bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determining the thermal conductivity of ceramic coatings by relative method
Authors: Zheng Dezhi , Bao Yiwang , Wan Detian , Yi Shuai 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThermal conductivity is a crucial parameter for evaluating the quality and thermal effects of ceramic coatings, especially for thermal barrier coatings. However, measurement by conventional method involves two problems: (a) it is difficult to peel off a ceramic coating from a substrate; (b) even if the coating can be peeled off, it is still hardly used as standard specimen in test. Therefore, the relative method was proposed to evaluate the thermal conductivity of ceramic coating. An analytical relationship among the thermal conductivities of the coating, the substrate, and the coating/substrate composite was established. Experiments on TA4 coated with YSZ coatings were carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of this novel method and to investigate the impact of temperature on the thermal conductivity of YSZ coatings. The experimental results demonstrated the validity and convenience of the relative method. With the increasing testing temperature, the thermal conductivity value of YSZ coatings displayed nonlinearity feature, that is, decreased from 1.4 to 1.3 (W m−1 K−1) in the temperature range of 32‐300°C and then increased up to 1.58 W m−1 K−1 at 1000°C.
KIR specificity and avidity of standard and unusual C1, C2, Bw4, Bw6 and A3/11 amino acid motifs at entire HLA:KIR interface between NK and target cells, the functional and evolutionary classification of HLA class I molecules
Authors: Gwozdowicz Slawomir , Nestorowicz Klaudia , Graczyk‐Pol Elzbieta , Szlendak Urszula , Rogatko‐Koros Marta , Mika‐Witkowska Renata , Pawliczak Daria , Zubala Marta , Malinowska Agnieszka , Witkowska Agnieszka , Nowak Jacek 
Published: June 2019

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells make vital contributions to the immune system and the reproductive system. Notably, NK cells of donor origin can recognize and kill residual leukaemic cells and cure malignant patients in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplant setting. NK cell function is regulated by KIRs that recognize cognate HLA class I molecules on target cells, depending on their amino acid residues. In review, we addressed the question of binding capacity and avidity of HLA class I molecules to different killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) depending on all interacting amino acid residues both on HLA and KIR side. We searched PubMed database and analysed available HLA:KIR crystallographic data for amino acid residues in HLA molecules, those physically involved in binding KIRs (termed here the “entire KIR interface”). Within entire KIR interface, we selected five functional sequence motifs (14–19, 66–76, 77–84, 88–92 and 142–151) and classified them according to the conservation of their amino acid sequences among 8,942 HLA class I molecules. Although some conserved amino acid motifs were shared by different groups of KIR ligands, the HLA motif combinations were exclusive for the ligand groups. In 135 common HLA class I molecules with known HLA:KIR recognition, we found 54 combinations of five motifs in each of the KIR‐binding interfaces (C1, C2, Bw4, A3/11) and conserved non‐KIR‐binding interfaces. Based on the entire KIR interface, this analysis allowed to classify 8,942 HLA class I molecules into KIR specificity groups. This functional and evolutionary classification of entire KIR interfaces provides a tool for unambiguously predicting HLA:KIR interactions for common and those HLA molecules that have not yet been functionally tested. Considering the entire KIR interface in HLA class I molecules, functional interactions of HLA and KIR can be predicted in immune responses, reproduction and allotransplantation. Further functional studies are needed on the HLA:KIR interaction variations caused by the repertoires of peptides presented by HLA molecules and KIR polymorphisms at allelic level.
