bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proinflammatory polarization of stifle synovial macrophages in dogs with cruciate ligament rupture
Authors: Yarnall Benjamin W. , Chamberlain Connie S. , Hao Zhengling , Muir Peter
Published: June 2019

Objective

To determine polarization of synovial macrophages during development of cruciate ligament rupture (CR) and determine whether differences in synovial macrophage polarization in CR, osteoarthritis (OA), and healthy joints exist.

Study design

Prospective case‐controlled study.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs with unstable stifles with CR (n = 22), paired stable contralateral stifles with partial CR (pCR; n = 7), joints with OA not related to CR (n = 6), and clinically normal (Normal; n = 7) joints.

Methods

Synovial fluid samples were collected. Smears were made for differential cytology counts and estimated total nucleated cell counts. Cytospin preparations were made, and immunocytochemical staining was performed with the pan‐macrophage marker CD68, M1 macrophage markers inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and chemokine (C‐C motif) receptor 7 (CCR7), and M2 macrophage markers arginase 1 and CD163. Positively stained cells were counted.

Results

Numbers of lymphocytes were increased in the CR group compared with the OA and Normal groups (P < .05). Numbers of CD68+, CCR7+, and iNOS+ cells in the CR and OA groups were increased compared with the Normal group (P < .05). Globally, the ratio of positively stained M1 polarized CD68+ cells to M2 polarized CD68+ cells was highest for the OA group (2.49), followed by the pCR (2.1), CR (1.63), and Normal (0.7) groups.

Conclusion

Polarization of synovial macrophages toward an M1 proinflammatory phenotype is an early event in the development of canine CR.

Clinical significance

M1 polarization in pCR stifles provides evidence of a possible role for macrophages in progressive development of cruciate ligament fiber damage. Lymphocytes may play a role in the synovitis found in CR joints. Our findings provide evidence that these cells are therapeutic targets.
Delimitation of sympatric Palaemon (Decapoda, Palaemonidae) species of the Laguna Madre, Mexico
Authors: Jordán‐Hernández María , Rodríguez‐Almaráz Gabino , Favela‐Lara Susana
Published: June 2019

Grass shrimps Palaemon mundusnovus, P. pugio and P. vulgaris sympatrically inhabit in the Laguna Madre, Mexico. They exhibit very close morphological similarity and overlap in their diagnostic characteristics, which has hindered certainty in their identification and has raised doubt regarding their taxonomic validity. In this work, we analyse intra‐ and interspecific morphometric and meristic variability through a multivariate analysis, and we determine the molecular variation using mitochondrial sequences of the 12S, 16S and COX1 genes to confirm the validity of the three taxa as having distinct lineages or to recognize a smaller number of species with phenotypic plasticity. Our results corroborate the taxonomic validity of the three species; however, there is intraspecific plasticity, interspecific overlap of characteristics and greater morphological and molecular similarity between the species P. mundusnovus and P. pugio, whereas P. vulgaris was better delimited. These species form a monophyletic group but the phylogenetic relationship obtained is discussed. Telson length was the primary variable in the principal components analysis, whereas the length of the propodus of the second pereiopod was the best discriminant. The range of variation reported in the characteristics linked to the rostrum is extended, and its influence on the separation of these species is recognized. The joint application of multivariate analysis from morphological variables and molecular tools is recommended to clarify the taxonomic status of species featuring close morphological similarity and sympatric distribution.
The essential skeleton of a product of degenerations
Authors: Brown Morgan V. , Mazzon Enrica
Published: June 2019

We study the problem of how the dual complex of the special fiber of a strict normal crossings degeneration$\mathscr{X}_{R}$changes under products. We view the dual complex as a skeleton inside the Berkovich space associated to$X_{K}$. Using the Kato fan, we define a skeleton$\text{Sk}(\mathscr{X}_{R})$when the model$\mathscr{X}_{R}$is log-regular. We show that if$\mathscr{X}_{R}$and$\mathscr{Y}_{R}$are log-smooth, and at least one is semistable, then$\text{Sk}(\mathscr{X}_{R}\times _{R}\mathscr{Y}_{R})\simeq \text{Sk}(\mathscr{X}_{R})\times \text{Sk}(\mathscr{Y}_{R})$. The essential skeleton$\text{Sk}(X_{K})$, defined by Mustaţă and Nicaise, is a birational invariant of$X_{K}$and is independent of the choice of$R$-model. We extend their definition to pairs, and show that if both$X_{K}$and$Y_{K}$admit semistable models,$\text{Sk}(X_{K}\times _{K}Y_{K})\simeq \text{Sk}(X_{K})\times \text{Sk}(Y_{K})$. As an application, we compute the homeomorphism type of the dual complex of some degenerations of hyper-Kähler varieties. We consider both the case of the Hilbert scheme of a semistable degeneration of K3 surfaces, and the generalized Kummer construction applied to a semistable degeneration of abelian surfaces. In both cases we find that the dual complex of the$2n$-dimensional degeneration is homeomorphic to a point,$n$-simplex, or$\mathbb{C}\mathbb{P}^{n}$, depending on the type of the degeneration.
Taking advantage of external mechanical work to reduce metabolic cost: the mechanics and energetics of split‐belt treadmill walking
Authors: Sánchez Natalia , Simha Surabhi N. , Donelan J. Maxwell , Finley James M.
Published: June 2019

Key points

The neuromotor system generates flexible motor patterns that can adapt to changes in our bodies or environment and also take advantage of assistance provided by the environment.

