bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuropsychological and Glucose Metabolic Profiles in Asymmetric Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Mohr Erich , Mann Ulrike M. , Miletich Robert S. , Sampson Margaret , Goldberg Terry E. , Crimes J. David , Chase Thomas N. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACT:Patients with predominantly unilateral parkinsonian signs may provide a unique opportunity to evaluate the cerebral representation of cognitive functions characteristically affected in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Twenty hemiparkinsonian patients (ten left and ten right) and 10 healthy controls, matched for age and education, were studied with neuropsychological tests and positron emission tomography. Both right and left hemiparkinsonians evidenced impairments in visuospatial and verbal episodic memory function, but had no deficits in executive abilities, compared to controls. None of the neuropsychological test scores distinguished right from left hemiparkinsonians. Glucose metabolic profiles were identical for the three groups in all cortical areas assessed; in the subcortex however, lenticular hypermetabolism contralateral to the predominant side of motor involvement was evident in the left hemiparkinsonian group. Correlational analysis revealed that higher glucose metabolic rates in the basal ganglia of these hemiparkinsonians were associated with lower visuospatial test scores. In frontal and parietal cortex, decreasing glucose metabolism was positively associated with neurobehavioral function; in temporal cortex, measures of attention and memory decreased with increasing glucose metabolic rates.
Intrathecal Baclofen for Intractable Spinal Spasticity – a Double-blind Cross-over Comparison with Placebo in 6 Patients
Authors: Hugenholtz H. , Nelson R.F. , Dehoux E. , Bickerton R. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACT:A group of six subjects with intractable spinal spasticity completed a double-blind cross-over paradigm in which they received two intrathecal bolus injections of baclofen solution five hours apart on two different days and two intrathecal bolus injections of placebo saline five hours apart on two other days. Each subject was repeatedly tested with a battery of clinical and physiological tests. In contrast to the placebo injections, the group responded to the baclofen injections with subjective and objective, clinically significant improvement in parameters of spasticity in their lower limbs, including muscle tone, frequency of spasms, hyperreflexia and passive range of joint motion. Furthermore, this improvement was maintained following thirty consecutive days of intrathecal bolus injections of baclofen at a fixed dose.
Fracture of Temporal Bone With Exsanguination: Pathology and Mechanism
Authors: Pollanen M.S. , Deck J.H.N. , Blenkinsop B. , Farkas E.M. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACT:Eight cases of basal skull fracture with transverse fracture of the petrous temporal bone with medial extension to the internal carotid artery and lateral extension of the structures of the middle ear are described. Injuries in all cases were due to major blunt impact to the head usually occurring in a motor vehicle accident. General autopsy revealed major blood loss without any obvious external or internal site of hemorrhage suggesting that exsanguination was a complication of the head injury. The internal carotid arteries at the most medial extension of the fractures were lacerated or transected in all cases. In selected cases, the cervical internal carotid arteries were perfused and perfusate escaped rapidly from the ear(s) with the majority of fluid bypassing the cerebral venous system. Magnetic resonance image reconstruction of sequential sections of the fractured base of the skull confirmed the laceration of the internal carotid arteries and disruption of the middle ear. Based on this evidence, we propose that some displaced fractures of the base of the skull produce carotid-middle ear continuities which act as arterial shunts, resulting in rapid fatal exsanguination through the ear.
The Pharmacology of Chewable Versus Regular Carbamazepine in Chronically Treated Children With Epilepsy
Authors: Camfield Peter , Hwang Paul , Camfield Carol , Fraser Albert , Soldin Steven , Al-Quadah AK 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACT:We report the first comparison of Chewable and Regular Carbamazepine (CBZ) tablets in children with epilepsy. Forty-four children receiving chronic monotherapy CBZ participated. In month 1 children received regular CBZ; in month 2, the same dose of Chewable CBZ. Once per week fasting predose CBZ and CBZ epoxide serum levels were determined. In a subset of 15 children, at the end of each month serum levels were obtained every 2 hours for 12 hours beginning pre-dose. Standards for CBZ and CBZ epoxide were tested in each centre. Overall, weekly levels showed no consistent differences between the month on chewable CBZ and regular CBZ. Seizure control and rates of reported side effects were similar. In five patients chewable CBZ produced higher peak CBZ levels while five had higher peaks with regular CBZ. In conclusion, regular and chewable CBZ often have unpredictable differences in peak but not trough levels of CBZ suggesting that peak level side effects with one form of CBZ might be alleviated by changing to the other.
