bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effective network of deep brain stimulation of subthalamic nucleus with bimodal positron emission tomography/functional magnetic resonance imaging in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Chen Hui‐Min , Sha Zhi‐Qiang , Ma Hui‐Zi , He Yong , Feng Tao 
Published: December 2017

SummaryAimsDeep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN‐DBS) has become an effective treatment strategy for patients with Parkinson's disease. However, the biological mechanism underlying DBS treatment remains poorly understood.MethodIn this study, we investigated how STN‐DBS modulated the brain network using a bimodal positron emission tomography (PET)/functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) dataset. We first performed an activation likelihood estimation meta‐analysis of 13 PET/SPECT studies concerning STN‐DBS effects on resting‐state brain activity in Parkinson's disease. Additionally, using a functional connectivity analysis in resting‐state fMRI, we investigated whether these STN‐DBS‐affected regions were functionally connected to constitute an effective network.ResultsThe results revealed that STN‐DBS reduced brain activity in the right thalamus, bilateral caudal supplementary area, and the left primary motor cortex, and it increased brain activity in the left thalamus during rest. Second, these STN‐DBS‐affected areas were functionally connected within an STN‐DBS effective network.ConclusionDeep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN‐DBS) may deactivate the motor cortex as a remote and network effect, affecting the target and the neighboring subcortical areas. These areas may constitute an effective network of STN‐DBS modulation. Our results shed light on the mechanisms of STN‐DBS treatment from a network perspective and highlight the potential therapeutic benefits of targeted network modulation.
Results of a systematic literature review of treatment modalities for jugulotympanic paraganglioma, stratified per Fisch class
Authors: Jansen T.T.G. , Timmers H.J.L.M. , Marres H.A.M. , Kaanders J.H.A.M. , Kunst H.P.M. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveKey for successful jugulotympanic paraganglioma management is a personalised approach aiming for the best practice for each individual patient. To this end, a systematic review is performed, evaluating the local control and complication rates for the different treatment modalities stratified by the broadly accepted Fisch classification.DesignA systematic literature review according to the PRISMA statement was performed. A detailed overview of individual treatment outcomes per Fisch class is provided.Main outcome measuresLocal control, cranial nerve damage, complications, function recovery.ResultsEighteen studies were selected, resembling 83 patients treated with radiotherapy and 299 with surgery. Excellent local control was found post‐surgery for class A and B tumours, and risk of cranial nerve damage was <1%. For class C1‐4 tumours, local control was 80%‐95% post‐surgery (84% post‐radiotherapy), and cranial nerve damage was found in 71%‐76% (none post‐radiotherapy; P < .05). There was no difference in treatment outcomes between tumours of different C class. For class C1‐4De/Di tumours, local control was 38%‐86% (98% post‐radiotherapy; P < .05) and cranial nerve damage/complication rates were 67%‐100% (3% post‐radiotherapy; P < .05). C1‐4DeDi tumours showed lesser local control and cranial nerve damage rates when compared to C1‐4De tumours.ConclusionsAn individual risk is constituted for surgery and radiotherapy, stratified per Fisch class. For class A and B tumours, surgery is a suitable treatment option. For class C and D tumours, radiotherapy results in lower complication rates and similar or better local control rates when compared to the surgical group.
Brain comorbidities in normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Allali G. , Laidet M. , Armand S. , Assal F. 
