bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning to localise weakly-informative sound spectra with and without feedback
Authors: Zonooz Bahram , Arani Elahe , Opstal A. John Van 
Published: December 2018

AbstractHow the human auditory system learns to map complex pinna-induced spectral-shape cues onto veridical estimates of sound-source elevation in the median plane is still unclear. Earlier studies demonstrated considerable sound-localisation plasticity after applying pinna moulds, and to altered vision. Several factors may contribute to auditory spatial learning, like visual or motor feedback, or updated priors. We here induced perceptual learning for sounds with degraded spectral content, having weak, but consistent, elevation-dependent cues, as demonstrated by low-gain stimulus-response relations. During training, we provided visual feedback for only six targets in the midsagittal plane, to which listeners gradually improved their response accuracy. Interestingly, listeners’ performance also improved without visual feedback, albeit less strongly. Post-training results showed generalised improved response behaviour, also to non-trained locations and acoustic spectra, presented throughout the two-dimensional frontal hemifield. We argue that the auditory system learns to reweigh contributions from low-informative spectral bands to update its prior elevation estimates, and explain our results with a neuro-computational model.
Approaches and challenges in the synthesis of three-dimensional covalent-organic frameworks
Authors: Ma Xingjian , Scott Timothy F. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCovalent organic frameworks, cross-linked crystalline polymers constructed from rigid organic precursors connected by covalent interactions, have emerged as a promising class of nanoporous materials owing to their highly desirable combination of attributes, including facile chemical tunability, structural diversity, and excellent stability. Despite the distinct advantages offered by three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks, research efforts have predominantly focused on the more synthetically-accessible, two-dimensional variants. Here we present an overview of synthetic approaches to yield three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks, identify synthetic obstacles that have hindered progress in the field and recently-employed methods to address them, and propose alternative techniques to circumvent these synthetic challenges.
miR-125 regulates PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in rheumatoid arthritis rats via PARP2
Authors: Liu Kai , Zhang Yingang , Liu Liang , Yuan Qiling 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
The present study aimed to explore miR-125 effects on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development to provide a potential target for RA. Briefly, rat RA model was established (Model group) by injection of Freund’s Complete Adjuvant into the left hind toe. Normal rats injected with saline in the same location were set as Normal group. All rats’ secondary foot swelling degree, polyarthritis index score, spleen and thymus index were measured. Synovial tissues were subjected to Hematoxylin–Eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry. Synovial cells of each group were isolated and named as Normal-C group and Model-C group, respectively. Synovial cells of Model-C group further underwent cotransfection with miR-125 mimics and PARP2-siRNA (mimics+siPARP2 group) or with miR-125 negative control (NC) and PARP2-siRNA NC (NC group). Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot, luciferase reporter assay, ELISA, and MTT assay were performed. As a result, compared with Normal group, rats of Model group showed significantly higher secondary foot swelling degree, polyarthritis index score, spleen and thymus index (P&lt;0.01). Down-regulated miR-125 and up-regulated PARP2 was found in synovial tissues of Model group when compared with Normal group (P&lt;0.01). Synovial tissues of Model-C group exhibited severe hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration. Luciferase reporter assay indicated that PARP2 was directly inhibited by miR-125. Compared with NC group, cells of mimics+siPARP2 group had significantly lower IL-1β, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels, absorbance value, and p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR relative expression (P&lt;0.01 or P&lt;0.05). Thus, miR-125 might attenuate RA development by regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway via directly inhibiting PARP2 expression.
High‐voltage pulse generator based on sequentially charged MMC‐SMs operating in a voltage‐boost mode
Authors: Elgenedy Mohamed A. , Darwish Ahmed , Ahmed Shehab , Williams Barry W. , McDonald Jim R. 
Published: December 2018

