bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrast sensitivity and visual acuity under low light conditions in macular telangiectasia type 2
Authors: Müller Simone , Heeren Tjebo F C , Bonelli Roberto , Fruttiger Marcus , Charbel Issa Peter , Egan Catherine A , Holz Frank G
Published: June 2018

Background/Aim

Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) is centrally depleted early on in macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel). Contrast sensitivity (CS) might be related to MPOD, and thus impaired in early MacTel. The effect of low luminance was assessed on both CS and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study. Pelli-Robson charts were used for CS testing at 1 m in photopic (110 lux) and mesopic (1 lux) conditions. BCVA was tested with ETDRS charts and low luminance visual acuity (LLVA) with a 2.0 log unit neutral density filter. MPOD was obtained with dual-wavelength autofluorescence.

Results

One hundred and three eyes of 52 patients with MacTel (mean±SD age 62.9±10.2, range 35–77) were compared with 34 healthy eyes of 17 controls (mean±SD age 65.2±7.4, range 53–78). CS was significantly lower in the eyes with MacTel. This impairment was higher in low light conditions (low light contrast sensitivity (LL-CS)). Eyes at the early stages of MacTel had significantly lower LL-CS than controls, but normal (photopic) CS. The results were similar but less pronounced for BCVA/LLVA. Decrease in CS was correlated with loss of MPOD.

Conclusions

Low light conditions have a detrimental effect on visual performance in MacTel. Impaired CS might correlate with MPOD depletion as a pathognomonic finding in MacTel. Functional impairment might precede structural disintegration, indicating dysfunction at the cellular level. The applied tests might be useful as additional functional assessments in clinical routine and as outcome measures in future interventional clinical trials.
Relationship between vessel density and visual field sensitivity in glaucomatous eyes with high myopia
Authors: Shin Joong Won , Kwon Junki , Lee Jiyun , Kook Michael S
Published: June 2018

Aims

To investigate the global and regional relationships between peripapillary vessel density (pVD) and visual field mean sensitivity (VFMS) in glaucomatous eyes with and without high myopia in comparison with those between peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (pRNFLT) and VFMS.

Methods

A total of 130 eyes from 130 patients with glaucoma consisting of those with and without high myopia were included in a consecutive manner. High myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent <−6.0 dioptres or axial length >26.5 mm. The pVD and pRNFLT were evaluated using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. VFMS was assessed using a linear unlogged 1/L scale. The vasculature–function or structure–function relationships were analysed by comparing the pVD or pRNFLT to the corresponding VFMS, according to Garway-Heath map regionalisation.

Results

The global pVD-VFMS association was significantly stronger than the pRNFLT-VFMS association in glaucomatous eyes with high myopia (p=0.009). However, there were no significant differences between global pVD-VFMS and pRNFLT-VFMS associations in glaucomatous eyes without high myopia (p=0.343). Regionally, the pVD-VFMS association was significantly greater than the pRNFLT-VFMS association at the superonasal, nasal and temporal sectors (all p<0.05) in glaucomatous eyes with high myopia.

Conclusions

The pVD assessment by OCT-A shows a better global and regional correlation with VFMS than a pRNFLT assessment in glaucoma patients with high myopia. The pVD may be a useful parameter in monitoring disease progression of highly myopic glaucomatous eyes.
Macular dysfunction in patients with macula-on rhegmatogenous retinal detachments
Authors: Akiyama Kunihiko , Fujinami Kaoru , Watanabe Ken , Noda Toru , Miyake Yozo , Tsunoda Kazushige
Published: June 2018

Aims

To assess macular function in patients with macula-on rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs) using focal macular electroretinography (FMERG).

Methods

This is a prospective, observational case series of 27 patients diagnosed with a macula-on RRD. Foveal attachment was confirmed on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Eyes with any macular disorder, cataract, vitreous opacity or vitreous haemorrhage were excluded. FMERG was recorded in the affected and fellow eyes using a round stimulus 15° in diameter. The status of four retinal factors in the affected eyes was examined, that is, the number of involved quadrants, number of quadrants with retinal breaks, presence of an RRD invading the vascular arcade, and presence of a giant retinal tear. The implicit time and amplitude of the a-wave, b-wave and oscillatory potentials (OPs) were compared between the affected and fellow eyes using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The influence of the four retinal factors on each FMERG component of the affected eyes was also evaluated using Mann-Whitney
U
test and Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results

Significant reductions in the amplitudes of the a-waves (p=0.001), b-waves (p<0.001) and OPs (p=0.001) were observed in the affected eyes compared with the fellow eyes. There was no significant difference between the affected and fellow eyes in the implicit times of any components. None of the four retinal factors affected the parameters in the affected eyes.

