bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Landscape connectivity explains interaction network patterns at multiple scales
Authors: Santos Micaela , Cagnolo Luciano , Roslin Tomas , Marrero Hugo J. , Vázquez Diego P. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractUnder a metacommunity framework, the spatial configuration of habitat fragments could determine local community structure. Yet, quantifying fragment connectivity is challenging, as it depends on multiple variables at several geographical scales. We assessed the extent to which fragment connectivity and area explain patterns in interaction structure among four herbivore guilds and their host plants in a metacommunity. We propose an integrative connectivity metric including geographic distance, neighboring fragment area and similarity in resource composition as an extension of Hanski's classic metric. We then used nonlinear models to assess whether fragment connectivity and area predicted link richness and similarity in link composition. We found that link richness was always negatively related to connectivity but at different geographic scales depending on the herbivore guild. In contrast, while link composition was also related to connectivity, the direction and strength of this relationship varied among herbivore guilds and type of link composition (qualitative or quantitative). Furthermore, focal fragment area was not an important determinant of interaction diversity in local communities. Our findings emphasize resource similarity as a novel dimension of fragment connectivity relevant in explaining interaction diversity patterns in natural trophic networks.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a lupus patient: a case of hydroxychloroquine cardiotoxicity
Authors: Chang Amanda , Stolin Gabriel , Fan Judith , Larreta Boris R. , Fishbein Gregory A. , Wallace William Dean , Baas Arnold S. , Cruz Daniel , Wang Jessica 
Published: September 2019

AbstractHydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a well‐established and effective immunomodulatory therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases. While retinal toxicity is a well‐recognized complication, cardiotoxicity is lesser known. This case consists of a 63‐year‐old Filipina on chronic HCQ treatment that led to severe biventricular hypertrophy, increased filling pressure, systemic and pulmonary hypertension, and elevated brain natriuretic peptide. Genetic testing ruled out lysosomal storage disorders but revealed five rare variants of uncertain significance, including one that was temporarily re‐classified as likely pathogenic. Endomyocardial biopsy demonstrated myeloid bodies admixed with curvilinear bodies, most consistent with a diagnosis of HCQ toxicity. This case illustrates the importance of clinical integration of multiple causes of cardiomyopathy, recognition of HCQ cardiotoxicity, and increased uncertainty in genetic test findings among racial minorities.
The COX‐2 inhibitor etoricoxib reduces experimental osteoarthritis and nociception in rats: The roles of TGF‐β1 and NGF expressions in chondrocytes
Authors: Wen Zhi‐Hong , Lin Yen‐You , Chang Yi‐Chen , Tang Chi‐Chieh , Hsieh Shih‐Peng , Lee Hsin‐Pai , Sung Chun‐Sung , Chen Wu‐Fu , Lee Chian‐Her , Hsuan Jean Yen 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease, especially affecting the knee joint. Etoricoxib, a highly selective cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitor which can reduce postoperative pain after orthopaedic surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of oral etoricoxib on the development of OA and to examine concomitant changes in the nociceptive behaviour of rats.MethodOA was induced in wistar rats by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) of the right knee. The ACLT + etoricoxib groups received 6.7 or 33.3 mg/kg of oral etoricoxib three times a week for 12 consecutive weeks, starting at week 8 after ACLT. Nociceptive behaviours and changes in knee joint width during OA development were analyzed. Histopathological studies were then performed on the cartilage. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to examine the effect of etoricoxib on the expression of transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in articular cartilage chondrocytes.ResultsOA rats receiving etoricoxib showed a significantly lower degree of cartilage degeneration than the rats receiving placebo. Nociceptive behaviour studies showed significant improvement in the ACLT + etoricoxib groups compared to that in the ACLT group. Moreover, etoricoxib attenuated NGF expression, but increased TGF‐β expression, in OA‐affected cartilage.ConclusionsOral etoricoxib in a rat OA model (a) attenuates the development of OA, (b) concomitantly reduces nociception, and (c) modulates chondrocyte metabolism, possibly by inhibiting NGF expression and increasing TGF‐β expression.SignificanceOral administration of etoricoxib can attenuate the development of OA, with an associated attenuation of nociceptive behaviour in an experimental rat OA model. Moreover, etoricoxib attenuated NGF expression, but enhanced TGF‐β expression in OA‐affected chondrocytes. These findings may pave the way for further investigations of etoricoxib as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of the inflammatory component in OA.
