bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Hypothalamus and Anti-Pituitary Auto­antibodies in ROHHAD Syndrome: Additional Evidence Supporting an Autoimmune Etiopathogenesis
Authors: Giacomozzi Claudio , Guaraldi Federica , Cambiaso Paola , Niceta Marcello , Verrillo Elisabetta , Tartaglia Marco , Cutrera Renato
Published: April 2019

Background: Rapid-onset Obesity with Hypothalamic dysfunction, Hypoventilation and Autonomic Dysregulation (ROHHAD) is a very rare and complex pediatric syndrome characterized by altered hypothalamic thermal regulation, pain threshold, and respiratory control, hyperphagia with rapid weight gain and, often, hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction. Its etiopathogenesis remains undetermined. We investigated the presence of alterations to target genes and hypothalamic-pituitary autoimmunity in a patient with ­ROHHAD syndrome. Methods: A 3-year-old girl presenting with obesity after rapid weight gain was diagnosed with ROHHAD syndrome based on clinical features and abnormal biochemical and functional testing results. Because of worsening of rapid symptoms and demonstration of oligoclonal bands on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, she was treated with plasmapheresis, methylprednisolone, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, and azathioprine. Despite initial partial clinical improvement, the patient soon died of cardiorespiratory arrest. Post-mortem, whole exome sequencing, high-resolution comparative genomic hybridization array, and optimized indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) analysis were performed on blood and CSF. Results: No putative causative genomic variants compatible with dominant or recessive inheritance nor clinically significant structural rearrangement were detected. IIF on serum and CSF demonstrated the presence of anti-pituitary and anti-hypothalamus autoantibodies. Conclusions: These findings support the involvement of autoimmunity in ROHHAD syndrome. However, response to immunosuppressive treatment was only transient and the patient died. Further cases are required to define the complex disease pathogenesis.
Serum Concentration of Indoxyl Sulfate in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients and Low-Flux Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Xie Ting , Bao Manchen , Zhang Pan , Jiao Xiaoyan , Zou Jianzhou , Ding Xiaoqiang , Cao Xuesen , Yu Xiaofang
Published: April 2019

Background/Aims: To compare the serum concentration of Indoxyl sulfate (IS) in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and low-flux hemodialysis (HD), and analyze the risk factors associated with IS. Methods: We performed a single-center, cross-sectional observational study including 169 patients on CAPD and 115 patients on low-flux HD. Patients were divided into the anuric HD group, anuric peritoneal dialysis (PD) group, and non-anuric PD group on the basis of dialysis modality and residual urinary output. Serum concentration of IS was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Results: After matching the urinary volume and dialysis vintage, 58 anuric patients on PD and 58 anuric patients on HD were enrolled. The serum level of IS was significantly lower in patients on PD than that in those on HD (28.05 ± 13.98 vs. 39.64 ± 18.25 μg/mL; p < 0.001). This result persisted even after adjustment for confounding risk factors including nutritional status (β = 0.338, p < 0.001). In addition, the serum level of IS was significantly lower in non-anuric PD patients than that anuric PD patients (18.70 ± 11.21 vs. 28.05 ± 13.98 μg/mL; p < 0.001). After the adjustment for risk factors such as dialysis vintage, IS serum concentration in patients on PD was still significantly correlated with residual renal function (RRF; β = –0.355, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Dialysis modality is the independent risk factor of IS serum concentration and it is substantially lower in patients on CAPD than that in those on low-flux HD. Additionally, RRF was independently associated with IS serum concentration in CAPD patients, and the better the RRF is, the lower IS serum concentration.
Relationship between Serum Adalimumab Levels and Clinical Outcome in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Hinojosa Joaquín , Muñoz Fernando , Martínez-Romero Gregorio Juan
Published: April 2019

Background: Adalimumab (ADA) is an anti-tumor necrosis factor agent that has been shown to be effective in inducing and maintaining remission in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The relationship between the ADA trough levels and clinical efficacy has been demonstrated, but there is variability in the definition of the most suitable range for its clinical applicability. Summary: A review of published studies during the last 5 years on ADA serum levels and its relationship with the clinical outcome was performed. The studies selected included 7 observational studies, a systematic review, a meta-analysis and a post hoc analysis of a clinical trial. The reported ADA levels that discriminate patients in clinical remission from those with active disease range from 4.5 to 8 µg/mL. This therapeutic range varies when considering endoscopic remission (7.5 to >13.9 µg/mL). Although the sample of patients with ulcerative colitis is small, a tendency to reach higher levels of ADA is observed in both clinical and endoscopic remission. Key Messages: The optimal therapeutic cut-off point of serum ADA levels ranges from 4.5–5 to 12 µg/mL, where ADA levels are associated with an adequate clinical monitoring of the disease during maintenance therapy. These ranges vary according to the target, suggesting levels of 4.8 µg/mL as the cut-off for clinical remission and levels ≥7.5 µg/mL for mucosal healing/endoscopic response. Controlled prospective studies are required to determine the optimal therapeutic interval of ADA serum levels both as induction and as maintenance therapy.
Hematologia mura
Authors: Fileno Fernando Augusto
Published: April 2019

