bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of enological tannin addition on astringency subqualities and phenolic content of red wines
Authors: Rinaldi A. , Moio L.
Published: April 2018

Four Italian red wine varieties (Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Barbera, Nero d'Avola) were used to investigate the effect of enological tannins on astringency characteristics and phenolic content of red wines. Wines were treated with three tannins of different origins (G = grape, E= oak, and P = exotic wood) at two concentrations (10, 20 g/hl) and aged for 1 year. Wines were evaluated for astringency and for 16 subqualities using check‐all‐that‐apply questions. In addition, polymeric pigments, tannins, flavans, total anthocyanins, and color parameters were analyzed. Enological tannin promoted color stability by pigmented polymers formation. Astringency intensity was not enhanced, even better an improvement of mouthfeel sensations was achieved with wood‐derived tannins. Multivariate analysis revealed a great influence of the variety on astringency and phenolic characteristics of wines. Therefore, the initial phenolic composition of wine seems to be the main driver of the evolution of wine during aging.

Practical applications

Tannin addition is an enological practice widely widespread because of many economical benefits. The use of enological tannins during aging can contribute to color stabilization and to an improvement of astringency subqualities of wines. Training on astringency subqualities with touch standards coupled with the check‐all‐that‐apply questions can provide an interesting way to reveal the different aspects of red wine astringency. Despite high astringency and high phenolic content, a wine may present desirable subqualities which can improve wine experience. Finally, a tailored use of enological tannins depends on wine variety.
Processing traits and digestibility of extruded dog foods with soy protein concentrate
Authors: Venturini K. S. , Sarcinelli M. F. , Baller M. A. , Putarov T. C. , Malheiros E. B. , Carciofi A. C.
Published: April 2018

Soya bean protein concentrate (SPC) with two particle sizes were evaluated on extrusion parameters, kibble formation, digestibility and palatability of dog foods. Eight diets were extruded:PBM—control diet based on poultry by‐product meal (PBM);GM—a diet in which corn gluten meal (GM) replaced 45% of the diet protein;cSPC15%,cSPC30% andcSPC45%—diets in whichSPCof coarse particle size (600 μm) replaced 15%, 30% and 45% of the diet protein; andsSPC15%,sSPC30% andsSPC45%—diets in whichSPCof small particle size (200 μm) replaced 15%, 30% and 45% of the diet protein. The digestibility of nutrients was evaluated for thePBM,GM,cSPC45% andsSPC45% diets, using six dogs per food. ThePBM,GMandcSPC45% diets were compared for palatability. Data were submitted for analysis of variance, and the means were compared by polynomial contrasts or Tukey's test (p < .05). ThecSPCincreased the specific mechanical energy (SME) application, extrusion temperature and pressure linearly, resulting in lower kibble density and higher expansion and starch gelatinization (SG) (p < .01). When comparing thePBM,GM,cSPC45% andsSPC45% diets, higherSME, extrusion temperature and pressure,SGand kibble expansion were verified for thecSPC45% diet (p < .05). TheDM, fat and crude protein digestibility were similar among diets. FaecalpH, ammonia and lactate did not differ, demonstrating that the removal of oligosaccharides and soluble non‐starch polysaccharides ofSPCproduces an ingredient with mostly non‐fermentable fibre. Dogs preferred thePBMto theGMdiet (p < .05), but consumed thePBMandcSPC45% foods equally. In conclusion,SPCexhibited good extrusion functionality, favouring kibble expansion andSG, with high digestibility, similar to that ofPBM. The removal of soluble compounds from soya beans resulted in an ingredient with low fermentable fibre content, which did not alter faecal formation or characteristics.
An unusual case of anemia in a cardiac transplant recipient
Authors: Lehto Elizabeth , Raj Ashok , Sparks Joshua
Published: April 2018

Anemia is a well‐described comorbidity in patients with heart failure and has been associated with decreased survival rates after heart transplant. The causes of anemia are broad, and identification of the underlying etiology is critical for management. Herein, we report an unusual case of severe anemia complicating cardiac transplantation.
Consensus minimum data set for lung cancer multidisciplinary teams: Results of a Delphi process
Authors: Stone Emily , Rankin Nicole , Phillips Jane , Fong Kwun , Currow David C. , Miller Alistair , Largey Geraldine , Zielinski Robert , Flynn Peter , Shaw Tim
Published: April 2018

Background and objective

While multidisciplinary team (MDT) care in lung cancer is widely practiced, there are few guidelines for MDT on best data collection strategies. MDT meetings need ready access to information for the provision of optimal treatment recommendations (the primary purpose of the meeting), audit of team performance and benchmarking. This study aimed to develop a practical data set designed for these goals through a recognized consensus process with health professionals who participate in formal MDT settings.

Methods

A modified Delphi process with three iterations (two surveys and one consensus conference) was carried out involving over 100 Australian lung cancer MDT health professionals.

