bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subjective visual awareness emerges prior to P3
Authors: Koivisto Mika , Salminen‐Vaparanta Niina , Grassini Simone , Revonsuo Antti 
Published: April 2016

AbstractStudies on the neural basis of visual awareness, the subjective experience of seeing, have found several potential neural correlates of visual awareness. Some of them may not directly correlate with awareness but with post‐perceptual processes, such as reporting one's awareness of the stimulus. We dissociated potential electrophysiological correlates of visual awareness from those occurring during response selection and thus co‐occurring with post‐perceptual processing. The participants performed two GO‐NOGO conditions. In the aware‐GO condition they responded with a key press when they were aware of the stimulus and withheld responding when they were unaware of it. In the unaware‐GO condition they withheld responding when they were aware and responded when they were not aware of the stimulus. Thus, event‐related potentials could be measured to aware and unaware trials when responding was required and when not required. The results revealed that the N200 amplitude (180–280 ms) over the occipital and posterior temporal cortex was enhanced in aware trials as compared with trials without awareness. This effect (visual awareness negativity, VAN) did not depend on responding. The amplitude of P3 (350–450 ms) also was enhanced in aware trials as compared with unaware trials. In addition, the amplitudes in the P3 time window depended on responding: they were greater when awareness was mapped to GO‐response than when not, suggesting that P3 reflects post‐perceptual processing, that is, it occurs after awareness has emerged. These findings support theories of visual awareness that assume a relatively early onset of visual awareness before P3.
Male Mating Success and the Effect of Mating History on Ejaculate Traits in a Facultatively Parthenogenic Insect (Extatosoma tiaratum)
Authors: Alavi Yasaman , Elgar Mark A. , Jones Therésa M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMales can typically increase their lifetime reproductive success by mating with multiple females. However, recent studies across a broad range of species have demonstrated physiological constraints on male multiple mating. In this study, we investigate male mating capacity in Extatosoma tiaratum, a facultative parthenogenetic phasmatid. Sperm limitation is thought to be one factor favouring the evolution and maintenance of parthenogenetic reproduction, but studies on male mating ability in facultative parthenogenetic species are extremely rare. To explore whether male mating success varies with mating history, we provided males with weekly mating opportunities with different females throughout their lives. We then observed mating success, and the variation in ejaculate size and quality within each mating. We showed that most, but not all, males can mate multiply, however the amount of ejaculate produced is variable and depends upon male body mass and mating history.
Crystal structures of the transpeptidase domain of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis penicillin‐binding protein PonA1 reveal potential mechanisms of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Filippova Ekaterina V. , Kieser Karen J. , Luan Chi‐Hao , Wawrzak Zdzislaw , Kiryukhina Olga , Rubin Eric J. , Anderson Wayne F. 
Published: April 2016

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a human respiratory pathogen that causes the deadly disease tuberculosis. The rapid global spread of antibiotic‐resistant M. tuberculosis makes tuberculosis infections difficult to treat. To overcome this problem new effective antimicrobial strategies are urgently needed. One promising target for new therapeutic approaches is PonA1, a class A penicillin‐binding protein, which is required for maintaining physiological cell wall synthesis and cell shape during growth in mycobacteria. Here, crystal structures of the transpeptidase domain, the enzymatic domain responsible for penicillin binding, of PonA1 from M. tuberculosis in the inhibitor‐free form and in complex with penicillin V are reported. We used site‐directed mutagenesis, antibiotic profiling experiments, and fluorescence thermal shift assays to measure PonA1's sensitivity to different classes of β‐lactams. Structural comparison of the PonA1 apo‐form and the antibiotic‐bound form shows that binding of penicillin V induces conformational changes in the position of the loop β4′‐α3 surrounding the penicillin‐binding site. We have also found that binding of different antibiotics including penicillin V positively impacts protein stability, while other tested β‐lactams such as clavulanate or meropenem resulted in destabilization of PonA1. Our antibiotic profiling experiments indicate that the transpeptidase activity of PonA1 in both M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis mediates tolerance to specific cell wall‐targeting antibiotics, particularly to penicillin V and meropenem. Because M. tuberculosis is an important human pathogen, these structural data provide a template to design novel transpeptidase inhibitors to treat tuberculosis infections.DatabaseStructural data are available in the PDB database under the accession numbers 5CRF and 5CXW.
