bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High and variable mortality of leatherback turtles reveal possible anthropogenic impacts
Authors: Santidrián Tomillo P. , Robinson N. J. , Sanz‐Aguilar A. , Spotila J. R. , Paladino F. V. , Tavecchia G. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe number of nesting leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in the eastern Pacific Ocean has declined dramatically since the late 1980s. This decline has been attributed to egg poaching and interactions with fisheries. However, it is not clear how much of the decline should also be ascribed to variability in the physical characteristics of the ocean. We used data on individually marked turtles that nest at Playa Grande, Costa Rica, to address whether climatic variability affects survival and inter‐breeding interval. Because some turtles might nest undetected, we used capture–recapture models to model survival probability accounting for a detection failure. In addition, as the probability of reproduction is constrained by past nesting events, we formulated a new parameterization to estimate inter‐breeding intervals and contrast hypotheses on the role of climatic covariates on reproductive frequency. Average annual survival for the period 1993–2011 was low (0.78) and varied over time ranging from 0.49 to 0.99 with a negative temporal trend mainly due to the high mortality values registered after 2004. Survival probability was not associated with the Multivariate ENSO Index of the South Pacific Ocean (MEI) but this index explained 24% of the temporal variability in the reproductive frequency. The probability of a turtle to permanently leave after the first encounter was 26%. This high proportion of transients might be associated with a high mortality cost of the first reproduction or with a long‐distance nesting dispersal after the first nesting season. Although current data do not allow separating these two hypotheses, low encounter rate at other locations and high investment in reproduction, supports the first hypothesis. The low and variable annual survival probability has largely contributed to the decline of this leatherback population. The lack of correlation between survival probability and the most important climatic driver of oceanic processes in the Pacific discards a climate‐related decline and point to anthropogenic sources of mortality as the main causes responsible for the observed population decline.
Application of omentum as an in vivo bioreactor for regeneration of decellularized human internal mammary artery
Authors: Khorramirouz Reza , Kameli Seyedeh Maryam , Eftekharzadeh Sahar , Kajbafzadeh Abdol‐Mohammad 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis study investigates the extent of cell seeding as well as lumen patency in acellular Internal mammary artery (IMA) scaffolds that have been re‐cellularized by omentum as a natural bioreactor. Sixteen Virgin female Wistar rats were selected for implantation of acellular scaffold in omentum. Following laparotomy omentum was retracted to the outside of the abdomen and the more vascularized portion of it was selected for the experiment. The scaffold was wrapped by omentum and placed between two layers of rectus muscles that have been previously dissected. Samples were taken from scaffolds at 2 and 3 months for histopathological evaluation. All the grafts were explanted at 2 and 3 months and the lumens were completely patent compared to the native scaffold. The histology of implanted IMA after 2 and 3 months showed progressive recellularization especially by smooth muscle cells over the media layer. CD 34 staining was positive adjacent to the grafts which showed well angiogenesis. Trichrome and Movat's Pentachrome staining showed normal collagen formation in the inner media layer. Promising results obtained from the introduced protocol for in vivo recellularization, including patent lumen and proper cell seeding, encourages application of the mentioned technique for experimental vascular graft application. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2685–2693, 2017.
Novel porcine experimental model of severe progressive thoracic scoliosis with compensatory curves induced by interpedicular bent rigid temporary tethering
Authors: Barrios Carlos , Lloris José Miguel , Alonso Juan , Maruenda Borja , Burgos Jesús , Llombart‐Blanco Rafael , Gil Luis , Bisbal Viviana 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTUsing flexible tethering techniques, porcine models of experimental scoliosis have shown scoliotic curves with vertebral wedging but very limited axial rotation. The aim of this experimental work was to induce a severe progressive scoliosis in a growing porcine model for research purposes. A unilateral spinal bent rigid tether was anchored to two ipsilateral pedicle screws in eight pigs. The spinal tether was removed after 8 weeks. Ten weeks later, the animals were sacrificed. Conventional radiographs and 3D CT‐scans were taken to evaluate changes in the alignment of the thoracic spine. After the first 8 weeks of rigid tethering, all animals developed scoliotic curves (mean Cobb angle: 24.3°). Once the interpedicular tether was removed, the scoliotic curves progressed in all animals during 10 weeks reaching a mean Cobb angle of 49.9°. The sagittal alignment of the thoracic spine showed loss of physiologic kyphosis (Mean: −18.3°). Axial rotation ranged from 10° to 49° (Mean 25.7°). Release of the spinal tether results in progression of the deformity with the development of proximal and distal compensatory curves. In conclusion, temporary interpedicular tethering at the thoracic spine induces severe scoliotic curves in pigs, with significant wedging and rotation of the vertebral bodies, and true compensatory curves. Clinical Relevance: The tether release model will be used to evaluate corrective non‐fusion technologies in future investigations. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:174–182, 2018.
