bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Brain SPECT Images Coregistered with MRI in Patients with Epilepsy: Comparison of Three Methods
Authors: Long Zaiyang , Hanson Dennis P. , Mullan Brian P. , Hunt Christopher H. , Holmes David R. , Brinkmann Benjamin H. , O'Connor Michael K. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSESISCOM and STATISCOM were clinically proved to be effective for ictal/inter‐ictal single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) analysis coregistered with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for seizure localization. Recently, a software package also became available for this analysis. This study aimed to investigate and compare the performance of these analysis methods for seizure localization.METHODSA total of 378 patients who underwent 99mTc‐ethyl cysteinate dimer (ECD) SPECT scans were retrospectively reviewed and 28 remained after applying exclusion criteria. Their SPECT and MRI images were analyzed with SISCOM (with z‐score of 1.5 and 2), STATISCOM, and MIMneuro, resulting in a total of 112 image data sets. Two experienced radiologists participated in the blind review process using a custom tool and they can mark up to two hyper‐ and/or hypoperfusion regions. Their review results were analyzed using the Jackknife Free Response Receiver‐Operating Characteristics (JAFROC) test and the JAFROC figure‐of‐merit (FoM) was reported for each method. The interobserver agreement was also assessed using Cohen's kappa test.RESULTSBased on the readers’ two choices, averaged FoM was 85.7%, 83.9%, 66.1%, and 51.8% for STATISCOM, MIMneuro, SISCOM (z‐score = 2), and SISCOM (z‐score = 1.5), respectively. The average confidence rating was 2.5, 2.3, 1.6, and 1.1 for STATISCOM, MIMneuro, SISCOM (z‐score = 2), and SISCOM (z‐score = 1.5), respectively. For interobserver agreement, kappa was .742 for STATISCOM, .816 for MIMneuro, .517 for SISCOM (z‐score = 2), and .441 for SISCOM (z‐score = 1.5; all P < .001).CONCLUSIONOur study demonstrated that STATISCOM showed the best performance for seizure localization, which was closely followed by MIMneuro. In addition, MIMneuro was not inferior to SISCOM with either z‐score.
Color in Zirconia‐Based Restorations and Related Factors: A Literature Review
Authors: Tabatabaian Farhad 
Published: January 2018

AbstractZirconia ceramic is a popular trend in esthetic and restorative dentistry. Computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems have been well developed to fabricate zirconia frameworks and restorations with acceptable mechanical properties. Zirconia ceramics have excellent optical characteristics; however, achieving optimal esthetic outcomes with zirconia‐based restorations is still challenging due to multiple effective factors on the final color. These factors are different layers of a zirconia‐based restoration and its underlying structures including: dental substrate, cement, zirconia coping, veneering ceramic, and glaze. Moreover, the laboratory procedure of these restorations’ fabrication is another effective factor on the resultant color. Unpredictable esthetic results may be obtained without estimation of the role of each factor and its effect on the final color. This review discussed the color aspect of zirconia‐based restorations according to these factors and based on the literature. In the past decade, investigators have been concerned with the shade reproduction with zirconia‐based restorations; however, there are no sufficient clinical guidelines on how to reproduce the appearance of natural teeth with these restorations. Zirconia‐based restorations have presented a new chance for accomplishing optimum esthetics. Nonetheless further investigations are needed on these restorations to establish clinical guidelines on esthetics.
