bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Restoring movement representation and alleviating phantom limb pain through short‐term neurorehabilitation with a virtual reality system
Authors: Osumi M. , Ichinose A. , Sumitani M. , Wake N. , Sano Y. , Yozu A. , Kumagaya S. , Kuniyoshi Y. , Morioka S. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveWe developed a quantitative method to measure movement representations of a phantom upper limb using a bimanual circle‐line coordination task (BCT). We investigated whether short‐term neurorehabilitation with a virtual reality (VR) system would restore voluntary movement representations and alleviate phantom limb pain (PLP).MethodsEight PLP patients were enrolled. In the BCT, they repeatedly drew vertical lines using the intact hand and intended to draw circles using the phantom limb. Drawing circles mentally using the phantom limb led to the emergence of an oval transfiguration of the vertical lines (‘bimanual‐coupling’ effect). We quantitatively measured the degree of this bimanual‐coupling effect as movement representations of the phantom limb before and immediately after short‐term VR neurorehabilitation. This was achieved using an 11‐point numerical rating scale (NRS) for PLP intensity and the Short‐Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF‐MPQ). During VR neurorehabilitation, patients wore a head‐mounted display that showed a mirror‐reversed computer graphic image of an intact arm (the virtual phantom limb). By intending to move both limbs simultaneously and similarly, the patients perceived voluntary execution of movement in their phantom limb.ResultsShort‐term VR neurorehabilitation promptly restored voluntary movement representations in the BCT and alleviated PLP (NRS: p = 0.015; 39.1 ± 28.4% relief, SF‐MPQ: p = 0.015; 61.5 ± 48.5% relief). Restoration of phantom limb movement representations and reduced PLP intensity were linearly correlated (p < 0.05).ConclusionsVR rehabilitation may encourage patient's motivation and multimodal sensorimotor re‐integration of a phantom limb and subsequently have a potent analgesic effect.SignificanceThere was no objective evidence that restoring movement representation by neurorehabilitation with virtual reality alleviated phantom limb pain. This study revealed quantitatively that restoring movement representation with virtual reality rehabilitation using a bimanual coordination task correlated with alleviation of phantom limb pain.
Hydrogen Evolution Facilitates Reduction of DNA Guanine Residues at the Hanging Mercury Drop Electrode: Evidence for a Chemical Mechanism
Authors: Daňhel Aleš , Havran Luděk , Trnková Libuše , Fojta Miroslav 
Published: July 2016

AbstractGuanine (G), as well as G residues in nucleosides, nucleotides and nucleic acids, undergo chemically reversible (but electrochemically irreversible) reduction/oxidation processes at the mercury‐based electrodes. It has been established that G is reduced to 7,8‐dihydroguanine at highly negative potentials. The reduction product is oxidized back to G around −0.25 V, giving rise to anodic peak G. Previous studies suggested involvement of a chemical mechanism involving electrochemically generated hydrogen radicals in the G reduction process. In this work we studied effects of cisplatin and pH on the G reduction process. We have found that catalytic hydrogen evolution accompanying electrochemical reduction of cisplatin markedly facilitates reduction of G. Minimum negative potential required for G reduction were shifted to less negative values and correlated with the onset of catalytic currents of cisplatin. Analogous shifts of the potential of G reduction were observed upon lowering pH of the background electrolyte (i.e., increasing the availability of protons to generate hydrogen radicals). Ammonium ions markedly increased efficiency of G reduction, which may be explained by generation of active hydrogen via formation and subsequent decomposition of ammonium amalgam. Our results strongly suggest that chemical mechanism(s) involving hydrogen radicals, electrochemically and/or electrocatalytically generated at the HMDE, contribute to the guanine → 7,8‐dihydroguanine conversion.
