bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Voluntary tic suppression and the normalization of motor cortical beta power in Gilles de la Tourette syndrome: an EEG study
Authors: Zapparoli Laura , Macerollo Antonella , Joyce Eileen M. , Martino Davide , Kilner James M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractGilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a neurological condition characterized by motor and vocal tics. Previous studies suggested that this syndrome is associated with abnormal sensorimotor cortex activity at rest, as well as during the execution of voluntary movements. It has been hypothesized that this abnormality might be interpreted as a form of increased tonic inhibition, probably to suppress tics; however, this hypothesis has not been tested so far. The present study was designed to formally test how voluntary tic suppression in GTS influences the activity of the sensorimotor cortex during the execution of a motor task. We used EEG to record neural activity over the contralateral sensorimotor cortex during a finger movement task in adult GTS patients, in both free ticcing and tic suppression conditions; these data were then compared with those collected during the same task in age‐matched healthy subjects. We focused on the levels of activity in the beta frequency band, which is typically associated with the activation of the motor system, during three different phases: a pre‐movement, a movement, and a post‐movement phase. GTS patients showed decreased levels of beta modulation with respect to the healthy controls, during the execution of the task; however, this abnormal pattern returned to be normal when they were explicitly asked to suppress their tics while moving. This is the first demonstration that voluntary tic suppression in GTS operates through the normalization of the EEG rhythm in the beta frequency range during the execution of a voluntary finger movement.
First record of the Japanese grape leafhopper Arboridia kakogawana (Matsumura, 1932) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from Romania
Authors: Chireceanu C. , Nedelcea D. , Seljak G. 
Published: August 2019

A new invasive species, the Japanese grape leafhopper, Arboridia kakogawana (Matsumura). is reported for the first time in Romania. Arboridia kakogawana is a serious pest of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) in East Asia (South Korea and China) and in Southern Russia (Krasnodar and Rostov regions) and Ukraine. In 2018, very high numbers of A. kakogawana were caught on yellow sticky traps in a vine plot in Romania in Northern Bucharest. Adults were trapped from early June to the middle of November. The dynamics of the adult population were measured using yellow sticky traps, and in 2018 four peaks were observed in the middle of July, in the first 10 days of August, at the beginning of September and in the first 10 days of October. The first overwintering adults appeared from the beginning of June. Foliar symptoms associated with the trophic activity of the leafhopper were observed on grapevine and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.)). Yellow sticky traps used in prior studies in the Bucharest area were re‐examined and the Japanese leafhopper was discovered on these, which leads to the conclusion that the species has been present at least since 2016 in this area. This is the first report of A. kakogawana in Romania and in the European Union.
NRF2/ABCB1‐mediated efflux and PARP1‐mediated dampening of DNA damage contribute to doxorubicin resistance in chronic hypoxic HepG2 cells
Authors: Xia Xiangwen , Wang Qi , Ye Tianhe , Liu Yiming , Liu Dehan , Song Songlin , Zheng Chuansheng 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTransarterial chemoembolization (TACE)‐induced hypoxia can trigger residual liver cancer cells to present a more aggressive phenotype associated with chemoresistance, but the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. In this study, the human liver cancer cell line HepG2 was pre‐cultured in different oxygen environments to examine the possible mechanisms of hypoxia‐induced doxorubicin resistance. Our study showed that HepG2 cells pre‐cultured in a chronic intermittent hypoxic environment exhibited significant resistance to doxorubicin, evidenced by increased intracellular doxorubicin efflux, relatively higher cell proliferation, lower apoptosis, and decreased DNA damage. These changes were accompanied by high levels of NRF2 and ABCB1 under conditions of both chronic and acute hypoxia and PARP1 gene expression only under conditions of chronic hypoxia. SiRNA‐mediated silencing of NRF2 gene expression downregulated the expression of ABCB1 and increased the intracellular doxorubicin accumulation and cell apoptosis both in acute and chronic hypoxic HepG2 cells. Moreover, silencing of PARP1 gene expression increased the doxorubicin‐induced DNA damage and cell apoptosis in chronic hypoxic cells. On the basis of these findings, we concluded that NRF2/ABCB1‐mediated efflux and PARP1‐mediated DNA repair contribute to doxorubicin resistance in chronic hypoxic HepG2 cells.
