bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth of canopy red oak near its northern range limit: current trends, potential drivers, and implications for the future
Authors: Stern Rebecca L. , Schaberg Paul G. , Rayback Shelly A. , Murakami Paula F. , Hansen Christopher F. , Hawley Gary J.
Published: April 2020

Red oak (Quercus rubra L.) is projected to expand into the northern hardwood forest over the coming century. We explored the connection between red oak basal area growth and a number of factors (tree age and size, stand dynamics, site elevation, and climate and acid deposition variables) for 213 trees in 11 plots throughout Vermont, USA. Red oak growth generally increased over the course of the chronology (1935–2014) and has been particularly high in recent decades. Growth differed among elevational groups but did not differ between age or size groups. Summer moisture metrics were consistently and positively associated with growth, whereas fall moisture was associated with reduced growth in recent decades. Higher summer temperatures were often negatively associated with growth, though there was evidence that low temperatures in the summer (higher elevations) and fall (lower elevations) constrain growth. Several pollution metrics were associated with reduced growth, a surprising result for a species not known to be sensitive to inputs of acid deposition that have predisposed other species in the region to decline. While red oak growth is currently robust, increases in summer temperatures, reductions in growing season precipitation, or increases in fall precipitation could reduce future growth potential.
Recent evidence of Mexican temperate forest decline and the need for ex situ conservation, assisted migration, and translocation of species ensembles as adaptive management to face projected climatic change impacts in a megadiverse country
Authors: Sáenz-Romero Cuauhtémoc , Mendoza-Maya Eduardo , Gómez-Pineda Erika , Blanco-García Arnulfo , Endara-Agramont Angel R. , Lindig-Cisneros Roberto , López-Upton Javier , Trejo-Ramírez Oscar , Wehenkel Christian , Cibrián-Tovar David , Flores-López Celestino , Plascencia-González Abel , Vargas-Hernández J. Jesús
Published: April 2020

Symptoms of forest decline, apparently due to climate change, have become evident in the last 10 years on the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and northwestern temperate forest of Mexico, particularly at the xeric (low elevational) limit of several forest tree species. We review and provide recent evidence of massive infestation of timberline Pinus hartwegii Lindl. by the mistletoes Arceuthobium globosum Hawksw. & Wiens and Arceuthobium vaginatum (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) J.Presl; insufficient Abies religiosa (Kunth) Schltdl. & Cham. seedling recruitment at the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve; indications of inbreeding and defoliation in endangered Picea chihuahuana Martínez, Picea martinezii T.F. Patt., Picea mexicana Martínez, and extreme southern populations of Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco; and the incidence of unusual pest and disease outbreaks (e.g., Dendroctonus Erichson, 1836 spp., Neodiprion autumnalis Smith, and Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands) in several conifer and oak species. We also discuss a difficult question: Is natural genetic variation sufficient to provide populations with the adaptive variation necessary to survive the natural selection imposed by projected climate change scenarios, or will phenotypic plasticity be exhausted and populations decline? Controversial ex situ conservation within natural protected areas, assisted migration, and translocation of species ensembles are discussed as options by which to accommodate projected climatic change impacts on the management and conservation practices of the megadiverse Mexican temperate forest.
Integrated forest harvest planning and road-building model with consideration of economies of scale
Authors: Mobtaker Azadeh , Montecinos Julio , Ouhimmou Mustapha , Rönnqvist Mikael
Published: April 2020

We consider the problem of tactical forest management over a 5-year horizon with yearly periods. The main decisions made consider which harvest areas to cut in each period, the flow of timber from an area to each wood-processing mill to satisfy its annual demand, and which roads to build to access a harvest area not connected to the existing road network. The goal is to minimize the total transportation and road-building costs subject to budget limitations. To explore the benefits of economies of scale (EOS) in road construction, we incorporated this notion in the proposed model. Then, the efficiency of the obtained solution is compared with the model without EOS. The proposed model is a mixed-integer linear program, including several timber assortments and multiple periods. We validated the model for a realistic case in the context of the province of Quebec. The results demonstrate that consideration of EOS significantly reduces the total cost by about 5.3%. In the EOS solution, the road segments that are built every year are very concentrated in specific parts of the region, allowing a road-building company to take advantage of EOS. Moreover, this solution provides a much more efficient timber transportation plan.
Évaluation des services d’approvisionnement fournis par les espaces domaniaux anthropisés : cas de la forêt classée du Haut-Sassandra (Centre-Ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Assalé Adjo A.Y. , Barima Yao S.S. , Sangne Yao C. , Bleu Deffan K.C.R. , Kpangui Kouassi B.
Published: April 2020

