bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting changes in flow category in patients with severe aortic stenosis and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction on medical therapy
Authors: Ngiam Jinghao Nicholas , Kuntjoro Ivandito , Tan Benjamin Y. Q. , Sim Hui‐Wen , Kong William K. F. , Yeo Tiong‐Cheng , Poh Kian‐Keong 
Published: September 2017

Background/ObjectivesControversy surrounds the prognosis and management of patients with paradoxical low‐flow severe aortic stenosis (AS) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). It was not certain if patients in a particular flow category remained in the same category as disease progressed. We investigated whether there were switches in categories and if so, their predictors.MethodsConsecutive subjects (n = 203) with isolated severe AS and paired echocardiography (>180 days apart) were studied. They were divided into 4 groups, based on their flow categories and if they progressed on subsequent echocardiography to switch or remain in the same flow category. Univariate analyses of clinical and echocardiographic parameters identified predictors of these changes in flow category.ResultsOne hundred eighteen were normal flow (SVI ≥ 35 mL/m2), while 85 were low flow on index echocardiography. In the patients with normal flow, 33% switched to low flow. This was associated with higher valvuloarterial impedance (Zva, P < .001) and lower systemic arterial compliance (SAC, P < .001) compared to index echocardiography, and predicted by higher initial Zva (optimized cutoff >4.77 mm Hg/mL/m2, AUC = 0.81 [95% CI:0.75–0.87, P < .001]). In patients with low flow, 25% switched to normal flow, which was associated with lower Zva and higher SAC and the switch was predicted by a higher initial mean transaortic pressure gradient.ConclusionsA significant number of patients switched flow categories in severe AS with preserved LVEF on subsequent echocardiography. Changes in flow were reflected by respective changes in Zva and SAC. Identifying echocardiographic predictors of a switch in category may guide prognostication and management of such patients.
Response of Brassica oleracea to temporal variation in attack by two herbivores affects preference and performance of a third herbivore
Authors: STAM JELTJE M. , CHRÉTIEN LUCILLE , DICKE MARCEL , POELMAN ERIK H. 
Published: September 2017

1. Plants are frequently under attack by multiple insect herbivores, which may interact indirectly through herbivore‐induced changes in the plant's phenotype. The identity, order, and timing of herbivore arrivals may influence the outcome of interactions between two herbivores. How these aspects affect, in turn, subsequently arriving herbivores that feed on double herbivore‐induced plants has not been widely investigated.2. This study tested whether the order and timing of arrival of two inducing herbivores from different feeding guilds affected the preference and performance of a subsequently arriving third herbivore, caterpillars of Mamestra brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Aphids [Brevicoryne brassicae L. (Hemiptera: Aphididae)] and caterpillars [Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae)] were introduced onto wild Brassica oleracea L. (Brassicaceae) plants in different sequences and with different arrival times. The effects of these plant treatments on M. brassicae caterpillars were assessed in pairwise preference tests and no‐choice performance tests.3. The caterpillars of M. brassicae preferred to feed from undamaged plants rather than double herbivore‐induced plants. Compared with undamaged plants, they preferred plant material on which aphids had arrived first followed by caterpillars, whereas they avoided plant material with the reverse order of herbivore arrival. Performance of the caterpillars increased with increasing arrival time between herbivore infestations in double herbivore‐induced plants. Although M. brassicae grew faster on plants induced by aphids than on those induced by caterpillars alone, its performance was not affected by the order of previous herbivore arrival.4. These results imply that the timing of colonisation by multiple herbivores determines the outcome of plant‐mediated herbivore–herbivore interactions.
