bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological evidence of sustained spatial attention effects over anterior cortex: Possible contribution of the anterior insula
Authors: Berchicci Marika , Ten Brink Antonia Francisca , Quinzi Federico , Perri Rinaldo Livio , Spinelli Donatella , Di Russo Francesco 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSpatial attention can improve performance in terms of speed and accuracy; this advantage may be mediated by brain processes at both poststimulus (reactive) and prestimulus (proactive) stages. Here, we studied how visuospatial attention affects both proactive and reactive brain functions using event‐related potentials (ERPs). At reactive stage, effects of attention on parietal‐occipital components are well documented; little data are available on anterior components. Seventeen participants performed simple and discriminative response tasks, while voluntarily and steadily attending either the left or right visual hemifield throughout one block. Response speed was faster for the attended side. At ERP level, attending to one hemifield did not produce lateralization of proactive components—that is, the BP and the pN. As for poststimulus components, we confirmed the well‐known amplitude effects on the P1, N1, and P3. More interesting are results for the prefrontal components previously neglected in tasks modulating spatial attention. Previous studies suggest that these components reflect perceptual and sensory‐motor awareness (pN1 and pP1 components), and stimulus‐response mapping (pP2 component) associated to anterior insular activity. Spatial attention enhanced the pN1 and the pP1 amplitude but had no effect on the pP2. Overall, results extend knowledge on spatial attention, showing that sustained spatial attention affects the activity of anterior areas, such as the anterior insula, in addition to the known influence on occipital‐parietal areas. Top‐down spatial attention is likely mediated by increased sensory and sensory‐motor awareness for attended events; this effect is evident in reactive, not proactive, brain activity.
Quantitative micro‐X‐ray fluorescence scanning spectroscopy of wet sediment based on the X‐ray absorption and emission theories: Its application to freshwater lake sedimentary sequences
Authors: Katsuta Nagayoshi , Takano Masao , Sano Naomi , Tani Yukinori , Ochiai Shinya , Naito Sayuri , Murakami Takuma , Niwa Masakazu , Kawakami Shin‐ichi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMicro‐X‐ray fluorescence scanning spectroscopy of marine and lake sedimentary sequences can provide detailed palaeoenvironmental records through element intensity proxy data. However, problems with the effects of interstitial pore water on the micro‐X‐ray fluorescence intensities have been pointed out. This is because the X‐ray fluorescence intensities are measured directly at the surfaces of split wet sediment core samples. This study developed a new method for correcting X‐ray fluorescence data to compensate for the effects of pore water using a scanning X‐ray analytical microscope. This involved simultaneous use of micro‐X‐ray fluorescence scanning spectroscopy and an X‐ray transmission detector. To evaluate the interstitial pore water content from the X‐ray transmission intensities, a fine‐grained sediment core retrieved from Lake Baikal (VER99‐G12) was used to prepare resin‐embedded samples with smooth surfaces and uniform thickness. Simple linear regression between the linear absorption coefficients of the samples and their porosity, based on the Lambert–Beer law, enabled calculation of the interstitial pore spaces and their resin content with high reproducibility. The X‐ray fluorescence intensities of resin‐embedded samples were reduced compared with those of dry sediment samples because of: (i) the X‐ray fluorescence absorption of resin within sediment; and (ii) the sediment dilution effects by resin. An improved micro‐X‐ray fluorescence correction equation based on X‐ray fluorescence emission theory considers the instrument's sensitivity to each element, which provides a reasonable explanation of these two effects. The resin‐corrected X‐ray fluorescence intensity was then successfully converted to elemental concentrations using simple linear regression between the data from micro‐X‐ray fluorescence scanning spectroscopy and from the conventional analyzer. In particular, the calculated concentration of SiO2 over the depth of the core, reflecting diatom/biogenic silica concentration, was significantly changed by the calibrations, from a progressively decreasing trend to an increasing trend towards the top of the core.