Mean platelet volume as a predictive marker for venous thromboembolism and mortality in patients treated for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Rupa‐Matysek Joanna , Gil Lidia , Kroll‐Balcerzak Renata , Barańska Marta , Komarnicki Mieczysław 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIt has been suggested that mean platelet volume (MPV) is associated with the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and increased mortality in patients with cancer.We evaluated the association of MPV with VTE and mortality in patients treated for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Retrospective analyses were performed on 184 adult patients (median age 59, 55% men), of whom 141 were newly diagnosed, and 43 had relapse/refractory DLBCL.During the observation period (median 499 days), 39 (21.2%) patients developed VTE. Thirty‐nine patients died of various causes. In univariate analysis, only the MPV and the treatment line were associated with the occurrence of VTE. In multivariate analysis, MPV ≤10th percentile (odd ratio 1.81; 95% confidence interval 1.06–3.11, p = 0.03) and salvage therapy (odd ratio 2.46; 95% confidence interval 1.66–3.65, p < 0.001) remained significant factors for developing VTE. Other patient‐related factors—age, gender, disease‐related factors—stage, the International Prognostic Index score, DLBCL subclassification (the germinal centre type and the activated B‐cell type), Ki‐67 index and VTE risk assessment model failed to be prognostic for VTE.In a Kaplan–Meier analysis, patients with MPV >10th percentile had statistically significantly longer VTE‐free survival than patients with lower MPV. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, MPV ≤10th percentile (hazard ratio 5.56, p < 0.001), male gender, age, Ki‐67 index, high or high‐intermediate International Prognostic Index and VTE development (hazard ratio 7.81, p = 0.029) all significantly correlated with the risk of mortality. The probability of survival was higher in patients with MPV >10th percentile.In conclusion, our results suggest that the pre‐chemotherapy MPV value is a cheap and available parameter that may be a useful prognostic marker for a significant risk of VTE and inferior survival rates in patients with DLBCL.
An Investigation of the Relationship Between the Alliance Negotiation Scale and Psychotherapy Process and Outcome
Authors: Doran Jennifer M. , Safran Jeremy D. , Muran J. Christopher 
Published: July 2016

ObjectiveThis study examines the validity of the Alliance Negotiation Scale (ANS) in a psychotherapy research program. Analyses were designed to evaluate the relationship between the ANS and psychotherapy process and outcome variables.MethodData were collected in a metropolitan psychotherapy research program. Participants completed 30 sessions of therapy, postsession assessments, and a battery of measures at intake and termination.ResultsRelationships were found between the ANS and session outcome, working alliance, and the presence of ruptures and their resolution. Relationships emerged between the ANS and treatment outcome on measures of psychiatric distress and interpersonal problems.ConclusionsThe ANS demonstrated relationships with several psychotherapy process and outcome variables. The ANS was the most differentiated from the working alliance on measures of interpersonal functioning and in discriminating personality disorder pathology. These results extend previous findings on the ANS’ psychometric integrity, and offer new data on the relationship between negotiation and treatment outcome.
Intramolecular transformation of an antifungal antibiotic nystatin A1 into its isomer, iso‐nystatin A1 – structural and molecular modeling studies
Authors: Szwarc Katarzyna , Płosiński Marcin , Czerniejewska Karolina , Laskowski Tomasz , Leniak Arkadiusz , Czub Jacek , Kubica Paweł , Sowiński Paweł , Pawlak Jan , Borowski Edward 
Published: July 2016

AbstractNystatin A1, a polyene macrolide antifungal antibiotic, in a slightly basic or acidic solution undergoes an intramolecular transformation, yielding a structural isomer, the translactonization product, iso‐nystatin A1 with lactone ring diminished by two carbon atoms. Structural evidence is provided by advanced NMR and Mass Spectrometry (MS) studies. Molecular dynamics simulations and quantum mechanics calculations gave the insight into the course and mechanism of the transformation and its effect on the conformation of the subject molecule. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pick the Right Pocket. Sub‐sampling of Bone Sections to Investigate Diagenesis and DNA Preservation
