bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Muscle contractility dysfunction precedes loss of motor unit connectivity in SOD1(G93A) mice
Authors: Wier Christopher G. , Crum Alexander E. , Reynolds Anthony B. , Iyer Chitra C. , Chugh Deepti , Palettas Marilly S. , Heilman Patrick L. , Kline David M. , Arnold W. David , Kolb Stephen J. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Electrophysiological measurements are used in longitudinal clinical studies to provide insight into the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the relationship between muscle weakness and motor unit (MU) degeneration. Here, we used a similar longitudinal approach in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1[G93A]) mouse model of ALS.Methods: In vivomuscle contractility and MU connectivity assays were assessed longitudinally in SOD1(G93A) and wild type mice from postnatal days 35 to 119.Results: In SOD1(G93A) males, muscle contractility was reduced by day 35 and preceded MU loss. Muscle contractility and motor unit reduction were delayed in SOD1(G93A) females compared with males, but, just as with males, muscle contractility reduction preceded MU loss.Discussion: The longitudinal contractility and connectivity paradigm employed here provides additional insight into the SOD1(G93A) mouse model and suggests that loss of muscle contractility is an early finding that may precede loss of MUs and motor neuron death.Muscle Nerve59:254–262, 2019
Scalable parallel scheme for sampling of Gaussian random fields over very large domains
Authors: de Carvalho Paludo L. , Bouvier V. , Cottereau R. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThis paper proposes a new scheme for the generation of Gaussian random fields over large domains (domain size much larger than the correlation length). The scheme decomposes the simulation domain into overlapping subdomains and essentially generates independent random fields over each of them before merging them on the overlaps. It is naturally suited for simulation over clusters of computers. With this approach, the number of operations for each processor depends only on the number of local degrees of freedom and not on the total number over all processors. Hence, weak scalability is perfectly met. This paper describes the general scheme and introduces two error estimates for comparison with classical sampling schemes. Improvements in terms of scalability are demonstrated both theoretically and through numerical examples. The behavior in the overlap is studied in detail. Simulations using the localized approach were performed in up to 512 processors and allowed to generate in 41 seconds a realization of a random field over a cube of side 300 correlation lengths (close to 2‐billion sampling points), much more efficiently and rapidly than with classical methods.
Clinical effectiveness of docetaxel for castration‐sensitive prostate cancer in a real‐world population‐based analysis
Authors: Lavoie Jean‐Michel , Zou Kevin , Khalaf Daniel , Eigl Bernhard J. , Kollmannsberger Christian K. , Vergidis Joanna , Noonan Krista , Zulfiqar Muhammad , Finch Daygen , Chi Kim N. 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundAdding docetaxel to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for the treatment of metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) has known efficacy, with an overall survival benefit in Phase III clinical trials. The effectiveness of docetaxel with ADT in the general patient population remains undefined.Patients and MethodsWe conducted a population‐based retrospective review using the British Columbia Provincial Pharmacy Database. To be included, patients had to have castration‐sensitive prostate cancer not previously treated (except in the adjuvant setting) and have received at least one cycle of docetaxel, with complete records available for review. Safety and clinical effectiveness were evaluated.ResultsFrom April 2015 to February 2017, we identified 183 cases; 156 met inclusion criteria. Most patients had high‐volume disease (80%). All 6 planned docetaxel cycles were delivered in 126 cases (81%). Dose reductions and delays were required in 39% and 16% of cases. Grade 3‐4 adverse events were noted in 40%, with no treatment‐related deaths. The rate of febrile neutropenia was 18% and was significantly associated with the presence of high‐volume disease (P = 0.038). PSA ≤ 0.2 ng/L was achieved in 27% of patients after 6 months of ADT and maintained in 16% after 12 months. Patients with over 20 bone metastases had worse time to castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and time to treatment for CRPC, and a trend toward worse overall survival. CRPC developed in 41% within 1 year, with a median time to CRPC of 14.4 months. Treatment for CRPC was given in 84 cases, with 90% receiving either abiraterone or enzalutamide in the first‐line, with a PSA decline ≥50% occurring in 47%.ConclusionsThe effectiveness of docetaxel with ADT in a general population of patients with mCSPC was associated with poorer outcomes and high rates of toxicity compared to the published studies. Response rates to first‐line treatment for mCRPC with abiraterone or enzalutamide appear similar to reported outcomes.
