bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain morphometry of preschool age children affected by autism spectrum disorder: Correlation with clinical findings
Authors: Lucibello S. , Verdolotti T. , Giordano F. M. , Lapenta L. , Infante A. , Piludu F. , Tartaglione T. , Chieffo D. , Colosimo C. , Mercuri E. , Battini R.
Published: August 2018

The aim of our study was to use a combined imaging and clinical approach to identify possible patterns of clinical and imaging findings in a cohort of preschool age autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients. In order to identify imaging patterns that could be related to specific clinical features, a selected group of ASD patients (age range 3–6 years) without dysmorphic features, epilepsy or other major neurological signs, malformations or other lesions at MRI was subjected to brain volumetric analysis using semiautomatic brain segmentation. An age‐matched group of typically developing children was subjected to the same analysis. Our results were consistent with previous literature: Total gray matter volume, total cortical gray matter volume and amygdalar volumes were significantly greater in the ASD group than the control group. When we divided the study group into subgroups on the basis of clinical findings such as high‐ or low‐functioning, or verbal and nonverbal, the only significant difference between verbal and nonverbal subjects was in cerebellar hemispheric size. In conclusions, our results confirm that newer brain MRI techniques using semiautomatic brain segmentation can provide information useful for defining the differences between ASD patients and controls, particularly if they form part of an integrated approach between MRI and cognitive‐behavioral and genetic data. Clin. Anat. 32:143–150, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Highlights

Combined imaging and clinical approach in autism spectrum disorders

Semiautomatic brain segmentation in a selected preschool age ASD group

Reduced total cerebellar white matter volume in non‐verbal ASD patients
A novel marker for identifying and studying the membranes, barriers, and compartments surrounding peripheral nerves microscopically
Authors: REINA MIGUEL A. , BOEZAART ANDRÉ P. , SALA‐BLANCH XAVIER , MONZÓ ENRIQUE , TUBBS R. SHANE , SERVER ANNA , BIGELEISEN PAUL
Published: August 2018

Recent anatomical discoveries indicate the importance of identifying membranes and compartments surrounding peripheral nerves into which local anesthetic agents can be injected and continuous nerve block catheters placed during regional anesthetic procedures. However, current markers used in anatomical studies have multiple drawbacks, specifically extravasation into noninjected locations, which can result in inadequate treatment. We studied a readily‐available new marker, heparinized blood solution (HBS), which is easy to identify by microscopy and can remain in the nerve compartment into which it is deposited without distorting the tissue. We collected blood from 22 patients and prepared it as HBS. This was then injected into four fresh cadavers as in routine clinical practice for ultrasound‐guided nerve blocks to form a so‐called “doughnut” by “hydro‐dissecting” at 32 sites. All samples, including nerves and neighboring tissues, were then prepared and examined by light microscopy. Although no deliberate intraneural injection was attempted, the marker was identified inside all the nerve compartments except the fascicles. Apart from leaking through the needle entry site in some instances, there was no extravasation of the HBS into neighboring nerve compartments in either direction. The tissues were not distorted and the erythrocytes did not form a thrombus. Nerve membranes and compartments could be clearly identified with routine staining. This technique enabled us to study the longitudinal and circumferential spread in all nerve compartments and to collect data for better interpretation of factors influencing an anesthetic nerve block and situations in which complications could possibly arise. HBS seemed superior to other markers because it did not leave the compartments into which it had been injected, did not distort the tissue, and was easily visible under the light microscope. Clin. Anat., 31:1050–1057, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acquired lymphatic malformations of the buccal mucosa: A case report
Authors: Abe Atsushi , Kurita Kenichi , Ito Yu
Published: August 2018

Key Clinical Message

Lymphatic malformation is a rare disorder caused by expansion and proliferation of the lymphatic vessels. About 50% of lymphatic malformations are present at birth, and 90% are diagnosed before the age of 2 years. The most common site of lymphatic malformation in the oral cavity is the anterior two‐thirds of the tongue, and involvement of the buccal mucosa is relatively unusual. Treatment of lymphatic malformation includes surgical excision, sclerotherapy, laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation, or a combination of these interventions. In many cases, surgery or sclerotherapy is the treatment of choice. However, there is currently no consensus on an optimal treatment approach. Here, we report an unusual case of lymphatic malformation in the buccal mucosa of an older adult that was surgically excised.
Coupled Cooperative Supramolecular Polymerization: A New Model Applied to the Competing Aggregation Pathways of an Amphiphilic aza‐BODIPY Dye into Spherical and Rod‐Like Aggregates
Authors: Liu Yong , Zhang Yongjie , Fennel Franziska , Wagner Wolfgang , Würthner Frank , Chen Yuanfang , Chen Zhijian
Published: August 2018

