bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dysregulation of AMPA receptor subunit expression in sporadic ALS post‐mortem brain
Authors: Gregory Jenna M , Livesey Matthew R , McDade Karina , Selvaraj Bhuvaneish T , Barton Samantha K , Chandran Siddharthan , Smith Colin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterised by progressive motor neuron degeneration. Although there are over 40 genes associated with causal monogenetic mutations, the majority of ALS patients are not genetically determined. Causal ALS mutations are being increasingly mechanistically studied, though how these mechanisms converge and diverge between the multiple known familial causes of ALS (fALS) and sporadic forms of ALS (sALS) and furthermore between different neuron types, is poorly understood. One common pathway that is implicated in selective motor neuron death is enhanced α‐amino‐3‐hydroxyl‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionate (AMPAR)‐mediated excitoxicity. Specifically, human in vitro and pathological evidence has linked the C9orf72 repeat expansion mutation to a relative increase in the Ca2+‐permeable AMPAR population due to AMPAR subunit dysregulation. Here, we provide the first comparative quantitative assessment of the expression profile of AMPAR subunit transcripts, using BaseScope, in post‐mortem lower motor neurons (spinal cord, anterior horn), upper motor neurons (motor cortex) and neurons of the pre‐frontal cortex in sALS and fALS due to mutations in SOD1 and C9orf72. Our data indicated that AMPAR dysregulation is prominent in lower motor neurons in all ALS cases. However, sALS and mutant C9orf72 cases exhibited GluA1 upregulation whereas mutant SOD1 cases displayed GluA2 down regulation. We also showed that sALS cases exhibited widespread AMPAR dysregulation in the motor and pre‐frontal cortex, though the exact identity of the AMPAR subunit being dysregulated was dependent on brain region. In contrast, AMPAR dysregulation in mutant SOD1 and C9orf72 cases was restricted to lower motor neurons only. Our data highlight the complex dysregulation of AMPAR subunit expression that reflects both converging and diverging mechanisms at play between different brain regions and between ALS cohorts. © 2019 Authors. Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Genetic or pharmacologic blockade of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibits the progression of peritoneal fibrosis
Authors: Shi Yingfeng , Tao Min , Wang Yi , Zang Xiujuan , Ma Xiaoyan , Qiu Andong , Zhuang Shougang , Liu Na 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDysregulation of histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many cancers. However, the role of EZH2 in peritoneal fibrosis remains unknown. We investigated EZH2 expression in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and assessed its role in peritoneal fibrosis in cultured human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) and murine models of peritoneal fibrosis induced by chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) or high glucose peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) by using 3‐deazaneplanocin A (3‐DZNeP), and EZH2 conditional knockout mice. An abundance of EZH2 was detected in the peritoneum of patients with PD associated peritonitis and the dialysis effluent of long‐term PD patients, which was positively correlated with expression of TGF‐β1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and IL‐6. EZH2 was found highly expressed in the peritoneum of mice following injury by CG or PDF. In both mouse models, treatment with 3‐DZNeP attenuated peritoneal fibrosis and inhibited activation of several profibrotic signaling pathways, including TGF‐β1/Smad3, Notch1, epidermal growth factor receptor and Src. EZH2 inhibition also inhibited STAT3 and nuclear factor‐κB phosphorylation, and reduced lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration and angiogenesis in the injured peritoneum. 3‐DZNeP effectively improved high glucose PDF‐associated peritoneal dysfunction by decreasing the dialysate‐to‐plasma ratio of blood urea nitrogen and increasing the ratio of dialysate glucose at 2 h after PDF injection to initial dialysate glucose. Moreover, delayed administration of 3‐DZNeP inhibited peritoneal fibrosis progression, reversed established peritoneal fibrosis and reduced expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and ‐9. Finally, EZH2‐KO mice exhibited less peritoneal fibrosis than EZH2‐WT mice. In HPMCs, treatment with EZH2 siRNA or 3‐DZNeP suppressed TGF‐β1‐induced upregulation of α‐SMA and Collagen I and preserved E‐cadherin. These results indicate that EZH2 is a key epigenetic regulator that promotes peritoneal fibrosis. Targeting EZH2 may have the potential to prevent and treat peritoneal fibrosis. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of carbon nanotubes/polyethersulfone antistatic composite materials by a mixing process
Authors: Tian Yuhan , Zhong Jiachun , Hu Linqing , Zheng Xiaoyi , Cheng Jie , Pu Zejun 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn this work, a facilitated physical dispersion technology was employed to prepare polymer‐based antistatic composites using polyethersulfone (PES) as matrix and the acidulated multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) as nanofillers, scattering the PES resin in the deionized water contained MWCNT by the colloid mill to obtain MWCNT/PES emulsion and the MWCNT/PES composites were prepared by melt processing. The influence of dispersion technology about the MWCNT/PES composites on the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties was investigated in detail. The morphology of the MWCNT/PES emulsion was investigated by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The results showed that the MWCNT nanoparticles were encapsulated in the PES microspheres homogeneously. In addition, the obtained MWCNT/PES composites showed higher glass transition temperature (T
g) and initial thermal decomposition temperature (T5%). More importantly, the tensile strength and surface resistance of 3 wt% MWCNT/PES composites were up to 112 MPa and 106 Ω/m, respectively. Therefore, these high‐performance polymer‐based antistatic composites will have potential application in electronic devices applied with high temperature conditions.
