bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A system for the real‐time tracking of operant behavior as an application of 3D camera
Authors: Kuroda Toshikazu
Published: September 2018

The capacity of 3D cameras to measure many different aspects of behavior (e.g., velocity, pattern, and posture) could contribute to the understanding of behavior. The present article describes a system for the real‐time tracking of operant behavior, which is applicable to other domains of behavioral science as well. Methods for real‐time 3D tracking of animal behavior are described, along with sample C++ programs. A demonstration using one zebrafish as a subject indicated that the present system successfully tracked the 3D motion of the fish. Moreover, the acquisition of a target response (i.e., approach to a corner of the aquarium) was demonstrated with the arrangement of a reinforcement contingency at the corner in the absence of a traditional, salient operandum. The system offers the capacity to characterize more completely ongoing behavior in learning tasks across a range of species than simply performance of discrete operant responses. The system also is capable of tracking multiple individuals simultaneously so it is possible both to study social interactions and arrange contingencies for engaging in social behavior. Other possible applications of 3D cameras are discussed.
Qualitative exploration of Japanese rural citizens’ consideration of terminal home care through an educational forum
Authors: Ohta Ryuichi , Ryu Yoshinori , Katsube Takuji
Published: September 2018

Background

The need for home care services for older adults is gradually increasing in many countries. In the past, Japanese older adults typically died at home, but the current trend is toward hospital death. Few studies in Japan have explored peoples’ viewpoint on home care, however, especially in rural areas. Therefore, we clarified Japanese rural residents’ views of terminal home care.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study of 152 participants who are current or potential caregivers of older adults and who live in the city of Unnan, Shimane Prefecture, which has a large elderly population. An educational forum consisting of presentations and a workshop were used to provide information on terminal home care to rural citizens. A thematic analysis of the workshop's content regarding participants’ perceived difficulties related to terminal home care was conducted.

Results

Participants described four themes regarding problems of terminal home care: medical aspects, care burden, health care system, and patient problems. Besides the need for more knowledge of the medical and health system, participants were anxious about the burden of care on their lives and the perceptions of others in their community.

Conclusion

This study is the first report on Japanese rural citizens’ views of terminal home care. The findings suggest that the limited use of home care in Japanese rural areas might relate to a lack of understanding of terminal home care and health care systems, a substantial care burden for caregivers, and conflicts between patients and families.
Ultrastructure of vegetative cells and resting cysts, and live observations of the encystation and excystation processes in Diophrys oligothrix Borror, 1965 (Protista, Ciliophora)
Authors: Gong Zhi‐Wei , Fan Xin‐Peng , Ma Rui , Ni Bing
Published: September 2018

Ciliated protists can form cysts to resist unfavorable environmental conditions and then excyst when environmental conditions become favorable. This study used electron and light microscopy to investigate the structure of vegetative cells and resting cysts, as well as the encysting and excysting processes of Diophrys oligothrix. For the first time, ampules were revealed beneath the pellicle in the genus Diophrys, and their extrusome types differed between Diophrys species. Membrane‐packed discs of diverse shapes were found in the cytoplasm just beneath the pellicle around the cytopharynx and were separated by rows of microtubule units. Beneath the discs, some double‐layer microtubule structures were detected as well. During encystment, the ventral ciliature was folded in a ventral cavity of the cell, and the caudal cirri were retracted directly into the cyst in a separate cavity on the dorsal side. In the resting cysts, high autophagic activity occurred, possibly including digestion of membrane‐packed discs and ampules. Two macronuclear nodules kept their basic shape, although the chromatin aggregation and fusion region were observed in ultrathin sections. The cyst wall contained two layers, namely, the ectocyst, and endocyst. In mature cysts, basal bodies and ciliary shafts were observed, demonstrating that D. oligothrix forms non‐kinetosome‐resorbing cysts. The process of excystment occurred in two modes, either with or without participation of a contractile vacuole.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Calf Muscles in Subjects With and Without Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Edalati Masoud , Hastings Mary K. , Sorensen Christopher J. , Zayed Mohamed , Mueller Michael J. , Hildebolt Charles F. , Zheng Jie
Published: September 2018

Background

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been used to characterize calf skeletal muscle architecture.

Purpose

To assess the diffusional properties of the calf muscles of subjects with and without diabetes, at rest and during isometric plantarflexion exercise.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Twenty‐six subjects in two groups: 13 healthy and 13 subjects with type 2 diabetes (DM); each group consisted of seven females and six males.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T/2D single‐shot spin echo planar imaging.

Assessment

Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), diffusion eigenvalues, and fiber tracking indices were obtained from the medial gastrocnemius (MG), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), and soleus (SOL) muscles of the calf at rest and during isometric plantarflexion exercise.

Statistical Tests

We used a combination of nonparametric (Wilcoxon) and parametric (t‐test) statistical assessments.