Les forêts protégées ivoiriennes fournissent des services écosystémiques aux gestionnaires ainsi qu’aux populations riveraines. Cependant, leur gestion connaît de nombreuses difficultés du fait de leur infiltration illégale pour l’agriculture. Ces différentes conversions des classes d’occupation du sol ont modifié les différents services d’approvisionnement des forêts domaniales en général et des forêts classées en particulier. Cette étude a pour objectif d’évaluer les services d’approvisionnement fournis par les plantes de la forêt classée du Haut-Sassandra (FCHS) dans le Centre-Ouest ivoirien, en comparant les bénéfices issus de la FCHS en 2019 à ceux tirés de cet espace en 2000. Les dynamiques spatiotemporelles des formations végétales ont été analysées et ont mis en exergue la progression des exploitations cacaoyères (951,51 % de progression) au détriment des forêts (92,08 % de régression) entre 2000 et 2019. Les enquêtes socioéconomiques ont révélé que cette augmentation des surfaces cacaoyères a entrainé des pertes de 98,11, 93,18 et 78,67 % d’espèces respectivement utilisées pour l’artisanat, la construction et la pharmacopée traditionnelle et une augmentation des services d’alimentation liés aux espèces agricoles. Cependant, ces bénéfices ne profitent pas à l’ensemble des communautés présentes dans la zone d’étude.
Re-Analysis of Run-Up Levels for Slender Monopiles
Authors: Garborg Karsten , Andersen Thomas Lykke , Skourup Jesper , Frigaard Peter Bak
Published: April 2020

In the present paper, the experimental data on wave run-up on slender monopiles from recently published small and large scale tests are reanalyzed using different methods for the wave analysis. The hypothesis is that the post processing has an impact on the results, due to depth limited and highly nonlinear waves in many of the tests. Thus, the identified maximum waves by a zero-down crossing analysis are highly influenced by the reflection analysis method as well as by bandpass filtering. The stagnation head theory with the run-up coefficient is adopted and new coefficients are presented. The hypothesis is verified, and the applied bandpass filter is identified as a large contributor to conservatism in previous studies, as the steep, nonlinear waves that produce the highest run-up can be heavily distorted by the bandpass filter.
Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid metabolites inhibit Kir4.1/Kir5.1 in the distal convoluted tubule
Authors: Wang Ming-Xiao , Wang Li-Jun , Xiao Yu , Zhang Dan-Dan , Duan Xin-Peng , Wang Wen-Hui
Published: April 2020

Cytochrome P-450 (Cyp) epoxygenase-dependent metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA) have been shown to inhibit renal Na+transport, and inhibition of Cyp-epoxygenase is associated with salt-sensitive hypertension. We used the patch-clamp technique to examine whether Cyp-epoxygenase-dependent AA metabolites inhibited the basolateral 40-pS K+channel (Kir4.1/Kir5.1) in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). Application of AA inhibited the basolateral 40-pS K+channel in the DCT. The inhibitory effect of AA on the 40-pS K+channel was specific because neither linoleic nor oleic acid was able to mimic the effect of AA on the K+channel. Inhibition of Cyp-monooxygenase with N-methylsulfonyl-12,12-dibromododec-11-enamide or inhibition of cyclooxygenase with indomethacin failed to abolish the inhibitory effect of AA on the 40-pS K+channel. However, the inhibition of Cyp-epoxygenase with N-methylsulfonyl-6-(propargyloxyphenyl)hexanamide abolished the effect of AA on the 40-pS K+channel in the DCT. Moreover, addition of either 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) or 14,15-EET also inhibited the 40-pS K+channel in the DCT. Whole cell recording demonstrated that application of AA decreased, whereas N-methylsulfonyl-6-(propargyloxyphenyl)hexanamide treatment increased, Ba2+-sensitive K+currents in the DCT. Finally, application of 14,15-EET but not AA was able to inhibit the basolateral 40-pS K+channel in the DCT of Cyp2c44−/−mice. We conclude that Cyp-epoxygenase-dependent AA metabolites inhibit the basolateral Kir4.1/Kir5.1 in the DCT and that Cyp2c44-epoxygenase plays a role in the regulation of the basolateral K+channel in the mouse DCT.
Integrin-β1 is required for the renal cystogenesis caused by ciliary defects
Authors: Yoo Miran , Barisoni Laura M. C. , Lee Kyung , Gusella G. Luca
Published: April 2020

Defects in the function of primary cilia are commonly associated with the development of renal cysts. On the other hand, the intact cilium appears to contribute a cystogenic signal whose effectors remain unclear. As integrin-β1 is required for the cystogenesis caused by the deletion of the polycystin 1 gene, we asked whether it would be similarly important in the cystogenetic process caused by other ciliary defects. We addressed this question by investigating the effect of integrin-β1 deletion in a ciliopathy genetic model in which the Ift88 gene, a component of complex B of intraflagellar transport that is required for the proper assembly of cilia, is specifically ablated in principal cells of the collecting ducts. We showed that the renal cystogenesis caused by loss of Ift88 is prevented when integrin-β1 is simultaneously depleted. In parallel, pathogenetic manifestations of the disease, such as increased inflammatory infiltrate and fibrosis, were also significantly reduced. Overall, our data indicate that integrin-β1 is also required for the renal cystogenesis caused by ciliary defects and point to integrin-β1-controlled pathways as common drivers of the disease and as possible targets to interfere with the cystogenesis caused by ciliary defects.
Purinergic P2X1receptor, purinergic P2X7receptor, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor interactions in the regulation of renal afferent arterioles in angiotensin II-dependent hypertension
Authors: Kulthinee Supaporn , Shao Weijian , Franco Martha , Navar L. Gabriel
Published: April 2020

