bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcranial sonography in dopa‐responsive dystonia
Authors: Svetel M. , Tomić A. , Mijajlović M. , Dobričić V. , Novaković I. , Pekmezović T. , Brajković L. , Kostić V. S. 
Published: October 2016

Background and purposeMutations in the GCH1 gene, encoding GTP cyclohydrolase 1, the enzyme critically important for dopamine production in nigrostriatal neurons, are the most common cause of dopa‐responsive dystonia (DRD), characterized predominantly by limb dystonia, although parkinsonian features may also be present. It has been suggested that DRD is a neurochemical rather than neurodegenerative disorder.MethodsTranscranial brain sonography, which might be a risk marker for nigral injury, was obtained from 141 subjects divided into four groups: (i) 11 patients with genetically confirmed DRD; (ii) 55 consecutive patients with Parkinsonʼs disease (PD); (iii) 30 patients diagnosed as isolated adult‐onset focal dystonia; and (iv) 45 healthy controls (HCs).ResultsSubstantia nigra hyperechogenicity was present in 63.6% of patients with DRD, which was significantly different in comparison to patients with dystonia (20%) and HCs (6.7%), but not in comparison to the PD group (87.3%). Also, values of the maximal areas of substantia nigra hyperechogenicity in patients with DRD were higher in comparison to HCs, but significantly lower than among the PD group.ConclusionsWe suggested that the observed transcranial brain sonography features in patients with DRD might primarily be risk markers for particular clinical features (parkinsonism, dystonia) occurring in the specific genetic context (i.e. GCH1 mutations), or might reflect compensated neurodegenerative processes triggered by the long‐lasting dopamine deficiency due to the profound delay in levodopa treatment in our patients with DRD.
Quality indicators for the adult epilepsy monitoring unit
Authors: Sauro Khara M. , Wiebe Samuel , Macrodimitris Sophie , Jetté Nathalie ,   the EMU Quality Improvement Team
Published: October 2016

SummaryObjectiveQuality and safety in epilepsy monitoring units (EMUs) are of great importance because patients’ seizures are induced rather than prevented in this hospital setting. However, the measurement and evaluation of quality and safety in EMUs are heterogeneous, as are practices and processes of care. To improve the measurement of quality and safety in EMUs, we sought to develop evidence‐based and consensus‐driven quality indicators, adhering to previously described methodologic standards.MethodsCandidate quality indicators were identified using a recent systematic review on quality and safety indicators in EMUs. These were supplemented by expert opinion to identify other indicators that had not been reported previously. The candidate quality indicators were then evaluated using a modified Delphi technique among a multidisciplinary EMU quality improvement team. Candidate indicators identified as important and feasible through the Delphi technique were then developed into quality metrics.ResultsThirty‐four candidate indicators were abstracted from 135 studies included in the earlier systematic review, and two additional candidate indicators were suggested through consensus from experts. Consensus was reached after two modified Delphi rounds for 25 quality indicators identified as important. These 25 indicators were then developed into quality metrics using a standardized data collection form and were deployed in an online database for systematic data capture and further analyses.SignificanceThese quality indicators have the potential to improve the reporting of quality and safety in EMUs through standardized measurement and evaluation of the quality and safety of care. The ultimate goal is improved patient care and clinical outcomes through safer and better care for people with epilepsy in the EMU.
