bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spousal recollections of early signs of primary progressive aphasia
Authors: Pozzebon Margaret , Douglas Jacinta , Ames David 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundAlthough primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is characterized by progressive loss of language and communication skills, knowledge about the earliest emerging signs announcing the onset of this condition is limited.AimsTo explore spousal recollections regarding the earliest signs of PPA and to compare the nature of the earliest perceived symptoms across the three PPA variants.Methods & ProceduresIn‐depth interviews focusing on the earliest signs of illness onset were conducted with 13 spouses whose partners were diagnosed with PPA. The earliest recollections and observations described by the spouses were analyzed and coded according to the DSM‐5 criteria for a mild neurocognitive disorder. These data were then compared across and within each of the three PPA variants.Outcomes & ResultsSpousal retrospective accounts indicated the three PPA variants (semantic, logopenic and non‐fluent) had a signature profile announcing illness onset. Changes in social cognition presented in all three variants of PPA, but at different points in the illness trajectory. In particular, the findings suggest the possibility that PPA initially presents as subtle changes in social cognition for semantic variant PPA (svPPA) and logopenic variant PPA (IvPPA) rather than overt language impairments as defined in the current diagnostic criteria.Conclusions & Implications: Understanding the nature of symptoms perceived in the earliest stages of PPA has potential to inform earlier and accurate diagnosis and interventions to assist those living with the illness.
Contactless Visualization of Latent Fingerprints on Nonporous Curved Surfaces of Circular Cross Section—A Statistical Evaluation on the Materials as Plane Mirror
Authors: Low Wei Zeng , Khoo Bee Ee , Abdullah Ahmad Fahmi Lim bin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA new contactless technique for latent fingerprint visualization on nonporous curved surfaces of circular cross section was introduced by Low et al. (1). The technique utilizes a plane mirror to convey the light rays toward the inspected surfaces for latent fingerprint visualization. This research activity came up as an extension of the previous study which utilized an aluminum plate as the plane mirror to illuminate the inspected surfaces. Dulling spray was used to increase the diffuse component of the reflective aluminum plate. However, the amount of dulling spray will affect the uniformity of the illumination on the inspected curved surfaces. In this study, a study on the new materials for the plane mirror was carried out. Coated aluminum, opal, and ground glass diffusers were selected as the new materials. The performance of the new materials was compared to the aluminum based on the quality of the captured images on various nonporous cylindrical surfaces. A statistical approach known as randomized complete block design was used to design the experiment. The quality of the captured images was obtained using Spectral Image Validation and Verification. Two‐way analysis of variance and Fisher's least significant difference test were used to analyze the quality of the images. From the results of the statistical analysis, coated aluminum has the best performance compared to aluminum, opal, and ground glass diffusers.
Insane Sex Offenders: Psychiatric and Legal Characteristics of Sexual Offenders Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
Authors: Holoyda Brian J. , McDermott Barbara E. , Newman William J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThere is little known about sexual offenders hospitalized under forensic commitment statutes such as not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI). We conducted a chart review to delineate the demographic, clinical, and legal characteristics of NGRI sexual offenders (n = 68) committed to the California Department of State Hospitals—Napa, including 41 found NGRI for a sexual offense and 27 found NGRI for a nonsexual offense. The two groups did not differ significantly in their demographics, psychiatric diagnoses, victim characteristics, or recidivism risk as measured by the Static‐99R. Those found NGRI for a sexual offense were older at the time of their first criminal and first violent offense, younger at the time of their committing offense, and had fewer prior total convictions and sexual offense convictions. These findings may indicate that sexual offenders found NGRI for a sexual offense are less antisocial than those found NGRI for a nonsexual offense.
Identification of a sugar gustatory receptor and its effect on fecundity of the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Chen Wei‐Wen , Kang Kui , Yang Pan , Zhang Wen‐Qing 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn insects, the gustatory system plays a crucial role in multiple physiological behaviors, including feeding, toxin avoidance, courtship, mating and oviposition. Gustatory stimuli from the environment are recognized by gustatory receptors. To date, little is known about the function of gustatory receptors in agricultural pest insects. In this study, we cloned a sugar gustatory receptor gene, NlGr11, from the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), a serious pest of rice in Asia; we then identified its ligands, namely, fructose, galactose and arabinose, by calcium imaging assay. After injection of NlGr11 double‐stranded RNA, we found that the number of eggs laid by BPH decreased. Moreover, we found that NlGr11 inhibited the phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and promoted the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT). These findings demonstrated that NlGr11 could accelerate the fecundity of BPH through AMPK‐ and AKT‐mediated signaling pathways. This is the first report to indicate that a gustatory receptor modulates the fecundity of insects and that the receptor could be a potential target for pest control.