Local resilience of an almost spanning k‐cycle in random graphs
Authors: Škorić Nemanja , Steger Angelika , Trujić Miloš 
Published: October 2018

The famous Pósa‐Seymour conjecture, confirmed in 1998 by Komlós, Sárközy, and Szemerédi, states that for any k ≥ 2, every graph on n vertices with minimum degree kn/(k + 1) contains the kth power of a Hamilton cycle. We extend this result to a sparse random setting. We show that for every k ≥ 2 there exists C > 0 such that if then w.h.p. every subgraph of a random graph Gn,p with minimum degree at least (k/(k + 1) + o(1))np, contains the kth power of a cycle on at least (1 − o(1))n vertices, improving upon the recent results of Noever and Steger for k = 2, as well as Allen, Böttcher, Ehrenmüller, and Taraz for k ≥ 3. Our result is almost best possible in three ways: for p ≪ n−1/k the random graph Gn,p w.h.p. does not contain the kth power of any long cycle; there exist subgraphs of Gn,p with minimum degree (k/(k + 1) + o(1))np and Ω(p−2) vertices not belonging to triangles; there exist subgraphs of Gn,p with minimum degree (k/(k + 1) − o(1))np which do not contain the kth power of a cycle on (1 − o(1))n vertices.
Interconversion from N‐Desmethyl Clomipramine to Clomipramine and its impact on a bioequivalence study
Authors: Dubey Naveen Kr , Fozdar Bharat I. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractInterconversion or back conversion from a parent compound to its metabolites or vice versa has never been clearly understood and established by using mass spectrometry. This makes it a daunting challenge for which the technique of liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry supports it while an other hyphenated technique liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection employed for investigation lacks it. Herein, a selective and sensitive liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of Clomipramine and its active metabolite N‐Desmethyl Clomipramine in human plasma was developed and validated. A suitable method for investigating interconversion between Clomipramine and its active metabolite to each other by two analytical tools was achieved and its impact on a bioequivalence study was evaluated. Stable labeled internal standards i.e. Clomipramine D3 and N‐Desmethyl Clomipramine D3 were used as internal standard to track and compensate the parent compound during processing and extraction from plasma. The method involves a rapid liquid‐liquid extraction (followed by flash freezing under dry ice bath) from plasma followed by reversed gradient chromatography condition and mass spectrometry detection. The mean recovery for Clomipramine and N‐Desmethyl Clomipramine were 62.1 and 63.2%, respectively.
Sanitation approach toward resource recovery in rural and semi‐urban centers: Insight from South South Nigeria
Authors: Odey Emmanuel Alepu , Li Zifu , Giwa Abdulmoseen Segun , Etokidem Esther Uduak 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRecent sanitation situations in Nigeria present public health problems, especially in rural and semi‐urban centers. Local and national government bodies in the country have defined policies to provide adequate sanitation for the populations under their control as stated in relevant decrees and policies. However, those who work as health providers in Nigeria regard conditions in many parts of the country as unhygienic and unhealthy due to a lack of adequate sanitation and because the sanitation facilities that are in place are often ineffective. Interviews with householders in rural and semi‐urban centers showed that more than 72% of the people in rural communities lack access to adequate sanitation and toilet systems, especially in public institutions. While in semi‐urban centers about 91% of the residents use septic tanks without treatment facility, the remaining 8% use toilet systems such as community toilets, wet pit latrines, and open defecation. Both rural and semi‐urban centers do not use urine‐diverting dry toilets or septic tanks with treatment facilities. Given the present sanitation situation, this study proposes a modern toilet system in rural communities that will enhance the recovery of biogas and nutrients as fertilizer for soil amendment through appropriate implementation, use, and maintenance. The results could be useful as a support for decisions on policies and strategies for adequate and improved sanitation facilities in rural and semi‐urban centers in South South Nigeria.
Solar heterogeneous photocatalysis (ZnO/UV) for textile dyes removal
Authors: Melo Maria Marcella Medeiros , Rocha Elisângela Maria Rodrigues , Silva Erika Lima 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSolar photocatalytic studies were carried out using zinc oxide (ZnO) as a catalyst for the removal of the cationic methylene blue (MB) dye, and the anionic dye reactive red 198 (RR198), from simple and binary mixed solutions. The following parameters were experimentally investigated: catalyst concentrations (50–250 milliliters [ml]), initial pH of the solution (5, 7, and 9), and time of exposure (20–120 minutes [min]). The catalyst concentration has been found to be the variable with the greatest significance of the three, leading to degradation rates of up to 98% and 100%, for MB and RR198 dyes, respectively. When it comes to the RR198 dye, considerable decolorization rates (up to 75%) were achieved even at the shortest time interval (20 min). The results indicated that, especially for the RR198 dye, the majority of the color removal during the photocatalysis process was due to the adsorption of the dye onto the ZnO surface. Batch scale experiments were performed by mixing both MB and RR198 dyes in order to simulate a synthetic effluent. Color removal rates up to 98% were achieved after 90 min of sunlight exposure. Experiments in a pilot‐plant based on compound parabolic collectors were performed under the same conditions, and similar results were obtained. In addition, organic matter removal was investigated and rates up to 70% were achieved. The results showed the feasibility of the solar photocatalysis process with ZnO to achieve considerable rates of color removal from wastewater containing dyes from different classes.