Authors: Hollund H. I. , Teasdale M. D. , Mattiangeli V. , Sverrisdóttir O. Ó. , Bradley D. G. , O'Connor T. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractMany archaeological bones display a heterogeneous degradation pattern. Highly degraded bones could contain pockets of well‐preserved bone, harbouring good quality DNA. This dichotomy may explain why the relationships between global bone preservation parameters such as histological integrity, bone mineral crystallinity or collagen yield, and bulk DNA preservation/amplification success rate have been found to be at best, weak to moderate. In this pilot study, we explore whether or not a more localised approach will highlight a stronger relationship between diagenetic parameters and DNA preservation. This study includes a detailed histological characterisation of bone diagenesis in sub‐areas of three bone samples. Regions of the same bone, which displayed differential degrees of preservation or type of diagenesis were sampled for further analysis and both genetic (small scale Illumina MiSeq sequencing) and chemical (Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometric analysis) analyses were performed. The aim was to investigate how bone diagenetic processes relate to DNA preservation at a higher resolution than in previous studies. This is key in order to improve DNA analytical success rates. The expected relationship between bone and DNA preservation (retrieved endogenous DNA) was observed and the results corroborate previous work that DNA preservation is linked to the integrity of bone collagen and mineral. The results further suggest that non‐biological diagenetic alterations such as etching and the presence of mineral infiltrations and inclusions have a negative effect on DNA preservation/extraction. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth of Compounding Awareness Predicts Reading Comprehension in Young Chinese Students: A Longitudinal Study From Grade 1 to Grade 2
Authors: Cheng Yahua , Zhang Jie , Li Hong , Wu Xinchun , Liu Hongyun , Dong Qiong , Li Liping , Nguyen Thi Phuong , Zheng Minglu , Zhao Ying , Sun Peng 
Published: July 2016

AbstractUsing a longitudinal sample of young Chinese students (fall and spring in grades 1 and 2: times 1–4, respectively) and growth curve analysis, this study examined whether the initial status and growth rates of compounding awareness from time 1 to time 4 uniquely contribute to reading comprehension at time 4 and whether word‐reading efficiency at time 4 mediates the association between initial status and growth in compounding awareness and reading comprehension at time 4. The results indicated that initial status and growth rates of compounding awareness made a significant direct contribution to reading comprehension at the end of second grade after controlling for IQ, phonological awareness, and vocabulary knowledge. The relationship between initial status and growth rates of compounding awareness and reading comprehension were fully mediated by word‐reading efficiency. The findings underscore the importance of growth in compounding awareness for reading comprehension and add to the literature about the nature of the morphological awareness and reading comprehension relationship in Chinese.
Improving Middle School Science Learning Using Diagrammatic Reasoning
Authors: CROMLEY JENNIFER G. , WEISBERG STEVEN M. , DAI TING , NEWCOMBE NORA S. , SCHUNN CHRISTIAN D. , MASSEY CHRISTINE , MERLINO F. JOSEPH 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTWe explored whether existing curricula can be adapted to increase students’ skills at comprehending and learning from diagrams using an intervention delivered by regular middle‐school teachers in intact classrooms. Ninety‐two teachers in three states implemented our modified materials over six curricular units from two publishers: Holt (a reading‐focused curriculum) and Full Option Science System (FOSS) (an inquiry‐focused curriculum). Results were compared between two interventions—one based on selected principles of cognitive science (cognitive‐science‐based) that included instruction in diagram comprehension and one providing professional development in science content only (content‐only)—and a business‐as‐usual control. We analyze posttest items involving different degrees of reliance on diagrams to show how instruction in diagram comprehension can improve comprehension of diagrams during reasoning. At the classroom level, there were significant advantages of the cognitive‐science‐based intervention over both content‐only and business‐as‐usual with large effect sizes in all FOSS units (d = 0.41–0.52), but only one Holt unit (d = 0.11). Analyses by type of diagram suggested these effects were largest for transfer to diagrams from an uninstructed domain. Further analyses of high‐stakes state test scores available for the participants implementing the Holt units showed improved use of diagrams (d = 0.45–0.66). Results suggest that making sense of visualizations (diagrams) is not effortless and self‐evident, but that students who receive supports for comprehending can improve their comprehension, and the learning can transfer to new domains.
One‐Step Synthesis of Xanthones and Thio‐Xanthones by Using Magnetically Separable Copper ferrite Nanoparticles as a Catalyst under Ligand Free Conditions
Authors: Venkanna Avudoddi , Goud Palle Vinod Kumar , Prasad Pulaganti Vijaya , Shanker Medi , Rao Pallapothula Venkateswar 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAn efficient, highly versatile and simple protocol was developed for the synthesis of xanthones and thio‐xanthones via an intermolecular catalytic coupling of 2‐substituted benzaldehydes and various phenols under ligand free conditions by using nano‐CuFe2O4 as a catalyst and K3PO4 as a base in DMF solvent at 80 0C in air. The reaction proceeds smoothly with a wide range of starting materials and furthermore, the explored copper ferrite catalyst is air‐stable, inexpensive, magnetically separated, recyclable and reusable up to four cycles.