A ‘dynamic’ landscape of fear: prey responses to spatiotemporal variations in predation risk across the lunar cycle
Authors: Palmer M. S. , Fieberg J. , Swanson A. , Kosmala M. , Packer C. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAmbiguous empirical support for ‘landscapes of fear’ in natural systems may stem from failure to consider dynamic temporal changes in predation risk. The lunar cycle dramatically alters night‐time visibility, with low luminosity increasing hunting success of African lions. We used camera‐trap data from Serengeti National Park to examine nocturnal anti‐predator behaviours of four herbivore species. Interactions between predictable fluctuations in night‐time luminosity and the underlying risk‐resource landscape shaped herbivore distribution, herding propensity and the incidence of ‘relaxed’ behaviours. Buffalo responded least to temporal risk cues and minimised risk primarily through spatial redistribution. Gazelle and zebra made decisions based on current light levels and lunar phase, and wildebeest responded to lunar phase alone. These three species avoided areas where likelihood of encountering lions was high and changed their behaviours in risky areas to minimise predation threat. These patterns support the hypothesis that fear landscapes vary heterogeneously in both space and time.
Validation of the PedsQL Epilepsy Module: A pediatric epilepsy‐specific health‐related quality of life measure
Authors: Modi Avani C. , Junger Katherine F. , Mara Constance A. , Kellermann Tanja , Barrett Lauren , Wagner Janelle , Mucci Grace A. , Bailey Laurie , Almane Dace , Guilfoyle Shanna M. , Urso Lauryn , Hater Brooke , Hustzi Heather , Smith Gigi , Herrmann Bruce , Perry M. Scott , Zupanc Mary , Varni James W. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryObjectiveTo validate a brief and reliable epilepsy‐specific, health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) measure in children with various seizure types, treatments, and demographic characteristics.MethodsThis national validation study was conducted across five epilepsy centers in the United States. Youth 5–18 years and caregivers of youth 2–18 years diagnosed with epilepsy completed the PedsQL Epilepsy Module and additional questionnaires to establish reliability and validity of the epilepsy‐specific HRQOL instrument. Demographic and medical data were collected through chart reviews. Factor analysis was conducted, and internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas), test–retest reliability, and construct validity were assessed.ResultsQuestionnaires were analyzed from 430 children with epilepsy (Mage = 9.9 years; range 2–18 years; 46% female; 62% white: non‐Hispanic; 76% monotherapy, 54% active seizures) and their caregivers. The final PedsQL Epilepsy Module is a 29‐item measure with five subscales (i.e., Impact, Cognitive, Sleep, Executive Functioning, and Mood/Behavior) with parallel child and caregiver reports. Internal consistency coefficients ranged from 0.70–0.94. Construct validity and convergence was demonstrated in several ways, including strong relationships with seizure outcomes, antiepileptic drug (AED) side effects, and well‐established measures of executive, cognitive, and emotional/behavioral functioning.SignificanceThe PedsQL Epilepsy Module is a reliable measure of HRQOL with strong evidence of its validity across the epilepsy spectrum in both clinical and research settings.
Silicon distribution in meadow steppe and typical steppe of northern China and its implications for phytolith carbon sequestration
Authors: Ji Z. , Yang X. , Song Z. , Liu H. , Liu X. , Qiu S. , Li J. , Guo F. , Wu Y. , Zhang X. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSilicon (Si) not only plays an important role in plant growth but also contributes significantly to the long‐term terrestrial carbon sink in the form of phytoliths. This study investigated Si content of 184 plant species in meadow steppe and typical steppe of northern China to examine the influential factors of Si distribution and evaluate the potential phytolith carbon sequestration of these grasslands. Our results indicated that the average Si content generally decreased in the following order of Equisetopsida > Monocotyledoneae > Dicotyledoneae. Within angiosperms, although most Si accumulator plants were commelinid monocots, many eudicots also accumulated abundant Si in their above‐ground tissues. The Si content of plant above‐ground parts in typical steppe (6.53 ± 2.88 g/kg) was significantly higher than that in meadow steppe (2.15 ± 0.92 g/kg). The estimated phytolith‐occluded carbon (PhytOC) production flux in typical steppe (0.81 ± 0.36 kg CO2 ha−1 year−1) was higher than that in meadow steppe (0.54 ± 0.23 kg CO2 ha−1 year−1). This study demonstrates that plant phylogeny influences the Si content of individual species, whereas grassland type with different mean annual precipitation and mean annual temperature may significantly affect the abundance of high Si species. We conclude that increasing the abundance of grass species with high Si content in meadow steppe and appropriate grazing and fertilizer application in typical steppe will enhance the phytolith carbon sequestration in grasslands of northern China.