Ebb and Flow: Breath-Writing from Ancient Rhetoric to Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg
Authors: Heine Stefanie 
Published: October 2018

AbstractFollowing the path of Charles Olson, Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg negotiate breath as a compositional principle for a new particularly American literature. Such a poetics of breathing turns out to be a revival of classical thought. For ancient rhetoricians, especially Aristotle, Cicero and Quintilian, the breath-pause is constitutive for structuring speech. Already in the ancient approaches, a dilemma emerges: breathing is supposed to cut speech into well-measured units while physical respiration tends to be irregular. Even though the Beat poets seem to elude this problem in their attempt to adapt composition to the writer’s individual rhythms, breath, as they theorise it, is a point where bodily processes and cultural techniques intersect. The natural, organic body as Kerouac and Ginsberg celebrate it invokes a cultural memory, and thus, the idea of a purely embodied writing is upset.
Are Opioids Effective in Relieving Neuropathic Pain?
Authors: Schembri Emanuel 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNeuropathic pain (NP) and its treatment are considered to constitute an unmet need, with a high-multidimensional impact on society and the sufferer. The broad spectrum of opioid analgesics is considered beneficial for acute pain, yet these drugs pose serious controversial issues due to the potential for adverse behavior and a higher chance of tolerance and addiction in long-term use. Opioids like other first-line medications for NP, will not be useful for every patient suffering from chronic NP. However, due to their possible adverse effects, opioids are considered as second- or third-line medications by various guidelines. Therefore, this literature review was conducted to evaluate the status of opioids in NP and to asses if any recent research has shed further evidence on their efficacy or the contrary. The literature reviewed showed that the mechanisms underlying NP, may themselves contribute to the reduced effect of opioids in this condition. Also, various genetic polymorphisms affecting pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors are discussed, providing further evidence for the variability in opioid response. Although opioids may reduce NP, nociceptive pain tends to be more responsive to opioids compared to NP. Also, opioids seem to be more effective in intermediate term studies of up to 12 weeks and being mostly effective in peripheral NP compared to supraspinal NP and being least effective in central NP. However, there is still no robust evidence that any specific opioid agent is better than any other one for NP, but it is possible that opioids targeting multiple mechanisms may provide benefit. A limitation of many trials is the lack of consideration for the comorbid psychological aspects of NP, which tend to lower opioid analgesia.
Genetic variation of Enterobius vermicularis among schoolchildren in Thailand
Authors: Tomanakan K. , Sanpool O. , Chamavit P. , Lulitanond V. , Intapan P.M. , Maleewong W. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractEnterobiasis, caused by the nematode Enterobius vermicularis, is a common health problem among schoolchildren in Thailand. We provide the first molecular identification of this nematode from Thai schoolchildren and document genetic variation among E. vermicularis eggs using sequence analyses of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene and the nuclear ribosomal DNA second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2). A cross-sectional parasitological survey was conducted in schoolchildren (n = 491) in five regions of Thailand between May 2015 and December 2016. The diagnosis of Enterobius infection was made using the adhesive tape perianal swab technique. Enterobius eggs were recovered from 43 participants (8.75%). DNA was extracted from these eggs and the cox1 gene and partial ITS2 region amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Nineteen amplified PCR products of the cox1 gene (441 bp) and 18 of the ITS2 region (623 bp) were subsequently sequenced. All sequences were identified as belonging to E. vermicularis based on database searches. Phylogenetic analysis and a median-joining network of available E. vermicularis cox1 sequences showed 66 haplotypes. We found haploclusters (types A and B) represented among the Thai sequences. Six haplotypes from Thailand fell into type A (of Nakano et al., 2006) (along with sequences from Japan and Korea) and five haplotypes into type B (with sequences from Japan, Iran, Czech Republic, Greece, Denmark and Sudan). The overall haplotype diversity (Hd) was 0.9888. Transmission of worms with type B haplotypes from primates to humans in Asia or from humans in Europe possibly occurs in Thailand.
The decumulation period of a personal pension with risk sharing: investment approach versus consumption approach
Authors: van Bilsen Servaas , Lans Bovenberg A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper models the decumulation period of a Personal Pension with Risk sharing (PPR). We derive several relationships between the contract parameters. Individuals can adopt two approaches to the decumulation period of a PPR: the investment approach and the consumption approach. In the investment approach, individuals specify how to invest wealth and how much wealth to withdraw. Retirement consumption follows endogenously. In the consumption approach, in contrast, individuals specify retirement consumption exogenously. Investment and withdrawal policies follow endogenously. We explore these two approaches in detail. Consistent with habit formation, we allow for excess smoothness and excess sensitivity in retirement consumption.
