bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating the period prevalence of non‐convulsive status epilepticus among comatose adults at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Buback Clayton T. , Siddiqi Omar K. , Titima Innocent , Selioutski Olga , Birbeck Gretchen L. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveIn Western settings, non‐convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) and non‐convulsive seizures (NCSz) are associated with high mortality. In comatose patients, interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) identified on routine electroencephalogram (EEG) are predictive of NCSE/NCS. Little is known regarding the prevalence, causes, or outcomes of NCSE/NCSz in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). We sought to investigate the prevalence of IEDs and NCSE/NCSz at a single teaching institution in SSA.MethodsFrom October 3, 2017, to May 21, 2018, adult inpatients on the internal medicine service at Zambia's University Teaching Hospital (UTH) with a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of ≤10 were identified, excluding patients with mechanical ventilation or open head wounds. Signed consent by a proxy was required for enrollment and 30‐minute EEG. Chart abstractions provided coma duration, presence/absence of clinical seizures during/prior to admission, history of epilepsy, and presumed coma etiology. A structured neurological examination was completed. Patients were followed to discharge or death. Risk factors for IEDs were evaluated.ResultsOf 392 eligible patients, 250 had EEGs. EEGs were not completed on eligible patients due to death (74), improved GCS (37), transfer within UTH (25), or lack of proxy (6). NCSE occurred in 22 of 250 (8.8%), NCSz in 3 of 250 (1.2%), and IEDs in 46 of 250 (18.4%) patients. Of the 250, 197 (78.8%) died. No specific risk factors for IEDs were identified.SignificanceIf the association between IEDs and NCSE among monitored populations in developed settings holds true for SSA, a projected 17%‐21% of comatose African adults have NCSE. No clinical characteristics identified those at risk.
Effects of long soil surface residence times on apparent cosmogenic nuclide denudation rates and burial ages in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa
Authors: Makhubela T.V. , Kramers J.D. , Scherler D. , Wittmann H. , Dirks P.H.G.M. , Winkler S.R. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn situ cosmogenic nuclides are an important tool for quantifying landscape evolution and dating fossil‐bearing deposits in the Cradle of Humankind (CoH), South Africa. This technique mainly employs cosmogenic 10‐Beryllium (10Be) in river sediments to estimate denudation rates and the ratio of 26‐Aluminium (26Al) to 10Be (26Al/10Be), to constrain ages of sediment burial. Here, we use 10Be and 26Al concentrations in bedrock and soil above the Rising Star Cave (the discovery site of Homo naledi) to constrain the denudation rate and the exposure history of soil on the surface. Apparent 10Be‐derived denudation rates obtained from pebble‐ to cobble‐sized clasts and coarse‐sand in soil (on average 3.59 ± 0.27 m/Ma and 3.05 ± 0.25 m/Ma, respectively) are 2‐3 times lower than the bedrock denudation rates (on average 9.46 ± 0.68 m/Ma). In addition, soil samples yield an average 26Al/10Be ratio (5.12 ± 0.27) that is significantly lower than the surface production ratio of 6.75, which suggests complex exposure histories. These results are consistent with prolonged surface residence of up to 1.5 Ma in vertically mixed soils that are up to 3 m thick. We conclude that the 10Be concentrations accumulated in soils during the long near‐surface residence times can potentially cause underestimation of single‐nuclide (10Be) catchment‐wide denudation rates in the CoH. Further, burial ages of cave sediment samples that consist of an amalgamation of sand‐size quartz grains could be overestimated if a pre‐burial 26Al/10Be ratio calculated from the surface production is assumed. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel high temperature electrical storage heater using an inorganic salt based composite phase change material
Authors: Li Chuan , Li Qi , Zhao Yanqi , Jia Yixuan , Ding Yufeng , Jin Yi , Weng Likui , Ding Yulong 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWe have studied a high temperature storage heater containing an inorganic salt based composite phase change material (CPCM) for electrical load shift and operation cost reduction. The storage heater consists of CPCM modules with embedded electrical elements for charging at off‐peak hours and flow channels for discharging the stored heat in a controlled manner when needed. The flow channels are for heat transfer fluid (HTF, air in this work) to exchange heat with the CPCM modules and transport the heat to the heating space. A series of experiments are carried out to study the charging and discharging behavior of the