bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aortic valve area using computed tomography‐derived correction factor to improve the validity of left ventricular outflow tract measurements
Authors: Alskaf Ebraham , Gupta Tarun , Kardos Attila 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimsGiven the inherent inaccuracies stemming from the assumption that the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) is circular, this study aimed to improve the accuracy of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)‐based aortic valve area (AVA) calculation using continuity equation (CE) by introducing a correction factor (CF) derived from multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) images and validate it in aortic stenosis (AS) patients.Methods and ResultsThis retrospective study used MDCTA images of 400 patients for modeling and 403 TTE dataset for validation. Echocardiographic parasternal long‐axis view was modeled using MDCTA, and LVOT diameter (D1) was measured. Direct planimetry of LVOT area was performed and subsequently converted into a theoretical circle. The assumed circle (D2) diameter was derived, and D2/D1 was calculated and termed as the CF.The CF was 1.13, and it improved the agreement between MDCTA‐ and TTE‐derived LVOT areas and correlation between AVA and peak velocity, mean pressure gradient, and velocity ratio. In discordant subgroups of severe AS, the CF reclassified patients to moderate AS in 40% in the low flow (LF), low gradient (LG), and low ejection fraction (EF) group; 53% in the LF, LG, and normal EF group; and 68% in the LF, high gradient, and normal EF group.ConclusionsCF of 1.13 derived from MDCTA improved the accuracy of TTE‐derived LVOT area and AVA and improved correlation with hemodynamic variables in AS patients. Reclassification of AS patients using CF may have clinical applicability for patient selection for early intervention.
Keratinocyte aquaporin‐3 expression induced by histone deacetylase inhibitors is mediated in part by peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs)
Authors: Yang Rong , Chowdhury Shinjini , Choudhary Vivek , Chen Xunsheng , Bollag Wendy B. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe water and glycerol channel, aquaporin‐3 (AQP3), plays an important role in the skin epidermis, with effects on hydration, permeability barrier repair and wound healing; therefore, information about the mechanisms regulating its expression is important for a complete understanding of skin function physiologically and in disease conditions. We previously demonstrated that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) induce the mRNA and protein expression of AQP3, in part through the p53 family, transcription factors for which acetylation is known to affect their regulatory activity. Another set of transcription factors previously shown to induce AQP3 expression and/or regulate skin function are the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs). Since there are reports that PPARs are also acetylated, we examined the involvement of these nuclear hormone receptors in HDACi‐induced AQP3 expression. We first verified that a PPARγ agonist upregulated AQP3 mRNA and protein levels and that this increase was blocked by a PPARγ antagonist. We then showed that the PPARγ antagonist also inhibited AQP3 expression induced both by a broad‐spectrum HDACi and an HDAC3‐selective inhibitor. Interestingly, a PPARα antagonist also inhibited HDACi‐induced AQP3 expression. These antagonist effects were observed in both primary mouse and normal human keratinocytes. Furthermore, PPARγ overexpression enhanced HDACi‐stimulated AQP3 mRNA levels. Thus, our results suggest that PPARγ and/or PPARα may play a role in regulating AQP3 levels in the skin; based on the ability of PPAR agonists to promote epidermal differentiation and/or inhibit proliferation, topical PPAR agonists might be considered as a therapy for hyperproliferative skin disorders, such as psoriasis.
State, private or cooperatives? The governance of Tawa reservoir fisheries, India
Authors: Jyotishi Amalendu , Viswanathan Gopakumar , Madhavan Sajiv , R Parthasarathy 
Published: January 2020

AbstractReservoir fisheries are often contentious, largely due to displacement of people in the construction phase of the dam. This becomes a point of conflict between various stakeholders reflected in the management of the fishery. Unlike other types of open fisheries, reservoir fisheries need management to maintain the resource balance. In this context, it is important to examine which types of institutions are appropriate. In the search for an appropriate institution, the equity, economic efficiency and resource sustainability dimensions are important parameters. Fisheries management in Tawa reservoir in India is a case that underwent state, private and cooperative management. Through this case study, an attempt was made to identify the institutional responses that appropriately and reasonably address the three critical parameters of equity, efficiency and sustainability. A blended analytical approach between descriptive statistical and qualitative analysis for equity and sustainability, and production frontier for efficiency analysis was used in this study. The results support community management through a cooperative system.
