bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifaceted Influences of Melanin‐Like Particles on Amyloid‐beta Aggregation
Authors: Song Haeun , Kim Yoonyoung , Kim Inkyu , Kim Young‐Kwan , Kwon Sunbum , Kang Kyungtae
Published: November 2019

The properties of eumelanin‐like particles (EMPs) and pheomelanin‐like particles (PMPs) in regulating the process of amyloid formation of amyloid‐beta 42 (Aβ42) were examined. EMPs and PMPs are effective both in interfering with amyloid aggregation of Aβ42 and in remodeling matured Αβ42 fibers. The results suggest that some (but not all) molecular species consisting of melanin‐like particles (MPs) are responsible for their inhibiting property toward amyloid formation, and the influence is likely manifested by long‐range interactions. Incubating preformed Aβ42 fibers with catechols or MPs leads to the formation of mesh‐like, interconnected Aβ42 fibers encapsulated with melanin‐like material. MPs are kinetically more effective than catechol monomers in this process, and a detailed investigation reveals that 4,5‐dihydroxyindole, a major intermediate in the formation of melanin‐like species, and its derivatives are mainly responsible for remodeling amyloid fibers.
Exploring the compatibility mechanism of ShengDiHuang Decoction based on the in situ single‐pass intestinal perfusion model
Authors: Yang Hui , Hao Qi , Cheng Jiangxue , Wang Mei , Zou Junbo , Zhang Xiaofei , Guo Dongyan
Published: November 2019

Affecting the absorption of active ingredients in the intestine serves as one of the important compatibility mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the compatibility mechanism of ShengDiHuang Decoction (SDHD) by using the single‐pass intestinal perfusion in situ model. The major effective ingredients, catalpol, aucubin, acteoside, rehmannioside D, rehmannioside A, rhein, aloe emodin, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion, were determined by HPLC. By analysing the effects of different concentrations, different pH, intestinal segments, protein inhibitors, and tight junction regulators on SDHD absorption, it was found that catalpol, aucubin, rehmannioside D, rehmannioside A, acteoside, rhein, and chrysophanol may undergo active transport, while aloe‐emodin and emodin may undergo passive transport. Catalpol, aucubin, and rehmannioside D may be substrates of BCRP and MRP2, while rehmannioside A and rhein may be substrates of BCRP, and acteoside and chrysophanol may be substrates of P‐gp, BCRP and MRP2. By comparing the Papp values of the major effective ingredients between single herb and herb‐pairs, the compatibility of rehmannia and rheum could significantly promote the absorption of components in rehmannia. It is verified that rheum has a synergistic effect on the absorption of rehmannia in SDHD.
Druckfestigkeit von Lochfeldern aus Normalbeton unter einachsiger Kurzzeitbeanspruchung
Authors: Huber Christoph , Eilbracht Gert , Sobek Werner
Published: December 2019

Der vorliegende Beitrag geht der Frage nach, wie sich die Probekörperfestigkeit (Druckfestigkeit und E‐Modul) einer Scheibe aus Normalbeton infolge von eingebrachten Löchern (Porosität) und den sich dadurch ergebenden Lochfeldern verändert. Die Ergebnisse aus Versuchen und FE‐Analyse (nichtlineares Materialgesetz) werden in einem Diagramm dargestellt, das die Druckfestigkeit im Verhältnis zur Porosität bzw. zur Anzahl der Löcher abbildet.
Simultaneous determination of thirteen substances related to NAFLD in mouse brain tissue using 3‐aminobutyric acid as internal standard by HPLC–FLD
Authors: Liu Yong‐hong , Du Ting‐ting , Wan Jing‐yuan , Zhao Hua , Huang Dan , Li Jian‐sha , Jiang Xin‐hui
Published: December 2019

Disorders of certain branched‐chain amino acids may be associated with the occurrence and development of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Measurement of related branched‐chain amino acid levels could provide a reference for the clinical and scientific research of the non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. An established HPLC–FLD method was used to quantify aspartic acid, glutamate, glutamine, glycine, taurine, tyrosine, 4‐amino butanoic acid, tryptophan, methionine, valine, phenylalanine, isoleucine and leucine in mouse brain tissue. Brain tissue samples mixed with internal standard (3‐aminobutyric acid) were processed, then derivatized with 2‐O‐phthaldialdehyde, and finally separated on an ODS2 column through gradient elution at a flow rate of 1.0 ml·min−1. The excitation and emission wavelengths were set at 340 and 455 nm, respectively. The mobile phase A was 100% methanol and the mobile phase B consisted of 30 mmol·L−1 sodium acetate (pH 6.8). The injection volume was 20 μl and the single run time was 45 min. Several parameters, accuracy, precision, and stability, were verified and the results showed the established method had good sensitivity and resolution for all of the 13 compounds and internal standard in mouse brain.
Coloniser control and the art of disremembering a “dark history”: Duality in Australia Day and Australian history
Authors: Lipscombe Tamara A. , Dzidic Peta L. , Garvey Darren C.
Published: December 2019