Published: December 2017

Background and purposeThis cross‐sectional study aims to compare gait changes after the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap test between normal pressure hydrocephalus patients with and without brain comorbidities (NPH+ and NPH− respectively) and then to identify significant contributors to a poor CSF tap test amongst individuals with NPH+.MethodsGait changes (during the single task and the dual task of backward counting) were quantified before and 24 h after the CSF tap test with an optoelectronic system in 52 NPH patients (77.4 ± 6.0 years; 34.6% women). Changes after the CSF tap test in stride time variability (STV, %) were our main outcome. CSF Alzheimer's disease biomarkers, cerebrovascular white matter changes assessed with brain imaging and neurodegenerative diseases with parkinsonian syndrome represented the three individual brain comorbidities.ResultsBrain comorbidities were frequently identified, NPH+ patients representing 40 patients of our sample (76.9%). NPH− patients improved their STV better in the single task (delta of STV = −58.6% ± 54.3% vs. −14.1% ± 62.0%; P = 0.031) and in the dual task (delta of STV =−32.2% ± 33.7% vs. 6.3% ± 58.4%; P = 0.028) after the CSF tap test than NPH+ patients. Amongst NPH+ individuals, only comorbid Alzheimer's disease was associated with STV increase (i.e. deterioration of gait) in the dual task [β 38.4; 95% confidence interval (5.64; 71.24); P = 0.023] after the CSF tap test, whilst it was borderline in the single task [β 35.0; 95% confidence interval (−1.97; 71.90); P = 0.063].ConclusionsBrain comorbidities affect gait improvement after the CSF tap test in NPH patients; this influence is driven by Alzheimer's disease‐related pathology.
Association between β‐cell function estimated by HOMA‐β and prognosis of non‐diabetic patients with ischaemic stroke
Authors: Zhou M. , Pan Y. , Jing J. , Wang Y. , Zhao X. , Liu L. , Li H. , Wang Y. 
Published: December 2017

Background and purposeStudies showed that β‐cell dysfunction is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between β‐cell function and prognosis of non‐diabetic patients with ischaemic stroke.MethodsIschaemic stroke patients without diabetes in the Abnormal Glucose Regulation in Patients with Acute Stroke across China registry were included in this analysis. Homeostasis assessment of β‐cell function (HOMA‐β) was performed and classified into four groups according to quartiles. The outcomes included stroke recurrence, poor functional outcome and all‐cause mortality.ResultsIn a total of 1244 patients, the average age was 62.3 years; 63.1% patients were male. At 1 year, the first quartile of HOMA‐β (<54.0) was associated with increased stroke recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio 2.04, 95% confidence interval 1.32–3.17, P = 0.001), poor functional outcome (adjusted odds ratio 3.04, 95% confidence interval 1.90–4.88, P < 0.001) and mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 4.12, 95% confidence interval 2.24−7.59, P < 0.001) compared with the fourth quartile of HOMA‐β (≥166.3) after adjustment for insulin resistance and other potential covariates. The second and third quartiles of HOMA‐β were significantly associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcome. Multivariable regression analysis with restricted cubic splines showed an L‐shaped association between HOMA‐β and outcomes at 1 year.ConclusionsOur study shows that lower HOMA‐β level is associated with poor outcomes at 1 year in non‐diabetic patients with ischaemic stroke.
The Challenge of Inter‐faith Relations for the Christian Conference of Asia
Authors: Ariarajah S. Wesley 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAsia is the cradle of many religions, and religious diversity is the hallmark of most Asian societies. Religiosity runs deep in the Asian outlook on life. Why then, one would ask, did the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) not have visible and structured inter‐faith dialogues as one of its programme priorities? This article examines the reasons why it would have been difficult and even inappropriate for the CCA to initiate a robust dialogue programme in the context in which it was founded. However, CCA did respond to the inter‐faith reality by animating theological and missiological reflections that took Asian social realities and religious pluralism as the contexts of these reflections. Today, religions are increasingly entering the public, and especially the political, arena. There is an increase in religious intolerance and militancy in a number of Asian countries. These have resulted in CCA paying more focused attention to inter‐faith relations and religious plurality.
Ecumenical and Inter‐religious Contributions to Asian Liberation Theologies
Authors: Tan Jonathan Y. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis essay surveys the varieties of liberation theologies that have emerged in different religious communities across Asia. It explores how Asian liberation theologians from across the major religious traditions of Asia have sought answers from within their own religious traditions and social locations to the endemic persistence of mass poverty, exploitative socio‐economic structures, and oppressive political systems that often deny basic human and democratic rights to the poor and marginalized masses in Asia. The article's basic premise is that liberation and social justice are not monopolies of Christianity, but are found across the great religious traditions of Asia, and it highlights examples such as Mahatma Gandhi in Indian Hinduism, B. R. Ambedkar in Indian Buddhism, and Buddhadasa Bhikkhu in Thai Buddhism. Christian examples include Aloysius Pieris (Sri Lanka), Dalit and indigenous tribal theologies from India, and Minjung theology from Korea.
