bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Short-term Effect of Eyelid Massage on Corneal Topography
Authors: Riede-Pult Britta H. , Evans Katharine , Pult Heiko 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term effect of eyelid massage, after the use of warm compresses, on corneal topography.

Methods
Corneal topography was evaluated on 20 subjects (mean age, 47.0 [SD ±17.3] years) using the Oculus Keratograph (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany). Corneal eccentricity (Epsilon) was compared between topography measurements before eyelid warming (using warm compresses) (T1), after eyelid warming (T2), directly after eyelid massage (T3), and 30 minutes after eyelid massage (T4). Differences in corneal eccentricity between the enrolment measurement (T1) and consecutive measurements (T1-4) were analyzed. The contralateral eye—treated by warm compresses, but not by eyelid massage—was the control. Visual acuity (decimal), bulbar conjunctival hyperemia, and corneal staining (Cornea and Contact Lens Research Unit grading scale) were evaluated at T1 and T4 to assess clinical safety.

Results
No significant differences were found between consecutive eccentricity measurements overall and with the central radii (repeated-measures analysis of variance, P > .238 (massaged eyelid: Epsilon T1: 0.48 [95% confidence interval, ±0.07], T2: 0.49 [±0.05], T3: 0.49 [±0.06], T4: 0.48 [±0.06]; horizontal radii T1: 7.76 [±0.13] mm, T2: 7.74 [±0.13] mm, T3: 7.75 [±0.13] mm, T4: 7.76 [±0.13] mm; vertical radii T1: 7.56 [±0.12] mm, T2: 7.55 [±0.10] mm, T3: 7.54 [±0.10] mm, T4: 7.58 [±0.11] mm). Decimal visual acuity significantly improved at the end of the study (massaged eyelid: T1: 1.1 [±0.1]; T4: 1.3 [±0.1]; P < .032). No significant differences were detected between the consecutive evaluation of corneal staining (Wilcoxon test; P > .285). Redness was not significantly different between time points (repeated-measures analysis of variance; P = .187) in the colateral eyes. Hyperemia was significantly reduced in the massaged eyes (T1: 2.0 grade units [±0.3]; T4: 1.9 [±0.3]; P = .021).

Conclusions
Eyelid warming followed by eyelid massage appears to be a safe procedure, without any clinically relevant short-term effects on the cornea.
Paradoxical Effect of Cardiac Output on Arterial Enhancement at Computed Tomography: Does Cardiac Output Reduction Simply Result in an Increase in Aortic Peak Enhancement?
Authors: Kidoh Masafumi , Nakaura Takeshi , Funama Yoshinori , Shimonobo Toshiaki , Shirasaka Takashi , Hatemura Masahiro , Utsunomiya Daisuke , Oda Seitaro , Yuki Hideaki , Namimoto Tomohiro , Higaki Toru , Awai Kazuo , Yamashita Yasuyuki 
Published: May 2017

Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cardiac output (CO) on aortic peak enhancement using protocols with different contrast material (CM) injection durations.

Methods
We used a flow phantom that simulated the human circulatory system. Contrast material was injected at a rate of 4.0 mL/s for a period of 2.5, 5, 10, 15, or 20 seconds for a CO of 2.8, 4.2, and 5.6 L/min. Single-level serial computed tomography scans of the simulated aorta were acquired after the start of CM delivery, and aortic peak enhancement was recorded under the different injection protocols.

Results
Under a long injection duration protocol (20 seconds), a decrease in CO increased aortic peak enhancement proportionally (CO of 2.8 L/min, 420 Hounsfield units [HU]; CO of 4.2 L/min, 365 HU; CO of 5.6 L/min, 291 HU). However, this effect was decreased under shorter injection duration protocols (5, 10, and 15 seconds); under the shortest (2.5-second) injection duration protocol, a decrease in CO resulted in a decrease in aortic peak enhancement (CO of 2.8 L/min, 36 HU; CO of 4.2 L/min, 51 HU; CO of 5.6 L/min, 55 HU).

