bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Donor Morbidity following Single-Stage Latissimus Dorsi Neuromuscular Transfer for Facial Reanimation
Authors: Lee Kyeong-Tae , Lee Young Jae , Kim Ara , Mun Goo-Hyun
Published: October 2018

Background:

Single-stage latissimus dorsi neuromuscular transfer has been a valuable option for dynamic smile reanimation. However, there is a paucity of studies evaluating the potential donor morbidity in such cases. The present study aimed to comprehensively analyze the donor morbidity following functional latissimus dorsi muscle transfer.

Methods:

Patients who underwent single-stage functional latissimus dorsi muscle transfer for smile reanimation between 2002 and 2016 were reviewed. Postoperative complications and functional impairments at the donor sites were evaluated. The Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire was used for assessing postoperative donor-site function.

Results:

Sixty patients, including 12 pediatric (18 years or younger) patients, were analyzed. Mean length of a harvested thoracodorsal nerve was 14.9 cm. Fourteen patients were treated with a dual innervation technique, in which both a descending and a transverse branch of the thoracodorsal nerve were harvested. Donor complications were observed in seven cases; all of them were seromas and resolved by simple aspiration. No other complications including scoliosis and sensory and/or motor disturbances in the upper extremities were encountered. Fifty patients responded to the Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire at a median follow-up of 51 months. The average score was 2.64, and all but three patients scored less than 10. No variables, including patient age (pediatric versus adult) and the use of a dual-innervation technique, affected the donor morbidities, including the functional deficits.

Conclusion:

Single-stage latissimus dorsi neuromuscular transfer for facial reanimation might be associated with a low rate of complications and minimal functional morbidity at the donor site.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
A Cardiac Metastasis of Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma With Partly Squamous Cell Differentiation
Authors: Stegger Lars , Rahbar Kambiz , Schülke Christoph , Huss Sebastian , Wenning Christian
Published: October 2018

PET using the radiotracer 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) was performed in a patient who presented with elevated thyroglobulin (Tg) levels several years after initial therapy of follicular thyroid carcinoma (oncocytic variant) and in whom high-dose radioiodine (131I) failed to locate recurrent tumor or to decrease Tg levels. A focal fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the apical septum of the heart did not have a discernible correlate in echocardiography or MRI for more than 12 months. Finally, a metastasis of the follicular thyroid carcinoma with partly squamous cell differentiation was confirmed and treated by resection and stereotactic body radiotherapy.
Increased FDG Uptake and Chronic Lung Changes in a Case of Persistent Lipoid Pneumonia
Authors: Ansari-Gilani Kianoush , Faraji Navid , Gilkeson Robert C.
Published: October 2018

Lipoid pneumonia is uncommon disease caused by presence of macroscopic fat in the lung parenchyma commonly originating from exogenous source secondary to aspiration or inhalation of animal fats or mineral or vegetable oils. Alternatively, it can be due to endogenous fat accumulated in the alveoli in the setting of chronic bronchial obstruction or inflammation. The imaging findings include ground-glass opacities, consolidation, nodules, and masses. Presence of macroscopic fat on CT is helpful; however it might not always be present. Increased FDG uptake can be present secondary to ongoing inflammation mimicking malignancy. Tissue diagnosis might be needed in some cases.
Mesenteric Panniculitis With Lupus Demonstrated on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Bourgeois Sophie , Van den Eeckhaut Anja , De Geeter Frank
Published: October 2018

We describe the 18F-FDG PET/CT findings in a rare case of mesenteric panniculitis caused by systemic lupus. A previous CT had raised suspicion of a space-occupying lesion in the left hypochondrium in a context of aspecific constitutional symptoms and inflammatory parameters. The diagnosis of panniculitis was confirmed at laparoscopic biopsy directed by the PET findings. Follow-up 18F-FDG PET/CT after 1 month of corticosteroid therapy showed complete disappearance of the abdominal hypermetabolic foci.
Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy and Antisynthetase Syndrome
Authors: Fernández-Rodríguez Paula , Martín-Marcuartu Juan José , Jiménez-Hoyuela Jose Manuel
Published: October 2018

We present a 44-year-old woman with scapular and pelvic muscle weakness, joint inflammation, and fever. Bone scintigraphy showed high uptake in proximal regions of upper and lower limbs, suspecting inflammatory myopathy and polyarticular damage. These features were the clue to request other complementary tests such as anti–aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetase antibodies and chest CT, which showed interstitial lung disease, defining an antisynthetase syndrome. Therefore, BS allows an earlier diagnosis of inflammatory muscle disease and to identify the optimal site for muscle biopsy. BS is an important step to reach a prompt diagnosis of antisynthetase syndrome for establishing an early treatment.
Imaging Characteristics of a Bladder Wall Paraganglioma
Authors: Bosserman Andrew John , Dai Dong , Lu Yang
Published: October 2018

