bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implicit learning in individuals with autism spectrum disorders: a meta-analysis
Authors: Foti F. , De Crescenzo F. , Vivanti G. , Menghini D. , Vicari S. 
Published: August 2014

Background.Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by social communication difficulties and behavioural rigidity. Difficulties in learning from others are one of the most devastating features of this group of conditions. Nevertheless, the nature of learning difficulties in ASDs is still unclear. Given the relevance of implicit learning for social and communicative functioning,a link has been hypothesizedbetween ASDs and implicit learning deficit. However, studies that have employed formal testing of implicit learning in ASDs provided mixed results.Method.We undertook a systematic search of studies that examined implicit learning in ASDs using serial reaction time (SRT), alternating serial reaction time (ASRT), pursuit rotor (PR), and contextual cueing (CC) tasks, and synthesized the data using meta-analysis. A total of 11 studies were identified, representing data from 407 individuals with ASDs and typically developing comparison participants.Results.The results indicate that individuals with ASDs do not differ in any task considered [SRT and ASRT task: standardized mean difference (SMD) −0.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.71 to 0.36; PR task: SMD −0.34, 95% CI −1.04 to 0.36; CC task: SMD 0.27, 95% CI −0.07 to 0.60].Conclusions.Based on our synthesis of the existing literature, we conclude that individuals with ASDs can learn implicitly, supporting the hypothesis that implicit learning deficits do not represent a core feature in ASDs.
Time-variant artificial potential field (TAPF): a breakthrough in power-optimized motion planning of autonomous space mobile robots
Authors: Macktoobian Matin , Shoorehdeli Mahdi Aliyari 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARYIn this paper, a novel scheme is presented to conquer the motion-planning problem for autonomous space robots. Minimizing the consumed energy of atomic batteries within the daily planetary missions of robot on the planet is taken into account, i.e., utilization of the generated solar power by its embedded photocells leads to saving energy of batteries for night missions. Aforementioned objective could be acquired by appropriate interaction of motion planning paradigm with shadows of obstacles. Modeling of the shadow with the proposed artificial potential field leads to generalize the concept of potential fields not only for static and dynamic obstacles but also for being confronted with the intrinsic time-variant phenomena such as shadows. With due attention to the noticeable computational complexity of the introduced strategy, fuzzy techniques are applied to optimize the sampling times effectively. To accomplish this objective, a smart control scheme based on the fuzzy logic is mounted to the primitive version of algorithm. Regarding the need to identify some structural parameters of obstacles, PIONEER™ mobile robot is designed as a test bed for the verification of simulated results. Investigation on empirical accomplishments shows that the goal-oriented definition of Time–Variant Artificial Potential Fields is able to resolve the motion-planning problem in planetary applications.
Balance control of planar biped robots using virtual holonomic constraints
Authors: Hu Yong , Lin Zhiyun 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARYThe balance control problem of planar bipedal robots during disturbed standing is investigated. Virtual holonomic constraints which specify the angles of actuated joints as a function of the rotation angle between the sole of the stance foot and the ground are recalled. These constraints enable the robot to avoid turnover during external disturbances similar to how a human being would react. Moreover, for a disturbance beyond the balance conditions for single-leg support, the robot changes to a double support posture to avoid turnover by the virtual holonomic constraints. Further, for a special kind of balance: standing on toe which leads to underactuation, we also give the design conditions of the virtual holonomic constraints.
Bright-White Beetle Scales Optimise Multiple Scattering of Light
Authors: Burresi Matteo , Cortese Lorenzo , Pattelli Lorenzo , Kolle Mathias , Vukusic Peter , Wiersma Diederik S. , Steiner Ullrich , Vignolini Silvia 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWhiteness arises from diffuse and broadband reflection of light typically achieved through optical scattering in randomly structured media. In contrast to structural colour due to coherent scattering, white appearance generally requires a relatively thick system comprising randomly positioned high refractive-index scattering centres. Here, we show that the exceptionally bright white appearance of Cyphochilus and Lepidiota stigma beetles arises from a remarkably optimised anisotropy of intra-scale chitin networks, which act as a dense scattering media. Using time-resolved measurements, we show that light propagating in the scales of the beetles undergoes pronounced multiple scattering that is associated with the lowest transport mean free path reported to date for low-refractive-index systems. Our light transport investigation unveil high level of optimisation that achieves high-brightness white in a thin low-mass-per-unit-area anisotropic disordered nanostructure.