MicroRNA‐139‐5p negatively regulates NR2A‐containing NMDA receptor in the rat pilocarpine model and patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Alsharafi Walid A. , Xiao Bo , Li Jing 
Published: October 2016

SummaryObjectivesRegulation of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) subunits NR2A and NR2B expression during status epilepticus (SE) remains incompletely understood. Here we explored the role of brain‐enriched microRNA (miR)‐139‐5p in this process.MethodsmiRNA microarray was performed to examine changes in miRNA expression in the rat pilocarpine model following NMDA‐receptor blockade. The dynamic expression patterns of miR‐139‐5p, NR2A, and NR2B levels were measured in rats during the three phases of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) development using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot. Similar expression methods were applied to hippocampi obtained from patients with TLE and from normal controls. Moreover, miR‐139‐5p agomir and antagomir were utilized to explore the role of miR‐139‐5p in determining NMDA‐receptor subunit expression patterns.ResultsWe identified 18 miRNAs that were significantly altered in the rat pilocarpine model following NMDA‐receptor blockade. Of these, miR‐139‐5p was significantly up‐regulated and Grin2A was predicted as its potential putative target. In patients with TLE, miR‐139‐5p expression was significantly down‐regulated, whereas NR2A and NR2B levels were significantly up‐regulated. In the rat model of SE, miR‐139‐5p expression was down‐regulated while NR2A was up‐regulated in the acute and chronic phases, but not in the latent phase. NR2B expression was up‐regulated during the three phases of TLE development. Overexpression of miR‐139‐5p decreased, whereas depletion of miR‐139‐5p enhanced the expression levels of NR2A, but not NR2B, induced by pilocarpine treatment. Of interest, NMDA nonselective antagonist and NR2A selective antagonist enhanced miR‐139‐5p levels suppressed by pilocarpine treatment, whereas the NR2B selective antagonist was ineffective.SignificanceThese findings elucidate the potential role of miR‐139‐5p in NMDA‐receptor involvement in TLE development and may provide novel therapeutic targets for the future treatment of TLE.
Ripples on spikes show increased phase‐amplitude coupling in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy seizure‐onset zones
Authors: Weiss Shennan A. , Orosz Iren , Salamon Noriko , Moy Stephanie , Wei Linqing , Van't Klooster Maryse A. , Knight Robert T. , Harper Ronald M. , Bragin Anatol , Fried Itzhak , Engel Jerome , Staba Richard J. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryObjectiveRipples (80–150 Hz) recorded from clinical macroelectrodes have been shown to be an accurate biomarker of epileptogenic brain tissue. We investigated coupling between epileptiform spike phase and ripple amplitude to better understand the mechanisms that generate this type of pathologic ripple (pRipple) event.MethodsWe quantified phase amplitude coupling (PAC) between epileptiform electroencephalography (EEG) spike phase and ripple amplitude recorded from intracranial depth macroelectrodes during episodes of sleep in 12 patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. PAC was determined by (1) a phasor transform that corresponds to the strength and rate of ripples coupled with spikes, and a (2) ripple‐triggered average to measure the strength, morphology, and spectral frequency of the modulating and modulated signals. Coupling strength was evaluated in relation to recording sites within and outside the seizure‐onset zone (SOZ).ResultsBoth the phasor transform and ripple‐triggered averaging methods showed that ripple amplitude was often robustly coupled with epileptiform EEG spike phase. Coupling was found more regularly inside than outside the SOZ, and coupling strength correlated with the likelihood a macroelectrode's location was within the SOZ (p < 0.01). The ratio of the rate of ripples coupled with EEG spikes inside the SOZ to rates of coupled ripples in non‐SOZ was greater than the ratio of rates of ripples on spikes detected irrespective of coupling (p < 0.05). Coupling strength correlated with an increase in mean normalized ripple amplitude (p < 0.01), and a decrease in mean ripple spectral frequency (p < 0.05).SignificanceGeneration of low‐frequency (80–150 Hz) pRipples in the SOZ involves coupling between epileptiform spike phase and ripple amplitude. The changes in excitability reflected as epileptiform spikes may also cause clusters of pathologically interconnected bursting neurons to grow and synchronize into aberrantly large neuronal assemblies.
