bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infestation of urban populations of the Northern white‐breasted hedgehog, Erinaceus roumanicus, by Ixodes spp. ticks in Poland
Authors: DZIEMIAN S. , MICHALIK J. , PI ŁACIŃSKA B. , BIALIK S. , SIKORA B. , ZWOLAK R. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractInfestation by the nest‐dwelling Ixodes hexagonus Leach and the exophilic Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus) (Ixodida: Ixodidae) on the Northern white‐breasted hedgehog, Erinaceus roumanicus (Erinaceomorpha: Erinaceidae), was investigated during a 4‐year study in residential areas of the city of Poznań, west‐central Poland. Of 341 hedgehogs, 303 (88.9%) hosted 10 061 Ixodes spp. ticks encompassing all parasitic life stages (larvae, nymphs, females). Ixodes hexagonus accounted for 73% and I. ricinus for 27% of the collected ticks. Male hedgehogs carried significantly higher tick burdens than females. Analyses of seasonal prevalence and abundance of I. hexagonus revealed relatively stable levels of infestation of all parasitic stages, with a modest summer peak in tick abundance noted only on male hosts. By contrast, I. ricinus females and nymphs peaked in spring and declined steadily thereafter in summer and autumn, whereas the less abundant larvae peaked in summer. This is the first longterm study to evaluate the seasonal dynamics of both tick species on populations of wild hedgehogs inhabiting urban residential areas.
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) in frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Whitehouse Amy , Doherty Klara , Yeh Hsin Hsien , Robinson Andrew C. , Rollinson Sara , Pickering‐Brown Stuart , Snowden Julie , Thompson Jennifer C , Davidson Yvonne S. , Mann David M. A. 
Published: May 2014

AimsFrontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is clinically and pathologically heterogeneous. Although associated with variations in MAPT, GRN and C9ORF72, the pathogenesis of these, and of other nongenetic, forms of FTLD, remains unknown. Epigenetic factors such as histone regulation by histone deacetylases (HDAC) may play a role in the dysregulation of transcriptional activity, thought to underpin the neurodegenerative process.MethodsThe distribution and intensity of HDACs 4, 5 and 6 was assessed semi‐quantitatively in immunostained sections of temporal cortex with hippocampus, and cerebellum, from 33 pathologically confirmed cases of FTLD and 27 controls.ResultsWe found a significantly greater intensity of cytoplasmic immunostaining for HDAC4 and HDAC6 in granule cells of the dentate gyrus in cases of FTLD overall compared with controls, and specifically in cases of FTLD tau‐Picks compared with FTLD tau‐MAPT and controls. No differences were noted between FTLD‐TDP subtypes, or between the different genetic and nongenetic forms of FTLD. No changes were seen in HDAC5 in any FTLD or control cases.ConclusionsDysregulation of HDAC4 and/or HDAC6 could play a role in the pathogenesis of FTLD‐tau associated with Pick bodies, although their lack of immunostaining implies that such changes do not contribute directly to the formation of Pick bodies.
