bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An acetone‐based phantom for quantitative diffusion MRI
Authors: Wang Xiaoke , Reeder Scott B. , Hernando Diego
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To propose and evaluate an acetone–D2O phantom that has an extended range of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for quantitative diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as to compare its properties to previously described water‐based phantoms.

Materials and Methods

The proposed acetone–D2O, and previously described sucrose water solution and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) water solution phantoms, were constructed in a number of concentrations between 0% and 50%. At 1.5T field strength, diffusion‐weighted MR spectroscopy (DW‐MRS), based on a point‐resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) acquisition, nondiffusion‐weighted stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM)‐MRS, and diffusion‐weighted echo‐planar imaging (DW‐EPI) were used to evaluate each phantom. The MR spectra, diffusion‐weighted signal decay pattern, tunability of ADC, and ADC range of each phantom were all evaluated.

Results

When placed in an ice‐water bath, all phantoms provided desirable signal properties, including single‐peak signal with Gaussian diffusion and tunable ADC. At 0°C, however, water‐based phantoms had ADC limited to less than 1.1·10−3 mm2·s−1 (0.2–1.1·10−3 mm2·s−1), while the proposed acetone‐based phantom had ADC values spanning a wider range (0.6–3.5·10−3 mm2·s−1).

Conclusion

The proposed acetone–D2O phantom provided desirable signal properties over a wide range of ADCs with temperature controlled using an ice‐water bath.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1683–1692.
Detection of soft‐tissue abscess: Comparison of diffusion‐weighted imaging to contrast‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Chun Chang Woo , Jung Joon‐Yong , Baik Jun Seung , Jee Won‐Hee , Kim Sun Ki , Shin Seung Han
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic performances of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI)‐combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed without intravenous contrast material with gadolinium contrast material‐enhanced (CE) MRI for diagnosing soft‐tissue abscesses.

Materials and Methods

In all, 119 patients (mean age: 56 years) with skin and soft‐tissue infection who underwent contrast‐enhanced MRI with DWI (b = 0‐800) were included. Two readers independently reviewed both image sets—nonenhanced conventional MR images (NECI)+DWI, and NECI+contrast enhanced fat‐suppressed T1‐weighted imaging (CEFST1)—for the presence of abscess. To compare the diagnostic performance for diagnosing abscess between NECI+DWI, and NECI+CEFST1, McNemar tests for sensitivity and specificity, and areas under the receiver‐operating characteristic curves (AUC) analyses, were performed. Interobserver agreements (κ) were calculated for each image set.

Results

Forty of 119 patients were confirmed with abscess. Sensitivity and specificity were 90.0% and 88.6% for NECI+DWI, and 82.5% and 89.9% for NECI+CEFST1 in reader 1, whereas 77.5% and 88.6% for NECI+DWI, and 80.0% and 84.8% for NECI+CEFST1 in reader 2, respectively. There was no significant difference in sensitivities and specificities between NECI+DWI and NECI+CEFST1 (reader 1: P = 0.453, P = 0.999, reader 2: P = 0.999, P = 0.453, respectively). Likewise, AUC analyses demonstrated no significant difference between NECI+DWI and NECI+CEFST1 (P = 0.53 in reader 1, P = 0.97 in reader 2). Interobserver agreement between the two readers was substantial in both image sets: 0.80 (NECI+DWI), and 0.76 (NECI+CEFST1).

Conclusion

Noncontrast‐enhanced MRI with DWI has comparable diagnostic performance to contrast‐enhanced MRI for diagnosing soft‐tissue abscesses.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:60–68.
Potential use of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) stover treated with white‐rot fungi as rabbit feed
Authors: Andrade Ederson , Pinheiro Victor , Gonçalves Alexandre , Cone John W , Marques Guilhermina , Silva Valéria , Ferreira Luis , Rodrigues Miguel
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Lignin inhibitory effects within the cell wall structure constitute a serious drawback in maximizing the utilization of fibrous feedstuffs in animal feeding. Therefore treatments that promote efficient delignification of these materials must be applied. This study evaluated the potential of white‐rot fungi to upgrade the nutritive value of cowpea stover for rabbit feeding.

RESULTS

There was an increase in the crude protein content of all substrates as a result of fungi treatments, reaching a net gain of 13% for Pleurotus citrinopileatus incubation. Overall, net losses of dry and organic matter occurred during fungi treatments. Although the fiber content remained identical, higher consumption of cell wall contents was measured for P. citrinopileatus incubation (between 40 and 45%). The incubation period did not influence lignin degradation for any of the fungi treatments. Differences within the fungal degradation mechanisms indicate that P. citrinopileatus treatment was most effective, enhancing in vitro organic matter digestibility by around 30% compared with the control.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of cowpea stover with P. citrinopileatus led to an efficient delignification process which resulted in higher in vitro organic matter digestibility, showing its potential in the nutritional valorization of this feedstuff. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparative isoelectric focusing in a cellulose‐based separation medium
Authors: Šalplachta Jiří , Horká Marie , Šlais Karel
Published: April 2017

