bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breakdown of the affective‐cognitive network in functional dystonia
Authors: Canu Elisa , Agosta Federica , Tomic Aleksandra , Sarasso Elisabetta , Petrovic Igor , Piramide Noemi , Svetel Marina , Inuggi Alberto , D. Miskovic Natasa , Kostic Vladimir S. , Filippi Massimo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPrevious studies suggested that brain regions subtending affective‐cognitive processes can be implicated in the pathophysiology of functional dystonia (FD). In this study, the role of the affective‐cognitive network was explored in two phenotypes of FD: fixed (FixFD) and mobile dystonia (MobFD). We hypothesized that each of these phenotypes would show peculiar functional connectivity (FC) alterations in line with their divergent disease clinical expressions. Resting state fMRI (RS‐fMRI) was obtained in 40 FD patients (12 FixFD; 28 MobFD) and 43 controls (14 young FixFD‐age‐matched [yHC]; 29 old MobFD‐age‐matched [oHC]). FC of brain regions of interest, known to be involved in affective‐cognitive processes, and independent component analysis of RS‐fMRI data to explore brain networks were employed. Compared to HC, all FD patients showed reduced FC between the majority of affective‐cognitive seeds of interest and the fronto‐subcortical and limbic circuits; enhanced FC between the right affective‐cognitive part of the cerebellum and the bilateral associative parietal cortex; enhanced FC of the bilateral amygdala with the subcortical and posterior cortical brain regions; and altered FC between the left medial dorsal nucleus and the sensorimotor and associative brain regions (enhanced in MobFD and reduced in FixFD). Compared with yHC and MobFD patients, FixFD patients had an extensive pattern of reduced FC within the cerebellar network, and between the majority of affective‐cognitive seeds of interest and the sensorimotor and high‐order function (“cognitive”) areas with a unique involvement of dorsal anterior cingulate cortex connectivity. Brain FC within the affective‐cognitive network is altered in FD and presented specific features associated with each FD phenotype, suggesting an interaction between brain connectivity and clinical expression of the disease.
Effective brain connectivity at rest is associated with choice‐induced preference formation
Authors: Voigt Katharina , Murawski Carsten , Speer Sebastian , Bode Stefan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPreferences can change as a consequence of making hard decisions whereby the value of chosen options increases and the value of rejected options decreases. Such choice‐induced preference changes have been associated with brain areas detecting choice conflict (anterior cingulate cortex, ACC), updating stimulus value (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, dlPFC) and supporting memory of stimulus value (hippocampus and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, vmPFC). Here we investigated whether resting‐state neuronal activity within these regions is associated with the magnitude of individuals' preference updates. We fitted a dynamic causal model (DCM) to resting‐state neuronal activity in the spectral domain (spDCM) and estimated the causal connectivity among core regions involved in preference formation following hard choices. The extent of individuals' choice‐induced preference changes were found to be associated with a diminished resting‐state excitation between the left dlPFC and the vmPFC, whereas preference consistency was related to a higher resting‐state excitation from the ACC to the left hippocampus and vmPFC. Our results point to a model of preference formation during which the dynamic network configurations between left dlPFC, ACC, vmPFC and left hippocampus at rest are linked to preference change or stability.
Automatic diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy with the aid of adaptive average filtering with optimized deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Roshini TV , Ravi Ranjith V , Reema Mathew A , Kadan Anoop Balakrishnan , Subbian Perumal Sankar 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe most effective treatment for diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the early detection through regular screening, which is critical for a better prognosis. Automatic screening of the images would assist the physicians in diagnosing the condition of patients easily and accurately. This condition searches out for special importance of image processing technology in the way of processing the retinal fundus images. Accordingly, this article plans to develop an automatic DR detection model with the aid of three main stages like (a) image preprocessing, (b) blood vessel segmentation, and (c) classification. The preprocessing phase includes two steps: conversion of RGB to Lab, and contrast enhancement. The Histogram equalization process is done using the contrast enhancement of an image. To the next of preprocessing, the segmentation phase starts with a valuable procedure. It includes (a), thresholding the contrast‐enhanced and filtered images, (b) thresholding the keypoints of contrast‐enhanced and filtered images, and (c) adding both thresholded binary images. Here, the filtering process is performed by proposed adaptive average filtering, where the filter coefficients are tuned or optimized by an improved meta‐heuristic algorithm called fitness probability‐based CSO (FP‐CSO). Finally, the classification part uses Deep CNN, where the improvement is exploited on the convolutional layer, which is optimized by the same improved FP‐CSO. Since the conventional CSO depends on a fitness probability in the improved algorithm, the proposed algorithm termed as FP‐CSO. Finally, valuable comparative and performance analysis has confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed model.
