bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adults with autism spectrum disorder are sensitive to the kinematic features defining natural human motion
Authors: Edey Rosanna , Cook Jennifer , Brewer Rebecca , Bird Geoffrey , Press Clare
Published: December 2018

It has been hypothesized that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (hereafter “autism”) have problems perceiving biological motion, which contributes to their social difficulties. However, the ability to perceive the kinematic profile characteristic of biological motion has not been systematically examined in autism. To examine this basic perceptual ability we conducted two experiments comparing adults with autism with matched typical adults. In Experiment 1, participants indicated whether two movements—which differed in the quantity of formula‐generated biological motion—were the same or different. In Experiment 2, they judged which of two movements was “less natural,” where the stimuli varied in the degree to which they were a product of real movement data produced by autistic and typical models. There were no group differences in perceptual sensitivity in either experiment, with null effects supported by Bayesian analyses. The findings from these two experiments demonstrate that adults with autism are sensitive to the kinematic information defining biological motion to a typical degree—they are both able to detect the perceptual information in a same‐different judgment, and as inclined to categorize biological motion derived from real models as natural. These findings therefore provide evidence against the hypothesis that individuals with autism exhibit low‐level difficulties in perceiving the kinematics of others' actions, suggesting that atypicalities arise either when integrating this kinematic information with other perceptual input, or in the interpretation of kinematic information. Autism Res 2019, 12: 284–294 © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

It has previously been suggested that autistic children and adults have problems perceiving the detailed manner in which others move—that is, the subtle changes in speed as we move from point to point—which may impact on their ability to learn from, and about, others in a typical fashion. However, the results from the present two studies demonstrate that adults with autism can perceive this information, suggesting that atypicalities in processing others' movement may arise mainly as a consequence of atypical interpretation rather than perception.
Adverse maternal environment leads to cardiac fibrosis in adult male mice
Authors: Spearman Andrew D. , Ke Xingrao , Fu Qi , Lane Robert H. , Majnik Amber
Published: December 2018

Background

Cardiac fibrosis is a cardinal feature of multiple types of cardiovascular disease, which lead to heart failure. Multiple studies connect adverse maternal environment (AME) with cardiac fibrosis. AME does not always result in fibrosis, though. An additional “insult”, such as an adult Western diet (WD), is frequently necessary. The additive effects of AME and adult WD on cardiac fibrosis is not well‐understood. AME can also alter DNA methylation. DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and ten‐eleven translocation (TET) are methylation modifying genes that regulate DNA methylation, but it is unknown if AME changes cardiac gene expression of DNMT and TET. We sought to use a model of AME and adult WD to investigate the development of cardiac fibrosis and cardiac mRNA expression of DNMT and TET genes.

Methods

We exposed dams to WD or control diet (CD) 5 weeks before pregnancy and through lactation. We added environmental stressors during the last third of pregnancy to dams on WD to create AME. Dams on CD experienced no added stressors to create control maternal environment (CME). Male offspring were weaned at Postnatal Week 3 (W3) and placed on WD or CD to create four groups: CME‐CD, CME‐WD, AME‐CD, and AME‐WD.

Results

AME‐WD increased cardiac fibrosis in adulthood (p < .05), whereas AME‐CD and CME‐WD did not. TET1‐3 and DNMT3a mRNA levels decreased in AME versus CME offspring (p < .01).

Conclusion

AME increases susceptibility to cardiac fibrosis in adult male mice. Early‐life changes to TET expression may mediate susceptibility to fibrosis, but further testing is needed.
Evaluation of an in vitro mouse testis organ culture system for assessing male reproductive toxicity
Authors: Nakamura Noriko , Sloper Daniel T. , Del Valle Pedro L.
Published: December 2018

Background

Development of an in vitro system capable of producing mature sperm remains a challenging goal, with only few successes reported. Such a system, could be used to test agents for potential toxicity to the male reproductive system; to explore this, we exposed immature mouse testis fragments in culture to ethinylestradiol (EE), a well‐known testicular toxicant in vivo.

Methods

Testis fragments from postnatal day 5 mice were cultured in Albumax I medium. After 24 hr of culture, fragments were treated with 0.01, 0.1 or 1 nM EE, then harvested after 20 days in culture and examined for histology or gene expression measures by quantitative PCR.

Results

There was substantial variability between fragments in the degree of spermatogenesis observed. The percentage of seminiferous tubules containing any dead germ cells increased as a result of EE exposure in a dose dependent fashion. This was accompanied with a decreased percentage of tubules with round spermatids. Expression of estrogen receptor 1, cytochrome P450, family 11, subfamily a, and polypeptide 1 also was reduced, depending on the dose.