DNA damage response and senescence in endothelial cells of human cerebral cortex and relation to Alzheimer's neuropathology progression: a population‐based study in the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (MRC‐CFAS) cohort
Authors: Garwood Claire J. , Simpson Julie E. , Al Mashhadi Sufana , Axe Claire , Wilson Suzanna , Heath Pamela R. , Shaw Pamela J. , Matthews Fiona E. , Brayne Carol , Ince Paul G. , Wharton Stephen B. ,   the MRC Cognitive Function and Ageing Study
Published: May 2014

AimsAbnormalities of the brain microvasculature in Alzheimer's disease have led to the vascular hypothesis of the disease, which predicts that vascular changes precede neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. To determine the spectrum of endothelial injury in the elderly and its relation to Alzheimer‐type neuropathology we investigated DNA damage in a population‐based sample derived from the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study.MethodsWe examined endothelial damage in frontal and temporal cortex (n = 97) using immunohistochemistry for γH2AX and DNA–protein kinase (DNA‐PKcs). To determine the effects of endothelial DNA damage at the earliest stages of Alzheimer's pathology we further focused our analysis on cases classified as Braak 0–II and examined endothelial senescence using histochemistry for β‐galactosidase and the expression of genes related to DNA damage and senescence using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).ResultsWe demonstrated large variation in endothelial DNA damage which was not associated with Alzheimer's neuropathology. Endothelial DNA‐PKcs correlated with neuronal and glial DNA‐PKcs counts. Focusing our further analysis on Braak 0–II cases, qPCR analysis demonstrated a trend to increased TP53 (P = 0.064) in cases with high compared with low endothelial DNA damage which was supported by immunohistochemical analysis of p53. Endothelial β‐galactosidase expression was associated with increased neuronal (P = 0.033) and glial (P = 0.038), but not endothelial DNA‐PKcs expression.ConclusionsDamage to brain endothelial cells occurs early in relation to, or independently of, Alzheimer pathology, and parallels that in neurones and glia. Endothelial DNA damage and senescence are a brain ageing process that may contribute to dysfunction of the neurovascular unit in some elderly individuals.
Angiocentric glioma: a report of nine new cases, including four with atypical histological features
Authors: Ni Hai‐Chun , Chen Shi‐Yun , Chen Li , Lu De‐Hong , Fu Yong‐Juan , Piao Yue‐Shan 
Published: May 2014

AimsAngiocentric glioma (AG) is a rare, slow‐growing tumour of the central nervous system. It is often associated with refractory epilepsy and occurs most commonly in children and young adults. We herein report nine cases of AG, including four with atypical histological findings.MethodsThe clinical data and clinicopathological findings of nine cases with AG histological features were described.ResultsAll nine patients had a history of refractory epilepsy with a mean history of 4.4 years and a median age of 17.6 years at surgery. The AG lesions were located in the superficial cerebrocortical region. Histological examination of these cases revealed characteristic structural features of AG, including bipolar spindle‐shaped cells with an angiocentric growth pattern. However, four cases also exhibited atypical histological features: one had astroblastoma‐like characteristics, two had a distinct cystic region with an onion‐like structure and myxoid changes, and the other one had a region involving many abnormal neurones reminiscent to ganglioglioma. All were positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin. Eight cases were positive for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), with a dot‐like staining pattern. A diffuse D2‐40 staining was visible in these cases, with two having similar staining pattern to EMA. All cases were immunonegative for BRAF V600E and isocitrate dehydrogenase‐1 R132H mutations.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that atypical histological features can be present in AG. A collection of more cases and further molecular analyses are required to confirm our findings.
Dissonance and Irrationality: A Criticism of The In‐Between Account of Dissonance Cases
Authors: Borgoni Cristina 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn a dissonance case, a person sincerely and with conviction asserts that P, while his/her overall automatic behavior suggests that he/she believes that not‐P. According to Schwitzgebel (2001, 2010), this is a case of in‐between believing. This article raises several concerns about Schwitzgebel's account and proposes an alternative view. I argue that the in‐between approach yields incorrect results in belief self‐ascriptions and does not capture the psychological conflict underlying the individual's dissonance. I advance the view that in relevant cases the dissonant individual has two mutually contradictory beliefs.
Quantitative trait loci for quality and agronomic traits in two advanced backcross populations in oat (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Herrmann Matthias H. , Yu Jianzhong , Beuch Steffen , Weber Wilhelm E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractUsing the advanced backcross quantitative trait loci (AB‐QTL) strategy, we successfully transferred and mapped valuable allelic variants from the high β‐glucan (BG) accession IAH611 (PI 502955), into the genome of cultivar ‘Iltis’. By backcrossing one BC1F1 plant to ‘Iltis’, we developed two BC2F2‐6 populations A and B, comprising 98 and 72 F2‐individuals, respectively. Genotyping of BC2F2 individuals with predominantly AFLP markers resulted in 12 linkage groups with a map size of 455.4 cM for Population A and 11 linkage groups with a map size of 313.5 cM for Population B. Both populations were grown at three sites in Germany over a three‐year period. Individuals were then phenotyped for 13 traits including grain yield (YD) and β‐glucan content (BG). QTL analysis via stepwise regression detected a total of 33 QTLs, most of which were clustered in three linkage groups. Two dense linkage groups A1 and B13 were found to be putatively homologous to groups KO_6 and KO_11 of the ‘Kanota’/‘Ogle’ map, respectively.