O sangue existe no mundo como fonte da vida, inerente aos seres que dele usufruem, mas ele também atua independente dela como um corpo. O sangue que corre pelas veias, veículos em nossa cosmologia cientificista de um conjunto celular de natureza diversificada é, para nossos interlocutores, espírito. Os Mura entendem o sangue, para além de sua classificação biológica, como um plano da cultura. Em uma palavra, o sangue é relação. No contexto-mundo dos Mura, habitantes das comunidades do rio Igapó-Açu, município de Borba (AM), o sangue é um meio de comunicação transespecífico e transespacial. Nossa intenção neste artigo é apresentar uma hematologia que dê conta das múltiplas possibilidades que o sangue engloba. Se, à primeira vista, o sangue ressoa aspectos da vida privada, poderemos ver como, em um segundo momento, ele passa a ser objeto de interesse público e, principalmente, cosmológico.
Intravenous Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients With History of Stroke Plus Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ehrlich Matthew E. , Liang Li , Xu Haolin , Kosinski Andrzej S. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Schwamm Lee H. , Smith Eric E. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Peterson Eric D. , Xian Ying
Published: April 2019

Background and Purpose—

Acute ischemic stroke patients with history of prior ischemic stroke plus concomitant diabetes mellitus (DM) were excluded from the ECASS III trial (European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study) because of safety concerns. However, there are few data on use of intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage or outcomes in this population.

Methods—

Using data from the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Registry between February 2009 and September 2017 (n=1619 hospitals), we examined characteristics and outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with tissue-type plasminogen activator within the 3- to 4.5-hour window who had a history of stroke plus diabetes mellitus (HxS+DM) (n=2129) versus those without either history (n=16 690).

Results—

Compared with patients without either history, those with both prior stroke and DM treated with tissue-type plasminogen activator after an acute ischemic stroke had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in addition to history of stroke, DM, and more severe stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale: median, 8 [interquartile range, 5–15] versus 7 [4–13]). The unadjusted rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and in-hospital mortality were 4.3% (HxS+DM) versus 3.8% (without either history;
P
=0.31) and 6.2% versus 5.5% (
P
=0.20), respectively. These differences were not statistically significant after risk adjustment (symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage: adjusted odds ratio, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.51–1.21];
P
=0.28; in-hospital mortality: odds ratio, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.52–1.14];
P
=0.19). Unadjusted rate of functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2) at discharge was lower in those with HxS+DM (30.9% HxS+DM versus 44.8% without either history;
P
≤0.0001), and this difference persisted after adjusting for baseline clinical factors (adjusted odds ratio, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.59–0.99];
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—

Among patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator within the 3- to 4.5-hour window, HxS+DM was not associated with statistically significant increased symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage or mortality risk.
Can Video Technology Improve Teacher Evaluations? An Experimental Study
Authors: Kane Thomas J. , Blazar David , Gehlbach Hunter , Greenberg Miriam , Quinn David M. , Thal Daniel
Published: April 2019

Teacher evaluation reform has been among the most controversial education reforms in recent years. It also is one of the costliest in terms of the time teachers and principals must spend on classroom observations. We conducted a randomized field trial at four sites to evaluate whether substituting teacher-collected videos for in-person observations could improve the value of teacher observations for teachers, administrators, or students. Relative to teachers in the control group who participated in standard in-person observations, teachers in the video-based treatment group reported that post-observation meetings were more “supportive” and they were more able to identify a specific practice they changed afterward. Treatment principals were able to shift their observation work to noninstructional times. The program also substantially increased teacher retention. Nevertheless, the intervention did not improve students’ academic achievement or self-reported classroom experiences, either in the year of the intervention or for the next cohort of students. Following from the literature on observation and feedback cycles in low-stakes settings, we hypothesize that to improve student outcomes schools may need to pair video feedback with more specific supports for desired changes in practice.
Learning and Searching Pseudo-Boolean Surrogate Functions from Small Samples
Authors: Swingler Kevin
Published: April 2019

When searching for input configurations that optimise the output of a system, it can be useful to build a statistical model of the system being optimised. This is done in approaches such as surrogate model-based optimisation, estimation of distribution algorithms, and linkage learning algorithms. This article presents a method for modelling pseudo-Boolean fitness functions using Walsh bases and an algorithm designed to discover the non-zero coefficients while attempting to minimise the number of fitness function evaluations required. The resulting models reveal linkage structure that can be used to guide a search of the model efficiently. It presents experimental results solving benchmark problems in fewer fitness function evaluations than those reported in the literature for other search methods such as EDAs and linkage learners.
Argia nataliae n. sp. from Colombia (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)
Authors: GARRISON ROSSER W.
Published: April 2019