Conclusion

Altered FMERG responses suggested the presence of macular dysfunction in eyes with macula-on RRDs.
What works to promote walking at the population level? A systematic review
Authors: Foster Charlie , Kelly Paul , Reid Hamish A B , Roberts Nia , Murtagh Elaine M , Humphreys David K , Panter Jenna , Milton Karen
Published: June 2018

Objective

Interventions to promote walking have focused on individual or group-based approaches, often via the randomised controlled trial design. Walking can also be promoted using population health approaches. We systematically reviewed the effectiveness of population approaches to promote walking among individuals and populations.

Design

A systematic review.

Data sources

10 electronic databases searched from January 1990 to March 2017.

Eligibility criteria

Eligibility criteria include pre-experimental and postexperimental studies of the effects of population interventions to change walking, and the effects must have been compared with a ‘no intervention’, or comparison group/area/population, or variation in exposure; duration of ≥12 months of follow up; participants in free-living populations; and English-language articles.

Results

12 studies were identified from mostly urban high-income countries (one focusing on using tax, incentivising the loss of parking spaces; and one using policy only, permitting off-leash dogs in city parks). Five studies used mass media with either environment (n=2) or community (n=3) approaches. Four studies used environmental changes that were combined with policies. One study had scaled up school-based approaches to promote safe routes to schools. We found mass media, community initiatives and environmental change approaches increased walking (range from 9 to 75 min/week).
Quantifying the financial burden of households’ out-of-pocket payments on medicines in India: a repeated cross-sectional analysis of National Sample Survey data, 1994–2014
Authors: Selvaraj Sakthivel , Farooqui Habib Hasan , Karan Anup
Published: June 2018

Objective

The objective of this research is to generate new evidence on financial implications of medicines out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for households. Another objective is to investigate which disease conditions contributed to a significant proportion of households’ financial burden.

Setting

All Indian states including union territories, 1993–2014.

Design

Repeated cross-sectional household surveys.

Data

Secondary data of nationwide Consumer Expenditure Surveys for the years 1993–1994, 2004–2005 and 2011–2012 and one wave of Social Consumption: Health for the year 2014 from National Sample Survey Organisation.

Outcome measures

OOP expenditure on healthcare in general and medicines in specific.

Results

Total OOP payments and medicines OOP payments were estimated to be 6.77% (95% CI 6.70% to 6.84%) and 4.49% (95% CI 4.45% to 4.54%) of total consumption expenditure, respectively, in the year 2011–2012 which marked significant increase since 1993–1994. These proportions were 11.46% (95% CI 11.36% to 11.56%) and 7.60% (95% CI 7.54% to 7.67%) of non-food expenditure, respectively, in the same year. Total OOP payments and medicines OOP payments were catastrophic for 17.9% (95% CI 17.7% to 18.2%) and 11.2% (95% CI 11.0% to 11.4%) households, respectively, in 2011–2012 at the 10% of total consumption expenditure threshold, implying 29 million households incurred catastrophic OOP payments in the year 2011–2012. Further, medicines OOP payments pushed 3.09% (95% CI 2.99% to 3.20%), implying 38 million persons into poverty in the year 2011–2012. Among the leading cause of diseases that caused significant OOP payments are cancers, injuries, cardiovascular diseases, genitourinary conditions and mental disorders.

Conclusions

Purchase of medicines constitutes the single largest component of the total OOP payments by households. Hence, strengthening government intervention in providing medicines free in public healthcare facilities has the potential to considerably reduce medicine-related spending and total OOP payments of households and reduction in OOP-induced poverty.
MicroRNA-17 and the prognosis of human carcinomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Chengzhi , Yu Mengya , Yao Xueqing
Published: June 2018

Objective

Although the role of microRNA-17 (miR-17) has been identified as a tumour biomarker in various studies, its prognostic value in cancers remains unclear. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyse and summarise the relationship between the miR-17 status and clinical outcome in a variety of human cancers.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, Web of Science and Embase from the first year of records to 15 May 2017.

Outcomes

The patients’ survival results were pooled, and pooled HRs with 95% CIs were calculated and used for measuring the strength of association between miR-17 and the prognosis of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, osteosarcoma, glioma, T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma and colon cancer. Heterogeneity, publication bias and subgroup analysis were also conducted.

Results

A total of 1096 patients were included in this meta-analysis from 12 articles. The results indicated that the increased expression of miR-17 played an unfavourable role in overall survival in various human carcinomas with the HR of 1.342 taking into account the publication bias. In subgroup analysis, HR of ethnicity (Caucasian HR=1.48 and Asian HR=1.40), disease (digestive system HR=1.36 and blood system cancer (HR=2.38), detection method (quantitative real-time PCR HR=1.40 and in situ hybridisation, HR=2.59) and detection sample (tissue HR=1.45 and serum HR=1.32) were significant with p<0.05. For the analysis of disease-free survival and recurrence-free survival, the increased expression of miR-17 was associated with unfavourable prognosis (HR=1.40).