Clinical features of hyperadrenergic postural tachycardia syndrome in children
Authors: Zhang Qingyou , Chen Xia , Li Jiawei , Du Junbao 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundHyperadrenergic postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is the main phenotype of POTS. The aim of this study was to present our single‐center experience of hyperadrenergic POTS in children and adolescents.MethodsThirty‐seven patients who met the diagnostic criteria for POTS were enrolled in our study. Their orthostatic serum norepinephrine levels were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. In a retrospective analysis, based on clinical and serum norepinephrine criteria, we analyzed the clinical features of POTS cases between the POTS‐alone group and the hyperadrenergic POTS group.ResultsNineteen patients (51.35%) met the diagnostic criteria for hyperadrenergic POTS and 18 patients were assigned to the POTS‐alone group. Compared with the POTS‐alone patients, dizziness, headache and tremulousness were more frequent in patients with hyperadrenergic POTS (P < 0.05). During the tilt table test, children with hyperadrenergic POTS had a greater increment of systolic blood pressure and heart rate than POTS‐alone patients.ConclusionPatients with hyperadrenergic POTS should be identified and differentiated from those with neuropathic POTS. Hyperadrenergic POTS in children and adolescents should be considered when POTS patients suffer from frequent dizziness, headache, and tremulousness. In head‐up tilt testing, children and adolescents with hemodynamic characteristics of hyperadrenergic POTS had greater increments of systolic blood pressure and heart rate.
A Multivariate Spatial Mixture Model for Areal Data: Examining Regional Differences in Standardized Test Scores
Authors: Neelon Brian , Gelfand Alan E. , Miranda Marie Lynn 
Published: May 2014

SummaryMotivated by a study exploring geographic disparities in test scores among fourth graders in North Carolina, we develop a multivariate mixture model for the spatial analysis of correlated continuous outcomes. The responses are modelled as a finite mixture of multivariate normal distributions, which accommodates a wide range of marginal response distributions and allows investigators to examine covariate effects within subpopulations of interest. The model has a hierarchical structure incorporating both individual and areal level predictors as well as spatial random effects for each mixture component. Conditional auto-regressive priors on the random effects provide spatial smoothing and allow the shape of the multivariate distribution to vary flexibly across geographic regions. By integrating over this distribution, we obtain region-specific joint, marginal and conditional inferences of interest. We adopt a Bayesian modelling approach and develop an efficient posterior sampling algorithm that relies primarily on closed form full conditionals. Our results show that students in the central and coastal counties of North Carolina demonstrate higher achievement on average than students in the other parts of the state. These findings can be used to guide county level initiatives, such as school-based literacy programmes, to improve elementary education.
Pseudoempirical-Likelihood-Based Method Using Calibration for Longitudinal Data with Dropout
Authors: Chen Baojiang , Zhou Xiao-Hua , Chan Gary 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIn observational studies, interest mainly lies in estimation of the population level relationship between the explanatory variables and dependent variables, and the estimation is often undertaken by using a sample of longitudinal data. In some situations, the longitudinal data sample features biases and loss of estimation efficiency due to non-random dropout. However, inclusion of population level information can increase estimation efficiency. We propose an empirical-likelihood-based method to incorporate population level information in a longitudinal study with dropout. The population level information is incorporated via constraints on functions of the parameters, and non-random dropout bias is corrected by using a weighted generalized estimating equations method. We provide a three-step estimation procedure that makes computation easier. Some commonly used methods are compared in simulation studies, which demonstrate that our proposed method can correct the non-random dropout bias and increase the estimation efficiency, especially for small sample sizes or when the missing proportion is high. In some situations, the improvement in efficiency is substantial. Finally, we apply the method to an Alzheimer's disease study.