Evaluating the sit‐to‐stand transfer assistance from a smart walker in older adults with motor impairments
Authors: Werner Christian , Geravand Milad , Korondi Péter Z , Peer Angelika , Bauer Jürgen M , Hauer Klaus 
Published: January 2020

AimTo evaluate the effectiveness and user satisfaction with the sit‐to‐stand (STS) assistance system of a smart walker (SW), and to identify factors associated with them in potential users.MethodsA total of 33 older adults (29 women, aged ≥65 years) with motor impairments (habitual rollator use) and no severe cognitive impairment (Mini‐Mental State Examination ≥17 points) carried out a Five‐Chair Stand Test without assistance and five STS transfers with the STS assistance system. Based on the number of successfully completed STS transfers, success rates were calculated for the Five‐Chair Stand Test and the SW‐assisted STS transfers, and compared using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. User satisfaction was assessed using the Tele‐healthcare Satisfaction Questionnaire‐Wearable Technology (0–80 points, higher score = higher satisfaction). Bivariate correlations and multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify participant characteristics associated with the success rate and user satisfaction with the STS assistance system.ResultsThe success rate for the SW‐assisted STS transfers was significantly higher than for the Five‐Chair Stand Test (93.3 ± 12.9% vs 54.5 ± 50.6%, P < 0.001). User satisfaction was high (Tele‐healthcare Satisfaction Questionnaire‐Wearable Technology 62.5 ± 11.2 points). The success rate with the STS assistance system was not significantly associated with any participant characteristics. Higher body mass index was a significant independent predictor of higher user satisfaction.ConclusionsThe SW‐integrated STS assistance system can provide effective STS support with high user satisfaction for a wide range of potential users. Our findings suggest the high potential of the STS assistance system for promoting mobility, independence and quality of life for older adults with motor impairments. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 312–316.
FIX potency of rFIX‐Albumin fusion protein is underestimated by one‐stage methods using silica‐based APTT reagents
Authors: Rosén Steffen , Bryngelhed Pia 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntroductionHigher potency is obtained with chromogenic substrate (CS) methods and one‐stage (OS) method with SynthAFax vs silica‐based OS methods on analysis of albutrepenonacog alpha (rFIX fused with albumin, rFIX‐FP).AimInvestigation of the effect of contact activator in search for explanation of discrepancy between methods.MethodsChromogenic Rox Factor IX method and OS methods with Pathromtin SL, SynthAFax or new OS method variants using different phospholipid emulsions and addition of either colloidal silica to create APTT reagents or addition of human FXIa together with calcium ions, in the latter case omitting contact activation. The effect of (a) adding different amounts of colloidal silica or (b) mixtures of Pathromtin SL and purified phospholipids immediately before addition of FXIa and calcium chloride was also explored. FIX activation via tissue factor/FVIIa was also made.ResultsFIX potency of rFIX‐FP when using APTT reagents with pure phospholipid emulsions with added colloidal silica was similar to OS method with Pathromtin SL. In contrast, close to 80% higher FIX potency for rFIX‐FP, and similar to OS method with SynthAFax and to the CS method, was obtained when FXIa replaced contact activation. No discrepancies were obtained for plasma‐derived FIX. Gradual decrease of colloidal silica or decreasing proportion of Pathromtin SL added just before addition of FXIa raised rFIX‐FP potency to that obtained with SynthAFax and Rox Factor IX. Supportive results were obtained with the tissue factor/FVIIa method.ConclusionColloidal silica and Pathromtin SL impair activation of rFIX‐FP, causing underestimation of rFIX‐FP potency.
