bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A random Schrödinger operator associated with the Vertex Reinforced Jump Process on infinite graphs
Authors: Sabot Christophe , Zeng Xiaolin
Published: July 2018

This paper concerns the vertex reinforced jump process (VRJP), the edge reinforced random walk (ERRW), and their relation to a random Schrödinger operator. On infinite graphs, we define a 1-dependent random potential

β
\beta

extending that defined by Sabot, Tarrès, and Zeng on finite graphs, and consider its associated random Schrödinger operator

H
β

H_\beta

. We construct a random function

ψ
\psi

as a limit of martingales, such that

ψ
=
0

\psi =0

when the VRJP is recurrent, and

ψ
\psi

is a positive generalized eigenfunction of the random Schrödinger operator with eigenvalue

0
0

, when the VRJP is transient. Then we prove a representation of the VRJP on infinite graphs as a mixture of Markov jump processes involving the function

ψ
\psi

, the Green function of the random Schrödinger operator, and an independent Gamma random variable. On

Z

d

{\Bbb Z}^d

, we deduce from this representation a zero-one law for recurrence or transience of the VRJP and the ERRW, and a functional central limit theorem for the VRJP and the ERRW at weak reinforcement in dimension

d
≥
3

d\ge 3

, using estimates of Disertori, Sabot, and Tarrès and of Disertori, Spencer, and Zimbauer. Finally, we deduce recurrence of the ERRW in dimension

d
=
2

d=2

for any initial constant weights (using the estimates of Merkl and Rolles), thus giving a full answer to the question raised by Diaconis. We also raise some questions on the links between recurrence/transience of the VRJP and localization/delocalization of the random Schrödinger operator

H
β

H_\beta

.
Examples of diffeomorphism group cocycles with no periodic approximation
Authors: Hurtado Sebastian
Published: July 2018

We construct a finitely generated subgroup of

Diff

∞

⁡
(

S

3

×

S

1

)

\operatorname {Diff}^{\infty }(\mathbb {S}^3 \times \mathbb {S}^1)

where every element is conjugate to an isometry but such that the group action itself is far from isometric (the group has “exponential growth of derivatives”). As a corollary, one obtains a locally constant

Diff

∞

⁡
(

S

3

×

S

1

)

\operatorname {Diff}^{\infty }(\mathbb {S}^3 \times \mathbb {S}^1)

valued cocycle over a hyperbolic dynamical system which has elliptic behavior over its periodic orbits but which preserves a measure with non-zero top fiber-Lyapunov exponent. Additionally, we provide new examples of Banach cocycles not satisfying the periodic approximation property as first shown in Ergodic Theory Dynam. Systems 39 (2019), pp. 689–706.
Cartan subalgebras in C*-algebras. Existence and uniqueness
Authors: Li Xin , Renault Jean
Published: July 2018

We initiate the study of Cartan subalgebras in C*-algebras, with a particular focus on existence and uniqueness questions. For homogeneous C*-algebras, these questions can be analyzed systematically using the theory of fiber bundles. For group C*-algebras, while we are able to find Cartan subalgebras in C*-algebras of many connected Lie groups, there are classes of (discrete) groups, for instance non-abelian free groups, whose reduced group C*-algebras do not have any Cartan subalgebras. Moreover, we show that uniqueness of Cartan subalgebras usually fails for classifiable C*-algebras. However, distinguished Cartan subalgebras exist in some cases, for instance in nuclear uniform Roe algebras.
Computational resources associating diseases with genotypes, phenotypes and exposures
Authors: Zhang Wenliang , Zhang Haiyue , Yang Huan , Li Miaoxin , Xie Zhi , Li Weizhong
Published: July 2018

The causes of a disease and its therapies are not only related to genotypes, but also associated with other factors, including phenotypes, environmental exposures, drugs and chemical molecules. Distinguishing disease-related factors from many neutral factors is critical as well as difficult. Over the past two decades, bioinformaticians have developed many computational resources to integrate the omics data and discover associations among these factors. However, researchers and clinicians are experiencing difficulties in choosing appropriate resources from hundreds of relevant databases and software tools. Here, in order to assist the researchers and clinicians, we systematically review the public computational resources of human diseases related to genotypes, phenotypes, environment factors, drugs and chemical exposures. We briefly describe the development history of these computational resources, followed by the details of the relevant databases and software tools. We finally conclude with a discussion of current challenges and future opportunities as well as prospects on this topic.
Cryfa: a secure encryption tool for genomic data
Authors: Hosseini Morteza , Pratas Diogo , Pinho Armando J
Published: July 2018

The ever-increasing growth of high-throughput sequencing technologies has led to a great acceleration of medical and biological research and discovery. As these platforms advance, the amount of information for diverse genomes increases at unprecedented rates. Confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of such genomic information should be ensured due to its extremely sensitive nature. In this paper, we propose Cryfa, a fast secure encryption tool for genomic data, namely in Fasta, Fastq, VCF, SAM and BAM formats, which is also capable of reducing the storage size of Fasta and Fastq files. Cryfa uses advanced encryption standard (AES) encryption combined with a shuffling mechanism, which leads to a substantial enhancement of the security against low data complexity attacks. Compared to AES Crypt, a general-purpose encryption tool, Cryfa is an industry-oriented tool, which is able to provide confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of data at four times more speed; in addition, it can reduce the file sizes to 1/3. Due to the absence of a method similar to Cryfa, we have simulated its behavior with a combination of encryption and compression tools, for comparison purpose. For instance, our tool is nine times faster than its fastest competitor in Fasta files. Also, Cryfa has a very low memory usage (only a few megabytes), which makes it feasible to run on any computer.