Tau/α‐synuclein ratio and inflammatory proteins in Parkinson's disease: An exploratory study
Authors: Delgado‐Alvarado Manuel , Gago Belén , Gorostidi Ana , Jiménez‐Urbieta Haritz , Dacosta‐Aguayo Rosalía , Navalpotro‐Gómez Irene , Ruiz‐Martínez Javier , Bergareche Alberto , Martí‐Massó José F. , Martínez‐Lage Pablo , Izagirre Andrea , Rodríguez‐Oroz María C. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTBackground: No CSF or plasma biomarker has been validated for diagnosis or progression of PD.Objectives: To assess whether the CSF and plasma levels of proteins associated with PD neuropathological inclusions and with neuroinflammation might have value in the diagnosis of PD or in relation to disease severity.Methods: CSF levels of α‐synuclein, amyloid‐ß1‐42, total tau, and threonine‐181 phosphorylated tau, as well as CSF and plasma levels of cytokines (interleukin‐1ß, interleukin‐2, interleukin, interferon‐γ, and tumor necrosis factor α) were studied in 40 PD patients and 40 healthy controls. Plasma levels of cytokines were measured in 51 patients and 26 aditional controls. We also explored the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative data set as a replication cohort.Results: CSF levels of α‐synuclein, amyloid‐ß1‐42, and tumor necrosis factor α were lower in patients than in controls, and the total tau/α‐synuclein, phosphorylated tau/α‐synuclein, total tau/amyloid‐ß1‐42+α‐synuclein, and phosphorylated tau/amyloid‐ß1‐42+α‐synuclein ratios were higher in patients. The best area under the curve value was obtained for the phosphorylated tau/α‐synuclein ratio alone (0.86) and also when this was combined with tumor necrosis factor α in CSF (0.91; sensitivity 92.9%, specificity 75% for a cut‐off value of ≤ 0.71). Phosphorylated tau/α‐synuclein and phosphorylated tau/amyloid‐ß1‐42+α‐synuclein were higher in patients than in controls of the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative database. Plasma cytokines did not differ between groups, although interleukin‐6 levels were positively correlated with UPDRS‐I, ‐II, and ‐III scores.Conclusions: The CSF phosphorylated tau/α‐synuclein ratio alone, and in combination with tumor necrosis factor α and plasma interleukin‐6 levels, might serve as biomarkers to diagnose PD and monitor its severity. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Dysregulation of the causative genes for hereditary parkinsonism in the midbrain in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kim Yun Joong , Jeon Junbeom , Shin Jaemoon , Kim Nan Young , Hong Jeong Hoon , Oh Jae‐Min , Hong SangKyoon , Kim Yeo Jin , Kim Young‐Eun , Kang Suk Yun , Ma Hyeo‐Il , Lee Unjoo , Yoon Jeehee 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTBackground and ObjectivesMany hereditary movement disorders with complex phenotypes without a locus symbol prefix for familial PD present as parkinsonism; however, the dysregulation of genes associated with these phenotypes in the SNpc of PD patients has not been systematically studied.MethodsGene set enrichment analyses were performed using 10 previously published genome‐wide expression datasets obtained by laser‐captured microdissection of pigmented neurons in the SNpc. A custom‐curated gene set for hereditary parkinsonism consisting of causative genes (n = 78) related to disorders with a parkinsonism phenotype, but not necessarily idiopathic or monogenic PD, was constructed from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database.ResultsIn 9 of the 10 gene expression data sets, gene set enrichment analysis showed that the disease‐causing genes for hereditary parkinsonism were downregulated in the SNpc in PD patients compared to controls (nominal P values <0.05 in five studies). Among the 63 leading edge subset genes representing downregulated genes in PD, 79.4% were genes without a locus symbol prefix for familial PD. A meta–gene set enrichment analysis performed with a random‐effect model showed an association between the gene set for hereditary parkinsonism and PD with a negative normalized enrichment score value (–1.40; 95% CI: –1.52∼–1.28; P < 6.2E‐05).ConclusionDisease‐causing genes with a parkinsonism phenotype are downregulated in the SNpc in PD. Our study highlights the importance of genes associated with hereditary movement disorders with parkinsonism in understanding the pathogenesis of PD. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Improving three‐dimensional mechanical imaging of breast lesions with principal component analysis
Authors: Tyagi Mohit , Wang Yuqi , Hall Timothy J. , Barbone Paul E. , Oberai Assad A. 
