bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dissociation between executed and imagined bimanual movements in autism spectrum conditions
Authors: Piedimonte Alessandro , Conson Massimiliano , Frolli Alessandro , Bari Stefania , Della Gatta Francesco , Rabuffetti Marco , Keller Roberto , Berti Anna , Garbarini Francesca 
Published: December 2017

Autism spectrum conditions (ASC) are characterized by social‐communicative deficits and repetitive stereotyped behaviors. Altered motor coordination is also observed and a dysfunction of motor imagery has been recently reported on implicit tasks. However, no information on explicit motor imagery abilities is available in ASC. Here, we employed a spatial bimanual task to concurrently assess motor coordination and explicit motor imagery in autism. A secondary objective of the study was to evaluate these abilities across two populations of ASC, namely adolescents and adults with ASC. To this aim, we took advantage of the circles‐lines task in which where participants were asked to continuously draw: right hand lines (unimanual condition); right hand lines and left hand circles (bimanual condition); right hand lines while imagining to draw left hand circles (imagery condition). For each participant, an Ovalization Index (OI) was calculated as a deviation of the right hand drawing trajectory from an absolute vertical axis. Results showed a significant and similar coupling effect in the bimanual condition (i.e., a significant increase of the OI values with respect to the unimanual condition) in both controls and ASC participants. On the contrary, in the imagery condition, a significant coupling effect was found only in controls. Furthermore, adult controls showed a significantly higher imagery coupling effect in comparison to all the other groups. These results demonstrate that atypical motor imagery processes in ASC are not limited to implicit tasks and suggest that development of neural structures involved in motor imagery are immature in ASC. Autism Res 2018, 11: 376–384. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Lay SummaryAutism spectrum conditions (ASC) are characterized by social‐communicative and motor coordination difficulties but in many cases also by an impaired capability to imagine movements. In this study we found that while two handed coordination in ASC can be developed as well as in typically developed persons, the development of motor imagery could still be immature in ASC, leading to difficulties in imagining, understanding as well as programming and coordinating complex movements.
Investigating the strategies for microbial production of trehalose from lignocellulosic sugars
Authors: Wu Yifei , Wang Jian , Shen Xiaolin , Wang Jia , Chen Zhenya , Sun Xinxiao , Yuan Qipeng , Yan Yajun 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTrehalose, a multi‐functional and value‐added disaccharide, can be efficiently biosynthesized from glucose by using a synergetic carbon utilization mechanism (SynCar) which coupled phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) generation from the second carbon source with PEP‐dependent phosphotransferase system (PTS) to promote non‐catabolic use of glucose. Considering glucose and xylose present in large amounts in lignocellulosic sugars, we explored new strategies for conversion of both sugars into trehalose. Herein, we first attempted trehalose production from xylose directly, based on which, synergetic utilization of glucose, and xylose prompted by SynCar was implemented in engineered Escherichia coli. As the results, the final titer of trehalose reached 5.55 g/L in shake flask experiments. The conversion ratio or utilization efficiency of glucose or xylose to trehalose was around fourfold higher than that of the original strain (YW‐3). This work not only demonstrated the possibility of directly converting xylose (C5 sugar) into trehalose (C12 disaccharide), but also suggested a promising strategy for trehalose production from lignocellulosic sugars for the first time.
Constructing a cellulosic yeast host with an efficient cellulase cocktail
Authors: Chang Jui‐Jen , Lin Yu‐Ju , Lay Chyi‐How , Thia Caroline , Wu Yueh‐Chin , Hou Yu‐Han , Huang Chieh‐Chen , Li Wen‐Hsiung 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCellulose is a renewable feedstock for green industry. It is therefore important to develop a technique to construct a host with a high cellulolytic efficiency to digest cellulose. In this study, we developed a convenient host‐engineering technique to adjust the expression levels of heterologous genes in the host by promoter rearrangement and gene copy number adjustment. Using genes from different glycoside hydrolase (GH) families including GH2, GH3, GH5, GH6, GH7, and GH12 from Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma reesei, and Neocallimastix patriciarum, we constructed a cellulolytic Kluyveromyces marxianus with eight cellulase gene‐cassettes that produced a cellulase cocktail with a high cellulolytic efficiency, leading to a significant reduction in enzyme cost in a rice straw saccharification process. Our technique can be used to design a host that can efficiently convert biomass feedstock to biofuel.