Conclusions

miR-17 may be a useful biomarker in predicting the clinical outcome of human cancers, but due to the limitations of the current studies, further verification of the role of miR-17 in human malignancies is urgently needed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017065749
Population distribution of traditional and the emerging cardiovascular risk factors carotid plaque and IMT: the REFINE-Reykjavik study with comparison with the Tromsø study
Authors: Thorsson Bolli , Eiriksdottir Gudny , Sigurdsson Sigurdur , Gudmundsson Elias Freyr , Bots Michael L , Aspelund Thor , Arntzen Kjell Arne , Mathiesen Ellisiv B , Gudnason Vilmundur
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Population statistics for carotid plaque and cardiovascular risk factors reported in scientific journals are usually presented as averages for the population or age and sex adjusted, rather than sex and age groups. Important population differences about atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk factors may thus be missed. We compare the distribution of cardiovascular risk factors, carotids plaque and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in two population-based studies.

Methods

Carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque prevalence and risk factors levels for cardiovascular disease by sex in 5-year age groups from the Risk Evaluation For Infarct Estimates Reykjavik study (REFINE-Reykjavik study) were compared with data from the Tromsø 6 study.

Results

The threshold of carotid plaque presence in the Tromsø 6 study fell between minimal and moderate plaque defined in the REFINE-Reykjavik study reflecting carotid plaque prevalence. The prevalence of minimal carotid plaque in the REFINE-Reykjavik study was 47% in men (40–69 years old) and 38% in women and 11% in men and 7% in women of moderate plaque. The prevalence of any plaque in the Tromsø 6 study was 35% in men and 27% in women. The mean (CIMT) was similar in the studies. In the Tromsø 6 study mean systolic blood pressure was 8 mm Hg higher in men and 10 mm Hg higher in women, mean low-density lipoprotein was 0.5 mmol/L higher in men and 0.3 mmol/L higher in women and the prevalence of smoking was 4% higher in men and 9% higher in women. However, body mass index was 0.8 kg/m2higher in men and 0.9 kg/m2in women in the REFINE-Reykjavik study.

Conclusion

Comparison between Iceland and Norway revealed differences in the prevalence of carotid plaque, which was assumed to be due to different definition of plaque. However, clinically significant differences in conventional cardiovascular risk factors were seen. This underscores the importance of detailed comparison of population data across different populations.
Urban-rural differences in factors associated with willingness to receive eldercare among the elderly: a cross-sectional survey in China
Authors: Xing Yanan , Pei Ruijuan , Qu Jing , Wang Juan , Zhou Hao , Wang Zhaoqing , Yan Wenxin , Sun Xinran , Sun Tao , Li Li
Published: June 2018

Objective

Willingness to receive eldercare is an important factor affecting the reasonable allocation of resources and appropriate development of eldercare services. This study aimed to investigate the differences in willingness to receive eldercare and the influencing factors in urban and rural areas.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Research was conducted in the urban and rural areas of three cities (Harbin, Qiqihar and Jiamusi) in Heilongjiang province, China.

Participants

A total of 1003 elderly were selected through multistage sampling in Heilongjiang province, including 581 in urban areas and 422 in rural areas.

Main outcome measures

Descriptive statistics were reported for socioeconomic and demographic status, physical health, life satisfaction and social support in urban and rural areas. Mean differences were examined using t-tests, and categorical variable differences were examined using χ2tests. The factors influencing willingness to receive eldercare in urban and rural areas were analysed using logistic regression.

Results

The results showed that 51.6% of urban elderly and 59.0% of rural elderly preferred family eldercare. Factors that influenced willingness to receive eldercare for urban elderly were age (OR 2.791, 95% CI 1.644 to 4.737), house property (OR 0.494, 95% CI 0.329 to 0.740) and objective support (OR 0.764, 95% CI 0.681 to 0.858). For rural elderly, the factors were having children (OR 0.368, 95% CI 0.146 to 0.930), house property (OR 0.371, 95% CI 0.231 to 0.596) and living arrangement (OR 3.361, 95% CI 1.436 to 7.866).

Conclusion

More attention should be paid to improving the functioning of family eldercare and promoting the development of varied eldercare services. Investments and targeted policies should be undertaken for different subgroups of urban and rural elderly.
Putative mechanisms Underlying Myocardial infarction onset and Emotions (PUME): a randomised controlled study protocol
Authors: Ensari Ipek , Burg Matthew M , Diaz Keith M , Fu Jie , Duran Andrea T , Suls Jerry M , Sumner Jennifer A , Monane Rachel , Julian Jacob E , Zhao Shuqing , Chaplin William F , Shimbo Daichi
Published: June 2018

Introduction

The experience of negative emotions (eg, anger, anxiety and sadness) is associated with an increased short-term risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, independent of traditional CVD risk factors. Impairment in endothelial function is one possible biological mechanism which may explain the association between negative emotions and incident CVD events. This laboratory-based, single-blind, randomised controlled experimental study aims to investigate the impact of induced negative emotions including anger, anxiety and sadness on endothelial function.