A 65-year-old man with a history of hypertension and nephrolithiasis presented with flank pain. Urographic CT demonstrated a 1.7-cm nodule arising from the bladder wall. The patient was referred for cystourethroscopy. During the procedure, the patient became hypertensive while under general anesthesia. No biopsy or resection was performed. To work up for possible bladder paraganglioma, a 123I-MIBG scan was ordered, and the patient was referred to endocrinology. On SPECT/CT images, the bladder nodule demonstrates marked uptake of MIBG radiotracer, confirming the diagnosis of a genitourinary paraganglioma arising from the bladder wall.
An Update on the European Lung Cancer Screening Trials and Comparison of Lung Cancer Screening Recommendations in Europe
Authors: Han Daiwei , Heuvelmans Marjolein A. , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn , Rook Mieneke , Dorrius Monique D. , Oudkerk Matthijs
Published: October 2018

While lung cancer screening has been implemented in the United States, it is still under consideration in Europe. So far, lung cancer screening trials in Europe were not able to replicate the results of the National Lung Screening Trial, but they do show a stage shift in the lung cancers that were detected. While eagerly awaiting the final result of the only lung cancer screening trial with sufficient statistical power, the NELSON trial, a number of European countries and medical societies have published recommendations for lung cancer screening using computed tomography. However, there is still a debate with regard to the design of future lung cancer screening programs in Europe. This review summarizes the latest evidence of European lung cancer screening trials and gives an overview of the essence of recommendations from the different European medical societies and countries.
Vascularized Tissue Reconstruction in Previously Irradiated Sarcoma Defects
Authors: Azzi Alain Joe , Zhou Sarah , Safran Tyler , Xu Liqin , Alnaif Nayif , Zadeh Teanoosh
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Radiation therapy (RT) is recommended for appropriately selected sarcoma patients to minimize the risk of local recurrence and to maximize outcomes of disease-free survival and function. The purpose of this study was to confirm the safety of vascularized tissue reconstruction in recently irradiated sarcoma defects.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients treated by the senior author for sarcoma reconstruction from January 2005 to July 2017 was performed. Two independent reviewers collected data from both electronic and paper medical records. Patients were included if they underwent flap reconstruction (pedicled or free) following sarcoma resection. The safety of neoadjuvant RT was compared with a control group with no previous irradiation using χ2 analysis.

Results

Fifty-seven patients were included in the study; 35 patients were included in the preoperative RT group, and 22 patients were included in the control group (no previous irradiation). There was no significant difference in wound complications between the 2 groups (infection, dehiscence, hematoma, and seroma). Microvascular complications (arterial thrombosis, venous thrombosis, partial/total flap loss) were also comparable in the free tissue transfer subgroup.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrates the safety of both pedicled and free flap reconstruction in previously irradiated sarcoma defects. Judicious selection of reconstructive technique and recipient vessels is crucial in obtaining optimal outcomes given the devastating effects of RT on native tissues.
Complex Ventral Hernia Repair in the Class III Morbidly Obese Patient
Authors: Oleck Nicholas C. , Liu Farrah C. , Conway Michael , Kalish Eric , Belgrade Joseph , Santoro Peter , Zabel David
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Patients undergoing complex ventral hernia repair (VHR) often present with significant medical comorbidities, the most prevalent of which is obesity. Although recent advancements in abdominal wall reconstruction techniques have provided the general hernia patient population with markedly improved recurrence and postoperative complication rates, many patients have been precluded from these procedures owing to excessive body mass index (BMI). In this study, we investigate the viability of complex ventral hernia repair with epigastric artery perforator sparing skin incisions, component separation, and wide-spanning retrorectus mesh reinforcement for patients with BMI of greater than or equal to 40 kg/m2 (class III obesity).

Methods

A single surgeon retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database was performed. We restricted this data to class III morbidly obese patients undergoing open VHR with component muscle separation and wide-spanning mesh reinforcement.

Results

Between 2010 and 2017, 131 patients met the inclusion criteria for our study. The mean patient BMI was 46.7 kg/m2. Operative wounds were categorized according to the National Healthcare Safety Network Wound Class Definitions. There was no statistically significant association between wound class and postoperative complication rates. After our implementation of epigastric artery perforator sparing skin incisions in 2013, significantly less wound breakdown was observed (26.3%) as opposed to before (49.0%) (P < 0.01). Furthermore, significantly less cases required return to the operating room after this technique was implemented (31.3%) as compared with before (60.8%) (P < 0.001). Postoperatively, 28 patients developed an infection requiring antibiotic treatment (21.4%), and the overall hernia recurrence rate was 5.3%. Three patients expired.