Conclusions
The magnitude of the effect of CO on aortic peak enhancement depends on the CM injection duration.
Protection by the Eph–Ephrin System Against Mesenteric Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Vivo Valentina , Zini Irene , Cantoni Anna Maria , Grandi Andrea , Tognolini Massimiliano , Castelli Riccardo , Ballabeni Vigilio , Bertoni Simona , Barocelli Elisabetta 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT
Mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced injury targets primarily endothelial and epithelial cells, leading to a cascade of inflammatory events, eventually culminating in life-threatening syndromes. Hitherto, the role of Eph, the largest family of tyrosine kinase receptors, and of their cell-bound ephrin ligands, whose interaction generates a bidirectional signaling, is still debated in I/R injury. The aim of the present work was therefore to investigate the effects produced by unidirectional activation of forward signaling (administration of chimeric protein ephrinA1-Fc), of reverse signaling (EphA2-Fc), or inhibition of both signals (monomeric EphA2 and the protein-protein interaction inhibitor UniPR1331) on the local and systemic inflammatory responses triggered by mesenteric I/R in mice.
When administered at 200 μg/kg i.v., ephrin-A1-Fc prevented intestinal and lung I/R-induced injury, decreasing in the pulmonary district leukocytes recruitment, IL-1β and TNFα levels, and EphA2 overexpression by mesenteric I/R. Blockade of Eph–ephrin signaling by equimolar EphA2 efficiently antagonized I/R-induced gut edema formation, an effect shared also by UniPR1331, mitigated lung mucosal injury, and counteracted the increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. EphA2-Fc 180 μg/kg or equimolar Fc alone did not significantly modify the inflammatory responses to I/R.
Our data suggest that the Eph–ephrin system is directly involved in the development of the acute inflammatory process activated in the gut by hypoxia-reoxygenation and in its amplification to distant organs, revealing that a fine pharmacological tuning of this signaling pathway may represent an attractive strategy to contain the I/R-induced inflammatory cascade.
Laparoscopic-assisted Tranversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block Versus Ultrasonography-guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Postlaparoscopic Cholecystectomy Pain Relief: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ravichandran Niranjan T. , Sistla Sarath C. , Kundra Pankaj , Ali S. Manwar , Dhanapal Baskaran , Galidevara Indira 
Published: May 2017

Objectives:
Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block for postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy is usually given under ultrasound guidance. Laparoscopic-assisted TAP block has been suggested as an alternative to ultrasonogram (USG)-guided block as it is less time consuming and does not need extra equipments. This study was done to compare the efficacy of both the techniques.

Patients and Methods:
We conducted a randomized controlled trial between October 2012 and June 2014 involving adult patients with symptomatic gall stone disease. Patients were randomly assigned to laparoscopic or ultrasound-guided TAP block. Both groups were compared for amount of opioid consumption, postoperative pain scores, postoperative nausea and vomiting, bowel movements, peak expiratory flow rate, and time taken for administering the block.

Results:
We included 60 adult patients in our study. The groups were comparable with respect to demographic characteristics, symptomatology, comorbidities, and intraoperative complications. Amount of opioid consumption and postoperative pain relief were comparable between the 2 groups. The time taken for laparoscopy-assisted block was shorter when compared with the time taken for USG-guided block (P≤0.05). Postoperative nausea and vomiting, bowel movements, and peak expiratory flow rate were comparable between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:
Laparoscopy-assisted TAP block is faster and equally efficacious when compared with USG-guided block and has a definite role in centers where ultrasound is not available in operating rooms.
Rapid Response to Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Tran Duy V. , Meyer Justin P. , Farber Kate G. , Chen Xi Richard , Rosenthal Blake D. , Kellner Charles H. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Although a typical course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) consists of 6 to 12 treatments, remission of depression has rarely been reported after a single treatment. We present the case of a 25-year-old woman hospitalized for a major depressive episode and suicidality, in the context of bipolar 1 disorder, whose symptoms fully remitted with 1 ECT. We also review the literature on rapid response to ECT.
Effect of Atropine Premedication on Cardiac Autonomic Function During Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Jadhav Tanmay , Sriganesh Kamath , Thirthalli Jagadisha , Reddy K.R. Madhusudan , Venkataramaiah Sudhir , Philip Mariamma , Naveen Kumar Channaveerachari , Armugham Shyam Sundar 
Published: May 2017

Objectives
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) results in significant cardiovascular changes. The acute cardiac autonomic changes during ECT remain unexplored. The primary objective of this study was to compare autonomic dysfunction with and without atropine premedication during ECT and secondarily to evaluate dysautonomia across psychiatric diagnoses before and after ECT.

