bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Location of the middle cranial fossa dural plate in patients with chronic otitis media
Authors: Genc S , Genc M G , Arslan I B , Selcuk A 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAim:This study aimed to determine whether or not the middle cranial fossa dural plate is located lower (i.e. more caudally) in patients with chronic otitis media, relative to adjacent structures.Methods:The authors retrospectively investigated computed tomography temporal bone scans of 267 ears of 206 patients who had undergone surgery with a diagnosis of chronic otitis media, together with scans of 222 ears of 111 patients without chronic otitis media. The depth of the middle cranial fossa dural plates was recorded.Results:The mean depth of the middle cranial fossa dural plate was 4.59 mm in the study group and 2.71 mm in the control group (p < 0.001). The middle cranial fossa dural plate was located lower in the right ear in both the study and control groups.Conclusion:The middle cranial fossa dural plate was located lower in patients with chronic otitis media, and in the right ears of both patients and controls. Surgeons should take this low location into consideration, and take extra care, during relevant surgery on patients with chronic otitis media.
Effect of neighbourhood deprivation and social cohesion on mental health inequality: a multilevel population-based longitudinal study
Authors: Fone D. , White J. , Farewell D. , Kelly M. , John G. , Lloyd K. , Williams G. , Dunstan F. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundThe common mental disorders (CMDs) of anxiety and depression are the most common form of poor mental health in the general population. Evidence from the small number of previous cohort studies on the role of neighbourhood factors in mental health is inconclusive. We tested the hypothesis that high levels of neighbourhood social cohesion modify an adverse association between change in individual mental health and neighbourhood deprivation.MethodWe carried out a longitudinal multilevel analysis using data from the Caerphilly Health and Social Needs Cohort Study with a 7-year follow-up (n = 4426; age range 18–74 years at baseline). Neighbourhood deprivation and neighbourhood social cohesion were assessed at baseline and change in mental health between follow-up and baseline was assessed using the five-item Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5).ResultsResidence in the most deprived neighbourhoods was negatively associated with change in mental health, after adjusting for baseline individual socio-economic risk factors and transitions in life events. This negative effect was significantly reduced in high social cohesion neighbourhoods. The predicted change in mental health score was calculated for the 10th and 90th centiles of the household low-income distribution. The difference between them was −2.8 in the low social cohesion group and 1.1 in the high cohesion group. The difference between the groups was 3.9 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2–7.6].ConclusionsThe public health burden of poor mental health and mental health inequality could potentially be reduced by strengthening social cohesion in deprived neighbourhoods. This offers a mechanism to address the adverse effect of neighbourhood deprivation on population mental health.
Dilated cardiomyopathy due to a phospholamban duplication
Authors: Lee Teresa M. , Addonizio Linda J. , Chung Wendy K. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractDilated cardiomyopathy is characterised by dilation and impaired systolic function. We present the case of a child with dilated cardiomyopathy caused by a 624 kb duplication of 6q22.31, which includes the phospholamban gene. The patient also has failure to thrive and developmental delay due to complex cytogenetic abnormalities including a 5p15 deletion associated with Cri du Chat and an 11p15 duplication associated with Russell–Silver syndrome.
Chromosome 22q11.21 microduplication in association with hypoplastic left heart syndrome with hypoplastic pulmonary arteries
Authors: McMahon Colin J. , Morgan Conall T. , Greally Marie T. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWe describe a case of a baby girl born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome consisting of mitral atresia, aortic atresia, hypoplastic ascending aorta, and left ventricle. The pulmonary arteries were hypoplastic, measuring 3 mm. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation analysis demonstrated a microduplication of chromosome 22q11.2. Subsequent array comparative genomic hybridisation showed a gain of 2.3 Mb in one copy of chromosome 22q at band 22q11.21. The proband underwent a successful Norwood procedure with Sano shunt and subsequently underwent bi-directional Glenn shunt and Fontan procedure. This report highlights the association between hypoplastic left heart syndrome with hypoplastic pulmonary arteries and chromosome 22q11.21 microduplication.
Olfactory Impairment and Subjective Olfactory Complaints Independently Predict Conversion to Dementia: A Longitudinal, Population-Based Study
