bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabo‐ and mechanoreceptor expression in human heart failure: Relationships with the locomotor muscle afferent influence on exercise responses
Authors: Smith Joshua R. , Hart Corey R. , Ramos Paola A. , Akinsanya Joshua G. , Lanza Ian R. , Joyner Michael J. , Curry Timothy B. , Olson Thomas P. 
Published: February 2020

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
How do locomotor muscle metabo‐ and mechanoreceptor expression compare in heart failure patients and controls? Do relationships exist between the protein expression and cardiopulmonary responses during exercise with locomotor muscle neural afferent feedback inhibition?
What is the main finding and its importance?
Heart failure patients exhibited greater protein expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 and cyclooxygenase‐2 than controls. These findings are important as they identify receptors that may underlie the augmented locomotor muscle neural afferent feedback in heart failure.
AbstractHeart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) exhibit abnormal locomotor group III/IV afferent feedback during exercise; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine (1) metabo‐ and mechanoreceptor expression in HFrEF and controls and (2) relationships between receptor expression and changes in cardiopulmonary responses with afferent inhibition. Ten controls and six HFrEF performed 5 min of cycling exercise at 65% peak workload with lumbar intrathecal fentanyl (FENT) or placebo (PLA). Arterial blood pressure and catecholamines were measured via radial artery catheter. A vastus lateralis muscle biopsy was performed to quantify cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), purinergic 2X3 (P2X3), transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), acid‐sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3), Piezo 1 and Piezo 2 protein expression. TRPV1 and COX‐2 protein expression was greater in HFrEF than controls (both P < 0.04), while P2X3, ASIC3, and Piezo 1 and 2 were not different between groups (all P > 0.16). In all participants, COX‐2 protein expression was related to the percentage change in ventilation (r = −0.66) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (r = −0.82) (both P < 0.01) with FENT (relative to PLA) during exercise. In controls, TRPV1 protein expression was related to the percentage change in systolic blood pressure (r = −0.77, P = 0.02) and MAP (r = −0.72, P = 0.03) with FENT (relative to PLA) during exercise. TRPV1 and COX‐2 protein levels are elevated in HFrEF compared to controls. These findings suggest that the elevated TRPV1 and COX‐2 expression may contribute to the exaggerated locomotor muscle afferent feedback during cycling exercise in HFrEF.
What matters when managing childhood fever in the emergency department? A discrete-choice experiment comparing the preferences of parents and healthcare professionals in the UK
Authors: Leigh Simon , Robinson Jude , Yeung Shunmay , Coenen Frans , Carrol Enitan D , Niessen Louis W 
Published: February 2020

BackgroundFever among children is a leading cause of emergency department (ED) attendance and a diagnostic conundrum; yet robust quantitative evidence regarding the preferences of parents and healthcare providers (HCPs) for managing fever is scarce.ObjectiveTo determine parental and HCP preferences for the management of paediatric febrile illness in the ED.SettingTen children’s centres and a children’s ED in England from June 2018 to January 2019.Participants98 parents of children aged 0–11 years, and 99 HCPs took part.MethodsNine focus-groups and coin-ranking exercises were conducted with parents, and a discrete-choice experiment (DCE) was conducted with both parents and HCPs, which asked respondents to choose their preferred option of several hypothetical management scenarios for paediatric febrile illness, with differing levels of visit time, out-of-pocket costs, antibiotic prescribing, HCP grade and pain/discomfort from investigations.ResultsThe mean focus-group size was 4.4 participants (range 3–7), with a mean duration of 27.4 min (range 18–46 min). Response rates to the DCE among parents and HCPs were 94.2% and 98.2%, respectively. Avoiding pain from diagnostics, receiving a faster diagnosis and minimising wait times were major concerns for both parents and HCPs, with parents willing-to-pay £16.89 for every 1 hour reduction in waiting times. Both groups preferred treatment by consultants and nurse practitioners to treatment by doctors in postgraduate training. Parents were willing to trade-off considerable increases in waiting times (24.1 min) to be seen by consultants and to avoid additional pain from diagnostics (45.6 min). Reducing antibiotic prescribing was important to HCPs but not parents.ConclusionsBoth parents and HCPs care strongly about reducing visit time, avoiding pain from invasive investigations and receiving diagnostic insights faster when managing paediatric febrile illness. As such, overdue advances in diagnostic capabilities should improve child and carer experience and HCP satisfaction considerably in managing paediatric febrile illness.
Optical coherence tomography-based consensus definition for lamellar macular hole
Authors: Hubschman Jean Pierre , Govetto Andrea , Spaide Richard F , Schumann Ricarda , Steel David , Figueroa Marta S , Sebag Jerry , Gaudric Alain , Staurenghi Giovanni , Haritoglou Christos , Kadonosono Kazuaki , Thompson John T , Chang Stanley , Bottoni Ferdinando , Tadayoni Ramin 
Published: February 2020

