bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A subset of chemosensory genes differs between two populations of a specialized leaf beetle after host plant shift
Authors: Wang Ding , Pentzold Stefan , Kunert Maritta , Groth Marco , Brandt Wolfgang , Pasteels Jacques M. , Boland Wilhelm , Burse Antje
Published: July 2018

Due to its fundamental role in shaping host selection behavior, we have analyzed the chemosensory repertoire of Chrysomela lapponica. This specialized leaf beetle evolved distinct populations which shifted from the ancestral host plant, willow (Salix sp., Salicaceae), to birch (Betula rotundifolia, Betulaceae). We identified 114 chemosensory candidate genes in adult C. lapponica: 41 olfactory receptors (ORs), eight gustatory receptors, 17 ionotropic receptors, four sensory neuron membrane proteins, 32 odorant binding proteins (OBPs), and 12 chemosensory proteins (CSP) by RNA‐seq. Differential expression analyses in the antennae revealed significant upregulation of one minus‐C OBP (ClapOBP27) and one CSP (ClapCSP12) in the willow feeders. In contrast, one OR (ClapOR17), four minus‐C OBPs (ClapOBP02, 07, 13, 20), and one plus‐C OBP (ClapOBP32) were significantly upregulated in birch feeders. The differential expression pattern in the legs was more complex. To narrow down putative ligands acting as cues for host discrimination, the relative abundance and diversity of volatiles of the two host plant species were analyzed. In addition to salicylaldehyde (willow‐specific), both plant species differed mainly in their emission rate of terpenoids such as (E,E)‐α‐farnesene (high in willow) or 4,8‐dimethylnona‐1,3,7‐triene (high in birch). Qualitatively, the volatiles were similar between willow and birch leaves constituting an “olfactory bridge” for the beetles. Subsequent structural modeling of the three most differentially expressed OBPs and docking studies using 22 host volatiles indicated that ligands bind with varying affinity. We suggest that the evolution of particularly minus‐C OBPs and ORs in C. lapponica facilitated its host plant shift via chemosensation of the phytochemicals from birch as novel host plant.
Considerations for monitoring population trends of colonial waterbirds using the effective number of breeders and census estimates
Authors: da Silva Fagner M. , Miño Carolina I. , Izbicki Rafael , Del Lama Silvia N.
Published: July 2018

Detecting trends in population size fluctuations is a major focus in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. Populations of colonial waterbirds have been monitored using demographic approaches to determine annual census size (Na). We propose the addition of genetic estimates of the effective number of breeders (Nb) as indirect measures of the risk of loss of genetic diversity to improve the evaluation of demographics and increase the accuracy of trend estimates in breeding colonies. Here, we investigated which methods of the estimation of Nb are more precise under conditions of moderate genetic diversity, limited sample sizes and few microsatellite loci, as often occurs with natural populations. We used the wood stork as a model species and we offered a workflow that researchers can follow for monitoring bird breeding colonies. Our approach started with simulations using five estimators of Nb and the theoretical results were validated with empirical data collected from breeding colonies settled in the Brazilian Pantanal wetland. In parallel, we estimated census size using a corrected method based on counting active nests. Both in simulations and in natural populations, the approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) and sibship assignment (SA) methods yielded more precise estimates than the linkage disequilibrium, heterozygosity excess, and molecular coancestry methods. In particular, the ABC method performed best with few loci and small sample sizes, while the other estimators required larger sample sizes and at least 13 loci to not underestimate Nb. Moreover, according to our Nb/Na estimates (values were often ≤0.1), the wood stork colonies evaluated could be facing the loss of genetic diversity. We demonstrate that the combination of genetic and census estimates is a useful approach for monitoring natural breeding bird populations. This methodology has been recommended for populations of rare species or with a known history of population decline to support conservation efforts.
PFC design method with input/output data of controlled system via DE
Authors: Takagi Taro , Mizumoto Ikuro
Published: July 2018

This paper deals with a design problem of parallel feedforward compensator (PFC) without controlled system model. PFC has been proposed to overcome the problem that controlled system does not satisfy the conditions of almost strictly positive real‐based adaptive control system. In most conventional methods, the design parameters are decided by the designers' knowledge or trial and error of designer by using controlled system model. In the proposed method, PFC parameters will be optimized via differential evolution by using the given input/output dataset of controlled system.
Sequence data of six unusual alleles at SE33 and D1S1656 STR Loci
Authors: Alsafiah Hussain M. , Iyengar Arati , Hadi Sibte , Alshlash Waleed M. , Goodwin William
Published: July 2018

When profiling a reference dataset of 500 DNA samples for the population of Saudi Arabia, using the GlobalFiler® PCR amplification kit, six unusual alleles were detected. At the SE33 locus, four novel alleles were found: 2, 14.3, 20.3, and 38; two alleles at the D1S1656 locus: 7 and 8 had been previously reported, but no published sequence data was available. The D1S1656 alleles were sequenced using ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep with the MiSeq FGx System (Illumina, USA). As the SE33 is not reported by available Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) systems, samples that exhibited the unreported alleles were sequenced using BigDye™ Terminator v3.1 Cycle Sequencing Kit. Here we present the sequence and structure of the previously uncharacterized alleles.
Seismic performance of buildings with structural and foundation rocking in centrifuge testing
Authors: Pelekis Iason , Madabhushi Gopal S. P. , DeJong Matthew J.
Published: July 2018

