bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High mean entropy calculated from cardiac MRI texture analysis is associated with antitachycardia pacing failure
Authors: Gould Justin , Porter Bradley , Sidhu Baldeep S. , Claridge Simon , Chen Zhong , Sieniewicz Benjamin J. , Elliott Mark , Mehta Vishal , Campos Fernando O. , Bishop Martin J. , Costa Caroline Mendonca , Niederer Steven , Ganeshan Balaji , Razavi Reza , Chiribiri Amedeo , Rinaldi Christopher A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundAntitachycardia pacing (ATP), which may avoid unnecessary implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) shocks, does not always terminate ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Mean entropy calculated using cardiac magnetic resonance texture analysis (CMR‐TA) has been shown to predict appropriate ICD therapy. We examined whether scar heterogeneity, quantified by mean entropy, is associated with ATP failure and explore potential mechanisms using computer modeling.MethodsA subanalysis of 114 patients undergoing CMR‐TA where the primary endpoint was delivery of appropriate ICD therapy (ATP or shock therapy) was performed. Patients receiving appropriate ICD therapy (n = 33) were dichotomized into “successful ATP” versus “shock therapy” groups. In silico computer modeling was used to explore underlying mechanisms.ResultsA total of 16 of 33 (48.5%) patients had successful ATP to terminate VA, and 17 of 33 (51.5%) patients required shock therapy. Mean entropy was significantly higher in the shock versus successful ATP group (6.1 ± 0.5 vs 5.5 ± 0.7, P = .037). Analysis of patients receiving ATP (n = 22) showed significantly higher mean entropy in the six of 22 patients that failed ATP (followed by rescue ICD shock) compared to 16 of 22 that had successful ATP (6.3 ± 0.7 vs 5.5 ± 0.7, P = .048). Computer modeling suggested inability of the paced wavefront in ATP to successfully propagate from the electrode site through patchy fibrosis as a possible mechanism of failed ATP.ConclusionsOur findings suggest lower scar heterogeneity (mean entropy) is associated with successful ATP, whereas higher scar heterogeneity is associated with more aggressive VAs unresponsive to ATP requiring shock therapy that may be due to inability of the paced wavefront to propagate through scar and terminate the VA circuit.
Different efficiencies in organic P exploitation of two Italian alfalfa (Medicago sativa) landraces involving a possible adaptation pattern of the phytase encoding MsPHY1 gene
Authors: Carelli Maria , Cabassi Giovanni , Abbruscato Pamela , Losini Ilaria , Aggiato Michele S. , Biazzi Elisa , Scotti Carla 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe agricultural practice of manure cropping can result in the accumulation of surplus phosphorus (P) in soils with consequent losses by leaching. Two Italian alfalfa landraces originating from intensive (“Cremonese”) versus extensive (“Senese”) cattle farming regions were studied in order to investigate their variation for (a) efficiency in exploiting different P sources–farm dairy effluents (FDE), phytic acid (Phy), and inorganic P (IP)–in a lysimeter trial, and (b) the sequence of the MsPHY1 gene, which encodes a root extracellular phytase, releasing inorganic P for plant growth.The Cremonese landrace showed higher P uptake efficiency than Senese in the FDE and Phy treatments and lower inorganic P losses in leachates, particularly in the FDE treatment. The MsPHY1 gene was highly variable and the variation was not neutral but maintained by selection. Two non‐synonymous SNPs, in particular SNP970, located in a motif containing conserved metal‐ligating residues, produced alternative alleles with frequency differences between landraces. A pattern of adaptive response for the ability to use organic P forms is discussed at both the physiological and genetic levels.
