bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining cross-cultural differences in autism spectrum disorder: A multinational comparison from Greece, Italy, Japan, Poland, and the United States
Authors: Matson J.L. , Matheis M. , Burns C.O. , Esposito G. , Venuti P. , Pisula E. , Misiak A. , Kalyva E. , Tsakiris V. , Kamio Y. , Ishitobi M. , Goldin R.L. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by social and communication impairments as well as restricted, repetitive behavior patterns. Despite the fact that ASD is reported worldwide, very little research exists examining ASD characteristics on a multinational scale. Cross-cultural comparisons are especially important for ASD, since cultural differences may impact the perception of symptoms. Identifying behaviors that are similarly reported as problematic across cultures as well as identifying behaviors in which there is cultural variation could aid in the development and refinement of more universally effective measures. The present study sought to examine similarities and differences in caregiver endorsement of symptom severity through scores on the Baby Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT). The BISCUIT was utilized to examine ASD core symptomology in 250 toddlers diagnosed with ASD from Greece, Italy, Japan, Poland, and the United States. Significant differences in overall ASD symptom severity and endorsement were found between multinational groups. Implications of the results are discussed.
Electromyographic Activity of the Upper Limb in Three Hand Function Tests
Authors: Silva Natália Sanches , de Almeida Pedro Henrique Tavares Queiroz , Mendes Paulo Vinicius Braga , Komino Caio Sadao Medeiros , Jùnior José Marques Novo , Da Cruz Daniel Marinho Cezar 
Published: February 2017

Objective/Background Occupational therapists usually assess hand function through standardised tests, however, there is no consensus on how the scores assigned to hand dexterity can accurately measure hand function required for daily activities and few studies evaluate the movement patterns of the upper limbs during hand function tests. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in muscle activation patterns during the performance of three hand dexterity tests. Methods Twenty university students underwent a surface electromyographic (sEMG) assessment of eight upper limb muscles during the performance of the box and blocks test (BEST), nine-hole peg test (9HPT), and functional dexterity test (FDT). The description and comparison of each muscle activity during the test performance, gender differences, and the correlation between individual muscles’ sEMG activity were analysed through appropriate statistics. Results Increased activity of proximal muscles was found during the performance of BEST (p < .001). While a higher activation of the distal muscles occurred during the FDT and 9HPT performance, no differences were found between them. Comparisons of the sEMG activity revealed a significant increase in the muscle activation among women (p = .05). Strong and positive correlations (r > .5; p < .05) were observed between proximal and distal sEMG activities, suggesting a coordinate pattern of muscle activation during hand function tests. Conclusion The results suggested the existence of differences in the muscle activation pattern during the performance of hand function evaluations. Occupational therapists should be aware of unique muscle requirements and its impact on the results of dexterity tests during hand function evaluation.
MEASURING PUBLIC PREFERENCES FOR MULTIFUNCTIONAL ATTRIBUTES OF AGRICULTURE IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: MOON WANKI , CHANG JAE BONG , ASIRVATHAM JEBARAJ 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe paper examines U.S. citizens' attitudes toward the concept of multifunctional agriculture and their perceptions about its various attributes. While the concept has emerged as a major narrative shaping agricultural policies and WTO trade rules, there are considerable disagreements among researchers and policy-makers about what should be considered legitimate attributes of multifunctional agriculture, preventing WTO negotiations from moving forward. Results show that U.S. citizens rated national food security and environmental services as the most important multifunctional roles of U.S. agriculture, and national food security makes the largest contribution to explaining U.S. citizens' attitudes toward multifunctional agriculture.