Declines of the globally threatened Rudd’s Lark Heteromirafra ruddi in one of its last remaining strongholds
Authors: GUSH WESLEY G. , MAPHISA DAVID H. , REYNOLDS CHEVONNE , DONALD PAUL F. , SPOTTISWOODE CLAIRE N. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryRudd’s Lark Heteromirafra ruddi is a globally threatened species endemic to eastern South Africa’s highland grasslands, where climate envelope modelling has predicted a dramatic reduction in its already small and fragmented distribution. Here we assess recent changes in one of its last strongholds, the Wakkerstroom grasslands. We assessed changes in Rudd’s Lark population and habitat condition over 12 years, within a core section of an area intensively surveyed in 2002–2004. Our 2016 survey found lower absolute numbers of Rudd’s Larks (five transects with Rudd’s Lark present compared to nine in 2002; nine individuals compared to 32), as well as a lower probability of encounter. Transects with shorter grass and higher altitude had a higher probability of Rudd’s Larks occurrence, consistent with findings in 2002. Point locations where Rudd’s Larks were recorded had shorter grass, higher forb cover and more bare ground cover, and tended to be at higher altitudes than random locations in the surrounding grassland. Remotely-sensed fire data showed that late-season fires, which pose a threat to Rudd’s Lark nestling survival, are generally uncommon. Field observations indicated that seven transects (of which two previously contained Rudd’s Lark) that had previously been grassland had been converted to intensive crop production. While Rudd’s Lark may be affected by direct loss of grassland habitat through conversion to crops, the species has also declined within remaining grassland habitat. The drivers of decline remain unclear but this recent observed local decline of Rudd’s Lark in the immediate Wakkerstroom area supports the species’ recent IUCN uplisting to globally ‘Endangered’, given that its previous downlisting was based on habitat requirements and breeding success from this area.
Status, diversity and trends of the bird communities in Volcanoes National Park and surrounds, Rwanda
Authors: DERHÉ MIA A. , TUYISINGIZE DEO , ECKARDT WINNIE , EMMANUEL FAIDA , STOINSKI TARA 
Published: May 2019

SummaryThe Volcanoes National Park (VNP) in Rwanda, part of the Virunga massif in the Albertine Rift region, boasts some of Rwanda’s best remaining natural vegetation and is home to many endangered and endemic species. The park has suffered from high levels of degradation and destruction, reducing in size by 50% during the 1960s and 1970s, and remains under threat from illegal activities, human population pressure and climate change. This study is the first to investigate the status and trends of bird communities in the VNP, using a multi-year dataset. We use a five-year dataset, totalling over 3,200 point-counts, both within and around the VNP, to assess the conservation value of the VNP for birds in comparison with other national parks and non-protected areas. We assess bird communities and population trends within and around the parks and identify important habitat factors for birds within the VNP. We found that the VNP hosts a unique bird community compared to other localities, with several Albertine Rift endemics and threatened species occurring in the VNP.Hagenia/ Hypericumwoodland, herbaceous vegetation, brush ridge and mixed forest host the highest levels of bird diversity in the VNP, whilst the park’s waterbodies provide key habitat for the endangered Albertine Rift endemic Grauer’s Swamp-warbler (Bradypterus graueri). Elevation had a negative effect on bird diversity in the VNP, whilst the basal area of dead trees,Hageniaand vines had a positive effect. Both inside and outside the VNP, there was a significant decline in abundance and species richness over the sampling years; however, we advocate for further monitoring to confirm these trends. Based on our findings, we recommend effective, targeted management of key habitats for birds within the park, including those identified in this study, in order to mitigate bird declines and conserve the unique bird communities in the VNP.