Availability and implementation

Source codes and binaries are available, under GPLv3, at https://github.com/pratas/cryfa.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A Survey of Open Data Platforms in Six UK Smart City Initiatives
Authors: Ghahremanlou Lida , H Tawil Abdel-Rahman , Kearney Paul , Nevisi Hossein , Zhao Xia , Abdallah Ali
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the feasibility studies submitted by six UK cities (London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol and Milton Keynes). The datasets were collected during the period of February–March 2017 by exploring their Open Data resources, common visions of their smart programmes and the themes of their projects. The aim of this work is to raise awareness and access of the existing data resources, encourage alignment of data collection and curation among projects with compatible objectives in different cities and to identify the gaps in coverage that are hampering achievement of the cities’ visions. In this research, we distinguish between stored datasets that are accessible via data hubs, and live data that are only accessible via application programming interfaces in real time. Given that our findings are purely based on stored Open Data, we conclude that the Smart City dream will be only achieved in reality, where those involved in Smart Cities-related projects co-operate and share both experiences and resources in order to maximize progress towards the common goal but to minimize duplication of efforts and repetition of the same mistakes.
Sociability, Natural Jurisprudence, and Republicanism in the French Revolution: Jean-Baptiste Salaville’s Empiricist Science of the Legislator
Authors: Kim Minchul
Published: July 2018

The radical ideas of the French Revolution are generally regarded as the offspring of the theory of social contract. However, even though the Revolutionaries cherished Rousseau’s legacy, the period was not without instances in which this legacy could be subject to variation and the notion of social contract could be attributed, in a decidedly negative tone, less to Rousseau than to Hobbes. In this context, the present study of Jean-Baptiste Salaville’s
L’Homme et la société, ou nouvelle théorie de la nature humaine et de l’état social
(1799) demonstrates that the idea of natural sociability could provide an opportunity to elaborate a radical republican future without the notion of social contract. Salaville’s political vision, built on the tradition of natural jurisprudence, posited a new idea of the general will and empiricist legislation in the last days of the French Revolution.
Examining the Impact of Psychological Factors on Hospital Length of Stay for Burn Survivors: A Systematic Review
Authors: O’Brien Kyle H , Lushin Victor
Published: July 2018

Recovery of burn patients may be impeded by mental health problems. By gaining a better understanding of the impact that psychological factors may have on hospital length of stay, providers may be better informed to address the complex needs of burn survivors through effective and efficient practices. This systematic review summarizes existing data on the adverse psychological factors for the length of burn patients’ hospitalization, and assesses the methodological quality of the extant literature on mental health conditions of burn survivors. A literature search was conducted in four electronic databases: PubMed, PsychINFO, Science Direct, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Results yielded reports published between 1980 and 2016. Methodological quality was assessed by using an 11-item methodological quality score system. Seventy-four studies were identified by search; 19 articles were eligible for analysis. Findings demonstrate paucity of evidence in the area. Reports indicate longer hospital stay among burn patients with mental health problems. Substance use was the most consistent mental-health predictor of longer hospital stay. Heterogeneity in data on mental health conditions rendered impossible estimation of effect sizes of individual psychological factors on length of hospitalization. Many studies over-relied on retrospective designs, and crude indicators of psychological factors. Findings indicate that mental health problems do have an impact on the trajectory of burn recovery by increasing the length of hospital stay for burn survivors. Inpatient mental health services for burn patients are critically needed. Prospective designs, and more sensitive psychological indicators are needed for future studies.
Associations and Heritability of Auditory Encoding, Gray Matter, and Attention in Schizophrenia
Authors: Chen Yu-Han , Howell Breannan , Edgar J Christopher , Huang Mingxiong , Kochunov Peter , Hunter Michael A , Wootton Cassandra , Lu Brett Y , Bustillo Juan , Sadek Joseph R , Miller Gregory A , Cañive José M
Published: July 2018

Background

Auditory encoding abnormalities, gray-matter loss, and cognitive deficits are all candidate schizophrenia (SZ) endophenotypes. This study evaluated associations between and heritability of auditory network attributes (function and structure) and attention in healthy controls (HC), SZ patients, and unaffected relatives (UR).

Methods

Whole-brain maps of M100 auditory activity from magnetoencephalography recordings, cortical thickness (CT), and a measure of attention were obtained from 70 HC, 69 SZ patients, and 35 UR. Heritability estimates (h2r) were obtained for M100, CT at each group-difference region, and the attention measure.

