bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma tetranectin as a potential clinical biomarker for epilepsy and correlation with clinical and social characteristics
Authors: Dahiya Ekta , Mehndiratta Man Mohan , Pillai Krishna 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Background Tetranectin concentration has been identified as a biomarker of several types of metastatic and malignant cancers. The role of tetranectin has also be seen in some neurological disorders. We aimed to estimate the plasma tetranectin concentration in different groups of people with epilepsy (PWE) followed-up for a year. As a secondary objective, the clinical and social characteristics were also correlated with the tetranectin levels.
Methods We enrolled 90 subjects grouped as Newly-diagnosed epilepsy (NDE), Drug-effective epilepsy (DEE), and Drug-refractory epilepsy (DRE) and an age-gender matched control group (n = 30). The plasma samples were collected thrice at the six-month interval and were analysed for the tetranectin concentration using S-ELISA.
Results The mean plasma tetranectin levels at the baseline test were significantly lower for the DEE (6.294 ± 0.806) and DRE (7.572 ± 0.545) groups compared with control group (9.71 ± 0.628) but not the NDE group (8.651 ± 0.859 vs. 9.71 ± 0.628; p > 0.05). On a year of follow-up, the tetranectin levels for the NDE group significantly decreased (p < 0.001) matching with that of the DEE and DRE group. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that gender (p = 0.035) in the DRE group and seizure type (p = 0.040) and diet (p = 0.046) for the NDE group were significantly correlated.
Conclusion The plasma tetranectin level in PWE significantly decreased as the disease progressed irrespective of the stage of epilepsy. Thus, tetranectin could be considered as a potential progressive biomarker for epilepsy. The study outcome suggests further investigation for the possible link of tetranectin levels with clinical and social parameters.
Micromorphology of late Pleistocene and Holocene sediments and a new interpretation of the Holocene chronology at Anderson Pond, Tennessee, USA
Authors: Driese Steven G. , Horn Sally P. , Ballard Joanne P. , Boehm Mathew S. , Li Zhenghua 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThin-section (micromorphological) analysis of samples from the upper 1.5 m of a core obtained in 2007 from Anderson Pond, Tennessee, reveals a coherent but discontinuous record of late Pleistocene and Holocene climate change that supports some interpretations from previous pollen and charcoal analyses but indicates a revised Holocene chronology for this classic pollen site. Legacy sediments recording anthropogenic disturbance compose the upper 65 cm of the core (<160 cal yr BP) and are characterized by mixed, darker-colored, and coarser-grained deposits containing reworked soil aggregates, which sharply overlie finer-grained and lighter-colored, rooted middle Holocene sediments interpreted as a paleosol. These mid-Holocene sediments (95–65 cm; 7100–5600 cal yr BP) record extensive warm-dry subaerial soil conditions during the middle Holocene thermal maximum, manifested by illuviated clay lining root pores, and also contain abundant charcoal. Late Pleistocene sediments (150–95 cm), dark-colored and organic-rich, record open-water conditions and include siliceous aggregate grains at 143–116 cm (14,300–13,900 cal yr BP), recording intense fires. Thin sections are not commonly used in studies of paleoclimate from Quaternary lacustrine sediments, but we advocate for their inclusion in multianalytical approaches because they enhance resolution of depositional and pedogenic processes.
THE QUOTIENT SET OF -GENERALISED FIBONACCI NUMBERS IS DENSE IN
Authors: SANNA CARLO 
Published: January 2017

The quotient set of$A\subseteq \mathbb{N}$is defined as$R(A):=\{a/b:a,b\in A,b\neq 0\}$. Using algebraic number theory in$\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{5})$, Garcia and Luca [‘Quotients of Fibonacci numbers’,Amer. Math. Monthly, to appear] proved that the quotient set of Fibonacci numbers is dense in the$p$-adic numbers$\mathbb{Q}_{p}$for all prime numbers$p$. For any integer$k\geq 2$, let$(F_{n}^{(k)})_{n\geq -(k-2)}$be the sequence of$k$-generalised Fibonacci numbers, defined by the initial values$0,0,\ldots ,0,1$($k$ terms) and such that each successive term is the sum of the$k$preceding terms. We use$p$-adic analysis to generalise the result of Garcia and Luca, by proving that the quotient set of$k$-generalised Fibonacci numbers is dense in$\mathbb{Q}_{p}$for any integer$k\geq 2$and any prime number $p$.
