bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life cycle assessment to quantify the impact of technology improvements in bike‐sharing systems
Authors: Bonilla‐Alicea Ricardo Javier , Watson Bryan C. , Shen Ziheng , Tamayo Laura , Telenko Cassandra
Published: April 2019

The reduced environmental footprint of bicycle sharing systems (BSS) is one of the reasons for their rapid growth in popularity. BSS have evolved technologically, transitioning from smart dock systems to smart bicycle systems, and it is not clear if the increased use of electronics in BSS results in a net environmental benefit. This article provides an evaluation of the impact of incorporating additional technology into BSS and uses that analysis as guidance for future BSS development. By comparing the impacts of a private bicycle, a smart dock BSS, and smart bike BSS using a life cycle assessment (LCA), this work reveals breakeven points and tradeoffs between the technologies. This study is also the first published empirical LCA of a smart bike known to the authors. In the production phase, smart bikes generate approximately three times the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to the smart dock bikes per kilometer ridden over the lifetime, and when considering the endpoint categories of human health, ecosystem, and resources, smart bikes have approximately 2.7 times the environmental impact. The results suggest that shifting from smart dock to smart bike requires an increase in ridership by a factor of 1.8 to overcome the increased environmental impact based on the GHG emissions. We find that smart docks become preferable at a population density between 1,030 residents/km2 (in a bike friendly city) and 3,100 residents/km2 (in a city that is less likely to bike).
Extracellular and intracellular sphingosine‐1‐phosphate distinctly regulates exocytosis in chromaffin cells
Authors: Jiang Zhong‐Jiao , Delaney Taylor L. , Zanin Mark P. , Haberberger Rainer V. , Pitson Stuart M. , Huang Jian , Alford Simon , Cologna Stephanie M. , Keating Damien J. , Gong Liang‐Wei
Published: April 2019

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) is an essential bioactive sphingosine lipid involved in many neurological disorders. Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1), a key enzyme for S1P production, is concentrated in presynaptic terminals. However, the role of S1P/SphK1 signaling in exocytosis remains elusive. By detecting catecholamine release from single vesicles in chromaffin cells, we show that a dominant negative SphK1 (SphK1DN) reduces the number of amperometric spikes and increases the duration of foot, which reflects release through a fusion pore, implying critical roles for S1P in regulating the rate of exocytosis and fusion pore expansion. Similar phenotypes were observed in chromaffin cells obtained from SphK1 knockout mice compared to those from wild‐type mice. In addition, extracellular S1P treatment increased the number of amperometric spikes, and this increase, in turn, was inhibited by a selective S1P3 receptor blocker, suggesting extracellular S1P may regulate the rate of exocytosis via activation of S1P3. Furthermore, intracellular S1P application induced a decrease in foot duration of amperometric spikes in control cells, indicating intracellular S1P may regulate fusion pore expansion during exocytosis. Taken together, our study represents the first demonstration that S1P regulates exocytosis through distinct mechanisms: extracellular S1P may modulate the rate of exocytosis via activation of S1P receptors while intracellular S1P may directly control fusion pore expansion during exocytosis.

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Serum interleukin‐17 as a novel biomarker in patients with acne vulgaris
Authors: Ebrahim Adel A. , Mustafa Amany Ibrahim , El‐Abd Awad Mohamed
Published: April 2019

Background

Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease involving pilosebaceous units. Both innate and adaptive immunity, especially the T helper 17 pathway, may contribute to the inflammatory response in acne.

Objectives

We aimed at evaluation of serum interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) level in patients with acne vulgaris in order to assess its role in disease pathogenesis and its clinical significance.

Methods

Serum IL‐17 level was measured by an ELISA technique in 80 acne vulgaris patients and 80 apparently healthy controls.

Results

Serum IL‐17 level was significantly higher in acne vulgaris patients than control group (P < 0.001). Moreover, it was increasing significantly with the increase in disease severity and in patients with scarring lesions (P < 0.001 each).

Conclusions

Serum IL‐17 is not only a biomarker of disease pathogenesis but also it could be a potential prognostic predictor for severity and scarring in acne vulgaris.
Polygynous Unions and Intimate Partner Violence in Nigeria: An Examination of the Role of Selection
Authors: Behrman Julia A.
Published: April 2019

Objective: This article explores the association between polygyny and intimate partner violence (IPV) in Nigeria, with attention to selection into polygyny.

Background: Although IPV occurs within the social context of a family, the linkages between polygyny and IPV are rarely interrogated, and there is little attempt to differentiate between “polygyny effects” and “selection effects.”

Method: This article uses a sample of 19,189 couples from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey to conduct (a) a multivariate analysis of the characteristics that predict selection into polygyny, (b) a propensity score matching analysis of the association between polygyny and IPV, and (c) a Rosenbaum bounds analysis to assess hidden bias that might affect both selection into polygyny and IPV.

Results: People who entered polygynous unions were different on observed characteristics—including relative status of husbands and wives coming into the union, education, religion, and ethnicity—than those who entered monogamous unions. Polygyny was associated with higher probabilities of women's reports of recent physical and emotional IPV, net of observed differences; however, a Rosenbaum bounds analysis indicated that it was highly plausible unobserved selectivity into polygyny helped account for these associations.