Results

SZ patients had weaker bilateral superior temporal gyrus (STG) M100 responses than HC and a weaker right frontal M100 response than UR. Abnormally large M100 responses in left superior frontal gyrus were observed in UR and SZ patients. SZ patients showed smaller CT in bilateral STG and right frontal regions. Interrelatedness between 3 putative SZ endophenotypes was demonstrated, although in the left STG the M100 and CT function−structure associations observed in HC and UR were absent in SZ patients. Heritability analyses also showed that right frontal M100 and bilateral STG CT measures are significantly heritable.

Conclusions

Present findings indicated that the 3 SZ endophenotypes examined are not isolated markers of pathology but instead are connected. The pattern of auditory encoding group differences and the pattern of brain function−structure associations differ as a function of brain region, indicating the need for regional specificity when studying these endophenotypes, and with the presence of left STG function−structure associations in HC and UR but not in SZ perhaps reflecting disease-associated damage to gray matter that disrupts function−structure relationships in SZ.
A High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides sensu stricto SMCG1#C, a Causal Agent of Anthracnose on Cunninghamia lanceolata in China
Authors: Huang Lin , Kim Ki-Tae , Yang Ji-Yun , Song Hyeunjeong , Choi Gobong , Jeon Jongbum , Cheong Kyeongchae , Ko Jaeho , Xu Haibin , Lee Yong-Hwan
Published: July 2018

Colletotrichum has a broad host range and causes major yield losses of crops. The fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is associated with anthracnose on Chinese fir. In this study, we present a high-quality draft genome sequence of C. gloeosporioides sensu stricto SMCG1#C, providing a reference genomic data for further research on anthracnose of Chinese fir and other hosts.
Fat storage‐inducing transmembrane protein 2 (FIT2) is less abundant in type 2 diabetes, and regulates triglyceride accumulation and insulin sensitivity in adipocytes
Authors: Agrawal Madhur , Yeo Chia Rou , Shabbir Asim , Chhay Vanna , Silver David L. , Magkos Faidon , Vidal-Puig Antonio , Toh Sue-Anne
Published: July 2018

Fat storage–inducing transmembrane protein 2 (FIT2) aids in partitioning of cellular triacylglycerol into lipid droplets. A genome‐wide association study reported FITM2‐R3H domain containing like‐HNF4A locus to be associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in East Asian populations. Mice with adipose tissue (AT)‐specific FIT2 knockout exhibited lipodystrophic features, with reduced AT mass, insulin resistance, and greater inflammation in AT when fed a high‐fat diet. The role of FIT2 in regulating human adipocyte function is not known. Here, we found FIT2 protein abundance is lower in subcutaneous and omental AT obtained from patients with T2DM compared with nondiabetic control subjects. Partial loss of FIT2 protein in primary human adipocytes attenuated their lipid storage capacity and induced insulin resistance. After palmitate treatment, triacylglycerol accumulation, insulininduced Akt (Ser‐473) phosphorylation, and insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake were significantly reduced in FIT2 knockdown adipocytes compared with control cells. Gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL‐18 and IL‐6 and phosphorylation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker inositol‐requiring enzyme la were greater in FIT2 knockdown adipocytes than in control cells. Our results show for the first time that FIT2 is associated with T2DM in humans and plays an integral role in maintaining metabolically healthy AT function.—Agrawal, M., Yeo, C. R., Shabbir, A., Chhay, V., Silver, D. L., Magkos, F., Vidal‐Puig, A., Toh, S.‐A. Fat storage‐inducing transmembrane protein 2 (FIT2) is less abundant in type 2 diabetes, and regulates triglyceride accumulation and insulin sensitivity in adipocytes. FASEB J. 33, 430–440 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Integrated communications between cyclooxygenase‐2 and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Guan Pei-Pei , Wang Pu
Published: July 2018

Elevated levels of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and prostaglandins (PGs) are involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is characterized by the accumulation of β‐amyloid protein (Aβ) and tau hyperphosphorylation. However, the gaps in our knowledge of the roles of COX‐2 and PGs in AD have not been filled. Here, we summarized the literature showing that COX‐2 dysregulation obviously influences abnormal cleavage of β‐amyloid precursor protein, aggregation and deposition of Aβ in β‐amyloid plaques and the inclusion of phosphorylated tau in neurofibrillary tangles. Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, synaptic plasticity, neurotoxicity, autophagy, and apoptosis have been assessed to elucidate the mechanisms of COX‐2 regulation of AD. Notably, an imbalance of these factors ultimately produces cognitive decline. The current review substantiates our understanding of the mechanisms of COX‐2–induced AD and establishes foundations for the design of feasible therapeutic strategies to treat AD.—Guan, P.‐P., Wang, P. Integrated communications between cyclooxygenase‐2 and Alzheimer's disease. FASEB J. 33, 13–33 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Differential functional selectivity and downstream signaling bias of ghrelin receptor antagonists and inverse agonists
Authors: Ramirez Valerie T. , Van Oeffelen Wesley E. P. A. , Torres-Fuentes Cristina , Chruścicka Barbara , Druelle Clementine , Golubeva Anna V. , Van De Wouw Marcel , Dinan Timothy G. , Cryan John F. , Schellekens Harriët
Published: July 2018

