bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of adult skeletal muscle stem cells drives age-related neuromuscular junction degeneration
Authors: Liu Wenxuan , Klose Alanna , Forman Sophie , Paris Nicole D , Wei-LaPierre Lan , Cortés-Lopéz Mariela , Tan Aidi , Flaherty Morgan , Miura Pedro , Dirksen Robert T , Chakkalakal Joe V
Published: June 2017

Neuromuscular junction degeneration is a prominent aspect of sarcopenia, the age-associated loss of skeletal muscle integrity. Previously, we showed that muscle stem cells activate and contribute to mouse neuromuscular junction regeneration in response to denervation (Liu et al., 2015). Here, we examined gene expression profiles and neuromuscular junction integrity in aged mouse muscles, and unexpectedly found limited denervation despite a high level of degenerated neuromuscular junctions. Instead, degenerated neuromuscular junctions were associated with reduced contribution from muscle stem cells. Indeed, muscle stem cell depletion was sufficient to induce neuromuscular junction degeneration at a younger age. Conversely, prevention of muscle stem cell and derived myonuclei loss was associated with attenuation of age-related neuromuscular junction degeneration, muscle atrophy, and the promotion of aged muscle force generation. Our observations demonstrate that deficiencies in muscle stem cell fate and post-synaptic myogenesis provide a cellular basis for age-related neuromuscular junction degeneration and associated skeletal muscle decline.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment: student attitudes before and after intensive clinical exposure
Authors: Magnus Warren W. , Gamber Russell G.
Published: June 2017

It is widely known that family practice osteopathic physicians actively use osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) as a part of their everyday practices, but many DOs in other specialty areas fail to use OMT at all. Physicians who use this modality often limit its use to musculoskeletal complaints. This pattern likely begins during undergraduate training at the time that OMT is taught. To warm student attitudes to OMT and provide a more integrated OMT training background, the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth/Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine has added to the clinical curriculum a required 1-month rotation in manipulative medicine. With the rotation in place for a full academic year, it was important to determine the efficacy of the rotation curriculum. This assessment has been accomplished using a specialized protocol designed to gauge student attitudes and opinions regarding OMT, osteopathic medicine, and their own OMT skills.
Effect of maternal depression on premature infant health during initial hospitalization
Authors: Locke Robert , Baumgart Stephen , Locke Kenneth , Goodstein Mike , RN Claire Thies, , Greenspan Jay
Published: June 2017

This study evaluates the effect of maternal depression on neonatal health status in premature infants during their initial hospitalization. Infants younger than 34 weeks' gestation born to nondrug abusing mothers were enrolled in the study. Thirty-one mother-infant pairs were identified. Maternal depression was evaluated by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). Scores ~ 16 defined maternal depression. Initial infant physiologic health status was determined by the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology (SNAP). In-hospital health status was assessed by the following variables: days receiving supplemental oxygen, days on mechanical ventilation (VENT), and days not on enteral feeding (NPO). Health status variables evaluated for long-term outcome included bronchopulmonary dysplasia at 28 days (BPD), BPD at 34 weeks' postmenstrual age (BPD-34), and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Seventeen (55%) of 31 mothers manifested depression on the CES-D. No epidemiologic differences were found between this group and the nondepressed mothers. No differences in gestation or birth weight was detected between the preterm infants of depressed versus nondepressed others. The CES-D scores correlated significantly with SNAP (r = .36, P < .02). Infants of depressed mothers experienced significantly worse outcomes in the occurrence of BPD (P = .015), BPD-34 (P = .049), and IVH (P = .055). This study confirms that maternal depression occurs frequently in mothers of preterm infants and adversely affects the presenting neonatal health status of their babies during the initial hospitalization. Maternal depression was related to the severity of the initial neonatal illness and was significantly related to IVH and BPD. These factors may have long-term consequences for subsequent growth, neurodevelopment, and recurrence of related health problems.
Sumatriptan-associated myocardial infarction: report of case with attention to potential risk factors
Authors: Pearlstein Louis , Abbrescia Vincent D. , Kotler Morris
Published: June 2017

Vascular headaches are a relatively common phenomenon. Increasing numbers of patients with headache are being considered for treatment with the selective serotonin-receptor agonist sumatriptan succinate because of its potential for pronounced therapeutic efficacy in selected patients. Sumatriptan-associated myocardial infarction occurred in a 50-year-old woman with a history of migraine headaches. Cardiac risk factors that must be considered in all patients with migraine before initiation of therapy include concomitant ergotamine use, postmenopausal state, male gender older than 40 years, family history of heart disease, cigarette smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, as reviewed in this report.
Combining multi-dimensional data to identify key genes and pathways in gastric cancer
Authors: Ren Wu , Li Wei , Wang Daguang , Hu Shuofeng , Suo Jian , Ying Xiaomin
Published: June 2017

