bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total Lipopolysaccharide from the Human Gut Microbiome Silences Toll-Like Receptor Signaling
Authors: d’Hennezel Eva , Abubucker Sahar , Murphy Leon O. , Cullen Thomas W.
Published: November 2017

While the ability for humans to host a complex microbial ecosystem is an essential property of life, the mechanisms allowing for immune tolerance of such a large microbial load are not completely understood and are currently the focus of intense research. This study shows that an important proinflammatory pathway that is commonly triggered by pathogenic bacteria upon interaction with the host is, in fact, actively repressed by the bacteria of the gut microbiome, supporting the idea that beneficial microbes themselves contribute to the immune tolerance in support of homeostasis. These findings are important for two reasons. First, many currently assume that proinflammatory signaling by lipopolysaccharide is a fundamental feature of the gut flora. This assumption influences greatly how host-microbiome interactions are theoretically modeled but also how they are experimentally studied, by using robust TLR signaling conditions to simulate commensals. Second, elucidation of the mechanisms that support host-microbe tolerance is key to the development of therapeutics for both intestinal and systemic inflammatory disorders.
Genomic, Transcriptomic, and Phenotypic Analyses of
Neisseria meningitidis
Isolates from Disease Patients and Their Household Contacts
Authors: Ren Xiaoyun , Eccles David A. , Greig Gabrielle A. , Clapham Jane , Wheeler Nicole E. , Lindgreen Stinus , Gardner Paul P. , MacKichan Joanna K.
Published: November 2017

Neisseria meningitidis
causes meningococcal disease but is frequently carried in the throats of healthy individuals; the factors that determine whether invasive disease develops are not completely understood. We carried out detailed studies of isolates, collected from patients and their household contacts, to identify differences between commensal throat isolates and those that caused invasive disease. Though isolates were identical by laboratory typing methods, we uncovered many differences in their genomes, in gene expression, and in their interactions with host cells. In particular, we found that several carriage isolates had lost their type IV pili, a surprising finding since pili are often described as essential for colonization. However, loss of type IV pili correlated with reduced secretion of a proinflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, when meningococci were cocultured with human bronchial epithelial cells; hence, the loss of pili could provide an advantage to meningococci, by resulting in a dampened localized host immune response.
Antenatal Bartter syndrome presenting with vomiting and constipation mimicking subacute intestinal obstruction in a 20-day-old neonate
Authors: Abdelgadir Ibtihal Siddiq , Elgharbawy Fawzia , Salameh Khalil Mohamad , Juma Baha Eldin
Published: November 2017

Antenatal Bartter syndrome is a rare condition that can present with different clinical features. These features include early onset maternal polyhydramnios, failure to thrive, prematurity and nephrocalcinosis.

We are presenting this 20-day-old girl who had an antenatal history of polyhydramnios. She developed persistent non-bilious vomiting that was associated with constipation soon after birth. She presented with failure to thrive and features suggestive of intestinal obstruction. On the initial evaluation, she was noted to have hypokalaemic, hyponatraemic metabolic alkalosis. The initial work-up was done to exclude surgical and renal causes of her presentation, and the diagnosis was confirmed by gene analysis to be type III—classic Bartter syndrome. She was closely monitored for her growth and development with the appropriate salt replacement therapy.
Effects of health and social care spending constraints on mortality in England: a time trend analysis
Authors: Watkins Johnathan , Wulaningsih Wahyu , Da Zhou Charlie , Marshall Dominic C , Sylianteng Guia D C , Dela Rosa Phyllis G , Miguel Viveka A , Raine Rosalind , King Lawrence P , Maruthappu Mahiben
Published: November 2017

Objective

Since 2010, England has experienced relative constraints in public expenditure on healthcare (PEH) and social care (PES). We sought to determine whether these constraints have affected mortality rates.

Methods

We collected data on health and social care resources and finances for England from 2001 to 2014. Time trend analyses were conducted to compare the actual mortality rates in 2011–2014 with the counterfactual rates expected based on trends before spending constraints. Fixed-effects regression analyses were conducted using annual data on PES and PEH with mortality as the outcome, with further adjustments for macroeconomic factors and resources. Analyses were stratified by age group, place of death and lower-tier local authority (n=325). Mortality rates to 2020 were projected based on recent trends.

Results

Spending constraints between 2010 and 2014 were associated with an estimated 45 368 (95% CI 34 530 to 56 206) higher than expected number of deaths compared with pre-2010 trends. Deaths in those aged ≥60 and in care homes accounted for the majority. PES was more strongly linked with care home and home mortality than PEH, with each £10 per capita decline in real PES associated with an increase of 5.10 (3.65–6.54) (p<0.001) care home deaths per 100 000. These associations persisted in lag analyses and after adjustment for macroeconomic factors. Furthermore, we found that changes in real PES per capita may be linked to mortality mostly via changes in nurse numbers. Projections to 2020 based on 2009-2014 trend was cumulatively linked to an estimated 152 141 (95% CI 134 597 and 169 685) additional deaths.