Cytologic, histologic, microbiologic, and electron microscopic characterization of a canine Prototheca wickerhamii infection
Authors: Whipple Kellie M. , Wellehan James F. , Jeon Albert B. , Sabatino Bethany R. , Frasca Salvatore , Popov Vsevolod L. , Ossiboff Robert , Leissinger Mary K. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAn adult dog was presented for chronic cough and a recent development of ulcerated, erythematous nares with nasal discharge. Cytology of enlarged peripheral lymph nodes revealed many intracellular and extracellular organisms. These round or rarely oval organisms measured approximately 5‐9 µm in diameter and frequently contained several globular structures, ranging from deeply basophilic to magenta. A thin, clear halo was present. Smaller 1‐2 µm, magenta forms were also observed. Fungal culture yielded small, wet, raised, irregularly shaped, white to pale tan colonies. Microbiologic staining of cultured material revealed features suggestive of algae. Histopathology of the lymph nodes revealed marked granulomatous inflammation with intralesional algal organisms suggestive of Prototheca. Electron microscopic findings were also consistent with protothecosis. Polymerase chain reaction, followed by direct DNA sequencing, identified the organism as Prototheca wickerhamii. A brief literature review discussing protothecosis in veterinary medicine is included.
Overexpression of NDRG2 in skeletal muscle does not ameliorate the effects of stress in vivo
Authors: Mir Bilal A. , Mason Shaun A. , May Anthony K. , Russell Aaron P. , Foletta Victoria C. 
Published: May 2020

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Do elevated levels of the stress‐response protein NDRG2 protect against fasting and chronic disease in mouse skeletal muscle?

What is the main finding and its importance?
NDRG2 levels increased in the tibialis anterior muscle in response to fasting and the effects of motor neurone disease. No alleviation of the stress‐related and proteasomal pathways, mitochondrial dysfunction or muscle mass loss was observed even with the addition of exogenous NDRG2 indicating that the increase in NDRG2 is a normal adaptive response.

AbstractSkeletal muscle mass loss and dysfunction can arise from stress, which leads to enhanced protein degradation and metabolic impairment. The expression of N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) is induced in response to different stressors and is protective against the effects of stress in some tissues and cell types. Here, we investigated the endogenous NDRG2 response to the stress of fasting and chronic disease in mice and whether exogenous NDRG2 overexpression through adeno‐associated viral (AAV) treatment ameliorated the response of skeletal muscle to these conditions. Endogenous levels of NDRG2 increased in the tibialis anterior muscle in response to 24 h fasting and with the development of the motor neurone disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in SOD1G93A transgenic mice. Despite AAV‐induced overexpression and increased expression with fasting, NDRG2 was unable to protect against the activation of proteasomal and stress pathways in response to fasting. Furthermore, NDRG2 was unable to reduce muscle mass loss, mitochondrial dysfunction and elevated oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress levels in SOD1G93A mice. Conversely, elevated NDRG2 levels did not exacerbate these stress responses. Overall, increasing NDRG2 levels might not be a useful therapeutic strategy to alleviate stress‐related disease pathologies in skeletal muscle.
Preliminary Design and Performance Assessment of an Underwater Compressed Air Energy Storage System for Wind Power Balancing
Authors: Astolfi Marco , Guandalini Giulio , Belloli Marco , Hirn Adriano , Silva Paolo , Campanari Stefano 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
A key approach to large renewable power management is based on implementing storage technologies, including batteries, power-to-gas, and compressed air energy storage (CAES). This work presents the preliminary design and performance assessment of an innovative type of CAES, based on underwater compressed air energy storage (UW-CAES) volumes and intended for installation in the proximity of deep-water seas or lakes. The UW-CAES works with constant hydrostatic pressure storage and variable volumes. The proposed system is adiabatic, not using any fuel to increase the air temperature before expansion; a sufficient turbine inlet temperature (TIT) is instead obtained through a thermal energy storage (TES) system which recovers the compression heat. The system includes (i) a set of turbomachines (modular multistage compressor, with partial intercooling; expansion turbine); (ii) a TES system with different temperature levels designed to recover a large fraction of the compression heat, allowing the subsequent heating of air prior to the expansion phase; (iii) an underwater modular compressed air storage, conceived as a network of rigid but open tanks lying on the seabed and allowing a variable-volume and constant pressure operation. The compressor operates at variable loads, following an oscillating renewable power input, according to strategies oriented to improve the overall system dispatchability; the expander can be designed to work either at full load, thanks to the stability of the air flowrate and of the TIT guaranteed by the thermal storage, or at variable load. This paper first discusses in detail the sizing and off-design characterization of the overall system; then it simulates a case study where the UW-CAES is coupled to a wind farm for peak shaving and dispatchability enhancement, evaluating the impact of a realistic power input on performances and plant flexibility. Although the assessment shall be considered preliminary, it is shown that round-trip efficiency (RTE) in the range of 75–80% can be obtained depending on the compressor section configuration, making the UW-CAES a promising technology compared to electrochemical and pumped-hydrostorage systems. The technology is also applied to perform peak-shaving of the electricity production from an off-shore wind farm; annual simulations, based on realistic wind data and considering part-load operation, result in global RTE around 75% with a 10–15% reduction in the average unplanned energy injection in the electric grid. The investigated case study provides an example of the potential of this system in providing power output peak shaving when coupled with an intermittent and nonpredictable energy source.
