bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal Red Blood Cell Folate and Infant Vitamin B12 Status Influence Methylation of Genes Associated with Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Potter Catherine , Moorman Anthony Vincent , Relton Caroline Laura , Ford Dianne , Mathers John Cummings , Strathdee Gordon , MKay Jill Ann 
Published: September 2018

ScopeInadequate maternal folate intake is associated with increased childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) risk. Folate provides methyl groups for DNA methylation, which is dramatically disrupted in ALL. Whether or not maternal folate (and related B‐vitamin) intake during pregnancy may affect ALL risk via influencing DNA methylation is investigated.Methods and ResultsGenes in which methylation changes are reported both in response to folate status and in ALL are investigated. Folate‐responsive genes (n = 526) are identified from mouse models of maternal folate depletion during pregnancy. Using published data, 2621 genes with persistently altered methylation in ALL are identified. Overall 25 overlapping genes are found, with the same directional methylation change in response to folate depletion and in ALL. Hypermethylation of a subset of genes (ASCL2, KCNA1, SH3GL3, SRD5A2) in ALL is confirmed by measuring 20 patient samples using pyrosequencing. In a nested cohort of cord blood samples (n = 148), SH3GL3 methylation is inversely related to maternal RBC folate concentrations (p = 0.008). Furthermore, ASCL2 methylation is inversely related to infant vitamin B12 levels. (p = 0.016).ConclusionFindings demonstrate proof of concept for a plausible mechanism, i.e., variation in DNA methylation, by which low intake of folate, and related B‐vitamins during pregnancy may influence ALL risk.
Phytoene and Phytofluene Isolated from a Tomato Extract are Readily Incorporated in Mixed Micelles and Absorbed by Caco‐2 Cells, as Compared to Lycopene, and SR‐BI is Involved in their Cellular Uptake
Authors: Mapelli‐Brahm Paula , Desmarchelier Charles , Margier Marielle , Reboul Emmanuelle , Meléndez Martínez Antonio J. , Borel Patrick 
Published: September 2018

ScopeAbsorption mechanisms of phytoene (PT) and phytofluene (PTF) are poorly known. The main objectives of the study are to measure their micellization and intestinal cell uptake efficiencies and to compare them to those of commonly consumed carotenoids. Other objectives are to assess the involvement of protein(s) in their cellular uptake and whether they compete with other carotenoids for micellization and cellular uptake.Methods and resultsTomato‐extract‐purified PT and PTF, mainly present as cis‐isomers, are much better incorporated in synthetic mixed micelles than pure all‐trans lycopene. PT impairs lycopene micellization (−56%, P < 0.05) while PT and PTF do not significantly affect the micellization of other carotenoids, and vice versa. At low concentration, Caco‐2 PTF uptake is higher (P < 0.05) than that of PT and lycopene (29%, 21%, and not detectable). SR‐BI, but not CD36 neither NPC1L1, is involved in PT and PTF uptake. PT and PTF impair (p < 0.05) β‐carotene uptake (−13 and −22%, respectively).ConclusionsThe high bioaccessibility of PT and PTF can be partly explained by their high micellization efficiency, which is likely due to their natural cis isomerization and/or to their high molecular flexibility. SR‐BI is involved in their cellular uptake, which can explain competitions with other carotenoids.
Volume dependence in hypoxia‐targeted dose escalation
Authors: Chvetsov Alexei V. , Zeng Jing , Rajendran Joseph G. 