The Michigan infant mental health home visiting model
Authors: Weatherston Deborah J. , Ribaudo Julie ,   The Michigan Collaborative for Infant Mental Health Research
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTSelma Fraiberg's pioneering work with infants, toddlers, and families over 40 years ago led to the development of a field in which professionals from multiple disciplines learned to work with or on behalf of infants, very young children, their parents, and the relationships that bind them together. The intent was to promote social and emotional health through enhancing the security of early developing parent–child relationships in the first years of life (Fraiberg, 2018). Called infant mental health (IMH), practitioners from fields of health, education, social work, psychology, human development, nursing, pediatrics, and psychiatry specialize in supporting the optimal development of infants and the developing relationship between infants and their caregivers. When a baby is born into optimal circumstances, to parents free of undue economic and psychological stressors and who are emotionally ready to provide care and nurturing for an infant's needs, an IMH approach may be offered as promotion or prevention, with the goal of supporting new parent(s) in developing confidence in their capacity to understand and meet the needs of the tiny human they are coming to know and care for. However, when parental history is fraught with abandonment, loss, abuse or neglect, or the current environment is replete with economic insecurity, threats to survival due to interpersonal or community violence, social isolation, mental illness, or substance abuse, the work of the IMH therapist may require intervention or intensive treatment and becomes more psychotherapeutic in nature. The underlying therapeutic goal is to create a context in which the baby develops within the environment of a parent's nurturing care without the psychological impingement that parental history of trauma or loss or current stressors such as isolation, poverty, or the birth of a child with special needs, can incur.
Access and use of agricultural market information by smallholder farmers: Measuring informational capabilities
Authors: Magesa Mawazo M. , Michael Kisangiri , Ko Jesuk 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWhile farmers sell their crops, middlemen provide a linkage between them, markets and buyers. Middlemen have good knowledge of working conditions of markets and have access to agricultural market information. Due to poor access to markets and agricultural market information by smallholders, there is a feeling that middlemen benefit more while farmers sell their crops. Good access to markets and market information may help farmers bypass middlemen while selling crops and thus benefit more. Thus, it is best to improve the informational capabilities (ICs) of farmers in agricultural marketing. Thus, this research measured ICs of farmers accessing market information, through a program NINAYO, while selling their crops. The research utilized the informational, psychological, social, and economic dimensions of the empowerment framework in identifying capability indicators to formulate survey questions. Data were collected from smallholders in six regions in Tanzania. The analysis utilized measures of life satisfaction and results showed that about half of the variation in the dependent variable, satisfaction with capabilities, was explained by the model. Backward elimination analysis confirmed that life satisfaction is multidimensional. Robustness test confirmed a positive relationship between satisfaction and capabilities. Overall, results confirmed ICs are multidimensions, their improvement empowers farmers in agricultural marketing.
Correlation betweenTICAM1gene polymorphisms and community‐acquired pneumonia in children
Authors: Yang Yong , Yang Suiyu , Chen Zongbo , Liu Li 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis study aims to explore the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of theTICAM1gene and community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Chinese children. The polymorphisms of eight tag SNP (TagSNP) locus ofTICAM1were detected using the improved multiplex ligation detection reaction (iMLDR) assay in 375 children with CAP (average age, 37.8 ± 21.6 months) and 306 healthy children (average age, 38.5 ± 23.8 months). The correlation between polymorphisms of these TagSNPs and the risk, severity, sepsis, and CRP level of childhood CAP were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. The CC genotype of rs11466711T/C locus of TICAM1 is correlated with childhood CAP susceptibility, which significantly reduced the risk of childhood CAP (P < .05), The AA genotype of the rs6510826G/A locus and haplotype CCCA were associated with CRP level in childhood CAP, which significantly increased the risk of CRP increase (P < .05 andP < .01, respectively), The AA genotype of rs35747610G/A site is associated with sepsis in childhood CAP, significantly reduced risk of sepsis (P < .05). While the haplotype CCCG of this locus led to a significant reduction in the risks of childhood CAP, severe pneumonia and pneumonia sepsis (allP < .05).TICAM1has multiple functional variants closely related to the development and progression of childhood CAP, and these variations may have a synergistic effect on the development of childhood CAP.
