bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNAs are potential objective and early biomarkers for acute rejection of transplanted limbs in a rat model
Authors: Oda Hiroki , Ikeguchi Ryosuke , Aoyama Tomoki , Ohta Souichi , Noguchi Takashi , Kaizawa Yukitoshi , Yurie Hirofumi , Takeuchi Hisataka , Yamamoto Koji , Matsuda Shuichi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundLimb transplantation is considered to be a treatment option for amputees. Visual skin inspection and histological assessment are used to assess rejection, but these techniques are largely subjective. Using a rat model, we examined the potential of several microRNAs (miRNAs) to be used as objective and minimally invasive biomarkers of acute rejection of transplanted limbs.MethodsThree Brown Norway rats and 15 Lewis rats were assigned to 2 groups. In the allograft group, 3 Brown Norway rats were used as the donors and 6 Lewis rats as the recipients. In the syngeneic (control) group, 9 Lewis rats were used as the donors and recipients. The hind limbs of the donors were orthotopically transplanted to the recipients. Plasma samples were obtained from all recipients before surgery and on posttransplantation days 3, 7, 10, and 14. All recipients were euthanized on day 14, and skin tissues were harvested for histological assessment.ResultsOn posttransplantation days 10 and 14, the plasma expression of miRNA‐146a, miRNA‐155, and miRNA‐182 was significantly upregulated in the allograft group compared with the syngeneic control group. Of these 3 miRNAs, miRNA‐182 had the highest sensitivity and specificity; however the cutoff point for miRNA‐182 was close to the baseline and miRNA‐155 was considered to be most suitable for identifying rejection. Most skin samples in the allograft group were classified as exhibiting grade III rejection on day 14.ConclusionsSome miRNAs are upregulated during acute rejection of transplanted limbs. These miRNAs are potential biomarkers for the objective, early, minimally invasive diagnosis of rejection.
Non‐invasive electromyographic estimation of motor unit number in the external anal sphincter of the rat
Authors: Zhang Chuan , Munoz Alvaro , Lai H. Henry , Boone Timothy , Zhang Yingchun 
Published: September 2017

AimsThe external anal sphincter (EAS) is essential for maintaining fecal continence. Neurological disorders or traumatic injuries to muscle and nervous systems could lead to EAS denervation. Currently, there are no techniques available to document global innervation changes in the EAS in vivo. The aim of this study was to develop a novel approach to non‐invasively estimate the number of functioning motor units (MUs) in the EAS and validate with immunofluorescent techniques in rats.MethodsIntra‐rectal surface electromyography (EMG) signals of the EAS, induced by a series of intra‐vaginally delivered pudendal nerve stimulations with different intensities, were recorded. Variation in EMG responses at different intensities was used to estimate the value of a single motor unit potential (SMUP) in order to perform the proposed EAS motor unit number estimation (MUNE) approach. The EAS MUNE was tested in 12 female Sprague‐Dawley rats, and validated by comparing against the EAS myofiber counting results achieved by performing immunostaining of acetylcholine receptors in 7 of the 12 rats.ResultsThe mean MU number was 35 ± 9, with an averaged SMUP size of 52.49 ± 20.39 μV. The mean number of successfully identified myofibers was 652.7 ± 130.6 myofiber/EAS. Significance of linear regression between the immunofluorescent results and the MUNE was confirmed (P < 0.01).ConclusionsOur study represents the first effort to non‐invasively assess the innervation of the EAS in vivo using the rat as a pre‐clinical model. This approach can potentially enable future clinical applications for advanced diagnosis and treatment of neurogenic EAS disorders.
Pseudo‐extravasation rate constant of dynamic susceptibility contrast‐MRI determined from pharmacokinetic first principles
Authors: Li Xin , Varallyay Csanad G. , Gahramanov Seymur , Fu Rongwei , Rooney William D. , Neuwelt Edward A. 
