bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The neurophysiology of biological motion perception in schizophrenia
Authors: Jahshan Carol , Wynn Jonathan K. , Mathis Kristopher I. , Green Michael F. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIntroductionThe ability to recognize human biological motion is a fundamental aspect of social cognition that is impaired in people with schizophrenia. However, little is known about the neural substrates of impaired biological motion perception in schizophrenia. In the current study, we assessed event‐related potentials (ERPs) to human and nonhuman movement in schizophrenia.MethodsTwenty‐four subjects with schizophrenia and 18 healthy controls completed a biological motion task while their electroencephalography (EEG) was simultaneously recorded. Subjects watched clips of point‐light animations containing 100%, 85%, or 70% biological motion, and were asked to decide whether the clip resembled human or nonhuman movement. Three ERPs were examined: P1, N1, and the late positive potential (LPP).ResultsBehaviorally, schizophrenia subjects identified significantly fewer stimuli as human movement compared to healthy controls in the 100% and 85% conditions. At the neural level, P1 was reduced in the schizophrenia group but did not differ among conditions in either group. There were no group differences in N1 but both groups had the largest N1 in the 70% condition. There was a condition × group interaction for the LPP: Healthy controls had a larger LPP to 100% versus 85% and 70% biological motion; there was no difference among conditions in schizophrenia subjects.ConclusionsConsistent with previous findings, schizophrenia subjects were impaired in their ability to recognize biological motion. The EEG results showed that biological motion did not influence the earliest stage of visual processing (P1). Although schizophrenia subjects showed the same pattern of N1 results relative to healthy controls, they were impaired at a later stage (LPP), reflecting a dysfunction in the identification of human form in biological versus nonbiological motion stimuli.
Long‐term outcomes associated with the transaortic approach to transcatheter Aortic valve replacement
Authors: Lardizabal Joel A. , Macon Conrad J. , O'Neill Brian P. , Desai Harit , Singh Vikas , Martinez Claudia A. , Alfonso Carlos E. , Cohen Mauricio G. , Heldman Alan W. , O'Neill William W. , Williams Donald B. 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveWe investigated the long‐term safety, efficacy and clinical outcomes associated with transaortic (TAO) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the United States.BackgroundWe previously reported the technical feasibility and short‐term safety of TAO TAVR. Compared to transapical (TAP) access, the TAO approach was associated with shorter median intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) and more favorable technical learning curve. However, outcomes data beyond 30 days were lacking and the longer‐term clinical consequences of this strategy were unknown.MethodsMortality outcomes at 1 year (and longer) of 44 consecutive patients who underwent TAO TAVR in our institution were compared with that of 76 consecutive patients who underwent TAP TAVR at our site. Risk‐adjusted analysis was performed in propensity‐matched patients (25 from each group) to account for baseline differences.ResultsTAO TAVR was associated with a trend towards lower all‐cause mortality at 1 year compared to TAP TAVR (18% vs. 34%, P=0.09 in the overall sample; 12% vs. 40%, P = 0.05 in the matched cohort). The higher probability of survival with TAO TAVR persisted after a median follow‐up period of 23 months (hazard ratio [HR]=1.96, P = 0.06 in the overall sample; HR = 3.4, P = 0.01 in the matched cohort). Cardiovascular mortality at 1 year was lower with TAO TAVR (2% vs. 22%, P = 0.01 in the overall sample; 4% vs. 28%, P = 0.05 in the matched cohort). ICU LOS (shorter in the TAO group) and implantation of second prosthetic valve (higher incidence in the TAP group) were independent predictors of long‐term mortality.ConclusionThe outcomes associated with TAO TAVR compare favorably with TAP TAVR. Our results appear to corroborate the long‐term safety and efficacy of the TAO approach in TAVR patients with inadequate iliofemoral access. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide‐ratio predicts mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Stähli Barbara E. , Gebhard Cathérine , Saleh Lanja , Falk Volkmar , Landmesser Ulf , Nietlispach Fabian , Maisano Francesco , Lüscher Thomas F. , Maier Willibald , Binder Ronald K. 