Influence of Images on the Evaluation of Jams Using Conjoint Analysis Combined with Check‐All‐That‐Apply (CATA) Questions
Authors: Miraballes Marcelo , Gámbaro Adriana 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA study of the influence of the use of images in a conjoint analysis combined with check‐all‐that apply (CATA) questions on jams was carried out. The relative importance of flavor and the information presented in the label in the willingness to purchase and the perception of how healthy the product is has been evaluated. Sixty consumers evaluated the stimuli presented only in text format (session 1), and another group of 60 consumers did so by receiving the stimuli in text format along with an image of the product (session 2). In addition, for each stimulus, consumers answered a CATA question consisting of 20 terms related to their involvement with the product. The perception of healthy increased when the texts were accompanied with images and also increased when the text included information. Willingness to purchase was only influenced by the flavor of the jams. The presence of images did not influence the CATA question's choice of terms, which were influenced by the information presented in the text. The use of a check‐all‐that‐apply question in concepts provided an interesting possibility when they were combined with the results from the conjoint analysis, improving the comprehension of consumers’ perception. Using CATA questions as an alternative way of evaluating consumer involvement seems to be beneficial and should be evaluated much further.
Warm‐Up Effect in Panelist‐Articulated‐2‐Alternative Forced Choice Test
Authors: Bloom David J. , Baik Hwa‐Young , Lee Soo‐Yeun 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPanelist performance in discrimination tests has been shown to increase when warm‐up samples are provided prior to the actual test. Samples are used prior to the actual test for the attribute articulation process of a panelist‐articulated‐2‐alternative forced choice (PA‐2‐AFC) procedure; however, it is yet unknown if the pretest articulation phase adds to the power of this testing method as with the warm‐up. The goal of the study was to determine if a “warm‐up” effect was displayed in the PA‐2‐AFC test resulting in greater power compared to the researcher‐designated‐2‐AFC (RD‐2‐AFC) test. A RD‐2‐AFC test, with and without warm‐up samples, and a PA‐2‐AFC test were performed by 61 panelists. A reduced calorie, citrus‐flavored, and carbonated beverage was used in the tests. During RD‐2‐AFC testing, panelists were asked to identify which sample was more sour. For PA‐2‐AFC testing, panelists individually articulated the nature and direction of the difference between the 2 samples through a pretesting articulation procedure. The articulated difference was, then, used in standard 2‐AFC test procedure. A warm‐up effect was observed when comparing the standard RD‐2‐AFC with and without warm‐up samples. The addition of warm up samples significantly increased the power of the test, in addition, the PA‐2‐AFC method had lower power than the RD‐2‐AFC method. The increase in power with the addition of warm‐up samples for the RD‐2‐AFC procedure supports literature findings on the benefit of providing warm‐up samples. No warm‐up effect can be attributed to the PA‐2‐AFC method evidenced by the overall low power observed, which may be attributed to sample complexity.Practical ApplicationSelecting a specified discrimination testing method is advantageous and can reduce costs of sensory testing, but has been considered unpractical when samples may differ in unknown ways. This research explores the use of panelist derived terms to circumvent the need for researchers to identify these differences and compares the results to using research designated terms in discrimination testing. Results from this study can be utilized in creating ways to incorporate more powerful methods into sensory discrimination testing plans and provides researchers with a means for selecting terms for use in specified discrimination testing methods.
County‐Scale Rainwater Harvesting Feasibility in the United States: Climate, Collection Area, Density, and Reuse Considerations
Authors: Ennenbach Mounir William , Concha Larrauri Paulina , Lall Upmanu 
Published: November 2017

AbstractRoof rainwater harvesting (RWH) has the potential to augment water supplies for urban and suburban uses throughout the United States (U.S.). Studies of the performance of RWH at the building and city scales in the U.S. are available, but a countrywide overview of the potential performance of RWH at the county scale has not been done before. Three approaches were taken: (1) assess the viability of RWH in terms of the rainfall that could be captured in relation to the water demand in each county (excluding agriculture), (2) evaluate the performance of a “typical” domestic RWH system across all counties with metrics related to its ability to supply the potable and nonpotable demand, and (3) evaluate the effect of adding a 50% rainwater reuse component to the analysis. We find RWH could be a viable supplemental water source in the U.S., particularly in counties of the Pacific Northwest, Central, and Eastern regions (percent demand covered >50%). Low population density counties have the potential to meet their annual water needs with RWH, while high‐density counties could only source a small portion (~20%) of their annual demand with RWH. Typical RWH systems in counties in the Central and Eastern U.S. performed better than in Western counties. Adding a reuse component can be a key factor in making RWH attractive in many areas of the country. This work can inform future water infrastructure investment and planning in the U.S.
