bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left atrial voltage mapping with a direction‐independent grid catheter: Comparison with a conventional circular mapping catheter
Authors: Masuda Masaharu , Asai Mitsutoshi , Iida Osamu , Okamoto Shin , Ishihara Takayuki , Nanto Kiyonori , Kanda Takashi , Tsujimura Takuya , Matsuda Yasuhiro , Okuno Shota , Hata Yosuke , Mano Toshiaki 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionA recently introduced grid mapping catheter (GMC) is designed for better electrode‐tissue contact and can collect bipolar signals both along and across the splines, which may allow more efficient voltage map generation independent of propagation direction. We compared the GMC with a conventional circular mapping catheter (CMC) for left atrial (LA) voltage mapping.MethodsThis study included 20 consecutive patients undergoing repeat ablation for recurrent atrial fibrillation who had demonstrated LA low‐voltage areas (LVAs, <0.10 mV). Following pulmonary vein isolation, LA voltage mapping was performed twice, once using the GMC and once using the CMC.ResultsVoltage mapping was more efficient using the GMC than the CMC in terms of mapping time (459 [404, 543] vs 602 [496, 814] seconds; P = .014) and the number of mapping points (2446 [2099, 3104] vs 1841 [1494, 2314]; P = .002). The incidence of catheter‐induced ectopies was lower (44 [28, 62] vs 114 [74, 188]; P < .0001) using the GMC. The GMC utilizing all bipoles detected LVAs in 85% of patients with LVAs detected by CMC. LVA measurements were significantly smaller on maps generated by the GMC using bipoles along or across the splines than those measured with the CMC (11.1 [4.6, 17.2] or 9.7 [2.5, 16.0] vs 16.4 [6.8, 26.8] cm2; P = .008 and P = .001, respectively), and were even smaller when using all bipoles (7.9 [1.1, 13.5] cm2, P = .0001).ConclusionThe GMC allowed a more efficient mapping procedure and enabled more selective identification of LVAs with smaller LVA size.
Electrogram dispersion–guided driver ablation adjunctive to high‐quality pulmonary vein isolation in atrial fibrillation of varying durations
Authors: Qin Mu , Jiang Wei‐Feng , Wu Shao‐Hui , Xu Kai , Liu Xu 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the role of driver mechanism and the effect of electrogram dispersion–guided driver mapping and ablation in atrial fibrillation (AF) at different stages of progression.MethodsA total of 256 consecutive patients with AF who had undergone pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) plus driver ablation or conventional ablation were divided into three groups: paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF; group A, n = 51); persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF; group B, n = 38); and long standing–persistent atrial fibrillation (LS‐PsAF; group C, n = 39). PVI was performed with the guidance of the ablation index. The electrogram dispersion was analyzed for driver mapping.ResultsThe most prominent driver regions were at roof (28.0%), posterior wall (17.6%), and bottom (21.3%). From patients with PAF to those with PsAF and LS‐PsAF: the complexity of extra‐pulmonary vein (PV) drivers including distribution, mean number, and area of dispersion region increased (P < .001). Patients who underwent driver ablation vs conventional ablation had higher procedural AF termination rate (76.6% vs 28.1%; P < .001). With AF progression, the termination rate gradually decreased from group A to group C, and the role of PVI in AF termination was also gradually weakened from group A to group C (39.6%, 7.4%, and 4.3%; P < .001) in patients with driver ablation. At the end of the follow‐up, the rate of sinus rhythm maintenance was higher in patients with driver ablation than those with conventional ablation (89.1% vs 70.3%; P < .001).ConclusionThe formation of extra‐PV drivers provides an important mechanism for AF maintenance with their complexity increasing with AF progression. Electrogram dispersion–guided driver ablation appears to be an efficient adjunctive approach to PVI for AF treatment.