We ask how energy minimization influences adaptive learning during human locomotion to improve economy when walking on a split‐belt treadmill. We use a model‐based approach to predict how people should adjust their walking pattern to take advantage of the assistance provided by the treadmill, and we validate these predictions empirically.

We show that adaptation to a split‐belt treadmill can be explained as a process by which people reduce step length asymmetry to take advantage of the work performed by the treadmill to reduce metabolic cost.

Our results also have implications for the evaluation of devices designed to reduce effort during walking, as locomotor adaptation may serve as a model approach to understand how people learn to take advantage of external assistance.

In everyday tasks such as walking and running, we often exploit the work performed by external sources to reduce effort. Recent research has focused on designing assistive devices capable of performing mechanical work to reduce the work performed by muscles and improve walking function. The success of these devices relies on the user learning to take advantage of this external assistance. Although adaptation is central to this process, the study of adaptation is often done using approaches that seem to have little in common with the use of external assistance. We show in 16 young, healthy participants that a common approach for studying adaptation, split‐belt treadmill walking, can be understood from a perspective in which people learn to take advantage of mechanical work performed by the treadmill. Initially, during split‐belt walking, people step further forward on the slow belt than the fast belt which we measure as a negative step length asymmetry, but this asymmetry is reduced with practice. We demonstrate that reductions in asymmetry allow people to extract positive work from the treadmill, reduce the positive work performed by the legs, and reduce metabolic cost. We also show that walking with positive step length asymmetries, defined by longer steps on the fast belt, minimizes metabolic cost, and people choose this pattern after guided experience of a wide range of asymmetries. Our results suggest that split‐belt adaptation can be interpreted as a process by which people learn to take advantage of mechanical work performed by an external device to improve economy.
Cardiac remodelling in a swine model of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: comparison of right vs. left ventricle
Authors: Stam Kelly , Cai Zongye , van der Velde Nikki , van Duin Richard , Lam Esther , van der Velden Jolanda , Hirsch Alexander , Duncker Dirk J , Merkus Daphne
Published: June 2019

Key points

Right ventricle (RV) function is the most important determinant of survival and quality of life in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

The changes in right and left ventricle gene expression that contribute to ventricular remodelling are incompletely investigated.

RV remodelling in our CTEPH swine model is associated with increased expression of the genes involved in inflammation (TGFβ), oxidative stress (ROCK2, NOX1 and NOX4), and apoptosis (BCL2 and caspase‐3).

Alterations in ROCK2 expression correlated inversely with RV contractile reserve during exercise.

Since ROCK2 has been shown to be involved in hypertrophy, oxidative stress, fibrosis and endothelial dysfunction, ROCK2 inhibition may present a viable therapeutic target in CTEPH.

Right ventricle (RV) function is the most important determinant of survival and quality of life in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The present study investigated whether the increased cardiac afterload is associated with (i) cardiac remodelling and hypertrophic signalling; (ii) changes in angiogenic factors and capillary density; and (iii) inflammatory changes associated with oxidative stress and interstitial fibrosis. CTEPH was induced in eight chronically instrumented swine by chronic nitric oxide synthase inhibition and up to five weekly pulmonary embolizations. Nine healthy swine served as a control. After 9 weeks, RV function was assessed by single beat analysis of RV–pulmonary artery (PA) coupling at rest and during exercise, as well as by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Subsequently, the heart was excised and RV and left ventricle (LV) tissues were processed for molecular and histological analyses. Swine with CTEPH exhibited significant RV hypertrophy in response to the elevated PA pressure. RV–PA coupling was significantly reduced, correlated inversely with pulmonary vascular resistance and did not increase during exercise in CTEPH swine. Expression of genes associated with hypertrophy (BNP), inflammation (TGFβ), oxidative stress (ROCK2, NOX1 and NOX4), apoptosis (BCL2 and caspase‐3) and angiogenesis (VEGFA) were increased in the RV of CTEPH swine and correlated inversely with RV–PA coupling during exercise. In the LV, only significant changes in ROCK2 gene‐expression occurred. In conclusion, RV remodelling in our CTEPH swine model is associated with increased expression of genes involved in inflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting that these processes contribute to RV remodelling and dysfunction in CTEPH and hence represent potential therapeutic targets.
Development of a Flow Visualization Borescope and a Two-Phase Flow
Probe for Aeroengine Transmission Gears
Authors: Arisawa Hidenori , Shinoda Yuji , Noguchi Yoshiyuki , Goi Tatsuhiko , Banno Takahiko , Akahori Hirofumi
Published: June 2019