Pulse forming networks and Marx generators are the classical rectangular waveform pulse generators (PGs). They are inflexible and their capacitors must be fully charged to the required voltage from 0 V before delivering each high‐voltage (HV) pulse. They are only able to generate unipolar pulses; if bipolar pulses are sought another generator fed from a negative supply voltage is added. Recently, several power electronics based PGs have been proposed. This study presents an HV power electronics based PG, which is based on half‐bridge modular multilevel converter (MMC) sub‐modules (SMs) charged sequentially in a voltage‐boost mode. Each SM capacitor and main switch form a boost converter with the charging input supply and inductor. As a result, all SM capacitors are charged to a voltage greater than the input. During the discharging process, the SM capacitors are connected in series, producing a rectangular HV pulse across the load. The proposed charging method allows a reduction in the converter footprint in comparison with recently proposed MMC sequentially charged PG topologies. Although only rectangular pulse waveforms are sought in this study, an SM‐capacitor voltage balance method allows multilevel pulse generation. The viability of the proposed converter is confirmed by MATLAB/Simulink simulation and scaled‐down experimentation.
Ein kurzes Essay über die Spiritualität von Placebo aus (evolutionär) psychiatrischer Sicht
Authors: Bonnet Udo 
Published: December 2018

ZusammenfassungAnders als Spiritualität ist der Placebo-Effekt bestens operationalisiert. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird versucht, eine phänomenologische Verwandtschaft zwischen der therapeutischen Wirksamkeit von Spiritualität und Placebo zu finden. Ähnliche Kontexteinflüsse sowie die mögliche gemeinsame Nutzung einer phylogenetisch gut konservierten protektiven Route über das mesolimbisch dopaminerge Belohnungssystem werden herausgestellt. Die klinische Wirksamkeit beider Phänomene scheint ubiquitär zu sein, wobei die Effektivität des Placebo-Effektes wissenschaftlich viel valider abgesichert ist als dieses bezüglich eines „Spiritualität-Effektes“ aktuell methodologisch möglich wäre. Die Vorhersagbarkeit für beide Effekte ist unsicher und beide sind Janus-köpfig (z. B. Placebo vs. Nocebo-Effekt). Aktuell wird sowohl für Placebo als auch für spiritualitäts-orientierte Verfahren versucht, deren klinische Wirksamkeit durch Modulation der therapeutischen Rahmenbedingungen und Gesprächsinhalte zu maximieren. Die Diskussion endet mit der reflexiven Frage, ob der Placebo-Effekt im Wesentlichen Züge von „Spiritualität-light“ besitzen könnte.
Higher Serum Uric Acid is a Risk Factor of Reduced Muscle Mass in Men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Tanaka Ken-ichiro , Kanazawa Ippei , Notsu Masakazu , Sugimoto Toshitsugu 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Objective Sarcopenia has been recognized as a diabetic complication, and hyperuricemia is often accompanied by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, it is unknown whether serum uric acid (UA) levels are associated with reduced muscle mass in T2DM.
Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the association of serum UA with muscle mass in 401 subjects with T2DM (209 men and 192 postmenopausal women). The relative skeletal muscle mass index (RSMI) was evaluated using whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
Results Multiple regression analyses adjusted for body weight, age, serum creatinine, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and duration of T2DM showed that serum UA was negatively associated with RSMI in all subjects and men with T2DM (β=−0.13, p=0.001 and β=−0.17, p=0.003, respectively). Moreover, logistic regression analyses adjusted for these confounding factors showed that a higher serum UA level was significantly associated with low RSMI in men with T2DM [odds ratio (OR)=1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.10–3.45 per SD increase, p=0.023]. In addition, higher serum UA levels were significantly associated with low RSMI after additional adjustment for age, duration of T2DM, HbA1c level, serum creatinine level, and sex in all subjects with T2DM [OR=1.80, 95% CI=1.20–2.72 per SD increase, p=0.005].
Conclusions The present study showed for the first time that higher serum UA is an independent risk factor of reduced muscle mass in men with T2DM.
Sulfoxonium Ylide Derived Metal Carbenoids in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Vaitla Janakiram , Bayer Annette 
Published: December 2018

As pioneered by Corey and Chaykovsky, sulfoxonium ylides have had widespread application in organic synthesis for more than a half century. In most of the reactions, sulfoxonium ylides were used to react with electrophiles. Under suitable reaction conditions these ylides can generate metal carbenoids and react with nucleophiles. By combining the typical reactivity of sulfoxonium ylides with transition-metal catalysis, a growing number of investigations have expanded their application in organic synthesis. This review provides an update on the preparation of sulfoxonium ylides and their applications in carbenoid transfer reactions.1	Introduction2	Preparation of Sulfoxonium Ylides3	Investigation for Carbenoid Formation from Sulfoxonium Ylide
4	X–H (X = N, O, S, C) Functionalization Reactions5	Polymerizaton of Carbenoids Generated from Sulfoxonium Ylides6	Conclusion and Perspective
Apgar Scoring System in Brazil's Live Births Records: Differences between Home and Hospital Births
Authors: Bessa Jordana de Faria , Bonatto Naieli 
Published: December 2018