Conclusions

Complex VHR with abdominal wall reconstruction may be a viable option for class III morbidly obese patients. Preliminary data suggest that implementation of epigastric artery perforator sparing skin incisions may reduce the risk of postoperative wound complications, and we have demonstrated hernia recurrence and wound complications comparable with those seen in the general population.
Lacrimal Injury After Rhinoplasty
Authors: Jafaripour Masoud , Kashfi Seyed Abolfazl
Published: October 2018

Lacrimal injury is very uncommon after osteotomy in rhinoplasty. We present 2 cases of lacrimal injury after osteotomy in rhinoplasty and present the steps to managing such an injury. These cases were finally treated with endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. We concluded that osteotomies must be at least 3 mm from the medial canthus or medial to the line from the medial canthus to the alar base. Also, it is recommended that osteotome blades be sharpened before each osteotomy.
Novel diamond shuttle to deliver flexible bioelectronics with reduced tissue compression
Authors: Na Kyounghwan , Sperry Zachariah J. , Lu Jiaao , Vöröslakos Mihaly , Parizi Saman S. , Bruns Tim M. , Yoon Euisik , Seymour John P.
Published: October 2018

The ability to deliver flexible biosensors through the toughest membranes of the central and peripheral nervous system is an important challenge in neuroscience and neural engineering. Bioelectronic devices implanted through dura mater and thick epineurium would ideally create minimal compression and acute damage as they reach the neurons of interest. We demonstrate that a three-dimensional diamond shuttle can be easily made with a vertical support to deliver ultra-compliant polymer microelectrodes (4.5 μm thick) in-vivo through dura mater and thick epineurium. The diamond shuttle has 54% less cross-sectional area than an equivalently stiff silicon shuttle, which we simulated will result in a 37% reduction in blood vessel damage. We also discovered that higher frequency oscillation of the shuttle (200 Hz) significantly reduced tissue compression regardless of the insertion speed, while slow speeds also independently reduced tissue compression. Insertion and recording performance are demonstrated in rat and feline models, but the large design space of these tools are suitable for research in a variety of animal models and nervous system targets.
netome: a computational framework for metabolite profiling and omics network analysis
Authors: Rahnavard Ali , Hitchcock Daniel , Pacheco Julian Avila , Deik Amy , Dennis Courtney , Jeanfavre Sarah , Pierce Kerry , Bullock Kevin , Costliow Zach , Clish Clary B.
Published: October 2018

Advances in metabolomics technologies have enabled comprehensive analyses of associations between metabolites and human disease and have provided a means to study biochemical pathways and processes in detail using model systems. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is an analytical technique commonly used by metabolomics labs to measure hundreds of metabolites of known identity and thousands of “peaks” from yet to be identified compounds that are tracked by their measured masses and chromatographic retention times. netome is a computational framework that provides tools for analyzing processed LC-MS data. In this framework, we develop and provide various computational resources including individual software modules to inspect and adjust trends in raw data, align unknown peaks between separately acquired data sets, and to remove redundancies in nontargeted LC-MS data arising from multiple ionization products of a single metabolite. These tools are deployed through computing resources such as web servers and virtual machines with detailed documentation in order to support researchers.

Availability and implementation

netome is publicly available with extensive documentation and support via issue tracker at https://broadinstitute.github.io/netome under the MIT license. netome includes a set of computational methods that have been designed to execute quality control and post-raw data processing tasks for metabolomics data (e.g. scaling and clustering metabolite abundances), as well as statistical association testing in a network manner (e.g., testing relationship between metabolites and microbes). Each individual tool is available with source code, workshop-oriented documentation which includes instructions for installation and using tools with demonstration examples, and a web server with all services. We also provide a complete image of the netome package with all pre-installed dependencies and support for Google Compute Engine and Amazon EC2. All tools and related services are maintained, and upon new developments, new modules will be added to the environment.

Contact

rah@broadinstitute.org, clary@broadinstitute.org

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Cannabis Use in Youth is Associated with Limited Alterations in Brain Structure
Authors: Scott J. Cobb , Rosen Adon F. G. , Moore Tyler M. , Roalf David R. , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Calkins Monica E. , Ruparel Kosha , Gur Raquel E. , Gur Ruben C.
Published: October 2018

Frequent cannabis use during adolescence has been associated with alterations in brain structure. However, studies have featured relatively inconsistent results, predominantly from small samples, and few studies have examined less frequent users to shed light on potential brain structure differences across levels of cannabis use. In this study, high-resolution T1-weighted MRIs were obtained from 781 youth aged 14-21 years who were studied as part of the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort. This sample included 147 cannabis users (109 Occasional [≤1-2 times per week] and 38 Frequent [≥ 3 times per week] Users) and 634 cannabis Non-Users. Several structural neuroimaging measures were examined in whole brain analyses, including gray and white matter volumes, cortical thickness, and gray matter density. Established procedures for stringent quality control were conducted, and two automated neuroimaging software processing packages were used to ensure robustness of results. There were no significant differences by cannabis group in global or regional brain volumes, cortical thickness, or gray matter density, and no significant group by age interactions were found. Follow-up analyses indicated that values of structural neuroimaging measures by cannabis group were similar across regions, and any differences among groups were likely of a small magnitude. In sum, structural brain metrics were similar among adolescent and young adult cannabis users and non-users. Our data converge with prior large-scale studies suggesting small or limited associations between cannabis use and structural brain measures in youth. Detailed studies of vulnerability to structural brain alterations and longitudinal studies examining long-term risk are indicated.
Oxytocin-mediated social preference and socially reinforced reward learning in the miniature fishDanionella cerebrum
Authors: Penalva-Tena Ariadne , Bedke Jacob , Gaudin Adam , Barrios Joshua P. , Bertram Erin P.L. , Douglass Adam D.
Published: October 2018

