bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corrective response times in a coordinated eye-head-arm countermanding task
Authors: Tao Gordon , Khan Aarlenne Z. , Blohm Gunnar 
Published: February 2018

Inhibition of motor responses has been described as a race between two competing decision processes of motor initiation and inhibition, which manifest as the reaction time (RT) and the stop signal reaction time (SSRT); in the case where motor initiation wins out over inhibition, an erroneous movement occurs that usually needs to be corrected, leading to corrective response times (CRTs). Here we used a combined eye-head-arm movement countermanding task to investigate the mechanisms governing multiple effector coordination and the timing of corrective responses. We found a high degree of correlation between effector response times for RT, SSRT, and CRT, suggesting that decision processes are strongly dependent across effectors. To gain further insight into the mechanisms underlying CRTs, we tested multiple models to describe the distribution of RTs, SSRTs, and CRTs. The best-ranked model (according to 3 information criteria) extends the LATER race model governing RTs and SSRTs, whereby a second motor initiation process triggers the corrective response (CRT) only after the inhibition process completes in an expedited fashion. Our model suggests that the neural processing underpinning a failed decision has a residual effect on subsequent actions. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Failure to inhibit erroneous movements typically results in corrective movements. For coordinated eye-head-hand movements we show that corrective movements are only initiated after the erroneous movement cancellation signal has reached a decision threshold in an accelerated fashion.
Dynamics of fixational eye position and microsaccades during spatial cueing: the case of express microsaccades
Authors: Tian Xiaoguang , Yoshida Masatoshi , Hafed Ziad M. 
Published: February 2018

Microsaccades are systematically modulated by peripheral spatial cues, and these eye movements have been implicated in perceptual and motor performance changes in cueing tasks. However, an additional oculomotor factor that may also influence performance in these tasks, fixational eye position itself, has been largely neglected so far. Using precise eye tracking and real-time retinal-image stabilization, we carefully analyzed fixational eye position dynamics and related them to microsaccade generation during spatial cueing. As expected, during baseline fixation, microsaccades corrected for a foveal motor error away from the preferred retinal locus of fixation (the so-called ocular position “set point” of the oculomotor system). However, we found that this relationship was violated during a short period immediately after cue onset; a subset of cue-directed “express microsaccades” that were highly precise in time and direction, and that were larger than regular microsaccades, occurred. These movements, having <100-ms latencies from cue onset, were triggered when fixational eye position was already at the oculomotor set point when the cue appeared; they were thus error-increasing rather than error-decreasing. Critically, even when no microsaccades occurred, fixational eye position itself was systematically deviated toward the cue, again with ~100-ms latency, suggesting that the oculomotor system establishes a new set point at different postcue times. This new set point later switched to being away from the cue after ~200–300 ms. Because eye position alters the location of retinal images, our results suggest that both eye position and microsaccades can be associated with performance changes in spatial cueing tasks. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Covert spatial cueing tasks are a workhorse for studying cognitive processing in humans and monkeys, but gaze is not perfectly stable during these tasks. We found that minute fixational eye position changes, independent of the more studied microsaccades, are not random in cueing tasks and are thus not “averaged out” in analyses. These changes can additionally dictate microsaccade times. Thus, in addition to microsaccadic influences, retinal image changes associated with fixational eye position are relevant for performance in cueing tasks.
Interleukin 33 Signaling Restrains Sporadic Colon Cancer in an Interferon-γ–Dependent Manner
Authors: Eissmann Moritz F. , Dijkstra Christine , Wouters Merridee A. , Baloyan David , Mouradov Dmitri , Nguyen Paul M. , Davalos-Salas Mercedes , Putoczki Tracy L. , Sieber Oliver M. , Mariadason John M. , Ernst Matthias , Masson Frederick 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Interleukin 33 (IL33) is an inflammatory cytokine released during necrotic cell death. The epithelium and stroma of the intestine express large amounts of IL33 and its receptor St2. IL33 is therefore continuously released during homeostatic turnover of the intestinal mucosa. Although IL33 can prevent colon cancer associated with inflammatory colitis, the contribution of IL33 signaling to sporadic colon cancer remains unknown. Here, we utilized a mouse model of sporadic colon cancer to investigate the contribution of IL33 signaling to tumorigenesis in the absence of preexisting inflammation. We demonstrated that genetic ablation of St2 enhanced colon tumor development. Conversely, administration of recombinant IL33 reduced growth of colon cancer cell allografts. In reciprocal bone marrow chimeras, the concurrent loss of IL33 signaling within radioresistant nonhematopoietic, and the radiosensitive hematopoietic, compartments was associated with increased tumor burden. We detected St2 expression within the radioresistant mesenchymal cell compartment of the colon whose stimulation with IL33 induced expression of bona fide NF-κB target genes. Mechanistically, we discovered that St2 deficiency within the nonhematopoietic compartment coincided with increased abundance of regulatory T cells and suppression of an IFNγ gene expression signature, whereas IL33 administration triggered IFNγ expression by tumor allograft-infiltrating T cells. The decrease of this IFNγ gene expression signature was associated with more aggressive disease in human colon cancer patients, suggesting that lack of IL33 signaling impaired the generation of a potent IFNγ-mediated antitumor immune response. Collectively, our data reveal that IL33 functions as a tumor suppressor in sporadic colon cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(4); 409–21. ©2018 AACR.
New Media and the Disillusion of Brazil’s Radical Left
Authors: Morgans Catherine 
Published: February 2018

