bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do children and adolescents understand their diabetes?
Authors: Christie Deborah
Published: August 2019

While adults have the cognitive skills to understand and process information about a diagnosis of diabetes, children and young people (CYP) can only understand and process medical explanations if they fit with their level of development. The way information is processed throughout development moves from primitive, circular, concrete and egocentric reasoning to more abstract and logical views. The changes in adolescence and move towards independence can pose a challenge as children and families try to find a balance between the appearance of normality and adhering to a condition which can create a significant burden. Young people often wish diabetes away in their desire to be ‘normal’ and as a result sacrifice self‐management behaviours to fit in with others. Young people acknowledge that mastery of the skills involved in diabetes self‐management is an integral part of accepting the illness and incorporating it into a new identity. Finding ways that enable these self‐management skills to ‘fit’ in personal and social settings can enable the young person to become comfortable with their life as a person with diabetes. There is also a dilemma for many as to the extent to which they choose to share this aspect of their lives with others. The goal for all of us is to help CYP realise that there is so much more to them than diabetes. A sound support system, including parents, family members, peers, health care providers, and school nurses can reduce burden, diminish stigma and create a more positive attitude towards diabetes efficacy. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons. Practical Diabetes 2019; 36 (4): 117–120
Motivational and behaviour change approaches for improving diabetes management
Authors: Swanson Vivien , Maltinsky Wendy
Published: August 2019

Effective diabetes management requires both good clinical care, and good self‐management by the person with diabetes to achieve optimal health outcomes. Both diabetes‐specific behaviours, and lifestyle behaviours need to be addressed. Self‐management is challenging, due to the characteristics of diabetes, a condition which can be unpredictable, variable over the lifespan, lifelong, and often psychologically demanding, requiring knowledge, confidence, motivation and behaviour change skills to maintain optimal control.

Health professionals can support people to self‐manage more effectively if they have psychological skills to promote motivation and to support behaviour change. This review summarises some of the skills needed by people with diabetes and by health professionals to support self‐management, including person‐centred working and ‘MAP’ motivational, action and prompting behaviour change techniques. The review takes a critical look at motivational and behavioural interventions and their outcomes, in the wider context of the process of behaviour change. We look at evidence for effectiveness of motivational approaches – from the perspective of the patient outcomes and health practitioner training required. We also evaluate behaviour change interventions which use ‘action‐based’ approaches, followed by suggestions for longer‐term, sustainable models of training. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons. Practical Diabetes 2019; 36 (4): 121–125
Assessment of protein model structure accuracy estimation in CASP13: Challenges in the era of deep learning
Authors: Won Jonghun , Baek Minkyung , Monastyrskyy Bohdan , Kryshtafovych Andriy , Seok Chaok
Published: August 2019

Scoring model structure is an essential component of protein structure prediction that can affect the prediction accuracy tremendously. Users of protein structure prediction results also need to score models to select the best models for their application studies. In Critical Assessment of techniques for protein Structure Prediction (CASP), model accuracy estimation methods have been tested in a blind fashion by providing models submitted by the tertiary structure prediction servers for scoring. In CASP13, model accuracy estimation results were evaluated in terms of both global and local structure accuracy. Global structure accuracy estimation was evaluated by the quality of the models selected by the global structure scores and by the absolute estimates of the global scores. Residue‐wise, local structure accuracy estimations were evaluated by three different measures. A new measure introduced in CASP13 evaluates the ability to predict inaccurately modeled regions that may be improved by refinement. An intensive comparative analysis on CASP13 and the previous CASPs revealed that the tertiary structure models generated by the CASP13 servers show very distinct features. Higher consensus toward models of higher global accuracy appeared even for free modeling targets, and many models of high global accuracy were not well optimized at the atomic level. This is related to the new technology in CASP13, deep learning for tertiary contact prediction. The tertiary model structures generated by deep learning pose a new challenge for EMA (estimation of model accuracy) method developers. Model accuracy estimation itself is also an area where deep learning can potentially have an impact, although current EMA methods have not fully explored that direction.
Simulation and analysis of the moist vortex associated with the extreme rain event of Ouagadougou in 2009
Authors: Beucher Florent , Lafore Jean‐Philippe , Chapelon Nicolas
Published: August 2019