The ghrelin receptor [growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR)‐1a] represents a promising pharmacologic target for the treatment of metabolic disorders, including obesity and cachexia, via central appetite modulation. The GHSR‐1a has a complex pharmacology, highlighted by G‐protein–dependent and—independent downstream signaling pathways and high basal constitutive activity. The functional selectivity and signaling bias of many GHSR‐1a–specific ligands has not been fully characterized. In this study, we investigated the pharmacologic properties of ghrelin, MK‐0677, L692,585, and [d‐Lys3]‐growth hormone–releasing peptide‐6 (Dlys), JMV2959, and [d‐Arg(1),d‐Phe(5),d‐Trp(7, 9), Leu(11)]‐substance P (SP‐analog). We investigated their effect on basal GHSR‐1a constitutive signaling, ligand‐directed downstream GHSR‐1a signaling, functional selectivity, and signaling bias. Dlys behaved as a partial antagonist with a strong bias toward GHSR‐1a–β‐arrestin signaling, whereas JMV2959 acted as a full unbiased GHSR‐1a antagonist. Moreover, the SP‐analog behaved as an inverse agonist increasing G‐protein–dependent signaling, but only at high concentrations, whereas, at low concentrations, the SP‐analog attenuated β‐arrestin–dependent signaling. Considering the limited success in the clinical development of GHSR‐1a–targeted drugs so far, these findings provide a novel insight into the pharmacologic characteristics of GHSR‐1a ligands and their signaling bias, which has important implications in the design of novel, more selective GHSR‐1a ligands with predictable functional outcome and selectivity for preclinical and clinical drug development.—Ramirez, V. T., van Oeffelen, W. E. P. A., Torres‐Fuentes, C., Chruścicka, B., Druelle, C., Golubeva, A. V., van de Wouw, M., Dinan, T. G., Cryan, J. F., Schellekens, H. Differential functional selectivity and downstream signaling bias of ghrelin receptor antagonists and inverse agonists. FASEB J. 33, 518–531 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Secretory phospholipase A2 group IIA enhances the metabolic rate and increases glucose utilization in response to thyroid hormone
Authors: Kuefner Michael S. , Deng Xiong , Stephenson Erin J. , Pham Kevin , Park Edwards A.
Published: July 2018

Secretory phospholipase A2 group IIA (PLA2G2A) is a phospholipase which has a role in inflammation, atherogenesis, and host defense. Previously, we found that PLA2G2A protects mice on high‐fat diets from weight gain and insulin resistance. Here, we examined the regulation of PLA2G2A and the metabolic changes that occur in response to variations in thyroid status. In particular, the impact of PLA2G2A on the brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenic gene expression was explored. We induced hypothyroidism in C57BL/6 and PLA2G2A‐overexpressing (IIA+) mice over a 10 wk period or treated them with thyroid hormone (T3) for 5 wk. There were no significant changes in PLA2G2A abundance in response to thyroid status. The energy expenditure of hypothyroid IIA+ mice did not increase; however, the energy expenditure, substrate utilization, insulin sensitivity, and glucose tolerance were all elevated in the IIA+ mice given T3. Moreover, white adipocytes from IIA+ mice were much more prone to “beiging,” including increased expression of brown adipose thermogenic markers such as uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), PR domain containing 16, and early B cell factor 2. Finally, the BAT of IIA+ mice had increased UCP1 and other proteins indicative of mitochondrial uncoupling and nonshivering adaptive thermogenesis. These data reveal a novel role for PLA2G2A on adipose tissue thermogenesis depending on thyroid status.—Kuefner, M. S., Deng, X., Stephenson, E. J., Pham, K., Park, E. A. Secretory phospholipase A2 group IIA enhances the metabolic rate and increases glucose utilization in response to thyroid hormone. FASEB J. 33, 738–749 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Proinsulin C‐peptide prevents hyperglycemia‐induced vascular leakage and metastasis of melanoma cells in the lungs of diabetic mice
Authors: Jeon Hye-Yoon , Lee Yeon-Ju , Kim You-Sun , Kim Soo-Youl , Han Eun-Taek , Park Won Sun , Hong Seok-Ho , Kim Young-Myeong , Ha Kwon-Soo
Published: July 2018

