bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A compact and facile microfluidic droplet creation device using a piezoelectric diaphragm micropump for droplet digital PCR platforms
Authors: Okura Naoaki , Nakashoji Yuta , Koshirogane Toshihiro , Kondo Masaki , Tanaka Yugo , Inoue Kohei , Hashimoto Masahiko 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe have exploited a compact and facile microfluidic droplet creation device consisting of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) microfluidic chip possessing T‐junction channel geometry, two inlet reservoirs, and one outlet reservoir, and a piezoelectric (PZT) diaphragm micropump with controller. Air was evacuated from the outlet reservoir using the PZT pump, reducing the pressure inside. The reduced pressure within the outlet reservoir pulled oil and aqueous solution preloaded in the inlet reservoirs into the microchannels, which then merged at the T‐junction, successfully forming water‐in‐oil emulsion droplets at a rate of ∼1000 per second with minimal sample loss. We confirmed that the onset of droplet formation occurred immediately after turning on the pump (<1 s). Over repeated runs, droplet formation was highly reproducible, with droplet size purity (polydispersity, <4%) comparable to that achieved using other microfluidic droplet preparation techniques. We also demonstrated single‐molecule PCR amplification in the created droplets, suggesting that the device could be used for effective droplet digital PCR platforms in most laboratories without requiring great expense, space, or time for acquiring technical skills.
Gravel‐bed river evolution in earthquake‐prone regions subject to cycled hydrographs and repeated sediment pulses
Authors: An Chenge , Cui Yantao , Fu Xudong , Parker Gary 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSediment often enters rivers in the form of sediment pulses associated with landslides and debris flows. This is particularly so in gravel‐bed rivers in earthquake‐prone mountain regions, such as Southwest China. Under such circumstances, sediment pulses can rapidly change river topography and leave the river in repeated states of gradual recovery. In this paper, we implement a one‐dimensional morphodynamic model of river response to pulsed sediment supply. The model is validated using data from flume experiments, so demonstrating that it can successfully reproduce the overall morphodynamics of experimental pulses. The model is then used to explore the evolution of a gravel‐bed river subject to cycled hydrographs and repeated sediment pulses. These pulses are fed into the channel in a fixed region centered at a point halfway down the calculational domain. The pulsed sediment supply is in addition to a constant sediment supply at the upstream end. Results indicate that the river can reach a mobile‐bed equilibrium in which two regions exist within which bed elevation and surface grain size distribution vary periodically in time. One of these is at the upstream end, where a periodic discharge hydrograph and constant sediment supply are imposed, and the other is in a region about halfway down the channel where periodic sediment pulses are introduced. Outside these two regions, bed elevation and surface grain size distribution reach a mobile‐bed equilibrium that is invariant in time. The zone of fluctuation‐free mobile‐bed equilibrium upstream of the pulse region is not affected by repeated sediment pulses under the scenarios tested, but downstream of the pulse region, the channel reaches different fluctuation‐free mobile‐bed equilibriums under different sediment pulse scenarios. The vertical bed structure predicted by the simulations indicates that the cyclic variation associated with the hydrograph and sediment pulses can affect the substrate stratigraphy to some depth. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving power for rare‐variant tests by integrating external controls
Authors: Lee Seunggeun , Kim Sehee , Fuchsberger Christian 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTDue to the drop in sequencing cost, the number of sequenced genomes is increasing rapidly. To improve power of rare‐variant tests, these sequenced samples could be used as external control samples in addition to control samples from the study itself. However, when using external controls, possible batch effects due to the use of different sequencing platforms or genotype calling pipelines can dramatically increase type I error rates. To address this, we propose novel summary statistics based single and gene‐ or region‐based rare‐variant tests that allow the integration of external controls while controlling for type I error. Our approach is based on the insight that batch effects on a given variant can be assessed by comparing odds ratio estimates using internal controls only vs. using combined control samples of internal and external controls. From simulation experiments and the analysis of data from age‐related macular degeneration and type 2 diabetes studies, we demonstrate that our method can substantially improve power while controlling for type I error rate.