Integrative studies of the diverse neuronal networks that govern social behavior are hindered by the lack of methods to record neural activity comprehensively across the entire brain. The recent development of the miniature fishDanionella cerebrumas a model organism offers one potential solution, as the small size and optical transparency of these animals makes it possible to visualize circuit activity throughout the nervous system1–4. Here, we establish the feasibility of usingDanionellaas a model for social behavior and socially reinforced learning by showing that adult fish exhibit strong affiliative tendencies, and that social interactions can serve as the reinforcer in an appetitive conditioning paradigm. Fish exhibited an acute ability to identify conspecifics and distinguish them from closely related species, which was mediated by both visual and particularly olfactory cues. These behaviors were abolished by pharmacological and genetic interference with oxytocin signaling, demonstrating the conservation of key neural mechanisms observed in other vertebrates5–11. Our work validatesDanionellaas a tool for understanding the social brain in general, and its modulation by neuropeptide signaling in particular.
Daphnia stressor database: Taking advantage of a decade ofDaphnia‘-omics’ data for gene annotation
Authors: Ravindran Suda Parimala , Lüneburg Jennifer , Gottschlich Lisa , Tams Verena , Cordellier Mathilde
Published: October 2018

Gene expression patterns help to measure and characterize the effect of environmental perturbations at the cellular and organism-level. Complicating interpretation is the presence of uncharacterized or “hypothetical” gene functions for a large percentage of genomes. This is particularly evident inDaphniagenomes, which contains many regions coding for “hypothetical proteins” and are significantly divergent from many of the available arthropod model species, but might be ecologically important. In the present study, we developed a gene expression database, theDaphniastressor database (http://www.daphnia-stressordb.uni-hamburg.de/dsdbstart.php), built from 90 published studies onDaphniagene expression. Using a comparative genomics approach, we used the database to annotateD. galeatatranscripts. The extensive body of literature available forDaphniaspecies allowed to associate stressors with gene expression patterns. We believe that our stressor based annotation strategy allows for better understanding and interpretation of the functional role of the understudied hypothetical or uncharacterizedDaphniagenes, thereby increasing our understanding ofDaphnia’s genetic and phenotypic variability.
Programmed DNA elimination of germline development genes in songbirds
Authors: Kinsella Cormac M. , Ruiz-Ruano Francisco J. , Dion-Côté Anne-Marie , Charles Alexander J. , Gossmann Toni I. , Cabrero Josefa , Kappei Dennis , Hemmings Nicola , Simons Mirre J. P. , Camacho Juan P. M. , Forstmeier Wolfgang , Suh Alexander
Published: October 2018

Genomes can vary within individual organisms. Programmed DNA elimination leads to dramatic changes in genome organisation during the germline–soma differentiation of ciliates1, lampreys2, nematodes3,4, and various other eukaryotes5. A particularly remarkable example of tissue-specific genome differentiation is the germline-restricted chromosome (GRC) in the zebra finch which is consistently absent from somatic cells6. Although the zebra finch is an important animal model system7, molecular evidence from its large GRC (>150 megabases) is limited to a short intergenic region8 and a single mRNA9. Here, we combined cytogenetic, genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic evidence to resolve the evolutionary origin and functional significance of the GRC. First, by generating tissue-specific de-novo linked-read genome assemblies and re-sequencing two additional germline and soma samples, we found that the GRC contains at least 115 genes which are paralogous to single-copy genes on 18 autosomes and the Z chromosome. We detected an amplification of ≥38 GRC-linked genes into high copy numbers (up to 308 copies) but, surprisingly, no enrichment of transposable elements on the GRC. Second, transcriptome and proteome data provided evidence for functional expression of GRC genes at the RNA and protein levels in testes and ovaries. Interestingly, the GRC is enriched for genes with highly expressed orthologs in chicken gonads and gene ontologies involved in female gonad development. Third, we detected evolutionary strata of GRC-linked genes. Developmental genes such as bicc1 and trim71 have resided on the GRC for tens of millions of years, whereas dozens have become GRC-linked very recently. The GRC is thus likely widespread in songbirds (half of all bird species) and its rapid evolution may have contributed to their diversification. Together, our results demonstrate a highly dynamic evolutionary history of the songbird GRC leading to dramatic germline–soma genome differences as a novel mechanism to minimise genetic conflict between germline and soma.
Comparative Pathway Integrator: a framework of meta-analytic integration of multiple transcriptomic studies for consensual and differential pathway analysis
Authors: Zeng Xiangrui , Fang Zhou , Ma Tianzhou , Lin Chien-Wei , Tseng George C.
Published: October 2018

Motivation

Pathway analysis provides a knowledge-driven approach to interpret differentially expressed genes associated with disease status. Many tools have been developed to analyze a single study. When multiple studies of different conditions are jointly analyzed, novel integrative tools are needed. In addition, pathway redundancy issue introduced by combining public pathway databases hinders knowledge discovery.