C‐peptide has a beneficial effect against diabetic complications, but its role in hyperglycemia‐induced metastasis is unknown. We investigated hyperglycemia‐mediated pulmonary vascular leakage and metastasis and C‐peptide inhibition of these molecular events using human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMVECs) and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice. VEGF, which is elevated in the lungs of diabetic mice, activated transglutaminase 2 (TGase2) in HPMVECs by sequential elevation of intracellular Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. VEGF also induced vascular endothelial (VE)‐cadherin disruption and increased the permeability of endothelial cells, both of which were prevented by the TGase inhibitors monodansylcadaverine and cystamine or TGM2‐specific small interfering RNA. C‐peptide prevented VEGF‐induced VE‐cadherin disruption and endothelial cell permeability through inhibiting ROS‐mediated activation of TGase2. C‐peptide supplementation inhibited hyperglycemia‐induced ROS generation and TGase2 activation and prevented vascular leakage and metastasis in the lungs of diabetic mice. The role of TGase2 in hyperglycemia‐induced pulmonary vascular leakage and metastasis was further demonstrated in diabetic Tgm2−/− mice. These findings demonstrate that hyperglycemia induces metastasis, and C‐peptide prevents the hyperglycemia‐induced metastasis in the lungs of diabetic mice by inhibiting VEGF‐induced TGase2 activation and subsequent vascular leakage.—Jeon, H.‐Y., Lee, Y.‐J., Kim, Y.‐S., Kim, S.‐Y., Han, E.‐T., Park, W. S., Hong, S.‐H., Kim, Y.‐M., Ha, K.‐S. Proinsulin C‐peptide prevents hyperglycemia‐induced vascular leakage and metastasis of melanoma cells in the lungs of diabetic mice. FASEB J. 33, 750–762 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Evaluation of liver steatosis, measured by controlled attenuation parameter, in patients with hepatitis C-induced advanced liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Abdelaziz Ashraf O. , Shousha Hend I. , Said Ebada M. , Soliman Zeinab A. , Shehata Ahmed A. , Nabil Mohamed M. , Abdelmaksoud Ahmed H. , Elbaz Tamer M. , Abdelsalam Fatma M.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Steatosis is a documented feature of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). There is an association between steatosis decrease and fibrosis progression. The association between steatosis and advanced fibrosis versus hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development has not been precisely evaluated. The controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) was applied as an immediate and efficient process to detect and quantify hepatic steatosis with adequate accuracy.

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the difference in liver steatosis between patients with hepatitis C virus-related advanced hepatic fibrosis versus HCC.

Patients and methods

This cross-sectional study included 130 patients with HCC, attending the multidisciplinary HCC clinic, Cairo University, and 54 patients with CHC between October 2015 and June 2016. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were recorded. Liver stiffness and CAP were obtained by using the FibroScan 502, touch.

Results

All included patients had genotype 4. The mean CAP value was significantly lower in HCC (209.5±57.1 dB/m) versus CHC (259.9±54.9 dB/m). Receiver operating characteristic curve revealed an area under the curve of 0.75 for the differentiation between groups. At a cutoff value of 237 dB/m, sensitivity was 72.3%, specificity was 70.7%, positive likelihood ratio was 2.5, and negative likelihood ratio was 0.4 in the differentiation between CHC versus HCC. Logistic regression analysis revealed an odds ratio of 6.4 for the diagnosis of HCC with CAP of less than 237 dB/m. Multivariate analysis, controlling for age, sex, BMI, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels, revealed a significantly increased odds for HCC diagnosis (odds ratio: 4.3, P=0.006).

Conclusion

The progression of CHC is associated with a decrease in steatosis, particularly toward advanced fibrosis and HCC. Steatosis reduction less than 237 dB/m is likely to be associated with HCC.
Effects of Video Games–Based Task-Oriented Activity Training (Xbox 360 Kinect) on Activity Performance and Participation in Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Arman Nilay , Tarakci Ela , Tarakci Devrim , Kasapcopur Ozgur
Published: July 2018

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of two different task-oriented activity training programs on activity performance and participation in children/adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Design

Sixty-two patients were randomized into group I and group II for task-oriented activity training. In group I, activities of daily living were practiced using real materials from daily life, and in group II, activities of daily living were practiced using video-based games (Xbox 360 Kinect) for 3 d/wk for 8 wks. Pain by the Numeric Rating Scale, upper limb muscle, grip, and pinch strengths by a dynamometer, activity performance and participation by the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and Duruoz Hand Index were evaluated.

Results

After treatment in both groups, significant changes were found in the Numeric Rating Scale, muscle strength, grips strength, Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and Duruoz Hand Index (P < 0.05). Group II was statistically superior to group I in changes of almost all upper limb muscle strengths, palmar pinch strength, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure satisfaction, and Duruoz Hand Index scores (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Video games–based task-oriented activity training is an alternative and feasible treatment for children/adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This new method may have widespread applicability in future research, given the rapidly growing interest in virtual reality–based therapy in rehabilitation.

To Claim CME Credits

Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME

CME Objectives

Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Understand the rehabilitation benefits of task–oriented activity in patients with neurologic and musculoskeletal conditions; (2) Appreciate the role of video games-based task oriented activity in rehabilitation; and (3) Appropriately incorporate video games-based task oriented activity in the rehabilitation program of individuals with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

Level

Advanced

Accreditation

The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The Application of Parametric Micro-Flow Imaging in the Evaluation of Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Huang Shijia , Liang Ping , Yu Xiaoling , Wang Zhanbo , Cheng Zhigang , Han Zhiyu , Yu Jie , Liu Fangyi , Zhang Min , Zhang Dezhi
Published: July 2018