Rocking motion, established in either the superstructure in the form of a 2‐point stepping mechanism (structural rocking) or resulting from rotational motion of the foundation on the soil (foundation rocking), is considered an effective, low‐cost base isolation technique. This paper unifies for the first time the 2 types of rocking motion under a common experimental campaign, so that on the one hand, structural rocking can be examined under the influence of soil and on the other, foundation rocking can be examined under the influence of a linear elastic superstructure. Two building models, designed to rock above or below their foundation level so that they can reproduce structural and foundation rocking respectively, were tested side by side in a centrifuge. The models were placed on a dry sandbed and subjected to a sequence of earthquake motions. The range of rocking amplitude that is required for base isolation was quantified. Overall, it is shown that the relative density of sand does not influence structural rocking, while for foundation rocking, the change from dense to loose sand can affect the time‐frequency response significantly and lead to a more predictable behaviour.
Are there differences between men and women in outcome of intensive inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa? An analysis of routine data
Authors: Voderholzer Ulrich , Hessler Johannes Baltasar , Naab Silke , Fichter Manfred , Graetz Alexander , Greetfeld Martin , Heuser Jörg , Schlegl Sandra
Published: July 2018

Objective

Anorexia nervosa (AN) in men is rare and understudied. We compared admission characteristics and response to specialized inpatient treatment between men and women with AN.

Method

One hundred sixteen consecutive male patients with AN were matched to 116 female patients. Patients completed the self‐rating Structured Inventory for Anorexic and Bulimic Syndromes (SIAB‐S) at admission and discharge. Differences at admission and in treatment response were examined with independent samples t‐tests and ANOVA for repeated measures, respectively.

Results

Men had lower body mass index (BMI)‐percentiles (Cohen's d = −0.55), higher levels of weight suppression (d = 0.65), and higher scores in the SIAB‐S general psychopathology and social integration scale (d = 0.47) at admission. There were no differences in response to treatment except for changes in BMI‐percentile (F = 4.49, p = 0.035).

Conclusions

There were more similarities than differences between genders in AN. Because this similarity might be confounded with traditionally “feminine” conceptualizations of AN, further studies of male AN are needed.
Genetic Diversity of Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis Schrader) Populations in the Eastern Desert of Egypt as Revealed by Morphological Variation and ISSR Polymorphism
Authors: Badr Abdelfattah , Kamel Mohamed , Zaki Hoida
Published: July 2018

The analysis of variation in morphological traits differentiated Citrullus colocynthis populations growing north of Qena‐Quseir road (25°56'5.28”N to 28°11'40.56”N) from populations growing south of that road (25°0'55.80”N to 22°46'15.24”N). This differentiation is particularly associated with fewer number of shorter branches as well as longer days to flowering and fruiting. The ISSR polymorphism distinguished one population from all other populations, in agreement with its lowest percentage of polymorphic markers and the presence of unique markers and differentiated other three groups; one of six populations north of Qena‐Quseir road, second of four populations south Idfo‐Marsa Alam transect (24°32'49.92”N) and a large one, in the middle. A Bayesian analysis of the ISSR data identified three groups, consistent with the ISSR analysis. In the analysis of combined morphological and ISSR data, the populations in the north and the south were also recognized as two groups, the populations in the middle were divided in two clusters, in agreement with their differentiation based on the analysis of ISSR data. The Pearson coefficient calculations indicated that unique ISSR markers are negatively correlated with yield traits such as fruit weight, seeds total weight/fruit, 100 seeds weight, seeds number/fruit, seed size, and fruit characters.
Extraction, purification, and structure characterization of polysaccharides from Crassostrea rivularis
Authors: Qin Xiaoming , Fan Xiuping , Zhang Lianyi , Zheng Huina , Zhang Chaohua , Yuan Jianjun
Published: July 2018

Crude polysaccharide was prepared from Crassostrea rivularis by 30% (w/v) potassium hydroxide solution at 90°C for 120 min. Three fractions (OG1, OG2, and OG3) were purified by DEAE‐52 cellulose and Sepharose 2B gel column chromatography. The chemical structures were determined using gas chromatography (GC), high‐performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The results indicated that OG1 was composed of rhamnose and little mannose (8.71%), the ratio of Rha: Gal: Xyl: Fuc in OG3 were 14:5.5:3:1. And their average molecular weights (Mw) were about 1.66 × 106 and 2.33 × 106 Da, respectively. OG2 was composed only of glucose (98.23%), which means it was glycogen. OG2 was consisted mainly of →4)‐ α‐D‐Glc‐(1→, with the branch chain every 6.5 glucose residues on average, which is →4,6)‐α‐D‐Glc‐(1→ and trace amount of α‐D‐Glc‐(1→ branched units. The Mw was 2.27 × 106 Da. It provides the bases for the bioactivity research.
Obtaining anthocyanin from jambolan fruit: Kinetics, extraction rate, and prediction of process time for different agitation frequencies
Authors: Pereira da Silva Wilton , Nunes Jarderlany Sousa , Gomes Josivanda Palmeira , Diniz Pereira da Silva e Silva Cleide Maria
Published: July 2018

