bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Redescription and genetic characterization of Cystidicoloides vaucheri, including first description of male and current status on the phylogeny of Cystidicolidae (Nematoda: Habronematoidea)
Authors: Pereira F.B. , Pereira A.N. , Luque J.L. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCystidicoloides vaucheri collected in the stomach of the redtail catfish Phractocephalus hemioliopterus from River Acre, State of Acre, Brazil is redescribed, including the first description of males and the first genetic characterization based upon 18S and 28S genes of the rRNA. Newly collected females were biometrically smaller than those reported in the original description, but similar morphology shared by the two samples revealed that they belong to the same species. Scanning electron micrographs showed the accurate structure of the cephalic region, described here in detail. Furthermore, the morphology of males completed the specific diagnosis, strengthening the validity of the species. The three other congeners differ from C. vaucheri mainly as follows: in C. dlouhyi the area rugosa is absent, the cephalic structures in C. fischeri are completely distinct, and in both species the spicules have membranous outgrowths, absent in C. vaucheri. Despite the dubious generic assignment of C. izecksohni, it differs from C. vaucheri in several biometrical and morphological features. Because of data availability, only sequences of the 18S were used for phylogenetic reconstructions. Results showed that the genus Ascarophis and the families Cystidicolidae and Physalopteridae are not monophyletic. Cystidicoloides vaucheri formed an independent branch clustering with representatives of Cystidicolidae, confirming its validity. The inclusion of Salmonema and Spinitectus within Cystidicolidae should be reviewed, since they formed an assemblage with species from Rhabdochonidae. In fact, current classification of some taxa belonging to Habronematoidea, Physalopteroidea and Thelazioidea need to be re-evaluated, mainly based on molecular data from different genes.
The evolution of New Zealand's Antarctic research programme since 1957
Authors: Morten Peter 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTNew Zealand's Antarctic research began during the 1957/1958 International Geophysical Year. This analysis explains how and why it has evolved. There have been two phases: 1957 until 1991, when the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and the universities were the key research organisations, and after 1991, when the publicly funded research sector became more diverse. International collaborations have been important throughout. Funding decision processes have progressed from a bottom-up curiosity-driven approach to a more complex system of regular contests. Since 1991, the focus has been on coherent strategies and the outcomes sought. Funding criteria are well-defined and contests are widely accepted as fair and transparent. Reviews and evaluations have been positive. Collaborative organisational interactions dominated decision-making during the early period. Bureaucratic politics is most evident in post-1991 organisational changes. The quality of the research strategies has improved in terms of defining outcomes sought and appropriate measures of progress towards them. However, New Zealand's Antarctic research funding is currently dispersed. It needs better coordination. Collaborative research should be emphasised in areas where New Zealand has established a strong reputation taking account of both national and global priorities if New Zealand's international research standing is to be maintained and enhanced.
Sign, language, and gesture in the brain: Some comments
Authors: Campbell Ruth , Woll Bencie 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn contrast with two widely held and contradictory views – that sign languages of deaf people are “just gestures,” or that sign languages are “just like spoken languages” – the view from sign linguistics and developmental research in cognition presented by Goldin-Meadow & Brentari (G-M&B) indicates a more complex picture. We propose that neuroscience research suggests that a similar approach needs to be taken and offer some examples from research on the brain bases of sign language perception.
Is it language (yet)? The allure of the gesture-language binary
Authors: Coppola Marie , Senghas Ann 
Published: May 2017

AbstractGoldin-Meadow & Brentari (G-M&B) challenge the traditional separation between gestural and categorical language by modality, but they retain a binary distinction. However, multiple dimensions, particularly discreteness and combinatoriality, better carve up the range of linguistic and nonlinguistic human communication. Investigating transformation over time along these dimensions will reveal how the nature of language reflects human minds, rather than the world to which language refers.
How to distinguish gesture from sign: New technology is not the answer
Authors: Emmorey Karen 
Published: May 2017

AbstractLinguistic and psycholinguistic tests will be more useful than motion capture technology in calibrating the borders between sign and gesture. The analogy between motion capture (mocap) technology and the spectrograph is flawed because only vocal articulators are hidden. Although information about gradience and variability will be obtained, the technology provides less information about linguistic constraints and categories. Better models are needed to account for differences between co-speech and co-sign gesture (e.g., different degrees of optionality, existence of beat gestures).
Languages as semiotically heterogenous systems
Authors: Kendon Adam 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe target article is consistent with seeing languages as semiotically heterogenous, using categorial, depictive, and analogic semiotic signs. “Gesture,” used in the target article, is shown to be vague and not useful. Kendon's view, criticised in the target, is restated. His proposal for comparative semiotic analyses of how visible bodily action is used in utterance production is reexplained.
