bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theta EEG neurofeedback benefits early consolidation of motor sequence learning
Authors: Rozengurt Roman , Barnea Anat , Uchida Sunao , Levy Daniel A. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractProcedural learning is subject to consolidation processes believed to depend on the modulation of functional connections involved in representing the acquired skill. While sleep provides the most commonly studied framework for such consolidation processes, posttraining modulation of oscillatory brain activity may also impact on plasticity processes. Under the hypothesis that consolidation of motor learning is associated with theta band activity, we used EEG neurofeedback (NFB) to enable participants to selectively increase either theta or beta power in their EEG spectra following the acquisition phase of motor sequence learning. We tested performance on a motor task before and after training, right after the NFB session to assess immediate NFB effects, 1 day after NFB to assess interaction between NFB effects and overnight sleep‐dependent stabilization, and 1 week after the initial session, to assess the effects of NFB on long‐term stabilization of motor training. We also explored the extent of the influence of single‐electrode NFB on EEG recorded across the scalp. Results revealed a significantly greater improvement in performance immediately after NFB in the theta group than in the beta group. This effect continued for testing up to 1 week following training. Across participants, post‐NFB improvement correlated positively with theta/beta ratio change achieved during NFB. Additionally, NFB was found to cause widespread band‐power modulation beyond the electrode used for feedback. Thus, upregulating postlearning theta power may yield contributions to the immediate performance and subsequent consolidation of an acquired motor skill.
Preejection period can be calculated using R peak instead of Q
Authors: Seery Mark D. , Kondrak Cheryl L. , Streamer Lindsey , Saltsman Thomas , Lamarche Veronica M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPreejection period (PEP) is a common measure of sympathetic nervous system activation in psychophysiological research, which makes it important to measure reliably for as many participants as possible. PEP is typically calculated as the interval between the onset or peak of the electrocardiogram Q wave and the impedance cardiography B point, but the Q wave can lack clear definition and even its peak is not visible for all participants. We thus investigated the feasibility of using the electrocardiogram R wave peak (Rpeak) instead of Q because it can be consistently identified with ease and precision. Across four samples (total N = 408), young adult participants completed a variety of minimally metabolically demanding laboratory tasks after a resting baseline. Results consistently supported a close relationship between absolute levels of the Rpeak‐B interval and PEP (accounting for approximately 90% of the variance at baseline and 89% during task performance, on average), but for reactivity values, Rpeak‐B was practically indistinguishable from PEP (accounting for over 98% of the variance, on average). Given that using Rpeak rather than the onset or peak of Q saves time, eliminates potential subjectivity, and can be applied to more participants (i.e., those without a visible Q wave), findings suggest that Rpeak‐B likely provides an adequate estimate of PEP when absolute levels are of interest and clearly does so for within‐person changes.
We Lower Blood Flow for Intradialytic Hypotension
Authors: Sherman Richard A. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWhether hemodialysis is performed through a fistula, graft, or a dialysis catheter, it is a common practice to lower the dialyzer blood flow in patients who develop intradialytic hypotension. Lowering dialyzer blood flow is assumed to reduce AV access blood flow and thus increase peripheral vascular resistance tending to raise blood pressure. As a general rule, however, such a reduction in dialyzer blood flow does not lower access flow; only in the case of an intra‐access stenosis could this be the case. Reducing access blood flow (in both catheter and AV accesses) did ameliorate a number of potential contributors to intradialytic hypotension when older dialysis technologies were routinely used. A lower dialyzer blood flow reduced acetate influx, decreased extracorporeal blood volume, and decreased the release of vasodilatory products of blood‐membrane interactions. However, none of these considerations are applicable to current dialysis practice.