Results

In total, 122 lung cancer MDT health professionals responded to the Round 1 survey from over 350 invitees. Of the 122, 98 were available for invitation to Round 2. Of 98, 52 (53%) invitees responded to the Round 2 survey. After two rounds, 51 data elements across 8 domains (patient demographics, risk factors, biopsy data, staging, timeliness, treatment, follow‐up and patient selection) achieved consensus, defined as 80% agreement. For Round 3, 33 MDT lead clinicians were invited to participate in a consensus conference. Of 33, 14 (42%) invitees distilled the 47 data elements into 23 elements across 8 domains to address the study objectives.

Conclusion

A practical data set for lung cancer MDT to use for optimal treatment recommendations and to evaluate team performance was developed through recognized consensus methodology. Access to streamlined, relevant and feasible data collection strategies may improve MDT decision‐making, audit of team performance and facilitate benchmarking.
The Effect of Geographic Proximity to Unconventional Oil and Gas Development on Public Support for Hydraulic Fracturing
Authors: Boudet Hilary S. , Zanocco Chad M. , Howe Peter D. , Clarke Christopher E.
Published: April 2018

With the rapid growth of unconventional oil and natural gas development transforming the U.S. economic and physical landscape, social scientists have increasingly explored the spatial dynamics of public support for this issue—that is, whether people closer to unconventional oil and gas development are more supportive or more opposed. While theoretical frameworks like construal‐level theory and the “Not in My Backyard” (or NIMBY) moniker provide insight into these spatial dynamics, case studies in specific locations experiencing energy development reveal substantial variation in community responses. Larger‐scale studies exploring the link between proximity and support have been hampered by data quality and availability. We draw on a unique data set that includes geo‐coded data from national surveys (nine waves; n = 19,098) and high‐resolution well location data to explore the relationship between proximity and both familiarity with and support for hydraulic fracturing. We use two different measures of proximity—respondent distance to the nearest well and the density of wells within a certain radius of the respondent's location. We find that both types of proximity to new development are linked to more familiarity with hydraulic fracturing, even after controlling for various individual and contextual factors, but only distance‐based proximity is linked to more support for the practice. When significant, these relationships are similar to or exceed the effects of race, income, gender, and age. We discuss the implications of these findings for effective risk communication as well as the importance of incorporating spatial analysis into public opinion research on perceptions of energy development.
Enhancing data privacy with semantic trajectories: A raster‐based framework for GPS stop/move management
Authors: Wang Yang , McArthur David
Published: April 2018

Tracking facilities on smartphones generate enormous amounts of GPS trajectories, which provide new opportunities to study movement patterns and improve transportation planning. Converting GPS trajectories into semantically meaningful trips is attracting increasing research effort with respect to the development of algorithms, frameworks, and software tools. There are, however, few works focused on designing new semantic enrichment functionalities taking privacy into account. This article presents a raster‐based framework which not only detects significant stop locations, segments GPS records into stop/move structures, and brings semantic insights to trips, but also provides possibilities to anonymize users’ movements and sensitive stay/move locations into raster cells/regions so that a multi‐level data sharing structure is achieved for a variety of data sharing purposes.
Empower English Teachers With Corpus in EFL Classroom
Authors: Wang Xiuwen , Liu Changjiang , Wang Yanan
Published: April 2018

English teachers in EFL classroom are faced with the following situations like rapid development of technology and network, together with the changing ideas of teaching and learning, more quick and critical students as well. Corpus and concordances can provide them with feasibility and possibility for mobile, experienced teaching and learning. This paper attempts to give some hints on the methods and strategies of teaching via corpus and concordances, upon which a model for teaching and learning is proposed.
Rapid adaptation to foreign-accented speech and its transfer to an unfamiliar talker
Authors: Xie Xin , Weatherholtz Kodi , Bainton Larisa , Rowe Emily , Burchill Zachary , Liu Linda , Jaeger T. Florian
Published: April 2018

How fast can listeners adapt to unfamiliar foreign accents? Clarke and Garrett [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 116, 3647–3658 (2004)] (CG04) reported that native-English listeners adapted to foreign-accented English within a minute, demonstrating improved processing of spoken words. In two web-based experiments that closely follow the design of CG04, the effects of rapid accent adaptation are examined and its generalization is explored across talkers. Experiment 1 replicated the core finding of CG04 that initial perceptual difficulty with foreign-accented speech can be attenuated rapidly by a brief period of exposure to an accented talker. Importantly, listeners showed both faster (replicating CG04) and more accurate (extending CG04) comprehension of this talker. Experiment 2 revealed evidence that such adaptation transferred to a different talker of a same accent. These results highlight the rapidity of short-term accent adaptation and raise new questions about the underlying mechanism. It is suggested that the web-based paradigm provides a useful tool for investigations in speech adaptation.
Acoustic vaporization threshold of lipid-coated perfluoropentane droplets
Authors: Aliabouzar Mitra , Kumar Krishna N. , Sarkar Kausik
Published: April 2018