Conclusion: It is important to move beyond viewing polygyny as a “risk factor” for IPV and toward understanding how selection into marriage is an important social process with implications for IPV, health, and well‐being.
Mass effects explain sapling community assembly in Araucaria mixed forest metacommunities
Authors: Rech Morgana , Carlucci Marcos B. , Bergamin Rodrigo S. , Seger Guilherme D. S. , Müller Sandra C. , Duarte Leandro , Hartz Sandra M.
Published: April 2019

Questions

What is the relative influence of: (a) traits related to dispersal (seed size) and growth (specific leaf area [SLA]), and; (b) regional species abundances, on the structure of local sapling communities? Which metacommunity models best explain the process of forest nucleation in grasslands?

Location

Woody vegetation patches originating from nucleation and the continuous forest that neighbors native grasslands, in the southern Brazilian plateau (29°28′58.00″ S, 50°12′26.00″ W).

Methods

We calculated community‐weighted trait means (CWM) and functional diversity for woody saplings, considering species occurrences (FD) and abundances (FDis) separately for both seed size and SLA, in woody vegetation patches of different sizes and in the continuous forest. We tested whether mean SLA and mean seed size differed between habitat types, and whether values of FD and FDis were lower than expected by chance. We also evaluated whether the relative abundances of species in woody vegetation patches were determined by their abundances in the continuous forest, using CATS models (Community Assembly by Trait Selection). The results were then compared to the expectations from each metacommunity model.

Results

Functional diversity of SLA and seed size did not differ from what was expected by chance in most sites. Species in communities of different habitat types did not differ in their mean SLA values, but we observed differences in mean seed size, with large‐seeded species being typical of areas with more shade. Species abundances in the regional species pool were more important factors than species traits for determining species abundances in the local communities.

Conclusions

The analytical framework employed in this study enables a straightforward test of different metacommunity structuring models. Mass effects were the metacommunity model that best explained the process of forest nucleation in the southern Brazilian plateau, which highlights the importance of dispersal for the structure of local communities.
Morphological divergence and reduced ectoparasite prevalence in an introduced population of a Caribbean anole
Authors: Bodden V. , Puschendorf R.
Published: April 2019

As biological invasions become increasingly common understanding what factors drive a species’ ability to rapidly colonize new habitats will be important for future conservation management. Theoretical models predict that spatial sorting of an invasive population will select for enhanced dispersal‐related traits and lower prevalence of parasitic infections. Supporting these, there is a growing body of evidence that demonstrates both features are common in invasive populations, although, these observations stem from mainland systems, over larger spatial scales. Here, we investigated the morphology and ectoparasite prevalence of Maynard's anole (Anolis maynardi) in its native range Little Cayman, and across its introduced range Cayman Brac where it invaded 31 years ago. We tested for morphological divergence, ectoparasite prevalence between the native population and the core, intermediate and range edge populations within the introduced range. In addition, we compared the overall body condition of lizards from each sex between islands using the scaled‐mass index. Our results suggest that spatial sorting could have selected for less parasitized individuals on the range edge of the introduced population, across an area of just 39 km2. However, there was no difference in hind‐limb length, the character that is expected to enhance dispersal ability, across the range of the introduced population. Instead, the greatest variation in morphology across the introduced range was found in fore‐limb length. Finally, both males and females from the introduced population were of significantly higher body condition than the native population, yet ectoparasite intensity had no effect on the body condition of infested hosts. These results highlight the rapid change in forelimb length and overall morphology has occurred rapidly since the species’ first introduction and a clear reduction in parasite prevalence on the range edge of the introduced population. Together these attributes have likely contributed to the successful colonization of Cayman Brac by A. maynardi.
Perceptual Pluralism
Authors: Quilty‐Dunn Jake
Published: April 2019

Perceptual systems respond to proximal stimuli by forming mental representations of distal stimuli. A central goal for the philosophy of perception is to characterize the representations delivered by perceptual systems. It may be that all perceptual representations are in some way proprietarily perceptual and differ from the representational format of thought (Dretske 1981; Carey 2009; Burge 2010; Block ms.). Or it may instead be that perception and cognition always trade in the same code (Prinz 2002; Pylyshyn 2003). This paper rejects both approaches in favor ofperceptual pluralism, the thesis that perception delivers a multiplicity of representational formats, some proprietary and some shared with cognition. The argument for perceptual pluralism marshals a wide array of empirical evidence in favor of iconic (i.e., image‐like, analog) representations in perception as well as discursive (i.e., language‐like, digital) perceptual object representations.
The WY domain in the Phytophthora effector PSR1 is required for infection and RNA silencing suppression activity
Authors: Zhang Peng , Jia Yijuan , Shi Jinxia , Chen Chen , Ye Wenwu , Wang Yuanchao , Ma Wenbo , Qiao Yongli
Published: April 2019

Phytophthora pathogens manipulate host innate immunity by secreting numerous RxLR effectors, thereby facilitating pathogen colonization. Predicted single and tandem repeats of WY domains are the most prominent C‐terminal motifs conserved across the Phytophthora RxLR superfamily. However, the functions of individual WY domains in effectors remain poorly understood.

