bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Improvized Core-Drilling Technique and a New Device for Osteohistology of Fossil Bones: Implementation on a Jurassic Sauropod Dinosaur from India
Authors: Mukherjee Debarati 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT
An improvized version of the conventional core drilling technique, based on a new device is introduced in the current work for extracting cores from fossil bones to understand their microanatomy. A powerful, low-speed electric drill with an auto-lubrication facility is used as the new device, and the bone specimen is placed on a permanently fixed platform beneath the drill bit. It avoids the vibration-induced wobbling of the conventional hand-held drill machine and helps in precision sampling. Long drill bits of the new device result in extraction of long cores, reduce premature breakages of cores, and recovery of the entire bone microstructure for high resolution deduction of palaeobiological information. As this version of drilling technique is less destructive, it has better sampling coverage, where fossil bones can be restored to their original shapes and preserved with almost no loss in gross morphology. This is first time such a device for extraction of fossil drill cores has been installed. After test run on dummy samples, the new device has been successfully implemented for extraction of eleven cores from various long bones of the early Jurassic sauropod dinosaur Barapasaurus tagorei. The fossil bones are restored to their pre-coring shapes, the detail protocols of which are discussed here for the first time.
Characterization of Architectural Elements of Ordovician Fractured-cavernous Carbonate Reservoirs, Tahe Oilfield, China
Authors: Liu Yuming , Hou Jiagen , Li Yongqiang , Dong Yue , Ma Xiaoqiang , Wang Xixin 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT
A new method for characterizing architectural elements of fractured-cavernous carbonate reservoirs was proposed, with application to an Ordovician reservoir in the Tahe Oilfield, Tarim basin. The new method integrates observations from outcrop analogs and concepts from modern karst theory for the mapping and modeling of fractured-cavernous reservoirs. In this paper, fractured-cavernous reservoirs were divided into 4 architectural element types—underground river caverns, sinkholes, discrete internal caverns, and faults. Architectural elements of the Ordovician reservoir in Tahe oilfield were identified and characterized by integrating well logs and seismic data. A new method constrained by faults, karst zones, and seismic acoustic impedance data, was introduced to build a 3D model of architectural elements of fractured-cavernous reservoir in the S48 unit of Tahe Oilfield. A porosity model was then derived from the architectural element model using facies-constrained method. The research provides a work-flow for the characterization of fractured-cavernous reservoirs and determining optimal methods for maximizing oil recovery in the study area or in similar areas.
Gene polymorphisms and response to transcranial direct current stimulation for auditory verbal hallucinations in schizophrenia
Authors: Chhabra Harleen , Shivakumar Venkataram , Subbanna Manjula , Kalmady Sunil V. , Bose Anushree , Agarwal Sri Mahavir , Sreeraj Vanteemar S. , Dinakaran Damodharan , Narayanaswamy Janardhanan C. , Debnath Monojit , Venkatasubramanian Ganesan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveRecent observations demonstrate a significant ameliorative effect of add-on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) in schizophrenia. Of the many SNPs, NRG1 rs35753505 and catechol-o-methyl transferase (COMT) rs4680 polymorphisms have shown to have a strong association with neuroplasticity effect in schizophrenia.MethodsSchizophrenia patients (n=32) with treatment resistant auditory hallucinations were administered with an add-on tDCS. The COMT (rs4680) and NRG1 (rs35753505) genotypes were determined. The COMT genotypes were categorised into Val group (GG; n=15) and Met group (GG/AG; n=17) and NRG1 genotypes were categorised into AA group (n=12) and AG/GG group (n=20).ResultsThe reduction in auditory hallucination sub-scale score was significantly affected by COMT-GG genotype [Time×COMT interaction: F(1,28)=10.55, p=0.003, ɳ2=0.27]. Further, COMT-GG effect was epistatically influenced by the co-occurrence of NRG1-AA genotype [Time×COMT×NRG1 interaction: F(1,28)=8.09, p=0.008, ɳ2=0.22]. Irrespective of genotype, females showed better tDCS response than males [Time×Sex interaction: F(1,21)=4.67, p=0.04, ɳ2=0.18].ConclusionCOMT-GG and NRG1-AA genotypes aid the tDCS-induced improvement in AVHs in schizophrenia patients. Our preliminary observations need replication and further systematic research to understand the neuroplastic gene determinants that modulate the effect of tDCS.