This study analyses the mechanisms involved in the formation of a moist meso‐vortex associated with an extreme rain event that occurred in Burkina Faso on 1 September 2009, on the basis of high‐resolution convection‐permitting simulations. After an evaluation of the 6‐day simulation skill to capture the main characteristics of this event, budgets of heat, moisture and relative vorticity are calculated. Results allow us to propose the following scenario for the occurrence of this extreme rain event, completing the large‐scale analysis of the same event performed in the companion article. Firstly, the arrival of a large‐scale wet spell is a key factor, creating a quite unusual wet environment over the Sahel, resulting in weak rain evaporation. As over oceanic regions, it favours intense heating at low levels and thus strong mean ascent and convergence. Secondly, the combination with the arrival of the trough of an African easterly wave provides a second key factor. The associated relative vorticity maximum on the southern flank of the African easterly jet (AEJ) core is boosted by the strong low‐level convergence through the stretching term. The vortex deepening is favoured by the tilting and by eddies at upper levels. Thirdly, in turn the quasi‐balanced vortex circulation brings warm and moist air from the north, favouring the convection triggering to the west of the vortex in the down‐shear direction, in agreement with Raymond and Jiang's theory for long‐lived mesoscale convective systems. This scenario exhibits a positive feedback that could explain its extreme character.
A plea to stop using the case‐control design in retrospective database studies
Authors: Schuemie Martijn J. , Ryan Patrick B. , Man Kenneth K.C. , Wong Ian C.K. , Suchard Marc A. , Hripcsak George
Published: August 2019

The case‐control design is widely used in retrospective database studies, often leading to spectacular findings. However, results of these studies often cannot be replicated, and the advantage of this design over others is questionable. To demonstrate the shortcomings of applications of this design, we replicate two published case‐control studies. The first investigates isotretinoin and ulcerative colitis using a simple case‐control design. The second focuses on dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and acute pancreatitis, using a nested case‐control design. We include large sets of negative control exposures (where the true odds ratio is believed to be 1) in both studies. Both replication studies produce effect size estimates consistent with the original studies, but also generate estimates for the negative control exposures showing substantial residual bias. In contrast, applying a self‐controlled design to answer the same questions using the same data reveals far less bias. Although the case‐control design in general is not at fault, its application in retrospective database studies, where all exposure and covariate data for the entire cohort are available, is unnecessary, as other alternatives such as cohort and self‐controlled designs are available. Moreover, by focusing on cases and controls it opens the door to inappropriate comparisons between exposure groups, leading to confounding for which the design has few options to adjust for. We argue that this design should no longer be used in these types of data. At the very least, negative control exposures should be used to prove that the concerns raised here do not apply.
Using longitudinal targeted maximum likelihood estimation in complex settings with dynamic interventions
Authors: Schomaker M. , Luque‐Fernandez M.A. , Leroy V. , Davies M.A.
Published: August 2019

Longitudinal targeted maximum likelihood estimation (LTMLE) has very rarely been used to estimate dynamic treatment effects in the context of time‐dependent confounding affected by prior treatment when faced with long follow‐up times, multiple time‐varying confounders, and complex associational relationships simultaneously. Reasons for this include the potential computational burden, technical challenges, restricted modeling options for long follow‐up times, and limited practical guidance in the literature. However, LTMLE has desirable asymptotic properties, ie, it is doubly robust, and can yield valid inference when used in conjunction with machine learning. It also has the advantage of easy‐to‐calculate analytic standard errors in contrast to the g‐formula, which requires bootstrapping. We use a topical and sophisticated question from HIV treatment research to show that LTMLE can be used successfully in complex realistic settings, and we compare results to competing estimators. Our example illustrates the following practical challenges common to many epidemiological studies: (1) long follow‐up time (30 months); (2) gradually declining sample size; (3) limited support for some intervention rules of interest; (4) a high‐dimensional set of potential adjustment variables, increasing both the need and the challenge of integrating appropriate machine learning methods; and (5) consideration of collider bias. Our analyses, as well as simulations, shed new light on the application of LTMLE in complex and realistic settings: We show that (1) LTMLE can yield stable and good estimates, even when confronted with small samples and limited modeling options; (2) machine learning utilized with a small set of simple learners (if more complex ones cannot be fitted) can outperform a single, complex model, which is tailored to incorporate prior clinical knowledge; and (3) performance can vary considerably depending on interventions and their support in the data, and therefore critical quality checks should accompany every LTMLE analysis. We provide guidance for the practical application of LTMLE.
Utility value interventions in a college biology lab: The impact on motivation
Authors: Curry Kevin W. , Spencer Dan , Pesout Ondra , Pigford Kimberly
Published: August 2019

Science writing, such as lab reports, allows students to form a meaningful understanding of scientific concepts. However, students often view scientific writing as unimportant and utilize surface level approaches when completing writing assignments. The current study implemented three experimental interventions (directly‐communicated, self‐generated, and hybrid) aligned with prior literature and designed to improve the utility value of lab reports in college settings. Participants (n= 1,002) were recruited from 43 lab sections of an introductory biology course at a large southeastern university. Measures of subjective task value (utility value, attainment value, cost, and intrinsic value) were collected pre‐, mid‐, and post‐intervention. The self‐generated and hybrid groups exhibited higher self‐reported utility value by posttest compared to the control group. Requiring students to generate their own utility value toward a task, followed by a written reflection, increases students' maintained and situational interest for biology laboratory reports.
Cluster miRNAs and cancer: Diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Kabekkodu Shama Prasada , Shukla Vaibhav , Varghese Vinay Koshy , Adiga Divya , Vethil Jishnu Padacherri , Chakrabarty Sanjiban , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu
Published: August 2019