Macroeconomic Effects of Simultaneous Implementation of Reforms
Authors: Gerali Andrea , Notarpietro Alessandro , Pisani Massimiliano 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis paper evaluates the macroeconomic effects of simultaneously implementing growth‐friendly fiscal consolidation and competition‐friendly reforms in one European country by simulating a dynamic general equilibrium model. Our results are as follows. First, in the case of joint implementation, the increase in gross domestic product (GDP) is larger than the sum of GDP increases obtained from implementing reforms separately. Growth‐friendly public debt consolidation uses lower interest payments in the long run to permanently reduce tax rates, and competition‐friendly reform expands the tax base, allowing for further rate reductions. Second, the medium‐term output loss associated with the temporary increase in taxes during the fiscal consolidation is mitigated by its implementation alongside the competition‐friendly reform, whose expansionary effects limit the tax rate increase. Third, in the short run (the first two years), all measures imply a macroeconomic cost in terms of output loss, which is smaller than the permanent output gain in the long run.
Gender differences in the prevalence and clustering of multiple health risk behaviours in young adults
Authors: Kritsotakis George , Psarrou Maria , Vassilaki Maria , Androulaki Zacharenia , Philalithis Anastas E. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimsTo estimate the sex‐stratified prevalence and clustering of 14 behavioural and metabolic health risk factors in emerging adulthood.BackgroundThe high prevalence and the clustering of risk factors multiply health consequences and increase the threat to the future health and quality of life of young adults.DesignDescriptive cross‐sectional study.MethodsDuring November‐December 2012, we assessed 14 lifestyle characteristics of 1058 1st year university students’ that were classified as: healthy (score = 0), unhealthy (score = 1) and high‐risk unhealthy (score = 2). We subsequently created a Multiple Health Risk Behaviours Index by summing the score of each behaviour adjusted to 0‐100.ResultsOnly 0·3% of the students had one risk behaviour and 21·3% (male: 31·5%; female: 12·6%) had ≥10 of 14. Male students had higher risk index score. In adjusted regression analyses, female students had higher odds of reporting healthier behaviours in oral hygiene (tooth brushing), red meat and junk food consumption, binge drinking, cannabis/hashish/marijuana use and lower number of sexual partners and Body Mass Index. Male students reported higher physical activity. No statistically significant gender differences were noted for screen time/sedentary behaviours, condom use, smoking, sunburns, breakfast and fruit and vegetable consumption.ConclusionAlthough health‐compromising behaviours are highly prevalent in both men and women, they are gender‐related, with males engaging in more health risk behaviours than females. Preventive interventions may need to focus on gender‐informed approaches when targeting multiple health risk behaviours.
Mobile technology: students perceived benefits of apps for learning neuroanatomy
Authors: Morris N.P. , Lambe J. , Ciccone J. , Swinnerton B. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractTechnology‐enhanced learning is expanding rapidly because of research showing the benefits for learners in terms of engagement, convenience, attainment and enjoyment. Mobile learning approaches are also gaining in popularity, particularly during practical classes and clinical settings. However, there are few systematic studies evaluating the impact of tablet devices on students’ learning in practical settings. The main aim of this three‐year study was to gather rigorous evidence about students’ use of apps on a preconfigured tablet device in a neuroanatomy practical class, their perceptions of this and the impact of the intervention on learning outcomes, using data collected from three cohorts of students between 2011 and 2013. Results showed that students made extensive use of resources provided, considered the devices to be beneficial for learning, and found them to be easy to use with minimal support and training. Students’ ownership of touch screen devices increased significantly during the trial period as did their use of devices for academic study. Analysis of examination scores showed a statistically significant increase in performance for neuroanatomy‐related questions after the introduction of tablet devices.