Often, colonisation is considered a single, past event; in actuality, colonisation is a continual enculturating practice that galvanises historical Indigenous inequality and colonial privilege. This study deconstructs social tension surround Australia Day—the national day of celebration that for some is seen as the date marking the beginning of Australia but for others marks invasion. Given that the date of celebration marks the beginning of non‐Indigenous privilege and Indigenous disadvantage in Australia, debate exists as to whether the date should remain the same. Twelve people, self‐identified as wanting the date of Australia Day to stay the same, participated in semistructured interviews; transcripts were analysed using causal layered analysis. Findings suggest an unstable national identity centred on a denial of past and present oppression of Indigenous peoples—the past is conceptualised as having little relevance to present‐day Indigenous inequalities. Findings generated appear transferable to understanding social tensions that arise in colonised states globally, particularly relating to Indigenous inequalities and colonist privilege. Exploring Australia Day acts as a conduit for understanding how social psychological barriers occur to deny historical and present social injustices and positively constructs oppression within colonist states.
Tools for Trans Inclusiveness in the Community College Setting: A Look at City College of San Francisco
Authors: Haefele‐Thomas Ardel , Hansen Breana Bahar
Published: November 2019

This chapter explores the work to dismantle cissexism and trans discrimination through LGBT studies and the work of student groups at the City College of San Francisco, with particular emphasis on sustainable and successful practices that can be implemented within a variety of institutional contexts.
Two decades after coronary radiation therapy: A single center longitudinal clinical study
Authors: Radhoe Sumant P. , Schuurman Anne‐Sophie , Ligthart Jurgen M. , Witberg Karen , de Jaegere Peter P. T. , van Domburg Ron T. , Regar Evelyn
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the very long‐term clinical outcome after radioactive stent (RS) implantation and intracoronary β radiation brachytherapy (IRBT).

Background

Radioactive stents (RS) and intracoronary β radiation brachytherapy (IRBT) were introduced to prevent restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Both techniques were associated with a higher incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in the short and intermediate‐term follow up as compared to conventional PCI.

Methods

One hundred and thirty‐three patients received radioactive stents (32P) and 301 patients were treated with IRBT adjunctive to PCI. These groups were propensity matched to respectively 266 and 602 control patients who were treated with routine PCI during the same inclusion period. Endpoints were all‐cause mortality and MACE, defined as all‐cause death, any myocardial infarction or any revascularization.

Results

Median follow‐up duration was 17 years. All‐cause mortality rates were similar in all groups. Adjusted hazard ratios for MACE and mortality in the RS cohort were 1.55 (95% CI 1.20–2.00) and 0.92 (95% CI 0.63–1.34), respectively. Adjusted hazard ratios for MACE and all‐cause mortality in the IRBT cohort were 1.41 (95% CI 1.18–1.67) and 0.95 (95% CI 0.74–1.21), respectively. The difference in MACE rates was predominantly driven by coronary revascularizations in both groups, with a higher MI rate in the IRBT group as well.

Conclusions

Coronary radiation therapy was associated with early increased MACE rates, but the difference in MACE rates decreased beyond 2 years, resulting in a comparable long‐term clinical outcome. Importantly, no excess in mortality was observed.
The efficacy and safety of P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Luo Liman , Fu Menglu , Li Yuanyuan , Chen Zhihui , Yu Jing , Luo Jinlan , Hu Shuiqing , Tu Ling , Xu Xizhen
Published: November 2019

The optimal antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains to be elucidated. Monotherapy with a P2Y12 inhibitor may be inferior to dual antiplatelet therapy in patients after PCI. PubMed, EMBASE (by Ovidsp), Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library were searched from database inception to 2 October 2019. The composite of cardiovascular outcomes, all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, stent thrombosis, and major bleeding were evaluated. Pooled outcomes were presented as relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of four trials randomizing 29 089 participants were included. Compared with the dual antiplatelet therapy group (n = 14 559), the P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy group (n = 14 530) significantly decreased the incidence of bleeding events (2.0% vs 3.1%; RR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.43‐0.84; P = .005). There were no significant differences in all‐cause mortality (1.3% vs 1.5%; RR: 0.87; 95% CI, 0.71‐1.06; P = .16), myocardial infarction (2.1% vs 1.9%; RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.90‐1.25; P = .46), stroke (0.6% vs 0.5%; RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.67‐2.07; P = .57), or stent thrombosis (0.5% vs 0.4%; RR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.81‐1.61; P = .44) between the two groups. P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy did not show any significant difference in the adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, but markedly decreased the risk of bleeding among patients after PCI vs dual antiplatelet therapy. However, it still needs to be further confirmed due to limited data.
Deep hashing based on triplet labels and quantitative regularization term with exponential convergence
Authors: Liu Zhuotong , Li Chen , Tian Lihua
Published: December 2019

