bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Multiple Blockages in Parallelized Microreactors
Authors: Tonomura Osamu , Taniguchi Satoshi , Hata Kei , Hasebe Shinji
Published: July 2019

In a plant consisting of parallelized microreactors (MRs), the product quality is lowered because of a lack of flow uniformity among them when blockage occurs. It is not practical to install sensors in every MR from the viewpoint of cost when detecting the blocked MRs. In the previous study, the multiple blockage detection (MBD) method using a small number of sensors was proposed, but its performance became low when the number of sensors decreased. Here, the conventional algorithm for MBD is improved by considering the process behavior on blockage occurrence, and the effectiveness of the improved algorithm is demonstrated through a numerical case study. The effects of flow distributor types and sensor types on the MBD performance are numerically investigated.
Semi‐Interpenetrating Network‐Structured Single‐Ion Conduction Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Shen Xiu , Peng Longqing , Li Ruiyang , Li Hang , Wang Xin , Huang Boyang , Wu Dezhi , Zhang Peng , Zhao Jinbao
Published: July 2019

A novel quasi solid single‐ion polymer electrolyte with semi‐interpenetrating network (semi‐IPN) structure has been prepared. The lithium‐ion conduction membrane is composed of both the cross‐linked lithiated poly‐2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid (PAMPS‐Li) as a polyanionic single‐ion lithium salt source and the high molecular weight polyethylene oxide (PEO) as a polymer matrix, in which the two components show great compatibility due to the special semi‐IPN structure. For such quasi‐solid electrolyte system, we have particularly studied the crystallinity variety and ionic conductivity change with a series of polymer salt concentration. The results show that the electrolyte has an appropriate mechanical stability, minimal crystallinity, and acceptable ionic conductivity of 1.34×10−5 S/cm at 60 °C. Furthermore, the lithium‐ion conduction membrane shows the lithium‐ion dominating conductive property and high transport number of 0.77. Moreover, the LiFePO4/Li batteries’ cycle results show a high discharge capacity of 140.0 mAh/g and a retention of 90.4 % after 100 cycles at the rate of 0.2 C.
Band Gap of Atomically Precise Graphene Nanoribbons as a Function of Ribbon Length and Termination
Authors: Talirz Leopold , Söde Hajo , Kawai Shigeki , Ruffieux Pascal , Meyer Ernst , Feng Xinliang , Müllen Klaus , Fasel Roman , Pignedoli Carlo A. , Passerone Daniele
Published: July 2019

We study the band gap of finite
armchair graphene nanoribbons (7‐AGNRs) on Au(111) through scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy combined with density functional theory calculations. The band gap of 7‐AGNRs with lengths of 8 nm and more is converged to within 50 meV of its bulk value of
, while the band gap opens by several hundred meV in very short 7‐AGNRs. We demonstrate that even an atomic defect, such as the addition of one hydrogen atom at the termini, has a significant effect – in this case, lowering the band gap. The effect can be captured in terms of a simple analytical model by introducing an effective “electronic length”.
Radiative Lifetime, Non‐Radiative Relaxation, and Sensitization Efficiency in Luminescent Europium and Neodymium Cryptates – The Roles of 2,2′‐Bipyridine‐N,N′‐dioxide and Deuteration
Authors: Trautnitz Markus F. K. , Doffek Christine , Seitz Michael
Published: July 2019

Five luminescent tris(bipyridine)‐based cryptates with the lanthanoids Eu and Nd have been prepared with a systematic increase in the number of 2,2′‐bipyridine‐N,N′‐dioxide units and with different deuteration levels in the complexing cryptands for the europium species. Careful analysis of the radiative lifetime τrad in these systems reveals that an increase in N‐oxide units around the metal centers uniformly lowers τrad by about 30–40 %. The potential involvement of nephelauxetic effects is discussed. Exchange of 30 C−D for C−H oscillators around the europium centers does not affect the radiative lifetimes but decreases non‐radiative deactivation and increases the overall luminescence quantum yield in D2O by 45 %.
A Systematic Study of Metal Triflates in Catalytic Transformations of Glucose in Water and Methanol: Identifying the Interplay of Brønsted and Lewis Acidity
Authors: Bodachivskyi Iurii , Kuzhiumparambil Unnikrishnan , Williams D. Bradley G.
Published: July 2019

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Prof. Bradley Williams at the University of Technology Sydney. The image depicts the manifold products that can be selected in transformations of glucose through manipulation of the Brønsted or Lewis acidity of the catalyst. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201900292.
Multiple‐Use Applications of Distributed Energy Resources to Meet Customer Needs and Provide Utility and Grid Services
Authors: Hart Jonathan , Bull Pierre , Albers Kelsey , Sevilla Sean
Published: July 2019

The technical capabilities of behind‐the‐meter distributed energy resources (DERs) that generate, store, and manage power at customer sites are rapidly advancing, and their adoption is increasing. As technologies enter the marketplace, these resources are better able to meet consumer energy needs and provide valuable services to electricity grids, performing multiple services for customers, utilities, and grid operators. However, many jurisdictions lack the necessary trained workforce, physical infrastructure (advanced metering infrastructure), wholesale market access, and regulatory framework to allow DERs to provide multiple‐use applications and value stacking that can better support grid and customer functions. Further, multiple‐use applications are relatively new and only theoretically possible, with few demonstration projects completed that can inform the frameworks and policies needed for achieving greater DER revenue streams. This article will focus on demonstration projects led by the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) to assess multiple‐use applications of DERs in meeting customer and utility needs.
Are loneliness and social isolation associated with cognitive decline?
Authors: Lara Elvira , Caballero Francisco Félix , Rico‐Uribe Laura Alejandra , Olaya Beatriz , Haro Josep Maria , Ayuso‐Mateos José Luis , Miret Marta
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study aimed to examine the association of loneliness and social isolation on cognition over a 3‐year follow‐up period in middle‐ and older‐aged adults.

