bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of developmental and molecular factors underlying release heterogeneity at Drosophila synapses
Authors: Akbergenova Yulia , Cunningham Karen L , Zhang Yao V , Weiss Shirley , Littleton J Troy
Published: July 2018

Neurons communicate through neurotransmitter release at specialized synaptic regions known as active zones (AZs). Using biosensors to visualize single synaptic vesicle fusion events at Drosophila neuromuscular junctions, we analyzed the developmental and molecular determinants of release probability (Pr) for a defined connection with ~300 AZs. Pr was heterogeneous but represented a stable feature of each AZ. Pr remained stable during high frequency stimulation and retained heterogeneity in mutants lacking the Ca2+ sensor Synaptotagmin 1. Pr correlated with both presynaptic Ca2+ channel abundance and Ca2+ influx at individual release sites. Pr heterogeneity also correlated with glutamate receptor abundance, with high Pr connections developing receptor subtype segregation. Intravital imaging throughout development revealed that AZs acquire high Pr during a multi-day maturation period, with Pr heterogeneity largely reflecting AZ age. The rate of synapse maturation was activity-dependent, as both increases and decreases in neuronal activity modulated glutamate receptor field size and segregation.
Use of design of experiments to optimize the production of microbial probiotic biofilms
Authors: Speranza Barbara , Liso Arcangelo , Corbo Maria Rosaria
Published: July 2018

Here, we describe the production of a probiotic biofilm through three intermediate steps: (1) measurement of the adhesion capacity of 15 probiotic strains to evaluate their tendency to form biofilm on different surfaces (stainless steel, glass, and polycarbonate); (2) evaluation of the effects of pH, temperature, cellular growth phase, agitation, and presence of surfactants on probiotic biofilm formation (BF) through the Design of Experiments (DoE) approach; (3) study of the effects of pH, temperature and surfactants concentration on probiotic BF using the Central Composite Design. Finally, we show that biofilms pre-formed by selected probiotics can delay the growth of pathogens, such asListeria monocytogeneschosen as model organism. Among the tested strains,Bifidobacterium infantisDSM20088 andLactobacillus reuteriDSM20016 were found to be as the probiotics able to ensure the greatest adhesion (over 6 Log CFU cm2) to the surfaces tested in a very short time (<24 h). Cellular growth phase and agitation of the medium were factors not affecting BF, pH exerted a very bland effect and a greater tendency to adhesion was observed when the temperature was about 30 °C. The results obtained in the last experimental phase suggest that our probiotic biofilms can be used as an efficient mean to delay the growth ofL. monocytogenes: the λ phase length, in fact, was longer in samples containing probiotic biofilms (0.30–1.02 h) against 0.08 h observed in the control samples. A reduction of the maximum cell load was also observed (6.99–7.06 Log CFU mL−1against about 8 Log CFU mL−1observed in the control samples).
Iron‐Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Borylation of Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Wei Duo , Carboni Bertrand , Sortais Jean‐Baptiste , Darcel Christophe
Published: July 2018

The catalytic system based on Fe(OTf)2 (2.5 mol%) and DABCO (1 mol%) selectively promotes the dehydrogenative borylation of both aromatic and aliphatic terminal alkynes to afford alkynylboronate derivatives in the presence of 1 equiv. of pinacolborane at 100 °C in toluene. This methodology is applicable to a variety of terminal alkynes (16 examples, yield: 62–93%).

magnified image
Homoleptic Trifluoromethyl Derivatives of AgI and AgIII
Authors: Joven‐Sancho Daniel , Baya Miguel , Martín Antonio , Menjón Babil
Published: July 2018

The homoleptic silver(I) compound [PPh4][CF3AgCF3] (1) provides a convenient entry to the homoleptic silver(III) derivative [PPh4][Ag(CF3)4] (2). Once isolated as pure substances, these compounds exhibit marked thermal stabilities. Their structural and spectroscopic properties have been experimentally established. Moreover, their electronic structures have been calculated by theoretical methods. The electronic structure of the oxidized species [Ag(CF3)4]− provides a new case of ligand‐field inversion caused by the CF3 ligands.
A conceptual framework for ecological responses to groundwater regime alteration (FERGRA)
Authors: Kath Jarrod , Boulton Andrew J. , Harrison Evan T. , Dyer Fiona J.
Published: July 2018

Globally, the provision of groundwater‐supported ecosystem services is threatened by climate change, water extraction, and other activities that alter groundwater regimes (defined as temporal dynamics in groundwater pressures, storage, and levels). Research on how altered groundwater regimes affect the ecology and ecosystem services of diverse groundwater‐dependent ecosystems (GDEs) is currently fragmented with little integration across different GDEs, hampering our ability to understand and manage ecological responses to anthropogenic changes to groundwater regimes. To address this, we present a framework for assessing ecological responses to groundwater regime alteration (FERGRA). FERGRA is a logical approach to investigating how alterations to groundwater regimes change the timing, variability, duration, frequency, and magnitude of groundwater connections to different GDEs, in turn affecting their ecological processes and ecosystem service provision. Using FERGRA, multiple GDEs can be assessed concurrently, optimizing their integrated management. Unifying the concepts of ecological responses to altered groundwater regimes and groundwater connections of different GDEs across the landscape, FERGRA provides a framework for (a) organizing the currently fragmented research on GDEs to better identify commonalities and knowledge gaps, (b) formulating and testing hypotheses for quantifying ecological responses to groundwater regime alteration in GDEs to derive general principles to guide research and management, and (c) facilitating assessments of the trade‐offs between the benefits of groundwater extraction (e.g., to support mining and agriculture) versus conservation of GDEs to protect other ecosystem services.
A Nationwide Cohort Study on the risk of non‐gynecological cancers in women with surgically verified endometriosis
Authors: Saavalainen Liisu , Lassus Heini , But Anna , Tiitinen Aila , Härkki Päivi , Gissler Mika , Heikinheimo Oskari , Pukkala Eero
Published: July 2018