Facile Synthesis of Fully Decorated Imidazo[4,5‐b] and Imidazo[4,5‐c] Pyridines in Aqueous DMF via C‐H Activation under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Avinesh Mr. P. , Jaison Mr. Thadathil. J. , Sajith Ayyiliath. M. , Nagaswarupa H. P. , Muralidharan A. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractCatalytic C−H bond activation of heteroarenes has gained tremendous potential in recent years due to their environmentally and economically benign nature. In this paper we report the regioisomeric synthesis of fully decorated imidazo pyridines employing a C−H activation protocol with a wide range of aryl/hetero aryl/alkyl boronic acids in aqueous DMF. The use of inexpensive copper catalyst and Bathophenanthroline as ligand were found to be instrumental in driving these reactions to completion. This optimised protocol was further extended to alkyl/aryl/heteroaryl potassium organo trifluoroborates. A wide range of diversely substituted imidazo pyridine analogues which are known for their potential therapeutic applications have been synthesized using this highly efficient and atom economical protocol.
Low end‐to‐end delay fuzzy networking protocol for mobile wireless sensing
Authors: Mazaheri Mohammad , Kavian Yousef S. , Sharif Hamid , Rashvand Habib F. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBecause of the practical limitations of the energy and processing capabilities, the deployment of many Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) is facing two main challenges of increasing network lifetime and reducing End to End Delay (EED) which become critical when the nodes are mobile and use non‐rechargeable energy sources. One way to help to extend network lifetime is using fuzzy logic in a form of artificial intelligence. To this end we propose a new routing protocol for using mobile WSNs, which holds the nodes in an equal level of energy and decreases energy dissipation of the network. An optimum path is selected based on the cost of each node to increase network lifetime. In order to lessen EED, we also attempt to design a novel zoning‐scheme for the network area. In this scheme, zonation is dynamic and works based on the Data Link (DL) position. The simulation result shows a significant improvement in lifetime and EED by proposed protocol compared with existing protocols. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blastobotrys (Arxula) adeninivorans: a promising alternative yeast for biotechnology and basic research
Authors: Malak Anna , Baronian Kim , Kunze Gotthard 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBlastobotrys adeninivorans (syn. Arxula adeninivorans) is a non‐conventional, non‐pathogenic, imperfect, haploid yeast, belonging to the subphylum Saccharomycotina, which has to date received comparatively little attention from researchers. It possesses unusual properties such as thermo‐ and osmotolerance, and a broad substrate spectrum. Depending on the cultivation temperature B. (A.) adeninivorans exhibits different morphological forms and various post‐translational modifications and protein expression properties that are strongly correlated with the morphology. The genome has been completely sequenced and, in addition, there is a well‐developed transformation/expression platform, which makes rapid, simple gene manipulations possible. This yeast species is a very good host for homologous and heterologous gene expression and is also a useful gene donor. Blastobotrys (A.) adeninivorans is able to use a very wide range of substrates as carbon and/or nitrogen sources and is an interesting organism owing to the presence of many metabolic pathways, for example degradation of n‐butanol, purines and tannin. In addition, its unusual properties and robustness make it a useful bio‐component for whole cell biosensors. There are currently a number of products on the market produced by B. (A.) adeninivorans and further investigation may contribute further innovative solutions for current challenges that exist in the biotechnology industry. Additionally it may become a useful alternative to existing commercial yeast strains and as a model organism in research. In this review we present information relevant to the exploitation of B. (A.) adeninivorans in research and industrial settings. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Material feature representation and identification with composite surfacelets
Authors: Huang Wei , Wang Yan , Rosen David W. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Computer-aided materials design requires new modeling approaches to characterize and represent fine-grained geometric structures and material compositions at multiple scales. Recently, a dual-Rep approach was developed to model materials microstructures based on a new basis function, called surfacelet. As a combination of implicit surface and wavelets, surfacelets can efficiently identify and represent planar, cylindrical, and ellipsoidal geometries in material microstructures and describe the distribution of compositions and properties. In this paper, these primitive surfacelets are extended and composite surfacelets are proposed to model more complex geometries. Composite surfacelets are constructed by Boolean operations on the primitives. The surfacelet transform is applied to match geometric features in three-dimensional images. The composition of the material near the identified features can then be modeled. A cubic surfacelet and a v-joint surfacelet are developed to demonstrate the reverse engineering process of retrieving material compositions from material images.