Conclusions

Spending constraints, especially PES, are associated with a substantial mortality gap. We suggest that spending should be targeted on improving care delivered in care homes and at home; and maintaining or increasing nurse numbers.
Emergency versus standard response: time efficacy of London’s Air Ambulance rapid response vehicle
Authors: Rehn Marius , Davies Gareth , Smith Paul , Lockey David
Published: November 2017

Objective

The potential increased risk of an emergency response using a rapid response vehicle (RRV) should only be accepted when it allows a clinically significant time saving for management of patients who are critically injured or sick. Air ambulance services often use an RRV to maintain operational resilience. We compared the RRV response time on emergency versus standard driving to inform emergency services of time efficacy of emergency response in an urban environment.

Methods

Prospective observational controlled study of response data of emergency and standard driving. An identical RRV shadowed the medical team until the team was dispatched to a job (emergency driving). The shadow RRV then drove to the same given location from the same origin location in equal traffic conditions being compliant with all traffic signals, road signs and speed limits (standard driving).

Results

The emergency response resulted in an estimated reduction in median response time of 14 min (95% CI 9 to 19) which represented a time saving of 54.9%. The estimated difference in distance travelled (0.6 km) was not statistically significant. Median speed was significantly higher when using an emergency response (46.1 IQR 39–53.4 km/hour) versus standard response (20.1 IQR 16.3–24.7 km/hour), with an estimated difference of −24.5 km/hour (95% CI −28.8 to −20.5).

Conclusions

The current study found RRVs to be significantly quicker when responding with lights, sirens and traffic rule exemptions compared with a response being compliant with all traffic signals, road signs and speed limits.
Which patients presenting with arthralgia eventually develop rheumatoid arthritis? The current state of the art
Authors: Boeters Debbie M , Raza Karim , vander Helm-van Mil Annette H M
Published: November 2017

Early initiation of treatment in patients with inflammatory arthritis at risk of persistence and/or erosive progression is important because it is associated with a reduced rate of progression of joint damage and functional disability. It has been proposed that a window of opportunity exists, during which disease processes are less matured and disease modification can be more effective. The phase of arthralgia preceding clinical arthritis is likely to be an important part of this window of opportunity, during which treatment might prevent progression to clinical arthritis. Several proof-of-concept trials in individuals with arthralgia are now evaluating this hypothesis. Central to such trials is the ability to identify groups at high risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in whom preventive treatment can be tested. This review describes the relevance of adequate prediction making, as well as the accuracy of different types of predictors (including imaging and serological markers) with their value in predicting the progression of arthralgia to arthritis. Despite promising results, studies have been performed in heterogeneous patient populations and most findings have not been validated in independent studies. Future observational or preventive studies should be conducted with homogeneous patient groups (eg, patients fulfilling the European League Against Rheumatism criteria for arthralgia at risk of RA) in order to increase interstudy comparability and to allow result validation.
Pyogranulomatous meningoencephalitis in a dog
Authors: Keegan Sarah , Ruiz Guillaume , Day Michael , Cogan Tristan Alexander , Liebel Francois‐Xavier
Published: November 2017

Meningoencephalitis defines a pathological inflammation of the brain parenchyma and meninges classically dichotomised into infectious and non‐infectious meningoencephalitides. Pyogranulomatous meningoencephalitides have been sporadically reported in the veterinary literature associated with various infectious agents (Mycobacteria species, Cladophialophora bantiana or Actinomyces species). The following outlines a case of pyogranulomatous meningoencephalitides suspected secondary to Aureimonas altamirensis infection. To the authors' knowledge, this is only the second report of A. altamirensis resulting in clinical disease in a dog.
Evaluation of a single‐administration ototopical treatment for canine otitis externa: a randomised trial
Authors: Blake John , Keil Daniel , Kwochka Kenneth , Palma Kathleen , Schofield Jennifer
Published: November 2017

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new, single‐administration Otic Solution containing florfenicol, terbinafine and mometasone furoate for the treatment of canine otitis externa (OE).

Design

The clinical efficacy and safety study was a multicentre, controlled, masked and randomised field study conducted over 30 days. Two hundred and twenty‐one (221) client‐owned dogs of varying breeds with diagnosed bacterial and/or fungal OE were enrolled.

Procedure

Dogs were randomised to either Otic Solution or control groups. Evaluations were conducted over a minimum period of 30 days with a primary effectiveness endpoint based on the improvement in a clinical severity score at the final visit (day 30). Safety analyses were based on clinical and laboratory parameters and the occurrence of adverse events.

Results

The Otic Solution group demonstrated a significantly higher treatment success rate compared with that observed for the control group (72.5 per cent v 11.1 per cent, P value=0.0001) for cases of OE caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Malassezia pachydermatis. No significant safety findings were reported.