Cholecalciferol v. ergocalciferol for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) repletion in chronic kidney disease: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Wetmore James B. , Kimber Cassandra , Mahnken Jonathan D. , Stubbs Jason R. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPatients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) demonstrate complex mineral metabolism derangements and a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. However, the optimal method of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) repletion is unknown, and trials analysing the comparative efficacy of cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol in this population are lacking. We conducted a randomised clinical trial of cholecalciferol 1250μg (50 000 IU) weekly v. ergocalciferol 1250μg (50 000 IU) weekly for 12 weeks in forty-four non-dialysis-dependent patients with stage 3–5 CKD. The primary outcome was change in total 25(OH)D from baseline to week 12 (immediately after therapy). Secondary analyses included the change in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), D2 and D3 sub-fractions of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D and total 25(OH)D from baseline to week 18 (6 weeks after therapy). Cholecalciferol therapy yielded a greater change in total 25(OH)D (45·0 (sd 16·5) ng/ml) v. ergocalciferol (30·7 (sd 15·3) ng/ml) from baseline to week 12 (P<0·01); this observation partially resulted from a substantial reduction in the 25(OH)D3 sub-fraction with ergocalciferol. However, following cessation of therapy, no statistical difference was observed for total 25(OH)D change from baseline to week 18 between cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol groups (22·4 (sd 12·7) v. 17·6 (sd 8·9) ng/ml, respectively; P=0·17). We observed no significant difference between these therapies with regard to changes in serum PTH or 1,25(OH)2D. Therapy with cholecalciferol, compared with ergocalciferol, is more effective at raising serum 25(OH)D in non-dialysis-dependent CKD patients while active therapy is ongoing. However, levels of 25(OH)D declined substantially in both arms following cessation of therapy, suggesting the need for maintenance therapy to sustain levels.
Mosquito larvae can detect water vibration patterns from a nearby predator
Authors: Roberts D. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMosquito larvae have been shown to respond to water-borne kairomones from nearby predators by reducing their activity, and thus visibility. If they can identify the predator, they can then alter their response depending upon the associated predation risk. No studies have shown that mosquito larva may also detect water-borne vibrations from the predator. Final instar larvae of three mosquitoes: Culiseta longiareolata, Culex perexiguus and C. quinquefasciatus, were exposed to recorded vibrations from feeding dragonfly nymphs, to dragonfly kairomones and the combined effect of both. Predator vibrations caused C. longiareolata to significantly reduce bottom feeding and instead increased the more passive surface filter feeding. The larvae also significantly increased escape swimming activity. These behavioural changes were not significantly different from the effect of dragonfly kairomones, and there was no synergistic or additional effect of the two. C. perexiguus gave a smaller (but still significant) response to both dragonfly vibrations and to kairomones, probably due to a different feeding behaviour: when lying on the bottom, it was an inactive filter feeder. C. quinquefasciatus did not respond to either vibrations or kairomones and during these experiments was entirely an inactive surface filter feeder. Both C. longiareolata and C. perexiguus were thus able to detect and identify vibrations from feeding dragonfly nymphs as an anti-predator strategy. The lack of response in C. quinquefasciatus is probably a result of living in water that is highly polluted with organic material, where few predators can survive.