Understanding gesture in sign and speech: Perspectives from theory of mind, bilingualism, and acting
Authors: Lakshmanan Usha , Pilot Zachary 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn their article, Goldin-Meadow & Brentari (G-M&B) assert that researchers must differentiate between sign/speech and gesture. We propose that this distinction may be useful if situated within a two-systems approach to theory of mind (ToM) and discuss how drawing upon perspectives from bilingualism and acting can help us understand the role of gesture in spoken/sign language.
Current and future methodologies for quantitative analysis of information transfer in sign language and gesture data
Authors: Malaia Evie 
Published: May 2017

AbstractState-of-the-art methods of analysis of video data now include motion capture and optical flow from video recordings. These techniques allow for biological differentiation between visual communication and noncommunicative motion, enabling further inquiry into neural bases of communication. The requirements for additional noninvasive methods of data collection and automatic analysis of natural gesture and sign language are discussed.
Are gesture and speech mismatches produced by an integrated gesture-speech system? A more dynamically embodied perspective is needed for understanding gesture-related learning
Authors: Pouw Wim T. J. L. , van Gog Tamara , Zwaan Rolf A. , Paas Fred 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe observe a tension in the target article as it stresses an integrated gesture-speech system that can nevertheless consist of contradictory representational states, which are reflected by mismatches in gesture and speech or sign. Beyond problems of coherence, this prevents furthering our understanding of gesture-related learning. As a possible antidote, we invite a more dynamically embodied perspective to the stage.
Searching for unity: Real-world versus item-based visual search in age-related eye disease
Authors: Crabb David P. , Taylor Deanna J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWhen studying visual search, item-based approaches using synthetic targets and distractors limit the real-world applicability of results. Everyday visual search can be impaired in patients with common eye diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. We highlight some results in the literature that suggest assessment of real-word search tasks in these patients could be clinically useful.
How functional are functional viewing fields?
Authors: Kristjánsson Árni , Chetverikov Andrey , Brinkhuis Manje 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHulleman & Olivers' (H&O's) proposal is a refreshing addition to the visual search literature. Although we like their proposal that fixations, not individual items should be considered a fundamental unit in visual search, we point out some unresolved problems that their account will have to solve. Additionally, we consider predictions that can be made from the account, in particular in relation to priming of visual search, finding that the account generates interesting testable predictions.
Looking further! The importance of embedding visual search in action
Authors: van der Kamp John , Dicks Matt 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA unified account of visual search in complex everyday environments requires additional deliberations on the functional grounding of Hulleman & Olivers' (H&O's) functional viewing field (FVF) model. Their model can accommodate exploitation of information that is distributed across the immediate environment. Yet the differences in search between genuinely interacting in the environment and merely watching it should challenge researchers to look further.
Where the item still rules supreme: Time-based selection, enumeration, pre-attentive processing and the target template?
Authors: Watson Derrick G. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractI propose that there remains a central role for the item (or its equivalent) in a wider range of search and search-related tasks/functions than might be conveyed by the article. I consider the functional relationship between the framework and some aspects of previous theories, and suggest some challenges that the new framework might encounter.
On the brink: The demise of the item in visual search moves closer
Authors: Hulleman Johan , Olivers Christian N. L. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe proposed to abandon the item as conceptual unit in visual search and adopt a fixation-based framework instead. We treat various themes raised by our commentators, including the nature of the Functional Visual Field and existing similar ideas, alongside the importance of items, covert attention, and top-down/contextual influences. We reflect on the current state of, and future directions for, visual search.
A NEW HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT SYSTEM FOR JAPAN? SIMULATING THE POTENTIAL IMPACT ON THE PRICE OF SIMEPREVIR
Authors: Mahlich Jörg , Kamae Isao , Rossi Bruno 
Published: May 2017

Objectives:Japanese authorities have announced a plan to introduce a health technology assessment (HTA) system in 2016. This study assessed the potential impact of such a policy on the price of the antivirologic drug simeprevir.Methods:Taking the antivirologic drug simeprevir as an example, we compared the current Japanese price with hypothetical prices that might result if a U.K. (cost-utility) or German (efficiency frontier) style HTA assessment was in place.Results:The simeprevir unit price under the current Japanese pricing scheme is 13,122 Japanese yen (equivalent to 109.35 U.S. dollars as of April 2015). Depending on the selection of comparators and the pricing method, and assuming that HTA will be used as a basis for price setting, the estimated prices of simeprevir vary up to four times higher than under the current Japanese pricing scheme.Conclusions:Although the analysis is based on only one drug, it cannot be taken for granted that a new HTA system would reduce public healthcare expenditure in Japan.