Inflammatory facial acne during uncomplicated pregnancy and post‐partum in adult women: a preliminary hospital‐based prospective observational study of 35 cases from Taiwan
Authors: Yang C.‐C. , Huang Y.‐T. , Yu C.‐H. , Wu M.‐C. , Hsu C.‐C. , Chen W. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundPregnancy is associated with significant changes in hormones and metabolism which can also exert impact on the skin.ObjectivesThe study was aimed to evaluate the facial acne severity during pregnancy and post‐partum period and to identify risk factors for acne in pregnancy.MethodsA hospital‐based prospective study on pregnant women at age ≥18 years was conducted during their routine maternal examination. The severity of inflammatory facial acne was evaluated by the number of acne lesions and Global Acne Severity Scale, based on pictures taken at the three trimesters of pregnancy and post‐partum period. Risk factors were identified by review of medical chart and questionnaires. Correlation with acne severity was statistically analysed.ResultsThirty‐five pregnant women were included in this study with ages ranging from 25 to 40 years. The average number of facial acne was highest in the second trimester. Primigravida, female gender and low birth weight for gestational age of the newborn were associated with higher numbers of facial acne in the second and third trimester in our series.ConclusionsFurther investigation on a larger population and the relevant hormone changes is required to confirm and explain our findings.
Functional characterization of neurotransmitter activation and modulation in a nematode model ligand‐gated ion channel
Authors: Heusser Stephanie A. , Yoluk Özge , Klement Göran , Riederer Erika A. , Lindahl Erik , Howard Rebecca J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe superfamily of pentameric ligand‐gated ion channels includes neurotransmitter receptors that mediate fast synaptic transmission in vertebrates, and are targets for drugs including alcohols, anesthetics, benzodiazepines, and anticonvulsants. However, the mechanisms of ion channel opening, gating, and modulation in these receptors leave many open questions, despite their pharmacological importance. Subtle conformational changes in both the extracellular and transmembrane domains are likely to influence channel opening, but have been difficult to characterize given the limited structural data available for human membrane proteins. Recent crystal structures of a modified Caenorhabditis elegans glutamate‐gated chloride channel (GluCl) in multiple states offer an appealing model system for structure‐function studies. However, the pharmacology of the crystallographic GluCl construct is not well established. To establish the functional relevance of this system, we used two‐electrode voltage‐clamp electrophysiology in Xenopus oocytes to characterize activation of crystallographic and native‐like GluCl constructs by L‐glutamate and ivermectin. We also tested modulation by ethanol and other anesthetic agents, and used site‐directed mutagenesis to explore the role of a region of Loop F which was implicated in ligand gating by molecular dynamics simulations. Our findings indicate that the crystallographic construct functionally models concentration‐dependent agonism and allosteric modulation of pharmacologically relevant receptors. Specific substitutions at residue Leu174 in loop F altered direct L‐glutamate activation, consistent with computational evidence for this region's role in ligand binding. These insights demonstrate conservation of activation and modulation properties in this receptor family, and establish a framework for GluCl as a model system, including new possibilities for drug discovery.
imageIn this study, we elucidate the validity of a modified glutamate‐gated chloride channel (GluClcryst) as a structurally accessible model for GABAA receptors. In contrast to native‐like controls, GluClcryst exhibits classical activation by its neurotransmitter ligand L‐glutamate. The modified channel is also sensitive to allosteric modulators associated with human GABAA receptors, and to site‐directed mutations predicted to alter channel opening.