Authors: Stanciu Ingrid , Larsson Maria , Nordin Steven , Adolfsson Rolf , Nilsson Lars-Göran , Olofsson Jonas K. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWe examined whether conversion to dementia can be predicted by self-reported olfactory impairment and/or by an inability to identify odors. Common forms of dementia involve an impaired sense of smell, and poor olfactory performance predicts cognitive decline among the elderly. We followed a sample of 1529 participants, who were within a normal range of overall cognitive function at baseline, over a 10-year period during which 159 were classified as having a dementia disorder. Dementia conversion was predicted from demographic variables, Mini-Mental State Examination score, and olfactory assessments. Self-reported olfactory impairment emerged as an independent predictor of dementia. After adjusting for effects of other predictors, individuals who rated their olfactory sensitivity as “worse than normal” were more likely to convert to dementia than those who reported normal olfactory sensitivity (odds ratio [OR] = 2.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.40, 3.37]). Additionally, low scores on an odor identification test also predicted conversion to dementia (OR per 1 point increase = 0.89; 95% CI [0.81, 0.98]), but these two effects were additive. We suggest that assessing subjective olfactory complaints might supplement other assessments when evaluating the risk of conversion to dementia. Future studies should investigate which combination of olfactory assessments is most useful in predicting dementia conversion. (JINS, 2014,20, 1–9)
Improved visualisation of cervix applicators for magnetic resonance-only-guided brachytherapy planning
Authors: Liney Gary P. , Marsden Jenny E. , Horsfield Carl J. , Murray Tom , Manton David J. , Beavis Andrew W. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectivesCurrent guidelines for image-guided cervical cancer brachytherapy planning recommend both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for adequate visualisation of the applicator and soft tissues, respectively. MRI-only planning would be ideal as it would save time within the patient pathway and avoid the concomitant CT exposures. However, applicator visualisation on MRI is usually achieved using fluid-filled fiducial marker tubes, which can be awkward to use and suffer from unwanted air bubble artefacts. Therefore, a new fiducial-free imaging technique was developed.MethodsA dual echo time (TE) turbo spin echo sequence was used, at 1·5 T, to provide both T2-weighted images (100 ms TE) for tissue visualisation and strongly proton density-weighted images (17 ms TE) for improved applicator visualisation. In-house software was used to automatically segment the applicator in the short TE images (using Otsu's method) and transfer the information to the long TE images to provide a single fused dataset.ResultsThe method was evaluated successfully using titanium applicators in three patient cases and using a plastic applicator in a tissue-equivalent gel phantom.ConclusionsThe dual-echo technique provides a simple and efficient method for improving the visualisation of brachytherapy applicators in cervical cancer MRI images without the need for marker tubes.
An application of answer set programming to the field of second language acquisition
Authors: INCLEZAN DANIELA 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis paper explores the contributions of Answer Set Programming (ASP) to the study of an established theory from the field of Second Language Acquisition:Input Processing. The theory describes default strategies that learners of a second language use in extracting meaning out of a text based on their knowledge of the second language and their background knowledge about the world. We formalized this theory in ASP, and as a result we were able to determine opportunities for refining its natural language description, as well as directions for future theory development. We applied our model to automating the prediction of how learners of English would interpret sentences containing the passive voice. We present a system,PIas, that uses these predictions to assist language instructors in designing teaching materials.
Where have all the houses (among other things) gone? Some critical reflections on urban agriculture
Authors: DeLind Laura B. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractUrbandale Farm (Lansing, MI) has much in common with other urban agricultural projects throughout the US and especially those in the rust-belt cities of the Midwest. It raises food for an economically challenged neighborhood. It offers opportunities for local participation, education and job creation, and it is supported by diverse public and private institutions. By all official accounts, Urbandale Farm is good at what it does. Its acreage, production, income and entrepreneurial activities are all increasing, and it has become a poster child for urban agriculture throughout the city. However, despite its good work (or possibly because of it), Urbandale Farm, and urban agriculture more generally, may unwittingly be helping to rationalize the displacement and continued social and political inequity of urban neighbors rather than reinforcing greater place-making, neighborhood empowerment and sustainability. Using Urbandale Farm as a case in point, this paper critically explores how urban agriculture is being used by some scholars, activists, governmental offices and agencies to transform fragile neighborhoods. It questions some of the movement's underlying assumptions as well as some of its actual benefits and beneficiaries. The paper also offers suggestions—for the purpose of initiating a more nuanced conversation—on how urban agriculture can be reconfigured philosophically and practically to shed its neoliberal tendencies and contribute to a more structurally based social and political transformation.
The impact of additional initial face-to-face sessions on engagement within an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies service
Authors: Mander Helen 
Published: January 2014