We assessed the association of surgically verified endometriosis and risk of non‐gynecological cancers according to the type of endometriosis (i.e., ovarian, peritoneal and deep infiltrating endometriosis). All diagnoses of endometriosis combined with relevant procedural codes were identified from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register 1987–2012. Non‐gynecological cancers diagnosed after the endometriosis diagnosis were obtained from the Finnish Cancer Registry. The cohort of 49,933 women with surgically verified endometriosis and the sub‐cohorts of ovarian (n = 23,210), peritoneal (n = 20,187), and deep infiltrating (n = 2,372) endometriosis were analyzed separately. The endometriosis cohort contributed 838,685 person‐years of follow‐up and the Finnish female population served as the reference cohort. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was calculated for each cancer separately. The follow‐up ended at emigration, death or on the 31st of December 2014. The non‐gynecological cancer risk was not increased among women with endometriosis (SIR 1.03, 95%CI 0.98–1.08). Endometriosis was associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer in the entire cohort (SIR 1.43, 95%CI 1.23–1.64) and in the sub‐cohorts of ovarian and peritoneal endometriosis. We found a decreased risk of mouth and pharynx cancer (SIR 0.60, 95%CI 0.41–0.80), and of pancreatic cancer (SIR 0.76, 95%CI 0.58–0.96). The incidence of basal cell carcinoma was elevated in the entire cohort (SIR 1.18, 95%CI 1.10–1.25) and in the sub‐cohorts of ovarian and peritoneal endometriosis. In conclusion, women with surgically verified endometriosis have an altered risk of only few non‐gynecological cancers.
Routine blood tests during pregnancy for predicting future increases in risk of cardiovascular morbidity
Authors: Yuval Bar‐Asher Shira , Shefer Alexander , Shoham‐Vardi Ilana , Sergienko Ruslan , Wolak Arik , Sheiner Eyal , Wolak Talya
Published: July 2018

Objective

To examine the association between routine blood tests during pregnancy and future risk of cardiovascular morbidity.

Methods

The present case–control study was conducted among women who delivered at a teaching hospital in Israel between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2012. The cohort comprised women who were subsequently hospitalized owing to cardiovascular morbidity (case group) and age‐matched non‐hospitalized women (control group). Blood levels of creatinine, glucose, potassium, urea, and uric acid were measured during pregnancy. Only women with at least one test result available for all five measurements were included. The relationship between upper quartile blood test values and cardiovascular hospitalization was assessed.

Results

The study included 4115 women (212 in the case group and 3903 in the control group). Three measures were associated with a future risk of cardiovascular morbidity requiring hospitalization: creatinine (hazard ratio [HR] 1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37–2.53; P<0.001); potassium (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.09–2.01; P=0.013), and urea (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.17–2.19; P=0.003). The number of blood test results in the upper quartile also increased such risk. The HRs for two tests and at least three tests were 1.65 (95% CI 1.06–2.56; P=0.026) and 3.32 (95% CI 2.19–5.04; P<0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

Future cardiovascular morbidity was predicted by routine blood tests during pregnancy.
Protective Factors as Predictors of Suicide Risk Among Graduate Students
Authors: Bruns Kristin L. , Letcher Amber
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine protective factors as predictors of suicide risk among graduate students (n = 413) at a large midwestern university. Using binary logistic regression, the authors assigned students to risk classifications (i.e., nonrisk group or suicide risk group). Results indicated emotional stability as the strongest predictor for participants’ placement into the nonrisk or suicide risk group. The authors discuss implications for counselors and directors of college counseling centers, as well as directions for future research.
The Impact of Disordered Eating Behavior on College Relationships: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Paul Elizabeth C. , Pazienza Rena , Maestro Kieran J. , Flye Ashley , Mueller Paula , Martin Jessica L.
Published: July 2018

The authors explored how college students’ disordered eating behaviors affect their peers. Participants were 8 undergraduate students from a northeastern university with a peer who currently or previously engaged in eating disorder (ED) behaviors. Results from a consensual qualitative analysis provided preliminary evidence that students’ EDs negatively affect peers. Outreach and interventions such as cognitive behavior therapy could be used to assist peers of students with EDs. Researchers should investigate the impact of students’ ED behaviors on peers’ health and academic performance.
Artisanal gold‐mining in a rural environment: Land degradation in Kenya
Authors: Odumo Benjamin Okang' , Nanos Nikos , Carbonell Gregoria , Torrijos Manuel , Patel Jayanti Purshottam , Rodríguez Martín José Antonio
Published: July 2018