Emulating and Calibrating the Multiple-Fidelity Lyon–Fedder–Mobarry Magnetosphere–Ionosphere Coupled Computer Model
Authors: Heaton Matthew J. , Kleiber William , Sain Stephan R. , Wiltberger Michael 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThe Lyon–Fedder–Mobarry global magnetosphere–ionosphere coupled model LFM-MIX is used to study Sun–Earth interactions by simulating geomagnetic storms. This work focuses on relating the multifidelity output from LFM-MIX to field observations of ionospheric conductance. Given a set of input values and solar wind data, LFM-MIX numerically solves the magnetohydrodynamic equations and outputs a bivariate spatiotemporal field of ionospheric energy and flux. Of particular interest here are LFM-MIX input settings required to match corresponding output with field observations. To estimate these input settings, a multivariate spatiotemporal statistical LFM-MIX emulator is constructed. The statistical emulator leverages the multiple fidelities such that the less computationally demanding yet lower fidelity LFM-MIX is used to provide estimates of the higher fidelity output. The higher fidelity LFM-MIX output is then used for calibration by using additive and non-linear discrepancy functions.
Generalized Additive Models for Large Data Sets
Authors: Wood Simon N. , Goude Yannig , Shaw Simon 
Published: May 2014

SummaryWe consider an application in electricity grid load prediction, where generalized additive models are appropriate, but where the data set's size can make their use practically intractable with existing methods. We therefore develop practical generalized additive model fitting methods for large data sets in the case in which the smooth terms in the model are represented by using penalized regression splines. The methods use iterative update schemes to obtain factors of the model matrix while requiring only subblocks of the model matrix to be computed at any one time. We show that efficient smoothing parameter estimation can be carried out in a well-justified manner. The grid load prediction problem requires updates of the model fit, as new data become available, and some means for dealing with residual auto-correlation in grid load. Methods are provided for these problems and parallel implementation is covered. The methods allow estimation of generalized additive models for large data sets by using modest computer hardware, and the grid load prediction problem illustrates the utility of reduced rank spline smoothing methods for dealing with complex modelling problems.
Emotion Knowledge, Loneliness, Negative Social Experiences, and Internalizing Symptoms Among Low‐income Preschoolers
Authors: Heinze Justin E. , Miller Alison L. , Seifer Ronald , Dickstein Susan , Locke Robin L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractChildren with poor emotion knowledge (EK) skills are at risk for externalizing problems; less is known about early internalizing behavior. We examined multiple facets of EK and social‐emotional experiences relevant for internalizing difficulties, including loneliness, victimization, and peer rejection, in Head Start preschoolers (N = 134; M = 60 months). Results based on multiple informants suggest that facets of EK are differentially related to negative social‐emotional experiences and internalizing behavior and that sex plays a moderating role. Behavioral EK was associated with self‐reported loneliness, victimization/rejection, and parent‐reported internalizing symptoms. Emotion recognition and expressive EK were related to self‐reported loneliness, and emotion situation knowledge was related to parent‐reported internalizing symptoms and negative peer nominations. Sex moderated many of these associations, suggesting that EK may operate differently for girls vs. boys in the preschool social context. Results are discussed with regard to the role of EK for social development and intervention implications.
Skin texture aging trend analysis using dermoscopy images
Authors: Choi Y.‐H. , Kim D. , Hwang E. , Kim B. J. 