An improved preparative method based on isoelectric focusing of analytes in a cellulose‐based separation medium is described in this study. Cellulose is suspended in an aqueous solution of simple buffers, ethylene glycol, glycerol, nonionic surfactant, and colored pImarkers. Water partially evaporates during focusing run and the separation takes place in an in situ generated layer of cellulose, which has a gel‐like appearance at the end of analysis. Final positions of analytes are indicated by the positions of zones of focused pImarkers. Fractions, segments of the separation medium with analytes, can be simply collected by spatula and analyzed by downstream analytical methods. Good focusing ability of the new method and almost quantitative recovery of model proteins, cytochrome c and bovine serum albumin, was verified by gel electrophoresis and capillary isoelectric focusing of the collected fractions.
Retrospective single center study of the efficacy of large spot 532 nm laser for the treatment of facial capillary malformations in 44 patients with the use of three‐dimensional image analysis
Authors: Kwiek Bartłomiej , Rożalski Michał , Kowalewski Cezary , Ambroziak Marcin
Published: April 2017

Objective

We wanted to asses the efficacy of large spot 532 nm laser for the treatment of facial capillary malformations with the use of three‐dimensional (3D) image analysis.

Study Design and Methods

Retrospective single center study on previously non‐treated patients with facial capillary malformations (CM) was performed. A total of 44 consecutive Caucasian patients aged 5–66 were included. Patients had 3D photography performed before and after and had at least one single session of treatment with 532 nm neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser with contact cooling, fluencies ranging from 8 to 11.5 J/cm2, pulse duration ranging from 5 to 9 milliseconds and spot size ranging from 5 to 10 mm. Objective analysis of percentage improvement based on 3D digital assessment of combined color and area improvement (global clearance effect [GCE]) were performed.

Results

Median maximal improvement achieved during the treatment (GCEmax) was 70.4%. Mean number of laser procedures required to achieve this improvement was 7.1 (ranging from 2 to 14)). Improvement of minimum 25% (GCE 25) was achieved by all patients, of minimum 50% (GCE 50) by 77.3%, of minimum 75% (GCE 75) by 38.6%, and of minimum 90% (GCE 90) by 13.64.

Conclusion

Large spot 532 nm laser is highly effective in the treatment of facial CM. 3D color and area image analysis provides an objective method to compare different methods of facial CM treatment in future studies. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:743–749, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative contrast‐enhanced spectral mammography based on photon‐counting detectors: A feasibility study
Authors: Ding Huanjun , Molloi Sabee
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of accurate quantification of iodine mass thickness in contrast‐enhanced spectral mammography.

Materials and methods

A computer simulation model was developed to evaluate the performance of a photon‐counting spectral mammography system in the application of contrast‐enhanced spectral mammography. A figure‐of‐merit (FOM), which was defined as the decomposed iodine signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) with respect to the square root of the mean glandular dose (MGD), was chosen to optimize the imaging parameters, in terms of beam energy, splitting energy, and prefiltrations for breasts of various thicknesses and densities. Experimental phantom studies were also performed using a beam energy of 40 kVp and a splitting energy of 34 keV with 3 mm Al prefiltration. A two‐step calibration method was investigated to quantify the iodine mass thickness, and was validated using phantoms composed of a mixture of glandular and adipose materials, for various breast thicknesses and densities. Finally, the traditional dual‐energy log‐weighted subtraction method was also studied as a comparison. The measured iodine signal from both methods was compared to the known value to characterize the quantification accuracy and precision.

Results

The optimal imaging parameters, which lead to the highest FOM, were found at a beam energy between 42 and 46 kVp with a splitting energy at 34 keV. The optimal tube voltage decreased as the breast thickness or the Al prefiltration increased. The proposed quantification method was able to measure iodine mass thickness on phantoms of various thicknesses and densities with high accuracy. The root‐mean‐square (RMS) error for cm‐scale lesion phantoms was estimated to be 0.20 mg/cm2. The precision of the technique, characterized by the standard deviation of the measurements, was estimated to be 0.18 mg/cm2. The traditional weighted subtraction method also predicted a linear correlation between the measured signal and the known iodine mass thickness. However, the correlation slope and offset values were strongly dependent on the total breast thickness and density.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that iodine mass thickness for cm‐scale lesions can be accurately quantified with contrast‐enhanced spectral mammography. The quantitative information can potentially improve the differential power for malignancy.
On the importance of intramolecular hydrogen bond cooperativity in d‐glucose – an NMR and QTAIM approach
Authors: Lomas John S. , Joubert Laurent
Published: April 2017