Methods
In this crossover study, 41 psychiatric patients were monitored during 82 ECT sessions. Patients were randomized either to receive atropine or not to receive atropine during their second ECT session and were crossed over during their third session. Heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were continuously monitored from stimulus application until 300 seconds after ECT. Demographic characteristics and ANSiscope indices derived pre- and post-ECT were collected.

Results
Autonomic dysfunction (%) before ECT was similar between atropine and no-atropine sessions (32.4 ± 15.7 vs 32.8 ± 16.7; 95% confidence interval, −7.6 to 6.7; P = 0.90) but increased significantly after ECT to 60.9 ± 16.3 and to 47.0 ± 17.3, respectively, and this difference was significant (95% confidence interval, 6.5–21.3; P < 0.001). There was no difference in the autonomic function across psychiatric diagnoses both before (P = 0.07) and after ECT (P = 0.12).

Conclusions
Cardiac autonomic dysfunction worsens after ECT in patients with psychiatric illnesses and to a significantly greater extent with atropine premedication. The degree of dysautonomia is similar across various psychiatric diagnoses both before and after ECT. Atropine premedication during ECT should be restricted to select patients susceptible to bradyarrhythmia and could be avoided in others.
Coal-Miner: a coalescent-based method for GWA studies of quantitative traits with complex evolutionary origins
Authors: Hejase Hussein A. , Pol Natalie Vande , Bonito Gregory M. , Edger Patrick P. , Liu Kevin J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAssociation mapping (AM) methods are used in genome-wide association (GWA) studies to test for statistically significant associations between genotypic and phenotypic data. The genotypic and phenotypic data share common evolutionary origins – namely, the evolutionary history of sampled organisms – introducing covariance which must be distinguished from the covariance due to biological function that is of primary interest in GWA studies. A variety of methods have been introduced to perform AM while accounting for sample relatedness. However, the state of the art predominantly utilizes the simplifying assumption that sample relatedness is effectively fixed across the genome. In contrast, population genetic theory and empirical studies have shown that sample relatedness can vary greatly across different loci within a genome; this phenomena – referred to as local genealogical variation – is commonly encountered in many genomic datasets. New AM methods are needed to better account for local variation in sample relatedness within genomes.We address this gap by introducing Coal-Miner, a new statistical AM method. The Coal-Miner algorithm takes the form of a methodological pipeline. The initial stages of Coal-Miner seek to detect candidate loci, or loci which contain putatively causal markers. Subsequent stages of Coal-Miner perform test for association using a linear mixed model with multiple effects which account for sample relatedness locally within candidate loci and globally across the entire genome.Using synthetic and empirical datasets, we compare the statistical power and type I error control of Coal-Miner against state-of-theart AM methods. The simulation conditions reflect a variety of genomic architectures for complex traits and incorporate a range of evolutionary scenarios, each with different evolutionary processes that can generate local genealogical variation. The empirical benchmarks include a large-scale dataset that appeared in a recent high-profile publication. Across the datasets in our study, we find that Coal-Miner consistently offers comparable or typically better statistical power and type I error control compared to the state-of-art methods.CCS CONCEPTSApplied computing →Computational genomics; Computational biology; Molecular sequence analysis; Molecular evolution; Computational genomics; Systems biology; Bioinformatics; Population genetics;ACM Reference formatHussein A. Hejase, Natalie Vande Pol, Gregory M. Bonito, Patrick P. Edger, and Kevin J. Liu. 2017. Coal-Miner: a coalescent-based method for GWA studies of quantitative traits with complex evolutionary origins. InProceedings of ACM BCB, Boston, MA, 2017 (BCB),10 pages. DOI: 10.475/123 4
Perceived closeness and autistic traits modulate interpersonal vocal communication
Authors: Spinola Olivia , Sumathi T.A. , Singh Nandini Chatterjee , Chakrabarti Bhismadev 
Published: May 2017