To reduce power losses due to oil flows in aeroengine gearboxes, the oil flows should be visualized and measured. In this study, we develop a flow visualization borescope that qualitatively visualizes oil flows along with a two-phase flow probe that quantitatively measures the oil/air ratio and flow velocity. The flow visualization borescope comprises a 16-mm-diameter pipe. Within the pipe, an air purge passage for removing oil mist and a borescope are integrated with an illumination laser and optical lenses, enabling clear, high-speed photography. The two-phase probe consists of a 5-mm-diameter pipe with a 1-mm-diameter measurement hole and an internal pressure adjustment pipe. The borescope and flow probe were demonstrated using a shrouded spur gear with a peripheral speed of 100 m/s and oil supply of 20 l/min. Flow visualization at 30,000 fps revealed that oil outflow from the shroud opening spreads turbulently over the entire width of the opening. Measurements of the oil/air ratio and flow velocity using the two-phase flow probe revealed a thin oil-rich layer on the shroud wall and showed that the flow speed is lower than the gear peripheral speed. The measurement equipment used herein would be easy to install in a gearbox and is therefore expected to be applied in actual aeroengine gearboxes.
Nondestructive Testing Ultrasonic Technique for Localization of Areas Subjected to Creep Deformation on In-Service Pipings Manufactured From Low-Alloyed Steel
Authors: Zavadil Tomas
Published: June 2019

Creep failure of the pressure equipment operated at high temperatures in power and petrochemical industry is a frequent reason of its collapse. Ultrasonic waves' velocity is sensitive to change of material properties due to thermally induced degradation processes, especially plastic strain. The article demonstrates that measurement of ultrasonic waves' velocity ratio is able to localize plastic strain induced by various means including creep. Results are confirmed by comparison with hardness and metallographic analysis. Furthermore, statistical significance of the results is tested by t-statistics. The proposed application may help with selection of potentially critical areas during routine inspections on pressure equipment in operation.
Neutronic Analyses of the FREYA Experiments in Support of the ALFRED Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor Core Design and Licensing
Authors: Sarotto Massimo , Firpo Gabriele , Kochetkov Anatoly , Krása Antonin , Fridman Emil , Cetnar Jerzy , Domanska Grazyna
Published: June 2019

During the EURATOM FP7 project FREYA, a number of experiments were performed in a critical core assembled in the VENUS-F zero-power reactor able to reproduce the ALFRED lead-cooled fast reactor spectrum in a dedicated island. The experiments dealt with the measurements of integral and local neutronic parameters, such as the core criticality, the control rod and the lead void reactivity worth, the axial distributions of fission rates for the nuclides of major interest in a fast spectrum, the spectral indices of important actinides (238U, 239Pu, 237 Np) with respect to 235U. With the main aim to validate the neutronic codes adopted for the ALFRED core design, the VENUS-F core and its characterization measurements were simulated with both deterministic (ERANOS) and stochastic (MCNP, SERPENT) codes, by adopting different nuclear data libraries (JEFF, ENDF/B, JENDL, TENDL). This paper summarizes the main results obtained by highlighting a general agreement between measurements and simulations, with few discrepancies for some parameters that are discussed here. Additionally, a sensitivity and uncertainty analysis was performed with deterministic methods for the core reactivity: it clearly indicates that the small over-criticality estimated by the different codes/libraries resulted to be lower than the uncertainties due to nuclear data.
Realizing Controllable Physical Interaction Based on an Electromagnetic Variable Stiffness Joint
Authors: Yu Jue , Zhao Yong , Chen Genliang , Gu Yeqing , Wang Chao , Huang Shunzhou
Published: June 2019

This paper puts forward a linear variable stiffness joint (VSJ) based on the electromagnetic principle. The VSJ is constituted by an annular permanent magnet (PM) and coaxial cylindrical coil. The output force and stiffness are linearly proportional to the coil current. In consequence, the stiffness adjustment motor and mechanisms required by many common designs of VSJs are eliminated. A physical prototype of the electromagnetic VSJ is manufactured and tested. The results indicate that the prototype can achieve linear force-deflection characteristics and rapid stiffness variation response. Using an Arduino and H-bridge driver board, the electromagnetic compliance control system is developed in order to realize the precise control of the interaction force. The static force control error is no more than ±0.5 N, and the settling time can be controlled within only 40 ms. At last, an experiment of squeezing the raw egg is conducted. The experiment intuitively exhibits the performance of electromagnetic compliance in stable force control and keeping safe robot-environment interaction.
Thermal Analysis of Multijet Impingement Through Porous Media to Design a Confined Heat Management System
Authors: Zing Carlos , Mahjoob Shadi
Published: June 2019