BackgroundA consensus on an optical coherence tomography definition of lamellar macular hole (LMH) and similar conditions is needed.MethodsThe panel reviewed relevant peer-reviewed literature to reach an accord on LMH definition and to differentiate LMH from other similar conditions.ResultsThe panel reached a consensus on the definition of three clinical entities: LMH, epiretinal membrane (ERM) foveoschisis and macular pseudohole (MPH). LMH definition is based on three mandatory criteria and three optional anatomical features. The three mandatory criteria are the presence of irregular foveal contour, the presence of a foveal cavity with undermined edges and the apparent loss of foveal tissue. Optional anatomical features include the presence of epiretinal proliferation, the presence of a central foveal bump and the disruption of the ellipsoid zone. ERM foveoschisis definition is based on two mandatory criteria: the presence of ERM and the presence of schisis at the level of Henle’s fibre layer. Three optional anatomical features can also be present: the presence of microcystoid spaces in the inner nuclear layer (INL), an increase of retinal thickness and the presence of retinal wrinkling. MPH definition is based on three mandatory criteria and two optional anatomical features. Mandatory criteria include the presence of a foveal sparing ERM, the presence of a steepened foveal profile and an increased central retinal thickness. Optional anatomical features are the presence of microcystoid spaces in the INL and a normal retinal thickness.ConclusionsThe use of the proposed definitions may provide uniform language for clinicians and future research.
Asymmetry analysis of macular optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with glaucoma and healthy subjects
Authors: Smith Corey A , West Michael E. , Sharpe Glen P , Hutchison Donna M , Shuba Lesya M , Rafuse Paul E , Nicolela Marcelo T , Chauhan Balwantray C 
Published: February 2020

Background/aimsQuantitative analysis of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) images requires a reproducible approach that accounts for sectoral loss. The objective of this study was to determine whether an index that accounts for both global (perfusion density, PD) and asymmetric loss of perfusion, rather than PD alone, more reliably measures loss of perfusion in patients with glaucoma.MethodsWe analysed macular OCT-A scans of 95 glaucoma patients and 59 control subjects. Two-dimensional projection images corresponding to the superficial vascular plexus were exported and analyses performed to calculate global PD and image asymmetry. An unsigned perfusion asymmetry index (PAI) that included PD and asymmetry (with 1:1 wt) was calculated. Perfusion density and PAI were compared with 10-2 visual field mean deviation and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness.ResultsMedian (IQR) visual field mean deviation was −1.73 (−3.76, 0.30) dB for the glaucoma group and 0.67 (0.16, 1.18) dB for the control group. The strength of the correlation with mean deviation was stronger for PAI (r=0.47), compared with PD (r=0.35), whereas with GCL thickness they were comparable (r=0.45 and 0.43, respectively). Compared with controls, mean PD was 12% lower in patients with glaucoma (0.27 vs 0.30), while PAI was 17% lower (0.40 vs 0.48). However, diagnostic accuracy of either PD or PAI was worse than GCL thickness.ConclusionsWhile PAI yielded better correlation with mean deviation and GCL thickness, and a slightly improved separation between patients with glaucoma and healthy controls, diagnostic accuracy was inferior compared with GCL thickness.
Identification of a new β-thalassaemia variant Term CD+32(HBB: c.32A>C) in two Chinese families
Authors: Zhuang Jianlong , Zheng Yu , Wang Yuanbai , Zhuang Qianmei , Jiang Yuying , Xie Qingyue , Zeng Shuhong , Zeng Jianxing 
Published: February 2020

