bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semi‐automated generation of individual computational models of the human head and torso from MR images
Authors: Kalloch Benjamin , Bode Jens , Kozlov Mikhail , Pampel André , Hlawitschka Mario , Sehm Bernhard , Villringer Arno , Möller Harald E. , Bazin Pierre‐Louis 
Published: September 2018

PurposeSimulating the interaction of the human body with electromagnetic fields is an active field of research. Individualized models are increasingly being used, as anatomical differences affect the simulation results. We introduce a processing pipeline for creating individual surface‐based models of the human head and torso for application in simulation software based on unstructured grids. The pipeline is designed for easy applicability and is publicly released on figshare.MethodsThe pipeline covers image acquisition, segmentation, generation of segmentation masks, and surface mesh generation of the single, external boundary of each structure of interest. Two gradient‐echo sequences are used for image acquisition. Structures of the head and body are segmented using several atlas‐based approaches. They consist of bone/skull, subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid, gray matter, white matter, spinal cord, lungs, the sinuses of the skull, and a combined class of all other structures including skin. After minor manual preparation, segmentation images are processed to segmentation masks, which are binarized images per segmented structure free of misclassified voxels and without an internal boundary. The proposed workflow is applied to 2 healthy subjects.ResultsIndividual differences of the subjects are well represented. The models are proven to be suitable for simulation of the RF electromagnetic field distribution.ConclusionImage segmentation, creation of segmentation masks, and surface mesh generation are highly automated. Manual interventions remain for preparing the segmentation images prior to segmentation mask generation. The generated surfaces exhibit a single boundary per structure and are suitable inputs for simulation software.
Muscle does not drive persistent posttraumatic elbow contracture in a rat model
Authors: Dunham Chelsey L. , Chamberlain Aaron M. , Meyer Gretchen A. , Lake Spencer P. 
Published: September 2018

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

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

SummaryObjectiveRetinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) transports vitamin A (Retinol) in the blood and contributes mechanistically to the linkage between obesity, insulin resistance and associated comorbidities including type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary artery and neoplastic diseases. Circulating RBP4 levels have variably been associated with body mass and gender differences. Many of these differences have been demonstrated after limited dietary interventions, and/or at single unique time points. This study investigated the impact of sex and age as biologic variables as well as high versus low fat diets on development of obesity, RBP4 levels and insulin resistance in C57BL/6J mice.MethodsMale and female C57BL/6J mice were fed for 400 days with either low or high fat diets. Female mice were also evaluated on same diets after ovariectomy or sham ovariectomy. Mice were monitored for changes in weight, circulating levels RBP4, glucose and insulin at 100‐day intervals and also by 2‐hour glucose tolerance tests.ResultsAll mice on low or high fat diets gained weight. Mice on high fat diets showed significantly greater weight gain than those on low fat. Male mice showed significantly greater weight gain compared with females on corresponding diet. Male mice compared with females already showed significantly higher RBP4 levels even before starting diets. Sex differences were maintained for more than 1 year. Gender differences in RBP4 were associated with significant differences in development of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.ConclusionsMale compared with female C57BL/6J mice show significant gender differences in circulating RBP4 levels from 6 weeks of age, extending more than 1 year. Gender differences in RBP4 may be mechanistically associated with protection against glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Targeting RBP4 pathways could be useful to disrupt gender differences in insulin resistance and disparities in comorbidities.
Alternative treatment options for pediatric hemophilia B patients with high‐responding inhibitors: A thrombin generation‐guided study
Authors: Barg Assaf Arie , Levy‐Mendelovich Sarina , Avishai Einat , Dardik Rima , Misgav Mudi , Kenet Gili , Livnat Tami 
Published: September 2018

AbstractLittle is known about the challenging treatment of pediatric patients with hemophilia B and inhibitors due to disease rarity. We describe three patients diagnosed in childhood and followed up to 9 years. All three had allergic reactions to Factor IX, but two were later safely treated for bleeding episodes with activated prothrombin complex concentrates (APCC = FEIBA). The third was given only recombinant activated Factor VIIa. Based on ex vivo thrombin generation analysis, a new alternative treatment of combined bypassing agents was administered for bleeding episodes and several minor surgical procedures with no treatment‐associated adverse events or thrombosis.
Quantitative Analysis of the Brain Ubiquitylome in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Abreha Measho H. , Dammer Eric B. , Ping Lingyan , Zhang Tian , Duong Duc M. , Gearing Marla , Lah James J. , Levey Allan I. , Seyfried Nicholas T. 
Published: September 2018