Investigation of patients with unclassified bleeding disorder and abnormal thrombin generation for physiological coagulation inhibitors reveals multiple abnormalities and a subset of patients with increased tissue factor pathway inhibitor activity
Authors: MacDonald Stephen , White Danielle , Langdown Jon , Downes Kate , Thomas Will 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntroductionWe have routinely used thrombin generation to investigate patients with unclassified bleeding disorder (UBD). Aims: To investigate haemostatic abnormalities in patients with UBD that had abnormal thrombin generation on at least one occasion.MethodsInvestigation of 13 known UBD patients with thrombin generation and detailed haemostatic testing was undertaken including TFPI assays but also thrombomodulin and fibrinogen‐γ.Results12 females and 1 male were included. No patient had a platelet function disorder or coagulation factor deficiency that explained the bleeding phenotype, though 2 patients had factor deficiencies; a factor X of 0.41 IU/mL and a factor XI of 0.51 IU/mL. ThromboGenomics revealed variants for these factors but no other abnormalities. Patients were included who previously had either prolonged lag time or decreased endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) via high dose tissue factor (5 pmol/L) or low dose tissue factor (1.5 pmol/L) with corn trypsin inhibitor (CTI). Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) activity was significantly increased (P < .001; increased in 8 patients) compared with controls and abnormalities in soluble thrombomodulin (2 patients), fibrinogen‐γ (1 patient) and tPA (4 patients for each) were seen. Total and free TFPI levels were not increased. Mixing studies of patient plasma with 50:50 normal plasma for thrombin generation via low dose tissue factor failed to correct the ETP consistent with ongoing inhibition. Addition of an anti‐TFPI antibody partially corrected thrombin generation to normal levels. TFPI sequencing was unremarkable.ConclusionTFPI activity may be increased in a subset of UBD patients. Further research studies are warranted in UBD patients for coagulation inhibitor abnormalities.
Asian management of hypertension: Current status, home blood pressure, and specific concerns in Thailand
Authors: Buranakitjaroen Peera , Wanthong Sirisawat , Sukonthasarn Apichard 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe prevalence of hypertension is increasing, but rates of awareness, treatment, and blood pressure (BP) control are also increasing. In terms of cardiovascular disease, the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke is similar, but stroke mortality is higher than that from CAD. Home BP monitoring (HBPM) is an important tool for determining the presence of white‐coat or masked hypertension, facilitating drug cost savings or effective cardiovascular risk management strategies, respectively. However, there are a number of barriers to use of HBPM in Thailand. These include lack of availability (particularly in lower socioeconomic groups), lack of awareness of the importance of white‐coat and masked hypertension, and concerns about device reliability. The latest Thai Hypertension Society guidelines recommend that physicians and nurses encourage their patients to use their HBPM devices, and these are increasingly being utilized in clinical practice for both diagnostic purposes and therapeutic monitoring. Calcium channel blockers are the most commonly used antihypertensive agents in Thailand, followed by angiotensin receptor blockers, ß‐blockers, and diuretics. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors are used less often due to drug‐related cough, and the use of fixed drug combinations is low because of their high cost and more complex reimbursement process. Ongoing work is needed to improve the primary prevention and effective treatment of hypertension in Thailand.
Surgical implantation of radio tags in three eel species (Anguilla spp.) in South Africa
Authors: Hanzen Céline , Lucas Martyn C. , OʼBrien Gordon , Calverley Peter , Downs Colleen T. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractStudies have reported poor survival of surgically tagged freshwater fishes in warm African waters. This study aimed to assess the applicability of using radio telemetry (and surgical implantation of tags) for Anguilla spp. Nineteen yellow eels (Anguilla bengalensis, A. marmorata and A. mossambica) were surgically implanted with radio tags between October 2018 and January 2019 in the Thukela River, South Africa. Most eels were alive 6 months after tagging, and recaptured eels displayed advanced or complete healing at the incision site. Therefore, this method appears suitable for African freshwater eels.