Published: September 2018

PurposeDose painting techniques based on dose escalation to hypoxic regions are usually governed by the spatial distribution of Oxygen Enhancement Ratio (OER) derived from PET or MRI images. The goal of this article is to show that the volume of the hypoxic region is also a parameter which may affect the radiobiological effectiveness of hypoxia‐targeted dose escalation.MethodsOur analysis is performed using the equation for Tumor Control Probability (TCP) derived from Poisson statistics. A tumor response model based on two levels of oxygenated and hypoxic cells with the survival curves described by the Linear Quadratic (LQ) model was used in the calculations. The model allows for analytical solutions which can be used for additional validation of our numerical simulations. The model was used to compute the average tumor cell survival that defines TCP. Dependence of average tumor cell survival on the relative hypoxic volume and dose escalation was computed for the conventional 30 × 2 Gy and hypofractionated 4 × 12 Gy dose regimens in a model problem with radiobiological parameters for nonsmall cell lung cancer.ResultsWe show that equal average tumor cell survival and TCP can be achieved with smaller hypoxia‐targeted dose escalation for smaller relative hypoxic volumes if the dose escalation does not exceed 50% of dose in the oxygenated region. This effect is explained by the dependence of average tumor cell survival and TCP mostly on the hypoxic tumor volume in this dose escalation range. Assuming a linear relationship between the number of clonogens and the hypoxic volume, smaller hypoxic volumes have smaller number of clonogens, therefore, smaller doses are needed to eradicate them.ConclusionsThe theoretical analysis performed in this article predicts that tumors with smaller relative hypoxic volumes may require smaller hypoxia‐targeted dose escalation to maintain equal TCP. The results of this research can be used for dose de‐escalation strategies in dose painting techniques which may reduce dose to normal tissue and normal tissue complications without deterioration of TCP.
An apparatus and method for directly measuring the depth‐dependent gain and spatial resolution of turbid scintillators
Authors: Howansky Adrian , Lubinsky A.R. , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Ghose S. , Zhao Wei 
Published: September 2018

PurposeTurbid (powder or columnar‐structured) scintillators are widely used in indirect flat panel detectors (I‐FPDs) for scientific, industrial, and medical radiography. Light diffusion and absorption within these scintillators is expected to cause depth‐dependent variations in their x ray conversion gain and spatial blur. These variations degrade the detective quantum efficiency of I‐FPDs at all spatial frequencies. Despite their importance, there are currently no established methods for directly measuring scintillator depth effects. This work develops the instrumentation and methods to achieve this capability.MethodsAn ultra‐high‐sensitivity camera was assembled for imaging single x ray interactions in two commercial Gd2O2S:Tb (GOS) screens (Lanex Regular and Fast Back, Eastman Kodak Company). X ray interactions were localized to known depths in the screens using a slit beam of parallel synchrotron radiation (32 keV), with beam width (~20 μm) much narrower than the screen thickness. Depth‐localized x ray interaction images were acquired in 30 μm depth‐intervals, and analyzed to measure each scintillator's depth‐dependent average gain and modulation transfer function MTF(z,f). These measurements were used to calculate each screen's expected MTF(f) in an energy‐integrating detector (e.g., I‐FPD). Calculations were compared to presampling MTF measurements made by coupling each screen to a high‐resolution CMOS image sensor (48 μm pixel) and using the slanted‐edge method.ResultsBoth and MTF(z,f) continuously increased as interactions occurred closer to each screen's sensor‐coupled surface. The Regular yielded 1351 ± 66 and 2117 ± 54 photons per absorbed x ray (42–66 keV−1) in interactions occurring furthest from and nearest to the image sensor, while the Fast Back yielded 833 ± 22 and 1910 ± 39 photons (26–60 keV−1). At f = 1 mm−1, MTF(z,f) varied between 0.63 and 0.78 in the Regular and 0.30–0.76 in the Fast Back. Calculations of presampling MTF(f) using and MTF(z,f) showed excellent agreement with slanted‐edge measurements.ConclusionsThe developed instrument and method enable direct measurements of the depth‐dependent gain and spatial resolution of turbid scintillators. This knowledge can be used to predict, understand, and potentially improve I‐FPD imaging performance.