Based on our studies on biphasic self‐assembly behavior of an amphiphilic BF2‐azadipyrromethene (aza‐BODIPY) dye 1, a new analytical model to quantitatively describe the thermodynamic properties of the aggregation involving two competing supramolecular polymerization processes is proposed. In this model, the formation of the metastable as well as the thermodynamically stable aggregates was considered to follow a nucleated polymerization mechanism. The numerical calculation based on the new model gives insight into the formation of different species in such complicate aggregate systems. Moreover, the aggregation of the biphasic self‐assembly processes for dye 1 was investigated by concentration‐dependent UV/Vis spectroscopy. The experimental data were analyzed by using the new model to evaluate the thermodynamic parameters including aggregation constants, the size of nuclei, and the cooperativity the two types of aggregates.
Fullerenols Revisited: Highly Monodispersed Photoluminescent Nanomaterials as Ideal Building Blocks for Supramolecular Chemistry
Authors: Zhou Shengju , Zhang Linwen , Feng Yongqiang , Li Hongguang , Chen Mengjun , Pan Wei , Hao Jingcheng
Published: August 2018

Fullerenols have been known for decades; however, the photoluminescent (PL) properties and applications in supramolecular chemistry of these molecules have not been well addressed. Herein, a strategy has been developed to purify the as‐prepared fullerenols, and the photoluminescence and capabilities of these molecules to form supramolecular self‐assemblies were systematically studied. It was found that fullerenols show wavelength‐dependent emission with an absolute fluorescent quantum yield of approximately 3.5 %. The PL characteristics are reminiscent of carbon dots, especially those obtained by using the top–down method. The studied fullerenols can be used to detect Cu2+ ions with a limit of detection down to 3.50 μm. In addition, the amphiphilicity of the fullerenols can be readily tuned by ionic complexation with cationic surfactants, such as 1‐tetradecyl‐3‐methylimidazoliumbromide (C14mimB) and tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB). On increasing the concentration of the surfactant, the transition of aggregates was induced from highly ordered vesicles to honeycomb‐structured crystals and finally to giant micelles. After the formation of supramolecular self‐assemblies, enhancement of photoluminescence was observed, which can be ascribed to the suppression of intramolecular vibrations and motion combined with the loosely packed self‐assembly array. This study provides a facile way to generate PL nanoarchitectures, which may find applications in fluorescent sensing, drug delivery, and optoelectronics.
Methanol Synthesis – Industrial Challenges within a Changing Raw Material Landscape
Authors: Nestler Florian , Krüger Matthias , Full Johannes , Hadrich Max J. , White Robin J. , Schaadt Achim
Published: August 2018

Worldwide production capacities of carbon‐based chemicals and associated products are steadily increasing. At the same time the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide is of paramount importance in order to mitigate the anthropogenic impact of climate change. In Carbon2Chem® a cross industrial network develops concepts towards the utilization of steel mill gases for the sustainable production of “green” base chemicals, including methanol. This Review describes the technological challenges emerging from the use of these alternative feedstocks, specifically in the context of methanol production processes.
Simulation and Data Analytics in the Conceptual Design of Industrial Networks in Stochastic Environments
Authors: Wagner Henning , Ruoshan Wei Sophie
Published: August 2018

The cross‐linking of industrial processes and plants is gaining great importance. The project Carbon2Chem® deals with industrial networks in a stochastic environment with volatilely available resources. Thus, processes in the networks must be designed for discontinuous operation, and design challenges arise due to complex dynamic interdependencies within the system. Here, a V‐model based framework for the conceptual design of industrial networks is presented, which integrates simulation and data analytics methods for a hierarchical derivation of stochastic boundary conditions on different levels of process integration. This framework is applied to study the utilization of steel mill gases for methanol synthesis in a stochastic dynamic environment.
Assembly of myosin II filament arrays: Network Contraction versus Expansion
Authors: Fenix Aidan M. , Burnette Dylan T.
Published: August 2018

How cellular contractile systems assemble has fascinated scientists for generations. The major molecule responsible for cellular force generation is the molecular motor, non‐muscle myosin II (NMII). NMII molecules are organized into single myosin filaments and larger arrays of filaments called NMII stacks, which are capable of generating increasing amounts of force. The textbook model of NMII stack assembly is the Network Contraction Model, where ensembles of distinct NMII filaments condense into a NMII stack by pulling on actin filaments. While this model has been widely accepted for ~20 years, it has been difficult to test inside cells due to the small size of NMII filaments. Recently, interest in how NMII stacks form has been reinvigorated by the advent of super‐resolution microscopy techniques which have afforded unprecedented resolution of NMII filaments inside cells. A number of recent publications using these techniques have called into question key aspects of the Network Contraction Model, and our understanding of how NMII stacks assemble.
Discovery of a Potent, Long‐Acting, and CNS‐Active Inhibitor (BIA 10‐2474) of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase
Authors: Kiss László E. , Beliaev Alexandre , Ferreira Humberto S. , Rosa Carla P. , Bonifácio Maria João , Loureiro Ana I. , Pires Nuno M. , Palma P. Nuno , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício
Published: August 2018

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) can be targeted for the treatment of pain associated with various medical conditions. Herein we report the design and synthesis of a novel series of heterocyclic‐N‐carboxamide FAAH inhibitors that have a good alignment of potency, metabolic stability and selectivity for FAAH over monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and carboxylesterases (CEs). Lead optimization efforts carried out with benzotriazolyl‐ and imidazolyl‐N‐carboxamide series led to the discovery of clinical candidate 8 l (3‐(1‐(cyclohexyl(methyl)carbamoyl)‐1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)pyridine 1‐oxide; BIA 10‐2474) as a potent and long‐acting inhibitor of FAAH. However, during a Phase I clinical trial with compound 8 l, unexpected and unpredictable serious neurological adverse events occurred, affecting five healthy volunteers, including the death of one subject.
Socioeconomics, race, and ethnicity in childhood cancer survival: Accessing and addressing root causes of disparities
Authors: Colton Meryl D. , Hawkins Makenzie , Goulding DeLayna , Cockburn Myles , Green Adam L.
Published: August 2018

