bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Common Methodology for Cardiac and Ocular Artifact Suppression from EEG Recordings by Combining Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Regression Approach
Authors: Patel Rajesh , Gireesan K. , Sengottuvel S. , Janawadkar M. P. , Radhakrishnan T. S. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive way of recording brain activities, making it useful for diagnosing various neurological disorders. However, artifact signals associated with eye blinks or the heart spread across the scalp, contaminating EEG recordings and making EEG data analysis difficult. To solve this problem, we implement a common methodology to suppress both cardiac and ocular artifact signal, by correlating the measured contaminated EEG signals with the clean reference electro-oculography (EOG) and electrocardiography (EKG) data and subtracting the scaled EOG and EKG from the contaminated EEG recording. In the proposed methodology, the clean EOG and EKG signals are extracted by subjecting the raw reference time-series data to ensemble empirical mode decomposition to obtain the intrinsic mode functions. Then, an unsupervised technique is used to capture the artifact components. We compare the distortion introduced into the brain signal after artifact suppression using the proposed method with those obtained using conventional regression alone and with a wavelet-based approach. The results show that the proposed method outperforms the other techniques, with an additional advantage of being a common methodology for the suppression of two types of artifact.
The associations of adolescents' dating violence victimization, well‐being and engagement in risk behaviors
Authors: Van Ouytsel Joris , Ponnet Koen , Walrave Michel 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTThis brief report describes dating violence victimization among adolescents in Flanders, Belgium, and focuses on how dating violence is related to adolescents' well‐being and engagement in risk behaviors, such as substance use, sexual behaviors, and engagement in vandalism or fighting. A survey was conducted in Flanders, Belgium among 1187 adolescents (61.3% female, n = 728). A total of 466 respondents between 16 and 22 years old (M = 17.82 years, SD = 0.92) were in a relationship (71.0% female, n = 331), and, therefore, formed the subsample of the present study. The results show that adolescents, who consume alcohol at a younger age, have ever used marihuana, or were involved in vandalism have a higher probability to become victim of dating violence than adolescents who are not involved in these behaviors. Dating violence victimization was also linked with symptoms of depression and a lower self‐esteem.
Microsurgical Vascular Manipulation in Aneurysm Surgery and Delayed Ischemic Injury
Authors: Chohan Muhammad Omar , Carlson Andrew P. , Murray-Krezan Cristina , Taylor Christopher L. , Yonas Howard 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground: The role of aggressive surgical manipulation with clot evacuation, arachnoid dissection, and papaverine-guided adventitial dissection of large vessels during ruptured aneurysm surgery in reducing vasospasm is controversial. Here we describe a single-institution experience in aneurysm surgery outcomes with and without aggressive surgery. Methods: We performed retrospective analysis of all patients >18 years of age with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from anterior circulation aneurysms between 2008 and 2013 at the University of New Mexico Hospital. Vasospasm was characterized on days 3 through 14 after SAH based on: (1) angiography, (2) vasospasm requiring angiographic intervention, (3) development of delayed ischemic neurologic deficit (DIND), and (4) radiological appearance of new strokes. Results: Of 159 patients, 114 (71.6%) had “aggressive” and 45 (28.3%) had standard microsurgery. More than 60% of patients presented with a Hunt and Hess score of ≥3 and a Fisher grade (FG) of 4. Compared with standard surgery, there was a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of DIND in patients undergoing aggressive surgery (18.4% vs 37.8%, p=0.01). Moreover, there was a reduction in the number of new strokes by 30% in the aggressive surgery group with moderate or higher degrees of vasospasm (46.0% vs 76.5%, p=0.06). In the same group with FG 4 SAH, however, this difference was more than 50% (30% vs 64.7%, p=0.02). Conclusions: We conclude that aggressive surgical manipulation during aneurysm surgery results in lower incidence of DIND and new strokes. This effect is most pronounced in patients with FG 4 SAH.
Long-term Evaluation of the “Get Fit for Active Living” Program
Authors: Stathokostas Liza , Speechley Mark , Little Robert M. D. , Doerksen Shawna , Copeland Jennifer , Paterson Donald H. 