Artisanal gold‐mining (AGM) is one of the most important activities in the districts of Migori and Transmara (Kenya). Gold‐mining, however, is known to release vast quantities of arsenic and metals (some of which are very toxic like As, Hg, Cd, or Pb), which poses a serious threat to not only miners but also to the ecosystem and local populations. We, herein, determine the concentrations of arsenic and some heavy metals in several sample types (i.e., ore, soil, river sediment, and mine tailing) collected from the districts of Migori and Transmara. We also employ lichens and mosses as pollution bioindicators. Geostatistical tools and canonical correlation analysis were used to identify the relevant factors that affected arsenic and metal concentrations in the analysed samples. The following concentration ranges were reported in topsoil: As (1–17,250 mg kg−1), Cd (0.01–15.10 mg kg−1), Cu (7–9,238 mg kg−1), Cr (1–214 mg kg−1), Ni (5–766 mg kg−1), Pb (3–1,149 mg kg−1), and Zn (22–1,271 mg kg−1). It was concluded that the ecosystem in both districts was highly polluted by heavy metals whereas the arsenic concentrations in topsoil were among the highest reported worldwide. The results of this study provide new evidence on the impact of AGM on the environment and may further contribute to the design of policy measures with the aim of reducing environmental and human health risks associated to AGM activities.
Use Of Ankle Immobilization In Evaluating Treatments To Promote Longitudinal Muscle Growth In Mice
Authors: Tinklenberg Jennifer , Beatka Margaret , Bain James L. W. , Siebers Emily M. , Meng Hui , Pearsall R. Scott , Lawlor Michael W. , Riley Danny A.
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Difficulty in modeling congenital contractures (deformities of muscle‐tendon unit development that include shortened muscles and lengthened tendons) has limited research of new treatments. Methods: Early immobilization of the ankle in prepuberal mice was used to produce deformities similar to congenital contractures. Stretch treatment, electrostimulation, and local intramuscular injection of a follistatin analog (FST‐288) were assessed as therapeutic interventions for these deformities. Results: Ankle immobilization at full plantarflexion and 90 ° created tendon lengthening and muscle shortening in the tibialis anterior and soleus. Stretch treatment produced minimal evidence for longitudinal muscle growth and electrostimulation provided no additional benefit. Stretch treatment with FST‐288 produced greater longitudinal muscle growth and less tendon lengthening, constituting the best treatment response. Discussion: Ankle immobilization recapitulates key morphologic features of congenital contracture, and these features can be mitigated by a combination of stretch and pharmacological approaches that may be useful in patients. Muscle Nerve 58: 718–725, 2018
Usefulness of intermittent clomiphene citrate treatment for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome that is resistant to standard clomiphene citrate treatment
Authors: Takasaki Akihisa , Tamura Isao , Okada‐Hayashi Maki , Orita Takeshi , Tanabe Manabu , Maruyama Shoko , Shimamura Katsunori , Morioka Hitoshi
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Clomiphene citrate (CC) has been used as a first‐line treatment for anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, some patients with PCOS are resistant to standard CC treatment. In this study, a new CC treatment protocol was developed, named “intermittent CC treatment” (ICT) and its efficacy was investigated on the induction of follicular growth in patients with PCOS who were resistant to standard CC treatment.

Methods

Of the 42 patients with PCOS who were resistant to standard CC treatment (50 mg/day, 5 days), 26 underwent ICT. They were given 100 mg/day of CC for 5 days from the next menstrual cycle day (MCD) 5 (first CC). If follicular growth was not observed on MCD 14, they were given 100 mg/day of CC for 5 days (MCD 14‐MCD 18) (second CC). If follicular growth still was not observed on MCD 23, they were treated with CC again in the same way (third CC).

Results

The first CC, second CC, and third CC were effective for 3/26 (11.5%) patients, 12/23 (52.2%) patients, and 6/11 (54.5%) patients, respectively. In total, ICT was effective for 21/26 (80.8%) patients with CC‐resistant PCOS.

Conclusion

Thus, ICT is a useful treatment and could be an alternative to gonadotropin therapy for patients with CC‐resistant PCOS.
Finite entanglement entropy in asymptotically safe quantum gravity
Authors: Pagani Carlo , Reuter Martin
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Entanglement entropies calculated in the framework of quantum field theory on classical, flat or curved, spacetimes are known to show an intriguing area law in four dimensions, but they are also notorious for their quadratic ultraviolet divergences. In this paper we demonstrate that the analogous entanglement entropies when computed within the Asymptotic Safety approach to background independent quantum gravity are perfectly free from such divergences. We argue that the divergences are an artifact due to the over-idealization of a rigid, classical spacetime geometry which is insensitive to the quantum dynamics.
A gauge-invariant symplectic potential for tetrad general relativity
Authors: De Paoli Elena , Speziale Simone
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We identify a symplectic potential for general relativity in tetrad and connection variables that is fully gauge-invariant, using the freedom to add surface terms. When torsion vanishes, it does not lead to surface charges associated with the internal Lorentz transformations, and reduces exactly to the symplectic potential given by the Einstein-Hilbert action. In particular, it reproduces the Komar form when the variation is a Li derivative, and the geometric expression in terms of extrinsic curvature and 2d corner data for a general variation. The additional surface term vanishes at spatial infinity for asymptotically flat spacetimes, thus the usual Poincaré charges are obtained. We prove that the first law of black hole mechanics follows from the Noether identity associated with the covariant Lie derivative, and that it is independent of the ambiguities in the symplectic potential provided one takes into account the presence of non-trivial Lorentz charges that these ambiguities can introduce.
Complexity growth with Lifshitz scaling and hyperscaling violation
Authors: Alishahiha Mohsen , Astaneh Amin Faraji , Mozaffar M. Reza Mohammadi , Mollabashi Ali
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Using “complexity=action” proposal we study the growth rate of holographic complexity for Lifshitz and hyperscaling violating geometries. We will consider both one and two sided black branes in an Einstein-Maxwell-Dilaton gravitational theory. We find that in either case Lloyd’s bound is violated and the rate of growth of complexity saturate to a value which is greater than twice the mass of the corresponding black brane. This value reduces to the mass of the black brane in the isotropic case. We show that in two sided black brane the saturation happens from above while for one sided black brane it happens from below.
A defect action for Wilson loops
Authors: Hoyos Carlos
Published: July 2018