Neurotoxicity in chronic lithium poisoning
Authors: Hlaing Phyu M. , Isoardi Katherine Z. , Page Colin B. , Pillans Peter 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundLithium‐induced neurotoxicity typically occurs with chronic accumulation rather than following acute overdose. There is little emphasis in the literature on the protracted nature of lithium neurotoxicity long after the lithium concentration returns to the therapeutic range.AimsTo characterise lithium neurotoxicity, with a view of increasing awareness of this important phenomenon.MethodsThis is a retrospective observational study of patients presenting with lithium‐induced neurotoxicity over a 5‐year period to a clinical toxicology unit. Patients were identified through the unit's database, and clinical notes were analysed.ResultsThere were 22 patients, with a median age of 65 (range: 36–89) years. Six patients (27%) had previous lithium toxicity, and nine (41%) were regularly prescribed medications that impair lithium excretion. The median lithium concentration on presentation was 2.2 mmol/L, taking a median of 3 days to return to the therapeutic range. Reversible acute kidney injury was observed in 21 patients (95%) on presentation. The median length of stay was 13 (range: 3–95) days due mostly to delayed neurological recovery. Confusion was the predominant symptom, present in 21 (95%) patients, followed by tremors (18(82%)) and ataxia (16(73%)). Multiple investigations were performed to exclude delirium differentials, including 11 computed tomography (CT) and five magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans, all unremarkable.ConclusionsLithium neurotoxicity has a prolonged course. Its severity correlates poorly with lithium concentrations, which normalise quickly. Most poisonings occur in elderly patients with acute kidney injury. Prolonged delirium often prompts multiple unnecessary investigations. Rationalisation of lithium therapy is important in elderly patients.
Prevalence and risk factors of ischaemic stroke in the young: a regional Australian perspective
Authors: Siriratnam Pakeeran , Godfrey Amelia , O’Connor Ellie , Pearce Dora , Hu Chih‐Chiang , Low Ashlea , Hair Casey , Oqueli Ernesto , Sharma Anand , Kraemer Thomas , Sahathevan Ramesh 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is no universally accepted age cut‐off for defining young strokes.AimsWe aimed to determine, based on the profile of young stroke patients in our regional centre, an appropriate age cut‐off for young strokes.MethodsA retrospective analysis of all ischaemic stroke patients admitted to our centre from 2015 to 2017. We identified 391 ischaemic stroke patients; 30 patients between the ages of ≤50, 40 between 51–60 inclusive and 321 ≥ 61 years of age. We collected data on demographic profiles, risk factors and stroke classification using the Trial of Org 10 172 in Acute Stroke Treatment criteria.ResultsWe found significant differences between the ≤50 and ≥61 age groups for most of the risk factors and similarities between the 51–60 inclusive and ≥ 61 age groups. At least one of the six risk factors assessed in the study was present in 86.7% of the youngest group, 97.5% of the intermediate age group and 97.2% in the oldest group. In terms of the mechanisms of stroke, the youngest and oldest age groups in our study differed in the prevalence of cryptogenic, cardioembolic and other causes of stroke. The middle and older age groups had similar mechanisms of stroke.ConclusionsThe prevalence of vascular risk factors and mechanisms of stroke likewise differed significantly across age groups. This study suggests that 50 years is an appropriate age cut‐off for defining young strokes and reinforces the importance of primary prevention in all age groups.
Long‐term outcomes in patients with pulmonary embolism: results from a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Lamba Mehul , Pickering John W. , Than Martin , Iles Stephen , Beckert Lutz 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundPatients with pulmonary embolism (PE) have increased mortality in short‐term; however, long‐term prognosis is not well defined.AimIn this long‐term cohort study, we aimed to determine if PE was associated with increased risk of mortality or serious clinical events (SCE). Secondary aims were to ascertain predictors of mortality and SCE.MethodsPatients admitted with clinical suspicion of PE were prospectively recruited from July 2002 to May 2003 and followed up until March 2015. Clinical outcomes in patients with PE were compared to those without PE. SCE was defined as composite of mortality, malignancy, cardiovascular events, recurrent venous thromboembolism and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.ResultsA total of 501 patients with median follow up of 11.9 years (interquartile range 3.91–12.28) was included. PE was diagnosed in 104 (20.7%) patients. Overall, 45.9% died and 57.1% developed SCE during follow up, with no significant difference in PE and no‐PE groups (both P > 0.5). Major determinants of mortality were age (hazard ratio (HR) 1.06 per year, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–1.08), malignancy (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.64–2.91) and congestive heart failure (HR 1.72, 95% CI 1.23–2.42). Factors associated with increased risk of SCE were age (HR 1.05 per year, 95% CI 1.04–1.06), malignancy (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.48–2.52) and congestive heart failure (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.29–2.43). In patients without PE, elevated D‐dimer concentration was not found to be associated with diagnosis of malignancy during follow up (HR 1.31, 95% CI 0.55–3.12).ConclusionsIn this prospective study, we did not find association between PE and risk of all‐cause mortality or SCE. Major determinants of poor clinical outcomes were advancing age and underlying comorbidities.