Density‐Dependent Foraging and Interference Competition by Common Gartersnakes are Temperature Dependent
Authors: Halliday William D. , Blouin‐Demers Gabriel 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe ideal free distribution (IFD) predicts that optimal foragers will select foraging patches to maximize food rewards and that groups of foragers should thus be distributed between food patches in proportion to the availability of food in those patches. Because many of the underlying mechanisms of foraging are temperature dependent in ectotherms, the distribution of ectothermic foragers between food patches may similarly depend on temperature because the difference in fitness rewards between these patches may change with temperature. We tested the hypothesis that the distribution of Common Gartersnakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) between food patches can be explained by an IFD, but that conformance to an IFD weakens as temperature departs from the optimal temperature because fitness rewards, interference competition and the number of individuals foraging are highest at the optimal temperature. First, we determined the optimal temperature for foraging. Second, we examined group foraging at three temperatures and three density treatments. Search time was optimized at 27°C, handling time at 29°C and digestion time at 32°C. Gartersnakes did not match an IFD at any temperature, but their distribution did change with temperature: snakes at 20°C and at 30°C selected both food patches equally, while snakes at 25°C selected the low food patch more at low density and the high food patch more at high density. Food consumption and competition increased with temperature, and handling time decreased with temperature. Temperature therefore had a strong impact on foraging, but did not affect the IFD. Future work should examine temperature‐dependent foraging in ectotherms that are known to match an IFD.
Climate drives adaptive genetic responses associated with survival in big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)
Authors: Chaney Lindsay , Richardson Bryce A. , Germino Matthew J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA genecological approach was used to explore genetic variation for survival in Artemisia tridentata (big sagebrush). Artemisia tridentata is a widespread and foundational shrub species in western North America. This species has become extremely fragmented, to the detriment of dependent wildlife, and efforts to restore it are now a land management priority. Common‐garden experiments were established at three sites with seedlings from 55 source‐populations. Populations included each of the three predominant subspecies, and cytotype variations. Survival was monitored for 5 years to assess differences in survival between gardens and populations. We found evidence of adaptive genetic variation for survival. Survival within gardens differed by source‐population and a substantial proportion of this variation was explained by seed climate of origin. Plants from areas with the coldest winters had the highest levels of survival, while populations from warmer and drier sites had the lowest levels of survival. Survival was lowest, 36%, in the garden that was prone to the lowest minimum temperatures. These results suggest the importance of climatic driven genetic differences and their effect on survival. Understanding how genetic variation is arrayed across the landscape, and its association with climate can greatly enhance the success of restoration and conservation.
Classifying skin diseases: Until where should we go?
Authors: Aractingi Sélim 
Published: October 2016

AbstractNew molecular mapping techniques appear to allow clinicians to design treatments in some cases of resisting cancers. Such sensitive analysis were already able to depict molecular pathways of several inflammatory skin diseases. An accompanying article by Garzorz‐Stark et al. show how these tools could improve the classification of skin inflammatory diseases now based on clinical and pathological features. At last, the final aim of these tools is to predict treatment response in a patient. The utility of “precision” or personalized medicine in cutaneous inflammatory diseases could join the furrow drawn in cancer.
Depigmentation of α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone‐treated melanoma cells by β‐mangostin is mediated by selective autophagy
Authors: Lee Ki won , Ryu Hyung Won , Oh Sang‐seok , Park Soojong , Madhi Hamadi , Yoo Jiyun , Park Ki‐Hun , Kim Kwang Dong 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMelanogenesis is a key pathway for the regulation of skin pigmentation and the development of skin‐lightening/skin‐whitening drugs or cosmetics. In this study, we found that β‐mangostin from seedcases of Garcinia mangostana inhibited α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH)‐mediated melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells and a three‐dimensional human skin model. β‐Mangostin significantly inhibited the protein level of tyrosinase induced by α‐MSH in UPS (ubiquitin proteasome system)‐independent and lysosome‐dependent manner. The inhibition of autophagy by 3‐methyladenine treatment or ATG5 knockdown effectively recovered premelanosome protein as well as tyrosinase degraded by the β‐mangostin treatment. However, rapamycin, a representative non‐selective autophagy inducer, triggered autophagy in α‐MSH‐stimulated cells, which was characterized by a considerable decrease in p62, but it was unable to inhibit melanogenesis. Melanosome‐engulfing autophagosomes were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, previously formed melanin could be degraded effectively in an autophagy‐dependent manner in β‐mangostin‐treated cells. Taken together, our results suggest that β‐mangostin inhibits the melanogenesis induced by α‐MSH via an autophagy‐dependent mechanism, and thus, the depigmentation effect of β‐mangostin may depend on autophagy targeted at the melanosome rather than non‐selective autophagy.