The idea that hydrogen bond cooperativity is responsible for the structure and reactivity of carbohydrates is examined. Density functional theory and gauge‐including atomic orbital calculations on the known conformers of the α and β anomers of d‐glucopyranose in the gas phase are used to compute proton NMR chemical shifts and interatomic distances, which are taken as criteria for probing intramolecular interactions. Atom–atom interaction energies are calculated by the interacting quantum atoms approach in the framework of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules. Association of OH1 in the counterclockwise conformers with a strong acceptor, pyridine, is accompanied by cooperative participation from OH2, but there is no significant change in the bonding of the two following 1,2‐diol motifs. The OH6...O5 (G−g+/cc/t and G+g−/cc/t conformers) or OH6...O4 (Tg+/cc/t conformer) distance is reduced, and the OH6 proton is slightly deshielded. In the latter case, this shortening and the associated increase in the OH6–O4 interaction energy may be interpreted as a small cooperative effect, but intermolecular interaction energies are practically the same for all three conformers. In most of the pyridine complexes, one ortho proton interacts with the endocyclic oxygen O5. Analogous results are obtained when the clockwise conformer, G−g+/cl/g−, detected for the α anomer, and a hypothetical conformer, Tt/cl/g−, are complexed with pyridine through OH6. Generally, the cooperative effect does not go beyond the first two OH groups of a chain. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in microstructure of two ammonium‐based protic ionic liquids proved by in situ variable‐temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy: influence of anion
Authors: Tang Xiaochen , Xu Yingjie , Zhu Xiao , Lu Yueqing
Published: April 2017

In this work, changes in microstructure of two protic ionic liquids (PILs), namely n‐butylammonium acetate (N4Ac) and n‐butylammonium nitrate (N4NO3), are proved by in situ variable‐temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy at the temperature range from 25 to 115 °C, and the influence of the nature of anion is discussed accordingly. The results demonstrate that 1H NMR chemical shifts of alkyl protons of both N4Ac and N4NO3 are almost not changed with the increasing of temperature, due to the absence of hydrogen bond interaction between alkyl protons with anions. Whereas those of +N―H of cation decrease linearly with the temperature increasing, indicating that the hydrogen bond interaction between +N―H and anion weakens gradually. In addition, the strength of hydrogen bond interaction between +N―H and NO3− is stronger than that between +N―H and Ac−, suggesting that anions have a significant influence on microstructure due to the acidity of a Brønsted acid. Consequently, the proton transfer from cation to anion is much easier in N4Ac compared to N4NO3. Further analyses of 1H NMR chemical shifts of +N―H in N4Ac at the temperature range from 100 to 115 °C suggest that the splitting of +N―H peak may be attributed to obvious evidence of the existence of the proton transfer from +N―H to Ac−, which leads to dissociate the contact ion‐pair in N4Ac to form the neutral ion‐pair ‘molecule’. The results will help us to extensively understand the behavior of proton transfer and offer us some valuable information for the design of PILs. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanocomposites of polyethylene/polyaniline/graphite with special morphology
Authors: Lentz Ariane M. , Gheno Grasiela , Maraschin Thuany , Malmonge José A. , de Souza Basso Nara R. , Balzaretti Naira M. , Milani Marcéo A. , Galland Griselda B.
Published: April 2017

Nanofillers of polyaniline nanofibers (PANI) with graphite oxide (GO) or reduced graphite oxide (rGO) were synthesized and characterized. Four samples of PANI/graphite with 10% and 30% of GO or rGO were obtained. The addition of GO or rGO in PANI nanofibers increased the conductivity and improved the thermal stability of the nanofillers. These nanofillers were used in the in situ ethylene polymerization producing PE/PANI/graphite nanocomposites characterized by SEM and TEM, revealing very particular morphologies. PANI/GO or PANI/rGO nanoparticles showed a good dispersion in polyethylene, and an increase in the thermal stability of the final material was observed. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3645–3655, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Electropolymerization of hydrogen bond supramolecular associations between terthiophene‐3‐acetic acid and 4,4′‐bipyridine
Authors: Beouch Layla , Boileau Sylvie , Chevrot Claude , Tran‐Van François
Published: April 2017

Supramolecular assemblies based on 4,4′‐bipyridine as hydrogen acceptor and a terthiophene carboxylic acid (3‐TTAA) as hydrogen donor were synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform IR spectroscopy and DSC. Their electropolymerization was successful in methylene chloride or acetonitrile. The concept of using such supramolecular assemblies in electropolymerization opens the way to the facile synthesis of new π‐conjugated polymers. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Quality of death, rumination, and posttraumatic growth among bereaved family members of cancer patients in home palliative care
Authors: Hirooka Kayo , Fukahori Hiroki , Taku Kanako , Togari Taisuke , Ogawa Asao
Published: April 2017

Objective

The current study was designed to test the hypothesis that quality of death (QOD) and intrusive and deliberate rumination are associated with posttraumatic growth (PTG) among bereaved family members of cancer patients in home palliative care.

Methods

Data were collected from 805 bereaved family members of cancer patients who died at home in Japan. We used a cross‐sectional design and participants completed Good Death Inventory, Event‐Related Rumination Inventory, and PTG Inventory. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationships.

Results

A direct pathway from QOD to PTG was significant. We also found significant indirect pathways between QOD and PTG via deliberate rumination soon after the death and recent deliberate rumination.