Aimsβ-Thalassaemia is an inherited blood disorder caused by mutations in the β-globin gene cluster. Molecular characterisation of β-thalassaemia is essential for its diagnosis and management. More and more rare and novel mutations have been reported.MethodsTwo Chinese families with β-thalassaemia from Fujian Province were recruited in this study. The phenotypes of the probands were confirmed through haematological analysis. Routine molecular analysis of thalassaemia was employed to identify the common mutations of thalassaemia. The rare and novel mutations were detected by direct DNA sequencing.ResultsIn family 1, the proband, a Chinese woman aged 31 years, showed elevated level of haemoglobin A2 (HbA2). No common mutations associated with β-thalassaemia were detected, whereas a rare mutation Term CD+32(HBB: c.32A>C) was identified through DNA sequencing. Subsequent investigation of the β-thalassaemia mutation in her family showed that her mother, her brother as well as her nephew also carried this mutation. In addition, both the proband’s husband and her son carrying the rare --THAImutation exhibited decreased levels of MCH, MCH and HbA2. In family 2, the proband, a child aged 1 year, showed elevated level of HbA2, but had no common mutations of β-thalassaemia. The proband was identified carrying the mutation Term CD+32(HBB: c.32A>C), which was inherited from his mother.ConclusionsIn this study, we first report a rare β-thalassaemia mutation in Fujian Province, Southeast China. Moreover, our study also identified this rare mutation in humans. This finding has helped broaden the spectrum of β-thalassaemia mutations in our region and suggested that this rare mutation may be more prevalent in the Chinese population.
Changes in work factors and concurrent changes in leisure time physical activity: a 12-year longitudinal analysis
Authors: Biswas Aviroop , Dobson Kathleen G , Gignac Monique A M , de Oliveira Claire , Smith Peter M 
Published: February 2020

ObjectivesThere is a paucity of longitudinal population-based studies examining whether changes in work factors are associated with concurrent changes in leisure time physical activity (LTPA). This study examines this issue using 12 years of longitudinal survey data.MethodsData were drawn from the Canadian National Population Health Survey. The initial analytical sample in 1994 of 6407 working individuals was followed every 2 years from 2000 to 2010. Seven work factors were measured as independent variables: skill discretion, decision authority, psychological demands, physical exertion, number of jobs, hours at work and shift schedule. LTPA was categorised as inactive, moderately active or active based on metabolic equivalent task values. Fixed-effects multinomial logistic models were used to examine associations between work factors and LTPA controlling for time-invariant effects and adjusted for covariates.ResultsWorkers with lower skill discretion (OR=0.96; 95% CI 0.92 to 0.99), higher psychological demands (OR=0.95; 95% CI 0.92 to 0.99), higher physical exertion (OR=0.93; 95% CI 0.88 to 0.99) and longer work hours (OR=0.97; 95% CI 0.95 to 098) were associated with a lower odds of transitioning from inactive to active and moderately active. There was no evidence of effect modification by age or sex.ConclusionResults suggest that as participants’ skill discretion decreased, and their physical and psychological demands, and work hours increased, their likelihood of becoming more active and moderately active also decreased, supporting the value of targeting improvements in these work factors for physical activity interventions.
E-cigarette and cigarette purchasing among young adults before and after implementation of California’s tobacco 21 policy
Authors: Schiff Sara , Liu Fei , Cruz Tess Boley , Unger Jennifer B , Cwalina Sam , Leventhal Adam , McConnell Rob , Barrington-Trimis Jessica 
Published: February 2020