Abstract

An effective action is proposed to compute the expectation value of Wilson loops in (S)U(N) gauge theories. The action consists of fermions localized on the loop and an Abelian gauge field that fixes the representation. The discussion is limited to weak coupling and Wilson loops in the fundamental representation extended along a smooth curve, but there are no restrictions on the matter content as long as the theory has a UV fixed point or it is conformal. For a circular Wilson loop it is found that the expectation value coincides at leading order with the exact result of the 1/2 BPS Wilson loop of

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

super Yang-Mills, which is determined by a solvable Gaussian matrix model.
Adrenal Insufficiency in Young Children: a Mixed Methods Study of Parents’ Experiences
Authors: Simpson Amy , Ross Richard , Porter John , Dixon Simon , Whitaker Martin J. , Hunter Amy
Published: July 2018

Research into adrenal insufficiency (AI) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in children has focused largely on clinical consequences for patients; and until recently, the wider experience of the condition from the perspective of other family members has been neglected. In a mixed methods study, we captured the experiences of parents of young children affected by AI/CAH, including their views on the psychosocial impact of living with and managing the condition. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out in the UK and an online survey was developed, translated and disseminated through support groups (UK and the Netherlands) and outpatient endocrinology clinics (Germany). Challenges associated with diagnosis, treatment, support and the future were identified. For UK parents, the diagnosis period was characterised by a lack of awareness amongst healthcare professionals and occurrences of adrenal crisis. Parents reported burden, anxiety and disruption associated with the intensive treatment regimen. Parents adjusted and gained confidence over time yet found delegating responsibility for medication difficult and worried about the future for their child. Access to psychological support and contact with other families was reported as highly beneficial. The findings of the study provide critical context for future studies and for informing how parents and families can be better supported. Prenatal genetic counselling for parents who already have an affected child will include an explanation of recurrence risk but should also focus on providing information and reassurance about diagnostic testing and care for their newborn.
Student perceptions of self‐efficacy and teacher support for learning in fostering youth competencies: Roles of affective and cognitive engagement
Authors: Chong Wan Har , Liem Gregory Arief D. , Huan Vivien S. , Kit Phey Ling , Ang Rebecca P.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

This exploratory study extends research on student engagement by examining the relationships between its different facets, students' perception of teacher support for learning and self‐efficacy, and adaptive youth competencies. Guided by Reschly and Christenson's (2012) student engagement framework, affective and cognitive engagement were posited to mediate the relationships between students' perceived beliefs, adaptive competencies and behavior engagement.

Method

3776 Singapore Grade 7 and 8 students completed a self report survey questionnaire.

Results

Self‐efficacy and teacher support demonstrated different indirect relationships with student competencies and via different engagement pathways. Cognitive engagement mediated the effects of teacher support and self‐efficacy on the four student competencies, while affective engagement's mediated effects was only evident on academic buoyancy.

Conclusion

This study holds important implications for educational and psychological research on student engagement, demonstrating that the construct, though theorized in a western context, has empirical utility and relevance in an East Asian context.
Sex differences in the association between apolipoprotein E ε4 allele and Alzheimer's disease markers
Authors: Sundermann Erin E. , Tran My , Maki Pauline M. , Bondi Mark W. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2018

Introduction

We determined whether the effect of apolipoprotein E (APOE)‐ε4 genotype on Alzheimer's disease (AD) markers differs in men and women across AD stages.

Methods

Among normal control (NC) participants (N = 702) and participants with mild cognitive impairment (N = 576) and AD (N = 305), we examined the associations of sex and APOE‐ε4 carrier status with cortical amyloid‐β (Aβ) burden, hippocampal volume ratio (HpVR; hippocampal volume/intracranial volume × 103), brain glucose metabolism, and verbal memory.

Results

In NC, APOE‐ε4 related to greater Aβ burden and poorer verbal memory across sex but to smaller HpVR and hypometabolism in men only. In mild cognitive impairment, APOE‐ε4 related to smaller HpVR, hypometabolism, greater Aβ burden, and poorer verbal memory across sex. In AD, APOE‐ε4 related to greater Aβ burden in men only and smaller HpVR across sex and showed no association with hypometabolism or verbal memory.