storage heater. The effects of the flow channel arrangements between the CPCM modules, and the heating element arrangements inside the heater are studied. A mathematical model is also developed to investigate the performance of the storage heater with a focus on the performance comparison of the storage heater filled with the CPCM and that with the ferric oxide bricks (the conventional sensible heat storage material), and the evaluation of temperature control strategy for the CPCM based storage heater. The results show that a charge of 8 hours of the storage heater during the off‐peak period is sufficient to supply heat for the whole day under the conditions of this work. The flow channel arrangements have significant influences on the storage heater performance in terms of temperature distribution of the CPCM modules and HTF outlet temperature, and the efficiencies of the charging and discharging processes. An interlaced arrangement of CPCM modules in the heater can effectively reduce the temperature swing (eg, between 21.7°C and 22.5°C over a day) and hence improve the room thermal comfort level. The results also show that the CPCM based storage heater gives a superior performance than the ferric oxide based storage heater. Given the storage volume, the power rating, and the amount of stored heat, the mass of the ferric oxide based storage heater is more than 1.6 times that of the CPCM based storage heater. Given the mass and power rating, the heat storage capacity of the CPCM based heater is nearly 68% higher than that of the ferric oxide based storage heater. It is also found that the heat storage performance could be enhanced through a temperature control strategy with the temperature measurement located 15 mm away from the heating elements, for which the heating elements only need two start‐stops over the 8‐hour charging period.
Abnormal neural functions associated with motor inhibition deficits in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Authors: Van Voorhis Abraham C. , Kent Jerillyn S. , Kang Seung Suk , Goghari Vina M. , MacDonald Angus W. , Sponheim Scott R. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDeficits in response inhibition have been observed in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; however, the neural origins of the abnormalities and their relevance to genetic liability for psychosis are unknown. We used a stop‐signal task to examine motor inhibition and associated neural processes in schizophrenia patients (n = 57), bipolar disorder patients (n = 21), first‐degree biological relatives of patients with schizophrenia (n = 34), and healthy controls (n = 56). Schizophrenia patients demonstrated motor control deficits reflected in longer stop‐signal reaction times and elongated reaction times. With the possibility of needing to inhibit a button press, both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients showed diminished reductions of the P300 brain response and only the healthy controls demonstrated adjustments in response execution time, as measured by response‐locked lateralized readiness potentials. Schizotypal traits in the biological relatives were associated with less P300 modulation consistent with the motor‐related anomalies being associated with subtle schizophrenia‐spectrum symptomatology in family members. The two patient groups had elongated response selection processes as manifest in the delayed onset of the stimulus‐locked lateralized readiness potential. The bipolar disorder group was unique in showing significantly diminished neural responses to the stop‐signal to inhibit a response. Antipsychotic medication dosage was related to worse motor inhibition, thus motor inhibition deficits in schizophrenia may be partially explained by the effect of pharmacological agents. Failed modulation of brain processes in relation to response inhibition probability and the lengthening of motor response selection appear to be transdiagnostic abnormalities spanning schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Cost‐effectiveness in transient hypocalcemia post‐thyroidectomy
Authors: Mercante Giuseppe , Anelli Andrea , Giannarelli Diana , Giordano Davide , Sinopoli Ilenia , Ferreli Fabio , Digiesi Giovanna , Appetecchia Maria L. , Barnabei Agnese , Cristalli Giovanni , Conti Laura , Pellini Raul , Piazza Fabio , Lombardi Davide , De Virgilio Armando , Spriano Giuseppe 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundThree different strategies to manage transient hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy were compared to evaluate cost‐effectiveness. The reliability of total serum calcium (TSCa), ionized calcium (ICa), and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were investigated to achieve this goal.MethodsA multicenter, prospective randomized study was carried out with 169 patients. The strategies were “preventive” (oral calcium + vitamin D supplementation), “reactive” (therapy in