bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in clinical and patient‐reported outcomes among complex heart failure with preserved ejection fraction phenotypes
Authors: Flint Kelsey M. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Lewis Eldrin F. , Kao David P. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study is to use six previously described heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) phenotypes to describe differences in (i) the biological response to spironolactone, (ii) clinical endpoints, and (iii) patient‐reported health status by HFpEF phenotype and treatment arm in the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist Trial (TOPCAT).Methods and resultsWe analysed 1767 patients in TOPCAT from the Americas. Using 11 clinical variables, patients were classified according to six HFpEF phenotypes previously identified in the I‐PRESERVE and CHARM‐Preserved studies. Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) measured health status. All phenotypes showed increase in potassium with spironolactone, although only three phenotypes showed significant increase in creatinine, and two phenotypes showed significant decrease in systolic blood pressure. Rate of the TOPCAT primary outcome (cardiovascular death, aborted cardiac arrest, or heart failure hospitalization) differed by HFpEF phenotype (P < 0.001) but not by treatment arm within each HFpEF phenotype. Baseline KCCQ score differed by HFpEF phenotype (P < 0.001), although some phenotypes with poor health status had lower rates of the TOPCAT primary outcome, and some phenotypes with better health status had higher rates of the TOPCAT primary outcome. However, within 3/6 phenotypes, higher baseline KCCQ score was associated with lower risk of the TOPCAT primary outcome. Change in KCCQ scores at 4 and 12 months did not differ among HFpEF phenotypes overall or by treatment arm.ConclusionsComplex, data‐driven HFpEF phenotypes differ according to biological response to spironolactone, baseline health status, and clinical endpoints. These differences may inform the design of targeted clinical trials focusing on improvement in outcomes most relevant for specific HFpEF phenotypes.
Microfluidic applications on circulating tumor cell isolation and biomimicking of cancer metastasis
Authors: Xu Xiawei , Jiang Zhenqi , Wang Jing , Ren Yong , Wu Aiguo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe prognosis of malignant tumors is challenged by insufficient means to effectively detect tumors at early stage. Liquid biopsy using circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as biomarkers demonstrates a promising solution to tackle the challenge, because CTCs play a critical role in cancer metastatic process via intravasation, circulation, extravasation, and formation of secondary tumor. However, the effectiveness of the solution is compromised by rarity, heterogeneity, and vulnerability associated with CTCs. Among a plethora of novel approaches for CTC isolation and enrichment, microfluidics leads to isolation and detection of CTCs in a cost‐effective and operation‐friendly way. Development of microfluidics also makes it feasible to model the cancer metastasis in vitro using a microfluidic system to mimick the in vivo microenvironment, thereby enabling analysis and monitor of tumor metastasis. This paper aims to review the latest advances for exploring the dual‐roles microfluidics has played in early cancer diagnosis via CTC isolation and investigating the role of CTCs in cancer metastasis; the merits and drawbacks for dominating microfluidics‐based CTC isolation methods are discussed; biomimicking cancer metastasis using microfluidics are presented with example applications on modelling of tumor microenvironment, tumor cell dissemination, tumor migration, and tumor angiogenesis. The future perspectives and challenges are discussed.
Separation of micro and sub‐micro diamagnetic particles in dual ferrofluid streams based on negative magnetophoresis
Authors: Xue Chun‐Dong , Sun Zhong‐Ping , Li Yong‐Jiang , Chen Jian‐Feng , Liu Bo , Qin Kai‐Rong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn the present study, we numerically demonstrate an approach for separation of micro and sub‐micro diamagnetic particles in dual ferrofluid streams based on negative magnetophoresis. The dual streams are constructed by an intermediate sheath flow, after which the negative magnetophoretic force induced by an array of permanent magnets dominates the separation of diamagnetic particles. A simple and efficient numerical model is developed to calculate the motions of particles under the action of magnetic field and flow field. Effects of the average flow velocity, the ratio of sheath fluid flow to sample fluid flow, the number of the magnet pair as well as the position of magnet pair are investigated. The optimal parametric condition for complete separation is obtained through the parametric analysis, and the separation principle is further elucidated by the force analysis. The separation of smaller micro and sub‐micro diamagnetic particles is finally demonstrated. This study provides an insight into the negative magnetophoretic phenomenon and guides the fabrication of feasible, low‐cost diagnostic devices for sub‐micro particle separation.