Objective To promote informed choice for women and to compare home and hospital births in relation to the Apgar score.
Methods Mother's profile and Apgar score of naturally born infants (without forceps assistance) in Brazil between 2011 and 2015, in both settings—hospital or home—were collected from live birth records provided by the Informatics Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS, in the Portuguese acronym). For the analysis, were included only data from low-risk deliveries, including gestational time between 37 and 41 weeks, singleton pregnancy, at least four visits of prenatal care, infants weighing between 2,500 g, and 4,000 g, mother age between 20-40 years old, and absence of congenital anomalies.
Results Home birth infants presented significantly higher risk of 0-5 Apgar scores, both in 1 minute (6.4% versus 3%, odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, confidence interval [CI] IC 2–2.4) and in 5 minutes (4.8% versus 0.4%, OR = 11.5, CI 10.5–12.7). Another finding is related to recovery estimates when from an initially bad 1-minute Apgar (< 6) to a subsequently better 5-minute Apgar (> 6). In this scenario, home infants had poorer recovery, Apgar score was persistently < 6 throughout the fifth minute in most cases (71% versus 10.7%, OR 20.4, CI 17–24.6).
Conclusion The results show worse Apgar scores for babies born at home, compared with those born at the hospital setting. This is a pioneer and preliminary study that brings attention concerning differences in Apgar score related to home versus hospital place of birth in Brazil.
Restoration of Elbow Flexion in Traumatic Upper Brachial Plexus Palsy in Adults: Outcome with Intraplexus Distal Nerve Transfers in 78 Patients
Authors: Siqueira Mario , Martins Roberto , Faglioni Junior Wilson , Foroni Luciano , Heise Carlos 
Published: December 2018

Objective To present the functional outcomes of distal nerve transfer techniques for restoration of elbow flexion after upper brachial plexus injury.
Method The files of 78 adult patients with C5, C6, ± C7 lesions were reviewed. The attempt to restore elbow flexion was made by intraplexus distal nerve transfers using a fascicle of the ulnar nerve (group A, n = 43), or a fascicle of the median nerve (group B, n = 16) or a combination of both (group C, n = 19). The result of the treatment was defined based on the British Medical Research Council grading system: muscle strength < M3 was considered a poor result.
Results The global incidence of good/excellent results with these nerve transfers was 80.7%, and for different surgical techniques (groups A, B, C), it was 86%, 56.2% and 100% respectively. Patients submitted to ulnar nerve transfer or double transfer (ulnar + median fascicles transfer) had a better outcome than those submitted to median nerve transfer alone (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the outcome of ulnar transfer and double transfer.
Conclusion In cases of traumatic injury of the upper brachial plexus, good and excelent results in the restoration of elbow flexion can be obtained using distal nerve transfers.
Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures in Children with Epilepsy
Authors: Shahid Asim , Agarwal Rajkumar 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe occurrence of psychogenic seizures in a proportion of children with epilepsy has been well described. The diagnosis of simultaneous existence of nonepileptic and epileptic seizures is often challenging as the clinical features of these conditions may overlap. However, they differ significantly in terms of the underlying pathophysiology as well as management strategies. Timely recognition can prevent harmful treatments and potentially improve patient outcome. In this article, we focus on the epidemiology, clinical features as well as management of psychogenic seizures in children with epilepsy.
Epigenetik der Adipositas: Ergebnisse aus Mausstudien
Authors: Saussenthaler S. , Schürmann A. 
Published: December 2018