Phase shift droplets vaporizable by acoustic stimulation offer the advantages of producing microbubbles as contrast agents in situ as well as higher stability and the possibility of achieving smaller sizes. Here, the acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) threshold of a suspension of droplets with a perfluoropentane (PFP) core (diameter 400–3000 nm) is acoustically measured as a function of the excitation frequency in a tubeless setup at room temperature. The changes in scattered responses—fundamental, sub-, and second harmonic—are investigated, a quantitative criterion is used to determine the ADV phenomenon, and findings are discussed. The average threshold obtained using three different scattered components increases with frequency—1.05 ± 0.28 MPa at 2.25 MHz, 1.89 ± 0.57 MPa at 5 MHz, and 2.34 ± 0.014 MPa at 10 MHz. The scattered response from vaporized droplets was also found to qualitatively match with that from an independently prepared lipid-coated microbubble suspension in magnitude as well as trends above the determined ADV threshold value.
Magnetic resonance imaging based anatomical assessment of tongue impairment due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A preliminary study
Authors: Lee Euna , Xing Fangxu , Ahn Sung , Reese Timothy G. , Wang Ruopeng , Green Jordan R. , Atassi Nazem , Wedeen Van J. , El Fakhri Georges , Woo Jonghye
Published: April 2018

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurological disorder, which impairs tongue function for speech and swallowing. A widely used Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) analysis pipeline is employed for quantifying differences in tongue fiber myoarchitecture between controls and ALS patients. This pipeline uses both high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (hMRI) and DTI. hMRI is used to delineate tongue muscles, while DTI provides indices to reveal fiber connectivity within and between muscles. The preliminary results using five controls and two patients show quantitative differences between the groups. This work has the potential to provide insights into the detrimental effects of ALS on speech and swallowing.
Differential expression of voltage-gated sodium channels in afferent neurons renders selective neural block by ionic direct current
Authors: Yang Fei , Anderson Michael , He Shaoqiu , Stephens Kimberly , Zheng Yu , Chen Zhiyong , Raja Srinivasa N. , Aplin Felix , Guan Yun , Fridman Gene
Published: April 2018

Researchers investigate the use of ionic direct current to reverse the standard neural stimulation recruitment order.
Spooked neutrophils unmask sepsis
Authors: Au Sam H.
Published: April 2018

Microfluidic mazes detect sepsis in patients by monitoring neutrophil motility patterns.
Reciprocal Effects of Antiretroviral Drugs Used To Treat HIV Infection on the Fibroblast Growth Factor 21/β-Klotho System
Authors: Moure Ricardo , Domingo Pere , Villarroya Joan , Gasa Laura , Gallego-Escuredo José M. , Quesada-López Tania , Morón-Ros Samantha , Maroto Alberto F. , Mateo Gracia M. , Domingo Joan C. , Villarroya Francesc , Giralt Marta
Published: April 2018

Following antiretroviral therapy, HIV-infected patients show increased circulating levels of the antidiabetic hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). In contrast, the expression of the FGF21-obligatory coreceptor β-Klotho (KLB) is reduced in target tissues. This situation is comparable to the FGF21 resistance status observed in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Here, we performed the first systematic study of the effects of distinct members of different antiretroviral drug classes on the FGF21/KLB system in human hepatic, adipose, and skeletal muscle cells. Most protease inhibitors and the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor efavirenz induced FGF21 gene expression. Neither nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors nor the viral entry inhibitor maraviroc had any effect. Among the integrase inhibitors, elvitegravir significantly induced FGF21 expression, whereas raltegravir had minor effects only in adipose cells. In human hepatocytes and adipocytes, known target cells of FGF21 action, efavirenz, elvitegravir, and the lopinavir-ritonavir combination exerted inhibitory effects on KLB gene expression. Drug treatments that elicited FGF21 induction/KLB repression were those found to induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and oxidative stress. Notably, the pharmacological agents thapsigargin and tunicamycin, which induce these stress pathways, mimicked the effects of drug treatments. Moreover, pharmacological inhibitors of either ER or oxidative stress significantly impaired lopinavir–ritonavir-induced regulation of FGF21, but not KLB. In conclusion, the presentin vitroscreen study identifies the antiretroviral drugs that affect FGF21/KLB expression in human cells. The present results could have important implications for the management of comorbidities resulting from side effects of specific antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of HIV-infected patients.
Genome Sequence of a Multidrug-Resistant Candida haemulonii Isolate from a Patient with Chronic Leg Ulcers in Israel
Authors: Chow Nancy A. , Gade Lalitha , Batra Dhwani , Rowe Lori A. , Juieng Phalasy , Ben-Ami Ronen , Loparev Vladimir N. , Litvintseva Anastasia P.
Published: April 2018

Candida haemulonii
is an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast that can cause invasive candidiasis. Here, we report the first genome sequence of
C. haemulonii
(isolate B11899) generated using PacBio sequencing technology. The estimated genome size was 13.3 Mb, with a GC content of 45.19%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Aeromonas cavernicola sp. nov. DSM 24474
T
, Isolated from a Cavern Brook in the Moravia Region of the Czech Republic
Authors: Colston S. M. , Navarro A. , Martinez-Murcia A. J. , Graf J.
Published: April 2018

Species of the
Aeromonas
genus can be found in numerous environmental milieus, including various water sources, and some species cause disease in animals. We present here the draft genome sequence for
Aeromonas cavernicola
DSM 24474
T
, a novel species isolated from a freshwater brook within a cavern in the Czech Republic.
Draft Genome Sequences of Four Strains of Recently Established Novel Veillonella Species Isolated from Human Oral Cavities
Authors: Mashima Izumi , Liao Yu-Chieh , Sabharwal Amarpreet , Haase Elaine M. , Nakazawa Futoshi , Scannapieco Frank A.
Published: April 2018