Results

The medial gastrocnemius muscle had more indices with significant differences between the two groups (six indices with P < 0.05) than did the lateral gastrocnemius (three indices with P < 0.05) and soleus muscles (only one index with P < 0.05). While the healthy group showed elevated MD values from rest to exercise (MG = 5.83%, LG = 13.45%, and SOL = 11.68%), the diabetic MD showed higher increases (MG = 19.74%, LG = 29.31%, and SOL = 20.84%) that were different between groups (MG: P = 0.009, LG: P = 0.037, and SOL: P = 0.049).

Data Conclusion

Our results indicate considerable diffusional changes between healthy subjects and subjects with diabetes at rest and during isometric plantarflexion exercise in the calf muscles. The medial gastrocnemius muscle displayed the most diffusion sensitivity to diabetes‐related microstructural changes.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1285–1295.
Physical dynamics structures and oxygen budget of summer hypoxia in the Pearl River Estuary
Authors: Cui Yongsheng , Wu Jiaxue , Ren Jie , Xu Jie
Published: September 2018

A summertime hypoxia sporadically occurred in the lower Pearl River Estuary (PRE) for more than three decades. Although its mechanism has already been extensively studied, the topic on why seasonal hypoxia is persistent in patchy waters is still an open question. Here, we presented the investigation of physical dynamics structures and dissolved oxygen (DO) processes for controlling the spatial distribution and maintenance of coastal hypoxia. Field observations were conducted in the 2015 summer in the PRE and adjacent shelf sea. High river discharge forms intense haloclines in the river plume, while salinity intrusion of shelf benthic waters results in a notable pycnocline at the top of salt wedge. A mid‐depth transitional layer with the weakest mixing over water column functions as a barrier for DO vertical exchange between river plume and shelf salt wedge. A benthic hypoxia in the 2015 summer appears at the overlapping zone between river plume and shelf salt wedge. Based on physical and biological processes, a DO budget for the hypoxic system was established. The DO advection by gravitational circulation from shelf benthic waters is roughly balanced by bacterial respiration in water column. The DO diffusion from river plume to benthic hypoxia is completely inhibited by the barrier layer. The patchy distribution of benthic hypoxia for the 30‐yr period in the PRE can be satisfactorily predicted by the numerical simulations of the overlapping zones between river plume and shelf salt wedge. These findings will have an important implication for predicting and mitigating coastal hypoxia.

Physical structures and processes of DO dynamics were investigated to understand the spatial distribution and maintenance of coastal hypoxia. Summertime hypoxia appear near the head of shelf salinity intrusion, where a mid‐depth barrier layer inhibits the vertical exchange between river plume and shelf salt wedge. DO advection by gravitational circulation from DO‐rich shelf benthic waters is roughly balanced by bacterial respiration in water column. The spatial distribution of coastal hypoxia can be well predicted by the overlapping zone between river plume and shelf salt wedge.
Effect of steel substrate on the corrosion properties of a gradient multilayer TiN/TiCN coating deposited by the PACVD process
Authors: Landek Darko , Jakovljević Suzana , Alar Vesna , Kovačić Saša
Published: September 2018

Two different steel substrates were coated with the same gradient multilayer TiN/TiCN coating in the plasma‐assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) process. The multilayer TiN/TiCN coatings on the substrate of the X37CrMoV5‐1 tool steel and the X22CrMoV12‐1 stainless steel were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), calotest, and electrochemical methods. The analysis results show quite uniform TiN/TiCN coatings of high density, with similar surface topography and thickness, similar changes in the chemical composition across the thickness of the layer, and good adhesion to the substrates. Direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) corrosion tests carried out in a solution of 3.5% NaCl have shown better corrosion resistance of the TiN/TiCN multilayer coating deposited on the substrate of stainless steel than the same coating deposited on the hot work tool steel. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests have shown that the coatings deposited on both steel substrates have a tendency towards local corrosion due to the existence of microporosity and defects in the coating microstructure.
Predictor selection method for the construction of support vector machine (SVM)‐based typhoon rainfall forecasting models using a non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm
Authors: Yang Tao‐Chang , Yu Pao‐Shan , Lin Kun‐Hsiang , Kuo Chen‐Min , Tseng Hung‐Wei
Published: September 2018

This study proposes a predictor selection method for constructing a support vector machine (SVM)‐based typhoon rainfall forecasting models using a fast elitist Non‐dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA‐II). Based on SVMs, four rainfall forecasting models with different combinations of the three types of input variables (i.e. antecedent rainfalls, typhoon characteristics and local weather factors) were constructed for 1–6 hr‐ahead forecasting. An application to three rain gauge stations in the Yilan River basin, northeastern Taiwan, was conducted to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed predictor selection method. The results showed that the optimal combination of predictors for each SVM‐based rainfall forecasting model can be automatically and effectively determined by the proposed predictor selection method. The rainfall forecasting model using all three types of input variables performed better than the other three models, especially for long lead‐time forecasting. The construction of rainfall forecasting models is helpful to extend the lead time of flood forecasting. The optimal rainfall forecasting model can be further integrated with river hydraulic models or flood inundation models for flood forecasting to assist floodplain managers to take suitable precautionary measures during typhoon landfall.
Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) Polyphenols Modulate the Microbial Community in a Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME) and Decrease Secretion of Proinflammatory Markers in a Caco‐2/endothelial Cell Coculture Model
Authors: Wu Ting , Grootaert Charlotte , Pitart Judit , Vidovic Nevena Kardum , Kamiloglu Senem , Possemiers Sam , Glibetic Maria , Smagghe Guy , Raes Katleen , Van de Wiele Tom , Van Camp John
Published: September 2018

Scope

To explore the mechanisms behind the health effects of Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa), the microbial community modulating and anti‐inflammatory effects of Aronia polyphenols are investigated by combining the similutor of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem (SHIME) with a coculture of intestinal and endothelial cells.

