bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stable representation of sounds in the posterior striatum during flexible auditory decisions
Authors: Guo Lan , Walker William I. , Ponvert Nicholas D. , Penix Phoebe L. , Jaramillo Santiago 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe neuronal pathways that link sounds to rewarded actions remain elusive. For instance, it is unclear whether neurons in the posterior tail of the dorsal striatum (which receive direct input from the auditory system) mediate action selection, as other striatal circuits do. Here, we examine the role of posterior striatal neurons in auditory decisions in mice. We find that, in contrast to the anterior dorsal striatum, activation of the posterior striatum does not elicit systematic movement. However, activation of posterior striatal neurons during sound presentation in an auditory discrimination task biases the animals’ choices, and transient inactivation of these neurons largely impairs sound discrimination. Moreover, the activity of these neurons during sound presentation reliably encodes stimulus features, but is only minimally influenced by the animals’ choices. Our results suggest that posterior striatal neurons play an essential role in auditory decisions, and provides a stable representation of sounds during auditory tasks.
Anticoagulant mechanism, pharmacological activity, and assessment of preclinical safety of a novel fibrin(ogen)olytic serine protease from leaves of Leucas indica
Authors: Gogoi Debananda , Arora Neha , Kalita Bhargab , Sarma Rahul , Islam Taufikul , Ghosh Sidhhartha S. , Devi Rajlakshmi , Mukherjee Ashis K. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe harnessing of medicinal plants containing a plethora of bioactive molecules may lead to the discovery of novel, potent and safe therapeutic agents to treat thrombosis-associated cardiovascular diseases. A 35 kDa (m/z 34747.5230) serine protease (lunathrombase) showing fibrin(ogen)olytic activity and devoid of N- and O- linked oligosaccharides was purified from an extract of aqueous leaves from L. indica. The LC-MS/MS analysis, de novo sequencing, secondary structure, and amino acid composition determination suggested the enzyme’s novel characteristic. Lunathrombase is an αβ-fibrinogenase, demonstrating anticoagulant activity with its dual inhibition of thrombin and FXa by a non-enzymatic mechanism. Spectrofluorometric and isothermal calorimetric analyses revealed the binding of lunathrombase to fibrinogen, thrombin, and/or FXa with the generation of endothermic heat. It inhibited collagen/ADP/arachidonic acid-induced mammalian platelet aggregation, and demonstrated antiplatelet activity via COX-1 inhibition and the upregulation of the cAMP level. Lunathrombase showed in vitro thrombolytic activity and was not inhibited by endogenous protease inhibitors α2 macroglobulin and antiplasmin. Lunathrombase was non-cytotoxic to mammalian cells, non-hemolytic, and demonstrated dose-dependent (0.125–0.5 mg/kg) in vivo anticoagulant and plasma defibrinogenation activities in a rodent model. Lunathrombase (10 mg/kg) did not show toxicity or adverse pharmacological effects in treated animals.
Impaired photosynthesis and increased leaf construction costs may induce floral stress during episodes of global warming over macroevolutionary timescales
Authors: Haworth Matthew , Belcher Claire M. , Killi Dilek , Dewhirst Rebecca A. , Materassi Alessandro , Raschi Antonio , Centritto Mauro 
Published: April 2018