Methods and analysis

In a between-subjects design, 280 healthy participants are randomised to one of four experimental negative emotion inductions: anger, anxiety, sadness or a neutral condition. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation, circulating levels of endothelial cell-derived microparticles and bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells, and indices of nitric oxide inhibition are assessed before and 3, 40, 70 and 100 min after negative emotion induction. Finally, in a subsample of 84 participants, the potential moderating effects of cardiorespiratory fitness and habitual physical activity on the adverse effects of an acute negative emotion on endothelial function are investigated.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is conducted in compliance with the Helsinki Declaration and the Columbia University Medical Center Institutional Review Board. The results of the study will be disseminated at several research conferences and as published articles in peer reviewed journals. The study will be implemented and reported in line with the SPIRIT statement.

Trial registration number

NCT01909895; Pre-results.
Whole-body positional manipulators for ocular imaging of anaesthetised mice and rats: a do-it-yourself guide
Authors: Dietrich Michael , Cruz-Herranz Andrés , Yiu Hao , Aktas Orhan , Brandt Alexander U , Hartung Hans-Peter , Green Ari , Albrecht Philipp
Published: June 2018

Background

In vivo retinal imaging of rodents has gained a growing interest in ophthalmology and neurology. The bedding of the animals with the possibility to perform adjustments in order to obtain an ideal camera-to-eye angle is challenging.

Methods

We provide a guide for a cost-effective, do-it-yourself rodent holder for ocular imaging techniques. The set-up was tested and refined in over 2000 optical coherence tomography measurements of mice and rats.

Results

The recommended material is very affordable, readily available and easily assembled. The holder can be adapted to both mice and rats. A custom-made mouthpiece is provided for the use of inhalant anaesthesia. The holder is highly functional and assures that the rodent’s eye is the centre of rotation for adjustments in both the axial and the transverse planes with a major time benefit over unrestrained positioning of the rodents.

Conclusion

We believe this guide is very useful for eye researchers focusing on in vivo retinal imaging in rodents as it significantly reduces examination times for ocular imaging.
Medical Students’ Non-Technical Skills (Medi-StuNTS): preliminary work developing a behavioural marker system for the non-technical skills of medical students in acute care
Authors: Hamilton Ailsa L , Kerins Joanne , MacCrossan Marc A , Tallentire Victoria R
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Good non-technical skills (NTS) are critical to the delivery of high-quality patient care. It is increasingly recognised that training in such skills should be incorporated into primary medical training curricula. This study aimed to develop an NTS behavioural marker system (BMS), specifically applicable to medical students, for use within simulated acute care scenarios.

Methods

The methodology used to develop other BMS was adopted and modified. Following ethical approval, 16 final year medical students participated in acute care simulated scenarios. Semistructured interviews were performed to gauge the understanding of NTS. A panel meeting of subject matter experts was convened to translate key NTS into skill elements and observable behaviours. A second expert panel was consulted to refine aspects of the BMS. Further refinement and initial face validity was undertaken by a third panel of experts using the prototype BMS to observe prerecorded simulation scenarios.

Results

Five categories of NTS were identified: situation awareness, teamwork and communication, decision-making and prioritisation, self-awareness, and escalating care. Observable behaviours in each category describe good and poor performance. Escalating care was identified as a unique component that incorporated behaviours related to each of the other four skill categories. A 5-point rating scale was developed to enable both peer-to-peer and tutor-to–student feedback.

Conclusion

The Medi-StuNTS (Medical Students’ Non-Technical Skills) system is the first BMS for the NTS of medical students. It reinforces the importance of escalating care effectively. It provides an exciting opportunity to provide feedback to medical students and may ultimately aid their preparedness for professional practice.
Accelerated model of lupus autoimmunity and vasculopathy driven by toll-like receptor 7/9 imbalance
Authors: Liu Yudong , Seto Nickie L , Carmona-Rivera Carmelo , Kaplan Mariana J
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Activation of endosomal toll-like receptor (TLR)7 or TLR9 has been proposed as a critical step for the initiation and development of SLE. Traditional spontaneous lupus models normally introduce multiple risk alleles, thereby adding additional confounding factors. In the induced lupus models, the role of TLR9 remains unclear. In the present study, we explored the role of an imbalance between TLR7 and TLR9 pathways in the pathogenesis of lupus and its associated vasculopathy using the imiquimod model in TLR9 KO/B6 background.

Methods

Wild type (WT) and Tlr9-/-mice were epicutaneously treated with imiquimod cream 5% on both ears three times per week for indicated times. At euthanasia, mice were analysed for organ involvement, endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, serum autoantibodies, and innate and adaptive immune responses.

Results

Compared with the lupus-like phenotype that develops in imiquimod-treated WT mice, Tlr9-/-mice exposed to imiquimod have increased severity of autoimmunity features and inflammatory phenotype that develops at earlier stages. These abnormalities are characterised by enhanced TLR7 expression and immune activation, increased immune complex deposition, Th1 T cells and dendritic cell kidney infiltration and significant impairments in endothelial function. Modulation of TLR7 expression was observed in the Tlr9-/-mice.