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesWe studied the prognostic value of plasma N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP)‐ratio, which is independent of individual cutoff levels, in predicting mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Background: Elevated levels of natriuretic peptides are associated with adverse outcomes across a wide spectrum of cardiovascular diseases. However, cutoff values differ according to age, gender, and body weight. Methods: 244 TAVR patients with preprocedural NT‐proBNP levels were analyzed, and the predictive value of NT‐proBNP‐ratio (measured NT‐proBNP/maximal normal NT‐proBNP values specific for age and gender) on all‐cause‐mortality was assessed in a multivariate model. Results: Median NT‐proBNP‐ratio was 4.2 [IQR 1.8–9.7]. All‐cause mortality at 30 days was 3.4% in patients with less than median NT‐proBNP‐ratio, and 14.0% in patients with more than median NT‐proBNP‐ratio (P = 0.02). All‐cause mortality at 1 year was 8.5% in patients with less than median NT‐proBNP‐ratio, and 32.1% in those with more than median NT‐proBNP‐ratio (P = 0.001). Cumulative survival declined with increasing quartiles of NT‐proBNP‐ratio (log rank P = 0.001). All patients with a NT‐proBNP‐ratio below 1.5 survived at 1‐year follow‐up. In ROC analysis, NT‐proBNP‐ratio significantly predicted 30‐day (AUC = 0.72; P = 0.002) and 1‐year all‐cause mortality (AUC = 0.72; P < 0.001). By multivariate Cox regression analysis, NT‐proBNP‐ratio, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and serum creatinine were the only independent predictors of all‐cause mortality. Conclusions: Elevated NT‐proBNP‐ratio was associated with increased short‐ and long‐term mortality after TAVR, and independently predicted all‐cause mortality. NT‐proBNP‐ratio should be considered in the risk stratification of patients undergoing TAVR. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Photoreactive G‐Quadruplex Ligand Triggered by Green Light
Authors: Nadai Matteo , Doria Filippo , Germani Luca , Richter Sara N. , Freccero Mauro 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA photoreactive molecular dye targeting the G‐quadruplex nucleic acid (G4) of the human telomeric sequence Tel22, and several mutated analogues, was activated by green light (λ=532 nm). Highly selective covalent modification of G4 versus single‐stranded and double‐stranded DNA was achieved with efficiency up to 64 %. The phenoxyl radical was generated and detected by laser‐flash photolysis as a reactive intermediate that targeted loop thymine residues. These insights may suggest a non‐invasive tool for selective nucleic acid tagging and “pull‐down” cellular applications.
Chiral Separation of Four Stereoisomers of Ketoconazole Drugs Using Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Wan Ibrahim Wan Aini , Arsad Siti Rosilah , Maarof Hasmerya , Sanagi Mohd. Marsin , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis work aimed to develop a chiral separation method of ketoconazole enantiomers using electrokinetic chromatography. The separation was achieved using heptakis (2, 3, 6‐tri‐O‐methyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin (TMβCD), a commonly used chiral selector (CS), as it is relatively inexpensive and has a low UV absorbance in addition to an anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The influence of TMβCD concentration, phosphate buffer concentration, SDS concentration, buffer pH, and applied voltage were investigated. The optimum conditions for chiral separation of ketoconazole was achieved using 10 mM phosphate buffer at pH 2.5 containing 20 mM TMβCD, 5 mM SDS, and 1.0% (v/v) methanol with an applied voltage of 25 kV at 25 °C with a 5‐s injection time (hydrodynamic injection). The four ketoconazole stereoisomers were successfully resolved for the first time within 17 min (total analysis time was 28 min including capillary conditioning). The migration time precision of this method was examined to give repeatability and reproducibility with RSDs ≤5.80% (n =3) and RSDs ≤8.88% (n =9), respectively. Chirality 27:223–227, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Promising Candidate with D‐A‐A‐A Architecture as an Efficient Sensitizer for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Li‐Na , Zhou Hong‐Yan , Sun Ping‐Ping , Chen Shi‐Lu , Li Ze‐Sheng 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA series of metal‐free organic dyes with electron‐rich (D) and electron‐deficient units (A) as π linkers have been studied theoretically by means of density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT calculations to explore the effects of π spacers on the optical and electronic properties of triphenylamine dyes. The results show that Dye 1 with a structure of D‐A‐A‐A is superior to the typical C218 dye in various key aspects, including the maximum absorption (λmax=511 nm), the charge‐transfer characteristics (D/Δq/t is 5.49 Å/0.818 e−/4.41 Å), the driving force for charge‐carrier injection (ΔGinject=1.35 eV)/dye regeneration (ΔGregen=0.27 eV), and the lifetime of the first excited state (τ=3.1 ns). It is thus proposed to be a promising candidate in dye‐sensitized solar cell applications.
