bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Working Memory Requires a Combination of Transient and Attractor-Dominated Dynamics to Process Unreliably Timed Inputs
Authors: Nachstedt Timo , Tetzlaff Christian 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWorking memory stores and processes information received as a stream of continuously incoming stimuli. This requires accurate sequencing and it remains puzzling how this can be reliably achieved by the neuronal system as our perceptual inputs show a high degree of temporal variability. One hypothesis is that accurate timing is achieved by purely transient neuronal dynamics; by contrast a second hypothesis states that the underlying network dynamics are dominated by attractor states. In this study, we resolve this contradiction by theoretically investigating the performance of the system using stimuli with differently accurate timing. Interestingly, only the combination of attractor and transient dynamics enables the network to perform with a low error rate. Further analysis reveals that the transient dynamics of the system are used to process information, while the attractor states store it. The interaction between both types of dynamics yields experimentally testable predictions and we show that this way the system can reliably interact with a timing-unreliable Hebbian-network representing long-term memory. Thus, this study provides a potential solution to the long-standing problem of the basic neuronal dynamics underlying working memory.
Requirement for Jagged1-Notch2 signaling in patterning the bones of the mouse and human middle ear
Authors: Teng Camilla S. , Yen Hai-Yun , Barske Lindsey , Smith Bea , Llamas Juan , Segil Neil , Go John , Sanchez-Lara Pedro A. , Maxson Robert E. , Crump J. Gage 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWhereas Jagged1-Notch2 signaling is known to pattern the sensorineural components of the inner ear, its role in middle ear development has been less clear. We previously reported a role for Jagged-Notch signaling in shaping skeletal elements derived from the first two pharyngeal arches of zebrafish. Here we show a conserved requirement for Jagged1-Notch2 signaling in patterning the stapes and incus middle ear bones derived from the equivalent pharyngeal arches of mammals. Mice lacking Jagged1 or Notch2 in neural crest-derived cells (NCCs) of the pharyngeal arches display a malformed stapes. Heterozygous Jagged1 knockout mice, a model for Alagille Syndrome (AGS), also display stapes and incus defects. We find that Jagged1-Notch2 signaling functions early to pattern the stapes cartilage template, with stapes malformations correlating with hearing loss across all frequencies. We observe similar stapes defects and hearing loss in one patient with heterozygous JAGGED1 loss, and a diversity of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss in nearly half of AGS patients, many of which carry JAGGED1 mutations. Our findings reveal deep conservation of Jagged1-Notch2 signaling in patterning the pharyngeal arches from fish to mouse to man, despite the very different functions of their skeletal derivatives in jaw support and sound transduction.
Characterization of meta-Cresol Purple for spectrophotometric pH measurements in saline and hypersaline media at sub-zero temperatures
Authors: Loucaides Socratis , Rèrolle Victoire M. C. , Papadimitriou Stathys , Kennedy Hilary , Mowlem Matthew C. , Dickson Andrew G. , Gledhill Martha , Achterberg Eric P. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAccurate pH measurements in polar waters and sea ice brines require pH indicator dyes characterized at near-zero and below-zero temperatures and high salinities. We present experimentally determined physical and chemical characteristics of purified meta-Cresol Purple (mCP) pH indicator dye suitable for pH measurements in seawater and conservative seawater-derived brines at salinities (S) between 35 and 100 and temperatures (T) between their freezing point and 298.15 K (25 °C). Within this temperature and salinity range, using purified mCP and a novel thermostated spectrophotometric device, the pH on the total scale (pHT) can be calculated from direct measurements of the absorbance ratio R of the dye in natural samples as$${\boldsymbol{p}}{{\boldsymbol{H}}}_{{\boldsymbol{T}}}{\boldsymbol{=}}{\boldsymbol{-}}{\bf{log}}({{\boldsymbol{k}}}_{{\bf{2}}}^{{\boldsymbol{T}}}{{\boldsymbol{e}}}_{{\bf{2}}}){\boldsymbol{+}}\,{\bf{log}}(\frac{{\boldsymbol{R}}{\boldsymbol{-}}{{\boldsymbol{e}}}_{{\bf{1}}}}{{\bf{1}}{\boldsymbol{-}}{\boldsymbol{R}}\frac{{{\boldsymbol{e}}}_{{\bf{3}}}}{{{\boldsymbol{e}}}_{{\bf{2}}}}})$$
p

