bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating the probability of movement and partitioning seasonal survival in an amphibian metapopulation
Authors: Muths Erin , Bailey Larissa L. , Lambert Brad A. , Schneider Scott C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMovement of individuals has been described as one of the best studied, but least understood concepts in ecology. The magnitude of movements, routes, and probability of movement have significant application to conservation. Information about movement can inform efforts to model species persistence and is particularly applicable in situations where specific threats (e.g., disease) may depend on the movement of hosts and potential vectors. We estimated the probability of movement (breeding dispersal and permanent emigration) in a metapopulation of 16 breeding sites for boreal toads (Anaxyrus boreasboreas). We used a multi‐state mark–recapture approach unique in its complexity (16 sites over 18 yr) to address questions related to these movements and variation in resident survival. We found that individuals had a 1–2% probability of dispersing in a particular year and that approximately 10–20% of marked individuals were transient and observed in the metapopulation only once. Resident survival probabilities differed by season, with 71–90% survival from emergence from hibernation through early post‐breeding and >97% survival from mid‐/late active season through hibernation. Movement‐related probabilities are needed to predict species range expansions and contractions, estimate population and metapopulation dynamics, understand host–pathogen and native–invasive species interactions, and to evaluate the relative effects of proposed management actions.
Mechanistically derived dispersal kernels explain species‐level patterns of recruitment and succession
Authors: Sullivan Lauren L. , Clark Adam T. , Tilman David , Shaw Allison K. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSpecies‐level dispersal information can give mechanistic insights into how spatial processes impact plant communities. Unfortunately, field‐based estimates of the dispersal abilities of multiple members of a community are often lacking for many plant systems. Here, we provide a simple method for measuring dispersal ability for large numbers of grassland plant species based on functional traits. Using this method, we estimated the dispersal ability of 50 co‐occurring grassland species using the Wald Analytical Long‐distance Dispersal (WALD) model. Grassland plants species are often used for developing community theory, yet species‐level estimates of their dispersal abilities are comparatively rare. We use these dispersal measurements to examine the relationship between species dispersal abilities and successional dynamics using data from a 90‐yr old field chronosequence. We find that our estimated dispersal measurements matched field‐based establishment observations well, and estimated species colonization, competitive, and establishment abilities. We hope that this method for measuring dispersal ability of multiple species within a community, and its demonstrated ability to generate predictions for spatial ecology, will encourage more studies of the explicit role of dispersal in plant community ecology.
Gonadal function and testicular histology in males with Prader‐Willi syndrome
Authors: Matsuyama Satoko , Matsui Futoshi , Matsuoka Keiko , Iijima Masashi , Takeuchi Makoto , Ida Shinobu , Matsumoto Fumi , Mizokami Atsushi 
Published: October 2018

SummaryContextCryptorchidism is common in Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) males, but the testicular histology in childhood remains uncertain. The association between testicular histology and long‐term gonadal function in PWS males is also unknown.ObjectivesTo evaluate the relationship between testicular histology in childhood and long‐term gonadal function in PWS males.Patients and MethodsForty men with PWS were assessed longitudinally at our institute over the past 24 years. Clinical examinations and blood tests for LH, FSH and testosterone levels were compared with normal reference values. Tissue specimens were collected during orchiopexy and analyzed based on Nistal categories.ResultsOf nine testes available for pathological assessments, two showed favourable histology (Nistal I) and seven showed unfavourable histology (Nistal II or III). Of five postpubertal males with histology available, four reached puberty spontaneously, but only one reached Tanner stage 5. In a male with favourable histology, LH and FSH were high, but testosterone was normal, though below the average of the reference range. In three males with unfavourable histology, LH was normal, but FSH was highly elevated, and testosterone was at the lower limit of normal. One patient took hCG treatment to induce puberty; this patient showed favourable histology, but LH, FSH and testosterone were not elevated in adolescence.ConclusionsTesticular histology of PWS men in childhood varies from normal to Sertoli Cell‐Only Syndrome. Regardless of the testicular histology in childhood, hypogonadism in PWS adults arises as a consequence of primary testicular dysfunction with highly elevated FSH and insufficient testosterone levels.
