bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cerebrospinal fluid Aβ levels correlate with structural brain changes in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Beyer Mona K. , Alves Guido , Hwang Kristy S. , Babakchanian Sona , Bronnick Kolbjorn S. , Chou Yi‐Yu , Dalaker Turi O. , Kurz Martin W. , Larsen Jan P. , Somme Johanne H. , Thompson Paul M. , Tysnes Ole‐Bjørn , Apostolova Liana G. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTParkWest is a large Norwegian multicenter study of newly diagnosed drug‐naïve subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD). Cognitively normal PD subjects (PDCN) and PD subjects with mild cognitive impairment (PDMCI) from this cohort have significant hippocampal atrophy and ventricular enlargement, compared to normal controls. Here, we aimed to investigate whether the same structural changes are associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of amyloid beta (Aβ)38, Aβ40, Aβ42, total tau (t‐tau), and phosphorylated tau (p‐tau). We performed three‐dimensional radial distance analyses of the hippocampi and lateral ventricles using the MRI data from ParkWest subjects who provided CSF at baseline. Our sample consisted of 73 PDCN and 18 PDMCI subjects. We found significant associations between levels of all three CSF Aβ analytes and t‐tau and lateral ventricular enlargement in the pooled sample. In the PDCN sample, all three amyloid analytes showed significant associations with the radial distance of the occipital and frontal horns of the lateral ventricles. CSF Aβ38 and Aβ42 showed negative associations, with enlargement in occipital and frontal horns of the lateral ventricles in the pooled sample, and a negative association with the occipital horns in PDMCI. CSF Aβ levels in early PD correlate with ventricular enlargement, previously associated with PD dementia. Therefore, CSF and MRI markers may help identify PD patients at high risk for developing cognitive decline and dementia in the course of their illness. Contrary to Alzheimer's disease, we found no associations between CSF t‐tau and p‐tau and hippocampal atrophy. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Effects of deep brain stimulation in dyskinetic cerebral palsy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Koy Anne , Hellmich Martin , Pauls K. Amande M. , Marks Warren , Lin Jean‐Pierre , Fricke Oliver , Timmermann Lars 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTSecondary dystonia encompasses a heterogeneous group with different etiologies. Cerebral palsy is the most common cause. Pharmacological treatment is often unsatisfactory. There are only limited data on the therapeutic outcomes of deep brain stimulation in dyskinetic cerebral palsy. The published literature regarding deep brain stimulation and secondary dystonia was reviewed in a meta‐analysis to reevaluate the effect on cerebral palsy. The Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale movement score was chosen as the primary outcome measure. Outcome over time was evaluated and summarized by mixed‐model repeated‐measures analysis, paired Student t test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Twenty articles comprising 68 patients with cerebral palsy undergoing deep brain stimulation assessed by the Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale were identified. Most articles were case reports reflecting great variability in the score and duration of follow‐up. The mean Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale movement score was 64.94 ± 25.40 preoperatively and dropped to 50.5 ± 26.77 postoperatively, with a mean improvement of 23.6% (P < .001) at a median follow‐up of 12 months. The mean Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale disability score was 18.54 ± 6.15 preoperatively and 16.83 ± 6.42 postoperatively, with a mean improvement of 9.2% (P < .001). There was a significant negative correlation between severity of dystonia and clinical outcome (P < .05). Deep brain stimulation can be an effective treatment option for dyskinetic cerebral palsy. In view of the heterogeneous data, a prospective study with a large cohort of patients in a standardized setting with a multidisciplinary approach would be helpful in further evaluating the role of deep brain stimulation in cerebral palsy. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
The role of SCARB2 as susceptibility factor in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Hopfner Franziska , Schulte Eva C. , Mollenhauer Brit , Bereznai Benjamin , Knauf Franziska , Lichtner Peter , Zimprich Alexander , Haubenberger Dietrich , Pirker Walter , Brücke Thomas , Peters Annette , Gieger Christian , Kuhlenbäumer Gregor , Trenkwalder Claudia , Winkelmann Juliane 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundGenetic variation in the glucocerebrosidase (GBA) gene is strongly associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). Transport of glucocerebrosidase to the lysosome involves the protein encoded by the SCARB2 gene. An association between the common SNP rs6812193, upstream of SCARB2, and PD has been reported previously. The role of exonic variants in the SCARB2 gene in PD has not been examined.MethodsWe studied the role of exonic variants in SCARB2 and tried to replicate the association between the SNP rs6812193 and PD in a German and Austrian sample. Screening of all SCARB2 exons by high‐resolution melting curve analysis was performed in 376 German PD patients. The SNP rs6812193 was analyzed in 984 PD patients and 1014 general population controls.ResultsWe identified no novel exonic variants in SCARB2 but confirmed the association between SNP rs6812193 and PD (OR, 0.86; P=.02). © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Robust reconstruction of B1+ maps by projection into a spherical functions space
Authors: Sbrizzi Alessandro , Hoogduin Hans , Lagendijk Jan J. , Luijten Peter , van den Berg Cornelis A. T. 