The Phytophthora sojae effector PSR1 promotes infection by suppressing small RNA biogenesis in plant hosts. We identified one single WY domain following the RxLR motif in PSR1. This domain was required for RNA silencing suppression activity and infection in Nicotiana benthamiana, Arabidopsis and soybean.

Mutations of the conserved residues in the WY domain did not affect the subcellular localization of PSR1 but abolished its effect on plant development and resistance to viral and Phytophthora pathogens. This is at least in part due to decreased protein stability of the PSR1 mutants in planta.

The identification of the WY domain in PSR1 allows predicts that a family of PSR1‐like effectors also possess RNA silencing suppression activity. Mutation of the conserved residues in two members of this family, PpPSR1L from P. parasitica and PcPSR1L from P. capsici, perturbed their biological functions, indicating that the WY domain is critical in Phytophthora PSR1 and PSR1‐like effectors.
Durability of cryoballoon left atrial appendage isolation: Acute and invasive remapping electrophysiological findings
Authors: Bordignon Stefano , Chen Shaojie , Perrotta Laura , Bologna Fabrizio , Nagase Takahiko , Konstantinou Athanasios , Weise Felix , Fuernkranz Alexander , Schmidt Boris , Chun Julian K. R.
Published: April 2019

Background

The left atrial appendage (LAA) has been identified as a potential source of atrial fibrillation (AF) and has been described as the “fifth” pulmonary vein (PV). We report our initial experience in LAA isolation (LAAI) using the cryoballoon (CB) and data on durability of CB‐LAAI.

Methods

Patients treated with a CB‐LAAI were retrospectively identified. Six weeks after electrical LAAI, patients were scheduled for staged percutaneous LAA closure. During the second procedure, a subset of patients underwent invasive remapping of the LAA.

Results

A total of 32 patients (21 males, 68 ± 10 years old) were treated with CB‐LAAI. Acute LAAI was achieved in 29 of 32 (91%) patients: single‐shot LAAI was observed in 18 of 32 (56%) patients. Acute procedural sustained LAAI was related with a significantly shorter time to LAAI (sustained LAAI: 84 ± 50 s vs nonsustained LAAI: 166 ± 76 s, P = 0.004). Mean procedure and fluoroscopy time were 61 ± 29 and 8 ± 6 min, respectively. One left‐sided phrenic nerve palsy occurred. In 25 of 32 (78%) patients, a second procedure for percutaneous LAA closure device implantation was performed. In 22 patients, persistency of LAAI was tested: durable LAAI was documented in 16/22 patients (73%).

Conclusion

In the present report, CB LAA isolation followed by staged LAA closure appeared to be safe and feasible but more data are required. Time to LAAI played a role in predicting acute sustained LAAI rate. CB LAA ablation leads to 73% of durable LAA isolation.
Genome‐wide association study of six quality traits reveals the association of the TaRPP13L1 gene with flour colour in Chinese bread wheat
Authors: Chen Jianhui , Zhang Fuyan , Zhao Chunjiang , Lv Guoguo , Sun Congwei , Pan Yubo , Guo Xinyu , Chen Feng
Published: April 2019

Flour colour, kernel hardness, grain protein content and wet gluten content are important quality properties that determine end use in bread wheat. Here, a wheat 90K genotyping assay was used for a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of the six quality‐related traits in Chinese wheat cultivars in eight environments over four years. A total of 846 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, explaining approximately 30% of the phenotypic variation on average, and 103 multienvironment‐significant SNPs were detected in more than four environments. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping in the biparent population confirmed some important SNP loci. Moreover, it was determined that some important genes were associated with the six quality traits, including some known functional genes and annotated unknown functional genes. Of the annotated unknown functional genes, it was verified that TaRPP13L1 was associated with flour colour. Wheat cultivars or lines with TaRPP13L1‐B1a showed extremely significantly higher flour redness and lower yellowness than those with TaRPP13L1‐B1b in the Chinese wheat natural population and the doubled haploid (DH) population. Two tetraploid wheat lines with premature stop codons of the TaRPP13L1 gene mutagenized by ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) showed extremely significantly higher flour redness and lower yellowness than wild type. Our data suggest that the TaRPP13L1 gene plays an important role in modulating wheat flour colour. This study provides useful information for further dissection of the genetic basis of flour colour and also provides valuable genes or genetic loci for marker‐assisted selection to improve the process of breeding quality wheat in China.
Effectiveness of dental health education on oral hygiene among hearing impaired adolescents in India: A randomized control trial
Authors: Hashmi Sumbul , Mohanty Vikrant R , Balappanavar Aswini Y , Yadav Vipul , Kapoor Shivam , Rijhwani Kavita
Published: April 2019

Aim

To assess the effectiveness of two different methods of dental health education (DHE) for improving oral hygiene among hearing impaired adolescents in school aged 11‐20 years.