The functional consequences of sodium channel NaV1.8 in human left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Ahmad Shakil , Tirilomis Petros , Pabel Steffen , Dybkova Nataliya , Hartmann Nico , Molina Cristina E. , Tirilomis Theodoros , Kutschka Ingo , Frey Norbert , Maier Lars S. , Hasenfuss Gerd , Streckfuss‐Bömeke Katrin , Sossalla Samuel 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimsIn hypertrophy and heart failure, the proarrhythmic persistent Na+ current (INaL) is enhanced. We aimed to investigate the electrophysiological role of neuronal sodium channel NaV1.8 in human hypertrophied myocardium.Methods and resultsMyocardial tissue of 24 patients suffering from symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and concomitant significant afterload‐induced hypertrophy with preserved ejection fraction was used and compared with 12 healthy controls. We performed quantitative real‐time PCR and western blot and detected a significant up‐regulation of NaV1.8 mRNA (2.34‐fold) and protein expression (1.96‐fold) in human hypertrophied myocardium compared with healthy hearts. Interestingly, NaV1.5 protein expression was significantly reduced in parallel (0.60‐fold). Using whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique, we found that the prominent INaL was significantly reduced after addition of novel NaV1.8‐specific blockers either A‐803467 (30 nM) or PF‐01247324 (1 μM) in human hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. This clearly demonstrates the relevant contribution of NaV1.8 to this proarrhythmic current. We observed a significant action potential duration shortening and performed confocal microscopy, demonstrating a 50% decrease in proarrhythmic diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)‐Ca2+ leak and SR‐Ca2+ spark frequency after exposure to both NaV1.8 inhibitors.ConclusionsWe show for the first time that the neuronal sodium channel NaV1.8 is up‐regulated on mRNA and protein level in the human hypertrophied myocardium. Furthermore, inhibition of NaV1.8 reduced augmented INaL, abbreviated the action potential duration, and decreased the SR‐Ca2+ leak. The findings of our study suggest that NaV1.8 could be a promising antiarrhythmic therapeutic target and merits further investigation.
Microfluidic device embedding electrodes for dielectrophoretic manipulation of cells‐A review
Authors: Yao Jiafeng , Zhu Guiping , Zhao Tong , Takei Masahiro 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMicrofluidic device embedding electrodes realizes cell manipulation with the help of dielectrophoresis. Cell manipulation is an important technology for cell sorting and cell population purification. Till now, the theory of dielectrophoresis has been greatly developed. Microfluidic devices with various arrangements of electrodes have been reported from the beginning of the single non‐uniform electric field to the later multiple physical fields. This paper reviews the research status of microfluidic device embedding electrodes for cell manipulation based on dielectrophoresis. Firstly, the working principle of dielectrophoresis is explained. Next, cell manipulation approaches based on dielectrophoresis are introduced. Then, different types of electrode arrangements in the microfluidic device for cell manipulation are discussed, including planar, multilayered and microarray dot electrodes. Finally, the future development trend of the dielectrophoresis with the help of microfluidic devices is prospected. With the rapid development of microfluidic technology, in the near future, high precision, high throughput, high efficiency, multifunctional, portable, economical and practical microfluidic dielectrophoresis will be widely used in the fields of biology, medicine, agriculture and so on.
