bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ventricular tachycardia ablation in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy patients with TMEM43 gene mutations
Authors: AbdelWahab Amir , Gardner Martin , Parkash Ratika , Gray Christopher , Sapp John 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntroductionCatheter ablation of VT in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is often challenging, frequently requiring multiple or epicardial ablation procedures; TMEM43 gene mutations typically cause aggressive disease. We sought to compare VT ablation outcomes for ARVC patients with and without TMEM43 mutations.MethodsPatients with prior ablation for ARVC‐related VT were reviewed. Demographic, procedural, and follow‐up data were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with confirmed TMEM43 gene mutations were compared to those with other known mutations or who had no known mutations.ResultsThirteen patients (10 male, mean age 49 ± 14 years) underwent 29 ablation procedures (median 2 procedures/patient, range 1–6) with a median of 4 targeted VTs/patient (range 1–9). They were followed for a mean duration of 7.3 ± 4.2 years. Gene mutations included TMEM43 (n = 5), PKP2 (n = 2), DSG2 (n = 2), unidentifiable (n = 4). TMEM patients showed more biventricular involvement compared to non‐TMEM patients (80% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.032), more inducible VTs during their ablation procedures (mean VTs/patient: 5.8 ± 3 vs. 2.6 ± 1, P = 0.021). Acute and long‐term procedural outcomes did not show a significant difference between the two groups, however TMEM patients had worse composite endpoint of death or transplantation (60% vs. 0, P = 0.035; log‐rank P = 0.013).ConclusionsTMEM43 mutation patients were more likely to have biventricular arrhythmogenic substrate and more inducible VTs at EP study. Despite comparable acute VT ablation outcomes, long‐term prognosis is unfavorable.
Novel electrophysiological criteria for septal ventricular outflow tract tachycardias requiring a sequential bilateral ablation
Authors: Lin Chin‐Yu , Chung Fa‐Po , Lin Yenn‐Jiang , Chang Shih‐Lin , Lo Li‐Wei , Hu Yu‐Feng , Liao Jo‐Nan , Tuan Ta‐Chuan , Chao Tze‐Fan , Chang Yao‐Ting , Chen Yun‐Yu , Te Abigail Louise D. , Yamada Shinya , Kuo Ling , Vicera Jennifer Jeanne B. , Chang Ting‐Yung , Minh Hoang Quang , Salim Simon , Huang Ting‐Chung , Chen Shih‐Ann 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundSeptal ventricular outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OT‐VAs) are defined as septal origin VAs from the right ventricular or left ventricular OT. Patients with septal OT‐VAs may require a sequential bilateral OT ablation. This study aimed to evaluate the electrophysiological characteristics and ablation outcome in patients with septal OT‐VAs.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the electrocardiography and electrophysiological parameters in 96 patients (mean age 49 ± 15 years, 49 male) undergoing bilateral activation mapping before catheter ablation of idiopathic septal OT‐VAs. The patients were categorized into three groups based on the successful ablation sites, including the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), RVOT/left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), and LVOT.ResultsMapping in the three groups demonstrated a gradually decreasing and increasing trend in the earliest activation time obtained from the RVOT and LVOT, respectively. The absolute earliest activation time discrepancy (AEAD) of ≤18 milliseconds could predict the requirement for a sequential bilateral ablation with a sensitivity and specificity of 100.0% and 93.7%, respectively. The small AEAD (≤21 milliseconds) was associated with a higher recurrence rate in patients receiving a successful unilateral ablation, while patients with a longer distance between the bilateral OT earliest activation sites (DEA > 26 mm) increased future recurrences after an initially successful sequential bilateral ablation.ConclusionsThe application of bilateral OT‐VA activation mapping and the measurement of the AEAD and DEA provided not only pivotal information for the ablation strategy, but also prognostic implications for recurrences in patients with septal OT‐VAs.
Living Alone and Discharge to Skilled Nursing Facility Care after Hospitalization in Older Adults
Authors: Lage Daniel E. , Jernigan Michael C. , Chang Yuchiao , Grabowski David C. , Hsu John , Metlay Joshua P. , Shah Sachin J. 