Co‐causation of reduced newborn size by maternal undernutrition, infections, and inflammation
Authors: Ashorn Per , Hallamaa Lotta , Allen Lindsay H. , Ashorn Ulla , Chandrasiri Upeksha , Deitchler Megan , Doyle Ronan , Harjunmaa Ulla , Jorgensen Josh M. , Kamiza Steve , Klein Nigel , Maleta Kenneth , Nkhoma Minyanga , Oaks Brietta M. , Poelman Basho , Rogerson Stephen J. , Stewart Christine P. , Zeilani Mamane , Dewey Kathryn G. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMore than 20 million babies are born with low birthweight annually. Small newborns have an increased risk for mortality, growth failure, and other adverse outcomes. Numerous antenatal risk factors for small newborn size have been identified, but individual interventions addressing them have not markedly improved the health outcomes of interest. We tested a hypothesis that in low‐income settings, newborn size is influenced jointly by multiple maternal exposures and characterized pathways associating these exposures with newborn size. This was a prospective cohort study of pregnant women and their offspring nested in an intervention trial in rural Malawi. We collected information on maternal and placental characteristics and used regression analyses, structural equation modelling, and random forest models to build pathway maps for direct and indirect associations between these characteristics and newborn weight‐for‐age Z‐score and length‐for‐age Z‐score. We used multiple imputation to infer values for any missing data. Among 1,179 pregnant women and their babies, newborn weight‐for‐age Z‐score was directly predicted by maternal primiparity, body mass index, and plasma alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein concentration before 20 weeks of gestation, gestational weight gain, duration of pregnancy, placental weight, and newborn length‐for‐age Z‐score (p < .05). The latter 5 variables were interconnected and were predicted by several more distal determinants. In low‐income conditions like rural Malawi, maternal infections, inflammation, nutrition, and certain constitutional factors jointly influence newborn size. Because of this complex network, comprehensive interventions that concurrently address multiple adverse exposures are more likely to increase mean newborn size than focused interventions targeting only maternal nutrition or specific infections.
Task Complexity and Modality: Exploring Learners’ Experience From the Perspective of Flow
Authors: CHO MINYOUNG 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDespite an increased awareness of language learner performance in task‐based instruction, little is known about how learners perceive and respond to different task factors. This study investigates the effects of task complexity and modality on (a) learners’ perception of task difficulty, skill, and its balance, and on (b) learners’ task experience. It adopts Csikszentmihalyi's (1975) construct of flow, characterized by interest, attention, and control. It further examines how difficulty–skill balance predicts flow experience. In a repeated measures design, 141 learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) performed 4 argumentative tasks that differed in task complexity (+/– elements) and modality (speaking vs. writing), and completed a questionnaire asking about their perception of task difficulty, skills, and task experience. A repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance showed that, although both task complexity and modality affected learner perception of task difficulty, only modality influenced perceived skill and flow; writing provided more favorable task experiences regarding the difficulty–skill balance and flow. Furthermore, difficulty–skill balance significantly predicted flow experience, but the condition seems insufficient for affecting flow.
Motivation, Comprehensibility, and Accentedness in L2 Spanish: Investigating Motivation as a Time‐Varying Predictor of Pronunciation Development
Authors: NAGLE CHARLES 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis study examined relationships between language learning motivation and the longitudinal development of second language (L2) pronunciation. Twenty‐six English‐speaking learners of Spanish recorded a simplified picture description task 5 times over a year‐long period spanning their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th semesters of Spanish language instruction. Learners also completed a quantitative motivation survey based on the L2 Motivational Self System and an open‐ended questionnaire on their language learning beliefs once per semester, yielding 3 measurements. Eighteen native Spanish listeners rated the learners’ clips for comprehensibility and accentedness. Although mixed modeling of the motivation data revealed a slightly negative trajectory for motivational subcomponents, qualitative analyses of individual patterns indicated that learners were beginning to formulate and evaluate language learning goals that were set into a larger framework of personal and professional objectives. Mixed effects models of the pronunciation data demonstrated that both comprehensibility and accentedness improved over time. When the quantitative motivation measures were integrated into the modeling process as time‐varying fixed effects, effort was significantly related to accentedness, which suggests that effort may have played an increasingly important role in shaping learners’ pronunciation over time.
Clinical and research strategies for limb‐girdle congenital myasthenic syndromes
Authors: O'Connor Emily , Töpf Ana , Zahedi René P. , Spendiff Sally , Cox Daniel , Roos Andreas , Lochmüller Hanns 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCongenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a group of rare disorders that cause fatigable muscle weakness due to defective signal transmission at the neuromuscular junction, a specialized synapse between peripheral motor neurons and their target muscle fibers. There are now over 30 causative genes that have been reported for CMS. Of these, there are 10 that are associated with a limb‐girdle pattern of muscle weakness and are thus classed as LG‐CMS. Next‐generation sequencing and advanced methods of data sharing are likely to uncover further genes that are associated with similar clinical phenotypes, contributing to better diagnosis and effective treatment of LG‐CMS patients. This review highlights clinical and pathological hallmarks of LG‐CMS in relation to the underlying genetic defects and pathways. Tailored animal and cell models are essential to elucidate the exact function and pathomechanisms at the neuromuscular synapse that underlie LG‐CMS. The integration of genomics and proteomics data derived from these models and patients reveals new and often unexpected insights that are relevant beyond the rare genetic disorder of LG‐CMS and may extend to the functioning of mammalian synapses in health and disease more generally.