Preliminary paleoenvironmental analysis of permafrost deposits at Batagaika megaslump, Yana Uplands, northeast Siberia
Authors: Murton Julian B. , Edwards Mary E. , Lozhkin Anatoly V. , Anderson Patricia M. , Savvinov Grigoriy N. , Bakulina Nadezhda , Bondarenko Olesya V. , Cherepanova Marina V. , Danilov Petr P. , Boeskorov Vasiliy , Goslar Tomasz , Grigoriev Semyon , Gubin Stanislav V. , Korzun Julia A. , Lupachev Alexei V. , Tikhonov Alexei , Tsygankova Valeriya I. , Vasilieva Galina V. , Zanina Oksana G. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA megaslump at Batagaika, in northern Yakutia, exposes a remarkable stratigraphic sequence of permafrost deposits ~50–80 m thick. To determine their potential for answering key questions about Quaternary environmental and climatic change in northeast Siberia, we carried out a reconnaissance study of their cryostratigraphy and paleoecology, supported by four rangefinder 14C ages. The sequence includes two ice complexes separated by a unit of fine sand containing narrow syngenetic ice wedges and multiple paleosols. Overall, the sequence developed as permafrost grew syngenetically through an eolian sand sheet aggrading on a hillslope. Wood remains occur in two forest beds, each associated with a reddened weathering horizon. The lower bed contains high amounts of Larix pollen (>20%), plus small amounts of Picea and Pinus pumila, and is attributed to interglacial conditions. Pollen from the overlying sequence is dominated by herbaceous taxa (~70%–80%) attributed to an open tundra landscape during interstadial climatic conditions. Of three hypothetical age schemes considered, we tentatively attribute much of the Batagaika sequence to Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage (MIS) 3. The upper and lower forest beds may represent a mid–MIS 3 optimum and MIS 5, respectively, although we cannot discount alternative attributions to MIS 5 and 7.
Independent prescriber physiotherapist led balance clinic: the Southport and Ormskirk pathway
Authors: Burrows L , Lesser T H , Kasbekar A V , Roland N , Billing M 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjective:To report the introduction and impact of non-medical prescribing, initiated to improve patient pathways for those presenting with dizziness and balance disorders.Methods:The Southport and Ormskirk physiotherapy-led vestibular clinic sees and treats all patients with dizziness and balance disorders referred to the ENT department. Letters are triaged by an audiologist, who also performs an otological examination and hearing test; this is followed by an assessment with the independent prescriber physiotherapist. An ENT consultant is nearby if joint consultation is needed. Diagnoses, treatments and patient satisfaction were studied, with an analysis of the impact of medication management (stopping or starting medicines) on patients and service.Results:In 12 months, 413 new patients with dizziness and balance disorders had appointments. The most common diagnoses were benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and vestibular migraine. Eighty-four per cent of patients required self-management strategies, 50 per cent exercise therapy, 48 per cent medication management and 24 per cent a particle repositioning manoeuvre. Patient satisfaction was high (99 per cent).Conclusion:Having an independent prescriber physiotherapist leading the balance clinic has reduced the number of hospital visits and onward referrals. Nearly half of all patients required medication management as part of their dizziness or balance treatment.
Enhanced harmonic generation by propagation of two-color p-polarized laser beams in plasma
Authors: Agrawal E. , Verma N.K. , Jha P. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA theoretical model is developed for studying the generation of third-harmonic radiation by the interaction of obliquely incident, two-color p-polarized laser beams with spatially varying plasma density. The ratio of the fundamental frequencies of the two laser beams are considered to be an arbitrary integer. The amplitude of harmonic radiation obtained by oblique incidence of two-color laser fields propagating in homogeneous plasma is enhanced in comparison with that obtained by normal incidence of two-color laser beams. The periodicity of the plasma density allows the harmonic radiation to be phase-matched, leading to further increase in the amplitude of phase-matched harmonic radiation by an order of magnitude. The amplitude of the generated harmonic radiation increases with the increase in angle of incidence.
Tuberculosis and risk of acute myocardial infarction: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: HUAMAN M. A. , KRYSCIO R. J. , FICHTENBAUM C. J. , HENSON D. , SALT E. , STERLING T. R. , GARVY B. A. 