BackgroundTobacco 21 (T21) laws, which raise the minimum legal age of sale of tobacco products to 21, have been proposed and implemented in states and cities across the USA. However, limited data are available on the effect of T21 laws on youth tobacco purchasing behaviours and access to tobacco products.MethodsParticipants in a population-based prospective cohort in southern California completed questionnaires before (n=1609, age=18–19 y) and after (n=1502, age=19–20 y) T21 was implemented in California (June 2016). We examined the prevalence of past 30-day cigarette and e-cigarette use, and among past 30-day users, purchase location of tobacco products before (pre-) versus after (post-) T21. We also examined whether, post-T21, participants were refused purchase of tobacco products due to their age, and the perceived relative ease of purchasing cigarettes and e-cigarettes (vs pre-T21).ResultsNegligible changes in cigarette and e-cigarette use were observed pre-T21 versus post-T21. At both time points, the majority of past 30-day users purchased cigarettes from gas stations and e-cigarettes from vape shops. Post-T21, the proportion of participants who reported purchasing cigarettes at gas stations decreased. Post-T21, most past 30-day cigarette or e-cigarette users were not refused purchase of cigarettes (65.4%) or e-cigarettes (82.0%) in the past 30 days, despite being under 21; half of the participants felt it was harder to purchase cigarettes (54.3%) and e-cigarettes (43.6%) post-T21.ConclusionPost-T21, few participants were refused purchase of any tobacco product, despite the illegality of such sales. Better enforcement of T21 is needed to improve the efficacy of T21 legislation.
Effect of gravity and electromagnetic field on the spectra of cylindrical quantum dots together with AB flux field
Authors: Mbadjoun B. Tchana , Ema’a J. M. Ema’a , Abiama P. Ele , Ben-Bolie G. H. , Ateba P. Owono 
Published: February 2020

In this work, we study the spectral properties of electron quantum dots (QDs) confined in 2D parabolic harmonic oscillator influenced by gravity, external uniform electromagnetic field together with an Aharonov–Bohm (AB) flux field. Our calculations are based on the Nikiforov–Uvarov method and we obtain exact solutions for the energy levels and normalized wave functions. The interband optical absorption QDs of the parabolic spherical shape in GaAs is studied theoretically and the total optical absorption coefficient has been calculated by using the energy eigenvalues spectra and the corresponding wave functions.
Gravastars in f(𝕋,𝒯) gravity
Authors: Ghosh Shounak , Kanfon A. D. , Das Amit , Houndjo M. J. S. , Salako Ines G. , Ray Saibal 
Published: February 2020

We propose a stellar model under the [Formula: see text] gravity following Mazur–Mottola’s conjecture[Formula: see text] known as gravastar which is generally believed as a viable alternative to black hole. The gravastar consists of three regions, viz., (I) interior region, (II) intermediate shell region, and (III) exterior region. The pressure within the interior core region is assumed to be equal to the constant negative matter-energy density which provides a constant repulsive force over the thin shell region. The shell is assumed to be made up of fluid of ultrarelativistic plasma and following the Zel’dovich’s conjecture of stiff fluid3 it is also assumed that the pressure which is directly proportional to the matter-energy density according to Zel’dovich’s conjecture, does cancel the repulsive force exerted by the interior region. The exterior region is completely vacuum and it can be described by the Schwarzschild solution. Under all these specifications, we find out a set of exact and singularity-free solutions of the gravastar presenting several physically valid features within the framework of alternative gravity, namely [Formula: see text] gravity,4 where the part of the gravitational Lagrangian in the corresponding action is taken as an arbitrary function of torsion scalar [Formula: see text] and the trace of the energy–momentum tensor [Formula: see text].
Preparation of Extremely Small Pt Nanoparticle Catalysts and Their Electrocatalytic Activity for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Inoue Hiroshi , Yamazaki Toshiki , Chiku Masanobu , Higuchi Eiji 
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) have attracted great attention as the next generation energy device for electric vehicles due to their high energy conversion efficiency and low emission of pollutants. Pt nanoparticles-loaded carbon black (Pt/CB) is widely used as an electrocatalyst in PEFCs. However, it is necessary to minimize the consumption of Pt because of its high cost and diminishing reserves.
CO is known to be strongly adsorbed on Pt atoms. If Pt nanoparticles are prepared in a CO atmosphere, the growth of Pt may be suppressed. Based on the above idea, we have prepared a Pt-carbonyl cluster complex ([Pt3(CO)3 (μ-CO)3]3
2−) by bubbling CO in an acetonitrile-water (1:1 in volume ratio) mixed solution containing PtCl6
2−.1 The complex spontaneously adsorbed on CB, and oxidatively broke and aggregated to form Pt nanoparticles in air. The resultant Pt nanoparticles had the monodispersed particle size of 1.8±0.3 nm. If the Pt-carbonyl cluster complex were fixed on CB with a stabilizer, the aggregation of the resultant Pt nanoparticles could be suppressed. In this study, we designed to inhibit the growth of Pt nanoparticles by electrostatically binding several kinds of stabilizers with the anionic complex on CB before converting to Pt. We characterized the resultant extremely small Pt nanoparticles-loaded CB and evaluated its catalysis for oxygen reduction reaction.

