bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synchronous MRI of muscle motion induced by electrical stimulation
Authors: Deligianni Xeni , Pansini Michele , Garcia Meritxell , Hirschmann Anna , Schmidt‐Trucksäss Arno , Bieri Oliver , Santini Francesco 
Published: February 2016

PurposeAssessing the functionality of muscle fibers is essential to monitor both pathological and physiological processes. Here, we present a new method for accurate, quantitative measurement of muscle contraction with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using an electrical muscle stimulator (EMS), hence allowing the direct assessment of muscle kinematics.MethodsA commercially available EMS device was used to induce involuntary periodic muscle contraction of the vastus lateralis muscle (VL) synchronized with high‐temporal‐resolution cine phase contrast MRI acquisition at 3T. The proposed method was evaluated in ten male volunteers at varying levels of stimulation (10–18 mA) and maximum velocity, strain, and strain rate were calculated offline.ResultsArtifact‐free velocity, strain and strain rate maps were produced and were consistent across the volunteers. Quantitatively, all parameters varied significantly at different levels of stimulation, in an approximately power‐law dependence on the stimulation current. At 18 mA maximum contraction speeds at the beginning of the contraction were 4.28 ± 2.64 cm/s; principal strain was 0.30 ± 0.12; and positive in‐plane strain rate was 0.25 ± 0.14 s−1.ConclusionMRI of EMS‐controlled involuntary muscle contraction is feasible and allows offline calculation of velocity, strain and strain rate maps, which appear to depend significantly on the stimulation current used. Magn Reson Med 77:664–672, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
On‐resonance variable delay multipulse scheme for imaging of fast‐exchanging protons and semisolid macromolecules
Authors: Xu Jiadi , Chan Kannie W.Y. , Xu Xiang , Yadav Nirbhay , Liu Guanshu , van Zijl Peter C.M. 
Published: February 2016

PurposeTo develop an on‐resonance variable delay multipulse (VDMP) scheme to image magnetization transfer contrast (MTC) and the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) contrast of total fast‐exchanging protons (TFP) with exchange rate above approximately 1 kHz.MethodsA train of high power binomial pulses was applied at the water resonance. The interpulse delay, called mixing time, was varied to observe its effect on the water signal reduction, allowing separation and quantification of MTC and CEST contributions as a result of their different proton transfer rates. The fast‐exchanging protons in CEST and MTC are labeled together with the short T2 components in MTC and separated out using a variable mixing time.ResultsPhantom studies of selected metabolite solutions (glucose, glutamate, creatine, myo‐inositol), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and hair conditioner show the capability of on‐resonance VDMP to separate out exchangeable protons with exchange rates above 1 kHz. Quantitative MTC and TFP maps were acquired on healthy mouse brains using this method, showing strong gray/white matter contrast for the slowly transferring MTC protons, whereas the TFP map was more uniform across the brain but somewhat higher in gray matter.ConclusionsThe new method provides a simple way of imaging fast‐exchanging protons and MTC components with a slow transfer rate. Magn Reson Med 77:730–739, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Copper stress‐induced changes in leaf soluble proteome of Cu‐sensitive and tolerant Agrostis capillaris L. populations
Authors: Hego Elena , Vilain Sébastien , Barré Aurélien , Claverol Stéphane , Dupuy Jean‐William , Lalanne Céline , Bonneu Marc , Plomion Christophe , Mench Michel 
Published: February 2016

Changes in leaf soluble proteome were explored in 3‐month‐old plants of metallicolous (M) and nonmetallicolous (NM) Agrostis capillaris L. populations exposed to increasing Cu concentrations (1–50 μM) to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to Cu excess and tolerance of M plants. Plants were cultivated on perlite (CuSO4 spiked‐nutrient solution). Soluble proteins, extracted by the trichloroacetic acid/acetone procedure, were separated with 2‐DE (linear 4–7 pH gradient). Analysis of CCB‐stained gels (PDQuest) reproducibly detected 214 spots, and 64 proteins differentially expressed were identified using LC‐MS/MS. In both populations, Cu excess impacted both light‐dependent (OEE, cytochrome b6‐f complex, and chlorophyll a‐b binding protein), and ‐independent (RuBisCO) photosynthesis reactions, more intensively in NM leaves (ferredoxin‐NADP reductase and metalloprotease FTSH2). In both populations, upregulation of isocitrate dehydrogenase and cysteine/methionine synthases respectively suggested increased isocitrate oxidation and enhanced need for S‐containing amino‐acids, likely for chelation and detoxification. In NM leaves, an increasing need for energetic compounds was indicated by the stimulation of ATPases, glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, and Calvin cycle enzymes; impacts on protein metabolism and oxidative stress increase were respectively suggested by the rise of chaperones and redox enzymes. Overexpression of a HSP70 may be pivotal for M Cu tolerance by protecting protein metabolism. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with the dataset identifier PXD001930 (http//proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD001930).