We Offer Renal Replacement Therapy to Patients Who Are Not Benefitted by It
Authors: Holley Jean L. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractNephrologists offer renal replacement therapy (RRT) to patients who are unlikely to benefit in part because of our discomfort discussing goals of care in the setting of an uncertain prognosis for a given individual. Permanent neurological impairment, terminal illness (life expectancy <6 months), medical conditions precluding the safe delivery of dialysis, elderly patients with poor prognosis, and those who begin “early” RRT are categories of patients for whom dialysis may not be beneficial. Successful use of time‐limited trials of dialysis may reduce the number of patients who are started on RRT without significant benefit. However, clear achievable milestones and goals need to be incorporated into plans for time‐limited trials to ensure that continuing RRT beyond the trial period is appropriate. The lack of information on outcomes and symptom management using a “palliative approach” to dialysis suggests this should not be a clinical option until additional study is done and efficacy data available. Clinical practice guidelines are available to assist nephrologists in the appropriate withholding of RRT.
We Underdose Antibiotics in Patients on CRRT
Authors: Shaw Alexander R. , Chaijamorn Weerachai , Mueller Bruce A. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAppropriate antibiotic dosing in critically ill, infected, patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is crucial to improve patient outcomes. Severe sepsis and septic shock result in changes in pharmacokinetic parameters, including increased volume of distribution, hypoalbuminemia, and changes in renal and nonrenal clearances. The lack of CRRT standardization, nonrecognition of how CRRT variability affects antibiotic removal, fear of antibiotic toxicity, and limited drug dosing resources all contribute to suboptimal antibiotic therapy. Even when antibiotic CRRT pharmacokinetic studies are available, they are often based on old CRRT methodologies that do not exist in contemporary CRRT practice, resulting in unhelpful/inaccurate dosing recommendations. Application of these older doses in Monte Carlo simulation studies reveals that many of the recommended dosing regimens will never attain pharmacodynamic targets. In this review, using cefepime as an example, we illustrate whether clinicians are likely to achieve pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic targets when the recommended dosing regimens are prescribed in this patient population. We encourage clinicians to aggressively dose antibiotics with large loading dose and higher maintenance doses to reach the targets.
We Do Too Many Parathyroidectomies for Calciphylaxis
Authors: Nigwekar Sagar U. , Sprague Stuart M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractCalciphylaxis, a disorder of dermal arteriolar calcification with a distinct predilection for patients with advanced kidney disease, remains an enigmatic condition that challenges clinicians. Observations regarding positive associations between levels of circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) and the risk of calciphylaxis, combined with experimental data suggesting a pathogenic role of secondary hyperparathyroidism in vascular calcification, have led to the assumption that reducing PTH levels will improve the outcomes in patients with calciphylaxis. This editorial communicates the contemporary data regarding surgical parathyroidectomy as a treatment option for these patients. We raise concerns regarding the quality of available data and discuss the direction of future comparative effectiveness research in this field.
An Observable Delay Game with Unionised Managerial Firms
Authors: Fanti Luciano 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe endogenous order of moves is analysed in a unionised Cournot duopoly with managerial delegation and firm‐specific unions, where firms choose whether to set quantities sequentially or simultaneously. It is shown that, in contrast to the standard duopoly with profit‐maximising firms where both firms prefer to be the leader and thus simultaneously chosen quantities emerge as an endogenous equilibrium, a rich set of equilibrium outcomes may occur. In particular, the result of sequential choices, which reverses the conventional wisdom in regard to Cournot duopolies, emerges as the endogenous equilibrium when the union's wage orientation is sufficiently high.
Alignment in Syntax: Quotative Inversion in English
Authors: Bruening Benjamin 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis paper explores the idea that many languages have a phonological Align(ment) constraint that requires alignment between the tensed verb and C. This Align constraint is what is behind verb‐second and many types of inversion phenomena generally. Numerous facts about English subject–auxiliary inversion and French stylistic inversion fall out from the way this Align constraint is stated in each language. The paper arrives at the Align constraint by way of a detailed reexamination of English quotative inversion. The syntactic literature has overwhelmingly accepted Collins & Branigan's (1997) conclusion that the subject in quotative inversion is low, within the VP. This paper reexamines the properties of quotative inversion and shows that Collins & Branigan's analysis is incorrect: quotative‐inversion subjects are high, in Spec,TP, and what moves is a full phrase, not just the verb. The constraints on quotative inversion, including the famous transitivity constraint, fall out from two independently necessary constraints: (1) a constraint on what can be stranded by phrasal movement like VP fronting, and (2) the aforementioned Align constraint, which requires alignment between V and C. This constraint can then be seen to derive numerous seemingly unrelated facts in a single language, as well as across languages.
