bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autophagy-dependent ribosomal RNA degradation is essential for maintaining nucleotide homeostasis during C. elegans development
Authors: Liu Yubing , Zou Wei , Yang Peiguo , Wang Li , Ma Yan , Zhang Hong , Wang Xiaochen
Published: August 2018

Ribosome degradation through the autophagy-lysosome pathway is crucial for cell survival during nutrient starvation, but whether it occurs under normal growth conditions and contributes to animal physiology remains unaddressed. In this study, we identified RNST-2, a C. elegans T2 family endoribonuclease, as the key enzyme that degrades ribosomal RNA in lysosomes. We found that loss of rnst-2 causes accumulation of rRNA and ribosomal proteins in enlarged lysosomes and both phenotypes are suppressed by blocking autophagy, which indicates that RNST-2 mediates autophagic degradation of ribosomal RNA in lysosomes. rnst-2(lf) mutants are defective in embryonic and larval development and are short-lived. Remarkably, simultaneous loss of RNST-2 and de novo synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides leads to complete embryonic lethality, which is suppressed by supplements of uridine or cytidine. Our study reveals an essential role of autophagy-dependent degradation of ribosomal RNA in maintaining nucleotide homeostasis during animal development.
Rapid Metal‐Free Formation of Free Phosphines from Phosphine Oxides
Authors: Provis‐Evans Cei B. , Emanuelsson Emma A. C. , Webster Ruth L.
Published: August 2018

A rapid method for the reduction of secondary phosphine oxides under mild conditions has been developed, allowing simple isolation of the corresponding free phosphines. The methodology involves the use of pinacol borane (HBpin) to effect the reduction while circumventing the formation of a phosphine borane adduct, as is usually the case with various other commonly used borane reducing agents such as borane tetrahydrofuran complex (BH3⋅THF) and borane dimethyl sulfide complex (BH3⋅SMe2). In addition, this methodology requires only a small excess of reducing agent and therefore compares favourably not just with other borane reductants that do not require a metal co‐catalyst, but also with silane and aluminium based reagents.

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The Lorenz Number and the Lorenz Gauge—Known Concepts, Unknown Physicist
Authors: Kragh Helge
Published: August 2018

Ludvig Lorenz was Denmark's first theoretical physicist of international recognition. Despite his important contributions to a broad range of experimental and theoretical physics, he generally appears as a somewhat peripheral figure in histories of late‐nineteenth‐century physics and is completely overshadowed by his near‐namesake H. A. Lorentz. Herein, a selected number of Lorenz's works is introduced with an eye on those which are still of relevance to modern physics and today eponymously associated with his name. These contributions are known as the Lorenz number, the Lorenz gauge, the Lorenz–Lorentz law or formula, and the Lorenz–Mie scattering theory.
Selection of Anti‐gluten DNA Aptamers in a Deep Eutectic Solvent
Authors: Svigelj Rossella , Dossi Nicolò , Toniolo Rosanna , Miranda‐Castro Rebeca , de‐los‐Santos‐Álvarez Noemí , Lobo‐Castañón M. Jesús
Published: August 2018

Herein, we show the feasibility of using deep eutectic solvents as a faster way of selecting aptamers targeting poorly water‐soluble species. This unexplored concept is illustrated for gluten proteins. In this way, aptamer‐based gluten detection can be performed directly in the extraction media with improved detectability. We envision deep implications for applications not only in food safety control but also in biomedicine.
Presentation and Disease Course of Childhood‐Onset Versus Adult‐Onset Takayasu Arteritis
Authors: Aeschlimann Florence A. , Barra Lillian , Alsolaimani Roaa , Benseler Susanne M. , Hebert Diane , Khalidi Nader , Laxer Ronald M. , Noone Damien , Pagnoux Christian , Twilt Marinka , Yeung Rae S. M.
Published: August 2018

Objective

To compare the clinical features, efficacy and safety of treatment regimens, and outcomes of childhood‐ and adult‐onset Takayasu arteritis (TAK).

Methods

The study was designed as a retrospective cohort study comparing patients with childhood‐onset TAK (from 1986 onward) to patients with adult‐onset TAK (from 1988 onward) who were followed up until 2014 or 2015 at 4 centers in Ontario, Canada. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and angiographic features, treatment regimens, and outcomes were recorded throughout the course of the disease. Disease activity and damage scores were completed retrospectively.

Results

Twenty‐nine children and 48 adults (median age at diagnosis 12.1 years and 31.2 years, respectively) were included. A lower predominance of females was observed among the childhood‐onset TAK cohort (76% versus 100% of patients with adult‐onset TAK; P < 0.01), and children had a shorter delay to diagnosis (median 6.0 months versus 12.2 months for adults; P = 0.03). The distribution of vascular involvement was also different, with children having significantly more aortic and renal artery involvement and a higher frequency of arterial hypertension. Relapses in the first year after diagnosis were common both in children (39%) and in adults (28%). Two children, but no adults, died.