Rasagiline for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Statland Jeffrey M. , Moore Dan , Wang Yunxia , Walsh Maureen , Mozaffar Tahseen , Elman Lauren , Nations Sharon P. , Mitsumoto Hiroshi , Fernandes J. Americo , Saperstein David , Hayat Ghazala , Herbelin Laura , Karam Chafic , Katz Jonathan , Wilkins Heather M. , Agbas Abdulbaki , Swerdlow Russell H. , Santella Regina M. , Dimachkie Mazen M. , Barohn Richard J. ,   The Rasagiline Investigators of the Muscle Study Group and Western ALS Consortium
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Rasagiline is a monoamine oxidase B (MAO‐B) inhibitor with possible neuroprotective effects in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: We performed a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of 80 ALS participants with enrichment of the placebo group with historical controls (n = 177) at 10 centers in the United States. Participants were randomized in a 3:1 ratio to 2 mg/day rasagiline or placebo. The primary outcome was average slope of decline on the ALS Functional Rating Scale—Revised (ALSFRS‐R). Secondary measures included slow vital capacity, survival, mitochondrial and molecular biomarkers, and adverse‐event reporting. Results: There was no difference in the average 12‐month ALSFRS‐R slope between rasagiline and the mixed placebo and historical control cohorts. Rasagiline did not show signs of drug‐target engagement in urine and blood biomarkers. Rasagiline was well tolerated with no serious adverse events. Discussion: Rasagiline did not alter disease progression compared with controls over 12 months of treatment. Muscle Nerve 59:201–207, 2019
Effects of Mechanical Stretching on the Properties of Conjugated Polymers: Case Study for MEH‐PPV and P3HT Oligomers
Authors: Roldao Juan Carlos , Batagin‐Neto Augusto , Lavarda Francisco Carlos , Sato Fernando 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTNowadays, the development of new materials for applications in flexible optoelectronic devices is one of the main frontiers of science. However, in order to improve the applicability and durability of such devices, a deeper understanding of the effects induced by mechanical deformations on the properties of their components is still necessary. In this sense, in the present study, it is evaluated the effect of mechanical stretching in the structural, electronic, and optical responses of two widely investigated organic polymers with great technological interest: poly(2‐methoxy,5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene) and poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl). Hartree–Fock and density functional theory electronic structure calculation methods were employed for the study of oligomeric structures subjected to increasing stretch levels along the polymerization axis. The results show a dependence of the polymer properties with the mechanical deformation, allowing to identify distinct response regimes according to the main chain stretching. In particular, it is noticed that large stretches lead to nonfunctional devices, mainly due to the localization of the frontier orbitals and degradation of optoelectronic properties. In addition, it was also identified that very small deformations can lead to some interesting optoelectronic responses, which could indicate an alternative route for the design of organic devices via mechanical processes. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1413–1426
Novel film‐forming formulations of the biocontrol agent Candida sake CPA‐1: biocontrol efficacy and performance at field conditions in organic wine grapes
Authors: Carbó Anna , Torres Rosario , Usall Josep , Marín Anna , Chiralt Amparo , Teixidó Neus 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe biocontrol agent (BCA) Candida sake CPA‐1 has previously effectively reduced Botrytis bunch rot (BBR) and it was also suggested as a promising strategy to control sour rot in grapes under field conditions. However, biocontrol efficacy of solid formulations of CPA‐1 has never been tested in field trials. The present study aims to confirm the efficacy against BBR and sour rot in grapes under field conditions of two novel formulations recently developed by the addition of biodegradable coatings using a fluidized‐bed spray‐drying system.RESULTSNovel film‐forming formulations of the BCA C. sake CPA‐1 controlled B. cinerea as well as liquid formulation. Sour rot control resulted better in the second season and severity reductions were more satisfactory than incidence control. Visual and cryoSEM observations revealed that film‐forming treatments were uniformly distributed on plant surfaces. CPA‐1 coating could be observed on grapes at harvest time.CONCLUSIONThe results of this work suggest that solid formulations would be a competitive alternative to conventional fungicides because they were easy to package and transport, and cell viability could be maintained for a long period of time. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A novel method to measure steroid hormone concentrations in walrus bone from archaeological, historical, and modern time periods using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Charapata Patrick , Horstmann Lara , Jannasch Amber , Misarti Nicole 
Published: September 2018