Published: May 2014

Background/purposeTo date, the degree of skin damage caused by diverse factors, such as aging and persistent sunlight exposure, has been evaluated based on the personal experience and knowledge of dermatologists because there is no standard method for objective evaluation. If a standard method were available, patients could obtain more consistent information about their skin condition, and hence perform more effective treatment of the skin damage. In this paper, we demonstrate how to establish a standard method using dermoscopy images of subjects of various ages. We focus on three body parts, specifically the face, neck, and hands, and extract various skin texture features to quantitatively and objectively represent the skin condition.MethodWe construct a model for skin damage evaluation based on various skin texture features. To accomplish this objective, we consider various features from face, neck, and hand dermoscopy images, including texture length, width and depth, cell area, the number of cells in a fixed region, radius ratio of inscribed and circumscribed circles of a wrinkle cell, and average perimeter of a wrinkle cell. In this study, a wrinkle cell represents the smallest skin region enclosed by textures. We then perform a linear regression for texture features based on subject age.ResultA dermoscopy image can be automatically analyzed by extracting skin texture features. We demonstrate aging trends by performing linear regression on these features. Based on this result, a quantitative and objective evaluation of the skin condition can be provided.ConclusionWe proposed several new skin texture features and developed algorithms to accurately extract them. We analyzed these features and demonstrated their age‐related change trends by using graphs and charts. We believe that our result can be used as a standard method for evaluating degrees of skin damage. Moreover, we believe that our proposed method can be applied in various areas, such as performance evaluation of certain skin products.
Female donors and donors who are lighter than their recipient are less likely to meet the CD34+ cell dose requested for peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Billen Annelies , Madrigal J. Alejandro , Szydlo Richard M. , Shaw Bronwen E. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundIt is of clinical relevance to recognize donors who are unlikely to meet the requested stem cell dose for transplantation, as this group may benefit from an alternative mobilization regimen. This study was performed to evaluate the frequency of unrelated donor peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collections that meet the target yield and the impact of donor factors on this.Study Design and MethodsAll sequential PBSC collections facilitated by the national registry (n = 323) from January through December 2011 were analyzed. Donor factors analyzed included age, sex, weight, and presence of a central line.ResultsIn univariate analyses, we found that reaching the target yield was significantly associated with a higher donor weight (85.6 kg vs. 75.3 kg, p < 0.001), male donor sex (55% vs. 19%, p < 0.001), a positive difference in weight between donor and recipient (4.3 kg vs. −8 kg, p < 0.001), and a higher volume of blood processed (13.8 L vs. 11.9 L, p < 0.001). After stepwise binary logistic regression, sex (p < 0.001) and difference between donor and recipient weight (p < 0.005) remained significantly associated with target yield being met after 1 day of collection.ConclusionsThis study shows than women and donors who are lighter than their recipient have a decreased likelihood of meeting the transplant physician's requested dose. New strategies to improve mobilization in such donors are needed. These findings may also impact future donor recruitment strategies.
Screening for HLA antibodies in plateletpheresis donors with a history of transfusion or pregnancy
Authors: De Clippel Dorien , Baeten Martine , Torfs Anneleen , Emonds Marie‐Paule , Feys Hendrik B. , Compernolle Veerle , Vandekerckhove Philippe 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundTransfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is known as a life‐threatening complication of transfusion. HLA and HNA antibodies have been associated with the immune pathway of TRALI. Since donors with a history of transfusion and/or pregnancy are presumed to have an increased risk of carrying such antibodies, we investigated the association of a history of transfusion or pregnancy with the occurrence of HLA alloimmunization in our donor population.Study Design and MethodsA total of 1018 female plateletpheresis donors and male plateletpheresis donors with a history of transfusion were enrolled in the study. Included donors were systematically screened, using Luminex technology, for anti‐HLA Class I and II. The association of donor history with HLA alloimmunization status was analyzed.ResultsThe overall alloimmunization rate was 20.2%. In 0.0% of the nulliparous transfused female donors and in 1.3% of the transfused male donors, anti‐HLA were detected. Thirty‐one percent of the parous women versus 4.2% of the nulliparous women screened positive for anti‐HLA. The rate of HLA alloimmunization increased with parity.ConclusionOur data indicate that a history of transfusion is a minor risk factor for immunization against HLA antigens. In contrast, former pregnancies constitute a major risk factor for the development of HLA antibodies. Since HLA alloimmunization rate increases with parity, TRALI risk reduction measures should focus on this particular donor population. Repeated testing of female plateletpheresis donors after each pregnancy is implemented in our blood service.