hypocalcemia), and “predictive” (therapy if iPTH <10 pg/mL).ResultsTSCa had higher accuracy in identifying patients who developed hypocalcemia‐related symptoms than ICa (84.6% vs 50.0%). TSCa 24 h after surgery showed 24.8% of patients with hypocalcemia, whereas TSCa 48 h after surgery identified a further 10.6% with hypocalcemia (only in the “reactive” and “predictive” groups). iPTH showed low sensitivity as a predictor of hypocalcemia. Between the 3 groups, there was no significant difference in hospitalization time or number of symptomatic hypocalcemic patients. Interestingly, the cost‐per‐patient was significantly different among the groups.ConclusionsNone of the discussed strategies allowed for early discharge of patients without any risk of transient hypocalcemia. The “preventive” strategy was the most cost‐effective, despite overtreatment.
A comprehensive knowledge base of synaptic electrophysiology in the rodent hippocampal formation
Authors: Moradi Keivan , Ascoli Giorgio A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe cellular and synaptic architecture of the rodent hippocampus has been described in thousands of peer‐reviewed publications. However, no human‐ or machine‐readable public catalog of synaptic electrophysiology data exists for this or any other neural system. Harnessing state‐of‐the‐art information technology, we have developed a cloud‐based toolset for identifying empirical evidence from the scientific literature pertaining to synaptic electrophysiology, for extracting the experimental data of interest, and for linking each entry to relevant text or figure excerpts. Mining more than 1,200 published journal articles, we have identified eight different signal modalities quantified by 90 different methods to measure synaptic amplitude, kinetics, and plasticity in hippocampal neurons. We have designed a data structure that both reflects the differences and maintains the existing relations among experimental modalities. Moreover, we mapped every annotated experiment to identified potential connections, that is, specific pairs of presynaptic and postsynaptic neuron types. To this aim, we leveraged Hippocampome.org, an open‐access knowledge base of morphologically, electrophysiologically, and molecularly characterized neuron types in the rodent hippocampal formation. Specifically, we have implemented a computational pipeline to systematically translate neuron type properties into formal queries in order to find all compatible potential connections. With this system, we have collected nearly 40,000 synaptic data entities covering 88% of the 3,120 potential connections in Hippocampome.org. Correcting membrane potentials with respect to liquid junction potentials significantly reduced the difference between theoretical and experimental reversal potentials, thereby enabling the accurate conversion of all synaptic amplitudes to conductance. This data set allows for large‐scale hypothesis testing of the general rules governing synaptic signals. To illustrate these applications, we confirmed several expected correlations between synaptic measurements and their covariates while suggesting previously unreported ones. We release all data open‐source at Hippocampome.org in order to further research across disciplines.
Characterizing memory loss in patients with autoimmune limbic encephalitis hippocampal lesions
Authors: Lad Meher , Mullally Sinéad L. , Houston Alexandra L. , Kelly Tom , Griffiths Timothy D. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSince the publication of Scoville and Milner's (1957) seminal paper, the precise functional role played by the hippocampus in support of human memory has been fiercely debated. For instance, the single question of whether the hippocampus plays a time‐limited or an indelible role in the recollection of personal memories led to a deep and tenacious schism within the field. Similar polarizations arose between those who debated the precise nature of the role played by the hippocampus in support of semantic relative to episodic memories and in recall/recollection relative to familiarity‐based recognition. At the epicenter of these divisions lies conflicting neuropsychological findings. These differences likely arise due to the consistent use of heterogeneous patient populations to adjudicate between these positions. Here we utilized traditional neuropsychological measures in a homogenous patient population with a highly discrete hippocampal lesion (i.e., VGKCC‐Ab related autoimmune limbic encephalitis patients). We observed consistent impairment of recent episodic memories, a present but less striking impairment of remote episodic memories, preservation of personal semantic memory, and recall but not recognition memory deficits. We conclude that this increasingly well‐characterized patient group may represent an important homogeneous population in which the functional role played by the hippocampus may be more precisely delineated.