Conclusion

These gene expression changes in the testis fragments are similar to those seen after animals have been exposed to EE. Gene expression changes in testis fragments are encouraging, but the variability across samples will need to be reduced for this in vitro system to become a generally applicable method for assessing testicular toxicants.
Green management, firm innovations, and environmental turbulence
Authors: Zhou Yunyue , Shu Chengli , Jiang Wei , Gao Shanxing
Published: December 2018

The multifaceted nature of firm innovation has prevented researchers from fully explaining the relationship between firm innovation and green management. This study, building on the Schumpeterian theory of innovation, explores this relationship by examining three major types of firm innovation—strategic innovation, managerial innovation, and product innovation—and their respective relationships with green management, considering several dimensions of environmental turbulence as distinctive boundary conditions. We propose that both strategic innovation and managerial innovation facilitate green management, which in turn mediates these effects on new product performance. The results of a survey of 303 Chinese firms provide strong support for this mediating logic. Moreover, we find that market turbulence weakens the effect of strategic innovation on green management whereas technological turbulence strengthens such effect but the effect of managerial innovation on green management is not influenced by environmental turbulence. Our research contributes to the innovation as well as green management and sustainability literatures by offering a framework in which to analyze firm innovation and green management and by showing how firms pursue sustainability and prosperity under specific environmental conditions.
Primary cardiac sarcomas: A multi‐national retrospective review
Authors: Chen Tom Wei‐Wu , Loong Herbert H. , Srikanthan Amirrtha , Zer Alona , Barua Reeta , Butany Jagdish , Cusimano Robert J. , Liang Yun‐Chieh , Chang Chin‐Hao , Iakobishvili Zaza , Razak Albiruni R. Abdul , Lewin Jeremy
Published: December 2018

Background

Primary cardiac sarcoma (PCS) is a rare but often fatal disease. The current study aimed to analyze the impact of baseline demographics, local and systemic therapies in a contemporary cohort.

Methods

Clinical records of PCS across six institutions in three continents were reviewed. Kaplan‐Meier method was used to estimate survival. Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine variables impacting progression‐free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS).

Results

Sixty‐one patients with PCS (1996‐2016) were identified. The median age at diagnosis was 46 (range 18‐79); 36% (n = 22) presented with metastatic disease. The most common histology was angiosarcoma (n = 24, 39%). A total of 46 patients received surgery (75%) but only 5 (8%) patients achieved R0 resection. Multi‐modality treatment to the primary tumor was given to 28 patients (46%; localized disease 23/39 (59%); metastatic disease 5/22 (23%)). The median OS for the entire cohort was 17.5 months (95% CI 9.5‐20.6), with seven (11%) patients surviving longer than 36 months. On multi‐variate analysis, age <65 (P = 0.01) was the only significant favorable prognostic factor. For first‐line palliative chemotherapy, the median PFS was 4.4 months (95% CI 2.9‐7.7 months). The best response for first‐line chemotherapy was 32% (CR = 1, PR = 9). No significant improvement in OS was identified in patients presenting throughout the 20‐year period of this review.

Conclusion

Younger age at diagnosis was associated with improved outcome although the prognosis of PCS remains poor. Given the lack of improvement in survival, further dedicated research is required.
Fabrication of Zinc Anodes for Aqueous Lithium‐Ion Batteries by Supersonic Cold Spraying
Authors: Ahmed Moin , Yazdi Alireza Z. , Dayani Siavash B. , Jahed Hamid , Chen P.
Published: December 2018

Supersonic cold spraying technique is successfully employed for the first time to fabricate the zinc anode of an electrochemical energy storage system. The anode demonstrates 40 % higher surface area than that of a zinc plate. The supersonic sprayed zinc anode in an aqueous lithium‐ion battery shows significant improvement in initial discharge capacity (149.3 mAhg−1), cycle life (90 % retention after 100 cycles at 1 C), rate performance and open circuit potential. Higher surface area and suppression of dendritic growth of the zinc anode are proposed to be responsible for the improved performance. The fabrication technique is fully scalable from small battery systems (1.15 mAh) to large ones (7 mAh), indicating the potential for large‐scale manufacturing processes.
Multimodality imaging‐guided local injection of eccentric magnetic microcapsules with electromagnetically controlled drug release
Authors: Huang Wenwei , Chen Yin , Chen Lanxi , Zhong Jinshuang , Johri Amer M. , Zhou Jianhua
Published: December 2018

Background

In the past decade, trackable smart drug delivery systems have played important roles in the treatment of many diseases such as cancer because the drug carriers can be visualized through their distinct physical properties. However, it is still difficult to achieve precise drug delivery because such systems usually rely on a single imaging system.

Aim

This study aimed to present a novel type of multimodality imaging‐guided strategy to visualize the drug carriers of eccentric magnetic microcapsule (EMM) designed for potential treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Method and results

The EMMs were prepared by using a three‐phase microfluidic device. The as‐prepared EMMs embedded with Fe3O4 nanoparticles are magnetic, with high density and acoustic impedance, allowing for visualization by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound (US) imaging during local injection. The release of drug from these EMMs can be further controlled by an external electromagnetic field (EMF). As a proof of concept, we demonstrated the process of multimodality imaging to guide local injection and the controlled release of doxorubicin (DOX) from the EMMs in a phantom. We showed that the release rate of DOX was directly correlated to the strength of the EMF. In addition, we cocultured green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐transfected HeLa cancer cells with the DOX‐loaded EMMs and documented their apoptosis by DOX following the release triggered by EMF.