Gastric cancer is an aggressive cancer that is often diagnosed late. Early detection and treatment require a better understanding of the molecular pathology of the disease. The present study combined data on gene expression and regulatory levels (microRNA, methylation, copy number) with the aim of identifying key genes and pathways for gastric cancer. Data used in this study was retrieved from The Cancer Genomic Atlas. Differential analyses between gastric cancer and normal tissues were carried out using Limma. Copy number alterations were identified for tumor samples. Bimodal filtering of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) based on regulatory changes was performed to identify candidate genes. Protein–protein interaction networks for candidate genes were generated by Cytoscape software. Gene ontology and pathway analyses were performed, and disease-associated network was constructed using the Agilent literature search plugin on Cytoscape. In total, we identified 3602 DEGs, 251 differentially expressed microRNAs, 604 differential methylation-sites, and 52 copy number altered regions. Three groups of candidate genes controlled by different regulatory mechanisms were screened out. Interaction networks for candidate genes were constructed consisting of 415, 228, and 233 genes, respectively, all of which were enriched in cell cycle, P53 signaling, DNA replication, viral carcinogenesis, HTLV-1 infection, and progesterone mediated oocyte maturation pathways. Nine hub genes (SRC, KAT2B, NR3C1, CDK6, MCM2, PRKDC, BLM, CCNE1, PARK2) were identified that were presumed to be key regulators of the networks; seven of these were shown to be implicated in gastric cancer through disease-associated network construction. The genes and pathways identified in our study may play pivotal roles in gastric carcinogenesis and have clinical significance.
Spatial variation in coral reef fish and benthic communities in the central Saudi Arabian Red Sea
Authors: Khalil Maha T. , Bouwmeester Jessica , Berumen Michael L.
Published: June 2017

Local-scale ecological information is critical as a sound basis for spatial management and conservation and as support for ongoing research in relatively unstudied areas. We conducted visual surveys of fish and benthic communities on nine reefs (3–24 km from shore) in the Thuwal area of the central Saudi Arabian Red Sea. Fish biomass increased with increasing distance from shore, but was generally low compared to reefs experiencing minimal human influence around the world. All reefs had a herbivore-dominated trophic structure and few top predators, such as sharks, jacks, or large groupers. Coral cover was considerably lower on inshore reefs, likely due to a 2010 bleaching event. Community analyses showed inshore reefs to be characterized by turf algae, slower-growing corals, lower herbivore diversity, and highly abundant turf-farming damselfishes. Offshore reefs had more planktivorous fishes, a more diverse herbivore assemblage, and faster-growing corals. All reefs appear to be impacted by overfishing, and inshore reefs seem more vulnerable to thermal bleaching. The study provides a description of the spatial variation in biomass and community structure in the central Saudi Arabian Red Sea and provides a basis for spatial prioritization and subsequent marine protected area design in Thuwal.
Contribution of underlying processes to improved visuospatial working memory associated with physical activity
Authors: Ji Qingchun , Wang Yingying , Guo Wei , Zhou Chenglin
Published: June 2017

Background

Working memory is critical for various cognitive processes and can be separated into two stages: short-term memory storage and manipulation processing. Although previous studies have demonstrated that increased physical activity (PA) improves working memory and that males outperform females on visuospatial working memory tasks, few studies have determined the contribution of the two underlying stages to the visuospatial working memory improvement associated with PA. Thus, the aims of the present study were to verify the relationship between physical activity and visuospatial working memory, determine whether one or both stages were affected by PA, and investigate any sex differences.

Methods

A total of 56 undergraduate students were recruited for this study. Their scores on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used to separate them into either a lower PA (n = 26; IPAQ score ≤3,000 metabolic equivalent [MET]-min/week) or higher PA (n = 30; IPAQ score >3,000 MET-min/week) group. Participants were required to complete three tasks: a visuospatial working memory task, a task that examines the short-term memory storage stage, and a mental rotation task that examines the active manipulation stage.

Results

Participants in the higher PA group maintained similar accuracy but displayed significantly faster reaction times (RT) than those in the lower PA group on the visuospatial working memory and manipulation tasks. By contrast, no difference was observed between groups on the short-term memory storage task. In addition, no effects of sex were detected.

Discussion

Our results confirm that PA was positively to visuospatial working memory and that this positive relationship was associated with more rapid cognitive processing during the manipulation stage, with little or no relationship between PA and the memory storage stage of visuospatial working memory.
Electrophysiological correlates of aesthetic processing of webpages: a comparison of experts and laypersons
Authors: Bölte Jens , Hösker Thomas M. , Hirschfeld Gerrit , Thielsch Meinald T.
Published: June 2017

We investigated whether design experts or laypersons evaluate webpages differently. Twenty participants, 10 experts and 10 laypersons, judged the aesthetic value of a webpage in an EEG-experiment. Screenshots of 150 webpages, judged as aesthetic or as unaesthetic by another 136 participants, served as stimulus material. Behaviorally, experts and laypersons evaluated unaesthetic webpages similarly, but they differed in their evaluation of aesthetic ones: experts evaluated aesthetic webpages as unaesthetic more often than laypersons did. The ERP-data show main effects of level of expertise and of aesthetic value only. There was no interaction of expertise and aesthetics. In a time-window of 110–130 ms after stimulus onset, aesthetic webpages elicited a more negative EEG-amplitude than unaesthetic webpages. In the same time window, experts had more negative EEG-amplitudes than laypersons. This patterning of results continued until a time window of 600–800 ms in which group and aesthetic differences diminished. An interaction of perceiver characteristics and object properties that several interactionist theories postulate was absent in the EEG-data. Experts seem to process the stimuli in a more thorough manner than laypersons. The early activation differences between aesthetic and unaesthetic webpages is in contrast with some theories of aesthetic processing and has not been reported before.
Carbon Nanotubes as an Ultrafast Emitter with a Narrow Energy Spread at Optical Frequency
Authors: Li Chi , Zhou Xu , Zhai Feng , Li Zhenjun , Yao Fengrui , Qiao Ruixi , Chen Ke , Cole Matthew Thomas , Yu Dapeng , Sun Zhipei , Liu Kaihui , Dai Qing
Published: June 2017