T‐cell “induced‐self” MHC class I/peptide complexes may enable “de novo” tolerance induction to neo‐antigens occurring outside of the thymus
Authors: Oelert Thilo , Gilhar Amos , Paus Ralf 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe hair follicle (HF) epithelium can present self‐antigens to cognate CD8+ T cells. These cells express periodically during the hair cycle arising or age‐related immunogenic proteins including HF‐specific neo‐antigens. We propose that IFN‐gamma derived from the respective antigen‐specific T cells spotting the particular self‐peptides may thereby significantly induce and alter self‐antigen presentation (“induced‐self”). This induction, at first, may silence T cells, including neo‐epitope‐specific T cells. As the thymus cannot significantly recapitulate neo‐epitopes evolving in the periphery, we propose that peripheral tissue‐specific induction of MHC molecules presenting exactly these neo‐epitopes by self‐MHC/peptide‐reactive CD8+ T cells is a key element of self‐tolerance. Subsequently, however, the local perpetuation and modification of the same crosstalk in the context of HF immune privilege collapse can invite HF immunopathology, as typically seen in alopecia areata. This concept may essentially complement thymus‐based regulation models of self/non‐self‐discrimination beyond “missing‐self” to the fine‐tuned “induced‐self” to ensure peripheral needs to maintain self‐tolerance in the case of “danger” and any “alteration of self”.
Comparative study of compressive and fatigue strength of dental implants made of nanocrystalline Ti Hard and microcrystalline Ti G4
Authors: Elias C. N. , Fernandes D. J. , de Biasi R. S. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractOver the last decades, much research has been done to improve the surface quality of dental implants, but there was no change in the materials used to manufacture the implants. The purpose of the present work is to compare the compressive strength and fatigue failure of dental implants made with a new material, nanocrystalline Ti grade 4 fabricated by Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) (Ti Hard) with a traditional material, microcrystalline Ti grade 4 (Ti G4). Machined screw‐shaped implants with three different designs (Easy, Torq and Flash) made with the two materials were subjected to static and dynamic compressive loads. Implants made with Ti Hard showed higher static compressive strength (Easy: 889.9 ± 79.4 N, Flash: 588.9 ± 74.7 N, Torq: 498.3 ± 54.6 N) than implants made with TiG4 (Easy: 776.4 ± 74.5 N, Flash: 308.8 ± 15.2 N, Torq: 410.3 ± 25.2 N) and higher fatigue strength for 5 106 cycles (Easy: 400 N, Flash: 280 N, Torq: 260 N) than implants made with TiG4 (Easy: 300 N, Flash: 200 N, Torq: 200 N). The higher fatigue strength of nanocrystalline Ti G4 is attributed to a delay in crack initiation.