Due to the outstanding performance of the deep network architecture–based hash for data storage and retrieval in recent years, it has been widely applied in massive image retrieval. Most previous approaches have not paid attention to the significant effect on the hash model of quantization error during the learning process. Furthermore, the saturated loss function may result in similar hash codes being generated by large‐difference images. The underuse of classification information in the training process also brings about poor performance by hash codes in retrieval assignments. In this paper, we propose a novel quantitative regularization term with an exponential convergence rate to minimize the impact of quantization error on the model and accelerate the convergence speed of the network. In the training process, to resolve the dilemma caused by saturation loss functions, a new sigmoid function with a slope parameter that can be changed automatically according to the number of iterations is proposed. For the sufficient application of classification information, triplet labels and image labels are used in parallel under the same framework by integrating image labels into the output layer. The experiment results indicate that our algorithm is superior to several advanced hash methods on two standard datasets.
Rechargeable Intermetallic Calcium–Lithium–O2 Batteries
Authors: Kim Mi‐Jin , Kang Hui‐Ju , Im Won Bin , Jun Young‐Si
Published: November 2019

The growing demand for rechargeable batteries with high energy density has triggered research on batteries based on polyvalent cations such as Ca2+, Mg2+, Al3+, and Y3+. Ca is, in particular, a promising anode material as an alternative to Li because of its mechanical strength (ρ=1.55 g cm−3), safety in terms of thermal runaway (m.p.=839 °C), earth‐abundance (world production of 150 million tons of gypsum in 2012), high specific charge capacity (1.340 mAh g−1 or 2.077 mAh cm−3), and standard reduction potential (−2.87 V vs. normal hydrogen electrode, NHE) comparable to that of Li. As with Mg, the practical application of Ca in rechargeable batteries with organic liquid electrolytes has been hindered by the passivation layer resulting from undesirable reactions between metallic Ca and electrolytes, which precludes the possibility of reversible plating of any metal cations on Ca electrodes. Here, a battery system based on intermetallic CaLi2 anodes was developed. Li was used as a host for Ca through the formation of an intermetallic compound, which simultaneously enabled 1) the assembly of a rechargeable battery system with Ca anodes and liquid organic electrolytes and 2) coupling these with an earth‐abundant, high‐energy‐density air cathode without special passivation agents. This strategy is simple and broadly applicable to the other polyvalent cations listed above, opening a new avenue to further engineer the electrode materials required for practical, efficient electrochemical energy‐storage systems.
Unique Layer‐Doping‐Induced Regulation of Charge Behavior in Metal‐Free Carbon Nitride Photoanodes for Enhanced Performance
Authors: Luan Peng , Meng Qingqiang , Wu Jing , Li Qinye , Zhang Xiaolong , Zhang Ying , O'Dell Luke A. , Raga Sonia R. , Pringle Jennifer , Griffith James C. , Sun Chenghua , Bach Udo , Zhang Jie
Published: November 2019

Photoinduced charge carrier behavior is critical in determining photoelectrocatalytic activity. In this study, a unique layer‐doped metal‐free polymeric carbon nitride (C3N4) photoanode is fabricated by using one‐pot thermal vapor deposition. With this method, a photoanode consisting of a phosphorus‐doped top layer, boron‐doped middle layer, and pristine C3N4 bottom layer, was formed as a result of the difference in thermal polymerization kinetics associated with the boron‐containing H3BO3–melamine complex and the phosphorus‐containing H3PO4–dicyandiamide complex. This layer‐doping fabrication strategy effectively contributes to the formation of dual junctions that optimizing charge carrier behavior. The ternary‐layer C3N4 photoanode exhibits significantly enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation activity compared to pristine C3N4, with a record photocurrent density of 150±10 μA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE. This layer‐doping strategy provides an effective means for design and fabrication of photoelectrodes for solar water oxidation.
Emerging Layered Metallic Vanadium Disulfide for Rechargeable Metal‐Ion Batteries: Progress and Opportunities
Authors: Li Wenbin , Kheimeh Sari Hirbod Maleki , Li Xifei
Published: November 2019

Rechargeable metal‐ion batteries (RMIBs), as one of the most viable technologies for electric vehicles (EVs) and large‐scale energy storage (EES), have received extensive research attention for a long time. Electrode materials play a decisive role on capacity, energy, and power density, which directly affect the practical applications of RMIBs in EVs and EES. As an electrode material, layered metallic vanadium disulfide (VS2) has theoretically and experimentally produced inspiring results because of its synthetic characteristics of continuously adjustable V valence, large interlayer spacing, weak interlayer interactions, and high surface activity. Herein, the synthetic strategies, theoretical metal‐ion storage sites, diffusion kinetics, and experimental electrochemical reaction mechanisms of VS2 for RMIBs are systematically introduced. Emphatically, the critical issues that affect the metal‐ion storage properties of the VS2 electrode and three major enhancement strategies, namely, optimizing the electrolyte and cutoff voltage, constructing a space‐confined structure, and controlling the crystal structure are summarized, with the aim of promoting the development of transition‐metal dichalcogenides. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for the future development of VS2 in the energy‐storage field are presented. It is hoped that this review can attract attention from researchers for investigations into emerging layered metallic VS2 and provide insights toward the design of an excellent VS2 electrode material for next‐generation, high‐performance RMIBs.
Recent evolutionary history predicts population but not ecosystem‐level patterns
Authors: Miller Madison L. , Kronenberger John A. , Fitzpatrick Sarah W.
Published: November 2019