‘Treating Africans differently’: using skin colour as proxy for HIV risk
Authors: Henrickson Mark , Fisher Meaghan 
Published: April 2016

Aims and objectivesThis paper examines the qualitative results of two studies of Black African new settler communities in New Zealand. The analysis investigates the issues of stigma and microaggressions and their effects on Black African communities.BackgroundPrevious work that investigated experiences of stigma faced by relatively early Black African new settlers to New Zealand found that new settlers experienced stigma, and their resulting isolation had negative implications for access to health and social services, regardless of HIV status.DesignThis paper is a meta‐analysis of two published studies, using original qualitative data from each.MethodsResearchers for the first study, Standing in the Fire, interviewed 13 Black Africans living with HIV who were new settlers to New Zealand. The second study, AfricaNZ Care, was a national mixed method study which surveyed 703 Black African new settlers, and included 131 participants in 23 different focus groups. The present analysis includes only the qualitative data from the second study. Some, but not most, participants of the second study were living with HIV.ResultsBlack African identity is used as a proxy for HIV status among non‐HIV specialist health care workers. Participants reported experiences of stigma and microaggressions based on their race, and a lack of knowledge about HIV in non‐HIV specialist nurses and other health care workers. They also experienced poor health care and education practices, professional prejudice against colleagues living with HIV and institutional challenges including failure to protect patient confidentiality.ConclusionsHIV‐related stigma and microaggressions remain significant problems, not only for people living with HIV but also for those perceived to be at high risk for HIV.Relevance to clinical practiceExperiences of stigmatising behaviour by health care professionals have a broad and significant range of impacts on patients’ health outcomes.
Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced MRI in the Evaluation of Carotid Space Paraganglioma versus Schwannoma
Authors: Gaddikeri Santhosh , Hippe Daniel S. , Anzai Yoshimi 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVETo describe the potential role of dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI in differentiating carotid space (CS) paraganglioma from schwannoma in the head and neck.MATERIAL AND METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed records of 126 patients who had undergone DCE‐MRI between June 2008 and July 2014 and found six patients with histologically verified benign CS tumors. The images were evaluated for tumor T1 and T2 signal characteristics, flow voids, and enhancement pattern. The dynamic data were analyzed for quantitative parameters using extended Toft's model (Ktrans, Kep, Ve, and Vp) and semiquantitative parameters based on time–intensity curve (area under curve, peak enhancement, wash‐in, wash‐out, signal‐enhancement ratio [SER], and time for maximum enhancement [TME]). Due to the small sample size, groups were compared qualitatively.RESULTSPatients with CS paraganglioma (P group, n = 2) and schwannoma (S group, n = 4) were included. All tumors were hypointense on T1W imaging, hyperintense on T2W imaging, and show avid enhancement. One patient with paraganglioma had subtle flow voids. The conventional MR images were insufficient to confidently diagnose tumor type.Both paragangliomas had high peak enhancement and SER, and a short TME, while the schwannomas had relatively low peak enhancement and SER with a longer TME. Ktrans, Kep, and Ve were relatively low in the paragangliomas than in the schwannomas.CONCLUSIONDCE‐MRI could potentially be used to assist differentiating paraganglioma from schwannoma, when diagnosis is difficult on the conventional MR imaging sequences. Simple assessment of semiquantitative parameters suffices to provide supportive information.
The Relation Between Valence and Arousal in Subjective Experience Varies With Personality and Culture
Authors: Kuppens Peter , Tuerlinckx Francis , Yik Michelle , Koval Peter , Coosemans Joachim , Zeng Kevin J. , Russell James A. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjective:While in general arousal increases with positive or negative valence (a so‐called V‐shaped relation), there are large differences among individuals in how these two fundamental dimensions of affect are related in people's experience. In two studies, we examined two possible sources of this variation: personality and culture.Method:In Study 1, participants (Belgian university students) recalled a recent event that was characterized by high or low valence or arousal and reported on their feelings and their personality in terms of the Five‐Factor Model. In Study 2, participants from Canada, China/Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Spain reported on their feelings in a thin slice of time and on their personality.Results:In Study 1, we replicated the V‐shape as characterizing the relation between valence and arousal, and identified personality correlates of experiencing particular valence–arousal combinations. In Study 2, we documented how the V‐shaped relation varied as a function of Western versus Eastern cultural background and personality.Conclusions:The results showed that the steepness of the V‐shaped relation between valence and arousal increases with Extraversion within cultures, and with a West‐East distinction between cultures. Implications for the personality–emotion link and research on cultural differences in affect are discussed.