In the literature, in general, the kinetics of bioactive compounds extraction from a solid–liquid system is described by diffusion models and by the Peleg model. In this study, four experiments on the kinetics of anthocyanin extraction from jambolan fruit, at different agitation frequencies of the medium (0, 50, 100, and 150 rpm), are described by various empirical models with up to two fit parameters. According to the statistical indicators, the best model to describe the kinetic processes was Page's, which was also used to determine the extraction rates (all decreasing) and estimate the process times for each agitation frequency. The extraction time for the 150 rpm frequency is approximately six times shorter than that for 0 rpm. Thus, the 150 rpm frequency can be recommended for industrial applications, as the process time is an important variable in the production cost.
Static and dynamic methods to determine adsorption isotherms of hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.) with different percentages of dockage
Authors: Jian Fuji , Divagar Darsana , Mhaiki Jennifer , Jayas Digvir S. , Fields Paul G. , White Noel D. G.
Published: July 2018

Adsorption and desorption isotherms of hemp seeds with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of dockage were determined using the salt solution static (SSS) method. The wet hemp seeds with 0% dockage were also dried at 30℃ with 50% RH, 35℃ with 30% and 50% RH, and 40℃ with 30% and 50% RH inside a thin‐layer dryer (thin‐layer dynamic method). The hemp seeds with different percentages of dockage showed hysteresis, and this hysteresis became more obvious with the decrease of temperature. At the same condition, the equilibrium moisture content of hemp seeds with 0% dockage was approximately 0.5 percent points lower than that of the hemp seeds with dockage. The best equation to fit the equilibrium moisture content data under constant temperature and RH was the modified GAB equation for both adsorption and desorption isotherms. The constant rate period of drying was observed for <0.75 hr when drying air RH was 30% or when drying air temperature was 40℃. The Henderson and Pabis model was the best model to fit the thin‐layer drying data. The equilibrium moisture contents measured by the SSS method were lower than those measured by the thin‐layer dynamic method when temperature was ≤35℃.
Comparison of Different Perovskite Cathodes in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Shen F. , Lu K.
Published: July 2018

This study compares the electrochemical performance of three perovskite cathode materials, La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (LSCF), Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (BSCF), and Sm0.5Sr0.5Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (SSCF), at different operating temperatures, in order to provide optimal operating condition and performance for different solid oxide fuel cells. Among these three cathodes, BSCF has the highest power density of 39 mW cm−2 at 600 °C, 88 mW cm−2 at 650 °C, and 168 mW cm−2 at 700 °C; LSCF has the highest power density of 263 mW cm−2 at 750 °C and 456 mW cm−2 at 800 °C. The cathode overpotentials have the same trend as the power densities. Activation energies for the total cathode area specific resistance (ASR) are calculated to be 0.44 eV, 0.38 eV, and 0.52 eV for the LSCF, BSCF, and SSCF cathodes, respectively. Stability testing of 100 h shows that the open circuit voltages of the LSCF and BSCF cathodes drop 16.1% and 22.9% at 800 °C, respectively, as well as 15.3% and 11.3% at 600 °C, respectively, indicating that the LSCF cathode is more stable at 800 °C while the BSCF cathode is more stable at 600 °C. This work should provide important guidance for the solid oxide fuel cell designs and properties.
Spatial and depth variability of streambed vertical hydraulic conductivity under the regional flow regimes
Authors: Song Jinxi , Wang Liping , Dou Xinyi , Wang Fangjian , Guo Hongtao , Zhang Junlong , Zhang Guotao , Liu Qi , Zhang Bo
Published: July 2018

This study investigated the influence of the regional flow on the streambed vertical hydraulic conductivity (Kv) within the hyporheic zone in three stream reaches of the Weihe River in July 2016. The streambed Kv with two connected depths was investigated at each test reach. Based on the sediment characteristics, the three test reaches could be divided into three categories: a sandy streambed without continuous silt and clay layer, a sandy streambed with continuous silt and clay layer, and a silt–clay streambed. The results demonstrate that the streambed Kv mainly decreases with the depth at the sandy streambed (without continuous silt and clay layer) and increases with the depth at the other two test reaches. At the sandy streambed (with continuous silt and clay layer) where streambed Kv mainly decreases with the depth, the regional upward flux can suspend fine particles and enhance the pore spacing, resulting in the elevated Kv in the upper sediment layers. At another sandy streambed, the continuous silt and clay layer is the main factor that influences the vertical distribution of fine particles and streambed Kv. An increase in streambed Kv with the depth at the silt/clay streambed is attributed to the regional downward movement of water within the sediments that may lead to more fine particles deposited in the pores in the upper sediment layers. The streambed Kv is very close to the bank in the sandy streambed without continuous silt and clay layer and the channel centre in the other two test reaches. Differences in grain size distribution of the sediments at each test reach exercise a strong controlling influence on the streambed Kv. This study promotes the understanding of dynamics influencing the interactions between groundwater and surface water and provides guidelines to scientific water resources management for rivers.
Automated quantitative analysis of multiple cardiomyocytes at the single‐cell level with three‐dimensional holographic imaging informatics
Authors: Moon Inkyu , Jaferzadeh Keyvan , Ahmadzadeh Ezat , Javidi Bahram
Published: July 2018