Results

Administration of Aronia juice (6.5g L–1) to the SHIME for 2 weeks increases the abundance of firmicutes to 92% in the ascending colon (AC), 85% in the transverse colon (TC), and 82% in the descending colon (DC; p < 0.001), proteobacteria (6.7% in AC, p < 0.001), and Akkermansia (14% in TC and 18% in DC, p < 0.001) and decreases the abundance of Bifidobacterium species, associated with a decrease of acetate and increase of propionate and butyrate, whereas no significant difference is observed upon placebo juice treatment. After addition of the digests to TNF‐α challenged Caco‐2/endothelial cocultures, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1, IL‐8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 levels are significantly downregulated. Interestingly, Aronia juice treats digests from each colon compartment resulting in a stronger decrease of the ICAM‐1 secretion (up to 73%, p < 0.001) compared to their corresponding placebo treated digests, thereby pointing to a polyphenol‐dependent effect.

Conclusions

Aronia polyphenols modulate intestinal microbial composition, induce beneficial short chain fatty acid production, and prevent inflammatory stress in endothelial cells. This opens perspectives for the use of Aronia polyphenols as prebiotics in the context of intestinal and cardiovascular health.
Technical Note: Virtual CT for reducing CT dose in targeted radionuclide therapy dosimetry
Authors: Li Tiantian , Mok Greta S. P.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Previously we have shown that using sequential CT images is superior to sequential SPECT for nonrigid registration in three‐dimensional (3D) targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) dosimetry. However, sequential CTs are often not available due to radiation concerns. In this paper, we propose a virtual CT (vCT) method for attenuation and scatter correction, image registration, and segmentation for improved dosimetric accuracy with single CT acquisition.

Methods

We used a population of nine XCAT phantoms with different In‐111 Zevalin biokinetics and anatomical variations for the simulations. An analytical projector was used to simulate sequential SPECT/CT acquisitions for a medium energy general purpose collimator at 1, 12, 24, 72, and 144 h postinjection, modeling attenuation, scatter, and geometric collimator‐detector response. The corresponding sequential attenuation maps of the phantoms served as real CT (rCT) images. For vCT generation, we investigated three registration methods, that is, (a) SPECT to SPECT; (b) SPECT to CT, and (c) CT to SPECT, and the optimal time point for single CT acquisition. Difference images and average normalized mean square errors (NMSE) were calculated between different vCTs and their corresponding rCTs. Absorbed dose and dose‐volume histograms (DVHs) for critical organs were computed for the rCT, optimized vCT, and conventional single CT (1CT) protocols, respectively, for dosimetric analyses.

Results

For vCT generation, SPECT to SPECT registration with a single CT acquired at the first time point shows the smallest difference and NMSE. For organ absorbed doses, the results of vCT were similar to those of rCT and were superior to 1CT, that is, −0.24 ± 1.56% vs −0.49 ± 1.76% vs −6.37 ± 5.63% for the liver, −1.05 ± 2.89% vs −0.69 ± 2.74% vs −4.87 ± 4.35% for kidneys, respectively. The results of DVHs also showed improvement for all organs using vCTs as compared to the conventional 1CT protocol.

Conclusion

The optimized vCT method can effectively increase the TRT dosimetric results if there is only a single CT available in the sequential imaging protocol, reducing the substantial increase in radiation burden from repeated CT scans.
Identification of optimal mother wavelets in survival prediction of lung cancer patients using wavelet decomposition‐based radiomic features
Authors: Soufi Mazen , Arimura Hidetaka , Nagami Noriyuki
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To identify the optimal mother wavelets in survival prediction of lung cancer patients using wavelet decomposition‐based (WDB) radiomic features in CT images.

Materials and methods

The CT images of patients with histologically confirmed nonsmall cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs) in training (Dataset T; n = 162) and validation (Dataset V; n = 143) datasets were analyzed for this study. The optimal mother wavelets were identified based on the impacts of the WDB radiomic features on the patient survival times. Four hundred and thirty‐two three‐dimensional WDB radiomic features were calculated from regions of interest (ROI) of 162 tumor contours. A Coxnet algorithm was used to select a subset of radiomic features (signature) based on the prediction of survival times with a fivefold cross validation. The impacts of the radiomic features on the patients’ survival times were assessed by using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression (MCPHR) model. The major contribution of this study was to identify optimal mother wavelets based on a maximization of a novel ranking index (RI) incorporating the Coxnet cross‐validated partial log‐likelihood and the summation of theP‐values of the radiomic features in the MCPHR model on Dataset T. The prognostic performance of the optimal mother wavelets was validated based on the concordance index (CI) of the MCPHR models when applied to Dataset V. The proposed approach was tested by using 31 mother wavelets from 6 wavelet families that were available in a commercially available software (Matlab®2016b).

