bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attending to Visual Stimuli versus Performing Visual Imagery as a Control Strategy for EEG-based Brain-Computer Interfaces
Authors: Kosmyna Nataliya , Lindgren Jussi T. , Lécuyer Anatole 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCurrently the most common imagery task used in Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) is motor imagery, asking a user to imagine moving a part of the body. This study investigates the possibility to build BCIs based on another kind of mental imagery, namely “visual imagery”. We study to what extent can we distinguish alternative mental processes of observing visual stimuli and imagining it to obtain EEG-based BCIs. Per trial, we instructed each of 26 users who participated in the study to observe a visual cue of one of two predefined images (a flower or a hammer) and then imagine the same cue, followed by rest. We investigated if we can differentiate between the different subtrial types from the EEG alone, as well as detect which image was shown in the trial. We obtained the following classifier performances: (i) visual imagery vs. visual observation task (71% of classification accuracy), (ii) visual observation task towards different visual stimuli (classifying one observation cue versus another observation cue with an accuracy of 61%) and (iii) resting vs. observation/imagery (77% of accuracy between imagery task versus resting state, and the accuracy of 75% between observation task versus resting state). Our results show that the presence of visual imagery and specifically related alpha power changes are useful to broaden the range of BCI control strategies.
Malignant Transformation of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Induced by Arsenic through STAT3/miR-301a/SMAD4 Loop
Authors: Zhong Mingtian , Huang Zhujuan , Wang Lei , Lin Zhanwen , Cao Zhi , Li Xun , Zhang Fengxue , Wang Hongqi , Li Yong , Ma Xiaodong 
Published: August 2018

AbstractArsenic is a well-known of human carcinogen and miR-301a is an oncogenic microRNA, which links to oncogenesis, however, little is understood about its contribution to arsenic-induced cellular transformation and tumorigenesis. Here, we investigated the role of miR-301a during arsenic-induced cellular transformation and tumor formation. miR-301a was found to be upregulated during arsenic-induced BEAS-2B transformation and the overexpression of miR-301a was dependent on IL-6/STAT3 signaling. Inhibition of miR-301a leads to reduction of cell proliferation, colony formation and cell migration. By using dual luciferase assay, SMAD4 was confirmed to be a direct target of miR-301a in BEAS-2B cells and upregulation of SMAD4 is involved the restraining cell growth and migration. In addition, reducing of miR-301a expression enhances doxorubicin-induced cellular apoptosis of transformed BEAS-2B through up-regulating SMAD4. Furthermore, we demonstrated that downregulation of miR-301a in BEAS-2B attenuates tumor growth in the xenograft model by targeting SMAD4. Of note, the level of miR-301a expression correlated inversely with SMAD4 expression in clinical specimens of human lung cancer. Our findings ascertain that miR-301a is an oncogenic miRNA, which targets SMAD4 to establish an essential mechanism for arsenic-induced carcinogenesis, IL-6/STAT3/miR-301a/SMAD4 signaling pathways.
Addressing nonlinearities in Monte Carlo
Authors: Dauchet Jérémi , Bezian Jean-Jacques , Blanco Stéphane , Caliot Cyril , Charon Julien , Coustet Christophe , El Hafi Mouna , Eymet Vincent , Farges Olivier , Forest Vincent , Fournier Richard , Galtier Mathieu , Gautrais Jacques , Khuong Anaïs , Pelissier Lionel , Piaud Benjamin , Roger Maxime , Terrée Guillaume , Weitz Sebastian 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMonte Carlo is famous for accepting model extensions and model refinements up to infinite dimension. However, this powerful incremental design is based on a premise which has severely limited its application so far: a state-variable can only be recursively defined as a function of underlying state-variables if this function is linear. Here we show that this premise can be alleviated by projecting nonlinearities onto a polynomial basis and increasing the configuration space dimension. Considering phytoplankton growth in light-limited environments, radiative transfer in planetary atmospheres, electromagnetic scattering by particles, and concentrated solar power plant production, we prove the real-world usability of this advance in four test cases which were previously regarded as impracticable using Monte Carlo approaches. We also illustrate an outstanding feature of our method when applied to acute problems with interacting particles: handling rare events is now straightforward. Overall, our extension preserves the features that made the method popular: addressing nonlinearities does not compromise on model refinement or system complexity, and convergence rates remain independent of dimension.
Insight from Molecular dynamic simulation of reactive oxygen species in oxidized skin membrane
Authors: Kumar Surendra , Yadav Dharmendra Kumar , Choi Eun-Ha , Kim Mi-Hyun 
Published: August 2018