Methodology and Results

A randomized double blind controlled parallel time series trial was done among 178 hearing impaired adolescents. Considering existing literature, the required sample size was found to be 82 per group, at 95% confidence interval, design effect = 1, type I error = 5%, power of study = 80%, and 20% attrition rate. Two out of five schools were randomly selected. Different methods of DHE were used, schools were coded as School A (DHE using sign language by the investigator) and School B (DHE by conventional visual method, using only posters).

The mean reduction in Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI‐S), Plaque Index (PI), and Gingival Index (GI) scores was 1.13 ± 0.81, 0.66 ± 0.31, and 0.58 ± 0.32, respectively, in school A. The mean reductions seen in school B was 0.52 ± 0.89 in OHI‐S, 0.44 ± 0.44 in PI, and 0.34 ± 0.32 in GI index (P‐value < 0.05).

Conclusion

Basic training of dental professionals in sign language is both effective and feasible, and brings about greater improvement in oral hygiene status and gingival health as compared to the conventional methods of health education
Genetic and molecular findings of 38 Iranian patients with chronic granulomatous disease caused by p47‐phoxdefect
Authors: Tajik Shaghayegh , Badalzadeh Mohsen , Fazlollahi Mohammad Reza , Houshmand Massoud , Bazargan Nasrin , Movahedi Masoud , Mahlouji Rad Maryam , Mahdaviani Seyed Alireza , Mamishi Setareh , Khotaei Ghamar Taj , Mansouri Davood , Zandieh Fariborz , Pourpak Zahra
Published: April 2019

One of the components of NADPH oxidase is p47‐phox,encoded byNCF1gene. This study aims to find new genetic changes and clinical features in 38 Iranian patients with autosomal recessive chronic granulomatous disease (AR‐CGD) caused byNCF1gene defect. Patients who had abnormal NBT and DHR‐1,2,3 assay with loss of p47‐phoxin Western blotting were included in this study. After recording demographic and clinical data, PCR amplification was performed followed by direct sequencing for all exons and exon‐intron boundaries. The most common form of CGD in Iran was AR‐CGD due to consanguinity marriages. Among patients with AR‐CGD,NCF1deficiency was found to be more common than other forms. Cutaneous involvements (53%), pulmonary infections (50%) and lymphadenopathy (29%) were more prevalent than other clinical manifestations of CGD. Mutation analysis ofNCF1gene identified five different mutations. Homozygous delta GT deletion (c.75_76delGT) was the most frequent mutation and was detected in more than 63% of families. Six families had a nonsense mutation in exon 7 (c.579G > A). Two novel mutations were found in exon 4 in two families, including a missense mutation (c.328C > T) and a nine‐nucleotide deletion (c.331_339delTGTCCCCAC). Genetic detection of these mutations may result in early diagnosis and prevention of possible complications of the disease. This could be useful for timely decision‐making for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and for carrier detection as well as prenatal diagnosis of next children in the affected families. Our findings might help to predict outcomes, raise awareness and help effective treatment in these patients.
The effect of varying degrees of compression from elastic vs plastic wrap on quadriceps intramuscular temperature during wetted ice application
Authors: Kwiecien Susan Y. , Mathew Stephen , Howatson Glyn , McHugh Malachy P.
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of wetted ice bag, applied with high compression elastic wrap or held in place with low compression plastic wrap, on reducing vastus lateralis intramuscular temperature and skin surface temperature. Ten healthy male participants had wetted ice packs applied to a standardized area on the anterior aspect of the quadriceps simultaneously to both legs for 30 minutes. The ice pack was secured with high compression (elastic wrap) to the left anterior thigh (60.6 ± 8.1 mm Hg) and low compression (plastic wrap) to the right anterior thigh (15.5 ± 4.0 mm Hg). Intramuscular temperature (1 and 3 cm) and skin temperature of the vastus lateralis were measured continuously during a 10‐minute baseline period, 30‐minute treatment period, and a 60‐minute recovery period. No difference was observed between treatments in terms of the magnitude of reduction in intramuscular temperature at both 1 and 3 cm and skin temperature regardless of compression pressure (P > 0.05). Temperature upon conclusion of elastic wrap treatment was as follows: 17.8 ± 5.2°C at 1 cm and 23.1 ± 4.9°C at 3 cm; plastic wrap treatment: 17.9 ± 4.4°C at 1 cm and 24.5 ± 6.7°C at 3 cm. Plastic wraps may offer a practical alternative to elastic wraps for clinicians as they may be disposed of by the patient or athlete without having to stay at the treatment facility.
The Incidence of Crime on Industry‐Level Foreign Direct Investment: An Assessment of OECD Member Countries*
Authors: Brown Leanora , Hibbert Keva
Published: April 2019

In this article, we assess whether the incidence of crime helps to explain the variation in sectoral FDI flows. Using a panel of 29 Organization of Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) countries for the period 2003–2012, we employ a generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation strategy due to the potential for endogeneity between our variables of interest. Our results indicate that crime deters investment to the service sector. In particular, this effect is observed in the following service industry subsector: financial services. Policymakers interested in boosting FDI in the affected sectors should be concerned with policies that focus on the reduction of criminal activities.
Your Brain on Comics: A Cognitive Model of Visual Narrative Comprehension
Authors: Cohn Neil
Published: April 2019