Results

The optimal mother wavelets were Symlet 5 and Biorthogonal 2.6 at 128 requantization levels, which yielded RIs of 4.27 ± 0.29 (3 features) and 6.50 ± 0.50 (5 features), respectively. The CIs of the MCPHR models of Symlet 5 were 0.66 ± 0.03 (Dataset T) and 0.64 ± 0.00 (Dataset V), whereas those of Biorthogonal 2.6 were 0.68 ± 0.03 (Dataset T) and 0.62 ± 0.02 (Dataset V). The radiomic signatures included the GLRLM‐based LHL gray level nonuniformity feature that demonstrated statistically significant differences in stratifying patients with better and worse prognoses in Datasets T and V.

Conclusion

This study has revealed the potential of Symlet and Biorthogonal mother wavelets in  the survival prediction of lung cancer patients by using WDB radiomic features in CT images.
3D task‐transfer function representation of the signal transfer properties of low‐contrast lesions in FBP‐ and iterative‐reconstructed CT
Authors: Robins Marthony , Solomon Justin , Richards Taylor , Samei Ehsan
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate how accurately the task‐transfer function (TTF) models the signal transfer properties of low‐contrast features in a non‐linear commercial CT system.

Methods

A cylindrical phantom containing 24 anthropomorphic “physical” lesions was 3D printed. Lesions had two sizes (523, 2145 mm3), and two nominal radio‐densities (80 and 100 HU at 120 kV). CT images were acquired on a commercial CT system (Siemens Flash scanner) at four dose levels (CTDIvol, 32 cm phantom:1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 22.0 mGy) and reconstructed using FBP and IR kernels (B31f, B45f, I31f\2, I44f\2). Low‐contrast rod inserts (in‐plane) and a slanted edge (z‐direction) were used to estimate 3D‐TTFs. CAD versions of lesions were blurred by the 3D‐TTFs, virtually superimposed into corresponding phantom images, and compared to the physical lesions in terms of (a) a 4AFC visual assessment, (b) edge gradient, (c) size, and (d) shape similarity. Assessments 2 and 3 were based on an equivalence criterion to determine if the natural variability in the physical lesions was greater or equal to the difference between physical and simulated. Shape similarity was quantified via Sorensen‐Dice coefficient (SDC). Comparisons were done for each lesion and for all imaging conditions.

Results

The readers detected simulated lesions at a rate of 37.9 ± 3.1% (25% implies random guessing). Lesion edge blur and volume differences were on average less than physical lesions’ natural variability . The SDC (average ± SD) was 0.80 ± 0.13 (max of 1 possible).

Conclusions

The visual appearance, edge blur, size, and shape of simulated lesions were similar to the physical lesions, which suggests 3D‐TTF models the low‐contrast signal transfer properties of this non‐linear CT system reasonably well.
White matter intercompartmental water exchange rates determined from detailed modeling of the myelin sheath
Authors: van Gelderen Peter , Duyn Jeff H
Published: September 2018

Purpose: Magnetization exchange (ME) between hydrogen protons of water and large molecules (semisolids [SS]) in lipid bilayers is an important factor in MRI signal generation and can be exploited to study white matter pathology. Current models used to quantify ME in white matter generally consider water to reside in 1 or 2 distinct compartments, ignoring the complexities of the myelin sheath’s multicompartment structure of alternating myelin SS and myelin water (MW) layers. Here, we investigated the effect of this by fitting ME data obtained from human brain at 7 T with a multilayer model of myelin.

Methods: A multi‐echo acquisition for a T2*‐based separation of MW from other water signals was combined with various preparation pulses to change the (relative) state of the SS and water pools and analyzed by fitting with a multilayer exchange model.

Results: The estimated lifetime within a single MW layer was 260 µs, corresponding to a lipid bilayer permeability of 6.7 µm/s. The magnetization lifetime of the aggregate of all MW was estimated at 13 ms, shorter than previously reported values in the range of 40 to 140 ms.

Conclusion: Contrary to expectations and previous reports, ME between protons in myelin SS and water is not limited by the myelin sheath but rather by the exchange between SS and water protons. The analysis of ME contrast should account for the relatively short MW lifetime and affects the interpretation of tissue compartmentalization from MRI contrasts such as T1‐ and diffusion‐weighting.
Semi‐automated generation of individual computational models of the human head and torso from MR images
Authors: Kalloch Benjamin , Bode Jens , Kozlov Mikhail , Pampel André , Hlawitschka Mario , Sehm Bernhard , Villringer Arno , Möller Harald E. , Bazin Pierre‐Louis
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Simulating the interaction of the human body with electromagnetic fields is an active field of research. Individualized models are increasingly being used, as anatomical differences affect the simulation results. We introduce a processing pipeline for creating individual surface‐based models of the human head and torso for application in simulation software based on unstructured grids. The pipeline is designed for easy applicability and is publicly released on figshare.