Ecological opportunity and the adaptive diversification of lineages
Authors: Wellborn Gary A. , Langerhans R. Brian 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe tenet that ecological opportunity drives adaptive diversification has been central to theories of speciation since Darwin, yet no widely accepted definition or mechanistic framework for the concept currently exists. We propose a definition for ecological opportunity that provides an explicit mechanism for its action. In our formulation, ecological opportunity refers to environmental conditions that both permit the persistence of a lineage within a community, as well as generate divergent natural selection within that lineage. Thus, ecological opportunity arises from two fundamental elements: (1) niche availability, the ability of a population with a phenotype previously absent from a community to persist within that community and (2) niche discordance, the diversifying selection generated by the adaptive mismatch between a population's niche‐related traits and the newly encountered ecological conditions. Evolutionary response to ecological opportunity is primarily governed by (1) spatiotemporal structure of ecological opportunity, which influences dynamics of selection and development of reproductive isolation and (2) diversification potential, the biological properties of a lineage that determine its capacity to diversify. Diversification under ecological opportunity proceeds as an increase in niche breadth, development of intraspecific ecotypes, speciation, and additional cycles of diversification that may themselves be triggered by speciation. Extensive ecological opportunity may exist in depauperate communities, but it is unclear whether ecological opportunity abates in species‐rich communities. Because ecological opportunity should generally increase during times of rapid and multifarious environmental change, human activities may currently be generating elevated ecological opportunity – but so far little work has directly addressed this topic. Our framework highlights the need for greater synthesis of community ecology and evolutionary biology, unifying the four major components of the concept of ecological opportunity.
Study on Downsizing Techniques for Conventional Motor with Solids Insulation System
Authors: Matsumoto Hironori , Ohtake Atsushi , Enomoto Yuji 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYDownsizing has become essential in the development of motors in order to meet requirements related to environmental issues such as resource depletion and energy shortages. To satisfy these demands, we propose downsizing techniques for a conventional motor where a solid insulation system is utilized and a large amount of insulation resin is employed to replace the structural metal materials used in conventional motors. This paper presents a feasibility study on a solid insulation system applied to a downsized motor. The optimal heat design, mechanically stable structure, and proper insulation resin are proposed and discussed. A prototype motor was manufactured, and the results of a basic insulation test, temperature rise test, and noise test are presented.
Computational Accuracy Enhancement in Magnetic Field Analysis by Using Orthogonalized Infinite Edge Element Method
Authors: Tsuzaki Kenta , Tawada Yoshihiro , Wakao Shinji , Kameari Akihisa , Tokumasu Tadashi , Takahashi Yasuhito , Igarashi Hajime , Fujiwara Koji , Ishihara Yoshiyuki 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYElectromagnetic phenomena intrinsically spread over an infinite region. Thus, efficient handling of open boundaries is one of the main issues in electromagnetic field computations. This paper deals with the orthogonalized infinite edge element method that efficiently performs precise analysis of the infinite region. In this method, several parameters are used to achieve high accuracy. As one of the parameters, we focus on the reference point and investigate the effect of its position setting on accuracy. We also evaluate the accuracy of the calculated magnetic field in the far region. By applying boundary element method as postprocessing, it is found that high computational accuracy in the region can be effectively achieved.