Spectral Element Approach for Flexural Waves Control in Smart Material Beam With Single and Multiple Resonant Impedance Shunt Circuit
Authors: Machado Marcela R. , Fabro Adriano T. , de Moura Braion B. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The accurate prediction of the dynamic characteristics of a structure is key to successful vibration control strategies. A typical vibration and wave propagation control is performed through periodic and shunted piezoelectric patches, also known as a smart material. Therefore, the smart metamaterial considers periodic arrangement of shunted piezoelectric patches providing a beam with attenuation properties which depend on the resonant behavior of the shunts. The vibration attenuation occurs due to an elastic-electrical system characterized by an internal resonance of the shunt circuit. The spectral element approach provides very accurate solutions for the structural dynamic response. In this paper, a beam-piezoelectric structure is introduced to focus on the control of flexural waves in beams with piezolayers connected to single and multiresonant shunt approaches. The smart structure is modeled using the spectral element method. It is shown that the effective wavenumber presents the locally resonant behavior at the same frequencies of the vibration attenuation for both single and multishunt approached, indicating that each shunt circuit is independently associated with a attenuation frequency. The spectral element approach presented in this paper shows to be an accurate and simple approach for the design smart metamaterial beams.
Aerodynamic Performance Improvement of a Wing Model Using an Array of Slotted Synthetic Jets
Authors: Salunkhe Pramod , Wu Yanhua , Tang Hui 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This work deals with the improvement in aerodynamic performance of a NACA0025 wing model using an array of slotted synthetic jets (SJs). A novel SJ actuator was designed and located at 30% of the chord from the leading edge (LE). Time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV), force balance, static pressure distribution, and hotwire measurements were carried out in a subsonic wind tunnel to assess the performance enhancement due to the slotted SJ array. Initially, the SJ velocity was measured in quiescent flow condition at different actuation frequencies and amplifier voltages. Actuation at 1000 Hz and 200 V resulted in the highest blowing velocity of 10.5 m/s. Experiments were performed at various actuation frequencies, namely, 200, 600, and 1000 Hz. It was observed that actuation at 1000 Hz led to the highest increase in lift coefficient by 35.6% and reduction in average drag coefficient by 33%. TR-PIV measurements showed flow separation with flow reversal in the baseline case. After switching on the SJ array at 1000 Hz, the flow separation was completely eliminated. The momentum transfer from the highenergy primary flow to the retarding boundarylayer flow and actuation of SJ in a particular frequency range was observed to be the mechanisms for the flow separation control. Subsequently, fast Fourier transform (FFT) power spectra of hotwire data were computed from 40% to 80% of the chord. The FFT power spectra showed the successful stabilization of the flow field at the actuation of 1000 Hz.