Published: February 2013

PurposeSeveral parallel transmit MRI techniques require knowledge of the transmit radiofrequency field profiles (B1+). During the past years, various methods have been developed to acquire this information. Often, these methods suffer from long measurement times and produce maps exhibiting regions with poor signal‐to‐noise ratio and artifacts. In this article, a model‐based reconstruction procedure is introduced that improves the robustness of B1+ mapping.Theory and MethodsThe missing information from undersampled B1+ maps and the regions of poor signal to noise ratio are reconstructed through projection into the space of spherical functions that arise naturally from the solution of the Helmholtz equations in the spherical coordinate system.ResultsAs a result, B1+ data over a limited range of the field of view/volume is sufficient to reconstruct the B1+ over the full spatial domain in a fast and robust way. The same model is exploited to filter the noise of the measured maps. Results from simulations and in vivo measurements confirm the validity of the proposed method.ConclusionA spherical functions model can well approximate the magnetic fields inside the body with few basis terms. Exploiting this compression capability, B1+ maps are reconstructed in regions of unknown or corrupted values. Magn Reson Med 71:394–401, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optical limiting materials: Synthesis, electrochemical and optical studies of new thiophene based conjugated polymers carrying 1,3,4‐oxadiazole units
Authors: Shivashankar Sunitha M. , Anantapadmanabha Vishnumurthy K. , Adhikari Airody Vasudeva 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn this communication we report synthesis of three new donor‐acceptor (D–A) type conjugated polymers carrying 1,3,4‐oxadiazole moiety and thiophene unit with different side groups at its 3,4 positions (4‐methoxybenzyl:P1, 3‐methylbenzyl:P2 and 4‐nitrobenzyl:P3) through polycondensation route using a series of newly synthesized monomers. The structures of new monomers and polymers were confirmed by NMR, FTIR spectroscopic methods followed by elemental analysis. Further, molecular weight and thermal stability were determined using gel permeation chromatography and thermogravimetric analysis. The linear optical and electrochemical properties of polymers were investigated by UV–vis absorption, fluorescence spectroscopic, and cyclic voltammetric studies. The polymers P1–P3 were found to be thermally stable and their electrochemical band gaps were determined to be 1.98, 2.14, and 2.18 eV respectively. Further their nonlinear optical properties were investigated by Z‐scan method using 532 nm, 7 ns laser pulses. The results reveal that they possess good optical limiting behavior due to effective three‐photon absorption (3PA) with absorption coefficient 2.5 × 10−24 m−3W2, 1.6 × 10−24 m−3W2, and 1.0 × 10−24 m−3W2. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Lewis acid–base properties of cellulose acetate phthalate‐polycaprolactonediol blend by inverse gas chromatography
Authors: Sudharshan Reddy Annem , Reddi Rani Papulareddy , Subramanyam Reddy Kalluru 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe net retention volumes, VN, of n‐alkanes and five polar probes are determined on cellulose acetate phthalate–polycaprolactonediol blend column by inverse gas chromatography in the temperature range 323.15–363.15 K. The dispersive surface energy,
$\gamma _{\bf S}^{\bf d}$, of the blend has been calculated using the VN values of n‐alkanes and the
$\gamma _{\bf S}^{\bf d}$
at 333.15 K is 12.6 mJ/m2. The
$\gamma _{\bf S}^{\bf d}$
values are decreasing linearly with increase of temperature. The VN values of the five polar solutes are used to calculate the specific component of the enthalpy of adsorption,
${\Delta }{H}_{\bf a}^{\bf S}$. The Lewis acid–base parameters, Ka and Kb, are derived using
${\bf \Delta }{H}_{\bf a}^{\bf S}$
values and are found to be 0.019 and 0.403, respectively. The Ka and Kb values indicate that the blend surface contain more basic sites and interact strongly with the acidic probes. The acid–base parameters have been used to analyze the preferential interaction of the solid surface with acidic and basic probes. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of phase morphology and interfacial strength on barrier properties of high density polyethylene/polyamide 6 membranes
Authors: Lei Fan , Du Qin , Li Ting , Li Jiang , Guo Shaoyun 
Published: February 2013

