bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environment surrounding the ganglioside clusters as immunological targets in Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Kuwabara Satoshi , Misawa Sonoko , Mori Masahiro 
Published: June 2013

AbstractGangliosides, GM1 and GQ1b, are respectively major immunological target molecules in Guillain–Barré syndrome and Fisher syndrome. In enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, the addition of acidic phospholipids increases the activities of anti‐GM1 antibodies, but not of anti‐GQ1b antibodies, suggesting different physicochemical properties of GM1 and GQ1b. On the axolemma, gangliosides form clusters termed “rafts”, and the environment surrounding the clusters possibly modulates the activity of the autoantibodies.
Clinical evaluation of salivary periodontal pathogen levels by real‐time polymerase chain reaction in patients before dental implant treatment
Authors: Ito Taichi , Yasuda Masaaki , Kaneko Hajime , Sasaki Hodaka , Kato Tetsuo , Yajima Yasutomo 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjectivePeriodontal pathogens in dental plaque are the main causative agents of periodontitis and peri‐implantitis. Detection of the presence of such periodontal pathogens early would serve as a useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether the periodontal pathogen levels in saliva were correlated with the periodontal status of patients receiving implant treatment.Materials and MethodsA total of 291 patients visiting Tokyo Dental College Chiba Hospital were divided into four groups: a no‐periodontitis (np) group, a mild‐periodontitis (mip) group, a moderate‐periodontitis (mop) group, and a severe‐periodontitis (sp) group. The levels of the following five periodontal pathogens in saliva were evaluated using real‐time polymerase chain reaction: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Prevotella intermedia.ResultsThe levels of P. gingivalis and T. forsythia were significantly higher in mop group than in np group (P < 0.05). The levels of all periodontal pathogens tested except A. actinomycetemcomitans were significantly higher in sp group than in np group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe detection levels of the periodontal pathogens targeted in saliva samples were correlated with the periodontal status. This suggests that using saliva to screen for periodontopathic bacteria offers an easier‐to‐use clinical tool than the paper point method in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis and peri‐implantitis.
12‐minute consultation: an evidence‐based approach to the management of dysphagia
Authors: Al‐Hussaini A. , Latif E.H. , Singh V. 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundDysphagia is frequently encountered by the otolaryngologist and due to its diverse aetiologies often poses a diagnostic challenge. Of particular importance in diagnosis is to distinguish between oropharyngeal and oesophageal dysphagia. This article aims to provide a systematic, concise and evidence‐based method of managing the patient with dysphagia.MethodThis review was based on a literature search last undertaken on 15 January 2013. The MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched using the subject heading dysphagia in combination with classification, diagnosis, investigations, management, treatment and surgery. Results were limited to English language articles including case series, clinical trials, randomised controlled trials, meta‐analyses, systematic reviews and review articles. Relevant references from selected articles were also reviewed.ResultsThe majority of published literature for dysphagia is of level II/III evidence, with 16 relevant randomised controlled trials identified. The clinical history is of paramount importance in delineating the cause of dysphagia. There is no significant difference regarding the diagnostic efficacy of fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing compared to videofluoroscopy, and where indicated and practicable, these investigations complement each other. In general, structural causes of dysphagia are managed surgically, whereas swallowing therapy is efficacious in managing dysphagia due to neuromyogenic disorders.ConclusionsA structured history of dysphagia and its associated symptoms, flexible laryngoscopy and endoscopic assessment of swallowing where relevant in addition to targeted investigations should lead to the correct diagnosis and appropriate management.