Influence of homogeneous‐heterogeneous reactions and induced magnetic field on the nonlinear thermal convective radiative Jeffrey liquid flow with heat source/sink
Authors: Raju Adigoppula , Ojjela Odelu 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTAn analysis has been carried out to investigate the effect of homogeneous‐heterogeneous reactions and induced magnetic field on the unsteady two‐dimensional incompressible nonlinear thermal convective velocity slip flow of a Jeffrey fluid in the presence of nonlinear thermal radiation and heat source/sink. We assumed that the flow is generated due to injection at the lower plate and suction at the upper plate. We obtained a numerical solution for the reduced nonlinear governing system of equations via the shooting technique with fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta integration. We plotted the graphs for various nondimensional parameters, like Deborah number, heat source/sink parameter, nonlinear convection parameter, nonlinear radiation parameter, magnetic Reynolds number, Strommer's number, velocity slip parameter, strengths of homogeneous, heterogeneous reaction parameters and skin friction over the nondimensional flow, temperature, concentration profiles and magnetic diffusivity fields. Also, we calculated the numerical values of boundary properties, such as the skin friction and heat transfer rate. We noticed that the temperature of the fluid is enhanced with the radiation parameter, whereas the concentration decreases with increase of the magnetic Reynolds number. The present results have good agreement with published work for the Newtonian case.
Exploring gender and partner communication: Theory of planned behavior predictors for condom use among urban youth in Zambia
Authors: Chowdhuri Rachna Nag , Pinchoff Jessie , Boyer Christopher B. , Ngo Thoai D. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo understand how knowledge and perceptions of condoms and partner communication influence use of condoms in a highHIVprevalence setting and gender‐specific differences.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in Zambia from 2015 to 2016. The survey included questions on demographics, sexual behavior, contraceptive perceptions, and behaviors. We constructed multivariate regression models using the Theory of Planned Behavior to determine associations between knowledge, perceptions, and perceived control with intended, communicated, and reported use of condoms by gender.ResultsThe participants were 2388 sexually active urban residents aged 18–24 years. In the sample, 1646 (69%) were female, 841 (35%) married, and 1894 (61%) unemployed. Partner communication was the predictor most associated with use of condoms. Among women, partner communication was associated with over three times higher odds of condom use (odds ratio [OR] 3.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.65–4.65) but being married reduced the odds of condom use by 76% (OR0.24, 95%CI0.17–0.33). For men, a network of friends that was supportive of the use of contraception was associated with increased odds of 55% for use of condoms (OR1.55, 95%CI1.10–2.18).ConclusionPublic health programs aimed at increasing safer sexual behavior and use of condoms must consider improving gender equity and partner communication, as knowledge of contraceptives and positive perceptions are not enough to ensure their use.