Projection‐transformation method with considering energy conservation
Authors: Yamauchi Hitoshi , Ozaki Koichi , Sato Yoichiro , Fukuta Tadao , Obunai Kiyotaka 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn this paper, a projection‐transformation method that considers the conservation of energy during transformation is proposed. To consider energy conservation, an area‐integration function of the input image is introduced. By conducting the projection‐transformation of this function, energy is conserved during transformation. The pixel value of the transformed image is calculated by integrating the transformed function. The Gauss–Legendre numerical integration scheme is used for the integration calculation. Moreover, the pixel area change during the transformation is considered by using the Jacobian factor. To demonstrate the projection‐transformation, standard images of the SIDBA and SCID datasets are used. Also, the ISO 12233 Test Chart is used for evaluation using high‐frequency images. The quality of the transformed images is evaluated using the structural similarity index and peak signal‐to‐noise ratio values. Because the image quality is affected by the color space, the evaluations are conducted using RGB and YUV color spaces. The results show that the proposed methods produce the highest quality values regardless of the type of image or color space. Moreover, the quality of the transformed image is improved when considering the Jacobian of the pixel area change. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is effective in improving the quality of the projection‐transformed image. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Northern Ireland's longstanding record wind gust is almost certainly incorrect
Authors: Aylott Lucy , Burt Stephen , Saunders Mark 
Published: October 2019

Abstract Online onlyAccurate assessment of record extreme wind gusts is important for building design standards and for industries such as insurance and forestry. Here, we show that the current record wind gust for Northern Ireland – 108kn (56ms−1) recorded at Kilkeel on 12 January 1974 – is almost certainly incorrect and may have arisen from an instrumental error or a power surge. We deduce this from direct anemograph inspection and from a variety of indirect supporting evidence. We recommend that other longstanding UK record wind gusts should also be independently re‐examined to assess their veracity.
Envelope methods
Authors: Cook R. Dennis 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAn envelope is a relatively new construct for decreasing estimative and predictive variation relative to standard methods in multivariate statistics, sometimes by amounts equivalent to increasing the sample size many times over. Essentially a form of targeted dimension reduction that is descendent from sufficient dimension reduction, an envelope inherits its underlying philosophy from Fisher's notion of sufficient statistics. The initial development of envelope methods took place largely in the context of the multivariate linear model, resulting in response envelopes for response reduction, predictor envelopes for predictor reduction, simultaneous envelopes for response and predictor reduction and partial envelopes for specialized considerations, each demonstrating a potential for substantial reduction in estimative variation. These advances demonstrated that there are close connections between envelopes and some standard multivariate methods like partial least squares regression and canonical correlations. Subsequently, envelope methodology has been adapted and extended to diverse areas, including envelopes for regressions with matrix and tensor‐valued responses, envelopes for spatial statistics, quantile envelopes for quantile regression, Bayesian response envelopes. Sparse versions of response and predictor envelopes have also been developed. More generally, there is also envelope methodology for reducing the variation in any asymptotically normal vector‐valued estimator. These advances have opened a new chapter in multivariate statistics, allowing variation that is material to the goals of an analysis to be separated effectively from immaterial variation that serves only to confound estimation and prediction.This article is categorized under:
Statistical Models > Multivariate Models
Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Multivariate Analysis
Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Dimension Reduction
A Faster Tree-Decomposition Based Algorithm for Counting Linear Extensions
Authors: Kangas Kustaa , Koivisto Mikko , Salonen Sami 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe investigate the problem of computing the number of linear extensions of a givenn-element poset whose cover graph has treewidtht. We present an algorithm that runs in time$${\tilde{O}}(n^{t+3})$$O~(nt+3)for any constantt; the notation$${\tilde{O}}$$O~hides polylogarithmic factors. Our algorithm applies dynamic programming along a tree decomposition of the cover graph; the join nodes of the tree decomposition are handled by fast multiplication of multivariate polynomials. We also investigate the algorithm from a practical point of view. We observe that the running time is not well characterized by the parametersnandtalone: fixing these parameters leaves large variance in running times due to uncontrolled features of the selected optimal-width tree decomposition. We compare two approaches to select an efficient tree decomposition: one is to include additional features of the tree decomposition to build a more accurate, heuristic cost function; the other approach is to fit a statistical regression model to collected running time data. Both approaches are shown to yield a tree decomposition that typically is significantly more efficient than a random optimal-width tree decomposition.
