bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distinct patterns of discrimination and orienting for temporal processing of speech and nonspeech in Chinese children with autism: an event‐related potential study
Authors: Huang Dan , Yu Luodi , Wang Xiaoyue , Fan Yuebo , Wang Suiping , Zhang Yang 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAlthough many studies have reported domain‐general impaired duration perception for speech and nonspeech sounds in children with autism, it remained unclear whether this phenomenon is universally applicable regardless of language background. In some languages such as Finnish and Japanese, vowel duration serves a phonemic role that can signify semantic distinction, and in others (e.g., Mandarin Chinese), vowel duration does not carry this phonemic function. The present event‐related potential study investigated neural sensitivity to duration contrasts in speech and nonspeech contexts in Mandarin‐speaking children with autism and a control group of age‐matched typically developing (TD) children. A passive oddball paradigm was adopted to elicit the mismatch negativity (MMN) and involuntary orienting response (P3a) for change detection. A pure tone condition and a vowel condition were used. The MMN results showed that the autism group had diminished response amplitude and delayed latency in the pure tone condition compared to the TD group, whereas no group difference was found in the vowel condition. The P3a results showed no significant between‐group MMN difference in the pure tone condition. In the vowel condition, the autism group had smaller P3a than the TD group. Together, the distinct patterns of discrimination and orienting responses for duration contrasts in pure tones and vowels are consistent with the ‘allophonic perception’ theory for autism, which may reflect a compromised perceptual weighting system for speech learning.
A tug of war: antagonistic effective connectivity patterns over the motor cortex and the severity of motor symptoms in Gilles de la Tourette syndrome
Authors: Zapparoli Laura , Tettamanti Marco , Porta Mauro , Zerbi Alberto , Servello Domenico , Banfi Giuseppe , Paulesu Eraldo 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe tested the hypothesis that Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is characterized by perturbed connectivity within cortico–subcortical motor networks. To this end, we performed a dynamic causal modelling (DCM) analysis of fMRI data collected during a finger opposition task in 24 normal controls and 24 GTS patients. The DCM analysis allowed us to assess whether any GTS‐specific patterns of brain activity were related to intrinsic and/or to task‐dependent connectivity. While no abnormalities were found for task‐dependent connectivity, intrinsic connectivity was abnormally increased in the premotor network, with stronger connections from the supplementary motor area (SMA), from the dorsolateral premotor cortex and from the putamen to the right superior frontal gyrus, an area where GTS showed over‐activation in a previous univariate analysis. We also found a positive correlation between the connectivity strength from the right basal ganglia to the right primary motor cortex (M1) and disease severity measured by the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS). This pattern was mirrored by a negative correlation between the connection strength from the right SMA to the right area M1 and the YGTSS score. These two reverse correlation effects showed a specific relationship with individual disease severity: the greater the imbalance between subcortical and premotor connectivity towards area M1, the higher the YGTSS score. These results reveal the existence of perturbed intrinsic connectivity patterns in the motor networks of GTS patients with two competing forces operating in a tug of war‐like mechanism: aberrant subcortical afferents to M1, compensated for by inputs from the premotor cortex.
The subthalamic nucleus‐external globus pallidus loop biases exploratory decisions towards known alternatives: a neuro‐computational study
Authors: Baladron Javier , Nambu Atsushi , Hamker Fred H. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTheories and models of the basal ganglia have mainly focused on the role of three different corticothalamic pathways: direct, indirect and hyperdirect. Although the indirect and the hyperdirect pathways are linked through the bidirectional connections between the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and the external globus pallidus (GPe), the role of their interactions has been mainly discussed in the context of a dysfunction (abnormal oscillations in Parkinson's disease) and not of its function. We here propose a novel role for the loop formed by the STN and the GPe. We show, through a neuro‐computational model, that this loop can bias the selection of actions during the exploratory period after a change in the environmental conditions towards alternative responses. Testing well‐known alternative solutions before completely random actions can reduce the time required for the search of a new response after a rule change. Our simulations further show that the knowledge acquired by the indirect pathway can be transferred into a stable memory via learning in the hyperdirect pathway to establish the blocking of unwanted responses. After a rule switch, first the indirect pathway learns to inhibit the previously correct actions. Once the new correct association is learned, the inhibition is transferred to the hyperdirect pathway through synaptic plasticity.