The N‐terminal peptide of the transglutaminase‐activating metalloprotease inhibitor from Streptomyces mobaraensis accommodates both inhibition and glutamine cross‐linking sites
Authors: Juettner Norbert E. , Schmelz Stefan , Anderl Anita , Colin Felix , Classen Moritz , Pfeifer Felicitas , Scrima Andrea , Fuchsbauer Hans‐Lothar 
Published: August 2019

Streptomyces mobaraensis is a key player for the industrial production of the protein cross‐linking enzyme microbial transglutaminase (MTG). Extra‐cellular activation of MTG by the transglutaminase‐activating metalloprotease (TAMP) is regulated by the TAMP inhibitory protein SSTI that belongs to the large Streptomyces subtilisin inhibitor (SSI) family. Despite decades of SSI research, the binding site for metalloproteases such as TAMP remained elusive in most of the SSI proteins. Moreover, SSTI is a MTG substrate, and the preferred glutamine residues for SSTI cross‐linking are not determined. To address both issues, that is, determination of the TAMP and the MTG glutamine binding sites, SSTI was modified by distinct point mutations as well as elongation or truncation of the N‐terminal peptide by six and three residues respectively. Structural integrity of the mutants was verified by the determination of protein melting points and supported by unimpaired subtilisin inhibitory activity. While exchange of single amino acids could not disrupt decisively the SSTI TAMP interaction, the N‐terminally shortened variants clearly indicated the highly conserved Leu40‐Tyr41 as binding motif for TAMP. Moreover, enzymatic biotinylation revealed that an adjacent glutamine pair, upstream from Leu40‐Tyr41 in the SSTI precursor protein, is the preferred binding site of MTG. This extension peptide disturbs the interaction with TAMP. The structure of SSTI was furthermore determined by X‐ray crystallography. While no structural data could be obtained for the N‐terminal peptide due to flexibility, the core structure starting from Tyr41 could be determined and analysed, which superposes well with SSI‐family proteins.EnzymesChymotrypsin, EC3.4.21.1; griselysin (SGMPII, SgmA), EC3.4.24.27; snapalysin (ScNP), EC3.4.24.77; streptogrisin‐A (SGPA), EC3.4.21.80; streptogrisin‐B (SGPB), EC3.4.21.81; subtilisin BPN’, EC3.4.21.62; transglutaminase, EC2.3.2.13; transglutaminase‐activating metalloprotease (TAMP), EC3.4.‐.‐; tri‐/tetrapeptidyl aminopeptidase, EC3.4.11.‐; trypsin, EC3.4.21.4.DatabasesThe atomic coordinates and structure factors (PDB 6I0I) have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (http://www.rcsb.org).
Molar volume of SiOH estimated from swelling strains
Authors: Fett Theo , Schell Karl G. , Wiederhorn Sheldon M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAs water diffuses into silica glass, it reacts with the silica network to generate hydroxyl groups that cause a volume swelling of the glass. We discuss this effect quantitatively for cases in which hydroxyl groups were produced either by gamma‐irradiation of hydrogen‐saturated silica glass or by high‐temperature diffusion of water into silica glass. From volume swelling measurements, the partial molar volume of hydroxyl groups for both treatments is determined to be 7.5 cm3/mol. Since two moles of SiOH are generated for each mole of water reacting with the glass, the reaction volume, , is 15.0 cm3/mol.
Iron polyphosphate glasses for waste immobilization
Authors: Brow Richard K. , Kim Cheol W. , Reis Signo T. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIron polyphosphate glasses resist attack by water, can dissolve large concentrations of species that are otherwise insoluble in borosilicate glass melts, and can be processed at relatively low temperatures (1000‐1200°C), and so are viable hosts for vitrifying hazardous and radioactive wastes. The properties of iron polyphosphate glasses depend on the distributions of phosphate anions and the nature of the bonds between those anions and various metal polyhedra, and quantitative information can be obtained about those structures using a variety of spectroscopic, diffraction, and chromatographic techniques. This structural information helps explain compositional trends in properties, including dissolution rates, electrical conductivity, thermal properties and crystallization tendency. Studies of waste forms made with low activity and high level wastes are reviewed and related back to an understanding of the structures and properties of simpler iron polyphosphate glasses.