Analysis of the Ozone Reduction Event Over the Southern Tip of South America in November 2009
Authors: Akiyoshi Hideharu , Kadowaki Masanao , Nakamura Haruna , Sugita Takafumi , Hirooka Toshihiko , Harada Yayoi , Mizuno Akira 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA reduction of the total ozone over the southern tip of South America lasting 3 weeks occurred in November 2009. Analyses of the ERA‐Interim reanalysis data and the total ozone observed by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument indicate that the total ozone reduction event was caused by a migration of the polar vortex toward the South American continent at the time of the vortex breakup. The vortex migration is associated with an enhanced wave flux from the troposphere at 120–150°W and 50–60°S to the west of the South American continent to the stratosphere over the southern part of the continent, which led to a large negative geopotential height anomaly in the lower stratosphere. In November, a blocking event was diagnosed from the 500‐hPa geopotential height over the west of the South American continent. These results suggest a relation between the long‐lasting reduction of the total ozone over the southern tip of South America and the blocking phenomenon in the troposphere of the Southern Hemisphere through wave propagation from the blocking region in 2009. Analysis of the total ozone anomaly for 50–60°S and 65–75°W over the southern tip of South America in November for 1979–2015 indicates that the negative ozone anomaly in November 2009 was one of the largest anomalies in this 37‐year period and was associated with the large negative geopotential height anomaly in the lower stratosphere. Analyses of dynamical fields were also conducted for other years with large geopotential height anomalies.
The Combined Effect of Sediment Availability and Wind Regime on the Morphology of Aeolian Sand Dunes
Authors: Lü Ping , Dong Zhibao , Rozier Olivier 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAeolian‐driven sand dune orientation is a key parameter that determines dune morphology. Although wind regime, surface condition, and sediment availability all control sand dune formation, researchers have mostly put emphasis on the wind regime. However, research shows that the formation of dune orientation cannot be explained solely on wind because different dune types can form under the same wind regime in a given area. In this study, we investigate the combined effects of wind regime and sediment availability on dune orientation based on numerical simulations. The model clarifies the extent to which sediment availability influences dune orientation as well as the physical mechanisms that allow for the coexistence of different dune types. We found that linear dunes and barchans can coexist when the sediment availability is less than 10% with a localized sand source, and where barchans are situated at the extremity or on the same flank of the linear dunes. When the angle between two dominant winds is greater than 90° and sediment availability is greater than 10%, oblique dunes may occur, and they can evolve from asymmetric barchans. This study offers insight into the potential relationship between dune‐forming factors related to the wind regime and the available erodible sediment within a dune system, in view of the fact that such a model would be a valuable tool in ascertaining the causes behind complex dune formation processes.
Inferring Magma Dynamics at Veniaminof Volcano Via Application of Ambient Noise
Authors: Bennington N. , Haney M. , Thurber C. , Zeng X. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAmbient noise interferometry has become an increasingly popular tool for monitoring active volcanoes. We apply this method to investigate seven past eruptive periods at Veniaminof volcano, Alaska. Two of the largest eruptions studied show seismic velocity changes associated with preeruptive , coeruptive, and posteruptive volcanic processes. We develop and implement new analysis techniques to determine how seismic velocity changes at Veniaminof are distributed with depth. Spatiotemporal examination of these seismic velocity changes reveals evidence for the distribution of magma storage and the timescale at which magmatic fluids intrude into and reside within these storage regions in the months preceding eruption. We conduct the depth analysis using data recorded on a single seismometer. The same analysis could be applied to any volcano monitored by at least one seismometer in order to detect magmatic activity indicative of impending eruption, specifically the intrusion and migration of magmatic fluids into the volcanic system.
An Assessment of Representation of Oceanic Mesoscale Eddy‐Atmosphere Interaction in the Current Generation of General Circulation Models and Reanalyses
Authors: Yang Peiran , Jing Zhao , Wu Lixin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractOceanic mesoscale eddies interact strongly with the atmosphere, inducing heat flux that acts to dissipate the eddy potential energy. So far it remains unknown how well this oceanic mesoscale eddy‐atmosphere (OMEA) interaction is represented in the current generation of general circulation models. Here we evaluate the intensity of OMEA interaction in numerical models widely used by the community. It is found that the intensity of OMEA interaction differs significantly among models in its overall magnitude and spatial distribution. In eddy‐rich regions such as Kuroshio Extension and Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the intermodel difference can reach 40%. Surface wind strength and marine atmospheric boundary layer adjustment to mesoscale heat flux anomaly are two important factors accounting for the intermodel difference. Models with stronger surface wind tend to have higher OMEA interaction. Moreover, neglecting the marine atmospheric boundary layer adjustment, ocean‐alone model simulations overestimate OMEA interaction especially at middle and high latitudes by 20%–50%.