Production of itaconic acid from acetate by engineering acid‐tolerant Escherichia coli W
Authors: Noh Myung Hyun , Lim Hyun Gyu , Woo Sung Hwa , Song Jinyi , Jung Gyoo Yeol 
Published: December 2017

AbstractUtilization of abundant and cheap carbon sources can effectively reduce the production cost and enhance the economic feasibility. Acetate is a promising carbon source to achieve cost‐effective microbial processes. In this study, we engineered an Escherichia coli strain to produce itaconic acid from acetate. As acetate is known to inhibit cell growth, we initially screened for a strain with a high tolerance to 10 g/L of acetate in the medium, and the W strain was selected as the host. Subsequently, the WC strain was obtained by overexpression of cad (encoding cis‐aconitate decarboxylase) using a synthetic promoter and 5′ UTR. However, the WC strain produced only 0.13 g/L itaconic acid because of low acetate uptake. To improve the production, the acetate assimilating pathway and glyoxylate shunt pathway were amplified by overexpression of pathway genes as well as its deregulation. The resulting strain, WCIAG4 produced 3.57 g/L itaconic acid (16.1% of theoretical maximum yield) after 88 hr of fermentation with rapid acetate assimilation. These efforts support that acetate can be a potential feedstock for biochemical production with engineered E. coli.
Protein Folding in the Presence of Water‐Soluble Cyclic Diselenides with Novel Oxidoreductase and Isomerase Activities
Authors: Arai Kenta , Ueno Haruhito , Asano Yuki , Chakrabarty Gaurango , Shimodaira Shingo , Mugesh Govindasamy , Iwaoka Michio 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family, found in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of the eukaryotic cell, catalyzes the formation and cleavage of disulfide bonds and thereby helps in protein folding. A decrease in PDI activity under ER stress conditions leads to protein misfolding, which is responsible for the progression of various human diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis. Here we report that water‐soluble cyclic diselenides mimic the multifunctional activity of the PDI family by facilitating oxidative folding, disulfide formation/reduction, and repair of the scrambled disulfide bonds in misfolded proteins.
Cubic Cu2O/Cu2S Particles with a Unique Truncated Edge Structure Anchoring on Reduced Graphene Oxide as An Enhanced Anode Material for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Ke , Huang Ying , Zhu Yade , Yu Meng , Wang Mingyue 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCubic Cu2O/Cu2S particles with a novel truncated edge structure anchoring on reduced graphene oxide (Cu2O/Cu2S‐rGO composites) were synthesized by using a facile growth process. Compared to simple Cu2O cubes and bare Cu2O/Cu2S particles, the Cu2O/Cu2S‐rGO composite shows a competitive capacity and stable cyclic stability as anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). At a low current density of 60 mA g−1, the Cu2O/Cu2S‐rGO composite delivers an initial discharge capacity of 878.6 mAh g−1, stable cycling stability of 417.35 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, retaining 73.5 % of its initial charge capacity, demonstrating a significantly improved cycling reversibility and structural stability. The enhanced electrochemical performance for Cu2O/CuxS‐rGO composites might be ascribed to the rGO coating and the “breathable” structure formed by Cu2O and Cu2S. The outer coated rGO nanosheets could maintain the structural integrity and electrical conductivity, and the main active component (Cu2O and Cu2S) is present in the form of small clusters, providing “breathable” aggregates capable of effective sequential shrinkage and expansion.
Impact of male alternative reproductive tactics on female costs of sexual conflict under variation in operational sex ratio and population density
Authors: Jeffery Erica , Córdoba‐Aguilar Alex , Roitberg Bernard 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSexual conflict over mating rate is both pervasive and evolutionarily costly. For females, the lifetime reproductive fitness costs that arise through interactions with potential mates will be influenced by the frequency of such interactions, and the fitness cost of each interaction. Both of these factors are likely to be influenced by variation in operational sex ratio (OSR) and population density. Variation in OSR‐ and density‐dependent male alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) may be particularly important if the fitness costs that females experience vary with the reproductive tactics that males express. Using a simple model, we consider several examples of OSR‐ and/or density‐dependent variation in male ARTs and the frequency of male–female interactions, and find that variation in the expression of male ARTs has the potential to augment or diminish the costs of frequent male interactions for females. Accurately documenting variation in the expression of male ARTs and associated female fitness costs will benefit future work in this area.
How much of the invader's genetic variability can slip between our fingers? A case study of secondary dispersal of Poa annua on King George Island (Antarctica)
Authors: Wódkiewicz Maciej , Chwedorzewska Katarzyna J. , Bednarek Piotr T. , Znój Anna , Androsiuk Piotr , Galera Halina 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe studied an invasion of Poa annua on King George Island (Maritime Antarctic). The remoteness of this location, its geographic isolation, and its limited human traffic provided an opportunity to trace the history of an invasion of the species. Poa annua was recorded for the first time at H. Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station in the austral summer of 1985/6. In 2008/9, the species was observed in a new locality at the Ecology Glacier Forefield (1.5 km from “Arctowski”). We used AFLP to analyze the genetic differences among three populations of P. annua: the two mentioned above (Station and Forefield) and the putative origin of the introduction, Warsaw (Poland). There was 38% genetic variance among the populations. Pairwise ФPT was 0.498 between the Forefield and Warsaw populations and 0.283 between Warsaw and Station. There were 15 unique bands in the Warsaw population (frequency from 6% to 100%) and one in the Station/Forefield populations (which appears in all analyzed individuals from both populations). The Δ(K) parameter indicated two groups of samples: Warsaw/Station and Forefield. As indicated by Fu's Fs statistics and an analysis of mismatch distribution, the Forefield population underwent a bottleneck and/or founder effect. The Forefield population was likely introduced by secondary dispersal from the Station population.