Ultrafast electron pulses, combined with laser‐pump and electron‐probe technologies, allow ultrafast dynamics to be characterized in materials. However, the pursuit of simultaneous ultimate spatial and temporal resolution of microscopy and spectroscopy is largely subdued by the low monochromaticity of the electron pulses and their poor phase synchronization to the optical excitation pulses. Field‐driven photoemission from metal tips provides high light‐phase synchronization, but suffers large electron energy spreads (3–100 eV) as driven by a long wavelength laser (>800 nm). Here, ultrafast electron emission from carbon nanotubes (≈1 nm radius) excited by a 410 nm femtosecond laser is realized in the field‐driven regime. In addition, the emitted electrons have great monochromaticity with energy spread as low as 0.25 eV. This great performance benefits from the extraordinarily high field enhancement and great stability of carbon nanotubes, superior to metal tips. The new nanotube‐based ultrafast electron source opens exciting prospects for extending current characterization to sub‐femtosecond temporal resolution as well as sub‐nanometer spatial resolution.
Borylene: eine aufstrebende Verbindungsklasse
Authors: Soleilhavoup Michele , Bertrand Guy
Published: June 2017

Freie Borylene (R‐B:) konnten bislang lediglich spektroskopisch in der Gasphase oder in Tieftemperatur‐Matrices charakterisiert werden. In der letzten Zeit gelang es jedoch, einige Mono‐ und Di(Lewis‐Base)‐stabilisierte Borylene zu isolieren. In beiden Verbindungen ist das Boratom durch die formale Oxidationsstufe +I gekennzeichnet, während es sich in klassischen Organoborverbindungen in der Oxidationsstufe +III befindet. Mono(Lewis‐Base)‐stabilisierte Borylene sind isoelektronisch zu Singulett‐Carbenen, und ihre Reaktivität ähnelt teilweise der von Übergangsmetallen, etwa bei der Aktivierung kleiner Moleküle (wie H2) und der Koordination weiterer Liganden. Di(Lewis‐Base)‐Borylen‐Addukte sind isoelektronisch zu Aminen und Phosphanen. Im Unterschied zu Boranen, die als Elektronenakzeptoren fungieren, sind diese Spezies elektronenreich und eignen sich als Liganden für Übergangsmetalle.
Borylenes: An Emerging Class of Compounds
Authors: Soleilhavoup Michele , Bertrand Guy
Published: June 2017

Free borylenes (R–B:) have only been spectroscopically characterized in the gas phase or in matrices at very low temperatures. However, in recent years, a few mono‐ and bis(Lewis base)‐stabilized borylenes have been isolated. In both of these compounds the boron atom is in the formal oxidation state +I which contrasts with classical organoboron derivatives wherein the element is in the +III oxidation state. Mono(Lewis base)‐stabilized borylenes are isoelectronic with singlet carbenes, and their reactivity mimics to some extent that of transition metals. They can activate small molecules, such as H2, and coordinate an additional ligand; in other words, they are boron metallomimics. Bis(Lewis base)borylene adducts are isoelectronic with amines and phosphines. In contrast to boranes, which act as electron acceptors and thus Lewis acids, they are electron‐rich and act as ligands for transition metals.
Chlorophyll‐Based Organic–Inorganic Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Li Yue , Zhao Wenjie , Li Mengzhen , Chen Gang , Wang Xiao‐Feng , Fu Xueqi , Kitao Osamu , Tamiaki Hitoshi , Sakai Kotowa , Ikeuchi Toshitaka , Sasaki Shin‐ichi
Published: June 2017

Solid‐state chlorophyll solar cells (CSCs) employing a carboxylated chlorophyll derivative, methyl trans‐32‐carboxypyropheophorbide a, as a light‐harvesting dye sensitizer chlorophyll (DSC) deposited on mesoporous TiO2, on which four zinc hydroxylated chlorophyll derivatives were spin‐coated for hole transporter chlorophylls (HTCs), are described. Key parameters, including the effective carrier mobility of the HTC films, as determined by the space charge‐limited current method, and the frontier molecular orbitals of these DSCs and HTCs, as estimated from cyclic voltammetry and electronic absorption spectra, suggest that both charge separation and carrier transport are favorable. The power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of the present CSCs with fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO)/TiO2/DSC/HTCs/Ag were determined to follow the order of HTC‐1>HTC‐2>HTC‐3>HTC‐4, which coincided perfectly with the order of their hole mobilities. The maximum PCE achieved was 0.86 % with HTC‐1. The photovoltaic devices studied herein with two types of chlorophyll derivatives as dye sensitizers and hole transporters provide a unique solution for the utilization of solar energy with a view to truly realizing “green energy”.
Catalytic Oxygenative Allylic Transposition of Alkenes into Enones with an Azaadamantane‐Type Oxoammonium Salt Catalyst
Authors: Nagasawa Shota , Sasano Yusuke , Iwabuchi Yoshiharu
Published: June 2017