Conclusion

The results suggest that these EMMs serve both as contrast agents that can be visualized by multimodality imaging techniques and as smart drug delivery systems, with great potential for precision medicine.
Adequate at rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE), but inadequate on final cytologic diagnosis: Analysis of 606 cases of endobronchial ultrasound‐guided trans bronchial needle aspirations (EBUS‐TBNA)
Authors: Gupta Neha , Klein Melissa , Chau Karen , Vadalia Bhumika , Khutti Seema , Gimenez Cecilia , Das Kasturi
Published: December 2018

Background

EBUS‐TBNA is a minimally invasive, reliable technique with high sensitivity and accuracy. ROSE plays a crucial role in triaging specimens to guide management. This study analyzes aspirates that were deemed “adequate” on ROSE, but inconclusive upon final cytologic interpretation.

Design

EBUS‐TBNAs from 2015 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed for ROSE adequacy versus final cytologic diagnosis. Concurrent and subsequent procedures were evaluated to determine the outcome of ROSE‐adequate cases with inconclusive final cytologic diagnosis of non‐diagnostic (ND), atypical (ATY), and suspicious for malignancy (SUS). Interpretation at ROSE was determined to be “appropriate” if published criteria for lymph node adequacy were met.

Results

A total of 606 cases of EBUS‐FNA with ROSE were obtained of which 61% were deemed adequate. 5% of cases deemed “adequate” at ROSE resulted in inconclusive final interpretation with 4 ND, 7 ATY, and 6 SUS. Their distribution, anatomic location, presence or absence of diagnostic aspirate, appropriateness of ROSE adequacy statement, and any concurrent or subsequent procedures on the same or different site as well as any impact on management was reviewed. Cytotechnologist (CT) experience ranged from 1 to 25 years.

Conclusions

ROSE and final cytology discrepant cases formed a very small fraction of total number of EBUS‐TBNA cases with onsite evaluation. None of these discordant cases had any major clinical impact. There will remain a small fraction of cases that will be inappropriately deemed as “adequate” at ROSE due to the challenging nature of the procedure.
Prenatal stress enhances postnatal plasticity: The role of microbiota
Authors: Hartman Sarah , Sayler Kristina , Belsky Jay
Published: December 2018

Separate fields of inquiry indicate (a) that prenatal stress is associated with heightened behavioral and physiological reactivity and (b) that these postnatal phenotypes are themselves associated with increased susceptibility to both positive and negative environmental influences. Collectively, this work supports Pluess and Belsky's (Psychopathology, 2011, 23, 29) claim that prenatal stress fosters, promotes or “programs” postnatal developmental plasticity. Herein, we review animal and human evidence consistent with this hypothesis before advancing the novel idea that infant intestinal microbiota may be one candidate mechanism for instantiating developmental plasticity as a result of prenatal stress. We then review research indicating that prenatal stress predicts differences in infant intestinal microbiota; that infant intestinal microbiota is associated with behavioral and physiological reactivity phenotypes; and, thus, that prenatal stress may influence infant intestinal microbiota in a way that results in heightened physiological and behavioral reactivity and, thereby, postnatal developmental plasticity. Finally, we offer ideas for testing this claim and consider implications for intervention and use of probiotics during early infancy.
Ontogenesis of learning and memory: Biopsychosocial and dynamical systems perspectives
Authors: Cuevas Kimberly , Sheya Adam
Published: December 2018

In this article, we review recent empirical and theoretical work on infant memory development, highlighting future directions for the field. We consider the state of the field since Carolyn Rovee‐Collier's call for developmental scientists to “shift the focus from what to why,” emphasizing the function of infant behavior and the value of integrating fractionized, highly specialized subfields. We discuss functional approaches of early learning and memory, including ecological models of memory development and relevant empirical work in human and non‐human organisms. Ontogenetic changes in learning and memory occur in developing biological systems, which are embedded in broader socio‐cultural contexts with shifting ecological demands that are in part determined by the infants themselves. We incorporate biopsychosocial and dynamical systems perspectives as we analyze the state of the field's integration of multiple areas of specialization to provide more holistic understanding of the contributing factors and underlying mechanisms of the development of memory.
Specification and formation of the neural crest: Perspectives on lineage segregation
Authors: Prasad Maneeshi S. , Charney Rebekah M. , García‐Castro Martín I.
Published: December 2018

The neural crest is a fascinating embryonic population unique to vertebrates that is endowed with remarkable differentiation capacity. Thought to originate from ectodermal tissue, neural crest cells generate neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system, and melanocytes throughout the body. However, the neural crest also generates many ectomesenchymal derivatives in the cranial region, including cell types considered to be of mesodermal origin such as cartilage, bone, and adipose tissue. These ectomesenchymal derivatives play a critical role in the formation of the vertebrate head, and are thought to be a key attribute at the center of vertebrate evolution and diversity. Further, aberrant neural crest cell development and differentiation is the root cause of many human pathologies, including cancers, rare syndromes, and birth malformations. In this review, we discuss the current findings of neural crest cell ontogeny, and consider tissue, cell, and molecular contributions toward neural crest formation. We further provide current perspectives into the molecular network involved during the segregation of the neural crest lineage.
An easy, flexible solution to attach devices to hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) enables long‐term high‐resolution studies
Authors: Barthel Leon M. F. , Hofer Heribert , Berger Anne
Published: December 2018

