bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A modified whitening transform for the reduction of spatial data redundancy in multichannel neural recording implants
Authors: Yazdani Niloofar , Rashidi Amin , Sodagar Amir M. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThis paper proposes an approach for the reduction of redundant spatial information recorded by implantable high‐density neural recording microsystems. To realize the proposed approach, a modified whitening transform is introduced, which is efficient enough (in hardware implementation) to comply with the hardware design constraints associated with implantable microsystems. Based on the proposed approach, a 32‐channel processor is designed, prototyped, and tested for a library of both pre‐recorded and synthesized multichannel single‐unit neural signals. Designed in a 0.18‐μm standard CMOS technology, the processor occupies 0.3 mm2 of silicon area and consumes 238 μW @1.8 V/1.28 MHz.
Belief in conspiracy theories: Basic principles of an emerging research domain
Authors: van Prooijen Jan‐Willem , Douglas Karen M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn this introduction to the EJSP Special Issue on conspiracy theories as a social psychological phenomenon, we describe how this emerging research domain has developed over the past decade and distill four basic principles that characterize belief in conspiracy theories. Specifically, conspiracy theories are consequential as they have a real impact on people's health, relationships, and safety; they are universal in that belief in them is widespread across times, cultures, and social settings; they are emotional given that negative emotions and not rational deliberations cause conspiracy beliefs; and they are social as conspiracy beliefs are closely associated with psychological motivations underlying intergroup conflict. We then discuss future research and possible policy interventions in this growing area of enquiry.
Hippocampal ripples as a mode of communication with cortical and subcortical areas
Authors: Todorova Ralitsa , Zugaro Michaël 
Published: August 2018

AbstractHippocampal sharp wave‐ripple complexes are transient events of highly synchronous neuronal activity that typically occur during “offline” brain states. This endogenous surge of activity consists of behaviorally relevant spiking patterns, describing spatial trajectories. They have been shown to play a critical role in memory consolidation during sleep and in navigational planning during wakefulness. Beyond their local impact on the hippocampal formation, ripples also exert direct and indirect effects on target cortical and subcortical areas, which are thought to play a key role in information processing and semantic network reconfiguration. We review research into the function of hippocampal sharp waves‐ripples, with a special focus on information flow between the hippocampus and its cortical and subcortical targets. First, we briefly review seminal work establishing a causal role of ripple‐related activity in cognitive processes. We then review evidence for a functional interplay between hippocampal ripples and specific patterns of cortical and subcortical activity. Finally, we discuss the critical role of the functional coupling between ripples and other sleep rhythms, including the cortical slow oscillation and thalamocortical sleep spindles.
Changes in reference evapotranspiration over China during 1960–2012: Attributions and relationships with atmospheric circulation
Authors: Chai Rongfan , Sun Shanlei , Chen Haishan , Zhou Shujia 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study investigates reference evapotranspiration (ET0) trends in China from 1960 to 2012 based on the Penman–Monteith equation and gridded meteorological measurements. Under the combined impacts of factors influencing ET0 (i.e., net radiation [RN], mean temperature [TAVE], vapour pressure deficit [VPD], and wind speed [WND]), both seasonal and annual ET0 for the whole China and more than half of the grids decreased over the past 53 years. The attribution analyses suggest that for the whole China, the WND is responsible for annual and seasonal ET0 decreases (excluding summer, where RN is responsible). Across China, the annual cause of WND with the largest spatial extent (43.1% of grids) mainly derives from north of the Changjiang River Basin (CJRB), whereas VPD (RN) as a cause is dispersedly distributed (within and to the south of the CJRB). In summer, RN is dominant in more than half of the grids, but the dominance of VPD and WND accounts for approximately 90% of grids during the remaining seasons. Finally, the correlation coefficients between ET0 and the Atlantic Oscillation (AO), North AO, Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) indices with different lead times are calculated. For the whole China, annual and seasonal ET0 always significantly correlate with these indices (excluding the IOD) but with varied lead times. Additionally, near half of the grids show significant and maximum (i.e., the largest one between ET0 and a certain index with a lead time of 0–3 seasons) correlation coefficients of ET0 with PDO in spring and summer, ENSO in autumn, and AO in winter. This study is not only significant for understanding ET0 changes, but it also provides preliminary and fundamental reference information for ET0 prediction.