Cardiomyocytes derived from human pluripotent stem cells are a promising tool for disease modeling, drug compound testing, and cardiac toxicity screening. Bio‐image segmentation is a prerequisite step in cardiomyocyte image analysis by digital holography (DH) in microscopic configuration and has provided satisfactory results. In this study, we quantified multiple cardiac cells from segmented 3‐dimensional DH images at the single‐cell level and measured multiple parameters describing the beating profile of each individual cell. The beating profile is extracted by monitoring dry‐mass distribution during the mechanical contraction‐relaxation activity caused by cardiac action potential. We present a robust two‐step segmentation method for cardiomyocyte low‐contrast image segmentation based on region and edge information. The segmented single‐cell contains mostly the nucleus of the cell since it is the best part of the cardiac cell, which can be perfectly segmented. Clustering accuracy was assessed by a silhouette index evaluation for k‐means clustering and the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of the final segmented image. 3D representation of single of cardiomyocytes. The cell contains mostly the nucleus section and a small area of cytoplasm.
Extended gene expression for Gag VLP production achieved at bioreactor scale
Authors: Fuenmayor Javier , Cervera Laura , Gòdia Francesc , Kamen Amine
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Transient gene expression has been widely used for virus‐like particles (VLP) production in both small‐ and large‐scale systems. The extended gene expression (EGE) technique is based on repeated medium exchanges and retransfections of cell culture to prolong the production phase. The aim of this study was to demonstrate scalability of the approach by operating EGE continuously in a controlled bioreactor to obtain similar results to those achieved with shake flask EGE for VLP production. A standard batch cultivation was also carried out in shake flask.

RESULTS

For EGE in shake flasks and in a bioreactor, cell viability was comparable; however, the bioreactor enabled much higher cell densities and specific growth rates than the shake flasks. Owing to this increased cell growth in the bioreactor, the percentage of GFP‐positive cells was considerably lower at the end than in the shake flasks. GagGFP VLP titers were similar in both shake flasks and bioreactor. Nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed that the ratio of VLPs/total particles (VLPs and cell vesicles) was higher in the shake flasks than in the bioreactor, possibly due to higher cell densities achieved in the bioreactor.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, EGE methodology was carried out in a bioreactor system for the first time while maintaining GagGFP production titers. Overall, our findings call for further optimization and implementation of common downstream processing steps to improve yield and VLP quality. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Understanding reasons for discontinued antiretroviral treatment among clients in test and treat: a qualitative study in Swaziland
Authors: Shabalala Fortunate S , Vernooij Eva , Pell Christopher , Simelane Njabulo , Masilela Nelisiwe , Spiegelman Donna , Chai Boyang , Khan Shaukat , Reis Ria
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Retention on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical for the successful adoption of the test and treat policy by sub‐Saharan African countries, and for realizing the United Nations programme on HIV and AIDS target of 90‐90‐90. This qualitative study explores HIV positive clients’ reasons for discontinuing ART under the MaxART test and treat implementation study in Swaziland.

Methods

Clients identified as lost to follow‐up (LTFU) in the programme database, who had initiated ART under the intervention arm of the MaxART study, were purposively selected from two facilities. LTFU was defined as stopping ART refill for three months or longer from the date of last appointment, and not being classified as transferred out or deceased. Semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with nine clients and one treatment supporter between July and August 2017. All interviews were conducted in the local language, audio‐recorded, summarized or transcribed and translated to English for thematic analysis.

Results

Respondents described mobility as the first step in a chain of events that affected retention in care. It was entwined with precarious employment, care delivery, interactions with health workers, lack of social support, anticipated stigma and ART‐related side‐effects, including the exacerbation of hunger. The chains of events involved several intersecting reasons that occurred one after the other as a series of contiguous and linked events that led to clients’ eventual discontinuation of ART. The individual accounts of step‐by‐step decision‐making revealed the influence of multi‐layered contexts and the importance of critical life‐events.

Conclusions

Clients’ reasons for abandoning ART are a complex, inextricably interwoven chain of events rather than a single occurrence. Mobility is often the first step in the process and commonly results from precarious economic and social circumstances. Currently the health system poorly caters to the reality of people's mobile lives. Interventions should seek to increase healthcare workers’ understanding of the chain of events leading up to discontinuation on ART and the social dilemmas that clients face.
Is sex an influential factor in type‐1 diabetes neurofunctional development? A preliminary study
Authors: González‐Garrido Andrés A. , Gallardo‐Moreno Geisa B. , Romo‐Vázquez Rebeca , Vélez‐Pérez Hugo , Flores‐Saiffe‐Farías Adolfo , Mendizabal‐Ruiz Gerardo , Santos‐Arce Stewart R. , Ruiz‐Stovel Vanessa D. , Gómez‐Velázquez Fabiola R. , Ramos‐Loyo Julieta
Published: July 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate the neurofunctional effect of gender in Type‐1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) patients during a Visual Spatial Working Memory (VSWM) task. The study included 28 participants with ages ranging from 17‐28 years. Fourteen well‐controlled T1DM patients (7 female) and 14 controls matched by age, sex, and education level were scanned performing a block‐design VSWM paradigm. Behavioral descriptive analyses and mean comparisons were done, and between‐group and condition functional activation patterns were also compared. Whole‐brain cumulative BOLD signal (CumBS), voxel‐wise BOLD level frequency, Euclidean distance, and divergence indices were also calculated. There were no significant differences between or within‐group sex differences for correct responses and reaction times. Functional activation analyses showed that females had activation in more brain regions, and with larger clusters of cortical activations than males. Furthermore, BOLD activation was higher in males. Despite the preliminary nature of the present study given the relatively small sample size, current results acknowledge for the first time that sex might contribute to differences in functional activation in T1DM patients. Findings suggest that sex differences should be considered when studying T1DM‐disease development.
White matter changes associated with cognitive visual dysfunctions in children with cerebral palsy: A diffusion tensor imaging study
Authors: Galli Jessica , Ambrosi Claudia , Micheletti Serena , Merabet Lotfi B. , Pinardi Chiara , Gasparotti Roberto , Fazzi Elisa
Published: July 2018