This study aims to investigate the application of parametric micro-flow imaging in the evaluation of liver fibrosis. From March 2013 to February 2014, 117 participants were recruited in this research prospectively, which includes 97 patients (who have been infected with hepatitis B virus or/and hepatitis C virus and have undergone liver biopsy) and 20 healthy volunteers. Contrast agent was injected as a bolus via the antecubital vein for the participants. Dynamic images of intercostal liver were collected and then divided into 30-second (30s) group and 10-second (10s) group. Color coding and quantitative analysis were performed, and related parameters were obtained and analyzed with the stage of liver fibrosis. The comparison of parameters between the stages of liver fibrosis was that the value of 30s slope reduced and the value of 10s slope increased with the increasing fibrosis stages. The value of 30s ratio at 5 seconds and 10s ratio at 5 seconds both increased with the increasing fibrosis stages. Receiver operating characteristic curves were obtained to evaluate the cutoff values and diagnosibility of parameters to predict F2 and higher or F3 and higher of fibrosis stages. The results show that parametric micro-flow imaging has potential value of guiding antiviral therapy for patients with viral hepatitis and evaluating the degree of improvement in liver fibrosis.
The High-Frequency Ultrasound Detection of Rat Sciatic Nerve in a Crushed Injury Model
Authors: Ni Xue-Jun , Wang Xiao-Dong , Zhao Ya-Hong , Qiu Jia-Ying , Chen Ying , Wang Yi , Chang Jing-Jian
Published: July 2018

Objective

This study aimed to visualize sciatic nerve injury in rats using ultrasound imaging in a crushed injury model.

Methods

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a left sciatic nerve crush operation. Then, high-frequency ultrasound was used to image both sciatic nerves at 2 days and at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks after surgery.

Results

Normal uninjured nerves have uniform thickness, display a smooth epineurium and inner adventitia, and are oblong in transverse sections. After the crush operation, nerve thickness increased, the inner echo signal decreased, the image of the epineurium became obscured and coarse before becoming smooth again, and transverse sections of the nerve fibers changed from being semicircular to oval in shape before becoming elliptical again. These observations were consistent with pathological changes associated with nerve injury.

Conclusions

High-frequency ultrasound is capable of capturing dynamic changes in rat sciatic nerves in a crushed injury model. This can be used as an auxiliary method of evaluation in traditional peripheral nerve injury experiments.
Carotid Ultrasound Examinations
Authors: Naidich James B. , Weiss Amanda , Grimaldi Gregory M. , Kohn Nina , Naidich Jason J. , Pellerito John S.
Published: July 2018

Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical indications for carotid duplex ultrasonography and determine for each indication how often carotid artery disease was identified.

We retrospectively reviewed the consecutive reports for 3191 carotid ultrasound examinations. We tracked 14 indications to determine how often examinations were requested for each indication and correlated each indication with the finding of carotid artery disease.

We found 26.5% of all examinations were abnormal; 17.5% of patients showed internal carotid artery disease; 10.9%, a moderate stenosis; 5.2%, a severe stenosis; and 1.4%, a total occlusion. For each of the 14 individual indications, with 1 exception, carotid ultrasound examination showed a 19.7% or greater chance of an abnormal result and an 11.6% or greater chance of finding a flow-limiting stenosis of an internal carotid artery.

Our results validate the collaborative position of the American College of Radiology, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, the Society for Pediatric Radiology, and the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound that, overall and for almost all indications they enumerate, carotid ultrasound examinations are a proven and useful procedure for evaluating extracranial carotid artery disease.
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound of Spermatic Cord and Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma
Authors: Naser-Tavakolian Aurash , Gulati Mittul , Duddalwar Vinay , Chopra Shefali , Aron Manju , Djaladat Hooman
Published: July 2018

Liposarcoma is the most common paratesticular scrotal malignancy. Ultrasound is the conventional imaging modality for evaluating scrotal masses. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can provide complementary information by identifying distinct enhancement patterns. We present CEUS findings of 2 concurrent soft tissue masses in 1 patient: a spermatic cord well-differentiated liposarcoma and a retroperitoneal dedifferentiated liposarcoma. We review the Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography, and histopathologic appearances of low- versus high-grade liposarcomas in addition to the utility of CEUS with quantitative analysis in potentially grading liposarcomas.
Efficacy of negative feedback in the HPA axis predicts recovery from acute challenges
Authors: Taff Conor C. , Zimmer Cedric , Vitousek Maren N.
Published: July 2018

The glucocorticoid stress response mediates a suite of physiological and behavioural changes that allow vertebrates to cope with transient stressors. Chronically elevated glucocorticoid levels are known to result in a variety of organismal costs, but relatively little is known about the downstream effects of mounting a series of brief, acute spikes in circulating glucocorticoids. Conceptual models of stress suggest that repeated acute stressors might produce ‘wear-and-tear’ on the stress-response system when encountered in sequence. We used a novel technique to experimentally induce acute corticosterone spikes on either three or six consecutive days in incubating tree swallows. Consistent with the ‘wear-and-tear' hypothesis, we found that (i) a sequence of corticosterone spikes produced cumulative effects on corticosterone regulation, (ii) treatment frequency predicted the severity of consequences, and (iii) individual variation in the ability to terminate the stress response through negative feedback predicted the duration of physiological disruption in the group that experienced the most frequent challenges. Our results illustrate the importance of assessing multiple aspects of the hormonal stress response and have implications for understanding both individual and population resilience to repeated transient stressors.
Beyond burial: lateral exchange is a significant atmospheric carbon sink in mangrove forests
Authors: Maher Damien T. , Call Mitchell , Santos Isaac R. , Sanders Christian J.
Published: July 2018