A simple efficient synthesis and biological evaluation of 3-O-ethylascorbic acid
Authors: Tai Akihiro , Aburada Mei , Ito Hideyuki 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
A single-step synthesis of 3-O-ethyl-l-ascorbic acid was performed without the induction of protecting groups. Sodium l-ascorbate reacted with ethyl bromide in DMSO to give 3-O-ethylascorbic acid in a yield of 51.0%. 3-O-Ethylascorbic acid enhanced dibutyryl cyclic AMP-induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation of the Standard Commodity Storage Model: Evidence from Sugar Prices
Authors: Cafiero Carlo , Bobenrieth H. Eugenio S.A. , Bobenrieth H. Juan R.A. , Wright Brian D. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWe present a Maximum Likelihood estimator for the standard commodity storage model with stockouts, based on prices only. While it imposes no additional assumptions on the model, the Maximum Likelihood estimator has small sample properties superior to those of the Pseudo Maximum Likelihood approach. We provide a proof that is crucial for applying our estimator to the model with normal harvests and possibly unbounded prices, thereby eliminating an inconsistency in the empirical storage model literature. Applying our Maximum Likelihood estimator to a series of annual sugar prices from 1921 to 2009 provides new evidence for the empirical relevance of the standard storage model. Our results imply a cutoff price at which discretionary stocks go to zero, which is higher than the price obtained by applying the Pseudo Maximum Likelihood estimator to the same data. The implied frequency of stockouts is lower, and price correlations, skewness, and kurtosis implied by the model closely match those seen in the annual sugar price data. We find the price of sugar to be highly responsive to small changes in consumption. When inventories are not available to buffer the effects of negative supply shocks on consumption, prices must increase sharply to induce the consumption changes needed to clear the market. Our results show why production shocks are not necessarily aligned with price spikes; the same production shock can give rise to very different price responses, depending on whether or not there are sufficient stocks to buffer its impact.
NetComm: a network analysis tool based on communicability
Authors: Campbell Ian M. , James Regis A. , Chen Edward S. , Shaw Chad A. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Motivation: Set-based network similarity metrics are increasingly used to productively analyze genome-wide data. Conventional approaches, such as mean shortest path and clique-based metrics, have been useful but are not well suited to all applications. Computational scientists in other disciplines have developed communicability as a complementary metric. Network communicability considers all paths of all lengths between two network members. Given the success of previous network analyses of protein–protein interactions, we applied the concepts of network communicability to this problem. Here we show that our communicability implementation has advantages over traditional approaches. Overall, analyses suggest network communicability has considerable utility in analysis of large-scale biological networks.
Availability and implementation: We provide our method as an R package for use in both human protein–protein interaction network analyses and analyses of arbitrary networks along with a tutorial at http://www.shawlab.org/NetComm/.
Contact: cashaw@bcm.edu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Cordova: Web-based management of genetic variation data
Authors: Ephraim Sean S. , Anand Nikhil , DeLuca Adam P. , Taylor Kyle R. , Kolbe Diana L. , Simpson Allen C. , Azaiez Hela , Sloan Christina M. , Shearer A. Eliot , Hallier Andrea R. , Casavant Thomas L. , Scheetz Todd E. , Smith Richard J. H. , Braun Terry A. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Summary: Cordova is an out-of-the-box solution for building and maintaining an online database of genetic variations integrated with pathogenicity prediction results from popular algorithms. Our primary motivation for developing this system is to aid researchers and clinician–scientists in determining the clinical significance of genetic variations. To achieve this goal, Cordova provides an interface to review and manually or computationally curate genetic variation data as well as share it for clinical diagnostics and the advancement of research.