Published: October 2017

Background/ObjectivesCommunity‐based older adults are increasingly living alone. When they become ill, they might need greater support from the healthcare system than would those who live with others. There also has been a growing concern about the high use of postacute care such as skilled nursing facility (SNF) care and the level of variation in this use between hospitals and regions. Our objective was to examine whether living alone contributed to the risk of being discharged to a SNF.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingMassachusetts General Hospital.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling individuals aged 50 and older admitted to the medical service and discharged alive between July 2014 and August 2015 (N = 7,029).MeasurementsWe extracted demographic, clinical, and functional data from the electronic medical record and used multivariable logistic regression to determine whether living alone at the time of hospitalization was associated with subsequent discharge to a SNF.ResultsOf eligible individuals, 24.8% reported living alone before admission. Those living alone were more likely to be female, older, and more independent before admission than those living with others. Of all participants, 10.9% were discharged to a SNF. After adjustment, participants living alone had more than twice the odds of being discharged to a SNF (odds ratio = 2.23, 95% confidence interval = 1.85–2.69, P < .001).DiscussionPeople living alone are more likely to be discharged to SNFs, even when compared to other individuals with similar levels of clinical complexity and functional status. To the extent that this variation is due to a lack of home support, it could be possible to reduce SNF use through additional home services after hospital discharge.
Algorithmic structural segmentation of defective particle systems: a lithium‐ion battery study
Authors: WESTHOFF D. , FINEGAN D.P. , SHEARING P.R. , SCHMIDT V. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryWe describe a segmentation algorithm that is able to identify defects (cracks, holes and breakages) in particle systems. This information is used to segment image data into individual particles, where each particle and its defects are identified accordingly. We apply the method to particle systems that appear in Li‐ion battery electrodes. First, the algorithm is validated using simulated data from a stochastic 3D microstructure model, where we have full information about defects. This allows us to quantify the accuracy of the segmentation result. Then we show that the algorithm can successfully be applied to tomographic image data from real battery anodes and cathodes, which are composed of particle systems with very different morpohological properties. Finally, we show how the results of the segmentation algorithm can be used for structural analysis.
Cortical beta EEG oscillations related to changes in muscle tone activity during sleep in spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi)
Authors: Cruz‐Aguilar Manuel Alejandro , Guevara Miguel Angel , Hernández‐González Marisela , Ramírez‐Salado Ignacio , Hernández‐Arteaga Enrique , Ayala‐Guerrero Fructuoso 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe physiological mechanisms that allow for sleeping in a vertical position, which is primordial for arboreal primates, have not been studied yet.MethodsA non‐invasive polysomnographic study of 6 spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) was conducted. The relative beta power of the motor cortex and its linear relation with muscle tone in the facial mentalis muscle and the abductor caudae medialis muscle of the tail during wakefulness and sleep stages were calculated.ResultsA strong negative linear relationship (r = −.8, P = .03) was found between the relative power of the beta2 band in the left motor cortex and abductor caudae medialis muscle tone during delta sleep.ConclusionsThe left motor cortex, through beta2 band activity, interacts with abductor caudae medialis muscle tonicity during delta sleep. This interaction takes part in the mechanisms that regulate the sleep postures.
Efficacy of microneedling with 70% glycolic acid peel vs microneedling alone in treatment of atrophic acne scars—A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rana Shiwangi , Mendiratta Vibhu , Chander Ram 
Published: October 2017

SummaryBackgroundMicroneedling with dermaroller and glycolic acid peels is commonly used for treatment of acne scars.ObjectiveTo compare efficacy of microneedling alone versus combination of microneedling with serial 70% glycolic acid peel in management of atrophic acne scars.Methods & MaterialsSixty patients with atrophic acne scars were randomized into group 1 receiving microneedling at 0, 6, and 12 weeks and group 2 receiving microneedling at 0, 6, and 12 weeks along with 70% glycolic acid peel at 3, 9, and 15 weeks. Acne scar scoring was performed by a blinded observer using ECCA (Echelle d'evaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acne) scoring at baseline and after 22 weeks. Additionally, patients were asked to grade the improvement in acne scars and skin texture on visual analogue scale (VAS).ResultsOf 60 patients, 52 completed the 22‐week study period. The decrement from baseline in mean ECCA score was more in group 2 as compared to group 1 (39.65±2.50 vs 29.58±0.18; P<.001). Group 2 also showed more improvement in skin texture as compared to group 1 on VAS.ConclusionAddition of sequential 70% glycolic acid peel to microneedling gives better scar improvement as compared to microneedling alone. In addition to this, it also improves skin texture.