A comparison of acute procedural outcomes within four generations of cryoballoon catheters utilized in the real‐world multicenter experience of 1STOP
Authors: Iacopino Saverio , Pieragnoli Paolo , Arena Giuseppe , Sciarra Luigi , Landolina Maurizio , Manfrin Massimiliano , Verlato Roberto , Solimene Francesco , Sacchi Riccardo , Rebellato Luca , Rovaris Giovanni , Molon Giulio , Infusino Tommaso , Tondo Claudio 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionFour generations of the cryoballoon (CB) catheter were retrospectively evaluated in a real‐world examination of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods and ResultsFour hundred eighty patients (27% female and 60 ± 10 years) suffering from AF, underwent pulmonary vein (PV) ablation with one‐of‐four generations of the CB catheter. The total cohort was divided into four groups of patients: 120 with first‐generation (CB‐1); 120 with second‐generation (CB‐2); 120 with third‐generation (CB‐3); and 120 with fourth‐generation (CB‐4). Equal group sizes were achieved by examining the last 120 patients treated in each cohort, attempting to minimize the effect of a learning curve between the generations of CB catheter. Baseline clinical and patient characteristics were similar between the four cohorts, excepting age and the number of tested antiarrhythmic drugs. Procedure, fluoroscopy, and left atrial dwell times were significantly lower in the CB‐4 cohort compared to previous generations of the CB catheters, while the acute procedural success rate was comparable across all catheter groups (>99%). Total acute procedural complications were low (2.5%), and acute complications were comparable within the CB‐2, CB‐3, and CB‐4 groups (0.8% reported in each cohort). The rate of time‐to‐isolation (TTI) visualization increased with later generations of the CB catheters.ConclusionsThe novel CB‐4 achieved significantly faster procedural ablation times in comparison to the previous generations, while still maintaining a low rate of acute complications. Also, the rate of TTI visualization was observed to be higher with the CB‐4 catheter. Further long‐term evaluation is necessary, including an assessment of AF recurrence and PV reconnection(s).
Intraspecific mating system evolution and its effect on complex male secondary sexual traits: Does male–male competition increase selection on size or shape?
Authors: Baur Julian , Roy Jeannine , Schäfer Martin A. , Puniamoorthy Nalini , Blanckenhorn Wolf U. , Rohner Patrick T. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractSexual selection is generally held responsible for the exceptional diversity in secondary sexual traits in animals. Mating system evolution is therefore expected to profoundly affect the covariation between secondary sexual traits and mating success. Whereas there is such evidence at the interspecific level, data within species remain scarce. We here investigate sexual selection acting on the exaggerated male fore femur and the male wing in the common and widespread dung flies Sepsis punctum and S. neocynipsea (Diptera: Sepsidae). Both species exhibit intraspecific differences in mating systems and variation in sexual size dimorphism (SSD) across continents that correlates with the extent of male–male competition. We predicted that populations subject to increased male–male competition will experience stronger directional selection on the sexually dimorphic male foreleg. Our results suggest that fore femur size, width and shape were indeed positively associated with mating success in populations with male‐biased SSD in both species, which was not evident in conspecific populations with female‐biased SSD. However, this was also the case for wing size and shape, a trait often assumed to be primarily under natural selection. After correcting for selection on overall body size by accounting for allometric scaling, we found little evidence for independent selection on any of these size or shape traits in legs or wings, irrespective of the mating system. Sexual dimorphism and (foreleg) trait exaggeration is therefore unlikely to be driven by direct precopulatory sexual selection, but more so by selection on overall size or possibly selection on allometric scaling.
Expanding the scope of CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing in plants using an xCas9 and Cas9‐NG hybrid
Authors: Niu Qingfeng , Wu Siqun , Li Yansha , Yang Xiaoxuan , Liu Ping , Xu Yaping , Lang Zhaobo 
Published: November 2019

SummaryThe widely used Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) requires NGG as a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) for genome editing. Although SpCas9 is a powerful genome‐editing tool, its use has been limited on the targetable genomic locus lacking NGG PAM. The SpCas9 variants xCas9 and Cas9‐NG have been developed to recognize NG, GAA, and GAT PAMs in human cells. Here, we show that xCas9 cannot recognize NG PAMs in tomato, and Cas9‐NG can recognize some of our tested NG PAMs in the tomato and Arabidopsis genomes. In addition, we engineered SpCas9 (XNG‐Cas9) based on mutations from both xCas9 and Cas9‐NG, and found that XNG‐Cas9 can efficiently mutagenize endogenous target sites with NG, GAG, GAA, and GAT PAMs in the tomato or Arabidopsis genomes. The PAM compatibility of XNG‐Cas9 is the broadest reported to date among Cas9s (SpCas9 and Cas9‐NG) active in plant.