Assessing Spatial Scale Effects on Hydrometric Network Design Using Entropy and Multi‐objective Methods
Authors: Werstuck Connor , Coulibaly Paulin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn order to facilitate water resources decisions, it is important that accurate and informative hydrometric data are collected. Combining information theory with multi‐objective optimization has led to methods of optimizing the information content provided by hydrometric networks; however, there is no available study on the effects of spatial scale and data limitation on these methods. Herein, a dual entropy multi‐objective optimization (DEMO) and a transinformation (TI) analysis were done to recommend optimal locations for additional hydrometric stations in the Madawaska Watershed. This analysis was designed to be comparative to a similar study conducted on the Ottawa River Basin which encompasses the Madawaska Watershed to allow for an investigation of the spatial scale effects in this type of network design. This study concludes that TI analysis is not adversely affected by scaling; however, the DEMO analysis is sensitive to the placement of potential station locations and the size of the study area. This study also examines the benefit of including nearby stations when the area of interest does not have a sufficient number of existing hydrometric stations for analysis. It is shown that these stations can provide useful information because their inclusion in the analysis increased the average TI in the watershed. Recommendations were made as to the ideal locations of additional stations in the Madawaska Watershed hydrometric network.
Macrophages—common culprit in obesity and asthma
Authors: Sharma N. , Akkoyunlu M. , Rabin R. L. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMacrophages are essential innate immune cells that also regulate local metabolism. Endogenous or exogenous stimuli may polarize macrophages toward phenotypes that serve distinct innate immunological metabolic functions. IFN‐γ or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) polarizes macrophages toward the M1, or “classically activated” phenotype that participates in defense against intracellular pathogens. IL‐4, IL‐13, or chitin polarizes macrophages toward the M2, or “alternatively activated” phenotype, which defends against multicellular nematodes and fungi. As macrophages polarize in local environments, M1 and M2 macrophages may coexist in different organs and may differentially affect asthma and obesity, two comorbid diseases where polarized macrophages contribute to their pathogenesis. While M1 macrophages are considered beneficial in asthma and contribute to the pathology of obesity, M2 macrophages contribute to the pathology of asthma, but limit metabolic syndrome associated with obesity. Here, we discuss the roles for M1 and M2 macrophages in asthma and obesity, and propose a model by which M1‐mediated inflammation in adipose tissue enhances M2‐mediated inflammation in the asthmatic lung.
Risk of epilepsy in surgical patients undergoing general or neuraxial anaesthesia
Authors: Chang H. C. , Liao C. C. , Chang C. C. , Huang S. Y. , Yeh C. C. , Hu C. J. , Cherng Y. G. , Chen T. L. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryLimited information is available on the risks of epilepsy after surgery in patients receiving general or neuraxial anaesthesia. Using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 1,478,977 patients aged ≥ 20 years who underwent surgery (required general or neuraxial anaesthesia with hospitalisation for more than one day) between 2004 and 2011. We selected 235,066 patients with general anaesthesia and 235,066 patients with neuraxial anaesthesia using a frequency‐matching procedure for age and sex. We did not study those with co‐existing epilepsy‐related risk factors. The adjusted rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of newly diagnosed epilepsy 1 year after surgery associated with general anaesthesia were analysed in the multivariate Poisson regression model. The one‐year incidence of postoperative epilepsy for patients with general anaesthesia and neuraxial anaesthesia were 0.41 and 0.32 per 1000 persons, respectively, and the corresponding RR was 1.27 (95%CI 1.15–1.41). The association between general anaesthesia and postoperative epilepsy was significant in men (RR = 1.22; 95%CI 1.06–1.40), women (RR = 1.33; 95%CI 1.15–1.55) and 20–39‐year‐old patients. The risk of postoperative epilepsy increased in patients with general anaesthesia who had co‐existing medical conditions and postoperative complications.
Increased risk of autoimmune disorders in infertile men: analysis of US claims data
Authors: Brubaker W. D. , Li S. , Baker L. C. , Eisenberg M. L. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryAberrations in reproductive fitness may be a harbinger of medical diseases in men. Existing data suggest that female infertility is associated with autoimmune disorders; however, this has not been examined in men. As immune surveillance and hormonal factors can impact male fertility and autoimmunity, we sought to determine the association between male infertility and incident autoimmune disorders. We analyzed subjects from the Truven Health MarketScan claims database from 2001 to 2008. Infertile men were identified through diagnosis and treatment codes. We examined the most common immune disorders, which were identified by ICD9 diagnosis codes. Men diagnosed with an immune disorder at baseline or within 1 year of follow‐up were excluded. Infertile men were compared to vasectomized men (i.e., men who are likely fertile) and to age‐matched control (10 : 1) group using Cox regression analysis. A total of 33,077 infertile men (mean age of 33 years), 77,693 vasectomized men (mean age 35), and 330,770 age‐matched control men (mean age 33) were assembled with a total follow‐up of 1.49 M person‐years. Overall, immune disorders were rare in the group with the individual conditions occurring in <0.1% of men. However, infertile men displayed the highest risk of many conditions. Infertile men had a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to both vasectomized men (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.19–2.05) and age‐matched controls (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.02–1.62). Additionally, this higher risk was seen in general immune disorders (under which systemic lupus erythematosus is categorized) compared to vasectomized men (HR 3.11, 95% CI 2.00–4.86) and age‐matched men (HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.52–2.96). This same risk trend was seen in psoriasis, when compared to vasectomized men (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.09–1.50) and age‐matched controls (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04–1.37). A similar trend was seen in the analysis comparing infertile men and vasectomized men in developing multiple sclerosis (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.10–3.31) and Grave's disease (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.10–1.92), as well as the higher risk of infertile men compared to the age‐matched group at developing thyroiditis (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.02–2.52). The current analysis shows that infertile men have a higher risk of developing certain autoimmune disorders in the years following an infertility evaluation. Specifically, infertile men had higher rates of developing rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, thyroiditis, and Grave's disease. Given these findings, further research should focus on confirmation of these associations and elucidation of the pathways between fertility and immunity.