H

T

=
−

log

(

k

2

T

e

2

)

+

log

(

R
−

e

1

1
−
R

e

3

e

2

)

Based on the mCP characterization in these extended conditions, the temperature and salinity dependence of the molar absorptivity ratios and − $${\bf{log}}({{\boldsymbol{k}}}_{{\bf{2}}}^{{\boldsymbol{T}}}{{\boldsymbol{e}}}_{{\bf{2}}})$$
log

(

k

2

T

e

2

)

of purified mCP is described by the following functions: e1 = −0.004363 + 3.598 × 10−5T, e3/e2 = −0.016224 + 2.42851 × 10−4T + 5.05663 × 10−5(S − 35), and − $${\bf{log}}({{\boldsymbol{k}}}_{{\bf{2}}}^{{\boldsymbol{T}}}{{\boldsymbol{e}}}_{{\bf{2}}})$$
log

(

k

2

T

e

2

)

= −319.8369 + 0.688159 S −0.00018374 S2 + (10508.724 − 32.9599 S + 0.059082S2) T−1 + (55.54253 − 0.101639 S) ln T −0.08112151T. This work takes the characterisation of mCP beyond the currently available ranges of 278.15 K ≤ T ≤ 308.15 K and 20 ≤ S ≤ 40 in natural seawater, thereby allowing high quality pHT measurements in polar systems.
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β inhibitors prevent hepatitis C virus release/assembly through perturbation of lipid metabolism
Authors: Sarhan Mohammed A. , Abdel-Hakeem Mohamed S. , Mason Andrew L. , Tyrrell D. Lorne , Houghton Michael 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDirect acting antivirals against hepatitis C virus (HCV) have markedly improved cure rates in the past few years. However, they are expensive, with only few targeting host cell factors, and affecting virus assembly and release. Huh7.5 cells infected with a JFH-1 clone of HCV were treated with two different glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3)-β inhibitors; AR-A014418 and lithium chloride. Intra- and extracellular HCV virions and specific infectivity was determined using real-time RT-PCR and TCID50, and changes in lipid production were identified by enzyme-linked immunoassay and mass spectrometry analyses. Similarly, effect on two HCV replicon cells were identified by the luciferase activity. Although there was limited effect on virus replication in Huh7.5 cells and replicons, Huh7.5 cells treated with GSK3β inhibitors produced significantly less viral particles in comparison to untreated cells. In addition, the treated cells synthesized significantly lower amounts of ApoB and trapped the ApoE lipoproteins in the cells. In conclusion, our study suggests that GSK3β plays a pivotal role in HCV virion assembly and release mediated in part through inhibition of apolipoprotein synthesis.
Merlin is required for coordinating proliferation of two stem cell lineages in the Drosophila testis
Authors: Inaba Mayu , Sorenson Dorothy R. , Kortus Matt , Salzmann Viktoria , Yamashita Yukiko M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAlthough the mechanisms that balance self-renewal and differentiation of a stem cell lineage have been extensively studied, it remains poorly understood how tissues that contain multiple stem cell lineages maintain balanced proliferation among distinct lineages: when stem cells of a particular lineage proliferate, how do the other lineages respond to maintain the correct ratio of cells among linages? Here, we show that Merlin (Mer), a homolog of the human tumor suppressor neurofibromatosis 2, is required to coordinate proliferation of germline stem cells (GSCs) and somatic cyst stem cells (CySCs) in the Drosophila testis. Mer mutant CySCs fail to coordinate their proliferation with that of GSCs in multiple settings, and can be triggered to undergo tumorous overproliferation. Mer executes its function by stabilizing adherens junctions. Given the known role of Mer in contact-dependent inhibition of proliferation, we propose that the proliferation of CySCs are regulated by crowdedness, or confluency, of cells in their lineage with respect to that of germline, thereby coordinating the proliferation of two lineages.
A new, long-term daily satellite-based rainfall dataset for operational monitoring in Africa
Authors: Maidment Ross I , Grimes David , Black Emily , Tarnavsky Elena , Young Matthew , Greatrex Helen , Allan Richard P , Stein Thorwald , Nkonde Edson , Senkunda Samuel , Alcántara Edgar Misael Uribe 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRainfall information is essential for many applications in developing countries, and yet, continually updated information at fine temporal and spatial scales is lacking. In Africa, rainfall monitoring is particularly important given the close relationship between climate and livelihoods. To address this information gap, this paper describes two versions (v2.0 and v3.0) of the TAMSAT daily rainfall dataset based on high-resolution thermal-infrared observations, available from 1983 to the present. The datasets are based on the disaggregation of 10-day (v2.0) and 5-day (v3.0) total TAMSAT rainfall estimates to a daily time-step using daily cold cloud duration. This approach provides temporally consistent historic and near-real time daily rainfall information for all of Africa. The estimates have been evaluated using ground-based observations from five countries with contrasting rainfall climates (Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia) and compared to other satellite-based rainfall estimates. The results indicate that both versions of the TAMSAT daily estimates reliably detects rainy days, but have less skill in capturing rainfall amount—results that are comparable to the other datasets.
Advancing Precambrian palaeomagnetism with the PALEOMAGIA and PINT(QPI) databases
Authors: Veikkolainen Toni H. , Biggin Andrew J. , Pesonen Lauri J. , Evans David A. , Jarboe Nicholas A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractState-of-the-art measurements of the direction and intensity of Earth’s ancient magnetic field have made important contributions to our understanding of the geology and palaeogeography of Precambrian Earth. The PALEOMAGIA and PINT(QPI) databases provide thorough public collections of important palaeomagnetic data of this kind. They comprise more than 4,100 observations in total and have been essential in supporting our international collaborative efforts to understand Earth's magnetic history on a timescale far longer than that of the present Phanerozoic Eon. Here, we provide an overview of the technical structure and applications of both databases, paying particular attention to recent improvements and discoveries.