Bio‐logging is an essential tool for the investigation of behavior, ecology, and physiology of wildlife. This burgeoning field enables the improvement of population monitoring and conservation efforts, particularly for small, elusive animals where data collection is difficult. Device attachment usually requires species‐specific solutions to ensure that data loggers exert minimal influence on the animal’s behavior and physiology, and ensure high reliability of data capture. External features or peculiar body shapes often make securing devices difficult for long‐term monitoring, as in the case with small spiny mammals. Here, we present a method that enables high‐resolution, long‐term investigations of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) via GPS and acceleration loggers. We collected data from 17 wild hedgehogs with devices attached between 9 and 42 days. Our results showed that hedgehogs behaved naturally; as individuals curled, moved through dense vegetation, slipped under fences and built regular day nests without any indication of impediment. Our novel method makes it possible to not only attach high‐precision devices for substantially longer than previous efforts, but enables detachment and reattachment of devices to the same individual. This makes it possible to quickly respond to unforeseen events and exchange devices, and overcomes the issue of short battery life common to many lightweight loggers.
Analysis of reservoir computing focusing on the spectrum of bistable delayed dynamical systems
Authors: Kinoshita Ikuhide , Akao Akihiko , Shirasaka Sho , Kotani Kiyoshi , Jimbo Yasuhiko
Published: December 2018

Reservoir computing (RC) is a machine‐learning paradigm that is capable to process empirical time series data. This paradigm is based on a neural network with a fixed hidden layer having a high‐dimensional state space, called a reservoir. Reservoirs including time delays are considered to be good candidates for practical applications because they make hardware realization of the high‐dimensional reservoirs simple. Performance of the well‐trained RCs depends both on dynamical properties of attractors of the reservoirs and tasks they solve. Therefore, in the conventional monostable RCs, there arise task‐wise optimization problems of the reservoirs, which have been solved based on trial and error approaches. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between the dynamical properties of the time‐delay reservoir and the performance in terms of the spectra of the delayed dynamical systems, which might facilitate the development of the unified systematic optimization techniques for the time‐delay reservoirs. In addition, we propose a novel RC framework that performs well on distinct tasks without the task‐wise optimization using bistable reservoir dynamics, which can reduce complicated hardware management of the reservoirs.
A rapid site‐specific PCR based one‐tube authentication method for saffron in crude drugs and processed herbal medicines
Authors: Yuan Yi , Deng Yun , Wang Jian , Chen Rong
Published: December 2018

Saffron is one of the world's most precious medicinal herbs and often found to be adulterated with other cheaper materials. The chemical compounds in Crocus sativus L. such as crocin, picrocrocin also exist in other plants, which makes the chemotype‐driven analysis not ideal for the quality control of saffron. Herein, we developed a rapid authentication method for saffron in crude drugs by the site‐specific PCR. In order to realize fast high‐throughput analysis, a one‐tube identification approach was further established by using a universal fluorescent dye to detect the PCR products. In addition, this method was also applied to the authentication of saffron in a processed herbal medicine “Er shi wu wei shan hu wan” which consists of twenty‐five kinds of medicinal materials including plants, minerals and animals. Additionally, this method was also proved to be with high specificity and repeatability. The flexibility of choosing different primers also made this method versatile for other medicinal materials.
Reductive approach in the degradation of phenols with zero‐valent iron in aqueous media
Authors: Katayama Yumi , Simion Alina M. , Mitoma Yoshiharu , Yokoyama Daiki , Aoyagi Mitsuru , Harada Hiroyuki , Simion Cristian
Published: December 2018

Treatment of p‐cresol and other substituted phenols in aqueous media with Fe as electron donor, an acid as proton provider and a reduction catalyst was carried out as to mimic the treatment of phenolic wastewaters, in a first attempt of a reductive decontamination. From the various combinations tested, best results were obtained with a mixture of 7 mmol Fe, 9 mL 0.8 M H2SO4 and 0.1 g Rh/C. The parent cyclohexanols were obtained quantitatively after only 50 minutes of shaking, at room temperature, at pH ~ 0.1. The effect of weight ratio phenol: reagents as well as the influence of the reaction time were studied. A reaction pathway was also proposed. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 483–488, 2019
The relation between structural, rugometric and fractal characteristics of hard dental tissues at micro and nano levels
Authors: Solaymani Shahram , Ghoranneviss Mahmood , Elahi Seyed Mohammad , Shafiekhani Azizollah , Kulesza Slawomir , Ţălu Ştefan , Bramowicz Miroslaw , Hantehzadeh Mohammadreza , Nezafat Negin Beryani
Published: December 2018

Human tooth exhibits a structure of a mixture of inorganic hydroxyapatite nanocrystals and organic phases. The aim of this study is to investigate different tissues of human canine teeth surface along with the micro structure parameters of each tissue. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) is used to study the amorphous or crystalline nature of each tissue with different mineral compositions and crystalline structures where the highest crystalline quality is related to enamel. The surfaces are also examined by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry. Moreover, crystalline quality factor is carried out to estimate the crystallinity of the tissues. Also, based on the basic Scherrer equation, the Williamson–Hall equation is applied to extend the formula for the XRD. Enamel and cementum tissues of a typical human tooth, which look similar, are composed of a large variety of wide lines with different widths through Raman spectra analysis. In addition, the applied scanning electron microscopy extracts similar morphology for all tissues with round granular structures which are denser in the cementum. Atomic force microscopy is finally used for investigation of micro‐morphologies of the different tissues and the results are compared with the fractal analysis which ends to the bifractal and anisotropic nature of enamel and cementum along with monofractal and isotropic nature of dentin.
Light and scanning electron microscopic study of lingual papillae in the wolf (Canis lupus)
Authors: Haligur Ayse , Ozkadif Sema , Alan Aydin
Published: December 2018