An appraisal of methodology reporting in lifestyle interventions among people with psychosis: A systematic review
Authors: Mucheru Doreen , Hanlon Mary‐Claire , McEvoy Mark , MacDonald‐Wicks Lesley 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIssue addressedLifestyle interventions use nutrition and physical activity behaviour modification techniques to decrease obesity and cardio‐metabolic risk in people with psychosis. Evidence on the specific behaviour modification strategies applied to decrease obesity is weakened by inadequate methodology reporting of lifestyle interventions. A systematic review that we conducted earlier highlighted a possible deficiency in reporting; hence we aim to critically appraise lifestyle intervention studies that target weight outcomes for people with psychosis against the methods component of the CONSORT statement for randomised trials of nonpharmacologic treatments.Methods componentWe considered randomised controlled studies which delivered lifestyle interventions to community‐dwelling adults with psychotic disorders, and included those with the following outcomes of interest: weight, body mass index, waist circumference and waist‐to‐hip ratio. The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE/PREMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus and PsycINFO were searched for English publications between 1985 and 2018. Methodology and reporting of studies were evaluated using the CONSORT statement for randomised trials of nonpharmacologic treatments.ResultsThirty‐two studies met the inclusion criteria. Critical appraisals revealed that reporting of lifestyle intervention studies was generally incomplete. Fewer than 50% provided the recommended information on trial design, participant characteristics, detail of interventions, outcomes, sample size, randomisation, blinding and statistical methods.ConclusionsApplication of guidelines, like the CONSORT statement, in future publications of lifestyle interventions for people with psychosis will improve accuracy of reporting.So what?Enhanced reporting in lifestyle intervention studies for people with psychosis will promote guideline creation and translation of research, which is likely to positively impact physical health outcomes.
180° congenital penile torsion with distal hypospadias mistaken for an epispadias: Optimal outcome with tubularized incised plate urethroplasty and dartos flap rotation
Authors: Cassell Ayun , Jalloh Mohamed , Mbodji Mouhamadou M , Ndoye Medina , Labou Issa , Niang Lamine , Diallo Yoro , Diallo Abdourahmane , Gueye Serigne M 
Published: September 2019

IntroductionSevere penile torsion of 180° associated with hypospadias is a rare entity. Knowledge of penile anatomy and pathology are necessary as the diagnosis could be missed.Case presentationWe report a case of severe 180° penile torsion with distal hypospadias that was mistaken for an epispadias which was corrected with surgery.ConclusionTubularized incised plate urethroplasty and dartos flap rotation provided satisfactory result for this association.
Manufacture of organic transistors on large‐area flexible substrate using direct imaging exposure system by wet process suitable for roll‐to‐roll production
Authors: Koizumi Shohei , Hori Masakazu , Hayashida Yosuke , Naito Kazuo , Kawabata Seiji , Ishigaki Yudai , Kito Yoshiaki 
Published: September 2019

AbstractOrganic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs) can be fabricated via a wet process and have exceptionally high flexibility. Therefore, production using the roll‐to‐roll (RtoR) method is expected. We succeeded in developing a new OTFT wet fabrication process adaptable to the RtoR process. Utilizing the electroless plating method for wiring formation, all materials can be formed in a wet process and can be patterned using the photolithography process. In addition, we succeeded in fabricating OTFT on an A4‐type flexible substrate using RtoR direct imaging exposure system.