ZusammenfassungVor dem Hintergrund der steigenden Prävalenz von Adipositas und den damit einhergehenden Begleiterkrankungen (Nicht-alkoholische Fettleber, Typ-2-Diabetes u.a.) wird es immer wichtiger, neue Präventions- und Behandlungsmöglichkeiten aufzuzeigen, die eine personalisierte Therapie ermöglichen. Die Entdeckung von Veränderungen in bestimmten Signalwegen, die durch Adipositas ausgelöst werden, verbessern nicht nur unsere Kenntnisse über die Pathophysiologie, sie können zudem auf neue pharmakologische Behandlungsstrategien hinweisen. Seit mehreren Jahren befasst sich die Forschung auch damit, die Beteiligung epigenetischer Mechanismen bei der Entstehung der Adipositas zu klären. Experimentelle Studien an Mäusen führten zu der Erkenntnis, dass der Ernährungszustand der Eltern epigenetisch vererbt wird und so die Prävalenz der Nachkommen an Übergewicht und Insulinresistenz zu erkranken beeinflusst. Des Weiteren wurden interindividuelle Varianzen der DNA-Methylierung identifiziert, die das Risiko an Übergewicht und einer Fettleber zu leiden erhöhten. Diese Erkenntnisse können einerseits genutzt werden, um epigenetische Biomarker zu identifizieren, welche das individuelle Risiko besser bewerten können, anderseits um pharmakologische Therapien personalisierter einzusetzen.
Effect of Losartan and Fish Oil on Plasma IL-6 and Mobility in Older Persons. The ENRGISE Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Pahor Marco , Anton Stephen D , Beavers Daniel P , Cauley Jane A , Fielding Roger A , Kritchevsky Stephen B , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , Lewis Kristina H , Liu Christine K , Lovato Laura C , Lu Jane , Manini Todd M , McDermott Mary M , Miller Michael E , Newman Anne B , Radziszewska Barbara , Stowe Cynthia L , Tracy Russell P , Walkup Michael P , Wu Samuel S , Ambrosius Walter T 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background
Low-grade chronic inflammation, characterized by elevations in plasma Interleukin-6 (IL-6), is an independent risk factor of impaired mobility in older persons. Angiotensin receptor blockers and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3) may reduce IL-6 and may potentially improve physical function. To assess the main effects of the angiotensin receptor blocker losartan and ω-3 as fish oil on IL-6 and 400 m walking speed, we conducted the ENRGISE Pilot multicenter randomized clinical trial.

Methods
The ENRGISE Pilot enrolled participants between April 2016 and June 2017, who participated for 12 months. Participants were aged ≥70 years with mobility impairment, had IL-6 between 2.5 and 30 pg/mL, and were able to walk 400 m at baseline. Participants were randomized in three strata 2 × 2 factorial to: (i) losartan 50–100 mg/d or placebo (n = 43), (ii) fish oil 1,400–2,800 mg/d or placebo (n = 180), and (iii) with both (n = 66).

Results
Two hundred eighty-nine participants were randomized (mean age 78.3 years, 47.4% women, 17.0% black). There was no effect of losartan (difference of means = −0.065 ± 0.116 [SE], 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.293–0.163, p = .58) or fish oil (−0.020 ± 0.077, 95% CI: −0.171–0.132, p = .80) on the log of IL-6. Similarly, there was no effect of losartan (−0.025 ± 0.026, 95% CI: −0.076–0.026, p = .34) or fish oil (0.010 ± 0.017, 95% CI: −0.025–0.044, p = .58) on walking speed (m/s).

Conclusions
These results do not support the use of these interventions to prevent mobility loss in older adults at risk of disability with low-grade chronic inflammation.