Silicon thin film photodetectors for multi‐channel fluorescence detection in a microfluidic point‐of‐care testing device
Authors: Berner Marcel , Rothemund Ralph , Vollmer Sergej , Schubert Markus , Hilbig Urs , Gauglitz Günter 
Published: February 2016

Fluorescence spectroscopy is a highly sensitive detection method widely used in analytical chemistry, bioanalytics, and medicine. The here presented amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) based thin film photodetector arrays contribute to the miniaturization of this measurement method and thereby enable integration of a point‐of‐care testing (POCT) device. Revealed from photocurrent decay measurements, the limit of detection of the photodiodes with an active area A = 36.3 mm2 is in the 100 fA‐range. Dark current analysis at zero bias voltage yields a standard deviation σ = 4.4 fA for the thermally generated noise of the nip photodiodes. In the context of the desired application, a minimum detectable fluorescence radiation intensity Umin = 4.5 pW cm−2 with a dynamic range DNR = 78 dB is estimated. At the emission peak wavelength λem = 667 nm and with a bandwidth Δf = 0.25 Hz the photodiodes reach a noise equivalent power NEP = 54.6 fW Hz−1/2 and therewith a specific detectivity D* = 1.1 × 1013 Jones. Fluorescence measurements with the dye DY‐636 diluted in pure water with a molar concentration c = 1.31 μM demonstrate the suitability of the multi‐channel photodetectors for high‐sensitivity fluorescence spectroscopy.Low‐signal a‐Si:H photodetector multi‐channel chips in different geometrical layouts with an active area of up to 36.3 mm2 per diode.
Efficient paillier cryptoprocessor for privacy‐preserving data mining
Authors: San Ismail , At Nuray , Yakut Ibrahim , Polat Huseyin 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPaillier cryptosystem is extensively utilized as a homomorphic encryption scheme to ensure privacy requirements in many privacy‐preserving data mining schemes. However, overall performance of the applications employing Paillier cryptosystem intrinsically degrades because of modular multiplications and exponentiation operations performed by the cryptosystem. In this study, we investigate how to tackle with such performance degradation because of Paillier cryptosystem. We first exploit parallelism among the operations in the cryptosystem and interleaving among independent operations. Then, we develop hardware realization of our scheme using field‐programmable gate arrays. As a case study, we evaluate our cryptoprocessor for a well‐known privacy‐preserving set intersection protocol. We demonstrate how the proposed cryptoprocessor responds promising performance for hard real‐time privacy‐preserving data mining applications. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resistance to ethanol sensitization is associated with a loss of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus
Authors: Coune F. , Silvestre de Ferron B. , González‐Marín M.C. , Antol J. , Naassila M. , Pierrefiche O. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBehavioral sensitization to repeated ethanol (EtOH) exposure induces an increase in locomotor activity in mice. However, not all animals express such sensitization. Although the literature indicated that the hippocampus may play a role in EtOH sensitization, it is not known whether behavioral sensitization to EtOH is associated with preferential changes in bidirectional synaptic plasticity, i.e., LTP and LTD, two markers of learning capabilities that have also been shown to be involved in addictive behavior. In the present study, we examined whether the vulnerability to develop and express behavioral sensitization to EtOH is associated with altered bidirectional synaptic plasticity in the CA1 area of the dorsal hippocampus. For this purpose, we analyzed both LTP and LTD in resistant and sensitized mice during the expression phase, i.e., 7 days after 10 days of repeated EtOH i.p. administration. We found that resistant mice showed a lack of LTD without changes in LTP. The lack of LTD was associated with an increase in GluN2A protein level and was not due to an altered level of neuronal activity, since no difference was observed between the number of c‐FOS positive neurons in sensitized and resistant mice. Given that both types of synaptic plasticity signals may have distinct roles in specific learning and behaviors, our results suggest that