Argia nataliae n. sp. (Holotype ♂: COLOMBIA, Antioquia Department, Estación Cristalina, about. 28 km west of Puerto Berrio, ca. 6.41 N, 74.58 W, 16 ii 1917, Jesse Hunter & Edward Bruce Williamson leg., in University of Michigan [UMMZ]) is described and illustrated and compared with similar species.
The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem Mission: Status, Science, Advances
Authors: Werdell P. Jeremy , Behrenfeld Michael J. , Bontempi Paula S. , Boss Emmanuel , Cairns Brian , Davis Gary T. , Franz Bryan A. , Gliese Ulrik B. , Gorman Eric T. , Hasekamp Otto , Knobelspiesse Kirk D. , Mannino Antonio , Martins J. Vanderlei , McClain Charles R. , Meister Gerhard , Remer Lorraine A.
Published: April 2019

The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission represents the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) next investment in satellite ocean color and the study of Earth’s ocean–atmosphere system, enabling new insights into oceanographic and atmospheric responses to Earth’s changing climate. PACE objectives include extending systematic cloud, aerosol, and ocean biological and biogeochemical data records, making essential ocean color measurements to further understand marine carbon cycles, food-web processes, and ecosystem responses to a changing climate, and improving knowledge of how aerosols influence ocean ecosystems and, conversely, how ocean ecosystems and photochemical processes affect the atmosphere. PACE objectives also encompass management of fisheries, large freshwater bodies, and air and water quality and reducing uncertainties in climate and radiative forcing models of the Earth system. PACE observations will provide information on radiative properties of land surfaces and characterization of the vegetation and soils that dominate their reflectance. The primary PACE instrument is a spectrometer that spans the ultraviolet to shortwave-infrared wavelengths, with a ground sample distance of 1 km at nadir. This payload is complemented by two multiangle polarimeters with spectral ranges that span the visible to near-infrared region. Scheduled for launch in late 2022 to early 2023, the PACE observatory will enable significant advances in the study of Earth’s biogeochemistry, carbon cycle, clouds, hydrosols, and aerosols in the ocean–atmosphere–land system. Here, we present an overview of the PACE mission, including its developmental history, science objectives, instrument payload, observatory characteristics, and data products.
Limits on the Extent of the Solsticial Hadley Cell: The Role of Planetary Rotation
Authors: Singh Martin S.
Published: April 2019

The role of planetary rotation in limiting the extent of the cross-equatorial solsticial Hadley cell (SHC) is investigated using idealized simulations with an aquaplanet general circulation model run under perpetual-solstice conditions. Consistent with previous studies that include a seasonal cycle, the SHC extent increases with decreasing rotation rate, and it occupies the entire globe for sufficiently low planetary rotation rates. A simple theory for the summer-hemisphere extent of the SHC is constructed in which it is assumed that the SHC occupies regions for which a hypothetical radiative–convective equilibrium state is physically unattainable. The theory predicts that the SHC extends farther into the summer hemisphere as the rotation rate is decreased, qualitatively reproducing the behavior of the simulations, but it generally underestimates the simulated SHC extent. A diagnostic theory for the summer-hemisphere SHC extent is then developed based on the assumptions of slantwise convective neutrality and conservation of angular momentum within the Hadley cell. The theory relates the structure of the SHC in the summer hemisphere to the distribution of boundary layer entropy in the dynamically equilibrated simulations. The resultant diagnostic for the SHC extent generalizes the convective quasi-equilibrium-based constraint of Privé and Plumb, in which the position of rain belts is related to maxima in the low-level entropy distribution.
Noninstantaneous Wave-CISK for the Interaction between Convective Heating and Low-Level Moisture Convergence in the Tropics
Authors: Liu Yan , Tan Zhe-Min , Wu Zhaohua
Published: April 2019

The interaction between tropical convective heating and thermally forced circulation is investigated using a global dry primitive-equation model with the parameterization of wave-conditional instability of the second kind (CISK). It is demonstrated that deep convective heating can hardly sustain itself through the moisture convergence at low levels regardless of the fraction of immediate consumption of converged moisture. In contrast, when the fraction is large, shallow convective heating and its forced circulation exhibit preferred growth of small scales. As the “CISK catastrophe” mainly comes from the instantaneous characters of moisture–convection feedback in the conventional wave-CISK, a noninstantaneous wave-CISK is proposed, which highlights the accumulation–consumption (AC) time scale for the convective heating accumulation and/or the converged moisture consumption. In the new wave-CISK, once moisture is converged, the release of latent heat takes place gradually within an AC time scale. In this sense, convective heating is not only related to the instantaneous moisture convergence at the current time, but also to that which occurred in the past period of the AC time scale. The noninstantaneous wave-CISK could guarantee the occurrence of convective heating and/or moisture convergence at larger scales, and then favor the growth of long waves, and thus solve the problem of CISK catastrophe. With the new wave-CISK and AC time scale of 2 days, the simulated convective heating-driven system bears a large similarity to that of the observed convectively coupled Kelvin wave.
Representation of Precipitation Characteristics and Extremes in Regional Reanalyses and Satellite- and Gauge-Based Estimates over Western and Central Europe
Authors: Lockhoff M. , Zolina O. , Simmer C. , Schulz J.
Published: April 2019