The association between childhood adversities and subsequent first onset of psychotic experiences: a cross-national analysis of 23 998 respondents from 17 countries
Authors: McGrath J. J. , McLaughlin K. A. , Saha S. , Aguilar-Gaxiola S. , Al-Hamzawi A. , Alonso J. , Bruffaerts R. , de Girolamo G. , de Jonge P. , Esan O. , Florescu S. , Gureje O. , Haro J. M. , Hu C. , Karam E. G. , Kovess-Masfety V. , Lee S. , Lepine J. P. , Lim C. C. W. , Medina-Mora M. E. , Mneimneh Z. , Pennell B. E. , Piazza M. , Posada-Villa J. , Sampson N. , Viana M. C. , Xavier M. , Bromet E. J. , Kendler K. S. , Kessler R. C. 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundAlthough there is robust evidence linking childhood adversities (CAs) and an increased risk for psychotic experiences (PEs), little is known about whether these associations vary across the life-course and whether mental disorders that emerge prior to PEs explain these associations.MethodWe assessed CAs, PEs and DSM-IV mental disorders in 23 998 adults in the WHO World Mental Health Surveys. Discrete-time survival analysis was used to investigate the associations between CAs and PEs, and the influence of mental disorders on these associations using multivariate logistic models.ResultsExposure to CAs was common, and those who experienced any CAs had increased odds of later PEs [odds ratio (OR) 2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9–2.6]. CAs reflecting maladaptive family functioning (MFF), including abuse, neglect, and parent maladjustment, exhibited the strongest associations with PE onset in all life-course stages. Sexual abuse exhibited a strong association with PE onset during childhood (OR 8.5, 95% CI 3.6–20.2), whereas Other CA types were associated with PE onset in adolescence. Associations of other CAs with PEs disappeared in adolescence after adjustment for prior-onset mental disorders. The population attributable risk proportion (PARP) for PEs associated with all CAs was 31% (24% for MFF).ConclusionsExposure to CAs is associated with PE onset throughout the life-course, although sexual abuse is most strongly associated with childhood-onset PEs. The presence of mental disorders prior to the onset of PEs does not fully explain these associations. The large PARPs suggest that preventing CAs could lead to a meaningful reduction in PEs in the population.
Effectiveness of direct payments to increase reproductive success of sandbar-nesting river birds in Cambodia
Authors: CLAASSEN ANDREA H. , SOK KO , ARNOLD TODD W. , CUTHBERT FRANCESCA J. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryDirect payments to communities or individuals have gained traction as a tool for species conservation; however, few studies have evaluated their effectiveness. From 2010 to 2014, we monitored nests and implemented a direct payment nest protection programme for six sandbar-nesting bird species on the Mekong River, Cambodia, and tested if nest protection improved reproductive success. Nests were guarded by community members; additionally, exclosures were used to protect nests of River Tern Sterna aurantia, the species of highest conservation concern. We investigated factors affecting nest and chick survival, and probability of nest failure due to egg harvest or predation. Nesting later in the season generally resulted in lower nest and chick survival. Nest protection improved survival rates of River Tern nests and chicks, and Small Pratincole Glareola lactea nests. River Tern nest success was 60% for exclosed (and guarded) nests, 29% for guarded (but unexclosed) nests, and 5% for unprotected nests. River Tern fledging success was 82% for exclosed chicks, 40% for chicks that were guarded only, and 2% for unprotected chicks. Small Pratincole nest success was 21% for guarded and 6% for unguarded nests. Egg harvest by humans was lower among protected nests and declined during the study. Nest predation by animals increased during the study despite nest guarding; however, predator exclosures effectively protected nests and chicks. Additional predator control measures could further improve reproductive success of sandbar-nesting birds. Overall, nest protection involving direct payments was highly effective, but required diligent use of nest exclosures, frequent monitoring, and strong community relationships.