Improvement of Cogging Thrust in Permanent‐Magnet‐Type Linear Synchronous Motors
Authors: Miyamoto Yasuhiro , Tanabe Masahiko , Higuchi Tsuyoshi , Abe Takashi 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYThis paper presents a method for reducing cogging thrust in permanent‐magnet‐type linear synchronous motors. A phase shift method and supplement tooth method are proposed. The methods do not affect the original thrust performance of the linear motor, nor do they greatly modify its basic shape. The methods are confirmed through experiments and FEM analysis. This paper also discusses the effect of construction errors on cogging thrust.
A Mild Radical Method for the Dimerzation of Dithiocarbamates
Authors: Chen Ning , Zhong Xin , Li Pingfan , Xu Jiaxi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA general, practical, and efficient method for the dimerization of dithiocarbamates has been developed that can be used to prepare the corresponding bis(1‐arylimino‐1‐alkyl/arylthiomethyl) disulfides with dilauroyl peroxide (DLP) as mild oxidant. Notably, a lauroyl radical, rather than an undecyl radical, was established as the radical hydrogen‐abstractor during the dimerization process. The amount of DLP impacts the dimerization yield, with 50 mol‐% DLP giving the disulfides in the highest yields. The use of an excess of DLP generates the undecyl radical, which decomposes the disulfides rapidly to the corresponding isothiocyanates.
A Novel Approach to Monitoring of the Diffusion Junction Potential in Speciation Studies by Polarography under very Acidic Conditions. Part II: The Quasi‐Reversible Cu(II)‐Picolinic Acid System
Authors: Billing Caren , Cukrowski Ignacy 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe use of polarography to accurately determine stability constants of complexes formed under very acidic conditions (below pH 2) is demonstrated. The diffusion junction potentials, which must be accounted for below pH 2, were evaluated by applying protocols developed where Tl(I) is used as an internal reference. The Cu(II)‐picolinic acid (2‐pyridinecarboxylic acid) system studied was chosen since the CuL+ species only exists in solution below pH 2 under the conditions used and literature data exists to confirm the accuracy of procedure. Additionally, the reduction of Cu(II) was quasi‐reversible and procedures to determine the reversible half‐wave potentials were investigated. Average log β values of 7.75±0.09 for CuL+ and 14.8±0.1 for CuL2 were obtained, which compared well to literature data.
An Investigation of the Factor Structure of the Beck Depression Inventory‐II in Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Fuss Samantha , Trottier Kathryn , Carter Jacqueline 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSymptoms of depression frequently co‐occur with eating disorders and have been associated with negative outcomes. Self‐report measures such as the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) are commonly used to assess for the presence of depressive symptoms in eating disorders, but the instrument's factor structure in this population has not been examined. The purposes of this study were to explore the factor structure of the BDI‐II in a sample of individuals (N = 437) with anorexia nervosa undergoing inpatient treatment and to examine changes in depressive symptoms on each of the identified factors following a course of treatment for anorexia nervosa in order to provide evidence supporting the construct validity of the measure. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that a three‐factor model reflected the best fit for the data. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate this model against competing models and the three‐factor model exhibited strong model fit characteristics. BDI‐II scores were significantly reduced on all three factors following inpatient treatment, which supported the construct validity of the scale. The BDI‐II appears to be reliable in this population, and the factor structure identified through this analysis may offer predictive utility for identifying individuals who may have more difficulty achieving weight restoration in the context of inpatient treatment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Acute toxicity of arsenic and oxidative stress responses in the embryonic development of the common South American toad Rhinella arenarum