A preliminary study of pulmonary vein implant applicability and safety as a potential ablation platform in a follow‐up study in pigs
Authors: Vandecasteele Tim , Schauvliege Stijn , Philpott Matthew , Clement Eli , van Loon Gunther , Vera Lisse , Boussy Tim , van Bergen Thomas , Van Den Broeck Wim , Cornillie Pieter , Van Langenhove Glenn 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundRecurrence of atrial fibrillation after an ablation procedure remains a major problem which emphasizes the need for improved pulmonary vein isolation techniques.AimsThe aim of this study was to describe an implantation procedure of a pulmonary vein‐stent which may possibly serve as an ablation technique in the future and to examine stent safety in a follow‐up study in pigs.Methods and resultsEight pigs were catheterized and nine self‐expanding nitinol stents were implanted through a transfemoral or transatrial approach into the antra of the pulmonary veins. After 3 months’ follow‐up, the animals were euthanized for further examination. During the follow‐up phase, no complications were observed. Absence of thrombus formation or pulmonary vein wall dissection was noticed during anatomical and histological evaluation of the heart‐lung packages. All implants were almost completely covered by neo‐intima, of which thickness varied between 0.2 and 3.9 mm.ConclusionsStents can safely be positioned and deployed into the antra of the pulmonary veins without any acute or long‐term (3 months) adverse effects. In the future, these implants could function as a permanently implanted ablation device and provide new therapeutic strategies for pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Compatibility of common IV drugs with 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.42 and 4% gelatin
Authors: Heiderich Sebastian , auf der Springe Anna , Jürgens Jonas , Koppert Wolfgang , Leffler Andreas , Sümpelmann Robert , Dennhardt Nils 
Published: January 2018

SummaryBackgroundAcetate‐containing colloid infusion solutions are recommended to recover normovolemia during pediatric anesthesia. Until now, no studies investigating the compatibility with common anesthetic drugs were available.AimsThis in vitro study was conducted to reveal possible incompatibilities between common anesthetic drugs and the acetate‐containing colloid infusion solutions 6% hydroxyethyl starch and 4% gelatin with normal saline as control.MethodsThe colloid infusion solutions were mixed 1:1 with 29 common intravenous drugs in concentrations used in daily clinical practice. Macroscopically visible changes as well as electrical conductivity, pH, and turbidimetric light diffusion at 405 nm were measured immediately after mixing and subsequently 30 and 60 minutes later. All experiments were conducted in triplicate.ResultsFifty‐nine of the 87 colloid infusion‐drug mixtures showed no significant changes in pH, electrical conductivity, turbidimetrically detectable light diffusion, or macroscopic appearance after mixing with hydroxyethyl starch, gelatin, and NaCl 0.9%. Fifteen mixtures showed equivocal reactions, and 13 mixtures showed incompatibility reactions.ConclusionMost of the tested drugs did not show observable incompatibility reactions. However, some common drugs are highly incompatible with colloid infusion solutions: gelatin (cefazolin, diazepam, midazolam, phenytoin, vancomycin), hydroxyethyl starch (diazepam, midazolam, phenytoin, thiopental), and NaCl 0.9% (diazepam, ketamine (S), phenytoin, thiopental). These combinations should be avoided in clinical practice in case there are fewer intravenous lines available than needed.