Conclusions

Clinicians should provide high‐quality end‐of‐life care with the goals of achieving a good death for terminally ill cancer patients and supporting the experience of PTG in bereaved family members after their loss.
Novel amino acid ester–chlorantraniliprole conjugates: design, synthesis, phloem accumulation and bioactivity
Authors: Yao Guangkai , Wen Yingjie , Zhao Chen , Xu Hanhong
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Conjugating amino acid and glucose fragments with existing pesticide structures has been shown to be an effective way to introduce phloem mobility into non‐phloem mobile species. However, the resulting derivatives always suffer from lower bioactivity compared with their parent compound. To solve this problem, we designed and synthesised a series of ester‐capped amino‐acid‐conjugated chlorantraniliproles.

RESULTS

The systemic test showed that all conjugates exhibited excellent phloem mobility and xylem mobility in a Ricinus communis model. In particular, compounds 7b, 8b and 8c were able to accumulate in phloem tissues in the form of their hydrolysis products, and the concentrations in phloem sap can reach 3 times the concentration in the incubation medium. Although their insecticidal activity (LC50) against the beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) in vitro was weaker than that of chlorantraniliprole, compounds 7b, 8b and 8c showed similar insecticidal activity in vivo against beet armyworm compared with the parent compound.

CONCLUSIONS

This work provides a potential strategy to obtain pesticide derivatives that possess both improved uptake and improved mobility in crops while retaining the in vivo insecticidal effect of the parent compound. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
A quartic force field coordinate substitution scheme using hyperbolic sine coordinates
Authors: Alonso de Armiño Diego J. , Bustamante Carlos M.
Published: April 2017

Quartic force fields (QFF) are currently the most cost‐effective method for the approximation of potential energy surfaces for the calculation of anharmonic vibrational energies. It is known, although, that its performance can be less than satisfactory due to limitations related to slow convergence of the series. In this article, we present a coordinate substitution scheme using a combination of Morse and sinh coordinates, well adapted for its use with cartesian normal coordinates. We derive expressions for analytical integrals for use in VSCF and VCI calculations and show that the simultaneous substitution of symmetric and antisymmetric normal coordinates by Morse and sinh coordinates, respectively, significantly improves the vibrational transition frequencies for these modes in a well‐balanced fashion. The accuracy of this substitution scheme is demonstrated by comparing one and two‐dimensional sections of substituted and unsubstituted QFF with ab initio potential energy grids, as well as with vibrational energy calculations using as test cases two well‐studied benchmark molecules: water and formaldehyde. We conclude that the coordinate substitution scheme presented constitutes a very attractive alternative to simple QFFs in the context of cartesian normal coordinates.
A Toolkit for Quantitative Data Analysis
Authors: Sarantakos Sotirios
Published: April 2017

This straightforward, approachable text provides students with a beginner's guide and continuing reference tool for undertaking statistical data analysis using SPSS. Introduces key skills for every newcomer to the subject, such as choosing the appropriate test, loading data, using graphs and interpreting computer outputs.
Women, Power and Politics
Authors: Stevens Anne
Published: April 2017

A major new introduction to women's political involvement and role in the liberal democratic world drawing examples from a wide range of countries. Stevens assesses women's participation and representation in government, parliaments and at the grassroots. The cental focus throughout is on the issue of whether and how gender makes a difference.
Playing for Real
Authors: Cantrell Tom , Luckhurst Mary
Published: April 2017

This is the first book to explore how actors play real people. How do you capture Hitler, Mugabe, or a serial killer? How do you portray living monarchs or political leaders? Is it possible to embody a genius like Mozart, Woolf or Darwin? What are the pressures of performing an icon like Marlene Dietrich?

Bringing together original conversations with award-winning actors, the line-up includes Jeremy Irons, Dame Eileen Atkins, David Morrissey, Henry Goodman, and Sir Ian McKellen.
Thinking About Texts
Authors: Hopkins Chris
Published: April 2017

This successful introductory textbook simultaneously develops advanced skills in reading texts and the ability to think in sophisticated ways about the defining concepts of contemporary English Studies. Fully revised and updated, the second edition now also includes new sections on ‘English Language’ and ‘Creative Writing’.
Understanding the Effects of Practices on KDE Ecosystem Health
Authors: da Silva Amorim Simone , McGregor John D. , de Almeida Eduardo Santana , von Flach Garcia Chavez Christina
Published: April 2017

Open source software ecosystems have adjusted and evolved a set of practices over the years to support the delivery of sustainable software. However, few studies have investigated the impacts of such practices on the health of these ecosystems. In this paper, we present the results of an ethnographic-based study conducted during the Latin-American KDE users and contributors meeting (LaKademy 2015) with the goal of collecting practices used within the KDE ecosystem and understanding how they affect ecosystem health. The analysis was based on softgoal interdependency graphs adapted to represent practices and relate them to non-functional requirements and goals. Our results provide a preliminary insight to understand how KDE ecosystem community interacts, which working practices have been adopted and how they affect ecosystem health.
Progression and Forecast of a Curated Web-of-Trust: A Study on the Debian Project’s Cryptographic Keyring
Authors: Wolf Gunnar , González Quiroga Víctor
Published: April 2017

The Debian project is one of the largest free software undertakings worldwide. It is geographically distributed, and participation in the project is done on a voluntary basis, without a single formal employee or directly funded person. As we will explain, due to the nature of the project, its authentication needs are very strict—User/password schemes are way surpassed, and centralized trust management schemes such as PKI are not compatible with its distributed and flat organization; fully decentralized schemes such as the PGP Web of Trust are insuficient by themselves. The Debian project has solved this need by using what we termed a “curated Web of Trust”.