In the face of rapid anthropogenic environmental change, it is increasingly important to understand how ecological and evolutionary interactions affect the persistence of natural populations. Augmented gene flow has emerged as a potentially effective management strategy to counteract negative consequences of genetic drift and inbreeding depression in small and isolated populations. However, questions remain about the long‐term impacts of augmented gene flow and whether changes in individual and population fitness are reflected in ecosystem structure, potentiating eco‐evolutionary feedbacks. In this study, we used Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) in experimental outdoor mesocosms to assess how populations with different recent evolutionary histories responded to a scenario of severe population size reduction followed by expansion in a high‐quality environment. We also investigated how variation in evolutionary history of the focal species affected ecosystem dynamics. We found that evolutionary history (i.e., gene flow vs. no gene flow) consistently predicted variation in individual growth. In addition, gene flow led to faster population growth in populations from one of the two drainages, but did not have measurable impacts on the ecosystem variables we measured: zooplankton density, algal growth, and decomposition rates. Our results suggest that benefits of gene flow may be long‐term and environment‐dependent. Although small in replication and duration, our study highlights the importance of eco‐evolutionary interactions in determining population persistence and sets the stage for future work in this area.
Droplet‐based microreactor for the production of micro/nano‐materials
Authors: Liu Linbo , Xiang Nan , Ni Zhonghua
Published: December 2019

Droplet‐based microreactors are of great interest to researchers due to their incredible ability in the synthesis of micro/nano‐materials with multi‐function and complex geometry. In recent years, a broad range of micro/nano‐materials has been synthesized in droplet‐based microreactors, which provide apparent advantages, such as better reproducibility, reliable automation, and accurate manipulation. In this review, we give a comprehensive and in‐depth insight into droplet‐based microreactors, covering fundamental research from droplet generation and manipulation to the applications of droplet‐based microreactors in micro/nano‐material generation. We also explore the outlook for droplet‐based microreactors and challenges that lie ahead and give a possible effort direction. We hope this review will promote communications among researchers and entrepreneurs.
Immobilization of formate dehydrogenase on polyethylenimine‐grafted graphene oxide with kinetics and stability study
Authors: Lin Peng , Zhang Yonghui , Yao Guangxiao , Huo Heyu , Ren Hong , Wang Yixuan , Wang Shizhen , Fang Baishan
Published: December 2019

Graphene oxide‐based nanomaterials are promising for enzyme immobilization due to the possibilities of functionalizing surface. Polyethylenimine‐grafted graphene oxide was constructed as a novel scaffold for immobilization of formate dehydrogenase. Compared with free formate dehydrogenase and graphene oxide adsorbed formate dehydrogenase, thermostability, storage stability, and reusability of polyethylenimine‐grafted graphene oxide‐formate dehydrogenase were enhanced. Typically, polyethylenimine‐grafted graphene oxide‐formate dehydrogenase remained 47.4% activity after eight times’ repeat reaction. The immobilized capacity of the polyethylenimine‐grafted graphene oxide was 2.4‐folds of that of graphene oxide. Morphological and functional analysis of polyethylenimine‐grafted graphene oxide‐formate dehydrogenase was performed and the assembling mechanism based on multi‐level interactions was studied. Consequently, this practical and facile strategy will likely find applications in biosynthesis, biosensing, and biomedical engineering.
Evaluation of standard and real fire exposures on thermal response of rail car floor assembly
Authors: Kapahi Anil , McKinnon Mark , Lattimer Brian
Published: December 2019

This work developed a computational methodology to evaluate and compare standard fire exposures such as those outlined in ASTM E119 with real fire exposures and determine the difference in the temperature rise of a rail car floor assembly. The real fire exposures simulated in this work were identified in a review of incidents and consisted of a constantly‐fed diesel fuel spill, a localized trash fire, and a gasoline spill simulated from a collision of the railcar with an automobile. These realistic fire exposures were applied to a variety of exemplar rail cars representative of single‐level and bi‐level passenger cars. These floor assembly models exposed to realistic fires were simulated in Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS). The thermal exposure at the underside of railcar provided by FDS was coupled with a thermal model in ABAQUS, which provided the evolution of temperature in different components of the floor assembly. The standard scenarios were simulated for 2 hours instead of the typical 30 minutes to identify the appropriate exposure duration in ASTM E119, which can better represent a real fire scenario. The average and maximum temperatures predicted at the unexposed surface for both scenarios were compared with the threshold values given in NFPA 130.
The combined effects of ultrasound and lactic acid in inactivating microorganisms on fresh radish (Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus): Microbiological and quality changes
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Abhari Khadijeh , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin
Published: November 2019

In order to reduce the risk of microbial contamination in fresh radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) and ensure its safety, combined effects of ultrasound and lactic acid in inactivating microorganisms and quality changes of radish were studied. Fresh radish samples were inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Shigella sonnei separately and were treated with lactic acid (L) 1% and 2%, ultrasound (U) with the amplitude of 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% for 15 and 30 min and their combination. The quality parameters, including total phenol content, firmness, and total color change, were evaluated on the day of the experiment and after 24 hr of cold storage. Results showed that both applied treatments and their combinations had significant (p < .05) inhibitory effect on all of the studied bacteria. Total phenolic content of the ultrasound treated samples led to higher amounts comparing to other samples. Results showed that using ultrasound power (75%), for 30 min significantly (p < .05) decreased the firmness of samples after 24 hr of cold storage. In conclusion, the application of ultrasound and lactic acid can extend the shelf life of fresh radish.
Automatische Brandbekämpfungsanlagen in untertägigen Bauwerken
Authors: Klaffenböck Thomas , Gertl Reinhard
Published: December 2019