Promiscuous lipase catalyzed a new P–C bond formation: Green and efficient protocol for one‐pot synthesis of α‐aminophosphonates
Authors: Guezane‐Lakoud Samia , Toffano Martial , Aribi‐Zouioueche Louisa 
Published: December 2017

Abstractα‐Aminophosphonates are valuable substructures with important biological and pharmacological properties. Lipase catalytic promiscuity is a new method in the organic synthesis for the preparation of α‐aminophosphonates via multicomponent reaction in one pot. This efficient, simple, and eco‐friendly method proceeds in the presence of immobilized Candida Antarctica lipase as catalyst under solvent‐free conditions at room temperature. The new α‐aminophosphonates are synthesized in high yields (up to 96%). Moreover, enzymatic‐catalyzed P–C bond formation through a Kabachnik‐Fields reaction was achieved for the first time.
Sedimentation patterns in the Selenga River delta under changing hydroclimatic conditions
Authors: Pietroń Jan , Nittrouer Jeffrey A. , Chalov Sergey R. , Dong Tian Y. , Kasimov Nikolay , Shinkareva Galina , Jarsjö Jerker 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe Selenga River delta (Russia) is a large (>600 km2) fluvially dominated fresh water system that transfers water and sediment from an undammed drainage basin into Lake Baikal, a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site. Through sedimentation processes, the delta and its wetlands provide important environmental services, such as storage of sediment‐bound pollutants (e.g., metals), thereby reducing their input to Lake Baikal. However, in the Selenga River delta and many other deltas of the world, there is a lack of knowledge regarding impacts of potential shifts in the flow regime (e.g., due to climate change and other anthropogenic impacts) on sedimentation processes, including sediment exchanges between deltaic channels and adjacent wetlands. This study uses field measurements of water velocities and sediment characteristics in the Selenga River delta, investigating conditions of moderate discharge, which have become more frequent over the past decades (at the expense of peak flows, Q > 1,350 m3 s−1). The aims are to determine if the river system under moderate flow conditions is capable of supporting sediment export from the main distributary channels of the delta to the adjacent wetlands. The results show that most of the deposited sediment outside of the deltaic channels is characterized by a large proportion of silt and clay material (i.e., <63 μm). For example, floodplain lakes function as sinks of very fine sediment (e.g., 97% of sediment by weight < 63 μm). Additionally, bed material sediment is found to be transported outside of the channel margins during conditions of moderate and high water discharge conditions (Q ≥ 1,000 m3 s−1). Submerged banks and marshlands located in the backwater zone of the delta accumulate sediment during such discharges, supporting wetland development. Thus, these regions likely sequester various metals bound to Selenga River sediment.
Statistical analysis for masked system life data from Marshall‐Olkin Weibull distribution under progressive hybrid censoring
Authors: Cai Jing , Shi Yimin , Liu Bin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper considers the statistical analysis of masked data in a series system, where the components are assumed to have Marshall‐Olkin Weibull distribution. Based on type‐I progressive hybrid censored and masked data, we derive the maximum likelihood estimates, approximate confidence intervals, and bootstrap confidence intervals of unknown parameters. As the maximum likelihood estimate does not exist for small sample size, Gibbs sampling is used to obtain the Bayesian estimates and Monte Carlo method is employed to construct the credible intervals based on Jefferys prior with partial information. Numerical simulations are performed to compare the performances of the proposed methods and one data set is analyzed.