Asian Women in the Ecumenical Movement: Voices of Resistance and Hope
Authors: Gnanadason Aruna 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThroughout Asian ecumenical history, Christian women have found ways to organize themselves and create structures that give them the space to articulate their concerns and contribute their theological and leadership skills to the church and society. Asia's complex context has played a pivotal role in framing the contributions of women to the ecumenical movement, while the ecumenical movement in Asia has played a key role in helping define feminism, feminist theory, and feminist theology for this continent, contributing to national‐level initiatives in each Asian country as well as to regional and to World Christianity. At the same time, ecumenical women in each nation of Asia have linked with secular women's efforts and with women of other faiths to bring transformation in the lives of women, to challenge violence in all its manifestations, and to demand justice and dignity for all women and men.
Chinese Churches and the Ecumenical Movement from an Asian Perspective
Authors: Carino Theresa 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe involvement of Chinese churches and Chinese Christians with the ecumenical movement preceded the establishment of the World Council of Churches in 1948. Recurring themes in the encounter have been de‐colonization and indigenization, church unity and post‐denominationalism, and Asian regional ecumenism. There was also a determination among Chinese church leaders to reconfigure mission and relations between churches in the West and those in Asia. These concerns have their origins in the chequered history of Christian missions and their association with imperialism in the last century.
Actinobacillus capsulatusperitonitis and chyloabdomen in a Warmblood gelding
Authors: Cullimore A. M. , Lester G. D. , Stephens N. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryPrimary peritonitis in horses attributable toActinobacillus equulihas been reported in Australia, New Zealand and North America. Published reports describe a rapid response to treatment with appropriate antimicrobial and supportive treatment and an excellent prognosis for survival. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case ofActinobacillus capsulatusin the horse. The case was complicated by the development of an idiopathic chylous abdominal effusion. The report highlights the importance of molecular methods in the correct identification of bacterial species. Prognosis for horses diagnosed withActinobacillusperitonitis may be guarded given the atypical response to appropriate antimicrobial treatment in this case.
Biochemical and structural insights into a thermostable cellobiohydrolase from Myceliophthora thermophila
Authors: Kadowaki Marco A. S. , Higasi Paula , de Godoy Mariana O. , Prade Rolf A. , Polikarpov Igor 
Published: December 2017

Cellobiohydrolases hydrolyze cellulose, a linear polymer with glucose monomers linked exclusively by β‐1,4 glycosidic linkages. The widespread hydrogen bonding network tethers individual cellulose polymers forming crystalline cellulose, which prevent the access of hydrolytic enzymes and water molecules. The most abundant enzyme secreted by Myceliophthora thermophila M77 in response to the presence of biomass is the cellobiohydrolase MtCel7A, which is composed by a GH7‐catalytic domain (CD), a linker, and a CBM1‐type carbohydrate‐binding module. GH7 cellobiohydrolases have been studied before, and structural models have been proposed. However, currently available GH7 crystal structures only define separate catalytic domains and/or cellulose‐binding modules and do not include the full‐length structures that are involved in shaping the catalytic mode of operation. In this study, we determined the 3D structure of catalytic domain using X‐ray crystallography and retrieved the full‐length enzyme envelope via small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) technique. The SAXS data reveal a tadpole‐like molecular shape with a rigid linker connecting the CD and CBM. Our biochemical studies show that MtCel7A has higher catalytic efficiency and thermostability as well as lower processivity when compared to the well‐studied TrCel7A from Trichoderma reesei. Based on a comparison of the crystallographic structures of CDs and their molecular dynamic simulations, we demonstrate that MtCel7A has considerably higher flexibility than TrCel7A. In particular, loops that cover the active site are more flexible and undergo higher conformational fluctuations, which might account for decreased processivity and enhanced enzymatic efficiency. Our statistical coupling analysis suggests co‐evolution of amino acid clusters comprising the catalytic site of MtCel7A, which correlate with the steps in the catalytic cycle of the enzyme.DatabaseThe atomic coordinates and structural factors of MtCel7A have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank with accession number 5W11.