In this study, it was aimed to perform light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation of the tongue and papilla belonging to two wolves. Light microscopy and SEM images of tongues were taken. It was observed that papillae filiformes concentrated in apex of these investigated tongues. In addition to, these papillae were observed in the whole tongues. It was also determined that papillae fungiformes were distributed rarely in between papillae filiformes. Papillae foliatae were placed in the lateral side of tongues. There were two papillae vallatae in the median part of tongues. Papillae vallatae was determined in radix linguae. It was observed that papillae vallatae formed circular extensions in many different dimensions and a hole was present in a circular structure in the center. Papillae conicae were seen on dorsal surface of radix linguae. Papillae foliatae were seen four laminal structure and placed on the each lateral side of tongues. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that presents of light microscopy and SEM findings related with the tongues of wolves.
Physical assessment by Japanese community hospital nurses compared to that performed overseas: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Maejima Satoko , Ohta Ryuichi
Published: December 2018

Background

Japanese nurses may not be adequately trained to perform physical assessments compared to nurses overseas due to differences in accessibility to education; currently, research investigating this discrepancy is limited. This study investigated the current performance levels of Japanese community nurses in physical assessments and compared their performance to that of nurses overseas.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we examined the practical application of physical assessments conducted by nurses at a Japanese community hospital. We used a questionnaire based on one used in a similar prior study conducted overseas. The results were also compared with the overseas data. A chi‐squared test and analysis of variance were used to analyze the variables in each question.

Results

We distributed the questionnaires to 171 nurses working in the hospital. The return rate was 97.6% (167 out of 171). There was no significant difference in the methods used to perform a physical assessment based on the number of years of experience. Compared to nurses overseas, Japanese community hospital nurses differed in one area of assessment: A physical assessment of the chest was more likely conducted via auscultation rather than inspection.

Conclusions

When Japanese community hospital nurses performed a physical assessment of patients, auscultation was more frequently implemented than inspection. This approach contrasts with nurses overseas, who were more likely to use inspection when performing physical assessment. Japanese community nurses should improve their skills related to inspection, as inspection is an important process in the recognition of early stages of emergency.
Congress presidential address to the 30th meeting of the JSHBPS: the second opening of Japan on the way to a bright future
Authors: Endo Itaru
Published: December 2018

The 30th meeting of the JSHBPS is the first domestic meeting of our society to have been organized completely in English. In that sense, we have established the theme of the 30th meeting of the JSHBPS as “The Second Opening of Japan on the Way to a Bright Future”. Last 30 years, several strategies have been undertaken to battle hepatobiliary (HPB) malignancies, such as aggressive operative procedures, operative planning using state‐of‐the‐art technologies, neoadjuvant therapy, conversion surgery for initially unresectable diseases, and immunomodulation. According to the rapid development of precision medicine, HBP surgeons should have a literacy for individualized therapy. Here, I review recent improvements in regard to HBP surgery. In addition, education for the next generations should be our highest priority. Collaboration with foreign researchers is the most effective tool to promote personal growth.
Long‐term reactions to pulsatile tinnitus are marked by weakened short‐range functional connectivity within a brain network in the right temporal lobe
Authors: Zheng Wang , Peng Zhang , Pengfei Zhao , Jing Li , Heyu Ding , Hongxia Yin , Yawen Liu , Zhengyu Zhang , Shusheng Gong , Zhenghan Yang , Han Lv , Zhenchang Wang
Published: December 2018

Background

There have been recent efforts to characterize brain functional activity features in patients with pulsatile tinnitus (PT). These efforts have revealed evidence of aberrant functional connectivity (FC) of the right middle temporal gyrus (MTG) in PT patients with prolonged disease duration.

Purpose

To assess the possible predictive effect of aberrant FC of MTG in PT patients with prolonged disease duration.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Thirty‐four patients with recent‐onset PT (RPTIN), 24 patients with long‐term PT (LPTIN), and 35 age‐, gender‐, and education‐matched healthy controls were enrolled.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T MRI system and echo‐planar imaging (EPI) sequence, 3D brain volume imaging (BRAVO) sequence.

Assessment

Functional MRI data preprocessing was performed in Data Processing & Analysis for Brain Imaging (DPABI) and Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) 8. The FC analyses were conducted using the software REST.

Statistical Tests

One‐way analysis of covariance was conducted between three groups with age and gender as covariates, and post‐hoc analysis was used to identify the sources of group effects. Pearson's correlation analysis was conducted for the z‐values of altered FC strength in the PT group and the clinical data.

Results

Among hubs belonging to the executive control network, the default mode network (DMN), and limbic network, the strength of FC was mainly decreased in the patient groups compared with normal controls (P < 0.05). Relative to RPTIN patients and normal controls, LPTIN patients were further characterized by significantly decreased FC between several short‐range brain regions adjacent to the seed (P < 0.05). Finally, disease duration was negatively correlated with decreased FC between the seed and right fusiform gyrus/parahippocampal gyrus, right inferior frontal gyrus, and right MTG (a brain area adjacent to the seed region).