RationaleA liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method was validated and utilized to measure and analyze four steroid hormones related to stress and reproduction in individual samples from a novel tissue, Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens, herein walrus) bone. This method determines steroid hormone concentrations in the remote walrus population over millennia from archaeological (>200 bp), historical (200–20 bp), and modern (2014–2016) time periods.MethodsLipids were extracted from walrus bone collected from these periods using methanol before LC/MS/MS analysis. Isotopically labeled internal standards for each target hormone were added to every sample. Analytical and physiological validations were performed. Additionally, a tissue comparison was done among paired walrus bone, serum, and blubber samples. A rapid resolution liquid chromatography system coupled to a QqQ mass spectrometer was used to analyze all samples after derivatization for progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and estradiol concentrations. Multiple reaction monitoring was used for MS analysis and data were acquired in positive electrospray ionization mode.ResultsProgesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and estradiol were linear along their respective standard calibration curves based on their R2 values (all > 0.99). Accuracy ranged from 93–111% for all hormones. The recovery of extraction, recovery of hormones without matrix effect, was 92–101%. The overall process efficiency of our method for measuring hormones in walrus bone was 93–112%. Progesterone and testosterone concentrations were not affected by reproductive status among adult females and males, respectively. However, estradiol was different among pregnant and non‐pregnant adult females. Overall, steroid hormones reflect a long‐term reservoir in cortical bone. This method was also successfully applied to walrus bone as old as 3585 bp.ConclusionsLC/MS/MS analysis of bone tissue (0.2–0.3 g) provides stress and reproductive data from elusive walruses that were alive thousands of years ago. Based on physiological validations, tissue comparison, and published literature, steroid hormone concentrations measured in walrus cortical bone could represent an accumulated average around a 10–20‐year time span. By investigating how stress and reproductive physiology may have changed over the past ~3000 years based on bone steroid hormone concentrations, this method will help answer how physiologically resilient walruses are to climate change in the Arctic.
Revisiting Statistical Design and Analysis in Scientific Research
Authors: Choi Kyeong Rok , Ryu Jae Yong , Lee Sang Yup 
Published: September 2018

AbstractStatistics is essential to design experiments and interpret experimental results. Inappropriate use of the statistical analysis, however, often leads to a wrong conclusion. This concept article revisits basic concepts of statistics and provides a brief guideline of applying the statistical analysis for scientific research from designing experiments to analyzing and presenting the data.
Historical and Contemporary Gene Flow and the Genetic Structure of Muskellunge in the Ohio River Drainage
Authors: White Matthew M. , Kohli Brooks A. , Converse Paul E. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMuskellunge Esox masquinongy is a recreationally important species distributed throughout the Ohio, upper Mississippi, and Great Lakes drainages and has been introduced outside of its native range. We conducted a survey of microsatellite DNA variation among 11 populations, natural, managed, and hatchery, in the Ohio River drainage. Microsatellite DNA variation was highly significant among all populations. A CLUSTER analysis identified K = 2 populations corresponding to populations east and west of the Ohio River. This may be a consequence of different management practices by Ohio and West Virginia or may suggest that the Ohio River is a substantial barrier to gene flow. A comparison of historical and contemporary gene flow suggests little change in genetic exchange among populations. Our results further support the use of locally adapted broodstock in further management and supplementation of Muskellunge populations.
Fact Resistance, Populism, and Conspiracy Theories
Authors: Hendricks Vincent F. , Vestergaard Mads 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn 2005, the concept truthiness was coined by Stephen Colbert, host of the popular satire show, The Colbert Report. Truthiness has been referred to as truth that comes from guts and not from facts and is defined as “the belief in what you feel to be true rather than what the facts will support.” The concept took hold. In 2006 it was declared word of the year by the Merriam-Webster dictionary. It was used particularly and critically in reference to the political scene of the conservative right in the USA at that time. Before Breitbart, the conservative right rallied around Fox News, whose biased news coverage was satirized by The Colbert Report. The show’s critical satire focused on how, especially in the conservative right wing and for then President Bush, it often was enough that something felt like it was true in order to be accepted as such. And not only in the conservative right wing may gut feeling replace truth; this is a universal human phenomenon. The phenomenon of truthiness may find support in cognitive psychology. Through experiments cognitive psychology has demonstrated just how much political bias matters when selecting information and accepting it as true or rejecting it as false.