Identification of candidate aberrantly methylated and differentially expressed genes in thyroid cancer
Authors: Tu Yaqin , Fan Guorun , Xi Hongli , Zeng Tianshu , Sun Haiying , Cai Xiong , Kong Wen 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAberrant methylation of DNA sequences plays a criticle role in finding novel aberrantly methylated genes and pathways in thyroid cancer (THCA). This study aimed to integrate three cohorts profile datasets to find novel aberrantly methylated genes and pathways in THCA. Data of gene expression profiling microarrays (GSE33630 and GSE65144) and gene methylation profiling microarrays (GSE51090) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Aberrantly methylated and differentially expressed genes were sorted and pathways were analyzed. Functional and enrichment analyses of selected genes were performed using the String database. A protein‐protein interaction network was constructed using the Cytoscape software, and module analysis was performed using Molecular Complex detection. In total, we identified 12 hypomethylation/high‐expression genes and 30 hypermethylation/low‐expression genes at the screening step and, finally, found 6 mostly changed hub genes including PPARGC1A, CREBBP, EP300, CD44, SPP1, and MMP9. Pathway analysis showed that aberrantly methylated differentially expressed genes were mainly associated with the thyroid hormone signaling pathway, AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, and cell cycle process in THCA. After validation in the Cancer Genome Atlas database, the methylation and expression status of hub genes was significantly altered and the same with our results. Taken together, we identified novel aberrantly methylated genes and pathways in THCA, which could improve our understanding of the cause and underlying molecular events, and these candidate genes could serve as aberrant methylation‐based biomarkers for precise diagnosis and treatment of THCA.
EGT—A sensitive time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer for multielement isotope gas analysis
Authors: Riedo Andreas , Rout Surya , Wiesendanger Reto , Wurz Peter , Leya Ingo 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe principles of operation and figures of merit of a novel, compact (324 mm × Ø 114 mm; volume approximately 1000 cm3) reflectron‐type time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer designed for simultaneous multielement isotope gas analysis is presented. The system, which consists of a pulsed electron impact ion source, is designed either to directly analyse gas samples collected and stored in a compartment or samples extracted from solids using a CW laser system (fibre‐coupled diode laser, <75 W, λ = 808 ± 10 nm). In latter case, laser pulses are focussed onto the sample surface to spot sizes of approximately 400 μm in diameter that allows for direct ablation and vaporisation of solid sample material and releasing of trapped gases. A cleaning and trapping system that consists of various cold stages and getters is used before the gas enters the mass analyser. Measurements on various gases were conducted for performance evaluation, ranging from standard gases (Ar, Kr, and Xe) to trapped gases extracted from a sample of the Millbillillie meteorite. At optimised instrument settings, mass spectrometric measurements can be conducted with a mass resolution m/∆m of up to approximately 1200 (16O and CH4 can be resolved), with a dynamic range of approximately 6 orders of magnitude and a mass calibration accuracy of approximately 100 ppm. The high detection sensitivity of the system allows the detection of gas species at partial pressures down to the low 10−16 mbar level (corresponding to <10 particles/cm3 at standard temperature and pressure, including an ion transmission of approximately 80%). Measurements using standard gases demonstrated that the isotope ratios for a given element can be measured with an accuracy at the per mill level (relative to terrestrial values). Measurements of Ar extracted from the meteorite Millbillillie gave a 36Ar/38Ar ratio of approximately 1.6, which is in good agreement with literature values.