The blue carbon paradigm has evolved in recognition of the high carbon storage and sequestration potential of mangrove, saltmarsh and seagrass ecosystems. However, fluxes of the potent greenhouse gases CH
4
and N
2
O, and lateral export of carbon are often overlooked within the blue carbon framework. Here, we show that the export of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and alkalinity is approximately 1.7 times higher than burial as a long-term carbon sink in a subtropical mangrove system. Fluxes of methane offset burial by approximately 6%, while the nitrous oxide sink was approximately 0.5% of burial. Export of dissolved organic carbon and particulate organic carbon to the coastal zone is also significant and combined may account for an atmospheric carbon sink similar to burial. Our results indicate that the export of DIC and alkalinity results in a long-term atmospheric carbon sink and should be incorporated into the blue carbon paradigm when assessing the role of these habitats in sequestering carbon and mitigating climate change.
Plumage coloration and social context influence male investment in song
Authors: Henderson L. J. , Brazeal Kathleen R. , Hahn Thomas P.
Published: July 2018

Animals use multiple signals to attract mates, including elaborate song, brightly coloured ornaments and physical displays. Female birds often prefer both elaborate male song and intense carotenoid-based plumage coloration. This could lead less visually ornamented males to increase song production to maximize their attractiveness to females. We tested this possibility in the highly social and non-territorial house finch (
Haemorhous mexicanus
), in which females discriminate among males based on both song and on the intensity of red carotenoid-based plumage coloration. We manipulated male plumage coloration through carotenoid supplementation during moult, so that males were either red or yellow. Males were then housed under three social environments: (i) all red birds, (ii) all yellow birds or (iii) a mixture of red/yellow birds. We recorded song after presentation of a female. Red males produced more song than yellow males. But when yellow males were housed with red conspecifics, they produced more song relative to yellow males housed with equally unattractive yellow males. This study provides novel evidence that a male's plumage coloration and the plumage colour of his social competitors influence investment in song.
Greater wealth inequality, less polygyny: rethinking the polygyny threshold model
Authors: Ross Cody T. , Borgerhoff Mulder Monique , Oh Seung-Yun , Bowles Samuel , Beheim Bret , Bunce John , Caudell Mark , Clark Gregory , Colleran Heidi , Cortez Carmen , Draper Patricia , Greaves Russell D. , Gurven Michael , Headland Thomas , Headland Janet , Hill Kim , Hewlett Barry , Kaplan Hillard S. , Koster Jeremy , Kramer Karen , Marlowe Frank , McElreath Richard , Nolin David , Quinlan Marsha , Quinlan Robert , Revilla-Minaya Caissa , Scelza Brooke , Schacht Ryan , Shenk Mary , Uehara Ray , Voland Eckart , Willführ Kai , Winterhalder Bruce , Ziker John
Published: July 2018

Monogamy appears to have become the predominant human mating system with the emergence of highly unequal agricultural populations that replaced relatively egalitarian horticultural populations, challenging the conventional idea—based on the polygyny threshold model—that polygyny should be positively associated with wealth inequality. To address this polygyny paradox, we generalize the standard polygyny threshold model to a mutual mate choice model predicting the fraction of women married polygynously. We then demonstrate two conditions that are jointly sufficient to make monogamy the predominant marriage form, even in highly unequal societies. We assess if these conditions are satisfied using individual-level data from 29 human populations. Our analysis shows that with the shift to stratified agricultural economies: (i) the population frequency of relatively poor individuals increased, increasing wealth inequality, but decreasing the frequency of individuals with sufficient wealth to secure polygynous marriage, and (ii) diminishing marginal fitness returns to additional wives prevent extremely wealthy men from obtaining as many wives as their relative wealth would otherwise predict. These conditions jointly lead to a high population-level frequency of monogamy.
Optimal experimental design for predator–prey functional response experiments
Authors: Zhang Jeff F. , Papanikolaou Nikos E. , Kypraios Theodore , Drovandi Christopher C.
Published: July 2018

Functional response models are important in understanding predator–prey interactions. The development of functional response methodology has progressed from mechanistic models to more statistically motivated models that can account for variance and the over-dispersion commonly seen in the datasets collected from functional response experiments. However, little information seems to be available for those wishing to prepare optimal parameter estimation designs for functional response experiments. It is worth noting that optimally designed experiments may require smaller sample sizes to achieve the same statistical outcomes as non-optimally designed experiments. In this paper, we develop a model-based approach to optimal experimental design for functional response experiments in the presence of parameter uncertainty (also known as a robust optimal design approach). Further, we develop and compare new utility functions which better focus on the statistical efficiency of the designs; these utilities are generally applicable for robust optimal design in other applications (not just in functional response). The methods are illustrated using a beta-binomial functional response model for two published datasets: an experiment involving the freshwater predator
Notonecta glauca
(an aquatic insect) preying on
Asellus aquaticus
(a small crustacean), and another experiment involving a ladybird beetle (
Propylea quatuordecimpunctata
L.) preying on the black bean aphid (
Aphis fabae
Scopoli). As a by-product, we also derive necessary quantities to perform optimal design for beta-binomial regression models, which may be useful in other applications.
A reversible fluorescent probe for monitoring Ag(I) ions
Authors: Lim Zelong , Smith David G. , Kolanowski Jacek L. , Mattison Rebecca L. , Knowles Jonathan C. , Baek Song-Yi , Chrzanowski Wojciech , New Elizabeth J.
Published: July 2018