Registration
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02676466.
Engagement in Enriching Early-Life Activities Is Associated With Larger Hippocampal and Amygdala Volumes in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Moored Kyle D , Chan Thomas , Varma Vijay R , Chuang Yi-Fang , Parisi Jeanine M , Carlson Michelle C 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectivesNumerous studies show benefits of mid- and late-life activity on neurocognitive health. Yet, few studies have examined how engagement in enriching activities during childhood, when the brain is most plastic, may confer long-term neurocognitive benefits that may be especially important to individuals raised in low-income settings. We examined associations between enriching early-life activities (EELAs) and hippocampal and amygdala volumes in a sample of predominantly African-American, community-dwelling older adults. We further assessed whether these associations were independent of current activity engagement.MethodsNinety participants from the baseline Brain Health Substudy of the Baltimore Experience Corps Trial (mean age: 67.4) completed retrospective activity inventories and an magnetic resonance imaging scan. Volumes were segmented using FreeSurfer.ResultsEach additional EELA was associated with a 2.3% (66.6 mm3) greater amygdala volume after adjusting for covariates. For men, each additional EELA was associated with a 4.1% (278.9 mm3) greater hippocampal volume. Associations were specific to these regions when compared with the thalamus, used as a control region.DiscussionEnriching lifestyle activities during an important window of childhood brain development may be a modifiable factor that impacts lifelong brain reserve, and results highlight the importance of providing access to such activities in historically underserved populations.
Restraint That Blinds: Attention Narrowing and Consumers’ Response to Numerosity in Self-Control Decisions
Authors: Wilcox Keith , Prokopec Sonja 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
A significant amount of research on numerosity demonstrates that product perceptions are often influenced by the scale on which numerical attribute information is presented. However, fewer studies have examined how self-control is influenced by the numerosity of cost information (e.g., price, nutritional content) in situations that may violate a personal goal. The present research demonstrates that, in such situations, the numerosity of cost information has a stronger influence on self-control when consumers are highly focused on restraint. Because restrained consumers regulate their behavior by anticipating the negative emotions from violating their goals, they experience a narrowing of attention during self-control decisions that makes them more reliant on numerosity as a cue for judgment. The results of eight experiments demonstrate that consumers who are primed or predisposed to be high in restraint display less self-control when cost information is presented on a contracted scale with small numbers compared to an expanded scale with large numbers. When consumers are less focused on restraint, numerosity has less of an effect on self-control because unrestrained consumers do not experience an analogous narrowing of attention.
Enthymematic classical recapture 1
Authors: Antunes Henrique 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPriest (2006, Ch.8, 2nd edn. Oxford University Press), argues that classical reasoning can be made compatible with his preferred (paraconsistent) logical theory by proposing a methodological maxim authorizing the use of classical logic in consistent situations. Although Priest has abandoned this proposal in favour of the one in G. Priest (1991, Stud. Log., 50, 321–331), I shall argue that due to the fact that the derivability adjustment theorem holds for several logics of formal (in)consistency (cf. W. A. Carnielli and M. E. Coniglio, 2016, Springer), these paraconsistent logics are particularly well suited to accommodate classical reasoning by means of a version of that maxim, yielding thus an enthymematic account of classical recapture.
The Italian 2017 Outbreak Chikungunya Virus Belongs to an Emerging Aedes albopictus–Adapted Virus Cluster Introduced From the Indian Subcontinent
Authors: Lindh Erika , Argentini Claudio , Remoli Maria Elena , Fortuna Claudia , Faggioni Giovanni , Benedetti Eleonora , Amendola Antonello , Marsili Giulia , Lista Florigio , Rezza Giovanni , Venturi Giulietta 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background
Chikungunya virus is an emerging mosquito-borne pathogen with a wide global distribution. With the severe morbidity that it causes, chikungunya virus is a major public health problem in the affected areas and poses a considerable risk for unaffected areas hosting competent vector populations. In the summer of 2017, Italy experienced a chikungunya virus outbreak that spread in the Lazio region and caused a secondary outbreak in the Calabrian village of Guardavalle, with a final case number of 436. The causative strain was recognized as an Indian Ocean lineage (IOL) virus.

Methods
To understand the underlying genetic and molecular features of the outbreak virus, viruses from mosquito pools and clinical samples were isolated in cell culture and subjected to whole-genome sequencing and genetic analyses.

Results
All 8 characterized genomes shared a high sequence identity. A distinct substitution pattern in the Italian 2017 viruses (including mutations in E1, E2, and nsP4) was partly shared with the Pakistani 2016 outbreak viruses. Evolutionary analyses indicate that these 2 recent outbreaks and several geographically widely distributed, travel-associated viruses form a cluster of rapidly emerging Indian-origin IOL viruses.

Conclusions
Our analyses show that the 2017 Italian outbreak virus belongs to a cluster of novel IOL chikungunya viruses originating in India. Their emergence calls for enhanced monitoring and strengthened preparedness measures, including vector control programs and raised awareness among general practitioners in countries potentially at risk.