Thermal management has a key role in the development of advanced electronic devices to keep the device temperature below a maximum operating temperature. Jet impingement and high conductive porous inserts can provide a high efficiency cooling and temperature control for a variety of applications including electronics cooling. In this work, advanced heat management devices are designed and numerically studied employing single and multijet impingement through porous-filled channels with inclined walls. The base of these porous-filled nonuniform heat exchanging channels will be in contact with the devices to be cooled; as such the base is subject to a high heat flux leaving the devices. The coolant enters the heat exchanging device through single or multijet impingement normal to the base, moves through the porous field and leaves through horizontal exit channels. For numerical modeling, local thermal nonequilibrium model in porous media is employed in which volume averaging over each of the solid and fluid phase results in two energy equations, one for solid phase and one for fluid phase. The cooling performance of more than 30 single and multijet impingement designs are analyzed and compared to achieve advantageous designs with low or uniform base temperature profiles and high thermal effectiveness. The effects of porosity value and employment of 5% titanium dioxide (TiO2) in water in multijet impingement cases are also investigated.
Mechanics of Chiral Honeycomb Architectures With Phase Transformations
Authors: Hector Kristiaan W. , Restrepo David , Tejedor Bonilla Cristian , Hector Louis G. , Mankame Nilesh , Zavattieri Pablo D.
Published: June 2019

The mechanics of phase transforming cellular materials (PXCMs) with three different chiral honeycomb architectures, viz., hexachiral, tetra-anti-chiral, and tetra-chiral, are investigated under quasi-static loading/unloading. Each PXCM comprises interconnected unit cells consisting of tape springs rigidly affixed to circular nodes that can rotate and/or translate. The phase change is associated with snap-through instability due to bending of the tape springs and corresponds to sudden changes in the geometry of the unit cells from one stable configuration to another stable (or metastable) configuration during loading/unloading. When compared with similar chiral materials with flat ligaments, the chiral PXCMs exhibit a significantly higher energy dissipation in quasi-static experiments. The hexachiral PXCM was selected for detailed parametric analysis with finite element simulations including 21 models constructed to investigate the effects of PXCM geometry on phase change and energy dissipation. An analytical formalism is developed to predict the minimum compressive load required to induce phase transformation and snap-through. The formalism predictions are compared with those from finite element simulations. An Ashby plot is developed in which the energy dissipated per unit volume versus work conjugate plateau stress of the H-PXCM is compared with other energy absorbing materials.
(Inter)National Pastime: Depicting Nationality in Local and National Major League Baseball Broadcasts
Authors: Arth Zachary W. , Griffin Darrin J. , Billings Andrew C.
Published: June 2019

This study examined Major League Baseball (MLB) broadcasters’ descriptions of players through the lens of self-categorization theory. Two core variables were assessed: nationality (American or non-American) and broadcast type (local or national). Broadcaster language in 30 games from the 2016 MLB season was analyzed. Two forms of examination revealed that American players were more frequently described as successful due to their intelligence, whereas non-American players were more likely to be depicted as failing due to an ascribed lack of strength and were discussed more in terms of emotionality. Local broadcasters were more likely to highlight differences between American and non-American players.
Exploring Forms of Life in Player Development Pathways: The Case of British Rugby League
Authors: Rothwell Martyn , Stone Joseph , Davids Keith
Published: June 2019

Social, cultural, and historical constraints can influence attitudes towards learning, developing, and performing in sport. A recent conceptualization of these environmental constraints in athlete development pathways is a form of life, which describes the values, beliefs, traditions, customs, and behaviors that contribute to an athlete’s development. Although a form of life can have a powerful influence on athlete development, research exploring this relationship is limited. In this article we explore the form of life in British rugby league football player development contexts to clarify how social, cultural, and historical constraints influence the development of rugby league players in the United Kingdom. Twenty-four coaches were interviewed through individual semi-structured interviews to collect the data. Findings show how forms of life in rugby league player development pathways are established and maintained by the complex interactions between the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem that shape and guide the development of players. We recommend that player development pathways in sport underpin practice with a theoretical framework of the learning process to protect athletes from social, cultural, and historical constraints that are not conducive to their development.
The Effect of Choice on Motor Learning for Learners With Different Levels of Intrinsic Motivation
Authors: Ikudome Sachi , Kou Kou , Ogasa Kisho , Mori Shiro , Nakamoto Hiroki
Published: June 2019

This study examines whether the positive effect of choice on motor learning in a dart-throwing task varies by intrinsic motivation. Participants were allocated to a highly motivated or less-motivated group based on measured task motivation and randomly to a Choice or No Choice group. In Experiment 1, participants in the Choice group chose their dart color. In Experiment 2, they chose when to observe a model demonstration. Results showed that the effect of choice on motor learning differed between highly and less-motivated participants in Experiment 1 (i.e., interaction between motivation and choice) but not Experiment 2 (i.e., main effects of motivation and choice). Specifically, motor learning was enhanced in less-motivated but not highly motivated participants when choosing dart color, while it was enhanced regardless of initial intrinsic motivation when choosing model-demonstration time. Therefore, external provision of choice in a motor-learning situation may not be equally effective across learners.
The confession
Authors: Starr Douglas
Published: June 2019

A psychologist has shown how police questioning can get innocent people to condemn themselves.
Mutation of a bHLH transcription factor allowed almond domestication
Authors: Sánchez-Pérez R. , Pavan S. , Mazzeo R. , Moldovan C. , Aiese Cigliano R. , Del Cueto J. , Ricciardi F. , Lotti C. , Ricciardi L. , Dicenta F. , López-Marqués R. L. , Møller B. Lindberg
Published: June 2019

How to make almonds palatable

The domesticated almond tree has been feeding humans for millennia. Derivation from the wild, bitter, and toxic almond required loss of the cyanogenic diglucoside amygdalin. Sánchez-Pérez
et al.
sequenced the almond genome and analyzed the genomic region responsible for this shift. The key change turned out to be a point mutation in a transcription factor that regulates production of P450 monooxygenases in the biosynthetic pathway for the toxic compound.