Published: September 2017

Dynamic susceptibility contrast‐magnetic resonance imaging (DSC‐MRI) is widely used to obtain informative perfusion imaging biomarkers, such as the relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV). The related post‐processing software packages for DSC‐MRI are available from major MRI instrument manufacturers and third‐party vendors. One unique aspect of DSC‐MRI with low‐molecular‐weight gadolinium (Gd)‐based contrast reagent (CR) is that CR molecules leak into the interstitium space and therefore confound the DSC signal detected. Several approaches to correct this leakage effect have been proposed throughout the years. Amongst the most popular is the Boxerman–Schmainda–Weisskoff (BSW) K2 leakage correction approach, in which the K2 pseudo‐first‐order rate constant quantifies the leakage. In this work, we propose a new method for the BSW leakage correction approach. Based on the pharmacokinetic interpretation of the data, the commonly adopted R2* expression accounting for contributions from both intravascular and extravasating CR components is transformed using a method mathematically similar to Gjedde–Patlak linearization. Then, the leakage rate constant (KL) can be determined as the slope of the linear portion of a plot of the transformed data. Using the DSC data of high‐molecular‐weight (~750 kDa), iron‐based, intravascular Ferumoxytol (FeO), the pharmacokinetic interpretation of the new paradigm is empirically validated. The primary objective of this work is to empirically demonstrate that a linear portion often exists in the graph of the transformed data. This linear portion provides a clear definition of the Gd CR pseudo‐leakage rate constant, which equals the slope derived from the linear segment. A secondary objective is to demonstrate that transformed points from the initial transient period during the CR wash‐in often deviate from the linear trend of the linearized graph. The inclusion of these points will have a negative impact on the accuracy of the leakage rate constant, and even make it time dependent.
Towards simplified and optimized a posteriori error estimation using PGD reduced models
Authors: Allier Pierre‐Eric , Chamoin Ludovic , Ladevèze Pierre 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe paper deals with the use of model order reduction within a posteriori error estimation procedures in the context of the finite element method. More specifically, it focuses on the constitutive relation error concept, which has been widely used over the last 40 years for FEM verification of computational mechanics models. A technical key‐point when using constitutive relation error is the construction of admissible fields, and we propose here to use the proper generalized decomposition to facilitate this task. In addition to making the implementation into commercial FE software easier, it is shown that the use of proper generalized decomposition enables to optimize the verification procedure and to get both accurate and reasonably expensive upper bounds on the discretization error. Numerical illustrations are presented to assess the performance of the proposed approach.
The Spatial Distribution of Alkaloids in Psychotria prunifolia (Kunth) Steyerm and Palicourea coriacea (Cham.) K. Schum Leaves Analysed by Desorption Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Authors: Kato Lucilia , Moraes Aline Pereira , de Oliveira Cecília Maria Alves , Vaz Boniek Gontijo , de Almeida Gonçalves Letícia , e Silva Elienai Cândida , Janfelt Christian 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionSpecies of the genera Psychotria and Palicourea are sources of indole alkaloids, however, the distribution of alkaloids within the plants is not known. Analysing the spatial distribution using desorption electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry imaging (DESI‐MSI) has become attractive due to its simplicity and high selectivity compared to traditional histochemical techniques.ObjectivesTo apply DESI‐MSI to visualise the alkaloid distribution on the leaf surface of Psychotria prunifolia and Palicourea coriacea and to compare the distributions with HPLC–MS and histochemical analyses.MethodologyBased upon previous structure elucidation studies, four alkaloids targeted in this study were identified using high resolution mass spectrometry by direct infusion of plant extracts, and their distributions were imaged by DESI‐MSI via tissue imprints on a porous Teflon surface. Relative