A comparison of IROC and ACDS on‐site audits of reference and non‐reference dosimetry
Authors: Lye Jessica , Kry Stephen , Shaw Maddison , Gibbons Francis , Keehan Stephanie , Lehmann Joerg , Kron Tomas , Followill David , Williams Ivan 
Published: September 2019

PurposeConsistency between different international quality assurance groups is important in the progress toward similar standards and expectations in radiotherapy dosimetry around the world, and in the context of consistent clinical trial data from international trial participants. This study compares the dosimetry audit methodology and results of two international quality assurance groups performing a side‐by‐side comparison at the same radiotherapy department, and interrogates the ability of the audits to detect deliberately introduced errors.MethodsA comparison of the core dosimetry components of reference and non‐reference audits was conducted by the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core (IROC, Houston, USA) and the Australian Clinical Dosimetry Service (ACDS, Melbourne, Australia). A set of measurements were conducted over 2 days at an Australian radiation therapy facility in Melbourne. Each group evaluated the reference dosimetry, output factors, small field output factors, percentage depth dose (PDD), wedge, and off‐axis factors according to their standard protocols. IROC additionally investigated the Electron PDD and the ACDS investigated the effect of heterogeneities. In order to evaluate and compare the performance of these audits under suboptimal conditions, artificial errors in percentage depth dose (PDD), EDW, and small field output factors were introduced into the 6 MV beam model to simulate potential commissioning/modeling errors and both audits were tested for their sensitivity in detecting these errors.ResultsWith the plans from the clinical beam model, almost all results were within tolerance and at an optimal pass level. Good consistency was found between the two audits as almost all findings were consistent between them. Only two results were different between the results of IROC and the ACDS. The measurements of reference FFF photons showed a discrepancy of 0.7% between ACDS and IROC due to the inclusion of a 0.5% nonuniformity correction by the ACDS. The second difference between IROC and the ACDS was seen with the lung phantom. The asymmetric field behind lung measured by the ACDS was slightly (0.3%) above the ACDS's pass (optimal) level of 3.3%. IROC did not detect this issue because their measurements were all assessed in a homogeneous phantom. When errors were deliberately introduced neither audit was sensitive enough to pick up a 2% change to the small field output factors. The introduced PDD change was flagged by both audits. Similarly, the introduced error of using 25° wedge instead of 30° wedge was detectible in both audits as out of tolerance.ConclusionsDespite different equipment, approach, and scope of measurements in on‐site audits, there were clear similarities between the results from the two groups. This finding is encouraging in the context of a global harmonized approach to radiotherapy quality assurance and dosimetry audit.
Effect of source blur on digital breast tomosynthesis reconstruction
Authors: Zheng Jiabei , Fessler Jeffrey A. , Chan Heang‐Ping 
Published: September 2019

PurposeMost digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) reconstruction methods neglect the blurring of the projection views caused by the finite size or motion of the x‐ray focal spot. This paper studies the effect of source blur on the spatial resolution of reconstructed DBT using analytical calculation and simulation, and compares the influence of source blur over a range of blurred source sizes.MethodsMathematically derived formulas describe the point spread function (PSF) of source blur on the detector plane as a function of the spatial locations of the finite‐sized source and the object. By using the available technical parameters of some clinical DBT systems, we estimated the effective source sizes over a range of exposure time and DBT scan geometries. We used the CatSim simulation tool (GE Global Research, NY) to generate digital phantoms containing line pairs and beads at different locations and imaged with sources of four different sizes covering the range of potential source blur. By analyzing the relative contrasts of the test objects in the reconstructed images, we studied the effect of the source blur on the spatial resolution of DBT. Furthermore, we simulated a detector that rotated in synchrony with the source about the rotation center and calculated the spatial distribution of the blurring distance in the imaged volume to estimate its influence on source blur.ResultsCalculations demonstrate that the PSF is highly shift‐variant, making it challenging to accurately implement during reconstruction. The results of the simulated phantoms demonstrated that a typical finite‐sized focal spot (~0.3 mm) will not affect the reconstructed image resolution if the x‐ray tube is stationary during data acquisition. If the x‐ray tube moves during exposure, the extra blur due to the source motion may degrade image resolution, depending on the effective size of the source along the direction of the motion. A detector that rotates in synchrony with the source does not reduce the influence of source blur substantially.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that the extra source blur due to the motion of the x‐ray tube during image acquisition substantially degrades the reconstructed image resolution. This effect cannot be alleviated by rotating the detector in synchrony with the source. The simulation results suggest that there are potential benefits of modeling the source blur in image reconstruction for DBT systems using continuous‐motion acquisition mode.