Methods

Data from a Spanish nationally representative sample were analyzed (n = 1691; aged 50 years or older). Loneliness, social isolation, and cognition (immediate recall, delayed recall, verbal fluency, forward digit span, backward digit span, and a composite cognitive score) were assessed both at baseline and at follow‐up. Adjusted generalized estimating equations models were performed.

Results

Loneliness was significantly associated with lower scores in the composite cognitive score, immediate and delayed recall, verbal fluency, and backward digit span (B = −0.14 to B = −3.16; P < .05) and with a more rapid decline from baseline to follow‐up in two out of six cognitive tests. Higher social isolation was associated with lower scores in the composite cognitive score, verbal fluency, and forward digit span (B = −0.06 to B = −0.85; P < .05). The effect of loneliness and social isolation on cognition remained significant after the exclusion of individuals with depression.

Conclusions

Both loneliness and social isolation are associated with decreased cognitive function over a 3‐year follow‐up period. The development of interventions that include the enhancement of social participation and the maintenance of emotionally supportive relationships might contribute to cognitive decline prevention and risk reduction.
PNPLA3 I148M Variant Impairs Liver X Receptor Signaling and Cholesterol Homeostasis in Human Hepatic Stellate Cells
Authors: Bruschi Francesca Virginia , Claudel Thierry , Tardelli Matteo , Starlinger Patrick , Marra Fabio , Trauner Michael
Published: July 2019

The patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) I148M variant predisposes to hepatic steatosis and progression to advanced liver injury with development of fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cancer. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) drive the wound healing response to chronic injury, and lack of liver X receptor (LXR) signaling exacerbates liver fibrogenesis by impairing HSC cholesterol homeostasis. However, the contribution of the I148M variant to this process is still unknown. We analyzed LXR expression and transcriptional activity in primary human HSCs and overexpressing LX‐2 cells according to PNPLA3 genotype (wild type [WT] versus I148M). Here we demonstrate that LXRα protein increased whereas LXR target gene expression decreased during in vitro activation of primary human HSCs. Notably, LXRα levels and signaling were reduced in primary I148M HSCs compared to WT, as displayed by decreased expression of LXR target genes. Moreover, reduced expression of cholesterol efflux and enzymes generating oxysterols was associated with higher total and free cholesterol accumulation whereas endogenous cholesterol synthesis and uptake were diminished in I148M HSCs. Luciferase assays on LXR response element confirmed decreased LXR transcriptional activity in I148M HSCs; in contrast the synthetic LXR agonist T0901317 replenished LXR functionality, supported by adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1) induction, and reduced collagen1α1 and chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 5 expression. Conversely, the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist rosiglitazone had only partial effects on the LXR target gene ABCA1, and neither diminished expression of proinflammatory cytokines nor increased de novo lipogenic genes in I148M HSCs. Conclusion: As a consequence of reduced PPARγ activity, HSCs carrying I148M PNPLA3 show impaired LXR signaling, leading to cholesterol accumulation. The use of a specific LXR agonist shows beneficial effects for diminishing sustained HSC activation and development of liver fibrogenesis.
Relationship between oral and gut microbiota in elderly people
Authors: Iwauchi Megumi , Horigome Ayako , Ishikawa Kentaro , Mikuni Aya , Nakano Manabu , Xiao Jin‐zhong , Odamaki Toshitaka , Hironaka Shouji
Published: July 2019

Aim

Recent studies have suggested that oral bacteria induce systemic inflammation through the alteration of gut microbiota. We examined the relationship between oral and gut microbiota to evaluate the transition of oral bacteria to the gastrointestinal tract.

Methods

Oral samples from subgingival plaque and tongue‐coating and fecal samples were collected from 29 elderly subjects (age, 80.2 ± 9.1 years) and 30 adults (age, 35.9 ± 5.0 years). Genomic DNA was extracted from all samples, and DNA sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes was performed for microbiota analysis. UniFrac distances were calculated to evaluate the similarity between microbial communities.

Results

Unweighted UniFrac distance indicated that the elderly group had a higher similarity between fecal and subgingival plaque microbiota than the adult group. Indeed, some bacterial taxa found in oral samples had a significantly higher prevalence in the feces of the elderly group than in that of the adult group.