Supporting decision‐making on urban flood control alternatives through a recovery deficit procedure for successive events
Authors: Guimarães Luciana Fernandes , Miguez Marcelo Gomes 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe occurrence of floods poses a challenge to cities, resulting in tragedies and losses in watersheds unprepared to receive massive amounts of water. Therefore, studies to define impacts caused by successive flood events are essential to quantify long‐term losses and allow feasibility analysis of design alternatives to mitigate them. The financial losses caused by each event trigger successive recovery processes. Thus, it is important to identify areas with low resilience to guide public investment to prevent progressive degradation. This work presents a method to analyze successive flood events considering the recoverability of the region. To illustrate the method's application, two case studies were performed, in the Mangue Channel and Acari River watersheds of Rio de Janeiro, regions with different recovery capabilities, to test the method in different conditions and check the criticality level of these areas in relation to resilience gaps. The watersheds were also evaluated regarding projects designed to mitigate rainfall events with return periods of 5, 10, and 25 years. Among the results were confirmation of the efficiency of projects designed for lower recurrence intervals in mitigating successive damages, showing that more frequent events (although less critical individually) can be of great importance in flood control strategies.
The potential for material circularity and independence in the U.S. steel sector
Authors: Cooper Daniel R. , Ryan Nicole A. , Syndergaard Kyle , Zhu Yongxian 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAchieving a U.S. circular economy would reduce environmental impacts and increase material independence. This article calculates maximum recycled contents (RCs) and recycling rates (RRs) in an independent U.S. steel sector, and estimates the potential to displace current imports with recycled scrap that is currently destined for landfill, hibernating stocks, or export (LHSE). A U.S. dynamic material flow analysis (1880–2100) is conducted to estimate annual steel consumption and scrap generation. The results are coupled with a linear optimization model that minimizes primary steel demand while satisfying the volumetric and compositional demands of new consumption. The compositional analysis examines only copper content because it is of greatest concern to recyclers.The best estimate is that the maximum independent RR is already constrained by copper contamination. Without interventions, this maximum RR will gradually decline throughout the century. The annual consumption to scrap availability ratio (C2SR) will decrease from around 1.4 today. Concurrently, the maximum RC rises but then plateaus below 75% as the RR falls. This highlights a conflict in the conditions for a circular economy: a C2SR approaching unity is a necessary condition for a high RC but leads to fewer opportunities for scrap contaminant dilution, which decreases the RR. Improved product design for recycling and deployment of scrap refining technologies will be needed to reach higher RCs. In 2017, the mass of U.S. scrap destined for LHSE exceeded direct steel imports. Domestic recycling of scrap exports alone could have displaced 36% of direct steel imports, reducing the U.S. deficit by $5.5 billion.
The locomotor musculature and posture of the early dinosauriform Silesaurus opolensis provides a new look into the evolution of Dinosauromorpha
Authors: Piechowski Rafał , Tałanda Mateusz 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIt is widely accepted that ornithodirans (bird lineage) and some pseudosuchians (crocodilian lineage) achieved fully erect limb posture in different ways. Ornithodirans have buttress‐erected hindlimbs, while some advanced pseudosuchians have pillar‐erected hindlimbs. Analysis of the musculoskeletal apparatus of the early dinosauriform Silesaurus opolensis challenges this view. This ornithodiran had pillar‐erected hindlimbs like some pseudosuchians. This condition could be autapomorphic or represents a transitional state between adductor‐controlled limb posture of early dinosauromorphs and the buttress‐erected hindlimbs of dinosaurs. This sequence of changes is supported by Triassic tracks left by animals of the dinosaurian lineage. It was associated with the strong development of knee flexors and extensors. Furthermore, the forelimbs of Silesaurus were fully erect, analogously to those of early sauropods. Members of both lineages reduced the muscles related to the protraction, retraction and bending of the limb. They used forelimbs more as a body support and less for propulsion. A similar scapula and humerus construction can be found in the Lagerpetidae and Lewisuchus, suggesting that long, slender, fully erected forelimbs are primitive for all Dinosauromorpha, not just Silesauridae. Early dinosaurs redeveloped several muscle attachments on the forelimb, probably in relation to bipedality.
The natural history of canine occult Grade II medial patellar luxation: an observational study
Authors: Hamilton L. , Farrell M. , Mielke B. , Solano M. , Silva S. , Calvo I. 