Authors: Mardirosian Mariana Noelia , Lascano Cecilia Inés , Ferrari Ana , Bongiovanni Guillermina Azucena , Venturino Andrés 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Arsenic (As), a natural element of ecological relevance, is found in natural water sources throughout Argentina in concentrations between 0.01 mg/L and 15 mg/L. The autochthonous toad Rhinella arenarum was selected to study the acute toxicity of As and the biochemical responses elicited by the exposure to As in water during its embryonic development. The median lethal concentration (LC50) value averaged 24.3 mg/L As and remained constant along the embryonic development. However, As toxicity drastically decreased when embryos were exposed from heartbeat-stage on day 4 of development, suggesting the onset of detoxification mechanisms. Given the environmental concentrations of As in Argentina, there is a probability of exceeding lethal levels at 1% of sites. Arsenic at sublethal concentrations caused a significant decrease in the total antioxidant potential but generated an increase in endogenous glutathione (GSH) content and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity. This protective response might prevent a deeper decline in the antioxidant system and further oxidative damage. Alternatively, it might be linked to As conjugation with GSH for its excretion. The authors conclude that toad embryos are more sensitive to As during early developmental stages and that relatively high concentrations of this toxic element are required to elicit mortality, but oxidative stress may be an adverse effect at sublethal concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1009–1014. © 2014 SETAC
The sperm structure of Cryptocercus punctulatus Scudder (Blattodea) and sperm evolution in Dictyoptera
Authors: Dallai Romano , Thipaksorn Apisit , Gottardo Marco , Mercati David , Machida Ryuichiro , Beutel Rolf Georg 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTSperm of the dictyopteran key taxon Cryptocercus punctulatus was examined. It has largely maintained a blattodean groundplan condition, with a three‐layered acrosome, an elongate nucleus, a single centriole, a conspicuous centriole adjunct material, two connecting bands (=accessory bodies), and a long functional flagellum with a 9+9+2 axoneme provided with accessory tubules with 16 protofilaments and intertubular material. These sperm characters are shared with several other polyneopterans. The sperm of C. punctulatus is very similar to what is found in Periplaneta americana and species of other groups of roaches, including the sperm of Loboptera decipiens described here for the first time. The general sperm organization here described can be assumed for the groundplan of Insecta and Pterygota. The following evolutionary path can be suggested: after the split between Cryptocercidae and the common ancestor of Isoptera, the typical pattern of sperm formation was altered very distinctly, resulting in a duplication or multiplication (Mastotermitidae) of the centrioles. Mastotermes has maintained a certain sperm motility, but with a very unusual apparatus of multiple flagella with a 9+0 axoneme pattern. After the split into Mastotermitidae and the remaining Isoptera, sperm motility was completely abandoned, and different modifications of sperm components occurred, and even the loss of the sperm flagellum. J. Morphol. 276:361–369, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The usefulness of the stay suture technique in tracheostomy
Authors: Lee Sang H. , Kim Kyung H. , Woo Seung H. 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveTracheostomy tube displacement may occur at any time in the course of patient management. Although an infrequent occurrence, such displacement is potentially serious. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the advantages and complications of the stay suture technique in tracheostomy.Study DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsThe SST involves the placement of sutures between the anterior tracheal wall and the skin in order to hasten the formation of a mature stoma. The study patients were divided into two groups. One group underwent tracheostomy with the SST (n =104), and the other group was treated with a conventional tracheostomy (n = 101). The postoperative complications for each group were then reviewed.ResultsThe most common indication for tracheostomy was prolonged endotracheal intubation (79.3%), and the most common complication in each group was postoperative stoma infection. Unexpected decannulation occurred in three patients from the conventional tracheostomy group, causing death of the patients. However, the SST group did not show any occurrence of unexpected decannulation.ConclusionsUnexpected decannulation was a fatal complication. Because this complication was not observed in any patients who underwent the SST, our study recommends use of this method as a countermeasure for unexpected decannulation.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 125:1356–1359, 2015