Conclusions

The prevalence of oral bacterial transition to gut may be higher in the elderly than in adults, expecting that oral health care in the elderly will affect their gut microbiota composition and consequently promote human health.
Plasma miRNA‐based signatures in CRC screening programs
Authors: Zanutto Susanna , Ciniselli Chiara Maura , Belfiore Antonino , Lecchi Mara , Masci Enzo , Delconte Gabriele , Primignani Massimo , Tosetti Giulia , Dal Fante Marco , Fazzini Linda , Airoldi Aldo , Vangeli Marcello , Turpini Francesca , Rubis Passoni Giovanni Giuseppe , Viaggi Paolo , Arena Monica , Motta Roberta Ilaria Olimpia , Cantù Anna Maria , Crosta Cristiano , De Roberto Giuseppe , Iannuzzi Francesca , Cassinotti Andrea , Dall'Olio Valentina , Tizzoni Laura , Sozzi Gabriella , Meroni Emanuele , Bisanti Luigi , Pierotti Marco Alessandro , Verderio Paolo , Gariboldi Manuela
Published: July 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs help diagnose cancer precursors and early cancers and help reduce CRC mortality. However, currently recommended tests, the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and colonoscopy, have low uptake. There is therefore a pressing need for screening strategies that are minimally invasive and consequently more acceptable to patients, most likely blood based, to increase early CRC identification. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) released from cancer cells are detectable in plasma in a remarkably stable form, making them ideal cancer biomarkers. Using plasma samples from FIT‐positive (FIT+) subjects in an Italian CRC screening program, we aimed to identify plasma circulating miRNAs that detect early CRC. miRNAs were initially investigated by quantitative real‐time PCR in plasma from 60 FIT+ subjects undergoing colonoscopy at Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, then tested on an internal validation cohort (IVC, 201 cases) and finally in a large multicenter prospective series (external validation cohort [EVC], 1121 cases). For each endoscopic lesion (low‐grade adenoma [LgA], high‐grade adenoma [HgA], cancer lesion [CL]), specific signatures were identified in the IVC and confirmed on the EVC. A two‐miRNA‐based signature for CL and six‐miRNA signatures for LgA and HgA were selected. In a multivariate analysis including sex and age at blood collection, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% confidence interval) of the signatures were 0.644 (0.607–0.682), 0.670 (0.626–0.714) and 0.682 (0.580–0.785) for LgA, HgA and CL, respectively. A miRNA‐based test could be introduced into the FIT+ workflow of CRC screening programs so as to schedule colonoscopies only for subjects likely to benefit most.
The effects of exposure to political and domestic violence on preschool children and their mothers
Authors: Ziv Yair , Kupermintz Haggai
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exposure to political violence on preschool children and their mothers. We explored whether these dyads are different from dyads with no known history of exposure to violence and from mother–child dyads with known exposure to domestic violence. Specifically, we explored differences in mothers' psychological status (depression and anxiety), dyadic emotional availability (EA), children's social information processing, and children's social behaviour, in a sample of 216 dyads divided into three groups (exposure to political violence, no exposure to violence, and exposure to domestic violence). We found evidence to support our hypotheses that children exposed to domestic violence exhibit the highest levels of social maladjustment with smaller but still significant differences between children exposed to political violence and children in the comparison group. As expected, the lowest EA scores were found in the exposure to domestic violence group, followed by dyads in the exposure to political violence group. Dyads belonging to the comparison group (no exposure) exhibited the highest levels of EA. These findings contribute to our understanding of the meaning of exposure to political violence, as well as sharpen the difference between exposure to political and domestic violence.
Evaluation of Groundwater Quality and Agricultural use Under a Semi‐arid Environment: Case of Agafay, Western Haouz, Morocco
Authors: Sefiani S. , El Mandour A. , Laftouhi N. , Khalil N. , Chehbouni A. , Jarlan L. , Hanich L. , Khabba S. , Kamal S. , Markhi A. , Nassah H.
Published: July 2019

Water resources are a priority for economic development, aiming at meeting the increasing needs of agriculture and all socio‐economic sectors. Agriculture is one of the essential pillars of this development in the Haouz Plain. Under a semi‐arid climate, irrigation, consuming more than 85% of available water, is inevitable for most crops. Hence, groundwater is becoming increasingly under pressure.

Salinization due to poor irrigation management is one of the main causes of soil degradation. In this context, assessment of groundwater quality and risks of soil salinization was carried out in irrigated citrus orchards located in the western part of Haouz and aimed at understanding the connection between natural context, irrigation practices, and water and soil salinization. The spatial distribution of aquifer potential lines is affected by groundwater over‐exploitation. Moreover, geologically, the Palaeozoic substratum rise constitutes an obstacle for underground flow, which explains the low values recorded and measured around the studied area.