Rifting in SW China: structural and sedimentary investigation of the initial crustal response to emplacement of the Permian Emeishan LIP
Authors: WANG YU , PEATE INGRID UKSTINS , LUO ZHAOHUA , WANG SHUZHI , CHENG LILU , HAO JINHUA , WANG YE 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDetailed structural, volcanic, and sedimentary investigations of the crustal response to the emplacement of the Middle–Late Permian Emeishan large igneous province show that a rifting system developed prior to the main stage of flood basalt eruptions, in the form of sedimentary breccias, clastic sedimentary deposits and mafic hydromagmatic units. Detrital zircon grains from sandstones yield ~750–800 Ma LA-ICP-MS 206Pb/238U age clusters, showing that material was sourced from the Yangtze crystalline basement. Gabbros and pegmatites intruded along the normal faults of the rift system yield zircon ages of 264–260 Ma, and thus constrain the timing of rifting. N–S-trending rift zones developed along the western flank of the Pan-Xi palaeo-uplift, with NE–SW- and NNE–SSW-trending rifts on the eastern side and along the western and eastern margins of the Yangtze Block. The rifting progressed in pulses, with an initial phase of normal faulting followed by rapid deposition of breccias. Later there was lower-energy deposition of sandstone, with accompanying rhyolitic eruptions. This was followed by low-energy sedimentation of mudstones and dolomites, with accompanying hydromagmatic deposits. Rift system formation was constrained by a combination of far- and near-field tectonic stresses due to plate motions and lithospheric interaction with initial Emeishan volcanism.
Surveillance of intestinal schistosomiasis during control: a comparison of four diagnostic tests across five Ugandan primary schools in the Lake Albert region
Authors: Al-Shehri Hajri , Koukounari Artemis , Stanton Michelle C. , Adriko Moses , Arinaitwe Moses , Atuhaire Aaron , Kabatereine Narcis B. , Stothard J. Russell 
Published: March 2018

AbstractProgrammatic surveillance of intestinal schistosomiasis during control can typically use four diagnostic tests, either singularly or in combination, but these have yet to be cross-compared directly. Our study assembled a complete diagnostic dataset, inclusive of infection intensities, from 258 children from five Ugandan primary schools. The schools were purposely selected as typical of the endemic landscape near Lake Albert and reflective of high- and low-transmission settings. Overall prevalence was: 44.1% (95% CI 38.0–50.2) by microscopy of duplicate Kato-Katz smears from two consecutive stools, 56.9% (95% CI 50.8–63.0) by urine-circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) dipstick, 67.4% (95% CI 61.6–73.1) by DNA-TaqMan® and 75.1% (95% CI 69.8–80.4) by soluble egg antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (SEA-ELISA). A cross-comparison of diagnostic sensitivities, specificities, positive and negative predictive values was undertaken, inclusive of a latent class analysis (LCA) with a LCA-model estimate of prevalence by each school. The latter ranged from 9.6% to 100.0%, and prevalence by school for each diagnostic test followed a static ascending order or monotonic series of Kato-Katz, urine-CCA dipstick, DNA-TaqMan® and SEA-ELISA. We confirm that Kato-Katz remains a satisfactory diagnostic standalone in high-transmission settings but in low-transmission settings should be augmented or replaced by urine-CCA dipsticks. DNA-TaqMan® appears suitable in both endemic settings though is only implementable if resources permit. In low-transmission settings, SEA-ELISA remains the method of choice to evidence an absence infection. We discuss the pros and cons of each method concluding that future surveillance of intestinal schistosomiasis would benefit from a flexible, context-specific approach both in choice and application of each diagnostic method, rather than a single one-size fits all approach.
Transformation at the margins: Imperial expansion and systemic change in world politics
Authors: Mulich Jeppe 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTaking the phenomenon of empire as its starting point, this article seeks to provide a framework for addressing the question of how and why international systems change over time. Synthesising elements from network-relational analysis and practice theory, I argue that international systems are best thought of as being composed of multiple partially overlapping and interrelated hierarchical networks. These networks are made up of social ties – as in classic network analysis – but also of specific repertoires of practice. Systemic transformations happen through the reconfiguration of networks, both through shifts in social ties and through changes in their practices. Empire provides a particularly illuminating window into the topic of systemic change, in part because a major driver of historical transformations has been the expansion of empires and their encounters with other heterogeneous polities across the globe, and in part because a focus on imperial interactions highlights the limitations of existing unit-centric perspectives. Drawing on examples from the nineteenth century, I illustrate the usefulness of the framework by showing how different regionally anchored systems came into contact with the expanding spheres of Western empires and how such points of interaction contributed to the development of an increasingly global international system.