Data Conclusion

Long‐term reactions to PT mainly involved weakened short‐range FC, especially within a functional network in the right temporal lobe.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018.
A nanoscale‐modified junctionless with considerable progress on the electrical and thermal issue
Authors: Anvarifard Mohammad K.
Published: December 2018

Silicon‐on‐insulator junctionless transistor (SOI‐JLT) is introduced as an efficient device for nanoscale destinations. Moreover, critical lattice temperature and high leakage current are taken into account as the fundamental challenges can limit the use of the SOI‐JLTs. This paper aims to modify a conventional junctionless in order to improve the electrical and thermal performance. A new window filled by lightly doped P‐type silicon material opens inside a part of the buried oxide beneath the channel region. This reformation in the junctionless creates a depletion layer at the channel region/new window interface to reduce the leakage current, successfully. Also, the critical lattice temperature of the proposed structure will be mitigated owing to higher effective thermal conduction in contrast to the conventional SOI‐JLT structure. Two carriers and two‐dimensional (2D) simulation of the structures under the study considering the various spectra of parameters in terms of lattice temperature, leakage current, electron temperature, driving current, transconductance, output conductance, parasitic capacitance, current gain, unilateral power gain, cutoff frequency, maximum oscillation frequency, and minimum noise figure revealed that the suggested device provides a better opportunity for the researchers and experimentalists to implement and develop it for VLSI applications.
Biotic strategies to increase plant availability of sewage sludge ash phosphorus
Authors: Raymond Nelly Sophie , Müller Stöver Dorette , Richardson Alan E. , Nielsen Henrik Hauggaard , Stoumann Jensen Lars
Published: December 2018

Sewage sludge incineration‐ash (FB‐I) represents a potential alternative phosphorus (P) fertiliser with a high concentration of P, although with relatively low crop availability. In this study, we investigated two P‐solubilisation approaches (acidification and P mobilisation by citrate) to enhance plant P uptake from the FB‐I ash in a pot study by using various biotic strategies: (1) a pre‐treatment of ash with a Penicillium bilaiae inoculum, (2) an isogenic line of wheat that excretes citrate from the root tip, (3) nitrogen (N) provided as
combined with nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD). All strategies were tested combined with each other and with different methods for ash application: (1) completely mixed within the top one third of soil in a pot, or (2) applied as distinct band at 10 cm depth. Triple super phosphate (TSP) at a rate of 15 mg P kg−1 soil per pot was sufficient to support maximum shoot growth. Ash mixed into the first top third part of soil in the pot at a rate of 180 mg P kg−1 soil (equivalent to 60 mg P kg−1 soil throughout the pot) significantly increased the soil water‐extractable P and the subsequent shoot P uptake and shoot biomass for both wheat lines and microbial pre‐treatment to support maximum plant performance. Shoot P concentration in these treatments was further enhanced when the plants received
and DCD, although not leading to a significant increase in shoot biomass. The citrate secretion by the root tips and pre‐inoculation with P. bilaiae of the ash did not influence plant growth. In conclusion, root‐zone soil acidification by
nutrition is regarded as a promising strategy to improve the fertilising effect of such alternative P fertilisers originating from urban waste streams.
What motivates ecopreneurs in the United States to create value?
Authors: Jayashankar Priyanka , Van Auken Howard , Ashta Arvind
Published: December 2018

There is an important linkage between the motives and the perceived value creation of ecopreneurs. Filling a research gap on how ecopreneurs' financial and nonfinancial motives impact different forms of value creation, a positive relationship is revealed between economic and socio‐ethical motives and specific types of value creation. Interestingly, the organic farmers' motives have no impact on economic value creation.
Quantitative Ultrasound and the Pancreas: Demonstration of Early Detection Capability
Authors: Miller Rita J. , Han Aiguo , Erdman John W. , Wallig Matthew A. , O'Brien William D.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To show that quantitative ultrasound biomarkers attenuation (AC) and backscatter (BSC) coefficients are effective tools to detect early changes in acute pancreatitis, using a cerulein‐induced pancreatitis rat model.

Methods

Sprague‐Dawley rats (n = 68) were divided into 8 groups: uninjected cage controls, saline‐injected controls, and cerulein‐injected rats euthanized at 2, 4, 15, 24, 48, and 60 hours after injection. Pancreatic AC and BSC (25–55 MHz) were estimated in vivo (Vevo 2100, VisualSonics, Toronto, CA) and ex vivo (40‐MHz transducer). The pancreas of each rat was evaluated histopathologically.

Results

Changes in both in vivo and ex vivo AC and BSC relative to controls reflected temporal histomorphologic changes. Overall, there were decreased AC and BSC at early time points and then rebound toward control values over time. Maximal in vivo AC and BSC decreases occurred at 2 hours after cerulein injection. Attenuation coefficient changes corresponded well with early pancreatic edema and acinar cell vacuolation, with rebound as edema decreased, autophagy/cellular death occurred, and histiocytic infiltrates and fibrosis manifested. Backscatter coefficient decreased early but rebounded as autophagy and apoptosis increased, only to fall as acinar atrophy peaked, and fibrosis and histiocytic infiltration increased.