Frequent genes in rare diseases: panel‐based next generation sequencing to disclose causal mutations in hereditary neuropathies
Authors: Dohrn Maike F. , Glöckle Nicola , Mulahasanovic Lejla , Heller Corina , Mohr Julia , Bauer Christine , Riesch Erik , Becker Andrea , Battke Florian , Hörtnagel Konstanze , Hornemann Thorsten , Suriyanarayanan Saranya , Blankenburg Markus , Schulz Jörg B. , Claeys Kristl G. , Gess Burkhard , Katona Istvan , Ferbert Andreas , Vittore Debora , Grimm Alexander , Wolking Stefan , Schöls Ludger , Lerche Holger , Korenke G. Christoph , Fischer Dirk , Schrank Bertold , Kotzaeridou Urania , Kurlemann Gerhard , Dräger Bianca , Schirmacher Anja , Young Peter , Schlotter‐Weigel Beate , Biskup Saskia 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHereditary neuropathies comprise a wide variety of chronic diseases associated to more than 80 genes identified to date. We herein examined 612 index patients with either a Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth phenotype, hereditary sensory neuropathy, familial amyloid neuropathy, or small fiber neuropathy using a customized multigene panel based on the next generation sequencing technique. In 121 cases (19.8%), we identified at least one putative pathogenic mutation. Of these, 54.4% showed an autosomal dominant, 33.9% an autosomal recessive, and 11.6% an X‐linked inheritance. The most frequently affected genes were PMP22 (16.4%), GJB1 (10.7%), MPZ, and SH3TC2 (both 9.9%), and MFN2 (8.3%). We further detected likely or known pathogenic variants in HINT1, HSPB1, NEFL, PRX, IGHMBP2, NDRG1, TTR, EGR2, FIG4, GDAP1, LMNA, LRSAM1, POLG, TRPV4, AARS, BIC2, DHTKD1, FGD4, HK1, INF2, KIF5A, PDK3, REEP1, SBF1, SBF2, SCN9A, and SPTLC2 with a declining frequency. Thirty‐four novel variants were considered likely pathogenic not having previously been described in association with any disorder in the literature. In one patient, two homozygous mutations in HK1 were detected in the multigene panel, but not by whole exome sequencing. A novel missense mutation in KIF5A was considered pathogenic because of the highly compatible phenotype. In one patient, the plasma sphingolipid profile could functionally prove the pathogenicity of a mutation in SPTLC2. One pathogenic mutation in MPZ was identified after being previously missed by Sanger sequencing. We conclude that panel based next generation sequencing is a useful, time‐ and cost‐effective approach to assist clinicians in identifying the correct diagnosis and enable causative treatment considerations.
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Mosasaurs and snakes have a periodontal ligament: timing and extent of calcification, not tissue complexity, determines tooth attachment mode in reptiles
Authors: LeBlanc Aaron R. H. , Lamoureux Denis O. , Caldwell Michael W. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSquamates present a unique challenge to our understanding of dental evolution in amniotes because they are the only extant tooth‐bearing group for which a ligamentous tooth attachment is considered to be absent. This has led to the assumption that mammals and crocodilians have convergently evolved a ligamentous tooth attachment, composed of root cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone, whereas squamates are thought to possess a single bone of attachment tissue that fuses teeth to the jaws. The identity and homology of tooth attachment tissues between squamates, crocodilians, and mammals have thus been a focal point of debate for decades. We provide a novel interpretation of the mineralized attachment tissues in two focal taxa in this debate, mosasaurids and snakes, and compare dental tissue histology with that of the extant crocodilian Caiman sclerops. We identify a periodontal ligament in these squamates that usually exists temporarily as a soft connective tissue anchoring each tooth to the alveolar bone. We also identify two instances where complete calcification of the periodontal ligament does not occur: in a durophagous mosasaur, and in the hinged teeth of fossil and modern snakes. We propose that the periodontal ligament rapidly calcifies in the majority of mosasaurids and snakes, ankylosing the tooth to the jaw. This gives the appearance of a single, bone‐like tissue fusing the tooth to the jaw in ankylosed teeth, but is simply the end stage of dental tissue ontogeny in most snakes and mosasaurids.