Exome sequencing identifies molecular diagnosis in children with drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Tsang Mandy Ho‐Yin , Leung Gordon Ka‐Chun , Ho Alvin Chi‐Chung , Yeung Kit‐San , Mak Christopher Chun‐Yu , Pei Steven Lim‐Cho , Yu Mullin Ho‐Chung , Kan Anita Sik‐Yau , Chan Kelvin Yuen‐Kwong , Kwong Karen Ling , Lee So‐Lun , Yung Ada Wing‐Yan , Fung Cheuk‐Wing , Chung Brian Hon‐Yin 
Published: October 2018

SummaryObjectiveEarly onset drug‐resistant epilepsy is a neurologic disorder in which 2 antiepileptic drugs fail to maintain the seizure‐free status of the patient. Heterogeneous clinical presentations make the diagnosis challenging. We aim to identify the underlying genetic causes of a pediatric cohort with drug‐resistant epilepsy and evaluate whether the findings can provide information on patient management.MethodsWe include patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy onset before 18 years of age. Singleton clinical chromosomal microarray (CMA) followed by whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed using genomic DNA. In the first‐tier analysis of the exome data, we aimed to identify disease‐causing mutations in 546 genes known to cause, or to be associated with, epilepsy. For negative cases, we proceeded to exome‐wide analysis. Rare coding variants were interrogated for pathogenicity based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.ResultsWe recruited 50 patients. We identified 6 pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations, giving a diagnostic yield of 12%. Mutations were found in 6 different genes: SCN8A, SCN1A, MECP2, CDKL5, DEPDC5, and CHD2. The CDKL5 variant was found to be mosaic. One variant of unknown significance (VUS) in KCNT1 was found in a patient with compatible clinical features. Of note, a reported pathogenic SCN5A mutation known to contribute to Brugada syndrome, was also found in the patient with an SCN1A mutation.SignificanceOur study suggests that singleton WES is an effective diagnostic tool for drug‐resistant epilepsy. Genetic diagnosis can help to consolidate the clinical diagnosis, to facilitate phenotypic expansion, and to influence treatment and management options for seizure control in our patients. In our study, a significant portion of the genetic findings are known to be associated with an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). These findings could assist with more appropriate management in patients with epilepsy.
Functional seizures: An evaluation of the attitudes of general practitioners local to a tertiary neuroscience service in London
Authors: Yogarajah Mahinda , Child Ruth , Agrawal Niruj , Cope Sarah , Edwards Mark , Mula Marco 
Published: October 2018

SummaryObjectiveFunctional seizures are a common functional neurologic disorder. Given their chronic nature, and the biopsychosocial factors involved in their etiology, general practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in the care of these patients. However, little is known about the attitudes of GPs toward, and knowledge of, functional seizures.MethodsThe Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre in London provides a comprehensive service to patients with functional seizures. As part of a service evaluation we conducted an online survey among local GPs over a 1‐month period assessing their attitudes toward, and knowledge of, functional seizures.ResultsOne hundred twenty of 974 surveyed GPs replied to the survey (12.3%). Approximately 75% of GPs readily use the term “pseudoseizures,” and over 50% were not sure or did not think that functional seizures were involuntary. Nearly 30% believed, or were unsure as to whether, functional seizures occur only when patients are stressed. Despite approximately 50% of GPs expressing interest in getting involved in the management of these patients, a similar proportion do not feel confident in dealing with queries from patients with functional seizures. Although most GPs felt that neurology and psychiatry should be the primary caregivers in the diagnosis and management, respectively, of functional seizures, 50% were also of the opinion that neurology should be involved in the management of these patients.SignificanceThis survey highlights the attitudes of, and descriptive terms used by, GPs toward patients with functional seizures. Our findings suggest a need for better and clearer provision of information to GPs about this condition.