Bioactive glass ions for in vitro osteogenesis and microvascularization in gellan gum‐collagen hydrogels
Authors: Vuornos Kaisa , Huhtala Heini , Kääriäinen Minna , Kuismanen Kirsi , Hupa Leena , Kellomäki Minna , Miettinen Susanna 
Published: August 2019

AbstractLack of bone grafts appeals for bone augmentation solutions. We aimed at osteogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells (hASCs) and microvascularization in coculture with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) embedded in three‐dimensional (3D) gellan gum (GG) and collagen type I (COL) hydrogel mixture. We compared endothelial growth medium‐2 (EGM‐2) and bioactive glass extract‐based endothelial and osteogenic medium (BaG EM‐OM) for vascularized bone‐like graft development in vitro. Cell viability, cell number, and osteogenic and endothelial gene expression were analyzed. Mineralized hydroxyapatite residues, immunocytochemical staining of endothelial marker CD31 production and late osteogenic marker osteocalcin were imaged. With both media, good cell viability was observed within 3D hydrogel. EGM‐2 condition induced significantly higher cell number compared to BaG EM‐OM condition at both 7 and 14 days. Interestingly, both media supported osteogenic as well as endothelial marker gene expression. Moreover, formation of reticulated cellular structures was observed in both EGM‐2 and BaG EM‐OM conditions. However, hydroxyapatite mineralization and strong osteocalcin staining were detected only in BaG EM‐OM condition. Importantly, strong production of CD31 and elongated tube‐like structures were apparent in EGM‐2 culture alone. In conclusion, we demonstrated efficient hASC osteogenic differentiation and microvessel‐like network formation in coculture with HUVECs.
Bone augmentation using small molecules with biodegradable calcium sulfate particles in a vertical onlay graft model in the rabbit calvarium
Authors: Kim Doo H. , Cha Jae‐Kook , Song Young W. , Woo Kyung M. , Jung Ui‐Won 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSmall molecules including sodium butyrate (SB) and dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) can promote bone regeneration via inhibitive effects eliciting cellular responses through signaling cascades. The purpose of this study was to determine the synergistic effects of SB and DMOG loaded on calcium sulfate (CaS) on bone regeneration in the challenging vertical augmentation model in the rabbit calvarium. Four plastic cylinders screwed on the calvarium of each of 10 rabbits were randomly grafted with CaS, CaS/SB, CaS/DMOG, or CaS/DMOG/SB. All specimens were assessed by radiographic, histologic, and histomorphometric analyses. In the radiographic analysis, three different layers (new bone, degraded CaS, and pristine CaS layers) could be distinguished within the cylinder in all groups at 2 weeks. Newly formed bone grew up from basal bone, and CaS in contact with newly formed bone was degraded into small particles to form a different layer. At 8 weeks, most of the pristine CaS had been absorbed and hardly seen within the cylinder. In the histomorphometric analysis, all groups showed comparable new bone areas and heights at 2 and 8 weeks. The DMOG group showed a significant increase in new bone area at 8 weeks compared with 2 weeks, but there was no significant difference among the groups at 8 weeks. The DMOG group showed significantly lower values for the residual material area than the control group at 2 weeks. Within the limitations of this study, SB and DMOG seem to exert smaller synergistic effects on bone regeneration compared to CaS alone in vertical bone augmentation.
Evaluation of trace element contamination usingArmadillo officinalisDuméril, 1816 (Crustacea, Isopoda) as a tool: An ultrastructural study
Authors: Khemaissia Hajer , Jelassi Raja , Ghemari Chedliya , Raimond Maryline , Souty‐Grosset Catherine , Nasri‐Ammar Karima 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTo estimate trace element bioaccumulation inArmadillo officinalis, specimens were collected from Ghar El Melh lagoon then exposed for 3 weeks in contaminated sediments with copper, zinc, and cadmium. From the first week until the end of the experiment, a decrease inA. officinalisgrowth related to the increase of Cd concentration in the sediment was recorded. However, a mass gain was highlighted under Cu and Zn exposures. At the end of experiment, body metal concentrations were measured using flame atomic emission spectrometry. Results of the bioaccumulation factor showed that the species could be considered as a macroconcentrator of copper (BAF > 2) and a deconcentrator of zinc (BAF < 2). Microscopy observations of hepatopancreas cells showed morphological and histological changes even at the lowest concentration. They consisted in the microvillus border destruction, lipid droplets modifications, trace element accumulation, and the condensation of the majority of cellular organelles. The degree of these alterations was found to be dose‐dependent. Through these results, the isopodA. officinaliscould be used as relevant monitor organisms for soil metal contamination.