Methods

The pipeline covers image acquisition, segmentation, generation of segmentation masks, and surface mesh generation of the single, external boundary of each structure of interest. Two gradient‐echo sequences are used for image acquisition. Structures of the head and body are segmented using several atlas‐based approaches. They consist of bone/skull, subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid, gray matter, white matter, spinal cord, lungs, the sinuses of the skull, and a combined class of all other structures including skin. After minor manual preparation, segmentation images are processed to segmentation masks, which are binarized images per segmented structure free of misclassified voxels and without an internal boundary. The proposed workflow is applied to 2 healthy subjects.

Results

Individual differences of the subjects are well represented. The models are proven to be suitable for simulation of the RF electromagnetic field distribution.

Conclusion

Image segmentation, creation of segmentation masks, and surface mesh generation are highly automated. Manual interventions remain for preparing the segmentation images prior to segmentation mask generation. The generated surfaces exhibit a single boundary per structure and are suitable inputs for simulation software.
Muscle does not drive persistent posttraumatic elbow contracture in a rat model
Authors: Dunham Chelsey L. , Chamberlain Aaron M. , Meyer Gretchen A. , Lake Spencer P.
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Posttraumatic elbow contracture is clinically challenging because injury often disrupts multiple periarticular soft tissues. Tissue specific contribution to contracture, particularly muscle, remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study we used a previously developed animal model of elbow contracture. After surgically inducing a unilateral soft tissue injury, injured limbs were immobilized for 3, 7, 21, and 42 days (IM) or for 42 IM with 42 days of free mobilization (42/42 IM–FM). Biceps brachii active/passive mechanics and morphology were evaluated at 42 IM and 42/42 IM–FM, whereas biceps brachii and brachialis gene expression was evaluated at all time points. Results: Injured limb muscle exhibited significantly altered active/passive mechanics and decreased fiber area at 42 IM but returned to control levels by 42/42 IM–FM. Gene expression suggested muscle growth rather than a fibrotic response at 42/42 IM–FM. Discussion: Muscle is a transient contributor to motion loss in our rat model of posttraumatic elbow contracture. Muscle Nerve 58:843–851, 2018
Detecting critical node structures on graphs: A mathematical programming approach
Authors: Walteros Jose L. , Veremyev Alexander , Pardalos Panos M. , Pasiliao Eduardo L.
Published: September 2018

We consider the problem of detecting a collection of critical node structures of a graph whose deletion results in the maximum deterioration of the graph's connectivity. The proposed approach is aimed to generalize other existing models whose scope is restricted to removing individual and unrelated nodes. We consider two common metrics to quantify the connectivity of the residual graph: the total number of connected node pairs and the size of the largest connected component. We first discuss the computational complexity of the problem and then introduce a general mixed‐integer linear formulation, which depending on the kind of node structures, may have an exponentially large number of variables and constraints. To solve this potentially large model, we develop a branch‐price‐and‐cut framework, along with some valid inequalities and preprocessing algorithms to strengthen the formulation and reduce the overall execution time. We use the proposed approach to solve the problem for the cases, where the node structures form cliques or stars and provide further directions on how to extend the framework for detecting other kinds of critical structures as well. Finally, we test the quality of our approach by solving a collection of real‐life and randomly generated instances with various configurations, analyze the benefits of our model, and propose further enhancements.
Sexual dimorphism in developmental and diet‐dependent circulating retinol binding protein 4
Authors: Bakshi S. , Schmidt H. M. , Baskin A. E. , Croniger C. M. , Thompson C. L. , Bonfield T. , Fletcher D. , Berger N. A.
Published: September 2018

Objective

Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) transports vitamin A (Retinol) in the blood and contributes mechanistically to the linkage between obesity, insulin resistance and associated comorbidities including type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary artery and neoplastic diseases. Circulating RBP4 levels have variably been associated with body mass and gender differences. Many of these differences have been demonstrated after limited dietary interventions, and/or at single unique time points. This study investigated the impact of sex and age as biologic variables as well as high versus low fat diets on development of obesity, RBP4 levels and insulin resistance in C57BL/6J mice.

Methods

Male and female C57BL/6J mice were fed for 400 days with either low or high fat diets. Female mice were also evaluated on same diets after ovariectomy or sham ovariectomy. Mice were monitored for changes in weight, circulating levels RBP4, glucose and insulin at 100‐day intervals and also by 2‐hour glucose tolerance tests.

Results

All mice on low or high fat diets gained weight. Mice on high fat diets showed significantly greater weight gain than those on low fat. Male mice showed significantly greater weight gain compared with females on corresponding diet. Male mice compared with females already showed significantly higher RBP4 levels even before starting diets. Sex differences were maintained for more than 1 year. Gender differences in RBP4 were associated with significant differences in development of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.