Validation and extension of personality disorder spectra scales from MMPI‐2‐RF items
Authors: Hale Andrew C. , Nelson Sharon M. , Reckow Jaclyn , Spencer Robert J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesRecent efforts have been made to develop 10 personality disorder spectra scales using items from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory‐2 Restructured Form (MMPI‐2‐RF). These scales, developed by Sellbom et al. (2018, J. Pers. Assess., 1–15), demonstrated good validity and warranted cross‐validation.MethodIn all, 97 veterans undergoing neuropsychological evaluation in a VA outpatient clinic completed the MMPI‐2‐RF and the MCMI‐III. We examined the psychometric properties of the scales and proposed additional scales based on personality constructs found in other established tests and prior versions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM; APA, 2013).ResultsThe 10 original and three additional scales demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties. Most of the 13 scales correlated strongly with the corresponding MCMI‐III scale, however, DSM criteria coverage was variable between scales.ConclusionThese data provide additional support for 10 personality disorder spectra scales based on MMPI‐2‐RF items and establish preliminary evidence for three additional scales. Further validation is needed in larger and diverse samples.
The presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in the feces of COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Chen Yifei , Chen Liangjun , Deng Qiaoling , Zhang Guqin , Wu Kaisong , Ni Lan , Yang Yibin , Liu Bing , Wang Wei , Wei Chaojie , Yang Jiong , Ye Guangming , Cheng Zhenshun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), emerged in Wuhan, China, and has spread globally. However, the transmission route of SARS‐CoV‐2 has not been fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate SARS‐CoV‐2 shedding in the excreta of COVID‐19 patients. Electronical medical records, including demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory and radiological findings of enrolled patients were extracted and analyzed. Pharyngeal swab, stool, and urine specimens were collected and tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Viral shedding at multiple time points in specimens was recorded, and its correlation analyzed with clinical manifestations and the severity of illness. A total of 42 laboratory‐confirmed patients were enrolled, 8 (19.05%) of whom had gastrointestinal symptoms. A total of 28 (66.67%) patients tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in stool specimens, and this was not associated with the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms and the severity of illness. Among them, 18 (64.29%) patients remained positive for viral RNA in the feces after the pharyngeal swabs turned negative. The duration of viral shedding from the feces after negative conversion in pharyngeal swabs was 7 (6‐10) days, regardless of COVID‐19 severity. The demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory and radiologic findings did not differ between patients who tested positive and negative for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in the feces. Viral RNA was not detectable in urine specimens from 10 patients. Our results demonstrated the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in the feces of COVID‐19 patients and suggested the possibility of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission via the fecal‐oral route.
Maximum and minimum air temperature lapse rates in the Andean region of Ecuador and Peru
Authors: Navarro‐Serrano Francisco , López‐Moreno Juan I. , Domínguez‐Castro Fernando , Alonso‐González Esteban , Azorin‐Molina Cesar , El‐Kenawy Ahmed , Vicente‐Serrano Sergio M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTo know the vertical distribution of air temperature is complex, and this is necessary for different applications. The main explanatory variable of air temperature is elevation above sea level, whose relationship with air temperature is measured by air temperature lapse rates (LRs). LRs can vary considerably spatiotemporally due to a wide spectrum of geographical, environmental, and other atmospheric factors. Our study presents the first comprehensive assessment of spatiotemporal changes of LRs over the Tropical Andes. Our study is focused on the Peruvian and Ecuadorian Andes, divided in two subregions by the parallel 9.5° (i.e., north and south). Maximum and minimum air temperatures were employed from 115 quality checked weather stations, for the period 1994–2011. Maximum (LRmax) and minimum (LRmin) air temperature lapse rates have been calculated for the whole study period. The effects of seasonality, humidity content and ENSO on the variability of LRs have been analysed. Results show that LRs have large spatiotemporal variability, since references values of LRmax range from −3.57 (South, dry season) to −4.77 (North, wet season), and LRmin range from −3.78 (North, dry season) to −4.93°C·km−1 (South, dry season), in function of season and subregion. Results indicate that the ENSO phases contribute significantly to the variability of southern subregion LRs. This study also presents that minimum air temperatures were more unpredictable than maximum air temperatures in terms of error and uncertainty, as a consequence of the larger spatial variability of nocturnal air temperatures, mainly influenced by local topography. In conclusion, this work goes deeper into the need to obtain precise LRs adapted to the study region, and shows that the use of standard LR values can cause significant failures in modelling air temperature in regions of complex terrain, such as the Andes.