A cost‐effective approach to factor assay calibration using a truncated live calibration curve
Authors: Guy Susan , Sermon‐Cadd Anne M. , Shepherd Fiona M. , Kitchen Steve , Bowyer Annette E. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe measurements of clotting factor activities are usually performed using a one‐stage clotting assay (OSA) or chromogenic substrate assay (CSA). Advances in automated coagulation analysers have led to the utilization of stored calibration curves. There are sometimes substantial intervals between test calibration and analysis of samples. Variability in results can be influenced by calibrant and methodology. Several guidelines recommend calibration and patient samples be performed together in parallel; this incurs costs, but reliance on a stored calibration curve may lead to inaccuracy of results over time.MethodsWe evaluated inclusion of a live truncated (3 point) calibration curve using calibrator plasma alongside test samples and compared results calculated against the stored calibration curves and live truncated calibration to assess the impact on precision and accuracy. The feasibility of this was tested on two hospital sites in the UK; OSA and CSA were performed on Sysmex CS5100 using Actin FS, SynthASil, Innovin, Biophen chromogenic VIII and Rossix chromogenic IX.ResultsResults of two batches of IQC were compared for FII, FV, FVII, FX, FIX:C, FXI, FXII and OSA FVIII (FVIII:C1) and CSA FVIII:C (FVIII:CR) and FXI:C. By utilizing a live truncated calibration, precision improved with the most striking examples: FXII %CV 23.1% to 3.1% (site A) FXI 7.3% to 2.4% (site B). The improvement in other clotting factors was more modest.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates that the use of a live truncated calibration curve will improve precision and accuracy.
Differential interferon‐gamma production potential among naïve CD4+ T cells exists prior to antigen encounter
Authors: Sood Aditi , Lebel Marie‐Ève , Fournier Marilaine , Rogers Dakota , Mandl Judith N , Melichar Heather J 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIndividual CD4+ T cells can become one of a number of helper (Th) lineages with distinct effector functions. However, whether biases in Th potential exist prior to antigen encounter is unknown. Studies have identified cell‐intrinsic functional heterogeneity among naïve T cells that can be parsed based on the strength of T‐cell receptor (TCR) interactions with self‐peptide. Here, using CD5 levels as a surrogate for the strength of these basal TCR signals, we sought to identify pre‐existing effector biases in the CD4+ T‐cell lineage. We show that ex vivo‐activated CD5lo CD4+ T cells produce greater amounts of the Th1 cytokine interferon‐gamma (IFNγ) than their CD5hi counterparts. In addition, a greater percentage of CD5lo effector CD4+ T cells produce IFNγ in both polyclonal and monoclonal CD4+ T‐cell populations after antigen challenge in vivo. These results suggest that differential IFNγ production potential exists among CD4+ T cells prior to activation and independent of TCR affinity for foreign antigen.
Gd2Zr3(MoO4)9 microwave dielectric ceramics with trigonal structure for LTCC application
Authors: Yang Hongcheng , Zhang Shuren , Yang Hongyu , Yuan Ying , Li Enzhu 
Published: August 2019

AbstractGd2Zr3(MoO4)9 is a double trigonal molybdate crystallized in the space group . The optimal microwave dielectric properties were achieved via solid‐state reaction at 725°C for Gd2Zr3(MoO4)9 ceramics: εr = 11.17, Q × f = 57 460 GHz, τf = −31.91 ppm/°C. The three‐dimensional framework type structure is formed by mixed MoO4 tetrahedron and ZrO6/GdO9 polyhedron. The analysis based on complex chemical bond theory shows that the Mo–O bonds account for majority contribution to controlling microwave dielectric properties. The MoO4 tetrahedron and ZrO6 octahedron stabilize the crystal structure by strong binding ability. As it was shown by Raman spectroscopy, the Raman‐active vibrations primarily originate from MoO4 tetrahedron, similarly to molybdate analogies.
Synthesis of high‐purity high‐entropy metal diboride powders by boro/carbothermal reduction
Authors: Liu Da , Liu Honghua , Ning Shanshan , Ye Beilin , Chu Yanhui 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSynthesis of high‐purity high‐entropy metal diboride powders is critical to implementing their extensive applications. However, the related studies are rarely reported. Herein we first theoretically studied the synthesis possibility of high‐purity high‐entropy diboride powders, namely (Hf0.25Ta0.25Nb0.25Ti0.25)B2 (HTNTB), via boro/carbothermal reduction by analyzing the thermodynamics of the possible chemical reactions and then successfully synthesized the high‐purity and superfine HTNTB powders via boro/carbothermal reduction for the first time. The as‐prepared powders exhibited low‐oxygen impurity content of 0.49 wt% and small average particle size of 260 nm. Meanwhile, they possessed good single‐crystal hexagonal structure of metal diborides and high‐compositional uniformity from nanoscale to microscale. This work will open up a new research field on the synthesis of high‐purity high‐entropy metal diboride powders.