Veillonella
species are known to contribute to the formation of early oral biofilms and tend to be prevalent in people with poor oral hygiene status. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of 4 oral
Veillonella
strains that were established recently as novel species.
Draft Genome Sequences of New Genomospecies “
Candidatus
Pectobacterium maceratum” Strains, Which Cause Soft Rot in Plants
Authors: Shirshikov Fedor V. , Korzhenkov Aleksei A. , Miroshnikov Kirill K. , Kabanova Anastasia P. , Barannik Alla P. , Ignatov Alexander N. , Miroshnikov Konstantin A.
Published: April 2018

Investigation of collections of phytopathogenic bacteria has revealed some strains distinct from known
Pectobacterium
spp. We report here the draft genome sequences of five such strains, isolated during the period of 1947 to 2012. Based on comparative genomics, we propose a new candidate genomospecies of the genus
Pectobacterium
, “
Candidatus
Pectobacterium maceratum.”
Draft Genome Sequences of 12 Clinical and Environmental Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Strains Isolated from a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Washington State
Authors: Shah Devendra H. , Jones Lisa P. , Paul Narayan , Davis Margaret A.
Published: April 2018

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
(MRSP) is a globally emergent multidrug-resistant pathogen of dogs associated with nosocomial transmission in dogs and with potential zoonotic impacts. Here, we report the draft whole-genome sequences of 12 hospital-associated MRSP strains and their resistance genotypes and phenotypes.
Guidelines for using animal models in blast injury research
Authors: Watts Sarah , Kirkman E , Bieler D , Bjarnason S , Franke A , Gupta R , Leggieri Jr M J , Orru H , Ouellet S , Philippens M , Sarron J-C , Skriudalen S , Teland J A , Risling M , Cernak I
Published: April 2018

Blast injury is a very complex phenomenon and frequently results in multiple injuries. One method to investigate the consequences of blast injuries is with the use of living systems (animal models). The use of animals allows the examination and evaluation of injury mechanisms in a more controlled manner, allowing variables such as primary or secondary blast injury for example, to be isolated and manipulated as required. To ensure a degree of standardisation across the blast research community a set of guidelines which helps researchers navigate challenges of modelling blast injuries in animals is required. This paper describes the guidelines for Using Animal Models in Blast Injury Research developed by the NATO Health Factors and Medicine (HFM) Research Task Group 234.
Mycobacterial infection influences bone biomarker levels in patients with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Naser Amna , Qasem Ahmad , Naser Saleh A.
Published: April 2018

Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) have higher risk for osteoporosis following decreased level of osteocalcin. We hypothesize that active inflammation following Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infection results in elevation of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) and downregulation of active osteocalcin in CD patients and cow-disease model (Johne’s disease). In this study, we measured ucOC, active osteocalcin, and calcium levels in sera from 42 cattle (21 infected with MAP and 21 healthy cattle), 18 CD patients, and 20 controls. The level of ucOC in MAP+ bovine samples was higher than that in MAP− controls (318 ± 57.2 nmol/mL vs. 289 ± 95.8 nmol/mL, P > 0.05). Consequently, mean calcium level in bovine MAP+ was significantly higher than that in bovine-MAP− samples (9.98 ± 0.998 mg/dL vs. 7.65 ± 2.12 mg/dL, P < 0.05). Also, the level of ucOC was higher in CD-MAP+ than in CD-MAP− (561 ± 23.7 nmol/mL vs. 285 ± 19.6 nmol/mL, P < 0.05). Interestingly, the mean osteocalcin level in MAP+ bovine was lower than that in MAP− bovine (797 ± 162 pg/mL vs. 1190 ± 43 pg/mL) and it was lower in CD-MAP+ than in CD-MAP− infection (1.89 ± 0.184 ng/mL vs. 2.19 ± 0.763 ng/mL) (P < 0.05). The correlation between MAP infection and elevation of sera ucOC, reduction of active osteocalcin and increased calcium supports MAP infection role in CD and complications with osteoporosis.
On the Density of Context-Free and Counter Languages
Authors: Eremondi Joey , Ibarra Oscar H. , McQuillan Ian
Published: April 2018

A language [Formula: see text] is said to be dense if every word in the universe is an infix of some word in [Formula: see text]. This notion has been generalized from the infix operation to arbitrary word operations [Formula: see text] in place of the infix operation ([Formula: see text]-dense, with infix-dense being the standard notion of dense). It is shown here that it is decidable, for a language [Formula: see text] accepted by a one-way nondeterministic reversal-bounded pushdown automaton, whether [Formula: see text] is infix-dense. However, it becomes undecidable for both deterministic pushdown automata (with no reversal-bound), and for nondeterministic one-counter automata. When examining suffix-density, it is undecidable for more restricted families such as deterministic one-counter automata that make three reversals on the counter, but it is decidable with less reversals. Other decidability results are also presented on dense languages, and contrasted with a marked version called [Formula: see text]-marked-density. Also, new languages are demonstrated to be outside various deterministic language families after applying different deletion operations from smaller families. Lastly, bounded-dense languages are defined and examined.
Minimal Reversible Deterministic Finite Automata
Authors: Holzer Markus , Jakobi Sebastian , Kutrib Martin
Published: April 2018