The first catalytic oxygenative allylic transposition of unactivated alkenes into enones has been developed using an oxoammonium salt as the catalyst. This reaction converts various tri‐ and trans‐disubstituted alkenes into their corresponding enones with transposition of their double bonds at ambient temperature in good yields. The use of a less‐hindered azaadamantane‐type oxoammonium salt as the catalyst and a combination of two distinct stoichiometric oxidants, namely, iodobenzene diacetate and magnesium monoperoxyphthalate hexahydrate (MMPP⋅6 H2O) are essential to facilitate the enone formation efficiently.
Na+ Ions Induce the Pirouetting Motion and Catalytic Activity of [2]Rotaxanes
Authors: Lee Yong‐Jay , Liu Kuang‐Shun , Lai Chien‐Chen , Liu Yi‐Hung , Peng Shie‐Ming , Cheng Richard P. , Chiu Sheng‐Hsien
Published: June 2017

We have prepared [2]rotaxanes, the behavior of which as switchable catalysts depends on their pirouetting motion, which can be controlled through the addition and removal of Na+ ions. At least three sequential on/off cycles of a Michael reaction can be performed in situ when using the NaTFPB/[2.2.2]cryptand reagent pair to switch “on” and “off” the catalytic ability of the [2]rotaxanes.
Drop behaviour characteristics in different operating regimes in an L‐shaped pulsed sieve‐plate column
Authors: Amani Pouria , Esmaieli Mohamad
Published: June 2017

In this study, the influence of different operating regimes on drop behaviour in an L‐shaped pulsed sieve‐plate column has been investigated and the effects of pulsation intensity and phase superficial velocities on drop diameters are evaluated. The toluene‐water system with 0.03 L/L (3 vol%) acetone as a mass transfer agent is used. Experimental observations reveal that with increasing pulsation intensity, drop sizes slightly decrease and by reaching to the end of mixer‐settler regime, they significantly decrease followed by a mild decrease in the dispersion regime. Moreover, it is observed that mean drop size firstly varies inversely as both phase superficial velocities change, while it slightly increases with further increase in superficial velocities. Finally, some of the most recommended correlations are compared to the experimental data. It is revealed that these correlations show the highest deviation in the lower end of the mixer‐settler regime (> 40 %), while in the dispersion regime it becomes < 15 %, indicating that they are only applicable in the region of practical regimes. Accordingly, two of these correlations are modified in order to cover different operating regimes by means of two correlations proposed to predict the transition regime in each section of the column. The AARE values of the modified correlations are found to be < 14.7 %.
Scanning of own‐ versus other‐race faces in infants from racially diverse or homogenous communities
Authors: Ellis Ann E. , Xiao Naiqi G. , Lee Kang , Oakes Lisa M.
Published: June 2017

We examined the role of community face experience on 6‐ and 8‐month‐old Caucasian infants’ scanning of own‐ and other‐race face scanning. We measured infants’ proportional fixation time and scan path amplitudes as indices of face processing. Proportional fixation time to informationally rich face regions varied as a function of age and face race for infants living in a racially homogeneous community, whereas scan path amplitudes varied as a function of age and face race for infants living in a racially diverse community. In both communities 6‐month‐old infants did not show different responding to own‐ and other‐race faces, whereas 8‐month‐old infants responded differently to own‐ and other‐race faces. However, 8‐month‐old infants from the two communities showed different patterns of cross‐race face scanning. Therefore, experience in the community beyond the home appears to contribute to the development of differential scanning of own‐ versus other‐race faces between 6 and 8 months of age.
Later life swimming performance and persistent heart damage following subteratogenic PAH mixture exposure in the Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus)
Authors: Brown Daniel R. , Thompson Jasmine , Chernick Melissa , Hinton David E. , Di Giulio Richard T.
Published: June 2017

High-level, acute exposures to individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and complex PAH mixtures result in cardiac abnormalities in developing fish embryos. Whereas acute PAH exposures can be developmentally lethal, little is known about the later life consequences of early life, lower level PAH exposures in survivors. A population of PAH-adapted Fundulus heteroclitus from the PAH-contaminated Superfund site, Atlantic Wood Industries, Elizabeth River, Portsmouth, Virginia, United States, is highly resistant to acute PAH cardiac teratogenicity. We sought to determine and characterize long-term swimming performance and cardiac histological alterations of a subteratogenic PAH mixture exposure in both reference killifish and PAH-adapted Atlantic Wood killifish embryos. Killifish from a relatively uncontaminated reference site, King's Creek, Virginia, United States, and Atlantic Wood killifish were treated with dilutions of Elizabeth River sediment extract at 24 h post fertilization (hpf). Two proven subteratogenic dilutions, 0.1 and 1.0% Elizabeth River sediment extract (total PAH 5.04 and 50.4 µg/L, respectively), were used for embryo exposures. Then, at 5-mo post hatching, killifish were subjected to a swim performance test. A separate subset of these individuals was processed for cardiac histological analysis. Unexposed King's Creek killifish significantly outperformed the unexposed Atlantic Wood killifish in swimming performance as measured by Ucrit (i.e., critical swimming speed). However, King's Creek killifish exposed to Elizabeth River sediment extract (both 0.1 and 1.0%) showed significant declines in Ucrit. Histological analysis revealed the presence of blood in the pericardium of King's Creek killifish. Although Atlantic Wood killifish showed baseline performance deficits relative to King's Creek killifish, their pericardial cavities were nearly free of blood and atrial and ventricular alterations. These findings may explain, in part, the diminished swimming performance of King's Creek fish. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3246–3253. © 2017 SETAC
Performance Optimization for Open‐cathode Fuel Cell Systems with Overheating Protection and Air Starvation Prevention
Authors: Ou K. , Wang Y.‐X. , Kim Y.‐B.
Published: June 2017