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

ABSTRACTWe herein report the preparation of thermo‐ and redox‐responsive branched polymers by the condensation reaction of three‐armed oligo(ethylene glycol) (trisOEG) and cystamine (CA). The prepared branched polymers exhibited a soluble–insoluble transition at a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and formed coacervate droplets through a liquid–liquid phase separation process. We then demonstrated control of the LCSTs of the branched polymers by varying the feed ratio of CA and the surrounding salt concentration close to body temperature. In addition, the trisOEG‐cys
x polymer formed coacervate droplets above the LCST, in which hydrophobic molecules were condensed. The redox response of the branched polymers was also investigated. Interestingly, the branched polymers degraded to low‐molecular‐weight materials (i.e., trisOEG) in the presence of dithiothereitol as a reducing agent through cleavage of the disulfide bond of CA. This facile preparation of branched polymers is expected to be valuable in the context of functional biomedical materials and modifiers for materials surfaces, such as the bases for drug delivery carriers and separation materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2623–2629
Synthesis, insecticidal evaluation and 3D‐QSAR study of novel anthranilic diamide derivatives as potential ryanodine receptor modulators
Authors: Liu Jing‐Bo , Li Feng‐Yun , Li Yu‐Xin , Zhang Xiu‐Lan , Hua Xue‐Wen , Xiong Li‐Xia , Li Zheng‐Ming 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDAnthranilic diamide insecticides control lepidopteran pests through selectively binding and activating insect ryanodine receptors. In order to search for potential insecticides targeting the ryanodine receptors, a series of anthranilic diamide analogs including trifluoromethyl, nitro, or chloro groups were designed and synthesized by the principle of bioisosterism and structural optimization.RESULTSInsecticidal data indicated that some compounds displayed good activity against oriental armyworm (Mythimna separata) and diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). In particular, the larvicidal activity of 6p against P. xylostella was 95% at 0.01 mg L−1, equivalent to chlorantraniliprole (85%, 0.01 mg L−1). The comparative molecular similarity index analysis model obtained indicated that hydrogen bond acceptor and electron‐withdrawing groups in the R′3 group are favourable for insecticidal activity against M. separata, which is consistent with the structure–activity relationships. Moreover, the calcium imaging experiment indicated, like chlorantraniliprole, that 6h and 6p are interacting with the ryanodine receptor.CONCLUSIONIntroducing trifluoromethyl, nitro, or chloro groups to a specific position in the N‐phenylpyrazole could improve or maintain the activity against M. separata and P. xylostella. 6h and 6p could be used as potential lead compounds for ryanodine receptor modulators. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Implementation of directional simulation to estimate outcrossing rates in time‐variant reliability analysis of structures
Authors: Moarefzadeh Mohammad Reza , Sudret Bruno 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTime‐dependent reliability analysis of structures by the use of an outcrossing approach normally requires the so‐called outcrossing rate to be estimated. A variety of methods has been recorded in the literature to evaluate this rate both for continues and discrete processes. Despite the availability of these methods, still more general and at the same time less sophisticated approaches are desired. In this paper, attempt is made to use the basic idea of “parallel system reliability formulation” to calculate the outcrossing rate for circumstances where the processes are continuous. These calculations are carried out by directional simulation. It is shown that this approach is simple to implement and may be used for the cases where the problem involves nonstationary processes and also for the cases where several limit state functions may have to be considered.
Human Organotypic Models for Anti-infective Research
Authors: Hendriks Astrid , Cruz Ana Rita , Soldaini Elisabetta , Manetti Andrea Guido Oreste , Bagnoli Fabio 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe use of human organotypic models for biomedical research is experiencing a significant increase due to their biological relevance, the possibility to perform high-throughput analyses, and their cost efficiency. In the field of anti-infective research, comprising the search for novel antipathogenic treatments including vaccines, efforts have been made to reduce the use of animal models. That is due to two main reasons: unreliability of data obtained with animal models and the increasing willingness to reduce the use of animals in research for ethical reasons. Human three-dimensional (3-D) models may substitute and/or complement in vivo studies, to increase the translational value of preclinical data. Here, we provide an overview of recent studies utilizing human organotypic models, resembling features of the cervix, intestine, lungs, brain, and skin in the context of anti-infective research. Furthermore, we focus on the future applications of human skin models and present methodological protocols to culture human skin equivalents and human skin explants.