We study reversible deterministic finite automata (REV-DFAs), that are partial deterministic finite automata whose transition function induces an injective mapping on the state set for every letter of the input alphabet. We give a structural characterization of regular languages that can be accepted by REV-DFAs. This characterization is based on the absence of a forbidden pattern in the (minimal) deterministic state graph. Again with a forbidden pattern approach, we also show that the minimality of REV-DFAs among all equivalent REV-DFAs can be decided. Both forbidden pattern characterizations give rise to [Formula: see text]-complete decision algorithms. In fact, our techniques allow us to construct the minimal REV-DFA for a given minimal DFA. These considerations lead to asymptotic upper and lower bounds on the conversion from DFAs to REV-DFAs. Thus, almost all problems that concern uniqueness and the size of minimal REV-DFAs are solved.
Volatility Forecast by Volatility Index and Its Use as a Risk Management Tool Under a Value-at-Risk Approach
Authors: Siu Yam Wing
Published: April 2018

This paper examines the predicting power of the volatility indexes of VIX and VHSI on the future volatilities (or called realized volatility, [Formula: see text] of their respective underlying indexes of S&P500 Index, SPX and Hang Seng Index, HSI. It is found that volatilities indexes of VIX and VHSI, on average, are numerically greater than the realized volatilities of SPX and HSI, respectively. Further analysis indicates that realized volatility, if used for pricing options, would, on some occasions, result in greatest losses of 2.21% and 1.91% of the spot price of SPX and HSI, respectively while the greatest profits are 2.56% and 2.93% of the spot price of SPX and HSI, respectively, making it not an ideal benchmark for validating volatility forecasting techniques in relation to option pricing. Hence, a new benchmark (fair volatility, [Formula: see text] that considers the premium of option and the cost of dynamic hedging the position is proposed accordingly. It reveals that, on average, options priced by volatility indexes contain a risk premium demanded by the option sellers. However, the options could, on some occasions, result in greatest losses of 4.85% and 3.60% of the spot price of SPX and HSI, respectively while the greatest profits are 4.60% and 5.49% of the spot price of SPX and HSI, respectively. Nevertheless, it can still be a valuable tool for risk management. [Formula: see text]-values of various significance levels for value-at-risk and conditional value-at-value have been statistically determined for US, Hong Kong, Australia, India, Japan and Korea markets.
A Serious Game for Anesthesia-Based Crisis Resource Management Training
Authors: Shewaga Robert , Uribe-Quevedo Alvaro , Kapralos Bill , Lee Kenneth , Alam Fahad
Published: April 2018

Simulation-based training has been widely adopted in medical education as a tool in the practice and development of skills within a safe, controlled, and monitored environment. However, significant cost and logistical challenges exist within traditional simulation practices. The rising popularity of gaming has seen the wide application of serious games to medical education and training. Serious gaming (and virtual simulation in general) offers a viable alternative to traditional training practices, offering students/trainees the opportunity to train until they reach a specific competency level in a safe, interactive, engaging, and cost-effective manner for effective skills transfer to the real world. Here we present a serious game for anesthesia-based crisis resource management (ACRM) training. The ACRM serious game provides trainees the opportunity to react to a simulated medical emergency within a virtual operating room while providing an interactive, and engaging training experience. Results of an experiment that was conducted to examine the usability (the ease of use of the serious game and its interface) of the serious game, and its ability to engage trainees, indicate that although improvements to the user interface can be made, it shows promise as an immersive and engaging complementary training tool.
Hidden Work and the Challenges of Scalability and Sustainability in Ambulatory Assisted Living
Authors: Procter Rob , Wherton Joe , Greenhalgh Trisha
Published: April 2018

Assisted living technologies may help people live independently while also—potentially—reducing health and care costs. But they are notoriously difficult to implement at scale and many devices are abandoned following initial adoption. We report findings from a study of global positioning system (GPS) tracking devices intended to support the independent living of people with cognitive impairment. Our aims were threefold: to understand (through ethnography) such individuals’ lived experience of GPS tracking; to facilitate (through action research) the customization and adaptation of technologies and care services to provide effective, ongoing support; and to explore the possibilities for a co-production methodology that would enable people with cognitive impairment and their families to work with professionals and technical designers to shape these devices and services to meet their particular needs in a sustainable way. We found that the articulation work needed for maintaining the GPS technology in “working order” was extensive and ongoing. This articulation work does not merely supplement formal procedures, a lot of it is needed to get round them, but it is also often invisible and thus its importance goes largely unrecognized. If GPS technologies are to be implemented at scale and sustainably, methods must be found to capitalize on the skills and tacit knowledge held within the care network (professional and lay) to resolve problems, improve device design, devise new service solutions, and foster organizational learning.
Interactive Sports Analytics
Authors: Sha Long , Lucey Patrick , Yue Yisong , Wei Xinyu , Hobbs Jennifer , Rohlf Charlie , Sridharan Sridha
Published: April 2018