This editorial, which accompanies an article by Kehm et al on the contribution of socioeconomic status to racial and ethnic disparities in childhood cancer survival, addresses the epidemiologic challenges of understanding social determinants of disparities as well as future directions for research and intervention in this area.
Integral and Asymptotic Properties of Solitary Waves in Deep Water
Authors: Wheeler Miles H.
Published: August 2018

We consider two‐ and three‐dimensional gravity and gravity‐capillary solitary water waves in infinite depth. Assuming algebraic decay rates for the free surface and velocity potential, we show that the velocity potential necessarily behaves like a dipole at infinity and obtain a related asymptotic formula for the free surface. We then prove an identity relating the “dipole moment” to the kinetic energy. This implies that the leading‐order terms in the asymptotics are nonvanishing and in particular that the angular momentum is infinite. Lastly we prove that the “excess mass” vanishes. © 2018 the Authors. Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics is published by the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical Evaluation of MK‐2640: An Insulin Analog With Glucose‐Responsive Properties
Authors: Krug Alexander W. , Visser Sandra A.G. , Tsai Kuenhi , Kandala Bhargava , Fancourt Craig , Thornton Bob , Morrow Linda , Kaarsholm Niels C. , Bernstein Harold S. , Stoch S. Aubrey , Crutchlow Michael , Kelley David E. , Iwamoto Marian
Published: August 2018

The goal of this investigation was to examine clinical translation of glucose responsiveness of MK‐2640, which is a novel insulin saccharide conjugate that can bind the insulin receptor or mannose receptor C type 1 (MRC1), the latter dependent upon glucose concentration. In a rising dose study in 36 healthy adults under euglycemic clamp conditions, rising exposures revealed saturation of MK‐2640 clearance, likely due to saturation of clearance by MRC1. Potency of MK‐2640 was ~25‐fold reduced relative to regular human insulin. In a randomized, 2‐period crossover trial in 16 subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus to evaluate glucose‐responsiveness of i.v. administered MK‐2640, we were unable to demonstrate a glucose‐dependent change in MK‐2640 clearance, although a significant glucose‐dependent augmentation of glucose infusion rate was observed. These pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) data provide crucial insights into next steps for developing an insulin saccharide conjugate as a clinically effective glucose‐responsive insulin analog.
Pharmacokinetics‐Pharmacodynamics of High‐Dose Ivermectin with Dihydroartemisinin‐Piperaquine on Mosquitocidal Activity and QT‐Prolongation (IVERMAL)
Authors: Smit Menno R. , Ochomo Eric O. , Waterhouse David , Kwambai Titus K. , Abong'o Bernard O. , Bousema Teun , Bayoh Nabie M. , Gimnig John E. , Samuels Aaron M. , Desai Meghna R. , Phillips‐Howard Penelope A. , Kariuki Simon K. , Wang Duolao , ter Kuile Feiko O. , Ward Stephen A. , Aljayyoussi Ghaith
Published: August 2018

High‐dose ivermectin, co‐administered for 3 days with dihydroartemisinin‐piperaquine (DP), killed mosquitoes feeding on individuals for at least 28 days posttreatment in a recent trial (IVERMAL), whereas 7 days was predicted pretrial. The current study assessed the relationship between ivermectin blood concentrations and the observed mosquitocidal effects against Anopheles gambiae s.s. Three days of ivermectin 0, 300, or 600 mcg/kg/day plus DP was randomly assigned to 141 adults with uncomplicated malaria in Kenya. During 28 days of follow‐up, 1,393 venous and 335 paired capillary plasma samples, 850 mosquito‐cluster mortality rates, and 524 QTcF‐intervals were collected. Using pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling, we show a consistent correlation between predicted ivermectin concentrations and observed mosquitocidal‐effects throughout the 28‐day study duration, without invoking an unidentified mosquitocidal metabolite or drug‐drug interaction. Ivermectin had no effect on piperaquine's PKs or QTcF‐prolongation. The PK/PD model can be used to design new treatment regimens with predicted mosquitocidal effect. This methodology could be used to evaluate effectiveness of other endectocides.
An Electrospun Core–Shell Nanofiber Web as a High‐Performance Cathode for Iron Disulfide‐Based Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Authors: Haridas Anupriya K. , Lim Ji‐Eun , Lim Du‐Hyun , Kim Jeha , Cho Kwon Koo , Matic Aleksandar , Kim Jae‐Kwang , Ahn Jou‐Hyeon
Published: August 2018