AbstractGlobal warming events have coincided with turnover of plant species at intervals in Earth history. As mean global temperatures rise, the number, frequency and duration of heat-waves will increase.Ginkgo bilobawas grown under controlled climatic conditions at two different day/night temperature regimes (25/20 °C and 35/30 °C) to investigate the impact of heat stress. Photosynthetic CO2-uptake and electron transport were reduced at the higher temperature, while rates of respiration were greater; suggesting that the carbon balance of the leaves was adversely affected. Stomatal conductance and the potential for evaporative cooling of the leaves was reduced at the higher temperature. Furthermore, the capacity of the leaves to dissipate excess energy was also reduced at 35/30 °C, indicating that photo-protective mechanisms were no longer functioning effectively. Leaf economics were adversely affected by heat stress, exhibiting an increase in leaf mass per area and leaf construction costs. This may be consistent with the selective pressures experienced by fossil Ginkgoales during intervals of global warming such as the Triassic – Jurassic boundary or Early Eocene Climatic Optimum. The physiological and morphological responses of theG. bilobaleaves were closely interrelated; these relationships may be used to infer the leaf economics and photosynthetic/stress physiology of fossil plants.
Manipulating nanostructure to simultaneously improve the electrical conductivity and strength in microalloyed Al-Zr conductors
Authors: Jiang S. Y. , Wang R. H. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTo elude the strength-electrical conductivity trade-off dilemma, a nanostructuring strategy was achieved in microalloyed Al-0.1wt.% Zr conductor by optimizing the processing route, leading to enhanced strength and simultaneously improved electrical conductivity. The nanostructural design involved ultrafine grains with coherent Al3Zr nanoprecipitates dispersed within the grain interior. The key is to create intragranular coherent Al3Zr nanoprecipitates with size of ~6 nm, which not only produce the highest precipitate hardening but also minimize the local strain field to reduce the scattering of electron motion. According to the targeted nanostructures, the processing route was revised to be artificially aged before cold drawing, instead of the post-aging as traditionally employed. The underlying mechanisms for improvement in strength and electrical conductivity were respectively discussed especially in terms of the coherent Al3Zr nanoprecipitates. It was quantitatively revealed from a strengthening model that the intragranular Al3Zr precipitate hardening was the predominant strengthening mechanism. Experimental results from three-dimensional atom probe (3DAP) demonstrating the Zr atom distribution in matrix as well as the geometrical phase analysis (GPA) results of local strain fields around the precipitates provided evidences to rationalize the promotion in electrical conductivity. The nanostructuring strategy in conjunction with the revised processing route offer a general pathway for manufacturing high-performance Al conductors in large-scale industrial applications.
Distributions of four taste and odor compounds in the sediment and overlying water at different ecology environment in Taihu Lake
Authors: Huang Heyong , Xu Xiaoguang , Liu Xiansheng , Han Ruiming , Liu Jine , Wang Guoxiang 
Published: April 2018

AbstractOrganic matter-induced black blooms, such as cyanobacterial and vegetation blooms, are a serious ecosystem disasters that have occurred in Taihu Lake. After large-scale outbreaks of blooms in eutrophic water, a large number of cyanobacterial and vegetation residue accumulate in the coastal areas, and rapidly fermented into odorous compounds. In this study, four taste and odor compounds have been analyzed in sediments and overlying water of different ecology environment in Taihu Lake. High concentrations of DMDS (up to 7165.25 ngg−1 dw−1), DMTS (up to 50.93 ngg−1 dw−1), β-cyclocitral (up to 5441.69 ngg−1 dw−1), β-ionone (up to 1669.37 ngg−1 dw−1) were detected in sediments. Also, the spatial distributions of DMDS, DMTS, β-cyclocitral and β-ionone in the sediments were investigated. As the depth of sediment increases, nutrients and odorous compounds are greatly reduced. The results showed that during the degradation of cyanobacterial and vegetation residues, DMDS, DMTS, β-cyclocitral, β-ionone and nutrients are gradually released. In addition, when assessing the source of odorous compounds in overlying water, it should also be considered that it may be released from the sediment. This study shows that odorous compounds are ubiquitous in near-shore zones Taihu Lake, and may take potential hazard to aquatic ecosystems.
Exoplanet detection in angular differential imaging by statistical learning of the nonstationary patch covariances
Authors: Flasseur Olivier , Denis Loïc , Thiébaut Éric , Langlois Maud 
Published: April 2018