AbstractA barrier and resistance membrane consisting of alternating layers of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyamide 6 (PA6) was prepared by microlayered coextrusion. The influence of phase morphology, number of layers, and compatibilizer (CP) content of HDPE/PA6‐microlayered membranes on their gas barrier and water resistance properties were characterized using a scanning electron microscopy, gas in permeability, and water absorption tests. The results suggest that this special‐layered structure led to significant improvement of gas barrier and water resistance properties, compared with conventional membranes. In addition, the barrier and resistance properties of microlayered membranes were obviously enhanced with increased number of layers and CP content. An optimal number of layers and CP content were determined for the improved barrier and resistance properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Directing convection to pattern thin polymer films
Authors: Janes Dustin W. , Katzenstein Joshua M. , Shanmuganathan Kadhiravan , Ellison Christopher J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractConvection can be harnessed in elegant ways to pattern surfaces, often using uncomplicated equipment and materials, providing an interesting platform for future technological developments in thin film topographic assemblies. This manuscript contains a brief review of thin polymer film patterning methods that rely on directing convection, such as “coffee ring” patterning, lithographically induced self‐assembly, and electrohydrodynamic patterning. These techniques are described in the context of a recent approach explored in our group for generating topographic patterns by photochemically directing Marangoni flow in thin polymer films with subtle gradients in surface energy. Aspects unique to this process are highlighted so that they may facilitate new developments in manufacturing technologically impactful patterned surfaces. For example, the features produced by photochemically directed Marangoni‐driven flow are preprogrammed in the solid state, thermally developed and can be formed in multilayer films. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
Substrate interaction effects on order to disorder transition behavior in block copolymer films
Authors: Ahn Hyungju , Lee Yonghoon , Lee Hoyeon , Kim Yoonkeun , Ryu Du Yeol , Lee Byeongdu 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe present an overview of the recent progress on the phase transition in the block copolymer (BCP) films in terms of the interfacial interactions effects of the substrates and the χ (Flory‐Huggins segmental interaction parameter) effects between the two blocks. For the BCP films thinner than a critical thickness (Lc) above which the transition is independent of film thickness, the order‐to‐disorder transition (ODT) increased or decreased with decreasing film thickness depending on the interfacial interaction types. The rapid and slow changes in the ODT were attributed to the relative magnitude of enthalpic contribution to χ between two blocks. Interestingly, a periodic amplification in the block composition for the BCP films suppressed the compositional fluctuation in the film geometry, resulting in the ODT shifts from the bulk ODTs above Lc. This effect of the BCP films was more illustrated by the ODT shift effects depending on the strength of the preferential interactions on the substrates. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
PKCδ Is Required for Jagged-1 Induction of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Osteogenic Differentiation
Authors: Zhu Fengchang , Sweetwyne Mariya T. , Hankenson Kurt D. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
JAG1, the gene for the Jagged-1 ligand (Jag1) in the Notch signaling pathway, is variably mutated in Alagille Syndrome (ALGS). ALGS patients have skeletal defects, and additionally JAG1 has been shown to be associated with low bone mass through genome-wide association studies. Plating human osteoblast precursors (human mesenchymal stem cells—hMSCs) on Jag1 is sufficient to induce osteoblast differentiation; however, exposure of mouse MSC (mMSC) to Jag1 actually inhibits osteoblastogenesis. Overexpression of the notch-2 intracellular domain (NICD2) is sufficient to mimic the effect of Jag1 on hMSC osteoblastogenesis, while blocking Notch signaling with a γ-secretase inhibitor or with dominant-negative mastermind inhibits Jag1-induced hMSC osteoblastogenesis. In pursuit of interacting signaling pathways, we discovered that treatment with a protein kinase C δ (PKCδ) inhibitor abrogates Jag1-induced hMSC osteoblastogenesis. Jag1 results in rapid PKCδ nuclear translocation and kinase activation. Furthermore, Jag1 stimulates the physical interaction of PKCδ with NICD. Collectively, these results suggest that Jag1 induces hMSC osteoblast differentiation through canonical Notch signaling and requires concomitant PKCδ signaling. This research also demonstrates potential deficiencies in using mouse models to study ALGS bone abnormalities.