Conclusions

Male compared with female C57BL/6J mice show significant gender differences in circulating RBP4 levels from 6 weeks of age, extending more than 1 year. Gender differences in RBP4 may be mechanistically associated with protection against glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Targeting RBP4 pathways could be useful to disrupt gender differences in insulin resistance and disparities in comorbidities.
Alternative treatment options for pediatric hemophilia B patients with high‐responding inhibitors: A thrombin generation‐guided study
Authors: Barg Assaf Arie , Levy‐Mendelovich Sarina , Avishai Einat , Dardik Rima , Misgav Mudi , Kenet Gili , Livnat Tami
Published: September 2018

Little is known about the challenging treatment of pediatric patients with hemophilia B and inhibitors due to disease rarity. We describe three patients diagnosed in childhood and followed up to 9 years. All three had allergic reactions to Factor IX, but two were later safely treated for bleeding episodes with activated prothrombin complex concentrates (APCC = FEIBA). The third was given only recombinant activated Factor VIIa. Based on ex vivo thrombin generation analysis, a new alternative treatment of combined bypassing agents was administered for bleeding episodes and several minor surgical procedures with no treatment‐associated adverse events or thrombosis.
Enhancing the electrical conductivity of polyetherimide‐based foams by simultaneously increasing the porosity and graphene nanoplatelets dispersion
Authors: Abbasi H. , Antunes M. , Velasco J.I.
Published: September 2018

Significant improvement in electrical conductivity of graphene nanoplatelets‐filled polyetherimide (PEI) foams was achieved by simultaneously increasing the porosity and graphene nanoplatelets dispersion. Foams were prepared by means of water vapor‐induced phase separation using a concentration of graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) between 1 and 10 wt%. To obtain two sets of foams having different density and porosity, PEI's concentration inN‐methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) solvent prior to foaming was set at 15 and 25–30 wt%, respectively. High‐power sonication was applied to GnP‐NMP suspension before PEI's addition for the foam series with higher porosity (15 wt% PEI). All foams were later characterized in terms of cellular structure, thermal stability, dynamic‐mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity. A notable enhancement in electrical conductivity was observed with foaming, especially when increasing the porosity and applying sonication, with foams reaching values as high as 1.7 × 10−1S/m while maintaining the thermal stability and mechanical performance. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1416–E1425, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Quantitative Analysis of the Brain Ubiquitylome in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Abreha Measho H. , Dammer Eric B. , Ping Lingyan , Zhang Tian , Duong Duc M. , Gearing Marla , Lah James J. , Levey Allan I. , Seyfried Nicholas T.
Published: September 2018

Several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's Disease (AD) are characterized by ubiquitin‐positive pathological protein aggregates. Here, an immunoaffinity approach is utilized to enrich ubiquitylated isopeptides after trypsin digestion from five AD and five age‐matched control postmortem brain tissues. Label‐free MS‐based proteomic analysis identifies 4291 unique ubiquitylation sites mapping to 1682 unique proteins. Differential enrichment analysis shows that over 800 ubiquitylation sites are significantly altered between AD and control cases. Of these, ≈80% are increased in AD, including seven poly ubiquitin linkages, which is consistent with proteolytic stress and high burden of ubiquitylated pathological aggregates in AD. The microtubule associated protein Tau, the core component of neurofibrillary tangles, has the highest number of increased sites of ubiquitylation per any protein in AD. Tau poly ubiquitylation from AD brain homogenates is confirmed by reciprocal co‐immunoprecipitation and by affinity capture using tandem ubiquitin binding entities. Co‐modified peptides, with both ubiquitylation and phosphorylation sites, are also enriched in AD. Notably, many of the co‐modified peptides mapped to Tau within KXGS motifs in the microtubule binding region suggesting that crosstalk between phosphorylation and ubiquitylation occurs on Tau in AD. Overall, these findings highlight the utility of MS to map ubiquitylated substrates in human brain and provides insight into mechanisms underlying pathological protein posttranslational modification in AD.
Preparation of thermo‐ and redox‐responsive branched polymers composed of three‐armed oligo(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Komatsu Syuuhei , Kayano Hidenari , Ando Yu , Asoh Taka‐Aki , Ishihara Ryo , Kikuchi Akihiko
Published: September 2018