The psychological and social impact of self‐advocacy group membership on people with intellectual disabilities: A literature review
Authors: Fenn Kristina , Scior Katrina 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is no one agreed definition of self‐advocacy, but it can be taken to include actions and concepts such as standing up for one's rights and self‐determination.MethodA review of studies examining the psychological and social impact of self‐advocacy group membership on people with intellectual disabilities was conducted. Systematic searches of electronic databases (PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science and ProQuest's Sociology Database), and manual searches of reference lists and citations, identified 12 studies.Results“Empowerment” and “increased confidence” were frequently reported outcomes. “Belonging,” increased opportunities for social connections and changed self‐identity were also key themes.ConclusionsLimitations of the review included difficulty categorizing outcomes, and limitations of the evidence base included a lack of quantitative studies. Implications of the review include an observation that the role of self‐advocates in the research literature could be extended to the co‐construction of research agendas.
Differentiating spatial from environmental effects on foliar fungal communities of Populus trichocarpa
Authors: Barge Edward G. , Leopold Devin R. , Peay Kabir G. , Newcombe George , Busby Posy E. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimFoliar fungi – pathogens, endophytes, epiphytes – form taxonomically diverse communities that affect plant health and productivity. The composition of foliar fungal communities is variable at spatial scales both small (e.g. individual plants) and large (e.g. continents), yet few studies have attempted to tease apart spatial from climatic factors influencing these communities. Moreover, few studies have sampled in more than 1 year to gauge interannual variation in community structure.LocationThe Pacific Northwest of western North America.TaxonFoliar fungi associated with the deciduous tree Populus trichocarpa.MethodsIn two consecutive years, we used DNA metabarcoding to characterize foliar fungal communities of Populus trichocarpa across its geographic range, which encompasses a sharp climatic transition as it crosses the Cascade Mountain Range. We used multivariate analyses to (a) test for and differentiate spatial and environmental factors affecting community composition and (b) test for temporal variation in community composition across spatial and environmental gradients.ResultsIn both study years, we found that foliar fungal community composition varied among sites and between regions (east vs. west of the Cascades). We found that climate explained more variation in community composition than geographic distance, although the majority of variation explained by each was shared. We also found that interannual variation in community composition depended on environmental context: communities located in the dry, eastern portion of the tree's geographic range varied more between study years than those located in the wet, western portion of the tree's range.Main conclusionsOur results suggest that the environment plays a greater role in structuring foliar fungal communities than dispersal limitation.
Aquatic ecosystem changes in a global biodiversity hotspot: Evidence from the Albertine Rift, central Africa
Authors: McGlynn Gayle , Lejju Julius , Dalton Catherine , Mooney Scott D. , Rose Neil L. , Tompkins Adrian M. , Bannister Wayne , Tan Zu D. , Zheng Xianglin , Rühland Katherine M. , Taylor David 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimDetermine the extent to which remote, high‐altitude (Afroalpine) aquatic ecosystems in tropical Africa have been impacted by global and regional‐scale environmental change processes.LocationTwo volcanic crater lakes (Bisoke and Muhavura) in the Afroalpine zone, Albertine (Western) Rift, central Africa.MethodsSediment cores were collected from Bisoke and Muhavura lakes and dated using radiometric techniques. A range of sediment‐based proxies was extracted from the cores and quantified. Sedimentary data were subjected to statistical analyses that contributed to the identification of influential environmental variables and their effects on diatom assemblages, the determination of variations in spatial beta diversity and estimates of the rate of compositional turnover over the last c. 1,200 years.ResultsSediments from the two sites provide evidence of the sensitivity of remote, Afroalpine aquatic ecosystems to perturbation. Climate variability has been a major driver of ecological change, particularly at Bisoke Lake, throughout the c. 1,200‐year‐long record, while Muhavura Lake has been directly impacted by and recovered from at least one volcanic eruption during this time. The effects of climatic warming from the mid‐ to late 19th century and especially from the late 20th century, possibly accentuated by atmospheric deposition‐driven nutrient enrichment, appear increasingly in lockstep. Effects include changes in diatom community composition, increased productivity and compositional turnover, and biotic homogenization (reduced spatial beta diversity) between the two sites.Main conclusionsThe two Afroalpine sites record changes in atmospheric conditions and their effects on diatom assemblage composition, particularly over the last c. 150 years. Drivers of these changes have the potential to disrupt ecosystems at lower altitudes in the Albertine Rift, including biodiverse areas of forest, and across tropical Africa more widely.