We will explain some lessons learned from a massive key migration process that was triggered in 2014. We will present the social insight we have found from examining the relationships expressed as signatures in this curated Web of Trust, some recommendations on personal key-signing policies, and a statistical study and forecast on aging, refreshment and survival of project participants stemming from an analysis on their key-handling.
Understanding When to Adopt a Library: A Case Study on ASF Projects
Authors: Ihara Akinori , Fujibayashi Daiki , Suwa Hirohiko , Kula Raula Gaikovina , Matsumoto Kenichi
Published: April 2017

Software libraries are widely used by both industrial and open source client projects. Ideally, a client user of a library should adopt the latest version that the library project releases. However, sometimes the latest version is not better than a previous version. This is because the latest version may include additional developer effort to test and integrate all changed features. In this study, our main goal is to better understand the relationship between adoption of library versions and its release cycle. Specifically, we conducted an empirical study of release cycles for 23 libraries and how they were adopted by 415 Apache Software Foundation (ASF) client projects. Our findings show that software projects are quicker to update earlier rapid-release libraries compared to library projects with a longer release cycle. Moreover, results suggest that software projects are more likely to adopt the latest version of a rapid-release library compared to libraries with a longer release cycles.
OSSpal: Finding and Evaluating Open Source Software
Authors: Wasserman Anthony I. , Guo Xianzheng , McMillian Blake , Qian Kai , Wei Ming-Yu , Xu Qian
Published: April 2017

This paper describes the OSSpal project, which is aimed at helping companies, government agencies, and other organizations find high quality free and open source software (FOSS) that meets their needs. OSSpal is a successor to the Business Readiness Rating (BRR), combining quantitative and qualitative evaluation measures for software in various categories. Instead of a purely numeric calculated score OSSpal adds curation of high-quality FOSS projects and individual user reviews of these criteria. Unlike the BRR project, for which there was no automated support, OSSpal has an operational, publicly available website where users may search by project name or category, and enter ratings and reviews for projects.
Investigating Relationships Between FLOSS Foundations and FLOSS Projects
Authors: Lindman Juho , Hammouda Imed
Published: April 2017

Foundations function as vital institutional support infrastructures for many of the most successful open source projects, but the role of these support entities remains an understudied phenomenon in FLOSS research. Drawing on Open Hub (formerly known as Ohloh) data, this paper empirically investigates the different ways these entities support projects and interact with different projects and with each other.
Principled Evaluation of Strengths and Weaknesses in FLOSS Communities: A Systematic Mixed Methods Maturity Model Approach
Authors: Andrade Sandro , Saraiva Filipe
Published: April 2017

Context: Free and Open Source Software usually results from intricate socio-technical dynamics operating in a diverse and geographically dispersed community. Understanding the fundamental underpinnings of healthy and thriving communities is of paramount importance to evaluate existing efforts and identify improvement opportunities. Objective: This paper presents a novel reference model for evaluating the maturity of FLOSS communities by mixing quantitative and qualitative methods. Method: We build upon established guidelines for Design Science research in order to devise a well-informed and expressive maturity model, describing how those methods and procedures were used in the design and development of such a model. Results: We present the model structure and functions, as well as instructions on how to instantiate it as evaluations of FLOSS communities. The use of the proposed maturity model is demonstrated in four FLOSS communities. Conclusion: Whilst instantiating the model may be burdensome if aiming at sketchy evaluations, results indicate our model effectively captures the maturity regardless aspects such as community size and lifetime.
Measuring Perceived Trust in Open Source Software Communities
Authors: Syeed Mahbubul , Lindman Juho , Hammouda Imed
Published: April 2017

We investigate the different aspects of measuring trust in Open Source Software (OSS) communities. In the theoretical part we review seminal works related to trust in OSS development. This investigation provides background to our empirical part where we measure trust in a community (in terms of kudo). Our efforts provide further avenues to develop trust-based measurement tools. These are helpful for academics and practitioners interesting in quantifiable traits of OSS trust.
Cancer Genetic Counseling and Testing in an Era of Rapid Change
Authors: Hooker Gillian W. , Clemens Keelia Rhoads , Quillin John , Vogel Postula Kristen J. , Summerour Pia , Nagy Rebecca , Buchanan Adam H.
Published: April 2017