Semiology of spontaneous generalized tonic‐clonic seizures in the epileptic baboon
Authors: Szabó Charles Ákos , González David Andrés , Koneru Sreekanth 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe epileptic baboon provides an animal model for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), demonstrating spontaneous generalized tonic‐clonic seizures (GTCS) in addition to generalized myoclonic, absence and multifocal seizures. While photoconvulsive responses have been described in this model, spontaneous GTCS have not been characterized.MethodsIn this study, we characterized 46 seizures in 7 epileptic baboons (5 females, 12 ± 3 years old) by video recording. While housed in single cages, the baboons were monitored for a median of 2 (range 1‐10) weeks, with high‐resolution, infrared‐capable camera systems. Each GTCS was evaluated for evidence of preconvulsive ictal symptoms, focal convulsive behaviors, duration of the preconvulsive and convulsive periods, postictal immobility, and recovery of an upright posture. The circadian pattern of GTCS was also for each baboon.ResultsMore than half of GTCS occurred in sleep, beginning from an upright position in all but one tethered baboon. Focal semiological findings were noted in 19 (41%) GTCS, and these included preconvulsive focal ictal motor behaviors as well as lateralized motor activity during the convulsions. The convulsive portion lasted 47 ± 10 seconds, whereas the entire seizure lasted 54 ± 21 seconds. Postictally, the baboons remained immobile for a median latency of 40 (range 14‐347) seconds, recovering an upright posture after 173 (range 71‐1980) seconds. GTCS demonstrated circadian patterns in all but one baboon, with 34 (74%) all seizures occurring between 1‐9 am.SignificanceGTCS in the baboon revealed intersubject variability, but semiology remained stereotyped in a given baboon. Similar to GTCS in people with JME, focal symptoms were also observed in epileptic baboons. The postictal recovery period, characterized by postictal immobility and myoclonus as well as time to recumbency, also varied among baboons.
Mainshock‐consistent ground motion record selection for aftershock sequences
Authors: Papadopoulos Athanasios N. , Kohrangi Mohsen , Bazzurro Paolo 
Published: March 2020

SummaryIn recent years, the additional risk posed to the built environment due to aftershock sequences and triggered events has been brought to attention, and several efforts have been directed towards developing fragility functions for structures in damaged conditions. Despite this rise of interest, a rather fundamental component for such tasks, namely that of aftershock ground motion record selection, has remained under‐scrutinized. Herein, we propose a pragmatic procedure that can be applied for the selection of mainshock‐aftershock ground motion pairs using consistent causal parameters and accounting for the correlation between their spectral accelerations. In addition, a structural analysis strategy that can be employed for the analytical derivation of damage‐dependent fragility functions is outlined and presented through a case study. A more conventional back‐to‐back IDA analysis is also carried out in order to compare the derived damage‐dependent fragility functions with the ones obtained with the proposed procedure. The results indicate that record selection remains a crucial factor even when assessing the structural vulnerability of damaged buildings, and should thus be treated cautiously.
