bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrocardiographic features of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
Authors: Chyou Janice Y. , Friedman Daniel , Cerrone Marina , Slater William , Guo Yu , Taupin Daniel , O'Rourke Sean , Priori Silvia G. , Devinsky Orrin 
Published: May 2016

SummarySudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most common cause of epilepsy‐related mortality. We hypothesized that electrocardiography (ECG) features may distinguish SUDEP cases from living subjects with epilepsy. Using a matched case–control design, we compared ECG studies of 12 consecutive cases of SUDEP over 10 years and 22 epilepsy controls matched for age, sex, epilepsy type (focal, generalized, or unknown/mixed type), concomitant antiepileptic, and psychotropic drug classes. Conduction intervals and prevalence of abnormal ventricular conduction diagnosis (QRS ≥110 msec), abnormal ventricular conduction pattern (QRS <110 msec, morphology of incomplete right or left bundle branch block or intraventricular conduction delay), early repolarization, and features of inherited cardiac channelopathies were assessed. Abnormal ventricular conduction diagnosis and pattern distinguished SUDEP cases from matched controls. Abnormal ventricular conduction diagnosis was present in two cases and no controls. Abnormal ventricular conduction pattern was more common in cases than controls (58% vs. 18%, p = 0.04). Early repolarization was similarly prevalent in cases and controls, but the overall prevalence exceeded that of published community‐based cohorts.
Crop connectivity under climate change: future environmental and geographic risks of potato late blight in Scotland
Authors: Skelsey Peter , Cooke David E. L. , Lynott James S. , Lees Alison K. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe impact of climate change on dispersal processes is largely ignored in risk assessments for crop diseases, as inoculum is generally assumed to be ubiquitous and nonlimiting. We suggest that consideration of the impact of climate change on the connectivity of crops for inoculum transmission may provide additional explanatory and predictive power in disease risk assessments, leading to improved recommendations for agricultural adaptation to climate change. In this study, a crop‐growth model was combined with aerobiological models and a newly developed infection risk model to provide a framework for quantifying the impact of future climates on the risk of disease occurrence and spread. The integrated model uses standard meteorological variables and can be easily adapted to various crop pathosystems characterized by airborne inoculum. In a case study, the framework was used with data defining the spatial distribution of potato crops in Scotland and spatially coherent, probabilistic climate change data to project the future connectivity of crop distributions for Phytophthora infestans (causal agent of potato late blight) inoculum and the subsequent risk of infection. Projections and control recommendations are provided for multiple combinations of potato cultivar and CO2 emissions scenario, and temporal and spatial averaging schemes. Overall, we found that relative to current climatic conditions, the risk of late blight will increase in Scotland during the first half of the potato growing season and decrease during the second half. To guide adaptation strategies, we also investigated the potential impact of climate change‐driven shifts in the cropping season. Advancing the start of the potato growing season by 1 month proved to be an effective strategy from both an agronomic and late blight management perspective.
The biomechanics of blade shaving
Authors: Cowley K. , Vanoosthuyze K. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe shaving challenge represents a technical contradiction, whereby many of the requirements to improve hair removal efficacy can also result in increased damage to the surrounding skin. Poor‐quality shaving can cause a significant inflammatory response of the skin, which may consequently lead to skin irritation and soreness. This study aims to explore and quantify the forces that act upon the skin and hair during the shave and suggests that careful management of these forces is essential in optimizing the shaving process. Various razor features are discussed and their impact on the resulting biomechanical forces is considered. Recent data are included comparing a basic low‐tier disposable razor with a more technologically advanced premium system razor and show significant differences in both subjective shave attribute scores and resulting blood flux in the skin.