The groundwater quality in the study area is characterized by strong mineralization, consequently affecting the soil by secondary salinization due to the intensive use of moderate saline waters from groundwater. Using a mixture of different water origins is a practical measure to reduce the risks of degradation of the soil. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time augmented reality for delineation of surgical margins during neurosurgery using autofluorescence lifetime contrast
Authors: Alfonso‐Garcia Alba , Bec Julien , Sridharan Weaver Shamira , Hartl Brad , Unger Jakob , Bobinski Matthew , Lechpammer Mirna , Girgis Fady , Boggan James , Marcu Laura
Published: July 2019

Current clinical brain imaging techniques used for surgical planning of tumor resection lack intraoperative and real‐time feedback; hence surgeons ultimately rely on subjective evaluation to identify tumor areas and margins. We report a fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIm) instrument (excitation: 355 nm; emission spectral bands: 390/40 nm, 470/28 nm, 542/50 nm and 629/53 nm) that integrates with surgical microscopes to provide real‐time intraoperative augmentation of the surgical field of view with fluorescent derived parameters encoding diagnostic information. We show the functionality and safety features of this instrument during neurosurgical procedures in patients undergoing craniotomy for the resection of brain tumors and/or tissue with radiation damage. We demonstrate in three case studies the ability of this instrument to resolve distinct tissue types and pathology including cortex, white matter, tumor and radiation‐induced necrosis. In particular, two patients with effects of radiation‐induced necrosis exhibited longer fluorescence lifetimes and increased optical redox ratio on the necrotic tissue with respect to non‐affected cortex, and an oligodendroglioma resected from a third patient reported shorter fluorescence lifetime and a decrease in optical redox ratio than the surrounding white matter. These results encourage the use of FLIm as a label‐free and non‐invasive intraoperative tool for neurosurgical guidance.
Retracted: Long noncoding RNA HCG22 suppresses proliferation and metastasis of bladder cancer cells by regulation of PTBP1
Authors: Jiang Dong , Zhang Yongyu , Yang Lewei , Lu Wuzhu , Mai Lei , Guo Huixue , Liu Xialei
Published: July 2019

Multifarious biological functions of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported in various cancers including bladder cancer (BCa). This study aims to determine the biological role of a certain lncRNA in BCa. Consistent with the data of The Cancer Genome Atlas database, it was validated that lncRNA HLA complex group 22 (HCG22) was weakly expressed in BCa samples and lowly expressed HCG22 was closely correlated with low overall survival of the BCa patient. To verify the role of HCG22 in BCa progression, functional experiments were carried out in two representative BCa cells (J82 and T24) and the negative effects of HCG22 expression on the cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition were identified. Mechanistically, polypyrimidine tract‐binding protein 1 (PTBP1), which was highly expressed in BCa tissues and cell lines, was negatively regulated by HCG22 and the PTBP1‐mediated Warburg effect was also obstructed by HCG22. Furthermore, HCG22 modulated the expression of PTBP1 through destabilizing human antigen R (HuR). And functional rescue assays confirmed that HCG22 functioned in bladder cancer through downregulating PTBP1. In conclusion, the present study revealed that HCG22 inhibited BCa progression via the HuR/PTBP1 axis, opening new prospects for potent therapeutic regimens for BCa patients.
Neurofilaments form flexible bundles during neuritogenesis in culture and in mature axons in situ
Authors: Lee Sangmook , Eyer Joel , Letournel Franck , Boumil Edward , Hall Garth , Shea Thomas B.
Published: July 2019

Neurofilaments (NFs) undergo cation‐dependent phospho‐mediated associations with each other and other cytoskeletal elements that support axonal outgrowth. Progressive NF‐NF associations generate a resident, bundled population that undergoes exchange with transporting NFs. We examined the properties of bundled NFs. Bundles did not always display a fully linear profile but curved and twisted at various points along the neurite length. Bundles retracted faster than neurites and retracted bundles did not expand following extraction with Triton, indicating that they coiled passively rather than due to pressure from the cell. Bundles consisted of helically wound NFs, which may provide flexibility necessary for turning of growing axons during pathfinding. Interactions between NFs and other cytoskeletal elements may be disrupted en masse during neurite retraction or regionally during remodeling. It is suggested that bundles within long axons that cannot be fully retracted into the soma could provide maintain proximal support yet still allow more distal flexibility for remodeling and changing direction during pathfinding.
Age‐dependent effects of dopamine receptor inactivation on cocaine‐induced behaviors in male rats: Evidence of dorsal striatal D2 receptor supersensitivity
Authors: Crawford Cynthia A. , Teran Angie , Ramirez Goretti I. , Katz Caitlin G. , Mohd‐Yusof Alena , Eaton Shannon E. , Real Vanessa , McDougall Sanders A.
Published: July 2019