Reconstructing fluvial incision rates based on palaeo‐water tables in chalk karst networks along the Seine valley (Normandy, France)
Authors: Nehme Carole , Farrant Andrew , Ballesteros Daniel , Todisco Dominique , Rodet Joel , Sahy Diana , Grappone J. Michael , Staigre Jean‐Claude , Mouralis Damase 
Published: March 2020

AbstractQuantifying rates of river incision and continental uplift over Quaternary timescales offer the potential for modelling landscape change due to tectonic and climatic forcing. In many areas, river terraces form datable archives that help constrain the timing and rate of valley incision. However, old river terraces, with high‐level deposits, are prone to weathering and often lack datable material. Where valleys are incised through karst areas, caves and sediments can be used to reconstruct the landscape evolution because they can record the elevation of palaeo‐water tables and contain preserved datable material. In Normandy (N. France), the Seine River is entrenched into an extensive karstic chalk plateau. Previous estimates of valley incision were hampered by the lack of preserved datable fluvial terraces. A stack of abandoned phreatic cave passages preserved in the sides of the Seine valley can be used to reconstruct the landscape evolution of the region. Combining geomorphological observations, palaeomagnetic and U/Th dating of speleothem and sediments in eight caves along the Lower Seine valley, we have constructed a new age model for cave development and valley incision. Six identified cave levels up to ∼100 m a.s.l. were formed during the last ~1 Ma, coeval with the incision of the Seine River. Passage morphologies indicate that the caves formed in a shallow phreatic/epiphreatic setting, modified by sediment influxes. The valley's maximum age is constrained by the occurrence of late Pliocene marine sand. Palaeomagnetic dating of cave infills indicates that the highest‐level caves were being infilled prior to 1.1 Ma. The evidence from the studied caves, complemented by fluvial terrace sequences, indicates that rapid river incision occurred during marine isotope stage (MIS) 28 to 20 (0.8–1 Ma), with maximal rates of ~0.30 m ka−1, dropping to ~0.08 m ka−1 between MIS 20–11 (0.8–0.4 Ma) and 0.05 m ka−1 from MIS 5 to the present time. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic flame retardancy of tris(1‐methoxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐piperidin‐4‐yl)phosphite and tris(2,4,6‐tribromophenoxy)‐1,3,5‐triazine/Sb2O3 in high‐impact polystyrene
Authors: Wu Hongzhi , Yang Jingwei , Liu Junhong , Sun Mingmei , Wang Yinglong , Tang Linsheng 
Published: March 2020

SummarySynergistic flame retardancy of tris(1‐methoxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐piperidin‐4‐yl) phosphite (NORPM) and tris(2,4,6‐tribromophenoxy)‐1,3,5‐triazine (TTBPC)/Sb2O3 in high‐impact polystyrene (HIPS) was studied by limiting oxygen index (LOI) determination, UL‐94 test, and cone calorimetry test (CCT). NORPM has an exceptional synergistic effect in HIPS. When the dosage of TTBPC, Sb2O3, and NORPM was 12.8, 3.2, and 0.5 wt% respectively, flame retardant effectivity and synergistic effectivity were 0.424 and 1.15 respectively. Compared with the Flame retardant (FR)‐HIPS containing 16.0 wt% of TTBPC/Sb2O3, the LOI of FR‐HIPS increases from 23.8% to 25.4%, the flame‐retardant rating of FR‐HIPS can be improved from UL 94 V‐2 to V‐0, and the peak heat release rate and total heat release are significantly reduced by combining NORPM in 0.5 wt% concentration. NORPM induces the synergistic effect mainly through the following mechanisms: the active radicals produced by the pyrolysis of NORPM promote the release of bromine radicals from TTBPC and the formation of HBr, which improves the flame retardancy of TTBPC; the above active radicals, together with HBr, quench active free radicals, such as the hydroxyl radical (·OH) and decompose the free radical source, which interrupts the chain reaction during combustion and results in a more efficient flame retardant effect in gaseous phase.
Long‐Term Study of Hepatitis Delta Virus Infection at Secondary Care Centers: The Impact of Viremia on Liver‐Related Outcomes
Authors: Kamal Habiba , Westman Gabriel , Falconer Karolin , Duberg Ann‐Sofi , Weiland Ola , Haverinen Susanna , Wejstål Rune , Carlsson Tony , Kampmann Christian , Larsson Simon B. , Björkman Per , Nystedt Anders , Cardell Kristina , Svensson Stefan , Stenmark Stephan , Wedemeyer Heiner , Aleman Soo 
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection is associated with fast progression to liver cirrhosis and liver complications. Previous studies have, however, been mainly from tertiary care centers, with risk for referral bias toward patients with worse outcomes. Furthermore, the impact of HDV viremia per se on liver‐related outcomes is not really known outside the human immunodeficiency virus co‐infection setting. We have therefore evaluated the long‐term impact of HDV viremia on liver‐related outcomes in a nationwide cohort of patients with hepatitis B and D co‐infection, cared for at secondary care centers in Sweden.