Compound heterozygosity of two novel RHAG alleles leads to a considerable disruption of the Rh complex
Authors: Polin Helene , Pelc‐Klopotowska Monika , Danzer Martin , Suessner Susanne , Gabriel Christian , Wilflingseder Julia , Żmudzin Alicja , Orzińska Agnieszka , Guz Katarzyna , Michalewska Bogumila , Brojer Ewa 
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUNDThe Rhesus (Rh) complex consists of a core comprising the Rh proteins (RhD/RhCE) and the Rh‐associated glycoprotein (RhAG) with accessory chains (GPB, LW, CD47). Molecular defects of the RHAG gene may cause a regulator Rhnull phenotype without Rh antigen expression or a Rhmod phenotype with decreased Rh antigen expression.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSBlood samples of a donor with strongly diminished Rh antigens and five family members were analyzed by serological phenotyping, flow cytometry, molecular testing, and gene expression analysis of Rh complex candidate genes.RESULTSRHAG sequencing identified a missense mutation, c.241G>C (p.Gly81Arg) and a splice site mutation, c.640 + 3del14, among the cohort. Compound heterozygosity of these novel alleles identified in the propositus and two siblings gave rise to a strongly diminished expression of RhAG, Rh, and CD47 antigens on the RBC surface.CONCLUSIONThe Rhmod phenotype was caused by a novel RHAG splice site mutation in association with a non‐functional allele. The primary depression of RhAG is most likely due to posttranslational events that affect the interaction and processing of the RhAG glycoprotein and gave rise to a secondary depression of RhD, RhCE, and CD47, the major members of the Rh complex.
Plerixafor is safe and efficacious for mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells in pediatric patients
Authors: Teusink Ashley , Pinkard Susan , Davies Stella , Mueller Mark , Jodele Sonata 
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUNDChemotherapy followed by filgrastim is the most common strategy used to mobilize autologous peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) for high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. Unfortunately, this method does not always lead to adequate PBSC collection in heavily treated patients with relapsed malignancies or if multiple transplants are required. Plerixafor, a hematopoietic stem cell mobilizer that inhibits the CXCR4 chemokine receptor and blocks binding of its cognate ligand, stromal cell–derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α), has been shown to be safe and efficacious in the mobilization of autologous PBSC in adults. Despite its use in adults, little evidence exists to support its use in children.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe report a retrospective review of 16 consecutive pediatric patients receiving plerixafor as part of their mobilization regimen at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. All patients but one were given 0.24 mg/kg dose of plerixafor and the median number of plerixafor doses received was two (range, one to four doses). One patient received higher doses of plerixafor.RESULTSAn adequate number of CD34+ cells were obtained in 14 of 16 patients (87.5%). The median number of CD34+ cells collected for patients who reached collection goal was 6 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg (range, 1.6 × 106−12.4 × 106/kg). No acute adverse events were noted to be attributable to plerixafor administration.CONCLUSIONOur findings suggest that plerixafor use in children is safe and efficacious for the mobilization of autologous PBSCs in subjects with relapsed malignancies or requiring stem cells for multiple transplants.