Science
, this issue p.
1095
The origin of Saturn's rings and moons
Authors: Ida Shigeru
Published: June 2019

Cassini data constrain the age and history of the giant planet's rings
Cryo-EM structure of the mammalian ATP synthase tetramer bound with inhibitory protein IF1
Authors: Gu Jinke , Zhang Laixing , Zong Shuai , Guo Runyu , Liu Tianya , Yi Jingbo , Wang Peiyi , Zhuo Wei , Yang Maojun
Published: June 2019

ATP production under lockdown

Cellular processes must respond to change, often by speeding up, slowing down, or stopping altogether. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthases use a transmembrane proton gradient to produce ATP, but this reaction can go in reverse and needs to be halted when conditions are unfavorable. Jinke Gu
et al.
purified a tetrameric ATP synthase complex from pig hearts that contained the endogenous inhibitory protein IF1. Targeted refinement yielded high-resolution views of the mammalian ATP synthase trapped in two different rotation states by IF1. The findings suggest that ATP synthase tetramers can be inhibited by at least three different mechanisms.

Science
, this issue p.
1068
Mind tricks
The Spectacle of Illusion
Matthew L. Tompkins
D.A.P., 2019. 224 pp.
Authors: Wilkins Clive , Clayton Nicola S.
Published: June 2019

Magic and mysticism reveal cognitive shortcuts with implications beyond entertainment
Neuropathic pain is not associated with serum vitamin D but is associated with female gender in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Alkhatatbeh Mohammad , Abdul-Razzak Khalid K
Published: June 2019

Objective

Neuropathic pain is a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Patients may complain of several neuropathic symptoms including impaired peripheral sensation, numbness, tingling, burning, and pain. Because these symptoms may cross with symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, we hypothesized that neuropathic pain and vitamin D deficiency may be associated in patients with type 2 DM.

Research design and methods

This is a cross-sectional study that involved 239 participants with type 2 DM. Neuropathic pain was assessed using PainDETECT questionnaire. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured by the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, fasting blood glucose was measured by the hexokinase method and hemoglobin A1c was measured by the turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay.

Results

The prevalence of neuropathic pain among type 2 DM participants was 26.8%. Vitamin D deficiency was reported in 67.8% of type 2 DM participants. The neuropathy score for females was significantly higher than that for males (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in serum vitamin D between type 2 DM participants according to their gender and according to their neuropathy status (p>0.05). Ordinal logistic regression analysis has shown that female gender was the only significant predictor of neuropathic pain among type 2 DM participants (p<0.01 with an OR (95% CI) of 2.45 (1.29 to 4.67)).

Conclusions

Neuropathic pain was not associated with serum vitamin D but was associated with female gender in type 2 DM. Because our results were not consistent with other studies that used different neuropathy assessment tools, we suggest that further research should be conducted to check the validity of these tools in identifying subjects with neuropathy.
Facilitators for using data from a quality registry in local quality improvement work: a cross-sectional survey of the Danish Cardiac Rehabilitation Database
Authors: Lindström Egholm Cecilie , Helmark Charlotte , Christensen Jan , Eldh Ann Catrine , Winblad Ulrika , Bunkenborg Gitte , Zwisler Ann-Dorthe , Nilsen Per
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To investigate use of data from a clinical quality registry for cardiac rehabilitation in Denmark, considering the extent to which data are used for local quality improvement and what facilitates the use of these data, with a particular focus on whether there are differences between frontline staff and managers.

Design

Cross-sectional nationwide survey study.

Setting, methods and participants

A previously validated, Swedish questionnaire regarding use of data from clinical quality registries was translated and emailed to frontline staff, mid-level managers and heads of departments (n=175) in all 30 hospital departments participating in the Danish Cardiac Rehabilitation Database. Data were analysed descriptively and through multiple linear regression.

Results

Survey response rate was 58% (101/175). Reports of registry use at department level (measured through an index comprising seven items; score min 0, max 7, where a low score indicates less use of data) varied significantly between groups of respondents: frontline staff mean score 1.3 (SD=2.0), mid-level management mean 2.4 (SD=2.3) and heads of departments mean 3.0 (SD=2.5), p=0.006. Overall, department level use of data was positively associated with higher perceived data quality and usefulness (regression coefficient=0.22, p=0.019), management request for data (regression coefficient=0.40, p=0.008) and personal motivation of the respondent (regression coefficient=1.63, p<0.001). Among managers, use of registry data was associated with data quality and usefulness (regression coefficient=0.43, p=0.027), and among frontline staff, reported data use was associated with management involvement in quality improvement work (regression coefficient=0.90, p=0.017) and personal motivation (regression coefficient=1.66, p<0.001).