This paper evaluates several daily precipitation products over western and central Europe, identifies and documents their respective strengths and shortcomings, and relates these to uncertainties associated with each of the products. We analyze one gauge-based, three satellite-based, and two reanalysis-based products using high-density rain gauge observations as reference. First, we assess spatial patterns and frequency distributions using aggregated statistics. Then, we determine the skill of precipitation event detection from these products with a focus on extremes, using temporally and spatially matched pairs of precipitation estimates. The results show that the quality of the datasets largely depends on the region, season, and precipitation characteristic addressed. The satellite and the reanalysis precipitation products are found to have difficulties in accurately representing precipitation frequency with local overestimations of more than 40%, which occur mostly in dry regions (all products) as well as along coastlines and over cold/frozen surfaces (satellite-based products). The frequency distributions of wet-day intensities are generally well reproduced by all products. Concerning the frequency distributions of wet-spell durations, the satellite-based products are found to have clear deficiencies for maritime-influenced precipitation regimes. Moreover, the analysis of the detection of extreme precipitation events reveals that none of the non-station-based datasets shows skill at the shortest temporal and spatial scales (1 day, 0.25°), but at and above the 3-day and 1.25° scale the products start to exhibit skill over large parts of the domain. Added value compared to coarser-resolution global benchmark products is found both for reanalysis and satellite-based products.
Gender in Linear and Nonlinear History
Authors: Harris Adrienne
Published: April 2019

In response to Helen Gediman's notion of premodern, modern, and postmodern eras in the study of gender, an argument is made for a nonlinear approach to this history and for situating it in the context of other historical developments—social, personal, intellectual, and institutional. Differences among modern and postmodern positions in the matter of the role of the body and of social construction are discussed. The impact of transgender and intersex communities and voices on psychoanalytic thinking is examined, as are the elements of intergenerational transmission of trauma on gender experience both conscious and unconscious.
Middle Turbinate Friendly Technique for Cribriform Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair
Authors: Luk Lauren J. , Ikeda Allison , Wise Sarah K. , DelGaudio John M.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To compare surgical outcomes between 2 techniques for cribriform cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF) repair with middle turbinate preservation (MTP) vs middle turbinate resection (MTR). A secondary outcome is to examine the effectiveness of collagen dura matrix (CDM) as a grafting material for repair of isolated cribriform skull base defects.

Study Design

A retrospective chart review was performed of consecutive patients who underwent cribriform CSF repair at Emory University over the past 15 years.

Setting

Tertiary care rhinology practice.

Subjects

Adult patients with cribriform defects limited to the cribriform plate that did not extend lateral to the middle turbinate (MT) and were reconstructed with a free graft (mucosal or synthetic).

Methods

Patients were stratified into 2 primary groups by surgical technique: MTP vs MTR. A subset of patients underwent repair with CDM alone and was analyzed separately for CSF repair failure rate.

Results

Of 68 patients identified with cribriform defects, 42 underwent repair with MTP and 26 underwent repair with MTR. Average follow‐up time was 495 days. Patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension were also equally distributed (P =. 20). Primary CSF leak repair success was 95.6%, with 100% of leaks ultimately repaired. A subset of 39 patients underwent repair with CDM alone, with a primary repair success rate of 94.9%.

Conclusions

We present an effective method for repair of cribriform CSF leaks while preserving the MT. CDM can be successfully used as a free graft alone for repair of isolated cribriform CSF leaks.
Safety Assessment of Ecodriving Vehicles on Following Traffic
Authors: Duan Xi , Abbas Montasir
Published: April 2019

Ecodriving aims to achieve the best fuel efficiency by guiding vehicles to travel at a planned speed trajectory, which is developed by making use of topography or signal phasing and timing (SPaT) information. Previous work has mainly focused on algorithm development or the assessment of ecodriving efficiency. However, there has been little research regarding the safety issues of ecodriving. This study addresses safety concerns for normal driving vehicles (FNV) following ecodriving vehicles (EV). Time to collision (TTC) was used as the dependent variable to quantify the critical situation. The effects on TTC of three network-related factors: initial signal status, ambient vehicles, and speed limit, are considered and investigated. Six testing scenarios (experimental group) where FNV (subjects) followed an EV were generated with JMP (statistical software), and six baseline scenarios with conventional cars only were used as the control group. The driving simulation study was designed and implemented with a drive safety DNS-250 simulator. Twenty-nine volunteer drivers participated in the driving simulation study. The results show that the initial signal status has a significant influence on TTC of FNV following EV in the initial signal part, deceleration part, and overall optimization horizon. In addition, the speed limits have a significant impact the TTC of FNV following EV in the acceleration part. Overall, following an EV is safer than following a non-EV, with the exception of FNV in the initial signal part and deceleration part when the initial signal is green.
A Practical Guide for the Current Use of Biologic Therapies in Sports Medicine
Authors: Lamplot Joseph D. , Rodeo Scott A. , Brophy Robert H.
Published: April 2019