Treatment of platelet concentrates with ultraviolet C light for pathogen reduction increases cytokine accumulation
Authors: Sandgren Per , Berlin Gösta , Tynngård Nahreen 
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUNDPathogen reduction technologies use photoactive substances in combination with ultraviolet (UV) light to inactivate pathogens. A new method uses only UVC light for pathogen reduction. This study assesses the effects of UVC light treatment on cytokine release in platelet (PLT) concentrates (PCs).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA PC with 35% plasma and 65% PLT additive solution (SSP+) was prepared from five buffy coats. Three such PCs were pooled and divided into 3 units. One unit was used as a nonirradiated control, the second was a gamma‐irradiated control, and the third unit was treated with UVC light technology. Ten units of each type were investigated. Cytokine release was analyzed on Days 1, 5, and 7 of storage. Correlation between cytokines, PLT surface markers, and hemostatic properties was investigated.RESULTSSwirling was well preserved and pH was above the reference limit of 6.4 during storage of PLTs in all groups. Cytokine levels increased during storage in all groups but to a larger degree in PCs treated with UVC light. Only weak correlation was found between cytokines and PLT surface markers (r < 0.5). However, several cytokines showed strong correlation (r > 0.6) with the PLTs' ability to promote clot retraction.CONCLUSIONUVC treatment resulted in increased release from PLT alpha granules as evident by a higher cytokine release compared to nonirradiated and gamma‐irradiated PCs. The clinical relevance of these findings needs to be further evaluated.
TRPA1 channels: molecular sentinels of cellular stress and tissue damage
Authors: Viana Félix 
Published: April 2016

AbstractTRPA1 is a non‐selective cation channel expressed in mammalian peripheral pain receptors, with a major role in chemonociception. TRPA1 has also been implicated in noxious cold and mechanical pain sensation. TRPA1 has an ancient origin and plays important functions in lower organisms, including thermotaxis, mechanotransduction and modulation of lifespan. Here we highlight the role of TRPA1 as a multipurpose sensor of harmful signals, including toxic bacterial products and UV light, and as a sensor of stress and tissue damage. Sensing roles span beyond the peripheral nervous system to include major barrier tissues: gut, skin and lung. Tissue injury, environmental irritants and microbial pathogens are danger signals that can threaten the health of organisms. These signals lead to the coordinated activation of the nociceptive and the innate immune system to provide a homeostatic response trying to re‐establish physiological conditions including tissue repair. Activation of TRPA1 participates in protective neuroimmune interactions at multiple levels, sensing ROS and bacterial products and triggering the release of neuropeptides. However, an exaggerated response to danger signals is maladaptive and can lead to the development of chronic inflammatory conditions.
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Effect of Cold on Proprioception and Cognitive Function in Elite Alpine Skiers
Authors: Racinais Sebastien , Gaoua Nadia , Mtibaa Khouloud , Whiteley Rodney , Hautier Christophe , Alhammoud Marine 
Published: April 2016

Purpose:To determine the effect of cold ambient conditions on proprioception and cognitive function in elite alpine skiers.Methods:22 high-level alpine skiers and 14 control participants performed a proprioceptive-acuity (active movement-extent discrimination) and a cognitive (planning task) test in cold (8°C) and temperate (24°C) ambient conditions.Results:All participants displayed an increase in thermal discomfort and the amount of negative affects in the cold environment (all P < .05). Average proprioceptive acuity was significantly better in the elite skiers (0.46° ± 0.12°) than in the control group (0.55° ± 0.12°) (P < .05) and was not affected by cold ambient conditions, except for a shift in the pattern of error (over- vs underestimation, P < .05). Cognitive performance was similar between elite skiers and control participants in temperate environments but decreased in the cold in the control group only (P < .05) becoming lower than in elite skiers (P < .05).Conclusion:Elite alpine skiers showed a significantly better proprioceptive acuity than a control population and were able to maintain their performance during a cognitive task in a cold environment.
Sleep Quality but Not Quantity Altered With a Change in Training Environment in Elite Australian Rules Football Players
Authors: Pitchford Nathan W. , Robertson Sam J. , Sargent Charli , Cordy Justin , Bishop David J. , Bartlett Jonathan D. 