Drebrin E regulates neuroblast proliferation and chain migration in the adult brain
Authors: Kajita Yuki , Kojima Nobuhiko , Koganezawa Noriko , Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Sakimura Kenji , Shirao Tomoaki 
Published: August 2017

AbstractF‐actin‐binding protein drebrin has two major isoforms: drebrin A and drebrin E. Drebrin A is the major isoform in the adult brain and is highly concentrated in dendritic spines, regulating spine morphology and synaptic plasticity. Conversely, drebrin E is the major isoform in the embryonic brain and regulates neuronal morphological differentiation, but it is also expressed in neurogenic regions of the adult brain. The subventricular zone (SVZ) is one of the brain regions where adult neurogenesis occurs. Neuroblasts migrate to the olfactory bulb (OB) and integrate into existing neuronal networks, after which drebrin expression changes from E to A, suggesting that drebrin E plays a specific role in neuroblasts in the adult brain. Therefore, to understand the role of drebrin E in the adult brain, we immunohistochemically analyzed adult neurogenesis using drebrin‐null‐mutant (DXKO) mice. In DXKO mice, the number of neuroblasts and cell proliferation decreased, although cell death remained unchanged. These results suggest that drebrin E regulates cell proliferation in the adult SVZ. Surprisingly, the decreased number of neuroblasts in the SVZ did not result in less neurons in the OB. This was because the survival rate of newly generated neurons in the OB increased in DXKO mice. Additionally, when neuroblasts reached the OB, the change in the migratory pathway from tangential to radial was partly disturbed in DXKO mice. These results suggest that drebrin E is involved in a chain migration of neuroblasts.
Ventral striatal dopaminergic defect is associated with hallucinations in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Jaakkola E. , Joutsa J. , Mäkinen E. , Johansson J. , Kaasinen V. 
Published: August 2017

Background and purposeVisual hallucinations (VHs) are a common complication of Parkinson's disease (PD). The pathogenesis of VHs in PD is still largely unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the dopaminergic mechanisms of VHs and specifically whether the degree of striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) function or extrastriatal serotonin transporter (SERT) function can predict the appearance of VHs in patients with PD.MethodsTwenty‐two PD patients scanned with [123I]FP‐CIT single photon emission computed tomography at an early stage of their disease who later developed VHs were identified and compared with 48 non‐hallucinating PD patients. The groups were matched for age, medication, disease duration and motor symptom severity. Clinical follow‐up after the scan was a median (range) of 6.9 (3.8–9.6) years. Imaging analyses were performed with both regions‐of‐interest‐based and voxel‐based (Statistical Parametric Mapping) methods for the striatal and extrastriatal regions.ResultsThe median interval between the scan and the emergence of VHs was 4.8 years. Patients who developed VHs had 18.4% lower DAT binding in the right ventral striatum (P = 0.009), 16.7% lower binding in the left ventral striatum (P = 0.02) and 18.8% lower binding in the right putamen (P = 0.03) compared to patients who did not develop VHs.ConclusionsLow striatal DAT function may predispose PD patients to VHs, and the regional distribution of the findings suggests a particular role of the ventral striatum. This is in line with non‐PD research that has implicated ventral striatal dysfunction in psychosis.
Ecosystem modelling to quantify the impact of historical whaling on Southern Hemisphere baleen whales
Authors: Tulloch Vivitskaia J D , Plagányi Éva E , Matear Richard , Brown Christopher J , Richardson Anthony J 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMany baleen whales were commercially harvested during the 20th century almost to extinction. Reliable assessments of how this mass depletion impacted whale populations, and projections of their recovery, are crucial but there are uncertainties regarding the status of Southern Hemisphere whale populations. We developed a Southern Hemisphere spatial “Model of Intermediate Complexity for Ecosystem Assessments” (MICE) for phytoplankton, krill (Euphausia superba) and five baleen whale species, to estimate whale population trajectories from 1890 to present. To forward project to 2100, we couple the predator–prey model to a global climate model. We used the most up to date catch records, fitted to survey data and accounted for key uncertainties. We predict Antarctic blue (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia), fin (Balaenoptera physalus) and southern right (Eubalaena australis) whales will be at less than half their pre‐exploitation numbers (K) even given 100 years of future protection from whaling, because of slow growth rates. Some species have benefited greatly from cessation of harvesting, particularly humpbacks (Megaptera novaeangliae), currently at 32% of K, with full recovery predicted by 2050. We highlight spatial differences in the recovery of whale species between oceanic areas, with current estimates of Atlantic/Indian area blue (1,890, <1% of K) and fin (16,950, <4% of K) whales suggesting slower recovery from harvesting, whilst Pacific southern right numbers are <7% of K (2,680). Antarctic minke (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) population trajectories track future expected increases in primary productivity. Population estimates and plausible future predicted trajectories for Southern Hemisphere baleen whales are key requirements for management and conservation.