Over the past decade, there has been an increased interest in the use of biologic therapies in sports medicine. Although these technologies are in relatively early stages of development, there have been substantial increases in marketing, patient demand, and clinical utilization of biologics, including platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, and other cell-derived therapies. Direct-to-consumer marketing of biologics has also proliferated but is largely unregulated, and clinicians must accurately convey the safety and efficacy profiles of these therapies to patients. Because most insurance companies consider biologic treatments to be experimental or investigational for orthopaedic applications given the lack of high-quality evidence to support their efficacy, patients receiving these treatments often make substantial out-of-pocket payments. With a range of treatment costs among centers offering biologics, there is a need for appropriate and sustainable pricing and reimbursement models. Clinicians utilizing biologics must also have a thorough understanding of the recently clarified Food and Drug Administration guidelines that regulate the clinical use of cell and tissue products. There is a lack of consensus on the optimal preparation, source, delivery method, and dosing of biologic therapies, which has been exacerbated by a lack of sufficient experimental detail in most published studies. Future research must better identify the biologic target of treatment, adhere to better standards of reporting, and better integrate researchers, industry, and regulatory bodies to optimize applications.
When Better Seems Bigger: Perceived Performance of Adult Professional Football Players Is Positively Associated With Perceptions of Their Body Size
Authors: Knapen Jill E. P. , Pollet Thomas V. , van Vugt Mark
Published: April 2019

Research has shown a positive association between cues of physical formidability and perceptions of status, supporting a generic “bigger-is-better” heuristic. However, does better also lead to appraisals as bigger? Recent research suggests that the perceptual association between body size and social status can also be explained in terms of prestige. To test whether perceptions of prestige lead to higher appraisals of body size, we examined whether people apply a “better is bigger bias” (BBB) in football, where performance and body size tend to be uncorrelated. In two studies, we examined real coalitional sports groups on a national (Study 1) and team level (Study 2), and we manipulated target performance in an experimental third study. Results suggest that perceived performance significantly predicted both the perceived height (Studies 2 and 3) and perceived weight (Studies 1 and 2) of professional football players, supporting the BBB. Support for the team had a positive effect on body size estimations of the players; however, we did not find any support for winner or loser effects. We discuss these results in light of individual versus team performance and coalitional affiliation.
Push, Pull, Rerun: Television Reruns and Streaming Media
Authors: Gilbert Anne
Published: April 2019

In scholarly and industry analyses of television’s expansion into online distribution, few have accounted for the specific negotiations required when old television content streams on new media. This article considers the economic consequences, viewer utility, and cultural position of television reruns as they expand from the pushed flows of legacy television to the pull contexts of digital streaming. The emergence of streaming outlets upsets conventions of off-network syndication yet introduces new licensing revenue to television markets, and streaming undermines the pleasures of familiar, passive entertainment offered by reruns. Reruns, as a concept, a cultural commodity, and as an archive of a televisual past and present, are reconfigured with the move toward streaming television. Internet distribution of television reruns provides a necessary case study to investigate the full scope of how streaming services are destabilizing the conventions of the U.S. television industries.
Review of application of thermal manikin in evaluation on thermal and moisture comfort of clothing
Authors: Lei Zhongxiang
Published: April 2019

The thermal manikin is a complicated, delicate, and expensive tool, which could simulate the heat exchange between environment and human body and measure the evaporative resistance and thermal insulation of clothing. This study reviewed the application of thermal manikin in evaluation on thermal and moisture comfort of clothing and the thermal manikin through three aspects namely traditional thermal manikin, thermal regulation manikins, and numerical thermal manikins. Several typical manikins (Newton, Coppelius, SAM, Walter, Ruth, and Wenda) were described, and the features, application fields, measurement principles, and research status of thermal manikin were demonstrated. Finally, the development trends of thermal manikin were proposed. Not only would this work promote the further development of the thermal manikins themselves and the innovation of relevant technologies but also provide valuable information for the development and design of relevant products.
Numerical study on the inertial effects of particles on the rheology of a suspension
Authors: Fukui Tomohiro , Kawaguchi Misa , Morinishi Koji
Published: April 2019