Published: April 2016

Purpose:To assess the effects of a change in training environment on the sleep characteristics of elite Australian Rules football (AF) players.Methods:In an observational crossover trial, 19 elite AF players had time in bed (TIB), total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), and wake after sleep onset (WASO) assessed using wristwatch activity devices and subjective sleep diaries across 8-d home and camp periods. Repeated-measures ANOVA determined mean differences in sleep, training load (session rating of perceived exertion [RPE]), and environment. Pearson product–moment correlations, controlling for repeated observations on individuals, were used to assess the relationship between changes in sleep characteristics at home and camp. Cohen effect sizes (d) were calculated using individual means.Results:On camp TIB (+34 min) and WASO (+26 min) increased compared with home. However, TST was similar between home and camp, significantly reducing camp SE (–5.82%). Individually, there were strong negative correlations for TIB and WASO (r = -.75 and r = -.72, respectively) and a moderate negative correlation for SE (r = -.46) between home and relative changes on camp. Camp increased the relationship between individual s-RPE variation and TST variation compared with home (increased load r = -.367 vs .051, reduced load r = .319 vs –.033, camp vs home respectively).Conclusions:Camp compromised sleep quality due to significantly increased TIB without increased TST. Individually, AF players with higher home SE experienced greater reductions in SE on camp. Together, this emphasizes the importance of individualized interventions for elite team-sport athletes when traveling and/or changing environments.
Network of epistatic interactions within a yeast snoRNA
Authors: Puchta Olga , Cseke Botond , Czaja Hubert , Tollervey David , Sanguinetti Guido , Kudla Grzegorz 
Published: April 2016

Epistasis and mutational fitness landscapeA fitness landscape of a gene defines the molecular potential of evolution. This can help us understand the current state of evolution as well as predict unrealized potential. Using deep sequencing to examine mutations in nonessential genes that affect the growth of yeast strains, two studies have generated fitness landscapes and measured the effect of epistatic interactions (see the Perspective by He and Liu). Liet al.generated a library of mutants in a transfer RNA gene, including all single and many double and multiple mutants. The RNA secondary structure was generally predictive of bases under selection. Similarly, Puchtaet al.assessed a small nucleolar RNA gene for the fitness effects of individual mutations, which correlated with evolutionary conservation and structural stability. Both studies suggest that epistasis—the combined functional effect—for double substitutions is more often negative than positive.Science, this issue pp.837and840; see also p.769
Complete Genome Sequence of Rift Valley Fever Virus Strain Lunyo
Authors: Lumley Sarah , Horton Daniel L. , Marston Denise A. , Johnson Nicholas , Ellis Richard J. , Fooks Anthony R. , Hewson Roger 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT
Using next-generation sequencing technologies, the first complete genome sequence of Rift Valley fever virus strain Lunyo is reported here. Originally reported as an attenuated antigenic variant strain from Uganda, genomic sequence analysis shows that Lunyo clusters together with other Ugandan isolates.
Genome Sequence of
Bacillus subtilis
Strain HUK15, Isolated from Hexachlorocyclohexane-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Gasc Cyrielle , Richard Jean-Yves , Peyret Pierre 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Bacillus subtilis
strain HUK15 has been isolated from hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-long-term-contaminated soil. The genome of strain HUK15 was sequenced to investigate its adaptation toward HCH and its potential capability to degrade the pesticide. Here, we report the annotated draft genome sequence (~4.3 Mbp) of this strain.
Draft Genome Sequence of Aldehyde-Degrading Strain
Halomonas axialensis
ACH-L-8
Authors: Ye Jun , Ren Chong , Shan Xiexie , Zeng Runying 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Halomonas axialensis
ACH-L-8, a deep-sea strain isolated from the South China Sea, has the ability to degrade aldehydes. Here, we present an annotated draft genome sequence of this species, which could provide fundamental molecular information on the aldehydes-degrading mechanism.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum SF2A35B
Authors: Bron Peter A. , Lee I-Chiao , Backus Lennart , van Hijum Sacha A. F. T. , Wels Michiel , Kleerebezem Michiel 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

The lactic acid bacterium
Lactobacillus plantarum
is intensively studied as a model probiotic species. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of the exopolysaccharide-producing strain SF2A35B.