Image reconstruction for positron emission tomography based on patch‐based regularization and dictionary learning
Authors: Zhang Wanhong , Gao Juan , Yang Yongfeng , Liang Dong , Liu Xin , Zheng Hairong , Hu Zhanli 
Published: September 2019

PurposePositron emission tomography (PET) is an important tool for nuclear medical imaging. It has been widely used in clinical diagnosis, scientific research, and drug testing. PET is a kind of emission computed tomography. Its basic imaging principle is to use the positron annihilation radiation generated by radionuclide decay to generate gamma photon images. However, in practical applications, due to the low gamma photon counting rate, limited acquisition time, inconsistent detector characteristics, and electronic noise, measured PET projection data often contain considerable noise, which results in ill‐conditioned PET images. Therefore, determining how to obtain high‐quality reconstructed PET images suitable for clinical applications is a valuable research topic. In this context, this paper presents an image reconstruction algorithm based on patch‐based regularization and dictionary learning (DL) called the patch‐DL algorithm. Compared to other algorithms, the proposed algorithm can retain more image details while suppressing noise.MethodsExpectation‐maximization (EM)‐like image updating, image smoothing, pixel‐by‐pixel image fusion, and DL are the four steps of the proposed reconstruction algorithm. We used a two‐dimensional (2D) brain phantom to evaluate the proposed algorithm by simulating sinograms that contained random Poisson noise. We also quantitatively compared the patch‐DL algorithm with a pixel‐based algorithm, a patch‐based algorithm, and an adaptive dictionary learning (AD) algorithm.ResultsThrough computer simulations, we demonstrated the advantages of the patch‐DL method over the pixel‐, patch‐, and AD‐based methods in terms of the tradeoff between noise suppression and detail retention in reconstructed images. Quantitative analysis shows that the proposed method results in a better performance statistically [according to the mean absolute error (MAE), correlation coefficient (CORR), and root mean square error (RMSE)] in considered region of interests (ROI) with two simulated count levels. Additionally, to analyze whether the results among these methods have significant differences, we used one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to calculate the corresponding P values. The results show that most of the P < 0.01; some P> 0.01 < 0.05. Therefore, our method can achieve a better quantitative performance than those of traditional methods.ConclusionsThe results show that the proposed algorithm has the potential to improve the quality of PET image reconstruction. Since the proposed algorithm was validated only with simulated 2D data, it still needs to be further validated with real three‐dimensional data. In the future, we intend to explore GPU parallelization technology to further improve the computational efficiency and shorten the computation time.
Pelvic floor muscle displacement during jumps in continent and incontinent women: An exploratory study
Authors: Moser Helene , Leitner Monika , Eichelberger Patric , Kuhn Annette , Baeyens Jean‐Pierre , Radlinger Lorenz 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe prevalence of stress urinary incontinence during high‐impact activities is high. Enhanced comprehension of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) displacement and activity is clinically relevant for the development of specific approaches in rehabilitation.The aim of the study is to investigate and to compare PFM displacement between the continent and incontinent women during jumps.MethodsA cross‐sectional, exploratory design was applied to investigate PFM displacement during drop jumps (DJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ). PFM displacement was assessed in craniocaudal translation and forward‐backward rotation with an electromagnetic tracking system.ResultsTwenty‐eight continent and 22 incontinent women were included. During the first landing of DJ, a primary caudal, during the second landing of DJ/CMJ a primary cranial translation and during all jump a primary backward rotation was observed. No significant difference between the groups was found.DiscussionPFM displacement during running demonstrated caudal translation/forward rotation before and cranial translation/backward rotation after heel strike. During the second landing of DJ/CMJ a cranial translation/backward rotation and during the first landing of DJ a caudal translation/backward rotation has been observed after ground contact. This may be due to the longer lasting bodyweight force in the first landing of DJ. No eccentric‐concentric stretch‐shortening cycle could be seen.ConclusionThis study indicates that during jumps two opposite reactions of involuntary PFM displacement happen, but no stretch‐shortening cycle with an eccentric‐concentric contraction could be found. Jumping stimuli inducing involuntary PFM displacement should be used for future investigations to consider a beneficial effect concerning continence.