MiRNAs are class of noncoding RNA important for gene expression regulation in many plants, animals and viruses. MiRNA clusters contain a set of two or more miRNA encoding genes, transcribed together as polycistronic miRNAs. Currently, there are approximately 159 miRNA clusters reported in the human genome consisting of miRNAs ranging from two or more miRNA genes. A large proportion of clustered miRNAs resides in and around the fragile sites or cancer associated genomic hotspots and plays an important role in carcinogenesis. Altered expression of miRNA cluster can be pro‐tumorigenic or anti‐tumorigenic and can be targeted for clinical management of cancer. Over the past few years, manipulation of miRNA clusters expression is attempted for experimental purpose as well as for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic applications in cancer. Re‐expression of miRNAs by epigenetic therapy, genome editing such as clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and miRNA mowers showed promising results in cancer therapy. In this review, we focused on the potential of miRNA clusters as a biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, targeted therapy as well as strategies for modulating their expression in a therapeutic context.

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

RNA Processing > Processing of Small RNAs

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Biogenesis of Effector Small RNAs
“Finding my own motivation” — A Mixed Methods Study of Exercise and Behaviour Change Support During Oncological Treatment
Authors: Mazzoni Anne-Sophie , Carlsson Maria , Berntsen Sveinung , Nordin Karin , Demmelmaier Ingrid
Published: August 2019

Background

Exercising during oncological treatment is beneficial but challenging for persons with cancer and may require strategies to increase motivation. Behaviour change support, including specific behaviour change techniques (BCTs), have been used to facilitate exercise in persons undergoing oncological treatment, but more detailed knowledge from an individual perspective is needed to inform clinical practice. The aims were to explore the motivational experiences of exercise combined with behaviour change support, and to describe how specific BCTs were valued among persons exercising during oncological treatment.

Methods

A mixed-methods study was conducted using semi-structured interviews (n = 18) and a questionnaire (n = 229). Participants with breast, colorectal or prostate cancer who completed or dropped out of a six-month exercise programme during oncological treatment were included. The interviews were analysed with thematic analysis and the questionnaire with descriptive statistics (median and interquartile range).

Results

The participants underwent a motivational process through the exercise programme. By experiencing ‘Health gains and mastery’, ‘Learning’, ‘Affinity’, ‘Commitment’, and ‘Managing challenges’, they found incentives that fostered feelings of autonomy, competence and relatedness, leading to an increased motivation to exercise. Social support from coaches, structuring the physical environment with scheduled sessions, self-monitoring with resistance training log, and feedback based on heart rate monitor and fitness tests were the most valued BCTs.

Conclusions

The results indicate the importance of finding incentives and creating an environment that fosters autonomy, competence and relatedness to motivate persons to exercise during oncological treatment. Some BCTs appear particularly useful and may be used by health professionals to increase patients’ motivation to exercise.
Non-Natural Death Associated with Sexual Activity: Results of a 25-Year Medicolegal Postmortem Study
Authors: Bunzel Lena , Koelzer Sarah C. , Zedler Barbara , Verhoff Marcel A. , Parzeller Markus
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Non-natural deaths associated with sexual activity may occur either with or without the involvement of other persons.

Aim

The present study provides an overview of cases of non-natural death related to sexual activities as well as recommendations of how to handle these cases and to identify potentially dangerous pleasure-enhancing techniques.

Methods

This medicolegal, postmortem, retrospective, and prospective study is based on data of autopsies performed at the Institute of Legal Medicine at University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.

Main Outcome Measure

Identification of circumstances, sexual practices, and gender distribution of cases of non-natural death in this context.

Results

Between 1993 and 2017 (25 years), 16,437 medicolegal autopsies were performed, of which 74 cases (43 males, 31 females) of non-natural death were found to relate to sexual activities (0.45%). One female and 21 males had died in the course of autoerotic practices (group I, n = 22). Nine males and 14 females had performed sexual practices with mutual consent (group II, n = 23), and 13 males and 16 females without mutual consent (group III, n = 29). The average age in group I was 45.4 years; in group II, 40.6 years; and in group III, 39.2 years. Most of the deceased were found in their own apartments. Forms of stimulation included vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse; insertion of foreign bodies; use of chemical substances; and tools for respiratory depression/hypoxia. Three cases of death occurred during sexual activities involving bondage and discipline, sadism, and masochism (BDSM). Death due to strangulation was the main cause in group I, whereas intoxications were predominant in group II. Sharp force (eg, knife) was mainly responsible for death in group III. Anogenital injuries were documented in all groups in approximately equal percentages.

Clinical Implications

The cases presented show a high variety of circumstances in which non-natural death connected to sexual activity may occur.

Strengths & Limitations

This study presents a large postmortem collection of non-natural death cases with associated sexual activity. As the main limiting factor, it must be stated that mutual consent for a sexual practice or consumption of substances was presumed based on the information provided and a lack of evidence against this assumption.