Approach and Results
In total, 337 patients with anti‐HDV positivity, including 233 patients with HDV RNA viremia and 91 without HDV viremia at baseline, were retrospectively studied, with a mean follow‐up of 6.5 years (range, 0.5‐33.1). The long‐term risks for liver‐related events (i.e., hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC], hepatic decompensation, or liver‐related death/transplantation) were assessed, using Cox regression analysis. The risk for liver‐related events and HCC was 3.8‐fold and 2.6‐fold higher, respectively, in patients with HDV viremia compared with those without viremia, although the latter was not statistically significant. Among patients with HDV viremia with no baseline cirrhosis, the cumulative risk of being free of liver cirrhosis or liver‐related events was 81.9% and 64.0% after 5 and 10 years of follow‐up, respectively. This corresponds to an incidence rate of 0.04 cases per person‐year.

Conclusions
HDV RNA viremia is associated with a 3.8‐fold higher risk for liver‐related outcomes. The prognosis was rather poor for patients with HDV viremia without cirrhosis at baseline, but it was nevertheless more benign than previous estimates from tertiary centers. Our findings may be of importance when making decisions about treatment and evaluating potential outcomes of upcoming antivirals against HDV.
The rise of new psychoactive substances and psychiatric implications: A wide‐ranging, multifaceted challenge that needs far‐reaching common legislative strategies
Authors: Rinaldi Raffaella , Bersani Giuseppe , Marinelli Enrico , Zaami Simona 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe ever‐growing number of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) that have been surfacing globally, as well as related changes in drug abuse trends, undoubtedly constitute a difficult and multifaceted challenge for psychiatry. The intake and abuse of such substances has been linked to a risk of psychopathological disturbances, which stem from imbalances of a range of neurotransmitter pathways and receptors. Through an analysis of relevant research articles and reviews (particularly those outlining NPS neurological and cerebral mechanisms of action and psychopathological consequences arising from NPS abuse; research papers more closely focused on chemical/pharmacological aspects have been ruled out), through a systematic analysis of Pubmed, Medline, PsycLIT and EMBASE literature, as well as data released by health care institutions and drug enforcement agencies (among which the World Health Organization, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Eurojust, the Novel Psychoactive Treatment UK Network, the Court of Justice of the European Union), the authors aimed to elaborate on the most relevant data relative to NPS‐related psychiatric effects, focusing on the conceptual and definition‐related complexities inherent to NPS, clinical management and motivations for NPS use; moreover, an effort has been made to highlight the possible measures in order to tackle the unremitting rise of such elusive and potentially harmful substances.
A Japanese man with spina bifida who successfully fathered a child following fertility treatment
Authors: Gotoh Daisuke , Aoki Katsuya , Morizawa Yosuke , Hori Shunta , Itami Yoshitaka , Miyake Makito , Torimoto Kazumasa , Momose Hitoshi , Fujimoto Kiyohide 
Published: March 2020

IntroductionSpina bifida is a congenital anomaly caused by a neural tube closure defect that may result in sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction and infertility are prevalent in spina bifida patients but have been scarcely reported.Case presentationWe report the case of a 36‐year‐old man with spina bifida and mild‐moderate erectile dysfunction. He could experience erection and ejaculation. He got married at the age of 28 years, but his wife was unable to conceive for 2 years thereafter. Semen analyses revealed that semen volume, sperm density, and sperm motility rate were below normal levels. It was concluded that natural conception would be difficult, and assisted reproductive strategies were planned. After 4 years, his wife conceived through intracytoplasmic sperm injection and gave birth to a healthy baby.ConclusionFertility treatment, including intracytoplasmic sperm injection, is a useful therapeutic method for male patients with spina bifida who desire to father a child.
