among different studies. Few studies report strategies to improve 3Rs and internal validation.

Discussion

Further studies in LGEA preclinical models should be performed in an attempt to create a defect in the intrathoracic esophagus. Methodological design may help to avoid bias and define strategies related to the 3Rs. TE approaches with best results include the use of different cell populations seeded in scaffolds that are maturated in bioreactors before their implantation. The next questions to be addressed are developing techniques to avoid stent migration and promoting regeneration of the enteric nervous system.