In contrast to recent waves of ad hoc social-media-fueled protest, Brazil’s leftist social movements consider new media unreliable, supplementary, and dominated by hegemonic actors. Owing to a shift in power relations online, these virtual spaces pose an approximation to their capitalist adversaries, a degree of institutionalization, and a breach of traditional trenches of resistance, leading anticapitalist movements to restrict their use of new media. Their wariness counters resurgent cyberoptimism that regards the Internet as a politically neutral or autonomous space favored by marginalized and alternative political actors. Em contraste com a onda recente de protestos impulsionados pelas redes sociais, os movimentos sociais de esquerda no Brasil consideram a nova mídia inconfiável, subserviente e dominada por atores hegemônicos. Devido a mudanças nas relações de poder na Internet, esses espaços virtuais apresentam-se como forma de aproximação de seus adversários capitalistas, um grau de institucionalização e um rompimento com as trincheiras tradicionais de resistência. Consequetemente, os movimentos anticapitalistas restringem e vigiam o uso da nova midia. Essa percepção oferece um contraponto ao otimismo cibernético ressurgente, o qual enxerga a Internet como espaço autônomo, politicamente neutro e preferido por atores políticos marginalizados e alternativos.
N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide as a cardiac biomarker in Japanese hemodialysis patients
Authors: Shimizu Minako , Doi Shigehiro , Nakashima Ayumu , Naito Takayuki , Masaki Takao 
Published: February 2018

Purpose: This study examined the clinical significance of N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide level as a cardiac marker in Japanese hemodialysis patients. Methods: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study involving 1428 Japanese hemodialysis patients. Ultrasonic cardiography data at post-hemodialysis were obtained from 395 patients. We examined whether serum N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide levels were associated with cardiac parameters and assessed cut-off values and investigated factors associated with a reduced ratio of N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide levels pre- and post-hemodialysis. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that pre- and post-hemodialysis N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide levels were associated with left ventricular hypertrophy on electrocardiogram (odds ratio: 3.10; p < 0.001 at pre-hemodialysis and odds ratio: 2.70; p < 0.001 at post-hemodialysis) and left ventricular hypertrophy on ultrasonic cardiography (odds ratio: 3.06; p < 0.001 at pre-hemodialysis and odds ratio: 3.15; p < 0.001 at post-hemodialysis). Post-N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide levels were also significantly associated with ejection fraction on urine chorionic gonadotrophin (ultrasonic cardiography; odds ratio: 35.83; p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curves for predicting the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy on electrocardiogram and ultrasonic cardiography showed similar sensitivity (57.7%, 57.3% at pre-hemodialysis and 63.9%, 48.2% at post-hemodialysis) and specificity (66.5%, 72.9% at pre-hemodialysis and 59.2%, 81.9% at post-hemodialysis). Decreased ejection fraction on ultrasonic cardiography showed better sensitivity (78.6%) and specificity (88.7%). The N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide reduction ratio during a hemodialysis session correlated with Kt/V, membrane area, membrane type, modality, body weight gain ratio, treatment time, and ultrafiltration rate with multiple linear regression ( R: 0.53; p < 0.001 except for ultrafiltration rate ( p = 0.003)). Conclusion: Both pre- and post-hemodialysis N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide are associated with the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy in this population. The post-hemodialysis N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide level is a useful marker for systolic dysfunction.
Endothelial and beta cell composite aggregates for improved function of a bioartificial pancreas encapsulation device
Authors: Skrzypek Katarzyna , Barrera Yazmin Brito , Groth Thomas , Stamatialis Dimitrios 
Published: February 2018