A fire can occur in many areas of a transport system. Detecting fires at an early stage and rapid automated fire‐fighting can significantly minimize or completely prevent damage to rolling stock and infrastructure. In addition to effective fire‐fighting, people should be safeguarded, the systems should be economical, and activation should cause a minimum of damage. Despite the positive effects of using automatic fire‐fighting systems in terms of building protection and reducing the fire load, there may be negative effects on escaping persons during the escape phase. Different systems such as the high‐pressure water mist system and the deluge system are investigated by CFD simulation and evaluated with regard to their use during the escape and external rescue phases.
Microstructural abnormalities of substantia nigra in Parkinson's disease: A neuromelanin sensitive MRI atlas based study
Authors: Safai Apoorva , Prasad Shweta , Chougule Tanay , Saini Jitender , Pal Pramod K. , Ingalhalikar Madhura
Published: November 2019

Microstructural changes associated with degeneration of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) in Parkinson's disease (PD) have been studied using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). However, these studies show inconsistent results, mainly due to methodological variations in delineation of SNc. To mitigate this, our work aims to construct a probabilistic atlas of SNc based on a 3D Neuromelanin Sensitive MRI (NMS‐MRI) sequence and demonstrate its applicability to investigate microstructural changes on a large dataset of PD. Using manual segmentation and deformable registration we created a novel SNc atlas in the MNI space using NMS‐MRI sequences of 27 healthy controls (HC). We first quantitatively evaluated this atlas and then employed it to investigate the micro‐structural abnormalities in SNc using diffusion MRI from 133 patients with PD and 99 HCs. Our results demonstrated significant increase in diffusivity with no changes in anisotropy. In addition, we also observed an asymmetry of the diffusion metrics with a higher diffusivity and lower anisotropy in the left SNc than the right. Finally, a multivariate classifier based on SNc diffusion features could delineate patients with PD with an average accuracy of 71.7%. Overall, from this work we establish a normative baseline for the SNc region of interest using NMS‐MRI while the application on PD data emphasizes on the contribution of diffusivity measures rather than anisotropy of white matter in PD.
Prophylactic arterial ligation following transoral robotic surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bollig Craig A. , Gilley David R. , Ahmad Jumah , Jorgensen Jeffrey B.
Published: November 2019

Prophylactic arterial ligation has been proposed to reduce the severity of postoperative hemorrhage following transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Previous studies have shown a trend toward a reduction in major and severe bleeding. Search strategies were implemented in multiple databases and completed in August 2018. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were designed to capture studies examining adults undergoing TORS for oropharyngeal cancer. Four retrospective studies were selected appropriate for analysis by two reviewers who independently extracted data. PRISMA guidelines were followed. A random‐effects model was used for meta‐analysis. Meta‐analysis of 619 patients in four retrospective reviews showed that the pooled RR of major and severe bleeding events was significantly lower in prophylactically ligated patients (RR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.08‐0.92; I2 = 0). Prophylactic arterial ligation of external carotid artery branches is associated with a decreased risk of major and severe bleeding events, although confounding factors remain incompletely analyzed.
Unexplained periods of higher deaths contribute to marginal changes in health care demand and health insurance costs: International perspectives
Authors: Jones Rodney P.
Published: December 2019

Sudden and unexplained increases in hospital medical admissions and population total deaths have been characterized in the United Kingdom. These sudden increases appear to endure for around 1 to 3 years before they abate. This study demonstrates that the sudden increases in deaths also occur in 125 countries and occur at subnational geographies. The magnitude of the sudden increase diminishes as a power law function up to around 10 000 deaths. Above 10 000 deaths, there is only a small decline with increasing size (deaths). At around 10 000 deaths, a 10% maximum sudden increase applies across many countries or subnational regions. The nearness to death effect, where around half of a person's lifetime hospital admissions occurs in the last 6 months of life, results in higher associated increases in medical admissions. This paper confirms that the use of calendar year data can be misleading. Periods of unexplained higher deaths appear to occur in bursts across multiple countries and appear to show spatial spread within the neighbourhoods which constitute the whole country.
Numerical computation on Marangoni convective flow of two‐phase MHD dusty nanofluids under Brownian motion and thermophoresis effects
Authors: Kalpana G. , Madhura K. R. , Iyengar S. S.
Published: November 2019