Discussion

Sex differences in the association between APOE‐ε4 and AD markers vary by disease stage.
Interlaboratory validation of cerebrospinal fluid α‐synuclein quantification in the diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease
Authors: Kruse Niels , Heslegrave Amanda , Gupta Vandana , Foiani Martha , Villar‐Piqué Anna , Schmitz Matthias , Lehmann Sylvain , Teunissen Charlotte , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Mollenhauer Brit , Zerr Inga , Llorens Franc
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Cerebrospinal fluid α‐synuclein level is increased in sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease cases. However, the clinical value of this biomarker remains to be established. In this study, we have addressed the clinical validation parameters and the interlaboratory reproducibility by using an electrochemiluminescent assay.

Methods

Cerebrospinal fluid α‐synuclein was quantified in a total of 188 sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease and non–Creutzfeldt‐Jakob‐disease cases to determine sensitivity and specificity values and lot‐to‐lot variability. Two round robin tests with 70 additional cases were performed in six independent laboratories.

Results

A sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 96% were achieved in discriminating sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease. No differences were detected between lots. The mean interlaboratory coefficient of variation was 23%, and the intralaboratory coefficient of variations ranged 2.70%–11.39%. Overall, 97% of samples were correctly diagnosed.

Discussion

The herein validated α‐synuclein assay is robust, accurate, and reproducible in identifying Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease cases. Thus, it is ready for implementation in the clinical practice to support the diagnosis of Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease.
How Mesquite Trees Gain a Competitive Edge in Arid Arizona
Authors: Sidder Aaron
Published: July 2018

A new study shows that mesquites employ hydraulic redistribution to move water between soil layers in the savannas of Santa Rita.
The Challenges of Global Flood Hazard Mapping and Prediction
Authors: Schumann Guy
Published: July 2018

A new book presents the latest tools in remote sensing technologies and modeling approaches for addressing challenges and meeting future needs in global flood hazard mapping and prediction.
Quantifying Uncertainty in Sr/Ca‐Based Estimates of SST From the Coral Orbicella faveolata
Authors: Flannery Jennifer A. , Richey Julie N. , Toth Lauren T. , Kuffner Ilsa B. , Poore Richard Z.
Published: July 2018

The strontium to calcium ratio (Sr/Ca) in aragonitic skeletons of massive corals provides a proxy for sea surface temperature (SST) that can be used to reconstruct paleoclimates across decades, centuries, and, potentially, millennia. Determining the reproducibility of Sr/Ca records among contemporaneous coral colonies from the same region is critical to quantifying uncertainties associated with the Sr/Ca‐SST proxy. We evaluated both intracolony and intercolony variability in Sr/Ca using five modern colonies of Orbicella faveolata collected live from the Dry Tortugas National Park, FL. We regressed all available Sr/Ca‐SST data pairs from the five O. faveolata colonies against the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer gridded SST data set to produce a new Sr/Ca‐SST calibration equation (Sr/Ca = −0.049 × SST + 10.460), which we suggest can be applied to O. faveolata colonies collected throughout the Gulf of Mexico/Caribbean region. We estimated total uncertainty by calculating the root‐mean‐square of the intracolony, intercolony, and analytical error terms. Our (1σ) uncertainty estimates of 0.082 mmol/mol (1.66 °C) for subannual Sr/Ca‐SST and 0.070 mmol/mol (1.43 °C) for mean annual Sr/Ca‐SST represent conservative error terms that can be applied to individual data points in single‐colony Sr/Ca‐SST reconstructions. We illustrate how these uncertainties can be significantly reduced by generating multicolony reconstructions and/or through replication of sampling within individual coral colonies. Although the uncertainties on absolute Sr/Ca‐based SST are likely too large to allow researchers to evaluate subdecadal temperature variability, we show that the O. faveolata paleothermometer can reliably detect changes of ~2 °C across decadal timescales and ~1 °C over multidecadal timescales.
Micro‐Doppler of helicopter with different blade shapes
Authors: Wu Jiaojiao , Zuo Lei , Li Ming
Published: July 2018

Micro‐Doppler of a rotor is of great importance in classifying and identifying a helicopter. In the past, the blade of a rotor was modelled as a rod. However, the blade has different tip shapes, which can be supplementary information for helicopter identification. The signal model of blades with three different tip types is derived. By analysing the theoretical and experimental data in the time–frequency domain, the potential of the tip shape in helicopter identification is shown.
Hyper‐parameters optimisation of deep CNN architecture for vehicle logo recognition
Authors: Soon Foo Chong , Khaw Hui Ying , Chuah Joon Huang , Kanesan Jeevan
Published: July 2018

The training of deep convolutional neural network (CNN) for classification purposes is critically dependent on the expertise of hyper‐parameters tuning. This study aims to minimise the user variability in training CNN by automatically searching and optimising the CNN architecture, particularly in the field of vehicle logo recognition system. For this purpose, the architecture and hyper‐parameters of CNN were selected according to the implementation of the stochastic method of particle swarm optimisation on the training–testing data. After obtaining the optimised hyper‐parameters, the CNN is fine‐tuned and trained to ensure better network convergence and classification performance. In this study, a total of 14,950 vehicle logo images are divided into two independent training and testing sets. In addition, these images are segmented coarsely, thus the requirement of precise logo segmentation is obviated in this work. The learned features of the CNN were sufficiently discriminative to be classified using multiclass Softmax classifier. With implementation using a graphics processing unit (GPU), the computation time of the proposed method is acceptable for real‐time application. The experimental results explicitly prove that the authors’ approach outperforms most of the state‐of‐the‐art methods, achieving an accuracy of 99.1% over 13 vehicle manufacturers.
Potential of wireless power transfer for dynamic charging of electric vehicles
Authors: Hutchinson Luke , Waterson Ben , Anvari Bani , Naberezhnykh Denis
Published: July 2018