Conclusion

Childhood‐onset TAK has a lower female predominance and a higher frequency of aortic and renal involvement compared to adult‐onset TAK. Relapses and disease burden were high in both groups, corroborating the need for careful monitoring of disease activity and aggressive therapeutic management.
Addressing Cancer Chemotherapeutic Toxicity, Resistance, and Heterogeneity: Novel Theranostic Use of DNA‐Encoded Small Molecule Libraries
Authors: Kolodny Gerald , Li Xiaoyu , Balk Steven
Published: August 2018

Major problems in cancer chemotherapy are toxicity, resistance, and cancer heterogeneity. A new theranostic paradigm has been proposed by the authors. Many million small molecules (SM) are bound to the proteins extracted from a patient's cancer. SM that also bind proteins extracted from normal human tissues are subtracted from the cancer protein bound SM leaving a large array of SM targeting many sites on each of the cancer biomarkers. Targeting many more than the conventional 1 – 4 cancer biomarkers will reduce development of tumor resistance. After several cycles of selection and counter selection, DNA codes appended to the SM will be PCR amplified to provide templates for restricted libraries of the SM to improve selectivity and sensitivity. The large array of selected and counter selected SM assures that many of the compounds in the array will penetrate the cell membrane and bind to intracellular targets, low tumor resistance, low background for imaging, low therapeutic toxicity, and targeting of the diverse biomarkers present in the heterogeneous mixture of cells in primary and metastatic cancer. Theranostic use of radiolabeled SM binding many sites on many, not necessarily critical, biomarkers provides high cancer cell killing. Experiments to provide proof of principle of this novel concept suggested by the authors.
Sequence‐Controlled Catalytic One‐Pot Synthesis of Siloxane Oligomers
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Shimada Shigeru , Sato Kazuhiko
Published: August 2018

Silicones are highly valuable poly‐ and oligomeric materials with a broad range of applications due to their outstanding physicochemical properties. The core framework of silicone materials consists of siloxane (Si−O−Si) bonds, and thus, the development of efficient siloxane‐bond‐forming reactions has attracted much attention. However, these reactions, especially “catalytic” siloxane‐bond‐forming reactions that enable the selective formation of unsymmetrical siloxane bonds, remain relatively underdeveloped. On the other hand, controlled iteration has become a powerful tool for the sequence‐controlled synthesis of poly‐ and oligomeric compounds. Recently, control over the siloxane sequence has been achieved by the one‐pot iteration of a B(C6F5)3‐catalyzed dehydrocarbonative cross‐coupling of alkoxysilanes with hydrosilanes and a B(C6F5)3‐catalyzed hydrosilylation of carbonyl compounds. Thus, it is now possible to generate linear, branched, and cyclic sequence‐specific oligosiloxanes in a highly selective manner under chloride‐free conditions.
Investigation of metallic color perception using real‐world materials
Authors: Tanaka Midori , Horiuchi Takahiko
Published: August 2018

Metallic colors have a unique appearance of glossiness with features such as highlights, contrast, and reflections on their surface, and therefore, metallic objects are very attractive to humans. Especially, gold, silver, and copper colors are familiar metals used as decorative materials, coins, and other furnishings. However, the mechanism and condition of metallic perception have not been fully investigated. There are a few studies for investigating metallic perception using rendered patches or images, but there is no study using real‐world objects. In our previous study, we developed a simple representation technique that made real objects appear to be made of gold by projecting a solid color onto a target nonmetallic object. By using the representation technique, in this study, we have further investigated the perception of metallic appearance such as gold, silver, and copper using real‐world materials, and analyzed the difference between these metallic perceptions. Our results indicate that the perception of the metallic object is different for gold, silver, and copper. Our new findings are as follows: the glitter required for the perception of gold and silver becomes an obstacle to the perception of copper; the metallic perception reveals that learning experience might be strongly affecting; and luminance adjustment is sensitive to the perception of metallic objects.
Expansion Microscopy: Protocols for Imaging Proteins and RNA in Cells and Tissues
Authors: Asano Shoh M. , Gao Ruixuan , Wassie Asmamaw T. , Tillberg Paul W. , Chen Fei , Boyden Edward S.
Published: August 2018

Expansion microscopy (ExM) is a recently developed technique that enables nanoscale‐resolution imaging of preserved cells and tissues on conventional diffraction‐limited microscopes via isotropic physical expansion of the specimens before imaging. In ExM, biomolecules and/or fluorescent labels in the specimen are linked to a dense, expandable polymer matrix synthesized evenly throughout the specimen, which undergoes 3‐dimensional expansion by ∼4.5 fold linearly when immersed in water. Since our first report, versions of ExM optimized for visualization of proteins, RNA, and other biomolecules have emerged. Here we describe best‐practice, step‐by‐step ExM protocols for performing analysis of proteins (protein retention ExM, or proExM) as well as RNAs (expansion fluorescence in situ hybridization, or ExFISH), using chemicals and hardware found in a typical biology lab. Furthermore, a detailed protocol for handling and mounting expanded samples and for imaging them with confocal and light‐sheet microscopes is provided. © 2020 The Authors.
What position do you play? Eating disorder pathology among rugby players, and the understudied role of player position
Authors: Compte Emilio J. , Murray Stuart B. , Sepúlveda Ana R. , Schweiger Sofia , Bressan Michelle , Torrente Fernando
Published: August 2018

Objective

Male athletes appear to be at high risk for Eating Disorders (ED), given sport‐related pressures. Although in some sports weight loss confers a competitive advantage, men also participate in sports where a large body is considered to enhance performance. In rugby a heavier body has been associated with sports success, however, physical demands vary given the position in the field (forward or back). We aimed to investigate whether ED pathology varied as a function of player position.