Children with cerebral palsy often present with cognitive‐visual dysfunctions characterized by visuo‐perceptual and/or visuo‐spatial deficits associated with a malfunctioning of visual‐associative areas.

The neurofunctional model of this condition remains poorly understood due to the lack of a clear correlation between cognitive‐visual deficit and morphological brain anomalies. The aim of our study was to quantify the pattern of white matter abnormalities within the whole brain in children with cerebral palsy, and to identify white matter tracts sub‐serving cognitive‐visual functions, in order to better understand the basis of cognitive‐visual processing.

Nine subjects (three males, mean age 8 years 9 months) with cerebral palsy underwent a visual and cognitive‐visual evaluation. Conventional brain MRI and diffusion tensor imaging were performed. The fractional anisotropy maps were calculated for every child and compared with data from 13 (four males, mean age 10 years 7 months) healthy children.

Children with cerebral palsy showed decreased fractional anisotropy (a marker of white matter integrity) in corticospinal tract bilaterally, left superior longitudinal fasciculus and bilateral hippocampus. Focusing on the superior longitudinal fasciculus, the mean fractional anisotropy values were significantly lower in children affected by cerebral palsy with cognitive‐visual deficits than in those without cognitive‐visual deficits.

Our findings reveal an association between cognitive‐visual profile and the superior longitudinal fasciculus integrity in children with cerebral palsy, supporting the hypothesis that visuo‐associative deficits are related to changes in fibers connecting the occipital cortex with the parietal‐frontal cortices. Decreased fractional anisotropy within the superior longitudinal fasciculus could be considered a biomarker for cognitive‐visual dysfunctions.
A bittersweet symphony: Evidence for taste‐sound correspondences without effects on taste quality‐specific perception
Authors: Höchenberger Richard , Ohla Kathrin
Published: July 2018

Music has been associated with taste and shown to influence the dining experience. We asked whether sound that is associated with taste affects taste perception of food. In two studies (study 1: N = 20, 13 women; study 2: N = 20, 17 women), participants evaluated the taste of cinder toffee while listening to either of two soundscapes associated with sweet and bitter taste, respectively, or no sound. In study 1, participants rated the taste on a visual‐analog scale (VAS) anchored with “bitter” and “sweet”, aiming to replicate a previous study (Crisinel et al., ). In contrast, four separate scales were used in study 2 to report the extent of bitter, sweet, sour, and salty taste to test whether taste qualities were influenced by sound differentially. Additionally, taste intensity and pleasantness were rated in both studies. Taste intensity was increased in the presence of a sound, while pleasantness was not affected. In study 1, sound shifted bitter‐sweet ratings in the direction of the congruent sound, i.e. samples tasted sweeter with “sweet” sound and more bitter with “bitter” sound, replicating Crisinel et al.'s () results. However, this effect was abolished when a “no‐sound” control was included in the statistical model. Taste ratings in study 2 showed no effect of sound on any specific taste quality, suggesting that the influence of sound on taste in study 1 reflects an artifact of the scale rather than an actual shift in perception. Together, the data provide evidence for taste‐sound correspondences without effects on taste‐quality specific perception.
Jet‐nozzle method for measuring response times of scalar sensors used in liquids and gases
Authors: Merikhi Alireza , Berg Peter , Meyer Volker , Huettel Markus
Published: July 2018

Response time is a central characteristic of sensors measuring solute concentrations. Knowing the response time of the sensor under realistic conditions is critically important when measuring rapid changes, e.g., oxygen concentration fluctuations for aquatic eddy covariance flux calculations. Response times therefore should be determined under conditions that are similar to those the sensor is exposed to when deployed for the actual measurements. This study introduces a new method for quantifying the response time of mini‐ or microsensors measuring solute concentrations in liquids and gases. The method is based on the rapid switching of the supply of two fluids with different oxygen concentration to the sensor without removing the sensor from the fluid flow. The device uses a jet nozzle moved by electromagnetic actuators, and the switching of the calibration fluids is monitored by a reference sensor with a response time < 0.001 s. The functionality of the device is demonstrated for a fast oxygen optode system that consisted of a fiber minioptode connected to an oxygen meter that was read by a data logger. With the setup described here, the method permits reproducible response time measurements with a resolution of 0.01 s ± 0.001 s (SD, n = 60). With this technique, the response time characterization of aquatic sensors can be standardized.
Hard and soft plastic resin embedding for single‐cell element uptake investigations of marine‐snow‐associated microorganisms using nano‐scale secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: Rogge Andreas , Flintrop Clara M. , Iversen Morten H. , Salter Ian , Fong Allison A. , Vogts Angela , Waite Anya M.
Published: July 2018