Published: January 2017

RÉSUMÉCette étude a examiné les niveaux de 6 et 12 mois d’adhésion à l’activité physique, les changements fonctionnels et les déterminants psychosociaux de l’activité physique chez 176 adultes âgés qui ont participé au programme pilote «Get Fit for Active Living» (GFAL). Des mesures fonctionnelles et psychosociales ont été menées en personne à 6 mois; à 12 mois, les mesures psychosociales et la participation à l’activité physique ont été évaluées par interview téléphonique. Quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent ont été retenus dans l’étude au suivi de 6 mois, et 88 pour cent à 12 mois. Le taux d’adhésion autodéclaré à l’exercice à 12 mois était de 66%. La principale raison de la participation continue dans l’exercice était de maintenir la santé (45%). Les motifs de non-respect étaient la maladie (38%) et le manque de motivation (32%). Les résultats identifient les facteurs associés aux changements positifs de comportement que les promoteurs peuvent utiliser lorsqu’ils ciblent une population âgée. Les résultats du projet GFAL peuvent servir de modèle pour des programmes d’exercices durables et communautaires pour les aînés.
Job Satisfaction: Insights from Home Support Care Workers in Three Canadian Jurisdictions
Authors: Panagiotoglou Dimitra , Fancey Pamela , Keefe Janice , Martin-Matthews Anne 
Published: January 2017

RÉSUMÉCette étude, utilisant des méthodes mixtes, a permis de déterminer les caractéristiques personnelles et professionnelles qui déterminent la satisfaction au travail des travailleurs de soutien à domicile (TSD) qui offrent de l’aide aux personnes âgées. Les données étaient fondées sur une mesure normalisée de la satisfaction au travail ainsi que sur des entretiens qualitatifs et approfondis avec 176 travailleurs de soutien à domicile de trois administrations provinciales canadiennes (Colombie-Britannique, n = 108; Ontario, n = 28; Nouvelle-Écosse, n = 40). Nous nous attendions à ce que la variabilité des profils démographiques parmi les trois groupes de travailleurs et des différentes fiches de poste soit associées à des différences dans la perception de satisfaction professionnelle. Ce n’était pas le cas. Les résultats de l’analyse qualitative mettent en lumière les principaux domaines qui ont contribué à la satisfaction au travail. Ces domaines concernent le travail (horaires, voyages d’affaires et sécurité), les questions économiques (sécurité de revenu) ou organisationnelles (communication, soutien et respect). Compte tenu de ces constatations, nous recommandons des améliorations en ce qui concerne la communication au lieu de travail, une plus grande marge de temps de déplacement entre les clients et la parité salariale avec des postes équivalents dans les établissements de soins de longue durée.
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell neuropsychiatric toxicity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Prudent Vasthie , Breitbart William S. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTChimeric antigen receptor T cells are used in the treatment of B-cell leukemias. Common chimeric antigen receptor T-cell toxicities can range from mild flu-like symptoms, such as fever and myalgia, to a more striking neuropsychiatric toxicity that can present as discrete neurological symptoms and delirium. We report here two cases of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell neuropsychiatric toxicity, one who presented as a mild delirium and aphasia that resolved without intervention, and one who presented with delirium, seizures, and respiratory insufficiency requiring intensive treatment. The current literature on the treatment and proposed mechanisms of this clinically challenging chimeric antigen receptor T-cell complication is also presented.
Evolutionary conservation and in vitro reconstitution of microsporidian iron–sulfur cluster biosynthesis
Authors: Freibert Sven-A. , Goldberg Alina V. , Hacker Christian , Molik Sabine , Dean Paul , Williams Tom A. , Nakjang Sirintra , Long Shaojun , Sendra Kacper , Bill Eckhard , Heinz Eva , Hirt Robert P. , Lucocq John M , Embley T. Martin , Lill Roland 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMicrosporidians are obligate intracellular parasites that have minimized their genome content and sub-cellular structures by reductive evolution. Here, we demonstrate that cristae-deficient mitochondria (mitosomes) of Trachipleistophora hominis are the functional site of iron–sulfur cluster (ISC) assembly, which we suggest is the essential task of these organelles. Cell fractionation, fluorescence imaging and immunoelectron microscopy demonstrate that mitosomes contain a complete pathway for [2Fe–2S] cluster biosynthesis that we biochemically reconstituted using purified mitosomal ISC proteins. The T. hominis cytosolic iron–sulfur protein assembly (CIA) pathway includes the essential Cfd1–Nbp35 scaffold complex that assembles a [4Fe–4S] cluster as shown by spectroscopic methods in vitro. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that the ISC and CIA pathways are predominantly bacterial, but their cytosolic and nuclear target Fe/S proteins are mainly archaeal. This mixed evolutionary history of Fe/S-related proteins and pathways, and their strong conservation among highly reduced parasites, provides compelling evidence for the ancient chimeric ancestry of eukaryotes.