N‐ethoxycarbonyl‐2‐ethoxy‐1,2‐dihydroquinoline (EEDQ), which irreversibly inactivates dopamine (DA) receptors, causes pronounced age‐dependent behavioral effects in rats. For example, EEDQ either augments or does not affect the DA agonist‐induced locomotor activity of preweanling rats while attenuating the locomotion of adolescent and adult rats. The twofold purpose of this study was to determine whether EEDQ would: (a) potentiate or attenuate the cocaine‐induced locomotor activity of preweanling, adolescent, and adult rats; and (b) alter the sensitivity of surviving D2 receptors. Rats were treated with vehicle or EEDQ (2.5 or 7.5 mg/kg) on postnatal day (PD) 17, PD 39, and PD 84. In the behavioral experiments, saline‐ or cocaine‐induced locomotion was assessed 24 hr later. In the biochemical experiments, dorsal striatal samples were taken 24 hr after vehicle or EEDQ treatment and later assayed for NPA‐stimulated GTPγS receptor binding, G protein‐coupled receptor kinase 6 (GRK6), and β‐arrestin‐2 (ARRB2). GTPγS binding is a direct measure of ligand‐induced G protein activation, while GRK6 and ARRB2 modulate the internalization and desensitization of D2 receptors. Results showed that EEDQ potentiated the locomotor activity of preweanling rats, while attenuating the locomotion of older rats. NPA‐stimulated GTPγS binding was elevated in EEDQ‐treated preweanling rats, relative to adults, indicating enhanced functional coupling between the G protein and receptor. EEDQ also reduced ARRB2 levels in all age groups, which is indicative of increased D2 receptor sensitivity. In sum, the present results support the hypothesis that D2 receptor supersensitivity is a critical factor mediating the locomotor potentiating effects of EEDQ in cocaine‐treated preweanling rats.
Gastrointestinal Hormone Profiles Associated With Enteral Nutrition Tolerance and Gastric Emptying in Pediatric Critical Illness: A Pilot Study
Authors: Martinez Enid E. , Panciotti Courtney , Pereira Luis M. , Kellogg Mark D. , Stylopoulos Nicholas , Mehta Nilesh M.
Published: July 2019

Background

Enteral nutrition (EN) intolerance and delayed gastric emptying are prevalent in pediatric critical illness and limit EN delivery. Gastrointestinal (GI) hormones may be associated with EN intolerance and delayed gastric emptying in this cohort.

Methods

We determined GI hormone levels, time to achieve 50% of EN goal, and gastric emptying in critically ill children. Total amylin, active ghrelin, total glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), total gastric inhibitory polypeptide, glucagon, and total peptide‐YY (PYY) were measured by multiplex assay and cholecystokinin by ELISA. Lower concentrations of acetaminophen at 1 hour (C1h, µg/mL) using the acetaminophen absorption test defined delayed gastric emptying. Correlation, regression analyses, and a principal component analysis were used to examine the association between GI hormones and time to 50% EN goal and C1h.

Results

GI hormones were measured in 14 of 21 patients with gastric emptying testing; median age of 11.2 years (6.74–16.3) and 50% male. Increasing hormone levels from GI hormone profile 1 (GLP‐1, glucagon, and amylin) correlated with greater time to reach 50% EN goal (R2 = 0.296, P = 0.04). Decreasing hormone levels from GI hormone profile 2 (PYY and ghrelin) correlated with lower C1h and slower gastric emptying (R2 = 0.342, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

GI hormone profiles are associated with time to achieve 50% of EN goal and gastric emptying in critically ill children. We have described a feasible model to study the role of GI hormones in this cohort, including the potential clinical applicability of GI hormone measurement in the management of delayed gastric emptying.
Hallucinations, somatic‐functional disorders of PD‐DLB as expressions of thalamic dysfunction
Authors: Onofrj Marco , Espay Alberto J. , Bonanni Laura , Delli Pizzi Stefano , Sensi Stefano L.
Published: July 2019

Hallucinations, delusions, and functional neurological manifestations (conversion and somatic symptom disorders) of Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies increase in frequency with disease progression, predict the onset of cognitive decline, and eventually blend with and are concealed by dementia. These symptoms share the absence of reality constraints and can be considered comparable elements of the PD‐dementia with Lewy bodies psychosis. We propose that PD‐dementia with Lewy bodies psychotic disorders depend on thalamic dysfunction promoting a theta burst mode and subsequent thalamocortical dysrhythmia with focal cortical coherence to theta electroencephalogram rhythms. This theta electroencephalogram activity, also called fast‐theta or pre‐alpha, has been shown to predict cognitive decline and fluctuations in Parkinson's disease with dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. These electroencephalogram alterations are now considered a predictive marker for progression to dementia. The resulting thalamocortical dysrhythmia inhibits the frontal attentional network and favors the decoupling of the default mode network. As the default mode network is involved in integration of self‐referential information into conscious perception, unconstrained default mode network activity, as revealed by recent imaging studies, leads to random formation of connections that link strong autobiographical correlates to trivial stimuli, thereby producing hallucinations, delusions, and functional neurological disorders. The thalamocortical dysrhythmia default mode network decoupling hypothesis provides the rationale for the design and testing of novel therapeutic pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions in the context of PD, PD with dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
APA plans to urge VA to improve recruitment, retention of psychologists
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2019

The American Psychological Association (APA) is calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to move psychologists into a similar hiring category as that of other doctoral‐level health professionals to address staffing shortages and improve recruitment and retention efforts.
Enhanced algorithms for implementing the spectral discretization of the vorticity‐velocity‐pressure formulation of Stokes problem
Authors: Ouertani Henda , Alsaeed Duaa H. , Al‐Baity Heyam , Chorfi Nejmeddine
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we deal with the numerical resolution of spectral discretization of the vorticity‐velocity‐pressure formulation of Stokes problem in a square or a cube provided with nonstandard boundary conditions, which involve the normal component of the velocity and the tangential components of the vorticity. Therefore, we propose two algorithms: the Uzawa algorithm and the global resolution. We implemented the two algorithms and compared their results. With global resolution, we obtained a very good accuracy with a small number of iteration.
A performance comparison of convolutional neural network‐based image denoising methods: The effect of loss functions on low‐dose CT images
Authors: Kim Byeongjoon , Han Minah , Shim Hyunjung , Baek Jongduk
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based image denoising techniques have shown promising results in low‐dose CT denoising. However, CNN often introduces blurring in denoised images when trained with a widely used pixel‐level loss function. Perceptual loss and adversarial loss have been proposed recently to further improve the image denoising performance. In this paper, we investigate the effect of different loss functions on image denoising performance using task‐based image quality assessment methods for various signals and dose levels.