Introduction: Encapsulation of pancreatic islets or beta cells is a promising strategy for treatment of type 1 diabetes by providing an immune isolated environment and allowing for transplantation in a different location than the liver. However, islets used for encapsulation often show lower functionality due to the damaging of islet endothelial cells during the isolation procedure. Factors produced by endothelial cells have great impact on beta cell insulin secretion. Therefore, mutual signaling between endothelial cells and beta cells should be considered for the development of encapsulation systems to achieve high insulin secretion and maintain beta cell viability. Here, we investigate whether co-culture of beta cells with endothelial cells could improve beta cell function within encapsulation devices. Materials and methods: Mouse insulinoma MIN6 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used for creating composite aggregates on agarose microwell platform. The composite aggregates were encapsulated within flat poly(ether sulfone)/polyvinylpyrrolidone device. Their functionality was assessed by glucose-induced insulin secretion test and compared to non-encapsulated free-floating aggregates. Results: We created composite aggregates of 80–100 µm in diameter, closely mimicking pancreatic islets. Upon glucose stimulation, their insulin secretion is improved in comparison to aggregates consisting of only MIN6 cells. Moreover, the composite aggregates encapsulated within a device secrete more insulin than aggregates consisting of only MIN6 cells. Conclusion: Composite aggregates of MIN6 cells with human umbilical vein endothelial cells have improved insulin secretion in comparison to MIN6 aggregates showing that the interaction of beta cell and endothelial cell is crucial for a functional encapsulation system.
Total artificial heart implantation in a young Marfan syndrome patient
Authors: Rao Prashant , Keenan Jack B , Rajab Taufiek K , Kim Samuel , Smith Richard , Amabile Orazio , Khalpey Zain 
Published: February 2018

Introduction: Cardiovascular complications represent the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with Marfan syndrome. Here, we describe a unique case where a total artificial heart was implanted in a young Marfan syndrome woman. Methods: A 22-year-old postpartum African American female with Marfan syndrome developed multiple severe valve dysfunction and biventricular failure that was refractory to medical management. She previously had a Bentall procedure for Type A aortic dissection and repair of a Type B dissection. Results: We implanted a total artificial heart with a good outcome. Conclusion: Total artificial heart is a durable option for severe biventricular failure and multiple valvular dysfunction as a bridge to transplant in a young patient with Marfan syndrome.
Shear bond strength of ceramic brackets bonded to surface-treated feldspathic porcelain after thermocycling
Authors: Cevik Pinar , Eraslan Oguz , Eser Kursat , Tekeli Suleyman 
Published: February 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of six different surface conditioning methods on the shear bond strength of ceramic brackets bonded to feldspathic porcelain. Materials and methods: A total of 60 feldspathic porcelain disks were fabricated and divided into six subgroups including 10 specimens in each. Specimens were first treated one of the following surface conditioning methods, namely, 37% phosphoric acid (G-H3PO4), 9.4% hydrofluoric acid (G-HF), grinding with diamond burs (G-Grinding), Nd:YAG laser (G-Nd:YAG), Airborne-particle abrasion (G-Abrasion). Specimens were also coated with silane without surface treatment for comparison (G-Untreated). A total of 60 ceramic brackets were bonded to porcelain surfaces with a composite resin and then subjected to thermocycling 2500× between 5°C and 55°C. The shear bond strength test was carried out using a universal testing device at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Failure types were classified according to the adhesive remnant index. Analysis of variance and Tukey tests were used for statistical analysis (α = 0.05). Microstructure of untreated and surface-treated specimens was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Results: Using G-Abrasion specimens resulted in the highest shear bond strength value of 8.58 MPa for feldspathic porcelain. However, the other specimens showed lower values: G-Grinding (6.51 MPa), G-Nd:YAG laser (3.37 MPa), G-HF (2.71 MPa), G-H3PO4 (1.17 MPa), and G-Untreated (0.93 MPa). Conclusion: Airborne-particle abrasion and grinding can be used as surface treatment techniques on the porcelain surface for a durable bond strength. Hydrofluoric acid and phosphoric acid etching methods were not convenient as surface treatment methods for the feldspathic porcelain.
Clinical Outcomes of Student Pharmacist–Driven Medication Histories at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Gortney Justine S. , Moser Lynette R. , Patel Priyasha , Raub Joshua N. 
Published: February 2018

Background: Many studies have shown the positive impact that student pharmacists have on patients’ health; however, no studies have been published evaluating student pharmacists’ impact on direct patient outcomes (ie, readmission, emergency department [ED] visits, length of stay) related to the medication history process. Objective: To evaluate the impact of student pharmacist–obtained medication histories on identification of medication discrepancies and clinical outcomes. Methods: Student pharmacists obtained medication histories and then compared the history to that obtained by other health-care providers. Students documented discrepancies and interventions were completed. Control patients were identified and discharge medication list and 30-day readmissions were compared. Results: Seventeen students conducted 215 patient interviews, and 1848 modifications were made to documented home medications in the electronic medical record. Compared to controls (n = 148 student pharmacist, 149 controls), a nonsignificant improvement was found in discharge medication list completeness scores in patients seen by student pharmacists (3.94 vs 3.63; P = .06); but no difference was found in accuracy scores (0.92 vs 0.93; P = .41). Fewer ED visits at 30 days were found in the student pharmacist group (8 vs 18; P = .045), with no difference in readmissions. Conclusions: Student pharmacist–obtained medication histories improved the information available for identifying drug-related problems for inpatients, completeness of the discharge medication list, and ED visits within 30 days.
Use of personal electronic devices by psychiatric inpatients: benefits, risks and attitudes of patients and staff
Authors: O’Connor Nick , Zantos Katherine , Sepulveda-Flores Viviana 
Published: February 2018

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the attitudes of patients and staff in relation to the potential benefits and risks of allowing psychiatric inpatients controlled access to personal electronic devices (PEDs), and to document a snapshot audit of practice within the mental health inpatient units of New South Wales, Australia. Methods: Psychiatric inpatients and staff at Royal North Shore Hospital’s Mental Health inpatient units were surveyed, and an audit of the policies of the psychiatric inpatients of New South Wales was undertaken. Results: Access to PEDs is denied in 85% of New South Wales psychiatric inpatient units. While patients and staff appear to concur on the risks of access to PEDs and the need for risk assessment and rules, compared to patients, staff appear to underestimate the importance of PEDs to maintaining social connection and recovery. Conclusions: This study may assist in the formulation of local policy and procedure to allow a more recovery-oriented approach to the question of whether patients should have access to their PEDs while in hospital.
Quantitative Sensory Testing and Current Perception Threshold Testing in Patients With Chronic Pain Following Lower Extremity Fracture
Authors: Griffioen Mari A. , Greenspan Joel D. , Johantgen Meg , Von Rueden Kathryn , O’Toole Robert V. , Dorsey Susan G. , Renn Cynthia L. 
Published: February 2018

Background: Chronic pain is a significant problem for patients with lower extremity injuries. While pain hypersensitivity has been identified in many chronic pain conditions, it is not known whether patients with chronic pain following lower extremity fracture report pain hypersensitivity in the injured leg. Purpose: To quantify and compare peripheral somatosensory function and sensory nerve activation thresholds in persons with chronic pain following lower extremity fractures with a cohort of persons with no history of lower extremity fractures. Method: This was a cross-sectional study where quantitative sensory testing and current perception threshold testing were conducted on the injured and noninjured legs of cases and both legs of controls. Results: A total of 14 cases and 28 controls participated in the study. Mean time since injury at the time of testing for cases was 22.3 (standard deviation = 12.1) months. The warmth detection threshold ( p = .024) and nerve activation thresholds at 2,000 Hz ( p < .001) and 250 Hz ( p = .002), respectively, were significantly higher in cases compared to controls. Conclusion: This study suggests that patients with chronic pain following lower extremity fractures may experience hypoesthesia in the injured leg, which contrasts with the finding of hyperesthesia previously observed in other chronic pain conditions but is in accord with patients with nerve injuries and surgeries. This is the first study to examine peripheral sensory nerve function at the site of injury in patients with chronic pain following lower extremity fractures using quantitative sensory testing and current perception threshold testing.
Serum BDNF Is Positively Associated With Negative Symptoms in Older Adults With Schizophrenia
Authors: Binford Sasha S. , Hubbard Erin M. , Flowers Elena , Miller Bruce L. , Leutwyler Heather 
Published: February 2018

Objectives: Older adults with chronic schizophrenia are at greater risk for functional disability and poorer health outcomes than those without serious mental illness. These individuals comprise 1–2% of the elderly population in the United States and are projected to number approximately 15 million by 2030. The symptoms of schizophrenia can be disabling for individuals, significantly reducing quality of life. Often, the negative symptoms (NS) are the most resistant to treatment and are considered a marker of illness severity, though they are challenging to measure objectively. Biomarkers can serve as objective indicators of health status. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a potential biomarker for schizophrenia and may serve as an important indicator of illness severity. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 30 older adults with chronic schizophrenia. Participants were assessed on serum levels of BDNF and psychiatric symptoms (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale). Pearson’s bivariate correlations (two-tailed) and linear regression models were used. Results: A significant positive association ( p < .05) was found between higher serum levels of BDNF and greater severity for the NS items of passive, apathetic, social withdrawal, and emotional withdrawal. In multivariate analyses, the association remained significant. Conclusions: Although the association between BDNF and NS was not in the expected direction, the data corroborate findings from previous work in patients with schizophrenia. It is possible that higher serum levels of BDNF reflect compensatory neuronal mechanisms resulting from neurodevelopmental dysfunction.