Method

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 203 rugby players (Mage = 21.78,SD= 3.54) in order assess associations between elevated eating pathology given the players' position, and with ED mediating mechanisms (physical comparison and exercise dependence).

Results

8.9% (95% CI: 4.9, 12.8) of the participants presented elevated eating pathology. Players' position, physical comparison and exercise dependence were associated with elevated eating pathology. Forwards tended to endorse binge eating more frequently, and showed higher levels of eating concerns.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that ED symptoms differ as a function of player position, and that elevated eating pathology in rugby players is associated with appearance comparison and exercise dependence. Despite the possible implications for prevention and treatment efforts, the clinical validity of the current findings must be confirmed with further research.
The New “Three Ds” in Regulation—Decarbonization, Decentralization, and Digitization
Authors: Makholm Jeff D.
Published: August 2018

I have been reasonably critical of hyperbolic statements about how to overhaul the regulation of electric utilities in the new digital, decentralized, decarbonized (the “Three Ds”) world for electric power.
Overlooked Environmental Improvements From US Liquefied Natural Gas Exports
Authors: Russo Thomas N.
Published: August 2018

Much of the discussion about liquefied natural gas (LNG) centers on growing US exports, which are largely responsible for creating an LNG spot market and decoupling prices from oil. We often overlook or take for granted the environmental improvements that will occur in developing countries that import LNG or countries that choose not to develop their shale gas resources.
AHNS Series: Do you know your guidelines? Optimizing outcomes in reoperative parathyroid surgery: Definitive multidisciplinary joint consensus guidelines of the American Head and Neck Society and the British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons
Authors: Stack Brendan C. , Tolley Neil S. , Bartel Twyla B. , Bilezikian John P. , Bodenner Donald , Camacho Pauline , Cox Jeremy P. D. T. , Dralle Henning , Jackson James E. , Morris John C. , Orloff Lisa Ann , Palazzo Fausto , Ridge John A. , Scott‐Coombes David , Steward David L. , Terris David J. , Thompson Geoffrey , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: August 2018

Background

Revision parathyroid is challenging due to possible diagnostic uncertainty as well as the technical challenges it can present.

Methods

A multidisciplinary panel of distinguished experts from the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) Endocrine Section, the British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons (BAETS), and other invited experts have reviewed this topic with the purpose of making recommendations based on current best evidence. The literature was also reviewed on May 12, 2017. PubMed (1946‐2017), Cochrane SR (2005‐2017), CT databases (1997‐2017), and Web of Science (1945‐2017) were searched with the following strategy: revision and reoperative parathyroidectomy to ensure completeness.

Results

Guideline recommendations were made in 3 domains: preoperative evaluation, surgical management, and alternatives to surgery. Eleven guideline recommendations are proposed.

Conclusion

Reoperative parathyroid surgery is best avoided if possible. Our literature search and subsequent recommendations found that these cases are best managed by experienced surgeons using precision preoperative localization, intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH), and the team approach.
Association of pregnancy and mortality in women diagnosed with breast cancer: A Nationwide Population Based Study in Taiwan
Authors: Chuang Shu‐Chun , Lin Ching‐Hung , Lu Yen‐Shen , Hsiung Chao Agnes
Published: August 2018

We examined the associations between breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy and up to 5 years postpartum and total mortality. Breast cancer patients were identified from the Taiwan Cancer Registry (2002–2014). All pregnancies up to 5 years before breast cancer diagnosis were abstracted from the National Health Insurance database and data were then linked to the Taiwan National Death Certificate Database. Follow‐up was calculated from the date of breast cancer diagnosis to the date of death or 31 December, 2014, whichever came first. The hazard ratios (HRs) and the 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the association between pregnancy and total mortality were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. Among the 30,230 breast cancer patients, 90 were diagnosed during pregnancy, 347 within a year postpartum, and 1993 during 1–5 years postpartum. By the end of 2014, 2,920 patients were dead. The major cause of death was breast cancer (89%). Compared to patients without pregnancy records, the HRs were 1.42 (95% CI = 0.83–2.45) for patients diagnosed during pregnancy, 1.29 (0.96–1.74) for those diagnosed within a year postpartum, 1.27 (0.95–1.70) for those diagnosed within 1 to 2 years postpartum, and 1.06 (0.88–1.27) for those diagnosed ≥2 to 5 years postpartum, after adjustment for tumor characteristics and treatment. Subgroup analyses revealed an increased risk of mortality for patients diagnosed within a year postpartum in ER+ cancers (HR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.28–3.47). Our results suggested a recent pregnancy may be associated with higher mortality among ER+ patients.
The puzzling effects of monetary policy in VARs: Invalid identification or missing information?
Authors: Kerssenfischer Mark
Published: August 2018