The role of first non‐singular stress terms in mixed mode brittle fracture of V‐notched components: an experimental study
Authors: Dehghany M. , Saeidi Googarchin H. , Aliha M. R. M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis paper investigates the effects of the first non‐singular stress terms on the fracture assessment of sharp V‐notches under mixed mode loading. First, numerical studies have been performed on a fracture test configuration called single V‐notched ring (SVR) specimen. Then, the notch stress intensity factors as well as the coefficients of the first non‐singular stress terms, which are vital parameters in brittle fracture of V‐notched components, were calculated via a finite element over‐deterministic algorithm for a wide range of loading and geometry conditions. The obtained results demonstrate that the SVR specimen is able to provide a complete range of mode mixities from pure mode I to pure mode II loading conditions. The numerical results, next, have been converted to dimensionless parameters and are illustrated in several graphs. Indeed, these graphs can be easily employed by the engineers for rapid calculation of the corresponding notch stress intensity factors and the coefficients of the first non‐singular stress terms in the SVR specimen. The obtained fracture parameters are then submitted to the maximum tangential stress criterion to assess the effects of the first non‐singular terms on fracture behaviour of the specimen. Finally, an experimental study has been performed on the SVR specimen made of Nayriz Marble rock for two notch angles with a complete range of mode mixities. The obtained experimental data confirm the significant role of the first non‐singular stress terms. In fact, these results show that considering only the singular stress terms may induce an average error of 38% in the predicted fracture loads, which can be decreased to about 12% just by adding the contribution of the first non‐singular terms to the maximum tangential stress criterion.
Direct inversion of Young's and Poisson impedances for fluid discrimination
Authors: Zong Z. , Yin X. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractSeismic inversion with prestack seismic data such as amplitude variation with offsets (AVO) inversion is an important tool in the estimation of elastic parameters for predicting lithology and discriminating fluid in conventional or unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs. The product of Young's modulus and density (Young's impedance, YI) and the product of Poisson ratio and density (Poisson ratio impedance, PI) show great potential in lithology prediction and fluid discrimination of unconventional resources such as shale gas or oil. The high quality requirements for prestack data in density inversion render the estimation of YI and PI arduous and inaccurate with a conventional prestack inversion approach. In this study, a direct AVO inversion approach is proposed to estimate YI, PI, and density directly from P‐wave seismic data. The linearized P‐wave reflectivity approximate equation in terms of YI, PI, and density is initially derived. Five models, including four typical AVO classes, are utilized to verify the accuracy of the derived linearized P‐wave reflectivity equation in comparison with the exact P‐wave reflectivity equation and the frequently used linearized reflectivity approximate equation involving P‐ and S‐wave velocities and density. Parameter sensitivity analysis illustrates that YI and PI can reasonably be estimated from P‐wave reflectivity if a decorrelation scheme is utilized in the inversion algorithm. In addition, a pragmatic AVO inversion using a Bayesian scheme is suggested for the direct inversion of YI and PI from prestack seismic data. Synthetic and field data examples demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed inversion approach in the estimation of YI and PI and show the potential of this approach in fluid discrimination.
Rising nitrogen fertilizer prices and projected increase in maize ethanol production: the future of forage production and the potential of legumes in forage production systems
Authors: Adjesiwor Albert T. , Islam M. Anowarul 
Published: October 2016

AbstractNitrogen (N) fertilizers are critical in today's agriculture especially in the United States. Leaching, methane and nitrous oxide emissions from N fertilizer use and the implications for global climate and water pollution raised serious concerns among environmentalists and agronomists. Prices of N fertilizers increased geometrically over the past few years. The projected increase in maize (Zea mays L.) ethanol production is expected to increase N fertilizer demand and prices. Hay prices are, however, staggering and producers are looking for alternatives to N fertilizers. This review paper assessed trends in fertilizer use and prices as well as factors affecting fixation and transfer of dinitrogen (N2) in forage production systems. Additionally, economic implications of using N fertilizers and grass‐legume mixtures are discussed. From the review, it was apparent that legumes have the potential to replace N fertilizers or at least complement the use of N fertilizers in forage production systems. However, N transfer in forage production systems is low. A lot more research is needed to answer the question “Why legumes fix so much N2 and transfer just a small proportion to other crops.” Similarly, identifying compatible grass‐legume species that enhance N2 fixation will be a giant step towards reduced N fertilizer use and ensuring environmental sustainability. With the sharp increase in N fertilizer prices, the use of legumes in forage production systems seems promising.