Vascular risk factors in older patients with depression: outcome of electroconvulsive therapy versus medication
Authors: Spaans Harm‐Pieter , Kok Rob M. , Bouckaert Filip , Van Den Berg Julia F. , Tunney Orlaith C. , Sienaert Pascal , Verwijk Esmée , Kho King H. , Stek Max L. 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveResearch suggests that in depression, vascular burden predicts a lower efficacy for medication (MED) and a more favourable outcome for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Therefore, we investigated the influence of the following vascular risk factors (VRF): hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and cerebral vascular accident/transient ischemic attack, on remission from major depression after ECT versus MED.MethodsThe study sample consisted of 81 inpatients with a DSM‐IV unipolar major depression diagnosis (mean age 72.2 years, SD = 7.6, mean Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale score 32.9, SD = 6.2) participating in a randomized controlled trial comparing nortriptyline versus venlafaxine and 43 inpatients (mean age 73.7 years, SD = 7.5, mean Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale score 30.6, SD = 7.1) from an randomized controlled trial comparing brief pulse versus ultrabrief pulse ECT. The presence of VRF was established from the medical records. The remission rate of patients with VRF was compared with those of patients without VRF.ResultsThe remission rate was 58% (19/33) in the ECT group with ≥1 VRF and 32% (23/73) in the MED group with ≥1 VRF (χ2 = 6.456, p = 0.011). Comparing patients with no VRF versus ≥1 VRF, the remission rate decreased from 80 to 58% (χ2 = 1.652, p = 0.276) in ECT patients and from 38 to 32% (χ2 = 0.119, p = 0.707) in MED patients. Applying different cut‐offs for the number of VRFs yielded the same trends. Logistic regression revealed no interaction between VRF and treatment condition.ConclusionThe superior efficacy of ECT over pharmacotherapy in major depression in older age was independent of the presence of VRF. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mapping the order and pattern of brain structural MRI changes using change‐point analysis in premanifest Huntington's disease
Authors: Wu Dan , Faria Andreia V. , Younes Laurent , Mori Susumu , Brown Timothy , Johnson Hans , Paulsen Jane S. , Ross Christopher A. , Miller Michael I. ,   the PREDICT‐HD Investigators and Coordinators of the Huntington Study Group
Published: June 2017

AbstractHuntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that progressively affects motor, cognitive, and emotional functions. Structural MRI studies have demonstrated brain atrophy beginning many years prior to clinical onset (“premanifest” period), but the order and pattern of brain structural changes have not been fully characterized. In this study, we investigated brain regional volumes and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measurements in premanifest HD, and we aim to determine (1) the extent of MRI changes in a large number of structures across the brain by atlas‐based analysis, and (2) the initiation points of structural MRI changes in these brain regions. We adopted a novel multivariate linear regression model to detect the inflection points at which the MRI changes begin (namely, “change‐points”), with respect to the CAG‐age product (CAP, an indicator of extent of exposure to the effects of CAG repeat expansion). We used approximately 300 T1‐weighted and DTI data from premanifest HD and control subjects in the PREDICT‐HD study, with atlas‐based whole brain segmentation and change‐point analysis. The results indicated a distinct topology of structural MRI changes: the change‐points of the volumetric measurements suggested a central‐to‐peripheral pattern of atrophy from the striatum to the deep white matter; and the change points of DTI measurements indicated the earliest changes in mean diffusivity in the deep white matter and posterior white matter. While interpretation needs to be cautious given the cross‐sectional nature of the data, these findings suggest a spatial and temporal pattern of spread of structural changes within the HD brain.Hum Brain Mapp 38:5035–5050, 2017. ©2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using event related potentials to investigate visual aesthetic perception of product appearance
Authors: Ding Yi , Guo Fu , Hu Mingcai , Cao Yaqin 
Published: June 2017

AbstractVisual aesthetic directly affects the user's purchase decision and results from the user's analysis and judgment after perceiving product appearance. Therefore, understanding the neural mechanisms of visual experience is critical for product design. This study combined subjective evaluation with ERPs (event‐related potentials) to investigate the user's aesthetic experience as evoked by smartphones. A visual aesthetic scale was constructed, and the results from the questionnaire were used to verify the reliability of the aesthetic scale. Before the ERPs experiment was constructed, smartphones were divided into higher visual aesthetic and lower visual aesthetic based on subjective evaluation according to the aesthetic scale. An amended oddball paradigm was then used in the ERPs experiment. Landscapes were presented as rare targets, while smartphone pictures were presented as frequent nontarget stimuli. The ERPs were then averaged separately for each aesthetic type. Two negative components were recorded and compared with respect to two aesthetic types on the participants’ prefrontal, frontal, and central sites. The smartphone pictures with lower scores of visual aesthetic elicited larger amplitudes of N100/N200 than those with higher scores according to the within‐subjects, repeated‐measures analysis of variance. The exploring of neural responses correlated with visual aesthetic can provide an accurate method of measuring the user's perception and can help marketers know which product gives the user a higher visual aesthetic experience. The difference of ERPs may be taken as an evaluating indicator of product design.