Methods and Results

We present a meta-analytic integration tool, Comparative Pathway Integrator (CPI), to address these issues using adaptively weighted Fisher’s method to discover consensual and differential enrichment patterns, consensus clustering to reduce pathway redundancy, and a novel text mining algorithm to assist interpretation of the pathway clusters. We applied CPI to jointly analyze six psychiatric disorder transcriptomic studies to demonstrate its effectiveness, and found functions confirmed by previous biological studies as well novel enrichment patterns.

Availability

CPI is accessible online: http://tsenglab.biostat.pitt.edu/software.htm.

Contact

xiangruz@andrew.cmu.edu
Correlation between the oral microbiome and brain resting state connectivity in smokers
Authors: Lin Dongdong , Hutchison Kent E. , Portillo Salvador , Vegara Victor , Ellingson Jarrod M. , Liu Jingyu , Krauter Kenneth S. , Carroll-Portillo Amanda , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: October 2018

Recent studies have shown a critical role of the gastrointestinal microbiome in brain and behavior via the complex gut–microbiome–brain axis, however, the influence of the oral microbiome in neurological processes is much less studied, especially in response to the stimuli in the oral microenvironment such as smoking. Additionally, given the complex structural and functional networks in brain system, our knowledge about the relationship between microbiome and brain function in specific brain circuits is still very limited. In this pilot work, we leveraged next generation microbial sequencing with functional neuroimaging techniques to enable the delineation of microbiome-brain network links as well as their relationship to cigarette smoking. Thirty smokers and 30 age- and sex- matched non-smokers were recruited for measuring both microbial community and brain functional networks. Statistical analyses were performed to demonstrate the influence of smoking on the abundance of the constituents within the oral microbial community and functional network connectivity among brain regions as well as the associations between microbial shifts and the brain functional network connectivity alternations. Compared to non-smokers, we found a significant decrease in beta diversity (p = 6×10−3) in smokers and identified several classes (Betaproteobacteria, Spirochaetia, Synergistia, and Mollicutes) as having significant alterations in microbial abundance. Taxonomic analyses demonstrate that the microbiota with altered abundance are mainly involved in pathways related to cell processes, DNA repair, immune system, and neurotransmitters signaling. One brain functional network connectivity component was identified to have a significant difference between smokers and nonsmokers (p = 0.033), mainly including connectivity between brain default network and other task-positive networks. The brain functional component was also significantly associated with some smoking related oral microbiota, suggesting a potential link between smoking-induced oral microbiome dysbiosis and brain functional connectivity, possibly through immunological and neurotransmitter signaling pathways. This work is the first attempt to link oral microbiome and brain functional networks, and provides support for future work in characterizing the role of oral microbiome in mediating smoking effects on brain activity.
Roles of Polycomb gene EED in pathogenesis and prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia and diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Yu Wenhua , Du Haiwei
Published: October 2018

In this study, we performed correlation analysis of polycomb gene EED and hematologic malignancies using the omics and clinical data of acute myeloid leukemia (LAML) and diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma (DLBC) from TCGA database. We found that: (1) High EED mRNA level was associated with poor prognosis and high CALGB cytogenetics risk of LAML patients. (2) EED mRNA level in DLBC cancer cells was higher than control cells. (3) EED gene expression could be regulated by both copy number alterations and DNA methylation. (4) Additionally, there were different EED co-expression genes nets in the two kinds of hematologic malignancies. In all, we confirmed that there are potential clinical significance of EED gene in pathogenesis and prognosis of hematologic malignancies.
Dynamics of fitness distributions in the presence of a phenotypic optimum: an integro-differential approach
Authors: Gil M.-E. , Hamel F. , Martin G. , Roques L.
Published: October 2018

We propose an integro-differential description of the dynamics of the fitness distribution in an asexual population under mutation and selection, in the presence of a phenotype optimum. Due to the presence of this optimum, the distribution of mutation effects on fitness depends on the parent’s fitness, leading to a non-standard equation with “context-dependent" mutation kernels.

Under general assumptions on the mutation kernels, which encompass the standardndimensional Gaussian Fisher’s geometrical model (FGM), we prove that the equation admits a unique time-global solution. Furthermore, we derive a nonlocal nonlinear transport equation satisfied by the cumulant generating function of the fitness distribution. As this equation is the same as the equation derived by Martin and Roques (2016) while studying stochastic Wright-Fisher-type models, this shows that the solution of the main integro-differential equation can be interpreted as the expected distribution of fitness corresponding to this type of microscopic models, in a deterministic limit. Additionally, we give simple sufficient conditions for the existence/non-existence of a concentration phenomenon at the optimal fitness value, i.e, of a Dirac mass at the optimum in the stationary fitness distribution. We show how it determines a phase transition, as mutation rates increase, in the value of the equilibrium mean fitness at mutation-selection balance. In the particular case of the FGM, consistently with previous studies based on other formalisms (Waxman and Peck, 1998, 2006), the condition for the existence of the concentration phenomenon simply requires that the dimensionnof the phenotype space be larger than or equal to 3 and the mutation rateUbe smaller than some explicit threshold.