Finding events in temporal networks: segmentation meets densest subgraph discovery
Authors: Rozenshtein Polina , Bonchi Francesco , Gionis Aristides , Sozio Mauro , Tatti Nikolaj 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
In this paper, we study the problem of discovering a timeline of events in a temporal network. We model events as dense subgraphs that occur within intervals of network activity. We formulate the event discovery task as an optimization problem, where we search for a partition of the network timeline into k non-overlapping intervals, such that the intervals span subgraphs with maximum total density. The output is a sequence of dense subgraphs along with corresponding time intervals, capturing the most interesting events during the network lifetime. A naïve solution to our optimization problem has polynomial but prohibitively high running time. We adapt existing recent work on dynamic densest subgraph discovery and approximate dynamic programming to design a fast approximation algorithm. Next, to ensure richer structure, we adjust the problem formulation to encourage coverage of a larger set of nodes. This problem is NP-hard; however, we show that on static graphs a simple greedy algorithm leads to approximate solution due to submodularity. We extend this greedy approach for temporal networks, but we lose the approximation guarantee in the process. Finally, we demonstrate empirically that our algorithms recover solutions with good quality.
Impact of certification status of the institute and surgeon on short-term outcomes after surgery for thoracic esophageal cancer: evaluation using data on 16,752 patients from the National Clinical Database in Japan
Authors: Motoyama Satoru , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Miyata Hiroaki , Yano Masahiko , Yasuda Takushi , Ohira Masaichi , Kajiyama Yoshiaki , Toh Yasushi , Watanabe Masayuki , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Seto Yasuyuki , Doki Yuichiro , Matsubara Hisahiro 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
In 2009, the Japan Esophageal Society (JES) established a system for certification of qualified surgeons as “Board Certified Esophageal Surgeons” (BCESs) or institutes as “Authorized Institutes for Board Certified Esophageal Surgeons” (AIBCESs). We examined the short-term outcomes after esophagectomy, taking into consideration the certifications statuses of the institutes and surgeons.

Methods
This study investigated patients who underwent esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer and who were registered in the Japanese National Clinical Database (NCD) between 2015 and 2017. Using hierarchical multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for patient-level risk factors, we determined whether the institute’s or surgeon’s certification status had greater influence on surgery-related mortality or postoperative complications.

Results
Enrolled were 16,752 patients operated on at 854 institutes by 1879 surgeons. There were significant differences in the backgrounds and incidences of postoperative complications and surgery-related mortality rates between the 11,162 patients treated at AIBCESs and the 5590 treated at Non–AIBCESs (surgery-related mortality rates: 1.6% vs 2.8%). There were also differences between the 6854 patients operated on by a BCES and the 9898 treated by a Non-BCES (1.7% vs 2.2%). Hierarchical logistic regression analysis revealed that surgery-related mortality was significantly lower among patients treated at AIBCESs. The institute’s certification had greater influence on short-term surgical outcomes than the operating surgeon’s certification.

Conclusions
The certification system for surgeons and institutes established by the JES appears to be appropriate, as indicated by the improved surgery-related mortality rate. It also appears that the JES certification system contributes to a more appropriate medical delivery system for thoracic esophageal cancer in Japan.
Quality of Life and Meeting 24-h WHO Guidelines Among Preschool Children in Singapore
Authors: Chia Michael Yong Hwa , Tay Lee Yong , Chua Terence Buan Kiong 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The objective of the study was to determine the proportion of preschool children under 5 years old meeting the 24-h World Health Organisation guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep. Another objective was to examine the association between the health-related quality of life and meeting these guidelines among preschool children in Singapore. Parents completed an online and anonymous SMALLQ® (Surveillance of digital Media hAbits in earLy chiLdhood Questionnaire) on children’s physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep. Meeting the 24-h WHO guidelines meant, within a 24-h period, (i) having at least 180 min of physical activity (ii) engaging in less than 60 min of screen media and (iii) having 10–13 h of good quality sleep. Parent-reported health-related quality of life of the children was determined using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™, collected online at the same time. Parent-reported data showed that 12.6% met none while 9.6% of preschool children met all the WHO guidelines. 70.7%, 56.9% and 26.5%, of preschool children respectively, achieved the sleep, physical activity and screen media use guidelines within a 24-h period. 40.5% met two guidelines while 37.4% met one guideline. Significant differences were detected in the health-related quality of life among preschool children who met all, none, or met 1–2 of the WHO guidelines (i.e. total health score: 82.9 ± 12.4 vs. 76.4 ± 15.1 vs. 78.6 ± 14.5%, p < 0.05; ƞ2 = 0.008–0.11). Our results show that the health-related quality of life of preschool children increased with the number of WHO guidelines accomplished.