High rates of indeterminate interferon‐gamma release assays for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in liver transplantation candidates
Authors: Wigg Alan J. , Narayana Sumudu K. , Anwar Shahzaib , Ramachandran Jeyamani , Muller Kate , Chen John W. , John Libby , Hissaria Pravin , Kaambwa Billingsley , Woodman Richard J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackground and aimsScreening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is recommended prior to solid organ transplantation. Interferon‐gamma release assays (IGRAs) are the most widely used test for LTBI screening; however, assessment of IGRA performance in patients with end‐stage liver disease is limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of indeterminate (INDT) IGRA results in liver transplantation candidates.MethodsBetween March 2011 and May 2018, we retrospectively analyzed 155 patients undergoing liver transplantation assessment, who underwent IGRA testing (Quantiferon‐TB Gold, QFT‐G) to exclude LTBI. Characteristics of patients, including age, gender, etiology of liver disease, MELD score, and absolute lymphocyte counts, were compared by QFT‐G result (determinate vs INDT).ResultsOf the 155 patients screened, the rate of positive, negative, and INDT results were 5.2%, 69.8%, and 25%, respectively. The only variable independently associated with an indeterminate test on multivariate analysis was MELD score (odds ratio = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01‐1.14 per unit increase; P = 0.014). In 95% of INDT tests, both TB antigen tube and the positive control tube were negative and repeat testing gave the same indeterminate result, suggestive of anergy rather than laboratory error.ConclusionsOur study suggests a high rate of INDT IGRA results during screening of liver transplant candidates for LTBI, associated with severity of liver disease and anergy. Because of the high rate of INDT QFT‐G testing in this setting, individualized risk assessment is required including a thorough assessment of clinical risk factors and knowledge of local TB prevalence.
Using natural variation to achieve a whole‐plant functional understanding of the responses mediated by jasmonate signaling
Authors: Ray Rishav , Li Dapeng , Halitschke Rayko , Gase Klaus , Baldwin Ian T. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryThe dramatic advances in our understanding of the molecular biology and biochemistry of jasmonate (JA) signaling have been the subject of several excellent recent reviews that have highlighted the phytohormonal function of this signaling pathway. Here, we focus on the responses mediated by JA signaling which have consequences for a plant's Darwinian fitness, i.e. the organism‐level function of JA signaling. The most diverse module in the signaling cascade, the JAZ proteins, and their interactions with other proteins and transcription factors, allow this canonical signaling cascade to mediate a bewildering array of traits in different tissues at different times; the functional coherence of these diverse responses are best appreciated in an organismal/ecological context. From published work, it appears that jasmonates can function as the ‘Swiss Army knife’ of plant signaling, mediating many different biotic and abiotic stress and developmental responses that allow plants to contextualize their responses to their frequently changing local environments and optimize their fitness. We propose that a deeper analysis of the natural variation in both within‐plant and within‐population JA signaling components is a profitable means of attaining a coherent whole‐plant functional perspective of this signaling cascade, and provide examples of this approach from the Nicotiana attenuata system.
The influence of acute hyperglycaemia on brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation in the early and late follicular phases of the menstrual cycle
Authors: Williams Jennifer S. , Stimpson Taylor V. , Tremblay Joshua C. , Fenuta Alyssa M. , Pyke Kyra E. 
Published: March 2019

New Findings
What is the central question of the study?
This is the first study to examine the impact of acute hyperglycaemia on endothelial function [flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD)] in premenopausal women across the early and late follicular (EF and LF) phases of the menstrual cycle.
What is the main finding and its importance?
Flow‐mediated dilatation was impaired 90 min after glucose ingestion, with no significant difference between phases. This indicates that women are susceptible to acute hyperglycaemia‐induced endothelial dysfunction in both the EF and LF phases of the menstrual cycle, despite potentially vasoprotective elevations in estradiol levels during the LF phase.
AbstractAcute hyperglycaemia transiently impairs endothelial function in healthy men when assessed via flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD). However, research in female participants is lacking, and the impact of menstrual phase [early follicular (EF) and late follicular (LF)] on vulnerability to acute hyperglycaemia‐induced endothelial dysfunction is unknown. Seventeen healthy, naturally menstruating women [21 ± 1 years old (mean ± SD)] participated in three visits. During two visits (EFGlucose and LFGlucose), brachial artery FMD was assessed before and 60, 90 and 120 min after an oral glucose challenge (75 g glucose). During an additional EF visit, participants ingested 300 ml of water (EFTimeControl). Blood glucose and insulin increased 30 min after glucose ingestion (P < 0.001), with no difference between phases. Flow‐mediated dilatation did not change in EFTimeControl (P = 0.748) but was reduced 90 min after glucose ingestion (Pre, 8.5 ± 2.5%; Post90, 6.6 ± 2.4%, P = 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.82), with no difference between phases (main effect of phase, P = 0.506; phase by time interaction, P = 0.391). To account for individual variability in the time course of the impact of hyperglycaemia, the maximal hyperglycaemia‐induced impairment in FMD was determined in each participant and compared between phases, revealing no significant phase differences (EFGlucose, −3.1 ± 2.8%; LFGlucose, −2.4 ± 2.1%, P = 0.181; d = 0.34). These results indicate that, similar to findings in men, acute hyperglycaemia results in FMD impairment in young women. We did not detect significant protection from acute hyperglycaemia‐induced endothelial dysfunction in the LF ‘high‐oestrogen’ phase in this sample, and further research is needed to examine the potential for a protective effect of oestrogen exposure, including oral contraceptive pills and hormone replacement therapy.
A voltage‐dependent depolarization induced by low external glucose in neurons of the nucleus of the tractus solitarius: interaction with KATP channels
Authors: De Bernardis Murat Cahuê , Leão Ricardo Mauricio 
Published: March 2019

Key points
Neurons from the brainstem nucleus of the tractus solitarius (NTS) participate in the counter‐regulatory mechanisms in response to hypoglycaemia.
ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are expressed in NTS neurons, and are partially open at rest in normoglycaemic 5 mM glucose.
In normoglycaemic conditions, most NTS neurons depolarize in response to low external glucose (0.5 mM), via a voltage‐dependent mechanism.
Conversely, most NTS neurons incubated in hyperglycaemic 10 mM glucose do not respond to low glucose due to a more positive resting membrane potential caused by the closure of KATP channels following increased intracellular metabolic ATP.
Our findings show that in hyperglycaemic conditions, NTS neurons failed to sense rapid changes in external glucose, which could be related to hypoglycaemia‐associated autonomic failure.
AbstractThe nucleus of the tractus solitarius (NTS) is an integrative centre for autonomic counter‐regulatory responses to hypoglycaemia. KATP channels link the metabolic status of the neuron to its excitability. Here we investigated the influence of KATP channels on the membrane potential of NTS neurons in normo‐ and hyperglycaemic external glucose concentrations, and after switching to a hypoglycaemic concentration, using in vitro electrophysiological recordings in brainstem slices. We found that in normoglycaemic (5 mM) glucose, tolbutamide, a KATP channel antagonist, depolarized the membrane of most neurons, and this effect was observed in more hyperpolarized neurons. All neurons hyperpolarized after pharmacological activation of KATP channels. Most NTS neurons depolarized in the presence of low glucose (0.5 mM), and this effect was only seen in hyperpolarized neurons. The effect of glucose was caused by a cationic current with a reversal potential around −50 mV. In the presence of hyperglycaemic glucose (10 mM), neurons were more depolarized, and fewer neurons responded to KATP blockage. Application of 0.5 mM glucose solution to these neurons depolarized the membrane only in more hyperpolarized neurons. We conclude that NTS neurons present with KATP channels open at rest in normoglycaemic conditions, and their membrane potential is affected by extracellular glucose. Moreover, NTS neurons depolarize the membrane in response to the application of a low glucose solution, but this effect is occluded by membrane depolarization triggered by KATP blockage. Our data suggest a homeostatic regulation of the membrane potential by external glucose, and a possible mechanism related to the hypoglycaemia‐associated autonomic failure.
Three-Dimensional Thermo-Elasto-Hydrodynamic Computational Fluid Dynamics Model of a Tilting Pad Journal Bearing—Part II: Dynamic Response
Authors: Yang Jongin , Palazzolo Alan 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Part II presents a novel approach for predicting dynamic coefficients for a tilting pad journal bearing (TPJB) using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element method (FEM), including fully coupled elastic deflection, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics. Part I presented a similarly novel, high fidelity approach for TPJB static response prediction which is a prerequisite for the dynamic characteristic determination. The static response establishes the equilibrium operating point values for eccentricity, attitude angle, deflections, temperatures, pressures, etc. The stiffness and damping coefficients are obtained by perturbing the pad and journal motions about this operating point to determine changes in forces and moments. The stiffness and damping coefficients are presented in “synchronously reduced form” as required by American Petroleum Institute (API) vibration standards. Similar to Part I, an advanced three-dimensional thermal—Reynolds equation code validates the CFD code for the special case when flow Between Pad (BP) regions is ignored, and the CFD and Reynolds pad boundary conditions are made identical. The results show excellent agreement for this validation case. Similar to the static response case, the dynamic characteristics from the Reynolds model show large discrepancies compared with the CFD results, depending on the Reynolds mixing coefficient (MC). The discrepancies are a concern given the key role that stiffness and damping coefficients serve instability and response predictions in rotordynamics software. The uncertainty of the MC and its significant influence on static and dynamic response predictions emphasizes a need to utilize the CFD approach for TPJB simulation in critical machines.
A Semianalytical Vibration Analysis of Partially Wet Square Cantilever Plate With Numerical and Experimental Verification: Partially Wet Modeshapes
Authors: Verma Y. , Datta N. , Praharaj R. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
A semianalytical study of a uniform homogenous partially submerged square cantilever plate vibration is presented. The structure is assumed to be a Kirchhoff's plate, clamped on one edge and free on the other edges. The lengthwise section of the plate is a cantilever clamped-free (CF) beam, while the widthwise section is a free-free (FF) beam. The plate modeshape is a weighted superposition of the product of the beam modeshapes, with unknown weights. The CF beam has only flexural modes. The FF beam has two rigid-body modes, i.e., translational and rotational modes. Rayleigh–Ritz method (RRM) is used to set up the free vibration eigenvalue problem. The eigenvector gives the unknown weights. The modeshapes generated are further used in the boundary element method (BEM) to calculate the fluid inertia, which participates in the vibration and leads to a consistent drop in frequencies. The dependence of this reduction on the submergence level is studied for the first six frequencies of the plate. The frequencies are also experimentally generated by the impact hammer test, both in the dry state, and under three distinct levels of submergence: 25%, 50%, and 75% from the free edge opposite to the clamped edge. The frequencies and modeshapes are also verified through numerical analysis using the commercial code ansys 16.0. Conclusions are drawn regarding the influence of fluid inertia distribution on the final plate modeshape, leading to insights into sound structural designs.
BordetellaFilamentous Hemagglutinin, a Model for the Two-Partner Secretion Pathway
Authors: Nash Zachary M. , Cotter Peggy A. 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTBacteria use a variety of mechanisms to translocate proteins from the cytoplasm, where they are synthesized, to the cell surface or extracellular environment or directly into other cells, where they perform their ultimate functions. Type V secretion systems (T5SS) use β-barrel transporter domains to export passenger domains across the outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria. Distinct among T5SS are type Vb or two-partner secretion (TPS) systems in which the transporter and passenger are separate proteins, necessitating a mechanism for passenger-translocator recognition in the periplasm and providing the potential for reuse of the translocator. This review describes current knowledge of the TPS translocation mechanism, usingBordetellafilamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) and its transporter FhaC as a model. We present the hypothesis that the TPS pathway may be a general mechanism for contact-dependent delivery of toxins to target cells.
Global, regional and national burden of emergency medical diseases using specific emergency disease indicators: analysis of the 2015 Global Burden of Disease Study
Authors: Razzak Junaid , Usmani Mohammad Farooq , Bhutta Zulfiqar A 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveThere are currently no metrics for measuring population-level burden of emergency medical diseases (EMDs). This study presents an analysis of the burden of EMDs using two metrics: the emergency disease mortality rate (EDMR) and the emergency disease burden (EDB) per 1000 population at the national, regional and global levels.MethodsWe used the 1990 and 2015 Global Burden of Disease Study for morbidity and mortality data on 249 medical conditions in 195 countries. Thirty-one diseases were classified as ‘emergency medical diseases’ based on earlier published work. We developed two indicators, one focused on mortality (EDMR) and the other on burden (EDB). We compared the EDMR and EDB across countries, regions and income groups and compared these metrics from 1990 to 2015.ResultsIn 2015, globally, there were 28.3 million deaths due to EMDs. EMDs contributed to 50.7% of mortality and 41.5% of all burden of diseases. The EDB in low-income countries is 4.4 times that of high-income countries. The EDB in the African region is 273 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 1000 compared with 100 DALYs per 1000 in the European region. There has been a 6% increase in overall mortality due to EMDs from 1990 to 2015. Globally, injuries (22%), ischaemic heart disease (17%), lower respiratory infections (11%) and haemorrhagic strokes (7%) made up about 60% of EMDs in 2015.ConclusionGlobally, EMDs contributed to more than half of all years of life lost. There is a significant disparity between the EDMR and EDB between regions and socioeconomic groups at the global level.
Risk factors for thromboembolic and bleeding events in anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation: the prospective, multicentre observational PREvention oF thromboembolic events - European Registry in Atrial Fibrillation (PREFER in AF)
Authors: Rohla Miklos , Weiss Thomas W , Pecen Ladislav , Patti Giuseppe , Siller-Matula Jolanta M , Schnabel Renate B , Schilling Richard , Kotecha Dipak , Lucerna Markus , Huber Kurt , De Caterina Raffaele , Kirchhof Paulus 
Published: March 2019

ObjectivesWe identified factors associated with thromboembolic and bleeding events in two contemporary cohorts of anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), treated with either vitamin K antagonists (VKA) or non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs).DesignProspective, multicentre observational study.Setting461 centres in seven European countries.Participants5310 patients receiving a VKA (PREvention oF thromboembolic events - European Registry in Atrial Fibrillation (PREFER in AF), derivation cohort) and 3156 patients receiving a NOAC (PREFER in AF Prolongation, validation cohort) for stroke prevention in AF.Outcome measuresRisk factors for thromboembolic events (ischaemic stroke, systemic embolism) and major bleeding (gastrointestinal bleeding, intracerebral haemorrhage and other life-threatening bleeding).ResultsThe mean age of patients enrolled in the PREFER in AF registry was 72±10 years, 40% were female and the mean CHA2DS2-VASc Score was 3.5±1.7. The incidence of thromboembolic and major bleeding events was 2.34% (95% CI 1.93% to 2.74%) and 2.84% (95% CI 2.41% to 3.33%) after 1-year of follow-up, respectively.Abnormal liver function, prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack, labile international normalised ratio (INR), concomitant therapy with antiplatelet or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heart failure and older age (≥75 years) were independently associated with both thromboembolic and major bleeding events.With the exception of unstable INR values, these risk factors were validated in patients treated with NOACs (PREFER in AF Prolongation Study, 72±9 years, 40% female, CHA2DS2-VASc 3.3±1.6). For each single point decrease on a modifiable bleeding risk scale we observed a 30% lower risk for major bleeding events (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.76, p<0.01) and a 28% lower rate of thromboembolic events (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.82, p<0.01).ConclusionAttending to modifiable risk factors is an important treatment target in anticoagulated AF patients to reduce thromboembolic and bleeding events. Initiation of anticoagulation in those at risk of stroke should not be prevented by elevated bleeding risk scores.