bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of speckle tracking echocardiography in the assessment of post-repair left ventricular function in patients with late presentation of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery
Authors: Ajami Gholamhosein , Edraki Mohammad R. , Moarref Ali R. , Amirghofran Ahmad A. , Borzouee Mohammad , Amoozgar Hamid , Cheriki Sirous , Shakiba Ali M. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the left ventricular myocardial deformation and segmental myocardial dysfunction by speckle tracking echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging among the operated patients with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. The study was conducted on 12 patients diagnosed with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery, who had been operated upon between 2001 and 2013 at the medical centres of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgical correction was 12.6 years ranging from 6 months to 43 years, and the duration of postoperative follow-up was between 1 and 12 years. Comparison of the strain rate between the patients with acceptable ejection fraction and the control group by tissue Doppler imaging showed significant differences between the two groups regarding the lateral wall (p<0.001), but not the septal wall of the left ventricle (p=0.65). Moreover, the strain values by the speckle tracking method revealed significant differences between the patient and the control group regarding the global strain (p=0.016) and anterior, lateral, and posterior segments of the left ventricle. Although postoperative conventional echocardiography revealed normal global left ventricular function with acceptable ejection fraction, abnormal myocardial deformation of the variable segments of the left ventricle with regional and global myocardial dysfunction were well defined by speckle tracking echocardiography.
Subjective Cognitive Complaints Contribute to Misdiagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Edmonds Emily C. , Delano-Wood Lisa , Galasko Douglas R. , Salmon David P. , Bondi Mark W. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractSubjective cognitive complaints are a criterion for the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), despite their uncertain relationship to objective memory performance in MCI. We aimed to examine self-reported cognitive complaints in subgroups of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) MCI cohort to determine whether they are a valuable inclusion in the diagnosis of MCI or, alternatively, if they contribute to misdiagnosis. Subgroups of MCI were derived using cluster analysis of baseline neuropsychological test data from 448 ADNI MCI participants. Cognitive complaints were assessedviathe Everyday Cognition (ECog) questionnaire, and discrepancy scores were calculated between self- and informant-report. Cluster analysis revealedAmnesticandMixedcognitive phenotypes as well as a thirdCluster-Derived Normalsubgroup (41.3%), whose neuropsychological and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarker profiles did not differ from a “robust” normal control group. This cognitively intact phenotype of MCI participants overestimated their cognitive problems relative to their informant, whereasAmnesticMCI participants with objective memory impairment underestimated their cognitive problems. Underestimation of cognitive problems was associated with positive CSF AD biomarkers and progression to dementia. Overall, there was no relationship between self-reported cognitive complaints and objective cognitive functioning, but significant correlations were observed with depressive symptoms. The inclusion of self-reported complaints in MCI diagnostic criteria may cloud rather than clarify diagnosis and result in high rates of misclassification of MCI. Discrepancies between self- and informant-report demonstrate that overestimation of cognitive problems is characteristic of normal aging while underestimation may reflect greater risk for cognitive decline. (JINS, 2014,20, 1–12)
Characterization of Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for Use in an Enzymatic Sensor
Authors: Guadarrama-Fernández Leonor , Chanona-Pérez Jorge , Manzo-Robledo Arturo , Calderón-Domínguez Georgina , Martínez-Rivas Adrián , Ortiz-López Jaime , Vargas-García Jorge Roberto 
Published: August 2014

AbstractCarbon nanotubes (CNT) have proven to be materials with great potential for the construction of biosensors. Development of fast, simple, and low cost biosensors to follow reactions in bioprocesses, or to detect food contaminants such as toxins, chemical compounds, and microorganisms, is presently an important research topic. This report includes microscopy and spectroscopy to characterize raw and chemically modified multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) synthesized by chemical vapor deposition with the intention of using them as the active transducer in bioprocessing sensors. MWCNT were simultaneously purified and functionalized by an acid mixture involving HNO3–H2SO4and amyloglucosidase attached onto the chemically modified MWCNT surface. A 49.0% decrease in its enzymatic activity was observed. Raw, purified, and enzyme-modified MWCNTs were analyzed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These studies confirmed purification and functionalization of the CNTs. Finally, cyclic voltammetry electrochemistry was used for electrical characterization of CNTs, which showed promising results that can be useful for construction of electrochemical biosensors applied to biological areas.
Annuitisation and cross-subsidies in a two-tiered retirement saving system
Authors: Avanzi Benjamin , Purcal Sachi 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWe develop a generalisation of the World Bank (1994) model of forced saving for retirement. This broader model consists of two tiers of second pillar savings – mandated and non-mandated (voluntary). Furthermore, the government can set two types of guarantees on the first (mandated) tier – investment returns and annuity prices – leading to possible cross-subsidisation between the tiers. This has the potential to induce social redistribution, foster a liquid private market for life annuities, and obviate some of the investment risk and annuity price risk that retirees face.We formulate a quantitative model of financial flows within such a system, which explains the mechanism by which cross-subsidisation occurs. Based on this analysis, a taxonomy of two-tiered retirement systems is presented, that is based on the choices that the government makes.
Non-homogeneous time convolutions, renewal processes and age-dependent mean number of motorcar accidents
Authors: Gismondi Fulvio , Janssen Jacques , Manca Raimondo 
Published: August 2014

AbstractNon-homogeneous renewal processes are not yet well established. One of the tools necessary for studying these processes is the non-homogeneous time convolution. Renewal theory has great relevance in general in economics and in particular in actuarial science, however, most actuarial problems are connected with the age of the insured person. The introduction of non-homogeneity in the renewal processes brings actuarial applications closer to the real world. This paper will define the non-homogeneous time convolutions and try to give order to the non-homogeneous renewal processes. The numerical aspects of these processes are then dealt with and a real data application to an aspect of motorcar insurance is proposed.
The magnetism of mantle xenoliths and potential implications for sub‐Moho magnetic sources
Authors: Ferré Eric C. , Friedman Sarah A. , Martín‐Hernández Fatíma , Feinberg Joshua M. , Conder James A. , Ionov Dmitri A. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractMantle xenoliths provide our clearest look at the magnetic mineral assemblages below the Earth's crust. Previous investigations of mantle xenoliths suggested the absence of magnetite and metals, and proposed that even if such minerals were present, they would be above their Curie temperatures at mantle conditions. Here we use magnetic measurements to examine four exceptionally fresh suites of xenoliths, and show that magnetite occurs systematically, albeit in variable amounts depending on the tectonic setting. Specimens from low geotherm regions hold the largest magnetic remanence. Petrographic evidence shows that this magnetite did not form through serpentinization or other alteration processes. Magnetite, which is generally stable at the P‐T‐fO2 conditions in the uppermost mantle, had to have formed either in the mantle or, less likely, in the volcanic conduit. In some cases, the source of the xenoliths was at temperatures <600°C, which may have allowed this portion of the lithospheric mantle to carry a magnetic remanence. Whether such magnetite carries a remanent magnetization or is simply the source of a strong induced magnetization, these new results suggest that the concept of the Moho as a major magnetic boundary needs to be revisited.
MondoA deficiency enhances sprint performance in mice
Authors: Imamura Minako , Chang Benny Hung-Junn , Kohjima Motoyuki , Li Ming , Hwang Byounghoon , Taegtmeyer Heinrich , Harris Robert A. , Chan Lawrence 
Published: August 2014

MondoA is a basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH)/leucine zipper (ZIP) transcription factor that is expressed predominantly in skeletal muscle. Studies in vitro suggest that the Max-like protein X (MondoA:Mlx) heterodimer senses the intracellular energy status and directly targets the promoter region of thioredoxin interacting protein (Txnip) and possibly glycolytic enzymes. We generated MondoA-inactivated (MondoA−/−) mice by gene targeting. MondoA−/− mice had normal body weight at birth, exhibited normal growth and appeared to be healthy. However, they exhibited unique metabolic characteristics. MondoA−/− mice built up serum lactate and alanine levels and utilized fatty acids for fuel during exercise. Gene expression and promoter analysis suggested that MondoA functionally represses peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator-1α (PGC-1α)–mediated activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK-4) transcription. PDK4 normally down-regulates the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase, an enzyme complex that catalyses the decarboxylation of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA for entry into the Krebs cycle; in the absence of MondoA, pyruvate is diverted towards lactate and alanine, both products of glycolysis. Dynamic testing revealed that MondoA−/− mice excel in sprinting as their skeletal muscles display an enhanced glycolytic capacity. Our studies uncover a hitherto unappreciated function of MondoA in fuel selection in vivo. Lack of MondoA results in enhanced exercise capacity with sprinting.
Crystal structure of the mouse interleukin-3 β-receptor: insights into interleukin-3 binding and receptor activation
Authors: Carr Paul D. , Ewens Cameron L. , Dai Jin , Ollis David L. , Murphy James M. , Jackson Colin J. , Young Ian G. 
Published: August 2014

Interleukin-3 (IL-3) is a cytokine secreted by mast cells and activated T-cells known to be an important regulator of differentiation, survival, proliferation and activation of a range of haemopoietic lineages. The effects of IL-3 on target cells are mediated by a transmembrane receptor system composed of a cytokine-specific α-subunit and a β-subunit, the principal signalling entity. In the mouse, two β-subunits have co-evolved: a common β-subunit (βc) shared between IL-3 and the related cytokines IL-5 and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF); and an IL-3-specific β-subunit (βIL-3). βIL-3 differs from βc in its specificity for IL-3 and its capacity to bind IL-3 directly in the absence of an α-subunit, and, in the absence of structural information, the basis for these properties has remained enigmatic. In the present study, we have solved the crystal structure of the βIL-3 ectodomain at 3.45 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm) resolution. This structure provides the first evidence that βIL-3 adopts an arch-shaped intertwined homodimer with similar topology to the paralogous βc structure. In contrast with apo-βc, however, the ligand-binding interface of βIL-3 appears to pre-exist in a conformation receptive to IL-3 engagement. Molecular modelling of the IL-3–βIL-3 interface, in conjunction with previous mutational studies, suggests that divergent evolution of both βIL-3 and IL-3 underlies their unique capacity for direct interaction and specificity.
Carbohydrate-to-carbohydrate interactions between α2,3-linked sialic acids on α2 integrin subunits and asialo-GM1 underlie the bone metastatic behaviour of LNCAP-derivative C4-2B prostate cancer cells
Authors: Van Slambrouck Séverine , Groux-Degroote Sophie , Krzewinski-Recchi Marie-Ange , Cazet Aurélie , Delannoy Philippe , Steelant Wim F. A. 
Published: August 2014

Complex interplays among proteins, lipids and carbohydrates can alter the phenotype and are suggested to have a crucial role in tumour metastasis. Our previous studies indicated that a complex of the GSLs (glycosphingolipids), AsGM1 (asialo-GM1), which lacks α2,3-linked sialic acid, and α2β1 integrin receptors is responsible for the metastatic behaviour of C4-2B prostate cancer cells. Herein, we identified and addressed the functional significance of changes in sialylation during prostate cancer progression. We observed an increase in α2,3-linked sialic acid residues on α2 subunits of α2β1 integrin receptors, correlating with increased gene expression of α2,3-STs (sialyltransferases), particularly ST3GAL3. Cell surface α2,3-sialylation of α2 subunits was required for the integrin α2β1-dependent cell adhesion to collagen type I and the same α2,3-linked sialic acid residues on the integrin receptor were responsible for the interaction with the carbohydrate moiety of AsGM1, explaining the complex formation between AsGM1 and α2β1 integrin receptors. These results provide novel insights into the role of sialic acids in the organization and function of important membrane components in invasion and metastatic processes.
Erratum: Reply to Aten, Darley, Deal, and Johns
Authors: Martin A. Damien 
Published: August 2014

Two lines were omitted from A. Damien Martin’s letter to the editor, “Reply to Aten, Darley, Deal, and Johns,” which appeared on pages 420–422 of the August, 1975, Volume 40, issue of this journal. The paragraph should read:
The writers state flatly “But the simple fact, known to everyone … is that not all aphasic patients display phonologic impairment. Only some of them do. And some patients display phonological impairment in pure culture with no associated problems in the use of lexicon or syntax.” There is not total agreement on this. Schuell (1965) pointed out that her Group I and II patients presented inconsistent misarticulation, while Group III patients presented phonological difficulties as a major presenting symptom. In some of my own research (Martin and Rigrodsky, 1974a, 1974b) patients who did not present phonological impairment as a major symptom showed it within certain tasks. In a later study (Martin et al., 1975) we found that the incidence, type, and position of error were related to the presence or absence of morphological inflection. The arguments presented by Aten et al. illustrate one of the dangers of categorization, especially dischotomous categorization. It can reflect “the old error of observing only the most obvious symptoms that fit some a priori assumption, or symptoms prominent at one point in time” (Schuell, Jenkins, and Jimenez-Pabon, 1964, p. 101).
Comprehension of Monologues and Dialogues by Aphasic Listeners
Authors: Katsuki-Nakamura Jun , Brookshire Robert H. , Nicholas Linda E. 
Published: August 2014

This study examined the frequently heard claim that aphasic listeners have more difficulty understanding speech in situations where there are multiple Speakers than in situations where there is a single speaker. Nine stories about everyday events were written and videotaped as monologues, dialogues with one dominant speaker, and dialogues with both speakers contributing comparable amounts of information. Eighteen aphasic and 9 non-brain-damaged adults watched and listened to the videotapes. Listeners' comprehension and retention of the stories were tested by yes/no questions following each story.
The three versions of the stories were understood and remembered equally well by aphasic and non-brain-damaged listeners, suggesting that listening to two speakers does not appreciably increase comprehension difficulty. These results suggest that factors other than the extent to which different speakers contribute to the topic of conversation are responsible for aphasic listeners' reported difficulties in comprehending multiple-speaker conversational interactions.
Effect of Median Frequency Levels upon the Roughness of Jittered Stimuli
Authors: Coleman Robert F. 
Published: August 2014

This study investigated the relationship between median frequency levels and roughness perception for jittered stimuli. Five median frequency levels were combined with four jitter excursions to form stimuli which were submitted to 32 listeners, who judged roughness by paired comparisons, rating scale, and magnitude estimation techniques.
The results showed the same trends in each of the procedures. Stimuli of lower median frequency were judged to be rougher than those of higher median frequency, for all jitter conditions. The conclusion is that the median frequency levels of jittered wavetrains do affect the perception of roughness in analog stimuli. Whether the same relationship holds for human rough voices must be experimentally verified.
Time-Out as a Punishment for Button Pushing
Authors: Martin Richard , Gaviser Judith 
Published: August 2014

Three normal-speaking adults were assigned the task of speaking spontaneously for fifteen 40-minute sessions. During baserate, the subjects simultaneously performed a motor task that consisted of depressing one or the other of two buttons on signal—one button push each seven seconds. During treatment sessions, each depression of the predetermined criterion button activated a red light. The light remained on for seven seconds, after which it was extinguished automatically until the next depression of the criterion button. Prior to each treatment session the subjects were told to stop speaking immediately when the red light came on and to remain silent for as long as the light was on.
For all three subjects, arranging the circumstances such that time-out from speaking for seven seconds was made contingent on pushing the criterion button resulted in a marked decrease in the frequency of criterion button pushes.
Spontaneous Language of Children With Specific Neurological Syndromes
Authors: Levy Y. , Tennenbaum A. , Ornoy A. 
Published: August 2014

This paper presents data concerning the early phases of language development in 8 children with congenital neurological syndromes (NS) who are cognitively impaired. The children are native speakers of Hebrew, and their verbal achievements assessed on normative tests are below their age level. The children’s spontaneous speech was analyzed with respect to 13 different language variables known to be diagnostic of a child’s developmental level. No differences were found between the children and their language-matched controls on 10 grammatical variables. The groups differed, however, in number of pragmatic errors, errors of word choice, and errors of gender marking on animate nouns. Profile analysis was done through the use of POSAC (partial order scalogram analysis by base coordinates; Shye, 1985 Shye, Elizur, & Hoffman, 1994). The analysis did not reveal differences between the children with NS and the controls.These findings suggest the possibility of a mechanism that is functionally akin to brain plasticity. Such a mechanism will guarantee the preservation of basic linguistic skills in children with NS.
Aprosodia and Its Treatment
Authors: Leon Susan A. , Rodriguez Amy D. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAprosodia is a deficit in comprehending or expressing variations in tone of voice used to express both linguistic and emotional information. Affective aprosodia refers to a specific deficit in producing or comprehending the emotional or affective tones of voice. Aprosodia is most commonly associated with right hemisphere strokes; however, it may also result from other types of brain damage such as traumatic brain injury. Although research investigating hemispheric lateralization of prosody continues, there is strong evidence that most aspects of affective prosody are directed by the right hemisphere. Disorders of emotional communication can have a significant impact on quality of life for those affected and their families. However, there has been relatively little research regarding treatment for this disorder. Recently, 14 individuals were treated for affective aprosodia using two treatments, one based on cognitive-linguistic cues and the other on imitation of prosodic modeling. Most of the participants responded to at least one of the two treatments, and a refinement of the treatments are currently underway. Because researchers are finding support for the hypothesis that expressive aprosodia can result from a motor deficit, the refined treatment incorporates principles of motor learning to enhance imitation of prosodic models, as well as cognitive-linguistic cues.
Direct single-molecule observation of calcium-dependent misfolding in human neuronal calcium sensor-1
Authors: Heidarsson Pétur O. , Naqvi Mohsin M. , Otazo Mariela R. , Mossa Alessandro , Kragelund Birthe B. , Cecconi Ciro 
Published: August 2014

Significance
Protein misfolding can lead to neurodegeneration. Yet, the mechanistic details of this deleterious phenomenon are largely unknown, as experimental portrayals of the early and reversible molecular events leading to misfolded conformations have so far remained highly limited. Here we use single-molecule optical tweezers to monitor the structural rearrangements leading to misfolded conformations of human neuronal calcium sensor-1, a protein linked to serious neurological disorders. We identified two distinct and calcium-dependent misfolding trajectories originating from an on-pathway folding intermediate. Remarkably for a calcium sensor, pathologically high calcium concentrations impede correct folding by increasing the occupation probabilities of the misfolded states. The results open ostensible links between protein misfolding and calcium dysregulation that could be important in neurodegeneration and its potential inhibition.
Efficient replication of a paramyxovirus independent of full zippering of the fusion protein six-helix bundle domain
Authors: Brindley Melinda A. , Plattet Philippe , Plemper Richard Karl 
Published: August 2014

Significance
Protein-mediated membrane fusion is essential for eukaryotic cell biology. In several major human viral pathogens the full closure of a six-helix bundle (6HB) fusion core structure is considered imperative for the opening of a productive fusion pore. We tested this paradigm by engineering covalently restricted paramyxovirus fusion proteins that are incapable of full 6HB zippering. These proteins remained fusion competent without disruption of the restricting bonds, although fusion activity was reduced. Recombinant virions harboring the engineered fusion proteins confirmed efficient, 6HB closure-independent paramyxovirus entry. We demonstrate that full 6HB zippering does not govern paramyxovirus entry. Our results may extend to other viruses using related fusiogenic glycoproteins and affect the design of antiparamyxovirus strategies targeting virus entry.