Effect of Retrieval Practice on Short-Term and Long-Term Retention in HIV+ Individuals
Authors: Avci Gunes , Woods Steven P. , Verduzco Marizela , Sheppard David P. , Sumowski James F. , Chiaravalloti Nancy D. , DeLuca John ,   The HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program (HNRP) Group
Published: January 2017

AbstractObjectives: Episodic memory deficits are both common and impactful among persons infected with HIV; however, we know little about how to improve such deficits in the laboratory or in real life. Retrieval practice, by which retrieval of newly learned material improves subsequent recall more than simple restudy, is a robust memory boosting strategy that is effective in both healthy and clinical populations. In this study, we investigated the benefits of retrieval practice in 52 people living with HIV and 21 seronegatives. Methods: In a within-subjects design, all participants studied 48 verbal paired associates in 3 learning conditions: Massed-Restudy, Spaced-Restudy, and Spaced-Testing. Retention of verbal paired associates was assessed after short- (30 min) and long- (30 days) delay intervals. Results: After a short delay, both HIV+ persons and seronegatives benefited from retrieval practice more so than massed and spaced restudy. The same pattern of results was observed specifically for HIV+ persons with clinical levels of memory impairment. The long-term retention interval data evidenced a floor effect that precluded further analysis. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that retrieval practice improves verbal episodic memory more than some other mnemonic strategies among HIV+ persons. (JINS, 2017, 23, 214–222)
Hydroponic production of vegetable Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) for improving nutritional security and economic viability in Kenya
Authors: Croft Marcia M. , Hallett Steven G. , Marshall Maria I. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis study used a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate the potential for hydroponic production of vegetable amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) in Kenya. Hydroponic systems have potential for increased efficiency in water and land use, but their potential has not been critically evaluated in many developing countries. To address this gap in knowledge, this study assessed the nutritional density and economic viability of hydroponic systems built from local materials. Specifically, vegetable amaranth was grown hydroponically and evaluated for increased nutritional density of key micronutrients. Manipulation of the nutrient solution used in hydroponic systems changed the bioaccumulation of zinc, iron and carotenoids, which are three of the most common micronutrients lacking in Kenyan diets. Economic viability was assessed with a benefit-cost analysis that compared three different hydroponic systems to soil-based production and purchasing vegetables from local markets. This analysis showed that none of the hydroponic systems were profitable under current conditions, but sensitivity analyses revealed certain scenarios where they could become so. Overall, hydroponic production has the potential to create nutrient-dense crops with high levels of zinc, iron, or carotenoids. However, hydroponic systems may be better suited to crops of higher value than amaranth, areas where soil-based production is not an option, or regions where vegetable markets are not available.
Mapping actions to improve access to medicines for mental disorders in low and middle income countries
Authors: Barbui C. , Dua T. , Kolappa K. , Saraceno B. , Saxena S. 
Published: January 2017

Aims.In recent years a number of intergovernmental initiatives have been activated in order to enhance the capacity of countries to improve access to essential medicines, particularly for mental disorders. In May 2013 the 66th World Health Assembly adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2020, which builds upon the work of WHO's Mental Health Gap Action Programme. Within this programme, evidence-based guidelines for mental disorders were developed, including recommendations on appropriate use of medicines. Subsequently, the 67th World Health Assembly adopted a resolution on access to essential medicines, which urged Member States to improve national policies for the selection of essential medicines and to promote their availability, affordability and appropriate use.Methods.Following the precedent set by these important initiatives, this article presents eleven actions for improving access and appropriate use of psychotropic medicines.Results.A 4 × 4 framework mapping actions as a function of the four components of access – selection, availability, affordability and appropriate use – and across four different health care levels, three of which belong to the supply side and one to the demand side, was developed. The actions are: developing a medicine selection process; promoting information and education activities for staff and end-users; developing a medicine regulation process; implementing a reliable supply system; implementing a reliable quality-control system; developing a community-based system of mental health care and promoting help-seeking behaviours; developing international agreements on medicine affordability; developing pricing policies and a sustainable financing system; developing or adopting evidence-based guidelines; monitoring the use of psychotropic medicines; promoting training initiatives for staff and end-users on critical appraisal of scientific evidence and appropriate use of psychotropic medicines.Conclusions.Activating these actions offers an unique opportunity to address the broader issue of increasing access to treatments and care for mental disorders, as current lack of attention to mental disorders is a central barrier across all domains of the 4 × 4 access framework.
Jasmonate response decay and defense metabolite accumulation contributes to age-regulated dynamics of plant insect resistance
Authors: Mao Ying-Bo , Liu Yao-Qian , Chen Dian-Yang , Chen Fang-Yan , Fang Xin , Hong Gao-Jie , Wang Ling-Jian , Wang Jia-Wei , Chen Xiao-Ya 
Published: January 2017

AbstractImmunity deteriorates with age in animals but comparatively little is known about the temporal regulation of plant resistance to herbivores. The phytohormone jasmonate (JA) is a key regulator of plant insect defense. Here, we show that the JA response decays progressively in Arabidopsis. We show that this decay is regulated by the miR156-targeted SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE9 (SPL9) group of proteins, which can interact with JA ZIM-domain (JAZ) proteins, including JAZ3. As SPL9 levels gradually increase, JAZ3 accumulates and the JA response is attenuated. We provide evidence that this pathway contributes to insect resistance in young plants. Interestingly however, despite the decay in JA response, older plants are still comparatively more resistant to both the lepidopteran generalist Helicoverpa armigera and the specialist Plutella xylostella, along with increased accumulation of glucosinolates. We propose a model whereby constitutive accumulation of defense compounds plays a role in compensating for age-related JA-response attenuation during plant maturation.