We herein report the preparation of thermo‐ and redox‐responsive branched polymers by the condensation reaction of three‐armed oligo(ethylene glycol) (trisOEG) and cystamine (CA). The prepared branched polymers exhibited a soluble–insoluble transition at a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and formed coacervate droplets through a liquid–liquid phase separation process. We then demonstrated control of the LCSTs of the branched polymers by varying the feed ratio of CA and the surrounding salt concentration close to body temperature. In addition, the trisOEG‐cys
x polymer formed coacervate droplets above the LCST, in which hydrophobic molecules were condensed. The redox response of the branched polymers was also investigated. Interestingly, the branched polymers degraded to low‐molecular‐weight materials (i.e., trisOEG) in the presence of dithiothereitol as a reducing agent through cleavage of the disulfide bond of CA. This facile preparation of branched polymers is expected to be valuable in the context of functional biomedical materials and modifiers for materials surfaces, such as the bases for drug delivery carriers and separation materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2623–2629
Characterization of a plasma source for biomedical applications by electrical, optical, and chemical measurements
Authors: Neretti Gabriele , Tampieri Francesco , Borghi Carlo Angelo , Brun Paola , Cavazzana Roberto , Cordaro Luigi , Marotta Ester , Paradisi Cristina , Seri Paolo , Taglioli Matteo , Zaniol Barbara , Zuin Matteo , Martines Emilio
Published: September 2018

This paper reports the characterization of a low‐power, atmospheric pressure plasma source developed for and successfully tested in applications of plasma medicine. The source produces plasma by ionizing a helium flow containing traces of air. The effluent gas is thus enriched in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species as well as helium metastable excited states. Electrical measurements, Schlieren imaging, OES and various chemical analyses and probes enabled us to fully characterize the plasma source and to determine some fundamental parameters for treating living samples such as the power feeding the discharge, the optimal source to target distance, the maximum exposure time, and to identify the major chemical species responsible for the biological action on exposed living matter.
Synthesis, insecticidal evaluation and 3D‐QSAR study of novel anthranilic diamide derivatives as potential ryanodine receptor modulators
Authors: Liu Jing‐Bo , Li Feng‐Yun , Li Yu‐Xin , Zhang Xiu‐Lan , Hua Xue‐Wen , Xiong Li‐Xia , Li Zheng‐Ming
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Anthranilic diamide insecticides control lepidopteran pests through selectively binding and activating insect ryanodine receptors. In order to search for potential insecticides targeting the ryanodine receptors, a series of anthranilic diamide analogs including trifluoromethyl, nitro, or chloro groups were designed and synthesized by the principle of bioisosterism and structural optimization.

RESULTS

Insecticidal data indicated that some compounds displayed good activity against oriental armyworm (Mythimna separata) and diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). In particular, the larvicidal activity of 6p against P. xylostella was 95% at 0.01 mg L−1, equivalent to chlorantraniliprole (85%, 0.01 mg L−1). The comparative molecular similarity index analysis model obtained indicated that hydrogen bond acceptor and electron‐withdrawing groups in the R′3 group are favourable for insecticidal activity against M. separata, which is consistent with the structure–activity relationships. Moreover, the calcium imaging experiment indicated, like chlorantraniliprole, that 6h and 6p are interacting with the ryanodine receptor.

CONCLUSION

Introducing trifluoromethyl, nitro, or chloro groups to a specific position in the N‐phenylpyrazole could improve or maintain the activity against M. separata and P. xylostella. 6h and 6p could be used as potential lead compounds for ryanodine receptor modulators. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Are patients taking pot luck with cannabis?
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: September 2018

In July, Home Secretary Sajid Javid decided to reschedule cannabis‐derived medicinal products to allow them to be legally prescribed by specialist clinicians. But while there is some scientific evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids in certain medical conditions, more research is needed to determine the full risks and benefits.
Reflections on NHS England's OTC prescribing ban
Authors: Thompson Angus
Published: September 2018

NHS England's guidance on conditions for which over the counter items should not routinely be prescribed in primary care was launched in March, amid much controversy. Here, Angus Thompson relays some of his own concerns about the guidance.
Evaluation and statistical downscaling of East Asian summer monsoon forecasting in BCC and MOHC seasonal prediction systems
Authors: Liu Ying , Ren Hong‐Li , Scaife Adam A. , Li Chaofan
Published: September 2018

In seasonal climate predictions, the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) is still a challenge, in spite of the wide usage of coupled climate models. Therefore, in this article the predictability of the monsoon including the atmospheric circulation and precipitation anomalies is investigated, based on the reforecast data during 1992–2011 in two coupled prediction systems: GloSea5 from the Met Office Hadley Centre (MOHC) and BCC_CSM1.1m from the Beijing Climate Center (BCC). The results show that the interannual variability of 850 hPa zonal wind over East Asia and the northwest Pacific can be well reproduced, and the prediction skill is significant in both systems. The Philippine anticyclone is highly predictable over the tropical northwest Pacific, and it transfers the predictable signals from the winter El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) into the climate prediction in East Asia and rainfall prediction in the Yangtze River basin. Two dynamical indices of the EASM show that the prediction skills in these two systems are comparable. BCC_CSM1.1m tends to overestimate the coupling between the monsoon and ENSO, while GloSea5 shows a similar magnitude to the observations. Besides, a simple statistical downscaling method is adopted in this article based on the predictable circulation data, which provides an efficient tool to improve the raw rainfall forecast skill over China.
Implementation of directional simulation to estimate outcrossing rates in time‐variant reliability analysis of structures
Authors: Moarefzadeh Mohammad Reza , Sudret Bruno
Published: September 2018