Outcomes of Adrenal Venous Sampling in Patients with Bilateral Adrenal Masses and ACTH‐Independent Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Acharya Runa , Dhir Mashaal , Bandi Rupal , Yip Linwah , Challinor Sue 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundManagement of patients with bilateral adrenal masses and ACTH‐independent Cushing’s syndrome (AICS) is challenging, as bilateral adrenalectomy can lead to steroid dependence and lifelong risk of adrenal crisis. Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) has been previously reported to facilitate lateralization for guiding adrenalectomy. The aim of the current study was to investigate the utility of AVS using protocol from study by Young et al. in the management of patients with bilateral adrenal masses and AICS.Methods and designA retrospective review of all patients with bilateral adrenal masses and AICS who underwent AVS from 2008 to 2016 was performed. AVS for cortisol and epinephrine was performed with dexamethasone suppression. The adrenal vein to peripheral vein cortisol ratios and side‐to‐side cortisol lateralization ratios were calculated.ResultsAVS was successful in 8 of 9 patients. All 8 patients had AVS results indicating bilateral cortisol hypersecretion. Six patients underwent adrenalectomy: 3 had unilateral adrenalectomy of the larger size mass, 2 had bilateral adrenalectomy (both sides >4 cm.) and 1 had stepwise bilateral adrenalectomy. Final pathology revealed macronodular adrenal hyperplasia in all 6 patients that underwent surgery.ConclusionAVS was useful in excluding a unilateral adenoma as the source of AICS in this study of patients with bilateral adrenal masses and AICS. However, adrenal mass size influenced surgical decision making more than AVS results. More data are needed before AVS can be advocated as essential for management of patients with bilateral adrenal masses and AICS.
Antimicrobial stewardship for acute-care hospitals: An Asian perspective
Authors: Apisarnthanarak Anucha , Kwa Andrea Lay-Hoon , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Kumar Suresh , Thu Le Thi Anh , Tan Ban Hock , Zong Zhiyong , Chuang Yin Ching , Karuniawati Anis , Tayzon Maria Fe , So Thomas Man-Kit , Peterson Lance R. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractInappropriate use of antibiotics is contributing to a serious antimicrobial resistance problem in Asian hospitals. Despite resource constraints in the region, all Asian hospitals should implement antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs to optimize antibiotic treatment, improve patient outcomes, and minimize antimicrobial resistance. This document describes a consensus statement from a panel of regional experts to help multidisciplinary AMS teams design programs that suit the needs and resources of their hospitals. In general, AMS teams must decide on appropriate interventions (eg, prospective audit and/or formulary restriction) for their hospital, focusing on the most misused antibiotics and problematic multidrug-resistant organisms. This focus is likely to include carbapenem use with the goal to reduce carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria. Rather than initially trying to introduce a comprehensive, hospital-wide AMS program, it would be practical to begin by pilot testing a simple program based on 1 achievable core intervention for the hospital. AMS team members must work together to determine the most suitable AMS interventions to implement in their hospitals and how best to put them into practice. Continuous monitoring and feedback of outcomes to the AMS teams, hospital administration, and prescribers will enhance sustainability of the AMS programs.
The apparatus of the Carboniferous conodont Vogelgnathus simplicatus and the early evolution of the genus