Marine snow aggregates are microhabitats for diverse microbial communities with various active metabolic pathways. Rapid recycling and symbiotic transfer of nutrients within aggregates poses a significant challenge for accurately assessing aggregate‐associated turnover rates. Although single‐cell uptake measurements are well‐established for free‐living microorganisms, suitable methods for cells embedded in marine snow are currently lacking. Comparable cell‐specific measurements within sinking pelagic aggregates would have the potential to address core questions regarding aggregate‐associated fluxes. However, the capacity to perform microscale studies is limited by the difficulty of sampling and preserving the fragile aggregate structure. Furthermore, the application of nano‐scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) to aggregates is complicated by technical requirements related to vacuum and ablation resistance. Here, we present a NanoSIMS‐optimized method for fixation, embedding, and sectioning of marine snow. Stable isotope labeling of laboratory‐generated aggregates enabled visualization of label incorporation into prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells embedded in the aggregate structure. The current method is also amenable to various staining procedures, including transparent exopolymer particles, Coomassie stainable particles, nucleic acids, and eukaryotic cytoplasm. We demonstrate the potential for using structural stains to generate three‐dimensional (3D) models of marine snow and present a simplified calculation of porosity and fractal dimension. This multipurpose method enables combined investigations of 3D aggregate structure, spatial microbial distribution, and single‐cell activity within individual aggregates and provides new possibilities for future studies on microbial interactions and elemental uptake within marine snow.
Additive Manufacturing of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Biomedical Implants with Dual‐Scale Porosity
Authors: Puppi Dario , Morelli Andrea , Bello Francesca , Valentini Simone , Chiellini Federica
Published: July 2018

The development of bone permanent implants with a porous structure favoring their integration with the surrounding tissues is emerging as an attractive field of application of additive manufacturing (AM). This article reports on the investigation of the suitability of a hybrid AM technique, that is, computer‐aided wet‐spinning (CAWS), to fabricate novel poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) constructs as porous implant prototypes. The optimization of the processing parameters to fabricate PMMA samples with a predefined internal porous structure and different external shapes is described. The study demonstrates that tailoring post‐processing conditions represents a powerful tool to optimize samples macroscopic aspect, micromorphology, and mechanical properties. In particular, the possibility of obtaining a dual‐scale porosity through the integration of the macroporous structure determined by the material lay‐down pattern with a submicrometric porosity resulting from the phase inversion process governing polymer solidification, together with the possibility of purifying the employed commercial material from residual monomer during coagulation in ethanol, are reported as noteworthy advantages of CAWS over other AM techniques. A natural progression of this work is the development of relevant complex anatomical prototypes with tailored porosity by processing digital data obtained from computer tomography imaging of bone defects.
MRI Contrast Agents Based on Conjugated Polyelectrolytes and Dendritic Polymers
Authors: Jin Manyu , Zhang Yanqun , Gao Ge , Xi Qiaoyue , Yang Yun , Yan Luomei , Zhou Hua , Zhao Yongxia , Wu Cunqi , Wang Lidan , Lei Yongqian , Yang Wei , Xu Jingwei
Published: July 2018

Three complexes of gadolinium‐based on dentritic molecules are reported as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. Their ligands feature four carboxylate groups, which contribute to good water solubility and a strong combination with metal ions. As a new attempt, coupling polymerization is carried out to make a combination of conjugated polyelectrolytes and dendrimers for MRI contrast agents. For comparison, mononuclear and binuclear complexes are also reported. The investigation suggests that the contrast agent with the newly designed macromolecular skeleton provides higher longitudinal relaxivity value (36.2 mm
−1s−1) and more visible enhancement in in vivo and in vitro MR images than the small molecular ones. In addition, extremely low cytotoxicity and main clearance via hepatobiliary are confirmed, which reduces the deterioration of chronic kidney disease. All the results indicate that these three complexes are generally applicable as promising clinical contrast agents.
Controlling the Hierarchical Assembly of π‐Conjugated Oligoelectrolytes
Authors: Zheng Tingting , Feng Huanhuan , van den Broek Johanna M. , Rahimi Khosrow , Kuehne Alexander J. C. , de Vries Renko , Sprakel Joris
Published: July 2018

Here, a means of controlling the assembly pathways of p‐conjugated oligoelectrolytes into supramolecular fibers and microtubes is presented, and it is shown how the addition of small end‐caps to well‐defined and pH‐responsive conjugated oligomers can alter the balance between repulsive and attractive supramolecular forces and enables control of the morphology of the hierarchical assembly process. The assembly stages from nuclei to protofibers are evidenced and a hypothesis on the mechanism of microtubes formation using a combination of analytical methods is provided, revealing different degrees of order at different scales along the structural hierarchy.
Photo‐Controlled Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly (Photo‐PISA): A Novel Strategy Using In Situ Bromine‐Iodine Transformation Living Radical Polymerization
Authors: Xu Qinghua , Tian Chun , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: July 2018