The impacts of the Association for Molecular Pathology vs. Myriad Supreme Court decision regarding patenting DNA segments and multi‐gene testing on cancer genetic counseling practice have not been well described. We aimed to assess genetic counselors’ perceptions of how their genetic testing‐related practices for hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer (HBOC) changed after these events. One‐hundred fifty‐two genetic counselors from the National Society of Genetic Counselors Cancer Special Interest Group completed an anonymous, online, mixed‐methods survey in November 2013. The survey presented four hypothetical patients and asked about changes in testing practice. Across the vignettes, a majority of participants reported specific changes in testing decisions following Association for Molecular Pathology vs. Myriad and availability of multi‐gene testing. Ninety‐three percent of participants reported changing the types of first‐ and second‐line tests they order for HBOC; the degree of change varied geographically. Qualitative analysis indicated that some counselors have altered the counseling session content, trading depth of information for breadth and spending more time counseling about uncertainty. This study shows that cancer genetic counselors are adapting quickly to genetic testing changes, but with wide variability. Findings suggest future research to elucidate clinicians’ and patients’ preferences for guidance on the clinical implementation of next‐generation sequencing.
Attachment to God, Tenure, Race, and Participation in Congregational Life
Authors: Kent Blake Victor , Henderson W. Matthew
Published: April 2017

The vitality of religious congregations is dependent on how effectively they attract congregants and mobilize participation, and people are more likely to participate when they share similar characteristics with other congregants. This study suggests attachment to God is a fundamental “behavioral and intrapersonal characteristic” which distinguishes participants from one another, contributing to varying levels of participation in congregational and religious life beyond service attendance. Using a national sample, we test several hypotheses related to this theoretical claim. Findings suggest that: (1) secure attachment to God is positively associated with congregational participation, (2) anxious and avoidant attachment are negatively associated with participation, (3) these relationships are moderated by length of time attending a particular congregation, and (4) secure attachment is associated with higher levels of participation in congregational life for blacks than it is for whites. By demonstrating a link between attachment to God and participation in congregational and religious life, this study affirms that intrapersonal characteristics structure the dynamics of religious congregations.
Chromosomal Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis: 25 Years and Counting
Authors: Sanders Kathryn D. , Griffin Darren K.
Published: April 2017

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), first successfully carried out in humans in the early 1990s, initially involved the PCR sexing of embryos by Y- (and later also X-) chromosome specific detection. Because of the problems relating to misdiagnosis and contamination of this technology however the PCR based test was superseded by a FISH-based approach involving X and Y specific probes. Sexing by FISH heralded translocation screening, which was shortly followed by preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) for Aneuploidy. Aneuploidy is widely accepted to be the leading cause of implantation failure in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and a major contributor to miscarriage, especially in women of advanced maternal age. PGS (AKA PGD for aneuploidy PGD-A) has had a chequered history, with conflicting lines of evidence for and against its use. The current practice of trophectoderm biopsy followed by array CGH or next generation sequencing is gaining in popularity however as evidence for its efficacy grows. PGS has the potential to identify viable embryos that can be transferred thereby reducing the chances of traumatic failed IVF cycles, miscarriage or congenital abnormalities and facilitating the quickest time to live birth of chromosomally normal offspring. In parallel to chromosomal diagnoses, technology for PGD has allowed for improvements in accuracy and efficiency of the genetic screening of embryos for monogenic disorders. The number of genetic conditions available for screening has increased since the early days of PGD, with the human fertilization and embryology authority currently licensing 419 conditions in the UK [1]. A novel technique known as karyomapping that involves SNP chip screening and tracing inherited chromosomal haploblocks is now licensed for the PGD detection of monogenic disorders. Its potential for the universal detection of chromosomal and monogenic disorders simultaneously however, has yet to be realized.
Book Review: Confronting Controversial Issues in the Classroom
Authors: Williamson Jason
Published: April 2017

The recently published book Teaching Social Studies in an Era of Divisiveness: The Challenges of Discussion Social Issues in a Non-partisan Way edited by Wayne Journell helps teachers raise controversial and difficult discussions in their classrooms as part of educating students to be active citizens. Through ten chapters the book provides teachers with broad strategies and context to give educators confidence to intentionally broach controversial issues of race, class, gender, immigration, and technology in their classrooms. This book review captures the main arguments of each chapter, further providing insight into the struggles to create dialogue at the center of the curriculum for current teachers, preservice teachers and teacher educators.
Factores pronósticos médicos y sociales asociados a urolitiasis en pacientes sometidos a nefroureterolitotomía láser
Authors: Quiñones Andres , Arenas Juliana , Fernández Nicolás
Published: April 2017

Objetivos La fibróptica láser se ha convertido con el paso de los años en el procedimiento de elección en la mayoría de los casos de urolitiasis; sin embargo, se han descrito pocas escalas de predicción de riesgo y las que hay no incluyen el tiempo en el que se hace este procedimiento. Nuestro objetivo es hacer una descripción sobre los factores que influencian los desenlaces relacionados con las complicaciones de esta cirugía.

Materiales y métodos Se incluyó a 149 pacientes con patología litiásica a quienes se les realizó nefroureterolitotomía retrógrada con fragmentación láser entre los años 2012 y 2015. Se analizaron variables asociadas a las características del cálculo, la anatomía, el tiempo entre diagnóstico y la intervención y las complicaciones pre, intra y postoperatorias. Se diseñó una herramienta de recolección sobre la base de las historias clínicas y se analizó con medidas de tendencia central y de asociación.