Methods

We used a modified version of U‐net that was effective at reducing the correlated noise in CT images. The loss functions used for comparison were two pixel‐level losses (i.e., the mean‐squared error and the mean absolute error), Visual Geometry Group network‐based perceptual loss (VGG loss), adversarial loss used to train the Wasserstein generative adversarial network with gradient penalty (WGAN‐GP), and their weighted summation. Each image denoising method was applied to reconstructed images and sinogram images independently and validated using the extended cardiac‐torso (XCAT) simulation and Mayo Clinic datasets. In the XCAT simulation, we generated fan‐beam CT datasets with four different dose levels (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of a normal‐dose level) using 10 XCAT phantoms and inserted signals in a test set. The signals had two different shapes (spherical and spiculated), sizes (4 and 12 mm), and contrast levels (60 and 160 HU). To evaluate signal detectability, we used a detection task SNR (tSNR) calculated from a non‐prewhitening model observer with an eye filter. We also measured the noise power spectrum (NPS) and modulation transfer function (MTF) to compare the noise and signal transfer properties.

Results

Compared to CNNs without VGG loss, VGG‐loss‐based CNNs achieved a more similar tSNR to that of the normal‐dose CT for all signals at different dose levels except for a small signal at the 25% dose level. For a low‐contrast signal at 25% or 50% dose, adding other losses to the VGG loss showed more improved performance than only using VGG loss. The NPS shapes from VGG‐loss‐based CNN closely matched that of normal‐dose CT images while CNN without VGG loss overly reduced the mid‐high‐frequency noise power at all dose levels. MTF also showed VGG‐loss‐based CNN with better‐preserved high resolution for all dose and contrast levels. It is also observed that additional WGAN‐GP loss helps improve the noise and signal transfer properties of VGG‐loss‐based CNN.

Conclusions

The evaluation results using tSNR, NPS, and MTF indicate that VGG‐loss‐based CNNs are more effective than those without VGG loss for natural denoising of low‐dose images and WGAN‐GP loss improves the denoising performance of VGG‐loss‐based CNNs, which corresponds with the qualitative evaluation.
RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) blastocysts produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer and in vitro fertilization
Authors: Sood Tanushri Jerath , Lagah Swati Viviyan , Mukesh Manishi , Singla Suresh Kumar , Chauhan Manmohan Singh , Manik Radhey Sham , Palta Prabhat
Published: July 2019

Across farm animal species, the live birth rate obtained with somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos is only <2% compared with >40% obtained with in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos, primarily due to incomplete nuclear reprogramming which results in aberrant embryonic gene expression. We used RNA sequencing to compare the global transcriptome profile of SCNT and IVF buffalo blastocysts. SCNT blastocysts expressed 17,061 transcripts, of which 941 were unique whereas, IVF blastocysts expressed 17,303 transcripts, of which 1,183 were unique. At ≥2‐folds change (p < .05), 331 transcripts were differentially expressed in the two groups among which, 19 were unique, 188 were downregulated and 143 were upregulated in SCNT compared with IVF blastocysts. Many genes affecting pluripotency, trophectoderm development, developmental regulation, and epigenetic modifications were upregulated in SCNT compared with IVF blastocysts. Among the four functional categories analyzed, epigenetic regulators were the most affected. Most of the WNT signaling pathway genes were upregulated whereas, the inhibitors of this pathway, such as DKK1, were downregulated in SCNT blastocysts, suggesting that this pathway is overexpressed in SCNT embryos. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that 25 biological processes, 20 molecular functions, and 24 cellular compartment categories were enriched in SCNT blastocysts. This data can help identify reprogramming errors for improving cloning efficiency.
THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT'S EFFECTS ON PATIENTS, PROVIDERS, AND THE ECONOMY: WHAT WE'VE LEARNED SO FAR
Authors: Gruber Jonathan , Sommers Benjamin D.
Published: July 2019

As we approach the tenth anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act, it is important to reflect on what has been learned about the impacts of this major reform. In this paper, we review the literature on the impacts of the ACA on patients, providers, and the economy. We find strong evidence that the ACA's provisions have increased insurance coverage. There is also a clearly positive effect on access to and consumption of health care, with suggestive but more limited evidence on improved health outcomes. There is no evidence of significant reductions in provider access, changes in labor supply, or increased budgetary pressures on state governments, and the law's total federal cost through 2018 has been less than predicted. We conclude by describing key policy implications and future areas for research.
In vitro micropropagation and alkaloids analysis by GC–MS of Chilean Amaryllidaceae plants: Rhodophiala pratensis
Authors: Trujillo‐Chacón Lina M. , Pastene‐Navarrete Edgar R. , Bustamante Luis , Baeza Marcelo , Alarcón‐Enos Julio E. , Cespedes‐Acuña Carlos L.
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Plants from Amaryllidaceae family are of interest since they produce a particular type of alkaloid useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system, such as Galanthamine. Given the low content of these secondary metabolites in the plant, it is necessary to study mechanisms to increase the productivity of them.