The perils of self‐brand connections: Consumer response to changes in brand meaning
Authors: Gaustad Tarje , Samuelsen Bendik M. , Warlop Luk , Fitzsimons Gavan J. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCompanies commit considerable resources to building brand associations that resonate with consumers’ identities and facilitate strong consumer–brand bonds. The current research investigates a potential disadvantage of this popular strategy. The results from three studies show that consumers with a high degree of self‐brand connection respond negatively to brand developments (e.g., brand acquisitions and repositioning) that change brand meaning. The authors show that this effect is due to a change in the identity signaled by the brand. The results contrast with existing research, which has consistently found that brand connections promote probrand behavior and serve as a buffer against negative brand information.
Imaging‐assisted time‐resolved dentine sampling to track weaning histories
Authors: Czermak Andrea , Schermelleh Lothar , Lee‐Thorp Julia 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTooth dentine serial sampling followed by isotope analyses allows detection of shifts in an individual's diet during the periods of tooth formation, providing information on breastfeeding, weaning, and childhood nutrition. Current sampling methods, however, do not fully capture the potential resolution of dentine increments because of the difficulties caused by the conical growth pattern, and changes in growth rate during tooth development resulting in uncertain timing. Here, we present an imaging‐assisted microsampling approach that takes the biological growth pattern of dentine into account in an effort to improve temporal resolution. We used high‐resolution light microscopy images of first molar longitudinal thin sections to generate an accurate optical reference of growth pattern and formulated a new scheme to assign collected microsamples to age. This allowed us to track dietary changes over more precisely confined and shorter time periods, providing greater detail and resolution for the breastfeeding and weaning process. We applied our method to track early life dietary history in four individuals from a small cemetery in Alsace, France, dated to the early 5th century AD (the Late Antique/Migration period). Even within this short timescale, 13C/12C and 15N/14N ratio sequences suggest variability in diets and weaning periods, and hint at early maternal mobility.
How Accurate are Recalls of Self‐Weighing Frequency? Data from a 24‐Month Randomized Trial
Authors: Crane Melissa M. , Gavin Kara , Wolfson Julian , Linde Jennifer A. 
Published: August 2018

IntroductionSelf‐weighing is an important component of self‐monitoring during weight loss. However, methods of measuring self‐weighing frequency need to be validated. This analysis compared self‐reported and objective weighing frequency.MethodsData came from a 24‐month randomized controlled trial. Participants received 12 months of a behavioral weight‐loss program and were randomly assigned to (1) daily self‐weighing, (2) weekly weighing, or (3) no weighing (excluded from analysis). Objective weighing frequency was measured by Wi‐Fi enabled scales, and self‐reported weighing frequency was assessed every 6 months by questionnaire. Objective weights were categorized to match the scale of the self‐report measure.ResultsAt 12 months, there was 80.8% agreement between self‐reported and objective weighing frequency (weighted kappa = 0.67; P < 0.001). At 24 months, agreement decreased to 48.5% (kappa = 0.27; P < 0.001). At both time points in which disagreements occurred, self‐reported frequencies were generally greater than objectively assessed weighing. Both self‐reported and objectively assessed weighing frequency was associated with weight loss at 12 and 24 months (P < 0.001).ConclusionsSelf‐reported weighing frequency is modestly correlated with objective weighing frequency; however, both are associated with weight change over time. Objective assessment of weighing frequency should be used to avoid overestimating actual frequency.
Successful hematopoietic cell transplantation in Fanconi anemia patients with renal impairment using ultra‐reduced doses of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine
Authors: Ayas Mohamad Fekredeen , Al‐Seraihi Amal , Al‐Agil Amal , Al‐Ahmari Ali , Ghemlas Ibrahim , Ayas Mouhab 
Published: August 2018

AbstractHematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) remains until now the only curative modality for hematological manifestations in patients with Fanconi anemia (FA). The doses of alkylating agents used in the conditioning of this patient population before HCT are usually significantly decreased due to the genomic instability of the FA cells. FA patients with renal impairment represent a dilemma because of the need to further modify the conditioning regimen according to the degree of renal impairment to avoid additional toxicity. At our institution, we successfully transplanted three FA patients using an ultra‐modified regimen.