In ANG II-dependent hypertension, ANG II activates ANG II type 1 receptors (AT1Rs), elevating blood pressure and increasing renal afferent arteriolar resistance (AAR). The increased arterial pressure augments interstitial ATP concentrations activating purinergic P2X receptors (P2XRs) also increasing AAR. Interestingly, P2X1R and P2X7R inhibition reduces AAR to the normal range, raising the conundrum regarding the apparent disappearance of AT1R influence. To evaluate the interactions between P2XRs and AT1Rs in mediating the increased AAR elicited by chronic ANG II infusions, experiments using the isolated blood perfused juxtamedullary nephron preparation allowed visualization of afferent arteriolar diameters (AAD). Normotensive and ANG II-infused hypertensive rats showed AAD responses to increases in renal perfusion pressure from 100 to 140 mmHg by decreasing AAD by 26 ± 10% and 19 ± 4%. Superfusion with the inhibitor P2X1Ri (NF4490; 1 μM) increased AAD. In normotensive kidneys, superfusion with ANG II (1 nM) decreased AAD by 16 ± 4% and decreased further by 19 ± 5% with an increase in renal perfusion pressure. Treatment with P2X1Ri increased AAD by 30 ± 6% to values higher than those at 100 mmHg plus ANG II. In hypertensive kidneys, the inhibitor AT1Ri (SML1394; 1 μM) increased AAD by 10 ± 7%. In contrast, treatment with P2X1Ri increased AAD by 21 ± 14%; combination with P2X1Ri plus P2X7Ri (A438079; 1 μM) increased AAD further by 25 ± 8%. The results indicate that P2X1R, P2X7R, and AT1R actions converge at receptor or postreceptor signaling pathways, but P2XR exerts a dominant influence abrogating the actions of AT1Rs on AAR in ANG II-dependent hypertension.
Two-Scale Network Dynamic Model for Energy Commodity Processes
Authors: Otunuga Olusegun M. , Ladde Gangaram
Published: April 2020

In this work, we examine the relationship between different energy commodity spot prices. To do this, multivariate stochastic models with and without external random interventions describing the price of energy commodities are developed. Random intervention process is described by a continuous jump process. The developed mathematical model is utilized to examine the relationship between energy commodity prices. The time-varying parameters in the stochastic model are estimated using the recently developed parameter identification technique called local lagged adapted generalized method of moment (LLGMM). The LLGMM method provides an iterative scheme for updating statistic coefficients in a system of generalized method of moment/observation equations. The usefulness of the LLGMM approach is illustrated by applying to energy commodity data sets for state and parameter estimation problems. Moreover, the forecasting and confidence interval problems are also investigated (U.S. Patent Pending for the LLGMM method described in this manuscript).
The Relation between Volume and Outcome of Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: He Jialing , Zhang Zhen , Wang Han , Cai Lin
Published: April 2020

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) are standard procedures for dealing with severe aortic stenosis patients. Researchers have not carried out a systematic review of the volume-outcome relationship in TAVR and SAVR. Our study is intended to address this problem. We systemically searched databases through MEDLINE, EMBASE, PUBMED, and the Cochrane Library up to September 2019. Two reviewers independently screened for the studies and evaluated bias. We used short-term mortality (in-hospital or 30-day mortality) as an outcome. A meta-analysis of TAVR with 115,596 patients ranging from 2005 to 2016 showed a result significantly in favor of high-volume hospitals (OR 0.43 (CI 0.36-0.51)). The subgroup of population period, region, data type, and cut-off value did not show any difference. A meta-analysis of SAVR comprising 418,384 patients ranging from 1994 to 2011 revealed that the OR of short-term mortality for a high-volume hospital compared with that of a low-volume hospital was 0.73 (CI 0.71, 0.74). No difference was observed in subgroups based on population period and cut-off. In conclusion, we found that short-term mortality was lower in high-volume hospitals for both TAVR and SAVR.
Are Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents More Effective Than Plastic Stents for the Management of Pancreatic Fluid Collections: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Tan Shali , Zhong Chunyu , Ren Yutang , Luo Xujuan , Xu Jin , Peng Yan , Fu Xiangsheng , Tang Xiaowei
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims. Recently, a new type of metal stent, named lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS), has been designed to manage pancreatic fluid collections (PFC), and a few studies have reported its efficacy and safety. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the role of LAMS for PFC. Methods. We searched the studies from PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to May 2019. We extracted the data and analyzed the technical success, clinical success, and adverse events of LAMS to evaluate its efficacy and safety. Results. Twenty studies with 1534 patients were included. The pooled technical success, clinical success, and adverse event rates of LAMS for PFC were 96.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 94.6%-97.4%), 86.8% (95% CI: 83.1%-89.8%), and 20.7% (95% CI: 16.1%-26.1%), respectively. Eight studies including 875 patients compared the clinical outcomes of LAMS with plastic stents. The pooled risk ratio (RR) of technical success and clinical success for LAMS and plastic stent was 1.01 (95% CI: 0.98-1.04, P=0.62) and 1.06 (95% CI: 1.01-1.12, P=0.03), respectively. As for the overall adverse events, the pooled RR was 1.51 (95% CI: 0.67-3.44, P=0.32). Conclusions. Our current study revealed that LAMS has advantages over plastic stents for PFC, with higher clinical success rate and lower complication rate of infection and occlusion.
Influence of Tire‐Recycled Steel Fibers on Strength and Flexural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Zhang Yancong , Gao Lingling
Published: April 2020