Bioimage informatics for understanding spatiotemporal dynamics of cellular processes
Authors: Yang Ge 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe inner environment of the cell is highly dynamic and heterogeneous yet exquisitely organized. Successful completion of cellular processes within this environment depends on the right molecules or molecular complexes to function at the right place at the right time. Understanding spatiotemporal behaviors of cellular processes is therefore essential to understanding their molecular mechanisms at the systems level. These behaviors are usually visualized and recorded using imaging techniques. However, to infer from them systems‐level molecular mechanisms, computational analysis and understanding of recorded image data is crucial, not only for acquiring quantitative behavior measurements but also for comprehending complex interactions among the molecules or molecular complexes involved. The technology of computational analysis and understanding of biological images is often referred to simply as bioimage informatics. This article introduces fundamentals of bioimage informatics for understanding spatiotemporal dynamics of cellular processes and reviews recent advances on this topic. Basic bioimage informatics concepts and techniques for characterizing spatiotemporal cell dynamics are introduced first. Studies on specific cellular processes such as cell migration and signal transduction are then used as examples to analyze and summarize recent advances, with the focus on transforming quantitative measurements of spatiotemporal cellular behaviors into knowledge of underlying molecular mechanisms. Despite the advances made, substantial technological challenges remain, especially in representation of spatiotemporal cellular behaviors and inference of systems‐level molecular mechanisms. These challenges are briefly discussed. Overall, understanding spatiotemporal cell dynamics will provide critical insights into how specific cellular processes as well as the entire inner cellular environment are dynamically organized and regulated. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2013, 5:367–380. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1214This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Analytical Methods
Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods
Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Imaging
Null-polygonal minimal surfaces in AdS4 from perturbed W minimal models
Authors: Hatsuda Yasuyuki , Ito Katsushi , Satoh Yuji 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe study the null-polygonal minimal surfaces in AdS4, which correspond to the gluon scattering amplitudes/Wilson loops in$ \mathcal{N} $= 4 super Yang-Mills theory at strong coupling. The area of the minimal surfaces withncusps is characterized by the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz (TBA) integral equations or the Y-system of the homogeneous sine-Gordon model, which is regarded as the SU(n− 4)4/U(1)n−5generalized parafermion theory perturbed by the weight-zero adjoint operators. Based on the relation to the TBA systems of the perturbedWminimal models, we solve the TBA equations by using the conformal perturbation theory, and obtain the analytic expansion of the remainder function around the UV/regular-polygonal limit forn= 6 and 7. We compare the rescaled remainder function forn= 6 with the two-loop one, to observe that they are close to each other similarly to the AdS3case.