The accuracy of these deterministic approximations are further checked by stochastic individual-based simulations.
The Microbial Metabolite 4-Cresol Improves Glucose Homeostasis and Enhances β-Cell Function
Authors: Brial Francois , Alzaid Fawaz , Sonomura Kazuhiro , Meneyrol Kelly , Le Lay Aurélie , Péan Noémie , Neves Ana , Chilloux Julien , Hedjazi Lyamine , Sato Taka-Aki , Martinez Andrea Rodriguez , Venteclef Nicolas , Nicholson Jeremy K , Magnan Christophe , Lathrop Mark , Dumas Marc-Emmanuel , Matsuda Fumihiko , Zalloua Pierre , Gauguier Dominique
Published: October 2018

Gut microbiota changes are associated with increased risk of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. Through serum metabolome profiling in patients with cardiometabolic disease (CMD) we identified significant inverse correlation between the microbial metabolite 4-cresol and T2D. Chronic administration of non toxic dose of 4-cresol in two complementary preclinical models of CMD reduced adiposity, glucose intolerance and liver triglycerides, and enhanced insulin secretion in vivo, which may be explained by markedly increased pancreas weight, augmented islet density and size, and enhanced vascularisation suggesting activated islet neogenesis. Incubation of isolated islets with 4-cresol enhanced insulin secretion, insulin content and cell proliferation. In both CMD models 4-cresol treatment in vivo was associated with altered expression of SIRT1 and the kinase DYRK1A, which may contribute to mediate its biological effects. Our findings identify 4-cresol as an effective regulator of β-cell function and T2D endophenotypes, which opens therapeutic perspectives in syndromes of insulin deficiency.
Human IFNε: Spaciotemporal expression, hormone regulation and innate immunity in the female reproductive tract
Authors: Bourke Nollaig M. , Achilles Sharon L. , Huang Stephanie U. , Cumming Helen E. , Papageorgio Irene , Gearing Linden J. , Thakore Suruchi , Mangan Niamh E. , Mesiano Sam , Hertzog Paul J.
Published: October 2018

Interferon epsilon (IFNε) plays an important role in regulating protective immunity in the female reproductive tract in mouse models; but the expression and regulation of this IFNε in the human FRT had not yet been characterised. Here we show that IFNε is selectively and highly expressed in the human FRT, a unique characteristic among the many types of IFN. IFNε has distinct expression patterns in upper compared with lower FRT where it is predominantly expressed in the basal layers of the stratified squamous epithelia. We demonstrate direct regulation of IFNε expression is suppressed by progesterone consistent with its inverse correlation with progesterone receptor expression, but only in the endometrium where its expression therefore fluctuates throughout the menstrual cycle. We show that IFNε regulates immunoregulatory IFN regulated genes (IRGs) in FRT epithelial cells. The characterisation of huIFNε expression in both the upper and the lower FRT epithelia and its protective properties make this IFN well placed to be an important player in mediating hormonal control of FRT immune response and susceptibility to FRT infection.

Bourke et al. characterise the novel type I interferon epsilon (IFNε), as the only IFN constitutively expressed throughout the human female reproductive tract (FRT), where it is hormonally regulated and modules IFN dependent FRT immunity.
ahr2, but notahr1aorahr1b, is required for craniofacial and fin development and TCDD-dependent cardiotoxicity in zebrafish
Authors: Souder Jaclyn P , Gorelick Daniel A
Published: October 2018

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that binds environmental toxins and regulates gene expression. AHR also regulates developmental processes, like craniofacial development and hematopoiesis, in the absence of environmental exposures. Zebrafish have three paralogues of AHR:ahr1a,ahr1bandahr2. Adult zebrafish with mutations inahr2exhibited craniofacial and fin defects. However, the degree to whichahr1aandahr1binfluenceahr2signaling and contribute to fin and craniofacial development are not known. We compared morphology of adultahr2mutants andahr1a/ahr1bsingle and double mutant zebrafish. We found thatahr1a/ahr1bsingle and double mutants were morphologically normal whileahr2mutant zebrafish demonstrated fin and craniofacial malformations. At 5 days post fertilization, bothahr1a/ahr1bandahr2mutant larvae were normal, suggesting that adult phenotypes are due to defects in maturation or maintenance. AHR was shown to interact with estrogen receptor alpha, yet it is not known whether these interactions are constitutive or dependent onahr1genes. To determine whether estrogen receptors are constitutive cofactors for AHR signaling, we used genetic and pharmacologic techniques to analyze TCDD-dependent toxicity in estrogen receptor andahrmutant embryos. We found that embryos with mutations inahr1a/ahr1bor estrogen receptor genes are susceptible to TCDD toxicity whileahr2mutant embryos are TCDD-resistant. Moreover, pharmacologic blockade of nuclear estrogen receptors failed to prevent TCDD toxicity. These findings suggest thatahr1genes do not have overlapping functions withahr2in fin and craniofacial development or TCDD-dependent toxicity, and that estrogen receptors are not constitutive partners ofahr2.
Cellular labeling of endogenous virus replication (CLEVR) reveals de novo insertions of the gypsy endogenous retrovirus in cell culture and in both neurons and glial cells of aging fruit flies
Authors: Chang Yung-Heng , Keegan Richard M. , Prazak Lisa , Dubnau Josh
Published: October 2018