Tire production is increasing every year due to the increase in vehicle sales. The generation and disposal of waste are inherent to life itself and have presented very serious problems to the human community in China. Recently, some research has been devoted to the use of tire‐recycled steel fibers in concrete. This study is focusing on the use of tire‐recycled steel fibers. Several volume ratios of tire‐recycled steel fibers were used in concrete mix to fabricate and test. Reinforced concrete obtains evidence and satisfactory improvement by adding tire‐recycled steel fibers, mostly in compressive strength, splitting strength, flexural tensile strength, and flexural toughness. The strength and flexural toughness of the tire‐recycled steel fiber reinforced concrete are lower than those of industrial steel fibers. To obtain concrete with approximately the same strength or toughness, the content of tire‐recycled steel fibers should be about 1%‐2% higher than that of industrial steel fibers. In addition, the load‐deflection curve tends to become fuller after the first crack, and the second peak of the load continues to increase. The steel fiber reinforced concrete is getting closer to the ideal elastic‐plastic material.
ZNF143-Mediated H3K9 Trimethylation Upregulates CDC6 by Activating MDIG in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Lili , Huo Qi , Ge Chao , Zhao Fangyu , Zhou Qingqing , Chen Xiaoxia , Tian Hua , Chen Taoyang , Xie Haiyang , Cui Ying , Yao Ming , Li Hong , Li Jinjun
Published: April 2020

Zinc finger protein 143 (ZNF143) belongs to the zinc finger protein family and possesses transcription factor activity by binding sequence-specific DNA. The exact biological role of ZNF143 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been investigated. Here we report that ZNF143 is overexpressed in HCC tissues and its overexpression correlates with poor prognosis. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments showed that ZNF143 promoted HCC cell proliferation, colony formation, and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. ZNF143 accelerated HCC cell-cycle progression by activating cell division cycle 6 (CDC6). Mechanistically, ZNF143 promoted expression of CDC6 by directly activating transcription of histone demethylase mineral dust–induced gene (MDIG), which in turn reduced H3K9me3 enrichment in the CDC6 promoter region. Consistently, ZNF143 expression correlated significantly with MDIG and CDC6 expression in HCC. Collectively, we propose a model for a ZNF143–MDIG–CDC6 oncoprotein axis that provides novel insight into ZNF143, which may serve as a therapeutic target in HCC.

Significance:

These findings describe the mechanism by which ZNF143 promotes HCC proliferation and provide important clues for exploring new targets and strategies for clinical treatment of human liver cancer.
Myeloid Cell–Derived TGFβ Signaling Regulates ECM Deposition in Mammary Carcinoma via Adenosine-Dependent Mechanisms
Authors: Vasiukov Georgii , Novitskaya Tatiana , Zijlstra Andries , Owens Philip , Ye Fei , Zhao Zhiguo , Moses Harold L. , Blackwell Timothy , Feoktistov Igor , Novitskiy Sergey V.
Published: April 2020

TGFβ plays a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment by regulating cell–cell and cell–stroma interactions. We previously demonstrated that TGFβ signaling on myeloid cells regulates expression of CD73, a key enzyme for production of adenosine, a protumorigenic metabolite implicated in regulation of tumor cell behaviors, immune response, and angiogenesis. Here, using an MMTV-PyMT mouse mammary tumor model, we discovered that deletion of TGFβ signaling on myeloid cells (PyMT/TGFβRIILysM) affects extracellular matrix (ECM) formation in tumor tissue, specifically increasing collagen and decreasing fibronectin deposition. These changes were associated with mitigated tumor growth and reduced metastases. Reduced TGFβ signaling on fibroblasts was associated with their proximity to CD73+ myeloid cells in tumor tissue. Consistent with these findings, adenosine significantly downregulated TGFβ signaling on fibroblasts, an effect regulated by A2A and A2B adenosine receptors. METABRIC dataset analysis revealed that patients with triple-negative breast cancer and basal type harbored a similar signature of adenosine and ECM profiles; high expression of A2B adenosine receptors correlated with decreased expression of Col1 and was associated with poor outcome. Taken together, our studies reveal a new role for TGFβ signaling on myeloid cells in tumorigenesis. This discovered cross-talk between TGFβ/CD73 on myeloid cells and TGFβ signaling on fibroblasts can contribute to ECM remodeling and protumorigenic actions of cancer-associated fibroblasts.

Significance:

TGFβ signaling on fibroblasts is decreased in breast cancer, correlates with poor prognosis, and appears to be driven by adenosine that accelerates tumor progression and metastasis via ECM remodeling.
Characterization of BAY 1905254, an Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Targeting the Immunoglobulin-Like Domain Containing Receptor 2 (ILDR2)
Authors: Huetter Julia , Gritzan Uwe , Gutcher Ilona , Doecke Wolf-Dietrich , Luetke-Eversloh Merlin V. , Golfier Sven , Roider Helge G. , Frisk Anna-Lena , Hunter John , Pow Andrew , Drake Andrew , Levine Zurit , Levy Ofer , Azulay Meir , Barbiro Inbal , Cojocaru Gady , Vaknin Ilan , Kreft Bertolt , Roese Lars
Published: April 2020