Conclusions/clinical relevance

This new ototopical formulation provides safe and effective treatment of canine OE and is an important alternative antimicrobial for this indication. The single‐administration dosage regimen eliminates opportunities for client dosage administration errors and medication stockpiling.
Two-dimensional motion of a rolling non-circular cylinder on a flat horizontal surface
Authors: Aghamohammadi Amir , Khorrami Mohammad
Published: November 2017

The two dimensional motion of a generally non-circular non-uniform cylinder on a flat horizontal surface is investigated. Assuming that the cylinder does not slip, energy conservation is used to study the motion in general. Points of returns, and small oscillations around equilibrium configuration are studied. As examples, cylinders are studied for which the cross section is an ellipse, with the center of mass at the center of the ellipse or at a focal point, and the frequencies of small oscillations around their equilibrium configurations are found. The conditions for losing contact or sliding are also investigated. Finally, the motion is studied in more detail for the case of a nearly circular cylinder.
Generating squeezed states of a nanomechanical resonator via a charge qubit in a hybrid system
Authors: Wang Chao-Quan , Zou Jian , Zhang Zhi-Ming
Published: November 2017

We propose a scheme for generating squeezed states of a nanomechanical resonator. The scheme is based on a hybrid system consisting of two NAMRs and a superconducting charge qubit (SCCQ). The nonlinear interaction between the two nanomechanical resonators (NAMRs) can be implemented by setting the external biased flux of the SCCQ at some certain values, which plays the role of “nonlinear media”. The noise in the SCCQ does not need to be considered, since we can adiabatically keep the SCCQ at the ground state. In addition, the squeezing parameters can also be adjusted by changing the external driving voltage.
Static traversable wormholes in Lyra manifold
Authors: Jahromi A. Sayahian , Moradpour H.
Published: November 2017

At first, considering the Einstein framework, we introduce some new static traversable wormholes and study the effects of a dark energy-like source on them. Thereinafter, a brief review on Einstein field equations in Lyra manifold is presented, and we address some static traversable wormholes in the Lyra manifold which satisfy the energy conditions. It is also shown that solutions introduced in the Einstein framework may also meet the energy conditions in the Lyra manifold. Finally, we focus on vacuum Lyra manifold and find some traversable asymptotically flat wormholes. In summary, our study shows that it is theoretically possible to find a Lyra displacement vector field in a manner in which traversable wormholes satisfy the energy conditions in a Lyra manifold.
Short note on the number of 1-ascents in dispersed Dyck paths
Authors: Kangro Kairi , Pourmoradnasseri Mozhgan , Theis Dirk Oliver
Published: November 2017

A dispersed Dyck path (DDP) of length [Formula: see text] is a lattice path on [Formula: see text] from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] in which the following steps are allowed: “up” [Formula: see text]; “down” [Formula: see text]; and “right” [Formula: see text]. An ascent in a DDP is an inclusion-wise maximal sequence of consecutive up steps. A 1-ascent is an ascent consisting of exactly 1 up step.

We give a closed formula for the total number of 1-ascents in all dispersed Dyck paths of length [Formula: see text], #A191386 in Sloane’s OEIS. Previously, only implicit generating function relations and asymptotics were known.
Tipping Points in Natural Hazard Risk Management: How Societal Transformation can Provoke Policy Strategies in Mitigation
Authors: Fuchs Sven , Thaler Thomas
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we show how the concept of tipping points can be interpreted by using the example of natural hazard management. Until now, despite the increasing amount of papers on tipping points in the assessment of geomorphologic hazards and the associated dynamics of research on climate change, there has been little empirical or theoretical engagement with tipping points in risk management and in the adaptive capacity of individual actors or social systems. By bridging this gap, we focus on adaptation initiatives to mountain hazard management and on the question of how these initiatives were triggered using three different study sites in Austria. Necessary system changes root in different nutshells, such as lack of funding, lack of legal incentives to include local interests or lack of space, where classical structural protection schemes cannot respond to the emerging challenges of system dynamics. This paper used a mixed-method approach, including semi-structured in-depth interviews, scenario constructions and policy analysis to assess the potential tipping points in the implementation of innovative systems to manage mountain hazards. The results showed that vital variables influencing the development of new management measures are (1) the current legislation, (2) risk acceptance among authorities and the public, (3) land-use pressure, (4) the demand for innovative solutions, (5) the available technical standards and possibilities and (6) finally the policy entrepreneurship. Concluding the results, contemporary settings concerning risk management strategies will have to change in the future in order to inspire transformative governance arrangements in natural hazard management.
A Stepwise Auto-Profiling Method for Performance Optimization of Streaming Applications
Authors: Liu Xunyun , Dastjerdi Amir Vahid , Calheiros Rodrigo N. , Qu Chenhao , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: November 2017