Evidence is rapidly mounting that transposable element expression and replication may impact biology more widely than previously thought. This includes potential effects on normal physiology of somatic tissues and dysfunctional impacts in diseases associated with aging such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Investigation of the biological impact of mobile elements in somatic cells will be greatly facilitated by use of donor elements that are engineered to report de novo events in vivo. In multicellular organisms, successful reporters of LINE element mobilization have been in use for some time, but similar strategies have not been developed to report Long Terminal Repeat (LTR) retrotransposons and endogenous retroviruses. We describe Cellular Labeling of Endogenous Virus Replication (CLEVR), which reports replication of the gypsy element in Drosophila. The gypsy-CLEVR reporter reveals gypsy replication both in cell culture and in individual neurons and glial cells of the aging adult fly. We also demonstrate that the gypsy-CLEVR replication rate is increased when the short interfering RNA silencing system is genetically disrupted. This CLEVR strategy makes use of universally conserved features of retroviruses and should be widely applicable to other LTR-retrotransposons, endogenous retroviruses and exogenous retroviruses.
An organoleptic survey of meads made with lactic acid-producing yeasts
Authors: Peepall Carolyn , Nickens David G. , Vinciguerra Joseph , Bochman Matthew L.
Published: October 2018

We previously reported the isolation a suite of wild lactic acid-producing yeasts (LAYs) that enable “primary souring” during beer fermentation without the use of lactic acid bacteria. With sour meads gaining popularity in modern mead making, we were interested in exploring the same primary souring approach to traditional semi-sweet meads. In this study, we utilized 13 LAY strains to produce semi-sweet meads using a standardized batch of honey must to ensure consistent starting conditions. Thirteen 11-L batches of mead were prepared, and each was inoculated with one of the LAY strains, along with two control batches inoculated with champagne yeast. The initial pH and specific gravity were measured for each batch before inoculation. Traditional organic staggered nutrient addition was utilized for the first 72 h of fermentation with specific gravities being taken throughout the mead making process. Meads were racked, tasted, stabilized, cold crashed, bottled, and transported to the American Mead Maker’s Association 2018 Conference in Broomfield, Colorado. There, organoleptic surveys were conducted on these meads utilizing an array of tasters with varying levels of mead sensory analysis experience. The results of the sensory analysis, focusing on aroma and flavor, are discussed.
Synthesis and structural characterization of a dumbbell-like phenylphosphonate-stabilized Ti7–oxide cluster
Authors: Gao Mei-Yan , Liu Xiao-Xue , Fang Wei-Hui , Zhang Lei , Zhang Jian
Published: October 2018

In recent years, crystalline polyoxotitanium clusters (PTCs) have attracted increasing attention as a new kind of promising crystalline material. In this work, a PTC stabilized by phenylphosphonate ligands, i.e. hexa-μ-isopropanolato-hexaisopropanolatodi-μ3-oxido-hexa-μ3-phenylphosphonato-heptatitanium tetrahydrate, [Ti7(μ3-O)2(O3P-Phen)6(OiPr)12]·4H2O [PTC-54; H2O3P-Phen is phenylphosphonic acid, C6H5PO(OH)2, and HOiPr is isopropanol, C3H7OH], was obtained successfully through a facile one-step solvothermal reaction. The dumbbell-like core structure of PTC-54 can be described as two trinuclear {Ti3(μ3-O)} building units combined together by six phenylphosphonate ligands and one additional Ti atom, giving rise to a Ti7 cluster. Adjacent molecules of PTC-54 are further connected through π–π interactions between the phenyl groups to form a supramolecular one-dimensional chain.
Ethyl 2-{[2-(2-ethoxy-2-oxoethoxy)quinolin-4-yl]carbonyloxy}acetate
Authors: Bouzian Younos , Hlimi Fouzia , Sebbar Nada kheira , El Hafi Mohamed , Hni Brahim , Essassi El Mokhtar , Mague Joel T.
Published: October 2018

The conformation of the 2-ethoxy-2-oxoethoxy side chain, including a gauche Ce—O—C—C3 [72.46 (16)°] (e = ethoxy) unit, in the title compound, C18H19NO7, is partly determined by an intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, C—H...O hydrogen bonds and C—H...π interactions arising from the same methylene group form chains extending along the a-axis direction.
Mobile robot motion control and autonomous navigation in GPS-denied outdoor environments using 3D laser scanning
Authors: Yang Qifeng , Qu Daokui , Xu Fang , Zou Fengshan , He Guojian , Sun Mingze
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a series of approaches to solve the problem of the mobile robot motion control and autonomous navigation in large-scale outdoor GPS-denied environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the model of mobile robot with two driving wheels, a controller is designed and tested in obstacle-cluttered scenes in this paper. By using the priori “topology-geometry” map constructed based on the odometer data and the online matching algorithm of 3D-laser scanning points, a novel approach of outdoor localization with 3D-laser scanner is proposed to solve the problem of poor localization accuracy in GPS-denied environments. A path planning strategy based on geometric feature analysis and priority evaluation algorithm is also adopted to ensure the safety and reliability of mobile robot’s autonomous navigation and control.