Conclusions

These findings further underscore the protective role of TLR9 in TLR7-driven autoimmunity and also in the development of vasculopathy, further strengthening the importance of tightly manipulating TLRs in putative therapeutic strategies. This study provides a new model of accelerated lupus phenotype driven by danger-associated molecular patterns.
Tailoring asthma treatment on eosinophilic markers (exhaled nitric oxide or sputum eosinophils): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Petsky Helen L , Cates Chris J , Kew Kayleigh M , Chang Anne B
Published: June 2018

Background

Asthma guidelines guide health practitioners to adjust treatments to the minimum level required for asthma control. As many people with asthma have an eosinophilic endotype, tailoring asthma medications based on airway eosinophilic levels (sputum eosinophils or exhaled nitric oxide, FeNO) may improve asthma outcomes.

Objective

To synthesise the evidence from our updated Cochrane systematic reviews, for tailoring asthma medication based on eosinophilic inflammatory markers (sputum analysis and FeNO) for improving asthma-related outcomes in children and adults.

Data sources

Cochrane reviews with standardised searches up to February 2017.

Study selection

The Cochrane reviews included randomised controlled comparisons of tailoring asthma medications based on sputum analysis or FeNO compared with controls (primarily clinical symptoms and/or spirometry/peak flow).

Results

The 16 included studies of FeNO-based management (seven in adults) and 6 of sputum-based management (five in adults) were clinically heterogeneous. On follow-up, participants randomised to the sputum eosinophils strategy (compared with controls) were significantly less likely to have exacerbations (62 vs 82/100 participants with ≥1 exacerbation; OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.62). For the FeNO strategy, the respective numbers were adults OR 0.60 (95% CI 0.43 to 0.84) and children 0.58 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.75). However, there were no significant group differences for either strategy on daily inhaled corticosteroids dose (at end of study), asthma control or lung function.

Conclusion

Adjusting treatment based on airway eosinophilic markers reduced the likelihood of asthma exacerbations but had no significant impact on asthma control or lung function.
Effects of sampling disturbance in geotechnical design
Authors: Lim Guan Tor , Pineda Jubert , Boukpeti Nathalie , Carraro J. Antonio H. , Fourie Andy
Published: June 2018

This paper describes an experimental study of the effects of sampling disturbance in an Australian natural soft clay and the consequences of different sample quality on the representativeness of soil parameters used in geotechnical designs. The paper is divided into three sections. Laboratory test results obtained from specimens retrieved using three different tube samplers as well as the Sherbrooke (block) sampler are first described. Then, the sample quality assessment, using available indices proposed for soft soils, is presented. It is shown that sample quality varies with the stress paths and boundary conditions applied in laboratory tests. Finally, mechanical soil properties derived from specimens retrieved using the different samplers are used in the prediction of two classical problems in soil mechanics: the settlement and excess pore pressure response underneath an embankment as well as the settlement and bearing capacity of a shallow footing. These two examples are used here to highlight the consequences of poor sampling in practice.
The use of isometric log ratios to classify phosphorus attributes in composts
Authors: Gagnon Bernard , Parent Serge-Étienne , Abdi Dalel , Ziadi Noura , Parent Léon-Étienne
Published: June 2018

This research aimed to classify 16 horticultural composts collected across Canada into management group according to their phosphorus (P) fractions and carbon (C) content using isometric log ratio (ilr) and to interpret the clusters against the total P content and C-to-P ratio indices. The ilr approach was found to be more discriminant for grouping the composts compared with the conventional statistical analysis. The C-to-P ratio index was representative of cluster 1 only. This cluster included organic amendments with C-to-P ratios higher than 100 and high capacity to increase soil organic matter content without excessive P dosage. Total P separated clusters 2 and 3 despite the amalgamation of P forms into total P. Cluster 2 showed high total P (>10 g P kg−1) and low C-to-P ratios (24–38), whereas cluster 3 showed variable C-to-P ratios (18–78) and total P <9 g kg−1after excluding one compost close to cluster 2. Clusters 2 and 3 were considered as potential sources of plant-available P. The ilr approach suggests that composts made of municipal biosolids and poultry manures in cluster 2 have the highest potential as plant-available P source compared with those made of other livestock manures or food processing wastes.
Dry matter partitioning and residue N content for 11 major field crops in Canada adjusted for rooting depth and yield
Authors: Thiagarajan Arumugam , Fan Jianling , McConkey Brian G. , Janzen H.H. , Campbell C.A.
Published: June 2018

To improve the estimates of C and N inputs to soil, we developed new estimates of partitioning between the harvested portion, aboveground residue, and belowground residue for 11 major crops based on depth-adjusted root/shoot ratios and grain yield-adjusted harvest indices. We updated the mean N concentration of each partition.
Anisotropic flow: A case for bottomonia
Authors: Das Debasish , Dutta Nirupam
Published: June 2018