Fatigue crack propagation under in‐phase and out‐of‐phase biaxial loading
Authors: Neerukatti R.K. , Datta S. , Chattopadhyay A. , Iyyer N. , Phan N. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFatigue damage characteristics of aluminium alloy under complex biaxial loads such as in‐phase and out‐of‐phase loading conditions and different biaxiality ratios have been investigated. The effects of microscale phenomena on macroscale crack growth were studied to develop an in‐depth understanding of crack nucleation and growth. Material characterization was conducted to study the microstructure variability. Scanning electron microscopy was used to identify the second phase particles, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy was performed to analyse their phases and elements. Extensive quasi‐static and fatigue tests were conducted on Al7075‐T651 cruciform specimens over a wide range of load ratios and phases. Detailed fractography analysis was conducted to understand the crack growth behaviour observed during the fatigue tests. Significant differences in crack initiation and propagation behaviour were observed when a phase difference was applied. Primarily, crack retardation and splitting were observed because of the constantly varying mode mixity caused by phase difference. The crack growth behaviour and fatigue lives under out‐of‐phase loading were compared with those under in‐phase loading to understand the effect of mixed‐mode fracture.
Fatigue resistance investigation of warm‐mix recycled asphalt binder, mastic, and fine aggregate matrix
Authors: Li Q. , Chen X. , Li G. , Zhang S. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFatigue cracking is one of the primary distresses in warm‐mix recycled asphalt pavements. This paper evaluates the fatigue resistance evolution of warm‐mix recycled asphalt materials in different scales during the service period. The strain sweep test and time sweep test were performed, respectively, by dynamic shear rheometer to determine the linear viscoelastic limits and to characterize the fatigue behavior of warm‐mix recycled asphalt binder, mastic, and fine aggregate matrix with different ageing levels and recycling plans. The dissipated energy method was used to define the failure criterion and to construct the fatigue model. Effects of ageing levels and recycling plans on stiffness and fatigue resistance were investigated. Performance correlations among warm‐mix recycled asphalt binder, mastic, and fine aggregate matrix were developed, respectively, by the statistical method to determine the critical material scale for stiffness and fatigue resistance.
Are educating and promoting interventions effective in oral health?: A systematic review
Authors: Ghaffari M , Rakhshanderou S , Ramezankhani A , Buunk‐Werkhoven YAB , Noroozi M , Armoon B 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectiveIt is estimated that about 20%‐25% of the world's population are suffering from periodontal diseases or severe gum diseases. This requires appropriate interventions. For the development of effective and evidence‐based programmes tailored to the target group, the aim of this review was to survey to the effectiveness of oral health education and promotion interventions in the relevant groups of people.MethodsThe electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science and Cochrane Library were searched for English language studies between 2010 and (January‐December) 2016. To assess the quality of articles, the checklist was used that includes 19 items. Studies were selected based on PICOs criteria, and finally, 16 studies were entered in our study.ResultsA total of 16 articles were selected, classified into two groups (A and B groups), so that group A with short‐term effects includes improving knowledge, attitudes, self‐efficacy, oral health behaviour (toothbrushing and flossing), theoretical constructs (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity and perceived behavioural control) which consists of 15 articles and group B with long‐term effects includes improving decayed teeth, plaque, calculus and bleeding which consists of six articles.ConclusionApproximately, this study supports effectiveness of all oral health education and promotion interventions, especially in short‐term outcomes. Regarding the importance of long‐term and short‐term outcomes for oral health education and promotion programmes, These interventions could be performed in the future with several target groups including family and teachers.
Development of a strategy and computational application to select candidate protein analogues with reduced HLA binding and immunogenicity
Authors: Dhanda Sandeep Kumar , Grifoni Alba , Pham John , Vaughan Kerrie , Sidney John , Peters Bjoern , Sette Alessandro 
Published: August 2017

SummaryUnwanted immune responses against protein therapeutics can reduce efficacy or lead to adverse reactions. T‐cell responses are key in the development of such responses, and are directed against immunodominant regions within the protein sequence, often associated with binding to several allelic variants of HLA class II molecules (promiscuous binders). Herein, we report a novel computational strategy to predict ‘de‐immunized’ peptides, based on previous studies of erythropoietin protein immunogenicity. This algorithm (or method) first predicts promiscuous binding regions within the target protein sequence and then identifies residue substitutions predicted to reduce HLA binding. Further, this method anticipates the effect of any given substitution on flanking peptides, thereby circumventing the creation of nascent HLA‐binding regions. As a proof‐of‐principle, the algorithm was applied to Vatreptacog α, an engineered Factor VII molecule associated with unintended immunogenicity. The algorithm correctly predicted the two immunogenic peptides containing the engineered residues. As a further validation, we selected and evaluated the immunogenicity of seven substitutions predicted to simultaneously reduce HLA binding for both peptides, five control substitutions with no predicted reduction in HLA‐binding capacity, and additional flanking region controls. In vitro immunogenicity was detected in 21·4% of the cultures of peptides predicted to have reduced HLA binding and 11·4% of the flanking regions, compared with 46% for the cultures of the peptides predicted to be immunogenic. This method has been implemented as an interactive application, freely available online at http://tools.iedb.org/deimmunization/.