Evaluation of the in vitro biocompatibility of a new fast‐setting ready‐to‐use root filling and repair material
Authors: Lv F. , Zhu L. , Zhang J. , Yu J. , Cheng X. , Peng B. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimTo evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility of iRoot FS (Innovative BioCeramix Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada) and to compare its performance with those of iRoot BP Plus (Innovative BioCeramix Inc.) and ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA; Dentsply Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK, USA).MethodologyMC3T3‐E1 cells were cultured for 1, 2 and 3 days in various dilutions of iRoot FS, iRoot BP Plus and MTA extracts after 7 days of setting to assess cell viability using a cell counting kit‐8 (Dojindo, Kumamoto, Japan). The cell apoptosis induced by the set material extracts was evaluated through annexin V–propidium iodide flow cytometry. Changes in the cytoskeletal organization and stress fibres were observed through immunofluorescence by labelling the fibrous actin and nuclei of the cells. Cell attachment was observed under a scanning electron microscope after the MC3T3‐E1 cells were cultured on the surface of a material disc set for 1 day. The data were analysed using one‐way anova.ResultsiRoot FS extracts induced higher cell viability than the control extracts (P < 0.05) at levels comparable to those of iRoot BP Plus and MTA. Compared with the control group, iRoot FS did not promote cell apoptosis. Stretched stress fibres and cytoskeletons were detected in the cells treated with iRoot FS extracts. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the MC3T3‐E1 cells attached to iRoot FS appeared flatter and exhibited better stretch than those attached to the other extracts.ConclusionsiRoot FS displayed in vitro biocompatibility with MC3T3‐E1 cells by promoting cellular proliferation and attachment without causing cell apoptosis.
C5a induces caspase‐dependent apoptosis in brain vascular endothelial cells in experimental lupus
Authors: Mahajan Supriya D. , Tutino Vincent M. , Redae Yonas , Meng Hui , Siddiqui Adnan , Woodruff Trent M. , Jarvis James N. , Hennon Teresa , Schwartz Stanley , Quigg Richard J. , Alexander Jessy J. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryBlood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction complicates central nervous system lupus, an important aspect of systemic lupus erythematosus. To gain insight into the underlying mechanism, vascular corrosion casts of brain were generated from the lupus mouse model, MRL/lpr mice and the MRL/MpJ congenic controls. Scanning electron microscopy of the casts showed loss of vascular endothelial cells in lupus mice compared with controls. Immunostaining revealed a significant increase in caspase 3 expression in the brain vascular endothelial cells, which suggests that apoptosis could be an important mechanism causing cell loss, and thereby loss of BBB integrity. Complement activation occurs in lupus resulting in increased generation of circulating C5a, which caused the endothelial layer to become ‘leaky’. In this study, we show that C5a and lupus serum induced apoptosis in cultured human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs), whereas selective C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1) antagonist reduced apoptosis in these cells, demonstrating C5a/C5aR1‐dependence. Gene expression of initiator caspases, caspase 1 and caspase 8, and pro‐apoptotic proteins death‐associated protein kinase 1, Fas‐associated protein (FADD), cell death‐inducing DNA fragmentation factor 45 000 MW subunit A‐like effector B (CIDEB) and BCL2‐associated X protein were increased in HBMVECs treated with lupus serum or C5a, indicating that both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways could be critical mediators of brain endothelial cell apoptosis in this setting. Overall, our findings suggest that C5a/C5aR1 signalling induces apoptosis through activation of FADD, caspase 8/3 and CIDEB in brain endothelial cells in lupus. Further elucidation of the underlying apoptotic mechanisms mediating the reduced endothelial cell number is important in establishing the potential therapeutic effectiveness of C5aR1 inhibition that could prevent and/or reduce BBB alterations and preserve the physiological function of BBB in central nervous system lupus.
Remedial Responsibility for Severe Poverty: Justice or Humanity?
Authors: Tomalty Jesse 
Published: May 2016

AbstractRemedial responsibility is the prospective responsibility to assist those in great need. With tens of millions of people worldwide suffering from severe poverty, questions about the attribution of remedial responsibility and the nature of the relevant duties of assistance are among the most pressing of our time. This article concerns the question of whether remedial responsibility for severe poverty is a matter of justice or of humanity. I discuss three kinds of situation in which an agent owes remedial responsibility to another suffering from severe poverty. In the first, the remedially responsible agent foreseeably and avoidably caused the poverty. In the second, the poverty was caused by forces outside the control of any agent, such as natural disaster. And in the third situation, the agent who was originally attributed remedial responsibility fails to fulfil it, and so remedial responsibility for the poverty in question is acquired by a secondary bearer. According to David Miller, remedial responsibility is a matter of justice in the first two situations, but not in the third. I argue that his grounds for thinking that remedial responsibility in the second situation are in tension with his view that remedial responsibility is not a matter of justice in the third situation. This has important implications in our world in which remedial responsibilities too often go unfulfilled.