Time‐dependent reliability analysis of structures by the use of an outcrossing approach normally requires the so‐called outcrossing rate to be estimated. A variety of methods has been recorded in the literature to evaluate this rate both for continues and discrete processes. Despite the availability of these methods, still more general and at the same time less sophisticated approaches are desired. In this paper, attempt is made to use the basic idea of “parallel system reliability formulation” to calculate the outcrossing rate for circumstances where the processes are continuous. These calculations are carried out by directional simulation. It is shown that this approach is simple to implement and may be used for the cases where the problem involves nonstationary processes and also for the cases where several limit state functions may have to be considered.
Tracking restrictions on the freedom to publish opinion polls
Authors: Frankovic Kathy
Published: September 2018

The latest ESOMAR WAPOR worldwide study
Effect from Mechanical Stirring Time and Speed on Adsorption Performance of ZIF‐90 for n‐Hexane
Authors: Li Xufei , Tang Bo , Huang Weiqiu , Yu Haogang
Published: September 2018

Zeolite imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) represent a class of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) for various potential applications due to their outstanding properties. However, to date, the creation of nanoframes with tunable structure faces a challenge. Herein, we develop a facile and efficient physical method that allows the preparation of ZIF‐90 with controllable surface area. In this study, the effect of various stirring time and speed in the acceleration of the precursor dissolution are revealed. The study shows that a moderate stirring speed (640 r·min–1) and reaction time (6 h) are the optimal conditions to synthesize ZIF‐90 with a high adsorption capacity. More importantly, the maximum adsorption amount of n‐hexane is up to 211 mg·g–1 by using this as‐prepared sample, which increases by 60 % in comparison with that of the minimum from other sample (133 mg·g–1).
Human Organotypic Models for Anti-infective Research
Authors: Hendriks Astrid , Cruz Ana Rita , Soldaini Elisabetta , Manetti Andrea Guido Oreste , Bagnoli Fabio
Published: September 2018

The use of human organotypic models for biomedical research is experiencing a significant increase due to their biological relevance, the possibility to perform high-throughput analyses, and their cost efficiency. In the field of anti-infective research, comprising the search for novel antipathogenic treatments including vaccines, efforts have been made to reduce the use of animal models. That is due to two main reasons: unreliability of data obtained with animal models and the increasing willingness to reduce the use of animals in research for ethical reasons. Human three-dimensional (3-D) models may substitute and/or complement in vivo studies, to increase the translational value of preclinical data. Here, we provide an overview of recent studies utilizing human organotypic models, resembling features of the cervix, intestine, lungs, brain, and skin in the context of anti-infective research. Furthermore, we focus on the future applications of human skin models and present methodological protocols to culture human skin equivalents and human skin explants.
The non-Universal U(1) gauge extended μνSSM: anomalies cancellation and singular phenomenology
Authors: Martín-Lozano Víctor , Oviedo-Casado Santiago
Published: September 2018

Abstract

So far the most sophisticated experiments have shown no trace of new physics at the TeV scale. Consequently, new models with unexplored parameter regions are necessary to explain current results, re-examine the existing data, and propose new experiments. In this Letter, we present a modified version of the μνSSM supersymmetric model where a non-Universal extra U(1) gauge symmetry is added in order to restore an effective R-parity that ensures proton stability. We show that anomalies equations cancel without having to add any exotic matter, restricting the charges of the fields under the extra symmetry to a discrete set of values. We find that it is the viability of the model through anomalies cancellation what defines the conditions in which fermions interact with dark matter candidates via the exchange of Z′ bosons. The strict condition of universality violation means that LHC constraints for a Z′ mass do not apply directly to our model, allowing for a yet undiscovered relatively light Z′, as we discuss both in the phenomenological context and in its implications for possible flavour changing neutral currents. Moreover, we explore the possibility of isospin violating dark matter interactions; we observe that this interaction depends, surprisingly, on the Higgs charges under the new symmetry, both limiting the number of possible models and allowing to analyse indirect dark matter searches in the light of well defined, particular scenarios.
The scales of the infrared
Authors: Gómez César , Letschka Raoul , Zell Sebastian
Published: September 2018

Abstract

In theories with long-range forces like QED or perturbative gravity, loop corrections lead to vanishing amplitudes. There are two well-known procedures to address these infrared divergences: dressing of asymptotic states and inclusion of soft emission. Although both yield the same IR-finite rates, we point out that they are not equivalent since they encode different infrared scales. In particular, dressing states are independent of the resolution scale of radiation. Instead, they define radiative vacua in the von Neumann space. After a review of these concepts, the goal of this paper is to present a combined formalism that can simultaneously describe both dressing and radiation. This unified approach allows us to tackle the problem of quantum decoherence due to tracing over unresolved radiation. We obtain an IR-finite density matrix with non-vanishing off-diagonal elements and estimate how its purity depends on scattering kinematics and the resolution scale. Along the way, we comment on collinear divergences as well as the connection of large gauge transformations and dressing.