Conclusion

In cases of death associated with sexual activity, medical staff should perform thorough unbiased examinations and documentations. Strangulation and the consumption of stimulants should be classified as life-threatening, pleasure-enhancing techniques. Patients and young people should be informed about these risks.
Multiple Radiocarbon Dating of Human remains: Clarifying the Chronology and Sequences of Burials in the late Neolithic Dolmen of Oberbipp (Switzerland)
Authors: Steuri Noah , Siebke Inga , Furtwängler Anja , Szidat Sönke , Krause Johannes , Lösch Sandra , Hafner Albert
Published: August 2019

Undisturbed megalithic burials are extremely rare because in addition to human activities, natural disturbances due to water influence and erosion or faunal activity are likely to occur over time. The dolmen of Oberbipp discovered in 2011 provides a unique opportunity for multidisciplinary research since anthropogenic and natural disturbances are minor. Morphological analysis indicates that approximately 42 individuals were buried in the grave chamber. Using archaeological methods alone, it would not have been possible to determine different occupation periods within the inhumations. Neolithic communities often reused dolmen over centuries. Therefore, radiocarbon (14C) dating is the only method that can solve the question of temporal resolution. Fragments of the same bone element (right femora) were analyzed by two (in some cases three) different laboratories to date all inhumations individually. The aim of this study was threefold: (1) to determine the total occupation time of the dolmen (2) to evaluate the sequence of the burials, and (3) to compare the results of the same skeletal element from different laboratories. In total, 79 radiocarbon dating results from three different laboratories of the right femora (n = 32) were obtained. The total time span of the occupation of the dolmen was between 3350 and 2650 BC. The broad application of radiocarbon dating allowed the determination of two occupation periods within the burial.
Unconventional Histories of Capitalism
Authors: Sheth Sudev
Published: August 2019

The financial crisis of 2008 brought with it a renewed interest in the study of capitalism across disciplines. While historians have since led the way with writings on commodities, labor, finance, and institutions, these have been largely conveyed from the Euro-American perspective without necessarily probing other values, parameters, and conditions beyond western political economy that have shaped business over time. This article suggests that to assess the benefits and limits of the global capitalist experience, we must prioritize unconventional subjects, sources, and styles in how we frame research questions, analyze evidence, and cast narratives. Such an endeavor is especially timely given the growing influence of regional markets around the world and the increasing prominence of computational tools to generate and analyze novel datasets.
Asset Redeployability, Liquidation Value, and Endogenous Capital Structure Heterogeneity
Authors: Bernardo Antonio E. , Fabisiak Alex , Welch Ivo
Published: August 2019

Firms with lower leverage are not only less likely to experience financial distress but are also better positioned to acquire assets from other distressed firms. With endogenous asset sales and values, each firm’s debt choice then depends on the choices of its industry peers. With indivisible assets, otherwise-identical firms may adopt different debt policies, with some choosing highly levered operations (to take advantage of ongoing debt benefits) and others choosing more conservative policies to wait for acquisition opportunities. Our key empirical implication is that the acquisition channel can induce firms to reduce debt when assets become more redeployable.
Assessment of quality of life outcomes with the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory following cochlear implantation in children
Authors: Dev A N , Adhikari S , Lohith U , Dutt C S , Dutt S N
Published: August 2019

Background

This study investigated health-related quality of life outcomes for children with cochlear implants in India using the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory questionnaire. Cochlear implantation is associated with improved language outcomes. Some studies show this gives higher quality of life after implantation. Previous research demonstrates that India presents unique circumstances that impact perspectives regarding cochlear implantation.

Method

Children (aged under 18 years) who had undergone cochlear implantation were recruited from Vani Pradan Kendra, an organisation for individuals with hearing loss based in Bangalore, India. Demographic data including age, sex, duration of hearing loss and age at implant were collected, and the children's parents or caregivers completed the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory questionnaire.

Results

Sixty-nine children (mean age: 8.0 ± 3.89 years) were recruited, and all reported improved quality of life after cochlear implantation. There was no effect of age, gender or education on reported benefits. However, a younger age at implant and longer experience with an implant were associated with greater quality of life improvements.

Conclusion

Cochlear implantation leads to improved quality of life, with greater improvements associated with earlier implantation. This supports early intervention in children with profound hearing loss.
Evaluation of serum ischaemia-modified albumin levels in patients with Bell's palsy
Authors: Göker A E , Alagöz M H , Güntaş G , Baskadem Yilmazer A , Berkiten G , Tutar B , Ekincioglu ME , Akgun M F , Uyar Y , Ozdemir E
Published: August 2019

Objective

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum ischaemia-modified albumin levels and Bell's palsy severity.

Methods

The study included 30 patients diagnosed with Bell's palsy and 30 healthy individuals. The patients were separated into three disease severity groups (grades 2, 3 and 4) according to House–Brackmann classification. Blood samples were collected from all participants and the results compared between groups.

