bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of silicon carbide mixed used engine oil dielectric fluid on EDM characteristics of AA7075/SiCp/B4Cp hybrid composites
Authors: Iyyappan S Ganapathi , Sudhakarapandian R , Sakthivel M 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this study, AA7050/SiC/B4C hybrid composites were machined using the Electric Discharge Machining process, used engine oil as the dielectric fluid to obtain wealth from waste. The experiments were conducted by varying Silicon Carbide (SiC) powder concentration, electrode material (copper and brass), discharge current, pulse on time and reinforcement wt%. The Material Removal Rate (MRR), Tool Wear Rate (TWR), Surface Roughness (Ra) and machined surface hardness were recorded as responses. The inclusion of SiC particles increases the MRR because of the bridging effect, whereas the Ra value was improved due to the complete flushing of the dielectric fluid. Owing to the existence of carbon content in used engine oil, black spots were found on the machined topography. The specimens machined with a brass electrode offer better machining performance as compared with those machined with a copper electrode. The results revealed that the MRR, TWR and Ra upsurge with the intensification of discharge current and pulse on time. Owing to the absence of a re-melted layer, composites with lower machined surface hardness have a higher surface finish. The parameters were optimized using the TOPSIS method, and it was found that under used engine oil dielectric medium with a powder concentration of 3 g l−1, parametric value sets of pulse on time 45 s, current 6 A, and machined with brass electrode offers superior machining efficiency.
Climate Change and Alternative Hosts Complicate the Eradication of Cattle Fever Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Southern United States, a Review
Authors: Osbrink Weste L A , Thomas Donald B , Lohmeyer Kimberly H , Temeyer Kevin B 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPotential reinvasion of the United States by cattle fever ticks, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (Say) and R. (B.) microplus (Canestrini), which are endemic in Mexico, threatens the domestic livestock industry because these ticks vector the causal agents (Babesia bovis (Babes) (Piroplasmida: Babesidae) and B. bigemina Smith & Kilborne) of bovine babesiosis. The Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program safeguards the health of the national cattle herd preventing reemergence of bovine babesiosis by keeping the United States cattle fever tick-free. Free-living southern cattle tick, R. (B.) microplus, larvae have been collected from vegetation in the wildlife corridor of Cameron Co.- Willacy Co., Texas. Finding R. microplus larvae on vegetation complements reported infestations in wildlife hosts inhabiting the south Texas coastal plains. Substantial population expansion of native white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann) (Artiodactyla: Cervidae), and exotic nilgai antelope Boselaphus tragocamelus (Pallas) (Artiodactyla: Bovidae), both of which are definitive hosts for the cattle fever tick, support local tick populations independent of cattle. Increasing prevalence of native and exotic wild ungulates, widespread tick acaracide resistance, and climate change, undermine efforts to control bovine babesiosis. Thus, ecological conditions have changed since cattle fever ticks were eradicated from the United States in 1943 using cattle-centric control strategies. These changes complicate efforts by the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program to keep cattle in the United States free of these cattle fever disease vectors. Technologies that could be applied to integrated eradication efforts are discussed.
Look a Little (Chuck) Closer: Aesthetic Attention and the Contact Phenomenon
Authors: Anscomb Claire 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
There is a sustained phenomenological tradition of describing the character of photographic pictorial experience to consist in part of a feeling of contact with the subject of the photograph. Philosophers disagree, however, about the exact cause of the ‘contact phenomenon’ and whether there is a difference in the phenomenal character between the pictorial experiences of photographs and handmade pictures so that, if a viewer mistakes the type that a token image belongs to, their sense of contact can alter. I argue that the contact phenomenon is contingent upon, and triggered by, the viewer’s perceptual experience of the image, which may be subject to change depending upon how a viewer attends to an image. I develop a hybrid account to resolve how the perceptual and cognitive aspects of a viewer’s experience interact and produce the complex phenomenology, including conflicting mental states, that a viewer can undergo during the described experiences.
Immune Escape Mechanisms in Intravascular Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Molecular Cytogenetic and Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Patel Nisha , Slack Graham W , Bodo Juraj , Ben-Neriah Susana , Villa Diego , Durkin Lisa , Socha Daniel , Steidl Christian , Hsi Eric D 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Intravascular large B-cell lymphomas (IVLBCLs) are rare extranodal LBCLs in which relapse is relatively frequent. We sought to further characterize potential immune escape mechanisms in IVLBCLs that newer therapies can exploit.