Unique identifiers for small molecules enable rigorous labeling of their atoms
Authors: Dashti Hesam , Westler William M. , Markley John L. , Eghbalnia Hamid R. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRigorous characterization of small organic molecules in terms of their structural and biological properties is vital to biomedical research. The three-dimensional structure of a molecule, its ‘photo ID’, is inefficient for searching and matching tasks. Instead, identifiers play a key role in accessing compound data. Unique and reproducible molecule and atom identifiers are required to ensure the correct cross-referencing of properties associated with compounds archived in databases. The best approach to this requirement is the International Chemical Identifier (InChI). However, the current implementation of InChI fails to provide a complete standard for atom nomenclature, and incorrect use of the InChI standard has resulted in the proliferation of non-unique identifiers. We propose a methodology and associated software tools, named ALATIS, that overcomes these shortcomings. ALATIS is an adaptation of InChI, which operates fully within the InChI convention to provide unique and reproducible molecule and all atom identifiers. ALATIS includes an InChI extension for unique atom labeling of symmetric molecules. ALATIS forms the basis for improving reproducibility and unifying cross-referencing across databases.
Dose-dependent social-cognitive effects of intranasal oxytocin delivered with novel Breath Powered device in adults with autism spectrum disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind crossover trial
Authors: Quintana D S , Westlye L T , Hope S , Nærland T , Elvsåshagen T , Dørum E , Rustan Ø , Valstad M , Rezvaya L , Lishaugen H , Stensønes E , Yaqub S , Smerud K T , Mahmoud R A , Djupesland P G , Andreassen O A 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe neuropeptide oxytocin has shown promise as a treatment for symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, clinical research progress has been hampered by a poor understanding of oxytocin’s dose–response and sub-optimal intranasal delivery methods. We examined two doses of oxytocin delivered using a novel Breath Powered intranasal delivery device designed to improve direct nose-to-brain activity in a double-blind, crossover, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. In a randomized sequence of single-dose sessions, 17 male adults with ASD received 8 international units (IU) oxytocin, 24IU oxytocin or placebo followed by four social-cognitive tasks. We observed an omnibus main effect of treatment on the primary outcome measure of overt emotion salience as measured by emotional ratings of faces (η2=0.18). Compared to placebo, 8IU treatment increased overt emotion salience (P=0.02, d=0.63). There was no statistically significant increase after 24IU treatment (P=0.12, d=0.4). The effects after 8IU oxytocin were observed despite no significant increase in peripheral blood plasma oxytocin concentrations. We found no significant effects for reading the mind in the eyes task performance or secondary outcome social-cognitive tasks (emotional dot probe and face-morphing). To our knowledge, this is the first trial to assess the dose-dependent effects of a single oxytocin administration in autism, with results indicating that a low dose of oxytocin can significantly modulate overt emotion salience despite minimal systemic exposure.
Shifting brain inhibitory balance and connectivity of the prefrontal cortex of adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ajram L A , Horder J , Mendez M A , Galanopoulos A , Brennan L P , Wichers R H , Robertson D M , Murphy C M , Zinkstok J , Ivin G , Heasman M , Meek D , Tricklebank M D , Barker G J , Lythgoe D J , Edden R A E , Williams S C , Murphy D G M , McAlonan G M 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCurrently, there are no effective pharmacologic treatments for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is, nevertheless, potential for progress. For example, recent evidence suggests that the excitatory (E) glutamate and inhibitory (I) GABA systems may be altered in ASD. However, no prior studies of ASD have examined the ‘responsivity’ of the E–I system to pharmacologic challenge; or whether E–I modulation alters abnormalities in functional connectivity of brain regions implicated in the disorder. Therefore, we used magnetic resonance spectroscopy ([1H]MRS) to measure prefrontal E–I flux in response to the glutamate and GABA acting drug riluzole in adult men with and without ASD. We compared the change in prefrontal ‘Inhibitory Index’—the GABA fraction within the pool of glutamate plus GABA metabolites—post riluzole challenge; and the impact of riluzole on differences in resting-state functional connectivity. Despite no baseline differences in E–I balance, there was a significant group difference in response to pharmacologic challenge. Riluzole increased the prefrontal cortex inhibitory index in ASD but decreased it in controls. There was also a significant group difference in prefrontal functional connectivity at baseline, which was abolished by riluzole within the ASD group. Our results also show, for we believe the first time in ASD, that E–I flux can be ‘shifted’ with a pharmacologic challenge, but that responsivity is significantly different from controls. Further, our initial evidence suggests that abnormalities in functional connectivity can be ‘normalised’ by targeting E–I, even in adults.
Fast network restoration by partitioning of parallel black start zones
Authors: Shen Cong , Kaufmann Paul , Braun Martin 
Published: May 2017