Data stream management systems (DSMSs) are scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems that aggregate and analyze real-time data in motion. To continuously perform analytics on the fly within the stream, state-of-the-art DSMSs host streaming applications as a set of interconnected operators, with each operator encapsulating the semantic of a specific operation. For parallel execution on a particular platform, these operators need to be appropriately replicated in multiple instances that split and process the workload simultaneously. Because the way operators are partitioned affects the resulting performance of streaming applications, it is essential for DSMSs to have a method to compare different operators and make holistic replication decisions to avoid performance bottlenecks and resource wastage. To this end, we propose a stepwise profiling approach to optimize application performance on a given execution platform. It automatically scales distributed computations over streams based on application features and processing power of provisioned resources and builds the relationship between provisioned resources and application performance metrics to evaluate the efficiency of the resulting configuration. Experimental results confirm that the proposed approach successfully fulfills its goals with minimal profiling overhead.
A multi-scale modeling approach for systems of systems architectures
Authors: Khlif Ilhem , Kacem Mohamed Hadj , Eichler Cédric , Kacem Ahmed Hadj
Published: November 2017

Modeling correct software-intensive Systems of Systems architectures is a challenging research direction that can be mastered by providing appropriate modeling abstractions. For this purpose, we provide an iterative modeling solution for a multi-scale description of software architectures. We provide a visual notation extending the graphical UML notations to represent structural as well as behavioral features of software architectures. We define a step-wise iterative process from a coarse-grain to a fine-grain description. The intermediate iterations provide a description with a given abstraction that allow the validation to be conducted significantly while remaining tractable w.r.t. complexity. The iterative process involves both system-independent structural features ensuring the model correctness, and system-specific features related to the expected behavior of the modeled domain. We implement the resulting models describing structural and behavioral properties using the Eclipse platform. To experiment our approach, we deal with an SoS dedicated to the Emergency Response and Crisis Management System(ERCMS).
Eliminating Channel Feedback in Next-Generation Cellular Networks
Authors: Vasisht Deepak , Kumar Swarun , Rahul Hariharan , Katabi Dina
Published: November 2017

The high cost of cellular spectrum has motivated network providers to seek advanced MIMO techniques to improve spectral efficiency [2, 1]. Yet, only point-to-point MIMO multiplexing can be performed efficiently in current networks [3]. More advanced MIMO solutions, such as massive MIMO, coordinated multi-point, distributed MIMO, and multi-user MIMO, all require the base station to know the downlink channels prior to transmission. In the absence of this information, the base station cannot beamform its signal to its users
Reproductive Impacts of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals on Wildlife Species: Implications for Conservation of Endangered Species
Authors: Tubbs Christopher W. , McDonough Caitlin E.
Published: November 2017

Wildlife have proven valuable to our understanding of the potential effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on human health by contributing considerably to our understanding of the mechanisms and consequences of EDC exposure. But the threats EDCs present to populations of wildlife species themselves are significant, particularly for endangered species whose existence is vulnerable to any reproductive perturbation. However, few studies address the threats EDCs pose to endangered species owing to challenges associated with their study. Here, we highlight those barriers and review the available literature concerning EDC effects on endangered species. Drawing from other investigations into nonthreatened wildlife species, we highlight opportunities for new approaches to advance our understanding and potentially mitigate the effects of EDCs on endangered species to enhance their fertility.
Stimulation of the sensory pudendal nerve increases bladder capacity in the rat
Authors: Hokanson James A. , Langdale Christopher L. , Sridhar Arun , Grill Warren M.
Published: November 2017

Pudendal nerve stimulation is a promising treatment approach for lower urinary tract dysfunction, including symptoms of overactive bladder. Despite some promising clinical studies, there remain many unknowns as to how best to stimulate the pudendal nerve to maximize therapeutic efficacy. We quantified changes in bladder capacity and voiding efficiency during single-fill cystometry in response to electrical stimulation of the sensory branch of the pudendal nerve in urethane-anesthetized female Wistar rats. Increases in bladder capacity were dependent on both stimulation amplitude and rate. Stimulation that produced increases in bladder capacity also led to reductions in voiding efficiency. Also, there was a stimulation carryover effect, and increases in bladder capacity persisted during several nonstimulated trials following stimulated trials. Intravesically administered PGE2 reduced bladder capacity, producing a model of overactive bladder (OAB), and sensory pudendal nerve stimulation again increased bladder capacity but also reduced voiding efficiency. This study serves as a basis for future studies that seek to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of sensory pudendal nerve stimulation for the symptoms of OAB.
Dapagliflozin in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: a combined human-rodent pilot study
Authors: Rajasekeran Harindra , Reich Heather N. , Hladunewich Michelle A. , Cattran Daniel , Lovshin Julie A. , Lytvyn Yuliya , Bjornstad Petter , Lai Vesta , Tse Josephine , Cham Leslie , Majumder Syamantak , Bowskill Bridgit B. , Kabir M. Golam , Advani Suzanne L. , Gibson Ian W. , Sood Manish M. , Advani Andrew , Cherney David Z. I.
Published: November 2017