Studies of [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] at RHIC and LHC energies have provided important elements toward the understanding on the production mechanisms and thermalization of charm quarks. Bottomonia has an advantage since it is a cleaner probe. A brief discussion has been provided for [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], which can become the new probe for QGP, including the necessity of studies for small systems.
Corrosion behaviors of 316LN stainless steel joints brazed with Sn-plated silver filler metals
Authors: Wang Xingxing , Li Shuai , Peng Jin
Published: June 2018

AgCuZnSn filler metals were prepared from the BAg34CuZnSn filler metal by a combinative process of brush plating and thermal diffusion, and the prepared filler metals were applied to the induction brazing of the 316LN stainless steel. The corrosion behaviors of the brazed joints was evaluated based on local corrosion analyses, where the morphology of the joints was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after immersion in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl aqueous solution and electrolytic etching in a 10 vol.% oxalic acid solution. The microstructure of the brazed joints with the Sn-plated filler mainly consisted of the Ag phase, Cu phase, CuZn phase, Cu5Zn8 phase, Cu[Formula: see text]Sn[Formula: see text] phase and Ag3Sn phase. The local corrosion analysis results indicated that galvanic corrosion occurred near the interface between the stainless steel base metal and the brazing seam. With increasing local corrosion time, the corrosion rates of both the brazing seam and the base metal first exhibited an increasing trend, followed by a decreasing trend, and the corrosion rate of the brazing seam was slightly greater than that of the base metal. The corrosion behaviors analysis indicated that the corrosion resistance of the brazing seam was reduced, and concave defects emerged after electrolytic etching for 90 s.
Dynamic Response and Stability Analysis with Newton Harmonic Balance Method for Nonlinear Oscillating Dielectric Elastomer Balloons
Authors: Tang Dafeng , Lim C. W. , Hong Ling , Jiang Jun , Lai S. K.
Published: June 2018

Subject to various pressure and voltage values, the deformation of a hyperelastic dielectric elastomer membrane may attain different stable and unstable equilibria. In this paper, the neo-Hookean material model is adopted to describe the hyperelastic behavior of a dielectric elastomer membrane. The effects of initial stretch ratio, pressure and voltage on the nonlinear free vibration of a spherical dielectric elastomer balloon are investigated qualitatively and quantitatively. Through a linear stability analysis of the equilibrium states, the safe regime of initial stretch ratio for the deformation of dielectric elastomer balloon is confined. Under specific static driving pressure and voltage, the system oscillates about the stable equilibrium and there is no oscillation in the neighborhood of the unstable equilibrium. Besides, the critical pressure and voltage values are determined. Beyond the critical values, there is no periodic oscillation. Along with the stability analysis, complex dynamical behavior such as drastic change of output regime, sporadic instability and sudden bifurcations can be predicted. By applying the Newton Harmonic Balance (NHB) method for quantitative analysis, the frequency response can be readily predicted. It is found that the nonlinear free vibration frequency decreases with increasing initial stretch ratio and control parameters (pressure and voltage).
Incremental Analysis for Seismic Assessment of Bridge with Functional Bearing System Subjected to Near-Fault Earthquake
Authors: Liu Li-Wei , Liu Kuang-Yen , Huang Deng-Gang
Published: June 2018

A bridge with the functional bearing system, where sticking-sliding mechanism of rubber bearing reduces the force transmission between the substructure and the superstructure, shows viscoelastoplastic behavior. In the present paper, we show a simplified two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) model for a bridge with the bearing system containing Coulomb’s friction element that displays mechanical behavior including the sticking (viscoelastic) and the sliding (viscoplastic) modes and we arrange its mathematical formulation into a two-phase framework which is a well-implemented form for incremental analysis. Solutions of the two-phase system are explored thoroughly and the exact solution of on-phase under piecewise constant input is obtained. Furthermore, we discuss on–off switching criteria of the bridge bearing system and propose an algorithm, including off-phase (viscoelastic) module, on-phase (viscoplastic) module, pull-back module, admissible condition, and straining condition, to simulate responses of the bridge bearing system. Based on the proposed algorithm, the assessment of the bridge with the functional bearing system which undergoes the near-fault earthquakes was made by investigation of the influence of five kinds of design parameters.
Analysis of Anti-Collapse Performance of Beam–Column Substructure with Welded Flange-Bolted Web Connection in Minor-Axis Direction Under Different Span Ratios
Authors: Zhong Weihui , Song Xiaoyan , Ma Baoqian
Published: June 2018