Findings

A series of experiments are conducted with a self-designed mobile robot platform in large-scale outdoor environments, and the experimental results show the validity and effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Originality/value

The problem of motion control for a differential drive mobile robot is investigated in this paper first. At the same time, a novel approach of outdoor localization with 3D-laser scanner is proposed to solve the problem of poor localization accuracy in GPS-denied environments. A path planning strategy based on geometric feature analysis and priority evaluation algorithm is also adopted to ensure the safety and reliability of mobile robot’s autonomous navigation and control.
Synchronous AR assembly assistance and monitoring system based on ego-centric vision
Authors: Yin Xuyue , Fan Xiumin , Zhu Wenmin , Liu Rui
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Aiming at presenting an interaction-free assembly assistance tool, the purpose of this paper is to propose a synchronous augmented reality (AR) assembly assistance and monitoring system. The system monitors operator’s hands activity and process completeness to recognize the assembly state, then display the AR contents contextually.

Design/methodology/approach

An assembly behavior recognition method is proposed based on gesture recognition. An assembly completeness inspection method is proposed based on SURF feature matching. Assembly state and AR display state are solved by a novel sequential hybrid AR display control strategy. A synchronous multi-channel AR view output strategy is proposed based on QR matrix decomposition.

Findings

A prototype system has been developed, and case study is performed on an industrial product. Experiments are performed to verify the feasibility, efficiency and recognition accuracy of the proposed methods.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed system assists users to perform assembly tasks with automatic visual guidance and vision monitoring, avoiding distractions caused by redundant human–computer interactions.

Practical implications

All methods are integrated to work on only one head-worn device, making the proposed system portable and cheaper. The vision processing pipelines and the view output channels are reconfigurable for customization.

Originality/value

This paper proposes an interaction-free AR assembly assistance and monitoring system. Assembly behavior recognition and assembly completeness inspection methods are integrated to monitor the assembly state. A sequential hybrid AR display control strategy is proposed to contextually update the AR contents. A synchronous multi-channel AR view output strategy is proposed to fulfill different visualization needs.
Flexible co-manipulation and transportation with mobile multi-robot system
Authors: Hichri Bassem , Adouane Lounis , Fauroux Jean-Christophe , Mezouar Youcef , Doroftei Ioan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address optimal positioning of a group of mobile robots for a successful manipulation and transportation of payloads of any shape.

Design/methodology/approach

The chosen methodology to achieve optimal positioning of the robots around the payload to lift it and to transport it while maintaining a geometric multi-robot formation is presented. This appropriate configuration of the set of robots is obtained by combining constraints ensuring stable and safe lifting and transport of the payload. A suitable control law is then used to track a virtual structure in which each elementary robot has to keep its desired position with respect to the payload.

Findings

An optimal positioning of mobile robots around a payload to ensure stable co-manipulation and transportation task according to stability multi-criteria constraints. Simulation and experimental results validate the proposed control architecture and strategy for a successful transportation task based on virtual structure navigation approach.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new strategy for co-manipulation and co-transportation task based on a virtual structure navigation approach. An algorithm for optimal positioning of mobile robots around a payload of any mass and shape is proposed while ensuring stability during the whole process by respecting multi-criteria task stability constraints.
Modelling the adoption of sustainable procurement in construction organisations
Authors: Agbesi Kwaku , Fugar Frank D. , Adjei-Kumi Theophilus
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The adoption of sustainable procurement in construction clients’ organisation remains a difficult concept. Current research of sustainable procurement adoption studies fails to focus on a multi-stage adoption process. The purpose of this paper is to develop an organisational adoption model in a multi-stage process for the adoption of sustainable procurement in construction.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper developed an organisational adoption model. The model was tested against data obtained from survey administered to 193 respondents of central and local government institutions with a response rate of 63.7 per cent. Structural equation modelling using the partial least squares was employed to determine and confirm the factor structure of the model, and to measure the relationships between the model constructs.

Findings

An organisational adoption model is developed, tested and is robust to aid the adoption decision process of sustainable procurement within construction organisations.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited in scope affecting generalisation of the results. Future study should expand the scope to include consultants, contractors and suppliers.

Practical implications

The adoption model will assist policy makers and top managers to understand the adoption decision process and prioritise on the technological, organisational and environmental factors that significantly affect sustainable adoption decision process within construction organisations.

Originality/value

This study appears to be among the first to empirically develop an organisational adoption model to aid the adoption of sustainable procurement in construction.