DEFINING THE RELEVANT OUTCOME MEASURES IN MEDICAL DEVICE ASSESSMENTS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE DEFINITION PROCESS IN HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
Authors: Jacobs Esther , Antoine Sunya-Lee , Prediger Barbara , Neugebauer Edmund , Eikermann Michaela 
Published: May 2017

Background: Defining relevant outcome measures for clinical trials on medical devices (MD) is complex, as there is a large variety of potentially relevant outcomes. The chosen outcomes vary widely across clinical trials making the assessment in evidence syntheses very challenging. The objective is to provide an overview on the current common procedures of health technology assessment (HTA) institutions in defining outcome measures in MD trials.Methods: In 2012–14, the Web pages of 126 institutions involved in HTA were searched for methodological manuals written in English or German that describe methods for the predefinition process of outcome measures. Additionally, the institutions were contacted by email. Relevant information was extracted. All process steps were performed independently by two reviewers.Results: Twenty-four manuals and ten responses from the email request were included in the analysis. Overall, 88.5 percent of the institutions describe the type of outcomes that should be considered in detail and 84.6 percent agree that the main focus should be on patient relevant outcomes. Specifically related to MD, information could be obtained in 26 percent of the included manuals and email responses. Eleven percent of the institutions report a particular consideration of MD related outcomes.Conclusions: This detailed analysis on common procedures of HTA institutions in the context of defining relevant outcome measures for the assessment of MD shows that standardized procedures for MD from the perspective of HTA institutions are not widespread. This leads to the question if a homogenous approach should be implemented in the field of HTA on MD.
Adolescents from upper middle class communities: Substance misuse and addiction across early adulthood
Authors: Luthar Suniya S. , Small Phillip J. , Ciciolla Lucia 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn this prospective study of upper middle class youth, we document frequency of alcohol and drug use, as well as diagnoses of abuse and dependence, during early adulthood. Two cohorts were assessed as high school seniors and then annually across 4 college years (New England Study of Suburban Youth younger cohort [NESSY-Y]), and across ages 23–27 (NESSY older cohort [NESSY-O]; ns = 152 and 183 at final assessments, respectively). Across gender and annual assessments, results showed substantial elevations, relative to norms, for frequency of drunkenness and using marijuana, stimulants, and cocaine. Of more concern were psychiatric diagnoses of alcohol/drug dependence: among women and men, respectively, lifetime rates ranged between 19%–24% and 23%–40% among NESSY-Os at age 26; and 11%–16% and 19%–27% among NESSY-Ys at 22. Relative to norms, these rates among NESSY-O women and men were three and two times as high, respectively, and among NESSY-Y, close to one among women but twice as high among men. Findings also showed the protective power of parents’ containment (anticipated stringency of repercussions for substance use) at age 18; this was inversely associated with frequency of drunkenness and marijuana and stimulant use in adulthood. Results emphasize the need to take seriously the elevated rates of substance documented among adolescents in affluent American school communities.
BUILDING AN EARLY MAYA COMMUNITY: ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AT CAOBAL, GUATEMALA
Authors: Munson Jessica , Pinzón Flory 
Published: May 2017

AbstractArchaeological investigations at the minor center of Caobal provide clues about local traditions of civic-ceremonial architecture as well as the relationship between these buildings and broader social and political transformations during the Preclassic period. The remains of pre-Hispanic Maya architecture represent a series of actions, decisions, and repeated practices, which contribute to long sequences of construction observed in the archaeological record. In particular, these data shed light on two major building campaigns that took place within Caobal's central precinct from about 850b.c.–a.d.250. By examining the materiality and temporality of minor temple architecture beyond primary centers of power, we examine how these buildings were constructed and, in turn, how these structures may have transformed the daily practices, identity politics, and religious values of pre-Hispanic Maya communities. Repeated construction of buildings in the temple precinct of Caobal provides a long and detailed archaeological record that allows us to reconstruct the history of material and social practices that shaped this local community beyond the Ceibal center.
Study of dosimetric characteristics of a commercial optically stimulated luminescence system
Authors: Jain Gourav K. , Chougule Arun , Kaliyamoorthy Ananth , Akula Suresh K. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundOptically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) have a number of advantages in radiation dosimetry making them an excellent dosimeter for in vivo dosimetry. The study aimed to study the dosimetric characteristics of a commercial optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) system by Landauer Inc., before using it for routine clinical practice for in vivo dosimetry in radiotherapy. Further, this study also aimed to investigate the cause of variability found in the literature in a few dosimetric parameters of carbon-doped aluminium oxide (Al2O3:C).Materials and methodsThe commercial OSLD system uses Al2O3:C nanoDotTMas an active radiation detector and InLightTMmicroStar®as a readout assembly. Inter-detector response, energy, dose rate, field size and depth dependency of the detector response were evaluated for all available clinical range of photon beam energies in radiotherapy.ResultsInter-detector variation in OSLD response was found within 3·44%. After single light exposure for the OSL readout, detector reading decreased by 0·29% per reading. The dose linearity was investigated between dose range 50–400 cGy. The dose response curve was found to be linear until 250 cGy, after this dose, the dose response curve was found to be supra-linear in nature. OSLD response was found to be energy independent for Co60to 10 MV photon energies.ConclusionsThe cause of variability found in the literature for some dosimetric characteristics of Al2O3:C is due to the difference in general geometry, construction of dosimeter, geometric condition of irradiation, phantom material and geometry, beam energy. In addition, the irradiation history of detector used and difference in readout methodologies had varying degree of uncertainties in measurements. However, the large surface area of the detector placed in the phantom with sufficient build-up and backscatter irradiated perpendicularly to incident radiation in Co60beam is a good method of choice for the calibration of a dosimeter. Understanding the OSLD response with all dosimetric parameters may help us in estimation of accurate dose delivered to patient during radiotherapy treatment.