Published: May 2017

PurposeElastography has emerged as a new tool for detecting and diagnosing many types of diseases including breast cancer. To date, most clinical applications of elastography have utilized two‐dimensional strain images. The goal of this paper is to present a new quasi‐static elastography technique that yields shear modulus images in three dimensions.MethodsAn automated breast volume scanner was used to acquire ultrasound images of the breast as it was gently compressed. Cross‐correlation between successive images was used to determine the displacement within the tissue. The resulting displacement field was filtered of all but compressive motion through principal component analysis. This displacement field was used to infer spatial distribution of shear modulus by solving a 3D elastic inverse problem.ResultsThree dimensional shear modulus images of benign breast lesions for two subjects were generated using the techniques described above. It was found that the lesions were visualized more clearly in images generated using the displacement data de‐noised through the use of principal components.ConclusionsWe have presented experimental and algorithmic techniques that lead to three‐dimensional imaging of shear modulus using quasi‐static elastography. This work demonstrates feasibility of this approach, and lays the foundation for images of other, more informative, mechanical parameters.
Multiline balanced SSFP for rapid functional imaging at ultrahigh field
Authors: Ehses Philipp , Scheffler Klaus 
Published: May 2017

PurposeThe goal of this study is to develop and evaluate a multiline balanced steady‐state free‐precession (bSSFP) sequence for passband functional MRI at ultrahigh field.MethodsPassband bSSFP functional MRI experiments using a visual task were performed on a 9.4 T system with echo trains ranging from one up to seven echoes. We analyze the acquisition efficiency, temporal and thermal signal‐to‐noise ratio, as well as the observed blood oxygen–level‐dependent (BOLD) signal changes.ResultsWith increasing repetition time and echo train length, the BOLD‐related signal change as well as the thermal and temporal noise were improved. Activation patterns and signal changes were stable and reproducible across subjects.ConclusionsWe propose a multiline bSSFP for functional BOLD imaging that approaches the speed of echo‐planar imaging and that shows an increased BOLD sensitivity compared with single‐line bSSFP. Magn Reson Med 79:994–1000, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Effect of a thin customized insole on pain and walking ability in rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized study
Authors: Linberg Berit Hagemoen , Mengshoel Anne Marit 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the study was to investigate the immediate effects of a thin, easily customizable insole on pain and walking ability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have forefoot pain, and to determine whether the insoles were in use 1 year afterwards.DesignAn experimental, assessor‐blinded design was applied to compare the immediate effects when walking with or without insoles in random order. After 1 year, a structured telephone interview was conducted.ParticipantsTwenty‐one subjects with RA and foot pain in at least one forefoot when walking and in response to the Gänslen test were recruited consecutively from the outpatient clinic and the inpatient ward at a hospital for people with rheumatic disease.InterventionEach subject was given a 4‐mm thin individually customized insole of a malleable plastic material (CI‐Core®) with synthetic textile material on the upper side.Main outcome measuresThe 6‐min walk test (6MWT) was used to assess the ability to walk, and a 10‐cm visual analogue scale to measure the intensity of foot pain induced by walking with and without the insole. A standardized questionnaire with five items was used to determine the use of, and degree of satisfaction with, insoles after 1 year.ResultsThe median (interquartile range) foot pain intensity was 19 (15) with and 36 (27) without insoles (p < 0.001; effect size = 0.6). No statistically significant differences in 6MWT were found between the presence or absence of insoles (p = 0.07). After 1 year, 90% of the participants were still using the insoles.ConclusionsThe use of thin, easily customizable insoles resulted in immediate clinically relevant relief in walking‐induced forefoot pain. Most of the patients were still using the insoles after 1 year.