Einstein’s viscosity formula is only applicable for dilute suspensions in which hydrodynamic interactions or inertial effects are sufficiently negligible. Therefore, the contribution of hydrodynamic interactions or the effects of inertia on the rheology of suspensions should be investigated. In order to evaluate the inertial effects of microscopic particles on the macroscopic rheology of a suspension, pressure-driven flow simulations with various confinements and Reynolds numbers were performed by a two-way coupling scheme. The results showed that the relative viscosity of the suspension decreases with increase in the particle size even when the concentration of the suspension remains the same. The results also indicated that the confinement should be less than 0.02 when applying Einstein’s viscosity formula. Moreover, the relative viscosity of the suspension under a high Reynolds number condition increases because of outward particle migration, and the non-Newtonian property of the suspension changes from thixotropy to dilatancy. Suspension is a potential fluid because its macroscopic rheological properties are altered owing to suspended particles’ behavior, that is, its microstructure. It can be stated that inertia is one of the promising factors to control suspension rheology.
Research on numerical simulation and process parameters of three-roll bending based on thickness characteristics of extra-thick plate
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhao Lianlei , Cui Ximin , Zhu Xinqing
Published: April 2019

Mechanism of roll forming for the extra-thick plate is more complicated, which is greatly influenced by the thickness characteristics of extra-thick plate and affects the machining accuracy of the extra-thick plate. In order to improve the forming quality of the three-roll coiling machine for the extra-thick plate, a stress–strain model with a linear distribution of the thickness is established. Based on the analysis of roll deformation of extra-thick plate, the analytical model of the three-roll rolling process is established. The stress field distribution in the bending deformation zone was analyzed with the use of ABAQUS software. The influence of the pressure on the upper roller, the friction between the roll and the sheet, and the processing speed of the sheet on the forming of the plate were analyzed. The results show that compared with the medium-thick plate, extra-thick plate appeared more obvious stress concentration in the contact area between the roll and the plate and the maximum equivalent stress increased by 15.3%. When the upper roller moves down the same distance, the roll forming curve of the extra-thick plate is basically consistent considering the thickness characteristics or not, and the maximum deviation of the forming radius is 5.7%. The forming radius is constant when the roll processing speed is between 0.15 and 0.45 rad/s, and the forming radius of the extra-thick plate is larger than that of the 30 mm medium-thick plate by 2.3%. The forming radius of the plate increases with the increase of friction coefficient between the rollers and plate. Compared to the 30-mm medium-thick plate, the forming radius of the extra-thick plate increases by 20%.
Gelsolin-like actin-capping protein has prognostic value and promotes tumorigenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the Hippo signaling pathway in human bladder cancer
Authors: Zhaojie Lyu , Yuchen Liu , Miao Chen , Yacun Chen , Shayi Wu , Anbang He , Xinhui Liao , Meng Zhang , Peipei Wu , Hongbing Mei , Feng Wang , Zhiming Cai , Xinyuan Guan
Published: April 2019

Background:

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder, the major histologic subtype of bladder cancer, is increasing in incidence and mortality, which requires the identification of effective biomarkers. Actin-regulating proteins have recently been proposed as important antitumor druggable targets. As a gelsolin-family actin-modulating protein, CAPG (gelsolin-like actin-capping protein) generated great interest due to its crucial effects in various biological and physiological processes; however, the role and mechanism of CAPG in TCCs remain unknown.

Materials and methods:

Bioinformatic analysis and immunohistochemistry of clinical specimens were performed to detect the expression level of CAPG. Both in vitro and in vivo assays were used to determine the oncogenic effect of CAPG in TCCs. Male 4–5-week-old BALB/c nude mice were used for in vivo tumorigenesis assays, while SCID mice were used for in vivo metastatic assays. Affymetrix microarray was used to identify the underlying molecular mechanism. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to validate the expression and localization of proteins.

Results:

CAPG was frequently upregulated in TCCs and associated with clinical aggressiveness and worse prognosis. Functional assays demonstrated that CAPG could contribute to the tumorigenesis, metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of TCCs both in vitro and in vivo. A novel mechanism that CAPG promoted TCC development via inactivating the Hippo pathway, leading to a nucleus translocation of Yes-associated protein was suggested.

Conclusions:

The current study identified CAPG as a novel and critical oncogene in TCCs, supporting the pursuit of CAPG as a potential target for TCC intervention.
Enhanced mechanical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes/thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites
Authors: Kalakonda P , Banne S , Kalakonda PB
Published: April 2019