Noninvasive submental fat reduction using colder cryolipolysis
Authors: Leal Silva Hector , Carmona Hernandez Esther , Grijalva Vazquez Mariana , Leal Delgado Sebastian , Perez Blanco Angel 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBackgroundCryolipolysis has shown to significantly reduce localized subcutaneous fat, including submental fat. Temperatures below −11°C have not been used to treat the submental region.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of Cryolipolysis for noninvasive reduction of submental fat using lower temperatures and reduced treatment time.MethodsA small volume applicator was used to treat 15 subjects, using a noninvasive tissue cooling device (CoolSculpting System, ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Pleasanton, CA, USA) during 45 and 30 minutes at −12 and −15°C, respectively, to induce reduction of submental fat. Two treatments with an interval of 10 weeks were performed. Adverse events were monitored to assess safety. Treated area was evaluated using digital photography, and caliper measurements prior treatment, 10 weeks after first treatment and 12 weeks after second treatment. All patients were also evaluated before and after 12‐week postlast treatment by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).ResultsThe mean (SD) reduction measured by skin fold caliper was 33% (3.2 mm [1.7 mm]), (95% CI, 0.2297‐0.4236; P=.05), and by MRI, mean (SD) reduction was 1.78 mm (1.157 mm). Independent blinded panel was able to correctly identify 60% of before and after photographs; 12 of 15 subjects (80%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment. Side effects were mild and resolved completely within 10 weeks, except for one hyperpigmentation, which resolved spontaneously within 6 months after last treatment.ConclusionCryolipolysis with colder temperature and reduced treatment time continues to be effective and is safe for noninvasive reduction of the submental fat.
Long‐term effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy on electrical remodeling in heart failure—A prospective study
Authors: Banavalikar Bharatraj , Thajudeen Anees , Namboodiri Narayanan , Nair Krishna Kumar Mohanan , Pushpangadhan Abhilash Srivilasam , Valaparambil Ajit Kumar 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionEffects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on arrhythmogenicity and sudden death have not been fully ascertained. CRT has been shown to increase transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) immediately on implantation, which may favorably remodel on long‐term follow‐up. However, such a hypothesis has not been prospectively evaluated.Methods and resultsWe included 35 consecutive patients who underwent CRT implantation between September 2013 and August 2014 (mean age 56.8 ± 11.09 years; 71.43% males). QT and Tpeak‐Tend (Tp‐e) intervals were measured during endocardial (RVendoP), epicardial (LVepiP), and biventricular pacing (BiVP) at CRT implantation and 1‐year follow‐up. Compared to RVendoP (130.41 ± 16.75 ms), Tp‐e was significantly prolonged during BiVP (142.06 ± 21.98 ms; P < 0.001) and LVepiP (183.45 ± 27.87 ms; P < 0.001) at baseline. There was a significant decrease in Tp‐e during BiVP on follow‐up (117.93 ± 15.03 ms; P < 0.001). High responders had significantly lower Tp‐e at 1 year compared to low responders (113.16 ± 14.3 ms vs 129.59 ± 9.75 ms, P = 0.004). Tp‐e at 1 year had strong negative correlation with reduction in LV end‐systolic volumes (r = − 0.51; P = 0.003). Seven patients with sustained ventricular arrhythmias during follow‐up had significantly longer baseline Tp‐e compared to those without arrhythmias (158.19 ± 17.59 ms vs 139.72 ± 20.94 ms, P = 0.043). A baseline Tp‐e value of ≥ 148 ms had a specificity of 75% and sensitivity of 71% to predict ventricular arrhythmias.ConclusionsBaseline TDR is greater during BiVP and LV epiP compared with RVendoP in patients with heart failure. However, BiVP causes a significant reduction in TDR reflective of reverse electrical remodeling on long‐term follow‐up.