Constant-Time Fourier Moments for Face Detection — Can Accuracy of Haar-Like Features Be Beaten?
Authors: Klȩsk Przemysław 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe demonstrate a technique allowing for constant-time calculation of low order Fourier moments, applicable in detection tasks. Real and imaginary parts of the moments can be used as features for machine learning and classification of image windows. The technique is based on a set of special integral images, prepared prior to the scanning procedure. The integral images are constructed as cumulative inner products between the input image and suitable trigonometric terms. Additional time invested in the preparation of such integral images is amortized later at the stage of scanning. Then, the extraction of each moment requires only 21 operations, regardless of the number of pixels in the detection window, and thereby is an O(1) calculation.As an application example, face detection experiments are carried out with detectors based on Haar-like features serving as opponents to the proposed Fourier-based detectors.
Hierarchically structured lithium titanate for ultrafast charging in long-life high capacity batteries
Authors: Odziomek Mateusz , Chaput Frédéric , Rutkowska Anna , Świerczek Konrad , Olszewska Danuta , Sitarz Maciej , Lerouge Frédéric , Parola Stephane 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHigh-performance Li-ion batteries require materials with well-designed and controlled structures on nanometre and micrometre scales. Electrochemical properties can be enhanced by reducing crystallite size and by manipulating structure and morphology. Here we show a method for preparing hierarchically structured Li4Ti5O12 yielding nano- and microstructure well-suited for use in lithium-ion batteries. Scalable glycothermal synthesis yields well-crystallized primary 4–8 nm nanoparticles, assembled into porous secondary particles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals presence of Ti+4 only; combined with chemical analysis showing lithium deficiency, this suggests oxygen non-stoichiometry. Electron microscopy confirms hierarchical morphology of the obtained material. Extended cycling tests in half cells demonstrates capacity of 170 mAh g−1 and no sign of capacity fading after 1,000 cycles at 50C rate (charging completed in 72 s). The particular combination of nanostructure, microstructure and non-stoichiometry for the prepared lithium titanate is believed to underlie the observed electrochemical performance of material.
Aminophylline restores glucocorticoid sensitivity in a guinea pig model of sudden sensorineural hearing loss induced by lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Zhou Qiong-Qiong , Dai Yan-Hong , Du Xiao-Ping , Hou Jie , Qi Hui , She Wan-Dong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractGlucocorticoids have been used to treat hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction for many years. However, some reports have indicated that a subset of patients with these disorders exhibit glucocorticoid insensitivity or resistance. A reduction in histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) activity and expression has been reported to play a critical role in glucocorticoid resistance. Here, we investigated the protective effects of aminophylline on HDAC2 expression and glucocorticoid sensitivity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sudden sensorineural hearing loss in guinea pigs. We assessed hearing recovery in LPS-applied guinea pigs, which were either left untreated or were systemically treated with either dexamethasone, aminophylline, or a combination of the two. We utilized fluorescence microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to analyze the distribution patterns of HDAC2 and detect its levels in the cochlea. We used hematoxylin-eosin staining to examine cochlear histopathological changes. In the absence of treatment, significant hearing loss was detected in LPS-exposed animals. A synergistic effect was observed between aminophylline and dexamethasone in maintaining HDAC2 expression levels, preventing hearing loss in LPS-exposed animals and reducing cochlear damage. This study indicates that aminophylline can restore glucocorticoid sensitivity, which provides a new approach to treating patients with hearing disorders who are refractory to glucocorticoids.