Implementing a palm oil‐based biodiesel policy: The case of Thailand
Authors: Nupueng Somjai , Oosterveer Peter , Mol Arthur P. J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRenewable energy promotion is recognized as an important goal in international climate policies in order to reduce CO2‐emissions. Biodiesel can potentially be an important contributor in this respect, especially in Thailand with its large biomass production from oil palm cultivation. Palm oil is the main raw feedstock for biodiesel production. However, biodiesel production is also controversial in many respects, in particular considering its sustainability. This paper assesses the collaboration between different actors in the Thai biodiesel and oil palm networks in organizing biodiesel provision. Through qualitative interviews with key political, economic, and societal actors the structure and the dynamic of the biodiesel and oil palm industry, as well as the relevant policy dynamics, were investigated. We found that the implementation of biodiesel policy was dominated by the need to secure the production of palm oil‐based cooking oil leading to frequent adjustments. Sustainable improvement and environmental considerations hardly played a role in the interactions between the actors involved in the palm oil and biodiesel industries. Government agencies were dominant and steered the biodiesel and the oil palm industries both directly and indirectly via economic and societal actors. Nevertheless, the promotion of biodiesel continues to be the basis of the national renewable energy master plan with its clear target to balance and stabilize the economic, social and environmental issues. As the renewable energy master plan does not fit with the possible feedstock, the main challenges in achieving these sustainable targets are therefore how to maintain a stable and consistent policy, especially concerning balancing the palm oil used for biodiesel production on the one hand and palm oil‐based cooking oil on the other.
Evaluation of ultra‐wideband in vivo radio channel and its effects on system performance
Authors: Ilyas Muhammad , Ucan Osman N. , Bayat Oguz , Nasir Ali Arshad , Imran Muhammad Ali , Alomainy Akram , Abbasi Qammer H. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper presents bit‐error‐rate (BER) performance analysis and improvement using equalizers for an in vivo radio channel at ultra‐wideband frequencies (3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz). By conducting simulations using a bandwidth of 50 MHz, we observed that the in vivo radio channel is affected by small‐scale fading. This fading results in intersymbol interference affecting upcoming symbol transmission, causing delayed versions of the symbols to arrive at the receiver side and causes increase in BER. A 29‐taps channel was observed from the experimentally measured data using a human cadaver, and BER was calculated for the measured in vivo channel response along with the ideal additive white Gaussian noise and Rayleigh channel models. Linear and nonlinear adaptive equalizers, ie, decision feedback equalizer (DFE) and least mean square (LMS), were used to improve the BER performance of the in vivo radio channel. It is noticed that both the equalizers improve the BER but DFE has better BER compared to LMS and shows the 2‐dB and 4‐dB performance gains of DFE over the LMS at Eb/No = 12 dB and at Eb/No = 14 dB, respectively. The current findings will help guide future researchers and designers in enhancing systems performance of an ultra‐wideband in vivo wireless systems.
Automatic localization of the subthalamic nucleus on patient‐specific clinical MRI by incorporating 7 T MRI and machine learning: Application in deep brain stimulation
Authors: Kim Jinyoung , Duchin Yuval , Shamir Reuben R. , Patriat Remi , Vitek Jerrold , Harel Noam , Sapiro Guillermo 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDeep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has shown clinical potential for relieving the motor symptoms of advanced Parkinson's disease. While accurate localization of the STN is critical for consistent across‐patients effective DBS, clear visualization of the STN under standard clinical MR protocols is still challenging. Therefore, intraoperative microelectrode recordings (MER) are incorporated to accurately localize the STN. However, MER require significant neurosurgical expertise and lengthen the surgery time. Recent advances in 7 T MR technology facilitate the ability to clearly visualize the STN. The vast majority of centers, however, still do not have 7 T MRI systems, and fewer have the ability to collect and analyze the data. This work introduces an automatic STN localization framework based on standard clinical MRIs without additional cost in the current DBS planning protocol. Our approach benefits from a large database of 7 T MRI and its clinical MRI pairs. We first model in the 7 T database, using efficient machine learning algorithms, the spatial and geometric dependency between the STN and its adjacent structures (predictors). Given a standard clinical MRI, our method automatically computes the predictors and uses the learned information to predict the patient‐specific STN. We validate our proposed method on clinical T2W MRI of 80 subjects, comparing with experts‐segmented STNs from the corresponding 7 T MRI pairs. The experimental results show that our framework provides more accurate and robust patient‐specific STN localization than using state‐of‐the‐art atlases. We also demonstrate the clinical feasibility of the proposed technique assessing the post‐operative electrode active contact locations.