The failure modes, mechanical properties, and resistance mechanisms of beam–column substructures with welded flange-bolted web connection in the minor-axis direction under different span ratios (1:0.6, 1:1.0, 1:1.4) were compared and analyzed under the condition of progressive collapse. The beam–column substructures included three columns and two beams, and monotonic static loading tests were conducted using the alternate load path method. The test results indicated that the specimens began to fracture at the beam tension flange; and then, part of the main internal force was transferred by the bolts on the web, followed by buckling of the compression flange at the beam end. Finally, specimens were deactivated by the shear failure of bolt holes or the fracturing of the web and junction plate. The joint with a welded flange-bolted web connection was found to have high redundancy, with sufficient rotational capacity after the fracture of the tension flange. As a result of the effective pulling force between the beam and column, combined with sufficient rotation of the beam end, the remaining structure could give full play to the catenary effect, which would play a leading role in the later stage of large deformation. The deformation of the beam–column joint increased rapidly, which was conducive to the beam–column substructure to bear the load by collaboration between the beam and column. The simplified model and the numerical simulation are proved to be reliable by test results. The results of numerical simulations and analyses of anti-collapse performances of beam–column substructures under different span ratios showed that the large beam-span ratio was beneficial to the development of ultimate failure displacement of the substructure and increase the ratio of ultimate to initial failure load. The resistance provided by catenary mechanism also increased, and the short beam developed a better catenary effect than the long one.
Second Harmonic Generation of Guided Wave at Crack-Induced Debonding in FRP-Strengthened Metallic Plates
Authors: Yang Yi , Ng Ching-Tai , Kotousov Andrei
Published: June 2018

The use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) has been widely recognized to be an effective and economical way to strengthen existing structures or repair damaged structures for extending their service life. This study investigates the feasibility of using nonlinear guided wave to monitor crack-induced debonding in FRP-strengthened metallic plates. The study focusses on investigating the nonlinear guided wave interaction with the crack-induced debonding. A three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model is developed to simulate the crack-induced debonding in the FRP-strengthened metallic plates. The performance of using fundamental symmetric ([Formula: see text] and anti-symmetric ([Formula: see text] modes of guided wave as incident wave in the second harmonic generation at the crack-induced debonding is investigated in detail. It is found that the amplitude of the second harmonic and its variation with different damage sizes are very different when using [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] guided wave as the incident wave, respectively. The results suggest that it is possible to detect potential damage and distinguish its type based on the features of the generated second harmonic.
High-intensity resistance exercise with low repetitions maintains endothelial function
Authors: Morishima Takuma , Tsuchiya Yosuke , Iemitsu Motoyuki , Ochi Eisuke
Published: June 2018

Resistance exercise impairs endothelial function, and this impairment is thought to be mediated by sustained elevation in blood pressure. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that resistance exercise-induced endothelial dysfunction would be prevented by high-intensity resistance exercise with low repetitions. This type of resistance exercise is known to induce temporal elevation in blood pressure due to low repetitions and a long resting period between sets. Thirteen young healthy subjects completed three randomized experimental trials as follows: 1) moderate-intensity exercise with moderate repetitions (moderate-moderate trial), 2) low-intensity exercise with high repetitions (low-high trial), and 3) high-intensity exercise with low repetitions (high-low trial). After baseline brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and blood pressure measurements, subjects performed resistance exercise according to the different types of trials. Thereafter, brachial artery FMD and blood pressure measurements were repeated 10, 30, and 60 min after the exercise. Exercise-induced increases in blood flow and shear rate were significantly lower in the high-low trial than in the other two trials ( P < 0.05). Although systolic blood pressures were significantly elevated after exercise in all trials ( P < 0.05), the magnitudes of rise in blood pressure increase were significantly lower in the high-low trial than in the moderate-moderate and low-high trials ( P < 0.05). Moderate-moderate and low-high trials caused a significant impairment in brachial artery FMD ( P < 0.05), which could be prevented through high-intensity resistance exercise with low repetitions (  > 0.05). In conclusion, endothelial function was maintained by conducting high-intensity resistance exercise with low repetitions.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Data from the present study reveal that high-intensity resistance exercise with low repetitions can maintain endothelial function. Thus, this study provides the first evidence that the detrimental vascular effects of resistance exercise are preventable when resistance exercise is performed in high intensity with low repetitions.

Listen to this article’s corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/type-of-resistance-exercise-and-endothelial-function/ (Japanese version: https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/japanese-language-podcast-type-of-resistance-exercise-and-endothelial-function/ ).
Influence of vagal control on sex-related differences in left ventricular mechanics and hemodynamics
Authors: Williams Alexandra M. , Shave Rob E. , Coulson James M. , White Harriet , Rosser-Stanford Bryn , Eves Neil D.
Published: June 2018