Comparison of intubation conditions with CMAC Miller videolaryngoscope and conventional Miller laryngoscope in lateral position in infants: A prospective randomized trial
Authors: Jain Divya , Mehta Swati , Gandhi Komal , Arora Suman , Parikh Badal , Abas Muneer 
Published: January 2018

SummaryBackgroundEndotracheal intubation in lateral position in infants is a challenge. This difficulty may be surmounted to some extent by using videolaryngoscopes but the routine use of these devices as a tool to secure the airway in lateral position remains unevaluated. Therefore, we conducted a prospective, randomized controlled trial to compare the intubation conditions achieved with the CMAC videolaryngoscope and the Miller Laryngoscope in lateral position in infants. We hypothesized that CMAC videolaryngoscope would provide a better laryngoscopic view and reduce the time to intubation compared to the Miller blade.MethodsSixty‐four children aged <1 year, belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I‐III requiring endotracheal intubation were randomized to undergo tracheal intubation with either the Miller laryngoscope (n = 32) or the CMAC videolaryngoscope (n = 32) in left lateral position. Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane or thiopentone 5‐8 mg/kg IV and atracurium 0.5 mg/kg IV. Total time taken to intubate was assessed as the primary outcome. Laryngoscopic view, intubation difficulty score, success rate of tracheal intubation, number of attempts, maneuvers used, and any airway complications were recorded as secondary outcomes.ResultsThe difference in the mean time to intubate (95% confidence interval) between the Miller and CMAC group was 6.1 (1.7‐10.4) seconds. Furthermore, the CMAC videolaryngoscope provided a better laryngoscopic view compared to the conventional Miller blade. In addition, the Intubation Difficulty Scale score was less in the CMAC videolaryngoscope group.ConclusionThe CMAC videolaryngoscope decreases the time taken to intubate and reduces the intubation difficulty when compared to the Miller laryngoscope. Therefore, the CMAC videolaryngoscope may be more useful device when intubating the trachea of infants in the lateral position.
The Solar Ultraviolet Environment at the Ocean
Authors: Mobley Curtis D. , Diffey Brian L. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAtmospheric and oceanic radiative transfer models were used to compute spectral radiances between 285 and 400 nm onto horizontal and vertical plane surfaces over water. The calculations kept track of the contributions by the sun's direct beam, by diffuse‐sky radiance, by radiance reflected from the sea surface and by water‐leaving radiance. Clear, hazy and cloudy sky conditions were simulated for a range of solar zenith angles, wind speeds and atmospheric ozone concentrations. The radiances were used to estimate erythemal exposures due to the sun and sky, as well as from radiation reflected by the sea surface and backscattered from the water column. Diffuse‐sky irradiance is usually greater than direct‐sun irradiance at wavelengths below 330 nm, and reflected and water‐leaving irradiance accounts for <20% of the UV exposure on a vertical surface. Total exposure depends strongly on solar zenith angle and azimuth angle relative to the sun. Sea surface roughness affects the UV exposures by only a few percent. For very clear waters and the sun high in the sky, the UV index within the water can be >10 at depths down to two meters and >6 down to 5 m.
A Mathematical Model for Pathogen Cross‐Contamination Dynamics during the Postharvest Processing of Leafy Greens
Authors: Mokhtari Amir , Oryang David , Chen Yuhuan , Pouillot Regis , Van Doren Jane 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe developed a probabilistic mathematical model for the postharvest processing of leafy greens focusing on Escherichia coli O157:H7 contamination of fresh‐cut romaine lettuce as the case study. Our model can (i) support the investigation of cross‐contamination scenarios, and (ii) evaluate and compare different risk mitigation options. We used an agent‐based modeling framework to predict the pathogen prevalence and levels in bags of fresh‐cut lettuce and quantify spread of E. coli O157:H7 from contaminated lettuce to surface areas of processing equipment. Using an unbalanced factorial design, we were able to propagate combinations of random values assigned to model inputs through different processing steps and ranked statistically significant inputs with respect to their impacts on selected model outputs. Results indicated that whether contamination originated on incoming lettuce heads or on the surface areas of processing equipment, pathogen prevalence among bags of fresh‐cut lettuce and batches was most significantly impacted by the level of free chlorine in the flume tank and frequency of replacing the wash water inside the tank. Pathogen levels in bags of fresh‐cut lettuce were most significantly influenced by the initial levels of contamination on incoming lettuce heads or surface areas of processing equipment. The influence of surface contamination on pathogen prevalence or levels in fresh‐cut bags depended on the location of that surface relative to the flume tank. This study demonstrates that developing a flexible yet mathematically rigorous modeling tool, a “virtual laboratory,” can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of individual and combined risk mitigation options.