The restoration of large electrical power systems after a blackout is often a challenging task. A typical restoration process includes the partitioning of the power systems into subsystems and the successive booting of large non‐black start (NBS) units by black start (BS) units. A proper partitioning of the starting zone can reduce the restoration time significantly.This paper investigates a novel network partitioning algorithm to improve the restoration time and ratio of generation and load in each subsystem. The proposed algorithm consists of three stages. In the first stage, the number of subsystems is determined by the number of available BS units and their electrical distance. In the second stage, NBS units are assigned to each subsystem in the way that the rebooting time difference among subsystems is minimised. In the third stage, the substations are assigned to one of the subsystems to achieve the optimal ratio of generation and load in each subsystem.With the proposed algorithm, the switching transient and steady‐state over‐voltages at the receiving end of unload lines are kept within acceptable ranges and the self‐excitation phenomenon does not occur in the subsystems. Furthermore, the start‐up sequence of NBS units in each subsystem is determined simultaneously. The proposed algorithm is flexible and can be adjusted very easily according to the real status of the power system. The validity and performance of the proposed approach is demonstrated through simulations using a New England 39 Nodes network and a real network from south China.
Intestinal Stomas—Postoperative Stoma Care and Peristomal Skin Complications
Authors: Steinhagen Emily , Colwell Janice , Cannon Lisa 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntestinal stomas are necessary for several colon and rectal conditions and represent a major change in the new ostomate's daily life. Though dehydration is the most frequent etiology requiring readmission, irritant contact dermatitis and a host of other peristomal skin conditions are more common complications for ostomates. Wound, ostomy, and continence nurses are invaluable resources to both ostomy patients and providers. A few simple interventions can prevent or resolve most common peristomal complications. Good stoma care is possible in a resource-poor environment.
Stoma Complications
Authors: Krishnamurty Devi , Blatnik Jeffrey , Mutch Matthew 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWhen created properly, an ileostomy or colostomy can dramatically improve a patient's quality of life. Conversely, when a patient develops complications related to their stoma, the impact on physical and mental health can be profound. Unfortunately, significant morbidity is associated with stoma creation conveying high rates of both early and late-term complications. Early complications include stomal ischemia/necrosis, retraction, mucocutaneous separation, and parastomal abscess. Late complications include parastomal hernia, prolapse, retraction, and varices. This review will discuss commonly occurring nondermatological stoma complications and detail management strategies for the ostomate and the surgeon.
Interstitial Lung Disease in Women of Child-Bearing Age
Authors: Mylvaganam Ruben , Dua Sakshi , Nelson-Piercy Catherine , Mathur Aditi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractInterstitial lung disease (ILD) is an inflammatory and fibrotic infiltrative process of the lung that is often associated with collagen vascular disease in women. Untreated, it results in collagen deposition in the lung interstitium that can lead to a slow suffocating death. Pregnancy planning is often not discussed with women who have ILD due to concerns about potentially aggravating the disease process, or due to lack of knowledge about the safety of medications used to treat ILD. With improved understanding of the pathophysiology of both autoimmune disease and ILD, it has become clear that safe, planned pregnancies are possible in most women with ILD. In this article, our aim is to review diagnosis, treatment, and disease course of ILD in women who are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant. Better understanding of the disease process and knowledge of safe treatments will likely lead to improved pregnancy planning in women with ILD.
Primary versus Staged Closure of Exomphalos Major: Cardiac Anomalies Do Not Affect Outcome
Authors: Rees Clare , Tullie Lucinda , Pierro Agostino , Kiely Edward , Curry Joe , Cross Kate , Yates Robert , Eaton Simon , De Coppi Paolo 
Published: May 2017