quantitation of the four alkaloids was obtained by HPLC–MS/MS analysis performed using multiple‐reaction monitoring (MRM) mode on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer.ResultsAlkaloids showed distinct distributions on the leaf surfaces. Prunifoleine was mainly present in the midrib, while 10‐hydroxyisodeppeaninol was concentrated close to the petiole; a uniform distribution of 10‐hydroxyantirhine was observed in the whole leaf of Psychotria prunifolia. The imprinted image from the Palicourea coriacea leaf also showed a homogeneous distribution of calycanthine throughout the leaf surface.ConclusionDifferent distributions were found for three alkaloids in Psychotria prunifolia, and the distributions found by MSI were in complete accordance with HPLC–MS analysis and histochemical results. The DESI‐MSI technique was therefore demonstrated to provide reliable information about the spatial distribution of metabolites in plants. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An investigation of the beam damage effect on in situ liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Yu Xiaofei , Yu Jiachao , Zhou Yufan , Zhang Yanyan , Wang Jungang , Evans James E. , Yu Xiao‐Ying , Wang Xue‐Lin , Zhu Zihua 
Published: September 2017

RationaleDuring in situ liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analysis, the primary ion beam is normally scanned on a very small area to collect signals with high ion doses (1014 to 1016 ions/cm2). As a result, beam damage may become a concern when compared with the static limit of SIMS analysis, in which the dose is normally less than 1012 ions/cm2. Therefore, a comparison of ion yields in in situ liquid SIMS analysis versus traditional static SIMS analysis of corresponding dry samples is of great interest.MethodsIn this study, a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposome solution was used as a model system. Both liquid sample and dry sample were examined. Secondary ion yields using three primary ion species (Bi+, Bi3+ and Bi3++) with various beam currents were investigated.ResultsUsable ion yields for both positive and negative characteristic signals (including molecular ions and characteristic fragment ions) were achievable based on optimized experimental conditions for in situ liquid SIMS analysis. The ion yield of the key DPPC molecular ion was comparable to that of traditional static SIMS, and unexpected low fragmentation was observed. The flexible structure of the liquid plays an important role for these observations.ConclusionsTherefore, beam damage may not be a concern in in situ liquid SIMS analysis if proper experimental conditions are used.
Swimming behaviour and ascent paths of brook trout in a corrugated culvert
Authors: Goerig E. , Bergeron N. E. , Castro‐Santos T. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractCulverts may restrict fish movements under some hydraulic conditions such as shallow flow depths or high velocities. Although swimming capacity imposes limits to passage performance, behaviour also plays an important role in the ability of fish to overcome velocity barriers. Corrugated metal culverts are characterized by unsteady flow and existence of low‐velocity zones, which can improve passage success. Here, we describe swimming behaviour and ascent paths of 148 wild brook trout in a 1.5‐m section of a corrugated metal culvert located in Raquette Stream, Québec, Canada. Five passage trials were conducted in mid‐August, corresponding to specific mean cross‐sectional flow velocities ranging from 0.30 to 0.63 m/s. Fish were individually introduced to the culvert and their movements recorded with a camera located above the water. Lateral and longitudinal positions were recorded at a rate of 3 Hz in order to identify ascent paths. These positions were related to the distribution of flow depths and velocities in the culvert. Brook trout selected flow velocities from 0.2 to 0.5 m/s during their ascents, which corresponded to the available flow velocities in the culvert at the low‐flow conditions. This however resulted in the use of low‐velocity zones at higher flows, mainly located along the walls of the culvert. Some fish also used the corrugations for sheltering, although the behaviour was marginal and did not occur at the highest flow condition. This study improves knowledge on fish behaviour during culvert ascents, which is an important aspect for developing reliable and accurate estimates of fish passage ability.
