bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Haralick texture features from apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) MRI images depend on imaging and pre-processing parameters
Authors: Brynolfsson Patrik , Nilsson David , Torheim Turid , Asklund Thomas , Karlsson Camilla Thellenberg , Trygg Johan , Nyholm Tufve , Garpebring Anders 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn recent years, texture analysis of medical images has become increasingly popular in studies investigating diagnosis, classification and treatment response assessment of cancerous disease. Despite numerous applications in oncology and medical imaging in general, there is no consensus regarding texture analysis workflow, or reporting of parameter settings crucial for replication of results. The aim of this study was to assess how sensitive Haralick texture features of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) MR images are to changes in five parameters related to image acquisition and pre-processing: noise, resolution, how the ADC map is constructed, the choice of quantization method, and the number of gray levels in the quantized image. We found that noise, resolution, choice of quantization method and the number of gray levels in the quantized images had a significant influence on most texture features, and that the effect size varied between different features. Different methods for constructing the ADC maps did not have an impact on any texture feature. Based on our results, we recommend using images with similar resolutions and noise levels, using one quantization method, and the same number of gray levels in all quantized images, to make meaningful comparisons of texture feature results between different subjects.
Proteome profiling reveals novel biomarkers to identify complicated parapneumonic effusions
Authors: Wu Kuo-An , Wu Chih-Ching , Chen Chi-De , Chu Chi-Ming , Shih Li-Jane , Liu Yu-Ching , Wang Chih-Liang , Lin Hsi-Hsien , Yang Chia-Yu 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPatients with pneumonia and parapneumonic effusion (PPE) have elevated mortality and a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to discover novel biomarkers to help distinguish between uncomplicated PPE (UPPE) and complicated PPE (CPPE). Using an iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics, we identified 766 proteins in pleural effusions from PPE patients. In total, 45 of these proteins were quantified as upregulated proteins in CPPE. Four novel upregulated candidates (BPI, NGAL, AZU1, and calprotectin) were selected and further verified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) on 220 patients with pleural effusions due to different causes. The pleural fluid levels of BPI, NGAL, AZU1, and calprotectin were significantly elevated in patients with CPPE. Among these four biomarkers, BPI had the best diagnostic value for CPPE, with an AUC value of 0.966, a sensitivity of 97%, and a specificity of 91.4%. A logistic regression analysis demonstrated a strong association between BPI levels > 10 ng/ml and CPPE (odds ratio = 341.3). Furthermore, the combination of pleural fluid BPI levels with LDH levels improved the sensitivity and specificity to 100% and 91.4%, respectively. Thus, our findings provided a comprehensive effusion proteome data set for PPE biomarker discovery and revealed novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of CPPE.
Masking of a circadian behavior in larval zebrafish involves the thalamo-habenula pathway
Authors: Lin Qian , Jesuthasan Suresh 
Published: June 2017