AbstractNon-enzymatic lipid peroxidation of the skin-lipid bilayer causes perturbations that affect the biomembrane structure, function, and permeability of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present study, we employed molecular dynamics simulations to study the effect of lipid peroxidation on the bilayer structural properties and permeability of various ROS. The oxidized skin-lipid bilayer was composed of ceramide, cholesterol, free fatty acid, and 5α-hydroperoxycholesterol (5α-CH). The simulation showed that, upon oxidation, the oxidized group (−OOH) of 5α-CH migrates towards the aqueous phase and the backbone of 5α-CH tilts, which causes the membrane to expand laterally. Measurements of the permeability of all ROS along the oxidized skin-lipid bilayer revealed a decreased breaching barrier for all the species as the degree of peroxidation increased, with a resulting easy passage across the membrane. The insights from the simulations indicate that lipid peroxidation might perturb the membrane barrier, thereby inflicting oxidative stress that leads to apoptosis. This study helps to understand oxidative stress at the atomic level. To our knowledge, this is the first reported molecular dynamics simulation study on oxidized skin-lipid bilayer and permeability of ROS.
No supplementary evidence of attention to a spatial cue when saccadic facilitation is absent
Authors: MacInnes W. Joseph , Bhatnagar Roopali 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAttending a location in space facilitates responses to targets at that location when the time between cue and target is short. Certain types of exogenous cues – such as sudden peripheral onsets – have been described as reflexive and automatic. Recent studies however, have been showing many cases where exogenous cues are less automatic than previously believed and do not always result in facilitation. A lack of the behavioral facilitation, however, does not automatically necessitate a lack of underlying attention to that location. We test exogenous cueing in two experiments where facilitation is and is not likely to be observed with saccadic responses. We also test alternate measures linked to the allocation of attention such as saccadic curvature, microsaccades and pupil size. As expected, we find early facilitation as measured by saccadic reaction time when CTOAs are predictable but not when they are randomized within a block. We find no impact of the cue on microsaccade direction for either experiment, and only a slight dip in the frequency of microsaccades after the cue. We do find that change in pupil size to the cue predicts the magnitude of the validity effect, but only in the experiment where facilitation was observed. In both experiments, we observed a tendency for saccadic curvature to deviate away from the cued location and this was stronger for early CTOAs and toward vertical targets. Overall, we find that only change in pupil size is consistent with observed facilitation. Saccadic curvature is influenced by the onset of the cue, buts its direction is indicative of oculomotor inhibition whether we see RT facilitation or not. Microsaccades were not diagnostic in either experiment. Finally, we see little to no evidence of attention at the cued location in any additional measures when facilitation of saccadic responses is absent.
Protective effect of 1950 MHz electromagnetic field in human neuroblastoma cells challenged with menadione
Authors: Falone Stefano , Sannino Anna , Romeo Stefania , Zeni Olga , Santini Silvano , Rispoli Roberta , Amicarelli Fernanda , Scarfì Maria Rosaria 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study aims to assess whether a 1950 MHz radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field could protect human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells against a subsequent treatment with menadione, a chemical agent inducing DNA damage via reactive oxygen species formation. Cells were pre-exposed for 20 h to specific absorption rate of either 0.3 or 1.25 W/kg, and 3 h after the end of the exposure, they were treated with 10 µM menadione (MD) for 1 h. No differences were observed between sham- and RF-exposed samples. A statistically significant reduction in menadione-induced DNA damage was detected in cells pre-exposed to either 0.3 or 1.25 W/kg (P < 0.05). Moreover, our analyses of gene expression revealed that the pre-exposure to RF almost inhibited the dramatic loss of glutathione peroxidase-based antioxidant scavenging efficiency that was induced by MD, and in parallel strongly enhanced the gene expression of catalase-based antioxidant protection. In addition, RF abolished the MD-dependent down-regulation of oxoguanine DNA glycosylase, which is a critical DNA repairing enzyme. Overall, our findings suggested that RF pre-exposure reduced menadione-dependent DNA oxidative damage, most probably by enhancing antioxidant scavenging efficiency and restoring DNA repair capability. Our results provided some insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the RF-induced adaptive response in human neuroblastoma cells challenged with menadione.
Chemical analysis of very metal-poor turn-off stars from SDSS-DR12
Authors: François P. , Caffau E. , Wanajo S. , Aguado D. , Spite M. , Aoki M. , Aoki W. , Bonifacio P. , Gallagher A. J. , Salvadori S. , Spite F. 
Published: August 2018