Analytics in professional sports has experienced a dramatic growth in the last decade due to the wide deployment of player and ball tracking systems in team sports, such as basketball and soccer. With the massive amount of fine-grained data being generated, new data-points are being generated, which can shed light on player and team performance. However, due to the complexity of plays in continuous sports, these data-points often lack the specificity and context to enable meaningful retrieval and analytics. In this article, we present an intelligent human--computer interface that utilizes trajectories instead of words, which enables specific play retrieval in sports. Various techniques of alignment, templating, and hashing were utilized by our system and they are tailored to multi-agent scenario so that interactive speeds can be achieved. We conduct a user study to compare our method to the conventional keywords-based system and the results show that our method significantly improves the retrieval quality. We also show how our interface can be utilized for broadcast purposes, where a user can draw and interact with trajectories on a broadcast view using computer vision techniques. Additionally, we show that our method can also be used for interactive analytics of player performance, which enables the users to move players around and see how performance changes as a function of position and proximity to other players.
Medulloblastoma: From Molecular Subgroups to Molecular Targeted Therapies
Authors: Wang Jun , Garancher Alexandra , Ramaswamy Vijay , Wechsler-Reya Robert J.
Published: April 2018

Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children, and medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. Advances in surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have improved the survival of MB patients. But despite these advances, 25–30% of patients still die from the disease, and survivors suffer severe long-term side effects from the aggressive therapies they receive. Although MB is often considered a single disease, molecular profiling has revealed a significant degree of heterogeneity, and there is a growing consensus that MB consists of multiple subgroups with distinct driver mutations, cells of origin, and prognosis. Here, we review recent progress in MB research, with a focus on the genes and pathways that drive tumorigenesis, the animal models that have been developed to study tumor biology, and the advances in conventional and targeted therapy.
Adipose cell size: importance in health and disease
Authors: Stenkula Karin G. , Erlanson-Albertsson Charlotte
Published: April 2018

Adipose tissue is necessary to harbor energy. To handle excess energy, adipose tissue expands by increasing adipocyte size (hypertrophy) and number (hyperplasia). Here, we have summarized the different experimental techniques used to study adipocyte cell size and describe adipocyte size in relation to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and diet interventions. Hypertrophic adipocytes have an impaired cellular function, and inherent mechanisms restrict their expansion to protect against cell breakage and subsequent inflammation. Reduction of large fat cells by diet restriction, physical activity, or bariatric surgery therefore is necessary to improve cellular function and health. Small fat cells may also be dysfunctional and unable to expand. The distribution and function of the entire cell size range of fat cells, from small to very large fat cells, are an important but understudied aspect of adipose tissue biology. To prevent dysmetabolism, therapeutic strategies to expand small fat cells, recruit new fat cells, and reduce large fat cells are needed.
Expression of ILK in renal stroma is essential for multiple aspects of renal development
Authors: Gong Xiaohui , Guo Xiaoxia , Huang Ru , Liao Huimin , Zhang Qingquan , Yan Jie , Luo Lina , Zhang Qitong , Qiu Andong , Sun Yunfu , Liang Xingqun
Published: April 2018

Kidney development involves reciprocal and inductive interactions between the ureteric bud (UB) and surrounding metanephric mesenchyme. Signals from renal stromal lineages are essential for differentiation and patterning of renal epithelial and mesenchymal cell types and renal vasculogenesis; however, underlying mechanisms remain not fully understood. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK), a key component of integrin signaling pathway, plays an important role in kidney development. However, the role of ILK in renal stroma remains unknown. Here, we ablated ILK in renal stromal lineages using a platelet-derived growth factor receptor B ( Pdgfrb) -Cre mouse line, and the resulting Ilk mutant mice presented postnatal growth retardation and died within 3 wk of age with severe renal developmental defects. Pdgfrb-Cre;Ilk mutant kidneys exhibited a significant decrease in UB branching and disrupted collecting duct formation. From E16.5 onward, renal interstitium was disorganized, forming medullary interstitial pseudocysts. Pdgfrb-Cre;Ilk mutants exhibited renal vasculature mispatterning and impaired glomerular vascular differentiation. Impaired glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor/Ret and bone morphogenetic protein 7 signaling pathways were observed in Pdgfrb-Cre;Ilk mutant kidneys. Furthermore, phosphoproteomic and Western blot analyses revealed a significant dysregulation of a number of key signaling pathways required for kidney morphogenesis, including PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK in Pdgfrb-Cre;Ilk mutants. Our results revealed a critical requirement for ILK in renal-stromal and vascular development, as well as a noncell autonomous role of ILK in UB branching morphogenesis.
The caudal fastigial nucleus and the steering of saccades toward a moving visual target
Authors: Bourrelly Clara , Quinet Julie , Goffart Laurent
Published: April 2018