resistant mice could exhibit different phenotypes in terms of learning/memory and addictive behaviors compared to sensitized ones. Synapse 71:e21899, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Systematic Review of Postgraduate Surgical Education in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Rickard Jennifer 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSurgical care is recognized as an important component of public health, however, many low‐ and middle‐ income countries (LMICs) are faced with a shortage of trained personnel. In response to this unmet need, many countries have developed local postgraduate training programs in surgery. This study aims to characterize general surgery postgraduate education in LMICs. PubMed, EMBASE, and Global Index Medicus databases were searched for articles related to postgraduate general surgery education in LMICs. Studies in other surgical specialties and those published prior to 1990 were excluded. Data were collected on the characteristics of postgraduate training programs. Sixty‐four articles discussed postgraduate surgical education in LMICs. Programs in 34 different countries and 6 different regions were represented. Nine countries were low‐income, 12 were low‐middle‐income, and 13 were upper‐middle‐income countries. Sixty‐four articles described aspects of the local postgraduate training program. Prior to postgraduate training, residents complete an undergraduate medical degree with 19 programs describing a pre‐training experience such as internship. Surgical curricula were broad‐based to prepare trainees to work in low‐resource settings. At the completion of postgraduate training, examination formats varied including oral, written, and clinical exams. Postgraduate general surgery programs ranged from 2.5 to 7 years. Postgraduate surgical education is one mechanism to increase surgical capacity in LMICs. Different strategies have been employed to improve surgical education in LMICs and learning from these programs can optimize surgical education across teaching sites.
Evaluating the Diagnostic Yield of Computed Tomography-Guided Aspirations in Suspected Post-operative Spine Infections
Authors: Jo Jonathan E. , Miller Andy O. , Cohn Matthew R. , Nemani Venu M. , Schneider Robert , Lebl Darren R. 
Published: February 2016

Background Early detection of surgical site infection (SSI) following spinal surgery would allow for prompt treatment and would improve overall outcome, yet early diagnosis is a challenge. Computed tomography (CT) guided aspiration of fluid collections may aid in diagnosis, as its diagnostic utility has previously been demonstrated in the setting of hip SSI, knee SSI, and spontaneous diskitis. There is no literature on its use in post-operative spinal SSIs. Questions/Purposes The current study aims to (1) determine the diagnostic value of CT-guided aspiration in evaluating suspected SSI; (2) identify the characteristics of the clinical presentation that are predictive of SSI; and (3) identify characteristics of the hematologic workup that are predictive of SSI. Methods Thirty patients who underwent CT-guided aspiration of paraspinal post-operative fluid collections and culture of aspirate fluid over the 6-year period from 2006 to 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Aspirate fluid culture results were compared to intraoperative cultures, which were used as the “gold standard” for diagnosing SSI. The diagnostic value was evaluated by determining the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of aspirate fluid cultures. Clinical presentation, patient demographics, comorbidities, and laboratory values were reviewed for association with infection risk. Results Eleven of thirty patients undergoing CT-guided aspiration were subsequently confirmed to have SSI through positive cultures. Wound drainage, wound erythema, elevated ESR, and cloudiness of aspirate fluid were associated with SSI. The sensitivity and specificity of aspirate cultures were 36.4 and 89.5%, respectively, and the respective positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 66.7 and 70.8%. Conclusions Cloudy aspirate fluid was highly suggestive of infection, while wound erythema, drainage, and elevated ESR were also suggestive of SSI. CT-guided aspirations are a useful adjunct tool in evaluating for SSI but further studies are necessary before it can be considered a stand-alone diagnostic procedure.