Resultados Se encontró una correlación positiva entre las complicaciones preoperatorias, intraoperatorias y especialmente en las postoperatorias con el número de días orden-cirugía, con una pendiente con tendencia positiva a medida que se intervienen los pacientes más tardíamente. En las variables relacionadas con el índice STONE, la única variable que presentó asociación positiva con el tiempo entre la orden y la cirugía fue la presencia de hidronefrosis.

Conclusión La realización tardía de la ureterolitotomía láser puede tener un impacto en la morbilidad de los pacientes con patología litiásica, en especial en las complicaciones postoperatorias. Esto plantea una necesidad de priorización de los pacientes según su probabilidad de presentar complicaciones.
Lab Tests Probe the Secrets of Steep and Rocky Mountain Streams
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: April 2017

Researchers built a glass-encased test environment that helps them assess streamflow without the confounding factors introduced by bed forms.
Could Stratospheric Ozone Depletion Make Hadley Cells Expand?
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: April 2017

Convection-driven Hadley cells are expanding poleward. Scientists now may have uncovered part of the reason why.
A novel nanohybrid for cancer theranostics: folate sensitized Fe2O3nanoparticles for colorectal cancer diagnosis and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Nandi Ramesh , Mishra Snehasis , Maji Tuhin Kumar , Manna Krishnendu , Kar Prasenjit , Banerjee Saswati , Dutta Shreyasi , Sharma S. K. , Lemmens Peter , Saha Krishna Das , Pal Samir Kumar
Published: April 2017

Folic acid functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles for colorectal cancer theranostics application.
CCM2 and PAK4 act downstream of atrial natriuretic peptide signaling to promote cell spreading
Authors: Miura Koichi , Nojiri Takashi , Akitake Yoshiharu , Ando Koji , Fukuhara Shigetomo , Zenitani Masahiro , Kimura Toru , Hino Jun , Miyazato Mikiya , Hosoda Hiroshi , Kangawa Kenji
Published: April 2017

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a cardiac hormone released by the atrium in response to stretching forces. Via its receptor, guanylyl cyclase-A (GC-A), ANP maintains cardiovascular homeostasis by exerting diuretic, natriuretic, and hypotensive effects mediated, in part, by endothelial cells. Both in vivo and in vitro, ANP enhances endothelial barrier function by reducing RhoA activity and reorganizing the actin cytoskeleton. We established mouse endothelial cells that stably express GC-A and used them to analyze the molecular mechanisms responsible for actin reorganization. Stimulation by ANP resulted in phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) and promotion of cell spreading. p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) and cerebral cavernous malformations 2 (CCM2), a scaffold protein involved in a cerebrovascular disease, were required for the phosphorylation of MLC and promotion of cell spreading by ANP. Finally, in addition to the GC domain, the kinase homology domain of GC-A was also required for ANP/GC-A signaling. Our results indicate that CCM2 and PAK4 are important downstream mediators of ANP/GC-A signaling involved in cell spreading, an important initial step in the enhancement of endothelial barrier function.
Probing native metal ion association sites through quenching of fluorophores in the nucleotide-binding domains of the ABC transporter MsbA
Authors: Tatsumi Daiki , Nanatani Kei , Koike Yuto , Kamagata Kiyoto , Takahashi Satoshi , Konno Ayumu , Furuta Tadaomi , Sakurai Minoru , Uozumi Nobuyuki
Published: April 2017

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are ubiquitously present in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Binding of ATP to the nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) elicits major conformational changes of the transporters resulting in the transport of the substrate across the membrane. The availability of a crystal structure of the NBDs enabled us to elucidate the local structure and small-scale dynamics in the NBDs. Here, we labeled the ABC transporter MsbA, a homodimeric flippase from Escherichia coli, with a fluorescent probe, Alexa532, within the NBDs. ATP application elicited collisional quenching, whereas no quenching was observed after the addition of ATP analogs or ATP hydrolysis inhibitors. The Alexa532-conjugated MsbA variants exhibited transition metal ion Förster resonance energy transfer (tmFRET) after the addition of Ni2+, and ATP decreased this Ni2+-mediated FRET of the NBDs. Structure modeling developed from crystallographic data and examination of tmFRET measurements of MsbA variants in the absence of ATP revealed the presence of metal ion-associated pockets (MiAPs) in the NBDs. Three histidines were predicted to participate in chelating Ni2+ in the two possible MiAPs. Performing histidine-substitution experiments with the NBDs showed that the dissociation constant for Ni2+ of MiAP2 was smaller than that of MiAP1. The structural allocation of the MiAPs was further supported by showing that the addition of Cu2+ resulted in higher quenching than Ni2+. Taken together, the present study showed that the NBDs contain two native binding sites for metal ions and ATP addition affects the Ni2+-binding activity of the MiAPs.
Dual histone reader ZMYND8 inhibits cancer cell invasion by positively regulating epithelial genes
Authors: Basu Moitri , Sengupta Isha , Khan Md Wasim , Srivastava Dushyant Kumar , Chakrabarti Partha , Roy Siddhartha , Das Chandrima
Published: April 2017