Standard vector autoregressions (VARs) often find puzzling effects of monetary policy shocks. Is this due to an invalid (recursive) identification scheme, or because the underlying small‐scale VAR neglects important information? I employ factor methods and external instruments to answer this question and provide evidence that the root cause is missing information. In particular, while a recursively identified dynamic factor model yields conventional monetary policy effects across the board, a small‐scale VAR identified via external instruments does not. Importantly, the discrepancy between both models largely disappears once the information set of the VAR is augmented via factors. This finding is comforting news for the recent monetary literature. Two leading empirical advances with different underlying assumptions—namely external instruments (applied to a factor‐augmented VAR) and dynamic factor models (identified recursively)—find very similar effects of monetary policy shocks, cross‐verifying each other.
Abuse Potential of Buprenorphine/Samidorphan Combination Compared to Buprenorphine and Placebo: A Phase 1 Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pathak Sanjeev , Vince Bradley , Kelsh Debra , Shram Megan J. , Setnik Beatrice , Lu Hong , Nangia Narinder , Stanford Arielle D. , Ehrich Elliot
Published: August 2018

Buprenorphine/samidorphan combination (BUP/SAM) is an opioid system modulator being investigated as adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder. BUP/SAM is a fixed‐dose combination of buprenorphine, a partial μ‐opioid receptor agonist and κ‐opioid receptor antagonist, and samidorphan, a μ‐opioid receptor antagonist added to address the abuse and dependence potential of buprenorphine. In this study, we assessed the effect of samidorphan on the abuse potential of buprenorphine in the BUP/SAM combination in nondependent, recreational, adult opioid users (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02413281). Participants were randomized to 6 treatments in a blinded, Williams crossover design: placebo, BUP/SAM at the intended therapeutic dose (2 mg/2 mg), at 4‐fold (8 mg/8 mg) and 8‐fold (16 mg/16 mg) the therapeutic dose, and buprenorphine alone (8 mg and 16 mg). The primary end point was maximum effect (Emax) on the visual analog scale for “at the moment” Drug Liking. Emax of Drug Liking for the BUP/SAM 2 mg/2 mg dose was similar to that for placebo (median within‐subject difference [90% confidence interval]: 2.5 [0.0–9.0]). The supratherapeutic doses of BUP/SAM showed differences of small magnitude on Drug Liking Emax compared to placebo. Drug Liking Emax for all BUP/SAM doses were significantly lower than those observed for either buprenorphine dose alone. Fewer participants reported adverse events associated with abuse potential with BUP/SAM than with buprenorphine alone, and the overall safety profile of BUP/SAM was consistent with prior reports in healthy volunteers. These findings indicate that samidorphan substantially reduces the abuse potential of buprenorphine in the BUP/SAM combination.
New formulations for the hybrid meshless‐MoM method applied to 2D scattering problems
Authors: Resende Ursula do Carmo , Moreira Fernando José da Silva , Afonso Márcio Matias , Coppoli Eduardo Henrique da Rocha
Published: August 2018

In this work, new formulations for the hybrid meshless‐method of moments technique are presented. The proposed approaches are applied for solving 2D electromagnetic scattering problems. The solution is obtained by dividing the problem into 2 subproblems: one internal to the scatterer and another external to it. For the internal subproblem, the meshless method is used for solving the weak form of the 2D Helmholtz equation. For the external subproblem, the Method of Moments is used for solving different combinations of electric field integral equation and magnetic field integral equation. Both subproblems are coupled by imposing the continuity of the tangential fields over the scatterer surface. The technique is applied for solving the TMz electromagnetic scattering by an infinite dielectric cylinder. Numerical and analytical results are compared to each other showing the validity and accuracy of the proposed approaches.
Telemental Health Delivery of Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) for Rural Women Veterans Who Have Experienced Military Sexual Trauma
Authors: Weiss Brandon J. , Azevedo Kathryn , Webb Katie , Gimeno Julia , Cloitre Marylene
Published: August 2018

This pilot study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of a skills‐focused treatment delivered via video teleconferencing (VTC) to women veterans living in rural areas who had experienced military sexual trauma (MST). The Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) program focuses on teaching emotion management and interpersonal skills in 8 to 10 sessions. The STAIR program may be a good fit for individuals in rural areas for whom social isolation and low social support are particularly problematic. Clinic‐to‐clinic VTC was used to connect a STAIR therapist with veterans for weekly individual therapy sessions. The participants (n = 10) reported high satisfaction with the intervention and would recommend the program to others. There were significant pretreatment to posttreatment improvements in social functioning, Hedge's g = 1.41, as well as in posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, Hedge's g = 2.35; depression, Hedge's g = 1.81; and emotion regulation, Hedge's g = 2.32. This is the first report of the successful application of a skills‐focused treatment via VTC for women veterans.
Dispersing Nanoparticles by Chiral Liquid Crystalline Elastomers for Performance Enhancement of Epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Shen Yu , Cong Yue‐Hua , Zhang Bao‐Yan , Lang Qing‐You , Hu Bing
Published: August 2018