The Relationship Between Brain MR Spectroscopy and Disability in Multiple Sclerosis: 20‐Year Data from the U.S. Glatiramer Acetate Extension Study
Authors: Khan Omar , Seraji‐Bozorgzad Navid , Bao Fen , Razmjou Sara , Caon Christina , Santiago Carla , Latif Zahid , Aronov Rimma , Zak Imad , Ashtamker Natalia , Kolodny Scott , Ford Corey , Sidi Yulia 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEConventional MRI techniques do not necessarily provide information about multiple sclerosis (MS) disease pathology or progression. Nonconventional MRI techniques, including proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS), are increasingly used to improve the qualitative and quantitative specificity of MR images. This study explores potential correlations between MRI measures of disease and disability progression as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Functional Systems (FS), and ambulation index scores in a unique cohort of MS patients treated with glatiramer acetate that has been closely monitored for over 20 years.METHODSThis was a multicenter, open‐label, cross‐sectional MRI substudy among participants in the GA‐9004 open‐label extension of the 36‐month, double‐blind GA‐9001 study, timed to coincide with the prospectively planned 20‐year clinical exam.RESULTSOf 64 patients who participated in the MRI substudy, results are presented for the 39 patients (61%) who had a 1H‐MRS assessment at 20 years of treatment. Both total N‐acetylaspartate relative to total creatinine (tNAA/tCr) concentration ratio and T1 lesion volume were found to be robustly associated with disability levels with different statistical approaches. Gray matter (GM) volume was found to be a more consistent parameter than white matter (WM) volume for disability allocation. The elastic net algorithm showed a trade‐off between WM and GM volumes for disability estimation when different disability definitions were used.CONCLUSIONSAmong patients with MS receiving long‐term glatiramer acetate therapy, consistent effects on disability levels indicated by EDSS and pyramidal FS score thresholds were found for tNAA/tCr concentration ratio and T1 lesion volume.
Thymidine Kinase Type 1 and C‐Reactive Protein Concentrations in Dogs with Spontaneously Occurring Cancer
Authors: Selting K.A. , Ringold R. , Husbands B. , Pithua P.O. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundSerum thymidine kinase type 1 (TK1) and canine C‐Reactive Protein (cCRP) might be useful in detecting dogs with cancer. Algorithms combining biomarkers are sometimes more accurate than results of individual tests.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare serum TK1 and cCRP and Neoplasia Index (NI) in healthy and tumor‐bearing dogs.AnimalsClient‐owned dogs with (n = 253) and without (n = 156) cancer.MethodsRetrospective case–control study. Dogs with cancer were identified after submission of samples for commercial assay and case details were retrospectively collected. Healthy dogs (control) were identified through breed groups and health status was confirmed by health questionnaire for a minimum of 6 months. Serum TK1 activity was measured using a quantitative chemiluminescent assay and serum cCRP was measured using a quantitative ELISA assay.ResultsTK1 activity in the cancer (n = 253) and control group (n = 156) were 7.0 μ/L (median, range <0.5 to >100) and 1.8 μ/L (median, range 0.4 to 55.3), respectively (P < .001). cCRP concentrations in the cancer and control group were 6.0 mg/L (median, range <0.5 to >50) and 1.6 mg/L (median, range 0.09 to >50), respectively (P < .001). The NI in the cancer and control group were 6.4 (median, range 0–9.9) and 0.9 (median, range 0–7.6), respectively (P < .001). ROC AUCs of the NI and TK1 for all cancers were greater than 0.8, highest for lymphoma and histiocytic sarcoma.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceIncreased concentrations of TK1 and cCRP, when present in dogs with cancer, might be useful in confirming a diagnosis and monitoring response to treatment.