Near‐field impedance accurately distinguishes among pericardial, intracavitary, and anterior mediastinal position
Authors: Burkland David A. , Ganapathy Anand V. , John Mathews , Greet Brian D. , Saeed Mohammad , Rasekh Abdi , Razavi Mehdi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionEpicardial catheter ablation is increasingly used to treat arrhythmias with an epicardial component. Nevertheless, percutaneous epicardial access remains associated with a significant risk of major complications. Developing a technology capable of confirming proper placement within the pericardial space could decrease complication rates. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in bioimpedance among the pericardial space, anterior mediastinum, and right ventricle.MethodsAn ovine model (n = 3) was used in this proof‐of‐concept study. A decapolar catheter was used to collect bipolar impedance readings; data were collected between each of five electrode pairs of varying distances. Data were collected from three test regions: the pericardial space, anterior mediastinum, and right ventricle. A control region in the inferior vena cava was used to normalize the data from the test regions. Analysis of variance was used to test for differences among regions.ResultsA total of 10 impedance values were collected in each animal between each of the five electrode pairs in the three test regions (n = 340) and the control region (n = 145). The average normalized impedance values were significantly different among the pericardial space (1.760 ± 0.370), anterior mediastinum (3.209 ± 0.227), and right ventricle (1.024 ± 0.207; P < 0.0001). In post hoc testing, the differences between each pair of regions were significant, as well (P < 0.001 for all).ConclusionImpedance values are significantly different among these three anatomical compartments. Therefore, impedance can be potentially used as a means to guide percutaneous epicardial access.
Human Rights on the Losing end of EU Enlargement: The Case of Serbia
Authors: Huszka Beáta 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBy scrutinizing the effectiveness of EU human rights conditionality through the case of freedom of expression and media freedom in Serbia, the present study argues that Serbia has pursued the strategy of introducing some reforms that fall short of implementation. While the inconsistency of the EU's conditionality policy partially explains Serbia's under‐performance, Serbian authorities also lacked the incentives for compliance. As Serbia was willing to compromise on its perceived national interests concerning international war crimes prosecution and Kosovo, both highly significant issues for its national identity, the real threat now as perceived by the authorities is well functioning independent institutions and free media that can put constraints on their power. Considering that the EU assigned a key role to human rights in its conditionality policy, the Serbian case demonstrates how geopolitics can interfere to limit the EU's capacity to achieve compliance even from a candidate country.
Inside the EU Commission: Evidence on the Perceived Relevance of the Secretariat General in Climate Policy‐Making
Authors: Hustedt Thurid , Seyfried Markus 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis article studies the perception of the EU Commission's Secretariat General in policy‐making. Recently, research on EU institutions devotes increasing attention to analyzing structures and procedures of decision‐making in EU institutions, most notably the EU Commission. Conventionally, the EU Commission is portrayed as a fragmented organization, divided along the lines of staff nationality, sectoral responsibilities and cabinets and General Directorates (DGs). The Secretariat General has long been viewed a weak actor that is hardly able or motivated to steer internal decision‐making. However, recent research indicates a changing role of the Secretariat General as a pro‐active broker and last arbiter. This article studies how the Secretariat General is perceived by the DGs in policy coordination and argues that this perception depends on the pattern of political authority, bureaucratic roles and the relevance and the alternatives prevailing in the policy field. The article is based on data from a survey among Commission officials.
Language impairment and comorbid vulnerabilities among young people in custody
Authors: Hughes Nathan , Chitsabesan Prathiba , Bryan Karen , Borschmann Rohan , Swain Nathaniel , Lennox Charlotte , Shaw Jennifer 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundWhile the prevalence of language and communication difficulties among young people in custody is well established, holistic understanding of the complexity and co‐occurrence of additional vulnerabilities among this population are rare.MethodsNinety‐three young people in a young offenders institution in England were assessed using the Comprehensive Health Assessment Tool, the Test of Word Knowledge, and a range of additional assessments of communication, cognition, and neurodevelopmental difficulties.ResultsForty‐seven percent of the young people demonstrated an aspect of language skills significantly below the population average, with more than one in four identified as having impairment. Only one in four of those with an impairment had previously accessed speech and language services. Language needs were associated with difficulties with social communication and nonverbal cognition, as well as higher risk of self‐harm and substance misuse.ConclusionsEarlier identification of language difficulties requires routine assessment of young people at risk of engagement in offending behavior. Where language difficulties are identified, holistic assessments of needs should be undertaken. There is a need for speech and language therapy provision within youth justice services, as well as in other services accessed by young people at risk of engagement in offending.