Epoxy nanocomposites with novel chiral side‐chain liquid crystalline elastomers (CSLCE) as dispersant grafted alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles are prepared. The CSLCE are grafted onto the surface of Al2O3 by esterification, improving the dispersion of Al2O3 in organics. The side chain of CSLCE is composed of M1 containing a chiral mesogenic unit, a liquid crystal cross‐linking agent M2 containing a nematic mesogenic unit, and M3 containing carboxyl groups, which is because the structures can determine the characteristics of polymers. Optical rotation emerges via chiral mesogenic units in CSLCE, and the liquid crystal cross‐linking agent in the side chain causes the polymer to be linked into chains. The fracture toughness and thermal conductivity of Al2O3‐CSLCE/epoxy nanocomposites are significantly improved due to the good dispersion of Al2O3 nanoparticles in the epoxy and the synergistic interaction between Al2O3 and CSLCE. Meanwhile, the glass transition temperatures and thermal stability are enhanced.
Effect of 1‐ and 2‐Month High‐Dose Alpha‐Linolenic Acid Treatment on 13C‐Labeled Alpha‐Linolenic Acid Incorporation and Conversion in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Pignitter Marc , Lindenmeier Michael , Andersen Gaby , Herrfurth Cornelia , Beermann Christopher , Schmitt Joachim J. , Feussner Ivo , Fulda Martin , Somoza Veronika
Published: August 2018

Scope

The study aims at identifying 1) the most sensitive compartment among plasma phospholipids, erythrocytes, and LDL for studying alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA) conversion, and 2) whether ALA incorporation and conversion is saturable after administration of 13C‐labeled ALA‐rich linseed oil (LO). The effect of a daily intake of 7 g nonlabeled LO (>43% w/w ALA) for 1 month after bolus administration of 7 g 13C‐labeled LO on day 1, and for 2 months after bolus administration of 7 g 13C‐labeled LO on day 1 and day 29 on 13C‐ALA incorporation and conversion into its higher homologs is investigated in healthy volunteers.

Methods and results

Incorporation and conversion of LO‐derived 13C‐labeled ALA is quantified by applying compartmental modeling. After bolus administration, a fractional conversion of approximately 30% from 13C‐ALA to 13C‐DHA is calculated as reflected by the LDL compartment. Treatment with LO for 8 weeks induces a mean reduction of 13C‐ALA conversion to 13C‐DHA by 48% as reflected by the LDL compartment, and a mean reduction of the 13C‐ALA incorporation into LDL by 46%.

Conclusion

A 2‐month dietary intake of a high dose of LO is sufficient to reach saturation of ALA incorporation into LDL particles, which are responsible for ALA distribution in the body.
Quantitative accuracy of CT numbers: Theoretical analyses and experimental studies
Authors: Zhang Ran , Cruz‐Bastida Juan P. , Gomez‐Cardona Daniel , Hayes John W. , Li Ke , Chen Guang‐Hong
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The CT number accuracy, that is, CT number bias, plays an important role in clinical diagnosis. When strategies to reduce radiation dose are discussed, it is important to make sure that the CT number bias is controlled within an acceptable range. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the dependence of CT number bias on radiation dose level and on image contrast (i.e., the difference in CT number between the ROI and the background) in Computed Tomography (CT).

Methods

A lesion‐background model was introduced to theoretically study how the CT number bias changes with radiation exposure level and with CT number contrast when a simple linear reconstruction algorithm such as filtered backprojection (FBP) is used. The theoretical results were validated with experimental studies using a benchtop CT system equipped with a photon‐counting detector (XC‐HYDRA FX50, XCounter AB, Sweden) and a clinical diagnostic MDCT scanner (Discovery CT750 HD, GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI, USA) equipped with an energy‐integrating detector. The Catphan phantom (Catphan 600, the Phantom Laboratory, Salem, NY, USA) was scanned at different mAs levels and 50 scans were performed for each mAs. The bias of CT number was evaluated for each combination of mAs and ROIs with different contrast levels. An anthropomorphic phantom (ATOM 10‐year‐old phantom, Model 706, CIRS Inc. Norfolk, VA, USA) with much more heterogeneous object content was used to test the applicability of the theory to the more general image object cases.

Results

Both theoretical and experimental studies showed that the CT number bias is inversely proportional to the radiation exposure level yet linearly dependent on the CT number contrast between the lesion and the background, that is, .

Conclusions

The quantitative accuracy of CT numbers can be problematic and thus needs some extra attention when radiation dose is reduced. In this work, we showed that the bias of the FBP reconstruction increases as mAs is reduced; both positive and negative bias can be observed depending on the contrast difference between a targeted ROI and its surrounding background tissues.
From Chemical Serendipity to Translational Chemistry: New Findings in the Reactivity of Palladacycles
Authors: Fernández‐Figueiras Adolfo , Lucio‐Martínez Fátima , Munín‐Cruz Paula , Ortigueira Juan M. , Polo‐Ces Paula , Reigosa Francisco , Pereira M. Teresa , Vila José M.
Published: August 2018

In the world of science, in particular the section concerning the field of chemistry, when the results encountered during the experiment do not meet our expectations, our shrewdness may play an important role to open up new unexplored fields that could be much more interesting than what we were seeking. In those cases, our research undergoes an unforeseen shift, delivering novel and challenging results that may altogether alter our point of view and our future work. We have then struck serendipity. Specifically, in our investigation linked to palladacycles we have found that the new trends in their reactivity, as well as in their structure, have been, in many cases, related to this experience, broadening our research scope within this field. Herein, we describe our most relevant findings, which have shed new light upon the reactivity of palladacycles, thus opening new routes that lead to novel unexpected structures.
Proteomics and Lipidomics in the Elucidation of Endocannabinoid Signaling in Healthy and Schizophrenia Brains
Authors: Seabra Gabriela , Falvella Ana Caroline B. , Guest Paul C. , Martins‐de‐Souza Daniel , de Almeida Valéria
Published: August 2018