A series of hydrophilic poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (PPEGMA) macroinitiators and stabilizers are synthesized in methanol through in situ photo‐controlled bromine‐iodine transformation living radical polymerization, where ethyl α‐bromophenylacetate (EBPA) is the initial initiator and is converted to an iodo‐type initiator in the presence of NaI. The subsequent photo‐controlled polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (photo‐PISA) process is achieved by adding a second monomer, hydrophobic benzyl methacrylate (BnMA), under irradiation with blue light emitting diode (LED) light at room temperature. The effect of the target degree of polymerization (DP) of PPEGMA, PBnMA, as well as the solids content on the self‐assembly behavior of block copolymer PPEGMA‐b‐PBnMA is evaluated by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) characterization. Resulting uniform spherical micelles and vesicle aggregates are observed.
The Probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum Prevents Dysbiosis and Vascular Oxidative Stress in Rats with Hypertension Induced by Chronic Nitric Oxide Blockade
Authors: Robles‐Vera Iñaki , Toral Marta , de la Visitación Néstor , Sánchez Manuel , Romero Miguel , Olivares Mónica , Jiménez Rosario , Duarte Juan
Published: July 2018

Scope

Whether the probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 (LC40) ameliorates hypertension in rats with chronic nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibition is tested.

Methods and results

Rats are randomly divided into four different groups and treated for 4 weeks: a) vehicle (control), b) vehicle plus NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME; 50 mg 100 mL−1 in drinking water), c) LC40 (109 colony‐forming units d–1 by gavage), and d) LC40 plus l‐NAME. l‐NAME induces gut dysbiosis, characterized mainly by an increased Fimicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and reduced Bifidobacterium content, increased Th17 cells and reduced Treg in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), increased aortic Th17 infiltration and reactive oxygen species, reduced aortic endothelium‐dependent relaxant response to acetylcholine, and hypertension. LC40 prevents gut dysbiosis, alters the Th17/Treg balance in MLN, vascular oxidative stress, and inflammation, slightly improves endothelial dysfuncion but do not inhibit the development of l‐NAME‐induced hypertension.

Conclusion

Chronic LC40 treatment, in this model of chronic inhibition of NO synthesis, reduces early events involved in atherosclerosis development, such as vascular oxidative stress and pro‐inflammatory status, as a result of prevention of gut dysbiosis and immune changes in MLN, but not hypertension, confirming the critical role of NO in the antihypertensive effects of LC40 in genetic hypertension.
Digital count summing vs analog charge summing for photon counting detectors: A performance simulation study
Authors: Hsieh Scott S. , Sjolin Martin
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Charge sharing is a significant problem for CdTe‐based photon counting detectors (PCDs) and can cause high‐energy photons to be misclassified as one or more low‐energy events. Charge sharing is especially problematic in PCDs for CT because the high flux necessitates small pixels, which increase the magnitude of charge sharing. Analog charge summing (ACS) is a powerful solution to reduce spectral distortion arising from charge sharing but may be difficult to implement. We investigate correction of the signal after digitization by the comparator (“digital count summing”), which is only able to correct a subset of charge sharing events but may have implementation advantages. We compare and quantify the relative performance of digital and ACS in simulations.

Methods

Transport of photons in CdTe was modeled using Monte Carlo simulations. Energy deposited in the CdTe substrate was converted to electrical charges of a predetermined shape, and all charges within the detector pixel are assumed to be perfectly collected. In ACS, the maximum charge received over any 2 × 2 block of pixels was grouped together prior to digitization. In digital count summing (DCS), the charge was digitized in each pixel, and subsequently, adjacent pixels that detected events grouped their charge to record a single, higher energy event. All simulations were performed at the limit of low flux (no pileup). The default tube voltage was 120 kVp, object thickness was 20 cm of water, pixel pitch was 250 μm, and charge cloud modeled as a Gaussian with σ = 40 μm. Variation of these parameters was examined in a sensitivity analysis.

Results

Detectors that used no correction, DCS, and ACS misclassified 51%, 39%, and 15% of incident photons, respectively. For iodine basis material imaging, DCS exhibited 100% greater dose efficiency compared to uncorrected, and ACS exhibited an additional 111% greater dose efficiency compared to digital charge summing. For a nonspectral task, the dose efficiency improvement as estimated by improvement of zero‐frequency detective quantum efficiency, DQE(0) was 10% for DCS compared to uncorrected and 10% for ACS compared to DCS. A sensitivity analysis showed that DCS generally achieved half the benefit of ACS over a range of conditions, although the benefit was markedly less if the charge cloud was instead modeled as a small sphere.