Carbon nanotubes are considered to be ideal candidates for improving the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposite scaffolds due to their higher surface area, mechanical properties of three-dimensional isotropic structure, and physical properties. In this study, we showed the improved mechanical properties prepared by backfilling of preformed hydrogels and aerogels of individually dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-Baytubes) and thermoplastic polyurethane. Here, we used the solution-based fabrication method to prepare the composite scaffold and observed an improvement in tensile modulus about 200-fold over that of pristine polymer at 19 wt% MWCNT loading. Further, we tested the thermal properties of composite scaffolds and observed that the nanotube networks suppress the mobility of polymer chains, the composite scaffold samples were thermally stable well above their decomposition temperatures that extend the mechanical integrity of a polymer well above its polymer melting point. The improved mechanical properties of the composite scaffold might be useful in smart material industry.
Effect of Intranasal Corticosteroids on Secondary Sinonasal Symptoms: A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials
Authors: Deot Neal , Barr Jeremy , Mankowski Nicholas , Brunner Jacob , McCoul Edward D.
Published: April 2019

Background

Intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) sprays are indicated for use in the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and include aqueous and nonaqueous formulations. Secondary symptoms of rhinitis include postnasal drip, facial pain/pressure, headache, cough, and ear fullness. The effectiveness of INCS on these specific symptoms, as well as the comparative effectiveness of aqueous and nonaqueous formulations, is poorly defined.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of aqueous versus nonaqueous INCS formulations on less common sinonasal symptoms.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted of English-language, randomized controlled trials, with adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) standard. Studies that did not provide quantitative data on relief of postnasal drip, facial pain/pressure, headache, cough, and ear fullness were excluded. An itemized assessment of the risk of bias was conducted for each included study.

Results

Of the 118 studies identified, 9 met the criteria for qualitative analysis. An effect on postnasal drip was reported in 5 studies, facial pain/pressure in 2 studies, and cough in 2 studies. A reduction in a specific symptom was reported in about half of these studies, with heterogenous outcome measures. Only 1 study reported the effect of a nonaqueous formulation on a specific symptom. No studies reported an effect on aural fullness.

Conclusions

Limited data are available regarding the effectiveness of aqueous or nonaqueous INCS on secondary symptoms in adult patients with rhinitis. Further study is needed using homogenous outcome measures and direct comparison of INCS formulations.
Psychosocial Effects of a Holistic Ayurvedic Approach to Well-being in Health and Wellness Courses
Authors: Patel Sheila , Klagholz Stephen , Peterson Christine T , Weiss Lizabeth , Chopra Deepak , Mills Paul J
Published: April 2019

Background

As individuals are increasingly attending health and wellness courses outside of the conventional medical system, there is a need to obtain objective data on the effects of those programs on well-being.

Methods

In total, 154 men and women (mean age 54.7 years; range 25–83) participated in 3 different holistic wellness programs based on Ayurvedic Medicine principles (Seduction of Spirit, Journey into Healing, and Perfect Health) or a vacation control group. Psychosocial outcomes included spirituality (Delaney Spirituality Scale), mindful awareness (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale), psychological flexibility (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire), mood (Center for Epidemiology Studies-Depression), and anxiety (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System Anxiety Scale).

Results

Participants in the Seduction of Spirit ( P < .004), Journey into Healing ( P < .05), and Perfect Health ( P < .004) courses showed significant increases in spirituality as compared to vacation controls. Participants in Seduction of Spirit ( P < .007) also showed significant increases in mindfulness as compared to vacation controls. Participants in the Seduction of Spirit ( P < .001) and Journey into Healing ( P < .05) courses showed significant decreases in depressed mood as compared to those in the Perfect Health and vacation control groups. All study participants showed similar increases in psychological flexibility ( P < .01) and decreases in anxiety ( P < .01).

Conclusion

Participation in wellness courses that incorporate a mind–body–spirit approach to health improves multiple domains of psychosocial well-being, which persists even after course participation.
Cessation Attitudes and Preferences in Head and Neck Cancer Patients and Implications for Cessation Program Design: A Brief Report
Authors: Nightingale Chandylen L , Sterba Katherine R , Tooze Janet A , King Jessica L , Weaver Kathryn E
Published: April 2019

Introduction

This brief report examined prior cessation attempts, attitudes toward nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and interests in cessation interventions among head and neck cancer (HNC) patients with a recent smoking history (current smokers and recent quitters).

Methods

Forty-two HNC patients scheduled for major surgery who reported current or recent (quit <6 months) cigarette smoking participated. Participants completed a survey to assess smoking status, prior cessation attempts, attitudes toward NRT, and interest in and preferences for cessation interventions.

Results

Patients attempted to quit smoking on average 3.2 times in the past 12 months. Most patients (65.8%) reported that NRT products help people quit, with 42.5% reporting ever using cessation aids/services. Most patients (81.8%) reported interest in a smoking cessation program. Current smokers and recent quitters reported similar cessation attempts, attitudes toward NRT, and interest in smoking cessation interventions.