Kinetic characterization of wild‐type and mutant human thioredoxin glutathione reductase defines its reaction and regulatory mechanisms
Authors: Brandstaedter Christina , Fritz‐Wolf Karin , Weder Stine , Fischer Marina , Hecker Beate , Rahlfs Stefan , Becker Katja 
Published: December 2017

In most cells, the thioredoxin (Trx) and glutathione systems are essential in maintaining redox homeostasis. The selenoprotein thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR) is a hybrid enzyme in which a glutaredoxin (Grx) domain is linked to a thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). Notably, the protein is also capable of reducing glutathione disulfide (GSSG), thus representing an important link between the two redox systems. In this study, we recombinantly produced human TGR (hTGR wild‐type) by fusing its open reading frame with a bacterial selenocysteine insertion sequence element and co‐expressing the construct in Escherichia coli together with the selA, selB, and selC genes. Additionally, the Sec→Cys mutant (hTGRU642C) of the full‐length protein, the isolated TrxR domain (hTGR151–643) and the Grx domain containing a monothiol active site (hTGR1–150) were produced and purified. All four proteins were kinetically characterized in direct comparison using Trx, DTNB, HED, or GSSG as the oxidizing substrate. Interestingly, the HED reduction activity was Sec independent and comparable in the full‐length protein and the isolated Grx domain, whereas the TrxR and glutathione reductase reactions were clearly selenocysteine dependent, with the GR reaction requiring the Grx domain. Site‐directed mutagenesis studies revealed novel insights into the mechanism of GSSG reduction. Furthermore, we identified several glutathionylation sites in hTGR, including Cys93, Cys133, and Cys619, and an inhibitory effect of these modifications on enzyme activity. In contrast to other TGRs, for example, from platyhelminth parasites, hTGR did not exhibit hysteretic behavior. These findings provide new insights into the reaction mechanism and regulation of monothiol Grx‐containing TGRs.DatabaseEC numbers: 1.8.1.9; 1.8.1.B1
High‐sensitivity QCM with multielectrode piezoelectric quartz crystal design
Authors: Lei Ou , Tian Wenjie , Ma Bo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe ideal linear elastic, small hysteresis phenomenon makes the quartz resonator uniquely useful for Quartz Crystal Microbalances (QCM). Enhanced high‐precision integrated quartz crystal resonators were designed based on the common‐mode rejection principle. The internal stress of quartz crystal on the force was analyzed for the multielectrode design, and the point which located the electrode (diameter is 1 mm) is distributed on the circle from 4 mm to the center of the quartz crystal plate, and the orientation angle φ=60°. The 15 group difference frequency signals were first done the difference frequency processing and then superposition by information fusion technology. The final force sensitivity coefficient of integrated resonator is 11223 Hz/N. It is 10 times than the single resonator. The frequency stability of each electrode is shown 10−10 order of magnitudes.
Fabrication of improved La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 cathode layer for solid oxide fuel cells using economical coating methods
Authors: Javanshir Ehsan , Mozammel Mahdi , Tanhaei Mohammad 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study is to specify an optimal method for coating LSM layer on a YSZ substrate. Initially the prepared powders were validated by X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) technique. A mixture of NiO‐YSZ (50:50 wt%) powders were created by mechanical milling method; then the mix was prepressed in a disk shape die as the base substrate; after that, YSZ powder was added on the substrate and they were pressed and sintered at 1450°C for 3 hours. Three different methods including dip coating, spraying, and brush painting using various concentrations of LSM suspensions, were applied on the obtained substrate. Then, LSM coated disks were sintered at 1250°C for 2 hours. The coating surface and the cross section of the as‐sintered disks which were investigated and scanned by an electron microscope (SEM), illustrated a uniform coating in dip‐coated samples; also, another advantage of this method was the negligible agglomeration of the LSM layer. Moreover, the linear EDS elemental analysis from the surface of the layer—which is coating the substrate—indicated the desired results for the coating which was fabricated by the dip coating method.