The current theoretical study describes the Marangoni thermal convective flow of magnetohydrodynamic dusty nanofluids along a wavy vertical surface. The two‐phase mathematical model is developed under the influence of thermal radiation and exponentially varying space‐dependent heat source. Pure and hybrid nanoparticles together with dust particle suspension in the base fluid are taken into consideration to characterize the behavior of the flow. Brownian motion and thermophoresis mechanisms are considered, since it enhances the convection features of dusty nanofluid. Appropriate transformations are adopted to modify the flow governing equations and boundary conditions to dimensionless form. The forward finite difference scheme is implemented to illustrate the resultant coupled partial differential equations. The Newton quasi‐linearization technique is utilized to reduce the nonlinear system into a linear form, which is solved thereafter by Thomas algorithm. The responses of velocity, temperature, concentration, friction factor, and heat and mass transfer rate profiles with various governing parameters are discussed and portrayed graphically. The study evidences that the radiation and space‐dependent heat generating parameters strengthen the temperature distribution. Also, the heat transfer rate appreciably rises with the increment in Marangoni convection. The solution methodology and accuracy of the model is validated by generating the earlier outcomes for nonradiating nanofluid flow without heat source/sink.
The association between intrauterine balloon tamponade volume and postpartum hemorrhage outcomes
Authors: Park Ji Eun , Park Ji Kwon , Jo Hyen Chul , Cho In Ae , Baek Jong Chul
Published: November 2019

Objective

To determine the effect of intrauterine balloon tamponade (IUBT) on the outcomes of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) according to the balloon volume and to investigate the clinical factors associated with poor PPH outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in which patients with PPH underwent IUBT from January 2016 to August 2018. Patients with an IUBT volume greater than 350 mL (n=76) were compared to patients with an IUBT volume less than 350 mL (n=213). The clinical outcomes related to PPH included blood transfusion, estimated blood loss (EBL) after balloon placement, uterine artery embolization (UAE) after IUBT, and postpartum hospitalization. The results were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

None of the clinical outcomes related to PPH and evaluated in our study were favorable in patients with an IUBT volume greater than 350 mL. Other factors associated with poor PPH outcomes after IUBT were placental site hemorrhage, shock index (SI) before IUBT, and antenatal hemoglobin.

Conclusion

It is better to avoid unnecessary balloon inflation in IUBT if the bleeding is reduced, and more attention should be paid to the procedure when the balloon is large (≥350 mL) than when it is small (<350 mL).
The roles and controls of GATA factors in blood and cardiac development
Authors: Dobrzycki Tomasz , Lalwani Mukesh , Telfer Caroline , Monteiro Rui , Patient Roger
Published: November 2019

GATA factors play central roles in the programming of blood and cardiac cells during embryonic development. Using the experimentally accessible Xenopus and zebrafish models, we report observations regarding the roles of GATA‐2 in the development of blood stem cells and GATA‐4, ‐5, and ‐6 in cardiac development. We show that blood stem cells develop from the dorsal lateral plate mesoderm and GATA‐2 is required at multiple stages. Firstly, GATA‐2 is required to make the cells responsive to VEGF‐A signalling by driving the synthesis of its receptor, FLK‐1/KDR. This leads to differentiation into the endothelial cells that form the dorsal aorta. GATA‐2 is again required for the endothelial‐to‐haematopoietic transition that takes place later in the floor of the dorsal aorta. GATA‐2 expression is dependent on BMP signalling for each of these inputs into blood stem cell programming. GATA‐4, ‐5, and ‐6 work together to ensure the specification of cardiac cells during development. We have demonstrated redundancy within the family and also some evolution of the functions of the different family members. Interestingly, one of the features that varies in evolution is the timing of expression relative to other key regulators such as Nkx2.5 and BMP. We show that the GATA factors, Nkx2.5 and BMP regulate each other and it would appear that what is critical is the mutually supportive network of expression rather than the order of expression of each of the component genes. In Xenopus and zebrafish, the cardiac mesoderm is adjacent to an anterior population of cells giving rise to blood and endothelium. This population is not present in mammals and we have shown that, like the cardiac population, the blood and endothelial precursors require GATA‐4, ‐5, and ‐6 for their development. Later, blood‐specific or cardiac‐specific regulators determine the ultimate fate of the cells, and we show that these regulators act cross‐antagonistically. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling drives the cardiac fate, and we propose that the anterior extension of the FGF signalling field during evolution led to the recruitment of the blood and endothelial precursors into the heart field ultimately resulting in a larger four chambered heart. Zebrafish are able to successfully regenerate their hearts after injury. To understand the pathways involved, with a view to determining why humans cannot do this, we profiled gene expression in the cardiomyocytes before and after injury, and compared those proximal to the injury with those more distal. We were able to identify an enhancement of the expression of regulators of the canonical Wnt pathway proximal to the injury, suggesting that changes in Wnt signalling are responsible for the repair response to injury.
An assessment of global satellite‐based precipitation datasets in capturing precipitation extremes: A comparison with observed precipitation dataset in India
Authors: Gupta Vivek , Jain Manoj K. , Singh Pushpendra K. , Singh Vishal
Published: November 2019