The mitotic kinesin-14 KlpA contains a context-dependent directionality switch
Authors: Popchock Andrew R. , Tseng Kuo-Fu , Wang Pan , Karplus P. Andrew , Xiang Xin , Qiu Weihong 
Published: January 2017

AbstractKinesin-14s are commonly known as nonprocessive minus end-directed microtubule motors that function mainly for mitotic spindle assembly. Here we show using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy that KlpA—a kinesin-14 from Aspergillus nidulans—is a context-dependent bidirectional motor. KlpA exhibits plus end-directed processive motility on single microtubules, but reverts to canonical minus end-directed motility when anchored on the surface in microtubule-gliding experiments or interacting with a pair of microtubules in microtubule-sliding experiments. Plus end-directed processive motility of KlpA on single microtubules depends on its N-terminal nonmotor microtubule-binding tail, as KlpA without the tail is nonprocessive and minus end-directed. We suggest that the tail is a de facto directionality switch for KlpA motility: when the tail binds to the same microtubule as the motor domain, KlpA is a plus end-directed processive motor; in contrast, when the tail detaches from the microtubule to which the motor domain binds, KlpA becomes minus end-directed.
Architecture and mechanism of the late endosomal Rab7-like Ypt7 guanine nucleotide exchange factor complex Mon1–Ccz1
Authors: Kiontke Stephan , Langemeyer Lars , Kuhlee Anne , Schuback Saskia , Raunser Stefan , Ungermann Christian , Kümmel Daniel 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe Mon1–Ccz1 complex (MC1) is the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for the Rab GTPase Ypt7/Rab7 and is required for endosomal maturation and fusion at the vacuole/lysosome. Here we present the overall architecture of MC1 from Chaetomium thermophilum, and in combining biochemical studies and mutational analysis in yeast, we identify the domains required for catalytic activity, complex assembly and localization of MC1. The crystal structure of a catalytic MC1 core complex bound to Ypt7 provides mechanistic insight into its function. We pinpoint the determinants that allow for a discrimination of the Rab7-like Ypt7 over the Rab5-like Vps21, which are both located on the same membrane. MC1 shares structural similarities with the TRAPP complex, but employs a novel mechanism to promote nucleotide exchange that utilizes a conserved lysine residue of Ypt7, which is inserted upon MC1 binding into the nucleotide-binding pocket of Ypt7 and contributes to specificity.
VGLL4 targets a TCF4–TEAD4 complex to coregulate Wnt and Hippo signalling in colorectal cancer
Authors: Jiao Shi , Li Chuanchuan , Hao Qian , Miao Haofei , Zhang Lei , Li Lin , Zhou Zhaocai 
Published: January 2017

AbstractConcerted co-regulation of multiple signalling pathways is crucial for tissue homoeostasis and tumorigenesis. Here we report that VGLL4, a previously identified YAP antagonist, also functions as a regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signalling. The expression of VGLL4 is significantly downregulated in clinical colorectal carcinoma (CRC) specimens, positively associated with patient survival rate, and inversely correlated with the expression of Wnt target genes in CRCs. Knockdown of VGLL4 enhances proliferation and tumour formation of CRC cells. A designed peptide mimicking the function of VGLL4 effectively inhibits CRC progression in a de novo mouse model. Mechanistically, TEAD4 associates with TCF4 to form a complex and cobind target genes. VGLL4 targets this TEAD4–TCF4 complex to interfere the functional interplay between TEAD4 and TCF4, suppressing the transactivation of TCF4. Collectively, our study indicates that Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo-YAP signalling are directly linked at transcription factor-level, and VGLL4 can target a TEAD4–TCF4 complex to co-regulate both pathways.