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is an important cause of nondiabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition (SGLT2i) therapy attenuates the progression of diabetic nephropathy, but it remains unclear whether SGLT2i provides renoprotection in nondiabetic CKD such as FSGS. The primary aim of this pilot study was to determine the effect of 8 wk of dapagliflozin on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in humans and in experimental FSGS. Secondary end points were related to changes in renal hemodynamic function, proteinuria, and blood pressure (BP). GFR (inulin) and renal plasma flow (para-aminohippurate), proteinuria, and BP were measured in patients with FSGS ( n = 10), and similar parameters were measured in subtotally nephrectomized (SNx) rats. In response to dapagliflozin, changes in GFR, renal plasma flow, and 24-h urine protein excretion were not statistically significant in humans or rats. Systolic BP (SBP) decreased in SNx rats (196 ± 26 vs. 165 ± 33 mmHg; P < 0.001), whereas changes were not statistically significant in humans (SBP 112.7 ± 8.5 to 112.8 ± 11.2 mmHg, diastolic BP 71.8 ± 6.5 to 69.6 ± 8.4 mmHg; P = not significant), although hematocrit increased (0.40 ± 0.05 to 0.42 ± 0.05%; P = 0.03). In archival kidney tissue from a separate patient cohort, renal parenchymal SGLT2 mRNA expression was decreased in individuals with FSGS compared with controls. Short-term treatment with the SGLT2i dapagliflozin did not modify renal hemodynamic function or attenuate proteinuria in humans or in experimental FSGS. This may be related to downregulation of renal SGLT2 expression. Studies examining the impact of SGLT2i on markers of kidney disease in patients with other causes of nondiabetic CKD are needed.
Developmental changes in spinal neuronal properties, motor network configuration, and neuromodulation at free-swimming stages ofXenopustadpoles
Authors: Currie Stephen P. , Sillar Keith T.
Published: November 2017

We describe a novel preparation of the isolated brain stem and spinal cord from prometamorphic tadpole stages of the South African clawed frog ( Xenopus laevis) that permits whole cell patch-clamp recordings from neurons in the ventral spinal cord. Previous research on earlier stages of the same species has provided one of the most detailed understandings of the design and operation of a central pattern generator circuit. Here we have addressed how development sculpts complexity from this more basic circuit. The preparation generates bouts of fictive swimming activity either spontaneously or in response to electrical stimulation of the optic tectum, allowing an investigation into how the neuronal properties, activity patterns, and neuromodulation of locomotor rhythm generation change during development. We describe an increased repertoire of cellular responses compared with younger larval stages and investigate the cellular-level effects of nitrergic neuromodulation as well as the development of a sodium pump-mediated ultraslow afterhyperpolarization (usAHP) in these free-swimming larval animals.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A novel in vitro brain stem-spinal cord preparation is described that enables whole cell patch-clamp recordings from spinal neurons in prometamorphic Xenopus tadpoles. Compared with the well-characterized earlier stages of development, spinal neurons display a wider range of firing properties during swimming and have developed novel cellular properties. This preparation now makes it feasible to investigate in detail spinal central pattern generator maturation during the dramatic switch between undulatory and limb-based locomotion strategies during amphibian metamorphosis.
Standardized automated training of rhesus monkeys for neuroscience research in their housing environment
Authors: Berger M. , Calapai A. , Stephan V. , Niessing M. , Burchardt L. , Gail A. , Treue S.
Published: November 2017

Teaching nonhuman primates the complex cognitive behavioral tasks that are central to cognitive neuroscience research is an essential and challenging endeavor. It is crucial for the scientific success that the animals learn to interpret the often complex task rules and reliably and enduringly act accordingly. To achieve consistent behavior and comparable learning histories across animals, it is desirable to standardize training protocols. Automatizing the training can significantly reduce the time invested by the person training the animal. In addition, self-paced training schedules with individualized learning speeds based on automatic updating of task conditions could enhance the animals’ motivation and welfare. We developed a training paradigm for across-task unsupervised training (AUT) of successively more complex cognitive tasks to be administered through a stand-alone housing-based system optimized for rhesus monkeys in neuroscience research settings (Calapai A, Berger M, Niessing M, Heisig K, Brockhausen R, Treue S, Gail A. Behav Res Methods 5: 1–11, 2016). The AUT revealed interindividual differences in long-term learning progress between animals, helping to characterize learning personalities, and commonalities, helping to identify easier and more difficult learning steps in the training protocol. Our results demonstrate that 1) rhesus monkeys stay engaged with the AUT over months despite access to water and food outside the experimental sessions but with lower numbers of interaction compared with conventional fluid-controlled training; 2) with unsupervised training across sessions and task levels, rhesus monkeys can learn tasks of sufficient complexity for state-of-the-art cognitive neuroscience in their housing environment; and 3) AUT learning progress is primarily determined by the number of interactions with the system rather than the mere exposure time.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate that highly structured training of behavioral tasks, as used in neuroscience research, can be achieved in an unsupervised fashion over many sessions and task difficulties in a monkey housing environment. Employing a predefined training strategy allows for an observer-independent comparison of learning between animals and of training approaches. We believe that self-paced standardized training can be utilized for pretraining and animal selection and can contribute to animal welfare in a neuroscience research environment.
Acquisition of skilled finger movements is accompanied by reorganization of the corticospinal system
Authors: Hirano Masato , Kubota Shinji , Furuya Shinichi , Koizume Yoshiki , Tanaka Shinya , Funase Kozo
Published: November 2017