Conclusions

Summing of counts after digitization may be a simpler alternative to summing of charge prior to digitization due to the relative complexity of analog circuit design. Over most conditions studied, it provides roughly half the benefit of ACS and may offer certain implementation advantages.
Regeneration of nerve crush injury using adipose‐derived stem cells: A multimodal comparison
Authors: Tremp Mathias , Sprenger Lima , Degrugillier Lucas , Schaefer Dirk Johannes , Madduri Srinivas , Schaeren Stefan , Kalbermatten Daniel Felix
Published: July 2018

Introduction: To restore full function following nerve crush injuries is critical but challenging. In an attempt to develop a viable therapy, we evaluated the effect of rat adipose‐derived stem cells (rASC) in 2 different settings of a sciatic crush injury model. Methods: In the first group, after 14 days of nerve crush injury, rASCs were injected distal to the lesion under ultrasound guidance. In the other group, alleviation of compression through clip removal (CR) was combined with epineural injection of rASCs. Gait analyses, MRI, gastrocnemius muscle weight ratio (MWR), and histomorphometry were performed for outcome analysis. Results: CR combined with rASC injection resulted in less muscle atrophy, as evidenced by MWR. These findings are further supported by better functional and anatomical outcomes. Discussion: Animals treated with CR and epineural stem cell injection showed enhanced anatomical and functional recovery. Muscle Nerve 58: 566–572, 2018
Deflazacort versus prednisone/prednisolone for maintaining motor function and delaying loss of ambulation: A post HOC analysis from the ACT DMD trial
Authors: Shieh Perry B. , Mcintosh Joseph , Jin Fengbin , Souza Marcio , Elfring Gary , Narayanan Siva , Trifillis Panayiota , Peltz Stuart W. , Mcdonald Craig M. , Darras Basil T. ,   AND THE ACT DMD STUDY GROUP
Published: July 2018

Introduction: ACT DMD was a 48‐week trial of ataluren for nonsense mutation Duchenne muscular dystrophy (nmDMD). Patients received corticosteroids for ≥6 months at entry and stable regimens throughout study. This post hoc analysis compares efficacy and safety for deflazacort and prednisone/prednisolone in the placebo arm. Methods: Patients received deflazacort (n = 53) or prednisone/prednisolone (n = 61). Endpoints included change from baseline in 6‐minute walk distance (6MWD), timed function tests, estimated age at loss of ambulation (extrapolated from 6MWD). Results: Mean changes in 6MWD were ‐39.0 m (deflazacort; 95% confidence limit [CL], ‐68.85, ‐9.17) and ‐70.6 m (prednisone/prednisolone; 95% CL, ‐97.16, ‐44.02). Mean changes in 4‐stair climb were 3.79 s (deflazacort; 95% CL, 1.54, 6.03) and 6.67 s (prednisone/prednisolone; 95% CL, 4.69, 8.64). Conclusions: This analysis, limited by its post hoc nature, suggests greater preservation of 6MWD and 4‐stair climb with deflazacort vs. prednisone/prednisolone. A head‐to‐head comparison will better define these differences. Muscle Nerve 58: 639–645, 2018
A prospective study of benign fasciculation syndrome and anxiety
Authors: Filippakis Alexandra , Jara Jordan , Ventura Nicholas , Scala Stephanie , Scopa Caitlin , Ruthazer Robin , Karakis Ioannis , Srinivasan Jayashri , Russell James A. , Ho Doreen T.
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Benign fasciculations are common. Despite the favorable prognosis of benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS), patients are often anxious about their symptoms. In this study, we prospectively followed 35 patients with BFS over a 24‐month period. Methods: We conducted serial questionnaires to assess anxiety, associated symptoms, and duration. Results: 71.4% of patients were men, and 34.4% were employed in the medical field. Most reported anxiety, but only 14% were anxious as measured by the Zung self‐rating anxiety scale. Fasciculations were most common in the calves and persisted in 93% of patients. Anxiety levels did not change over time. Associated symptoms (subjective weakness, sensory symptoms, and cramps) were common and resolved to varying degrees. No patients developed motor neuron disease. Discussion: BFS is a benign disorder that usually persists over time. Commonly associated symptoms include subjective weakness, sensory symptoms, and cramps. BFS is usually not associated with pathologic anxiety. Muscle Nerve 58:852–854, 2018
Cancer phenotype in myotonic dystrophy patients: Results from a meta‐analysis
Authors: Emparanza Jose I. , López de Munain Adolfo , Greene Mark H. , Matheu Ander , Fernández‐Torrón Roberto , Gadalla Shahinaz M.
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Recent studies have provided evidence that patients with myotonic dystrophy (DM) are at excess risk of cancer. However, inconsistencies regarding affected anatomic sites persist. Methods: We performed a meta‐analysis of cancer risk in DM, searching among studies published between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2016. Eligible studies were full reports of DM cohorts with site‐specific risks. Results: The analysis included 5 studies, comprising 2,779 patients. Risk estimates for cancers of the endometrium and cutaneous melanoma were reported in all studies. The pooled standardized incidence ratio (pSIRs) for endometrial cancer was 7.48 (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.72–11.8) and for cutaneous melanoma was 2.45 (95% CI 1.31–4.58). Among cancers reported in 4 of 5 studies, elevated risks were observed for thyroid (pSIR = 8.52, 95% CI 3.62–20.1), ovarian (pSIR = 5.56, 95% CI 2.99–10.3), testicular (pSIR = 5.95, 95% CI 2.34–15.1), and colorectal (pSIR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.39–3.49) cancers. Discussion: Our data refine the DM cancer phenotype, which may guide patient clinical management and inform plans for molecular investigations to understand DM‐related carcinogenesis. Muscle Nerve 58: 517–522, 2018