The immunoglobulin-like domain containing receptor 2 (ILDR2), a type I transmembrane protein belonging to the B7 family of immunomodulatory receptors, has been described to induce an immunosuppressive effect on T-cell responses. Besides its expression in several nonlymphoid tissue types, we found that ILDR2 was also expressed in fibroblastic reticular cells (FRC) in the stromal part of the lymph node. These immunoregulatory cells were located in the T-cell zone and were essential for the recruitment of naïve T cells and activated dendritic cells to the lymph nodes. Previously, it has been shown that an ILDR2-Fc fusion protein exhibits immunomodulatory effects in several models of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and type I diabetes. Herein, we report the generation and characterization of a human/mouse/monkey cross-reactive anti-ILDR2 hIgG2 antibody, BAY 1905254, developed to block the immunosuppressive activity of ILDR2 for cancer immunotherapy. BAY 1905254 was shown to promote T-cell activation in vitro and enhance antigen-specific T-cell proliferation and cytotoxicity in vivo in mice. BAY 1905254 also showed potent efficacy in various syngeneic mouse cancer models, and the efficacy was found to correlate with increasing mutational load in the cancer models used. Additive or even synergistic antitumor effects were observed when BAY 1905254 was administered in combination with anti–PD-L1, an immunogenic cell death–inducing chemotherapeutic, or with tumor antigen immunization. Taken together, our data showed that BAY 1905254 is a potential drug candidate for cancer immunotherapy, supporting its further evaluation.
Varikose: Welche Komplikationen im Aufklärungsgespräch genannt werden sollten
Authors: Stücker Markus
Published: April 2020

Objective: To reach consensus on which complications of varicose vein treatments physicians consider major or minor, in order to standardize the informed consent procedure and improve shared decision-making. Methods: Using the e-Delphi method, expert physicians from 10 countries were asked to rate complications as «major» or «minor» on a 5-point Likert scale. Reference articles from a Cochrane review on varicose veins were used to compose the list of complications. Results: Participating experts reached consensus on 12 major complications: allergic reaction, cellulitis requiring intravenous antibiotics/intensive care, wound infection requiring debridement, hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion/surgical intervention, pulmonary embolism, skin necrosis requiring surgery, arteriovenous fistula requiring repair, deep venous thrombosis, lymphocele, thermal injury, transient ischemic attack/stroke, and permanent discoloration. Conclusion: An international consensus was reached about what physicians consider to be major complications of varicose vein treatments. This consensus may assist in standardizing the information physicians discuss with patients prior to varicose vein treatment.
Defektdeckung: Stufenweise Modifikation der Lappenpräparation bringt Vorteile
Authors: Quambusch Marc André , Sand Michael
Published: April 2020

Skin cancer and precancerous skin lesions cause significant soft-tissue defects following tumor ablation. Recently, keystone flaps have gained popularity due to their simplicity, versatility, and reliability. We evaluated the efficacy of modified keystone flaps for soft-tissue reconstruction following skin tumor ablation in 2 medical centers. We reviewed the medical records of patients who received modified keystone flaps following the removal of skin tumors from January 2017 to December 2017. The diagnosis, site, flap size, and complications were recorded. Forty-one modified keystone flaps were evaluated, and the wound dimensions ranged from 1 cm × 1 cm to 18 cm × 9.5 cm, with an average size of 9.8 cm × 6.4 cm. With our selection strategy, specific modified keystone flaps were designed for the soft-tissue defects. The flap dimensions ranged from 2.2 cm × 1 cm to 26 cm × 10 cm, with an average size of 14.3 cm × 7.5 cm. Two patients developed minor wound dehiscence (4.9%), and 1 patient developed partial flap loss (2.4%), but all of these patients healed after local wound care without the need for surgical intervention. Our selection strategy for modified keystone flaps is a feasible and reliable option for reconstruction following skin tumor excision.
Accuracy of Constant C for Ray Tracing: Assisted Intraocular Lens Power Calculation in Normal Ocular Axial Eyes
Authors: Chang Ping-Jun , Zhang Fan , Wang Jia-Jun , Zhao Yun-E
Published: April 2020

Objective: To evaluate the effect of constant C for ray tracing-assisted intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in patients with different refractive power, we compared the refractive outcome of the ray tracing method based on constant C and conventional IOL calculation. Methods: 215 eyes which underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation were enrolled in the study. According to the average corneal power, patients were divided into 3 groups: high corneal power (K >45 D) group, medium corneal power (43 ≤ K ≤ 45 D) group, and low corneal power (K <43 D) group. The predicted sphero-equivalent refractive outcome for the IOL power implanted at surgery was calculated using the ray tracing method, SRK/T, and Haigis formulas. Results: On the basis of the corneal refractive power, there were 65 eyes of K >45 D (30.23%), 96 eyes of 43 ≤ K ≤ 45 D (44.65%), and 54 eyes of K <43 D (25.12%). In general, the ray tracing group had the smallest value of mean absolute error (MAE) and mean error, and the proportions of eyes with absolute error (AE) <0.50 and <0.75 D were significantly higher than those of the other 2 formulas (p = 0.010). In each group, the value of MAE was smallest in the ray tracing group; for the proportions of AEs <0.50 and <0.75 D, the values in the ray tracing group were higher than those in the SRK/T and Haigis groups. Especially in the high and low corneal refractive groups, the proportion of AE <0.25 D was also obviously higher, but only in the low corneal refractive power group, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.006). Conclusions: Compared with the conventional formulas, C constant of the ray tracing-assisted IOL power calculation has more accuracy for the patients with different corneal refractive powers. Ray tracing could provide better guidance for IOL selection clinically.
Epigenomic Assessment of Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Interactions With Traditional Risk Metrics
Authors: Westerman Kenneth , Fernández‐Sanlés Alba , Patil Prasad , Sebastiani Paola , Jacques Paul , Starr John M. , J. Deary Ian , Liu Qing , Liu Simin , Elosua Roberto , DeMeo Dawn L. , Ordovás José M.
Published: April 2020

Background

Epigenome‐wide association studies for cardiometabolic risk factors have discovered multiple loci associated with incident cardiovascular disease (
CVD
). However, few studies have sought to directly optimize a predictor of
CVD
risk. Furthermore, it is challenging to train multivariate models across multiple studies in the presence of study‐ or batch effects.