Incomplete isolation of the left innominate artery from the right aortic arch: a rare case of double-outlet right ventricle with pulmonary stenosis
Authors: Sato Jun , Kato Atsuko , Ohashi Naoki 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIsolation of the left innominate artery from the right aortic arch is a rare anomaly. Herein, we present an even rarer case of incomplete isolation of the proximal left innominate artery with the right aortic arch in a 3-month-old female infant with a double-outlet right ventricle and pulmonary stenosis. Surgical repair at 6 months of age was successful, leading to the restoration of adequate flow in the left arm.
Cardiac Arrest Research Methods
Authors: Valenzuela Terence D. , Weaver W. Douglas 
Published: May 2019

Determining the variables that influence survival in the treatment of cardiac arrest is important as both a research and a quality assurance tool. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remains the only medical condition in which it has been determined rigorously that prehospital care affects survival. Thus, it uniquely is suited to outcome-based research and quality assurance studies. After approximately 20 years of study, the determinants of survival after cardiac arrest are well-known; however, a plethora of fascinating research questions remain to be addressed.The prevalence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest seems to be decreasing. In the Seattle area, there are 30% fewer cases than there were ten years ago. This parallels the overall decline in mortality from ischemic heart disease in the United States in the last thirty years. There also has been a change in the profile of cardiac arrest victims, with today's arrestee several years older than the victim of fifteen years ago. Thus, when one performs comparative clinical trials, the control group of today is very different from the historical control of ten or fifteen years ago.
Timing of onset and rate of decline in learning and retention in the pre-dementia phase of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Grober Ellen , An Yang , Lipton Richard B. , Kawas Claudia , Resnick Susan M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjective: To examine trajectories of declines in learning and retention during the predementia phase of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using the picture version of the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test with Immediate Recall (pFCSRT+IR). Method: Learning was defined by the sum of free recall over three test trials. Retention was defined in two ways: by delayed free recall (DFR) and by savings; DFR adjusted for learning. The performances of 217 incident AD cases from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) were aligned based on the time that AD was first diagnosed. The predementia phase of learning and retention decline was assessed using change point models in which cognitive trajectories are described by a series of linear components with knots delineating times of accelerating decline. Results: Trajectories for both learning and DFR had two change points: the first at 6.58 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 6.56, 6.60) to 7.29 (95% CI: 6.13, 8.46) years before diagnosis followed by gradual decline over the next 4 years, and a second acceleration of decline 1.89 (0.56, 3.24) to 2.93 (95% CI: 1.56, 4.30) years before diagnosis. The change points for DFR were not significantly earlier in the predementia phase than the change points for learning. Savings had one change point, 5.3 (95% CI: 3.56, 7.04) years before diagnosis. Conclusion: Both learning and DFR showed similar profiles of decline in the years prior to the clinical diagnosis of AD. When delayed recall was adjusted for initial learning, the measure was less sensitive to early disease. (JINS, 2019, 25, 699–705)
How do Korean–English bilinguals speak and think about motion events? Evidence from verbal and non-verbal tasks
Authors: Park Hae In 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe present study compared both linguistic and non-linguistic representations of motion events in Korean–English sequential bilinguals sampled at varying proficiency levels (N = 80) against each other and against those of Korean and English monolinguals (N = 15 each). The bilinguals' L2 descriptions of motion events showed that their encoding patterns were influenced by both the first language (L1) and second language (L2) and also displayed unique behaviors that were not found in either monolingual norm. The non-verbal results on a triads-matching task demonstrated that bilinguals' categorization patterns followed L1-based patterns rather than L2-based patterns. The extent to which these bilinguals employed L2 encoding patterns in their motion event descriptions was largely modulated by L2 proficiency, whereas length of immersion experience in an L2-speaking country emerged as the only predictor of their non-verbal categorization patterns. These findings suggest that the bilinguals' verbal behavior seems more susceptible to change than their non-verbal behavior.