FeS2/C core–shell nanofiber webs were synthesized for the first time by a unique synthesis strategy that couples electrospinning and carbon coating of the nanofibers with sucrose. The design of the one‐dimensional core–shell morphology was found to be greatly beneficial for accommodating the volume changes encountered during cycling, to induce shorter lithium ion diffusion pathways in the electrode, and to prevent sulfur dissolution during cycling. A high discharge capacity of 545 mAh g−1 was retained after 500 cycles at 1 C, exhibiting excellent stable cycling performance with 98.8 % capacity retention at the last cycle. High specific capacities of 854 mAh g−1, 518 mAh g−1, and 208 mAh g−1 were obtained at 0.1 C, 1 C, and 10 C rates, respectively, demonstrating the exceptional rate capability of this nanofiber web cathode.
Power allocation schemes for wireless powered NOMA systems with imperfect CSI: An application in multiple antenna–based relay
Authors: Nguyen Thanh‐Luan , Do Dinh‐Thuan
Published: August 2018

The simultaneous wireless information and power transfer or energy harvesting (EH) can be combined in nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) as green applications towards 5G. This paper investigates a new cooperative EH‐NOMA protocol, where the intermediate relay has not equipped the fixed power source and acts as a wireless powered relay to help signal transmission to representative weak user and strong user in NOMA. However, impacts of imperfect channel estimation contribute to outage system performance evaluations. We formulate the power resource assignment paradigms as two schemes, namely, fixed power allocation and dynamic power allocation, by considering imperfect channel state information (CSI). To solve this problem, we derive the closed‐form expressions of outage probability under imperfect CSI and the power allocation constraints. The expected numerical results related to the derived expressions for the outage probability are examined that numerical and the Monte Carlo simulations are strictly matching lines.
Modular and deep QoE/QoS mapping for multimedia services over satellite networks
Authors: Xu Shuang , Wang Xingwei , Huang Min
Published: August 2018

Satellite networks are promising alternatives to deal with the increasing traffic volume and provide universal access for end users. Quality of experience (QoE) as an aggregate of user perception and network quality will be a critical success factor for multimedia service delivery over satellite networks. Quality of experience prediction based on quality of service (QoS) has received much attention recently, but it has been little investigated in satellite networks. In this paper, on the basis of the modular neural network and deep belief networks (DBNs), we design a QoE/QoS mapping method for multimedia services over satellite networks to translate QoS parameters into user QoE. The task of QoE/QoS mapping for multimedia services is decomposed into several different subtasks by using traffic classification. Heterogeneous DBNs are used to learn the mapping relationships between QoE and QoS for different types of services (ie, subtask) simultaneously. An integrative approach based on relative distance is exploited to select subneural network(s) to predict resulting QoE collaboratively. To determine the weight parameters of the QoE/QoS correlation model, the dataset composed of QoS parameters and subjective opinion scores is built on the basis of satellite network simulator and subjective test. Finally, the effectiveness of our QoE/QoS mapping method is validated, and the relationship between adoption rating and opinion scores is analyzed.
Trajectory of heart period to socioaffective threat in shy children
Authors: Poole Kristie L. , Schmidt Louis A.
Published: August 2018

Although shyness is characterized by distinct psychophysiological correlates, we know very little about the development of these correlates. In this longitudinal study, we examined how children's shyness was associated with trajectories of heart period (HP) to socioaffective threat across four assessments spanning approximately 2 years. Children (Mage = 6.39 years) viewed age‐appropriate, socioaffective videos at each visit while having their HP measured concurrently. A growth curve analysis revealed that low shy children had a relatively lower HP at enrollment, but experienced increases in HP across visits, while high shy children exhibited relatively stable low HP across visits while viewing threat‐related socioaffective video stimuli. These patterns did not exist for HP during resting baseline or HP to nonthreatening video stimuli. These findings suggest that longitudinal patterns of HP among shy children may reflect a stable, characteristic way of responding to socioaffective threat, and possibly a physiological mechanism underlying shyness in some children.
Distinct neutrophil counts and functions in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults, and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Huang Juan , Xiao Yang , Zheng Peilin , Zhou Wenzhi , Wang Yanfei , Huang Gan , Xu Aimin , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: August 2018

Background

Recent discoveries from animal models demonstrated that neutrophils can induce type 1 diabetes (T1D) through infiltrating into the islets. However, the evidence of their actions in T1D patients is relatively rare, and the change trend of neutrophil numbers and functions in different subtypes of diabetes has not been investigated.

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed T1D (n = 189), latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) (n = 86), T2D (n = 235), and healthy controls (n = 709) were enrolled. Circulating neutrophil counts were measured, and their correlations with clinical parameters were analysed. Neutrophils were isolated by density gradient centrifugation and magnetic bead cell sorting method. Neutrophil migration rate and chemokine levels in the blood were explored by trans‐well and ELISA, respectively. Neutrophil phagocytosis rate, adhesion molecules and chemokine receptors expression were investigated by flow cytometry.

Results

Compared with controls, neutrophil counts decreased in T1D patients but increased in T2D patients, with no change in LADA patients. The numbers showed a gradual increase trend from T1D, LADA to T2D. In autoimmune diabetes, neutrophil counts were associated with the number and titre of positive autoantibodies against β‐cell antigens. No difference was found in neutrophil phagocytosis rate, but neutrophil migration in T1D patients was impaired and associated with CD62L expression, which was related closely to the titre of autoantibody.