Context. The most metal-poor stars are the relics of the early chemical evolution of the Galaxy. Their chemical composition is an important tool to constrain the nucleosynthesis in the first generation of stars. The aim is to observe a sample of extremely metal-poor star (EMP stars) candidates selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 12 (SDSS DR12) and determine their chemical composition.
Aims. We obtain medium resolution spectra of a sample of six stars using the X-shooter spectrograph at the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and we used ATLAS models to compute the abundances.
Methods. Five stars of the sample have a metallicity [Fe/H] between −2.5 dex and −3.2 dex. We confirm the recent discovery of SDSS J002314.00+030758.0 as a star with an extremely low [Fe/H] ratio. Assuming the α-enhancement [Ca/Fe] = +0.4 dex, we obtain [Fe/H] = −6.1 dex.
Results. We could also determine its magnesium abundance and found that this star exhibits a very high ratio [Mg/Fe]≤ +3.60 dex assuming [Fe/H] = −6.13 dex. We determined the carbon abundance and found A(C) = 6.4 dex. From this carbon abundance, this stars belongs to the lower band of the A(C)–[Fe/H] diagram.
PET/MR: aktuelle Einsatzmöglichkeiten in der onkologischen Diagnostik
Authors: Schaarschmidt Benedikt , Quick Harald , Herrmann Ken , Umutlu Lale 
Published: August 2018

ZusammenfassungDie Positronenemissionstomografie/Magnetresonanztomografie (PET/MR) ist ein neues Hybridverfahren. Mit integrierten Hybridsystemen ist es möglich, funktionelle PET-Daten und morphologische und funktionelle MR-Daten gleichzeitig zu messen. Daher ergeben sich im Vergleich zu anderen Schnittbildverfahren deutliche Unterschiede, die insbesondere in der onkologischen Bildgebung zu beachten sind.
Diagnostic Dilemma of Wide Complex QRS Tachycardia after PCI: A Case Report
Authors: Kanumuri Sudhakar , Jonnalagadda Neeharika 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe authors report a case of a 64-year-old woman who presented with breathlessness on exertion for 6 months, for which coronary angiogram (CAG) was done, which showed single-vessel disease of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). The patient underwent PTCA + DES (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty + drug-eluting stent) to mid LAD. On the third postprocedural day, she complained of palpitations with chest pain. Electrocardiographic monitor showed wide complex QRS tachycardia and she was hemodynamically stable. Further evaluation showed potassium of 2.8 mEq/L, for which intravenous (IV) KCl (potassium chloride) correction was given, and recheck CAG was done, which showed patent stent. Meanwhile, the patient was evaluated for the cause of hypokalemia, and no definite cause was evident.
An Examination of a University-based Refugee Speaker Series
Authors: Long Dennis D , Geer Cynthia H , Zarnitz Megan E 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
The experiences of refugees migrating to the United States are complex and can be revealing and informative. During the 2016–17 academic year, a refugee speaker series was implemented thorough a collaborative effort between a faith-based university and a same faith-based refugee resettlement programme. In their shared geographical area, these organizations possess long-standing, faith-oriented commitments to rights and services for refugees, making the endeavour viable. Using connected learning (Belenky et al.1997) as theoretical underpinning, researchers collected quantitative and qualitative data to identify and describe the participants’ perceived impact from attendance at a refugee speaker event. This information can be useful when considering pedagogy for examining issues confronting refugees, as many Americans struggle with knowledge about refugee experiences and adaptation. The article concludes with recommendations for future research.
The effects of bigger rewards in individual tournaments on efforts and risk taking: evidence from chess
Authors: Parinduri Rasyad A , Lee Yoong Hon , Tiong Kung Ming 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
We examine the effects of bigger rewards in individual dynamic tournaments on efforts and risk taking using the three-point rule in chess. Most chess tournaments use the standard rule while some tournaments use the Bilbao rule, which is identical to the three-point rule in soccer: We observe the same pairs of chess players playing under both rules, a research design that fits fixed-effect models. We find the Bilbao rule makes games 33% more decisive, mostly to white players’ advantage, who win 50% more games. We identify two mechanisms why the Bilbao rule works: It encourages players to play longer and discourages them from using drawish openings. These results suggest incentive schemes that provide bigger rewards for better performances work in individual multi-stage tournaments in which efforts and financial rewards are directly linked, and in which strategic interactions among teammates and with competitors are less complex.
Intraocular Light Scatter in Eyes With the Boston Type 1 Keratoprosthesis
Authors: Karas Faris I. , Arteaga Andrea , Barrionuevo Pablo , Cao Dingcai , McAnany J. Jason , Shorter Ellen , Cortina Maria S. 
Published: August 2018