Highlights Modeling material distribution and edge singularity with composition of implicit surfaces. Identifying edge features in images with surface integrals and surfacelet transform. Enabling reverse engineering of materials with parametric representation.
Incidence of fistula after management of perianal abscess
Authors: Hasan Riyadh Mohamad 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Background Perianal fistula is among the most common anorectal diseases encountered in adults, men are more prone to be affected than women. There is a close relationship of abscess and fistula in etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, therapy, complications and morbidity, it is appropriate to consider them as one entity.
Aim of study To determine the incidence of fistula formation and recurrent abscess in a sample of Iraqi patients in Baghdad and decide whether primary fistulotomy should be performed at the time of incision and drainage of perianal abscesses.
Patients and methods A retrospective study of 68 patients with perianal abscess operations conducted in Baghdad. They underwent incision and drainage under either local or general anesthesia at Al-Kindy Teaching Hospitals and private hospitals over a 15-year period from January 2000 to December 2015. Their ages ranged from 20 to 68 years (40.21 ± 1.34) males (63/68) (92.64%) were more than females (5/68) (7.35%). Patients were treated with incision over the abscess under anesthesia and drainage of the abscess was done. The patients were followed up for an average 18 months (range 12–24 months) after abscess drainage or until a fistula appeared and abscess recurrence.
Results The study group comprised of 68 (92.64%) patients with perianal abscess with a median age 39 years (range 20–68 years). The mean follow-up period was identified to be 18 months (range 12–24 months). Males (63/68) (92.64%) were more than females (5/68) (7.35%). The incidence of fistula formation after follow up, the patients with perianal abscess after incision and drainage was 31/68 (45.58%) and males (30/31) (44.11%) were more than females (1/31) (1.47%). The most common site was posterior then left lateral position. The percentage of patients with recurrent abscess n = 6 (8.82%)were lower than fistula formation n = 31 (45.58%). The percentage of males n = 4/6 (5.88%) were more than females 2/6 (2.94%).
Conclusions The incidence of anal fistula in a sample of Iraqi patients with perianal abscess was 45.58% and percentage of recurrence of perianal abscess was 8.82%. To avoid division of anal sphincter muscle, secondary fistulotomy is advised to be done later when anal fistula will be formed.
Cardiac conduction defects and Brugada syndrome: A family with overlap syndrome carrying a nonsense SCN5A mutation
Authors: Aoki Hisaaki , Nakamura Yoshihide , Ohno Seiko , Makiyama Takeru , Horie Minoru 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundPhenotypes often differ even within family members carrying the same SCN5A mutation. We aimed to evaluate the genetic modifiers in a family with Brugada syndrome (BrS) and sick sinus syndrome (SSS) with an SCN5A mutation that causes the truncated alpha‐subunit of cardiac Na channel protein.MethodsTo detect the genetic modifiers, we performed targeted panel sequencing of the coding region of 46 genes that are related to primary arrhythmia syndrome, by using a bench‐top, next generation sequencer. Phenotype–genotype relationships were evaluated among the family members.ResultsIndex proband was a 13‐year old (yo) boy with cardiac conduction defect as well as BrS. Genetic analysis revealed that he and his three asymptomatic family members carried a novel nonsense mutation: SCN5A‐Q779X. Both genotype‐positive mother and sister exhibited coved type ST elevation and his sister had SSS, whereas his elder brother exhibited saddleback type ST elevation induced by pilsicainide administration. We detected four non‐synonymous variants (DSG2‐R773K, SCN1B‐L210P, ‐S248R, and ‐R250T) in the proband, his mother and his sister, but not in his brother.ConclusionPhenotypic differences between the proband and his brother carrying the same nonsense SCN5A mutation could be explained by modifiers such as SCN1B, and DSG2 gene variants.