The past decade has seen a rapid growth of cognitive and brain research focused on visual narratives like comics and picture stories. This paper will summarize and integrate this emerging literature into theParallel Interfacing Narrative‐Semantics Model(PINS Model)—a theory of sequential image processing characterized by an interaction between two representational levels: semantics and narrative structure. Ongoing semantic processes build meaning into an evolving mental model of a visual discourse. Updating of spatial, referential, and event information then incurs costs when they are discontinuous with the growing context. In parallel, a narrative structure organizes semantic information into coherent sequences by assigning images to categorical roles, which are then embedded within a hierarchic constituent structure. Narrative constructional schemas allow for specific predictions of structural sequencing, independent of semantics. Together, these interacting levels of representation engage in an iterative process of retrieval of semantic and narrative information, prediction of upcoming information based on those assessments, and subsequent updating based on discontinuity. These core mechanisms are argued to be domain‐general—spanning across expressive systems—as suggested by similar electrophysiological brain responses (N400, P600, anterior negativities) generated in response to manipulation of sequential images, music, and language. Such similarities between visual narratives and other domains thus pose fundamental questions for the linguistic and cognitive sciences.
Does deferral for high‐risk behaviors improve the safety of the blood supply?
Authors: Gonçalez Thelma T. , Sabino Ester C. , Kaidarova Zhanna , Carneiro‐Proietti Anna Barbara F. , Miranda Carolina , Loureiro Paula , Lopes Maria Esther , de Almeida‐Neto Cesar , Schlumpf Karen S. , Wright David J. , Murphy Edward L. , Custer Brian ,   for the NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II), International Component, Brazil
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Predonation donor deferral is used to select donors with presumed lower risk for transfused transmitted infections. The contribution to blood safety from this practice has not been reported previously for Brazil.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

At four large Brazilian blood centers from September 2010 to March 2011, donors who were deferred due to responses on eligibility questions were invited to provide a blood sample to test for HIV, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, human T‐lymphotropic virus, syphilis, and Trypanosoma cruzi and complete an audio computer‐assisted structured interview on risk behaviors.

RESULTS

Of 299,848 potential donors during the study period, 66,870 were deferred with 10,453 (15.6%) for high‐risk behaviors. Of those, 4860 (46.5%) were consecutively approached and 4013 (82.5%) participated. Disclosed risk behaviors by audio computer‐assisted structured interview included 4 or more sexual partners in the past 12 months (15.0% of females [F] and 34.5% of males [M]), unprotected sex (62.0% F and 44.0% M), other high‐risk sexual exposure (85.0% F and 73.0% M), being a person who injects drugs (3.0% F and 10.0% M), and test‐seeking (17.0% F and 22.0% M). Eleven percent of deferred males reported male‐to‐male sex. Individuals who reported other high‐risk sexual exposure, sexual partner risk, or male‐to‐male sex had the highest frequency of confirmed HIV: 1.2, 0.7, and 0.7%, respectively. Individuals who reported male‐to‐male sex, sexual partner risk, test seeking, and unprotected sex had the highest frequency of confirmed syphilis: 3.8, 3.3, 2.4, and 2.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Donor deferral deters donation by individuals with risk behaviors and elevated rates of infectious disease markers.
Plasma‐derived Factor X therapy for treatment of intracranial bleeding in a patient with Factor X deficiency: a case report
Authors: Grottke Oliver , Moser Olga , Farrag Ahmed , Elbracht Miriam , Orlikowsky Thorsten , Trepels‐Kottek Sonja
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Factor X (FX) deficiency (FXD) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive hereditary hematologic disorder, affecting approximately one in 1,000,000 of the general population.

CASE REPORT

This case report describes an infant with hereditary severe FXD who presented with a spontaneous, life‐threatening intracranial hemorrhage and was treated with the first licensed plasma‐derived FX (pdFX) concentrate. On admission, laboratory assays showed severe coagulopathy of unknown cause; the patient was empirically treated using a multimodal hemostatic approach with prothrombin complex concentrate, fresh‐frozen plasma, and tranexamic acid. Subsequent single‐factor coagulation and genetic analyses confirmed the hereditary FXD diagnosis, and the therapeutic regimen was changed to a targeted regimen of 250 IU pdFX daily. Based on careful monitoring of the coagulation profile, pdFX administration frequency was increased to twice daily, followed by a reduction to once every 18 hours. The patient was discharged after 7 weeks of hospitalization in good clinical condition and now receives prophylactic pdFX three times weekly.
Pivotal role of STIM2, but not STIM1, in IL-4 production by IL-3–stimulated murine basophils
Authors: Yoshikawa Soichiro , Oh-hora Masatsugu , Hashimoto Ryota , Nagao Toshihisa , Peters Louis , Egawa Mayumi , Ohta Takuya , Miyake Kensuke , Adachi Takahiro , Kawano Yohei , Yamanishi Yoshinori , Karasuyama Hajime
Published: April 2019