Interest in the modulation of endocannabinoid signaling has increased since the discovery of receptors for compounds of Cannabis sativa. Endocannabinoids are crucial neuromodulators of many brain functions and changes in the ligands and their receptors have been associated with psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia. Genetic, neuroimaging, and behavioral studies have reinforced the role of endocannabinoids in the pathobiology of schizophrenia. However, molecular pathways and biological processes involved in cannabinoid effects are not totally understood. Additionally, the endocannabinoid signaling network with other non‐cannabinoid targets, and the effects of phytocannabinoids increase the complexity to understand their role in schizophrenia and homeostasis conditions. Thus, proteomic studies can provide evidence about the involvement of cannabinoid receptors, as well as the metabolic and synthetic enzymes of the endocannabinoids in these disorders. Additionally, quantification of endocannabinoids in the blood serum or cerebrospinal fluid can be a useful approach to identify new biomarkers in schizophrenia, and lipidomic techniques can be used to quantify these compounds. Herein, the authors review proteomic and lipidomic studies that have been used for analysis of the endocannabinoid system in healthy and schizophrenia function. The findings may contribute to understand the involvement of endocannabinoids in the brain and in the neurobiological basis of schizophrenia.
Constitutive overexpression of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase genes contributes to chlorantraniliprole resistance in Chilo suppressalis (Walker)
Authors: Xu Lu , Zhao Jun , Sun Yang , Xu Dejin , Xu Guangchun , Xu Xiaolong , Zhang Yueliang , Huang Shuijin , Han Zhaojun , Gu Zhongyan
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

The rice striped stem borer (SSB), Chilo suppressalis (Walker), which is one of the most economically important phytophagous pests, has developed resistance to multiple insecticides. The resistance of SSB against chlorantraniliprole has been investigated in detail. However, the mechanism of its metabolic resistance has rarely been studied.

RESULTS

A field population from Wuhu City, China was used to establish chlorantraniliprole resistant and susceptible strains (WHR and WHS) by laboratory continuous selection. Enzyme activities data suggested the potential involvement of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase in WHR. CYP6CV5, CYP9A68, CYP321F3, and CYP324A12 were significantly overexpressed in WHR (from 4.48 to 44.88‐fold). These four P450 genes were expressed in the late developmental stages of WHR; however, they were almost absent during the egg stage. In addition, their expressions were much more sensitive to chlorantraniliprole induction in WHR than in WHS. Injection of individual and mixture dsRNAs reduced the expression of the four target genes (55.2–73.2% and 43.2–50.2%, respectively) and caused significant larvae mortality (55.1–65.1% and 88.2%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Multiple overexpressed P450 genes were potentially associated with chlorantraniliprole resistance, as confirmed by the RNA interference (RNAi) assay. Our findings suggested that metabolic resistance to chlorantraniliprole might be mediated by P450s. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Excitonic States and Photoluminescence Spectra of a Quantum Dot Molecule Exposed to the External Static Electric Field
Authors: Schillak Piotr
Published: August 2018

The influence of a static electric field on the energy levels, wave functions, and optical properties of excitons in a quantum dot molecule is analyzed. Taking into account the cylindrical symmetry of the molecule, the wave functions and excitonic energies are calculated when the external constant electric field is applied along the symmetry axis. Two dots separated by a narrow barrier are considered as one system of three‐dimensional potential wells for an electron and a hole. The six‐dimensional Schrödinger equation is transformed into the equivalent eigenvalue problem given by the system of the coupled two‐dimensional second order differential equations as the separation of the relative‐ and center‐of‐mass motion of an electron and a hole is not possible in this case. The differential equations are solved numerically using finite differences method. Having the eigenfunctions and eigenvalues, the excitonic photoluminescence intensity is calculated and analyzed. As an example, the configuration indicating on the possibility of non‐monotonic behavior of the photoluminescence intensity versus electric field is discussed. The comparison of numerical results with experimental data for the GaInAs quantum dot molecule is presented. Satisfactory agreement with the available experimental data is obtained.
In vitro spermatogenesis: A century‐long research journey, still half way around
Authors: Komeya Mitsuru , Sato Takuya , Ogawa Takehiko
Published: August 2018

Background

Spermatogenesis is one of the most complicated cellular differentiation processes in a body. Researchers struggled to find and develop a micro‐environmental condition that can support the process in vitro. Such endeavors can be traced back to a century ago and are yet continuing.

Methods

Reports on in vitro spermatogenesis and related works were selected and classified into four categories based on the method used; organ culture, tubule culture, cell culture, and 3‐dimensional cell culture methods. Each report was critically reviewed from the present point of view by authors who have been working on in vitro spermatogenesis with organ culture method over a decade.