Results

Significant differences in serum ischaemia-modified albumin were found between the study and control groups (p< 0.001); values were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group.

Conclusion

The significantly higher levels of serum ischaemia-modified albumin in the study group suggest that Bell's palsy pathogenesis is associated with oxidative stress.
Successful use of oral prostaglandin E1 derivative for maintaining ductus-dependent systemic circulation in a neonate with trisomy 18
Authors: Miyake Akiko , Okada Seigo , Ishikawa Yuichi
Published: August 2019

A Japanese female infant with trisomy 18 was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome variant. She was administered oral prostaglandin E1 every 6 hours through a feeding tube as an alternative drug for lipo-prostaglandin E1. Oral prostaglandin E1 was effective for maintenance of the ductus arteriosus and may serve as a palliative treatment approach.
A review of ultrasound-mediated microbubbles technology for cancer therapy: a vehicle for chemotherapeutic drug delivery
Authors: Osei Ernest , Al-Asady Aladdin
Published: August 2019

Background:

The unique behaviour of microbubbles under ultrasound acoustic pressure makes them useful agents for drug and gene delivery. Several studies have demonstrated the potential application of microbubbles as a non-invasive, safe and effective technique for targeted delivery of drugs and genes. The drugs can be incorporated into the microbubbles in several different approaches and then carried to the site of interest where it can be released by destruction of the microbubbles using ultrasound to achieve the required therapeutic effect.

Methods:

The objective of this article is to report on a review of the recent advances of ultrasound-mediated microbubbles as a vehicle for delivering drugs and genes and its potential application for the treatment of cancer.

Conclusion:

Ultrasound-mediated microbubble technology has the potential to significantly improve chemotherapy drug delivery to treatment sites with minimal side effects. Moreover, the technology can induce temporary and reversible changes in the permeability of cells and vessels, thereby allowing for drug delivery in a spatially localised region which can improve the efficiency of drugs with poor bioavailability due to their poor absorption, rapid metabolism and rapid systemic elimination.
The Eocene Protohierodula crabbi Ross, 2019 cannot be reliably assigned to Manteidae (Insecta: Mantodea)
Authors: SCHUBNEL Thomas , NEL André
Published: August 2019

The late Eocene mantis genus and species Protohierodula crabbi can be attributed to the extant clade Artimantodea incertae sedis sit. nov., but its original placement in the Manteidae is not supported. It remains the oldest reliable described Artimantodea.
Global GRACE Data Assimilation for Groundwater and Drought Monitoring: Advances and Challenges
Authors: Li Bailing , Rodell Matthew , Kumar Sujay , Beaudoing Hiroko Kato , Getirana Augusto , Zaitchik Benjamin F. , de Goncalves Luis Gustavo , Cossetin Camila , Bhanja Soumendra , Mukherjee Abhijit , Tian Siyuan , Tangdamrongsub Natthachet , Long Di , Nanteza Jamiat , Lee Jejung , Policelli Frederick , Goni Ibrahim B. , Daira Djoret , Bila Mohammed , de Lannoy Gabriëlle , Mocko David , Steele‐Dunne Susan C. , Save Himanshu , Bettadpur Srinivas
Published: August 2019

The scarcity of groundwater storage change data at the global scale hinders our ability to monitor groundwater resources effectively. In this study, we assimilate a state‐of‐the‐art terrestrial water storage product derived from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite observations into NASA's Catchment land surface model (CLSM) at the global scale, with the goal of generating groundwater storage time series that are useful for drought monitoring and other applications. Evaluation using in situ data from nearly 4,000 wells shows that GRACE data assimilation improves the simulation of groundwater, with estimation errors reduced by 36% and 10% and correlation improved by 16% and 22% at the regional and point scales, respectively. The biggest improvements are observed in regions with large interannual variability in precipitation, where simulated groundwater responds too strongly to changes in atmospheric forcing. The positive impacts of GRACE data assimilation are further demonstrated using observed low‐flow data. CLSM and GRACE data assimilation performance is also examined across different permeability categories. The evaluation reveals that GRACE data assimilation fails to compensate for the lack of a groundwater withdrawal scheme in CLSM when it comes to simulating realistic groundwater variations in regions with intensive groundwater abstraction. CLSM‐simulated groundwater correlates strongly with 12‐month precipitation anomalies in low‐latitude and midlatitude areas. A groundwater drought indicator based on GRACE data assimilation generally agrees with other regional‐scale drought indicators, with discrepancies mainly in their estimated drought severity.
On the Use of Adaptive Ensemble Kalman Filtering to Mitigate Error Misspecifications in GRACE Data Assimilation
Authors: Shokri Ashkan , Walker Jeffrey P. , van Dijk Albert I. J. M. , Pauwels Valentijn R. N.
Published: August 2019

The ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) has been proved as a useful algorithm to merge coarse‐resolution Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data with hydrologic model results. However, in order for the EnKF to perform optimally, a correct forecast error covariance is needed. The EnKF estimates this error covariance through an ensemble of model simulations with perturbed forcing data. Consequently, a correct specification of perturbation magnitude is essential for the EnKF to work optimally. To this end, an adaptive EnKF (AEnKF), a variant of the EnKF with an additional component that dynamically detects and corrects error misspecifications during the filtering process, has been applied. Due to the low spatial and temporal resolutions of GRACE data, the efficiency of this method could be different than for other hydrologic applications. Therefore, instead of spatially or temporally averaging the internal diagnostic (normalized innovations) to detect the misspecifications, spatiotemporal averaging was used. First, sensitivity of the estimation accuracy to the degree of error in forcing perturbations was investigated. Second, efficiency of the AEnKF for GRACE assimilation was explored using two synthetic and one real data experiment. Results show that there is considerable benefit in using this method to estimate the forcing error magnitude and that the AEnKF can efficiently estimate this magnitude.
Global Structure of Thermal Tides in the Upper Cloud Layer of Venus Revealed by LIR on Board Akatsuki
Authors: Kouyama T. , Taguchi M. , Fukuhara T. , Imamura T. , Horinouchi T. , Sato T. M. , Murakami S. , Hashimoto G. L. , Lee Y. J. , Futaguchi M. , Yamada T. , Akiba M. , Satoh T. , Nakamura M.
Published: August 2019

Longwave Infrared Camera (LIR) on board Akatsuki first revealed the global structure of the thermal tides in the upper cloud layer of Venus. The data were acquired over three Venusian years, and the analysis was done over the areas from the equator to the midlatitudes in both hemispheres and over the whole local time. Thermal tides at two vertical levels were analyzed by comparing data at two different emission angles. Dynamical wave modes consisting of tides were identified; the diurnal tide consisted mainly of Rossby‐wave and gravity‐wave modes, while the semidiurnal tide predominantly consisted of a gravity‐wave mode. The revealed vertical structures were roughly consistent with the above wave modes, but some discrepancy remained if the waves were supposed to be monochromatic. In turn, the heating profile that excites the tidal waves can be constrained to match this discrepancy, which would greatly advance the understanding of the Venusian atmosphere.
Cannabidiol attenuates insular dysfunction during motivational salience processing in subjects at clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Wilson Robin , Bossong Matthijs G. , Appiah-Kusi Elizabeth , Petros Natalia , Brammer Michael , Perez Jesus , Allen Paul , McGuire Philip , Bhattacharyya Sagnik
Published: August 2019

Accumulating evidence points towards the antipsychotic potential of cannabidiol. However, the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying the antipsychotic effect of cannabidiol remain unclear. We investigated this in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm study. We investigated 33 antipsychotic-naïve subjects at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR) randomised to 600 mg oral cannabidiol or placebo and compared them with 19 healthy controls. We used the monetary incentive delay task while participants underwent fMRI to study reward processing, known to be abnormal in psychosis. Reward and loss anticipation phases were combined to examine a motivational salience condition and compared with neutral condition. We observed abnormal activation in the left insula/parietal operculum in CHR participants given placebo compared to healthy controls associated with premature action initiation. Insular activation correlated with both positive psychotic symptoms and salience perception, as indexed by difference in reaction time between salient and neutral stimuli conditions. CBD attenuated the increased activation in the left insula/parietal operculum and was associated with overall slowing of reaction time, suggesting a possible mechanism for its putative antipsychotic effect by normalising motivational salience and moderating motor response.
Multifunctional multi-shank neural probe for investigating and modulating long-range neural circuits in vivo
Authors: Shin Hyogeun , Son Yoojin , Chae Uikyu , Kim Jeongyeon , Choi Nakwon , Lee Hyunjoo J. , Woo Jiwan , Cho Yakdol , Yang Soo Hyun , Lee C. Justin , Cho Il-Joo
Published: August 2019