Recurrent wildfires drive rapid taxonomic homogenization of seasonally flooded Neotropical forests
Authors: DA SILVA ANA PAULA G. , MEWS HENRIQUE A. , MARIMON-JUNIOR BEN HUR , DE OLIVEIRA EDMAR A. , MORANDI PAULO S. , OLIVERAS IMMA , MARIMON BEATRIZ S. 
Published: March 2018

SUMMARYRecent evidence has shown that most tropical species are declining as a result of global change. Under this scenario, the prevalence of tolerant species to disturbances has driven many biological communities towards biotic homogenization (BH). However, the mechanisms that drive communities towards BH are not yet thoroughly understood. We tested effects of recurring wildfires on woody species richness and composition in six seasonally flooded Amazonian forests and whether these fires reduce species composition (i.e., taxonomic homogenization) over short periods of time. Our results show that these forests are undergoing taxonomic homogenization in response to recurring fire events. Species richness decreased as a result of local extinctions and floristic similarity increased among forest communities. Fire was selecting tolerant (‘winner’) species and eliminating the more sensitive (‘loser’) species. BH leads to biodiversity erosion, which can deeply alter ecosystem processes such as productivity, nutrient cycling and decomposition, resulting in important consequences for conservation.
Age-related macular degeneration changes the processing of visual scenes in the brain
Authors: RAMANOËL STEPHEN , CHOKRON SYLVIE , HERA RUXANDRA , KAUFFMANN LOUISE , CHIQUET CHRISTOPHE , KRAINIK ALEXANDRE , PEYRIN CAROLE 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the processing of fine details in a visual scene, based on a high spatial frequency processing, is impaired, while the processing of global shapes, based on a low spatial frequency processing, is relatively well preserved. The present fMRI study aimed to investigate the residual abilities and functional brain changes of spatial frequency processing in visual scenes in AMD patients. AMD patients and normally sighted elderly participants performed a categorization task using large black and white photographs of scenes (indoors vs. outdoors) filtered in low and high spatial frequencies, and nonfiltered. The study also explored the effect of luminance contrast on the processing of high spatial frequencies. The contrast across scenes was either unmodified or equalized using a root-mean-square contrast normalization in order to increase contrast in high-pass filtered scenes. Performance was lower for high-pass filtered scenes than for low-pass and nonfiltered scenes, for both AMD patients and controls. The deficit for processing high spatial frequencies was more pronounced in AMD patients than in controls and was associated with lower activity for patients than controls not only in the occipital areas dedicated to central and peripheral visual fields but also in a distant cerebral region specialized for scene perception, the parahippocampal place area. Increasing the contrast improved the processing of high spatial frequency content and spurred activation of the occipital cortex for AMD patients. These findings may lead to new perspectives for rehabilitation procedures for AMD patients.