A Bipartite Network-Based Method for Prediction of Long Non-Coding RNA–Protein Interactions
Authors: Ge Mengqu , Li Ao , Wang Minghui 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
As one large class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) have gained considerable attention in recent years. Mutations and dysfunction of lncRNAs have been implicated in human disorders. Many lncRNAs exert their effects through interactions with the corresponding RNA-binding proteins. Several computational approaches have been developed, but only few are able to perform the prediction of these interactions from a network-based point of view. Here, we introduce a computational method named lncRNA–protein bipartite network inference (LPBNI). LPBNI aims to identify potential lncRNA–interacting proteins, by making full use of the known lncRNA–protein interactions. Leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV) test shows that LPBNI significantly outperforms other network-based methods, including random walk (RWR) and protein-based collaborative filtering (ProCF). Furthermore, a case study was performed to demonstrate the performance of LPBNI using real data in predicting potential lncRNA–interacting proteins.
Helping others or oneself: How direction of comparison affects prosocial behavior
Authors: Schlosser Ann E. , Levy Eric 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDespite the frequency with which individuals compare themselves to a benchmark, little research has examined the implications of such comparisons on willingness to help others. Such comparisons can vary in direction by suggesting that one is doing better than a benchmark (a downward comparison) or worse than a benchmark (an upward comparison). We argue and find that by being relatively better off, people making downward comparisons are more likely to view giving as a means of expressing altruistic values (e.g., to give back and be a better person) compared to those making upward comparisons. Consequently, when the context highlights the instrumentality of giving for more altruistic reasons (to benefit others), they are more willing to give than are those making upward comparisons. Furthermore, this difference is mitigated when the context highlights the instrumentality of giving to benefit the self, and is reversed when the instrumentality of giving for benefitting others is challenged. We obtain support for this account across four studies, through both moderation and mediation, and across both monetary and nonmonetary comparison domains.
Victim Participation in Japan: When Therapeutic Jurisprudence Meets Prosecutor Justice
Authors: HERBER Erik 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis article examines how a therapeutic perspective on victim participation has been conceptualized and implemented in criminal trials in Japan after procedural reforms in 2000 and 2008. Findings are discussed with reference to therapeutic jurisprudence studies on victim participation and relevant literature on Japanese criminal justice. Analysis of policy documents, survey data, interviews, and minutes of Ministry of Justice “expert meetings” reveals how the therapeutic needs of victims and the therapeutic effects of victim participation in court proceedings have been understood and conceptualized based on generalized common-sense assumptions of legal practitioners. In court, participants’ reference to victims’ wellbeing and recovery puts pressure on judges to impose harsher punishment than usual, while reinforcing the position of prosecutors. The adopted therapeutic perspective, combined with traditionally expected displays of remorse, furthermore has the effect of limiting the defence’s ability to argue facts and circumstances favourable to the defendant.
Offering support to the general public by building CBT-based life skills: lessons learnt from an initial evaluation
Authors: Lyons D. , Collins K. , Hayes C. 
Published: February 2016

AimsCognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective for symptoms of mild to moderate depression yet access to such therapy is frequently limited. An alternative to traditional ways of delivering CBT is lower intensity methods based on self-help principles, using written CBT resources, in a group or class setting. Aware, the Irish National charity providing support to people experiencing depression, has implemented a 6-week CBT-based group programme which has been independently evaluated to demonstrate its effectiveness using quantitative and qualitative measures.MethodTwo outcome measures (the Patient Health Questionnaire – PHQ-9, and Generalised Anxiety Disorder – GAD-7) were completed and analysed using a matched pairst-test in respect of all participants at three intervals across the programme. Qualitative feedback was also sought upon completion of the course and offered insight into significant change and individual impact of the programme.ResultsA total of 2289 individuals nationwide registered for the programme through the Aware website with 1885 completing the 6 weeks. There was an average attendance of 67% for the 6-week programme. Statistically significant reductions in terms of scores of depression and anxiety were seen upon completion but earlier trends towards improvement were noted.ConclusionCompletion of a 6-week Life Skills Programme has been associated with a reduction from moderately severe to mild scores in relation to both depressive and anxiety symptoms. Longitudinal follow-up will be required to determine if the effectiveness of the intervention is maintained but CBT-based group programmes may represent a useful alternative to traditional services to treat clinically significant depression.