Conclusions

The findings suggest relatively sparse use of data in local quality improvement work. A complex interplay of factors seem to be associated with data use with varying aspects being of importance for frontline staff and managers.
Recorded poor insight as a predictor of service use outcomes: cohort study of patients with first-episode psychosis in a large mental healthcare database
Authors: Ramu Neha , Kolliakou Anna , Sanyal Jyoti , Patel Rashmi , Stewart Robert
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To investigate recorded poor insight in relation to mental health and service use outcomes in a cohort with first-episode psychosis.

Design

We developed a natural language processing algorithm to ascertain statements of poor or diminished insight and tested this in a cohort of patients with first-episode psychosis.

Setting

The clinical record text at the South London and Maudsley National Health Service Trust in the UK was used.

Participants

We applied the algorithm to characterise a cohort of 2026 patients with first-episode psychosis attending an early intervention service.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Recorded poor insight within 1 month of registration was investigated in relation to (1) incidence of psychiatric hospitalisation, (2) odds of legally enforced hospitalisation, (3) number of days spent as a mental health inpatient and (4) number of different antipsychotic agents prescribed; outcomes were measured over varying follow-up periods from 12 months to 60 months, adjusting for a range of sociodemographic and clinical covariates.

Results

Recorded poor insight, present in 46% of the sample, was positively associated with ages 16-35, bipolar disorder and history of cannabis use and negatively associated with White ethnicity and depression. It was significantly associated with higher levels of all four outcomes over all five follow-up periods.

Conclusions

Recorded poor insight in people with recent onset psychosis predicted subsequent legally enforced hospitalisations and higher number of hospital admissions, number of unique antipsychotics prescribed and days spent hospitalised. Improving insight might benefit patients’ course of illness as well as reduce mental health service use.
Safety of performing transoesophageal echocardiography in patients with oesophageal varices
Authors: Hudhud Dania , Allaham Haytham , Eniezat Mohammad , Enezate Tariq
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Oesophageal varices (EV) are one of the complications of liver cirrhosis that carries a risk of rupture and bleeding. The safety of performing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with pre-existing EV is not well described in literature. Therefore, this retrospective study has been conducted to evaluate the safety of preforming TEE in this group of patients.

Methods

The study population was extracted from the 2016 Nationwide Readmissions Data using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System for EV, TEE and in-hospital outcomes. Study endpoints included in-hospital all-cause mortality, hospital length of stay, postprocedural gastrointestinal bleeding and oesophageal perforation.

Results

A total of 81 328 discharges with a diagnosis of EV were identified, among which 242 had a TEE performed during the index hospitalisation. Mean age was 58.3 years, 36.6% female. In comparison to the no-TEE group, the TEE group was associated with comparable in-hospital all-cause mortality (7.0% vs 6.7%, p=0.86) and bleeding (0.9% vs 1.1%, p=0.75); however, TEE group was associated with longer hospital stay (14.9 days vs 6.9 days, p<0.01). There were no reported oesophageal perforations.

Conclusions

TEE is not a common procedure performed in patients with pre-existing EV. TEE seems to be a safe diagnostic tool for evaluation of heart diseases in this group of patients.
Mindfulness-based interventions for mental well-being among people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Simpson Robert , Simpson Sharon , Ramparsad Nitish , Lawrence Margaret , Booth Jo , Mercer Stewart W
Published: June 2019

Objective

Impairment of mental well-being (anxiety, depression, stress) is common among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Treatment options are limited, particularly for anxiety. The aim of this study was to update our previous systematic review (2014) and evaluate via meta-analysis the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for improving mental well-being in PwMS.

Methods

Systematic searches for eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were carried out in seven major databases (November 2017, July 2018), using medical subject headings and key words. Studies were screened, data extracted, quality appraised and analysed by two independent reviewers, using predefined criteria. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Mental well-being was the primary outcome. Random effects model meta-analysis was performed, with effect size reported as standardised mean difference (SMD).

Results

Twelve RCTs including 744 PwMS were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review, eight had data extractable for meta-analysis; n=635. Ethnicity, socioeconomic status, comorbidity and disability were inconsistently reported. MBIs varied from manualised to tailored versions, lasting 6–9 weeks, delivered individually and via groups, both in person and online. Overall SMD for mental well-being (eight studies) was 0.40 (0.28–0.53), p<0.01, I2=28%; against active comparators only (three studies) SMD was 0.17 (0.01–0.32), p<0.05, I2=0%. Only three adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

MBIs are effective at improving mental well-being in PwMS. More research is needed regarding optimal delivery method, cost-effectiveness and comparative-effectiveness.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018093171.
Technical and anatomical factors affecting intra-arterial chemotherapy fluoroscopy time and radiation dose for intraocular retinoblastoma
Authors: Area Corey , Yen Christopher J , Chevez-Barrios Patricia , Herzog Cynthia , Kan Peter , Zheng Wei , Lin Frank , Chintagumpala Murali , Gombos Dan , Chen Stephen R
Published: June 2019

Background

Intra-arterial chemotherapy has an increasingly prominent role in the management of retinoblastoma. One concern regarding this technique is procedural radiation exposure.