Population and house prices in the United Kingdom
Authors: Day Creina 
Published: January 2018

AbstractReal house prices rise in the United Kingdom amid growing concern of an impending correction. The rate of household formation has increased with strong population growth, due to elevated rates of natural increase and net migration, and lack of growth in average household size, due to a rise in single‐person households with population ageing. This paper presents an overlapping generations model of housing, endogenous labour, savings and growth to analyse the effect of an increase in the household formation rate and speculative demand under rational expectations on house prices in a general equilibrium. We find that real house prices rise over time if the rate of household formation outstrips the rate of housing supply, but do not follow a speculative bubble path in the long run. The results explain why the upward trend in real house prices reflects market fundamentals and has continued despite population ageing as the number of working and retired households grows relative to the number of older people seeking to sell.
The major‐effect quantitative trait locus CsARN6.1 encodes an AAA ATPase domain‐containing protein that is associated with waterlogging stress tolerance by promoting adventitious root formation
Authors: Xu Xuewen , Ji Jing , Xu Qiang , Qi Xiaohua , Weng Yiqun , Chen Xuehao 
Published: January 2018

SummaryIn plants, the formation of hypocotyl‐derived adventitious roots (ARs) is an important morphological acclimation to waterlogging stress; however, its genetic basis remains fragmentary. Here, through combined use of bulked segregant analysis‐based whole‐genome sequencing, SNP haplotyping and fine genetic mapping, we identified a candidate gene for a major‐effect QTL, ARN6.1, that was responsible for waterlogging tolerance due to increased AR formation in the cucumber line Zaoer‐N. Through multiple lines of evidence, we show that CsARN6.1 is the most possible candidate for ARN6.1 which encodes an AAA ATPase. The increased formation of ARs under waterlogging in Zaoer‐N could be attributed to a non‐synonymous SNP in the coiled‐coil domain region of this gene. CsARN6.1 increases the number of ARs via its ATPase activity. Ectopic expression of CsARN6.1 in Arabidopsis resulted in better rooting ability and lateral root development in transgenic plants. Transgenic cucumber expressing the CsARN6.1Asp allele from Zaoer‐N exhibited a significant increase in number of ARs compared with the wild type expressing the allele from Pepino under waterlogging conditions. Taken together, these data support that the AAA ATPase gene CsARN6.1 has an important role in increasing cucumber AR formation and waterlogging tolerance.
Differential induction of polar and non‐polar metabolism during wound‐induced suberization in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers
Authors: Woolfson Kathlyn N. , Haggitt Meghan L. , Zhang Yanni , Kachura Alexandra , Bjelica Anica , Rey Rincon M. Alejandra , Kaberi Karina M. , Bernards Mark A. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryWound‐induced suberin deposition involves the temporal and spatial coordination of phenolic and fatty acid metabolism. Phenolic metabolism leads to both soluble metabolites that accumulate as defense compounds as well as hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives that form the basis of the poly(phenolic) domain found in suberized tissue. Fatty acid metabolism involves the biosynthesis of very‐long‐chain fatty acids, 1‐alkanols, ω‐hydroxy fatty acids and α,ω‐dioic acids that form a poly(aliphatic) domain, commonly referred to as suberin. Using the abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis inhibitor fluridone (FD), we reduced wound‐induced de novo biosynthesis of ABA in potato tubers, and measured the impact on the expression of genes involved in phenolic metabolism (StPAL1, StC4H, StCCR, StTHT), aliphatic metabolism (StCYP86A33, StCYP86B12, StFAR3, StKCS6), metabolism linking phenolics and aliphatics (StFHT) or acyl chains and glycerol (StGPAT5, StGPAT6), and in the delivery of aliphatic monomers to the site of suberization (StABCG1). In FD‐treated tissue, both aliphatic gene expression and accumulation of aliphatic suberin monomers were delayed. Exogenous ABA restored normal aliphatic suberin deposition in FD‐treated tissue, and enhanced aliphatic gene expression and poly(aliphatic) domain deposition when applied alone. By contrast, phenolic metabolism genes were not affected by FD treatment, while FD + ABA and ABA treatments slightly enhanced the accumulation of polar metabolites. These data support a role for ABA in the differential induction of phenolic and aliphatic metabolism during wound‐induced suberization in potato.