Combination therapy strategies for improving PD‐1 blockade efficacy: a new era in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Chowdhury P. S. , Chamoto K. , Honjo T. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractProgrammed death 1 (PD‐1) is an immune checkpoint molecule that negatively regulates T‐cell immune function through the interaction with its ligand PD‐L1. Blockage of this interaction unleashes the immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy using PD‐1 blockade has led to a paradigm shift in the field of cancer drug discovery, owing to its durable effect against a wide variety of cancers with limited adverse effects. A brief history and development of PD‐1 blockade, from the initial discovery of PD‐1 to the recent clinical output of this therapy, have been summarized here. Despite its tremendous clinical success rate over other cancer treatments, PD‐1 blockade has its own pitfall; a significant fraction of patients remains unresponsive to this therapy. The key to improve the PD‐1 blockade therapy is the development of combination therapies. As this approach has garnered worldwide interest, here, we have summarized the recent trends in the development of PD‐1 blockade‐based combination therapies and the ongoing clinical trials. These include combinations with checkpoint inhibitors, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and several other existing cancer treatments. Importantly, FDA has approved PD‐1 blockade agent to be used in combination with either CTLA‐4 blockade or chemotherapy. Responsiveness to the PD‐1 blockade therapy is affected by tumour and immune system‐related factors. The role of the immune system, especially T cells, in determining the responsiveness has been poorly studied compared with those factors related to the tumour side. Energy metabolism has emerged as one of the important regulatory mechanisms for the function and differentiation of T cells. We have documented here the recent results regarding the augmentation of PD‐1 blockade efficacy by augmenting mitochondrial energy metabolism of T cell.
2‐Hydroxy‐4‐methylthio butanoic acid and DL‐methionine for Japanese quails in production
Authors: Vieira D. V. G. , Costa F. G. P. , Lima M. R. , Júnior J. G. de V. , Bonaparte T. P. , Cavalcante D. T. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryAn experiment was performed using 1,000 laying Japanese quails to assess the availability of two alternative dietary methionine sources. Treatment 01 = Basal Feed that is deficient in digestible methionine + cystine (Met + Cys). The other treatments were constituted by Met + Cys levels of 0.8, 1.60 and 2.40 g/kg, supplemented with DL‐Methionine‐99%, HMTBA‐88% and HMTBA‐84%, being 10 treatments in total. The following characteristics were studied: feed intake (g/bird/day), egg production (egg/day × 100), egg weight (g/egg), egg mass (g/egg), feed conversion per egg dozen (kg feed/dozen eggs), feed conversion per egg mass (kg feed/kg eggs), relative yolk weight (g/100 g of egg), relative albumen weight (g/100 g of egg), relative shell weight (g/100 g of egg), shell thickness (mm) and specific gravity (g/cm3). In general result comment, supplemental methionine sources must be included in the poultry diet. The different methionine sources affect the performance of quails, and the increase in the levels within each source improves the performance variables. Significant effect was observable on performance variables and egg quality variables, being that DLM‐99% is superior to the other sources. The HMTBA‐88% source is superior to the HMTBA‐84% source for the same aforementioned variables. In conclusion, the bioefficacy values of the HMTBA‐88% and HMTBA‐84% sources compared to the DLM‐99% source on an equimolar basis were 81 and 79%, respectively, for the performance variables, and 83 and 74 while the methionine sources were equivalent for the variables related to egg quality.
A Problem for Dialogue: Can World-Views be Rational?