Parsing Excel formulas: A grammar and its application on 4 large datasets
Authors: Aivaloglou Efthimia , Hoepelman David , Hermans Felienne 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSpreadsheets are popular end user programming tools, especially in the industrial world. This makes them interesting research targets. However, there does not exist a reliable grammar that is concise enough to facilitate formula parsing and analysis and to support research on spreadsheet codebases. This paper presents a grammar for spreadsheet formulas that can successfully parse 99.99% of more than 8 million unique formulas extracted from 4 spreadsheet datasets. Our grammar is compatible with the spreadsheet formula language, recognizes the spreadsheet formula elements that are required for supporting spreadsheets research, and produces parse trees aimed at further manipulation and analysis. Additionally, we use the grammar to analyze the characteristics of the formulas of the 4 datasets in 3 different dimensions: complexity, functionality, and data utilization. Our results show that (1) most Excel formulas are simple, however formulas with more than 50 functions or operations exist, (2) almost all formulas use data from other cells, which is often not local, and (3) a surprising number of referring mechanisms are used by less than 1% of the formulas.
A new method for evaluating the natural frequency in radial breathing like mode vibration of double‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Fatahi‐Vajari Alireza 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis paper investigates the radial breathing like mode (RBLM) vibration of double‐walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) based on a new theory called doublet mechanics (DM) with a scale parameter. To this end, DWCNTs are considered as two concentric elastic thin cylindrical shells bounded together with van der Waals (vdW) forces between them. The vdW forces are modeled using Len‐Jones potential. Using DM, two coupled second order partial differential equations that govern the RBLM vibration of DWCNTs are derived. Subsequently, the equations of motion are solved to obtain the natural frequencies in the RBLM vibration. It is the first time that DM is used to derive the natural frequencies of the RBLM vibration for DWCNTs. The advantage of these analytical formulas is that unlike the other methods, they are explicitly dependent to scale parameter and chirality effect. It is shown that the chirality and scale parameter play significant role in the RBLM vibration response of DWCNTs. To validate the accuracy and efficiency of this work, the results obtained herein are compared with the existing theoretical and experimental results and good agreement is observed.
Cohort Contributions to Race‐ and Gender‐Specific Trends in the Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the USA
Authors: Beal Eliza W. , Tumin Dmitry , Kabir Ali , Moris Dimitrios , Zhang Xu‐Feng , Chakedis Jeffery , Washburn Kenneth , Black Sylvester , Schmidt Carl M. , Pawlik Timothy M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionIncreasing incidence of lifelong obesity and associated nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in younger birth cohorts may have contributed to growing incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the USA. Yet, the contribution of cohort effects to trends in HCC incidence is unclear.MethodsUsing data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program 1973–2013, race‐ and gender‐specific trends in HCC incidence in the USA were decomposed using age‐period‐cohort (APC) modeling.ResultsAmong SEER registry sites included in the analysis, there were 25,532 cases of HCC diagnosed including 15,867 (62%) White males, 3541 (14%) Black males, 5009 (20%) White females, and 1115 (4%) Black females. HCC incidence increases across periods, especially among men. Underlying this increase, APC models found significant cohort effects among White men, White women, and Black men, with rapid growth in HCC risk among cohorts born after 1940. A similar cohort trend among Black women did not reach statistical significance when compared to an age‐period model.ConclusionsCohort‐specific trends have significantly contributed to increasing HCC incidence in recent decades. The rapid increase in HCC risk among younger cohorts suggests that the incidence of HCC will continue increasing in the near future.
Pulmonary embolism with cardiac arrest: a STEMI patient’s unexpected course
Authors: Piggott Zoë , Jelic Tomislav 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe describe the successful use and complications of bolus-dose alteplase to treat strongly suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) with cardiac arrest in a patient initially presenting as ST-elevation myocardial infarcation (MI). Case description is followed by a review of the indications, safety, and dosing of systemic thrombolytic therapy for high-risk PE in the emergency department (ED). Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to PE in critically ill patients is also considered, including the potential utility of point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) in the ED.