Sensory Abnormality and Quantitative Autism Traits in Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder in an Epidemiological Population
Authors: Jussila K. , Junttila M. , Kielinen M. , Ebeling H. , Joskitt L. , Moilanen I. , Mattila M.-L. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Sensory abnormalities (SAs) are recognized features in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and a relationship between SAs and ASD traits is also suggested in general population. Our aims were to estimate the prevalence of SAs in three different settings, and to study the association between SAs and quantitative autism traits (QAT) using the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) and a parental questionnaire. In an epidemiological population of 8-year-old children (n = 4397), the prevalence of SAs was 8.3%, in an ASD sample (n = 28), 53.6%, and in a non-ASD sample (n = 4369), 8.0%, respectively. Tactile and auditory hypersensitivity predicted an ASD diagnosis. The ASSQ was able to differentiate children with and without SA. In conclusion, QAT level and SAs were associated in all study samples.
Row-crop planter performance to support variable-rate seeding of maize
Authors: Virk S. S. , Fulton J. P. , Porter W. M. , Pate G. L. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Current planting technology possesses the ability to increase crop productivity and improve field efficiency by precisely metering and placing crop seeds. Planter performance depends on determining and utilizing optimal settings for different planting variables such as seed depth, down pressure, and seed metering unit. The evolution of “Big Data” in agriculture today brings focus on the need for quality as-planted and yield mapping data. Therefore, an investigation was conducted to evaluate the performance of current planting technology for accurate placement of seeds while understanding the accuracy of as-planted data. Two studies consisting of two different setups on a 6-row, John Deere planter for seeding of maize (Zea mays L.) were conducted. The first study aimed at assessing planter performance at 2 depth settings (25 and 51 mm) and four different down pressure settings (varying from none to high), while the second study focused on evaluating planter performance during variable-rate seeding with treatments consisting of two seed metering units (John Deere Standard and Precision Planting’s eSet setups) with five different seeding rates and four ground speed treatments which provided a combination of 20 different meter speeds. Field data collection consisted of measuring plant emergence, plant population and seed depth whereas plant spacing, plant population after emergence along with distance and location for rate changes within the field were also recorded for the variable-rate seeding study. Results indicated that both depth setting and downforce affected final seeding depth. Measured seed depth was significantly different from the target depth even though time was spent adjusting the units to achieve the desired prior to planting. Crop emergence did not vary significantly for the different depth and downforce settings except for target depth in Field 1. Results from the variable-rate study indicated that seeding rate changes were accomplished within a quick response time (< 1 s) at all ground speeds regardless of magnitude of rate change. Data showed that planter performance in terms of emergence and plant spacing CV was comparable for most of the meter speeds (17.4–33.5 rpm) among the two seed meters utilized in the study. Plant spacing CV increased with an increase in meter speed, however no significant differences existed among meter speeds in the range of 17.4–33.5 rpm. Results implied that correct seed metering unit setup is very critical to obtain expected performance of today’s planting technology. A concerning find was that the quality of as-applied maps from the commercial variable-rate display was not reflective of the actual planter performance in the field. The study recommended that operators need to ensure the correct planter and display setups in order to achieve needed seed placement performance to support variable-rate seeding.
Quality Differences of Public, For-Profit and Nonprofit Providers in Scandinavian Welfare? User Satisfaction in Kindergartens
Authors: Trætteberg Håkon Solbu , Fladmoe Audun 
Published: October 2019

AbstractResearch on differences between public, for-profit, and nonprofit providers of welfare services has provided mixed findings, depending on welfare state arrangement, regulation, and service area. This paper’s objective is to study the differences between public, nonprofit (cooperatives and other nonprofits), and for-profit welfare providers from the perspective of the users in the tightly regulated Scandinavian context. We ask how the users perceive the providers from different sectors differently and how this variation can be explained. The study relies on a large-scale survey carried out in 2015 in the city of Oslo, Norway. From the survey, we identify the two main results. First, despite limited differences, users of nonprofit kindergartens are generally more satisfied than users of for-profit and public kindergartens. Second, an important explanation for variations in user satisfaction among kindergartens is identified in a pocket of regulatory leniency: the quality of food service. This is the only expense that varies among kindergartens in Norway. These results indicate that more lenient regulations could potentially increase provider distinctiveness. Based on the existing literature, we discuss why nonprofit providers seem to fare better in the minds of users than public and for-profit providers.