Microstructural Characterization and Phase Diagram Calculation of a Less Known Al–Fe–Mn–Si Phase in a SiCp/2014Al Composite
Authors: Hu Ying , Ouyang Qiubao , Zhao Bingbing , Zhang Lanting 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA systematic characterization of a less known Al, Fe, Mn, and Si phase in a SiC particulate-reinforced 2014Al composite (SiCp/2014Al) was performed. In addition to the expected CuAl2 phase, the Al, Fe, Mn, and Si phase was formed as either an adhesion (>1 µm) onto SiC in the as-cast composite, or as a precipitate (<100 nm) in the matrix after hot extrusion. The structure of the phase was identified as cubic by both X-ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The SAED pattern also indicated that the structure belongs to the Pm$\bar{3}$ space group instead of Im$\bar{3}$. The thermodynamic phase diagram was calculated, confirming the presence of an α-AlFeMn or α-AlFeSi phase in the Al–Fe–Mn and Al–Fe–Si ternary systems, respectively, within the Fe, Mn, and Si content range corresponding to 2014Al. Wavelength-dispersive spectroscopy analysis indicated that the composition of the phase is close to Al12(Fe, Mn)3Si2, in which the Mn/Fe ratio is in the range of 0.6–1.4. The determined Mn/Fe ratio corresponds to the nominal composition of Mn and Fe in the alloy.
Spatiotemporal monitoring of hydrilla [Hydrilla verticillata (L. f.) Royle] to aid management actions
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Cooper Christopher , Remillard Caren M. , Ghosh Shuvankar , Haney Austin , Braun Frank , Conner Zachary , Page Benjamin , Boyd Kenneth , Wilde Susan , Mishra Deepak R. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractHydrilla is an invasive aquatic plant that has rapidly spread through many inland water bodies across the globe by outcompeting native aquatic plants. The negative impacts of hydrilla invasion have become a concern for water resource management authorities, power companies, and environmental scientists. The early detection of hydrilla infestation is very important to reduce the costs associated with control and removal efforts of this invasive species. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop a tool for rapid, frequent, and large-scale monitoring and predicting spatial extent of hydrilla habitat. This was achieved by integrating in situ and Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager satellite data for Lake J. Strom Thurmond, the largest US Army Corps of Engineers lake east of the Mississippi River, located on the border of Georgia and South Carolina border. The predictive model for presence of hydrilla incorporated radiometric and physical measurements, including remote-sensing reflectance, Secchi disk depth (SDD), light-attenuation coefficient (Kd), maximum depth of colonization (Zc), and percentage of light available through the water column (PLW). The model-predicted ideal habitat for hydrilla featured high SDD, Zc, and PLW values, low values of Kd. Monthly analyses based on satellite images showed that hydrilla starts growing in April, reaches peak coverage around October, begins retreating in the following months, and disappears in February. Analysis of physical and meteorological factors (i.e., water temperature, surface runoff, net inflow, precipitation) revealed that these parameters are closely associated with hydrilla extent. Management agencies can use these results not only to plan removal efforts but also to evaluate and adapt their current mitigation efforts.
Cyanobacteria Proliferation in the Cenomanian‐Turonian Boundary Interval of the Apennine Carbonate Platform: Immediate Response to the Environmental Perturbations Associated With OAE‐2?
Authors: Frijia G. , Forkner R. , Minisini D. , Pacton M. , Struck U. , Mutti M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractOceanic Anoxic Event‐2 (OAE‐2; Cenomanian‐Turonian) is characterized by extensive deposition of organic carbon‐rich deposits (black shales) in ocean basins worldwide as result of a major perturbation of the global carbon cycle. While the sedimentological, geochemical, and paleontological aspects of deep water expressions of OAE‐2 have been intensively studied in the last few decades, much less attention has been given to the coeval shallow water deposits. In this study, we present the results of a detailed facies and petrographic (optical microscope and scanning electron microscopy) and geochemical studies (δ13Ccarb, δ 13C org, δ 15Nbulk, TOC, and Rock‐Eval pyrolysis) on two key shallow marine sections from the Apennine Carbonate Platform (ACP; Italy). Here a continuous record of shallow water carbonates through the OAE‐2 interval is preserved, offering the unique opportunity to document the archive of paleoenvironmental changes in a neritic setting, at a tropical latitude and far from the influence of a large continental block. Two conspicuous intervals are characterized by abundant and closely spaced “dark” microbial laminites found at correlative stratigraphic horizons in the two stratigraphic sections. These laminites contain elevated concentrations of TOC (up to 1%) relative to microbial capping cycles laminites stratigraphically above and below. The organic matter preserved in these fine‐grained laminites is dominated by cyanobacteria remains, which accounted for most of the organic matter produced on the ACP in these intervals. Our study suggests that Tethyan carbonate platforms experienced significant biological changes during OAE‐2, alternating, in few kiloyears, between eutrophic phases dominated by microbial communities and mesotrophic/oligotrophic conditions favoring “normal” carbonate production/sedimentation. The synchronous occurrence of microbialite facies at different locations across the ACP and on other platforms worldwide (e.g., Mexico and Croatia) suggests a causal link between Large Igneous Province volcanism and the environmental conditions necessary to trigger cyanobacterial proliferation on shallow carbonate platforms.