Results

The organ culture method has the longest history and is the most successful method, which produced fertile mouse sperm from spermatogonial stem cells. Formulation of the medium was a key factor, most importantly serum‐derived substances. However, factors in the serum that induce and support spermatogenesis in the cultured tissue remain to be identified. In addition, the success of mouse spermatogenesis is yet to be applied to other animals. On looking into the history of cell culture method, it became clear that Sertoli cells as feeder cells play an important role. Even with Sertoli cells, however, spermatogenic development has been limited to small parts of spermatogenesis, a segmented period of meiotic prophase for instance. Recent developments of organoid or 3‐dimensional culture techniques are promising but they still need further refinements.

Conclusion

The study of in vitro spermatogenesis progressed significantly over the last century. We need more work, however, to establish a culture system that can induce and maintain complete spermatogenesis of many if not all mammalian species.
On the complexity and dynamical properties of mixed logical dynamical systems via an automaton‐based realization of discrete‐time hybrid automaton
Authors: Hejri Mohammad , Giua Alessandro , Mokhtari Hossein
Published: August 2018

Modeling of hybrid systems using mixed logical dynamical (MLD) systems is an art. The MLD framework often introduces numerous constraints and auxiliary binary and continuous variables, which, in turn, increase the computational complexity of the optimization problems. This paper presents an automaton‐based realization for discrete‐time hybrid automaton (DHA) with both controlled and uncontrolled switching phenomena by which it is attempted to develop efficient translation techniques to MLD systems and reduce the total number of decision variables in the MLD model. Based on this DHA model, a modified version of MLD systems, which is called extended MLD (EMLD) is formally defined and represented. EMLD is derived based on the concept of forward evolution in which the one‐step delay between the change of discrete states and continuous dynamics of the existing evolution in the conventional MLD systems is eliminated. The result is that the size of EMLD model in terms of the number of variables, which determines the complexity of the synthesis problems on MLD systems, is reduced. The dynamical properties such as the nonblocking, determinism, and well‐posedness of the proposed DHA and its equivalent MLD models are investigated, and the necessary and sufficient conditions are derived. The effectiveness of the proposed ideas is shown by the numerical examples.
Experimental and Theoretical Determination of the pH inside the Confinement of a Virus‐Like Particle
Authors: Maassen Stan J. , van der Schoot Paul , Cornelissen Jeroen J. L. M.
Published: August 2018

In biology, a variety of highly ordered nanometer‐size protein cages is found. Such structures find increasing application in, for example, vaccination, drug delivery, and catalysis. Understanding the physiochemical properties, particularly inside the confinement of a protein cage, helps to predict the behavior and properties of new materials based on such particles. Here, the relation between the bulk solution pH and the local pH inside a model protein cage, based on virus‐like particles (VLPs) built from the coat proteins of the cowpea chlorotic mottle virus, is investigated. The pH is a crucial parameter in a variety of processes and is potentially significantly influenced by the high concentration of charges residing on the interior of the VLPs. The data show a systematic more acidic pH of 0.5 unit inside the VLP compared to that of the bulk solution for pH values above pH 6, which is explained using a theoretical model based on a Donnan equilibrium. The model agrees with the experimental data over almost two orders of magnitude, while below pH 6 the experimental data point to a buffering capacity of the VLP. These results are a first step in a better understanding of the physiochemical conditions inside a protein cage.
Determination of volume and distribution of pores of concretes according to different exposure classes through 3D microtomography and mercury intrusion porosimetry
Authors: Pacheco Fernanda , de Souza Rodrigo Périco , Christ Roberto , Rocha Clarissa Argenti , Silva Luis , Tutikian Bernardo
Published: August 2018

Diagnosing and understanding the properties of concrete structures allows its use in more effective ways that neither compromise application nor impose safety risks or waste materials. Several tests can be performed for this purpose, differing with regards to diagnostic precision, complexity of execution, costs, need of specific apparatus, and others. Specifications from standards must be followed to assure the durability of concrete structures, such as Eurocode 1 (EN 1992‐1) and EN 206 in Europe. This study determined the volume and the distribution of pores of four concrete compositions with distinct water/cement ratio, cement consumption, and compressive strength, through tests of mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and 3D microtomography. Results showed high correlation coefficients between the tests for assessing voids and compressive strength. Comparatively, the 3D microtomography test presented linear relation to the specifications of mixtures, although MIP indicated discrepancies for mixture 2.
Going abroad to play: Motivations, challenges, and support of sports expatriates
Authors: van Bakel Marian , Salzbrenner Susan
Published: August 2018

Professional athletes moving abroad for their career is a novel phenomenon in international human resource management (IHRM). This exploratory article charts the motivations of sports expatriates to move abroad to play, as well as adjustment challenges and sources of support. A survey was conducted with 77 professional athletes in 10 different sports. The main motivations to move abroad were interest to experience life abroad, followed by the search for new challenges. In terms of challenges, different coaching style and communication issues were most often mentioned. Support was mainly informal, through team mates rather than professional providers. Our article contributes to the literature because it is one of the first studies focusing on sports expatriates from an international HR perspective. Our study provides information on a vulnerable group of expatriates; they are young in age and under extreme performance pressure. Sports expatriates need all the support they can get, and yet, little professional support is offered.
Intracerebral EEG Artifact Identification Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Nejedly Petr , Cimbalnik Jan , Klimes Petr , Plesinger Filip , Halamek Josef , Kremen Vaclav , Viscor Ivo , Brinkmann Benjamin H. , Pail Martin , Brazdil Milan , Worrell Gregory , Jurak Pavel
Published: August 2018