Availability and implementation: Cordova is open source under the MIT license and is freely available for download at https://github.com/clcg/cordova.
Contact: sean.ephraim@gmail.com or terry-braun@uiowa.edu
Barrett Esophagus and Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Iyer Prasad G. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Barrett esophagus is an acquired condition characterized by the replacement of the squamous epithelium lining the esophagus by partially intestinalized columnar epithelium. It is thought to be a complication of gastroesophageal reflux and may reflect an adaptive response to reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. It is the strongest known risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Barrett esophagus is characterized by proximal displacement of the squamocolumnar junction in the esophagus and has been classified into long-segment Barrett esophagus (visible columnar mucosa in the esophagus of 3 cm or more) and short-segment Barrett esophagus (visible columnar mucosa in the esophagus less than 3 cm in length). Etiology, risk factors, screening and surveillance for esophageal cancer are discussed. Cancer presentation, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease are also addressed.
Colorectal Neoplasms
Authors: Kisiel John B. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Colorectal cancer is primarily a disease of urban, industrialized societies. In the United States, the lifetime risk for the development of this cancer is approximately 6%. Recent data have suggested that the incidence rates for colorectal cancer may be decreasing gradually in some subgroups of the population. However, the mechanisms underlying these favorable trends have not been defined completely. Several national organizations have endorsed screening and surveillance guidelines, which undoubtedly have contributed to more effective prevention of colorectal cancer.
Liver Disease and Pregnancy
Authors: Eileen Hay J. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
For diagnostic purposes, it is useful to divide liver diseases in pregnant women into three main categories: 1. Liver diseases occurring coincidentally in a pregnant woman (viral hepatitis is the most common cause of jaundice in pregnant patients). 2. Pregnancy occurring in a woman with chronic liver disease. 3. Liver diseases unique to pregnancy, including hyperemesis gravidarum, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and acute fatty liver of pregnancy. These liver diseases, unique to pregnancy, can be considered liver complications of pregnancy itself, and they have a characteristic timing in relation to the trimesters of pregnancy. Hepatitis E and herpes hepatitis, although not related etiologically to pregnancy, characteristically produce a fulminant and often deadly disease in the third trimester of pregnancy. Recent data suggest that most liver disease in pregnancy is pregnancy-related and incidental and chronic liver diseases are uncommon.
Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Chari Suresh T. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis is an often painful inflammatory condition of the pancreas characterized by progressive fibrosis that leads to irreversible destruction of exocrine and endocrine tissue, resulting eventually in exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. There is considerable heterogeneity in the manifestation and natural history of the condition. Chronic pancreatitis is classified broadly into chronic calcifying pancreatitis, chronic obstructive pancreatitis, and chronic autoimmune pancreatitis.
Pancreatic Neoplasms
Authors: Pearson Randall K. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Almost uniformly, cancer of the pancreas is fatal and is increasingly a health problem. In the United States, the calculated incidence of pancreatic cancer in 2008 was 37,700, with 34,300 deaths due to the disease. The overall survival rate for persons with pancreatic cancer is less than 5%, the lowest 5-year survival rate of any cancer. This partly reflects the low resectability rate. Advanced age is the most common risk factor for pancreatic cancer, and as the population ages, the incidence of pancreatic cancer is predicted to increase. Only 10% to 15% of patients are candidates for curative resection (stage I and stage II disease), and more than 50% have unresectable stage IV disease with distant metastases.