Electrochemical and structural influence on BaZr0.8Y0.2O3‐δ from manganese, cobalt, and iron oxide additives
Authors: Han Donglin , Otani Yuki , Goto Kazuhiro , Uemura Shigeaki , Majima Masatoshi , Uda Tetsuya 
Published: August 2019

AbstractProton conductive BaZr0.8Y0.2O3−δ (BZY20) is a promising electrolyte candidate with perspective application in electrochemical devices, including fuel cells, electrolyzer cells. Mn, Fe, and Co are commonly incorporated into BZY20, to improve the sinterability (CoO), or due to possible inter‐diffusion by calcining with cathode materials (eg, La1−xSrxMnO3−δ, La1−xSrxCo1−yFeyO3−δ) for cell preparation. This work was performed to investigate the influence of Mn, Fe, and Co on the structural and electrochemical properties of BZY20. As reported in literature, the sinterability of BZY20 was improved by adding CoO. XANES analysis shows that Mn, Fe, and Co are possibly incorporated into the perovskite crystal structure of BZY20, and are partially reduced when the samples were exposed to hydrogen at 600°C for 24 hours. However, through electrochemical analysis, we found that all these three elements decrease both the proton conductivity and transport numbers of proton conduction of BZY20. Therefore, the BZY20 electrolyte should be carefully handled to avoid the incorporation of these transition metal elements, to fabricate the cells with high performance.
Diagnostic accuracy of an algorithm for detecting atrial fibrillation in a wrist‐type pulse wave monitor
Authors: Kabutoya Tomoyuki , Takahashi Shinichi , Watanabe Tomonori , Imai Yasushi , Uemoto Kazuhiro , Yasui Nobuhiko , Kario Kazuomi 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWe evaluated the diagnostic value of atrial fibrillation (AF) measured by a wrist‐type pulse wave monitor in this case‐control study. Six serial pulse wave values (three in the left and three in the right wrist) were measured using a wrist‐type monitor in 29 AF patients and 30 subjects with sinus rhythm. We defined “monitor AF in irregular pulse peak (IPP) 15/20/25” as follows: (a) IPP: |interval of pulse peak − the average of the interval of the pulse peak| ≥ the average of the interval of the pulse peak × 15/20/25%; (b) irregular heartbeat (IHB): beats of IPP ≥ total pulse × 20%; and (c) monitor AF: ≥4 IHBs of the six pulse wave measurements. In IPP 15, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.97 and 1.00, respectively. Pulse wave analysis by a wrist‐type monitor was shown to have high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of AF.
Experimental evidence for the role of sexual selection in the evolution of cuticular hydrocarbons in the dung beetle, Onthophagus taurus
Authors: Berson Jacob D. , Garcia‐Gonzalez Francisco , Simmons Leigh W. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA role for sexual selection in the evolution of insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) is suggested by observations of selection acting on male CHCs during female mate choice. However, evidence that CHCs evolve in response to sexual selection is generally lacking, and there is a need to extend our understanding beyond well‐studied taxa. Experimental evolution offers a powerful approach to investigate the effect of sexual selection on the evolution of insect CHCs. We conducted such an experiment using the dung beetle, Onthophagus taurus. After six, 12 and 21 generations of experimental evolution, we measured the CHCs of beetles from three populations subject to sexual selection and three populations within which sexual selection had been removed via enforced monogamy. We found that the male CHC profile responded to the experimental removal of sexual selection. Conversely, the CHC profile of females responded to the presence of sexual selection but not to its removal. These results show that sexual selection can be an important mechanism affecting the evolution of insect CHCs and that male and female CHCs can evolve independently.
