bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preserved multisensory body representations in advanced age
Authors: Riemer Martin , Wolbers Thomas , Kuehn Esther 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe internal representation of the body emerges via the integration of multisensory body cues. Sensory signal transfer and the ability to integrate multisensory information deteriorate significantly with increasing age. However, there is little empirical evidence on age-related changes in body representations based on multisensory integration. Here, we used a standard paradigm for evaluating body representations based on multisensory integration, the rubber hand illusion, and compared the amount of proprioceptive drift and changes in perceived body ownership triggered by the integration of visual, tactile, and proprioceptive cues between younger and older adults. To account for potential age-related differences in the temporal stability of the illusion, proprioceptive drift was measured at five different time points. Our results show that older adults used synchronous visuo-tactile cues similarly to younger adults to update both the position of their own hand, and their feeling of ownership over the artificial hand. Independent of visuo-tactile synchrony, older adults perceived their hand as closer to their body than younger adults did, and showed a less stable representation of this in-depth hand position. This proprioceptive bias towards the body did not correlate with the strength of the illusion. Our results indicate that the integration of visual and tactile cues is largely preserved in advanced age when used to update limb position, whereas proprioception worsens with age. This may be linked to two different pathways that underlie changes in body representations over the life span.
Resection of Cerebellopontine Angle Meningioma via Retrosigmoid Approach Aiming for Hearing Improvement
Authors: Shinya Yuki , Ono Hideaki , Inoue Tomohiro , Tamura Akira 
Published: February 2019

We present a 71-year-old female case of left cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningioma who presented with progressive hearing loss. The tumor was 35 mm in maximum diameter, obviously compressed the brain stem and cerebellum, and also displaced cranial nerves 7th and 8th anteriorly (Fig. 1). Retrosigmoid approach was chosen to resect the tumor aiming for hearing improvement. We performed dissection of the tumor from cranial nerves 7th and 8th gently and resection of the tumor except for the part adhesive to these cranial nerves (Fig. 2). Postoperative course was good without any new neurological deficit. Postoperative examination also showed improvement of high-frequency hearing of the left side, and auditory brainstem response demonstrated wave 2 to 5, which was not identify on preoperative examination. These procedures enabled safe and effective resection of the tumor and contributed to hearing improvement.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/hkRSCxtV3bY.
Anterolateral Thigh Flap in a Chicken Model: A Novel Perforator Training Model
Authors: Costa Alfio Luca , Cucinotta Filippo , Fazio Antonina , Delia Gabriele , Galeano Mariarosaria , Stagno d'Alcontres Francesco , Battiston Bruno , Tos Pierluigi , Georgescu Alexandru , Colonna Michele Rosario 
Published: February 2019

Background Preclinical training in perforator flap harvesting is typically conducted on living animal models; however, repeated training is not possible with these models because of ethical and/or economical constraints. We describe an anterolateral thigh flap (ALT flap) training model using chicken thigh that seems to be an appropriate training model prior, for example, to raise a perforator flap in a living rat or swine model.
Methods A total of 10 chicken legs were used in this study. Six chicken legs were anatomically dissected to confirm the presence of the perforator and to identify the main vascular tree. In four chicken legs, a skin flap was planned based on the perforator and intramuscular dissection was performed under magnification.
Results The perforator was identified in all dissections and was consistently found 3 cm above the line extending from the patella to the head of the femur in its third proximal. Proximally, the mean diameter of the artery and vein was 0.56 (σ = 0.04) and 0.84 (σ = 0.06) mm, respectively. The mean dissection time to raise the flap was 88 (σ = 7) min.
Conclusion This is the first description of a nonliving biological simulation model for training in perforator flap dissection that mimics an ALT flap. As an ex vivo chicken model, it is a cost effective and readily accessible model suitable for repeated practice.
Integration of network models and evolutionary analysis into high-throughput modeling of protein dynamics and allosteric regulation: theory, tools and applications
Authors: Liang Zhongjie , Verkhivker Gennady M , Hu Guang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractProteins are dynamical entities that undergo a plethora of conformational changes, accomplishing their biological functions. Molecular dynamics simulation and normal mode analysis methods have become the gold standard for studying protein dynamics, analyzing molecular mechanism and allosteric regulation of biological systems. The enormous amount of the ensemble-based experimental and computational data on protein structure and dynamics has presented a major challenge for the high-throughput modeling of protein regulation and molecular mechanisms. In parallel, bioinformatics and systems biology approaches including genomic analysis, coevolution and network-based modeling have provided an array of powerful tools that complemented and enriched biophysical insights by enabling high-throughput analysis of biological data and dissection of global molecular signatures underlying mechanisms of protein function and interactions in the cellular environment. These developments have provided a powerful interdisciplinary framework for quantifying the relationships between protein dynamics and allosteric regulation, allowing for high-throughput modeling and engineering of molecular mechanisms. Here, we review fundamental advances in protein dynamics, network theory and coevolutionary analysis that have provided foundation for rapidly growing computational tools for modeling of allosteric regulation. We discuss recent developments in these interdisciplinary areas bridging computational biophysics and network biology, focusing on promising applications in allosteric regulations, including the investigation of allosteric communication pathways, protein–DNA/RNA interactions and disease mutations in genomic medicine. We conclude by formulating and discussing future directions and potential challenges facing quantitative computational investigations of allosteric regulatory mechanisms in protein systems.
Disaster Planning for Animals in Hazardous Agent Containment Units
Authors: Roble Gordon , Pullium Jennifer , Hester Takechia , Harvey Stephen 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Disaster response planning for laboratory animal facilities is a time- and personnel-intensive undertaking. This article outlines numerous considerations in formulating a plan for disaster response in a high containment animal unit. The planning process is discussed around a set of elements: planning team formation, situational understanding, goal and objective determination, plan development, preparation, and rehearsal or implementation. The importance of an appropriate planning team and personnel development is explored in relationship to exemplary disaster scenarios such as natural disaster and terrorism. Specific risks such as hazardous agent and animal species type serve to delineate goal-setting methods. These goals provide the framework for an institutional disaster plan. The review further uses elements of the planning process to explore the difficulties of euthanasia of animals treated with hazardous agents. Ultimately, the pitfalls of handling media relations following disaster are examined. Proactive measures for preparing to speak to the media and mitigate negative perceptions of research are presented.
A Lyapunov-based design of dynamic feedback compensator for linear parabolic MIMO PDEs
Authors: Liu Ya-Qiang , Wang Jun-Wei , Sun Chang-Yin 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
This paper discusses dynamic feedback compensator design for a linear parabolic partial differential equation (PDE) with multiple inputs and multiple outputs. Actuating control inputs are provided by actuators distributed over partial areas (or active at specified positions) of the spatial domain, and observation outputs are taken from the non-collocated sensors distributed over partial areas of the spatial domain. An observer-based dynamic feedback compensator is constructed via the observer-based feedback control technique to exponentially stabilize the multi-input–multi-output PDE in the spatial $\mathscr{L}^2$ norm. By constructing an appropriate Lyapunov function candidate and using two variants of Poincaré–Wirtinger inequality, sufficient conditions on the existence of such observer-based dynamic feedback compensator are developed and presented in terms of linear matrix inequalities. The well posedness of the closed-loop coupled PDEs is also analyzed within the framework of $C_0$ semigroup theory. Finally, numerical simulation results are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
‘The Revival of the Medal’
Authors: Seidel Anna 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Alfred Lichtwark (1852–1914) was the first director (1886–1914) of the Hamburger Kunsthalle. At his personal instigation, a sculpture collection was founded. Focusing on contemporary sculpture, he became a pioneer in the museum world. Lichtwark aimed at introducing sculpture to a wider public: he considered contemporary medals and plaquettes to be the most suitable material for his purpose, and consequently he initiated the sculpture collection in 1891 by assembling ‘sculptures en miniature’ from Paris. In his practice he probed questions of the medals’ art historical context, as well as processes of making and display. When Lichtwark published his book on the revival of the medal – Die Wiedererweckung der Medaille – in 1897, his engagement and expertise in the field were already widely respected. While he is well known as an innovative museum director, his role as collector of contemporary sculpture has not been sufficiently appreciated. This paper suggests a re-evaluation of his achievements.
RoboPol: a four-channel optical imaging polarimeter
Authors: Ramaprakash A N , Rajarshi C V , Das H K , Khodade P , Modi D , Panopoulou G , Maharana S , Blinov D , Angelakis E , Casadio C , Fuhrmann L , Hovatta T , Kiehlmann S , King O G , Kylafis N , Kougentakis A , Kus A , Mahabal A , Marecki A , Myserlis I , Paterakis G , Paleologou E , Liodakis I , Papadakis I , Papamastorakis I , Pavlidou V , Pazderski E , Pearson T J , Readhead A C S , Reig P , Słowikowska A , Tassis K , Zensus J A 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACT
We present the design and performance of RoboPol, a four-channel optical polarimeter operating at the Skinakas Observatory in Crete, Greece. RoboPol is capable of measuring both relative linear Stokes parameters q and u (and the total intensity I) in one sky exposure. Though primarily used to measure the polarization of point sources in the R band, the instrument features additional filters (B, V, and I), enabling multiwavelength imaging polarimetry over a large field of view (13.6′ × 13.6′). We demonstrate the accuracy and stability of the instrument throughout its 5 yr of operation. Best performance is achieved within the central region of the field of view and in the R band. For such measurements the systematic uncertainty is below 0.1 per cent in fractional linear polarization, p (0.05 per cent maximum likelihood). Throughout all observing seasons the instrumental polarization varies within 0.1 per cent in p and within ∼1° in polarization angle.
Is Intraoperative Pathology Needed if 5-Aminolevulinic-Acid-Induced Tissue Fluorescence Is Found in Stereotactic Brain Tumor Biopsy?
Authors: Millesi Matthias , Kiesel Barbara , Wöhrer Adelheid , Mercea Petra A , Bissolo Marco , Roetzer Thomas , Wolfsberger Stefan , Furtner Julia , Knosp Engelbert , Widhalm Georg 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Intraoperative histopathology and acquisition of multiple tissue samples in stereotactic biopsies results in a prolonged length of surgery and potentially increased complication rate.

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the clinical benefits of a novel strategy for stereotactic brain tumor biopsies with the assistance of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) induced fluorescence.

METHODS
Patients that received 5-ALA prior to stereotactic biopsy of a suspected brain tumor were included. According to our strategy, the procedure was terminated in the case of strong fluorescence of the biopsy samples. In contrast, intraoperative histology was demanded in the case of vague/no fluorescence. Length of surgery, number of biopsy samples, diagnostic rate, and periprocedural complications were compared between these 2 groups.

RESULTS
Altogether, 79 patients were included, and strong fluorescence was present in 62 cases (79%), vague fluorescence was in 4 cases (5%), and no fluorescence was in 13 cases (16%). The diagnostic rate was comparable in biopsies with strong fluorescence without intraoperative histopathology and cases with vague/no fluorescence with intraoperative histopathology (98% vs 100%; P = 1.000). A significantly shorter length of surgery (41 vs 77 min; P < .001) and reduced average number of biopsy samples (3.6 vs 4.9; P = .011) was found in patients with strong compared to vague/no fluorescence. However, no statically significant difference in periprocedural complications between cases with strong and vague/no fluorescence was found (7% vs 18%; P = .166).

CONCLUSION
Our data demonstrate the clinical benefits of a novel strategy for stereotactic brain tumor biopsies with assistance of 5-ALA. Thus, this biopsy strategy will increase the efficiency of this standard neurosurgical procedure in the future.
Involvement of Substance P in the Analgesic Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy in a Mouse Model of Chronic Widespread Muscle Pain
Authors: Han Der-Sheng , Lee Cheng-Han , Shieh Yih-Dar , Chen Chih-Cheng 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is widely used in pain control in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation and is effective for fibromyalgia pain. However, its analgesic mechanism remains unknown. A possible mechanism for the effect of LLLT on fibromyalgia pain is via the antinociceptive signaling of substance P in muscle nociceptors, although the neuropeptide has been known as a neurotransmitter to facilitate pain signals in the spinal cord.

Objective
To establish an animal model of LLLT in chronic muscle pain and to determine the role of substance P in LLLT analgesia.

Methods
We employed the acid-induced chronic muscle pain model, a fibromyalgia model proposed and developed by Sluka et al., and determined the optimal LLLT dosage.

Results
LLLT with 685 nm at 8 J/cm2 was effective to reduce mechanical hyperalgesia in the chronic muscle pain model. The analgesic effect was abolished by pretreatment of NK1 receptor antagonist RP-67580. Likewise, LLLT showed no analgesic effect on Tac1-/- mice, in which the gene encoding substance P was deleted. Besides, pretreatment with the TRPV1 receptor antagonist capsazepine, but not the ASIC3 antagonist APETx2, blocked the LLLT analgesic effect.

Conclusions
LLLT analgesia is mediated by the antinociceptive signaling of intramuscular substance P and is associated with TRPV1 activation in a mouse model of fibromyalgia or chronic muscle pain. The study results could provide new insight regarding the effect of LLLT in other types of chronic pain.
An Exploratory Study of Endogenous Pain Modulatory Function in Patients Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Carey Christopher , Saxe Jonathan , White Fletcher A , Naugle Kelly M 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackground. Recent animal research suggests that mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) facilitates abnormal endogenous modulation of pain, potentially underlying the increased risk for persistent headaches following injury. However, no human studies have directly assessed the functioning of endogenous facilitory and inhibitory systems in the early stages after an mTBI. Objective. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine trigeminal sensitization and endogenous pain inhibitory capacity in mTBI patients in the acute stage of injury compared with matched controls. We also examined whether post-traumatic headache pain intensity within the mTBI sample was related to sensitization and pain inhibitory capacity. Methods. Twenty-four mTBI patients recruited from emergency departments and 21 age-, race-, and sex-matched controls completed one experimental session. During this session, participants completed quantitative sensory tests measuring trigeminal sensitization (pressure pain thresholds and temporal summation of pain in the head) and endogenous pain inhibition (conditioned pain modulation). Participants also completed validated questionnaires measuring headache pain, depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing. Results. The results revealed that the mTBI group exhibited significantly decreased pressure pain thresholds of the head and decreased pain inhibition on the conditioned pain modulation test compared with the control group. Furthermore, correlational analysis showed that the measures of trigeminal sensitization and depression were significantly associated with headache pain intensity within the mTBI group. Conclusions. In conclusion, mTBI patients may be at risk for maladaptive changes to the functioning of endogenous pain modulatory systems following head injury that could increase risk for post-traumatic headaches.
Samuel Johnson’s Charity Sermon During War: St Paul’s Cathedral 2 May 1745
Authors: Weinbrot Howard D 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Samuel Johnson’s first ghost-written sermon was for Henry Hervey Aston at the annual Sons of the Clergy Festival on 2 May 1745. Hervey Aston was the fourth son of the Earl of Bristol, long knew Johnson, and entertained him in Lichfield and Johnson and Tetty in London. Hervey paid £12 interest on Johnson’s mother’s home in Lichfield and was, Johnson said, ‘a vicious man but very kind to me. If you call a dog Hervey, I shall love him’. He learned nothing at Christ Church, Oxford, during 18 raucous months, performed poorly as an army officer before selling his commission, and was ordained as a last hope in 1743 by the Bishop of Ely. Henry’s father the Earl of Bristol appointed him Rector of Shotley, in Suffolk, which he soon abandoned for London. Why was such a man asked to present an important sermon at England’s most impressive venue, before the Archbishop of Canterbury, eight other bishops, and many of the Great and the Good in order to raise funds for the widows and orphans of deceased Anglican clergy? This essay suggests reasons for that choice and how Johnson’s early practical sermon is part of his body of sermons. It also shows how Johnson establishes Hervey Aston’s credibility in the pulpit when he had no credibility in life, and how Johnson blends sublime theology with the quotidian. Along the way, he alludes to and politely censures the unpopular War of the Austrian Succession.
Over-activation of BMP signaling in neural crest cells precipitates heart outflow tract septation
Authors: Darrigrand Jean-François , Valente Mariana , Martinez Pauline , Comai Glenda , Petit Maxime , Nishinakamura Ryuichi , Osorio Daniel S. , Ribes Vanessa , Cadot Bruno 
Published: February 2019