Outpatient initiation of long‐term continuous positive airway pressure in children
Authors: Amaddeo Alessandro , Frapin Annick , Touil Samira , Khirani Sonia , Griffon Lucie , Fauroux Brigitte 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionCurrent guidelines recommend initiating continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in children during an overnight in‐hospital titration study. Due to a shortage of hospital beds and economic constraints, we started a program for outpatient initiation of CPAP in selected children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).MethodsObjective CPAP compliance and efficacy were evaluated in consecutive children enrolled in an outpatient CPAP program when they fulfilled the following criteria: persistent OSA, age >6 months, stable condition, family living in the Parisian area and agreeing with a regular follow‐up.ResultsThirty‐one children, median (range) age 8.9 years (0.8‐17.5), were included in the program. The most common diagnosis were Down syndrome (n = 7), achondroplasia (n = 3), and obesity (n = 3). Median baseline obstructive apnea‐hypopnea index (OAHI) was 12.5 events/h (5‐100). Median duration of follow‐up was 12.3 months (2.2‐25.2). Four subjects (three adolescents with Down syndrome) were not compliant at 2‐month follow‐up with a compliance <4 h/night. In the other 27 subjects, median compliance was 08:21 h:min/night (05:45‐12:20), with a median number of night use per month of 25 (18‐30). CPAP efficacy at the end of follow‐up was excellent in the compliant subjects with a median AHI of two events/h (0‐4) and normal gas exchange with CPAP therapy. Three subjects were successfully weaned from CPAP treatment during the study period.ConclusionInitiating CPAP in an outpatient setting in children is feasible and effective in selected subjects. A high rate of compliance can be achieved as well as a correction of OSA.
Nigella sativa extract is a potent therapeutic agent for renal inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction
Authors: Hosseinian Sara , Ebrahimzadeh Bideskan Alireza , Shafei Mohammad Naser , Sadeghnia Hamid Reza , Soukhtanloo Mohammad , Shahraki Samira , Samadi Noshahr Zahra , Khajavi Rad Abolfazl 
Published: August 2018

Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is a well‐established experimental model to evaluate renal interstitial fibrosis. Current study is aimed to investigate the effects of Nigella sativa (NS) extract and renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockade against kidney damage following UUO in rats. In this study, the rats received intraperitoneal injection of losartan (15 mg/kg), captopril (30 mg/kg), and two doses of NS extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) for 18 consecutive days. At the fourth day of the experiment, laparotomy was performed, and the left ureter was ligated. Sham‐operated animals received saline as vehicle, and laparotomy without ureteral ligation was done. UUO was associated with significant increase in the expression of renal angiotensin II and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, concentration of malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor‐α, and the number of apoptotic cells when compared with sham group. Renal total thiol content and the activity of antioxidant enzymes were significantly reduced as compared with the sham group. However, treatment of obstructed rats with losartan, captopril, and NS extract significantly improved these renal impairments when compared with UUO group. Thus, NS extract, a potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory herb, is a therapeutic agent to treat the UUO‐induced kidney damage comparable with the well‐known RAS inhibitors captopril and losartan.
Small‐ and large‐sized iron(II, III) oxide nanoparticles for surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of small biomolecules
Authors: Olaitan Abayomi D. , Ward Savanna , Barnes Lauren F. , Yount Joseph R. , Zanca Bryan A. , Schwieg Julia I. , McCoy Alyssa L. , Molek Karen S. 