Community Representatives’ Involvement in Clinical and Translational Science Awardee Activities
Authors: Wilkins Consuelo H. , Spofford Mark , Williams Neely , McKeever Corliss , Allen Shauntice , Brown Jen , Opp Jennifer , Richmond Alan , Strelnick A. Hal 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo understand the formal roles of community representatives (CRs) in Clinical and Translational Science Awardee (CTSA) activities, to evaluate the extent of integration into the organizational and governance structures and to identify barriers to effective integration.MethodsThe inventory tool was distributed to each of the 60 CTSAs using a secure web application.ResultsForty‐seven (78%) completed the inventory. The mean number of CRs per CTSA is 21.4 (SD: 14.8). Most CTSAs had community advisory boards (89%) and 94% included CRs in Community Engagement (CE) cores. Only 11% reported a CR being a member of the CTSA leadership team and 19% reported that CRs advise core programs beyond CE.CRs are compensated by 79% of CTSAs. Mean annual compensation is $753 (median: $400). Compensation directly correlated with the number of hours that CRs worked in CTSA activities (r = 0.64; P = 0.001).ConclusionsThis inventory allows CTSAs to better understand how CRs have engaged in activities and brings attention to the limited representation among cores and in leadership roles. CTSAs should, with substantive input from CRs, develop strategies to provide the resources and compensation necessary to better integrate the community in CTSA activities and fully realize the goals of the CTSA vision.
Observational Study of Contracts Processing at 29 CTSA Sites
Authors: Kiriakis James , Gaich Nicholas , Johnston S. Claiborne , Kitterman Darlene , Rosenblum Daniel , Salberg Libby , Rifkind Adam 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWe measured contracts final negotiation (FN) and full execution (FE) times using shared definitions in a prospective observational study of management of contracts for clinical trials at 29 CTSA institutions. Median FN and FE times were reached in 39 and 91 days, respectively; mean times for FN and FE were 55 and 103 days, respectively. Individual site medians ranged from 3 to 116 days for FN and 34 to 197 days for FE. The use of master agreements (MAs) and previously negotiated terms (PNTs) was associated with significant reduction of FN times by a mean of 33 days (p < 0) and 22 days (p < 0.001), respectively. PNTs, but not MAs, were associated with significantly reduced FE time (22 days, p < 0.007). Gap analysis revealed a gap of 22 days between contracts negotiation and Institutional Review Board (IRB) review and intervals of 33 days (contracts) and 48 days (IRB review) during which the process steps were being conducted alone, suggesting a potential benefit with parallel processing. These baseline data support a plan to investigate root causes of prolonged study start‐up time by examining causes of variation and outliers.
Epilepsy in Prader–Willi syndrome: experience of a national referral centre
Authors: Gilboa Tal , Gross‐Tsur Varda 
Published: June 2013

AimThe aim of the study was to characterize epilepsy, febrile seizures, electrographic features, and brain abnormalities in a large, national cohort of individuals with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS).MethodThis was an observational cohort study. Clinic charts of 126 individuals (63 males, 63 females) with genetically confirmed PWS (due to a deletion in 72 cases, to uniparental disomy [UPD] in 51 cases, and to an imprinting centre defect in two cases), aged from 1 month to 48 years (mean age 13y), were reviewed and 119 interviews conducted. Information regarding seizures, medication, imaging studies, and family history of seizures was collected. Ninety‐five individuals (aged 1mo–48y) underwent electroencephalography (EEG).ResultsFive individuals had epilepsy (4.0%), three of whom had major cerebral findings on imaging, and eight others had febrile seizures (6.4%). Of the three genetic abnormalities, deletion was associated with seizures. Focal epileptiform abnormalities were found in 12 out of 94 individuals, and five out of these 12 had a frank electrographic seizure pattern. Epileptogenic EEG abnormalities were associated with young age.InterpretationThe risk of epilepsy and febrile seizures in PWS is significantly lower than in Angelman syndrome and is associated with brain abnormalities. Electrographic seizures and focal epileptiform activity were present in 5% of individuals and were associated with young age. The underpinnings of epileptiform abnormalities in PWS and how they differ from those of the Angelman syndrome should be studied further.
Do additional sugar sources affect the degree of attendance of Dysmicoccus brevipes by the fire ant Solenopsis geminata?