An endless summer: 2018 heat episodes in Europe in the context of secular temperature variability and change
Authors: Hoy Andreas , Hänsel Stephanie , Maugeri Maurizio 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe year 2018 was affected by very long‐lasting, stable summer conditions in vast parts of Europe, in many regions already starting in April and lasting until October. We investigate the thermal characteristics of this year in a secular time perspective, using a spatially well‐distributed dataset of 67 European stations (west of ~30°E) with daily long‐term air temperature observations. Our dataset comprises many of the longest and most reliable (homogenous) temperature measurements available in Europe, mainly starting already in the 19th or rarely even 18th century. Individual time series length is considered to analyse the summer 2018 temperatures into a more than two‐century time perspective, while European time series are presented for the period 1855–2018 and records of five European regions are considered from 1881 onwards. The extreme long duration of the 2018 summer most clearly manifested itself in pronounced new continental maxima of summer half year (April–September) temperature averages and the number of days with maximum temperatures ≥20 and ≥25°C. Furthermore, those indices reached new local maxima at about half of our investigated stations. Records of other temperature indices, rather representing intense heat conditions, were particularly broken in the extended Baltic Sea region, supported by distinct and long‐lasting anticyclonic conditions in this area. However, the extreme summer of 2003 still dominates the ranking of most of these indices on the continental level, even though it is now generally closely followed by summer 2018. We show that long‐term variations of teleconnection indices and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, as well as seasonal and anthropogenic effects, supported both the recent hot summers and the extreme summer of 2018.
Hepatocyte growth factor regulates HIF‐1α‐induced nucleus pulposus cell proliferation through MAPK‐, PI3K/Akt‐, and STAT3‐mediated signaling
Authors: Itsuji Tomonori , Tonomura Hitoshi , Ishibashi Hidenobu , Mikami Yasuo , Nagae Masateru , Takatori Ryota , Tanida Takashi , Matsuda Ken‐Ichi , Tanaka Masaki , Kubo Toshikazu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntervertebral discs are important for maintaining mobility and offer support to the body trunk. If these discs lose their biomechanical features, lower back pain can occur. We previously reported that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) promotes cell proliferation and suppresses apoptosis, inflammation, and matrix degradation in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of how HGF promotes the proliferation of NP cells in hypoxic conditions. Hypoxic stimulation promoted modest cell proliferation, which was further upregulated by HGF. Expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF‐1α) protein, which contributes to the maintenance of homeostasis in NP cells, was also upregulated in hypoxia‐treated cell groups; HGF further increased HIF‐1α expression in NP cells. Additionally, knockdown of HIF‐1α expression significantly reduced the proliferation of NP cells. An MAPK inhibitor inhibited the expression of HIF‐1α and pERK, as well as cell proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. Similarly, inhibiting the PI3K/Akt and STAT3 pathways also decreased the expression of HIF‐1α and cell proliferation. These results show that under hypoxic conditions, HGF promotes NP cell proliferation via HIF‐1α‐, MAPK‐, PI3K/Akt‐, and STAT3‐mediated signaling which is involved in this pathway. The control of these signaling pathways may be a target for potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of disc degeneration in hypoxic conditions.
Microbiota stratification and succession of amylase‐producing Bacillus in traditional Chinese Jiuqu (fermentation starters)
Authors: Wang Zong‐Min , Wang Cheng‐Tao , Shen Cai‐Hong , Wang Song‐Tao , Mao Jie‐Qi , Li Zhen , Gänzle Michael , Mao Jian 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDJiuqu are vital saccharifying and fermenting agents for Chinese fermented foods. Natural ventilation during Jiuqu fermentation causes changes in temperature, oxygen and moisture content, resulting in mass and heat gradients from the outer to inner areas of Jiuqu blocks. In the present study, microbiota stratification in Jiuqu was investigated by single molecule real‐time sequencing and culture isolation. The contributors of Bacillus to amylase activity of Jiuqu and the dynamics of their biomass during Jiuqu fermentation were also analyzed.RESULTSThe dominant orders, genera and species between the inner and outer layers of Huangjiu qu (HJQ) were similar, although they displayed greater variance in two layers of Baijiu qu (BJQ). Bacillus possessed the highest diversity (including 27 species) in Jiuqu. Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus altitudinis, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus megaterium were most prevalent in HJQ, whereas B. licheniformis, B. amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus cereus were dominant in BJQ. Isolates of B. amyloliquefaciens, B. subtilis and B. cereus exhibited high activities of amylase and glucoamylase. Quantification of Bacillus members possessing genes of α‐amylase revealed that B. cereus and B. licheniformis were the most dominant microbes to secret α‐amylase in Jiuqu and their biomass were increasing during Jiuqu fermentation.CONCLUSIONThe present study demonstrates the microbial distribution in different layers of Jiuqu and clarifies the Bacillus species processing the activity of α‐amylase. These results will help industries control the quality of Jiuqu by rationally selecting starters and optimizing their microbiota. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry