bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eye movements, sensorimotor adaptation and cerebellar‐dependent learning in autism: toward potential biomarkers and subphenotypes
Authors: Freedman Edward G. , Foxe John J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBecause of the wide range of symptoms expressed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their idiosyncratic severity, it is unlikely that a single remedial approach will be universally effective. Resolution of this dilemma requires identifying subgroups within the autism spectrum, based on symptom set and severity, on an underlying neuro‐structural difference, and on specific behavioral dysfunction. This will provide critical insight into the disorder and may lead to better diagnoses, and more targeted remediation in these subphenotypes of people with ASD. In this review, we discuss findings that appear to link the structure of the cerebellar vermis and plasticity of the saccadic eye‐movement system in people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Differences in cerebellar vermis structure in ASD could critically impact visuo‐sensorimotor development in early infancy, which may in turn manifest as the visual orienting, communication and social interaction differences often seen in this population. It may be possible to distinguish a subpopulation of children with vermal hypoplasia, to establish whether this group manifests more severe deficits in visual orienting and in adaptation to persistent visual errors, and to establish whether this putative subphenotype of ASD is associated with a specific and distinct clinical symptom profile.
The heat is on: Genetic adaptation to urbanization mediated by thermal tolerance and body size
Authors: Brans Kristien I. , Jansen Mieke , Vanoverbeke Joost , Tüzün Nedim , Stoks Robby , De Meester Luc 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWorldwide, urbanization leads to tremendous anthropogenic environmental alterations, causing strong selection pressures on populations of animals and plants. Although a key feature of urban areas is their higher temperature (“urban heat islands”), adaptive thermal evolution in organisms inhabiting urban areas has rarely been studied. We tested for evolution of a higher heat tolerance (CTMAX) in urban populations of the water flea Daphnia magna, a keystone grazer in freshwater ecosystems, by carrying out a common garden experiment at two temperatures (20°C and 24°C) with genotypes of 13 natural populations ordered along a well‐defined urbanization gradient. We also assessed body size and haemoglobin concentration to identify underlying physiological drivers of responses in CTMAX. We found a higher CTMAX in animals isolated from urban compared to rural habitats and in animals reared at higher temperatures. We also observed substantial genetic variation in thermal tolerance within populations. Overall, smaller animals were more heat tolerant. While urban animals mature at smaller size, the effect of urbanization on thermal tolerance is only in part caused by reductions in body size. Although urban Daphnia contained higher concentrations of haemoglobin, this did not contribute to their higher CTMAX. Our results provide evidence of adaptive thermal evolution to urbanization in the water flea Daphnia. In addition, our results show both evolutionary potential and adaptive plasticity in rural as well as urban Daphnia populations, facilitating responses to warming. Given the important ecological role of Daphnia in ponds and lakes, these adaptive responses likely impact food web dynamics, top‐down control of algae, water quality, and the socio‐economic value of urban ponds.
The End of the Nuclear Era: Nuclear Decommissioning and Its Economic Impacts on U.S. Counties
Authors: Haller Melissa , Haines Michael , Yamamoto Daisaku 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBetween 1957 and 1990, nearly 100 nuclear reactors were constructed throughout the U.S., and nuclear power currently accounts for 20 percent of electricity production nationwide. Nuclear plants are often constructed in small communities for which they constitute a large source of employment and income. To date, 24 nuclear reactors have undergone decommissioning, and more are expected in the future, particularly as nuclear reactors age and face increasingly strict regulations. This paper examines the effects of nuclear decommissioning over time at the county‐level on measures of employment, income, and population using difference‐in‐differences regression and propensity score matching. Panel data are obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau, and cover the years 1975–2014. The analysis finds that nuclear decommissioning is associated with positive and statistically significant increases in employment and per capita income over time. Results suggest that nuclear decommissioning may actually be a positive force in regional economic development, and concludes with limitations of the approach and implications for future research. As an emerging area of research, this paper is meant to build on previous work, as well as to provide a basis for further discussion and debate on the economic future of nuclear host communities and regional economies.
Paediatric follicular thyroid carcinoma – indolent cancer with low prevalence of RAS mutations and absence of PAX8–PPARG fusion in a Japanese population
Authors: Vuong Huy Gia , Kondo Tetsuo , Oishi Naoki , Nakazawa Tadao , Mochizuki Kunio , Miyauchi Akira , Hirokawa Mitsuyoshi , Katoh Ryohei 
Published: June 2017

AimsPaediatric follicular thyroid carcinomas are uncommon, and their clinicopathological features and molecular profiles are still unknown. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the clinicopathological aspects of a large series of follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs) in paediatric patients and to analyse the point mutations in codons 12, 13 and 61 of NRAS, HRAS and KRAS genes and the rearrangements of PAX8–PPARG.Methods and resultsA total of 41 paediatric FTCs less than 21 years of age were enrolled into the present study. We used direct sequencing and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) to detect RAS mutations and PAX8–PPARG fusions, respectively. The paediatric FTCs were 6:1 in a female to male ratio, with a mean tumour size of 52.7 mm. Distant metastasis was found in one case at the time of presentation. During a median follow‐up time of 69 months, two cases had lung metastasis and all patients were alive. Histologically, all cases were minimally invasive FTCs and varied in growth patterns: microfollicular (39%), follicular (14.6%), solid/trabecular (6%), oncocytic (4.9%) and mixed patterns (26.8%). The mean Ki67 index was 5.7% and it was not statistically different among the growth patterns. NRAS mutations were found in five cases (12.2%) and associated significantly with small tumour size (P = 0.014). PAX8–PPARG fusion was not detected in our series.ConclusionPaediatric FTCs are indolent in clinical course in spite of their large tumour size and have a distinct genetic background. RAS mutations and PAX8–PPARG fusions may not play major roles in the tumorigenesis of paediatric FTCs.
Effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum) pomace extract as a washing agent on the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes inoculated on fresh produce
Authors: Kang Ji‐Hoon , Song Kyung Bin 
Published: June 2017

SummaryPomegranate pomace extract (PPE) was used as a substitute to chlorinated water for washing of fresh produce. PPE contained punicalagins and ellagic acids, and it had a good inhibitory effect against Listeria monocytogenes based on the results of disc diffusion test and time‐kill assay. Red chard, beet, chicon and red mustard leaves were treated with 7 mg mL−1 PPE as a washing solution to inactivate L. monocytogenes inoculated on fresh produce and compared with 0.05 mg mL−1 NaOCl treatment. After the treatment, L. monocytogenes population on the four leafy vegetables was reduced by 1.96–2.97 log CFU g−1 compared to that on nontreated samples. The reductions in L. monocytogenes after PPE treatment were higher than those observed after NaOCl treatment. Further, the PPE treatment did not affect the surface colour of all fresh produce applied in this study. Thus, PPE can be used as an effective antimicrobial washing agent of fresh produce.
Metabolic reprogramming in the tumour microenvironment: a hallmark shared by cancer cells and T lymphocytes
Authors: Allison Katrina E. , Coomber Brenda L. , Bridle Byram W. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryAltered metabolism is a hallmark of cancers, including shifting oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis and up‐regulating glutaminolysis to divert carbon sources into biosynthetic pathways that promote proliferation and survival. Therefore, metabolic inhibitors represent promising anti‐cancer drugs. However, T cells must rapidly divide and survive in harsh microenvironments to mediate anti‐cancer effects. Metabolic profiles of cancer cells and activated T lymphocytes are similar, raising the risk of metabolic inhibitors impairing the immune system. Immune checkpoint blockade provides an example of how metabolism can be differentially impacted to impair cancer cells but support T cells. Implications for research with metabolic inhibitors are discussed.
The embodied nurse: Interdisciplinary knowledge exchange between compassionate nursing and recent developments in embodied leadership studies
Authors: Koya Kushwanth , Anderson Jane , Sice Petia 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimsTo report a potential knowledge exchange between nursing studies and the results obtained from a study conducted into the attributes of embodied leadership.BackgroundLeadership theories have been applied to evaluate, improve, and train nursing practitioners in several previous studies. However, leadership research has entered a new phase where the focus is to produce sustainable leaders through authenticity and compassion, the same two characteristics identified as being of most success in emergent nursing practice. There are few studies that have indicated a knowledge exchange between the latest developments in leadership studies and nursing.DesignAn exploratory and qualitative study.MethodsBetween February 2012 ‐ July 2012, a focused sample of 14 medical care professionals was interviewed across a chain of hospitals. The aim was to evaluate embodied leadership characteristics and understand the factors that contribute to the manifestation of these characteristics. The transcribed interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.FindingsSeveral factors that contribute to the characteristics of embodied leadership have been identified in the interviews and in subsequent literature searches on the characteristics and contributing factors found to be associated with nursing research. These could prompt a knowledge exchange.ConclusionThe results suggest common ground between nursing and contemporary leadership research in the exposition of behaviours; namely, being non‐judgmental, listening actively, reflective practice and embracing uncertainty. Several implications can therefore be expected through the exchange of knowledge resulting from collaboration between researchers in the two disciplines.
Measuring pregnancy planning: A psychometric evaluation and comparison of two scales
Authors: Drevin Jennifer , Kristiansson Per , Stern Jenny , Rosenblad Andreas 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimsTo psychometrically test the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy and compare it with the Swedish Pregnancy Planning Scale.BackgroundThe incidence of unplanned pregnancies is an important indicator of reproductive health. The London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy measures pregnancy planning by taking contraceptive use, timing, intention to become pregnant, desire for pregnancy, partner agreement, and pre‐conceptual preparations into account. It has, however, previously not been psychometrically evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis. The Likert‐scored single‐item Swedish Pregnancy Planning Scale has been developed to measure the woman's own view of pregnancy planning level.DesignCross‐sectional design.MethodsIn 2012‐2013, 5493 pregnant women living in Sweden were invited to participate in the Swedish Pregnancy Planning study, of whom 3327 (61%) agreed to participate and answered a questionnaire. A test–retest pilot study was conducted in 2011–2012. Thirty‐two participants responded to the questionnaire on two occasions 14 days apart. Data were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis, Cohen's weighted kappa and Spearman's correlation.ResultsAll items of the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy contributed to measuring pregnancy planning, but four items had low item‐reliability. The London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy and Swedish Pregnancy Planning Scale corresponded reasonably well with each other and both showed good test–retest reliability.ConclusionThe London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy may benefit from item reduction and its usefulness may be questioned. The Swedish Pregnancy Planning Scale is time‐efficient and shows acceptable reliability and construct validity, which makes it more useful for measuring pregnancy planning.
Water vapor and oxygen barrier estimation in designing a single‐serve package of powdered infant formula for required shelf life
Authors: An Duck Soon , Lee Ji Hye , Lee Dong Sun 
Published: June 2017

AbstractProtection from the ingress of moisture and oxygen from the outside environment is required for the quality preservation of powdered infant formula. Water vapor and gas barriers for a small single‐serve package were assessed to ensure proper protection for the required shelf life of the powdered infant formula in the package. The water vapor barrier was calculated as the ability to suppress the product moisture increase from monolayer moisture to critical moisture, which causes physical transformation from amorphous to crystalline state releasing moisture, during the shelf life period. The oxygen barrier was based on the amount of oxygen absorption for a certain level of oxidation, measured in terms of peroxide content. A shelf life longer than 0.5 year was found to demand very low permeability against both water vapor and oxygen, which can be achieved by aluminum‐laminated plastic films, composite cans, or metal cans.Practical applicationsMethodology and results of this study can be used for packaging design of infant formula and milk powders. Selection of possible packaging options can be aided by the criteria of moisture sorption and oxidation, which would be valid for the same category foods. Changes in environmental and product variables can be handled in the design framework of this study. The window of package permeabilities against water vapor and oxygen is generally useful for dry dairy products.
The effect of age and demographics on rib shape
Authors: Holcombe Sven A. , Wang Stewart C. , Grotberg James B. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractElderly populations have a higher risk of rib fractures and other associated thoracic injuries than younger adults, and the changes in body morphology that occur with age are a potential cause of this increased risk. Rib centroidal path geometry for 20 627 ribs was extracted from computed tomography (CT) scans of 1042 live adult subjects, then fitted to a six‐parameter mathematical model that accurately characterizes rib size and shape, and a three‐parameter model of rib orientation within the body. Multivariable regression characterized the independent effect of age, height, weight, and sex on the rib shape and orientation across the adult population, and statistically significant effects were seen from all demographic factors (P < 0.0001). This study reports a novel aging effect whereby both the rib end‐to‐end separation and rib aspect ratio are seen to increase with age, producing elongated and flatter overall rib shapes in elderly populations, with age alone explaining up to 20% of population variability in the aspect ratio of mid‐level ribs. Age was not strongly associated with overall rib arc length, indicating that age effects were related to shape change rather than overall bone length. The rib shape effect was found to be more strongly and directly associated with age than previously documented age‐related changes in rib angulation. Other demographic results showed height and sex being most strongly associated with rib size, and weight most strongly associated with rib pump‐handle angle. Results from the study provide a statistical model for building rib shapes typical of any given demographic by age, height, weight, and sex, and can be used to help build population‐specific computational models of the thoracic rib cage. Furthermore, results also quantify normal population ranges for rib shape parameters which can be used to improve the assessment and treatment of rib skeletal deformity and disease.
Scholars and scientists in the history of the lymphatic system
Authors: Natale Gianfranco , Bocci Guido , Ribatti Domenico 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe discovery of the lymphatic system has a long and fascinating history. The interest in anatomy and physiology of this system paralleled that of the blood cardiocirculatory system and has been maybe obscured by the latter. Paradoxically, if the closed blood system appeared open in Galen's anatomy and physiology, and took a very long time to be correctly described in terms of pulmonary and general circulation by ibn Al‐Nafis/Michael Servetus/Realdo Colombo and William Harvey, respectively, the open lymphatic system was incorrectly described as a closed circuit connected with arteries and veins. In ancient times only macroscopic components of the lymphatic system have been described, although misinterpreted, including lymph nodes and lacteals, the latter being easily identified because of their milk‐like content. For about 15 centuries the dogmatic acceptance of Galen's notions did not allow a significant progress in medicine. After Vesalius’ revolution in anatomical studies, new knowledge was accumulated, and the 17th century was the golden age for the investigation of the lymphatic system with several discoveries: gut lacteals (Gaspare Aselli), cloacal bursa (Hieronimus Fabricius of Acquapendente), reservoir of the chyle (Jean Pecquet), extra‐intestinal lymphatic vessels (Thomas Bartholin and Olaus Rudbeck dispute), hepatic lymph circulation (Francis Glisson). In the Enlightenment century Frederik Ruysch described the function of lymphatic valves, and Paolo Mascagni provided a magnificent iconography of the lymphatic network in humans. In recent times, Leonetto Comparini realized three‐dimensional reconstructions of the liver lymphatic vessels, and Kari Alitalo discovered the lymphatic growth factor/receptor system. Far from a complete understanding of its anatomy and function, the lymphatic system still needs to be profoundly examined.
Lower FOXO3 mRNA expression in granulosa cells is involved in unexplained infertility
Authors: Yamamoto Hikaru , Yamashita Yoshiki , Saito Natsuho , Hayashi Atsushi , Hayashi Masami , Terai Yoshito , Ohmichi Masahide 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate whether FOXO1 and FOXO3 mRNA expression in granulosa cells is the cause of unexplained infertility.MethodsThirty‐one patients aged <40 years (13 with unexplained infertility and 18 with male partner infertility as a control group) whose serum anti‐Müllerian hormone level was >0.5 ng/μL were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent oocyte retrieval under a short protocol from June 2012 to October 2013. Real‐time PCR was carried out using mRNA extracted from granulosa cells retrieved from mature follicles. We compared FOXO1 and FOXO3 mRNA expression ratios in granulosa cells between the unexplained infertility group and the male infertility group. The relation between FOXO1 and FOXO3 mRNA expression ratios in granulosa cells and assisted reproduction technology clinical outcome was also examined.ResultsFOXO3 mRNA expression ratio was significantly lower in the unexplained infertility group than in the male infertility group. Moreover, FOXO3 mRNA expression ratio showed a positive correlation with both the number of retrieved oocytes and serum anti‐Müllerian hormone level. A positive correlation was also identified between FOXO1 mRNA expression and total dose of hMG. As well, the number of retrieved oocytes in the unexplained infertility group was statistically lower than that in the male infertility group.ConclusionA lower FOXO3 mRNA expression in granulosa cells leads to poor oocyte development in patients with unexplained infertility undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer.
Haemophilus influenzae vulvovaginitis associated with rhinitis caused by the same clone in a prepubertal girl
Authors: Chen Xiao , Chen Lifeng , Zeng Wenjie , Zhao Xiaofeng 
Published: June 2017

AbstractVulvovaginitis caused by upper respiratory flora is generally considered to be the most common gynecological problem in prepubertal girls. To date, however, no direct evidence has been obtained for the underlying mechanism of transmission. This report describes a case of non‐capsulate Haemophilus influenzae vulvovaginitis in a 6‐year‐old girl with a history of foreign bodies (cotton wool) in her vagina. Moreover, this girl had recurrent rhinitis for approximately 3 years. On Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis the H. influenzae strain isolated from vaginal secretions and the H. influenzae strain isolated from nasal secretions were derived from the same clone. The patient was successfully treated with appropriate antibiotics. The present case might provide the first direct evidence of the nose‐hand‐vagina method of transmission.
10p15.3p13 duplication inherited from paternal balance translocation (46,XY,t(5;10)(q35.1;p13)) identified on non‐invasive prenatal testing
Authors: Mei Jin , Wang Hao , Zhan Liyong 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBalanced reciprocal translocations are relatively common human genetic abnormalities that involve the exchange of the terminal segments between different chromosomes and have an approximately 5–80% chance of generating an embryo with chromosomal abnormalities. Non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has been increasingly used in clinical practice to detect fetal trisomies 21, 18 and 13 with a sensitivity and specificity of up to 99%. In this report, we describe a duplication on chromosome 10 and a deletion on chromosome 5 that were first detected on NIPT. Multiple follow‐up invasive tests, such as prenatal BACs‐on‐Beads (BoBs), GTG banding and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, confirmed the NIPT results. Furthermore, GTG banding identified a normal maternal karyotype and a paternal karyotype with a balanced translocation of 46, XY, t(5;10)(q35.1;p13), inherited by the child. Therefore, NIPT could be a new method for the prenatal diagnosis of fetal chromosomal abnormalities, which, in the present study, were confirmed on multiple clinical and molecular methods as being derived from paternal balanced chromosomal rearrangements.