Published: February 2017

SUMMARYSeveral pathogens have been associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Whether this occurs with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is unclear. We assessed if tuberculosis disease increased the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We identified patients with tuberculosis index claims from a large de-identified database of ~15 million adults enrolled in a U.S. commercial insurance policy between 2008 and 2010. Tuberculosis patients were 1:1 matched to patients without tuberculosis claims using propensity scores. We compared the occurrence of index AMI claims between the tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis cohorts using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox Proportional Hazard models. Data on 2026 patients with tuberculosis and 2026 propensity-matched patients without tuberculosis were included. AMI was more frequent in the tuberculosis cohort compared with the non-tuberculosis cohort, 67 (3·3%) vs. 32 (1·6%) AMI cases, respectively, P < 0·01. Tuberculosis was associated with an increased risk of AMI (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1·98, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1·3–3·0). The results were similar when the analysis was restricted to pulmonary tuberculosis (adjusted HR 2·43, 95% CI 1·5–4·1). Tuberculosis was associated with an increased risk of AMI. CVD risk assessment should be considered in tuberculosis patients. Mechanistic studies of tuberculosis and CVD are warranted.
Motor Adaptation Deficits in Ideomotor Apraxia
Authors: Mutha Pratik K. , Stapp Lee H. , Sainburg Robert L. , Haaland Kathleen Y. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectives:The cardinal motor deficits seen in ideomotor limb apraxia are thought to arise from damage to internal representations for actions developed through learning and experience. However, whether apraxic patients learn to develop new representations with training is not well understood. We studied the capacity of apraxic patients for motor adaptation, a process associated with the development of a new internal representation of the relationship between movements and their sensory effects.Methods:Thirteen healthy adults and 23 patients with left hemisphere stroke (12 apraxic, 11 nonapraxic) adapted to a 30-degree visuomotor rotation.Results:While healthy and nonapraxic participants successfully adapted, apraxics did not. Rather, they showed a rapid decrease in error early but no further improvement thereafter, suggesting a deficit in the slow, but not the fast component of a dual-process model of adaptation. The magnitude of this late learning deficit was predicted by the degree of apraxia, and was correlated with the volume of damage in parietal cortex. Apraxics also demonstrated an initial after-effect similar to the other groups likely reflecting the early learning, but this after-effect was not sustained and performance returned to baseline levels more rapidly, consistent with a disrupted slow learning process.Conclusions:These findings suggest that the early phase of learning may be intact in apraxia, but this leads to the development of a fragile representation that is rapidly forgotten. The association between this deficit and left parietal damage points to a key role for this region in learning to form stable internal representations. (JINS, 2017,23, 139–149)
Utilization of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) DNA sequence to trace the geographical sources ofAquilaria malaccensisLam. populations
Authors: Lee Shiou Yih , Mohamed Rozi , Faridah-Hanum Ibrahim , Lamasudin Dhilia Udie 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOverexploitation in search of its valuable non-wood fragrance product has put pressure on the survival of the endangeredAquilariatrees in the wild. In this study, the pattern of genetic variation among wild populations was measured to aid in designing useful strategies forin situconservation. We sequenced the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the nuclear region of 19 wildAquilaria malaccensispopulations from different states in Peninsular Malaysia, and compared the sequence with the same species residing outside of Malaysia, mainly from the Assam region in India and Sumatra in Indonesia. This widely distributed species is found in the Indomalesian region and is a major source of agarwood. In addition, we included five wildAquilaria hirtapopulations for semblance purposes. Intraspecific variations were not found withinA. malaccensisandA. hirtapopulations in Peninsular Malaysia. Interestingly, Single Nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified when comparingA. malaccensisfrom three geographical regions, with a total of 25 SNPs detected. We imply that geographical segregation is a contributing factor toward genetic variation inA. malaccensis. This is the first report on utilizing the ITS region for analysing genetic variation inA. malaccensisof various geographical regions. The molecular information obtained in this study will serve as a useful reference in designingin situprogrammes for this endangered species.
