bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of High‐Frequency MRI Monitoring in the Detection of Brain Atrophy in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Uher Tomas , Krasensky Jan , Sobisek Lukas , Seidl Zdenek , Bergsland Niels , Dwyer Michael G. , Kubala Havrdova Eva , Zivadinov Robert , Horakova Dana , Vaneckova Manuela 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEA relatively high intraindividual variability of longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain volume loss (BVL) measurements over time renders challenging its application to individual multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Objective of this study was to investigate if high‐frequency brain MRI monitoring affects identification of pathological BVL in an individual patient.METHODSOne hundred fifty‐seven relapsing‐remitting MS patients had seven MRI scans over 12 months follow‐up. All 1,585 MRI scans were performed on the same 1.5T scanner using an identical scanning protocol. Volumetric analysis was performed by ScanView and SIENA software. Linear regression analysis was used for estimation of annualized BVL, with a cutoff greater than .4% defined as pathological. We compared proportions of patients with pathological BVL obtained by analysis of different number of MRI time‐points.RESULTSAn analysis of seven MRI scans (months 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12) showed pathological BVL in 105 (65%) of patients. When three MRI scans were included (months 0, 6, and 12), we found 10 (6.4%) false negative and 9 (5.7%) false positive results compared with the analysis of seven MRI scans, used as a reference for assessment of pathological BVL. Analysis of two MRI time‐points (months 0 and 12) showed 10 (6.4%) false negative and 13 (8.3%) false positive results compared with analysis of seven MRI time‐points. Change in the accuracy of pathological BVL between results obtained by analysis of seven and two time‐points was 14.7%.CONCLUSIONSHigh‐frequency MRI monitoring may have a considerable effect on improving the precision of precisely identifying pathological BVL in individual patients. However, limitations in translation to clinical practice remain.
The Effects of Fresh Detox Juices on Color Stability and Roughness of Resin‐Based Composites
Authors: Yikilgan İhsan , Akgul Sinem , Hazar Ahmet , Kedıcı Alp Cemile , Baglar Serdar , Bala Oya 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the effects of three fresh detox juices, including an orange, green, and red beverage, on the color stability and surface roughness of three anterior esthetic resin‐based composites (RBCs).Materials and MethodsDisk‐shaped specimens were prepared with three different esthetic RBCs (Amaris, G‐aenial Anterior, Clearfil Majesty ES‐2) according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Forty specimens were prepared for each RBC, and all specimens were stored in artificial saliva at 37°C for 24 hours. The initial color values and surface roughness measurements of the specimens were taken using a spectrophotometer and a profilometer. The specimens were then divided into 4 subgroups (n = 10). All specimens except the control specimens were immersed in their designated fresh detox juices (green, red, or orange) for 10 minutes twice a day. Color and surface roughness measurements were taken on day 15 and day 30, and the results were analyzed by one‐way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test. The association between color change and surface roughness was evaluated by Spearman's Rank Correlation analysis.ResultsColor changes and surface roughness increased upon exposure to fresh detox juices for 15 and 30 days for all of the RBCs. All of the G‐aenial and Amaris groups displayed color changes above the threshold of acceptability, whereas Clearfil Majesty ES‐2 displayed a color change above the threshold of acceptability only after exposure to the red beverage for 30 days (ΔE > 3.7). With regard to surface roughness, Clearfil Majesty ES‐2 outperformed the other RBCs (p < 0.001). According to Spearman's Rank Correlation analysis, there was no correlation between color change and surface roughness (p > 0.001).ConclusionsExposure to the fresh detox juices used in this study led to similar color changes in the RBCs used in this study.
Modelling the effects of temperature and wetness on the polycyclic phase of Stemphylium vesicarium, the pathogen causing purple spot on asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.)
Authors: Bohlen‐Janssen Henrik , Racca Paolo , Hau Bernhard , Wichura Alexandra 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe polycyclic phase of Stemphylium vesicarium is the key factor for the forecast and integrated control of purple spot on asparagus. The annual dynamics of airborne conidia were determined under field conditions by conidia traps. From 2013 to 2015, conidia became airborne at the earliest at mid‐July, but the number trapped was considerably enhanced only after mid‐August, early September. The cumulative percentage of trapped conidia was best described using a logistic function depending on the daily temperature sum (base 0°C) accumulated only on days with >0.2 mm of rainfall (R2 = .81). The germination of conidia was modelled by a generalized beta‐modified Chapman Richards function, and the germ tube length was modelled by a generalized beta‐power function. Conidia germinated in a wide temperature range, with an optimum at 23.3°C, whereas germ tube length had a narrow nearly optimum temperature range around 28.7°C, which indicates that infection by conidia is more restricted by germ tube growth than by germination. The effect of temperature on the number of lesions produced by two strains on green asparagus spears had the narrowest optimum range (optimum at 21.9°C) of all parts of the polycyclic phase. In plant tissue, the spread of the fungus depends on the mycelium growth. The mycelium growth of the four strains, which was modelled with data from a petri dish experiment, had an optimum temperature at 24.7°C.
Transposon insertion upstream of a putative sodium/sulphate symporter is associated with hypervirulence in the soft rot bacterium, Pectobacterium carotovorum
Authors: Kersey Caleb M. , Heintzman Darren , Dumenyo C. Korsi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPathogenesis by Pectobacterium carotovorum and the other soft rot bacteria results mostly from the synthesis and secretion of a plethora of exoproteins including plant cell wall‐degrading enzymes and type III effectors. A mini‐Tn5 transposon mutant of P. carotovorum (KD200) was isolated that is highly increased in activity and transcript levels of extracellular cell wall‐degradative enzymes, pectate lyase, polygalacturonase, cellulase and protease. Accordingly, the mutant was more virulent as it macerated more host tissue than its parent. KD200 mutant harbours a Tn5 insertion directly upstream of nssAEcc71, a putative sodium/sulphate symporter gene and member of a family of divalent anion sodium symporters (DASS). The findings reported here suggest that DASS proteins may be involved in soft rot pathogenesis.
Molecular detection and characterization of a stolbur phytoplasma associated with Narcissus tazetta phyllody in Iran
Authors: Gholami Javad , Ranjbar Reza , Bahar Masoud , Choupannejad Roya , Saed Moucheshi Sirvan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDuring field surveys in 2015, a phytoplasma‐associated disease was identified in Narcissus tazetta plants in Behbahan, Iran. The characteristic symptoms were phyllody and virescence. The presence of phytoplasma in symptomatic plants was confirmed using PCR amplification and sequencing of 16S rRNA, tuf, secY and vmp1 genes. Based on the blastn results, the sequences of 16S rRNA, tuf, secY and vmp1 genes shared, respectively, 99%, 100%, 99% and 99% sequence identity with phytoplasma strains in 16SrXII‐A subgroup. RFLP and phylogenetic analyses using the sequences of 16S rRNA, tuf and secY genes confirmed the assortment of studied strains to 16SrXII‐A phytoplasma subgroup. Sequence comparison of these four genes revealed that all the sequences of 28 strains studied were identical. To the best of our knowledge, the association of “Candidatus Phytoplasma solani” with N. tazetta was demonstrated for the first time in the world.
A de novo mutation in the EXT2 gene associated with osteochondromatosis in a litter of American Staffordshire Terriers
Authors: Friedenberg Steven G. , Vansteenkiste Daniella , Yost Oriana , Treeful Amy E. , Meurs Kathryn M. , Tokarz Debra A. , Olby Natasha J. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundWe aimed to identify mutations associated with osteochondromatosis in a litter of American Staffordshire Terrier puppies.HypothesisWe hypothesized that the associated mutation would be located in a gene that causes osteochondromatosis in humans.AnimalsA litter of 9 American Staffordshire puppies, their sire and dam, 3 of 4 grandparents, 26 healthy unrelated American Staffordshire Terriers, and 154 dogs of 27 different breeds.MethodsWhole genome sequencing was performed on the proband, and variants were compared against polymorphisms derived from 154 additional dogs across 27 breeds, as well as single nucleotide polymorphism database 146. One variant was selected for follow‐up sequencing. Parentage and genetic mosaicism were evaluated across the litter.ResultsWe found 56,301 genetic variants unique to the proband. Eleven variants were located in or near the gene exostosin 2 (EXT2), which is strongly associated with osteochondromatosis in humans. One heterozygous variant (c.969C > A) is predicted to result in a stop codon in exon 5 of the gene. Sanger sequencing identified the identical mutation in all affected offspring. The mutation was absent in the unaffected offspring, both parents, all available grandparents, and 26 healthy unrelated American Staffordshire Terriers.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThese findings represent the first reported mutation associated with osteochondromatosis in dogs. Because this mutation arose de novo, the identical mutation is unlikely to be the cause of osteochondromatosis in other dogs. However, de novo mutations in EXT2 are common in humans with osteochondromatosis, and by extension, it is possible that dogs with osteochondromatosis could be identified by sequencing the entire EXT2 gene.
Hyphal induction under the condition without inoculation in Candida albicans is triggered by Brg1‐mediated removal of NRG1 inhibition
Authors: Su Chang , Yu Jing , Sun Qiangqiang , Liu Qian , Lu Yang 
Published: February 2018

SummaryCandida albicans can switch between yeast and hyphae growth forms, which is critical for its pathogenesis. Diluting from saturated cells into fresh medium at 37°C is routinely used to induce hyphae, which depends on the cAMP‐PKA pathway‐activated transcriptional down‐regulation of NRG1 and degradation of Nrg1 protein triggered by inoculation. It is reported that N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), serum or neutral pH could stimulate filamentation in log phase cells, whereas how C. albicans develops hyphae without inoculation remains unknown. Here, we show that NRG1 down‐regulation is necessary for hyphal growth under this condition. Instead of cAMP‐PKA pathway, GlcNAc sensor Ngs1 is responsible for the down‐regulation of NRG1 upon GlcNAc induction in log phase cells through its N‐acetyltransferase activity. From a genetic screen, Brg1 is found to be essential for hyphal development without inoculation. Ngs1 binds to BRG1 promoter to induce its expression in GlcNAc. Importantly, constitutively expressed BRG1 induces NRG1 down‐regulation even in the absence of GlcNAc or Ngs1. Serum or neutral pH‐induced filamentation in log phase cells is also through Brg1‐mediated NRG1 down‐regulation. Our study provides a molecular mechanism for how C. albicans forms hyphae in different cell states. This flexibility may facilitate C. albicans to adapt varied host environment during infection.
Intentional tracheoesophageal fistula cannulation for gastric decompression in type C esophageal atresia
Authors: Papoff Paola , Cicchetti Roberto , Montecchia Francesco , Midulla Fabio , Ceccanti Silvia , Cozzi Denis 
Published: February 2018

SummaryWe describe a nonsurgical technique for managing gastric distention in infants with type C esophageal atresia, involving intubating the trachea with an umbilical catheter and entering the stomach through the fistula as soon as a flexible bronchoscope found its wide‐open orifice. This technique might have a special role when gastric distention precedes other commonly used preventive measures.
Distances from vocal cords to mid‐trachea for optimizing endotracheal tubes depth markers according to gestational age
Authors: Rigo Vincent , Fayoux Pierre 
Published: February 2018

SummaryBackgroundAdequate endotracheal tube positioning in preterm infants is complicated by the short length of the airway. Distal markers were designed to help with the insertion of endotracheal tubes at an appropriate depth below the vocal cords. However, those markers are not standardized between manufacturers, each tube size displays only one (sometimes 2) markers to provide information for infants of various gestational ages, and indicated distances are often too long for extremely preterm infants.AimsThe study aims to describe vocal cords to mid‐tracheal distance for different gestational ages and determine if depth markers should be adjusted accordingly.MethodsHalf the tracheal length added to the height of the posterior lamina of the cricoids approximates the distance between vocal cords and mid‐trachea. Those dimensions were retrospectively retrieved from a database of laryngo‐tracheal measurements obtained during autopsies of fetuses and newborn infants free of upper airway malformations. The equation of correlation between gestational age and distance from vocal cords to mid‐trachea was used to calculate those distances for different gestational ages.ResultsData were derived from 114 patients. Vocal cords to mid‐trachea distance is linearly correlated with gestational age (r = .90; distance = 2.831 + 0.6208 × gestational age). We suggest depth markers at 17.7, 19.0, 20.8, 22.7, 24.6, and 26.4 mm for gestational ages of 24, 26, 29, 32, 35, and 38 weeks, respectively, indicated by contrasting colors.ConclusionThe linear relationship between laryngo‐tracheal size and gestational age offers the opportunity to revise endotracheal tube depth markers for the smallest patients. Trials comparing those suggested markers with those currently in use are needed before implementation.
Sensitivity of chickpea and faba bean to root‐zone hypoxia, elevated ethylene, and carbon dioxide
Authors: Munir Rushna , Konnerup Dennis , Khan Hammad A. , Siddique Kadambot H.M. , Colmer Timothy D. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDuring soil waterlogging, plants experience O2 deficits, elevated ethylene, and high CO2 in the root‐zone. The effects on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) of ethylene (2 μL L−1), CO2 (2–20% v/v) or deoxygenated stagnant solution were evaluated. Ethylene and high CO2 reduced root growth of both species, but O2 deficiency had the most damaging effect and especially so for chickpea. Chickpea suffered root tip death when in deoxygenated stagnant solution. High CO2 inhibited root respiration and reduced growth, whereas sugars accumulated in root tips, of both species. Gas‐filled porosity of the basal portion of the primary root of faba bean (23%, v/v) was greater than for chickpea (10%), and internal O2 movement was more prominent in faba bean when in an O2‐free medium. Ethylene treatment increased the porosity of roots. The damaging effects of low O2, such as death of root tips, resulted in poor recovery of root growth upon reaeration. In conclusion, ethylene and high CO2 partially inhibited root extension in both species, but low O2 in deoxygenated stagnant solution had the most damaging effect, even causing death of root tips in chickpea, which was more sensitive to the low O2 condition than faba bean.
Modified triangular hepatic vein reconstruction for preventing hepatic venous outflow obstruction in pediatric living donor liver transplantation using left lateral segment grafts
Authors: Fukuda Akinari , Sakamoto Seisuke , Sasaki Kengo , Narumoto Soichi , Kitajima Toshihiro , Hirata Yoshihiro , Hishiki Tomoro , Kasahara Mureo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHVOO can be a critical complication in pediatric LDLT. The aim of this study was to evaluate a modified triangular technique of hepatic vein reconstruction for preventing HVOO in pediatric LDLT. A total of 298 pediatric LDLTs were performed using a left lateral segment graft by 2 methods for reconstruction of the hepatic vein. In 177 recipients, slit‐shaped anastomosis was indicated with partial clamp of the IVC. A total of 121 recipients subjected to the modified triangular anastomosis with total clamp of the IVC. We compared the incidence of hepatic vein anastomotic complications between these 2 methods. Nine of the 177 cases (5.3%) treated with the conventional technique were diagnosed with outflow obstruction. All 9 cases underwent hepatic vein reconstruction with the slit‐shaped hepatic vein anastomosis. In contrast, there were no cases of outflow obstruction in the 121 cases treated with the modified triangular anastomosis. The modified triangular technique of hepatic vein reconstruction with total clamping of the IVC was useful for preventing HVOO in pediatric LDLT.
Nonlinear Optical Microscopy for Melanoma: Challenges, Tools and Opportunities
Authors: Evans Conor L. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe natural pigments known as melanins are thought to play a role in the etiology and progression of melanoma, but many of their roles are currently not well understood. While quantification of melanins have, up until now, have been performed in bulk tissue ex vivo, new imaging technologies have unlocked the means to visualize and quantify melanins at the sub‐cellular scale. The nonlinear imaging methods known as pump‐probe, coherent Raman, and sum‐frequency absorption microscopies provide subcellular resolution imaging of melanins, enabling label‐free, longitudinal quantification of both eumelanin and pheomelanin in situ and in vivo. These nonlinear imaging toolkits have been well proven in both animal models and human samples, moving them tantalizingly close to clinical application. Future efforts integrating these tools into practical, mobile imaging systems will provide immense benefit both to clinical research and practice.
Alveolar ridge preservation in the esthetic zone
Authors: Jung Ronald E. , Ioannidis Alexis , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Thoma Daniel S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn the esthetic zone, in the case of tooth extraction, the clinician is often confronted with a challenge regarding the optimal decision‐making process for providing a solution using dental implants. This is because, after tooth extraction, alveolar bone loss and structural and compositional changes of the covering soft tissues, as well as morphological alterations, can be expected. Ideally, the therapeutic plan starts before tooth extraction and it offers three options: spontaneous healing of the extraction socket; immediate implant placement; and techniques for preserving the alveolar ridge at the site of tooth removal. The decision‐making process mainly depends on: (i) the chosen time‐point for implant placement and the ability to place a dental implant; (ii) the quality and quantity of soft tissue in the region of the extraction socket; (iii) the remaining height of the buccal bone plate; and (iv) the expected rates of implant survival and success. Based on scientific evidence, three time‐periods for alveolar ridge preservation are described in the literature: (i) soft‐tissue preservation with 6–8 weeks of healing after tooth extraction (for optimization of the soft tissues); (ii) hard‐ and soft‐tissue preservation with 4–6 months of healing after tooth extraction (for optimization of the hard and soft tissues); and (iii) hard‐tissue preservation with > 6 months of healing after tooth extraction (for optimization of the hard tissues).
No Right to Classified Public Whistleblowing
Authors: Boot Eric R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractGiven the crucial role unauthorized disclosures can play in uncovering grave government wrongdoing, it makes sense to search for a defense of justified cases of what I call “classified public whistleblowing.” The question that concerns me is what form such a defense should take. The main claim will be a negative one, namely, that a defense of whistleblowing cannot be based on individualrights, be they legal or moral, though this is indeed the most commonly proposed defense. In closing, I will outline a more appealing alternative, namely, a justification defense.
The People and Populism
Authors: Zaccaria Giuseppe 
Published: February 2018

Abstract“What is and what is defined as populism?” In response to this question the best political theories and philosophies have put forward many different answers, that are taken into account in this article. The article affirms the constitutive ambiguity of the concept of “populism” and its ability to unify very different issues. After analyzing some of the implications that populism entails in practice (in particular the political use of fear and the emphasis on the role of the citizens' anxieties because of migratory flows, the spiral of fear and insecurity triggered by terrorism, the role of religions as symbolic repertoires), the article stresses the link between populism and the end of the logic of the principle of representation, specific of the liberal and democratic theories. The emphasis on the role of the “people” in opposition to the political elites is also a feature of populism, analyzed by the author in this article. In conclusion, the author focuses on the legal field: some of the contemporary constitutional theories, in particular the so‐called “popular constitutionalism”, are discussed. These theories, while polemicizing with those authors who overestimate the role of the Supreme Court, reassess the function of the average citizen in the life of constitutional culture, with the intent of favouring greater political participation and strengthening democratic life.
The DHS Program's Modeled Surfaces Spatial Datasets
Authors: Burgert‐Brucker Clara R. , Dontamsetti Trinadh , Gething Peter W. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSpatially interpolated map surface datasets for key development indicators are being produced and publicly shared using population‐based surveys from the USAID‐funded Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) Program. Each modeled surface is produced with standardized geostatistical modeling methods. For each indicator, a package is available that includes spatial raster grids of 5 × 5 km pixels for the point estimate surface and an uncertainty surface, along with validation statistics and other model diagnostic data. The maps are publicly available for download on the DHS Program Spatial Data Repository at http://spatialdata.dhsprogram.com/. The modeled surfaces are produced with publicly available geo‐referenced data on each indicator as collected by the DHS Program, augmented with other relevant spatial data sources that act as covariates. A Bayesian model−based geostatistical (MBG) approach is used to generate the modeled surfaces. Spatially modeled surfaces can be used to support and improve decision‐making at multiple levels within many development programs including health, population, family planning, nutrition, and water and sanitation. The modeled surfaces can be used in their original 5 × 5 km pixel format, operationalized to other geographic areas as relevant for the program, or linked to DHS or other survey data for additional analysis.