Authors: Sanz-López Javier , Blanco-Ferrera Silvia , Miller C. Giles 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe apparatus of Vogelgnathus simplicatus (Rhodes, Austin, and Druce, 1969) is reconstructed from discrete elements from a sample of limited diversity from the Limerick Province (Ireland). The apparatus is typical of the order Ozarkodinida and the P1 element was previously placed within Gnathodus. Here we assign it to Vogelgnathus by applying a multielemental concept rather than using P1 element morphology. The holotype and paratypes are re-illustrated and the species distribution revised based on published data. Vogelgnathus simplicatus ranges from the late Tournaisian to the early Viséan (Mississippian, Carboniferous), with common occurrences relating to the growth of Waulsortian bank complexes in a high-stand sea-level along the southern and western margins of the Laurussian landmass (Belgium, the British Isles, the Republic of Ireland, and USA). Vogelgnathus simplicatus appears to represent the rootstock from which deep-water and shallow-water Viséan species of Vogelgnathus evolved in the Mississippian.
Protean Masculinity, Hegemonic Masculinity: Soldiers in the Third Reich
Authors: Kühne Thomas 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHegemonic masculinity in Nazi Germany, as well as in many militarized societies around the globe, meant physical, emotional, and moral “hardness.” The ideal man, embodied by the soldier, was tough and aggressive, in control of his body, mind, and psyche. He did not hesitate to sacrifice life and limb on behalf of the Fatherland, or to subordinate his individuality under the command of a conformist group of comrades. Whereas many scholars have already stressed these features of hegemonic masculinity, this article argues that the act of soldiering provided men with a male identity that was ultimately not defined by the repudiation, but ratherintegration, of what was (and is) often coded as feminine. In the social practice of male interaction, diversity and flexibility were needed, thus allowing for the display of femininely coded behavior like affection, tenderness, empathy, caring, and tolerance toward emotional breakdowns and moments of weakness in their midst. Thanks to its inclusive nature, such “protean” masculinity enabled different types of soldier-men to establish male identities; it also allowed them to switch among different emotional and moral states without losing their manliness. Yet, this was true only if the predominance of hardness was respected. Eventually, protean masculinity integrated diverse men and diverse emotional and moral conditions into a fighting unit, and, in the case of the Third Reich, into a genocidal society.
“Muscle”Yekkes? Multiple German-Jewish Masculinities in Palestine and Israel after 1933
Authors: Farges Patrick 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn the 1930s and 1940s, nearly ninety thousand German-speaking Jews found refuge in the British Mandate of Palestine. While scholars have stressed the so-calledYekkes’intellectual and cultural contribution to the making of the Jewish nation, their social and gendered lifeworlds still need to be explored. This article, which is centered on the generation of those born between 1910 and 1925, explores an ongoing interest in German-Jewish multiple masculinities. It is based on personal narratives, including some 150 oral history interviews conducted in the early 1990s with German-speaking men and women in Israel. By focusing on gender and masculinities, it sheds new light on social, generational, and racial issues in Mandatory Palestine and Israel. The article presents an investigation of the lives, experiences, and gendered identities of young emigrants from Nazi Europe who had partly been socialized in Europe, and were then forced to adjust to a different sociey and culture after migration. This involved adopting new forms of sociability, learning new body postures and gestures, as well as incorporating new habits—which, together, formed a cultural repertoire for how to behave as a “New Hebrew.”
Drinking Rituals, Masculinity, and Mass Murder in Nazi Germany
Authors: Westermann Edward B. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDuring the Third Reich, alcohol served as both a literal and metaphorical lubricant for acts of violence and atrocity by the men of theSturmabteilung(SA), theSchutzstaffel(SS), and the police. Scholars have extensively documented its use and abuse on the part of the perpetrators. For the SA, the SS, and the police, the consumption of alcohol was part of a ritual that not only bound the perpetrators together, but also became a facilitator of acts of “performative masculinity”—a type of masculinity expressly linked to physical or sexual violence. In many respects, the relationship among alcohol, masculinity, sex, and violence permeated all aspects of the Nazi killing process in the camps, the ghettos, and the killing fields. After the outbreak of war in September 1939, such practices were increasingly radicalized, with drinking and celebratory rituals becoming key elements for these closed male communities of perpetrators, who used them to prepare for acts of mass killing and, ultimately, genocide.