Protein serine/threonine phosphatase PPEF-1 suppresses genotoxic stress response via dephosphorylation of PDCD5
Authors: Park Soo-Yeon , Seo Jaesung , Choi Hyo-Kyoung , Oh Hye-Jeong , Guk Garam , Lee Yoo-Hyun , Lee Jeongmin , Jun Woo Jin , Choi Kyung-Chul , Yoon Ho-Geun 
Published: January 2017

AbstractProgrammed cell death 5 (PDCD5) is believed to play a crucial role in p53 activation; however, the underlying mechanism of how PDCD5 function is regulated during apoptosis remains obscure. Here, we report that the serine/threonine phosphatase PPEF-1 interacts with and dephosphorylates PDCD5 at Ser-119, which leads to PDCD5 destabilization. Overexpression of wild-type PPEF-1, but not inactive PPEF-1D172N, efficiently suppressed CK2α-mediated stabilization of PDCD5 and p53-mediated apoptosis in response to etoposide (ET). Conversely, PPEF-1 knockdown further enhanced genotoxic stress responses. Notably, PPEF-1 suppressed p53-mediated genotoxic stress response via negative regulation of PDCD5. We also determined that overexpression of wild-type PPEF-1, but not inactive PPEF-1D172N, significantly increased tumorigenic growth and chemoresistance of A549 human lung carcinoma cells. Collectively, these data demonstrate that PPEF-1 plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis of lung cancer cells by reducing PDCD5-mediated genotoxic stress responses.
Evaluation of HDPE and LDPE degradation by fungus, implemented by statistical optimization
Authors: Ojha Nupur , Pradhan Neha , Singh Surjit , Barla Anil , Shrivastava Anamika , Khatua Pradip , Rai Vivek , Bose Sutapa 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPlastic in any form is a nuisance to the well-being of the environment. The ‘pestilence’ caused by it is mainly due to its non-degradable nature. With the industrial boom and the population explosion, the usage of plastic products has increased. A steady increase has been observed in the use of plastic products, and this has accelerated the pollution. Several attempts have been made to curb the problem at large by resorting to both chemical and biological methods. Chemical methods have only resulted in furthering the pollution by releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere; whereas; biological methods have been found to be eco-friendly however they are not cost effective. This paves the way for the current study where fungal isolates have been used to degrade polyethylene sheets (HDPE, LDPE). Two potential fungal strains, namely, Penicillium oxalicum NS4 (KU559906) and Penicillium chrysogenum NS10 (KU559907) had been isolated and identified to have plastic degrading abilities. Further, the growth medium for the strains was optimized with the help of RSM. The plastic sheets were subjected to treatment with microbial culture for 90 days. The extent of degradation was analyzed by, FE-SEM, AFM and FTIR. Morphological changes in the plastic sheet were determined.
Aged garlic has more potent antiglycation and antioxidant properties compared to fresh garlic extract in vitro
Authors: Elosta Abdulhakim , Slevin Mark , Rahman Khalid , Ahmed Nessar 
Published: January 2017

AbstractProtein glycation involves formation of early (Amadori) and late advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) together with free radicals via autoxidation of glucose and Amadori products. Glycation and increased free radical activity underlie the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. This study investigated whether aged garlic has more potent antiglycation and antioxidant properties compared to fresh garlic extract in vitro in a cell-free system. Proteins were glycated by incubation with sugars (glucose, methylglyoxal or ribose) ±5–15 mg/mL of aged and fresh garlic extracts. Advanced glycation endproducts were measured using SDS-PAGE gels and by ELISA whereas Amadori products were assessed by the fructosamine method. Colorimetric methods were used to assess antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging capacity, protein-bound carbonyl groups, thiol groups and metal chelation activities in addition to phenolic, total flavonoid and flavonol content of aged and fresh garlic extracts. Aged garlic inhibited AGEs by 56.4% compared to 33.5% for an equivalent concentration of fresh garlic extract. Similarly, aged garlic had a higher total phenolic content (129 ± 1.8 mg/g) compared to fresh garlic extract (56 ± 1.2 mg/g). Aged garlic has more potent antiglycation and antioxidant properties compared to fresh garlic extract and is more suitable for use in future in vivo studies.
Intercalative DNA binding of the marine anticancer drug variolin B
Authors: Canals Albert , Arribas-Bosacoma Raquel , Albericio Fernando , Álvarez Mercedes , Aymamí Joan , Coll Miquel 
Published: January 2017

AbstractVariolin B is a rare marine alkaloid that showed promising anti-cancer activity soon after its isolation. It acts as a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, although the precise mechanism through which it exerts the cytotoxic effects is still unknown. The crystal structure of a variolin B bound to a DNA forming a pseudo-Holliday junction shows that this compound can also contribute, through intercalative binding, to either the formation or stabilization of multi-stranded DNA forms.