Manipulability analysis of human thumb, index and middle fingers in cooperative 3D rotational movements of a small object
Authors: Orlando M. Felix , Dutta Ashish , Saxena Anupam , Behera Laxmidhar , Tamei Tomoya , Shibata Tomohiro 
Published: February 2013

SUMMARYThe combined motion of the human thumb, index and middle fingers while rotating a small object across the extended, intermediate and flexed planes with respect to the fingers was analyzed. Auto reflective markers were attached on the fingers to track their motion across three postures and planes via a 3D motion capture system. Central, right and left rotation postures were considered in each plane for investigation and the rotation experiments were performed with 30 healthy subjects. The obtained data were used to compute the finger joint angles. Based on the three criteria of (i) manipulability measure, (ii) major axis direction angle of the manipulability ellipsoid and (iii) ratio of the minor over major axis lengths, the collective behavior of the fingers was studied. It has been found after analysis that the thumb and middle finger were active, while the index finger operated passively when manipulating small objects in cooperative rotational motion across the three planes. Activeness refers to the independence of a digit in controlling the motion of an object whereas passiveness denotes its dependence on other digits. An active finger governs the motion of an object whereas a passive finger simply supports it. The results of this investigation are of great importance in planning treatment for rehabilitation and for designing controllers for robotic therapists, finger exoskeletons and prostheses.
Molecular typing ofLeptospiraspp. strains isolated from field mice confirms a link to human leptospirosis
Authors: LI S. J. , WANG D. M. , ZHANG C. C. , LI X. W. , YANG H. M. , TIAN K. C. , WEI X. Y. , LIU Y. , TANG G. P. , JIANG X. G. , YAN J. 
Published: February 2013

SUMMARYIn recent years, human leptospirosis has been reported in Jinping and Liping counties, Guizhou province, but the leptospires have never been isolated. To track the source of infection and understand the aetiological characteristics, we performed surveillance for field mice carriage of leptospirosis in 2011. Four strains of leptospire were isolated fromApodemus agrarius. PCR confirmed the four isolates as pathogenic. Multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) showed that the four strains were closely related to serovar Lai strain 56601 belonging to serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae, which is consistent with the antibody detection results from local patients. Furthermore, the diversity of leptospiral isolates from different hosts and regions was demonstrated with MLVA. Our results suggest thatA. agrariusmay be the main carrier ofLeptospirain Jinping and Liping counties, and the serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar may be the epidemic serogroup ofLeptospira. This will contribute to the control and prevention of leptospirosis in these localities.
Multimodal language learner interactions via desktop videoconferencing within a framework of social presence: Gaze
Authors: Satar H. Müge 
Published: February 2013

AbstractDesktop videoconferencing (DVC) offers many opportunities for language learning through its multimodal features. However, it also brings some challenges such as gaze and mutual gaze, that is, eye-contact. This paper reports some of the findings of a PhD study investigating social presence in DVC interactions of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teacher trainees. The case study approach involved the exploration of online interactions of five cases (pairs) within an interpretivist paradigm. Data collection included interviews, questionnaires and analysis of DVC recordings. The study emphasizes the importance of eye-contact in online multimodal communication to facilitate the establishment of social presence. Five types of gaze that were observed in learner interactions and participants’ perspectives on eye-contact are reported. The conclusions include technical suggestions for the use of a webcam as well as pedagogical implications of online video interaction.
The non-random walk of chiral magnetic charge carriers in artificial spin ice
Authors: Zeissler K. , Walton S. K. , Ladak S. , Read D. E. , Tyliszczak T. , Cohen L. F. , Branford W. R. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe flow of magnetic charge carriers (dubbed magnetic monopoles) through frustrated spin ice lattices, governed simply by Coulombic forces, represents a new direction in electromagnetism. Artificial spin ice nanoarrays realise this effect at room temperature, where the magnetic charge is carried by domain walls. Control of domain wall path is one important element of utilizing this new medium. By imaging the transit of domain walls across different connected 2D honeycomb structures we contribute an important aspect which will enable that control to be realized. Although apparently equivalent paths are presented to a domain wall as it approaches a Y-shaped vertex from a bar parallel to the field, we observe a stark non-random path distribution, which we attribute to the chirality of the magnetic charges. These observations are supported by detailed statistical modelling and micromagnetic simulations. The identification of chiral control to magnetic charge path selectivity invites analogy with spintronics.