Investigation and modulation of neural circuits in vivo at the cellular level are very important for studying functional connectivity in a brain. Recently, neural probes with stimulation capabilities have been introduced, and they provided an opportunity for studying neural activities at a specific region in the brain using various stimuli. However, previous methods have a limitation in dissecting long-range neural circuits due to inherent limitations on their designs. Moreover, the large size of the previously reported probes induces more significant tissue damage. Herein, we present a multifunctional multi-shank MEMS neural probe that is monolithically integrated with an optical waveguide for optical stimulation, microfluidic channels for drug delivery, and microelectrode arrays for recording neural signals from different regions at the cellular level. In this work, we successfully demonstrated the functionality of our probe by confirming and modulating the functional connectivity between the hippocampal CA3 and CA1 regions in vivo.
Inhibition of amyloid beta toxicity in zebrafish with a chaperone-gold nanoparticle dual strategy
Authors: Javed Ibrahim , Peng Guotao , Xing Yanting , Yu Tianyu , Zhao Mei , Kakinen Aleksandr , Faridi Ava , Parish Clare L. , Ding Feng , Davis Thomas P. , Ke Pu Chun , Lin Sijie
Published: August 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of neurodegenerative disorders, yet no major breakthroughs have been made in AD human trials and the disease remains a paramount challenge and a stigma in medicine. Here we eliminate the toxicity of amyloid beta (Aβ) in a facile, high-throughput zebrafish (Danio rerio) model using casein coated-gold nanoparticles (βCas AuNPs). βCas AuNPs in systemic circulation translocate across the blood brain barrier of zebrafish larvae and sequester intracerebral Aβ42 and its elicited toxicity in a nonspecific, chaperone-like manner. This is evidenced by behavioral pathology, reactive oxygen species and neuronal dysfunction biomarkers assays, complemented by brain histology and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. We further demonstrate the capacity of βCas AuNPs in recovering the mobility and cognitive function of adult zebrafish exposed to Aβ. This potent, safe-to-use, and easy-to-apply nanomedicine may find broad use for eradicating toxic amyloid proteins implicated in a range of human diseases.
Switchable magnetic bulk photovoltaic effect in the two-dimensional magnet CrI3
Authors: Zhang Yang , Holder Tobias , Ishizuka Hiroaki , de Juan Fernando , Nagaosa Naoto , Felser Claudia , Yan Binghai
Published: August 2019

The bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) rectifies light into the dc current in a single-phase material and attracts the interest to design high-efficiency solar cells beyond the pn junction paradigm. Because it is a hot electron effect, the BPVE surpasses the thermodynamic Shockley–Queisser limit to generate above-band-gap photovoltage. While the guiding principle for BPVE materials is to break the crystal centrosymmetry, here we propose a magnetic photogalvanic effect (MPGE) that introduces the magnetism as a key ingredient and induces a giant BPVE. The MPGE emerges from the magnetism-induced asymmetry of the carrier velocity in the band structure. We demonstrate the MPGE in a layered magnetic insulator CrI3, with much larger photoconductivity than any previously reported results. The photocurrent can be reversed and switched by controllable magnetic transitions. Our work paves a pathway to search for magnetic photovoltaic materials and to design switchable devices combining magnetic, electronic, and optical functionalities.
Longitudinal time course of muscle impairments during partial weight-bearing in rats
Authors: Mortreux Marie , Ko Frank C. , Riveros Daniela , Bouxsein Mary L. , Rutkove Seward B.
Published: August 2019

In the near future, space agencies plan to send the first crews for extended stays on the Moon and Mars, where gravity is significantly reduced compared to Earth (0.16×g and 0.38×g, respectively). However, the long-term effects of partial gravity have not yet been elucidated, and ensuring astronauts’ health and performance is crucial to the success of these missions. Using a quadrupedal partial weight-bearing (PWB) model in rats that we designed, we investigated the longitudinal time course of muscle function at three different PWB levels. We demonstrated that both muscle mass and muscle function are significantly impaired in reduced weight-bearing environments as early as after 7 days of suspension. Moreover, we showed that muscular alterations are correlated to the PWB level and do not reach a plateau during a 1-month exposure to reduced weight-bearing, emphasizing the need for mitigating countermeasures for safe and successful extraterrestrial exploration.
Epitope Mapping by NMR of a Novel Anti-Aβ Antibody (STAB-MAb)
Authors: Posado-Fernández Adrián , Afonso Cláudia F. , Dória Gonçalo , Flores Orfeu , Cabrita Eurico J.
Published: August 2019

Alzheimer´s Disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders worldwide. Excess of β-amyloid (Aβ), a peptide with a high propensity to misfold and self-aggregate, is believed to be the major contributor to the observed neuronal degeneration and cognitive decline in AD. Here, we characterize the epitope of a novel anti-Aβ monoclonal antibody, the STAB-MAb, which has previously demonstrated picomolar affinities for both monomers (KD = 80 pM) and fibrils (KD = 130 pM) of Aβ(1–42) and has shown therapeutic efficacy in preclinical mouse models of AD. Our findings reveal a widespread epitope that embraces several key Aβ residues that have been previously described as important in the Aβ fibrillation process. Of note, STAB-MAb exhibits a stronger affinity for the N-terminus of Aβ and stabilizes an α-helix conformation in the central to N-terminal region of the peptide, in addition to disrupting a characteristic salt-bridge of a hairpin structure present in fibrils. The NMR derived epitope supports the observed results from ThT-monitored fluorescence and electron microscopy experiments, in which STAB-MAb was shown to inhibit the formation of aggregates and promote disruption of pre-formed fibrils. In combination with the published in vitro and in vivo assays, our study highlights STAB-MAb as a rare and versatile antibody with analytical, diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy.
Dynamics of Forest Fragmentation and Connectivity Using Particle and Fractal Analysis
Authors: Andronache Ion , Marin Marian , Fischer Rico , Ahammer Helmut , Radulovic Marko , Ciobotaru Ana-Maria , Jelinek Herbert F. , Di Ieva Antonio , Pintilii Radu-Daniel , Drăghici Cristian-Constantin , Herman Grigore Vasile , Nicula Alexandru-Sabin , Simion Adrian-Gabriel , Loghin Ioan-Vlad , Diaconu Daniel-Constantin , Peptenatu Daniel
Published: August 2019