Objectives

To examine the effects of our institution’s procedural technique on fluoroscopy parameters for patients undergoing intra-arterial chemotherapy infusions for intraocular retinoblastoma. Secondary goals included describing the effect of anatomical variations of the carotid siphon and ophthalmic artery on radiation dose.

Methods

A retrospective review of pediatric patients with retinoblastoma referred to interventional neuroradiology for chemosurgery was performed. Techniques were classified as: A (1.2 Fr or 1.5 Fr microcatheter with continuous verapamil flush, advanced without guide through a 2 Fr sheath) or B (1.5 Fr or 1.7 Fr microcatheter advanced within a 4 Fr base catheter, through a 4 Fr sheath). Statistical analysis was performed to determine if there was a significant difference in fluoroscopy parameters based on technique or due to anatomical variation.

Results

26 patients were treated with 94 intra-arterial chemotherapy infusions. 34 procedures were performed using technique A and 60 using technique B. Mean fluoroscopy time (4.75 min), fluoroscopy dose (23.3 mGy), and dose–area product (DAP; 85.2 μGy.m2) for technique A were significantly lower (p value <0.05) than for technique B, 14.0 min., 191 mGy, and 586 μGy.cm2, respectively.

Conclusions

Microcatheter-only technique with continuous verapamil infusion resulted in decreased fluoroscopy times, DAP, and radiation doses at our institution for the treatment of intraocular retinoblastoma. Furthermore, our fluoroscopy times using this technique are the lowest reported in the current literature. Additionally, our anatomical analysis has demonstrated a positive correlation between increasing vessel tortuosity and fluoroscopy times.
Neuropsychological outcomes following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Baxendale Sallie , Heaney Dominic , Rugg-Gunn Fergus , Friedland Daniel
Published: June 2019

This review examines the clinical and neuroradiological features of traumatic brain injury that are most frequently associated with persistent cognitive complaints. Neuropsychological outcomes do not depend solely on brain injury severity but result from a complex interplay between premorbid factors, the extent and nature of the underlying structural damage, the person’s neuropsychological reserve and the impact of non-neurological factors in the recovery process. Brain injury severity is only one of these factors and has limited prognostic significance with respect to neuropsychological outcome. We examine the preinjury and postinjury factors that interact with the severity of a traumatic brain injury to shape outcome trajectories. We aim to provide a practical base on which to build discussions with the patient and their family about what to expect following injury and also to plan appropriate neurorehabilitation.
Amontons’ laws and the friction in miniature elements
Authors: Olvera-Tapia Omar , Kussul Ernst , Rodríguez-Lelis José M. , Beltran-Carbajal Francisco , Baydyk Tetyana
Published: June 2019

This research demonstrates that Amontons’ laws, which state that the friction force is proportional to the (normal) applied load and is independent of the apparent contact area, begin to break down when the sliding solids have dimensions of several millimetres and loads of tens of millinewtons. The method used to test the hypothesis involved sliding a cylinder into another cylinder. The results indicated that the static friction coefficient as a function of the load exhibited hyperbolic behavior at low loads; the friction force was not proportional to the load. While the static friction coefficient as a function of the apparent contact area exhibited linear behavior, the friction force was dependent on the apparent contact area. The tests were conducted without lubrication and the materials used were steel on SAE 40 bronze and steel on polytetrafluroethylene.
A NOVEL APPROACH OSA DETECTION USING SINGLE-LEAD ECG SCALOGRAM BASED ON DEEP NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: SINGH SINAM AJITKUMAR , MAJUMDER SWANIRBHAR
Published: June 2019

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common and severe breathing dysfunction which frequently freezes the breathing for longer than 10[Formula: see text]s while sleeping. Polysomnography (PSG) is the conventional approach concerning the treatment of OSA detection. But, this approach is a costly and cumbersome process. To overcome the above complication, a satisfactory and novel technique for interpretation of sleep apnea using ECG were recording is under development. The methods for OSA analysis based on ECG were analyzed for numerous years. Early work concentrated on extracting features, which depend entirely on the experience of human specialists. A novel approach for the prediction of sleep apnea disorder based on the convolutional neural network (CNN) using a pre-trained (AlexNet) model is analyzed in this study. After filtering per-minute segment of the single-lead ECG recording accompanied by continuous wavelet transform (CWT), the 2D scalogram images are generated. Finally, CNN based on deep learning algorithm is adopted to enhance the classification performance. The efficiency of the proposed model is compared with the previous methods that used the same datasets. Proposed method based on CNN is able to achieve the accuracy of 86.22% with 90% sensitivity in per-minute segment OSA classification. Based on per-recording OSA diagnosis, our works correctly classify all the abnormal apneic recording with 100% accuracy. Our OSA analysis model using time-frequency scalogram generates excellent independent validation performance with different state-of-the-art OSA classification systems. Experimental results proved that the proposed method produces excellent performance outcomes with low cost and less complexity.
Solution and crystal phase resonance Raman spectroscopy: Valuable tools to unveil the structure and function of heme proteins
Authors: Smulevich Giulietta
Published: June 2019