Hepatitis C virus testing, liver disease assessment and treatment uptake among people who inject drugs pre‐ and post‐universal access to direct‐acting antiviral treatment in Australia: The LiveRLife study
Authors: Bajis Sahar , Grebely Jason , Hajarizadeh Behzad , Applegate Tanya , Marshall Alison D. , Ellen Harrod Mary , Byrne Jude , Bath Nicky , Read Phillip , Edwards Michael , Gorton Carla , Hayllar Jeremy , Cock Victoria , Peterson Steven , Thomson Claire , Weltman Martin , Jefferies Meryem , Wood William , Haber Paul , Ezard Nadine , Martinello Marianne , Maher Lisa , Dore Gregory J. ,   the LiveRLife Study Group
Published: November 2019

AbstractGaps in hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing, diagnosis, liver disease assessment and treatment uptake among people who inject drugs (PWID) persist. We aimed to describe the cascade of HCV care among PWID in Australia, prior to and following unrestricted access to direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment. Participants enrolled in an observational cohort study between 2014 and 2018 provided fingerstick whole‐blood samples for dried blood spot, Xpert HCV Viral Load and venepuncture samples. Participants underwent transient elastography and clinical assessment by a nurse or general practitioner. Among 839 participants (mean age 43 years), 66% were male (n = 550), 64% (n = 537) injected drugs in the previous month, and 67% (n = 560) reported currently receiving opioid substitution therapy. Overall, 45% (n = 380) had detectable HCV RNA, of whom 23% (n = 86) received HCV treatment within 12 months of enrolment. HCV treatment uptake increased from 2% in the pre‐DAA era to 38% in the DAA era. Significant liver fibrosis (F2‐F4) was more common in participants with HCV infection (38%) than those without (19%). Age 50 years or older (aOR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.18‐7.04) and attending a clinical follow‐up with nurse (aOR, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.61‐6.32) or physician (aOR, 11.83; 95% CI, 4.89‐28.59) were associated with HCV treatment uptake. Recent injection drug use and unstable housing were not associated with HCV treatment uptake. HCV treatment uptake among PWID has increased markedly in the DAA era. Evaluation of innovative and simplified models of care is required to further enhance treatment uptake.
A Comparison of Advanced Heritage Language Learners’ Peer Interaction Across Modes and Pair Types
Authors: TORRES JULIO , CUNG BIANCA 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA strand of task‐based interaction research has emerged to better understand the effects of heritage language (HL) and second language (L2) learners’ peer collaboration on interactional moves (e.g., language‐related episodes [LREs], self‐repairs) and linguistic focus. To extend this line of research, this study compared 14 HL–L2 and 16 HL–HL advanced learners’ peer interactions across face‐to‐face (FTF) and written synchronous computer‐mediated communication (SCMC) modes. Each dyad completed 2 decision‐making/collaborative writing tasks in Spanish across both interaction modes. Results revealed that interaction mode had a large effect on the extent to which HL–L2 and HL–HL pairs produced self‐repairs and initiated LREs. That is, both pair types initiated more LREs in FTF mode, and self‐repaired non‐target‐like utterances more extensively in SCMC mode. As for pair types, HL–L2 pairs significantly resolved more lexis‐focused episodes in FTF mode, and HL–HL pairs only produced self‐repair episodes in SCMC mode. HL–L2 and HL–HL dyads addressed linguistic items (e.g., morphosyntax) rather equally across interaction modes. Our findings are discussed in light of the differences in prior language‐learning experiences of HL and L2 learners.