Methods and Results

Here, we analyzed existing
DNA
methylation data collected using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 microarray to create a predictor of
CVD
risk across 3 cohorts: Women's Health Initiative, Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort, and Lothian Birth Cohorts. We trained Cox proportional hazards‐based elastic net regressions for incident
CVD
separately in each cohort and used a recently introduced cross‐study learning approach to integrate these individual scores into an ensemble predictor. The methylation‐based risk score was associated with
CVD
time‐to‐event in a held‐out fraction of the Framingham data set (hazard ratio per
SD
=1.28, 95%
CI
, 1.10–1.50) and predicted myocardial infarction status in the independent
REGICOR
(Girona Heart Registry) data set (odds ratio per
SD
=2.14, 95%
CI
, 1.58–2.89). These associations remained after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and were similar to those from elastic net models trained on a directly merged data set. Additionally, we investigated interactions between the methylation‐based risk score and both genetic and biochemical
CVD
risk, showing preliminary evidence of an enhanced performance in those with less traditional risk factor elevation.

Conclusions

This investigation provides proof‐of‐concept for a genome‐wide,
CVD
‐specific epigenomic risk score and suggests that
DNA
methylation data may enable the discovery of high‐risk individuals who would be missed by alternative risk metrics.
­Redescription and distributional range extension of the Speckled Siphonfish, Siphamia guttulata (Pisces: Apogonidae)
Authors: POGONOSKI JOHN J. , GON OFER , APPLEYARD SHARON A.
Published: April 2020

During seabed biodiversity surveys between 2003 and 2005 from the Torres Strait (Papua New Guinea) to the southern Great Barrier Reef (Queensland), hundreds of Siphamia specimens were collected. After Gon & Allen’s (2012) revision allowed greater interrogation of the Siphamia species present, a re-examination of preserved and frozen Siphamia specimens at the CSIRO Australian National Fish Collection (ANFC) was warranted. The material was re-identified as four commonly collected species (S. cuneiceps, S. roseigaster, S. tubifer, and S. tubulata) and a fifth unidentified species that appeared to key to S. guttulata, previously known only from the type locality. Further detailed investigations including an analysis of meristic, morphometric and COI barcoding data confirmed the identity of S. guttulata from almost the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, from the Torres Strait in the north to the Northumberland Islands Group in the south. This study provides a redescription of Siphamia guttulata and highlights the importance of re-assessing the taxonomic status of museum material after revisionary studies.
A new endemic insular Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Cyrtodctylus) from Quang Nam Province, Central Vietnam
Authors: VAN TRI NGO , GRISMER L. LEE , THAI PHAM HONG , WOOD P.L. JR
Published: April 2020

A new species of insular Bent-toed Gecko, Cyrtodactylus culaochamensis sp. nov. of the C. irregularis group is described from Cu Lao Cham Mountain, from Hon Lao Island, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, Cham Islands, central Vietnam. Cyrtodactylus culaochamensis sp. nov. is the sister species of C. pseudoquadrivirgatus from Ba Na Nui Chua from Danang City, central Vietnam. It differs from all congeners by having a maximum SVL of 79.8 mm (n=5); dark spots on the head edged in white; a fragmented nuchal loop; irregularly shaped, broad, completed or broken dorsal bands; 19–21 interorbital scales across the frontal bone; 28–32 scales between the eye and nostril; 45–50 rows of ventral scales between the ventrolateral folds; scattered, smooth tubercles; 20–22 irregular, longitudinal rows of weakly keeled tubercles at midbody between the ventrolateral folds; seven or eight precloacal pores in a chevron pattern in males; no enlarged femoral scales, no femoral pores; 13–15 subdigital lamellae on first toe; 20–23 subdigital lamellae on fourth toe; and very slightly enlarged subcaudal scales.
Optimal Estimation of Stochastic Energy Balance Model Parameters
Authors: Cummins Donald P. , Stephenson David B. , Stott Peter A.
Published: April 2020

This study has developed a rigorous and efficient maximum likelihood method for estimating the parameters in stochastic energy balance models (with any k > 0 number of boxes) given time series of surface temperature and top-of-the-atmosphere net downward radiative flux. The method works by finding a state-space representation of the linear dynamic system and evaluating the likelihood recursively via the Kalman filter. Confidence intervals for estimated parameters are straightforward to construct in the maximum likelihood framework, and information criteria may be used to choose an optimal number of boxes for parsimonious k-box emulation of atmosphere–ocean general circulation models (AOGCMs). In addition to estimating model parameters the method enables hidden state estimation for the unobservable boxes corresponding to the deep ocean, and also enables noise filtering for observations of surface temperature. The feasibility, reliability, and performance of the proposed method are demonstrated in a simulation study. To obtain a set of optimal k-box emulators, models are fitted to the 4 × CO2 step responses of 16 AOGCMs in CMIP5. It is found that for all 16 AOGCMs three boxes are required for optimal k-box emulation. The number of boxes k is found to influence, sometimes strongly, the impulse responses of the fitted models.
From Education to the Labor Market in Lithuania: The Role of Youth and Parental Education
Authors: Braziene Ruta
Published: April 2020