Wireless power transfer (WPT) offers a viable means of charging electric vehicles (EVs) whilst in a dynamic state (DWPT), mitigating issues concerning vehicle range, the size of on‐board energy storage and the network distribution of static based charging systems. Such charge while driving technology has the capability to accelerate EV market penetration through increasing user convenience, reducing EV costs and increasing driving range indefinitely, dependent upon sufficient charging infrastructure. This study reviews current traction battery technologies, conductive and inductive charging processes, influential parameters specific to the dynamic charging state as well as highlighting notable work within the field of WPT charging systems. DWPT system requirements, specific to the driver, vehicle and infrastructure interaction environment are summarised and international standards highlighted to acknowledge the work that must be done within this area. It is important to recognise that the gap is not currently technological; instead, it is an implementation issue. Without necessary standardisation, system architectures cannot be developed and implemented without fear of interoperability issues between systems. For successful deployment, the technologies impact should be maximised with the minimum quantity of infrastructure and technology use, deployment scenarios and locations are discussed that have the potential to bring this to fruition.
Safety monitor for train‐centric CBTC system
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Zhao Ning , Ning Bin , Tang Tao , Chai Ming
Published: July 2018

Train‐centric communications‐based train control (TcCBTC) system is a new solution for urban transit signalling. Compared to traditional train control systems, the on‐board equipment is becoming more powerful and more complex. Due to its safety‐critical nature, specialised technologies must be adopted to guarantee the safety of the system. To address the safety verification difficulty of the control logic for the new system, this study presents an innovative topology‐based method for guaranteeing the train control safety. First, a railway network is described as a metric space, and then, topological spaces are introduced to express the movement authority and train trajectory. On the basis of the topological description, the safety rules are checked by performing a series computation of topology theorems. Finally, a case study has been carried out on a real metro line in China. The result shows that the proposed method strictly meets the safety verification and achieves excellent performance.
Application of a CMP to an EFIE–TDS surface integral equation
Authors: Jeong Yi‐Ru , Hong Ic‐Pyo , Yook Jong‐Gwan
Published: July 2018

Convergence rates of coupled electric field integral equation (EFIE) and thin dielectric sheet (TDS) surface integral equation is improved using a Calderon multiplicative preconditioner (CMP) for efficient analysis of densely discretised structures comprising perfect electric conductors and thin dielectric layers. When relative permittivity of the thin dielectric layer is not high, the integral operator for the TDS tends to have fast convergence rate than that of the EFIE because the TDS is derived from a volume EFIE that is well‐posed. However, the integral operator for the EFIE is both unbounded and ill‐posed when it is applied to densely discretised surfaces. Thus, the coupled EFIE and TDS integral equation have a slow convergence rate in an iterative solver. The proposed method shows fast convergence rate by application of the CMP to the EFIE–TDS. As a result, an iteration number in the iterative solver is reduced in the proposed method.
Propagation characteristics of electromagnetic wave on multiple tissue interfaces in wireless deep implant communication
Authors: Chen Zhi Ying , Gao Yue Ming , Du Min
Published: July 2018

The use of wireless networked miniaturised medical implants is promising a significant leap forward in health monitoring and medical treatment. In contrast to conventional wireless communication which takes place over the air, implant communication through the body poses unique challenges. Considering there is less literature available on out‐to‐in and in‐to‐out propagation mechanisms on the different tissue interfaces for deep implant communication, in this study, the multi‐layered planar model and the mathematical equations of multiple incidence are proposed to calculate and analyse some key transmission characteristics of body channel. The authors take human arm as the research object, and compute four cases of electromagnetic wave normal incidence on multi‐layer human body tissues with different positions of the deep implant at the frequency of 10 Hz–100 GHz. They also establish a simulation model of normal incidence on three‐layer human body tissues at a frequency of 2.45 GHz based on the finite‐element method in COMSOL Multiphysics. The relative differences in simulation results are all <3.14%, which show a good agreement with the theoretical calculation results.
Pharmacokinetics of Riluzole in Beagle Dogs
Authors: Perdigão Ana , Antunes Natalícia , Juni Lucas , de Freitas Noedi , Rojas-Moscoso Julio , Corrêa Sílvia , da Costa Ronaldo , Moreno Ronilson , Mendes Gustavo , De Nucci Gilberto
Published: July 2018

Background Riluzole is a benzothiazole anticonvulsant used in the treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and it is being investigated for clinical use in patients with spinal cord injury. The present study evaluated the pharmacokinetics of riluzole in beagle dogs after oral dose administration.