Context is key: A comment on Herczeg et al. 2019
Authors: Haave‐Audet Elène , Guillette Lauren M. , Mathot Kimberley J. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn the last several years, there has been a surge in the number of studies addressing the causes and consequences of among‐individual variation in cognitive ability and behavioural plasticity. Here, we use a recent publication by Herczeg et al. (2019: 32(3), 218–226) to highlight three shortcomings common to this newly emerging field. In their study, Herczeg et al. attempted to link variation in cognitive ability and behavioural plasticity by testing whether selection lines of guppies (Poecilia reticulata) that differ in relative brain size also differ in behavioural plasticity, as might be expected if the costs to plasticity are predominantly derived from the cost of developing large brains. First, residual brain size may not be a suitable proxy for ‘cognitive ability’. Recent work has shown that intraspecific variation in cognitive ability can be better understood by considering variation in the specific brain areas responsible for the relevant behaviours as opposed to whole‐brain mass. Second, the measure of behavioural plasticity, habituation, is unlikely to fulfil the assumptions that plasticity is both adaptive and costly. Finally, we point out several misconceptions regarding animal personality that continue to contribute to the choice of traits that are not well aligned with study objectives. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying among‐individual variation in cognition and behavioural plasticity within populations requires integration between behavioural ecology and comparative cognition, and the study system developed by Herczeg et al. has the potential to provide important mechanistic insights. We hope that by articulating and critically appraising the underlying assumptions that are common in these traditionally separate disciplines, a strong foundation can emerge to allow for more fruitful integration of these fields.
Consistent within‐individual plasticity is sufficient to explain temperature responses in red deer reproductive traits
Authors: Froy Hannah , Martin Julien , Stopher Katie V. , Morris Alison , Morris Sean , Clutton‐Brock Tim H. , Pemberton Josephine M. , Kruuk Loeske E. B. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWarming global temperatures are affecting a range of aspects of wild populations, but the exact mechanisms driving associations between temperature and phenotypic traits may be difficult to identify. Here, we use a 36‐year data set on a wild population of red deer to investigate the causes of associations between temperature and two important components of female reproduction: timing of breeding and offspring size. By separating within‐ versus between‐individual associations with temperature for each trait, we show that within‐individual phenotypic plasticity (changes within a female's lifetime) was entirely sufficient to generate the observed population‐level association with temperature at key times of year. However, despite apparently adequate statistical power, we found no evidence of any variation between females in their responses (i.e. no “IxE” interactions). Our results suggest that female deer show plasticity in reproductive traits in response to temperatures in the year leading up to calving and that this response is consistent across individuals, implying no potential for either selection or heritability of plasticity. We estimate that the plastic response to rising temperatures explained 24% of the observed advance in mean calving date over the study period. We highlight the need for comparable analyses of other systems to determine the contribution of within‐individual plasticity to population‐level responses to climate change.
Feasibility of sedation on demand in Taiwan using water exchange and air insufflation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hsieh Yu‐Hsi , Tseng Chih‐Wei , Koo Malcolm , Leung Felix W 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackground and AimCompletion of colonoscopy without sedation eliminates sedation cost and complications. Reported in the United States and Europe, on‐demand sedation is not routine practice in Taiwan. Water exchange (WE), characterized by infusion and nearly complete removal of infused water during insertion, reduces insertion pain compared to air insufflation (AI) during colonoscopy. We evaluated the feasibility of on‐demand sedation in Taiwan. In a randomized controlled trial of WE vs AI colonoscopy, we also aimed to determine if WE augmented the implementation by reducing insertion pain and decreasing sedation requirement.MethodsThis prospective patient‐blinded study randomized patients to AI or WE (75 patients/group) to aid insertion. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients completing without sedation.ResultsIn the AI and WE groups, 76.0% and 93.3% (P = 0.006) completed without need for sedation, respectively. The WE group had lower insertion pain score (mean [SD]) (4.0 [2.9] vs 2.1 [2.6], P < 0.001), lower doses of propofol (25.7 [52.7] mg vs 9.1 [35.6] mg, P = 0.012), and less time in the recovery room (3.4 [7.4] vs 1.5 [5.5], P = 0.027) than the AI group. Patient satisfaction scores and willingness to repeat if needed in the future were similar.ConclusionOn‐demand sedation was feasible in Taiwan. The completion rate without sedation was high in patients (76.0% with standard AI) open to the option (no prior intent to receive the standard of full or minimal sedation). WE augmented the implementation by reducing insertion pain and decreasing sedation requirement without adversely affecting patient satisfaction or willingness to repeat.