Conclusions

Neutrophil numbers and migration abilities displayed distinct levels in different types of diabetes. In T1D, CD62L seems to play an important role in the migration of neutrophils and β‐cell autoimmunity.
A gene regulatory network anchored by LIM homeobox 1 for embryonic head development
Authors: Sibbritt Tennille , Ip Chi K. , Khoo Poh‐Lynn , Wilkie Emilie , Jones Vanessa , Sun Jane Q. J. , Shen Joanne X. , Peng Guangdun , Han Jing‐Dong J. , Jing Naihe , Osteil Pierre , Ramialison Mirana , Tam Patrick P. L. , Fossat Nicolas
Published: August 2018

Development of the embryonic head is driven by the activity of gene regulatory networks of transcription factors. LHX1 is a homeobox transcription factor that plays an essential role in the formation of the embryonic head. The loss of LHX1 function results in anterior truncation of the embryo caused by the disruption of morphogenetic movement of tissue precursors and the dysregulation of WNT signaling activity. Profiling the gene expression pattern in the Lhx1 mutant embryo revealed that tissues in anterior germ layers acquire posterior tissue characteristics, suggesting LHX1 activity is required for the allocation and patterning of head precursor tissues. Here, we used LHX1 as an entry point to delineate its transcriptional targets and interactors and construct a LHX1‐anchored gene regulatory network. Using a gain‐of‐function approach, we identified genes that immediately respond to Lhx1 activation. Meta‐analysis of the datasets of LHX1‐responsive genes and genes expressed in the anterior tissues of mouse embryos at head‐fold stage, in conjunction with published Xenopus embryonic LHX1 (Xlim1) ChIP‐seq data, has pinpointed the putative transcriptional targets of LHX1 and an array of genetic determinants functioning together in the formation of the mouse embryonic head.
Cytonuclear discordance in the Florida Everglades invasive Burmese python (Python bivittatus) population reveals possible hybridization with the Indian python (P. molurus)
Authors: Hunter Margaret E. , Johnson Nathan A. , Smith Brian J. , Davis Michelle C. , Butterfield John S. S. , Snow Ray W. , Hart Kristen M.
Published: August 2018

The invasive Burmese python (Python bivittatus) has been reproducing in the Florida Everglades since the 1980s. These giant constrictor snakes have caused a precipitous decline in small mammal populations in southern Florida following escapes or releases from the commercial pet trade. To better understand the invasion pathway and genetic composition of the population, two mitochondrial (mtDNA) loci across 1,398 base pairs were sequenced on 426 snakes and 22 microsatellites were assessed on 389 snakes. Concatenated mtDNA sequences produced six haplotypes with an average nucleotide and haplotype diversity of π = 0.002 and h = 0.097, respectively. Samples collected in Florida from morphologically identified P. bivittatus snakes were similar to published cytochrome oxidase 1 and cytochrome b sequences from both P. bivittatus and Python molurus and were highly divergent (genetic distances of 5.4% and 4.3%, respectively). The average number of microsatellite alleles and expected heterozygosity were NA = 5.50 and HE = 0.60, respectively. Nuclear Bayesian assignment tests supported two genetically distinct groups and an admixed group, not geographically differentiated. The effective population size (NE = 315.1) was lower than expected for a population this large, but reflected the low genetic diversity overall. The patterns of genetic diversity between mtDNA and microsatellites were disparate, indicating nuclear introgression of separate mtDNA lineages corresponding to cytonuclear discordance. The introgression likely occurred prior to the invasion, but genetic information on the native range and commercial trade is needed for verification. Our finding that the Florida python population is comprised of distinct lineages suggests greater standing variation for adaptation and the potential for broader areas of suitable habitat in the invaded range.
Reservoir operation and environmental water demand: Scenarios for the Sub‐Middle and Lower São Francisco River basin, Brazil
Authors: Koch Hagen , Selge Florian , de Azevedo José Roberto G. , Souza da Silva Gerald N. , Siegmund‐Schultze Marianna , Hattermann Fred F.
Published: August 2018

Water management is important for delivering water for different users and uses. Reservoirs are built to overcome the stochastic nature of river flows and to increase the reliability of water supply. Reservoir operation affects the ecology of downstream river sections, and there has been a discussion of a more ecologically oriented flow regime, although ecosystems of reservoirs themselves are rarely taken into account. For reservoirs, it is important to identify multiple impacts and trade‐offs of different management options. This information can be used in a multidisciplinary and multiparticipatory decision‐making process to assess the management options. This study develops, applies, and discusses reservoir operation options for the São Francisco River basin (Brazil): (a) Reference; (b) Environmental discharge; (c) Reduced daily water‐level variation; and (d) Reduced annual water‐level variation. In the simulation study, the operation option with reduced daily water‐level variation in reservoirs turned out to be the most flexible, guaranteeing hydropower generation and water supply in the dry season, while considering the ecology of the reservoirs and rivers. The simulations are exemplary for decision makers, requiring further assessment after agreeing on priority setting.
Integrating growth and capture–mark–recapture models reveals size‐dependent survival in an elusive species
Authors: Rose Jonathan P. , Wylie Glenn D. , Casazza Michael L. , Halstead Brian J.
Published: August 2018