Brain state and polarity dependent modulation of brain networks by transcranial direct current stimulation
Authors: Li Lucia M. , Violante Ines R. , Leech Rob , Ross Ewan , Hampshire Adam , Opitz Alexander , Rothwell John C. , Carmichael David W. , Sharp David J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDespite its widespread use in cognitive studies, there is still limited understanding of whether and how transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulates brain network function. To clarify its physiological effects, we assessed brain network function using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) simultaneously acquired during tDCS stimulation. Cognitive state was manipulated by having subjects perform a Choice Reaction Task or being at “rest.” A novel factorial design was used to assess the effects of brain state and polarity. Anodal and cathodal tDCS were applied to the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG), a region involved in controlling activity large‐scale intrinsic connectivity networks during switches of cognitive state. tDCS produced widespread modulation of brain activity in a polarity and brain state dependent manner. In the absence of task, the main effect of tDCS was to accentuate default mode network (DMN) activation and salience network (SN) deactivation. In contrast, during task performance, tDCS increased SN activation. In the absence of task, the main effect of anodal tDCS was more pronounced, whereas cathodal tDCS had a greater effect during task performance. Cathodal tDCS also accentuated the within‐DMN connectivity associated with task performance. There were minimal main effects of stimulation on network connectivity. These results demonstrate that rIFG tDCS can modulate the activity and functional connectivity of large‐scale brain networks involved in cognitive function, in a brain state and polarity dependent manner. This study provides an important insight into mechanisms by which tDCS may modulate cognitive function, and also has implications for the design of future stimulation studies.
Quantitative tract‐based white matter heritability in 1‐ and 2‐year‐old twins
Authors: Lee Seung Jae , Zhang Jingwen , Neale Michael C. , Styner Martin , Zhu Hongtu , Gilmore John H. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWhite matter (WM) microstructure, as determined by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), is increasingly recognized as an important determinant of cognitive function and is also altered in neuropsychiatric disorders. Little is known about genetic and environmental influences on WM microstructure, especially in early childhood, an important period for cognitive development and risk for psychiatric disorders. We studied the heritability of DTI parameters, fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD) and axial diffusivity (AD) along 34 tracts, including 10 bilateral fiber pathways and the respective subdivision, using quantitative tractography in a longitudinal sample of healthy children at 1 year (N = 215) and 2 years (N = 165) of age. We found that heritabilities for whole brain AD, RD, and FA were 0.48, 0.69, and 0.72 at age 1, and 0.59, 0.77, and 0.76 at age 2 and that mean heritabilities of tract‐averaged AD, RD, and FA for individual bundles were moderate (over 0.4). However, the heritability of DTI change between 1 and 2 years of age was not significant for most tracts. We also demonstrated that point‐wise heritability tended to be significant in the central portions of the tracts and was generally spatially consistent at ages 1 and 2 years. These results, especially when compared to heritability patterns in neonates, indicate that the heritability of WM microstructure is dynamic in early childhood and likely reflect heterogeneous maturation of WM tracts and differential genetic and environmental influences on maturation patterns.
Phosphonates Meet Metal−Organic Frameworks: Towards CO2 Adsorption
Authors: da Silva Cleiser Thiago P. , Howarth Ashlee J. , Rimoldi Martino , Islamoglu Timur , Rinaldi Andrelson W. , Hupp Joseph T. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHere we report a new highly microporous zirconium phosphonate material synthesized under solvothemal conditions. The specific Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area of the “unconventional metal−organic framework” (UMOF) is measured to be ∼900 m2/g, after following an appropriate activation protocol. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) shows that the material bears a free −OH functionality on the phosphonate linker that may interact with CO2. CO2 adsorption isotherms were collected and a measured heat of adsorption of 31 kJ/mol was obtained. In addition, adsorption isotherms of CO2, N2, and CH4 at 298 K combined with Ideal Adsorbed Solution Theory (IAST) show that the material can be expected to display high selectivities for uptake of CO2 versus N2 or CH4.