Inhibition of autophagy blocks cathepsins–tBid–mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathway via stabilization of lysosomal membrane in ischemic astrocytes
Authors: Zhou Xian-Yong , Luo Yu , Zhu Yong-Ming , Liu Zhi-He , Kent Thomas A , Rong Jia-Guo , Li Wei , Qiao Shi-Gang , Li Min , Ni Yong , Ishidoh Kazumi , Zhang Hui-Ling 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOur previous study and others have demonstrated that autophagy is activated in ischemic astrocytes and contributes to astrocytic cell death. However, the mechanisms of ischemia-induced autophagy remain largely unknown. In this study, we established a rat's model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) and an in vitro oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) model. Autophagy was inhibited by either pharmacological treatment with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and wortmannin (Wort) or genetic treatment with knockdown of Atg5 in primary cultured astrocytes and knockout of Atg5 in mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells, respectively. We found that pharmacological or genetic inhibition of autophagy reversed pMCAO or OGD-induced increase in LC3-II, active cathepsin B and L, tBid, active caspase-3 and cytoplastic cytochrome c (Cyt-c), and suppressed the injury-induced reduction in mitochondrial Cyt-c in ischemic cortex, in injured astrocytes and MEF cells. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that 3-MA or Wort treatment reversed OGD-induced release of cathepsin B and L from the lysosome to the cytoplasm and activation of caspase-3 in the astrocytes. Furthermore, treatment of 3-MA or Wort decreased OGD-induced increase in lysosomal membrane permeability and enhanced OGD-induced upregulation of lysosomal heat shock protein 70.1B (Hsp70.1B) in astrocytes. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA or Wort reduced infarction volume in rats and protected OGD-induced astrocytic cell injury. A non-selective caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk or a specific caspase-3 inhibitor Q-DEVD-OPh also rescued OGD-induced astrocytic cell injury. In conclusion, our presenting data suggest that inhibition of autophagy blocks cathepsins–tBid–mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathway via stabilization of lysosomal membranes, possibly due to upregulation of the lysosomal Hsp70.1B in ischemic astrocytes.
Pleiotropic effect of a novel mutation in GCNT2 causing congenital cataract and a rare adult i blood group phenotype
Authors: Cheong Sek-Shir , Hull Sarah , Jones Benjamin , Chana Ravinder , Thornton Nicole , Plagnol Vincent , Moore Anthony T , Hardcastle Alison J 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMutations in GCNT2 have been associated with the rare adult i blood group phenotype with or without congenital cataract. We report a novel homozygous frameshift mutation c.1163_1166delATCA, p.(Asn388Argfs*20) as the cause of congenital cataract in two affected siblings. Blood group typing confirmed that both affected males have the rare adult i phenotype, supporting the hypothesis that the partial association of I/i phenotype and congenital cataract is due to the differential expression of GCNT2 isoforms.
Cationic amino acid transporters play key roles in the survival and transmission of apicomplexan parasites
Authors: Rajendran Esther , Hapuarachchi Sanduni V. , Miller Catherine M. , Fairweather Stephen J. , Cai Yeping , Smith Nicholas C. , Cockburn Ian A. , Bröer Stefan , Kirk Kiaran , van Dooren Giel G. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractApicomplexans are obligate intracellular parasites that scavenge essential nutrients from their hosts via transporter proteins on their plasma membrane. The identities of the transporters that mediate amino acid uptake into apicomplexans are unknown. Here we demonstrate that members of an apicomplexan-specific protein family—the Novel Putative Transporters (NPTs)—play key roles in the uptake of cationic amino acids. We show that an NPT fromToxoplasma gondii(TgNPT1) is a selective arginine transporter that is essential for parasite survival and virulence. We also demonstrate that a homologue ofTgNPT1 from the malaria parasitePlasmodium berghei(PbNPT1), shown previously to be essential for the sexual gametocyte stage of the parasite, is a cationic amino acid transporter. This reveals a role for cationic amino acid scavenging in gametocyte biology. Our study demonstrates a critical role for amino acid transporters in the survival, virulence and life cycle progression of these parasites.