Multiple branching and attachment structures in cloudinomorphs, Nama Group, Namibia
Authors: Shore Amy , Wood Rachel , Curtis Andrew , Bowyer Frederick 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The Ediacaran-Cambrian cloudinomorphs, which include Cloudina, are the first putative skeletal metazoans. They have a benthic ecology and tubular, organic, or biomineralized stacked funnel morphologies but an unresolved phylogenetic affinity. Rare dichotomous branching has been described in Cloudina, but here we demonstrate the presence of multiple (polytomous), dichotomous branching in cloudinomorphs from a microbial mat community from the Nama Group, Namibia, as revealed by three-dimensional models created from serial sections. Branches share an open, central cavity, and branching is achieved via external budding. These cloudinomorphs show attachment and mutual cementation to each other, and also to Namacalathus, via extratubular skeletal structures to potentially form a horizontal framework. Polytomous branching excludes a bilaterian affinity as proposed for other cloudinomorphs. This raises the possibility that the Ediacaran tubular, funnel morphology is convergent, and that cloudinomorphs may, in fact, represent taxa of diverse affinity.
Long-term natural history of visual acuity in eyes with choroideremia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of data from 1004 individual eyes
Authors: Shen Liangbo L , Ahluwalia Aneesha , Sun Mengyuan , Young Benjamin K , Grossetta Nardini Holly K , Del Priore Lucian V 
Published: May 2020

Background/aimsBest-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) is the most common primary endpoint in treatment trials for choroideremia (CHM) but the long-term natural history of BCVA is unclear.MethodsWe searched in seven databases to identify studies that reported BCVA of untreated eyes with CHM. We sought individual-level data and performed segmented regression between BCVA and age. For eyes followed longitudinally, we introduced a horizontal translation factor to each dataset to account for different ages at onset of a rapid BCVA decline.ResultsWe included 1004 eyes from 23 studies. BCVA of the right and left eyes was moderately correlated (r=0.60). BCVA as a function of age followed a 2-phase decline (slow followed by rapid decline), with an estimated transition age of 39.1 years (95% CI 33.5 to 44.7). After the introduction of horizontal translation factors to longitudinal datasets, BCVA followed a 2-phase decline until it reached 0 letters (r2=0.90). The BCVA decline rate was 0.33 letters/year (95% CI −0.38 to 1.05) before 39 years, and 1.23 letters/year (95% CI 0.55 to 1.92) after 39 years (p=0.004).ConclusionBCVA in eyes with CHM follows a 2-phase linear decline with a transition age of approximately 39 years. Future trials enrolling young patients may not be able to use BCVA as a primary or sole endpoint, but rather, may need to employ additional disease biomarkers that change before age 39. BCVA may still have utility as a primary endpoint for patients older than 39 years who have measurable BCVA decline rates.
Association between self-reported moderate to vigorous physical activity and the rate of outpatient treated COPD exacerbations: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nguyen Huong Q , Mularski Richard A , Moy Marilyn L , Lee Janet S , Shen Ernest 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionLittle has been published regarding the relationship between physical activity (PA) and outpatient treated, mild to moderate acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations (AECOPD). The purpose of this study was to determine the association between self-reported PA and outpatient treated AECOPD over 2 years using real-world data obtained from existing electronic medical records (EMRs).MethodsWe included 44 896 patients with a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosis from the EMR in this retrospective cohort study. Moderate to vigorous PA was measured via patient self-report, obtained during routine clinical care; patients were classified as inactive (0 min/week), insufficiently active (1–149 min/week) or active (≥150 min/week). AECOPDs were measured using both encounter and prescription fill (antibiotics and/or oral steroids) data. We used Poisson regression models to compare the unadjusted and adjusted rates of outpatient treated AECOPD over 2 years across the PA categories.ResultsIn adjusted models, the 2-year AECOPD incidence rate ratio (IRR) was not different between the inactive and insufficiently inactive groups (IRR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.01) and only marginally meaningful lower for the active group (IRR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.98). Sensitivity analyses of patients meeting or not meeting obstructive criteria produced similar results with generally weak or non-significant associations.ConclusionThe lack of an association between PA and AECOPD contrasts with previous published findings of a strong relationship between moderate to vigorous PA and hospitalisations for severe AECOPD. This difference could partially be attributed to the imprecision of our measurements for both the exposure and outcome.