Methods The oral doses (1.5, 5, 15 and 50 mg/kg) of riluzole were administered to beagle dogs and blood samples were collected from 0 h to 24 h post drug administration. Riluzole was quantified by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Results The method was sensitive, precise, accurate and selective to riluzole quantification in plasma of beagle dogs. The pharmacokinetics following oral administration was linear from 1.5 to 15 mg/kg and the t1/2 was 2.16, 1.5, 1.8 and 3.0 h after oral administration of 1.5, 5.0, 15 and 50 mg/kg riluzole.

Conclusion The riluzole pharmacokinetics was linear up to 15 mg/kg and had a significantlyshorter t1/2 in beagle dogs than in humans.
Activation of the Intrinsic Pathway of Coagulation in Children with Meningococcal Septic Shock
Authors: Wuillemin Walter A , Fijnvandraat Karin , Derkx Bert H F , Peters Marjolein , Vreede Willem , ten Cate Hugo , Hack C Erik
Published: July 2018

Meningococcal septic shock (MSS) is complicated by activation of coagulation, fibrinolytic, and complement systems. We studied the contact system of the intrinsic pathway of coagulation in thirteen children with MSS. Activation was assessed upon admittance to the intensive care unit and 48 h thereafter, based on the measurement of factor XII- (FXII), prekallikrein- and factor XI (FXI) antigen levels, as well as on the detection of FXIa-FXIa inhibitor, FXIIa-C1-inhibitor, and kallikrein-C1-inhibitor complexes, respectively. Levels of FXII, prekallikrein and FXI were reduced to about 50% in all patients on admission, and were significantly higher 48 h later. FXIIa-C1-inhibitor complexes were elevated in 7 patients, and kallikrein-C1-inhibitor complexes in 2 patients. FXIa-α1-antitrypsin complexes were elevated in all patients, FXIa-C1-inhibitor complexes in nine, and FXIa-anti-thrombin III complexes in one patient. We conclude that patients with MSS have activation of the contact system, which may contribute to activation of coagulation, and thus to morbidity and mortality.
Inactivation of Factor XIa in Vivo:
Studies in Chimpanzees and in Humans
Authors: Wuillemin Walter A , Hack C Erik , Bleeker Wim K , Biemond Bart J , Levi Marcel , Cate Hugo ten
Published: July 2018

C1-inhibitor (C1Inh), antithrombin III (ATIII), α1-antitrypsin (a1AT), and α2-antiplasmin (a2AP) are known inhibitors of factor XIa (FXIa). However, their precise contribution to FXIa inactivation in vivo is not known. We investigated FXIa inactivation in chimpanzees and assessed the contribution of these inhibitors to FXIa inactivation in patients with presumed FXI activation.

Chimpanzees were infused with FXIa and the various FXIa-FXIa inhibitor complexes formed were measured. Most of FXIa was complexed to C1Inh (68%), followed by a2AP (13%), a1AT (10%), and ATIII (9%). Analysis of the plasma elimination kinetics revealed a half-life time of clearance (t1/2) for the FXIa-FXIa inhibitor complexes of 95 to 104 min, except for FXIa-a1AT, which had a t1/2 of 349 min. Due to this long t1/2, FXIa-a1AT complexes were predicted to show the highest levels in plasma samples from patients with activation of FXI. This was indeed shown in patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation, recent myocardial infarction or unstable angina pectoris. We conclude from this study that in vivo C1Inh is the predominant inhibitor of FXIa, but that FXIa-a1 AT complexes due to their relatively long t1/2 may be the best parameter to assess FXI activation in clinical samples.
The Activity of Unfractionated Heparin and Low Molecular Weight Heparins in Rabbit Plasma – The Need for Using Absolute Anti-factor Xa and Antithrombin Activities
Authors: Peyrou V , Béguin S , Boneu B , Hemker H C
Published: July 2018

Rabbit being a common animal model to evaluate the antithrombotic effect of heparins, our purpose was to apply the heparin Standard Independent Unit (SIU) approach to rabbit plasma. To take into account the specificities of the enzymes we have measured the decay constants of factor Xa and of thrombin from autologous and heterologous origins, in presence and in absence of heparin. Different heparins or heparin fractions with a mean molecular weight from 1.7 to 10.5 kDa were used.

We found that: a) the decay constants varied strongly between species and between enzymes; b) the decay constants of thrombin were always higher than those of factor Xa; c) the specific anti-factor Xa activity of heparins increased with the molecular weight and was 1.33 times higher when determined with bovine factor Xa than with rabbit factor Xa; d) the specific antithrombin activity of heparins also increased with the molecular weight but was similar when determined with rabbit and human thrombin; e) the specific anti-factor Xa activity was always lower than the specific antithrombin activity; f) the calibration of the heparins and heparin fractions against the 4th International Standard of Heparin expressed in International Units (IU) lead to a systematic overestimation of the anti-factor Xa activity and to an underestimation of the antithrombin activity.