The open‐cathode design with simultaneously integrated air supply and coolant flow systems can significantly simplify the structure of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Typically, the performance of open‐cathode PEMFC system is highly influenced by temperature and oxygen excess ratio which can be regulated by the air flow fan. The axial air flow fan is the only actuator which is responsible for the oxygen supply to the cathode and cooling air at the same time. In this study, oxygen mass flow rate across cathode channels is regarded as the only control variable of the open‐cathode FC system. Air flow is regulated based on a set of optimal oxygen excess ratios in different stack currents for power optimization and overheating protection. However, the air flow rate is determined through a sensor installed to measure the air flow rate in the cathode channels. The control strategy simultaneously focuses on performance optimization with overheating protection and air starvation prevention, whereas the fuel cell operates its full range. The efficacy of the proposed method and control is verified through experiments with a small open‐cathode fuel cell system with a real‐time platform of NI (National Instruments) devices.
Assessment of rainfall spatial variability and its influence on runoff modelling: A case study in the Brue catchment, UK
Authors: Zhang Jun , Han Dawei
Published: June 2017

This study explores rainfall spatial variability and its influence on runoff modelling. A novel assessment scheme integrated with coefficient of variance and Moran's I is introduced to describe effective rainfall spatial variability. Coefficient of variance is widely accepted to identify rainfall variability through rainfall intensity, whereas Moran's I reflects rainfall spatial autocorrelation. This new assessment framework combines these two indicators to assess the spatial variability derived from both rainfall intensity and distribution, which are crucial in determining the time and magnitude of runoff generation. Four model structures embedded in the Variable Infiltration Capacity model are adopted for hydrological modelling in the Brue catchment of England. The models are assigned with 1, 3, 8, and 27 hydrological response units, respectively, and diverse rainfall spatial information for 236 events are extracted from 1995. This study investigates the model performance of different partitioning based on rainfall spatial variability through peak volume (Qp) and time to peak (Tp), along with the rainfall event process. The results show that models associated with dense spatial partitioning are broadly capable of capturing more spatial information with better performance. It is unnecessary to utilize models with high spatial density for simple rainfall events, though they show distinct advantages on complex events. With additional spatial information, Qp experiences a notable improvement over Tp. Moreover, seasonal patterns signified by the assessment scheme imply the feasibility of seasonal models.
Hippocampal fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation and functional connectivity changes in premenstrual syndrome
Authors: Duan Gaoxiong , Liu Huimei , Pang Yong , Liu Peng , Liu Yanfei , Wang Geliang , Liao Hai , Tang Lijun , Chen Wenfu , Mo Xiaping , Wen Danhong , Lin Hua , Deng Demao
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To investigate differences in hippocampal activity between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) patients and healthy controls, to elucidate the neural mechanisms of PMS.

Materials and Methods

Twenty female patients with PMS (PMS group) and 21 healthy controls (HC group) underwent a single‐shot gradient‐recalled echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence scan during the luteal phase in 3.0 Tesla MRI. Spontaneous neural activity in hippocampus (HIPP) was measured by fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (fALFF). Functional connectivity (FC) was used to examine the neural networks of PMS patients by selecting the abnormal HIPP as the seed region. All participants completed a daily record of severity of problems (DRSP) questionnaire to measure the severity of clinical symptoms.

Results

Results from a two‐sample t‐test showed increased left HIPP fALFF in the PMS group compared with the HC group (P = 0.042), while there was no between‐group difference of fALFF in the right HIPP (P = 0.1011). A secondary analysis using a two‐sample t‐test with the left HIPP as the seed region, the results revealed that the PMS group exhibited increased FC between the left HIPP and left medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), right middle cingulate cortex (MCC), and bilateral precentral cortex (PC), while decreased FC between the left HIPP and right orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Moreover, the PMS group exhibited higher DRSP scores, which were positively correlated (r = 0.64, P = 0.003) with FC between the left HIPP and mPFC during the luteal phase.