Red meat intake is positively associated with non-fatal acute myocardial infarction in the Costa Rica Heart Study
Authors: Wang Dongqing , Campos Hannia , Baylin Ana 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe adverse effect of red meat consumption on the risk for CVD is a major population health concern, especially in developing Hispanic/Latino countries in which there are clear trends towards increased consumption. This population-based case–control study examined the associations between total, processed and unprocessed red meat intakes and non-fatal acute myocardial infarction (MI) in Costa Rica. The study included 2131 survivors of a first non-fatal acute MI and 2131 controls individually matched by age, sex and area of residence. Dietary intake was assessed with a FFQ. OR were estimated by using conditional logistic regression. Higher intakes of total and processed red meat were associated with increased odds of acute MI. The OR were 1·31 (95 % CI 1·04, 1·65) and 1·29 (95 % CI 1·01, 1·65) for the highest quintiles of total red meat (median: 110·8 g or 1 serving/d) and processed red meat intake (median: 36·1 g or 5 servings/week), respectively. There were increasing trends in the odds of acute MI with higher total (Ptrend=0·01) and processed (Ptrend=0·02) red meat intakes. Unprocessed red meat intake was not associated with increased odds of acute MI. Substitutions of 50 g of alternative foods (fish, milk, chicken without skin and chicken without fat) for 50 g of total, processed and unprocessed red meat were associated with lower odds of acute MI. The positive association between red meat intake and acute MI in Costa Rica highlights the importance of reducing red meat consumption in middle-income Hispanic/Latino populations.
Civilising statecraft: Andrew Linklater and comparative sociologies of states-systems
Authors: Dunne Tim , Devetak Richard 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this contribution to the forum marking the publication of Andrew Linklater’s remarkable book onViolence and Civilization in the Western States-Systemswe first locate the book in the context of Linklater’s overarching intellectual journey. While best known for his contribution to a critical international theory, it is through his engagement with Martin Wight’s comparative sociology of states-systems that Linklater found resonances with the work of process sociologist, Norbert Elias. Integrating Wight’s insights into the states-system with Elias’s insights into civilising processes,Violence and Civilizationpresents a high-level theoretical synthesis with the aim of historically tracing restraints on violence. The article identifies a tension between the cosmopolitan philosophical history which underpins the argument of the book, and which has underpinned all Linklater’s previous works, and the ‘Utrecht Enlightenment’ that offers a conception of ‘civilized statecraft’ at odds with a universal conception of morality and justice. The article then examines Linklater’s argument about the ‘global civilizing process’ as it applies to post-Second World War efforts to build greater institutional capability to protect peoples from harm. It is argued that Linklater over-estimates the extent to which solidarism has civilised international society, and that the extension of state responsibilities and development of civilised statecraft owe more to pluralism than solidarism.
PARTICIPATORY DESIGN OF PEDIATRIC UPPER LIMB PROSTHESES: QUALITATIVE METHODS AND PROTOTYPING
Authors: Sims Tara , Cranny Andy , Metcalf Cheryl , Chappell Paul , Donovan-Hall Maggie 
Published: September 2017

Objectives: The study aims to develop an understanding of the views of children and adolescents, parents, and professionals on upper limb prosthetic devices to develop and improve device design. Previous research has found that children are dissatisfied with prostheses but has relied heavily on parent proxy reports and quantitative measures (such as questionnaires) to explore their views.Methods: Thirty-four participants (eight children aged 8–15 years with upper limb difference, nine parents, eight prosthetists, and nine occupational therapists) contributed to the development of new devices through the BRIDGE methodology of participatory design, using focus groups and interviews.Results: The study identified areas for improving prostheses from the perspective of children and adolescents, developed prototypes based on these and gained feedback on the prototypes from the children and other stakeholders (parents and professionals) of paediatric upper limb prostheses. Future device development needs to focus on ease of use, versatility, appearance, and safety.Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that children and adolescents can and should be involved as equal partners in the development of daily living equipment and that rapid prototyping (three-dimensional printing or additive manufacturing), used within a participatory design framework, can be a useful tool for facilitating this.