SummaryEstablishment of separated pulmonary and systemic circulations in vertebrates relies on the key role of neural crest cells (NCC) for the septation of the embryonic cardiac outflow tract (OFT). Absence of NCCs induces OFT septation defects, analogous to a loss of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) activity, though it remains unclear how BMPs control cardiac NCC differentiation and behaviour. To address this question, we monitored cardiac NCC state upon gain in BMP signaling, caused by the deletion ofDullard, using 3D-imaging and single cell transcriptomics. Specific loss ofDullardin the NCC results in premature OFT septation, pulmonary artery obstruction and embryonic death. This is caused by uncontrolled NCC convergence towards the endocardium and asymmetrical myocardial differentiation, promoted by elevated levels of the guiding cueSema3cand decreased levels in mesenchymal trait markers. Furthermore, we unraveled the molecular basis of the zipper-like OFT septation where graded Sema3c expression follow a gradient of BMP activation in NCC along the OFT length.
Pool walking may temporarily improve renal function by suppressing renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in pregnant women
Authors: Yoshihara Tatsuya , Zaitsu Masayoshi , Kubota Shiro , Arima Hisatomi , Sasaguri Toshiyuki 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to examine the effect of pool walking on renal function in pregnant women.MethodsFifteen pregnant women (mean gestational age, 37.8 weeks) walked in a pool (depth 1.3 m) for 1 h. A few days later, they walked on a street for 1 h. Within each activity, the starting and ending levels of plasma renin activity (PRA) and serum aldosterone (SA) were compared using paired t-test. Total urine volume, creatinine clearance, and change in PRA levels between each activity were compared by t-test. Regression coefficients for total urine volume and creatinine clearance during pool walking were estimated by linear regression and additionally controlled for the change in PRA levels. Land walking served as the reference group.ResultsWithin each activity, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone levels were suppressed during pool walking: the mean starting and ending values of PRA and SA were 6.8 vs. 5.5 ng/mL/h (p=0.002) and 654 vs. 473 pg/mL (p=0.02), respectively. Compared to land walking, the decrease in PRA level was more evident in pool walking (−1.27 vs. 0.81 ng/mL/h, p=0.004), resulting in higher total urine volume and creatinine clearance in pool walking (both p<0.05). In regression analysis, after controlling for the change in PRA levels, the significantly elevated regression coefficients for total urine volume and creatinine clearance in pool walking were attenuated.ConclusionsPool walking may temporarily improve renal function in pregnant women, partly through the suppressed renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.Clinical Trial RegistrationURL: https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-bin/ctr/ctr_view_reg.cgi?recptno=R000010618Unique Identifier: UMIN000009051