Revealing regional regeneration projects in three small towns in Aotearoa—New Zealand
Authors: Perkins Harvey C. , Mackay Michael , Levy Deborah , Campbell Malcolm , Taylor Nick , Hills Raewyn , Johnston Karen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe discuss case studies of three South Island small towns: Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru and their wider local authority jurisdictions, focusing on how local stakeholders are defining the issues facing these places and identifying, prioritising and investing in regeneration initiatives, sometimes with the support of central government and other external agencies. Our key finding is that small‐town regeneration is complex, demands a long‐term local collaborative approach, and significant investment in skills, information sharing and programme development, some of which needs to be provided by external, central government, agencies.
Inhibition of DNA demethylation enhances plant tolerance to cadmium toxicity by improving iron nutrition
Authors: Fan Shi Kai , Ye Jia Yuan , Zhang Lin Lin , Chen Hong Shan , Zhang Hai Hua , Zhu Ya Xin , Liu Xing Xing , Jin Chong Wei 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAlthough the alteration of DNA methylation due to abiotic stresses, such as exposure to the toxic metal cadmium (Cd), has been often observed in plants, little is known about whether such epigenetic changes are linked to the ability of plants to adapt to stress. Herein, we report a close linkage between DNA methylation and the adaptational responses in Arabidopsis plants under Cd stress. Exposure to Cd significantly inhibited the expression of three DNA demethylase genes ROS1/DML2/DML3 (RDD) and elevated DNA methylation at the genome‐wide level in Col‐0 roots. Furthermore, the profile of DNA methylation in Cd‐exposed Col‐0 roots was similar to that in the roots of rdd triple mutants, which lack RDD, indicating that Cd‐induced DNA methylation is associated with the inhibition of RDD. Interestingly, the elevation in DNA methylation in rdd conferred a higher tolerance against Cd stress and improved cellular Fe nutrition in the root tissues. In addition, lowering the Fe supply abolished improved Cd tolerance due to the lack of RDD in rdd. Together, these data suggest that the inhibition of RDD‐mediated DNA demethylation in the roots by Cd would in turn enhance plant tolerance to Cd stress by improving Fe nutrition through a feedback mechanism.
Attractiveness as a motive for tanning: Results of representative nationwide survey in Germany
Authors: Görig Tatiana , Schneider Sven , Schilling Laura , Diehl Katharina 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn previous research, enhancing attractiveness is reported to be an important aspect of tanning motivation. Our aim was to analyze attractiveness as a reason for tanning in a large representative sample in relation to sociodemographic characteristics, perceived risks of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and exposure to natural and artificial UVR.MethodsWe analyzed data from 3000 participants (14‐45 years) in the German representative National Cancer Aid Monitoring (wave 3). Attractiveness was measured using the General Attractiveness Subscale of the Physical Appearance Reasons for Tanning Scale. Associations were analyzed using chi‐square tests and logistic regression analyses.ResultsAttractiveness played a larger role for participants aged 18‐35, those with an immigrant background, medium educational level, and not in a relationship. Significant associations were also identified with a low risk perception of UVR. For sunbathing, the highest OR (9.96, P < .001) was found for high scores on General Attractiveness Subscale, whereas risk perception of UVR was not related to sunbathing in multivariate analyses. For sunbed use, risk perception also only played a minor role as a preventing factor, while higher associations could be identified for age (OR18‐25 years = 8.21, P < .001) and attractiveness (OR = 3.55, P < .001).ConclusionOur study showed that people who tan to enhance their attractiveness are more likely to perceive fewer risks of UVR and to show higher UVR exposure behavior and are therefore at greater risk of developing skin cancer. Measures for prevention of UVR‐related skin damage should therefore focus more on reducing the positive perception of a tanned appearance instead of only emphasizing the risks of UVR.
Antagonistic activity against rice blast disease and elicitation of host‐defence response capability of an endophytic Streptomyces albidoflavus OsiLf‐2
Authors: Gao Y. , Zeng X. D. , Ren B. , Zeng J. R. , Xu T. , Yang Y. Z. , Hu X. C. , Zhu Z. Y. , Shi L. M. , Zhou G. Y. , Zhou Q. , Liu X. M. , Zhu Y. H. 