A Vibration-Based Method for the Measurement of Subgrade Soil Scaling Factor
Authors: Wang Guina , Liang Dakai , Yan Junfan 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
The subgrade soil scaling factor (SSSF) shows the basic properties of soil such as stiffness, gravimetry, density, and particle distribution, which are essential for disaster prediction and geotechnical engineering activities. In this paper, methods used for soil properties analysis are firstly summarized, and then a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing technology is introduced. In order to acquire the properties and mechanical characteristics of soil accurately, a vibration-based method is presented and an experiment for judging the properties of soil is conducted. As for the experiment, an FBG sensor is adhered to the upside of the vibration rod to measure its fundamental frequency. The rod vibrates freely at different-depth level of soil, and the changed data of wavelength from the FBG sensor are carefully collected. The Winkler spring model is used to analyze the relationship between the fundamental frequency and stiffness of soil. The results of this experiment suggest that data collected from FBG sensor can reflect vibration situation clearly and quantitatively. Thus the SSSF value can be calculated from the frequency-stiffness equation. The experimental results are almost identical with the theoretical derivation results. This confirms that the method presented in the paper can determine the SSSF effectively.
The neuropathological investigation of the brain in a monkey model of autism spectrum disorder with ABCA13 deletion
Authors: Iritani Shuji , Torii Youta , Habuchi Chikako , Sekiguchi Hirotaka , Fujishiro Hiroshige , Yoshida Mari , Go Yasuhiro , Iriki Astushi , Isoda Masaki , Ozaki Norio 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe precise biological etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the neuropathology of a monkey model of autism Human ABCA13 is the largest ABC transporter protein, with a length of 5058 amino acids and a predicted molecular weight of >450 kDa. However, the function of this protein remains to be elucidated. This protein is thought to be associated with major psychiatric disease. Using this monkey model of autism with an ABCA13 deletion and a mutation of 5HT2c, we neuropathologically investigated the changes in the neuronal formation in the frontal cortex. As a result, the neuronal formation in the cortex was found to be disorganized with regard to the neuronal size and laminal distribution in the ABCA13 deletion monkey. The catecholaminergic and GABAergic neuronal systems, serotoninergic neuronal formation (5HT2c) were also found to be impaired by an immunohistochemical evaluation. This study suggested that ABCA13 deficit induces the impairment of neuronal maturation or migration, and the function of the neuronal network. This protein might thus play a role in the neurodevelopmental function of the central nervous system and the dysfunction of this protein may be a pathophysiological cause of mental disorders including autism.
A Descriptive Study of Self‐Reported Injury in Non‐elite Adaptive Athletes
Authors: Soo Hoo Jennifer A. , Latzka Erek , Harrast Mark A. 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundAdaptive sports programs are increasing across the country and there is a paucity of research investigating the epidemiology and sports injury risk factors in non‐elite athletes.ObjectiveTo assess the demographics, training regime, and injuries incurred by adaptive athletes participating in local adaptive sports clubs and to assess the athletes' type of medical care and prevalence of those with spasticity.DesignDescriptive cross‐sectional study.SettingLocal area adaptive sports teams and programs.ParticipantsSixty‐one athletes participating in wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, sled hockey, and adaptive rowing were surveyed, with a response rate of 70.5%.InterventionsCompletion of self‐report survey.OutcomeReport of injury prevalence, injury characteristics, type of medical care, and assessment of frequency and severity of spasticity using the Penn Spasm Frequency Scale.ResultsMost athletes (86%) trained or competed in their main sport 9‐12 months per year. Most athletes (79.1%) trained at least 4 hours per week. In the past 12 months, 39.5% of athletes surveyed sustained an injury that required them to miss practice or a competition, with 58.8% of these athletes having sustained a significant injury. Many of those injured (64.7%) had never participated in an injury prevention or conditioning program. Injury prevalence by sport was 42.9% in wheelchair rugby, 60% in sled hockey, 44% wheelchair basketball, and 0% in adaptive rowing. The most commonly injured body parts were the shoulder (52.9%) and wrist (52.9%).ConclusionsThis study shows that non‐elite adaptive sports athletes sustain similar types of injuries as noted in published reports of elite athletes but could be provided with less injury prevention education and access to medical care. This area will require future study, especially investigating injury risk factors within specific sports and diagnoses.Level of EvidenceIII