The availability of global satellite‐based precipitation datasets provides an asset to accomplish precipitation dependent analysis where gauge based precipitation datasets are not available or limited. In this study, we have taken three most popular and globally accepted satellite‐based daily gridded (0.25° × 0.25°) precipitation datasets such as Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS), Satellite Soil Moisture to Rain (SM2RAIN‐ASCAT) and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM now available as Global Precipitation Measurement [GPM]) for 10 years (2007–2016) time‐series durations to test their reliability across India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) observed daily gridded (0.25° × 0.25°) precipitation data have been taken as reference data to compare the other three satellite‐based gridded precipitation datasets by developing standard extreme precipitation indices (SEPIs). The precipitation extremity has been tested in the wet season (June–July–August–September) and throughout the year. We have also analysed the extreme behaviour of precipitation (in both upper and lower tails) using quantile‐quantile (Q–Q) regression analysis after selecting 33 random precipitation grids across India. The overall analysis results showed that all satellite‐based datasets have significant spatial heterogeneity in estimating precipitation extremes accurately which varies across India. Among all satellite‐precipitation datasets, TRMM found closer to IMD than SM2RAIN‐ASCAT and CHIRPS. The frequency based SEPIs showed that CHIRPS, TRMM and SM2RAIN‐ASCAT have similarities to IMD precipitations. The intensity‐based SEPIs show that TRMM and CHIRPS have significant similarities with IMD precipitations. The wet season‐based analysis results showed that TRMM and CHIRPS are closer to IMD precipitations than SM2RAIN‐ASCAT satellite‐precipitations. Overall TRMM and CHIRPS datasets performed well across most regions in India, while SM2RAIN‐ASCAT dataset has performed poorly in India, especially for extreme precipitation cases. Q–Q plots show that each satellite‐based precipitation dataset captured most of extreme cases in different quantile intervals with respect to IMD precipitation; however, SM2RAIN‐ASCAT has slightly under‐performed at many regions in India.
Spatial and seasonal variation of rainfall contribution by the height spectrum of precipitation systems and associated cloud bulk properties over the South Asia
Authors: Roy Partha , Biswasharma Rupraj , Deshamukhya Atri , Sharma Sanjay
Published: November 2019

The spatial‐seasonal variation of rainfall contribution by the height spectrum of precipitation systems in terms of maximum echo top height of 20 and 40 dBZ (ETH20 dBZ (max)and ETH40 dBZ (max)) is investigated. The study is carried out during the pre‐monsoon (March–May) and monsoon (June–September) over the continental, coastal and oceanic regions of South‐Asia. For this purpose, 17 years (1998–2014) of TRMM‐PR and 4 years (2007–2010) of CloudSat‐CPR observations are considered. Over the continental (coastal/oceanic) regions, the maximum rainfall contribution is by relatively deeper ETH20 dBZ (max)during the monsoon (pre‐monsoon). During the pre‐monsoon (monsoon), the maximum rainfall contribution by Deep Convective Systems (DCSs) is over the Northern‐Myanmar‐Coast; 55% (Western‐Himalaya‐Indentation; 39%). Over the central Arabian‐Sea and central Bay‐of‐Bengal, rainfall contributions by DCSs are predominantly associated with Tropical Cyclonic Disturbances (TCDs) in the pre‐monsoon season. In terms of ETH40 dBZ (max), the maximum rainfall contribution over the continental region during the pre‐monsoon is by relatively stronger Precipitation Features (PFs) compared to the monsoon. Unlike the other regions, during the pre‐monsoon, over the Western‐Himalaya‐Indentation and Central‐Himalaya‐Foothills, rainfall contribution by Intense Convective Systems (ICSs) is significantly higher compared to DCSs. During the pre‐monsoon (monsoon), the maximum rainfall contribution by ICSs is over the Eastern‐India‐Coast; 35% (Western‐Himalaya‐Indentation; 18%). The rainfall contribution by ICSs during TCDs is insignificant. During both the seasons, the regions of high rainfall contribution by ICSs, DCSs, and shallow PFs are associated with relatively higher (≥400 mg‐m−3), moderate (300–350 mg‐m−3), and low (<150 mg‐m−3) Cloud Ice Water Content (CIWC) in the mixed‐phase region, respectively, suggesting a strong, moderate and weak mixed‐phase processes involved in the respective PFs. TCDs enhance the occurrence of DCSs with moderate CIWC in mixed‐phase region and leading to enhanced rainfall contribution by them over the active cyclone regions.
Spatiotemporal variation in reference evapotranspiration and its contributing climatic factors in China under future scenarios
Authors: Zhao Jincai , Xia Haibin , Yue Qun , Wang Zheng
Published: November 2019