Teaching old dogs new tricks: an updated consensus on the management of mitral valve disease
Authors: Borgeat Kieran 
Published: May 2020

Background: In 2019, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) updated its decade‐old consensus statement on the approach to managing myxomatous mitral valve disease (MVD) in dogs. The updated statement reflects the latest thinking on canine MVD to help practitioners take a rational approach to managing the condition.Aim of the article: This article reviews the updated ACVIM consensus statement on MVD, with the aim of highlighting key points in decision making for patients in veterinary clinics.
Immune gene expression profiles in high-grade urothelial carcinoma of the bladder: a NanoString study
Authors: Olkhov-Mitsel Ekaterina , Hodgson Anjelica , Liu Stanley K , Vesprini Danny , Bayani Jane , Bartlett John , Xu Bin , Downes Michelle R 
Published: May 2020

AimsThe advent of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy has proven beneficial in a subset of high-grade urothelial carcinomas (HGUC) of the bladder. Although treatment selection is currently largely determined by programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) status, multiple factors in the immune system may modulate the host immune response to HGUC and immunotherapy. In this pilot study, we used a transcriptomic approach to identify the immune milieu associated with PD-L1 expression to enhance our understanding of the HGUC immune evasion network.MethodsThe immune transcriptome of 40 HGUC cystectomy cases was profiled using the NanoString nCounter Human V.1.1 PanCancer Panel. All cases were assessed for associated PD-L1 status (SP263) using whole tissue sections. PD-L1 status was determined as high or low using 25% tumour and/or immune cell staining.ResultsThe most significantly differentially expressed gene was PD-L1 messenger RNA (CD274), which strongly correlated with protein expression (r=0.720, p<0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values ofCD274for PD-L1 expression were 85%, 96%, 92% and 93%, respectively. The PD-L1 associated gene signature also included complement componentsC1QAandCD46andNOD2(innate immune system), proinflammatory cytokinesCXCL14, CXCL16, CCL3, CCL3L1andOSMalong with the immune response mediatorSMAD3,among others. Pathway analysis determined enrichment of these genes in interleukin-10 production, lymphocyte chemotaxis and aberrant IFNγ, NF-κB and ERK signalling networks.ConclusionsWe report key genes and pathways in the immune transcriptome and their association with PD-L1 status, which may be involved in immune evasion of HGUC and warrants further investigation.
Potential of deep learning in assessing pneumoconiosis depicted on digital chest radiography
Authors: Wang Xiaohua , Yu Juezhao , Zhu Qiao , Li Shuqiang , Zhao Zanmei , Yang Bohan , Pu Jiantao 
Published: May 2020

ObjectivesTo investigate the potential of deep learning in assessing pneumoconiosis depicted on digital chest radiographs and to compare its performance with certified radiologists.MethodsWe retrospectively collected a dataset consisting of 1881 chest X-ray images in the form of digital radiography. These images were acquired in a screening setting on subjects who had a history of working in an environment that exposed them to harmful dust. Among these subjects, 923 were diagnosed with pneumoconiosis, and 958 were normal. To identify the subjects with pneumoconiosis, we applied a classical deep convolutional neural network (CNN) called Inception-V3 to these image sets and validated the classification performance of the trained models using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). In addition, we asked two certified radiologists to independently interpret the images in the testing dataset and compared their performance with the computerised scheme.ResultsThe Inception-V3 CNN architecture, which was trained on the combination of the three image sets, achieved an AUC of 0.878 (95% CI 0.811 to 0.946). The performance of the two radiologists in terms of AUC was 0.668 (95% CI 0.555 to 0.782) and 0.772 (95% CI 0.677 to 0.866), respectively. The agreement between the two readers was moderate (kappa: 0.423, p<0.001).ConclusionOur experimental results demonstrated that the deep leaning solution could achieve a relatively better performance in classification as compared with other models and the certified radiologists, suggesting the feasibility of deep learning techniques in screening pneumoconiosis.