Discussion

Cancer center-based smoking cessation interventions are needed for current smokers and recent quitters maintaining cessation.
Service Good as an Intermediate Input and Optimal Government Policy in an Endogenous Growth Model
Authors: Gupta Senjuti , Chakraborty Bidisha , (Chatterjee) Tanmoyee Banerjee
Published: April 2019

The present article considers an endogenous growth model in which the service output is used as intermediate good in commodity sector, tax is imposed on manufacturing product and the revenue earned is invested to create human capital. It is shown that there exists a unique, saddle path stable steady-state growth rate of human capital accumulation and a unique growth-maximizing tax rate. The optimal tax rate for the command economy is compared with growth-maximizing tax rate in competitive economy. A numerical analysis shows that the command economy will have a higher growth rate than the competitive economy. An extension of the model where households privately spend for accumulation of human capital yields the same growth rate as that of the command economy of the previous model.

JEL Classification: E6, H2, O4
Effect of liraglutide on cardiac function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Bizino Maurice B. , Jazet Ingrid M. , Westenberg Jos J. M. , van Eyk Huub J. , Paiman Elisabeth H. M. , Smit Jan W. A. , Lamb Hildebrandus J.
Published: April 2019

Background

Liraglutide is an antidiabetic agent with cardioprotective effect. The purpose of this study is to test efficacy of liraglutide to improve diabetic cardiomyopathy in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) without cardiovascular disease.

Methods

Patients with DM2 were randomly assigned to receive liraglutide 1.8 mg/day or placebo in this double-blind trial of 26 weeks. Primary outcome measures were LV diastolic function (early (E) and late (A) transmitral peak flow rate, E/A ratio, early deceleration peak (Edec), early peak mitral annular septal tissue velocity (Ea) and estimated LV filling pressure (E/Ea), and systolic function (stroke volume, ejection fraction, cardiac output, cardiac index and peak ejection rate) assessed with CMR. Intention-to-treat analysis of between-group differences was performed using ANCOVA. Mean estimated treatment differences (95% confidence intervals) are reported.

Results

23 patients were randomized to liraglutide and 26 to placebo. As compared with placebo, liraglutide significantly reduced E (− 56 mL/s (− 91 to − 21)), E/A ratio (− 0.17 (− 0.27 to − 0.06)), Edec (− 0.9 mL/s2 * 10−3 (− 1.3 to − 0.2)) and E/Ea (− 1.8 (− 3.0 to − 0.6)), without affecting A (3 mL/s (− 35 to 41)) and Ea (0.4 cm/s (− 0.9 to 1.4)). Liraglutide reduced stroke volume (− 9 mL (− 16 to − 2)) and ejection fraction (− 3% (− 6 to − 0.1)), but did not change cardiac output (− 0.4 L/min (− 0.9 to 0.2)), cardiac index (− 0.1 L/min/m2 (− 0.4 to 0.1)) and peak ejection rate (− 46 mL/s (− 95 to 3)).

Conclusions

Liraglutide reduced early LV diastolic filling and LV filling pressure, thereby unloading the left ventricle. LV systolic function reduced and remained within normal range. Future studies are needed to investigate if liraglutide-induced left ventricular unloading slows progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy into symptomatic stages.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01761318.
Myocardial mechano-energetic efficiency and insulin resistance in non-diabetic members of the Strong Heart Study cohort
Authors: Mancusi Costantino , de Simone Giovanni , Best Lyle G. , Wang Wenyu , Zhang Ying , Roman Mary J. , Lee Elisa T. , Howard Barbara V. , Devereux Richard B.
Published: April 2019

Background

Myocardial energetic efficiency (MEE), is a strong predictor of CV events in hypertensive patient and is reduced in patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. We hypothesized that severity of insulin resistance (by HOMA-IR) negatively influences MEE in participants from the Strong Heart Study (SHS).

Methods

We selected non-diabetic participants (n = 3128, 47 ± 17 years, 1807 women, 1447 obese, 870 hypertensive) free of cardiovascular (CV) disease, by merging two cohorts (Strong Heart Study and Strong Heart Family Study, age range 18–93). MEE was estimated as stroke work (SW = systolic blood pressure [SBP] × stroke volume [SV])/“double product” of SBP × heart rate (HR), as an estimate of O2 consumption, which can be simplified as SV/HR ratio and expressed in ml/sec. Due to the strong correlation, MEE was normalized by left ventricular (LV) mass (MEEi).

Results

Linear trend analyses showed that with increasing quartiles of HOMA-IR patients were older, more likely to be women, obese and hypertensive, with a trend toward a worse lipid profile (all p for trend < 0.001), progressive increase in LV mass index, stroke index and cardiac index and decline of wall mechanics (all p < 0.0001). In multivariable regression, after adjusting for confounders, and including a kinship coefficient to correct for relatedness, MEEi was negatively associated with HOMA-IR, independently of significant associations with age, sex, blood pressure, lipid profile and central obesity (all p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Severity of insulin resistance has significant and independent negative impact on myocardial mechano-energetic efficiency in nondiabetic individual from a population study of American Indians.

Trial registration number NCT00005134, Name of registry: Strong Heart Study, URL of registry: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00005134, Date of registration: May 25, 2000, Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: September 1988