Objective

To obtain fast qualitative and quantitative analysis of the alkaloids and extend the understanding of biosynthesis and metabolism in these kinds of plants. Furthermore, establish a reliable, simple and fast analytical method for the in vitro callus culture of vegetative organs for Rhodophiala pratensis species.

Methods

The alkaloids composition of the callus culture of R. pratensis were analysed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS).

Results

A methodology for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the alkaloids present in fresh callus culture of this wild plant species was established. The analysis showed alternation in the alkaloids type ratio and number of compounds between wild bulbs, in vitro bulbs and callus. It was possible to identify 24 alkaloids from a pool of 60 signals whose fragmentation pattern corresponds to the alkaloids of Amaryllidaceae plants. Together with the aforementioned, the amount and type of alkaloid present in the plant material obtained by in vitro culture of R. pratensis was determined in the same way. The results show the high biosynthetic potential of in vitro grown bulbs and callus tissue that are able to produce significant amounts of pharmacologically relevant alkaloids from R. pratensis in various proportions that depend on the culture conditions such as supplementation with growth substances. The in vitro grown bulbs produce an alkaloidal extract that contain a 52.6% w/w of alkaloids.

Conclusion

This study allowed the alkaloid content in callus culture of R. pratensis to be found by means of GC–MS. These results allowed a relationship between the type of growth regulator and the type of alkaloids found to be established. Finally, we can say that the results achieved to state that the production of alkaloids using different combinations of growth regulators could be directed during in vitro micropropagation from provided plant material.
Tracking mite trophic interactions by multiplex PCR
Authors: Gómez‐Martínez María Antonia , Pina Tatiana , Aguilar‐Fenollosa Ernestina , Jaques Josep A , Hurtado Mónica A
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

A thorough knowledge of trophic webs in agroecosystems is essential to achieve successful biological pest control. Phytoseiid mites are the most efficient natural enemies of tetranychid mites, which include several important pests worldwide. Nevertheless, phytoseiids may feed on other food sources including other microarthropods, plants and even other phytoseiids (intraguild predation), which can interfere with biological control services. Molecular gut content analysis is a valuable tool for characterizing trophic interactions, mainly when working on microarthropods such as mites. We have designed new primers for Phytoseiidae, Tetranychidae and Thysanoptera identification and they have been multiplexed in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) together with universal plant primers. Additionally, we have estimated prey DNA detectability success over time (DS50) considering the most probable events in Spanish citrus orchards: the phytoseiid Euseius stipulatus as a predator, the phytoseiid Phytoseiulus persimilis as intraguild prey, and the thrips Frankliniella occidentalis and Anaphothrips obscurus as alternative prey to Tetranychus urticae.

RESULTS

The designed multiplex PCR allows the identification of phytoseiids (both predator and intraguild prey) and detects alternative food sources mentioned above in the gut of the phytoseiid predator. DS50 for E. stipulatus as the predator were 1.3, 2.3 and 18.7 h post feeding for F. occidentalis, A. obscurus and P. persimilis as prey, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Tracking of the trophic relationships within the citrus acarofauna, and the unveiling of the role of alternative food sources will pave the way for enhancing T. urticae biological control. This multiplex PCR approach could be applicable for these purposes in similar agroecosystems. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Dual strategy for reduced signal‐suppression effects in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Bastrup Joakim , Birkelund Svend , Asuni Ayodeji A. , Volbracht Christiane , Stensballe Allan
Published: July 2019

Rationale

The molecular complexity of tissue features several signal‐suppression effects which reduce the ionization of analytes significantly and thereby weakens the quality of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) imaging (MALDI imaging). We report a novel approach in MALDI imaging by reducing signal‐suppression effects for the analysis of beta‐amyloid (Aβ) plaques, one pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

We analyzed Aβ proteoforms from postmortem AD brains and brains from transgenic mice (APPPS1‐21) overexpressing familial AD mutations by combining two techniques: (1) laser capture microdissection (LCM) to accumulate Aβ plaques and (2) phosphoric acid (PA) as additive to the super‐2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid matrix.

Results

LCM and MALDI‐MS enabled tandem mass spectrometric fragmentation of stained Aβ plaques. PA improved the signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratio, especially of the Aβ1‐42 peptide, by three‐fold compared with the standard matrix additive trifluoroacetic acid. The beneficial effect of the PA matrix additive in MALDI imaging was particularly important for AD brain tissue. We identified several significant differences in Aβ plaque composition from AD compared with APPPS1‐21, underlining the value of reducing signal‐suppressing effects in MALDI imaging.