AbstractDespite substantial investment, Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services in some areas continue to find that demand exceeds provision, leading to waiting lists for therapy. Routine engagement in services is low, with almost half of clients disengaging with the service before or after the initial contact. An audit was carried out to evaluate the impact of introducing a face-to-face initial session within the high-intensity step of an IAPT service. The service structure and pathway of one regional IAPT service is described. A longitudinal observational design was used. All clients discharged from the service within two calendar months – before and after the introduction of an initial face-to-face session were identified. Electronic records were reviewed for each client. Introduction of an initial face-to-face session was associated with an increase in clients attending at least one therapy session and clients completing a course of therapy. Inclusion of an initial face-to-face engagement session may take up additional time, but is likely to be worthwhile in regards to associated benefits in terms of client engagement.
Quantifying the distribution of nanodiamonds in pre-Younger Dryas to recent age deposits along Bull Creek, Oklahoma Panhandle, USA
Authors: Bement Leland C. , Madden Andrew S. , Carter Brian J. , Simms Alexander R. , Swindle Andrew L. , Alexander Hanna M. , Fine Scott , Benamara Mourad 
Published: January 2014

Significance
In 2007, scientists proposed that the start of the Younger Dryas (YD) chronozone (10,900 radiocarbon years ago) and late Pleistocene extinctions resulted from the explosion of a comet in the earth’s atmosphere. The ET event, as it is known, is purportedly marked by high levels of various materials, including nanodiamonds. Nanodiamonds had previously been reported from the Bull Creek, Oklahoma, area. We investigate this claim here by quantifying the distribution of nanodiamonds in sediments of different periods within the Bull Creek valley. We found high levels of nanodiamonds in YD boundary deposits, supporting the previous claim. A second spike in nanodiamonds during the late Holocene suggests that the distribution of nanodiamonds is not unique to the YD.
Development of pattern vision following early and extended blindness
Authors: Kalia Amy , Lesmes Luis Andres , Dorr Michael , Gandhi Tapan , Chatterjee Garga , Ganesh Suma , Bex Peter J. , Sinha Pawan 
Published: January 2014

Significance
Deprivation of vision during typical age-defined critical periods results in seemingly irreversible changes in neural organization and behavior in animals and humans. We describe visual development in a unique population of patients who were blind during typical critical periods before removal of bilateral cataracts. The rarity of such cases has previously limited empirical investigations of this issue. Surprisingly, we find substantial improvement after sight onset in contrast sensitivity, a basic visual function that has well-understood neural underpinnings. Our results show that the human visual system can retain plasticity beyond critical periods, even after early and extended blindness.
Mutational landscape of yeast mutator strains
Authors: Serero Alexandre , Jubin Claire , Loeillet Sophie , Legoix-Né Patricia , Nicolas Alain G. 
Published: January 2014

Significance
Deficiencies in genome maintenance genes (so-called mutator genes) result in increased mutagenesis that impacts cell evolvability. How the mutational processes drive the evolution of genome structure is not well understood. Here, we used high-throughput sequencing to characterize the mutation events (from punctual mutations to large chromosomal rearrangements) that occurred in mutation accumulation lines derived from a broad set of yeast mutator strains. Establishing genome-wide mutation profiles revealed that each mutator exhibits a unique and sometimes complex mutational signature. Our results also show how the dynamics of mutation accumulation can generate different genomes.
Programmed Allee effect in bacteria causes a tradeoff between population spread and survival
Authors: Smith Robert , Tan Cheemeng , Srimani Jaydeep K. , Pai Anand , Riccione Katherine A. , Song Hao , You Lingchong 
Published: January 2014

SignificanceUnderstanding how species spread and survive is important in many biological contexts. The ability to disperse has been shown to enhance spread in some species but detract in others. Theoretical studies have predicted that these observations may be due to the Allee effect. To test this theory, we engineeredEscherichia colito have an Allee effect. Using these bacteria, we found that if dispersal is too fast or too slow, a population cannot spread. By manipulating the number of patches, we uncovered tradeoffs that control spread and survival. Finally, we demonstrate that fluctuations in growth may serve to determine if spread occurs. Our results may be useful in controlling invasive species and the spread of infectious diseases.
Functional changes of the reward system underlie blunted response to social gaze in cocaine users
Authors: Preller Katrin H. , Herdener Marcus , Schilbach Leonhard , Stämpfli Philipp , Hulka Lea M. , Vonmoos Matthias , Ingold Nina , Vogeley Kai , Tobler Philippe N. , Seifritz Erich , Quednow Boris B. 
Published: January 2014