In the present review, examples are provided illustrating the application of resonance Raman microscopy to heme protein single crystals to highlight the artifacts induced by the crystallization process or the conformational alteration induced by cooling. Moreover, the structural information determined from the RR spectra of heme proteins in solution and crystals is compared to that obtained from their X-ray structures to show how the combined spectroscopic/crystallographic approach is a powerful weapon in the structural biologist’s armamentarium.
Phthalocyanines with bromobenzenesulfanyl substituents at non-peripheral position: Preparation, photophysical and photochemical properties
Authors: Atmaca Göknur Yaşa , Yakan Hasan , Kutuk Halil , Nebioğlu Mehmet , Güzel Emre , Erdoğmuş Ali
Published: June 2019

Electron-donating bromobenzenesulfanyl-group-substituted phthalonitrile derivative (1) and its novel non-peripherally tetra-substituted metal-free, indium and zinc phthalocyanine complexes (2–4) have been prepared for the first time. The chemical structures of this new phthalonitrile and its phthalocyanine derivatives were characterized by UV-vis, FT-IR, NMR, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The introduction of this electron-donating sulfanyl type of non-peripheral substituent accounts for a remarkable red shift of the phthalocyanine Q band to approximately 730 nm. Photophysical and photochemical properties of the novel functional complexes were also examined as photosensitizers for PDT applications.
Embryos Arising from Apronuclear (0PN) and Unipronuclear (1PN) Have Similar Euploidy Rates with Those from 2PN and Should be Considered for Transfer
Authors: Lim Adelle Yun Xin , Lee Colin Soon Soo
Published: June 2019

Background: Fertilisation assessment is routinely made at 16–18 hours post-ICSI and 18–20 hours post-insemination. However, the absence of pronuclei (PN) during standard fertilisation assessment does not necessarily indicate fertilisation failure. The aim of this study is to assess the chromosomal status of blastocysts derived from 0PN and 1PN zygotes as well as to assess the clinical outcome after transfer of such embryos.

Methods: In this study, we use microarray comparative genomic hybridisation (MaCGH) or next generation sequencing (NGS) to analyse the chromosomal status of 271 blastocysts (204 from 2PN, 41 from 0PN, 26 from 1PN) obtained from 42 patients who underwent conventional IVF (cIVF) and ICSI cycles with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A).

Results: Euploidy was confirmed in 126 (126/204; 61.8%), 31 (31/41; 75.6%) and 18 (18/26; 69.2%) 2PN-, 0PN- and 1PN-derived blastocysts respectively while the remaining 96 blastocysts displayed various chromosomal abnormalities. A Y-chromosome was observed in 0PN-derived blastocysts (19/41; 46.3%) and 1PN-derived blastocysts (13/26; 50%), indicating that sperm had penetrated the oocyte and not due to parthenogenetic activation. Four euploid 0PN-derived blastocysts were transferred to 4 patients and 3 healthy live births were achieved. Four euploid 1PN-derived blastocysts were transferred to 4 patients and 1 on-going pregnancy was achieved.

Conclusion(s): 0PN- and 1PN-derived zygotes can be chromosomally normal and result in healthy live births. Such zygotes should not be discarded but instead be subjected to extended culture with PGT-A to ascertain the chromosomal and ploidy status and be considered for transfer.
An Effective ABC‐SVM Approach for Surface Roughness Prediction in Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Lu Juan , Liao Xiaoping , Li Steven , Ouyang Haibin , Chen Kai , Huang Bing
Published: June 2019

It is difficult to accurately predict the response of some stochastic and complicated manufacturing processes. Data‐driven learning methods which can mine unseen relationship between influence parameters and outputs are regarded as an effective solution. In this study, support vector machine (SVM) is applied to develop prediction models for machining processes. Kernel function and loss function are Gaussian radial basis function and ε‐insensitive loss function, respectively. To improve the prediction accuracy and reduce parameter adjustment time of SVM model, artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC) is employed to optimize internal parameters of SVM model. Further, to evaluate the optimization performance of ABC in parameters determination of SVM, this study compares the prediction performance of SVM models optimized by well‐known evolutionary and swarm‐based algorithms (differential evolution (DE), genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and ABC) and analyzes ability of these optimization algorithms from their optimization mechanism and convergence speed based on experimental datasets of turning and milling. Experimental results indicate that the selected four evaluation indicators values that reflect prediction accuracy and adjustment time for ABC‐SVM are better than DE‐SVM, GA‐SVM, and PSO‐SVM except three indicator values of DE‐SVM for AISI 1045 steel under the case that training set is enough to develop the prediction model. ABC algorithm has less control parameters, faster convergence speed, and stronger searching ability than DE, GA, and PSO algorithms for optimizing the internal parameters of SVM model. These results shed light on choosing a satisfactory optimization algorithm of SVM for manufacturing processes.