Trends in dental‐related use of hospital emergency departments in Florida
Authors: Tomar Scott L. , Carden Donna L. , Dodd Virginia J. , Catalanotto Frank A. , Herndon Jill Boylston 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe inability to access regular dental care may lead to care seeking at hospital emergency departments (EDs). However, EDs generally are not equipped or staffed to provide definitive dental services. This study examined trends and patterns of hospital ED use for dental‐related reasons in Florida, a large, diverse state with serious barriers to accessing dental care.MethodsData for this study were drawn from ambulatory ED discharge records compiled by Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration for 2005‐2014. Visits for dental‐related reasons in Florida were defined by the patient's reported reason for seeking care or the ED physician's primary diagnosis using ICD‐9‐CM codes. We calculated frequencies, age‐specific and age‐adjusted rates per 100,000 population, and secular trends in dental‐related ED visits and their associated charges.ResultsThe number of dental‐related visits to Florida EDs increased each year, from 104,642 in 2005 to 163,900 in 2014; the age‐adjusted rate increased by 43.6 percent. Total charges for dental‐related ED visits in Florida increased more than threefold during this time period, from $47.7 million in 2005 to $193.4 million in 2014 (adjusted for inflation). The primary payers for dental‐related ED visits in 2014 were Medicaid (38 percent), self‐pay (38 percent), commercial insurance (11 percent), Medicare (8 percent), and other (5 percent).ConclusionsDental‐related visits to hospital EDs in Florida have increased substantially during the past decade, as have their associated charges. Most patients did not receive definitive oral health care in EDs, and this trend represents an increasingly inefficient use of health care system resources.
(Please Don't) Say It to My Face! The Interaction of Feedback and Distance: Experiments with Vulgar Language
Authors: Johnson David Blake 
Published: April 2016

SummaryI extend current understanding of non‐monetary punishments by introducing one‐way unrestricted feedback (vulgar language) from responders in laboratory and online ultimatum games. Feedback changes in the expected direction. Negative feedback is returned in the event of low offers while higher offers receive positive feedback. Additionally, the possibility of unrestricted feedback significantly increases amounts sent by proposers, but only in the lab. This effect is statistically significant and large in magnitude but is not present in the online experiments. These results illustrate that increases in social distance and/or physical proximity can weaken the effectiveness of non‐monetary punishments.
Target lesion response predicts survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma retreated with transarterial chemoembolization
Authors: Zhang Yong‐Fa , Guo Rong‐Ping , OuYang Han‐Yue , Shen Jing‐Xian , Zhao Jing , Tan Guo‐Sheng , Le Yong , Wei Wei , Shi Ming 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsThe discontinuation rules of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for patients who were assessed as progressive disease (PD) but stage progression‐free (SP‐free: still belongs to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer B) after TACE are unclear. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the PD‐pattern on the survival of these patients retreated with TACE.MethodsIn total, 115 consecutive patients who were assessed as PD but SP‐free after TACE and then underwent at least one subsequent TACE session were included. Sixty patients were assessed as PD with target lesion progression (TP), and 55 patients were assessed as PD with target lesion non‐progression (TNP). Survival and treatment‐related adverse events were compared between the two groups. Additional external validation was performed using a data set (n = 103) from another institution.ResultsPatients with TNP had significantly longer median post‐progression survival (PPS) than those with TP (21.0 vs. 11.9 months, P = 0.004). After TACE retreatment, the incidence of liver dysfunction was significantly higher for patients with TP than for patients with TNP (45% vs. 20%, P = 0.031). In the multivariate analysis, the target lesion response was one of the most significant prognostic factors for PPS (HR = 2.01; 95% confidence interval: 1.23–3.27; P = 0.005). The findings were supported by an independent external cohort.ConclusionsCompared to patients with TNP, patients with TP might exhibit no improvement in survival and even present damaged liver function after retreatment with TACE. Target lesion response is useful as a clinical decision for repeated TACE in these patients.