AbstractChanges in illumination can rapidly influence behavior that is normally controlled by the circadian clock. This effect is termed masking. In mice, masking requires melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells that detect blue light and project to the thalamus. It is not known whether masking is wavelength-dependent in other vertebrates, nor is it known whether the thalamus is also involved or how it influences masking. Here, we address these questions in zebrafish. We find that diel vertical migration, a circadian behavior in larval zebrafish, is effectively triggered by blue, but not by red light. Two-photon calcium imaging reveals that a thalamic nucleus and a downstream structure, the habenula, have a sustained response to blue but not to red light. Lesioning the habenula reduces light-evoked climbing. These data suggest that the thalamo-habenula pathway is involved in the ability of blue light to influence a circadian behavior.
A novel bZIP protein, Gsb1, is required for oxidative stress response, mating, and virulence in the human pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Cheon Seon Ah , Thak Eun Jung , Bahn Yong-Sun , Kang Hyun Ah 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe human pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, which causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised individuals, normally faces diverse stresses in the human host. Here, we report that a novel, basic, leucine-zipper (bZIP) protein, designated Gsb1 (general stress-related bZIP protein 1), is required for its normal growth and diverse stress responses. C. neoformans gsb1Δ mutants grew slowly even under non-stressed conditions and showed increased sensitivity to high or low temperatures. The hypersensitivity of gsb1Δ to oxidative and nitrosative stresses was reversed by addition of a ROS scavenger. RNA-Seq analysis during normal growth revealed increased expression of a number of genes involved in mitochondrial respiration and cell cycle, but decreased expression of several genes involved in the mating-pheromone-responsive MAPK signaling pathway. Accordingly, gsb1Δ showed defective mating and abnormal cell-cycle progression. Reflecting these pleiotropic phenotypes, gsb1Δ exhibited attenuated virulence in a murine model of cryptococcosis. Moreover, RNA-Seq analysis under oxidative stress revealed that several genes involved in ROS defense, cell-wall remodeling, and protein glycosylation were highly induced in the wild-type strain but not in gsb1Δ. Gsb1 localized exclusively in the nucleus in response to oxidative stress. In conclusion, Gsb1 is a key transcription factor modulating growth, stress responses, differentiation, and virulence in C. neoformans.
Hemodynamics of speech production: An fNIRS investigation of children who stutter
Authors: Walsh B. , Tian F. , Tourville J. A. , Yücel M. A. , Kuczek T. , Bostian A. J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractStuttering affects nearly 1% of the population worldwide and often has life-altering negative consequences, including poorer mental health and emotional well-being, and reduced educational and employment achievements. Over two decades of neuroimaging research reveals clear anatomical and physiological differences in the speech neural networks of adults who stutter. However, there have been few neurophysiological investigations of speech production in children who stutter. Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we examined hemodynamic responses over neural regions integral to fluent speech production including inferior frontal gyrus, premotor cortex, and superior temporal gyrus during a picture description task. Thirty-two children (16 stuttering and 16 controls) aged 7–11 years participated in the study. We found distinctly different speech-related hemodynamic responses in the group of children who stutter compared to the control group. Whereas controls showed significant activation over left dorsal inferior frontal gyrus and left premotor cortex, children who stutter exhibited deactivation over these left hemisphere regions. This investigation of neural activation during natural, connected speech production in children who stutter demonstrates that in childhood stuttering, atypical functional organization for speech production is present and suggests promise for the use of fNIRS during natural speech production in future research with typical and atypical child populations.
Predicting effects on oxaliplatin clearance: in vitro, kinetic and clinical studies of calcium- and magnesium-mediated oxaliplatin degradation
Authors: Han Catherine H. , Khwaounjoo Prashannata , Hill Andrew G. , Miskelly Gordon M. , McKeage Mark J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis study evaluated the impact of calcium and magnesium on the in vitro degradation and in vivo clearance of oxaliplatin. Intact oxaliplatin and Pt(DACH)Cl2 were measured in incubation solutions by HPLC-UV. A clinical study determined changes in plasma concentrations of calcium and magnesium in cancer patients and their impact on oxaliplatin clearance. Kinetic analyses modelled oxaliplatin degradation reactions in vitro and contributions to oxaliplatin clearance in vivo. Calcium and magnesium accelerated oxaliplatin degradation to Pt(DACH)Cl2 in chloride-containing solutions in vitro. Kinetic models based on calcium and magnesium binding to a monochloro-monooxalato ring-opened anionic oxaliplatin intermediate fitted the in vitro degradation time-course data. In cancer patients, calcium and magnesium plasma concentrations varied and were increased by giving calcium gluconate and magnesium sulfate infusions, but did not alter or correlate with oxaliplatin clearance. The intrinsic in vitro clearance of oxaliplatin attributed to chloride-, calcium- and magnesium-mediated degradation predicted contributions of <2.5% to the total in vivo clearance of oxaliplatin. In conclusion, calcium and magnesium accelerate the in vitro degradation of oxaliplatin by binding to a monochloro-monooxalato ring-opened anionic intermediate. Kinetic analysis of in vitro oxaliplatin stability data can be used for in vitro prediction of potential effects on oxaliplatin clearance in vivo.
The structure and hardness of the highest boride of tungsten, a borophene-based compound
Authors: Gonzalez Szwacki Nevill 
Published: June 2017