Survival is a key vital rate for projecting the viability of wild populations. Estimating survival is difficult for many rare or elusive species because recapture rates of marked individuals are low, and the ultimate fate of individuals is unknown. Low recapture rates for many species have made it difficult to accurately estimate survival, and to evaluate the importance of individual and environmental covariates for survival. Individual covariates such as size are particularly difficult to include in capture–mark–recapture models for elusive species because the state of the individual is unknown during periods when it is not captured. Here, we integrate a von Bertalanffy growth model with a multi‐state robust‐design Cormack‐Jolly‐Seber model to test for a relationship between body size and survival in the elusive, threatened giant gartersnake, Thamnophis gigas. We take a Bayesian approach to model the size of an individual during periods when it was not captured and measured, which fully propagates uncertainty in this unobserved covariate. We found strong support for a positive relationship between snake size and annual survival, with survival increasing with size up to a peak for adult snakes, after which survival either declines slightly or plateaus for the largest individuals. Few captures of very small and very large individuals led to high uncertainty in the survival rates of these sizes. Survival of giant gartersnakes was also positively related to the amount of precipitation and the cover of emergent and floating vegetation at a site. To our knowledge, our study is the first to estimate a size–survival relationship in a snake while fully accounting for uncertainty in the size of unobserved individuals. Our results have implications for the management of this threatened species and illustrate the utility of integrating hierarchical Bayesian models to the study of survival in elusive species.
Copper toxicity in Bristol Bay headwaters: Part 1—Acute mortality and ambient water quality criteria in low-hardness water
Authors: Morris Jeffrey M. , Brinkman Stephen F. , Carney Michael W. , Lipton Joshua
Published: August 2018

The world-class Alaskan Bristol Bay salmon fishery and vast deposits of copper (Cu) and other metals in the watershed warrant further investigation into the potential toxicity of Cu to salmonids under the low water-hardness conditions that occur in the watershed. Therefore we investigated the acute toxicity of Cu to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) in low-hardness water (∼ 30 mg/L as CaCO3) formulated in the laboratory and collected from the Bristol Bay watershed. The median lethal concentration (LC50) for rainbow trout exposed to Cu in low-hardness laboratory water was 16 μg Cu/L (95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 12, 21; dissolved Cu, filtered to 0.45 μm). The LC50 values for fathead minnows exposed to Cu in low-hardness laboratory water or site water were 29 and 79 μg Cu/L (95% CIs: 23, 35 and 58, 125; dissolved Cu), respectively. The biotic ligand model (BLM) LC50 estimates for these bioassays were 1.3 to 2.3 times higher than the actual LC50 values. We also calculated and analyzed acute Cu water quality criteria, also known as criterion maximum concentration (CMC), using hardness-based methods and the BLM for water samples collected throughout the Bristol Bay watershed in 2007. Biotic ligand model CMCs ranged from 0.05 to 17.5 μg Cu/L and hardness-based CMCs ranged from 2.3 to 6.1 μg Cu/L for the 65 samples analyzed. Our results show the need for site-specific research and subsequent water quality guidelines in low-hardness aquatic habitats. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:190–197. © 2018 SETAC
Critical review and analysis of aquatic toxicity data on oil spill dispersants
Authors: Bejarano Adriana C.
Published: August 2018

Oil spill response requires consideration of several countermeasures including chemical dispersants, but their potential toxicity to aquatic species poses a concern. Considerable in vivo aquatic toxicity data from laboratory exposures have been generated since 2010 for current-use dispersants. The objective of the present review is to provide a synthesis of these data to improve dispersant hazard assessments. Data from multiple studies were evaluated based on reliability criteria. Although procedures, standards, endpoints, and statistical approaches were usually described, nearly a quarter of sources did not provide sufficient information to judge study quality but were considered on a case-by-case basis. Data were used to develop dispersant-specific species sensitivity distributions and hazard concentrations protective of 95% of the species (HC5). Given data limitations, post-2010 toxicity data were augmented with pre-2010 data and model predictions. The HC5s calculated for 54 dispersants fell mostly within the moderate to slightly toxic range and were compared to field dispersant-only concentrations estimated from operational application rates under conservative assumptions. Based on available evidence, dispersants may not pose a significant risk under field conditions to most aquatic species, if proper application and dilution are taken into account. Recommendations on improved toxicity testing and reporting as well as research needs are also provided. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2989–3001. © 2018 SETAC

Abstract

SSDs for Corexit 9500 developed from pre-2010 (red) and post-2010 (blue) toxicity data.
No evidence of microplastic impacts on consumption or growth of larval Pimephales promelas
Authors: Malinich Timothy David , Chou Nathan , Sepúlveda Maria S. , Höök Tomas O.
Published: August 2018

Microplastics are an abundant pollutant in aquatic systems, but little is known regarding their effects on larval fish. We conducted foraging and growth experiments to observe how increasing densities of microplastics (polyethylene microspheres) impact the foraging and growth of Pimephales promelas larvae. We found minimal impacts on larval consumption of Artemia nauplii in the consumption study, as well as little impact on total length after 30 d of the growth experiment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2912–2918. © 2018 SETAC
Geochemistry of ultramafic–mafic rocks of the Madawara Ultramafic Complex in the southern part of the Bundelkhand Craton, Central Indian Shield: Implications for mantle sources and geodynamic setting
Authors: Ramiz Mir Md , Mondal Md. Erfan Ali , Farooq Syed Hilal
Published: August 2018