Published: November 2019

Rice blast, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, can result in notable yield losses in rice production. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of a rice endophytic isolate, Streptomyces albidoflavus OsiLf‐2, on the control of rice blast and the possible mechanisms involved. In vitro assays displayed a variety of antagonistic effects of OsiLf‐2 against different physiological races of M. oryzae, with peak mycelial growth inhibition ranging from 74.1% to 83.0%. In vivo tests of OsiLf‐2 showed 18.0% and 19.6% reduction in disease index in greenhouse and field conditions, respectively. The stable active metabolites in its cell‐free culture filtrate inhibited the mycelial growth, spore germination and appressorial formation of M. oryzae in a dose‐dependent manner. They also possessed strong antifungal capacities toward various phytopathogens in vitro. OsiLf‐2 secreted multiple antimicrobial compounds, cell wall degradation enzymes, siderophore, plant hormones, and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate deaminase, which might function in direct or indirect resistance to M. oryzae. In addition, a variety of defence responses were induced in OsiLf‐2‐treated rice, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation, callose deposition, defence‐related enzymes activation, and elevated expression of salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) pathways genes, which might contribute in resisting pathogen attack. The significant biological control activity and host defence‐stimulation ability of OsiLf‐2 suggest that this endophytic actinobacterial strain could be a promising candidate in the management of rice blast disease.
Reading thousands of books and traveling thousands of miles: Diversity of life experience mediates the relationship between family SES and creativity
Authors: Xu Xiaobo , Pang Weiguo 
Published: November 2019

This study examined the relationship between family SES and children’s creativity, and tested the mediating role of diversity of life experience in this relationship. A total of 204 undergraduates (54 males and 150 females), aged between 17 and 23 years, completed a family SES questionnaire, diversity of life experience questionnaire, biographical inventory of creative behaviors, and alternative uses tasks (AUT). The results showed positive associations between family SES, diversity of life experience, and different indices of creativity. Additionally, mediation analyses indicated that diversity of life experience fully mediated the effect of family SES on creative behavior and AUT originality. In accordance with the family investment model, these results confirmed the positive association between family SES and creativity, and identified diversity of life experience as a mediating variable through which family SES influences creativity performance. Implications and future directions are discussed in detail.
Asymptotic theory and inference of predictive mean matching imputation using a superpopulation model framework
Authors: Yang Shu , Kim Jae Kwang 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPredictive mean matching imputation is popular for handling item nonresponse in survey sampling. In this article, we study the asymptotic properties of the predictive mean matching estimator for finite‐population inference using a superpopulation model framework. We also clarify conditions for its robustness. For variance estimation, the conventional bootstrap inference is invalid for matching estimators with a fixed number of matches due to the nonsmoothness nature of the matching estimator. We propose a new replication variance estimator, which is asymptotically valid. The key strategy is to construct replicates directly based on the linear terms of the martingale representation for the matching estimator, instead of individual records of variables. Simulation studies confirm that the proposed method provides valid inference.
Numerical Characterization of a High Flux Solar Simulator Using Forward and Inverse Methods
Authors: Abuseada Mostafa , Ozalp Nesrin 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The numerical characterization of a 10 kWe xenon arc high flux solar simulator is thoroughly presented and performed using two approaches: a forward Monte Carlo ray tracing (MCRT) method and an inverse ray tracing method. Experimental characterization was previously performed for the solar simulator using an indirect flux mapping technique, where the experimental heat flux distribution was obtained at the focal plane and additional 12 planes away from the simulator. For the first numerical characterization method, an in-house MCRT code was used to determine the shape of the xenon arc to best model the simulator. It was determined that an isotropic volumetric source consisting of a hemisphere of 1 mm radius that is attached to a cylinder of 1 mm in radius and 10 mm in length well described the experimental results obtained. The in-house code was then used to generate heat flux maps similar to that obtained experimentally and determine the intensity at the focal plane to be used by the inverse ray tracing method presented for its validation. For the inverse method, intensity interpolation schemes of zeroth and first-order were examined in addition to different solution strategies. It is shown that a first-order interpolation scheme unnecessary complicates the inverse problem, leading to larger errors. In addition, a new approach of constraining the formulated system of equations with an equality constraint that works by eliminating intensity values not tracing back to the ellipsoidal reflector is proposed. This new approach provided intensity values with reduced percentage errors.