AbstractTwo-dimensional systems have strengthened their position as a key materials for novel applications. Very recently, boron joined the distinguished group of elements confirmed to possess 2D allotropes, named borophenes. In this work, we explore the stability and hardness of the highest borides of tungsten, which are built of borophenes separated by metal atoms. We show that the WB3+x
compounds have Vickers hardnesses approaching 40 GPa only for small values of x. The insertion of extra boron atoms is, in general, detrimental to the hardness of WB3 because it leads to the formation of quasi-planar boron sheets that are less tightly connected with the adjacent tungsten layers. Very high concentrations of boron (x ≈ 1), give rise to a soft (Vickers hardness of ~8 GPa) and unstable hP20-WB4 structure that can be considered to be built of quasi-planar boron α-sheets separated by graphitic tungsten layers. By contrast, we show that the formation of tungsten vacancies leads to structures, e.g. W0.75B3+x
, with Vickers hardnesses that are not only similar in value to the experimentally reported load-independent hardnesses greater than 20 GPa, but are also less sensitive to variations in the boron content.
Uptake and metabolism of arginine impact Plasmodium development in the liver
Authors: Meireles Patrícia , Mendes António M. , Aroeira Rita I. , Mounce Bryan C. , Vignuzzi Marco , Staines Henry M. , Prudêncio Miguel 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPrior to infecting erythrocytes and causing malaria symptoms, Plasmodium parasites undergo an obligatory phase of invasion and extensive replication inside their mammalian host’s liver cells that depends on the parasite’s ability to obtain the nutrients it requires for its intra-hepatic growth and multiplication. Here, we show that L-arginine (Arg) uptake through the host cell’s SLC7A2-encoded transporters is essential for the parasite’s development and maturation in the liver. Our data suggest that the Arg that is taken up is primarily metabolized by the arginase pathway to produce the polyamines required for Plasmodium growth. Although the parasite may hijack the host’s biosynthesis pathway, it relies mainly upon its own arginase-AdoMetDC/ODC pathway to acquire the polyamines it needs to develop. These results identify for the first time a pivotal role for Arg-dependent polyamine production during Plasmodium’s hepatic development and pave the way to the exploitation of strategies to impact liver infection by the malaria parasite through the modulation of Arg uptake and polyamine synthesis.
Whole Exome Sequencing to Identify Genetic Variants Associated with Raised Atherosclerotic Lesions in Young Persons
Authors: Hixson James E. , Jun Goo , Shimmin Lawrence C. , Wang Yizhi , Yu Guoqiang , Mao Chunhong , Warren Andrew S. , Howard Timothy D. , Heide Richard S. Vander , Van Eyk Jennifer , Wang Yue , Herrington David M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe investigated the influence of genetic variants on atherosclerosis using whole exome sequencing in cases and controls from the autopsy study “Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth (PDAY)”. We identified a PDAY case group with the highest total amounts of raised lesions (n = 359) for comparisons with a control group with no detectable raised lesions (n = 626). In addition to the standard exome capture, we included genome-wide proximal promoter regions that contain sequences that regulate gene expression. Our statistical analyses included single variant analysis for common variants (MAF > 0.01) and rare variant analysis for low frequency and rare variants (MAF < 0.05). In addition, we investigated known CAD genes previously identified by meta-analysis of GWAS studies. We did not identify individual common variants that reached exome-wide significance using single variant analysis. In analysis limited to 60 CAD genes, we detected strong associations with COL4A2/COL4A1 that also previously showed associations with myocardial infarction and arterial stiffness, as well as coronary artery calcification. Likewise, rare variant analysis did not identify genes that reached exome-wide significance. Among the 60 CAD genes, the strongest association was with NBEAL1 that was also identified in gene-based analysis of whole exome sequencing for early onset myocardial infarction.
Rapid response to climate change in a marginal sea
Authors: Schroeder K. , Chiggiato J. , Josey S. A. , Borghini M. , Aracri S. , Sparnocchia S. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe Mediterranean Sea is a mid-latitude marginal sea, particularly responsive to climate change as reported by recent studies. The Sicily Channel is a choke point separating the sea in two main basins, the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and the Western Mediterranean Sea. Here, we report and analyse a long-term record (1993–2016) of the thermohaline properties of the Intermediate Water that crosses the Sicily Channel, showing increasing temperature and salinity trends much stronger than those observed at intermediate depths in the global ocean. We investigate the causes of the observed trends and in particular determine the role of a changing climate over the Eastern Mediterranean, where the Intermediate Water is formed. The long-term Sicily record reveals how fast the response to climate change can be in a marginal sea like the Mediterranean Sea compared to the global ocean, and demonstrates the essential role of long time series in the ocean.
Elementary School Teachers' Vocal Dose: Muscle Bioenergetics and Training Implications
Authors: Smith Audrey G. , Sandage Mary J. , Pascoe David D. , Plexico Laura W. , Lima Italo R. , Cao Guanqun 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
Translating exercise-science methodology for determination of muscle bioenergetics, we hypothesized that the temporal voice-use patterns for classroom and music teachers would indicate a reliance on the immediate energy system for laryngeal skeletal-muscle metabolism. It was hypothesized that the music-teacher group would produce longer voiced segments than the classroom teachers.