Antibodies against a β-glucan-protein complex of Candida albicans and its potential as indicator of protective immunity in candidemic patients
Authors: Torosantucci Antonella , Tumbarello Mario , Bromuro Carla , Chiani Paola , Posteraro Brunella , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Cauda Roberto , Cassone Antonio 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSera from candidemic and non-candidemic subjects were examined for antibodies against the cell wall β1,3- and β1,6-glucans, as well as the β-glucan-associated protein MP65 of Candida species. Although antibodies against each of the above components were detected in all subjects, candidemic patients had lower antibody titers against β1,3-glucan, but higher antibody titers against β1,6-glucan and MP65, than non-candidemic subjects. The elevated levels of anti-β1,6-glucan and -MP65 antibodies found in candidemic patients were independent on the patient risk category, APACHE II score, presence of co-morbidities, β1,3-glucanemia level, Candida isolate, and antifungal treatment. Interestingly, however, the anti-MP65, but not the anti-β1,6-glucan antibodies, of candidemic patients had higher titers in survivors than in non-survivors, particularly in those subject categories with the highest mortality (>65-years old, diabetic, or septic shock patients). Thus, candidemic patients are capable of boosting anti-Candida immune responses upon infection, and some of these responses might be associated to the generation of protective immunity in patients with candidemia.
Lethal effect of blue light on strawberry leaf beetle, Galerucella grisescens (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Hori Masatoshi , Suzuki Ayako 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn a previous study, we found that blue-light irradiation kills insects such as fruit flies, mosquitos, and flour beetles. However, the lethal effects of blue light on coleopteran field crop pests have not been investigated. Chrysomelidae, a major family in phytophagous beetles, includes many species of crop pests. We investigated the lethal effect of blue light on chrysomelid beetles by examining the mortality of the strawberry leaf beetle Galerucella grisescens irradiated with different wavelengths of blue light during the non-mobile egg or pupal stage by using light-emitting diodes. Fifty to seventy percent of beetles irradiated with 407, 417, 438, or 465-nm lights at 15 × 1018 photons·m−2·s−1 during the egg stage died before hatching; ca. 90% of hatchlings irradiated with 438-nm light during the egg stage died before eclosion; and 35–55% of beetles irradiated with 407, 417, 454, and 465-nm lights at the same intensity during the pupal stage died before eclosion. Field crop pests are considered to have high tolerance to blue light because they are usually exposed to sunlight in their natural habitats. However, this study suggests that blue light can kill some field crop as well as household insect pests.
Predictors of Language Gains Among School-Age Children With Language Impairment in the Public Schools
Authors: Justice Laura M. , Jiang Hui , Logan Jessica A. , Schmitt Mary Beth 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
This study aimed to identify child-level characteristics that predict gains in language skills for children with language impairment who were receiving therapy within the public schools. The therapy provided represented business-as-usual speech/language treatment provided by speech-language pathologists in the public schools.

Method
The sample included 272 kindergartners and first-graders with language impairment who participated in a larger study titled “Speech-Therapy Experiences in the Public Schools.” Multilevel regression analyses were applied to examine the extent to which select child-level characteristics, including age, nonverbal cognition, memory, phonological awareness, vocabulary, behavior problems, and self-regulation, predicted children's language gains over an academic year. Pratt indices were computed to establish the relative importance of the predictors of interest.

Results
Phonological awareness and vocabulary skill related to greater gains in language skills, and together they accounted for nearly 70% of the explained variance, or 10% of total variance at child level. Externalizing behavior, nonverbal cognition, and age were also potentially important predictors of language gains.

Conclusions
This study significantly advances our understanding of the characteristics of children that may contribute to their language gains while receiving therapy in the public schools. Researchers can explore how these characteristics may serve to moderate treatment outcomes, whereas clinicians can assess how these characteristics may factor into understanding treatment responses.