Atrial Premature Depolarization‐Induced Changes in QRS and T Wave Morphology on Resting Electrocardiograms in Horses
Authors: Broux B. , De Clercq D. , Decloedt A. , Van Der Vekens N. , Verheyen T. , Ven S. , Pardon B. , van Loon G. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundThe electrocardiographic differentiation between atrial (APDs) and ventricular (VPDs) premature depolarizations is important. P wave prematurity and normal QRS and T wave morphology generally are used as discriminating criteria for APDs.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine whether P, Q, R, S, and T wave amplitude, PQ interval, QRS and P wave duration and P and T wave morphology differ between APDs and sinus beats. To determine the relationship between the RR coupling interval and the change in S wave amplitude between sinus beats and APDs.MethodsCase–control study. From a modified base‐apex configuration of 30 horses with APDs at rest, sinus beat and APD associated preceding RR interval, P, PQ and QRS duration and P, R, S, and T wave amplitudes were measured. Linear mixed models and logistic regression were used to determine the effect of APDs on the ECG variables studied.ResultsIn comparison to sinus beats, APDs were associated with a significant (P < .001) change in P amplitude (−0.03 ± 0.01 mV) and increase in S (0.20 ± 0.02 mV) and T (0.08 ± 0.03 mV) amplitude. PQ (−20.3 ± 5.2 ms) and RR (−519 ± 14 ms) interval and P duration (−21.1 ± 3.0 ms) decreased (P < .001). APDs were significantly associated with a singular positive P wave (OR: 11.0, P < .001) and were more likely to have a monophasic positive T wave (OR: 9.2, P < .001). A smaller RR coupling interval was associated with an increased relative difference in S amplitude (P < .01).ConclusionsAtrial premature depolarizations may lead to changes in QRS and T wave morphology. Knowledge of these changes is important to avoid interpreting certain APDs as VPDs.
Using RAD‐seq to recognize sex‐specific markers and sex chromosome systems
Authors: Gamble Tony 
Published: May 2016

Next‐generation sequencing methods have initiated a revolution in molecular ecology and evolution (Tautz et al. ). Among the most impressive of these sequencing innovations is restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing or RAD‐seq (Baird et al. ; Andrews et al. ). RAD‐seq uses the Illumina sequencing platform to sequence fragments of DNA cut by a specific restriction enzyme and can generate tens of thousands of molecular genetic markers for analysis. One of the many uses of RAD‐seq data has been to identify sex‐specific genetic markers, markers found in one sex but not the other (Baxter et al. ; Gamble & Zarkower ). Sex‐specific markers are a powerful tool for biologists. At their most basic, they can be used to identify the sex of an individual via PCR. This is useful in cases where a species lacks obvious sexual dimorphism at some or all life history stages. For example, such tests have been important for studying sex differences in life history (Sheldon ; Mossman & Waser ), the management and breeding of endangered species (Taberlet et al. ; Griffiths & Tiwari ; Robertson et al. ) and sexing embryonic material (Hacker et al. ; Smith et al. ). Furthermore, sex‐specific markers allow recognition of the sex chromosome system in cases where standard cytogenetic methods fail (Charlesworth & Mank ; Gamble & Zarkower ). Thus, species with male‐specific markers have male heterogamety (XY) while species with female‐specific markers have female heterogamety (ZW). In this issue, Fowler & Buonaccorsi () illustrate the ease by which RAD‐seq data can generate sex‐specific genetic markers in rockfish (Sebastes). Moreover, by examining RAD‐seq data from two closely related rockfish species, Sebastes chrysomelas and Sebastes carnatus (Fig. ), Fowler & Buonaccorsi () uncover shared sex‐specific markers and a conserved sex chromosome system.