Refining a Claims‐based Algorithm to Estimate Biologic Medication Effectiveness and Cost per Effectively Treated Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Popp Ryan A. , Rascati Karen , Davis Matthew , Patel Ujas 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundClaims data generally lack information on clinical outcomes. However, a validated claims‐based algorithm for estimating the effectiveness of biologic agents in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was recently developed and applied to various databases.ObjectivesThe objectives of the study were to implement a claims‐based algorithm in a large nationwide database to estimate medication effectiveness and cost for patients with RA using biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and to assess the effect of eliminating one criterion from the algorithm on results.MethodsThe DMARD groups included patients initiated on etanercept, adalimumab, abatacept, or infliximab. Patients were categorized as effectively treated if they met these six criteria: a medication possession ratio of 80% or greater; no escalation in biologic dose; no switch in biologics; no new nonbiologic DMARD; no new or increased oral glucocorticoid treatment; and no more than one glucocorticoid injection. In a follow‐up analysis, the dose‐escalation criterion was removed because an increase in dose for infliximab may be appropriate. Average costs for RA‐related medications were calculated for each DMARD patient group and divided by the number of patients who met all six effectiveness criteria.ResultsA total of 1196 individuals were included in the analysis. Using the algorithm, the index biologic was categorized as effective for 25.4% of patients overall: 30.3% (102/337) of etanercept, 27.6% (104/377) of adalimumab, 32.7% (37/113) of abatacept, and 16.5% (61/369) of infliximab patients. Total costs for RA medication costs per effectively treated patient ranged from more than $80,000 for infliximab to ~$43,000–$46,000 for the other three groups. Removing the no dose‐escalation criterion drastically reduced the cost per effectively treated patient in the infliximab group (to ~$42,000).ConclusionsUsing the original six‐criteria claims‐based algorithm in a large claims database, infliximab was the least‐effective biologic agent and had the highest medication cost per effectively treated patient. However, when a follow‐up analysis removed the dose‐escalation exclusion criterion, the four groups had similar effectiveness and medication costs per effectively treated patient with RA.
A Day in the Life of MRI: The Variety and Appropriateness of Exams Being Performed in Canada
Authors: Vanderby Sonia , Badea Andreea , Peña Sánchez Juan Nicolás , Kalra Neil , Babyn Paul 
Published: December 2017

Purpose This study aimed to determine the volumes and types of magnetic resonance imaging exams being performed across Canada, common indications for the exams, and exam appropriateness using multiple evaluation tools. Methods Thirteen academic medical institutions across Canada participated. Data were obtained relating to a single common day, October 1, 2014. Patient demographics, type by anatomic region and indication for imaging were analysed. Each exam was assessed for appropriateness via the Canadian Association of Radiologists Referral Guidelines and the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria. The Alberta and Saskatchewan spine screening forms and the Alberta knee screening form were also used where applicable. The proportion of exams that were unscorable, appropriate, and inappropriate was determined. Exam-level results were compared between the 2 main evaluation tools. Results Data were obtained for 1087 relevant exams. There were 591 women and 460 men. 36 requisitions did not indicate the patient's sex. Brain exams were the most common, comprising 32.5% of the sample. Cancer was the most common indication. Overall, 87.0%–87.4% of the MR exams performed were appropriate; 6.6%–12.6% were inappropriate, based on the 2 main evaluation tools. Results differed by anatomic region; spine exams had the highest proportion, with nearly one-third of exams deemed inappropriate. Conclusion Variations by anatomic region indicate that focused exam request evaluation or screening methods could substantially reduce inappropriate imaging.
Comparison of General Anesthesia and Conscious Sedation during Computed Tomography–Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of T1a Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kim Hae Jin , Park Byung Kwan , Chung In Sun 
Published: December 2017

Purpose Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is so painful that this treatment requires pain control such as conscious sedation or general anesthesia. It is still unclear which type of anesthesia is better for treatment outcomes of renal cell carcinoma. This study aimed to compare general anesthesia and conscious sedation in treating patients with renal cell carcinoma with radiofrequency ablation. Methods Between 2010 and 2015, 51 patients with biopsy-proven renal cell carcinomas (<4 cm) were treated with computed tomography–guided radiofrequency ablation. General anesthesia was performed in 41 and conscious sedation was performed in 10 patients. Tumour size, local tumour progression, metastasis, major complication, effective dose, glomerular filtration rate difference, and recurrence-free survival rate were compared between these groups. Results The mean tumour size was 2.1 cm in both groups ( P = .673). Local tumour progression occurred in 0% (0 of 41) of the general anesthesia group, but in 40% (4 of 10) of the conscious sedation group ( P = .001). Metastases in these groups occurred in 2.4% (1 of 41) of the general anesthesia group and 20% (2 of 10) of the conscious sedation group ( P = .094). No major complications developed in either group after the first radiofrequency ablation session. The mean effective doses in these groups were 21.7 mSv and 21.2 mSv, respectively ( P = .868). The mean glomerular filtration rate differences in the general anesthesia and conscious sedation groups were −13.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 and −19.1 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively ( P = .575). Three-year recurrence-free survival rates in these groups were 97.6% and 60.0%, respectively ( P = .001). Conclusions General anesthesia may provide better intermediate outcomes than conscious sedation in treating small renal cell carcinomas with radiofrequency ablation.