In basophils, response to antigen requires the calcium sensor STIM1, whereas response to cytokines requires STIM2.
A Cohort Study of the Impact of Carbapenem-Resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
Infections on Mortality of Patients Presenting with Sepsis
Authors: Sabino Sabrina , Soares Silvia , Ramos Fabiano , Moretti Miriane , Zavascki Alexandre P. , Rigatto Maria Helena
Published: April 2019

The importance of this work relies on exploring the impact of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections such as those with carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(CRE) on sepsis mortality. These infections are growing at alarming rates worldwide and are now among the most frequent and difficult-to-treat bacteria due to the very few options for susceptible antimicrobials available. This study examined 1,190 sepsis episodes, and the main findings were as follows: (i) the prevalence of CRE infections significantly increased over time, (ii) CRE infection was associated with higher 30-day mortality than that of patients with other infections (63.8% versus 33.4%), and (iii) the effect of CRE on mortality was probably influenced by the fact that those patients received lower rates of empirical therapy with active antibiotics and were also diagnosed in more advanced stages of sepsis (septic shock). Those findings point to the need for rapid diagnostic methods to identify these bacteria and the need to adjust therapeutic guidelines to this worrisome epidemiological scenario.
Left ventricular puncture during thoracentesis
Authors: Farinas Lugo Daniel , Chalasani Prasad , del Calvo Veronica
Published: April 2019

Left ventricular puncture during a thoracentesis is a rare and unusual complication that has yet to be reported. We report a case in which a 74-year-old woman with dilated ischaemic heart disease suffered from puncture of the left ventricle during a routine ultrasound-guided thoracentesis despite following the recommended protocol and procedures. She became haemodynamically unstable and underwent an emergent thoracotomy for removal of the catheter and repair of the left ventricular wall.
Rare case of a 3-year-old withCandidaskull base osteomyelitis: lessons to be learnt
Authors: Bastianpillai Johan , Chaudhry Sidrah , Vijendren Ananth
Published: April 2019

Skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) is a serious and rare condition most commonly seen in elderly diabetic or immunocompromised patients as a complication of otitis externa. We present the case of a previously healthy 3-year-old girl who presented to the paediatric emergency department with vomiting, fever, lethargy, headache and left-sided facial nerve palsy. The initial CT head revealed left-sided otitis media with otomastoiditis and she was managed with intravenous antibiotics and myringotomy with grommet insertion with initial improvement. Two weeks later she re-presented having deteriorated and a dedicated mastoid CT and temporal bone MRI showed SBO. She underwent urgent cortical mastoidectomy where microbiological analysis of the cultures and specimen grewCandida albicans. She was subsequently treated with long-term antifungals and antibiotics, and eventually recovered with good effect. The diagnostic dilemma and the empirical treatment of such a rare case are discussed.
Anatomical predictors of conduction damage after transcatheter implantation of the aortic valve
Authors: Tretter Justin T , Mori Shumpei , Anderson Robert H , Taylor Michael D , Ollberding Nicholas , Truong Vien , Choo Joseph , Kereiakes Dean , Mazur Wojciech
Published: April 2019

Objective

Conduction damage following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains common. Anatomical risk factors remain elusive. We assessed the impact of variability in the dimensions of the membranous septum and position of the aortic root on the occurrence of conduction damage following TAVI.

Methods

The dimensions of the membranous septum, the rotational position of the aortic root correlating to variability in the central fibrous body width, and wedging of the aortic root were assessed on pre-TAVI CT datasets. The depth of implantation was measured from the final aortic angiogram. The variables were compared with the occurrence of both permanent pacemaker insertion (PPI) and left bundle branch block (LBBB) following TAVI.

Results

Of 200 patients who met inclusion criteria (mean age = 81 years ± 7.7, 49% men), 20.5 % underwent PPI after TAVI. New LBBB occurred in 23.5%, 21.3 % of whom required PPI. Preprocedural right bundle branch block (OR = 7.00; CI 3.13 to 15.64), valve type (OR=2.35; CI 1.13 to 4.87), depth of implantation (OR=1.62; CI 1.01 to 2.61) and the difference between depth of implantation and the distance from the virtual basal ring to the inferior margin of the membranous septum (OR=0.61; CI 0.38 to 0.99) were all associated with PPI, with similar associations with LBBB. No gross anatomical variable alone was associated with conduction damage.

Conclusions

Gross anatomical variation of the aortic root and its underlying support, including the membranous septum, were not associated with the occurrence of either PPI or new LBBB. Procedural characteristics associated with these adverse outcomes suggest that the depth of implantation and radial force of the bioprosthesis, regardless of gross anatomical variability, increase the risk for conduction damage.
Numerical simulation of an over-expanded supersonic and subsonic industrial nozzle flow relevant to flaring system
Authors: Qurooni Faisal Al , Vakil Ali , Elsaadawy Ehab , Green Sheldon I.
Published: April 2019