1‐cyclohexyl‐x‐methoxybenzene derivatives, novel psychoactive substances seized on the internet market. Synthesis and in vivo pharmacological studies in mice
Authors: Fantinati Anna , Ossato Andrea , Bianco Sara , Canazza Isabella , De Giorgio Fabio , Trapella Claudio , Marti Matteo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIntroductionAmong novel psychoactive substances notified to EMCDDA and Europol were 1‐cyclohexyl‐x‐methoxybenzene stereoisomers (ortho, meta, and para). These substances share some structural characteristics with phencyclidine and tramadol. Nowadays, no information on the pharmacological and toxicological effects evoked by 1‐cyclohexyl‐x‐methoxybenzene are reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect evoked by each one stereoisomer on visual stimulation, body temperature, acute thermal pain, and motor activity in mice.MethodsMice were evaluated in behavioral tests carried out in a consecutive manner according to the following time scheme: observation of visual placing response, measures of core body temperature, determination of acute thermal pain, and stimulated motor activity.ResultsAll three stereoisomers dose‐dependent inhibit visual placing response (rank order: meta > ortho > para), induce hyperthermia at lower and hypothermia at higher doses (meta > ortho > para) and cause analgesia to thermal stimuli (para > meta = ortho), while they do not alter motor activity.ConclusionsFor the first time, this study demonstrates that systemic administration of 1‐cyclohexyl‐x‐methoxybenzene compounds markedly inhibit visual response, promote analgesia, and induce core temperature alterations in mice. This data, although obtained in animal model, suggest their possible hazard for human health (i.e., hyperthermia and sensorimotor alterations). In particular, these novel psychoactive substances may have a negative impact in many daily activities, greatly increasing the risk factors for workplace accidents and traffic injuries.
4,4′‐Dimethylaminorex (“4,4′‐DMAR”; “Serotoni”) misuse: A Web‐based study
Authors: Loi Barbara , Zloh Mire , De Luca Maria Antonietta , Pintori Nicholas , Corkery John , Schifano Fabrizio 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackground4,4′‐DMAR (4,4′‐dimethylaminorex; “Serotoni”) is a potent stimulant drug that has recently been associated with a number of fatalities in Europe. Over the last few years, online communities have emerged as important resources for disseminating levels of technical knowledge on novel psychoactive substances.ObjectiveAnalysing the information provided by the fora communities on 4,4′‐DMAR use, additionally critical reviewing the available evidence‐based literature on this topic.MethodsDifferent website drug fora were identified. A critical review of the existing evidence‐based literature was undertaken. Individuation and analysis of qualitative data from the identified website fora were performed.ResultsThe combined search results identified six website fora from which a range of qualitative data on recurring themes was collected. These themes included routes of administration and doses; desired effects; adverse effects; comparison with other drugs; association with other drugs; medications self‐administered to reverse 4,4′‐DMAR action; overall impression; and provision of harm‐reduction advice.ConclusionsAlthough being characterized by a number of methodological limitations, the social networks' Web monitoring approach (netnography) may be helpful to better understand some of the clinical and psychopharmacological issues pertaining to a range of novel psychoactive substances, including 4,4′‐DMAR, for which only extremely little, if any, scientific knowledge is available.