Authors: Carabalí‐Banguero Diana J. , Wyckhuys Kris A.G. , Montoya‐Lerma James , Kondo Takumasa , Lundgren Jonathan G. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractMutualistic interactions between ants and Hemiptera are mediated to a large extent by the amount and quality of sugar‐rich honeydew produced. Throughout the neotropics, the predaceous fire ant Solenopsis geminata (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is found in association with colonies of the pineapple mealybug, Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), which they actively tend and protect from attack by natural enemies. In this study, we evaluate the effects of access to a sucrose solution on the mutualistic association between S. geminata and D. brevipes. Ten colonies of either species were established, with D. brevipes maintained on pumpkin, Cucurbita maxima Duchesne (Cucurbitaceae), in screen cages. Five of the S. geminata colonies were permitted access to vials with 20% sucrose solution and a pumpkin with 20 adult mealybugs. The remaining ant colonies were allowed access to mealybug‐infested pumpkins. Ant colonies with access to the sucrose solution attended mealybugs significantly less than those without additional sugar sources. Mealybug survival rates were similar under both treatments. Total body sugars and fructose were nearly twice as high in ants with access to honeydew and sucrose vs. those with access to honeydew and water. Fructose accumulated on the pumpkins over time in both treatments, suggesting that honeydew was not fully exploited by the ants. In conclusion, D. brevipes enjoy lower degrees of ant attendance when S. geminata have alternative sources of carbohydrates. We further discuss the significance of these findings for the conservation of predaceous ants and mealybug biological control.
Estimation of field capacity for aggregated soils using changes of the water retention curve under the effects of compaction
Authors: Aschonitis V. G. , Antonopoulos V. Z. , Lekakis E. H. , Litskas V. D. , Kotsopoulos S. A. , Karamouzis D. N. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryThe objective of this study is to present a new method for field capacity estimations using the CPV function (changes in pore volume). The method requires water retention data of an aggregated soil before and after a compaction event. The CPV function estimates the threshold of equivalent pore diameter (D‐threshold) between structural and textural porosity using changes in the water retention curve. The D‐threshold corresponds to a water potential associated with field capacity according to the TFC concept (textural field capacity), which assumes that (i) the textural pores define the field capacity conditions and (ii) the D‐threshold and consequently the water potential at field capacity are constant parameters for each soil regardless of its compaction state. Published datasets for different aggregated soils subjected to different compaction processes and data from a lysimeter drainage experiment were used to evaluate the method. The analysis of the drainage experiment was supported by the BUDGETv.6.2 model, which was used to estimate the optimum value of the water content at field capacity (parameter of the model) using observed soil water contents and drainage rates during the drainage experiment (concept of inverse problem). The results for different soils subjected to compaction showed that the estimated water potentials by the CPV method follow the commonly accepted assumptions that govern field capacity conditions, justifying also the assumptions of the TFC concept. The field capacity conditions estimated by the model demonstrated an adequate correspondence to the results of the CPV method, indicating its ability to assess the field capacity conditions of the lysimeter soils.