Left ventricular (LV) twist mechanics differ between men and women during acute physiological stress, which may be partly mediated by sex differences in autonomic control. While men appear to have greater adrenergic control of LV twist, the potential contribution of vagal modulation to sex differences in LV twist remains unknown. Therefore, the present study examined the role of vagal control on sex differences in LV twist during graded lower body negative pressure (LBNP) and supine cycling. On two separate visits, LV mechanics were assessed using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography in 18 men (22 ± 2 yr) and 17 women (21 ± 4 yr) during −40- and −60-mmHg LBNP and 25% and 50% of peak supine cycling workload with and without glycopyrrolate (vagal blockade). LV twist was not different at baseline but was greater in women during −60 mmHg in both control (women: 16.0 ± 3.4° and men: 12.9 ± 2.3°, P = 0.004) and glycopyrrolate trials (women: 17.7 ± 5.9° and men: 13.9 ± 3.3°, P < 0.001) due to greater apical rotation during control (women: 11.9 ± 3.6° and men: 7.8 ± 1.5°, P < 0.001) and glycopyrrolate (women: 11.6 ± 4.9° and men: 7.1 ± 3.6°, P = 0.009). These sex differences in LV twist consistently coincided with a greater LV sphericity index (i.e., ellipsoid geometry) in women compared with men. In contrast, LV twist did not differ between the sexes during exercise with or without glycopyrrolate. In conclusion, women have augmented LV twist compared with men during large reductions to preload, even during vagal blockade. As such, differences in vagal control do not appear to contribute to sex differences in the LV twist responses to physiological stress, but they may be related to differences in ventricular geometry.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to specifically examine the role of vagal autonomic control on sex-related differences in left ventricular (LV) mechanics. Contrary to our hypothesis, vagal control does not appear to primarily determine sex differences in LV mechanical or hemodynamic responses to acute physiological stress. Instead, differences in LV geometry may be a more important contributor to sex differences in LV mechanics.
Habitual exercise training in older adults offsets the age-related prolongation in leg vasodilator kinetics during single-limb lower body exercise
Authors: Hughes William E. , Kruse Nicholas T. , Ueda Kenichi , Casey Darren P.
Published: June 2018

We tested the hypothesis that aging is associated with prolonged leg vasodilator kinetics and habitual exercise training in older adults improves these responses relative to untrained older adults. Additionally, we examined the relationship between contraction-induced rapid onset vasodilation (ROV) and vasodilator kinetics. Young ( n = 10), older untrained ( n = 13), and older trained ( n = 14) adults performed single and rhythmic knee-extension contractions at 20% and 40% work-rate maximum (WRmax). Femoral artery diameter and mean blood velocity were measured by Doppler ultrasound. Vascular conductance (VC; ml·min−1·mmHg−1) was calculated using blood flow (ml/min) and mean arterial pressure (mmHg). The primary outcome was the kinetic response (mean response time; MRT), modeled using an exponential model, expressed as the number of duty cycles to change 63% of the steady-state amplitude. There were no age- or training-related differences in VC MRT between the groups at 20% WRmax. Older untrained adults exhibited prolonged VC MRT at 40% WRmaxrelative to young (37 ± 16 vs. 24 ± 10 duty-cycles; P < 0.05) and older trained adults (37 ± 16 vs. 23 ± 14 duty-cycles; P < 0.05). There were no differences in VC MRT between young and older trained adults at 40% WRmax( P = 0.96). There were no associations between peak ROV and VC MRT at 20% or 40% WRmax( r = −0.08 and 0.22; P = 0.67 and 0.20, respectively) in the group as a whole. Our data suggest 1) advancing age prolongs leg vasodilator kinetics; 2) habitual exercise training in older adults offsets this age-related prolongation; and 3) contraction-induced ROV is not related to vasodilator kinetics within a group of young and older adults.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Aging is associated with reductions in exercise hyperemia and vasodilation at the onset of exercise, as well as during steady-state exercise. Habitual endurance exercise training offsets these age-related reductions. We found that aging prolongs vasodilator kinetics in the leg of older untrained but not older trained adults. Finally, our results demonstrate that contraction-induced rapid vasodilation is not associated with vasodilator kinetics within the leg of young and older adults.
Understanding the Histone DNA Repair Code: H4K20me2 Makes Its Mark
Authors: Paquin Karissa L. , Howlett Niall G.
Published: June 2018

Chromatin is a highly compact structure that must be rapidly rearranged in order for DNA repair proteins to access sites of damage and facilitate timely and efficient repair. Chromatin plasticity is achieved through multiple processes, including the posttranslational modification of histone tails. In recent years, the impact of histone posttranslational modification on the DNA damage response has become increasingly well recognized, and chromatin plasticity has been firmly linked to efficient DNA repair. One particularly important histone posttranslational modification process is methylation. Here, we focus on the regulation and function of H4K20 methylation (H4K20me) in the DNA damage response and describe the writers, erasers, and readers of this important chromatin mark as well as the combinatorial histone posttranslational modifications that modulate H4K20me recognition. Finally, we discuss the central role of H4K20me in determining if DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) are repaired by the error-prone, nonhomologous DNA end joining pathway or the error-free, homologous recombination pathway. This review article discusses the regulation and function of H4K20me2 in DNA DSB repair and outlines the components and modifications that modulate this important chromatin mark and its fundamental impact on DSB repair pathway choice. Mol Cancer Res; 16(9); 1335–45. ©2018 AACR.