Dexterous finger movements are often characterized by highly coordinated movements. Such coordination might be derived from reorganization of the corticospinal system. In this study, we investigated 1) the manner in which finger movement covariation patterns are acquired, by examining the effects of the implicit and explicit learning of a serial reaction time task (SRTT), and 2) how such changes in finger coordination are represented in the corticospinal system. The subjects learned a button press sequence in both implicit and explicit learning conditions. In the implicit conditions, they were naive about what they were learning, whereas in the explicit conditions the subjects consciously learned the order of the sequence elements. Principal component analysis decomposed both the voluntary movements produced during the SRTT and the passive movements evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the primary motor cortex into a set of five finger joint covariation patterns. The structures of the voluntary and passive TMS-evoked movement patterns were reorganized by implicit learning but not explicit learning. Furthermore, in the implicit learning conditions the finger covariation patterns derived from the TMS-evoked and voluntary movements spanned similar movement subspaces. These results provide the first evidence that skilled sequential finger movements are acquired differently through implicit and explicit learning, i.e., the changes in finger coordination patterns induced by implicit learning are accompanied by functional reorganization of the corticospinal system, whereas explicit learning results in faster recruitment of individual finger movements without causing any changes in finger coordination.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Skilled sequential multifinger movements are characterized as highly coordinated movement patterns. These finger coordination patterns are represented in the corticospinal system, yet it still remains unclear how these patterns are acquired through implicit and explicit motor sequence learning. A direct comparison of learning-related changes between actively generated finger movements and passively evoked finger movements by TMS provided evidence that finger coordination patterns represented in the corticospinal system are reorganized through implicit, but not explicit, sequence learning.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Standing People on Dynamic Properties of a Beam‐Like Bridge
Authors: He Wei , Xie Weiping , Liu Lisheng
Published: November 2017

This paper studies the vertical dynamic properties of a beam‐like bridge attached with standing people. A purpose‐built lively bridge was constructed. Model properties of the empty structure are obtained using ambient vibration testing method. Experimental tests of the bridge attached with standing people were also conducted covering a variety of densities of occupants and different postures. The considerable number of participants and repetitions makes it possible to take into account inter‐ and intrasubject variability. To illustrate the variations of dynamic properties of the structure, a mathematic model of standing people‐structure interaction system is developed employing the single degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) human body model. It is shown that the model developed herein can effectively illustrate the experimental observations. Based on the model, the effect of damping and natural frequency of the human body on dynamic properties of the occupied structure is scrutinized. Results show that the modal properties of the human body contribute remarkably to the structural damping but little to the structural natural frequencies.
Numerical Solution of Partial Integrodifferential Equations of Diffusion Type
Authors: Aziz Imran , Khan Imran
Published: November 2017

A collocation method based on linear Legendre multiwavelets is developed for numerical solution of one‐dimensional parabolic partial integrodifferential equations of diffusion type. Such equations have numerous applications in many problems in the applied sciences to model dynamical systems. The proposed numerical method is validated by applying it to various benchmark problems from the existing literature. The numerical results confirm the accuracy, efficiency, and robustness of the proposed method.
Development of a Cardiovascular Simulator for Studying Pulse Diagnosis Mechanisms
Authors: Jang Min , Lee Min-Woo , Kim Jaeuk U. , Seo See-Yoon , Shin Sang-Hoon
Published: November 2017

This research was undertaken to develop a cardiovascular simulator for use in the study of pulse diagnosis. The physical (i.e., pulse wave transmission and reflection) and physiological (i.e., systolic and diastolic pressure, pulse pressure, and mean pressure) characteristics of the radial pulse wave were reproduced by our simulator. The simulator consisted of an arterial component and a pulse‐generating component. Computer simulation was used to simplify the arterial component while maintaining the elastic modulus and artery size. To improve the reflected wave characteristics, a palmar arch was incorporated within the simulator. The simulated radial pulse showed good agreement with clinical data.
A Comparison of the Volatile Components of Cold Pressed Hamlin and Valencia (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) Orange Oils Affected by Huanglongbing
Authors: Xu Brittany M. , Baker George L. , Sarnoski Paul J. , Goodrich-Schneider Renée M.
Published: November 2017