Methods
A series of 33 IVLBCLs were evaluated for programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and PD-L2 expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC), chromosomal alterations (CAs) in the PDL1/PDL2 locus by fluorescence in situ hybridization, and loss of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II expression by IHC.

Results
Cases were subclassified as classical (n = 22) or hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS)–associated (n = 11) variants. A total of 12 cases (39%; n = 12/31) expressed PD-L1 and/or PD-L2. CAs were seen in 7 cases (7/29 [24%]) and included gains, amplifications, and rearrangements. CAs in classical variant cases (24%; n = 5/21) included gains (n =1), gains with concurrent rearrangements (n = 2), and amplifications (n = 2). The 2 HPS-associated variant cases with CAs (25%; n = 2/8) both showed amplification, including 1 case with a concurrent rearrangement. A majority of cases with CAs (71%; n = 5/7) were PD-L1/PD-L2 IHC positive. Among PD-L1/PD-L2 IHC–positive cases, 45% harbored a CA. Loss of MHC class I and/or class II was seen in 27% (n = 9/33) of cases.

Conclusions
Altogether, our data show that 65% (n = 20/31) of IVLBCLs may exploit immune evasion strategies through PD-L1/PD-L2 expression or downregulation of MHC proteins.
Clinically Significant CUX1 Mutations Are Frequently Subclonal and Common in Myeloid Disorders With a High Number of Co-mutated Genes and Dysplastic Features
Authors: Dermawan Josephine K , Wensel Christine , Visconte Valeria , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P , Cook James R , Bosler David S 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objectives
CUX1 mutations have been reported in myeloid neoplasms. We aimed to characterize the mutational landscape, clonal architecture, and clinical characteristics of myeloid disorders with CUX1 variants.

Methods
We reviewed data from a targeted 62-gene panel with CUX1 variants. Variants were classified as of strong or potential clinical significance (tier I/tier II) or of unknown significance (VUS).

Results
CUX1 variants were identified in 169 cases. The 49 tier I/tier II variants were found in older patients (mean age, 71 vs 60 years old) and predominantly inactivating alterations, while the 120 VUS cases were missense mutations. Monosomy 7/deletion 7q was more common in tier I/tier II cases. Co-mutations were detected in 96% of tier I/tier II cases (average, 3.7/case) but in only 61% of VUS cases (average, 1.5/case). Tier I/tier II CUX1 variants tend to be subclonal to co-mutations (ASXL1, SF3B1, SRSF2, TET2). Among myeloid disorders, tier I/tier II cases were more frequently diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes and had a higher number of bone marrow dysplastic lineages.

Conclusions
CUX1 mutations are seen with adverse prognostic features and could be a late clonal evolutional event of myeloid disorders. The differences between CUX1 tier I/tier II and VUS underscore the importance of accurate variant classification in reporting of multigene panels.
Association of Placental Pathology With Childhood Blood Pressure Among Children Born Preterm
Authors: Long Jingmiao , Zhang Mingyu , Wang Guoying , Hong Xiumei , Ji Yuelong , Bustamante-Helfrich Blandine , Wang Xiaobin , Mueller Noel T 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
The in utero pathologies underlying the link between preterm birth and offspring high blood pressure (BP) are still unknown. We investigated the prospective associations of placental histopathological findings with childhood BP among children born preterm.

Methods
Our study sample included 546 mother–child pairs with preterm birth (before 37 weeks gestation) enrolled from 1999 to 2013 at the Boston Medical Center. Early preterm birth was defined as gestational age between 23 and 34 weeks. We histologically classified maternal placental pathology using the latest recommended categories: no placental complications, histologic chorioamnionitis, maternal vascular malperfusion, and other placental complications. We calculated age-, sex-, and height-specific systolic BP (SBP) percentiles for children using the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guideline. We used linear regression models with generalized estimating equations to examine the associations.

Results
The mean (standard deviation (SD)) postnatal follow-up of the study children was 9.29 (4.1) years. After adjusting for potential confounders, histologic chorioamnionitis was associated with a 5.42 percentile higher childhood SBP (95% confidence interval: 0.32, 10.52) compared with no placental pathologic findings. This association was stronger among early preterm children. Maternal vascular malperfusion was associated with a 8.44 percentile higher childhood SBP among early preterm children (95% confidence interval: 1.54, 15.34) but the association was attenuated (6.25, 95% confidence interval: −0.76, 13.26) after additional adjustment for child standardized birthweight, a potential mediator of the association.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that among children born preterm, especially those born early preterm, both placental histologic chorioamnionitis and vascular malperfusion may help to differentiate a child’s risk of high BP.
Gray-White Matter Blurring of the Temporal Pole Associated With Hippocampal Sclerosis: A Microstructural Study Involving 3 T MRI and Ultrastructural Histopathology
Authors: Demerath T , Donkels C , Reisert M , Heers M , Rau A , Schröter N , Schulze-Bonhage A , Reinacher P , Scheiwe C , Shah M J , Beck J , Vlachos A , Haas C A , Urbach H 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is often associated with gray-white matter blurring (GMB) of the anterior temporal lobe. In this study, twenty patients with unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy and HS were studied with 3 T MRI including T1 MP2RAGE and DTI/DMI sequences. Anterior temporal lobe white matter T1 relaxation times and diffusion measures were analyzed on the HS side, on the contralateral side, and in 10 normal controls. Resected brain tissue of three patients without GMB and four patients with GMB was evaluated ultrastructurally regarding axon density and diameter, the relation of the axon diameter to the total fiber diameter (G-ratio), and the thickness of the myelin sheath. Hippocampal sclerosis GMB of the anterior temporal lobe was related to prolonged T1 relaxation and axonal loss. A less pronounced reduction in axonal fraction was also found on imaging in GMB-negative temporal poles compared with normal controls. Contralateral values did not differ significantly between patients and normal controls. Reduced axonal density and axonal diameter were histopathologically confirmed in the temporopolar white matter with GMB compared to temporal poles without. These results confirm that GMB can be considered an imaging correlate for disturbed axonal maturation that can be quantified with advanced diffusion imaging.
White Matter, Gray Matter and Cerebrospinal Fluid Segmentation from Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Adaptive U-Net and Local Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Bao Pham The , Tuan Tran Anh , Tuan Tran Anh , Thuy Le Nhi Lam , Kim Jin Young , Tavares João Manuel R S 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
According to the World Alzheimer Report 2015, 46 million people are living with dementia in the world. The diagnosis of diseases helps doctors treating patients better. One of the signs of diseases is related to white matter, grey matter and cerebrospinal fluid. Therefore, the automatic segmentation of three tissues in brain imaging especially from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in medical analysis. In this research, we proposed an effective approach to segment automatically these tissues in three-dimensional (3D) brain MRI. First, a deep learning model is used to segment the sure and unsure regions. In the unsure region, another deep learning model is used to classify each pixel. In the experiments, an adaptive U-net model is used to segment the sure and unsure regions, and the Local Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model with multiple inputs is used to classify each pixel only in the unsure region. Our method was evaluated with a real image database, Internet Brain Segmentation Repository database, with 18 persons (IBSR 18) (https://www.nitrc.org/projects/ibsr) and compared with state of art methods being the results very promising.
Cardiovascular effects of non-insulin glucose-lowering agents: a comprehensive review of trial evidence and potential cardioprotective mechanisms
Authors: Savarese Gianluigi , Butler Javed , Lund Lars H , Bhatt Deepak L , Anker Stefan D 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is highly prevalent and associated with a two-fold increased mortality, mostly explained by cardiovascular diseases. Trial evidence on older glucose-lowering agents such as metformin and sulfonylureas is limited in terms of cardiovascular efficacy. Since 2008, after rosiglitazone was observed to increase the risk of myocardial infarction and heart failure (HF), cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) have been required by regulators for licensing new glucose-lowering agents. In the following CVOTs, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i) have been shown to be safe but not to improve mortality/morbidity, except for saxagliptin which increased the risk of HF. Several glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-Ra) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been demonstrated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. SGLT2i have shown a class effect for the reduction in risk of HF events in patients with T2DM, leading to trials testing their efficacy/safety in HF regardless of T2DM. In the DAPA-HF and the EMPEROR-Reduced trials dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, respectively, improved cardiovascular mortality/morbidity in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), with and without T2DM. Therefore, these drugs are now key part of HFrEF pharmacotherapy. In the SOLOIST-WHF, sotagliflozin reduced cardiovascular mortality/morbidity in patients with T2DM and a recent acute episode of HF regardless of ejection fraction (EF). In the EMPEROR-Preserved, empagliflozin reduced CV mortality/morbidity in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced (HFmrEF) and preserved (HFpEF) EF regardless of comorbid T2DM. The DELIVER is currently testing dapagliflozin in patients with HFmrEF and HFrEF. A strong renal protective role of SGLT2i has also emerged in trials enrolling patients with and without T2DM.
Association between blood pressure classification defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines and coronary artery calcification progression in an asymptomatic adult population
Authors: Won Ki-Bum , Han Donghee , Choi Su-Yeon , Chun Eun Ju , Park Sung Hak , Han Hae-Won , Sung Jidong , Jung Hae Ok , Chang Hyuk-Jae 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Aims
Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is widely used for cardiovascular risk stratification in asymptomatic population. We assessed the association of new blood pressure (BP) classification using the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines with coronary artery calcification (CAC) progression according to age in asymptomatic adults.

Methods and results
Overall, 10 839 asymptomatic Korean adults (23.4% aged ≤45 years) who underwent at least two CACS evaluations for health check-up were enrolled. Participants were categorized by age (≤45 and &gt;45 years) and BP [normal (&lt;120/&lt;80 mmHg, untreated), elevated (120–129/&lt;80 mmHg, untreated), Stage 1 hypertension (untreated BP 130–139/80–89 mmHg) or Stage 2 hypertension (BP ≥140/≥90 mmHg or anti-hypertensive use)] groups. CAC progression was defined as a difference of ≥2.5 between the square root (√) of the baseline and follow-up CACS. During a mean 3.3-year follow-up, the incidence of CAC progression was 13.5% and 36.3% in individuals aged ≤45 and &gt;45 years, respectively. After adjustment for age, sex, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, obesity, current smoking, and baseline CACS, hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for CAC progression in elevated BP, Stage 1 hypertension, and Stage 2 hypertension compared to normal BP were 1.43 (0.96–2.14) (P = 0.077), 1.64 (1.20–2.23) (P = 0.002), and 2.38 (1.82–3.12) (P &lt; 0.001) in the ≤45 years group and 1.11 (0.95–1.30) (P = 0.179), 1.17 (1.04–1.32) (P = 0.009), and 1.52 (1.39–1.66) (P &lt; 0.001) in the &gt;45 years group, respectively.

Conclusion
Newly defined Stage 1 hypertension is independently associated with CAC progression in asymptomatic adults regardless of age.
Repair of the descending thoracic aorta using minimally invasive endoscopic Robot-assisted surgery: a feasibility study with the DaVinci XI system in a cadaver model
Authors: Rusch René , Hoffmann Grischa , Cremer Jochen , Berndt Rouven 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Development of minimally invasive techniques has led to the clinical routine application of Robot-assisted surgery. Here, we demonstrate for the first time Robotic-assisted surgery (DaVinci XI) of the descending thoracic aorta in a Thiel cadaver model and discuss its potential value in the endovascular era.
Deep learning analysis of electrocardiogram for risk prediction of drug-induced arrhythmias and diagnosis of long QT syndrome
Authors: Prifti Edi , Fall Ahmad , Davogustto Giovanni , Pulini Alfredo , Denjoy Isabelle , Funck-Brentano Christian , Khan Yasmin , Durand-Salmon Alexandre , Badilini Fabio , Wells Quinn S , Leenhardt Antoine , Zucker Jean-Daniel , Roden Dan M , Extramiana Fabrice , Salem Joe-Elie 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Aims
Congenital long-QT syndromes (cLQTS) or drug-induced long-QT syndromes (diLQTS) can cause torsade de pointes (TdP), a life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia. The current strategy for the identification of drugs at the high risk of TdP relies on measuring the QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) on the electrocardiogram (ECG). However, QTc has a low positive predictive value.