Method
Using a between- and within-group multivariate analysis-of-variance design (5 classroom teachers; 7 music teachers), we analyzed fundamental-frequency data—collected via an ambulatory phonation monitor—for length (seconds) of voiced and nonvoiced intervals. Data were collected for 7.5 hr during the workday, over the course of several workdays for each teacher.

Results
Descriptive analyses of voiced and nonvoiced intervals indicated that over 99% of voiced segments for both groups were no longer than 3.15 s, supporting the hypothesis of reliance on the immediate energy system for muscle bioenergetics. Significant differences were identified between and within the classroom- and music-teacher groups, with the music-teacher group producing longer voiced segments overall.

Conclusions
Knowledge of probable intrinsic laryngeal skeletal-muscle bioenergetics requirements could inform new interdisciplinary considerations for voice habilitation and rehabilitation.
Hearing Loss in Acromegaly - A Review
Authors: Teixeira Liane , Silva Isabelle , Sampaio Andre , Oliveira Carlos , Bahamad Júnior Fayez 
Published: June 2017

Introduction Acromegaly is a chronic disease caused by growth hormone (GH) excess due to a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma in most cases. There is reasonable data to presume the possible influence of chronic GH and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) hyperproduction on the anatomical structures involved in normal sound perception, and on its conductive and/or sensorineural part.
Objectives To review the literature about acromegaly and hearing loss.
Data Synthesis A systematic literature search was performed using the MEDLINE database, including hand-searching reference lists from original articles. The search was performed using the terms hearing loss and acromegaly, and only 5 studies were found.
Conclusion The results are not consistent, but led to different conclusions. Therefore, more studies with greater numbers of patients with acromegaly are needed.
Critical Congenital Heart Disease Screening in NICU: Need for Revision and Standardization
Authors: Short Billie , Manja Veena , Lakshminrusimha Satyan , Fernandes Nithi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractScreening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) at 24 to 48 hours after birth or before discharge in newborn nurseries using pulse oximetry is effective and is mandated by most states. However, there is no established protocol for screening in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), a setting where neonates are continuously monitored by pulse oximetry, hypoxemia from noncardiac causes is common, and echocardiograms are frequently obtained. CCHDs with hypoxemia are suspected on admission and investigated with an echocardiogram before a formal screen in the NICU. The most common CCHD lesions missed in a NICU setting are secondary targets of the screen, such as aortic arch anomalies (coarctation or interrupted aortic arch). The sensitivity of the current pulse oximeter–based CCHD screen to diagnose aortic arch anomalies is low. Given that infants are monitored with continuous pulse oximetry and frequent examinations, novel revisions to the current screening methods are necessary to detect asymptomatic NICU infants with aortic arch anomalies before discharge. Exclusions (whom to screen), technique (how to screen), and timing (when to screen) for primary and secondary targets of CCHD in the NICU are not known and require further research.
Comparative Study Between Peristomal Patches in Patients with Definitive Tracheostomy
Authors: Lansaat Liset , Kleijn Bertram , Hilgers Frans , Laan Bernard , Brekel Michiel 
Published: June 2017