Fluorine-free electrolytes for all-solid sodium-ion batteries based on percyano-substituted organic salts
Authors: Bitner-Michalska Anna , Nolis Gene M. , Żukowska Grażyna , Zalewska Aldona , Poterała Marcin , Trzeciak Tomasz , Dranka Maciej , Kalita Michał , Jankowski Piotr , Niedzicki Leszek , Zachara Janusz , Marcinek Marek , Wieczorek Władysław 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA new family of fluorine-free solid-polymer electrolytes, for use in sodium-ion battery applications, is presented. Three novel sodium salts withdiffuse negative charges: sodium pentacyanopropenide (NaPCPI), sodium 2,3,4,5-tetracyanopirolate (NaTCP) and sodium 2,4,5-tricyanoimidazolate (NaTIM) were designed andtested in a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) matrix as polymer electrolytes for anall-solid sodium-ion battery. Due to unique, non-covalent structural configurations of anions, improved ionic conductivities were observed. As an example, “liquid-like” high conductivities (>1 mS cm−1) were obtained above 70 °C for solid-polymer electrolyte with a PEO to NaTCP molar ratio of 16:1. All presented salts showed high thermal stability and suitable windows of electrochemical stability between 3 and 5 V. These new anions open a new class of compounds with non-covalent structure for electrolytes system applications.
Non-contact hemodynamic imaging reveals the jugular venous pulse waveform
Authors: Amelard Robert , Hughson Richard L. , Greaves Danielle K. , Pfisterer Kaylen J. , Leung Jason , Clausi David A. , Wong Alexander 
Published: January 2017

AbstractCardiovascular monitoring is important to prevent diseases from progressing. The jugular venous pulse (JVP) waveform offers important clinical information about cardiac health, but is not routinely examined due to its invasive catheterisation procedure. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that the JVP can be consistently observed in a non-contact manner using a photoplethysmographic imaging system. The observed jugular waveform was strongly negatively correlated to the arterial waveform (r = −0.73 ± 0.17), consistent with ultrasound findings. Pulsatile venous flow was observed over a spatially cohesive region of the neck. Critical inflection points (c, x, v, y waves) of the JVP were observed across all participants. The anatomical locations of the strongest pulsatile venous flow were consistent with major venous pathways identified through ultrasound.
Flip flop of Day-night and Summer-Winter Surface Urban Heat Island Intensity in India
Authors: Shastri Hiteshri , Barik Beas , Ghosh Subimal , Venkataraman Chandra , Sadavarte Pankaj 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe difference in land surface temperature (LST) between an urban region and its nearby non–urban region, known as surface urban heat island intensity (SUHII), is usually positive as reported in earlier studies. India has experienced unprecedented urbanization over recent decades with an urban population of 380 million. Here, we present the first study of the diurnal and seasonal characteristics of SUHII in India. We found negative SUHII over a majority of urban areas during daytime in pre-monsoon summer (MAM), contrary to the expected impacts of urbanization. This unexpected pattern is associated with low vegetation in non-urban regions during dry pre-monsoon summers, leading to reduced evapotranspiration (ET). During pre-monsoon summer nights, a positive SUHII occurs when urban impacts are prominent. Winter daytime SUHII becomes positive in Indo-Gangetic plain. We attribute such diurnal and seasonal behaviour of SUHII to the same of the differences in ET between urban and non-urban regions. Higher LST in non-urban regions during pre-monsoon summer days results in intensified heatwaves compared to heatwaves in cities, in contrast to presumptions made in the literature. These observations highlight the need for re-evaluation of SUHII in India for climate adaptation, heat stress mitigation, and analysis of urban micro-climates.