This article examines how the education of youth and parents influences the transition of youth from schooling to the labor market. I use a representative survey of youth aged 16 to 29 ( N = 1,590) in Lithuania in 2013 to create an analysis that yields estimates of the influence of family education on factors such as youth employment, obstacles to finding a first job, and difficulties in the first job. My hypothesis that youth from families with less education have greater difficulties in the labor market transition was confirmed. My hypothesis that the higher the parents’ education, the easier it is for young people to adapt in the first workplace was also confirmed. Results also reveal that lower parental education means that their children lacked general workplace competencies, had less-decent working conditions, and faced other difficulties in the labor market.
Young Women’s Transition from Education to Work in the Caucasus and Central Asia
Authors: Gebel Michael
Published: April 2020

This article analyzes the individual- and family-level factors that pave the way to the labor market and to formal sector jobs for young women in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Retrospective life history data from a 2017 survey in Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Tajikistan show that higher education attainment has a strong positive impact on labor market activity and getting a formal sector job. Early family formation drives young women into inactivity, but it does not limit the chances of getting access to the formal sector. The chances of getting a formal sector job are positively influenced by the social resources of parents in Georgia and Tajikistan and by parents’ economic resources in Azerbaijan and Georgia. Evidence about the role of economic need and of traditionalism for women’s labor market participation is mixed.
Globalization of Education in UAE: The Local Legislative Education Policies for International Branch Campuses and Its Tensions Given the Political, Religious, and Cultural Differences
Authors: Nuzhat Sabiha
Published: April 2020

Globalization has flourished many sectors of the society, including higher education. This article researches the existing literature of globalization of education in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the establishment of international branch campuses (IBCs), particularly in Dubai. UAE has its laws and legislations in place for IBCs which must be followed by all. There are different accreditation boards in UAE that universities undergo based on their type and locality within the country. Due to UAE having a strong political, religious, and cultural context, tensions are faced by IBCs and local students in ensuring the implementation of curriculum borrowed policies. Despite the tensions, it is seen that UAE has a steady increase in the growth of IBCs. This article further researches the tensions and reasons of the success of IBCs in UAE’s context.
Training Preservice Teachers to Match Assistive Technology to Student Needs
Authors: Jones Beth A. , Peterson-Ahmad Maria , Fields Melanie , Williams Nichole
Published: April 2020

Understanding how to appropriately choose, implement, and utilize assistive technology (AT) for students on an individualized education program (IEP) is imperative to success within a school setting and has been shown to improve with preservice teachers’ (PST) training. This study investigated the impact that a training session in which PST were exposed to a variety of AT devices/software in one university’s AT lab and given direct instruction in the Student Environment Tasks Tools (SETT) framework for selecting appropriate AT by working through a training case study would have on PST knowledge of AT and its selection. Sixty-eight PST participated in this study, and the results demonstrate that the training increased their ability to name specific AT items on a presurvey ( M = 3.56, SD = 14.88) compared to the postsurvey ( M = 9.57, SD = 25.14). The increase of number of devices and software named pre- and postsurvey was significantly greater than chance, t(67) = −7.64, p < .01). Most notably, participants could name the components of SETT on the postsurvey (94.12%) and apply the SETT framework to a hypothetical student, improving the quality and quantity of recommendations for the student. This study provides further evidence for inclusion of AT in teacher preparation programs.
The effect of childhood unpredictability on co-parenting relationships during the transition to parenthood: A life history approach
Authors: Szepsenwol Ohad
Published: April 2020

Recent extensions to life history theory posit that exposure to environmental unpredictability during childhood should forecast negative parental behaviors in adulthood. In the current research, this logic was extended to co-parental behaviors, which refer to how parents coordinate, share responsibility, and support each other’s parental efforts. The effects of early-life unpredictability on individual and dyadic co-parental functioning were examined in a sample of 109 families (two parents and their firstborn child) who were followed longitudinally from before the child’s birth until the age of two. Greater early-life unpredictability (family changes, residential changes, and parents’ occupational changes by age 8) experienced by mothers, but not fathers, predicted more negative co-parental behaviors in triadic observations 6 months post birth, and lower couple-reported co-parenting quality assessed 3, 9, 18, and 24 months post birth. These effects were not explained by parents’ childhood socioeconomic status or current relationship quality. These findings highlight the role of mothers in shaping co-parenting relationships and how these relationships might be influenced by mothers’ early-life experiences.
“Defining the relationship” in adolescent and young adult romantic relationships
Authors: Knopp Kayla , Rhoades Galena K. , Stanley Scott M. , Markman Howard J.
Published: April 2020