Synaptic vesicle fusion is modulated through feedback inhibition by dopamine auto‐receptors
Authors: Formisano Rosaria , Mersha Mahlet D. , Caplan Jeff , Singh Abhyudai , Rankin Catharine H. , Tavernarakis Nektarios , Dhillon Harbinder S. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMechanisms of synaptic vesicular fusion and neurotransmitter clearance are highly controlled processes whose finely‐tuned regulation is critical for neural function. This modulation has been suggested to involve pre‐synaptic auto‐receptors; however, their underlying mechanisms of action remain unclear. Previous studies with the well‐defined C. elegans nervous system have used functional imaging to implicate acid sensing ion channels (ASIC‐1) to describe synaptic vesicle fusion dynamics within its eight dopaminergic neurons. Implementing a similar imaging approach with a pH‐sensitive fluorescent reporter and fluorescence resonance after photobleaching (FRAP), we analyzed dynamic imaging data collected from individual synaptic termini in live animals. We present evidence that constitutive fusion of neurotransmitter vesicles on dopaminergic synaptic termini is modulated through DOP‐2 auto‐receptors via a negative feedback loop. Integrating our previous results showing the role of ASIC‐1 in a positive feedback loop, we also put forth an updated model for synaptic vesicle fusion in which, along with DAT‐1 and ASIC‐1, the dopamine auto‐receptor DOP‐2 lies at a modulatory hub at dopaminergic synapses. Our findings are of potential broader significance as similar mechanisms are likely to be used by auto‐receptors for other small molecule neurotransmitters across species.
Stress and cognitive biases in schizotypy: A two-site study of bias
against disconfirmatory evidence and jumping to conclusions
Authors: Le Thanh P. , Fedechko Taylor L. , Cohen Alex S. , Allred Samantha , Pham Carrie , Lewis Shôn , Barkus Emma 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The dysfunctional cognitive and reasoning biases which underpin
psychotic symptoms are likely to present prior to the onset of a diagnosable
disorder and should therefore be detectable along the psychosis continuum in
individuals with schizotypal traits. Two reasoning biases, Bias Against
Disconfirmatory Evidence (BADE) and Jumping to Conclusions (JTC), describe
how information is selected and weighed under conditions of uncertainty
during decision making. It is likely that states such as elevated stress
exacerbates JTC and BADE in individuals with high schizotypal traits
vulnerable to displaying these information gathering styles. Therefore, we
evaluated whether stress and schizotypy interacted to predict these
reasoning biases using separate samples from the US (JTC) and England
(BADE). Generally speaking, schizotypal traits and stress were not
independently associated with dysfunctional reasoning biases. However,
across both studies, the interaction between schizotypy traits and stress
significantly predicted reasoning biases such that increased stress was
associated with increased reasoning biases, but only for individuals low in
schizotypal traits. These patterns were observed for positive schizotypal
traits (in both samples), for negative traits (in the England sample only),
but not for disorganization traits. For both samples, our findings suggest
that the presence of states such as stress is associated with, though not
necessarily dysfunctional, reasoning biases in individuals with low
schizotypy. These reasoning biases seemed, in some ways, relatively
immutable to stress in individuals endorsing high levels of positive
schizotypal traits.