SIMULATION–OPTIMIZATION MODELLING FOR WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT USING NSGAII‐OIP AND MODFLOW
Authors: Lalehzari R. , Boroomand Nasab S. , Moazed H. , Haghighi A. , Yaghoobzadeh M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOptimal water allocation may be considered a valuable solution to increase the productivity of water resources in arid and semi‐arid areas. To achieve this purpose, the main resources of water consumption in the Baghmalek Plain (Khuzestan Province) from October 2014 to September 2015 and the groundwater table for 12 years (2002–2014) were simulated. Multi‐objective optimization of the cropping pattern and groundwater simulation model have been programmed to generate a decision system in agricultural water management. Groundwater flow was simulated to address optimal discharge scenarios based on a finite difference numerical approach using MODFLOW software. The study years were divided into 48 seasonal stress periods and coefficients of hydraulic conductivity, specific yield and recharge were calibrated (36 periods) and verified (12 periods). The results showed that the flow model had an acceptable simulation accuracy by variance of 2.9 and 3.84 in the calibration and verification processes, respectively. Furthermore, precipitation is the main source of water supplying the cropping pattern, especially in the water‐deficit scenario when total water demand is not fully satisfied. © 2020 International Commission for Irrigation and Drainage
Design theory and some forbidden configurations
Authors: Anstee R. P. , Barekat Farzin , Pellegrin Zachary 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this paper we relate ‐designs to a forbidden configuration problem in extremal set theory. Let denote a column of 1's on top of 0's. Let denote the matrix consisting of rows of 1's and rows of 0's. We consider extremal problems for matrices avoiding certain submatrices. Let be a (0, 1)‐matrix forbidding any submatrix . Assume is ‐rowed and only columns of sum are allowed to be repeated. Assume that has the maximum number of columns subject to the given restrictions. Assume is sufficiently large. Then has each column of sum and exactly once and, given the appropriate divisibility condition, the columns of sum correspond to a ‐design with block size and parameter . The proof derives a basic upper bound on the number of columns of by a pigeonhole argument and then a careful argument, for large m, reduces the bound by a substantial amount down to the value given by design‐based constructions. We extend in a few directions.
Developing a mini biodiesel production line via sequential conversion to purification from Scenedesmus acuminatus S4 grown in domestic wastewater
Authors: Tran Dang Thuan , Ta Thuy Nguyen , Do Thi Hong Nhung , Pham Thi Mai , Doan Thi Bich Hoa , Mai Thi Huyen Thuong , Van Do Thi Cam , Le Truong Giang , Nguyen Van Tuyen 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDFull demonstrations of the production of microalgal biodiesel from conversion to purification have been reported only rarely in the literature. This study was aimed at developing a mini production line consisting of sequential conversion, extraction and purification of biodiesel from Scenedesmus acuminatus S4 grown in domestic wastewater.RESULTSThe data showed that the separated conversion‐extraction (SCE) produced biodiesel with high yield (99.9%) and purity (87.5%) at 200 g L–1 biomass loading, 5% H2SO4/methanol (v/v) catalyst loading, 100 °C reaction temperature and 200 rpm stirring rate, in a 1 h conversion reaction, followed by extraction with hexane (10 mL:1 g dry cell weight) by mixing for 10 min (200 rpm) at 25 °C. The integrated conversion‐extraction (ICE) performed by simultaneous addition of hexane to the biomass and the catalytic solution mixture under the optimized conditions, achieved biodiesel yield and purity of 91.9% and 81.4%, respectively. Crude biodiesel was purified by 40% (w/v) adsorbents [Magnesol and D‐sol® (D60)]/crude biodiesel achieving >95% fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) purity, which is superior to the results in the literature and equivalent to fuel grade standard.CONCLUSIONSFuel grade biodiesel was successfully produced from S. acuminatus S4 via sequential steps of direct conversion, extraction and purification. The conversion step can be performed via SCE or ICE followed by extraction to obtain crude biodiesel (99% yield and 87.5% purity), whereas the purification step was implemented by dry‐washing with Magnesol or D‐sol® (D60) to >95% FAME. The current production line has technical merits that need to be further optimized for large‐scale application. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry