bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning-based Individual Assessment of Cortical Atrophy Pattern in Alzheimer’s Disease Spectrum: Development of the Classifier and Longitudinal Evaluation
Authors: Lee Jin San , Kim Changsoo , Shin Jeong-Hyeon , Cho Hanna , Shin Dae-seock , Kim Nakyoung , Kim Hee Jin , Kim Yeshin , Lockhart Samuel N. , Na Duk L. , Seo Sang Won , Seong Joon-Kyung 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTo develop a new method for measuring Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-specific similarity of cortical atrophy patterns at the individual-level, we employed an individual-level machine learning algorithm. A total of 869 cognitively normal (CN) individuals and 473 patients with probable AD dementia who underwent high-resolution 3T brain MRI were included. We propose a machine learning-based method for measuring the similarity of an individual subject’s cortical atrophy pattern with that of a representative AD patient cohort. In addition, we validated this similarity measure in two longitudinal cohorts consisting of 79 patients with amnestic-mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and 27 patients with probable AD dementia. Surface-based morphometry classifier for discriminating AD from CN showed sensitivity and specificity values of 87.1% and 93.3%, respectively. In the longitudinal validation study, aMCI-converts had higher atrophy similarity at both baseline (p < 0.001) and first year visits (p < 0.001) relative to non-converters. Similarly, AD patients with faster decline had higher atrophy similarity than slower decliners at baseline (p = 0.042), first year (p = 0.028), and third year visits (p = 0.027). The AD-specific atrophy similarity measure is a novel approach for the prediction of dementia risk and for the evaluation of AD trajectories on an individual subject level.
Damage to epitaxial GaN layer on Al2O3 by 290-MeV 238U32+ ions irradiation
Authors: Zhang L. Q. , Zhang C. H. , Li J. J. , Meng Y. C. , Yang Y. T. , Song Y. , Ding Z. N. , Yan T. X. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMicro-structural characteristics and electrical properties of an n-type GaN epilayer on Al2O3 irradiated by 290-MeV 238U32+ ions to various fluences were investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD), and Raman scattering spectroscopy. AFM images show that the nano-hillocks generated, and the diameter and density of the nano-hillocks, increase obviously with increasing ion fluence, accompanied by an increase in surface roughness. SEM images display that the Al, O, and C elements appear on the GaN surface, along with a spiral-like, layered volcanic-cone structure formed at the highest-fluence irradiation. HRXRD reveals that the dislocation density increases, as the lattices gradually expand, and that Ga2O3 was produced with increasing ion fluence. Raman scattering spectra show that no N and Ga vacancies were produced, the free-carrier concentration decreases, while its mobility first increases and then exhibits a significant reduction with increasing ion fluence.
Detection of the Malaria causing Plasmodium Parasite in Saliva from Infected Patients using Topoisomerase I Activity as a Biomarker
Authors: Hede Marianne Smedegaard , Fjelstrup Søren , Lötsch Felix , Zoleko Rella Manego , Klicpera Anna , Groger Mirjam , Mischlinger Johannes , Endame Lilian , Veletzky Luzia , Neher Ronja , Simonsen Anne Katrine Wrist , Petersen Eskild , Mombo-Ngoma Ghyslain , Stougaard Magnus , Ho Yi-Ping , Labouriau Rodrigo , Ramharter Michael , Knudsen Birgitta Ruth 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMalaria is among the major threats to global health with the main burden of disease being in rural areas of developing countries where accurate diagnosis based on non-invasive samples is in high demand. We here present a novel molecular assay for detection of malaria parasites based on technology that may be adapted for low-resource settings. Moreover, we demonstrate the exploitation of this assay for detection of malaria in saliva. The setup relies on pump-free microfluidics enabled extraction combined with a DNA sensor substrate that is converted to a single-stranded DNA circle specifically by topoisomerase I expressed by the malaria causing Plasmodium parasite. Subsequent rolling circle amplification of the generated DNA circle in the presence of biotin conjugated deoxynucleotides resulted in long tandem repeat products that was visualized colorimetrically upon binding of horse radish peroxidase (HRP) and addition of 3,3′,5,5′-Tetramethylbenzidine that was converted to a blue colored product by HRP. The assay was directly quantitative, specific for Plasmodium parasites, and allowed detection of Plasmodium infection in a single drop of saliva from 35 out of 35 infected individuals tested. The results could be determined directly by the naked eye and documented by quantifying the color intensity using a standard paper scanner.
Natural polyphenols as sirtuin 6 modulators
Authors: Rahnasto-Rilla Minna , Tyni Jonna , Huovinen Marjo , Jarho Elina , Kulikowicz Tomasz , Ravichandran Sarangan , A. Bohr Vilhelm , Ferrucci Luigi , Lahtela-Kakkonen Maija , Moaddel Ruin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractFlavonoids are polyphenolic secondary metabolites synthesized by plants and fungus with various pharmacological effects. Due to their plethora of biological activities, they have been studied extensively in drug development. They have been shown to modulate the activity of a NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase, SIRT6. Because SIRT6 has been implicated in longevity, metabolism, DNA-repair, and inflammatory response reduction, it is an interesting target in inflammatory and metabolic diseases as well as in cancer. Here we show, that flavonoids can alter SIRT6 activity in a structure dependent manner. Catechin derivatives with galloyl moiety displayed significant inhibition potency against SIRT6 at 10 µM concentration. The most potent SIRT6 activator, cyanidin, belonged to anthocyanidins, and produced a 55-fold increase in SIRT6 activity compared to the 3–10 fold increase for the others. Cyanidin also significantly increased SIRT6 expression in Caco-2 cells. Results from the docking studies indicated possible binding sites for the inhibitors and activators. Inhibitors likely bind in a manner that could disturb NAD+ binding. The putative activator binding site was found next to a loop near the acetylated peptide substrate binding site. In some cases, the activators changed the conformation of this loop suggesting that it may play a role in SIRT6 activation.
Inter-niche and inter-individual variation in gut microbial community assessment using stool, rectal swab, and mucosal samples
Authors: Jones Roshonda B. , Zhu Xiangzhu , Moan Emili , Murff Harvey J. , Ness Reid M. , Seidner Douglas L. , Sun Shan , Yu Chang , Dai Qi , Fodor Anthony A. , Azcarate-Peril M. Andrea , Shrubsole Martha J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to evaluate similarities and differences in gut bacterial measurements and stability in the microbial communities of three different types of samples that could be used to assess different niches of the gut microbiome: rectal swab, stool, and normal rectal mucosa samples. In swab-stool comparisons, there were substantial taxa differences with some taxa varying largely by sample type (e.g. Thermaceae), inter-individual subject variation (e.g. Desulfovibrionaceae), or by both sample type and participant (e.g. Enterobacteriaceae). Comparing all three sample types with whole-genome metagenome shotgun sequencing, swab samples were much closer to stool samples than mucosa samples although all KEGG functional Level 1 and Level 2 pathways were significantly different across all sample types (e.g. transcription and environmental adaptation). However, the individual signature of participants was also observed and was largely stable between two time points. Thus, we found that while the distribution of some taxa was associated with these different sampling techniques, other taxa largely reflected individual differences in the microbial community that were insensitive to sampling technique. There is substantial variability in the assessment of the gut microbial community according to the type of sample.
Polarity-inverted lateral overgrowth and selective wet-etching and regrowth (PILOSWER) of GaN
Authors: Jang Dongsoo , Jue Miyeon , Kim Donghoi , Kim Hwa Seob , Lee Hyunkyu , Kim Chinkyo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractOn an SiO2-patterned c-plane sapphire substrate, GaN domains were grown with their polarity controlled in accordance with the pattern. While N-polar GaN was grown on hexagonally arranged circular openings, Ga-polar GaN was laterally overgrown on mask regions due to polarity inversion occurring at the boundary of the circular openings. After etching of N-polar GaN on the circular openings by H3PO4, this template was coated with 40-nm Si by sputtering and was slightly etched by KOH. After slight etching, a thin layer of Si left on the circular openings of sapphire,but not on GaN, was oxidized during thermal annealing and served as a dielectric mask during subsequent regrowth. Thus, the subsequent growth of GaN was made only on the existing Ga-polar GaN domains, not on the circular openings of the sapphire substrate. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed no sign of threading dislocations in this film. This approach may help fabricating an unholed and merged GaN film physically attached to but epitaxially separated from the SiO2-patterned sapphire.
Variation in avian egg shape and nest structure is explained by climatic conditions
Authors: Englert Duursma Daisy , Gallagher Rachael V. , Price J. Jordan , Griffith Simon C. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWhy are avian eggs ovoid, while the eggs of most other vertebrates are symmetrical? The interaction between an egg and its environment likely drives selection that will shape eggs across evolutionary time. For example, eggs incubated in hot, arid regions face acute exposure to harsh climatic conditions relative to those in temperate zones, and this exposure will differ across nest types, with eggs in open nests being more exposed to direct solar radiation than those in enclosed nests. We examined the idea that the geographical distribution of both egg shapes and nest types should reflect selective pressures of key environmental parameters, such as ambient temperature and the drying capacity of air. We took a comparative approach, using 310 passerine species from Australia, many of which are found in some of the most extreme climates on earth. We found that, across the continent, egg elongation decreases and the proportion of species with domed nests with roofs increases in hotter and drier areas with sparse plant canopies. Eggs are most spherical in open nests in the hottest environments, and most elongate in domed nests in wetter, shadier environments. Our findings suggest that climatic conditions played a key role in the evolution of passerine egg shape.
A combined method for DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating from a single sample
Authors: Korlević Petra , Talamo Sahra , Meyer Matthias 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCurrent protocols for ancient DNA and radiocarbon analysis of ancient bones and teeth call for multiple destructive samplings of a given specimen, thereby increasing the extent of undesirable damage to precious archaeological material. Here we present a method that makes it possible to obtain both ancient DNA sequences and radiocarbon dates from the same sample material. This is achieved by releasing DNA from the bone matrix through incubation with either EDTA or phosphate buffer prior to complete demineralization and collagen extraction utilizing the acid-base-acid-gelatinization and ultrafiltration procedure established in most radiocarbon dating laboratories. Using a set of 12 bones of different ages and preservation conditions we demonstrate that on average 89% of the DNA can be released from sample powder with minimal, or 38% without any, detectable collagen loss. We also detect no skews in radiocarbon dates compared to untreated samples. Given the different material demands for radiocarbon dating (500 mg of bone/dentine) and DNA analysis (10–100 mg), combined DNA and collagen extraction not only streamlines the sampling process but also drastically increases the amount of DNA that can be recovered from limited sample material.
Down-regulation of GADD45A enhances chemosensitivity in melanoma
Authors: Liu Jia , Jiang Guoqiang , Mao Ping , Zhang Jing , Zhang Lin , Liu Likun , Wang Jia , Owusu Lawrence , Ren Baoyin , Tang Yawei , Li Weiling 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMelanoma is a malignant skin cancer with considerable drug resistance. Increased expression of DNA repair genes have been reported in melanoma, and this contributes to chemotherapy resistance. GADD45A is involved in DNA repair, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in response to physiologic or environmental stresses. In this study, we investigated the role of GADD45A in chemotherapy response. Firstly, the mRNA expression of profiled DNA repair genes in cisplatin-treated melanoma cells was detected by RT2 profilerTM PCR array. We found the expression of GADD45A upregulated in a dose- and time- dependent manner. In addition, suppression of GADD45A sensitized melanoma cells to cisplatin and enhanced cisplatin-induced DNA damage. Flow cytometry revealed that downregulating GADD45A released cells from cisplatin-induced G2/M arrest and increased apoptosis. By using a MEK inhibitor, GADD45A was shown to be regulated by MAPK-ERK pathway following cisplatin treatment. Thus, the induction of GADD45A might play important roles in chemotherapy response in human melanoma cancer and could serve as a novel molecular target for melanoma therapy.
On the insulator-to-metal transition in titanium-implanted silicon
Authors: Liu Fang , Wang Mao , Berencén Yonder , Prucnal Slawomir , Engler Martin , Hübner René , Yuan Ye , Heller René , Böttger Roman , Rebohle Lars , Skorupa Wolfgang , Helm Manfred , Zhou Shengqiang 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHyperdoped silicon with deep level impurities has attracted much research interest due to its promising optical and electrical properties. In this work, single crystalline silicon supersaturated with titanium is fabricated by ion implantation followed by both pulsed laser melting and flash lamp annealing. The decrease of sheet resistance with increasing Ti concentration is attributed to a surface morphology effect due to the formation of cellular breakdown at the surface and the percolation conduction at high Ti concentration is responsible for the metallic-like conductivity. The insulator-to-metal transition does not happen. However, the doping effect of Ti incorporation at low concentration is not excluded, which might be responsible for the sub-bandgap optical absorption reported in literature.
Image-Guided Focused-Ultrasound CNS Molecular Delivery: An Implementation via Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic-Resonance Imaging
Authors: Chai Wen-Yen , Chu Po-Chun , Tsai Chih-Hung , Lin Chung-Yin , Yang Hung-Wei , Lai Hsin-Yi , Liu Hao-Li 
Published: March 2018

AbstractFocused ultrasound (FUS) exposure with microbubbles can transiently open the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to deliver therapeutic molecules into CNS tissues. However, delivered molecular distribution/concentration at the target need to be controlled. Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic-Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) is a well-established protocol for monitoring the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic behavior of FUS-BBB opening. This study investigates the feasibility of using DCE-MRI to estimate molecular CNS penetration under various exposure conditions and molecule sizes. In the 1st stage, a relationship among the imaging index Ktrans, exposure level and molecular size was calibrated and established. In the 2nd stage, various exposure levels and distinct molecules were applied to evaluate the estimated molecular concentration discrepancy with the quantified ones. High correlation (r2 = 0.9684) between Ktrans and transcranial mechanical index (MI) implies Ktrans can serve as an in vivo imaging index to mirror FUS-BBB opening scale. When testing various molecules with the size ranging 1–149 kDa, an overall correlation of r2 = 0.9915 between quantified and predicted concentrations was reached, suggesting the established model can provide reasonably accurate estimation. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of estimating molecular penetration through FUS-BBB opening via DCE-MRI and may facilitate development of FUS-induced BBB opening in brain drug delivery.
N-Acetyl-Aspartate in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in men with schizophrenia and auditory verbal hallucinations: A 1.5 T Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Psomiades Marion , Mondino Marine , Fonteneau Clara , Bation Remy , Haesebaert Frederic , Suaud-Chagny Marie-Françoise , Brunelin Jerome 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAuditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) in patients with schizophrenia are linked to abnormalities within a large cerebral network including frontal and temporal regions. Whilst abnormalities of frontal speech production and temporal speech perception regions have been extensively studied, alterations of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a region critically involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, have rarely been studied in relation to AVH. Using 1.5 T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, this study examined the relationship between right and left DLPFCs N-AcetylAspartate (NAA) levels and the severity of AVH in patients with schizophrenia. Twenty-seven male patients with schizophrenia were enrolled in this study, 15 presented daily treatment-resistant AVH (AVH+) and 12 reported no AVH (no-AVH). AVH+ patients displayed higher NAA levels in the right DLPFC than no-AVH patients (p = 0.033). In AVH+ patients, NAA levels were higher in the right DLPFC than in the left (p = 0.024). No difference between the right and left DLPFC was observed in no-AVH patients. There was a positive correlation between NAA levels in the right DLPFC and the severity of AVH (r = 0.404, p = 0.037). Despite limited by magnetic field strength, these results suggest that AVH may be associated with increased NAA levels in the right DLPFC in schizophrenia.
Using Images With Individuals With Aphasia: Current Research and Clinical Trends
Authors: Brown Jessica , Thiessen Amber 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
Visuographic supports in the form of images are utilized during assessment and treatment for individuals with aphasia to supplement speech, language, and cognitive losses limiting communication. Clinicians rely on prior experience and intuition to make decisions regarding image-based support design and selection (e.g., augmentative and alternative communication strategies). Researchers have begun to focus on the relationship between the images and the benefits they provide for adults with aphasia.

Method
The aim of this review—resulting from a roundtable discussion at the 2016 Clinical Aphasiology Conference—was to disseminate summaries of current and past researches regarding image use by individuals with aphasia and to highlight areas of need within research and practice.

Results
Review of the literature illuminated 4 major themes: (a) image creation, capture, and sharing; (b) image characteristics; (c) image use across linguistic domains and contexts; and (d) implications for clinical and research practices.

Conclusions
Reviewing current knowledge and practice regarding the use of visual supports for individuals with aphasia is essential to advancing therapeutic practices and providing evidence-based protocols for creating, selecting, and implementing images within augmentative and alternative communication strategies. Several gaps in knowledge were identified as future research needs (e.g., caregiver training and enhanced image feature investigation).
Attentive Reading With Constrained Summarization Adapted to Address Written Discourse in People With Mild Aphasia
Authors: Obermeyer Jessica A. , Edmonds Lisa A. 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine the preliminary efficacy of Attentive Reading and Constrained Summarization–Written (ARCS-W) in people with mild aphasia. ARCS-W adapts an existing treatment, ARCS (Rogalski & Edmonds, 2008), to address discourse level writing in mild aphasia. ARCS-W focuses on the cognitive and linguistic skills required for discourse production.

Method
This study was a within-subject pre–postdesign. Three people with mild aphasia participated. ARCS-W integrates attentive reading or listening with constrained summarization of discourse level material in spoken and written modalities. Outcomes included macro- (main concepts) and microlinguistic (correct information units, complete utterances) discourse measures, confrontation naming, aphasia severity, and functional communication.

Results
All 3 participants demonstrated some generalization to untrained spoken and written discourse at the word, sentence, and text levels. Reduced aphasia severity and/or increased functional communication and confrontation naming were also observed in some participants.

Conclusions
The findings of this study provide preliminary evidence of the efficacy of ARCS-W to improve spoken and written discourse in mild aphasia. Different generalization patterns suggest different mechanisms of improvement. Further research and replication are required to better understand how ARCS-W can impact discourse abilities.
Analysis of Story Recall in Military Veterans With and Without Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Preliminary Results
Authors: Gallagher Karen , Azuma Tamiko 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine whether detailed analysis of story recall performance reveals significant differences between veterans with and without history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Method
Twenty-one military veterans participated, with 7 reporting history of mTBI. All participants were administered the Logical Memory I and II subtests from the Wechsler Memory Scale–Fourth Edition (Wechsler, 2009). Responses were scored for total correct ideas (TCI) and total words produced (TWP).

Results
Although the groups did not differ in scaled scores, other measures did reveal significant differences. After a delay, the mTBI group showed a greater drop in TCI relative to the control group. Additionally, the control group showed an increase in TWP when the recall was delayed versus immediate; a pattern not observed for the mTBI group.

Conclusions
The mTBI and control groups did not significantly differ in scaled scores. However, group differences were observed in TCI and TWP. The findings suggest that, relative to the control group, the mTBI group were less successful in retrieving episodic information and eliciting self-cueing. Small sample size limited data interpretation, and larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the findings. The results indicate that veterans with mTBI may present with symptoms persisting beyond the acute state of the injury.