Conclusion

Altered spontaneous neural activity and connectivity of left HIPP may be involved in PMS.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:545–553.
Automated image quality evaluation of T2‐weighted liver MRI utilizing deep learning architecture
Authors: Esses Steven J. , Lu Xiaoguang , Zhao Tiejun , Shanbhogue Krishna , Dane Bari , Bruno Mary , Chandarana Hersh
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To develop and test a deep learning approach named Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for automated screening of T2‐weighted (T2WI) liver acquisitions for nondiagnostic images, and compare this automated approach to evaluation by two radiologists.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated 522 liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams performed at 1.5T and 3T at our institution between November 2014 and May 2016 for CNN training and validation. The CNN consisted of an input layer, convolutional layer, fully connected layer, and output layer. 351 T2WI were anonymized for training. Each case was annotated with a label of being diagnostic or nondiagnostic for detecting lesions and assessing liver morphology. Another independently collected 171 cases were sequestered for a blind test. These 171 T2WI were assessed independently by two radiologists and annotated as being diagnostic or nondiagnostic. These 171 T2WI were presented to the CNN algorithm and image quality (IQ) output of the algorithm was compared to that of two radiologists.

Results

There was concordance in IQ label between Reader 1 and CNN in 79% of cases and between Reader 2 and CNN in 73%. The sensitivity and the specificity of the CNN algorithm in identifying nondiagnostic IQ was 67% and 81% with respect to Reader 1 and 47% and 80% with respect to Reader 2. The negative predictive value of the algorithm for identifying nondiagnostic IQ was 94% and 86% (relative to Readers 1 and 2).

Conclusion

We demonstrate a CNN algorithm that yields a high negative predictive value when screening for nondiagnostic T2WI of the liver.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:723–728.
Life Threat and Sleep Disturbances in Adolescents: A Two‐Year Follow‐Up of Survivors From the 2011 Utøya, Norway, Terror Attack
Authors: Grønli Janne , Melinder Annika , Ousdal Olga Therese , Pallesen Ståle , Endestad Tor , Milde Anne Marita
Published: June 2017

A significant number of adolescents have been exposed to traumatic life events. However, knowledge about the specific sleep disturbance that occurs in individuals after trauma exposure is predominantly based on studies of adults. This study reports specific sleep disturbance in 42 survivors of the 2011 mass shooting at a youth summer camp on the Norwegian island Utøya, mean age = 20.91 years, SD = 2.32, 62.5% females. When compared with matched controls, significantly more survivors reported having sleep disturbances, 52.4% versus 13.6%, d = 0.93, of which onset began at the time of the shooting, χ2= 14.9, p < .001. The prevalence of insomnia, 56.3% versus 11.0%, d = 0.73; excessive daytime sleepiness, 34.4% versus 13.6%, d = 0.61; symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, 18.8% versus 0%, d = 0.70; and frequent nightmares, 37.5% versus 2.3%, d = 0.90, were all higher in the survivors than in the controls. In a subgroup of survivors (n = 20) with psychiatric diagnoses, sleep disturbances were more prevalent than in survivors without psychiatric diagnosis. Actigraphy data revealed delayed bedtime, sleep onset, and rise time in survivors compared with controls, ts > 1.7, ps = .044 to .028. These results corroborate the effects of a life threat on the range and extent of sleep disturbances, and emphasize the need to better assess and treat sleep disorders in adolescents exposed to trauma.
Centennial‐long trends of lake browning show major effect of afforestation
Authors: Kritzberg Emma S.
Published: June 2017

Observations of increasing water color and organic carbon concentrations in lakes are widespread across the Northern Hemisphere. The drivers of these trends are debated. Declining atmospheric sulfur deposition has been put forward as an important underlying factor, since recovery from acidification enhances mobility of organic matter from surrounding soils. This would suggest that the current browning represents a return to a more natural state. This study explores historical lake data from Sweden—1935 to 2015—providing a unique opportunity to see how and why water color has varied during almost a century. The data shows that sulfur deposition has not been the primary driver of water color trends over this period. I propose that the observed browning is to a large extent driven by a major transition from agriculture to forestry.
1H‐19F REDOR‐filtered NMR spin diffusion measurements of domain size in heterogeneous polymers
Authors: Sorte Eric G. , Alam Todd M.
Published: June 2017

Solid state NMR spectroscopy is inherently sensitive to chemical structure and composition and thus makes an ideal method to probe the heterogeneity of multicomponent polymers. Specifically, NMR spin diffusion experiments can be used to extract reliable information about spatial domain sizes on multiple length scales, provided that magnetization selection of one domain can be achieved. In this paper, we demonstrate the preferential filtering of protons in fluorinated domains during NMR spin diffusion experiments using 1H‐19F heteronuclear dipolar dephasing based on rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) MAS NMR techniques. Three pulse sequence variations are demonstrated based on the different nuclei detected: direct 1H detection, plus both 1H➔13C cross polarization and 1H➔19F cross polarization detection schemes. This 1H‐19F REDOR‐filtered spin diffusion method was used to measure fluorinated domain sizes for a complex polymer blend. The efficacy of the REDOR‐based spin filter does not rely on spin relaxation behavior or chemical shift differences and thus is applicable for performing NMR spin diffusion experiments in samples where traditional magnetization filters may prove unsuccessful. This REDOR‐filtered NMR spin diffusion method can also be extended to other samples where a heteronuclear spin pair exists that is unique to the domain of interest.
IP6K1 Reduces Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell Fitness and Potentiates High Fat Diet-Induced Skeletal Involution
Authors: Boregowda Siddaraju V. , Ghoshal Sarbani , Booker Cori N. , Krishnappa Veena , Chakraborty Anutosh , Phinney Donald G.
Published: June 2017