Authors: Kopf Simon Maria 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis paper explores Otto Muck's metaphysical concept of Weltanschauung (world-view). My objective is to argue that world-views can be rational. To this end, I will first explain the notion of Weltanschauung and illustrate its relation to metaphysical convictions. Next, I will defend the meaningfulness of metaphysical assertions against two objections relating to verification and falsification. The core of the paper focuses on the integrative function of world-views and the criteria according to which one can evaluate their rationality, in particular, Frederick Ferré’s criteria for the rationality of metaphysical systems. The thesis is that the rationality of a world-view can be evaluated in terms of the adequacy of the integrative function it performs. Finally, I will show why, within Muck's framework, dialogue between proponents of different world-views is a postulate of rationality.
In the mind's eye: The late positive potential to negative and neutral mental imagery and intolerance of uncertainty
Authors: MacNamara Annmarie 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThere are many advantages to human beings' ability to generate and sustain mental imagery in the absence of exteroceptive stimuli; however, this ability may also underlie emotional disorders characterized by worry, rumination, or excessive concern about the future. For instance, fear‐based disorders may be characterized by heightened ERPs to negative imagery. On the other hand, distress disorders may be characterized by attempts to avoid engaging with negative mental imagery, and therefore reduced electrocortical response. Prior ERP work has used negative and neutral pictorial stimuli to establish the parameters of response in healthy individuals, before taking these paradigms to clinical samples to assess aberrant emotion processing. Yet despite its clinical relevance, no study to date has elicited a late positive potential (LPP), a robust measure of emotion processing, to standardized negative imagined scenes. Here, participants listened to audio descriptions of negative and neutral scenes, and were asked to imagine these scenes as vividly as possible. Results showed that negative imagined scenes elicited an increased LPP, lasting approximately 10 s after audio description offset, as well as heightened ratings of arousal and unpleasantness. Moreover, participants with greater self‐reported cognitive concerns about uncertain future events (higher prospective intolerance of uncertainty) showed reduced emotional modulation of the LPP. These data provide the first evidence of sustained electrocortical processing of standardized negative imagery elicited in the absence of salient visual cues, and suggest that cognitive risk for anxiety in an unselected sample may be represented phenotypically by blunted LPPs to negative imagery.
Impaired excitation–contraction coupling in muscle fibres from the dynamin2R465W mouse model of centronuclear myopathy
Authors: Kutchukian Candice , Szentesi Peter , Allard Bruno , Trochet Delphine , Beuvin Maud , Berthier Christine , Tourneur Yves , Guicheney Pascale , Csernoch Laszlo , Bitoun Marc , Jacquemond Vincent 
Published: October 2017

Key points
Dynamin 2 is a ubiquitously expressed protein involved in membrane trafficking processes.
Mutations in the gene encoding dynamin 2 are responsible for a congenital myopathy associated with centrally located nuclei in the muscle fibres.
Using muscle fibres from a mouse model of the most common mutation responsible for this disease in humans, we tested whether altered Ca2+ signalling and excitation–contraction coupling contribute to muscle weakness.
The plasma membrane network that carries the electrical excitation is moderately perturbed in the diseased muscle fibres.
The excitation‐activated Ca2+ input fluxes across both the plasma membrane and the membrane of the sarcoplasmic reticulum are defective in the diseased fibres, which probably contributes to muscle weakness in patients.
AbstractMutations in the gene encoding dynamin 2 (DNM2) are responsible for autosomal dominant centronuclear myopathy (AD‐CNM). We studied the functional properties of Ca2+ signalling and excitation–contraction (EC) coupling in muscle fibres isolated from a knock‐in (KI) mouse model of the disease, using confocal imaging and the voltage clamp technique. The transverse‐tubule network organization appeared to be unaltered in the diseased fibres, although its density was reduced by ∼10% compared to that in control fibres. The density of Ca2+ current through CaV1.1 channels and the rate of voltage‐activated sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release were reduced by ∼60% and 30%, respectively, in KI vs. control fibres. In addition, Ca2+ release in the KI fibres reached its peak value 10–50 ms later than in control ones. Activation of Ca2+ transients along the longitudinal axis of the fibres was more heterogeneous in the KI than in the control fibres, with the difference being exacerbated at intermediate membrane voltages. KI fibres exhibited spontaneous Ca2+ release events that were almost absent from control fibres. Overall, the results of the present study demonstrate that Ca2+ signalling and EC coupling exhibit a number of dysfunctions likely contributing to muscle weakness in DNM2‐related AD‐CNM.