The caudal fastigial nuclei (cFN) are the output nuclei by which the medio-posterior cerebellum influences the production of visual saccades. We investigated in two head-restrained monkeys their contribution to the generation of interceptive saccades toward a target moving centrifugally by analyzing the consequences of a unilateral inactivation (10 injection sessions). We describe here the effects on saccades made toward a centrifugal target that moved along the horizontal meridian with a constant (10, 20, or 40°/s), increasing (from 0 to 40°/s over 600 ms), or decreasing (from 40 to 0°/s over 600 ms) speed. After muscimol injection, the monkeys were unable to foveate the current location of the moving target. The horizontal amplitude of interceptive saccades was reduced during contralesional target motions and hypermetric during ipsilesional ones. For both contralesional and ipsilesional saccades, the magnitude of dysmetria increased with target speed. However, the use of accelerating and decelerating targets revealed that the dependence of dysmetria upon target velocity was not due to the current velocity but to the required amplitude of saccade. We discuss these results in the framework of two hypotheses, the so-called “dual drive” and “bilateral” hypotheses.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Unilateral inactivation of the caudal fastigial nucleus impairs the accuracy of saccades toward a moving target. Like saccades toward a static target, interceptive saccades are hypometric when directed toward the contralesional side and hypermetric when they are ipsilesional. The dysmetria depends on target velocity, but the use of accelerating or decelerating targets reveals that velocity is not the crucial parameter. We extend the bilateral fastigial control of saccades and fixation to the production of interceptive saccades.
Functional roles of Kv1-mediated currents in genetically identified subtypes of pyramidal neurons in layer 5 of mouse somatosensory cortex
Authors: Guan Dongxu , Pathak Dhruba , Foehring Robert C.
Published: April 2018

We used voltage-clamp recordings from somatic outside-out macropatches to determine the amplitude and biophysical properties of putative Kv1-mediated currents in layer 5 pyramidal neurons (PNs) from mice expressing EGFP under the control of promoters for etv1 or glt. We then used whole cell current-clamp recordings and Kv1-specific peptide blockers to test the hypothesis that Kv1 channels differentially regulate action potential (AP) voltage threshold, repolarization rate, and width as well as rheobase and repetitive firing in these two PN types. We found that Kv1-mediated currents make up a similar percentage of whole cell K+ current in both cell types, and only minor biophysical differences were observed between PN types or between currents sensitive to different Kv1 blockers. Putative Kv1 currents contributed to AP voltage threshold in both PN types, but AP width and rate of repolarization were only affected in etv1 PNs. Kv1 currents regulate rheobase, delay to the first AP, and firing rate similarly in both cell types, but the frequency-current slope was much more sensitive to Kv1 block in etv1 PNs. In both cell types, Kv1 block shifted the current required to elicit an onset doublet of action potentials to lower currents. Spike frequency adaptation was also affected differently by Kv1 block in the two PN types. Thus, despite similar expression levels and minimal differences in biophysical properties, Kv1 channels differentially regulate APs and repetitive firing in etv1 and glt PNs. This may reflect differences in subcellular localization of channel subtypes or differences in the other K+ channels expressed.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In two types of genetically identified layer 5 pyramidal neurons, α-dendrotoxin blocked approximately all of the putative Kv1 current (on average). We used outside-out macropatches and whole cell recordings at 33°C to show that despite similar expression levels and minimal differences in biophysical properties, Kv1 channels differentially regulate action potentials and repetitive firing in etv1 and glt pyramidal neurons. This may reflect differences in subcellular localization of channel subtypes or differences in the other K+ channels expressed.
Glucose Lowering Strategies for Cardiac Benefits: Pathophysiological Mechanisms
Authors: Bajaj Harpreet S. , Zinman Bernard
Published: April 2018

Recent trials in Type 2 diabetes (T2D) have shown cardiovascular benefits with specific GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors. We discuss the landscape of outcome trials in T2D from a pathophysiology viewpoint, review current knowledge gaps in underlying mechanisms, propose a caloric fuel routing hypothesis, and highlight areas of future research.
Forest Canopy Height Estimation Using Multiplatform Remote Sensing Dataset
Authors: Lee Won-Jin , Lee Chang-Wook
Published: April 2018

Recently, numerous studies have attempted to determine forest height using remote sensing techniques that not only have the benefits of fast data acquisition, processing, and analysis but are also cost-effective. However, if there was insufficient data to apply the latest remote sensing techniques, we need to consider many kinds of datasets as possible. In this study, we tried to determine forest height using discrete-return LiDAR data, SRTM, satellite L-band SAR data, and Optical data. We experimented with the differences between LiDAR DSM and DTM, as well as SRTM DSM and LiDAR DTM. In addition, we applied an SBAS algorithm and linear regression to the dataset. From the quantitative evaluation, the RMSE and R2 of the LiDAR-derived forest height (3.22 m and 0.43, resp.) and the SRTM-derived forest height (2.90 m and 0.50, resp.) were both reasonably good, especially when we consider data acquisition time differences and measurement errors in mountainous areas. Moreover, we slightly improved the RMSE and R2 from 2.90 m and 0.50, respectively, to 2.75 m and 0.54, respectively, by correcting the SRTM using the SBAS algorithm. Furthermore, we merged the datasets using linear regression and obtained improved forest heights with RMSE and R2 values of 2.68 m and 0.56, respectively. To generate a forest height map, we used NDVI from Optical imagery and masked heights below 2 m from each sensor. Thus, we excluded urban areas, “bare earth surfaces,” and mountain streams from each sensor’s imagery. Finally, we generated a forest height map by overlapping the datasets. The results of this study indicate that each sensor has the potential for not only determining forest height but also extracting complementary forest area information. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the potential for improvement using the SBAS algorithm and linear regression.
Entropy and Multifractality in Relativistic Ion-Ion Collisions
Authors: Khan Shaista , Ahmad Shakeel
Published: April 2018