Predictors of Long-Term Psychosocial Functioning and Health-Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents With Prior Concussions
Authors: Plourde Vickie , Yeates Keith Owen , Brooks Brian L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectives: Individual differences in long-term psychosocial functioning after concussions in children and adolescents are poorly understood. The aim of the study was to investigate potential predictors of long-term psychosocial functioning and health-related quality of life in youth after prior concussion. Methods: Participants (N=75; mean age=14.3 years old; 52% girls) with one prior concussion (n=24), multiple prior concussions (n=24), or a prior orthopedic injury and no concussion (n=27) were seen on average 2.7 years after their most recent injury. Psychosocial functioning was assessed using the self-report versions of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-2; Anxiety and Depression scales only), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory TM 4.0. Pre-existing conditions (attention problems, learning difficulties, mood concerns, anxiety concerns, and migraines) were reported by parents using a checklist and examined as predictors of long-term functioning. Other potential predictors included age at testing, sex, time between most recent injury and testing, and number of prior concussions. Results: The groups did not differ significantly on long-term psychosocial functioning. Moreover, only pre-existing mood concerns or attention problems significantly predicted psychosocial adjustment. Conclusions: Children’s functioning before a concussion is critical to understanding outcome. Pre-injury attention and mood concerns should be assessed in clinical settings to prevent and treat long-term psychosocial problems after concussion. (JINS, 2018, 24, 540–548)
Ikaros family zinc finger 1 regulates dendritic cell development and function in humans
Authors: Cytlak Urszula , Resteu Anastasia , Bogaert Delfien , Kuehn Hye Sun , Altmann Thomas , Gennery Andrew , Jackson Graham , Kumanovics Attila , Voelkerding Karl V. , Prader Seraina , Dullaers Melissa , Reichenbach Janine , Hill Harry , Haerynck Filomeen , Rosenzweig Sergio D. , Collin Matthew , Bigley Venetia 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIkaros family zinc finger 1 (IKZF1) is a haematopoietic transcription factor required for mammalian B-cell development. IKZF1 deficiency also reduces plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) numbers in mice, but its effects on human DC development are unknown. Here we show that heterozygous mutation of IKZF1 in human decreases pDC numbers and expands conventional DC1 (cDC1). Lenalidomide, a drug that induces proteosomal degradation of IKZF1, also decreases pDC numbers in vivo, and reduces the ratio of pDC/cDC1 differentiated from progenitor cells in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, non-classical monocytes are reduced by IKZF1 deficiency in vivo. DC and monocytes from patients with IKZF1 deficiency or lenalidomide-treated cultures secrete less IFN-α, TNF and IL-12. These results indicate that human DC development and function are regulated by IKZF1, providing further insights into the consequences of IKZF1 mutation on immune function and the mechanism of immunomodulation by lenalidomide.
Compact and high isolated triangular split‐ring diplexer
Authors: Xiao Jian‐Kang , Li Yong , Ma Jian‐Guo 
Published: March 2018

A compact microstrip diplexer using triangular split‐ring resonator bandpass filters with separated electric and magnetic coupling (SEMC) has been presented. The transmission zeros are attributed to the SEMC without requiring more resonators and can be controlled by the electric and magnetic couplings. The diplexer is fabricated, and the design has been demonstrated by measurement. The diplexer has a compact size of 0.264λ0 × 0.102λ0, and a measured isolation of no less than 38 dB.
De Phlegmasia alba
Authors: Hach W. , Hach-Wunderle V. 
Published: March 2018

ZusammenfassungHeinrich Hoffmann, der Vater des Struwwelpeter, gilt in seiner Heimatstadt Frankfurt am Main als Reformator der Sozialmedizin. Vor allem die Psychiatrie hat unter seiner ärztlichen Leitung den Weg in eine moderne Zukunft angetreten. Aus seiner Klinik für Irre und Epileptische ging die Frankfurter Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie hervor. Problemstellung: Die Doktorarbeit von Heinrich Hoffmann befasst sich mit der Phlegmasia alba. Sie ist in lateinischer Sprache abgefasst. Bezüglich der Pathogenese gab es zu Beginn des 19. Jahrhunderts noch drei verschiedene Vorstellungen, Metastasen von Milch oder Lochien, die Verletzung oder Erkrankung von Lymphgefäßen und den Verschluss von Venenstämmen im Beckenbereich. Hoffmann griff aus der Literatur eine vierte Variante auf, die Entzündung der Tunica cellulosa, der bindegewebigen Umhüllungen von Muskeln und Sehnen sowie des Neurolemm der Vaginalnerven. Gegen die Theorie der Venenkrankheit hatte er wichtige scheinbare Argumente anzuführen. Die Doktorarbeit endet mit einer ausführlichen Beschreibung des Krankheitsverlaufes einer jungen Soldatenfrau. Konsequenzen: Die Arbeit bringt zwar in medizinhistorischer Hinsicht keine originellen neuen Aspekte. Ihr Studium erinnert an diagnostische Einzelheiten, die unter dem Eindruck der modernen technischen Möglichkeiten verloren zu gehen drohen. Dazu gehören die Charakteristik des Schmerzes vor dem Stadium der Schwellung, eine strenge Seitenbegrenzung auch der Beckenvenenthrombose, die treffende Bezeichnung des Ödems als porzellanartig und nicht zuletzt die Vorausschau des Begriffes des Klinischen Wahrscheinlichkeit in der Art von kritischen Tagen.