Overview of International Implementation of Environmental Fatigue (Update)
Authors: de Haan-de Wilde F. H. E. , Blom F. J. 
Published: October 2017

For many nuclear power plants worldwide the operation period will be extended from 40 to 60 years. As the operation period increases the knowledge of ageing mechanisms like fatigue becomes more important. Knowledge of the influence of the environment is crucial, since environmental fatigue results in a modification of the existing fatigue assessment method and possible reduction of the fatigue life.
This paper contains the results of an extended literature survey of environmentally assisted fatigue in nuclear power plants. It describes the current status and developments in the world. The main regulatory rules, guidelines and methods from the US, Germany, Japan, Finland, France and Czechia are presented.
Although the general trend towards a more uniform approach worldwide has begun, considerable different approaches for incorporating the effect of coolant water environment exist. The most common approach is the incorporation of an environmental fatigue correction factor (Fen) in the fatigue derivation of the cumulative usage factor. The Fen formulas and the S-N fatigue curves differ but the general equations are:
Fen = Nair/Nwater and CUF = Σ Upartial * Fenpartial
Alternatives like using fatigue curves including the environmental effects, using threshold criteria and calculation of an allowable Fen based on testing, are described.
Research and material tests are on-going and subject of international development. An overview of the current international state-of-the-art is presented.
Crude Furnace Creep Assessment and High Temperature Degradation
Authors: Lee Gary Y. H. , Kwon Ohgeon , Ramli Zuwairi , Mohamad Afifi Zaki 
Published: October 2017

Creep calculations indicate a crude furnace radiant section carbon steel tubes exceeding their life fraction due to flame impingement reaching up to 700°C for a year. The ambiguity of the temperature and material data means the life fraction of creep calculations were based on limited inspection data and infra-red scanning giving a conservative indication of end of life. Due to unavailable tubes in stock, a planned pit stop cannot be arranged due to economic and safety reasons as the furnace may not be started back up safely. To safeguard the integrity of the furnace until the planned outage, the temperature on the furnace tube was stabilized to a current limit of 540°C through improvements in burner operations. The crude diet was also maintained within the crude acceptance envelope. Visual checks at every shift were done to ensure no observation from tube bulging or uneven flame pattern.
A decision tree was created to facilitate quick decision making using a go/no go criteria of which tubes to replace during the August 2015 planned turnaround. The criteria set for the decision tree required tube wall thickness, surface hardness test, tube outer diameter ring gauge to be examined. Failing any of the criteria will require the tube to be replaced. The replaced tubes (one worst and one representative) will also be lab tested through destructive examination to identify the degradation mechanism and high temperature properties of the worst tubes to quantitatively define the high temperature properties and life fraction of the tubes that are left in the furnace. The lab test will provide results after a year of creep testing and can give assurance of continued furnace operation for 4 more years until the next outage. The final decision after the examination based on the decision tree was made required 17 tubes to be replaced in this turnaround. The worst degraded tubes were found to be at the vicinity of the initial observed location around the flame impingement zone.
Fatigue Analysis of Small Bore Copper Nickel Full Encirclement Sleeve and Socket Welds Under Pressure Cycling
Authors: Jones Michael , Wilson James , Harris Alex 
Published: October 2017

Sleeve and socket welds are often used in small bore nuclear power plant pipework where access is too limited to allow a conventional butt-weld. These welds are also used in process plants and pipelines as a permanent repair to reinforce areas such as cracks and corrosion that might threaten the structural integrity of the component. The fillet weld associated with this type of joint is particularly susceptible to lack of fusion defects which can be problematic to detect using conventional volumetric inspection techniques. The stress concentration associated with this type of defect will impact the fatigue life and pressure retaining ability of the joint.
This paper provides examples of Copper/Nickel (CuNi) sleeve weld defects and presents an approach for determining the fatigue life of socket welds due to pressure cycling within a Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) environment. This approach is based on modelling lack of fusion features using a database of sleeve and socket weld Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) records and calculating the stress range in the remaining ligament using textbook calculations. Sensitivity studies presented herein show the impact of lack of fusion and pipe size/thickness on fatigue life.