Volatiles from huanglongbing (HLB) symptomatic and asymptomatic cold pressed orange oils from Florida Hamlin and Valencia fruit were assessed. Qualitative gas-liquid chromatography studies showed the presence of several compounds (β-longifolene, perillene, and 4-decenal) which are not commonly identified in Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck oils. Oils derived from huanglongbing symptomatic fruit had lower concentrations of linalool, decanal, citronellol, neral, geranial, carvone, dodecanal, and 2-decenal and higher concentrations of citronellal compared to asymptomatic fruit. A comparison to historic literature of orange oil investigations before HLB was of issue in Florida orange crops showed lower levels of linalool, decanal, neral, and geranial in Hamlin peel oil samples, as well as higher levels of dodecanal. Valencia peel oil samples showed lower concentrations of linalool and increased concentration of citronellol and dodecanal. As a result of huanglongbing (HLB) phenomena, the concentrations of several important volatiles found in Hamlin and Valencia peel oil profiles have changed compared to historic values. Differences in volatile concentrations of symptomatic and asymptomatic HLB affected peel oil compounds in orange fruit are identified.
Use of Red Cactus Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) Encapsulated Powder to Pigment Extruded Cereal
Authors: Ruiz-Gutiérrez Martha G. , Amaya-Guerra Carlos A. , Quintero-Ramos Armando , Pérez-Carrillo Esther , Meléndez-Pizarro Carmen O.
Published: November 2017

Encapsulated powder of the red cactus pear is a potential natural dye for the food industry and a known antioxidant. Although the use of this powder is possible, it is not clear how it alters food properties, thus ensuing commercial acceptability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of encapsulated powder of the red cactus pear on the physicochemical properties of extruded cereals. The powder was mixed (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5% w/w) with maize grits and extruded (mix moisture 22%, temperature 100°C, and screw speed 325 rpm). The physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics of the extruded cereal were evaluated; extruded cereal without encapsulated powder was used as a control. All cereal extrudates pigmented with the encapsulated powder showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in expansion, water absorption, color, density, and texture compared to the control. The encapsulated powder had a positive effect on expansion and water absorption indices, as well as color parameters, but a negative effect on density and texture. Extruded cereal properties were significantly (P<0.05) correlated. Sensorially, consumers accepted the extruded cereal with a lower red cactus pear powder content (2.5% w/w), because this presented characteristics similar to extruded cereal lacking pigment.
Erbium-Based Perfusion Contrast Agent for Small-Animal Microvessel Imaging
Authors: Tse Justin J. , Dunmore-Buyze P. Joy , Drangova Maria , Holdsworth David W.
Published: November 2017

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) facilitates the visualization and quantification of contrast-enhanced microvessels within intact tissue specimens, but conventional preclinical vascular contrast agents may be inadequate near dense tissue (such as bone). Typical lead-based contrast agents do not exhibit optimal X-ray absorption properties when used with X-ray tube potentials below 90 kilo-electron volts (keV). We have developed a high-atomic number lanthanide (erbium) contrast agent, with a K-edge at 57.5 keV. This approach optimizes X-ray absorption in the output spectral band of conventional microfocal spot X-ray tubes. Erbium oxide nanoparticles (nominal diameter < 50 nm) suspended in a two-part silicone elastomer produce a perfusable fluid with viscosity of 19.2 mPa-s. Ultrasonic cavitation was used to reduce aggregate sizes to <70 nm. Postmortem intact mice were perfused to investigate the efficacy of contrast agent. The observed vessel contrast was >4000 Hounsfield units, and perfusion of vessels < 10 μm in diameter was demonstrated in kidney glomeruli. The described new contrast agent facilitated the visualization and quantification of vessel density and microarchitecture, even adjacent to dense bone. Erbium’s K-edge makes this contrast agent ideally suited for both single- and dual-energy micro-CT, expanding potential preclinical research applications in models of musculoskeletal, oncological, cardiovascular, and neurovascular diseases.
Skill Learning for Intelligent Robot by Perception-Action Integration: A View from Hierarchical Temporal Memory
Authors: Zhang Xinzheng , Zhang Jianfen , Zhong Junpei
Published: November 2017

Skill learning autonomously through interactions with the environment is a crucial ability for intelligent robot. A perception-action integration or sensorimotor cycle, as an important issue in imitation learning, is a natural mechanism without the complex program process. Recently, neurocomputing model and developmental intelligence method are considered as a new trend for implementing the robot skill learning. In this paper, based on research of the human brain neocortex model, we present a skill learning method by perception-action integration strategy from the perspective of hierarchical temporal memory (HTM) theory. The sequential sensor data representing a certain skill from a RGB-D camera are received and then encoded as a sequence of Sparse Distributed Representation (SDR) vectors. The sequential SDR vectors are treated as the inputs of the perception-action HTM. The HTM learns sequences of SDRs and makes predictions of what the next input SDR will be. It stores the transitions of the current perceived sensor data and next predicted actions. We evaluated the performance of this proposed framework for learning the shaking hands skill on a humanoid NAO robot. The experimental results manifest that the skill learning method designed in this paper is promising.
Underwater Inherent Optical Properties Estimation Using a Depth Aided Deep Neural Network
Authors: Yu Zhibin , Wang Yubo , Zheng Bing , Zheng Haiyong , Wang Nan , Gu Zhaorui
Published: November 2017