Published: January 2020

ObjectivesTo determine the risk of lameness and the rate of subsequent medial patellar luxation surgery in dogs that present with occult Grade II medial patellar luxation.Materials and methodsRetrospective owner survey and review of clinical records of adult dogs diagnosed with Grade II medial patellar luxation that were initially asymptomatic and managed non‐surgically that had a minimum of 4‐year follow‐up. Clinical notes and owner questionnaires identified dogs that subsequently developed lameness and required surgery on the previously asymptomatic stifle.ResultsThirty‐eight dogs were included with an average follow‐up of 51 months. Seventeen dogs re‐presented for unscheduled contralateral medial patellar luxation surgery at an average of 15 months after initial presentation. A further two dogs had chronic contralateral limb lameness after an average of 33 months after initial surgery and may have been potential surgical candidates.Clinical SignificanceFifty percent of adult dogs presenting with occult Grade II medial patellar luxation subsequently developed chronic lameness or required surgery.
A modified motion planning algorithm for horizontal highway alignment development
Authors: Sushma M.B. , Maji Avijit 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA horizontal alignment can be represented by three key factors: number of horizontal points of intersection (HPIs), their locations, and corresponding horizontal curve radii. Deciding all the three factors simultaneously requires extensive effort, which is not practically feasible in the manual alignment development process. Most available computer‐aided methods prioritize some or all the three factors in the automated alignment development processes. However, approximation in HPI location or pre‐selection of HPI number and curve radius are the few limitations of these methods. This study presents a modified motion‐planning based algorithm for developing new horizontal alignments with optimized costs and impacts. It simultaneously uses a low‐discrepancy sampling technique to develop increasingly dense potential HPIs, rapidly exploring random trees to find a suitable number of intermediate HPIs at appropriate locations and sequential quadratic algorithm to select optimally fitted curve radii. The proposed algorithm is integrated with the GIS database for realistic location‐dependent cost and environmental impact assessment. Two real‐world study areas were selected to compare the results with the one reported in the literature and to evaluate backtracking capability. Results indicated the proficiency of the proposed algorithm in developing new alignments. The sensitivity analyses revealed the effect of design speed and right‐of‐way width on the alignment generation. The proposed algorithm can automate the new horizontal highway alignment development process and support highway engineers in planning and development.
The high‐quality genome of diploid strawberry (Fragaria nilgerrensis) provides new insights into anthocyanin accumulation
Authors: Zhang Junxiang , Lei Yingying , Wang Baotian , Li Song , Yu Shuang , Wang Yan , Li He , Liu Yuexue , Ma Yue , Dai Hongyan , Wang Jiahong , Zhang Zhihong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFragaria nilgerrensis is a wild diploid strawberry species endemic to east and southeast region in Asia and provides a rich source of genetic variations for strawberry improvement. Here, we present a chromosome‐scale assembly of F. nilgerrensis using single‐molecule real‐time (SMRT) Pacific Biosciences sequencing and chromosome conformation capture (Hi‐C) genome scaffolding. The genome assembly size was 270.3 Mb, with a contig N50 of ∼8.5 Mb. A total of 28 780 genes and 117.2 Mb of transposable elements were annotated for this genome. Next, detailed comparative genomics with the high‐quality F. vesca reference genome was conducted to obtain the difference among transposable elements, SNPs, Indels, and so on. The genome size of F. nilgerrensis was enhanced by around 50 Mb relatively to F. vesca, which is mainly due to expansion of transposable elements. In comparison with the F. vesca genome, we identified 4 561 825 SNPs, 846 301 Indels, 4243 inversions, 35 498 translocations and 10 099 relocations. We also found a marked expansion of genes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, cyanoamino acid metabolism, plant–pathogen interaction, brassinosteroid biosynthesis and plant hormone signal transduction in F. nilgerrensis, which may account for its specific phenotypes and considerable environmental adaptability. Interestingly, we found sequence variations in the upstream regulatory region of FnMYB10, a core transcriptional activator of anthocyanin biosynthesis, resulted in the low expression level of the FnMYB10 gene, which is likely responsible for white fruit phenotype of F. nilgerrensis. The high‐quality F. nilgerrensis genome will be a valuable resource for biological research and comparative genomics research.