Silver-containing nanomaterials are of interest for their antibiotic properties, for a wide range of applications from medicine to consumer products. However, much remains to be learnt about the degradation of such materials and their effects on human health. While most analyses involve measurement of total silver levels, it is important also to be able to measure concentrations of active free Ag(I) ions. We report here the preparation of a coumarin-based probe, thiocoumarin silver sensor 1 (
TcAg1
), that responds reversibly to the addition of silver ions through the appearance of a new fluorescence emission peak at 565 nm. Importantly, this peak is not observed in the presence of Hg(II), a common interferent in Ag(I) sensing. To establish the utility of this sensor, we prepared silver-doped phosphate glasses with demonstrated bactericidal properties, and observed the Ag(I) release from these glasses in solutions of different ionic strength.
TcAg1
is therefore a useful tool for the study of the environmental and medical effects of silver-containing materials.
Mapping movement, mood, motivation and mentation in the subthalamic nucleus
Authors: Gourisankar Amritha , Eisenstein Sarah A. , Trapp Nicholas T. , Koller Jonathan M. , Campbell Meghan C. , Ushe Mwiza , Perlmutter Joel S. , Hershey Tamara , Black Kevin J.
Published: July 2018

The anatomical connections of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) have driven hypotheses about its functional anatomy, including the hypothesis that the precise anatomical location of STN deep brain stimulation (DBS) contributes to the variability of motor and non-motor responses across patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). We previously tested the hypothesis using a three-dimensional (3D) statistical method to interpret the acute effects of unilateral DBS at each patient's clinically optimized DBS settings and active contact. Here, we report a similar analysis from a new study in which DBS parameters were standardized and DBS locations were chosen blind to clinical response. In 74 individuals with PD and STN DBS, STN contacts were selected near the dorsal and ventral borders of the STN contralateral to the more affected side of the body. Participants were tested off PD medications in each of three unilateral DBS conditions (ventral STN DBS, dorsal STN DBS and DBS off) for acute effects on mood, apathy, working memory, response inhibition and motor function. Voltage, frequency and pulse width were standardized, and participants and raters were blind to condition. In a categorical analysis, both dorsal and ventral STN DBS improved mean motor function without affecting cognitive measures. Ventral STN DBS induced greater improvement in rigidity and anxiety than dorsal STN DBS. In the 3D analysis, contact location was significant for body hypokinesia, rigidity and resting tremor, with the greatest improvement occurring with DBS in dorsal STN and zona incerta. The 3D results provide new, direct functional evidence for the anatomically derived model of STN, in which motor function is best represented in dorsal STN. However, our data suggest that functional segregation between motor and non-motor areas of the STN is limited, because locations that induced improvements in motor function and mood overlapped substantially.
New sporopollenin-based β-cyclodextrin functionalized magnetic hybrid adsorbent for magnetic solid-phase extraction of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs from water samples
Authors: Syed Yaacob Syed Fariq Fathullah , Kamboh Muhammad Afzal , Wan Ibrahim Wan Aini , Mohamad Sharifah
Published: July 2018

A magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) procedure on the newly synthesized magnetic β-cyclodextrin functionalized with toluene diisocyanate (TDI) as a linker and further modified with bio-polymeric spores of sporopollenin (MSp-TDI-βCD), was developed for the extraction of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), namely, indoprofen (INP), ketoprofen (KTP), ibuprofen (IBP) and fenoprofen (FNP) from water samples prior to their HPLC-DAD determination. The newly synthesized MSp-TDI-βCD was comprehensibly characterized using FT-IR, XRD, SEM-EDX, BET and VSM analyses. The separation of selected NSAIDs on MSp-TDI-βCD from aqueous solution was simply achieved by applying an external magnetic field via a permanent magnet. The MSPE parameters affecting extraction performance, i.e. sorbent dosage, sample volume, extraction and desorption time, type of organic eluent and volume and solution pH were investigated and optimized. The proposed method showed linear range between 0.5 and 500 ng ml
−1
, low limit of detection at S/N = 3 (0.16–0.37 ng ml
−1
) and limit of quantification at S/N = 10 (0.53–1.22 ng ml
−1
). The inter-day (
n =
 15) and intra-day (
n =
 5) precision for the proposed methods given by relative standard deviation (RSD%) was in the range of 2.5–4.0 and 2.1–5.5, respectively. The extraction recoveries of NSAIDs from environmental samples (tap, drinking and river water) ranged from 92.5% to 123.6%, with satisfactory precision (RSD% less than 12.4%).
Digital trade coin: towards a more stable digital currency
Authors: Lipton Alex , Hardjono Thomas , Pentland Alex
Published: July 2018

We study the evolution of ideas related to creation of asset-backed currencies over the last 200 years and argue that recent developments related to distributed ledger technologies and blockchains give asset-backed currencies a new lease of life. We propose a practical mechanism combining novel technological breakthroughs with well-established hedging techniques for building an asset-backed transactional oriented cryptocurrency, which we call the digital trade coin (DTC). We show that in its mature state, the DTC can serve as a much-needed counterpoint to fiat reserve currencies of today.