Intended and unintended use of cathinone mixtures
Authors: Guirguis Amira , Corkery John Martin , Stair Jacqueline Leslie , Kirton Stewart Brian , Zloh Mire , Schifano Fabrizio 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionCathinones are one of the most popular categories of new psychoactive substances (NPS) consumed. Cathinones have different pharmacological activities and receptor selectivity for monoamine transporters based on their chemical structures. They are incorporated into NPS mixtures and used with other NPS or ‘traditional’ drugs. Cathinone use represents significant health risks to individuals and is a public health burden.MethodsEvidence of poly‐NPS use with cathinones, seizure information, and literature analyses results on NPS mixtures was systematically gathered from online database sources, including Google Scholar, Scopus, Bluelight, and Drugs‐Forum.Results and discussionResults highlight the prevalence of NPS with low purity, incorporation of cathinones into NPS mixtures since 2008, and multiple members of the cathinone family being present in individual UK‐seized samples. Cathinones were identified as adulterants in NPS marketed as being pure NPS, drugs of abuse, branded products, herbal blends, and products labelled “not for human consumption.” Toxicity resulting from cathinone mixtures is unpredictable because key attributes remain largely unknown. Symptoms of intoxication include neuro‐psychological, psychiatric, and metabolic symptoms. Proposed treatment includes holistic approaches involving psychosocial, psychiatric and pharmacological interventions.ConclusionRaising awareness of NPS, education, and training of health care professionals are paramount in reducing harms related to cathinone use.
The use of supplements and performance and image enhancing drugs in fitness settings: A exploratory cross‐sectional investigation in the United Kingdom
Authors: Mooney Roisin , Simonato Pierluigi , Ruparelia Risha , Roman‐Urrestarazu Andres , Martinotti Giovanni , Corazza Ornella 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe strive for perfection is prevalent in the fitness industry. This study aimed to explore the use of products to enhance performance alongside exposure to exercise addiction, appearance anxiety and self‐esteem in fitness settings.MethodsAn online survey was prepared and piloted before wider dissemination in fitness clubs via snowballing and selected mailing lists. A list of commonly used products, including Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs) was provided. Exercise addiction (Exercise Addiction Inventory; EAI), anxiety levels (Appearance Anxiety Inventory; AAI) and their self‐esteem (Rosenberg's Self‐Esteem Scale; RSE) were also measured.Results377 questionnaires were completed. A significant number of participants declared the use products either to lose weight (16%) or to reach their fitness goals (41%). The Internet played a major role in both the supply of information and the provision of the enhancement products (33.7%) and side effects were reported (10.5%). Only a limited number of participants sought a medical opinion about taking products (5.1%). EAI scores were high (m=20.02 ± 4.1), AAI (m=15.98 ± 4.8) showed an intermediate level of anxiety, while self‐esteem was low (RSE m=12.59 ± 2.2).ConclusionThis pilot study identified the emergence of a new drug trend in fitness settings and showed a potential relationship to exercise addiction, anxiety disorders and low self‐esteem. The Internet played a crucial role in disseminating often untested products, including PIEDs without medical supervision and unwanted side‐effects were reported. More studies in the field are required in order to safeguard public health and inform policy making.