Structural basis of lariat RNA recognition by the intron debranching enzyme Dbr1
Authors: Montemayor Eric J. , Katolik Adam , Clark Nathaniel E. , Taylor Alexander B. , Schuermann Jonathan P. , Combs D. Joshua , Johnsson Richard , Holloway Stephen P. , Stevens Scott W. , Damha Masad J. , Hart P. John 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
The enzymatic processing of cellular RNA molecules requires selective recognition of unique chemical and topological features. The unusual 2′,5′-phosphodiester linkages in RNA lariats produced by the spliceosome must be hydrolyzed by the intron debranching enzyme (Dbr1) before they can be metabolized or processed into essential cellular factors, such as snoRNA and miRNA. Dbr1 is also involved in the propagation of retrotransposons and retroviruses, although the precise role played by the enzyme in these processes is poorly understood. Here, we report the first structures of Dbr1 alone and in complex with several synthetic RNA compounds that mimic the branchpoint in lariat RNA. The structures, together with functional data on Dbr1 variants, reveal the molecular basis for 2′,5′-phosphodiester recognition and explain why the enzyme lacks activity toward 3′,5′-phosphodiester linkages. The findings illuminate structure/function relationships in a unique enzyme that is central to eukaryotic RNA metabolism and set the stage for the rational design of inhibitors that may represent novel therapeutic agents to treat retroviral infections and neurodegenerative disease.
Clinical Implications of Detectable Baseline Hepatitis C Virus-Genotype 1 NS3/4A-Protease Variants on the Efficacy of Boceprevir Combined With Peginterferon/Ribavirin
Authors: Howe John A. , Long Jianmin , Black Stuart , Chase Robert , McMonagle Patricia , Curry Stephanie , Thompson Seth , DiNubile Mark J. , Howe Anita Y. M. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Background.  We analyzed the impact of pretreatment variants conferring boceprevir-resistance on sustained virologic response (SVR) rates achieved with boceprevir plus peginterferon-α/ribavirin (P/R) for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-genotype-1 infection.
Methods.  NS3-protease-polymorphisms emerging coincident with virologic failure on boceprevir/P/R regimens were identified as resistance-associated variants (RAVs). Baseline samples pooled from 6 phase II or phase III clinical trials were analyzed for RAVs by population sequencing. Interferon (IFN)-responsiveness was predefined as &gt;1 log reduction in HCV-RNA level during the initial 4-week lead-in treatment with P/R before boceprevir was added. The effective boceprevir-concentration inhibiting RAV growth by 50% (EC50) was determined using a replicon assay relative to the wild-type referent.
Results.  Sequencing was performed in 2241 of 2353 patients (95.2%) treated with boceprevir. At baseline, RAVs were detected in 178 patients (7.9%), including 153 of 1498 genotype-1a infections (10.2%) and 25 of 742 genotype-1b infections (3.4%) (relative risk, 3.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], [2.01, 4.58]). For IFN-responders, SVR24 (SVR assessed 24 weeks after discontinuation of all study medications) rates were 78% and 76% with or without RAVs detected at baseline, respectively. For the 510 poor IFN-responders, SVR24 rates were 8 of 36 subjects (22.2% [11.7%, 38.1%]) when baseline RAVs were detected vs 174 of 474 subjects (36.7% [32.5%, 41.1%]) when baseline RAVs were not detected (relative likelihood of SVR24 [95% CI], 0.61 [0.32, 1.05]). Sustained virologic response was achieved in 7 of 8 (87.5%) IFN-nonresponders with baseline variants exhibiting ≤2-fold increased EC50 for boceprevir in a replicon assay, whereas only 1 of 15 (7%) IFN-nonresponders with baseline RAVs associated with ≥3-fold increased EC50 achieved SVR.
Conclusions.  Baseline protease-variants appear to negatively impact SVR rates for boceprevir/P/R regimens only when associated with decreased boceprevir susceptibility in vitro after a poor IFN-response during the lead-in period.