Manual and semi-automatic identification of artifacts and unwanted physiological signals in large intracerebral electroencephalographic (iEEG) recordings is time consuming and inaccurate. To date, unsupervised methods to accurately detect iEEG artifacts are not available. This study introduces a novel machine-learning approach for detection of artifacts in iEEG signals in clinically controlled conditions using convolutional neural networks (CNN) and benchmarks the method’s performance against expert annotations. The method was trained and tested on data obtained from St Anne’s University Hospital (Brno, Czech Republic) and validated on data from Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota, U.S.A). We show that the proposed technique can be used as a generalized model for iEEG artifact detection. Moreover, a transfer learning process might be used for retraining of the generalized version to form a data-specific model. The generalized model can be efficiently retrained for use with different EEG acquisition systems and noise environments. The generalized and specialized model F1 scores on the testing dataset were 0.81 and 0.96, respectively. The CNN model provides faster, more objective, and more reproducible iEEG artifact detection compared to manual approaches.
Mental Images in Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) and in Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): An Exploratory Study
Authors: Grocholewski Anja , Bücker Carina , Kasten Erich , Osen Bernhard , Heinrichs Nina
Published: August 2018

Little is known about mental images (cognitive representations with sensory qualities) in body integrity identity disorder (BIID). This study aimed to determine whether individuals with BIID experience mental images and, if so, whether they differ to those experienced by individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and healthy controls. A semi-structured interview on mental images and their qualities was delivered to a sample of 22 individuals with BIID and 19 with BDD, and 22 healthy controls. Both the BIID (n = 15, 68.2%) and BDD (n = 14, 73.7%) groups reported significantly more mental images than healthy controls (n = 3, 13.6%), but no differences between the two clinical groups were found. While mental images in BDD were focused on ‘flawed’ body parts, images in BIID involved the desired handicap. Mental images in BIID were experienced as less distressing and more sexually arousing compared to BDD. No further differences were found between the groups (e.g., regarding sensory multimodality, dominance of a specific body part). Although the two groups reported a similar frequency of mental images, images appear to serve different functions across conditions. Clinically, it may be necessary to target the positive mental images in BIID to improve treatment outcome.
Morphological re-description ofAplysia depilans(Gastropoda: Anaspidea): new insights into the anatomy of the anaspideans
Authors: Cunha Carlo M. , Simone Luiz Ricardo L.
Published: August 2018

AlthoughAplysia depilansis a widely known European species and the type species of the genus, the distinctions that separate it from other related congeners are not entirely clear. Aimed at improving this scenario, a detailed morphological description is performed herein, showing some unprecedented and useful features. Based on our anatomical examination, this study has found the opaline gland to be dark in colour, as well as a metapodium with an indistinctly delimited pedal sucker, a crop divided into two equal chambers of similar volume by a circular muscle, gizzard plates arranged in groups, and a peculiar penial sheath structure. All of these characters appear to be significantly different from the other species, based on a review of the anatomical literature and several examined samples of ongoing studies. Our central objective is to provide new data on the anatomy of the type species of Aplysiidae; and, based on topological evidence, to propose a new terminology and possible homologies to some important characters, such as parapodia lobation, cephalic tentacles, crop, penial sheath, gizzard plates and visceral ganglion in anaspideans, for future phylogenetic analysis. The subgenusSubaplysiaMedina, Collins&Walsh, 2005 is regarded as a junior synonym of subgenusAplysiaLinnaeus, 1767.
FIFTY SHADES OF GREEN: INTERPRETING MAYA JADE PRODUCTION, CIRCULATION, CONSUMPTION, AND VALUE
Authors: Kovacevich Brigitte , Callaghan Michael G.
Published: August 2018

This work addresses varying interpretations of the production, circulation, and consumption of jades in the Maya area from the Preclassic through the Postclassic periods (600b.c.–a.d.1697). Traditionally, exchange of jades has been seen as a dyadic relationship between elites (gifting and tribute). Some have argued for gradations of value in the circulation of jades, which probably circulated in both elite and commoner spheres. More recent research argues that jade blanks were commoditized because they could be standardized. In this article, we evaluate this last claim, concluding there is no evidence for standardization and commodification of jade blanks, and a dearth of jade blanks in archaeological deposits. We critique the expectation that commodities in some nonindustrial economies should be standardized, and make suggestions about what kinds of jade objects, if any, have greatest potential to become commodities in the Maya area.
A Diachronic Analysis of Light Verb Constructions in Old Swedish
Authors: Sundquist John D.
Published: August 2018

This study provides an empirical analysis of light verb constructions in Old Swedish. These constructions contain a semantically light verb, such asgiva‘give’ orgöra‘make’, that may be paired with an abstract nominal object, as ingiva radh‘give advice’ orgiva hiälp‘give help’. Using a corpus of nine Old Swedish texts written in the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries, I track the frequency of light verb constructions and analyze the range of transitive light verb + object pairings. I consider the effects of time, genre, and the type of modification to the nominal object in the quantitative analysis. The results contribute to ongoing discussions in crosslinguistic, diachronic research on the reasons for the increase in frequency of light verb constructions as well as the possibility that this construction exhibits characteristics of grammaticalization or lexicalization.