Purpose:
The Boston keratoprosthesis (KPro) is the most commonly used artificial cornea. It has been proven to be successful for severe corneal disease not amenable to keratoplasty. We have observed our patients reporting debilitating glare despite attaining good visual acuities. This motivated us to objectively measure light scatter in eyes with a KPro.

Methods:
Light scatter was measured in 21 eyes with the Boston type 1 KPro with a VA of 20/150 or better and was compared with 13 healthy control eyes using the Oculus C-Quant device (Arlington, WA). Eyes were also measured using an occluder contact lens.

Results:
Light scatter (quantified as the logS value) was significantly higher in the KPro group than in the control (2.34 ± 0.15 vs. 1.29 ± 0.17, P < 0.001). The polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) KPro group (16 eyes, logS 2.49 ± 0.19) but not the titanium group (5 eyes, logS 1.87 ± 0.15) had significantly higher light scattering than the control. The use of an occluder contact lens significantly decreased light scatter in eyes with a PMMA backplate (n = 11, logS 1.71 vs. 2.42, P = 0.028).

Conclusion:
This study confirms that intraocular light scatter is increased in KPro eyes. Possibly because of its opaque nature, the titanium backplate model seems to produce less light scatter than does the PMMA model. Occluder contact lenses reduced light scatter significantly in the PMMA KPro and could be a treatment option for symptomatic patients.
The Effect of Suture Wick Technique on Early Intraocular Pressure Control After Nonvalved (Baerveldt 350) Glaucoma Drainage Device Surgery
Authors: Rothman Adam L. , An Selena J. , Herndon Leon W. 
Published: August 2018

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to compare early postoperative outcomes of patients who underwent Baerveldt 350-mm2 aqueous drainage device (Abbott Medical Optics Inc., Santa Ana, CA) implantation with and without 7-0 polyglactin (vicryl) suture placement through tube fenestration to serve as a stenting wick.

Methods:
Patients were identified by a retrospective review of the electronic medical records of one attending surgeon’s Baerveldt implantation (LWH) conducted by searching the Current Procedural Terminology code “placement of aqueous shunt.” All patients had tube ligature with 7-0 vicryl suture and 6-0 prolene placed as a ripcord with 4 fenestrations. Thirty-seven patients had no vicryl wick while 38 patients had a stenting wick. Data were collected from the preoperative visit, postoperative day 1, postoperative week 3, postoperative week 5, and postoperative month 2.