AbstractVocal modulation is a critical component of interpersonal communication. It not only serves as a dynamic and flexible tool for self-expression and linguistic information but also plays a key role in social behaviour. Variation in vocal modulation can be driven by individual traits of the individual interlocutors, as well as by factors relating to the dyad, such as the perceived closeness between interlocutors. Accordingly, the current study examines the role of a) individual differences in autism-related traits, and b) perceived closeness between interlocutors on vocal modulation. Since lack of appropriate vocal modulation is often associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders we also focus on autism-related individual traits. The role of these individual and dyad-level factors on vocal modulation is tested for cultural generalizability by conducting this study in three separate samples from India, Italy, and the UK. Articulatory features were extracted from recorded conversations between a total of 85 same-sex pairs of participants and correlated with their self-reported perceived closeness (CR) to the other member of the pair and with the individual Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Results indicated a significant positive correlation between interpersonal closeness and articulation area in all three samples. A significant negative correlation between AQ and articulation area was observed only in the UK sample. This study thus provides novel insights into determinants of interpersonal vocal communication and a test of their cultural generalizability.
Gene annotation bias impedes biomedical research
Authors: Haynes Winston A. , Tomczak Aurelie , Khatri Purvesh 
Published: May 2017

1AbstractWe found tremendous inequality across gene and protein annotation resources. We observe that this bias leads biomedical researchers to focus on richly annotated genes instead of those with the strongest molecular data. We advocate for researchers to reduce these biases by pursuing data-driven hypotheses.
A universal metric for evaluating, optimising and benchmarking the performance of a Research Technology Platform (RTP)
Authors: Petrunkina A.M. , Filby A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractResearch Technology Platforms (RTPs) exist to facilitate the application and utilisation of specific analytical technologies to the highest possible standard thus delivering reputable data across a broad spectrum of research themes. Specifically, RTPs centralise expertise in a given technology and provide an unparalleled level of continuity and practical knowledge retention that simply cannot be achieved by more organic, ad hoc means of support. As small non profit businesses often tasked with recovering all or a percentage of their running costs, RTPs are under significant pressure to keep pace with rapidly advancing technology and new methodologies against a back drop of dwindling funding for scientific research. At present there are a number of non-trivial issues that make assessing the operational performance of a RTP difficult to determine on a standalone basis let alone attempting to benchmark against other RTPs within the same or different technology fields. Firstly, depending on the technological speciality the RTP may work to one of essentially three operational models. RTPs such as Bio-Imaging or Cytometry provide access to well-maintained analytical systems that can be utilised by trained individuals for a timed access charge. In some cases there will be a requirement for assisted operation of certain instruments by core staff (e.g. cell sorters). Genomics and Proteomics RTPs tend to function on a project basis whereby users will not access the technology themselves rather pay for a full analytical service often with a milestone-based approach for tracking progress. Other RTPs work to a hybrid approach were technical staff provide certain elements of sample preparation for specific projects prior to analysis on core supported, user accessible instrumentation. Secondly the specific operational costs that each RTP is tasked to recover varies significantly on a local, national and international level due to institutional subsidies. These operational costs can include staff salaries, instrument maintenance, associated running consumables, and in some cases instrument depreciation but there is standardised rule as to what each RTP is tasked to recover and to what percentage.Here we present a generalised mathematical approach to describe the customisable metrics of any given RTP serviceThe general strategy how to increase performance within the framework of this approach has been identified through breaking down these customisable metrics into components and maximising them according to specific requirements. These strategies could be potentially adopted for different operational or local procedures, integrating the specifics related to the institutional or national policies. The approach laid down here should be considered as a trigger for opening a discussion around how to address optimising RTP performance and allow for benchmarking across the full breadth of RTPs.
The landscape of human mutually exclusive splicing
Authors: Hatje Klas , Vidal Ramon O. , Rahman Raza-Ur , Simm Dominic , Hammesfahr Björn , Shomroni Orr , Bonn Stefan , Kollmar Martin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMutually exclusive splicing of exons is a mechanism of functional gene and protein diversification with pivotal roles in organismal development and diseases such as Timothy syndrome, cardiomyopathy and cancer in humans. In order to obtain a first genome-wide estimate of the extent and biological role of mutually exclusive splicing in humans we predicted and subsequently validated mutually exclusive exons (MXEs) using 515 publically available RNA-seq datasets. Here, we provide evidence for the expression of over 855 MXEs, 42% of which represent novel exons, increasing the annotated human mutually exclusive exome more than five-fold. The data provides strong evidence for the existence of large and multi-cluster MXEs in higher vertebrates and offers new insights into MXE splicing mechanics and evolution. Finally, MXEs are significantly enriched in pathogenic mutations and their spatio-temporal expression predicts human disease pathology.
Focal versus distributed temporal cortex activity for speech sound category assignment
Authors: Bouton Sophie , Chambon Valérian , Tyrand Rémi , Guggisberg Adrian G. , Seeck Margitta , Karkar Sami , van de Ville Dimitri , Giraud Anne-Lise 
Published: May 2017