Context. The detection of exoplanets by direct imaging is an active research topic in astronomy. Even with the coupling of an extreme adaptive-optics system with a coronagraph, it remains challenging due to the very high contrast between the host star and the exoplanets.
Aims. The purpose of this paper is to describe a method, named PACO, dedicated to source detection from angular differential imaging data. Given the complexity of the fluctuations of the background in the datasets, involving spatially variant correlations, we aim to show the potential of a processing method that learns the statistical model of the background from the data.
Methods. In contrast to existing approaches, the proposed method accounts for spatial correlations in the data. Those correlations and the average stellar speckles are learned locally and jointly to estimate the flux of the (potential) exoplanets. By preventing from subtracting images including the stellar speckles residuals, the photometry is intrinsically preserved. A nonstationary multi-variate Gaussian model of the background is learned. The decision in favor of the presence or the absence of an exoplanet is performed by a binary hypothesis test.
Results. The statistical accuracy of the model is assessed using VLT/SPHERE-IRDIS datasets. It is shown to capture the nonstationarity in the data so that a unique threshold can be applied to the detection maps to obtain consistent detection performance at all angular separations. This statistical model makes it possible to directly assess the false alarm rate, probability of detection, photometric and astrometric accuracies without resorting to Monte-Carlo methods.
Conclusions. PACO offers appealing characteristics: it is parameter-free and photometrically unbiased. The statistical performance in terms of detection capability, photometric and astrometric accuracies can be straightforwardly assessed. A fast approximate version of the method is also described that can be used to process large amounts of data from exoplanets search surveys.
Gastric Perforation Following Dog Bite in a Child
Authors: Singh Shailendra , Verma Shashank , Singh Praveen , Pandey Anand 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDog bite in children leading to visceral injury is a very uncommon clinical scenario. We treated a 6-year-old child who had a history of dog bite over the abdomen. At laparotomy, one perforation was found on the anterior surface of the stomach. The perforations were repaired primarily. The child made an uneventful postoperative recovery.
(Early) Palliative Care in Rettungsdienst und Notaufnahme
Authors: Spickermann Maximilian , Lenz Philipp 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAt the end of life patients with a life-limiting disease are often admitted to emergency departments (ED). Mostly, in the setting of an ED there may not be enough time to meet the needs for palliative care (PC) of these patients. Therefore, integration of PC into the ED offers a solution to improve their treatment. In the outpatient setting a cooperation between prehospital emergency services, the patient’s general practitioner and specialized outpatient PC teams may allow the patient to die at home – this is what most patients prefer at the end of life. Furthermore, due to the earlier integration of PC after admission the hospital stay is shortened. Also the number of PC consultations may increase. Additionally, a screening of PC hneeds among all patients visiting the ED may be beneficial: to avoid not meeting existing PC needs and to standardize the need of PC consultation. An example for such a screening tool is the “Palliative Care and Rapid Emergency Screening” (P-CaRES).
GARFIELD-NGS: Genomic vARiants FIltering by dEep Learning moDels in NGS
Authors: Ravasio Viola , Ritelli Marco , Legati Andrea , Giacopuzzi Edoardo 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Summary
Exome sequencing approach is extensively used in research and diagnostic laboratories to discover pathological variants and study genetic architecture of human diseases. However, a significant proportion of identified genetic variants are actually false positive calls, and this pose serious challenge for variants interpretation. Here, we propose a new tool named Genomic vARiants FIltering by dEep Learning moDels in NGS (GARFIELD-NGS), which rely on deep learning models to dissect false and true variants in exome sequencing experiments performed with Illumina or ION platforms. GARFIELD-NGS showed strong performances for both SNP and INDEL variants (AUC 0.71–0.98) and outperformed established hard filters. The method is robust also at low coverage down to 30X and can be applied on data generated with the recent Illumina two-colour chemistry. GARFIELD-NGS processes standard VCF file and produces a regular VCF output. Thus, it can be easily integrated in existing analysis pipeline, allowing application of different thresholds based on desired level of sensitivity and specificity.

Availability and implementation
GARFIELD-NGS available at https://github.com/gedoardo83/GARFIELD-NGS.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Seasonal Patterns of Protoschinia scutosa (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Migration Across China’s Bohai Strait
Authors: Zhao Shengyuan , Fu Xiaowei , Guo Jianglong , Zhou Yan , Wyckhuys Kris A G , Wu Kongming 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The spotted clover moth, Protoschinia scutosa (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an important polyphagous pest that is widely distributed in the world. P. scutosa overwinters as pupae in agricultural soils in Northern China. Yet, it is unclear whether P. scutosa also engages in seasonal migration over mid- to long-range distances. In this study, we employ light trapping, field surveys, and ovarian dissection of captured adults over a 2003–2015 time period to assess P. scutosa migration in Northern China. Our work shows that P. scutosa migrates across the Bohai Strait seasonally; the mean duration of its windborne migration period was 121.6 d, and the mean trapping number was 1053.6 moths. Nightly catches of P. scutosa were significantly different between months, but the differences between years were not significant. During 2009–2011 and 2013, the monthly proportion of migrating females (65.5%) was significantly higher than that of males and showed no difference between months. In May to June, the majority of females (May: 63.0%; June: 61.1%) were mated individuals with relatively high level of ovarian development; however, in August and September, most females were unmated. The mean proportion of mated females was significantly different across months but did not differ between years. The results of long-term searchlight trapping and ovarian dissection indicate that P. scutosa exhibits a seasonal characteristic of typical population dynamics and reproductive development of migratory insects. Our work sheds light upon key facets of P. scutosa ecology and facilitates the future development of pest forecasting systems and pest management schemes.
The Effects of Useful Field of View Training on Brain Activity and Connectivity
Authors: Ross Lesley A , Webb Christina E , Whitaker Christine , Hicks Jarrod M , Schmidt Erica L , Samimy Shaadee , Dennis Nancy A , Visscher Kristina M 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectivesUseful Field of View training (UFOVt) is an adaptive computerized cognitive intervention that improves visual attention and transfers to maintained health and everyday functioning in older adults. Although its efficacy is well established, the neural mechanisms underlying this intervention are unknown. This pilot study used functional MRI (fMRI) to explore neural changes following UFOVt.MethodTask-driven and resting-state fMRI were used to examine changes in brain activity and connectivity in healthy older adults randomized to 10 hr of UFOVt (n = 13), 10 hr of cognitively stimulating activities (CSA; n = 11), or a no-contact control (NC; n = 10).ResultsUFOVt resulted in reduced task-driven activity in the majority of regions of interest (ROIs) associated with task performance, CSA resulted in reduced activity in one ROI, and there were no changes within the NC group. Relative to NC, UFOVt reduced activity in ROIs involved in effortful information processing. There were no other significant between-group task-based differences. Resting-state functional connectivity between ROIs involved in executive function and visual attention was strengthened following UFOVt compared with CSA and NC.DiscussionUFOVt enhances connections needed for visual attention. Together with prior work, this study provides evidence that improvement of the brain’s visual attention efficiency is one mechanism underlying UFOVt.
Retrospective Attention in Short-Term Memory Has a Lasting Effect on Long-Term Memory Across Age
Authors: Strunk Jonathan , Morgan Lauren , Reaves Sarah , Verhaeghen Paul , Duarte Audrey 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Declines in both short- and long-term memory are typical of healthy aging. Recent findings suggest that retrodictive attentional cues (“retro-cues”) that indicate the location of to-be-probed items in short-term memory (STM) have a lasting impact on long-term memory (LTM) performance in young adults. Whether older adults can also use retro-cues to facilitate both STM and LTM is unknown.

Method
Young and older adults performed a visual STM task in which spatially informative retro-cues or noninformative neutral-cues were presented during STM maintenance of real-world objects. We tested participants’ memory at both STM and LTM delays for objects that were previously cued with retrodictive or neutral-cues during STM order to measure the lasting impact of retrospective attention on LTM.

Results
Older adults showed reduced STM and LTM capacity compared to young adults. However, they showed similar magnitude retro-cue memory benefits as young adults at both STM and LTM delays.

Discussion
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate whether retro-cues in STM facilitate the encoding of objects into LTM such that they are more likely to be subsequently retrieved by older adults. Our results support the idea that retrospective attention can be an effective means by which older adults can improve their STM and LTM performance, even in the context of reduced memory capacity.
Conformally Covariant Bi-differential Operators on a Simple Real Jordan Algebra
Authors: Ben Saïd Salem , Clerc Jean-Louis , Koufany Khalid 
Published: April 2018

AbstractFor a simple real Jordan algebra V, a family of bi-differential operators from $\mathcal{C}^\infty (V\times V)$ to $\mathcal{C}^\infty (V)$ is constructed. These operators are covariant under the rational action of the conformal group of V. They generalize the classical Rankin–Cohen brackets (case $V=\mathbb{R}$).
Minimally Invasive Exposure of the Maxillary Artery at the Anteromedial Infratemporal Fossa
Authors: Rodriguez Rubio Roberto , Kola Olivia , Tayebi Meybodi Ali , Tabani Halima , Feng Xuequan , Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Yousef Sonia , Lawton Michael T , Benet Arnau 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The maxillary artery (MA) has been described as a reliable donor for extracranial-intracranial high-flow bypass. Existing techniques to harvest MA require brain retraction and drilling of the middle fossa (with or without a zygomatic osteotomy), carrying the potential risks of venous bleeding, injury to the branches of the maxillary or mandibular nerves, muscular transection, or temporomandibular junction disorders.

OBJECTIVE
To describe a novel technique to expose the MA without bony drilling and with minimal impact to surrounding structures.

METHODS
A conventional curvilinear incision was performed in 10 cadaveric specimens, prior to elevating the scalp to expose the zygomatic root and lateral orbital rim. The sphenozygomatic suture was followed to the anterolateral edge of the inferior orbital fissure (IOF) to locate and harvest the pterygoid segment of the MA. Topographic anatomy was assessed using surrounding landmarks and 3D Cartesian coordinates to define the surgical area. The number of visible MA branches and their lengths were recorded.

RESULTS
The MA was successfully exposed in all specimens. This approach allowed 6 branches of MA to be exposed. The average length of exposure was 23.3 ± 8.3 mm and the average surgical area was 2.8 ± 0.9 cm2. The IOF was 11.5 ± 4.2 mm from the MA.

CONCLUSION
Our technique provides landmarks to identify the distal pterygoid segment of MA as a donor for extracranial-intracranial bypasses without the need for additional craniectomies. Clear anatomical landmarks, including the sphenozygomatic suture, anterolateral edge of IOF, infraorbital artery, and the pterygomaxillary fissure defined a trajectory to efficiently localize the MA with minimal risk to surrounding structures.
Side-to-Side and End-to-Side Double Anastomosis Using the Parietal-Branch of the Superficial Temporal Artery—A Novel Technique for Extracranial to Intracranial Bypass Surgery: 3-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Arnone Gregory D , Hage Ziad A , Charbel Fady T 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
In this 3-dimensional video, we perform a side-to-side and end-to-side double anastomosis using the parietal-branch of the superficial temporal artery (STA) to provide flow augmentation in a symptomatic 59-yr-old male with bilateral internal carotid artery occlusion at the origin, and left M1 segment occlusion. The patient suffered multiple left hemispheric strokes despite maximal medical therapy and was found to have poor hemodynamic reserve in the left hemisphere during evaluation with regional and global blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging with CO2-challenge as well as quantitative magnetic resonance angiography and noninvasive optimal vessel analysis pre- and post-acetazolamide challenge. Postoperatively, the patient did very well and his hemodynamic studies improved significantly.
The importance of this technique relies on the fact that we are using a single donor vessel to perform 2 anastomoses, and carries the following advantages: (1) the frontal STA branch remains intact and therefore can still be used at a later time if further revascularization is needed; (2) wound complications related to devascularizing the scalp from harvesting both STA branches are reduced; (3) 2 vascular territories are augmented (frontal and temporal) while using a single donor; (4) we are maximizing donor potential and optimizing cut flow index (CFI; total bypass flow postanastomosis divided by bypass cut flow) by flow augmenting 2 separate vascular beds therefore increasing demand. To explain that fourth point further: if the STA donor is able to carry a maximum 100 mL/min when cut, and after performing the first anastomosis bypass flow is only 37 mL/min, CFI will be 37/100 = 0.37, reflecting low demand, a poor indicator of graft patency, as previously published.
1,2
By adding a second anastomosis which demands an additional 60 mL/min from the same STA donor, CFI (60 + 37)/100 improves to 1.
Institutional Review Board approval was obtained for the review of patient chart and video files. Informed consent was obtained directly from the patient via telephone regarding use of media for educational and publication purposes.