Evaluation of a new algorithm for tracking activation during atrial fibrillation using multipolar catheters in humans
Authors: Mann Ian , Coyle Clare , Qureshi Norman , Nagy Szabolcs Z , Koa‐Wing Michael , Lim Phang Boon , Francis Darrel P , Whinnett Zachary , Peters Nicholas S , Kanagaratnam Prapa , Linton Nick W.F. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundConventional mapping techniques during atrial fibrillation (AF) are difficult to apply because of cycle length irregularity. Mapping studies are usually restricted to short durations of AF in limited regions because of the laborious manual annotation of local activation time (LAT). The purpose of this study was to test an automated algorithm to map activation during AF, with comparable accuracy to manual annotation.MethodsLeft atrial (LA) mapping was performed using a 20‐pole double loop catheter (AFocusII) in 30‐second data segments from 16 patients. The new algorithm (RETRO‐Mapping) was designed to detect wavefront propagation between electrodes, and display activating wavefronts on a two‐dimensional representation of the catheter. Activation patterns were validated against their bipolar electrograms and with isochronal maps. The mapping protocol was approved by the research ethics committee (13/LO1169 and 14/LO1367).ResultsDuring AF, uniform wavefront activation direction (mean ± SD, degrees) from manually constructed isochronal maps was comparable to RETRO‐Propagation Map (RETRO‐PM) and RETRO‐Automated Direction (RETRO‐AD): 1 ± 6.9 for RETRO‐PM; and 2 ± 6.6 for RETRO‐AD. There was no significant difference in activation direction assigned to 1373 uniform wavefronts during AF when comparing RETRO‐PM with RETRO‐AD (Bland‐Altman mean difference: −0.1 degrees; limits of agreement: −8.0 to 8.3; 95% CI −0.4 to 0.2; (r = 0.01) R2 = < 0.005; P = .77).ConclusionWe have developed and validated a new technique to map activation during AF. This technique shows comparable accuracy to that of conventional isochronal mapping with careful manual adjustment of LAT.
Long term outcomes in patients with chronic right ventricular pacing upgraded to cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Rickard John , Gorodeski Eiran Z. , Patel Divyang , Hussein Ayman , Moennich Laurie Anne , Cantillon Daniel , Trulock Kevin , Toro Saleem , Niebauer Mark , Varma Niraj , Wilkoff Bruce L. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIntroductionIn patients with chronic systolic heart failure and frequent right ventricular pacing (RVP), upgrade to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become common practice despite a lack of randomized clinical trials. We aimed to evaluate long term outcomes in patients upgraded to CRT from chronic RVP compared with de novo CRT implants.Methods and resultsWe reviewed medical charts on consecutive patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% and a QRSd ≥ 120 ms undergoing CRT. Survival free of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and a heart transplant was compared amongst patients on the basis of pre‐CRT QRS morphology. Improvement in LVEF was also compared across groups. A total of 1260 patients met inclusion criteria of whom 233 were upgraded from chronic RVP. Over a mean follow up 6.5 ± 4.0 years there were 821 endpoints (27 LVAD, 30 heart transplants, and 764 deaths). In a multivariate Cox regression model, upgraded patients had worse outcomes (HR 1.3(1.1‐1.7) P = .007) compared with those with native LBBB and similar outcomes to patients with non‐LBBB(HR 0.96(0.76‐1.21) P = .7). The survival curve for chronic RVP parallels native LBBB for approximately 2.5 years before dropping sharply. Patients with chronic RVP derive similar improvements in LVEF compared with those with LBBB and superior improvements compared with those with non‐LBBB.ConclusionsDespite achieving similar levels of LVEF improvement, patients with systolic heart failure with chronic RVP undergoing upgrade to CRT have inferior long term outcomes compared with patients with native LBBB. Long term outcomes with CRT in patients with chronic RVP, RBBB, and IVCD are similar.
Neutrophil activation in systemic capillary leak syndrome (Clarkson disease)
Authors: Xie Zhihui , Kuhns Douglas B. , Gu Xuesong , Otu Hasan H. , Libermann Towia A. , Gallin John I. , Parikh Samir M. , Druey Kirk M. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSystemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS; Clarkson disease) is a rare orphan disorder characterized by transient yet recurrent episodes of hypotension and peripheral oedema due to diffuse vascular leakage of fluids and proteins into soft tissues. Humoral mediators, cellular responses and genetic features accounting for the clinical phenotype of SCLS are virtually unknown. Here, we searched for factors altered in acute SCLS plasma relative to matched convalescent samples using multiplexed aptamer‐based proteomic screening. Relative amounts of 612 proteins were changed greater than twofold and 81 proteins were changed at least threefold. Among the most enriched proteins in acute SCLS plasma were neutrophil granule components including bactericidal permeability inducing protein, myeloperoxidase and matrix metalloproteinase 8. Neutrophils isolated from blood of subjects with SCLS or healthy controls responded similarly to routine pro‐inflammatory mediators. However, acute SCLS sera activated neutrophils relative to remission sera. Activated neutrophil supernatants increased permeability of endothelial cells from both controls and SCLS subjects equivalently. Our results suggest systemic neutrophil degranulation during SCLS acute flares, which may contribute to the clinical manifestations of acute vascular leak.
A novel myeloid cell in murine spleen defined through gene profiling
Authors: Hey Ying‐Ying , O’Neill Terence J. , O’Neill Helen C. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractA novel myeloid antigen presenting cell can be generated through in vitro haematopoiesis in long‐term splenic stromal cocultures. The in vivo equivalent subset was recently identified as phenotypically and functionally distinct from the spleen subsets of macrophages, conventional (c) dendritic cells (DC), resident monocytes, inflammatory monocytes and eosinophils. This novel subset which is myeloid on the basis of cell surface phenotype, but dendritic‐like on the basis of cell surface marker expression and antigen presenting function, has been tentatively labelled “L‐DC.” Transcriptome analysis has now been employed to determine the lineage relationship of this cell type with known splenic cDC and monocyte subsets. Principal components analysis showed separation of “L‐DC” and monocytes from cDC subsets in the second principal component. Hierarchical clustering then indicated a close lineage relationship between this novel subset, resident monocytes and inflammatory monocytes. Resident monocytes were the most closely aligned, with no genes specifically expressed by the novel subset. This subset, however, showed upregulation of genes reflecting both dendritic and myeloid lineages, with strong upregulation of several genes, particularly CD300e. While resident monocytes were found to be dependent on Toll‐like receptor signalling for development and were reduced in number in Myd88‐/‐ and Trif‐/‐ mutant mice, both the novel subset and inflammatory monocytes were unaffected. Here, we describe a novel myeloid cell type closely aligned with resident monocytes in terms of lineage but distinct in terms of development and functional capacity.
EIF2A promotes cell survival during paclitaxel treatment in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Chen Lin , He Jiang , Zhou Jianhua , Xiao Zhi , Ding Nianhua , Duan Yumei , Li Wenzheng , Sun Lun‐Quan 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe integrated stress response (ISR) is critical for cancer cell survival during stress stimuli and has been implicated in the resistance to cancer therapeutics, in which the mechanism, however, is poorly understood. Here, we showed that paclitaxel, the major chemotherapy drug for breast cancer, induced ISR and phosphorylated ser51 residue of EIF2S1 by EIF2AK3 and EIF2AK4. When exposed to paclitaxel, cancer cells activated the EIF2AK3/EIF2AK4‐pEIF2S1‐ATF4 axis and maintained redox homoeostasis by inducing expression of the major antioxidant enzymes HMOX1, SHMT2 and SLC7A11. Paclitaxel‐mediated cell death was significantly increased following loss of ISR or ATF4 expression. This sensitizing effect could be partially rescued by Trolox, a ROS scavenger. We demonstrated that the alternative initiation factor EIF2A was essential for cancer cell survival after paclitaxel‐mediated ISR both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, patients with breast cancer exhibited higher ISR after chemotherapy, and the elevated mRNA levels of HMOX1, SHMT2 and EIF2A were correlated with poor prognosis. Collectively, our findings reveal a novel mechanism for paclitaxel resistance and suggest that targeting EIF2A combined with ISR agonist may be a potential treatment regimen to overcome drug resistance for breast cancer.