Aim The objective of the study is to describe management of exomphalos major and investigate the effect of congenital cardiac anomalies.
Methods A single-center retrospective review (with audit approval) was performed of neonates with exomphalos major (fascial defect ≥ 5cm ± liver herniation) between 2004 and 2014.Demographic and operative data were collected and outcomes compared between infants who had primary or staged closure. Data, median (range), were analyzed appropriately.
Results A total of 22 patients were included, 20 with liver herniation and 1 with pentalogy of Cantrell. Gestational age was 38 (30–40) weeks, birth weight 2.7 (1.4–4.6) kg, and 13 (60%) were male. Two were managed conservatively due to severe comorbidities, 5 underwent primary closure, and 15 had application of Prolene (Ethicon Inc) mesh silo and serial reduction. Five died, including two managed conservatively, none primarily of the exomphalos. Survivors were followed up for 38 months (2–71). Cardiac anomalies were present in 20 (91%) patients: 8 had minor and 12 major anomalies. Twelve (55%) patients had other anomalies. Primary closure was associated with shorter length of stay (13 vs. 85 days, p = 0.02), but infants had similar lengths of intensive care stay, duration of parenteral feeds, and time to full feeds. Infants with cardiac anomalies had shorter times to full closure (28 vs. 62 days, p = 0.03), but other outcomes were similar.
Conclusion Infants whose defect can be closed primarily have a shorter length of stay, but other outcomes are similar. Infants with more significant abdominovisceral disproportion are managed with staged closure; the presence of major cardiac anomalies does not affect surgical outcome.
Assessment of Iron Status and the Effect of Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Premature Infants
Authors: Weinheimer Claudia , Burdine Jordan , Luedtke Sherry , Adesanya Olubukunola 
Published: May 2017

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate iron deficiency in preterm infants and determine impact of blood transfusions on serum iron (SI) and ferritin (FTN).
Study Design A prospective evaluation of baseline and weekly hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (Hct), SI, FTN levels in premature infants with birth weights (BWs) < 2,500 g or gestational age (GA) < 34 weeks was performed to determine the impact of GA, BW, and blood transfusion on iron status. Comparisons of the baseline and 1 month values of these measures were performed as well as pre- and posttransfusion.
Results In 125 preterm infants, the mean Hgb, Hct, and SI levels at birth were lower for infants < 28 weeks GA. Post hoc analysis revealed statistically significant lower iron values in infants ≤ 28 weeks GA compared with infants at 28 to 34 weeks GA (p = 0.013) and infants ≥ 34 weeks GA (p = 0.007). FTN and SI values at 1 month were not significantly impacted by blood transfusions.
Conclusion Infants < 28 weeks have lower SI levels at birth. The SI and FTN at 1 month of age were not significantly influenced by blood transfusions.