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are the predominant source of bone and adipose tissue in adult bone marrow and play a critical role in skeletal homeostasis. Age-induced changes in bone marrow favor adipogenesis over osteogenesis leading to skeletal involution and increased marrow adiposity so pathways that prevent MSC aging are potential therapeutic targets for treating age-related bone diseases. Here, we show that inositol hexakisphosphate kinase 1 (Ip6k1) deletion in mice increases MSC yields from marrow and enhances cell growth and survival ex vivo. In response to the appropriate stimuli, Ip6k1−/− versus Ip6k1+/+ MSCs also exhibit enhanced osteogenesis and hematopoiesis-supporting activity and reduced adipogenic differentiation. Mechanistic-based studies revealed that Ip6k1−/− MSCs express higher MDM2 and lower p53 protein levels resulting in lower intrinsic mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels as compared to Ip6k1+/+ MSCs, but both populations upregulate mitochondrial ROS to similar extents in response to oxygen-induced stress. Finally, we show that mice fed a high fat diet exhibit reduced trabecular bone volume, and that pharmacological inhibition of IP6K1 using a pan-IP6K inhibitor largely reversed this phenotype while increasing MSC yields from bone marrow. Together, these findings reveal an important role for IP6K1 in regulating MSC fitness and differentiation fate. Unlike therapeutic interventions that target peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and leptin receptor activity, which yield detrimental side effects including increased fracture risk and altered feeding behavior, respectively, inhibition of IP6K1 maintains insulin sensitivity and prevents obesity while preserving bone integrity. Therefore, IP6K1 inhibitors may represent more effective insulin sensitizers due to their bone sparing properties.
Disrupting Interactions Between β-Catenin and Activating TCFs Reconstitutes Ground State Pluripotency in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Saj Abil , Chatterjee Sujash S. , Zhu Bowen , Cukuroglu Engin , Gocha Tenzin , Zhang Xiaoqian , Göke Jonathan , DasGupta Ramanuj
Published: June 2017

The 2i-media, composed of two small molecule inhibitors (PD0325901 and CHIR99021) against MEK and GSK3-kinases, respectively, is known to establish naïve ground state pluripotency in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). These inhibitors block MEK-mediated differentiation, while driving β-catenin dependent de-repression of pluripotency promoting targets. However, accumulating evidence suggest that β-catenin’s association with activating TCFs (TCF7 and TCF7L2) can induce expression of several lineage-specific prodifferentiation genes. We posited that CHIR-induced upregulation of β-catenin levels could therefore compromise the stability of the naïve state in long-term cultures. Here, we investigated whether replacing CHIR with iCRT3, a small molecule that abrogates β-catenin–TCF interaction, can still retain ground state pluripotency in mESCs. Our data suggests that iCRT3 + PD mediated coinhibition of MEK and β-catenin/TCF-dependent transcriptional activity over multiple passages significantly reduces expression of differentiation markers, as compared to 2i. Furthermore, the ability to efficiently contribute toward chimera generation and germline transmission suggests that the inhibition of β-catenin’s TCF-dependent transcriptional activity, independent of its protein expression level, retains the naïve ground state pluripotency in mESCs. Additionally, growth medium containing iCRT3 + PD can provide an alternative to 2i as a stable culture method.
A metasynthesis of the complementarity of culturally responsive and inquiry‐based science education in K‐12 settings: Implications for advancing equitable science teaching and learning
Authors: Brown Julie C.
Published: June 2017

Employing metasynthesis as a method, this study examined 52 empirical articles on culturally relevant and responsive science education in K‐12 settings to determine the nature and scope of complementarity between culturally responsive and inquiry‐based science practices (i.e., science and engineering practices identified in the National Research Council's Framework for K‐12 Science Education). The findings from this study indicate several areas of complementarity. Most often, the inquiry‐based practices Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information, Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, and Developing and Using Models were used to advance culturally responsive instruction and assessment. The use and development of models, in particular, allowed students to explore scientific concepts through families’ funds of knowledge and explain content from Western science and Indigenous Knowledge perspectives. Moreover, students frequently Analyzed and Interpreted Data when interrogating science content in sociopolitical consciousness‐raising experiences, such as identifying pollution and asthma incidences in an urban area according to neighborhood location. Specific inquiry‐based practices were underutilized when advancing culturally responsive science instruction, though. For example, Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking and Engaging in Argument from Evidence were infrequently encountered. However, culturally responsive engineering‐related practices were most often connected with these, and thus, represent potential areas for future complementarity, particularly as the United States embraces the Next Generation Science Standards. In considering innovative directions for advancing equitable science education, several possibilities are discussed in light of the findings of this study.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 54:1143–1173, 2017
Biochemical and Physicochemical Background of Mammalian Androgen Activity in Winter Wheat Exposed to Low Temperature
Authors: Janeczko Anna , Biesaga-Kościelniak Jolanta , Dziurka Michał , Filek Maria , Hura Katarzyna , Jurczyk Barbara , Kula Monika , Oklestkova Jana , Novak Ondrej , Rudolphi-Skórska Elżbieta , Skoczowski Andrzej
Published: June 2017