Experimental

Several cationic molecules, polydiallyldimethylammonium-chloride (PDDA), methyl-viologen(MV), benzyl-viologen(BV), cetyltrimethylammonium-bromide(CTA), pyridine(Pyr), bipyridine(Bpy) and terpyridine (Tpy), were used as a stabilizer in this study. They were mixed after the Pt-carbonyl cluster complex dianion was adsorbed on CB, leading to the production of ionic couples due to electrostatic interaction.

Results and Discussion

Pt nanoparticles prepared with stabilizers except CTA were smaller in mean size than conventional Pt nanoparticles (ca. 1.8 nm) prepared without stabilizer, suggesting that each stabilizer inhibited the growth of Pt nanoparticles on CB.
In ORR, specific activity (SA), activity per unit electrochemical surface area of Pt, and mass activity (MA), activity per mass of Pt, for the Pt/CB catalyst prepared with bipyridine (Pt/CB+Bpy) were ca. 1.4 and 1.6 times higher than those of the commercial catalyst (Pt/CB-TKK(Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo TEC10E50E)), respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectra exhibited that in Pt(4f) core level spectra of Pt/CB+Bpy, a peak assigned to metallic Pt shifted to higher binding energy because of the final state effect and a decrease in electron density of Pt surface atoms due to adsorption of electron-withdrawing stabilizers, which seems to weaken Pt-O bond and increase SA and MA.

Reference

1. E. Higuchi, A. Taguchi, K. Hayashi, H. Inoue, J. Electroanal. Chem., 663, 83-89 (2011).
From Lab Scale to Large Volume Production: Substitution of Toxic NMP/PVDF with H2o/CMC/SBR in Lithium-Ion Cells
Authors: Noll Pascal , Hörpel Gerhard , Schroeder Melanie , Passerini Stefano , Winter Martin 
Published: February 2020

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are becoming more and more important for mobile energy storage devices, with respect to their energy density. For large size applications such as in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), both higher energy density and low-cost materials are required also taking environmental friendliness into account. In order to enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries, researchers and battery-manufacturers are trying to create new electrode materials and new electrolyte compositions. Nevertheless, battery efficiency strongly depends on the electrode engineering and additionally on the production process with the optimization of each individual step.[1,2]

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) based electrodes on the cathode as well as on the anode side are widely used. One major drawback of PVDF based electrodes is the usage of volatile organic solvents that are often toxic (like N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)) and are difficult to dispose at the end of the production process. Alternatively, water soluble natural and/or synthetical based binders have been proposed which also cope the increasing demand of a more environmentally-friendly production process and recycling of LIBs. Processing of active materials for negative as well as positive electrodes is possible using carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) and/or styrene-butadiene (SBR).[3]

In our study we present the results of our experiments to substitute NMP/PVDF with a water based CMC/SBR binder solution. Moreover, the work comprises the development and adaption of mixing processes, coating techniques, and appropriate drying procedures. To optimize the mixing process for water based slurries we had to figure out ideal substitution grades, mixing ratios between CMC/SBR, and the right pH-value. With the focus on viscosity, mixer types, and shear rates we figured out an optimized slurry configuration for the adaption to our battery pilot plants including the manufacturing of different cell types. Furthermore, the adjustment of coating techniques is one essential issue towards large scale production processes. Nevertheless, we also had to pay attention to the last production step, the drying procedure by the combination of different drying duration and temperatures as well as the adapted drying technique.
This work demonstrates the difficulties and production steps going from lab scale to large scale manufacturing.
We kindly thank the European Regional Development Fund for the funding this project “ProLiBat” (EM-1041H) and also the project partners for support and cooperation.
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[2] X. Zhang, et al., J. Electrochem. Soc., 148 (2001), A463.
[3] Lux, S. F., et al J. Electrochem. Soc., 157.3 (2010), A320-A325.