Significance
Social interaction deficits in drug users likely impede treatment, increase the burden of the affected families, and consequently contribute to the high costs for society associated with addiction. However, the neural origin contributing to altered social interaction in drug users is unknown thus far. The present study illuminates the nature of basic social interaction deficits as exemplified by social gaze behavior in cocaine users by applying behavioral, psychophysiological, and functional brain-imaging methods. The results suggest that basal social interaction impairments probably arise from blunted social reward processing that was again related to impaired real-life social behavior in cocaine users. These results point to the importance of reinstatement of social reward in the treatment of stimulant addiction.
CLE-CLAVATA1 peptide-receptor signaling module regulates the expansion of plant root systems in a nitrogen-dependent manner
Authors: Araya Takao , Miyamoto Mayu , Wibowo Juliarni , Suzuki Akinori , Kojima Soichi , Tsuchiya Yumiko N. , Sawa Shinichiro , Fukuda Hiroo , von Wirén Nicolaus , Takahashi Hideki 
Published: January 2014

Significance
Morphological adjustment is an important strategy for survival of living organisms in challenging environments. Plasticity of the root system architecture is critical for nutrient acquisition in plants. Among the essential elements, nitrogen (N) strongly affects root development. This article uncovers a key signaling mechanism regulating the outgrowth of lateral roots and expansion of plant root systems. The mechanism demonstrated in this study suggests an important morphological strategy for plant survival in N-poor environments.
Detection of solar wind-produced water in irradiated rims on silicate minerals
Authors: Bradley John P. , Ishii Hope A. , Gillis-Davis Jeffrey J. , Ciston James , Nielsen Michael H. , Bechtel Hans A. , Martin Michael C. 
Published: January 2014

Significance
Whether water is produced by solar wind (SW) radiolysis has been debated for more than four decades. In this paper, we exploit the high spatial resolution of electron microscopy and sensitivity of valence electron energy-loss spectroscopy to detect water (liquid or vapor) in vesicles within (SW-produced) space-weathered rims on interplanetary dust particle (IDP) surfaces. Water in the rims has implications for the origin of water on airless bodies like the Moon and asteroids, the delivery of water to the surfaces of terrestrial planets, and the production of water in other astrophysical environments. In particular, water and organic carbon were likely delivered simultaneously by the high flux of IDPs accreted by the early Earth and other terrestrial planets.
Paternally induced transgenerational inheritance of susceptibility to diabetes in mammals
Authors: Wei Yanchang , Yang Cai-Rong , Wei Yan-Ping , Zhao Zhen-Ao , Hou Yi , Schatten Heide , Sun Qing-Yuan 
Published: January 2014

Significance
Increasing evidence suggests that certain acquired traits can be transmitted to the next generation. However, controversy over the inheritance of acquired traits remains, as the exact molecular and mechanistic basis for these observations remains largely unclear. In this study, using a nongenetic prediabetes mouse model, we have shown that environmentally induced epigenetic alterations in sperm can be inherited to the next generation. Paternal prediabetic conditions affect epigenetic marks in offspring and can be inherited for several generations. This finding provides a molecular basis for the inheritance of acquired traits and may have implications in explaining the prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic metabolic diseases.
Spatiotemporal separation of PER and CRY posttranslational regulation in the mammalian circadian clock
Authors: St. John Peter C. , Hirota Tsuyoshi , Kay Steve A. , Doyle Francis J. 
Published: January 2014

Significance
Maintaining robust circadian rhythms has been linked to longevity and metabolic health. Because these rhythms are disturbed by factors such as jet lag, shift work, and high-fat diets, there is interest in developing pharmacological control strategies to modulate circadian function. The design of therapeutic strategies is currently limited by the lack of a clear mechanistic understanding of interactions between posttranslational regulators, as efficient control of clock behavior will likely require several simultaneous modulations. Here we show fundamentally different clock responses from the manipulation of two clock regulators previously thought to act via similar mechanisms. Using mathematical modeling, we provide a mechanistic interpretation for the relationship between these two regulators, lending insight into circadian regulation and potential pharmacological control.
Aquaporins: Highly Regulated Channels Controlling Plant Water Relations
Authors: Chaumont François , Tyerman Stephen D. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Plant growth and development are dependent on tight regulation of water movement. Water diffusion across cell membranes is facilitated by aquaporins that provide plants with the means to rapidly and reversibly modify water permeability. This is done by changing aquaporin density and activity in the membrane, including posttranslational modifications and protein interaction that act on their trafficking and gating. At the whole organ level aquaporins modify water conductance and gradients at key “gatekeeper” cell layers that impact on whole plant water flow and plant water potential. In this way they may act in concert with stomatal regulation to determine the degree of isohydry/anisohydry. Molecular, physiological, and biophysical approaches have demonstrated that variations in root and leaf hydraulic conductivity can be accounted for by aquaporins but this must be integrated with anatomical considerations. This Update integrates these data and emphasizes the central role played by aquaporins in regulating plant water relations.