Patterns of use and toxicity of new para‐halogenated substituted cathinones: 4‐CMC (clephedrone), 4‐CEC (4‐chloroethcatinone) and 4‐BMC (brephedrone)
Authors: Grifell Marc , Ventura Mireia , Carbón Xoán , Quintana Pol , Galindo Liliana , Palma Álvaro , Fornis Ivan , Gil Cristina , Farre Magi , Torrens Marta 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveThis paper aims to present results of the analysis of clephedrone (4‐CMC), 4‐chloroethcathinone (4‐CEC), and brephedrone (4‐BMC) on recreational drug markets and a systematic review of all the available information concerning these substances.Material and methodsSamples collected by the drug checking service of the Spanish harm reduction NGO—Energy Control were analyzed and systematic research was conducted. Between June 2014 and October 2016, 1,471 samples with at least one NPS were analyzed, 397 of which contained cathinones.ResultsClephedrone was found in 29 samples, brephedrone in 8, and both were present in 2 samples. 4‐Chloroethcathinone was detected in 5 samples. Eleven out of the 47 purchased samples (23.4%) were tested to contain the substance the user expected. Samples received were mainly sold as 3‐MMC, MDMA, ketamine, and other cathinones. No literature on the effects or toxicity of these substances was found; the only information available was on internet fora. On many posts, users exhibit concerns about potential toxicity and side effects of using these substances.ConclusionSince the emergence of these substances could prove to be the next step to the cat‐and‐mouse game existing between drug producers and legislation, further clinical and epidemiological research should be carried out in order to build evidence to support policy for public health issues.
Assessing the effect of D59P mutation in the DE loop region in amyloid aggregation propensity of β2‐microglobulin: A molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Narang Simranjeet S. , Shuaib Suniba , Goyal Deepti , Goyal Bhupesh 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDialysis‐related amyloidosis (DRA) is a severe condition characterized by the accumulation of amyloidogenic β2‐microglobulin (β2m) protein around skeletal joints and bones. The recent studies highlighted a critical role of the DE loop region for β2m stability and amyloid aggregation propensity. Despite significant efforts, the molecular mechanism of enhanced aggregation due to D59P mutation in the DE loop region remain elusive. In the present study, explicit‐solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to examine the key changes in the structural and dynamic properties of wild type (wt) β2m upon D59P mutation. MD simulations reveal a decrease in the average number of hydrogen bonds in the loop regions on D59P mutation that enhances conformational flexibility, which lead to higher aggregation propensity of D59P as compare to wt β2m. The principal component analysis (PCA) highlight that D59P covers a larger region of phase space and display a higher trace value than wt β2m, which suggest an overall enhancement in the conformational flexibility. D59P display two minimum energy basins in the free energy landscape (FEL) that are associated with thermodynamically less stable conformational states as compare to single minimum energy basin in wt β2m. The present study provides theoretical insights into the molecular mechanism behind the higher aggregation propensity of D59P as compare to wt β2m.
Diet and cancer prevention: Dietary compounds, dietary MicroRNAs, and dietary exosomes
Authors: Banikazemi Zarrin , Haji Hemat Aghagolzadeh , Mohammadi Mohsen , Taheripak Gholamreza , Iranifar Elmira , Poursadeghiyan Mohsen , Moridikia Abdullah , Rashidi Bahman , Taghizadeh Mohsen , Mirzaei Hamed 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCancer is one of main health public problems worldwide. Several factors are involved in beginning and development of cancer. Genetic and internal/external environmental factors can be as important agents that effect on emerging and development of several cancers. Diet and nutrition may be as one of important factors in prevention or treatment of various cancers. A large number studies indicated that suitable dietary patterns may help to cancer prevention or could inhibit development of tumor in cancer patients. Moreover, a large numbers studies indicated that a variety of dietary compounds such as curcumin, green tea, folat, selenium, and soy isoflavones show a wide range anti‐cancer properties. It has been showed that these compounds via targeting a sequence of cellular and molecular pathways could be used as suitable options for cancer chemoprevention and cancer therapy. Recently, dietary microRNAs and exosomes have been emerged as attractive players in cancer prevention and cancer therapy. These molecules could change behavior of cancer cells via targeting various cellular and molecular pathways involved in cancer pathogenesis. Hence, the utilization of dietary compounds which are associated with powerful molecules such as microRNAs and exosomes and put them in dietary patterns could contribute to prevention or treatment of various cancers. Here, we summarized various studies that assessed effect of dietary patterns on cancer prevention shortly. Moreover, we highlighted the utilization of dietary compounds, dietary microRNAs, and dietary exosomes and their cellular and molecular pathways in cancer chemoprevention.