Rapid loss of efficacy to the antiseizure drugs lamotrigine and carbamazepine: A novel experimental model of pharmacoresistant epilepsy
Authors: Srivastava Ajay K. , Alex Anitha B. , Wilcox Karen S. , White H. Steve 
Published: June 2013

SummaryPurposeKindling is a well‐established model of secondarily generalized partial seizures that is widely employed in the search for novel antiseizure drugs. During the kindling and postkindling acquisition phase, an active process of neuronal remodeling occurs. We tested the hypothesis that exposure to the voltage‐gated sodium channel blockers lamotrigine (LTG) and carbamazepine (CBZ) during the period of active remodeling will lead to a diminished therapeutic effect.MethodsTwo days after the last kindling stimulation, fully kindled rats were randomized to receive either 0.5% methyl cellulose (MC), LTG (30 mg/kg), or CBZ (40 mg/kg). The effect of LTG and CBZ on behavioral seizure severity and electrographic afterdischarge duration (ADD) was recorded. One week after this treatment, rats in both groups were rechallenged with LTG 30 or CBZ 40 mg/kg and their seizure score and ADD recorded. In vitro efficacy of LTG on neuronal action potentials was also evaluated using whole cell current clamp recording in hippocampal brain slices obtained from kindled control rats, LTG‐sensitive kindled rats, and LTG‐resistant kindled rats.Key FindingsWhen acutely administered 48 h after the last kindling stimulation, LTG and CBZ blocked the expression of behavioral seizures and reduced the ADD. In contrast, a second challenge dose of LTG or CBZ administered after a 7‐day “no drug, no stimulation” period did not result in reduction of either the seizure score or the ADD. Interestingly, the potassium channel opener, ezogabine, also known as retigabine (EZG; 40 mg/kg), blocked the expression of behavioral seizures at both time points evaluated (i.e., 2 days and 9 days after last stimulation). In vivo resistance to LTG was associated with a similar reduction in the ability of LTG to limit action potential firing in CA1 neurons. LTG (50 μm) significantly decreased the number of action potentials generated by a depolarizing current pulse in neurons recorded from slices obtained from kindled control and LTG‐sensitive rats, but not in slices obtained from LTG‐resistant rats.SignificanceCollectively, results obtained from both in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that even a single exposure to the sodium channel blockers LTG, or CBZ, during the postkindling remodeling phase leads to an altered pharmacologic response to these two ASDs, but not to EZG. The LTG‐ and CBZ‐resistant amygdala kindled rats may serve as a useful model of therapy‐resistant epilepsy.
Fight evolution with evolution: plasmid‐dependent phages with a wide host range prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Ojala Ville , Laitalainen Jarkko , Jalasvuori Matti 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe emergence of pathogenic bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics is a serious worldwide public health concern. Whenever antibiotics are applied, the genes encoding for antibiotic resistance are selected for within bacterial populations. This has led to the prevalence of conjugative plasmids that carry resistance genes and can transfer themselves between diverse bacterial groups. In this study, we investigated whether it is feasible to attempt to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistances with a lytic bacteriophage, which can replicate in a wide range of gram‐negative bacteria harbouring conjugative drug resistance–conferring plasmids. The counter‐selection against the plasmid was shown to be effective, reducing the frequency of multidrug‐resistant bacteria that formed via horizontal transfer by several orders of magnitude. This was true also in the presence of an antibiotic against which the plasmid provided resistance. Majority of the multiresistant bacteria subjected to phage selection also lost their conjugation capability. Overall this study suggests that, while we are obligated to maintain the selection for the spread of the drug resistances, the ‘fight evolution with evolution’ approach could help us even out the outcome to our favour.
Random Prism: a noise‐tolerant alternative to Random Forests
Authors: Stahl Frederic , Bramer Max 
Published: June 2013

AbstractEnsemble learning can be used to increase the overall classification accuracy of a classifier by generating multiple base classifiers and combining their classification results. A frequently used family of base classifiers for ensemble learning are decision trees. However, alternative approaches can potentially be used, such as the Prism family of algorithms that also induces classification rules. Compared with decision trees, Prism algorithms generate modular classification rules that cannot necessarily be represented in the form of a decision tree. Prism algorithms produce a similar classification accuracy compared with decision trees. However, in some cases, for example, if there is noise in the training and test data, Prism algorithms can outperform decision trees by achieving a higher classification accuracy. However, Prism still tends to overfit on noisy data; hence, ensemble learners have been adopted in this work to reduce the overfitting. This paper describes the development of an ensemble learner using a member of the Prism family as the base classifier to reduce the overfitting of Prism algorithms on noisy datasets. The developed ensemble classifier is compared with a stand‐alone Prism classifier in terms of classification accuracy and resistance to noise.