The impact of radio-tags on Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris)
Authors: Zenzal Theodore J. , Diehl Robert H. , Moore Frank R. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractRadio telemetry has advanced the field of wildlife biology, especially with the miniaturization of radio-tags. However, the major limitation faced with radio-tagging birds is the size of the animal to which a radio-tag can be attached. We tested how miniature radio-tags affected flight performance and behavior of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris), possibly the smallest bird species to be fitted with radio-tags. Using eyelash adhesive, we fitted hatch year individuals (n=20 males and 15 females) with faux radio-tags of three sizes varying in mass and antenna length (220mg-12.7cm, 240mg-12.7cm, and 220mg-6.35cm), then filmed the birds in a field aviary to quantify activity budgets. We also estimated flight range using flight simulation models. When the three radio-tag packages were pooled for analysis, the presence of a radio-tag significantly decreased both flight time (-8%) and modeled flight range (-23%) when compared to control birds. However, a multiple comparison analysis between the different packages revealed that there was a significant difference in flight time when the larger radio-tag package (240mg) was attached and no significant difference in flight time when the lighter radio-tag packages (220mg) were attached. Our results are similar to other studies which analyzed the flight time or flight range of birds wearing radio-tags. Therefore, currently available light weight radio-tags (≤220mg) may be a new option to aid in the study of hummingbird biology. Future study should focus upon the additional drag created by the radio-tag and the effects of the lightest radio-tag packages on free ranging birds. These studies would provide additional information to determine the feasibility on the use of radio-tags to study hummingbird biology.
Impact of a Pharmacy Benefit Change on New Use of Mail Order Pharmacy among Diabetes Patients: The Diabetes Study of Northern California (DISTANCE)
Authors: Karter Andrew J. , Parker Melissa M. , Duru O. Kenrik , Schillinger Dean , Adler Nancy E. , Moffet Howard H. , Adams Alyce S. , Chan James , Herman Willam H. , Schmittdiel Julie A. 
Published: August 2014

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of a pharmacy benefit change on mail order pharmacy (MOP) uptake.Data Sources/Study SettingRace‐stratified, random sample of diabetes patients in an integrated health care delivery system.Study DesignIn this natural experiment, we studied the impact of a pharmacy benefit change that conditionally discounted medications if patients used MOP and prepaid two copayments. We compared MOP uptake among those exposed to the benefit change (n = 2,442) and the reference group with no benefit change (n = 8,148), and estimated differential MOP uptake across social strata using a difference‐in‐differences framework.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsAscertained MOP uptake (initiation among previous nonusers).Principal FindingsThirty percent of patients started using MOP after receiving the benefit change versus 9 percent uptake among the reference group (p < .0001). After adjustment, there was a 26 percentage point greater MOP uptake (benefit change effect). This benefit change effect was significantly smaller among patients with inadequate health literacy (15 percent less), limited English proficiency (14 percent less), and among Latinos and Asians (24 and 16 percent less compared to Caucasians).ConclusionsConditionally discounting medications delivered by MOP effectively stimulated MOP uptake overall, but it unintentionally widened previously existing social gaps in MOP use because it stimulated less MOP uptake in vulnerable populations.
Utility of an Australasian registry for children undergoing radiation treatment
Authors: Ahern Verity 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of an Australasian registry (‘the Registry’) for children undergoing radiation treatment (RT).MethodsChildren under the age of 16 years who received a course of radiation between January 1997 and December 2010 and were enrolled on the Registry form the subjects of this study.ResultsA total of 2232 courses of RT were delivered, predominantly with radical intent (87%). Registrations fluctuated over time, but around one‐half of children diagnosed with cancer undergo a course of RT. The most prevalent age range at time of RT was 10–15 years, and the most common diagnoses were central nervous system tumours (34%) and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (20%).ConclusionsThe Registry provides a reflection of the patterns of care of children undergoing RT in Australia and a mechanism for determining the resources necessary to manage children by RT (human, facilities and emerging technologies, such as proton therapy). It lacks the detail to provide information on radiotherapy quality and disease outcomes which should be the subject of separate audit studies. The utility of the Registry has been hampered by its voluntary nature and varying needs for consent. Completion of registry forms is a logical requirement for inclusion in the definition of a subspecialist in paediatric radiation oncology.