Published: August 2018

RationaleCommon surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (SALDI) surfaces are functionalized to improve mass spectrometric detection. Such surfaces are selective to certain group(s) of compounds. The application of universal and sensitive SALDI surfaces with appropriate size/surface area is paramount. In this study, two different sizes/surface areas of Fe3O4 are compared as SALDI surfaces.MethodsFor accurate surface area comparisons, the physical properties of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles used as SALDI surfaces were determined using scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, and N2 Brunauer‐Emmet‐Teller adsorption techniques. SALDI mass spectrometry (MS) data were acquired using a time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass spectrometer operated in the linear mode and equipped with a 50‐Hz pulsed nitrogen laser (at 337 nm). Small biomolecules (adenosine, glucose, sucrose, tryptophan, and tripeptide) and a real sample (human serum) were analyzed.ResultsThe average sizes/specific surface areas of the SALDI surfaces of the small‐ and large‐sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles were ~21 nm/~82 m2/g and ~39 nm/~38 m2/g, respectively. An overall ~2.0‐fold enhancement in signal‐to‐noise ratios was observed for the ionic species of the analyzed biomolecules in SALDI‐MS using small‐sized Fe3O4 in comparison to large‐sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles. MS sensitivity from adenosine calibration curves (concentration between 0.05 and 10.0 mM) was ~2.0‐fold higher for small‐sized than large‐sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles as SALDI surfaces.ConclusionsWe have shown that transition‐metal oxides such as Fe3O4 nanoparticles are suitable and efficient surfaces for SALDI‐TOF‐MS analysis of small biomolecules. We observed improvement in signal‐to‐noise ratios and detection sensitivity for the analyzed samples from SALDI surfaces using small‐sized (possessing larger surface area) than large‐sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles.
Concise Review: Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Drug Delivery: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly, and the Promise
Authors: Krueger Timothy E. G. , Thorek Daniel L. J. , Denmeade Samuel R. , Isaacs John T. , Brennen W. Nathaniel 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
The development of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as cell-based drug delivery vectors for numerous clinical indications, including cancer, has significant promise. However, a considerable challenge for effective translation of these approaches is the limited tumor tropism and broad biodistribution observed using conventional MSCs, which raises concerns for toxicity to nontarget peripheral tissues (i.e., the bad). Consequently, there are a variety of synthetic engineering platforms in active development to improve tumor-selective targeting via increased homing efficiency and/or specificity of drug activation, some of which are already being evaluated clinically (i.e., the good). Unfortunately, the lack of robust quantification and widespread adoption of standardized methodologies with high sensitivity and resolution has made accurate comparisons across studies difficult, which has significantly impeded progress (i.e., the ugly). Herein, we provide a concise review of active and passive MSC homing mechanisms and biodistribution postinfusion; in addition to in vivo cell tracking methodologies and strategies to enhance tumor targeting with a focus on MSC-based drug delivery strategies for cancer therapy.
Engineering an optimal wind farm using surrogate models
Authors: Mahulja Stjepan , Larsen Gunner Chr. , Elham Ali 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA framework for optimal design of wind farm layouts using a surrogate‐based Dynamic Wake Meandering model is presented. The optimization platform is set‐up as a hybrid strategy combining genetic search with the gradient‐based algorithm. The design variables are the number of turbines in the layout and their relative position within the bounded area. The objective function is defined as the net present value of the wind farm's profit, thus including the relevant expenditures throughout the farm's lifespan. Results show that an optimal design is reached by maximizing investment and accepting a minor sacrifice of the wind farm performance.
The automation of next-to-leading order electroweak calculations
Authors: Frederix R. , Frixione S. , Hirschi V. , Pagani D. , Shao H.-S. , Zaro M. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
We present the key features relevant to the automated computation of all the leading- and next-to-leading order contributions to short-distance cross sections in a mixed-coupling expansion, with special emphasis on the first subleading NLO term in the QCD+EW scenario, commonly referred to as NLO EW corrections. We discuss, in particular, the FKS subtraction in the context of a mixed-coupling expansion; the extension of the FKS subtraction to processes that include final-state tagged particles, defined by means of fragmentation functions; and some properties of the complex mass scheme. We combine the present paper with the release of a new version of MadGraph5_aMC@NLO, capable of dealing with mixed-coupling expansions. We use the code to obtain illustrative inclusive and differential results for the 13-TeV LHC.