Flaring in oil and gas production is the controlled burning of unwanted exhaust gases to enhance safety. To improve flare combustion, gas flares are equipped with air nozzles that introduce extra oxygen and improve mixing in the combustion zone. These nozzles are operated in the subsonic, sonic, or supersonic regimes. In this paper, we are concerned with turbulence modeling of the jet flow exiting from a particular convergent–divergent nozzle used in flare systems. That nozzle has convergent and divergent sections that are connected via a throat section with a finite length and constant diameter. The Realizable k – ε and SST k – ω models are used to study the compressible flow within the nozzle. The velocity profiles, turbulent kinetic energy, Mach number profiles, and entrainment rate coefficients predicted by both turbulence models are compared for nozzle pressure ratios in the range 1.18 ≤ NPR ≤ 1.78. It is shown that both turbulence models predict nearly identical flow evolution along the nozzle. When the flow becomes supersonic, the shock surface, and consequently nozzle outlet velocity profiles, predicted by the SST k – ω model deviates slightly from the other model. The differences, however, become negligible a couple of diameters downstream of the nozzle outlet.
A Cross-Layer Design for a Multihop, Self-Healing, and Self-Forming Tactical Network
Authors: Nosheen Irum , Khan Shoab A. , Ali Umar
Published: April 2019

In mission and time critical applications, bandwidth and delay optimizations are the key goals of communication systems. This paper presents a cross-layer framework design that reduces the call setup time, provides collision-free communication, and reuses the empty slots of Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) protocol which otherwise causes low throughput and large delay. As number of communicating nodes in tactical networks is small as compared to commercial mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), classical TDMA will yield huge number of empty slots and any Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) technique may cause more delay in some critical scenarios. Proposed methodology gives a Cross-Layer Architecture for Network (NET) Layer and Medium Access Control (MAC) Layer. Our design provides bandwidth efficient, collision-free communication to Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) in self-forming and self-healing tactical networks with low call setup time and multihop routing. For this purpose TDMA as MAC layer protocol and Ad Hoc On Demand Distance Vector (AODV) as Network Layer Routing Protocol are used. Our slot allocation (SA) algorithm, Cross-Layer TDMA (CL-TDMA), consists of control phase where AODV control packets are exchanged and data transfer phase where transmission of data and voice occurs. All active radios in vicinity gather information about communicating nodes based on the exchange of control packets by SDRs. Our algorithm then uses this information to help all active SDRs find slot(s) that will be used for collision-free transmission. A number of experiments are performed to establish improved performance of the proposed technique compared to other established techniques and protocols.
Donor-π-Conjugated Spacer-Acceptor Dye-Sensitized Solid-State Solar Cell Using CuI as the Hole Collector
Authors: Liyanage D. N. , Kumarasinghe K. D. M. S. P. K. , Kumara G. R. A. , Jayasundera A. C. A. , Tennakone K. , Onwona-Agyeman B.
Published: April 2019

Dye-sensitized solid-state solar cells (DSSCs) replacing the liquid electrolyte with a p-type semiconductor have been extensively examined to solve the practical problems associated with wet-type solar cells. Here, we report the fabrication of a solid-state solar cell using copper iodide (CuI) as the hole conductor and alkyl-functionalized carbazole dye (MK-2) as the sensitizer. A DSSC sensitized with MK-2 showed a solar-to-electrical power conversion efficiency of 3.33% with a Voc of 496 mV and a Jsc of 16.14 mA cm-2 under AM 1.5 simulated sunlight. The long alkyl chains act as a barrier for charge recombination, and the strong accepting and donating abilities of the cyanoacrylic and carbazole groups, respectively, enhance the absorption of light at a longer wavelength, increasing the short-circuit current density. The efficiency recorded in this work is higher than similar DSSCs based on other hole collectors.
Numerical Simulation of a Class of Three‐Dimensional Kolmogorov Model with Chaotic Dynamic Behavior by Using Barycentric Interpolation Collocation Method
Authors: Du Mingjing , Li Junmei , Wang Yulan , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2019

This paper numerically simulates three‐dimensional Kolmogorov model with chaotic dynamic behavior by barycentric Lagrange interpolation collocation method. Some numerical examples are studied for finding some new chaotic behaviors and demonstrating some existing chaotic dynamic behaviors of the Kolmogorov model. Results obtained by the present method indicate that the method has merits of small operations and good numerical stability.
Alpha Lipoic Acid Improves Endothelial Function and Oxidative Stress in Mice Exposed to Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia
Authors: Badran Mohammad , Abuyassin Bisher , Golbidi Saeid , Ayas Najib , Laher Ismail
Published: April 2019

Objective. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent airway collapse that causes chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). OSA is associated with systemic inflammation and oxidative stress resulting in endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. We hypothesized that dietary ALA can improve endothelial function of mice exposed to CIH. Methods. Mice were exposed to either CIH or intermittent air (IA) and treated with dietary ALA (0.2% w/w) or a regular chow diet for 8 weeks. Endothelial function, endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) uncoupling, systemic oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, aortic expression of inflammatory cytokines, and antioxidant enzymes were measured after 8 weeks. Results. Mice exposed to CIH exhibited endothelial dysfunction accompanied by systemic oxidative stress and inflammation as well as increased aortic expression of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, CIH led to eNOS uncoupling. Treatment with dietary ALA reversed endothelial dysfunction in mice exposed to CIH, lowered systemic oxidative stress and inflammation, prevented the increases of inflammatory cytokine gene expression, increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes, and preserved eNOS in a coupled state. Conclusion. ALA attenuates endothelial dysfunction by preventing oxidative stress and inflammation and restoring nitric oxide bioavailability in mice exposed to CIH. Our data suggests the potential beneficial use of ALA as adjunctive therapy in OSA.
KIF20A Affects the Prognosis of Bladder Cancer by Promoting the Proliferation and Metastasis of Bladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Shen Tianyu , Yang Long , Zhang Zheng , Yu Jianpeng , Dai Liang , Gao Minjun , Shang Zhiqun , Niu Yuanjie
Published: April 2019