Entropy production in multiparticle systems is investigated by analyzing the experimental data on ion-ion collisions at AGS and SPS energies and comparing the findings with those reported earlier for hadron-hadron, hadron-nucleus, and nucleus-nucleus collisions. It is observed that the entropy produced in limited and full phase space, when normalized to maximum rapidity, exhibits a kind of scaling which is nicely supported by Monte Carlo model HIJING. Using Rényi’s order q information entropy, multifractal characteristics of particle production are examined in terms of generalized dimensions, Dq. Nearly the same values of multifractal specific heat, c, observed in hadronic and ion-ion collisions over a wide range of incident energies suggest that the quantity c might be used as a universal characteristic of multiparticle production in hadron-hadron, hadron-nucleus, and nucleus-nucleus collisions. The analysis is extended to the study of spectrum of scaling indices. The findings reveal that Rényi’s order q information entropy could be another way to investigate the fluctuations in multiplicity distributions in terms of spectral function f(α), which has been argued to be a convenient function for comparison sake not only among different experiments but also between the data and theoretical models.
Standardized Duplex Ultrasound-Based Protocol for Early Diagnosis of Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis: Results of a Single-Institution Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Marzi Vincenzo , Campi Riccardo , Sessa Francesco , Pili Alessandro , Vignolini Graziano , Gacci Mauro , Marzocco Michele , Dattolo Eugenio , Minetti Enrico , Santini Mariella , Gatti Massimo , Peris Adriano , Serni Sergio
Published: April 2018

Transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) is the most frequent vascular complication after kidney transplantation (KT) and has been associated with potentially reversible refractory hypertension, graft dysfunction, and reduced patient survival. The aim of the study is to describe the outcomes of a standardized Duplex Ultrasound- (DU-) based screening protocol for early diagnosis of TRAS and for selection of patients potentially requiring endovascular intervention. We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively collected database of KT from January 1998 to select patients diagnosed with TRAS. The follow-up protocol was based on a risk-adapted, dynamic subdivision of eligible KT patients in different risk categories (RC) with different protocol strategies (PS). Of 598 patients included in the study, 52 (9%) patients had hemodynamically significant TRAS and underwent percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) and stent placement. Technical and clinical success rates were 97% and 90%, respectively. 7 cases of restenosis were recorded at follow-up and treated with re-PTA plus stenting. Both DU imaging and clinical parameters improved after stent placement. Prospective high-quality studies are needed to test the efficacy and safety of our protocol in larger series. Accurate trial design and standardized reporting of patient outcomes will be key to address the current clinical needs.
Disparity between High Satisfaction and Severe Pain in Patients after Caesarean Section: A Prospective Observational-Controlled Investigation
Authors: Hesse Thomas , Julich Andreas , Paul James , Hahnenkamp Klaus , Usichenko Taras I.
Published: April 2018

Objectives. Recent advances in the treatment of postoperative pain (POP) have increased the quality of life in surgical patients. The aim of this study was to examine the quality of POP management in patients after CS in comparison with patients after comparable surgical procedures. Methods. This was a prospective observational analysis in patients after CS in comparison with the patients of the same age, who underwent comparable abdominal gynaecological surgeries (GS group) at the university hospital. A standardised questionnaire including pain intensity on the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS-11), incidence of analgesia-related side effects, and incidence of pain interference with the items of quality of life and patients’ satisfaction with the treatment of POP was used. Results. Sixty-four patients after CS reported more pain on movement than the patients after GS (N=63): mean 6.1 versus 3.6 (VRS-11; P<0.001). The patients after CS reported less nausea (8 versus 41%) and vomiting (3 versus 21%; P<0.001) and demonstrated better satisfaction with POP treatment than the patients after GS: 1.4 (0.7) versus 1.7 (0.7) (mean (SD); VRS-5; P=0.02). Conclusion. The disparity between the high level of pain and excellent satisfaction with POP treatment raises the ethical and biomedical considerations of restrictive pharmacological therapy of post-CS pain.
Distributed Particle Flow Filter for Target Tracking in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Junjie , Zhao Lingling , Su Xiaohong
Published: April 2018

We propose, in this paper, a fully distributed tracking algorithm based on particle flow filter over sensor networks based on the max-consensus. The presented distributed particle flow filter is particularly suitable for the sensor network with limited sensing range and consists of two phases: the estimation phase and consensus phase. The local estimation results are obtained via particle flow filter in the estimation phase; then the sensor nodes agree on the best estimation based on max-consensus protocol in the consensus phase. Numerical simulations and comparisons with other distributed target tracking algorithms are carried out to show the effectiveness and feasibility of our approach.