Differences in prescribing psychotropic drugs for elderly with depression
Authors: Huang Yu-Chi , Wang Liang-Jen , Chong Mian-Yoon 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveThe escalating tendency of elderly population aged 65 and over, which grown up to 9% since 2001 in Taiwan, remarks the important issue of mental health among ageing population. Depression in the elderly is frequently undetected or inadequately treated. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacotherapy of elderly patients with depression by comparing the patterns of prescribing psychotropic drugs (psychotropics) of psychiatrists and non-psychiatrists.MethodsA random sampling of 5% of inpatients from the National Health Insurance (NHI) database in Taiwan from 2001 to 2003 was selected. In all, 1058 (0.9%) inpatients aged 65 and older with a diagnosis of any depressive disorder were included. The psychotropic prescribing pattern and the dosages used were analysed and compared. Physician specialties were based on the record of NHI database. Non-psychiatrists were defined by physicians other than psychiatry.ResultsA total of 88% of elderly depressed inpatients had two or more comorbid physical illnesses. The most commonly prescribed psychotropics were: antidepressants (71.4%), anxiolytics (62.6%) and hypnotics (51.4%). Psychiatrists had a higher rate of prescribing psychotropics, except anxiolytics, than non-psychiatrists. Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were commonly prescribed, non-psychiatrists preferred the use of tricyclic antidepressants and moclobemide. Trazodone was the most preferred antidepressant, but was generally used in low dosages.ConclusionPsychiatrists generally utilised higher dosages of newer antidepressants than non-psychiatrists. Differences in the prescribing pattern of psychotropics existed between physician specialties. Further investigations are warranted to determine how the selection and dosing of drugs influence the outcome of depression on the elderly.
Dictyophara europaea(Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Dictyopharidae): description of immatures, biology and host plant associations
Authors: Krstić O. , Cvrković T. , Mitrović M. , Toševski I. , Jović J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe European lantern flyDictyophara europaea(Linnaeus, 1767), is a polyphagous dictyopharid planthopper of Auchenorrhyncha commonly found throughout the Palaearctic. Despite abundant data on its distribution range and reports on its role in the epidemiology of plant-pathogenic phytoplasmas (Flavescence dorée, FD-C), literature regarding the biology and host plants of this species is scarce. Therefore, the aims of our study were to investigate the seasonal occurrence, host plant associations, oviposition behaviour and immature stages of this widespread planthopper of economic importance. We performed a 3-year field study to observe the spatio-temporal distribution and feeding sources ofD. europaea. The insects's reproductive strategy, nymphal molting and behaviour were observed under semi-field cage conditions. Measurement of the nymphal vertex length was used to determine the number of instars, and the combination of these data with body length, number of pronotal rows of sensory pits and body colour pattern enabled the discrimination of each instar. We provide data showing thatD. europaeahas five instars with one generation per year and that it overwinters in the egg stage. Furthermore, our study confirmed highly polyphagous feeding nature ofD. europaea, for all instars and adults, as well as adult horizontal movement during the vegetation growing season to the temporarily preferred feeding plants where they aggregate during dry season. We foundD. europaeaadult aggregation in late summer onClematis vitalbaL. (Ranunculaceae), a reservoir plant of FD-C phytoplasma strain; however, this appears to be a consequence of forced migration due to drying of herbaceous vegetation rather than to a high preference ofC. vitalbaas a feeding plant. Detailed oviposition behaviour and a summary of the key discriminatory characteristics of the five instars are provided. Emphasis is placed on the economic importance ofD. europaeabecause of its involvement in epidemiological cycles of phytoplasma-induced plant diseases.