Identification of a Vitis vinifera endo‐β‐1,3‐glucanase with antimicrobial activity against Plasmopara viticola
Authors: Mestre Pere , Arista Gautier , Piron Marie‐Christine , Rustenholz Camille , Ritzenthaler Christophe , Merdinoglu Didier , Chich Jean‐François 
Published: May 2016

SummaryInducible plant defences against pathogens are stimulated by infections and comprise several classes of pathogenesis‐related (PR) proteins. Endo‐β‐1,3‐glucanases (EGases) belong to the PR‐2 class and their expression is induced by many pathogenic fungi and oomycetes, suggesting that EGases play a role in the hydrolysis of pathogen cell walls. However, reports of a direct effect of EGases on cell walls of plant pathogens are scarce. Here, we characterized three EGases from Vitis vinifera whose expression is induced during infection by Plasmopara viticola, the causal agent of downy mildew. Recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli. The enzymatic characteristics of these three enzymes were measured in vitro and in planta. A functional assay performed in vitro on germinated P. viticola spores revealed a strong anti‐P. viticola activity for EGase3, which strikingly was that with the lowest in vitro catalytic efficiency. To our knowledge, this work shows, for the first time, the direct effect against downy mildew of EGases of the PR‐2 family from Vitis.
The Forces of Law: Duty, Coercion, and Power
Authors: Green Leslie 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis paper addresses the relationship between law and coercive force. It defends, against Frederick Schauer's contrary claims, the following propositions: (a) The force of law consists in three things, not one: the imposition of duties, the use of coercion, and the exercise of social power. These are different and distinct. (b) Even if coercion is not part of the concept of law, coercion is connected to law many important ways, and these are amply recognized in contemporary analytic jurisprudence. (c) We cannot determine how important coercion is to the efficacy of law until we know what counts as coercive force. The question of what counts as coercion is not a matter for generalization or stipulation. It requires an explanation of the concept of coercion.
Schauer's Anti‐Essentialism
Authors: Spaak Torben 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn his new book,The Force of Law, Frederick Schauer maintains that law has no necessary properties (a position he calls legal anti‐essentialism), and that therefore jurisprudents should not assume that an inquiry into the nature of law has to be a search for such properties. I argue, however, that Schauer's attempt to show that legal anti‐essentialism is a defensible position fails, because his one main argument (the cognitive science argument) is either irrelevant or else incomplete, depending on how one understands it, and because the other main argument (the family resemblance argument) is false.
Fusion of Boar Sperm with Nanoliposomes Prepared from Synthetic Phospholipids
Authors: Kasimanickam VR , Buhr MM 
Published: May 2016

ContentsLiposomes are artificial membrane vesicles that can be used to test and model the functions and interactions of various biological membranes, or as a carrier system to deliver biologically active substances into the cells, or to incorporate lipids into the plasma membrane of target cells to modify membrane structure–function relationships. Sperm plasma membrane undergoes lipid modification during maturation in epididymis and during capacitation in the female reproductive tract to facilitate fertilization. Natural variation in the amounts and composition of lipids in the sperm plasma membrane may also contribute to the species‐specific sperm sensitivities to handling and storage conditions. Boar sperm are notoriously susceptible to membrane damage and are resistant to compositional alteration by artificial liposomes. This study used flow cytometry to demonstrate stable incorporation of nanoliposomes prepared from a complex mixture of various phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine : phosphatidylethanolamine : sphingomyelin : phosphatidylserine : phosphatidylinositol) with high fusion efficiency. Over 90% of sperm rapidly took up fluorescently labelled liposomes and retained the lipids for at least 60 min, in a significant time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. This unique fusion efficacy could be used to alter sperm plasma membrane composition and hence membrane‐based functional responses.
Do Employers' Responses to Crises Impact Men and Women Differently? Firm‐level Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Hallward‐Driemeier Mary , Rijkers Bob , Waxman Andrew 
Published: May 2016

AbstractDo employers' responses to crises impact men and women differently? Using manufacturing census data from Indonesia this paper assesses gender differences in the impact of the East Asian crisis and to what extent these were due to differential treatment of men and womenwithinfirms and gender sortingacrossfirms that varied in their exposure to the crisis. On average, women experienced higher job losses than their male colleagues within the same firm. However, the aggregate adverse effect of such differential treatment was more than offset by women being disproportionately employed in firms hit relatively less hard by the crisis. The null hypothesis that there were no gender differences in wage adjustment is not rejected.