Gene Targeting of Components of the Fibrinolytic System
Authors: Ploplis Victoria , Castellino Francis 
Published: March 2018

SummaryA number of in vitro and in vivo observations have implicated components of the fibrinolytic system in events associated with diverse physiological and pathophysiological processes, ranging from embryo implantation to cancer. Advances in gene targeting technology have led to the generation of mice deficient for components of the fibrinolytic system. Remarkably, these animals survive to adulthood with few spontaneous life threatening events. Thus, these mice are valuable resources for in vivo studies, not only for hemostasis-related research, but also for the relationships of these genes to other disease states associated with cellular growth and mobility, along with angiogenesis, vascular remodeling, inflammation, wound healing, and tumor growth and dissemination.
The North American Immune Tolerance Registry: Practices, Outcomes, Outcome Predictors
Authors: Kroner B.L. , DiMichele D. ,   The North American Immune Tolerance Study Group
Published: March 2018

SummaryThe North American Immune Tolerance Registry was initiated to study of immune tolerance (ITT) in Canada and the United States with respect to: 1) therapeutic regimens in use for haemophilia A (HA) and B (HB) inhibitor patients; 2) therapeutic outcomes; 3) potential predictors of successful outcome and 4) complications of therapy. Data on 188 ITT courses was collected by questionnaire from 60 haemophilia centers from 1993-99. Among the completed courses, the overall ITT success rate was 70% (115/164) for all HA and 31% (5/16) for all HB. Outcome parameters noted to be predictive of ITT success for all HA were 1) pre-ITT induction (p = 0.003), 2) ITT peak (p = 0.007) and 3) historical pre ITT peak (p = 0.04) inhibitor titres. An inverse correlation between total daily dose (units/kg/day) and success: (80% with under 50; 71% with 50-99; 73% with 100-199; and 41% with ≥ 200, p = 0.01) was found. Outcome predictors were not evaluable for HB, although adverse reactions to therapy, including nephrotic syndrome, and access complications were more common among failed courses. Infection most often complicated the use of access catheters. These results are discussed within the context of the international ITT registry and upcoming prospective ITT study.
Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein Associates Strongly with Carboxy-terminal Domain of Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor and Reduces the Catalytic Activity of the Protein
Authors: Hiraishi Sayuri , Hamuro Tsutomu , Kamikubo Yu-ichi , Matsuda Juzo , Horie Shuichi 
Published: March 2018

SummaryTissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is a physiological protease inhibitor of the extrinsic blood coagulation pathway. Previously we have shown that TFPI associates quite rapidly with oxidized lowdensity lipoprotein (ox-LDL), with a reduction of the inhibitory activity on factor X activation. In the present study, it was found, by means of agarose gel electrophoresis, that the pre-incubation of full-length rTFPI with heparin or the carboxy (C)-terminal part (peptide 240-265) of TFPI prevented the association with ox-LDL in a dose-dependent manner. When rTFPI lacking the C-terminal basic part of the molecule (rTFPI-C) was mixed with ox-LDL, only a small amount of rTFPI-C was shifted to the position of ox-LDL on electrophoresis. Further, ox-LDL did not reduce the activity of rTFPI-C. These results indicate that the C-terminal domain of TFPI molecule plays a predominant role in the binding to ox-LDL and the binding through the C-terminal part is essential for the ox-LDL-dependent reduction of the anticoagulant activity of TFPI.
Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator –7,351C/T Enhancer Polymorphism Is Associated with a First Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Jansson Jan-Håkan , Jern Sverker , Nilsson Torbjörn , Tjärnlund Anna , Boman Kurt , Ladenvall Per , Johansson Lars , Jern Christina 
Published: March 2018

SummaryWe recently identified a polymorphic Sp1 binding site in an enhancer at the tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) locus (tPA –7,351C/T), which was associated with vascular tPA release. Subjects homozygous for the –7,351C allele had twice the tPA release rate compared to subjects carrying the –7,351T allele. In this study we tested the hypothesis that the tPA –7,351C/T polymorphism is associated with myocardial infarction (MI). In a population-based prospective nested case-control study within northern Sweden, genotypes were determined among 61 MI cases and 120 controls. In a multivariate model, the tPA –7,351C/T polymorphism (OR 2.68 for T allele carriers; 95% CI 1.31– 5.50), tPA antigen (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.07–1.25) and apo A-I (OR, 0.997; 95% CI 0.995–0.999) were independently associated with a first MI. These findings suggest that genetic markers of local tPA release and circulating steady-state tPA levels carry independent prognostic information.