KRAS-mutation incidence and prognostic value are metastatic site-specific in lung adenocarcinoma: poor prognosis in patients with KRAS mutation and bone metastasis
Authors: Lohinai Zoltan , Klikovits Thomas , Moldvay Judit , Ostoros Gyula , Raso Erzsebet , Timar Jozsef , Fabian Katalin , Kovalszky Ilona , Kenessey István , Aigner Clemens , Renyi-Vamos Ferenc , Klepetko Walter , Dome Balazs , Hegedus Balazs 
Published: January 2017

AbstractCurrent guidelines lack comprehensive information on the metastatic site-specific role of KRAS mutation in lung adenocarcinoma (LADC). We investigated the effect of KRAS mutation on overall survival (OS) in this setting. In our retrospective study, 500 consecutive Caucasian metastatic LADC patients with known KRAS mutational status were analyzed after excluding 32 patients with EGFR mutations. KRAS mutation incidence was 28.6%. The most frequent metastatic sites were lung (45.6%), bone (26.2%), adrenal gland (17.4%), brain (16.8%), pleura (15.6%) and liver (11%). Patients with intrapulmonary metastasis had significantly increased KRAS mutation frequency compared to those with extrapulmonary metastases (35% vs 26.5%, p = 0.0125). In contrast, pleural dissemination and liver involvement were associated with significantly decreased KRAS mutation incidence (vs all other metastatic sites; 17% (p < 0.001) and 16% (p = 0.02) vs 33%, respectively). Strikingly, we found a significant prognostic effect of KRAS status only in the bone metastatic subcohort (KRAS-wild-type vs KRAS-mutant; median OS 9.7 v 3.7 months; HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.79; p = 0.003). Our study suggests that KRAS mutation frequency in LADC patients shows a metastatic site dependent variation and, moreover, that the presence of KRAS mutation is associated with significantly worse outcome in bone metastatic cases.
Pigmentation plasticity enhances crypsis in larval newts: associated metabolic cost and background choice behaviour
Authors: Polo-Cavia Nuria , Gomez-Mestre Ivan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn heterogeneous environments, the capacity for colour change can be a valuable adaptation enhancing crypsis against predators. Alternatively, organisms might achieve concealment by evolving preferences for backgrounds that match their visual traits, thus avoiding the costs of plasticity. Here we examined the degree of plasticity in pigmentation of newt larvae (Lissotriton boscai) in relation to predation risk. Furthermore, we tested for associated metabolic costs and pigmentation-dependent background choice behaviour. Newt larvae expressed substantial changes in pigmentation so that light, high-reflecting environment induced depigmentation whereas dark, low-reflecting environment induced pigmentation in just three days of exposure. Induced pigmentation was completely reversible upon switching microhabitats. Predator cues, however, did not enhance cryptic phenotypes, suggesting that environmental albedo induces changes in pigmentation improving concealment regardless of the perceived predation risk. Metabolic rate was higher in heavily pigmented individuals from dark environments, indicating a high energetic requirement of pigmentation that could impose a constraint to larval camouflage in dim habitats. Finally, we found partial evidence for larvae selecting backgrounds matching their induced phenotypes. However, in the presence of predator cues, larvae increased the time spent in light environments, which may reflect a escape response towards shallow waters rather than an attempt at increasing crypsis.
Biosynthesis of magnetic nanoparticles by human mesenchymal stem cells following transfection with the magnetotactic bacterial gene mms6
Authors: Elfick Alistair , Rischitor Grigore , Mouras Rabah , Azfer Asim , Lungaro Lisa , Uhlarz Marc , Herrmannsdörfer Thomas , Lucocq John , Gamal Wesam , Bagnaninchi Pierre , Semple Scott , Salter Donald M 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe use of stem cells to support tissue repair is facilitated by loading of the therapeutic cells with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) enabling magnetic tracking and targeting. Current methods for magnetizing cells use artificial MNPs and have disadvantages of variable uptake, cellular cytotoxicity and loss of nanoparticles on cell division. Here we demonstrate a transgenic approach to magnetize human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs are genetically modified by transfection with the mms6 gene derived from Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1, a magnetotactic bacterium that synthesises single-magnetic domain crystals which are incorporated into magnetosomes. Following transfection of MSCs with the mms6 gene there is bio-assimilated synthesis of intracytoplasmic magnetic nanoparticles which can be imaged by MR and which have no deleterious effects on cell proliferation, migration or differentiation. The assimilation of magnetic nanoparticle synthesis into mammalian cells creates a real and compelling, cytocompatible, alternative to exogenous administration of MNPs.