SummaryPercepts and words can be decoded from largely distributed neural activity measures. The existence of widespread representations might, however, conflict with the fundamental notions of hierarchical processing and efficient coding. Using fMRI and MEG during syllable identification, we first show that sensory and decisional activity co-localize to a restricted part of the posterior superior temporal cortex. Next, using intracortical recordings we demonstrate that early and focal neural activity in this region distinguishes correct from incorrect decisions and can be machine-decoded to classify syllables. Crucially, significant machine-decoding was possible from neuronal activity sampled across widespread regions, despite weak or absent sensory or decision-related responses. These findings show that a complex behavior like speech sound categorization relies on an efficient readout of focal neural activity, while distributed activity, although decodable by machine-learning, reflects collateral processes of sensory perception and decision.
Stable membrane topologies of small dual-topology membrane proteins
Authors: Fluman Nir , Tobiasson Victor , von Heijne Gunnar 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe topologies of α-helical membrane proteins are generally thought to be determined during their cotranslational insertion into the membrane. It is typically assumed that membrane topologies remain static after this process has ended. Recent findings, however, question this static view by suggesting that some parts of, or even the whole protein, can reorient in the membrane on a biologically relevant time scale. Here, we focus on anti-parallel homo-or hetero-dimeric Small Multidrug Resistance proteins, and examine whether the individual monomers can undergo reversible topological inversion (flip-flop) in the membrane until they are trapped in a fixed orientation by dimerization. By perturbing dimerization using various means, we show that the membrane topology of a monomer is unaffected by the presence or absence of its dimerization partner. Thus, membrane-inserted monomers attain their final topologies independently of dimerization, suggesting that wholesale topological inversion is an unlikely eventin vivo.
Carrion fly-derived DNA metabarcoding is an effective tool for mammal surveys: evidence from a known tropical mammal community
Authors: Rodgers Torrey W. , Xu Charles C. Y. , Giacalone Jacalyn , Kapheim Karen M. , Saltonstall Kristin , Vargas Marta , Yu Douglas W. , Somervuo Panu , Owen McMillan W. , Jansen Patrick A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMetabarcoding of vertebrate DNA derived from carrion flies has been proposed as a promising tool for biodiversity monitoring. To evaluate its efficacy, we conducted metabarcoding surveys of carrion flies on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama, which has a well-known mammal community, and compared our results against diurnal transect counts and camera-trapping. We collected 1084 flies in 29 sampling days, which were pooled into 102 DNA extractions. We then conducted metabarcoding with mammal-specific (16S) and vertebrate-specific (12S) primers targeting mtDNA, and sequenced these amplicons on Illumina MiSeq. For taxonomic assignment, we compared BLAST with the new program PROTAX, and we found PROTAX significantly improved species identifications. We detected 20 mammal, four bird, and one lizard species from carrion fly metabarcoding, all but one of which were previously known from BCI. Fly metabarcoding detected more mammal species than concurrent transect counts (29 sampling days, 13 species) and concurrent camera-trapping (84 sampling days, 17 species), and detected 67% of the number of mammal species documented by 8 years of transect counts and camera-trapping combined, although fly metabarcoding missed several abundant species. This study demonstrates that carrion fly metabarcoding is a powerful tool for mammal biodiversity surveys, and has the potential to detect a broader range of species than more commonly used methods.