Methods and results
We used convolutional neural network (CNN) models to quantify ECG alterations induced by sotalol, an IKr blocker associated with TdP, aiming to provide new tools (CNN models) to enhance the prediction of drug-induced TdP (diTdP) and diagnosis of cLQTS. Tested CNN models used single or multiple 10-s recordings/patient using 8 leads or single leads in various cohorts: 1029 healthy subjects before and after sotalol intake (n = 14 135 ECGs); 487 cLQTS patients (n = 1083 ECGs: 560 type 1, 456 type 2, 67 type 3); and 48 patients with diTdP (n = 1105 ECGs, with 147 obtained within 48 h of a diTdP episode). CNN models outperformed models using QTc to identify exposure to sotalol [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) = 0.98 vs. 0.72, P ≤ 0.001]. CNN models had higher ROC-AUC using multiple vs. single 10-s ECG (P ≤ 0.001). Performances were comparable for 8-lead vs. single-lead models. CNN models predicting sotalol exposure also accurately detected the presence and type of cLQTS vs. healthy controls, particularly for cLQT2 (AUC-ROC = 0.9) and were greatest shortly after a diTdP event and declining over time (P ≤ 0.001), after controlling for QTc and intake of culprit drugs. ECG segment analysis identified the J-Tpeak interval as the best discriminator of sotalol intake.

Conclusion
CNN models applied to ECGs outperform QTc measurements to identify exposure to drugs altering the QT interval, congenital LQTS, and are greatest shortly after a diTdP episode.
Comparison of guidelines on rectal cancer: exception proves the rule?
Authors: Dou Ruoxu , He Siqi , Deng Yanhong , Wang Jianping 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The standard of care for early or locally advanced rectal cancer is promoted by multiple clinical practice guidelines globally, but the considerable differences between the guidelines may cause confusion. We compared the latest updated clinical practice guidelines from five professional societies/authorities: National Comprehensive Cancer Network, American Society of Colorectal Surgeons, European Society of Medical Oncology, Chinese National Health Commission, and Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology. Key evidence is discussed for a better understanding of some seemingly contradictory recommendations.
Hawaiian Nysius Insects Rely on an Obligate Symbiont with a Reduced Genome That Retains a Discrete Nutritional Profile to Match Their Plant Seed Diet
Authors: Stever Heather , Eiben Jesse , Bennett Gordon M 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Seed-feeding Nysius insects (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) have a symbiotic association with distinct intracellular bacteria, “Candidatus Schneideria nysicola” (Gammaproteobacteria). Although many other hemipteran insect groups generally rely on bacterial symbionts that synthesize all ten essential amino acids lacking in their plant sap diets, the nutritional role of Schneideria in Nysius hosts that specialize on a more nutritionally complete seed-based diet has remained unknown. To determine the nutritional and functional capabilities of Schneideria, we sequenced the complete Schneideria genomes from three distantly related endemic Hawaiian Nysius seed bug species. The complete Schneideria genomes are highly conserved and perfectly syntenic among Hawaiian Nysius host species. Each circular chromosome is ∼0.57 Mb in size and encodes 537 protein-coding genes. They further exhibit a strong A + T nucleotide substitution bias with an average G + C nucleotide content of 29%. The predicted nutritional contribution of Schneideria includes four B vitamins and five of the ten essential amino acids that likely match its hosts’ seed-based diet. Disrupted and degraded genes in Schneideria suggests that Hawaiian lineages are undergoing continued gene losses observed in the smaller genomes of the other more ancient hemipteran symbionts.