“Defining the relationship” (DTR) conversations are a topic of interest among lay people, yet have been the focus of little empirical research, leaving a gap in the psychological literature on romantic relationship development. This article presents descriptive data from two studies about the characteristics and correlates of DTR talks in adolescents’ and emerging adults’ romantic relationships. In Study 1, DTR talks were found to occur in over half of the young adult participants’ ( N = 341) most recent relationships, often involved discussion about aspects of commitment and sexual decisions, and occurred more often in relationships that were more serious, involved sex, delayed sex, and involved infidelity. Study 2 extended these findings to an online sample of 15- to 17-year-old adolescents ( N = 248) and found similar results. Further, Study 2 showed that DTR talks were associated with more frequent condom and birth control use. Qualitative data from Study 2 indicated that planning for the future and resolving ambiguity were common motivations for DTR talks, though many teens also reported more spontaneous motivations; further, DTR talks often, but not always, resulted in positive changes in the relationship, including increased clarity, intimacy, and commitment. These findings suggest that DTR talks are an important topic for future research and may have implications for young people’s relationship quality and sexual health.
Clinical application of a new ternary polymer, SEC-1 coat™, for pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass circuits: a prospective randomized pilot study
Authors: Hasegawa Tomomi , Oshima Yoshihiro , Yokoyama Shinji , Akimoto Asuka , Misaka Yusuke , Akiyama Shota
Published: April 2020

Objective:

The use of biocompatible materials to reduce the systemic activation of inflammation and coagulation pathways is expanding rapidly. However, there have been few clinical studies of biocompatible circuits for pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass. This pilot study aimed to preliminarily evaluate the biocompatibility of SEC-1 coat™ (SEC) for cardiopulmonary bypass circuits in pediatric cardiac surgery.

Methods:

Twenty infants undergoing cardiac surgery for isolated ventricular septal defects at Kobe Children’s Hospital were assigned randomly to an SEC-coated (SEC group, n = 10) or heparin-coated (control group, n = 10) circuit. Perioperative data and the following markers were prospectively analyzed: platelet counts and interleukin-6, interleukin-8, C3a, β-thromboglobulin, and thrombin–antithrombin complex levels.

Results:

Neither patient characteristics nor postoperative clinical outcomes differed significantly between the SEC and control groups. Platelet counts markedly decreased during cardiopulmonary bypass in both groups, but were significantly better preserved in the SEC group. Fewer patients needed postoperative platelet transfusions in the SEC group. After cardiopulmonary bypass termination, serum levels of β-thromboglobulin and thrombin–antithrombin complex were significantly lower in the SEC than in the control group. Although the differences were not statistically significant, serum levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and C3a had a tendency toward being lower in the SEC group, with good preservation of leukocyte counts, fibrinogen, and antithrombin III.

Conclusion:

SEC-1 coat™ for cardiopulmonary bypass circuits have good biocompatibility with regard to platelet preservation and in terms of attenuating inflammatory reaction or coagulation activation during pediatric cardiac surgery. It can be beneficial in pediatric as well as adult cardiac surgery.
Heart-lung transplantation for refractory diffuse alveolar hemorrhage supported by prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after cardiogenic shock from ST segment elevation myocardial infarction: a case report
Authors: Lee Sang Hyun , Cho Hyun Myung , Jung Soon Myung , Choi Jin Hee , Chon Min Ku , Hwang Ki Won , Kim Jeong Su , Park Yong Hyun , Kim June Hong , Chun Kook Jin , Yeo Hye Ju , Lee Sang Gwon , Kim Do Hyung , Lee Soo Yong
Published: April 2020

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage after percutaneous coronary intervention is a rare but fatal complication. Although timely application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenator and discontinuation of antiplatelet/anticoagulation is the treatment of choice, bleeding is often irreversible. Herein, we introduce a patient with refractory diffuse alveolar hemorrhage after prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenator and percutaneous coronary intervention, who was eventually rescued with heart-lung transplantation.
Aggressive placement of distal limb perfusion catheter in venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Ohira Suguru , Kawamura Masashi , Ahern Kristin , Cavarocchi Nicholas , Hirose Hitoshi
Published: April 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study is to review the impacts of aggressive placement of a distal perfusion catheter on the outcomes in patients supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation via femoral cannulation.

Methods:

Analysis was performed with 143 consecutive femoral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation. Patients were divided into two groups: the early period (October 2010 to December 2012, N = 47) where placement of a distal perfusion catheter was attempted percutaneously but not surgically and the late period (January 2013 to November 2018, N = 96) in which placement of distal perfusion catheter was aggressively utilized both percutaneously and surgically. The modification of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation protocol for the late period involved (1) an immediate insertion of a distal perfusion catheter regardless of the size of femoral arterial cannula, (2) an open insertion of a distal perfusion catheter if percutaneous approach failed, and (3) when venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation was completed at a non-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation center, it was encouraged that they attempt insertion of a distal perfusion catheter at the time of cannulation.

Results:

In the late period, a distal perfusion catheter was placed in 96% (92/96) which was significantly increased from 66% (31/47) in the early period. Of these 92 patients in late period, nine patients (9.8%) required open direct insertion of a distal perfusion catheter. The incidence of lower limb ischemia (early vs. late period 26% vs 12%, P = 0.031) was significantly decreased in the late period. Logistic regression analyses showed that distal perfusion catheter placement was the only factor for preventing lower limb ischemia.

Conclusion:

Aggressive insertion of a distal perfusion catheter even utilizing surgical cut-down technique was shown to decrease the incidence of distal limb complications.