Conclusions

Cerulein‐induced pancreatitis is an excellent model for studying ultrasonic AC and BSC biomarkers during the early stages of acute pancreatitits, reflecting microscopic structural changes. Edema followed by cell shrinkage and apoptosis, then histiocytic infiltration and fibrosis, has certain similarities with the morphologies of some forms of pancreatic carcinoma. This suggests that quantitative ultrasound may be very useful for early detection of disease onset or response to therapy for not only acute pancreatitis but also pancreatic cancer.
Combinatorial Synthesis of Peptoid Arrays via Laser‐Based Stacking of Multiple Polymer Nanolayers
Authors: Mattes Daniela. S. , Streit Bettina , Bhandari Dhaka R. , Greifenstein Juliane , Foertsch Tobias C. , Münch Stephan W. , Ridder Barbara , v. Bojničić‐Kninski Clemens , Nesterov‐Mueller Alexander , Spengler Bernhard , Schepers Ute , Bräse Stefan , Loeffler Felix F. , Breitling Frank
Published: December 2018

Here, the combinatorial synthesis of molecule arrays via a laser‐assisted process is reported. Laser‐transferred polymer nanolayers with embedded monomers, activators, or bases can be reliably stacked on top of each other, spot‐by‐spot, to synthesize molecule arrays. These various chemicals in the nanometer‐thin layers are mixed by heat or solvent vapor, inducing coupling reactions. As an example, peptoid arrays with a density of 10 000 spots per cm2 with the sub‐monomer or monomer method are generated. Moreover, successful reactions spot‐by‐spot are verified by laser‐transferring MALDI‐matrix (Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization) followed by MALDI mass spectrometry imaging.
An integrated method using MACBETH and EDAS methods for evaluating steam boiler alternatives
Authors: Kundakcı Nilsen
Published: December 2018

The evaluation of steam boiler alternatives is a Multi‐Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) process and includes various alternatives and conflicting criteria. As selecting the most appropriate steam boiler affects the operating cost of the textile company, this decision process is crucial for the dyehouse. In the literature, various MCDM methods are proposed for evaluating the alternatives and selecting the most appropriate one among them. In this paper, the steam boiler alternatives that will be used in a dyehouse of a textile company are evaluated with an integrated MCDM method. This integrated method based on MACBETH (Measuring Attractiveness by a Categorical‐Based Evaluation Technique) and EDAS (Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution) methods. MACBETH is used to determine the weights of the criteria and alternatives are ranked with EDAS method. At the end, the best steam boiler alternative is determined for the dyehouse of the textile company.
Gender difference in clinical conditions among hospitalized adults with myotonic dystrophy
Authors: Ouyang Lijing , Wang Yinding , Valdez Rodolfo , Johnson Nicholas , Gutmann Laurie , Street Natalie , Bolen Julie
Published: December 2018

Introduction: In this study we examined gender differences in adult hospitalizations with myotonic dystrophy (DM).Methods: From the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2010–2014, we identified 1,891 adult hospitalizations with a DM diagnosis and constructed a comparison group of hospitalizations without DM using propensity score matching. We calculated relative risk by gender for 44 clinical diagnoses that each accounted for at least 5% of DM hospitalizations.Results: Hospitalizations with DM were longer (4.8 vs. 4.1 days,P< 0.0001) and more costly ($13,241 vs. $11,458,P< 0.0001) than those without DM. More than half (25 of 44) of the conditions co‐occurring with DM hospitalizations did not differ in their relative risks by gender. For those that differed by gender, only 5 were specific to DM, compared with hospitalizations without DM.Discussion: Our findings highlight the importance of comprehensive and coordinated care for DM rather than gender‐oriented care in the inpatient setting.Muscle Nerve59:348–353, 2019
Age and multiparity related urethral sphincter muscle dysfunction in a rabbit model: Potential roles of TGF‐β and Wnt‐β catenin signaling pathways
Authors: Rajasekaran Mahadevan R. , Fu Johnny , Nguyen My‐Uyen (Lilly) , Wang Yaozhi , Albo Michael , Bhargava Valmik
Published: December 2018

Aims

Prior studies demonstrate increased incidence of urinary incontinence (UI) in the geriatric population which affects their quality of life. Pathophysiology of UI in the geriatric population and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. To elucidate these mechanisms, we performed a pre‐clinical study in a rabbit model and the objectives were to (i) determine the effect of aging as well as multiparity on urethral sphincter muscle thickness and urethral closing pressure (UCP); (ii) examine the role of fibrosis and atrophy; and (iii) elucidate the molecular pathways that mediate fibrosis and atrophy in the urethral tissue.

Methods

New Zealand White female rabbits (n = 6 each; young 6‐12 months and old over 30 months of age) were anesthetized and urethral muscle thickness and sphincter closure function were measured. Rabbits were then sacrificed and urethral tissues (bladder neck and mid‐urethra) were collected to process for immunostaining as well as for molecular studies for markers for fibrosis (β‐catenin which is an important mediator of Wnt signaling, Collagen‐1, and TGF‐β) and atrophy (MuRF‐1).