Global climate change is likely to affect reference evapotranspiration (ET0), which is important for agricultural water resources and food security. Analysis of ET0 changes is also important for understanding climate change and its impacts on hydrology. In this study, ET0 was calculated from 2020 to 2099 in nine agricultural regions and the entire country of China utilizing the Penman–Monteith method based on bias‐corrected climate data from the global climate models MIROC‐ESM‐CHEM, NorES1‐M, IPSL‐CM5A‐LR, GFDL‐ESM 2M and HadGEM2‐ES under future climate change scenarios. The spatiotemporal characteristics of seasonal and annual ET0 and climatic variables were analysed based on the Mann–Kendall test with trend‐free prewhitening (TFPW‐MK) and Sen's slope estimator. Sensitivity coefficient and multivariate regression were used to identify factors controlling the change in ET0. The results showed that seasonal and annual air temperature and precipitation both increased under all climate scenarios, and the majority of relative humidity and wind speed values showed downward trends during 2020–2099. The lowest annual ET0 values were found in the NECR and QTR, and the SCR had the maximum ET0. Both the TFPW‐MK and slope statistics showed an upward trend of seasonal ET0 during 2020–2059 under all scenarios. During 2060–2099, seasonal ET0 values showed a slight and nonsignificant downward trend under RCP 2.6, while upward trends were produced in other scenarios. Areas with high ET0 values were located in the SCR, GXR and HHHR, while low ET0 values mainly occurred in the NECR and QTR. The ET0 for the four seasons in the SCR was higher than that in the other regions, and the summer ET0 was the highest compared with that in the other seasons overall. For the attribution assessment, Tavg is the main controlling variables to ET0 trends under the interaction of multiple climatic factors though RH is the most sensitive.
Functionalized Polycaprolactone/Hydroxyapatite Composite Microspheres for Promoting Bone Consolidation in a Rat Distraction Osteogenesis Model
Authors: Wen Gen , Xu Jia , Wu Tianyi , Zhang Shengmin , Chai Yimin , Kang Qinglin , Li Gang
Published: November 2019

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is an ideal model to study bone regeneration. The major limitation is the relatively long period required for new bone consolidation. Here, we investigated whether the application of polycaprolactone (PCL) and hydroxyapatite (HA) composite microspheres could enhance bone formation in DO. Pure PCL microspheres and composite PCL and 10% HA microspheres were synthesized. Bone mesenchymal stem cells isolated from green fluorescent protein rats (GFP‐rBMSCs) were cultured with microspheres in a rotary bioreactor system. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the microstructures. Osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs was confirmed. Moreover, PCL/HA (20 mg) and PCL (20 mg) were locally administered into the distraction gap in the rat DO model toward the end of the distraction period. Imaging detection, mechanical and histological examinations were performed to assess the quality of the 4‐week regenerates. Results showed that the microspheres were of uniform size and monodisperse. After incubation with rBMSCs in culture, PCL/HA microspheres showed a better ability for cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation compared with PCL microspheres. In vivo, bone volume/total tissue volume, bone mineral density, and mechanical properties of the new callus were significantly higher in the PCL/HA group compared with the PCL group. Histological analyses confirmed improved bone formation and vascularization in PCL/HA group. We presented an effective protocol for the generation of functionalized microspheres and demonstrated implantation of PCL/HA microspheres into the distraction regenerate could significantly enhance bone consolidation. Thus, the application of PCL/HA composite microspheres may be a novel approach for promoting bone regeneration. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:961‐971, 2020
Analyses of optical radiation safety standards for laser illuminated products
Authors: Wang Feixia , Li Xiaohua , Tu Yan
Published: December 2019

The high energy density of optical radiation from laser illuminated products may cause eye injury, so it is necessary to study the optical radiation safety standards for these products. The relations of related international and Chinese organizations, such as IEC/TC76, IEC/TC108, IEC/TC110, Chinese technical committee SAC/TC284, and so on, are introduced. The related standards and the relations are surveyed, especially the safety of laser products (IEC 60825) series, the photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems (IEC 62741) series, and audio/video, information and communication technology equipment—part 1: safety requirements (IEC 62368‐1:2018). As application examples of standards, some specific laser illuminated products, including the laser projector, the laser headlamp and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) used in the vehicle, as well as the evaluation methods for the blue light effect of the display are discussed and analyzed. On the basis of the analyses of the optical radiation safety standards, it is necessary to select or develop appropriate standards for different types of laser illuminated products.
Improving thyroid function monitoring in head and neck cancer patients: A quality improvement study
Authors: Bhatt Nupur , Taufique Zahrah , Kamen Emily , Wang Binhuan , Concert Catherine , Li Zujun , Hu Kenneth , Givi Babak
Published: November 2019

Objective

To investigate and improve compliance of thyroid function monitoring in head and neck cancer patients who received radiotherapy to the cervical region before and after instituting quality improvement interventions.

Methods

Using the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) methodology, patients with head and neck malignancies who received radiotherapy to the cervical region from 2013–2015 were identified at a tertiary medical center. The status of the patients’ thyroid monitoring and related characteristics were recorded. A quality improvement project was subsequently implemented by data sharing and providing feedback to practitioners involved in head and neck cancer care and creating a tracking database for all patients who received radiotherapy to the neck. After implementation of these interventions, data was collected on patients meeting the inclusion criteria from 2015–2017.

Results

One hundred fifty‐six patients met criteria pre‐intervention and ninety‐eight patients met criteria post‐intervention. Compliance of thyroid monitoring went up from 34% to 80% after interventions (P < .0001). There was a significant increase in thyroid testing performed by radiation oncologists after interventions from 2% to 21%, while medical oncologists and otolaryngologists remained consistent in their compliance rates.

Conclusion

It is possible to improve compliance with evidence‐based recommendations and improve the quality‐of‐care for head and neck cancer survivors through simple, cost effective interventions.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 130:E573–E579, 2020