Introduction To prevent or diminish pulmonary problems in laryngectomized patients, continuous use of a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) is recommended. Therefore, automatic speaking valves are also often combined with an HME to enable hands-free speech. In order to keep these devices in place, most commonly, peristomal patches are used.
Objective This prospective clinical 2 × 2 crossover study aims at assessing the added value of a new patch for HME application, the Provox StabiliBase OptiDerm (SBO). The device combines the stable and conical base of the Provox StabiliBase with the skin-friendlier hydrocolloid Provox OptiDerm (OD) patch.
Methods Thirty-two laryngectomized patients were included in this multicenter study. Participants were asked to compare SBO to OD, and to the patch they normally use. The primary outcome measure was patient preference.
Results Overall, 60% of the participants had preference for their normally used patch, 23% preferred the SBO and 17% indicated no preference. When comparing the SBO to the OD, 43% preferred the SBO, 40% the OD and 17% had no preference.
Conclusion Most patients preferred their normally used patch and SBO was favored by a subgroup. Provox StabiliBase OptiDerm seems to be a valuable addition to the existing patches and further increases patients' options for HME application.
Rekonstruktive Chirurgie der Harnblase
Authors: Schnürer Susanne , Amend Bastian , Stenzl Arnulf , Rausch Steffen 
Published: June 2017

ZusammenfassungFunktionelle und anatomische Einschränkungen der Harnblasenfunktion können auf dem Boden vielzähliger pathophysiologischer Mechanismen entstehen. Die vorliegende Übersichtsarbeit fasst operative Prinzipien und chirurgische Techniken zu Harnblasenrekonstruktion und Funktionserhalt zusammen.
Random subsets of structured deterministic frames have MANOVA spectra
Authors: Haikin Marina , Zamir Ram , Gavish Matan 
Published: June 2017

Significance
A frame (overcomplete set of vectors) represents an analog coding scheme. Deterministic frame constructions offer useful codes for communication and signal processing tasks. When the coded signal only uses a random subset of the frame vectors (for example, in compressed sensing), the coding quality is determined by the typical covariances within subsets of frame vectors. We provide a method to calculate functions of these typical covariances, which predict specific performance measures of the corresponding coding scheme. Our method uses a universality property: for many well-known deterministic and random frames, typical covariances within subsets of frame vectors do not depend on the frame and are described by the MANOVA (multivariate ANOVA) ensemble, a classical object in statistics and random matrix theory.
Deliberating in the presence of manipulation
Authors: Cohen Yishai 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAccording to deliberation compatibilism, rational deliberation is compatible with the belief that one’s actions are causally determined by factors beyond one’s control. This paper offers a counterexample to recent accounts of rational deliberation that entail deliberation compatibilism. The counterexample involves a deliberator who believes that whichever action she performs will be the result of deterministic manipulation. It is further argued that there is no relevant difference between the purported counterexample and ordinary doxastic circumstances in which a determinist deliberates.
Caffeine adsorption of montmorillonite in coffee extracts
Authors: Shiono Takashi , Yamamoto Kenichiro , Yotsumoto Yuko , Yoshida Aruto 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The growth in health-conscious consumers continues to drive the demand for a wide variety of decaffeinated beverages. We previously developed a new technology using montmorillonite (MMT) in selective decaffeination of tea extract. This study evaluated and compared decaffeination of coffee extract using MMT and activated carbon (AC). MMT adsorbed caffeine without significant adsorption of caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs), feruloylquinic acids (FQAs), dicaffeoylquinic acids (di-CQAs), or caffeoylquinic lactones (CQLs). AC adsorbed caffeine, chlorogenic acids (CGAs) and CQLs simultaneously. The results suggested that the adsorption selectivity for caffeine in coffee extract is higher in MMT than AC. The caffeine adsorption isotherms of MMT in coffee extract fitted well to the Langmuir adsorption model. The adsorption properties in coffee extracts from the same species were comparable, regardless of roasting level and locality of growth. Our findings suggest that MMT is a useful adsorbent in the decaffeination of a wide range of coffee extracts.