Detailed field, petrography and whole‐rock geochemical study was carried out in order to constrain the mantle sources and geodynamic setting of the Madawara Ultramafic Complex (MUC) of the Bundelkhand Craton. Studies reveal that there are two types of ultramafic rocks: (a) high‐Mg ultrabasic/basic rocks and (b) undeformed ultramafic–mafic plutonic rocks. The high‐Mg ultrabasic/basic rocks have undergone severe low‐grade (greenschist) metamorphism and are characterized by stringer and veinlet structures of talc–tremolite–actinolite schists with alternate layers of serpentinites showing comparatively higher SiO2 (46.1–49.4 wt%), lower MgO (24.6–26.2 wt%), and higher Al2O3 (4.58–7.06 wt%) and CaO (2.72–6.77 wt%) compared to the undeformed ultramafic rocks. The undeformed ultramafic rocks (mainly harzburgite, lherzolite, and olivine websterite) are characterized by globular structures and have lower SiO2 (40–44.1 wt%), higher MgO (30.4–38 wt%) and lower Al2O3 (1.84–4.03 wt%) and CaO (0.16–3.14 wt%). The undeformed mafic rocks (mainly gabbro) occur as small pockets within the undeformed ultramafic rocks as well as independent outcrops. Limited variation in Nb/Th against Nb/Yb along with negative Nb‐Ti anomalies of all the rock types in the multi‐element diagram reveals the significant role of the metasomatized mantle in their genesis. All the rocks show enrichment in light rare earth element and large‐ion lithophile elements compared to heavy rare earth elements and high‐field strength elements. The geochemical characteristics coupled with Ce/Yb versus Ce variation of the rocks of MUC point towards two different sources for their genesis. The high‐Mg ultrabasic/basic rocks are derived from partial melting of metasomatized mantle at shallow depth, while the undeformed ultramafic rocks were formed as a result of asthenospheric upwelling from a greater depth that induced the melting in the overlying lithosphere. Gabbro rocks represent the last and most evolved phase of the complex. Geochemical signatures suggest that the rocks of MUC were formed in a continental arc setting.
On Avoiding Deep Dementia
Authors: Cantor Norman L.
Published: August 2018

Some people will confront Alzheimer's with a measure of resignation, a determination to struggle against the progressive debilitation and to extract whatever comforts and benefits they can from their remaining existence. They are entitled to pursue that resolute path. For other people, like myself, protracted maintenance during progressive cognitive dysfunction and helplessness is an intolerably degrading prospect. The critical question for those of us seeking to avoid protracted dementia is how best to accomplish that objective.

One strategy is to engineer one's own death while still mentally competent to do so (even in the stage of mild dementia). If I were to use a preemptive strategy in the face of a dementia diagnosis, I would probably choose to stop eating and drinking, a process known as voluntarily stopping eating and drinking. An alternative tactic for avoiding prolonged dementia would be to allow oneself to decline into moderate dementia—thus losing capacity to perform self‐deliverance or even to make serious medical decisions—but before getting to that point to provide advance instructions rejecting prospective life‐sustaining medical interventions. These advance instructions would authorize palliative but not curative measures. My current personal instructions define the point of intolerable cognitive decline triggering medical nonintervention as “mental deterioration to a point when I can no longer read and understand written material such as a newspaper or financial records such as a checkbook.” These instructions dictate allowing my demise at a point of moderate dementia when I may not be perceptibly suffering, when I may still be getting some rudimentary satisfaction from my debilitated life, and when I no longer recall the preoccupation with personally intolerable indignity that motivated my instructions. Can I expect that my advance instructions will be implemented in those circumstances? Is it lawful, and is it moral for a surrogate decision‐maker and associated caregivers to allow an uncomprehending, ostensibly content but demented individual to die? My analysis herein contends that it is not only lawful and moral but also legally required to implement clear, considered advance instructions even at a stage of moderate dementia.
An Open Letter to Norman Cantor Regarding Dementia and Physician‐Assisted Suicide
Authors: Sulmasy Daniel P.
Published: August 2018

Dear Norm,

Thank you for sharing such a personal and heartfelt essay. I have been asked by the editors to comment. Reading it inspires me to do so in a similarly heartfelt way. Although I don't know you well, I thought I'd write to you as if you were my patient.