Naringenin attenuates highly active antiretroviral therapy‐induced spermDNAfragmentations and testicular toxicity in Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: Adana M. Y. , Akang E. N. , Peter A. I. , Jegede A. I. , Naidu E. C. S. , Tiloke C. , Chuturgoon A. A. , Azu O. O. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryHighly active antiretroviral therapy has evolved over the years, leading to a boost in the quality of life in people living withHIVandAIDS. However, growing evidence has shown that highly active antiretroviral therapy has deleterious effects on the testes and the overall reproductive capacity. Therefore, this study is to determine the adjuvant potential of Naringenin on highly active antiretroviral therapy‐induced perturbations in fertility of male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Thirty adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into six groups viz – Control; H: 30 mg/kg of highly active antiretroviral therapy (EFV, 600 mg +FTC, 200 mg +TDF, 300 mg); N40: Naringenin, 40 mg/kg; N80: Naringenin, 80 mg/kg;HN40: highly active antiretroviral therapy + Naringenin, 40 mg/kg;HN80: highly active antiretroviral therapy + Naringenin, 80 mg/kg. The rats were euthanized after 4 weeks. Results showed that there was a significant decrease in sperm count (p < 0.001), spermatozoa with normal morphology (p < 0.001) and progressive sperm motility (p < 0.05) of H compared to the control and theHNgroups. Likewise, fragmentations increased (p < 0.05) in tail lengths of spermDNAin H compared to control.HN40 andHN80 decreased tail lengths compared to H (p < 0.001). There was also a decrease in %tailDNAand tail moment inHN40 (p < 0.001) compared to H. Luteinizing hormone significantly increased (p < 0.05) inHN40,HN80, and N40 (p < 0.001) but decreased in H (p < 0.05) compared to control. The diameter of the seminiferous tubules also decreased (p < 0.05) in H compared to control, N80, andHN40. Likewise, the area of the seminiferous tubules in group H decreased (p < 0.05) compared to N80 andHN80. The seminiferous tubules epithelium increased (p < 0.05) in N40 andHN40 compared to H. This study establishes that highly active antiretroviral therapy has deleterious effects on the testicular microanatomy, sperm parameters, and spermDNAof Sprague‐Dawley rats, which may impair fertility but Naringenin is a potential complimentary adjuvant.
The guardian of the genome p53 regulates exercise‐induced mitochondrial plasticity beyond organelle biogenesis
Authors: Smiles W. J. , Camera D. M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe Guardian of the Genome p53 has been established as a potent tumour suppressor. However, culminating from seminal findings in rodents more than a decade ago, several studies have demonstrated that p53 is required to maintain basal mitochondrial function [ie, respiration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis]. Specifically, via its role(s) as a tumour suppressor, p53 intimately surveys cellular DNA damage, in particular mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), to ensure that the mitochondrial network is carefully monitored and cell viability is upheld, because aberrant mtDNA damage leads to apoptosis and widespread cellular perturbations. Indeed, data from rodents and humans have demonstrated that p53 forms an integral component of the exercise‐induced signal transduction network regulating skeletal muscle mitochondrial remodelling. In response to exercise‐induced disruptions to cellular homeostasis that have the potential to harm mtDNA (eg, contraction‐stimulated ROS emissions), appropriate p53‐regulated, mitochondrial turnover responses prevail to protect the genome and ultimately facilitate a shift from aerobic glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, adaptations critical for endurance‐based exercise that are commensurate with p53's role as a tumour suppressor. Despite these observations, several discrepancies exist between rodent and human studies pinpointing p53 subcellular trafficking from nuclear‐to‐mitochondrial compartments following acute exercise. Such interspecies differences in p53 activity and the plausible p53‐mediated adaptations to chronic exercise training will be discussed herein.