Tailored protein encapsulation into a DNA host using geometrically organized supramolecular interactions
Authors: Sprengel Andreas , Lill Pascal , Stegemann Pierre , Bravo-Rodriguez Kenny , Schöneweiß Elisa-C. , Merdanovic Melisa , Gudnason Daniel , Aznauryan Mikayel , Gamrad Lisa , Barcikowski Stephan , Sanchez-Garcia Elsa , Birkedal Victoria , Gatsogiannis Christos , Ehrmann Michael , Saccà Barbara 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe self-organizational properties of DNA have been used to realize synthetic hosts for protein encapsulation. However, current strategies of DNA–protein conjugation still limit true emulation of natural host–guest systems, whose formation relies on non-covalent bonds between geometrically matching interfaces. Here we report one of the largest DNA–protein complexes of semisynthetic origin held in place exclusively by spatially defined supramolecular interactions. Our approach is based on the decoration of the inner surface of a DNA origami hollow structure with multiple ligands converging to their corresponding binding sites on the protein surface with programmable symmetry and range-of-action. Our results demonstrate specific host–guest recognition in a 1:1 stoichiometry and selectivity for the guest whose size guarantees sufficient molecular diffusion preserving short intermolecular distances. DNA nanocontainers can be thus rationally designed to trap single guest molecules in their native form, mimicking natural strategies of molecular recognition and anticipating a new method of protein caging.
Tailoring the thermal and electrical transport properties of graphene films by grain size engineering
Authors: Ma Teng , Liu Zhibo , Wen Jinxiu , Gao Yang , Ren Xibiao , Chen Huanjun , Jin Chuanhong , Ma Xiu-Liang , Xu Ningsheng , Cheng Hui-Ming , Ren Wencai 
Published: February 2017

AbstractUnderstanding the influence of grain boundaries (GBs) on the electrical and thermal transport properties of graphene films is essentially important for electronic, optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications. Here we report a segregation–adsorption chemical vapour deposition method to grow well-stitched high-quality monolayer graphene films with a tunable uniform grain size from ∼200 nm to ∼1 μm, by using a Pt substrate with medium carbon solubility, which enables the determination of the scaling laws of thermal and electrical conductivities as a function of grain size. We found that the thermal conductivity of graphene films dramatically decreases with decreasing grain size by a small thermal boundary conductance of ∼3.8 × 109 W m−2 K−1, while the electrical conductivity slowly decreases with an extraordinarily small GB transport gap of ∼0.01 eV and resistivity of ∼0.3 kΩ μm. Moreover, the changes in both the thermal and electrical conductivities with grain size change are greater than those of typical semiconducting thermoelectric materials.
Selection rules for Cooper pairing in two-dimensional interfaces and sheets
Authors: Scheurer Mathias S. , Agterberg Daniel F. , Schmalian Jörg 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThin sheets deposited on a substrate and interfaces of correlated materials offer a plethora of routes towards the realization of exotic phases of matter. In these systems, inversion symmetry is broken which strongly affects the properties of possible instabilities—in particular in the superconducting channel. By combining symmetry and energetic arguments, we derive general and experimentally accessible selection rules for Cooper instabilities in noncentrosymmetric systems, which yield necessary and sufficient conditions for spontaneous time-reversal-symmetry breaking at the superconducting transition and constrain the orientation of the triplet vector. We discuss in detail the implications for various different materials. For instance, we conclude that the pairing state in thin layers of Sr2RuO4 must, as opposed to its bulk superconducting state, preserve time-reversal symmetry with its triplet vector being parallel to the plane of the system. All triplet states of this system allowed by the selection rules are predicted to display topological Majorana modes at dislocations or at the edge of the system. Applying our results to the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures, we find that while the condensates of the (001) and (110) oriented interfaces must be time-reversal symmetric, spontaneous time-reversal-symmetry breaking can only occur for the less studied (111) interface. We also discuss the consequences for thin layers of URu2Si2 and UPt3 as well as for single-layer FeSe. On a more general level, our considerations might serve as a design principle in the search for time-reversal-symmetry-breaking superconductivity in the absence of external magnetic fields.