Enhanced migratory potential and invasiveness of cancer cells contribute crucially to cancer progression. These phenotypes are achieved by precise alteration of invasion-associated genes through local epigenetic modifications which are recognized by a class of proteins termed a chromatin reader. ZMYND8 [zinc finger MYND (myeloid, Nervy and DEAF-1)-type containing 8], a key component of the transcription regulatory network, has recently been shown to be a novel reader of H3.1K36Me2/H4K16Ac marks. Through differential gene expression analysis upon silencing this chromatin reader, we identified a subset of genes involved in cell proliferation and invasion/migration regulated by ZMYND8. Detailed analysis uncovered its antiproliferative activity through BrdU incorporation, alteration in the expression of proliferation markers, and cell cycle regulating genes and cell viability assays. In addition, performing wound healing and invasion/migration assays, its anti-invasive nature is evident. Interestingly, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a key mechanism of cellular invasion, is regulated by ZMYND8 where we identified its selective enrichment on promoters of CLDN1/CDH1 genes, rich in H3K36Me2/H4K16Ac marks, leading to their up-regulation. Thus, the presence of ZMYND8 could be implicated in maintaining the epithelial phenotype of cells. Furthermore, syngeneic mice, injected with ZMYND8-overexpressed invasive breast cancer cells, showed reduction in tumor volume and weight. In concert with this, we observed a significant down-regulation of ZMYND8 in invasive ductal and lobular breast cancer tissues compared with normal tissue. Taken together, our study elucidates a novel function of ZMYND8 in regulating EMT and invasion of cancer cells, possibly through its chromatin reader function.
Establishment of an in vitro culture model of theca cells from hierarchical follicles in ducks
Authors: Gan Xiang , Chen Da , Deng Yan , Yuan Jusong , Kang Bo , Qiu Jiamin , Sun Wenqiang , Han Chunchun , Hu Jiwei , Li Liang , Wang Jiwen
Published: April 2017

Theca cells, including theca interna cells and theca externa cells, are vital components of ovarian follicles. The aim of the present study is to identify a reliable method for the in vitro culture of theca cells from duck ovarian hierarchical (F4-F2) follicles. We improved the method for cell separation by using trypsin to further remove granular cells, and we increased the concentration of fetal bovine serum used in in vitro culture to improve cytoactivity. Cell antibody immunofluorescence (IF) showed that all inoculated cells could be stained by the CYP17A1/19A1 antibody but not by the FSHR antibody, which could stain granulosa cells. Furthermore, morphological differences were observed between the outlines of theca interna and externa cells and in their nuclei. Growth curve and CYP17A1/19A1 mRNA relative expression analyses suggested that the growth profile of theca interna cells may have been significantly different from that of theca externa cells in vitro. Theca interna cells experienced the logarithmic phase on d1–d2, the plateau phase on d2–d3, and the senescence phase after d3, while theca externa cells experienced the logarithmic phase on d1–d3, the plateau phase on d3–d5, and the senescence phase after d5. Taken together, these results suggested that we have successfully established a reliable theca cell culture model and further defined theca cell characteristics in vitro.
Understanding EROS2 observations toward the spiral arms within a classical Galactic model framework
Authors: Moniez M. , Sajadian S. , Karami M. , Rahvar S. , Ansari R.
Published: April 2017

Aims. EROS (Expérience de Recherche d’Objets Sombres) has searched for microlensing toward four directions in the Galactic plane away from the Galactic center. The interpretation of the catalog optical depth is complicated by the spread of the source distance distribution. We compare the EROS microlensing observations with Galactic models (including the Besançon model), tuned to fit the EROS source catalogs, and take into account all observational data such as the microlensing optical depth, the Einstein crossing durations, and the color and magnitude distributions of the catalogued stars.

Methods. We simulated EROS-like source catalogs using the HIgh-Precision PARallax COllecting Satellite (Hipparcos) database, the Galactic mass distribution, and an interstellar extinction table. Taking into account the EROS star detection efficiency, we were able to produce simulated color–magnitude diagrams that fit the observed diagrams. This allows us to estimate average microlensing optical depths and event durations that are directly comparable with the measured values.

Results. Both the Besançon model and our Galactic model allow us to fully understand the EROS color–magnitude data. The average optical depths and mean event durations calculated from these models are in reasonable agreement with the observations. Varying the Galactic structure parameters through simulation, we were also able to deduce contraints on the kinematics of the disk, the disk stellar mass function (at a few kpc distance from the Sun), and the maximum contribution of a thick disk of compact objects in the Galactic plane (Mthick< 5 − 7 × 1010M⊙ at 95%, depending on the model). We also show that the microlensing data toward one of our monitored directions are significantly sensitive to the Galactic bar parameters, although much larger statistics are needed to provide competitive constraints.

Conclusions. Our simulation gives a better understanding of the lens and source spatial distributions in the microlensing events. The goodness of a global fit taking into account all the observables (from the color-magnitude diagrams and microlensing observations) shows the validity of the Galactic models. Our tests with the parameters excursions show the unique sensitivity of the microlensing data to the kinematical parameters and stellar initial mass function.