Diatoms can be an important exception to temperature–size rules at species and community levels of organization
Authors: Adams Georgina L. , Pichler Doris E. , Cox Eileen J. , O'Gorman Eoin J. , Seeney Alex , Woodward Guy , Reuman Daniel C. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractClimate warming has been linked to an apparent general decrease in body sizes of ectotherms, both across and within taxa, especially in aquatic systems. Smaller body size in warmer geographical regions has also been widely observed. Since body size is a fundamental determinant of many biological attributes, climate‐warming‐related changes in size could ripple across multiple levels of ecological organization. Some recent studies have questioned the ubiquity of temperature–size rules, however, and certain widespread and abundant taxa, such as diatoms, may be important exceptions. We tested the hypothesis that diatoms are smaller at warmer temperatures using a system of geothermally heated streams. There was no consistent relationship between size and temperature at either the population or community level. These field data provide important counterexamples to both James’ and Bergmann's temperature–size rules, respectively, undermining the widely held assumption that warming favours the small. This study provides compelling new evidence that diatoms are an important exception to temperature–size rules for three reasons: (i) we use many more species than prior work; (ii) we examine both community and species levels of organization simultaneously; (iii) we work in a natural system with a wide temperature gradient but minimal variation in other factors, to achieve robust tests of hypotheses without relying on laboratory setups, which have limited realism. In addition, we show that interspecific effects were a bigger contributor to whole‐community size differences, and are probably more ecologically important than more commonly studied intraspecific effects. These findings highlight the need for multispecies approaches in future studies of climate warming and body size.
Drought‐induced saltwater incursion leads to increased wetland nitrogen export
Authors: Ardón Marcelo , Morse Jennifer L. , Colman Benjamin P. , Bernhardt Emily S. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractCoastal wetlands have the capacity to retain and denitrify large quantities of reactive nitrogen (N), making them important in attenuating increased anthropogenic N flux to coastal ecosystems. The ability of coastal wetlands to retain and transform N is being reduced by wetland losses resulting from land development. Nitrogen retention in coastal wetlands is further threatened by the increasing frequency and spatial extent of saltwater inundation in historically freshwater ecosystems, due to the combined effects of dredging, declining river discharge to coastal areas due to human water use, increased drought frequency, and accelerating sea‐level rise. Because saltwater incursion may affect N cycling through multiple mechanisms, the impacts of salinization on coastal freshwater wetland N retention and transformation are not well understood. Here, we show that repeated annual saltwater incursion during late summer droughts in the coastal plain of North Carolina changed N export from organic to inorganic forms and led to a doubling of annual NH4+ export from a 440 hectare former agricultural field undergoing wetland restoration. Soil solution NH4+ concentrations in two mature wetlands also increased with salinization, but the magnitude of increase was smaller than that in the former agricultural field. Long‐term saltwater exposure experiments with intact soil columns demonstrated that much of the increase in reactive N released could be explained by exchange of salt cations with sediment NH4+. Using these findings together with the predicted flooding of 1661 km2 of wetlands along the NC coast by 2100, we estimate that saltwater incursion into these coastal areas could release up to 18 077 Mg N, or approximately half the annual NH4+ flux of the Mississippi River. Our results suggest that saltwater incursion into coastal freshwater wetlands globally could lead to increased N loading to sensitive coastal waters.
Beyond History and Memory: New Perspectives in Memory Studies
Authors: Tamm Marek 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis article outlines some recent achievements and new perspectives in contemporary memory studies. It first gives an overview of the recent handbooks and anthologies of memory studies, which testify to the institutionalisation of the young discipline. Then, it discusses the emergence of cultural memory studies, one of the most fruitful and promising trends in the memory studies of the last decade. And finally, it addresses the old debate over the relationship of history and memory, in order to propose an alternative conceptual framework for it and demonstrate the perspectives opened by a new avenue of research, mnemohistory. To conclude with, it argues that the rise of memory studies can be regarded as part of a broader change in how we nowadays see time and the interrelations of the past, the present and the future. It is plausible that these developments have irreversibly changed both the nature and outlooks of history writing.