Underwater inherent optical properties (IOPs) are the fundamental clues to many research fields such as marine optics, marine biology, and underwater vision. Currently, beam transmissometers and optical sensors are considered as the ideal IOPs measuring methods. But these methods are inflexible and expensive to be deployed. To overcome this problem, we aim to develop a novel measuring method using only a single underwater image with the help of deep artificial neural network. The power of artificial neural network has been proved in image processing and computer vision fields with deep learning technology. However, image-based IOPs estimation is a quite different and challenging task. Unlike the traditional applications such as image classification or localization, IOP estimation looks at the transparency of the water between the camera and the target objects to estimate multiple optical properties simultaneously. In this paper, we propose a novel Depth Aided (DA) deep neural network structure for IOPs estimation based on a single RGB image that is even noisy. The imaging depth information is considered as an aided input to help our model make better decision.
Multimedia Security Application of a Ten-Term Chaotic System without Equilibrium
Authors: Wang Xiong , Akgul Akif , Kacar Sezgin , Pham Viet-Thanh
Published: November 2017

A system without equilibrium has been proposed in this work. Although there is an absence of equilibrium points, the system displays chaos, which has been confirmed by phase portraits and Lyapunov exponents. The system is realized on an electronic card, which exhibits chaotic signals. Furthermore, chaotic property of the system is applied in multimedia security such as image encryption and sound steganography.
A Hybrid Semi-Supervised Anomaly Detection Model for High-Dimensional Data
Authors: Song Hongchao , Jiang Zhuqing , Men Aidong , Yang Bo
Published: November 2017

Anomaly detection, which aims to identify observations that deviate from a nominal sample, is a challenging task for high-dimensional data. Traditional distance-based anomaly detection methods compute the neighborhood distance between each observation and suffer from the curse of dimensionality in high-dimensional space; for example, the distances between any pair of samples are similar and each sample may perform like an outlier. In this paper, we propose a hybrid semi-supervised anomaly detection model for high-dimensional data that consists of two parts: a deep autoencoder (DAE) and an ensemble k-nearest neighbor graphs- (K-NNG-) based anomaly detector. Benefiting from the ability of nonlinear mapping, the DAE is first trained to learn the intrinsic features of a high-dimensional dataset to represent the high-dimensional data in a more compact subspace. Several nonparametric KNN-based anomaly detectors are then built from different subsets that are randomly sampled from the whole dataset. The final prediction is made by all the anomaly detectors. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated on several real-life datasets, and the results confirm that the proposed hybrid model improves the detection accuracy and reduces the computational complexity.
The Natural Carotenoid Crocetin and the Synthetic Tellurium Compound AS101 Protect the Ovary against Cyclophosphamide by Modulating SIRT1 and Mitochondrial Markers
Authors: Di Emidio Giovanna , Rossi Giulia , Bonomo Isabelle , Alonso Gonzalo Luis , Sferra Roberta , Vetuschi Antonella , Artini Paolo Giovanni , Provenzani Alessandro , Falone Stefano , Carta Gaspare , D’Alessandro Anna Maria , Amicarelli Fernanda , Tatone Carla
Published: November 2017

Cancer therapies are associated with increased infertility risk due to accelerated reproductive aging. Oxidative stress (OS) is a potential mechanism behind ovarian toxicity by cyclophosphamide (CPM), the most ovotoxic anticancer drug. An important sensor of OS is SIRT1, a NAD+‐dependent deacetylase which regulates cellular defence and cell fate. This study investigated whether the natural carotenoid crocetin and the synthetic compound AS101 protect the ovary against CPM by modulating SIRT1 and mitochondrial markers. We found that the number of primordial follicles of female CD1 mice receiving crocetin plus CPM increased when compared with CPM alone and similar to AS101, whose protective effects are known. SIRT1 increased in CPM mouse ovaries revealing the occurrence of OS. Similarly, mitochondrial SIRT3 rose, whilst SOD2 and the mitochondrial biogenesis activator PGC1‐α decreased, suggesting the occurrence of mitochondrial damage. Crocetin and AS101 administration prevented SIRT1 burst suggesting that preservation of redox balance can help the ovary to counteract ovarian damage by CPM. Decreased SIRT3 and increased SOD2 and PGC1‐α in mice receiving crocetin or AS101 prior to CPM provide evidence for mitochondrial protection. Present results improve the knowledge of ovarian damage by CPM and may help to develop interventions for preserving fertility in cancer patients.
The Next Frontier: Head and Neck Cancer Immunoprevention
Authors: Gutkind J. Silvio , Bui Jack D.
Published: November 2017

Restoring T cell–mediated antitumor immunity by targeting immune checkpoint inhibitors in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) results in immunomodulation and durable remissions. However, the overall response rate to these immunotherapies in HNSCC is only approximately 20%. This raises the possibility that immunologic intervention earlier in the HNSCC continuum, such as in oral premalignant lesions (OPL) could elicit an increased therapeutic response. New experimental studies suggest that immune therapies can be used for HNSCC prevention rather than therapy. Given the current excitement for precision medicine, these findings support the future development of multimodality approaches for preventive immune oncology. Cancer Prev Res; 10(12); 681–3. ©2017 AACR.

See related article by Jin Wang, et al., p. 684