I share your sense that Alzheimer disease is a terrible scourge. I've seen much of this disease over a lifetime of practice, and I deeply understand its ravages and the debility and suffering it causes. But what you propose is not a good solution for the problems that Alzheimer disease poses for patients, families, and society. It will ultimately do far more harm than good. Please let me try to explain.
Modulation of network‐to‐network connectivity via spike‐timing‐dependent noninvasive brain stimulation
Authors: Santarnecchi Emiliano , Momi Davide , Sprugnoli Giulia , Neri Francesco , Pascual‐Leone Alvaro , Rossi Alessandro , Rossi Simone
Published: August 2018

Human cognitive abilities and behavior are linked to functional coupling of many brain regions organized in distinct networks. Gaining insights on the role those networks’ dynamics play in cognition and pathology requires their selective, reliable, and reversible manipulation. Here we document the possibility to manipulate the interplay between two brain networks in a controlled manner, by means of a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) protocol inducing spike timing dependent plasticity (STDP). Pairs of TMS pulses at specific inter‐stimulus intervals, repeatedly delivered over two negatively correlated nodes of the default mode network (DMN) and the task‐positive network (TPN) defined on the basis of individual functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, induced a modulation of network‐to‐network connectivity, even reversing correlation from negative to slightly positive in 30% of cases. Results also suggest a baseline‐dependent effect, with a greater connectivity modulation observed in participants with weaker between‐networks connectivity strength right before TMS. Finally, modulation of task‐evoked fMRI activity patterns during a sustained attention task was also observed after stimulation, with a faster or slower switch between rest and task blocks according to the timing of TMS pulses. The present findings promote paired associative TMS as a promising technique for controlled manipulation of fMRI connectivity dynamics in humans, as well as the causal investigation of brain‐behavior relations.
Structural and functional cerebral bases of diminished inhibitory control during healthy aging
Authors: Hu Sien , Ide Jaime S. , Chao Herta H. , Castagna Brittney , Fischer Kimberly A. , Zhang Sheng , Li Chiang‐shan R.
Published: August 2018

Inhibitory control or the ability to refrain from incorrect responses is a critical executive function known to diminish during aging. Imaging studies have elucidated cerebral changes that may underlie the age‐related deficits. However, it remains unclear whether the structural and functional changes occur in the same brain regions and whether reduced gray matter volumes (GMV) mediate decreased activation during inhibition. Here, in a sample of 149 participants, we addressed the issues using structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging. Individual's response inhibition was evaluated by the stop signal reaction time (SSRT) in a stop signal task. The results showed that age was associated with prolonged SSRT across participants. Many cortical and subcortical regions demonstrated age‐related reduction in GMV and activation to response inhibition. Additionally, age‐related diminution in inhibitory control, as indexed by the SSRT, was associated with both shared and distinct morphometric and functional changes. Voxel‐based morphometry demonstrated age‐related reduction in GMV in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and caudate head as well as bilateral insula, in association with prolonged SSRT. In a contrast of stop success versus go success trials, age was associated with lower activation in the medial and inferior frontal cortex and inferior parietal cortex. Further, reduction in GMV mediated age‐related differences in activations only of the medial prefrontal cortex, providing limited evidence for structure function association. Thus, the decline in inhibitory control, as evidenced in the stop signal task, manifest with both shared and distinct structural and functional processes during aging.
Sources of health financing and health outcomes: A panel data analysis
Authors: Fujii Tomoki
Published: August 2018

We study the differential impacts of public and private sources of health spending on health outcomes using a triple difference approach. We find that private health spending has on average a higher health‐promoting effect than public health spending. This result is robust with respect to the choice of outcome measure and covariates in the regression and driven primarily by the countries with ineffective governments. Once we restrict our sample to countries with effective governments, private health spending is found to be no better than public health spending in improving the health outcome.
Comparison of Therapies for Primary Prevention of Esophageal Variceal Bleeding: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐analysis
Authors: Sharma Mayank , Singh Siddharth , Desai Vivek , Shah Vijay H. , Kamath Patrick S. , Murad Mohammad Hassan , Simonetto Douglas A.
Published: August 2018

We performed a systematic review with network meta‐analysis (NMA) to compare the efficacy of different approaches in primary prevention of esophageal variceal bleeding and overall survival in patients with cirrhosis with large varices. Thirty‐two randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with 3,362 adults with cirrhosis with large esophageal varices and no prior history of bleeding, with a minimum of 12 months of follow‐up, were included. Nonselective beta‐blockers (NSBB), isosorbide‐mononitrate (ISMN), carvedilol, and variceal band ligation (VBL), alone or in combination, were compared with each other or placebo. Primary outcomes were reduction of all‐cause mortality and prevention of esophageal variceal bleeding. Random‐effects NMA was performed and summary estimates were expressed as odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals (OR; CI). Quality of evidence was critically appraised using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Moderate quality evidence supports NSBB monotherapy (0.70; 0.49‐1.00) or in combination with VBL (0.49; 0.23‐1.02) or ISMN (0.44; 0.21‐0.93) for decreasing mortality in patients with cirrhosis with large esophageal varices and no prior history of bleeding. Moderate‐quality evidence supports carvedilol (0.21; 0.08‐0.56) and VBL monotherapy (0.33; 0.19‐0.55) or in combination with NSBB (0.34; 0.14‐0.86), and low‐quality evidence supports NSBB monotherapy (0.64; 0.38‐1.07) for primary prevention of variceal bleeding. VBL carries a higher risk of serious adverse events compared with NSBB. Conclusion: NSBB monotherapy may decrease all‐cause mortality and the risk of first variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis with large esophageal varices. Additionally, NSBB carries a lower risk of serious complications compared with VBL. Therefore, NSBB may be the preferred initial approach for primary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal bleeding.