These observations indicate that it may be very important to use the SIU approach and to know the accurate activities to better understand the mechanism of the antithrombotic activity of heparins in experimental models.
Primary Allograft ACL Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Patients—A Systematic Review of Surgical Techniques, Outcomes, and Complications
Authors: Shanmugaraj Ajaykumar , de SA Darren , Skelly Matthew M. , Duong Andrew , Simunovic Nicole , Musahl Volker , Peterson Devin C. , Ayeni Olufemi R.
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this systematic review is to ascertain the risk profile of allografts in primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) of skeletally immature patients. Three databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE) were searched for articles addressing primary ACLR in skeletally immature patients (i.e., open femoral and tibial physes). Inclusion criteria encompassed the use of allograft tissue with available postoperative outcomes data. The methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) was used to assess all studies. Descriptive statistics such as means, 95% confidence intervals and standard deviations are presented where applicable. A total of 3,852 studies were screened, with 9 studies of a total of 406 skeletally immature patients (mean age 14.9 ± 1.2 years) satisfying inclusion criteria. The majority (98%) of included patients underwent complete transphyseal ACLR. Where specified, allograft options included Achilles tendon (AT) (66.5%), tibialis anterior tendon (7.6%), bone–patellar tendon (2.5%), and fascia lata (1.0%). The use of a bone block for the AT was reported in one patient (0.2%). Postoperatively, and where specified, patients achieved full range of motion (12.1%), had good Lysholm scores of 94 to 100 (8.1%), and a return to preinjury level athletic participation of 82.9% (8.4%). Complications (13.3%) included graft failures (7.9%), nonrevision reoperation (4.7%), and a combined leg length discrepancy and angular (valgus and extension) deformity (0.2%). There were no reported incidences of disease transmission. Although failure rates of primary allograft ACL reconstruction are acceptable compared with other studies of mainly autograft use in this young, high-risk population, there was a very low rate of clinically significant physeal damage. However, the relatively low quality of the included studies limits the ability to recommend routine use of allograft for ACLR in the skeletally immature patient. More robust studies with long-term follow-up data are necessary to better ascertain the influence of allograft choice on postoperative outcomes for these young patients. This is a Level IV study, systematic review of Levels III and IV studies.
Preoperative Opioid Use in Knee Surgery Patients
Authors: Meredith Sean J. , Nadarajah Vidushan , Jauregui Julio J. , Smuda Michael P. , Medina Shaun H. , Bennett Craig H. , Packer Jonathan D. , Henn R. Frank
Published: July 2018

A cross-sectional analysis of data derived from patients undergoing knee surgery at a single institution was conducted. The objectives of the study were to determine the demographic, diagnostic, and psychologic factors associated with opioid use; and to determine the clinical correlates of opioid use. We hypothesized that preoperative opioid use would be associated with worse patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. The sample consisted of 383 patients undergoing knee surgery. The patients were classified as either opioid or nonopioid users on the basis of medical record review. All participants completed a battery of clinical assessments, including the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System computer adaptive testing in six domains: Physical Function, Pain Interference, Fatigue, Social Satisfaction, Anxiety, and Depression. Analyses were conducted to examine clinical variables as a function of opioid use. The results indicated that opioid use was associated with female gender, unemployment, smoking, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, greater number of previous surgeries, depression or anxiety, and worse expectation of surgery (p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis found opioid use to be a significant independent predictor of multiple PRO measures in patients undergoing knee surgery. Potential explanations for these findings are presented, and clinical implications are discussed.
Heterogeneous Consumer Reactions to Health News
Authors: Browning Martin , Hansen Lars Gårn , Smed Sinne
Published: July 2018

We investigate heterogeneity in how consumers react to health‐related media information. Our specific focus is on news relating to fish and the consumption of different types of fish. We specify a dynamic empirical model that allows for pervasive heterogeneity in all basic parameters of consumer behavior, as well as in how consumers react to information. We estimate the model using a unique household panel tracking consumption, prices, news stories, and media habits over 24 quarters. We find that only 16% of consumers react to news that is specific to fatty fish. These consumers have a large reaction to such news, with a modest initial over‐reaction. Furthermore, these consumers are also more attentive to general media information about the healthiness of fish.
Recognition of CRISPR/Cas9 off-target sites through ensemble learning of uneven mismatch distributions
Authors: Peng Hui , Zheng Yi , Zhao Zhixun , Liu Tao , Li Jinyan
Published: July 2018

Motivation

CRISPR/Cas9 is driving a broad range of innovative applications from basic biology to biotechnology and medicine. One of its current issues is the effect of off-target editing that should be critically resolved and should be completely avoided in the ideal use of this system.

Results

We developed an ensemble learning method to detect the off-target sites of a single guide RNA (sgRNA) from its thousands of genome-wide candidates. Nucleotide mismatches between on-target and off-target sites have been studied recently. We confirm that there exists strong mismatch enrichment and preferences at the 5′-end close regions of the off-target sequences. Comparing with the on-target sites, sequences of no-editing sites can be also characterized by GC composition changes and position-specific mismatch binary features. Under this novel space of features, an ensemble strategy was applied to train a prediction model. The model achieved a mean score 0.99 of Aera Under Receiver Operating Characteristic curve and a mean score 0.45 of Aera Under Precision-Recall curve in cross-validations on big datasets, outperforming state-of-the-art methods in various test scenarios. Our predicted off-target sites also correspond very well to those detected by high-throughput sequencing techniques. Especially, two case studies for selecting sgRNAs to cure hearing loss and retinal degeneration partly prove the effectiveness of our method.

Availability and implementation

The python and matlab version of source codes for detecting off-target sites of a given sgRNA and the supplementary files are freely available on the web at https://github.com/penn-hui/OfftargetPredict.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.