Integrating precision medicine through evaluation of cell of origin in treatment planning for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , Feldman Tatyana , Rimsza Lisa M. , Westin Jason R. , Witzig Thomas E. , Zinzani Pier Luigi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPrecision medicine is modernizing strategies for clinical study design to help improve diagnoses guiding individualized treatment based on genetic or phenotypic characteristics that discriminate between patients with similar clinical presentations. Methodology to personalize treatment choices is being increasingly employed in clinical trials, yielding favorable correlations with improved response rates and survival. In patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), disease characteristics and outcomes may vary widely, underscoring the importance of patient classification through identification of sensitive prognostic features. The discovery of distinct DLBCL molecular subtypes based on cell of origin (COO) is redefining the prognosis and treatment of this heterogeneous cancer. Owing to significant molecular and clinical differences between activated B-cell-like (ABC)- and germinal center B-cell-like (GCB)-DLBCL subtypes, COO identification offers opportunities to optimize treatment selection. Widespread adoption of COO classification would greatly improve treatment and prognosis; however, limitations in interlaboratory concordance between immunohistochemistry techniques, cost, and availability of gene expression profiling tools undermine universal integration in the clinical setting. With advanced methodology to determine COO in a real-world clinical setting, therapies targeted to specific subtypes are under development. The focus here is to review applications of precision medicine exemplified by COO determination in DLBCL patients.
c-FLIP and CD95 signaling are essential for survival of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Luebke Tobias , Schwarz Lisa , Beer Yan Yan , Schumann Sabrina , Misterek Maria , Sander Frida Ewald , Plaza-Sirvent Carlos , Schmitz Ingo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractClear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most-prominent tumor type of kidney cancers. Resistance of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) against tumor therapy is often owing to apoptosis resistance, e.g., by overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins. However, little is known about the role of the apoptosis inhibitor c-FLIP and its potential impact on death receptor-induced apoptosis in ccRCC cells. In this study, we demonstrate that c-FLIP is crucial for resistance against CD95L-induced apoptosis in four ccRCC cell lines. Strikingly, downregulation of c-FLIP expression by short hairpin RNA (shRNA)interference led to spontaneous caspase activation and apoptotic cell death. Of note, knockdown of all c-FLIP splice variants was required to induce apoptosis. Stimulation of ccRCC cells with CD95L induced NF-κB and MAP kinase survival pathways as revealed by phosphorylation of RelA/p65 and Erk1/2. Interestingly, CD95L surface expression was high in all cell lines analyzed, and CD95 but not TNF-R1 clustered at cell contact sites. Downstream of CD95, inhibition of the NF-κB pathway led to spontaneous cell death. Surprisingly, knockdown experiments revealed that c-FLIP inhibits NF-κB activation in the context of CD95 signaling. Thus, c-FLIP inhibits apoptosis and dampens NF-κB downstream of CD95 but allows NF-κB activation to a level sufficient for ccRCC cell survival. In summary, we demonstrate a complex CD95-FLIP-NF-κB-signaling circuit, in which CD95-CD95L interactions mediate a paracrine survival signal in ccRCC cells with c-FLIP and NF-κB both being required for inhibiting cell death and ensuring survival. Our findings might lead to novel therapeutic approaches of RCC by circumventing apoptosis resistance.