Optimal design on the mechanical and thermal properties of porous alumina ceramics based on fractal dimension analysis
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Li Yuanbing , Yan Shu , Zhang Zaijuan , Huo Wenlong , Zhang Xiaoyan , Yang Jinlong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn order to investigate the relationship between pore structure and thermal conductivity as well as mechanical strength, porous alumina ceramics (PAC) with various pore structures were fabricated, using starch as the pore‐forming agent. Fractal theory was employed to characterize the pore size distribution more accurately than ever used parameters. The results show that the increase in starch content in PAC leads to an enhanced porosity, a higher mean pore size, and reduced fracture dimension, thermal conductivity and strength. The fractal analysis indicated that the fractal dimension decreases gradually and reaches its minimum value with increasing the starch content up to 25 wt%, but the further incorporation results in an opposite trend. It is suggested from micro‐pore fractographic analysis that the optimization of both thermal insulation performance and mechanical strength are positively correlated with the increase in the mean pore size and proportion of 2‐14 μm pores but negatively corrected with the porosity. These results provide a new perspective and a deeper understanding for fabrication of PAC with both excellent thermal insulation and mechanical performance.
Digital image analysis agrees with visual estimates of adult bone marrow trephine biopsy cellularity
Authors: Hagiya A. S. , Etman A. , Siddiqi I. N. , Cen S. , Matcuk G. R. , Brynes R. K. , Salama M. E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroductionEvaluation of cellularity is an essential component of bone marrow trephine biopsy examination. The standard practice is to report the results as visual estimates (VE). Digital image analysis (DIA) offers the promise of more objective measurements of cellularity.MethodsAdult bone marrow trephine biopsy sections were assessed for cellularity by VE. Sections were scanned using an Aperio AT2 Scanscope and analyzed using a Cytonuclear (version 1.4) algorithm on halo software. Intraclass correlation (ICC) was used to assess relatedness between VE and DIA, and between MRI and DIA for a separate subset of patients. Trephine biopsy sections from a subset of patients with bone marrow biopsies uninvolved by malignancy were assessed for age‐related changes.ResultsInterobserver VE agreement was good to excellent. The ICC value was 0.81 for VE and DIA, and 0.50 for MRI and DIA. Linearity studies showed no statistically significant trend for age‐related changes in cellularity in our cohort (r = −.29, P = .06).ConclusionsAgreement was good between VE and DIA. It may be possible to use DIA or VE to measure cellularity in the appropriate clinical scenario. The limited sample size precludes similar determinations for MRI calculations. Further studies examining healthy donors are necessary before making definitive conclusions regarding age and cellularity.
Aluminum‐vacancy‐related dielectric relaxations in AlN ceramics
Authors: Wang Kang , Wang Chunchang 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe dielectric properties of AlN ceramics were investigated comprehensively in the temperature range from room‐temperature to 950 K and frequency range of 102 to 5 × 106 Hz. The sample exhibits intrinsic dielectric behavior when T < 500 K, showing a flat dielectric permittivity about 10 and an extremely low dielectric loss factor (tanδ < 2 × 10−3). In the temperature above 500 K, two thermally activated dielectric relaxations related to bulk and interfacial effects were observed. Both relaxations strongly depend on the concentration of oxygen atoms. Our results indicate that the bulk relaxation, occurring in lower temperature range, is caused by aluminum vacancy hopping motion inside grains. The interfacial relaxation, occurring in higher temperature range, is caused by surface‐layer effect due to aluminum vacancies being blocked by sample‐electrode contact.