Objective. To investigate the expression of kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A) in bladder cancer, the effect of KIF20A on the proliferation and metastasis of bladder cancer cells, and the effect of KIF20A expression on the prognosis of bladder cancer patients.Methods. Bladder cancer tissue and its adjacent tissues were collected from tumour patients. The mRNA and protein expression levels of KIF20A in the tissue samples were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to identify the expression and distribution of KIF20A proteins in the tissue samples. The relationship between the KIF20A expression and the clinical pathology of bladder cancer was analysed. The effect of the differential expression of KIF20A on the prognosis of patients with bladder cancer was analysed by the TCGA database. The plasmid was transfected into the bladder cell lines T24 and 5637 to construct two stable cell lines with knocked down KIF20A. The effect of KIF20A expression on the proliferation and invasion of T24 and 5637 bladder cells was explored in vitro using the abovementioned stable cell lines. The effect of the KIF20A expression on the proliferation of bladder cancer cells was evaluated by a mouse xenograft model.Results. The expression of KIF20A was significantly higher in the bladder cancer tissues than in the adjacent control tissues. The expression of KIF20A was significantly associated with the degree of pathological differentiation of bladder cancer. Patients with a higher expression of KIF20A had a higher tumour grade and a more advanced stage. The mean survival of patients with a high KIF20A expression was significantly lower than the mean survival of patients with a low KIF20A expression. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that the knockdown of KIF20A significantly inhibited T24 and 5637 cell proliferation and invasion. The in vivo experiments showed that the knockdown of KIF20A significantly inhibited the proliferation of the bladder tumours.Conclusion. KIF20A promotes the proliferation and metastasis of bladder cancer cells. Bladder cancer patients with a high KIF20A expression have a worse tumour differentiation and a poor prognosis. KIF20A may become an independent factor that affects the prognosis of bladder cancer patients and a therapeutic target for bladder cancer.
Long-Term Outcomes of Extent of Revascularization in Complex High Risk and Indicated Patients Undergoing Impella-Protected Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Report from the Roma-Verona Registry
Authors: Burzotta Francesco , Russo Giulio , Ribichini Flavio , Piccoli Anna , D’Amario Domenico , Paraggio Lazzaro , Previ Leonardo , Pesarini Gabriele , Porto Italo , Leone Antonio Maria , Niccoli Giampaolo , Aurigemma Cristina , Verdirosi Diana , Crea Filippo , Trani Carlo
Published: April 2019

Objective. To investigate the effect of extent of revascularization in complex high-risk indicated patients (CHIP) undergoing Impella-protected percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background. Complete revascularization has been shown to be associated with improved outcomes. However, the impact of more complete revascularization during Impella-protected PCI in CHIP has not been reported. Methods. A total of 86 CHIP undergoing elective PCI with Impella 2.5 or Impella CP between April 2007 and December 2016 from 2 high volume Italian centers were included. Baseline, procedural, and clinical outcomes data were collected retrospectively. Completeness of coronary revascularization was assessed using the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society myocardial jeopardy score (BCIS-JS) derived revascularization index (RI). The primary end-point was all-cause mortality. A multivariate regression model was used to identify independent predictors of mortality. Results. All patients had multivessel disease and were considered unsuitable for surgery. At baseline, 44% had left main disease, 78% had LVEF ≤ 35%, and mean BCIS-JS score was 10±2. The mean BCIS-JS derived RI was 0.7±0.2 and procedural complications were uncommon. At 14-month follow-up, all-cause mortality was 10.5%. At follow-up, 67.4% of CHIP had LVEF ≥ 35% compared to 22.1% before Impella protected-PCI. Higher BCIS-JS RI was significantly associated with LVEF improvement (p=0.002). BCIS-JS RI of ≤ 0.8 (HR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01- 0.92, and p = 0.042) was an independent predictor of mortality. Conclusions. These results support the practice of percutaneous Impella use for protected PCI in CHIP. A more complete revascularization was associated with significant LVEF improvement and survival.
Parameterizing Dark Energy Models and Study of Finite Time Future Singularities
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Tanwi , Debnath Ujjal
Published: April 2019

A review on spatially flat D-dimensional Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) model of the universe has been performed. Some standard parameterizations of the equation of state parameter of the dark energy models are proposed and the possibilities of finite time future singularities are investigated. It is found that certain types of these singularities may appear by tuning some parameters appropriately. Moreover, for a scalar field theoretic description of the model, it was found that the model undergoes bouncing solutions in some favorable cases.