The ever decreasing area of forests has lead to environmental and economical challenges and has brought with it a renewed interest in developing methodologies that quantify the extent of deforestation and reforestation. In this study we analyzed the deforested areas of the Apuseni Mountains, which has been under economic pressure in recent years and resulted in widespread deforestation as a means of income. Deforested surface dynamics modeling was based on images contained in the Global Forest Database, provided by the Department of Geographical Sciences at Maryland University between 2000 and 2014. The results of the image particle analysis and modelling were based on Total Area (ha), Count of patches and Average Size whereas deforested area distribution was based on the Local Connected Fractal Dimension, Fractal Fragmentation Index and Tug-of-War Lacunarity as indicators of forest fragmentation or heterogeneity. The major findings of the study indicated a reduction of the tree cover area by 3.8%, an increase in fragmentation of 17.7% and an increase in heterogeneity by 29%, while fractal connectivity decreased only by 0.1%. The fractal and particle analysis showed a clustering of forest loss areas with an average increase from 1.1 to 3.0 ha per loss site per year. In conclusion, the fractal and particle analysis provide a relevant methodological framework to further our understanding of the spatial effects of economic pressure on forestry.
Mean diffusivity related to rule-breaking guilt: the Macbeth effect in the sensorimotor regions
Authors: Nakagawa Seishu , Takeuchi Hikaru , Taki Yasuyuki , Nouchi Rui , Kotozaki Yuka , Shinada Takamitsu , Maruyama Tsukasa , Sekiguchi Atsushi , Iizuka Kunio , Yokoyama Ryoichi , Yamamoto Yuki , Hanawa Sugiko , Araki Tsuyoshi , Makoto Miyauchi Carlos , Magistro Daniele , Sakaki Kohei , Jeong Hyeonjeong , Sasaki Yukako , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: August 2019

Guilt, a self-conscious emotion, includes self-focused role taking and also correlates with other-oriented role-taking. Excess guilt proneness might be relevant to obsessive compulsive disorders. The white matter (WM) neural correlates of the degree of guilt have not yet been determined. We hypothesized that the WM structures involved in feelings of guilt are associated with social and moral cognition (inferior parietal lobule [IPL], prefrontal cortex [PFC], and cingulate), and aimed to visualize this using diffusion MRI. We investigated the association between regional WM structures (WM volume, and fractional anisotropy, and mean diffusivity [MD]), and feelings of guilt in 1196 healthy, young students using MRI and the Guilty Feeling Scale, which comprises interpersonal situation (IPS; guilt from hurting friends) and rule-breaking situation (RBS; deontological guilt) scores. The primary novel finding presented here is that MD in the right somatosensory and motor cortices from arm to hand were positively correlated with RBS scores. Further, consistent with our hypothesis, RBS scores were positively correlated with MD in the same regions. These results would be predicted by the Macbeth effect, an obsession with dirt leading to hand-washing rituals resulting from guilt, made famous by the Shakespearian character Lady Macbeth. “What, will these hands ne’er be clean?” William Shakespeare (Shakespeare, 1606) Macbeth.
Diffusion Tensor Model links to Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging at high b-value in Cerebral Cortical Gray Matter
Authors: Fukutomi Hikaru , Glasser Matthew F. , Murata Katsutoshi , Akasaka Thai , Fujimoto Koji , Yamamoto Takayuki , Autio Joonas A. , Okada Tomohisa , Togashi Kaori , Zhang Hui , Van Essen David C. , Hayashi Takuya
Published: August 2019

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) are widely used models to infer microstructural features in the brain from diffusion-weighted MRI. Several studies have recently applied both models to increase sensitivity to biological changes, however, it remains uncertain how these measures are associated. Here we show that cortical distributions of DTI and NODDI are associated depending on the choice of b-value, a factor reflecting strength of diffusion weighting gradient. We analyzed a combination of high, intermediate and low b-value data of multi-shell diffusion-weighted MRI (dMRI) in healthy 456 subjects of the Human Connectome Project using NODDI, DTI and a mathematical conversion from DTI to NODDI. Cortical distributions of DTI and DTI-derived NODDI metrics were remarkably associated with those in NODDI, particularly when applied highly diffusion-weighted data (b-value = 3000 sec/mm2). This was supported by simulation analysis, which revealed that DTI-derived parameters with lower b-value datasets suffered from errors due to heterogeneity of cerebrospinal fluid fraction and partial volume. These findings suggest that high b-value DTI redundantly parallels with NODDI-based cortical neurite measures, but the conventional low b-value DTI is hard to reasonably characterize cortical microarchitecture.