Understanding of the physiological role of mammalian hormone—androstenedione (AN)—in plants is scant and the mechanisms of its action at a cellular level are practically unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical and biochemical background of AN activity in winter wheat exposed to low temperature. Cold periods are important in the lifecycle of this species as they induce frost resistance and further generative development. Wheat seedlings (control and AN-supplemented) were acclimated 2 weeks in cold and then exposed to frost (−12 °C). AN supplementation reduced frost damages by 30%. Moreover, AN also accelerated generative development of wheat. The AN-induced changes in redox homeostasis seemed to be important for processes of acclimation to low temperature and generative induction. AN influenced hormonal balance in wheat and stimulated accumulation among other gibberellins and cytokinins. For example, in aerial part of plants, the content of GA3was increased by AN in 12 days of cold by about 30%, whereas the content ofcis-zeatin was increased by 65%. AN was absorbed into plant membranes (Langmuir bath studies). The membrane absorption of AN increased the distance between lipid molecules and this may be an important step in the AN-induced enhancement of frost resistance. AN interaction with lipid membranes showed similarity to the interactions of some known regulators stimulating flowering in plants, and thus it may also underlie the acceleration of wheat development. Androstenedione was naturally present in wheat leaves (5–21 pg g−1 FW).
Phospholipids of New Zealand Edible Brown Algae
Authors: Vyssotski Mikhail , Lagutin Kirill , MacKenzie Andrew , Mitchell Kevin , Scott Dawn
Published: June 2017

Edible brown algae have attracted interest as a source of beneficial allenic carotenoid fucoxanthin, and glyco‐ and phospholipids enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Unlike green algae, brown algae contain no or little phosphatidylserine, possessing an unusual aminophospholipid, phosphatidyl‐O‐[N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl) glycine], PHEG, instead. When our routinely used technique of 31P‐NMR analysis of phospholipids was applied to the samples of edible New Zealand brown algae, a number of signals corresponding to unidentified phosphorus‐containing compounds were observed in total lipids. NI (negative ion) ESI QToF MS spectra confirmed the presence of more familiar phospholipids, and also suggested the presence of PHEG or its isomers. The structure of PHEG was confirmed by comparison with a synthetic standard. An unusual MS fragmentation pattern that was also observed prompted us to synthesise a number of possible candidates, and was found to follow that of phosphatidylhydroxyethyl methylcarbamate, likely an extraction artefact. An unexpected outcome was the finding of ceramidephosphoinositol that has not been reported previously as occurring in brown algae. An uncommon arsenic‐containing phospholipid has also been observed and quantified, and its TLC behaviour studied, along with that of the newly synthesised lipids.
Revisiting the immigrant paradox: Suicidal ideations and suicide attempts among immigrant and non‐immigrant adolescents
Authors: Vazsonyi Alexander T. , Mikuška Jakub , Gaššová Zuzana
Published: June 2017

The current study examined the immigrant paradox in suicidal ideations and attempts, whether rates and correlates varied across immigrant/non‐immigrant youth in a nationally representative sample of 7,287 Swiss adolescents (10.2% 1st generation immigrants, 10.3% 2nd generation, and 16.1% mixed parentage; Mage = 17.45, SD = 1.85, 46.6% females). Known risk and protective factors for suicidal ideations and attempts (depressive symptoms, family and peer connectedness, and demographics) were used as correlates, and their effects were compared across groups. About 27% of youth thought about suicide in past 12 months, while 5.5% reported attempting suicide once in their lifetime. After controlling for known predictors and nationality, being an immigrant adolescent (1st, 2nd generation, or mixed parentage) lowered the risk for suicidal ideations as compared to native Swiss youth; immigrant status was unrelated to attempts. Findings provide mixed support for the immigrant paradox; both immigrant and native youth would benefit from effective intervention strategies.
In vitro Metabolomic Approaches to Investigating the Potential Biological Effects of Phenolic Compounds: An Update
Authors: Catalán Úrsula , Barrubés Laura , Valls Rosa Maria , Solà Rosa , Rubió Laura
Published: June 2017

Dietary phenolic compounds (PCs) have been receiving interest for their presumed roles in disease prevention. However, there is a lack of studies on the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this regard, in vitrometabolomic approaches are suitable for the investigation of the molecular changes in response to PC exposure. Up to date, the biological effects of PCs have only been examined for PCs from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), olive oil, and resveratrol using cell-based metabolomic approach, although transcriptomic and/or proteomic studies have also been conducted in the same in vitro cell experiment in some cases. Our integral analysis of the reviewed studies suggest that PCs may be involved not only in basic cellular processes or macro- and micro-nutrient metabolism, but also in specific metabolic pathways that have been thoroughly investigated. These modulated pathways could have a clinical impact on neurodegenerative diseases, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. In conclusion, the in vitro metabolomic approaches provide additional information of the molecular mechanisms involved in disease risk reduction of dietary PCs. In order to elucidate the mechanisms of action of PCs, more metabolomic cell-based studies are needed and testing the physiological conjugated forms of PCs in these cell systems could be of special interest.