Engineered clearing agents for the selective depletion of antigen-specific antibodies
Authors: Devanaboyina Siva Charan , Khare Priyanka , Challa Dilip K. , Ober Raimund J. , Ward E. Sally 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHere we have designed a novel class of engineered antibody-based reagents (‘Seldegs’) that induce the selective degradation of antigen-specific antibodies. We demonstrate the rapid and specific clearance of antibodies recognizing the autoantigen, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and tumour target, HER2. Seldegs have considerable potential in multiple areas, including the treatment of antibody-mediated autoimmunity and diagnostic imaging.
Beat frequency quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy for fast and calibration-free continuous trace-gas monitoring
Authors: Wu Hongpeng , Dong Lei , Zheng Huadan , Yu Yajun , Ma Weiguang , Zhang Lei , Yin Wangbao , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang , Tittel Frank K. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractQuartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) is a sensitive gas detection technique which requires frequent calibration and has a long response time. Here we report beat frequency (BF) QEPAS that can be used for ultra-sensitive calibration-free trace-gas detection and fast spectral scan applications. The resonance frequency and Q-factor of the quartz tuning fork (QTF) as well as the trace-gas concentration can be obtained simultaneously by detecting the beat frequency signal generated when the transient response signal of the QTF is demodulated at its non-resonance frequency. Hence, BF-QEPAS avoids a calibration process and permits continuous monitoring of a targeted trace gas. Three semiconductor lasers were selected as the excitation source to verify the performance of the BF-QEPAS technique. The BF-QEPAS method is capable of measuring lower trace-gas concentration levels with shorter averaging times as compared to conventional PAS and QEPAS techniques and determines the electrical QTF parameters precisely.
Succinate and its G-protein-coupled receptor stimulates osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Guo Yuqi , Xie Chengzhi , Li Xiyan , Yang Jian , Yu Tao , Zhang Ruohan , Zhang Tianqing , Saxena Deepak , Snyder Michael , Wu Yingjie , Li Xin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe mechanism underlying bone impairment in patients with diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia and dysregulation in metabolism, is unclear. Here we show the difference in the metabolomics of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) derived from hyperglycaemic (type 2 diabetes mellitus, T2D) and normoglycaemic mice. One hundred and forty-two metabolites are substantially regulated in BMSCs from T2D mice, with the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle being one of the primary metabolic pathways impaired by hyperglycaemia. Importantly, succinate, an intermediate metabolite in the TCA cycle, is increased by 24-fold in BMSCs from T2D mice. Succinate functions as an extracellular ligand through binding to its specific receptor on osteoclastic lineage cells and stimulates osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Strategies targeting the receptor activation inhibit osteoclastogenesis. This study reveals a metabolite-mediated mechanism of osteoclastogenesis modulation that contributes to bone dysregulation in metabolic disorders.
Bacterial RadA is a DnaB-type helicase interacting with RecA to promote bidirectional D-loop extension
Authors: Marie Léa , Rapisarda Chiara , Morales Violette , Bergé Mathieu , Perry Thomas , Soulet Anne-Lise , Gruget Clémence , Remaut Han , Fronzes Rémi , Polard Patrice 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHomologous recombination (HR) is a central process of genome biology driven by a conserved recombinase, which catalyses the pairing of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with double-stranded DNA to generate a D-loop intermediate. Bacterial RadA is a conserved HR effector acting with RecA recombinase to promote ssDNA integration. The mechanism of this RadA-mediated assistance to RecA is unknown. Here, we report functional and structural analyses of RadA from the human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. RadA is found to facilitate RecA-driven ssDNA recombination over long genomic distances during natural transformation. RadA is revealed as a hexameric DnaB-type helicase, which interacts with RecA to promote orientated unwinding of branched DNA molecules mimicking D-loop boundaries. These findings support a model of DNA branch migration in HR, relying on RecA-mediated loading of RadA hexamers on each strand of the recipient dsDNA in the D-loop, from which they migrate divergently to facilitate incorporation of invading ssDNA.