Results

Our studies showed a significant decrease in the urethral sphincter muscle thickness and closure function with age. Age‐related increase in protein and mRNA expression levels of fibrosis, as well as atrophy markers were observed in the bladder neck and mid‐urethral tissues.

Conclusions

Age and multiparity related increase in fibrosis and atrophy of urethral sphincter muscles may contribute to impaired urethral closure function seen in old animals.
Efficacy and safety of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS): Results of a large multi‐institutional cohort of patients with mid‐term follow‐up
Authors: Tutolo Manuela , Cornu Jean‐Nicolas , Bauer Ricarda M. , Ahyai Sascha , Bozzini Giorgio , Heesakkers John , Drake Marcus J. , Tikkinen Kari A.O. , Launonen Ene , Larré Stéphane , Thiruchelvam Nikesh , Lee Richard , Li Philip , Favro Michele , Zaffuto Emanuele , Bachmann Alexander , Martinez‐Salamanca Juan I. , Pichon Thomas , De Nunzio Cosimo , Ammirati Enrico , Haab Francois , Van Der Aa Frank
Published: December 2018

Aims

To assess efficacy and safety as well as predictive factors of dry rate and freedom from surgical revision in patients underwent AUS placement. The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is still considered the standard for the treatment of moderate to severe post‐prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (SUI). However, data reporting efficacy and safety from large series are lacking.

Methods

A multicenter, retrospective study was conducted in 16 centers in Europe and USA. Only primary cases of AUS implantation in non‐neurogenic SUI after prostate surgery, with a follow‐up of at least 1 year were included. Efficacy data (continence rate, based on pad usage) and safety data (revision rate in case of infection and erosion, as well as atrophy or mechanical failure) were collected. Multivariable analyses were performed in order to investigate possible predictors of the aforementioned outcomes.

Results

Eight hundred ninety‐two men had primary AUS implantation. At 32 months mean follow‐up overall dry rate and surgical revision were 58% and 30.7%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that patients without previous incontinence surgery had a higher probability to be dry after AUS implantation (OR: 0.51, P = 0.03). Moreover institutional case‐load was positively associated with dry rate (OR: 1.18; P = 0.005) and freedom from revision (OR: 1.51; P = 0.00).

Conclusions

The results of this study showed that AUS is an effective option for the treatment of SUI after prostate surgery. Moreover previous incontinence surgery and low institutional case‐load are negatively associated to efficacy and safety outcomes.
[3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction ofN,N′cyclic azomethine imines toward highly electron‐deficient nitroalkenes: A molecular electron density theory study
Authors: Babazadeh Sayyed Mohsen , Emamian Saeedreza , Zahedi Ehsan
Published: December 2018

A molecular electron density theory (MEDT) study at the M06‐2X/6‐31G(d,p) computational level was performed over [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of azomethine imine2(AI‐2) toward highly electron‐deficienttrans‐β‐nitrostyrene3(NS‐3) in dimethyl sulfoxide at 110°C. While this reaction can take place through two N3‐C4 and N3‐C5 regioselective reaction channels, in excellent agreement with the experimental outcomes, the calculated rate constants reveal that the N3‐C4 regioselective reaction channel leading to [3 + 2] cycloadductCA‐1nin a highendostereoselective fashion is entirely preferred over the N3‐C5 one. Analysis of the electrophilic and nucleophilic Parr functions computed at the reactive sites of separate reagents allows to explain N3‐C4 regioselectivity, while theendostereoselectivity can be rationalized through non‐covalent interaction analysis in the competitive transition state structures. The electron localization function analysis performed along thestepwiseformation ofCA‐1npermits to figure out the molecular mechanism of zwitterionic type (zw‐type) 32CA reaction betweenAI‐2andNS‐3. Indeed, within the N3 nucleophilic attack ofAI‐2at the electrophilically activated C4 atom ofNS‐3, the first N3‐C4 single bond at intermediateIN‐1nis formed through donation of part of non‐bonding electron density of the N3 nitrogen atom in AI moiety to the C4 carbon atom of NS moiety. In the subsequent step, the formation of the second C1‐C5 single bondviaC1‐to‐C5 coupling of thesepseudoradicalcenters closes the five‐membered ring inCA‐1n. Thestepwiseformation ofCA‐1nshould be related to the highly polar character of the studied reaction.
An investigation of atropisomerism in ortho‐imide substituted 1,3‐benzoxazine by experimental NMR and DFT calculations
Authors: Zhang Kan , Liu Yuqi , Shang Zhikun , Evans Corey J. , Yang Shengfu
Published: December 2018

A new type of atropisomerism in ortho‐imide functional 1,3‐benzoxazine compound was evident from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, which showed constant branching ratio of the two products at different measurement temperatures of NMR. Density functional theory calculations were performed to obtain molecular‐level insights into the atropisomerism, which suggested that the reaction intermediate, ortho‐imide phenol, determines the branching ratio of the products. Our calculations showed a large energy barrier after deprotonation of this molecule, which prevents any configurational switch in the follow‐on reactions. Potentially, the atropisomerization mechanism discovered in this work can be used as a generic design principle for improving drug development, organic catalysts, molecular electronics, and other fields wherever atropisomers can play important and prevalent roles.