Conclusions

We present a novel strategy for overcoming signal‐suppression effects in MALDI imaging of Aβ proteoforms.
Active fault tolerant control for switched positive linear systems
Authors: Sobhanipour Hossein , Afzalian Ali A.
Published: July 2019

The main aim of this paper is to design an active fault tolerant controller for switched positive linear systems. A theorem is proved for fault and state estimation of switched positive linear systems in terms of matrix inequality by considering average dwell‐time approach. By utilizing the theorem results, not only a fast and exact estimation of fault and state is obtained but also the positivity of state estimation is ensured. The feasibility problem is solved by formulating it into a special sequential optimization problem subject to LMI constraints. Based on the fault estimation information, an observer‐based fault tolerant control guaranties the stability and positivity of the closed‐loop system. Finally, a practical example including a data communication network is presented to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Global sampled‐data output‐feedback stabilization for nonlinear systems with unknown measurement sensitivity
Authors: Wang Pan , Chai Lin , Chen Chih‐Chiang , Fei Shumin
Published: July 2019

This paper investigates the problem of global output‐feedback stabilization by sampled‐data control for nonlinear systems with unknown measurement sensitivity. By employing the technique of output‐feedback domination, a sampled‐data output‐feedback control law together with a sampled‐data state observer is explicitly constructed. By an exquisite selection of both the domination gain and sampling period, the resultant control law is a globally asymptotic stabilizer even in the presence of unknown measurement sensitivity. The novelty of this paper is the development of a distinct approach which can tackle the problem of output‐feedback stabilization for the nonlinear systems with unknown measurement sensitivity.
Provide support to boost success of students facing food insecurity
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: July 2019

BOSTON — Nearly half of the nation's college students deal with food insecurity, according to some studies, and that can interfere with their ability to succeed. Hungry students end up forced to choose between paying for food or tuition, or skip class so they can go to an event offering free food. Students facing food insecurity often don't know where their next meal will come from and sometimes have to skip meals, which can impact their mood, behavior, focus, attention, academics, and mental health.
Was university liable to victim of fellow student's attack?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: July 2019

A University of California, Los Angeles student emailed a professor in 2008 that he was “angered” by remarks from other students.
Decomposition feature selection with applications in detecting correlated biomarkers of bipolar disorders
Authors: Huang Hailin , Li Yuanzhang , Liang Hua , Wu Colin O.
Published: July 2019

Feature selection is an important initial step of exploratory analysis in biomedical studies. Its main objective is to eliminate the covariates that are uncorrelated with the outcome. For highly correlated covariates, traditional feature selection methods, such as the Lasso, tend to select one of them and eliminate the others, although some of the eliminated ones are still scientifically valuable. To alleviate this drawback, we propose a feature selection method based on covariate space decomposition, referred herein as the “Decomposition Feature Selection” (DFS), and show that this method can lead to scientifically meaningful results in studies with correlated high dimensional data. The DFS consists of two steps: (i) decomposing the covariate space into disjoint subsets such that each of the subsets contains only uncorrelated covariates and (ii) identifying significant predictors by traditional feature selection within each covariate subset. We demonstrate through simulation studies that the DFS has superior practical performance over the Lasso type methods when multiple highly correlated covariates need to be retained. Application of the DFS is demonstrated through a study of bipolar disorders with correlated biomarkers.
Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) as Green and Efficient Solvent/Catalyst Systems for the Synthesis of Carbamates and Ureas from Carbonates
Authors: Dindarloo Inaloo Iman , Majnooni Sahar
Published: July 2019

The use of sustainable deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as stable and green solvent/catalyst systems shows unprecedented high efficiency in the formation of carbamates and ureas from carbonates without any additional solvent. This new protocol provides a simple, fast, economically and eco‐friendly method for the synthesis of broad scope carbamates and ureas providing remarkable yields in the presence of choline chloride:Zinc(II) chloride ([ChCl][ZnCl2]2) under the mild reaction conditions. Moreover, the [ChCl][ZnCl2]2can be reused for over five consecutive cycles without any significant loss of activity.
Depth‐Resolved Enhanced Spectral‐Domain OCT Imaging of Live Mammalian Embryos Using Gold Nanoparticles as Contrast Agent
Authors: Huang Yali , Li Minghui , Huang Doudou , Qiu Qi , Lin Wenzhen , Liu Jiyan , Yang Wensheng , Yao Youliang , Yan Guoliang , Qu Ning , Tuchin Valery V. , Fan Shanhui , Liu Gang , Zhao Qingliang , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: July 2019

High‐resolution and real‐time visualization of the morphological changes during embryonic development are critical for studying congenital anomalies. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been used to investigate the process of embryogenesis. However, the structural visibility of the embryo is decreased with the depth due to signal roll‐off and high light scattering. To overcome these obstacles, in this study, combined is a spectral‐domain OCT (SD‐OCT) with gold nanorods (GNRs) for 2D/3D imaging of live mouse embryos. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is used to confirm that GNRs can be effectively delivered to the embryos during ex vivo culture. OCT signal, image contrast, and penetration depth are all enhanced on the embryos with GNRs. These results show that after GNR treatment, more accurate spatial localization and better contrasting of the borders among organs can be observed on E9.5 and E10.5 mouse embryos. Furthermore, the strong optical absorbance of GNRs results in much clearer 3D images of the embryos, which can be used for calculating the heart areas and volumes of E9.5 and E10.5 embryos. These findings provide a promising strategy for monitoring organ development and detecting congenital structural abnormalities in mice.