Results:
Although intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of medications were reduced at every follow-up visit, there was no significant difference in IOP, percent reduction of IOP, number of medications, and visual acuity between patients with and without vicryl wick at each time point. Both groups also had comparable morbidity with no significant difference in ripcord removal, incidence of complications, or need for additional surgery.

Conclusions:
Baerveldt implantation with vicryl wick placement can safely lower IOP and medication burden but does not seem to offer additional utility to fenestration without vicryl wick.
Cervical Cancer Screening for Women With Disabilities: Time for a New Approach?
Authors: Nguyen Anh Q. , Mandigo Morgan , Coleman Jenell S. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Women with disabilities are underscreened for cervical cancer compared with the general population, likely because, in part, of both emotional and physical challenges associated with Pap testing. Women with certain disabilities often require an examination under anesthesia to undergo a speculum examination. However, anesthesia is not without risks and the perioperative experience can be burdensome to patients and caregivers. Either self-collected or provider-collected samples for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing might be better tolerated by patients, and recent evidence suggests that it is a suitable primary screening strategy. The Society of Gynecologic Oncology and the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology published an Interim Guidance Report outlining using primary HPV testing as an option for women 25 years and older. More recently, the US Preventive Services Task Force released a recommendation statement that included the option to use oncogenic HPV testing alone for women aged 30 to 65 years. We encourage clinical researchers and professional organizations to evaluate primary HPV screening among women with disabilities to advise providers about how to best perform cervical cancer screening without the need for a speculum examination. We cannot ignore the screening disparity experienced by this population, and advocating for screening approaches that reduce patient and caregiver burden would be a step in the right direction.
West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease Presenting as Elsberg Syndrome
Authors: Hawkes Maximiliano A. , Toledano Michel , Kaufmann Timothy J. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. 
Published: August 2018

Introduction:
Elsberg syndrome (ES) is a rarely recognized cause of cauda equina syndrome and lower thoracic myelitis, mainly linked to reactivation, or occasionally primary, infection with herpes simplex virus type 2. West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease is rarely considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with ES.

Case Report:
A 63-year-old man with pancreatic cancer in remission and polymyalgia rheumatica on low-dose prednisone presented with a 10-day history of low-back pain and a viral-type illness with low-grade fever, nausea, and vomiting. Days later, he developed left leg monoparesis, neurogenic bladder, and bowel. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine revealed a hyperintense signal abnormality within the central spinal cord and conus medullaris with mild swelling of the conus. Cells, proteins, and glucose in cerebrospinal fluid were 67/mm3, 70 mg/dL, and 58 mg/dL, respectively. Serology was positive for West Nile virus IgM. Nerve conduction studies and electromyography showed an acute motor neurogenic process affecting left lumbosacral segments.

Conclusions:
West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease is an uncommon condition that should be considered in patients with ES. Determining the etiology of ES in the acute setting may avoid unnecessary diagnostic investigations and treatments.
Forensic Implications of Sternal Bone Marrow Biopsy Fatalities
Authors: Milenko Bogdanovic , Slobodan Savic , Ivana Curovic , Bojana Radnic , Tijana Durmic 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Iatrogenic penetrating injuries of the thoracic aorta are rare. When surgical treatment is delayed or unavailable, they are associated with high mortality. Herein we present a case of a 36-year-old woman who had a sternal marrow biopsy performed due to laboratory-confirmed pancytopenia. Autopsy revealed 4 needle punctures extending through the full thickness of the upper right quarter of the sternum. Mediastinal soft tissue and the upper part of the pericardium were diffusely effused with blood. On the aortic arch, between the innominate artery and the left common carotid artery, we found a linear penetrating injury (2 mm in length). Autopsy revealed bilateral hemothoraces, the right hemothorax being generally larger than the left (2000 mL vs 50 mL of blood). In the presented case, the cause of death is considered to be exsanguination due to iatrogenic injury of the aorta during sternal bone marrow aspiration. Death occurring during or after medical procedures requires extremely careful postmortem evaluation.