The role of cognitive biases in short‐term psychodynamic psychotherapy
Authors: Kramer Ueli , Ortega Diana , Ambresin Gilles , Despland Jean‐Nicolas , de Roten Yves 
Published: September 2017

The concept of biased thinking – or cognitive biases – is relevant to psychotherapy research and clinical conceptualization, beyond cognitive theories. The present naturalistic study aimed to examine the changes in biased thinking over the course of a short‐term dynamic psychotherapy (STDP) and to discover potential links between these changes and symptomatic improvement. This study focuses on 32 self‐referred patients consulting for Adjustment Disorder according to DSM‐IV‐TR. The therapists were experienced psychodynamically oriented psychiatrists and psychotherapists. Coding of cognitive biases (using the Cognitive Errors Rating Scale; CERS) was made by external raters based on transcripts of interviews of psychotherapy; the reliability of these ratings on a randomly chosen 24% of all sessions was established. Based on the Symptom Check List SCL‐90‐R given before and after, the Reliable Change Index (RCI) was used. The assessment of cognitive errors was done at three time points: early (session 4–7), mid‐treatment (session 12–17), and close to the end (after session 20) of the treatment. The results showed that the total frequency of cognitive biases was stable over time (p = .20), which was true both for positive and for negative cognitive biases. In exploring the three main subscales of the CERS, we found a decrease in selective abstraction (p = .02) and an increase in personalization (p = .05). A significant link between RCI scores (outcome) and frequency of positive cognitive biases was found, suggesting that biases towards the positive might have a protective function in psychotherapy.Practitioner points

Therapists may be attentive to changes in biased thinking across short‐term dynamic psychotherapy for adjustment disorder.

Therapists may foster the emergence of positive cognitive biases at mid‐treatment for adjustment disorder.
Ectopic expression of glycosyltransferase UGT76E11 increases flavonoid accumulation and enhances abiotic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Qin , Yu Hui‐Min , Meng Xia‐Fei , Lin Ji‐Shan , Li Yan‐Jie , Hou Bing‐Kai 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Although plant glycosyltransferases are thought to play important roles in growth and interaction with the environment, little is known about their physiological roles for most members of the plant glycosyltransferase family.

We cloned and characterised an Arabidopsis glycosyltransferase gene, UGT76E11. Its in vivo physiological effects on flavonoid accumulation and plant tolerance to abiotic stresses were investigated.

The UGT76E11 gene was up‐regulated in transcription expression under stress conditions of salinity, drought and H2O2 treatment. Transgenic plants ectopically overexpressing UGT76E11 showed substantially enhanced tolerance to salinity and drought at germination and during post‐germination growth. Enzyme activity of UGT76E11 to glucosylate quercetin and other flavonoids was confirmed. Ectopic expression of UGT76E11 resulted in significantly increased flavonoid content in transgenic plants compared to wild type, suggesting a contribution of UGT76E11 to modulation of flavonoid metabolism. Consistent with this result, several biosynthesis genes in the flavonoid pathway were clearly up‐regulated in transgenic plants. Furthermore, overexpression of UGT76E11 also enhanced the scavenging capacity for ROS and increased expression levels of a number of stress‐related genes.

Based on these results, we suggest that the glycosyltransferase UGT76E11 plays an important role in modulating flavonoid metabolism and enhancing plant adaptation to environmental stresses. Our findings might allow use of glycosyltransferase UGT76E11 in crop improvement, towards both enhanced stress tolerance and increased flavonoid accumulation.
‘Princeps aliorum’ and his followers: Giovanni Pico della Mirandola on the ‘Astrological Tradition’ in the Disputationes adversus astrologiam divinatricem
Authors: Akopyan Ovanes 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis article is devoted to the analysis of astrological sources in Giovanni Pico della Mirandola's Disputationes adversus astrologiam divinatricem. The main aim of this paper is to show how Giovanni Pico used his sources for opposing Claudius Ptolemy, the ‘optimus malorum’ among astrologers, to other astrologers and for emphasizing the dissonance in the astrological tradition.