bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and predictors of malnutrition in elderly Chinese adults: results from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wei Jun-Min , Li Shirley , Claytor Ling , Partridge Jamie , Goates Scott
Published: October 2018

Objective

China has the largest population of elderly citizens in the world, with 177 million adults aged 60 years or older. However, no national estimate of malnutrition in elderly Chinese adults exists. We estimated the prevalence and predictors of malnutrition in this population.

Design

Data from the second wave of the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) include interview and biomarker data for 6450 subjects aged 60 years or older from 448 different communities in twenty-eight provinces, allowing for nationally representative results. Malnutrition was identified based on the ESPEN (European Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and Metabolism) criteria. We used multivariable regression to investigate the predictors of malnutrition, including demographic factors, marital status, self-reported health status, self-reported standard of living, health insurance status and education.

Setting

China.

Subjects

Community-dwelling Chinese adults aged 60 years or older.

Results

The prevalence of malnutrition in elderly Chinese adults was 12·6 %. Malnutrition was most common among those who were older (OR=1·09; 95 % CI 1·07, 1·10), male (OR=1·41; 95 % CI 1·10, 1·79), lived in rural areas (v. urban: OR=0·75; 95 % CI 0·57, 1·00) or lacked health insurance (P<0·01).

Conclusions

The burden of malnutrition on elderly Chinese adults is significant. Based on current population estimates, up to 20 million are malnourished. Malnutrition is strongly associated with demographic factors, shows a trend to association with health status and is not strongly associated with standard of living or education. A coordinated effort is needed to address malnutrition in this population.
Wideband isolation-improved substrate-integrated waveguide power dividers/combiners
Authors: Huang Yong Mao , Jin Haiyan , Zhou Yuliang , Leng Supeng , Bozzi Maurizio
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a 3 dB H-plane substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) power divider/combiner with improved isolation is reported. By adding two isolated ports into the Y-junction, it will perform like a multi-port coupler, so that the isolation between its dividing ports can be effectively improved as the newly-added ports are properly matched. To verify the availability and effectiveness of this concept, two prototypes, one is terminated by coaxial terminations and the other is loaded with lumped resistors, are developed. Their measured results are separately in good agreement with their corresponding simulations. Meanwhile, isolations better than 16 dB with fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 35 and 25% are achieved, respectively, as well as low phase and amplitude imbalances. Compared with some reported similar SIW power dividers, the proposed ones exhibit wider FBW with similar isolation, insertion loss, phase, and amplitude balance performance.
‘NetShift’: a methodology for understanding ‘driver microbes’ from healthy and disease microbiome datasets
Authors: Kuntal Bhusan K , Chandrakar Pranjal , Sadhu Sudipta , Mande Sharmila S
Published: October 2018

The combined effect of mutual association within the co-inhabiting microbes in human body is known to play a major role in determining health status of individuals. The differential taxonomic abundance between healthy and disease are often used to identify microbial markers. However, in order to make a microbial community based inference, it is important not only to consider microbial abundances, but also to quantify the changes observed among inter microbial associations. In the present study, we introduce a method called ‘NetShift’ to quantify rewiring and community changes in microbial association networks between healthy and disease. Additionally, we devise a score to identify important microbial taxa which serve as ‘drivers’ from the healthy to disease. We demonstrate the validity of our score on a number of scenarios and apply our methodology on two real world metagenomic datasets. The ‘NetShift’ methodology is also implemented as a web-based application available at https://web.rniapps.net/netshift
Genome-wide association study identifies glutamate ionotropic receptor GRIA4 as a risk gene for comorbid nicotine dependence and major depression
Authors: Zhou Hang , Cheng Zhongshan , Bass Nicholas , Krystal John H. , Farrer Lindsay A. , Kranzler Henry R. , Gelernter Joel
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Smoking and major depression frequently co-occur, at least in part due to shared genetic risk. However, the nature of the shared genetic basis is poorly understood. To detect genetic risk variants for comorbid nicotine dependence (ND) and major depression (MD), we conducted genome-wide association study (GWAS) in two samples of African-American participants (Yale-Penn 1 and 2) using linear mixed model, followed by meta-analysis. 3724 nicotine-exposed subjects were analyzed: 2596 from Yale-Penn-1 and 1128 from Yale-Penn-2. Continuous measures (Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) scores and DSM-IV MD criteria) rather than disorder status were used to maximize the power of the GWAS. Genotypes were ascertained using the Illumina HumanOmni1-Quad array (Yale-Penn-1 sample) or the Illumina HumanCore Exome array (Yale-Penn-2 sample), followed by imputation based on the 1000 Genomes reference panel. An intronic variant at the GRIA4 locus, rs68081839, was significantly associated with ND–MD comorbidity (β = 0.69 [95% CI, 0.43–0.89], P = 1.53 × 10−8). GRIA4 encodes an AMPA-sensitive glutamate receptor that mediates fast excitatory synaptic transmission and neuroplasticity. Conditional analyses revealed that the association was explained jointly by both traits. Enrichment analysis showed that the top risk genes and genes co-expressed with GRIA4 are enriched in cell adhesion, calcium ion binding, and synapses. They also have enriched expression in the brain and they have been implicated in the risk for other neuropsychiatric disorders. Further research is needed to determine the replicability of these findings and to identify the biological mechanisms through which genetic risk for each condition is conveyed.
Nanoporous aramid nanofibre separators for nonaqueous redox flow batteries
Authors: Tung Siu on , Fisher Sydney L. , Kotov Nicholas A. , Thompson Levi T.
Published: October 2018

Redox flow batteries are attractive for large-scale energy storage due to a combination of high theoretical efficiencies and decoupled power and energy storage capacities. Efforts to significantly increase energy densities by using nonaqueous electrolytes have been impeded by separators with low selectivities. Here, we report nanoporous separators based on aramid nanofibres, which are assembled using a scalable, low cost, spin-assisted layer-by-layer technique. The multilayer structure yields 5 ± 0.5 nm pores, enabling nanofiltration with high selectivity. Further, surface modifications using polyelectrolytes result in enhanced performance. In vanadium acetylacetonate/acetonitrile-based electrolytes, the coated separator exhibits permeabilities an order of magnitude lower and ionic conductivities five times higher than those of a commercial separator. In addition, the coated separators exhibit exceptional stability, showing minimal degradation after more than 100 h of cycling. The low permeability translates into high coulombic efficiency in flow cell charge/discharge experiments performed at cycle times relevant for large-scale applications (5 h).
SIRT1 mediates obesity- and nutrient-dependent perturbation of pubertal timing by epigenetically controlling Kiss1 expression
Authors: Vazquez M. J. , Toro C. A. , Castellano J. M. , Ruiz-Pino F. , Roa J. , Beiroa D. , Heras V. , Velasco I. , Dieguez C. , Pinilla L. , Gaytan F. , Nogueiras R. , Bosch M. A. , Rønnekleiv O. K. , Lomniczi A. , Ojeda S. R. , Tena-Sempere M.
Published: October 2018

Puberty is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms and is highly sensitive to metabolic and nutritional cues. However, the epigenetic pathways mediating the effects of nutrition and obesity on pubertal timing are unknown. Here, we identify Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a fuel-sensing deacetylase, as a molecule that restrains female puberty via epigenetic repression of the puberty-activating gene, Kiss1. SIRT1 is expressed in hypothalamic Kiss1 neurons and suppresses Kiss1 expression. SIRT1 interacts with the Polycomb silencing complex to decrease Kiss1 promoter activity. As puberty approaches, SIRT1 is evicted from the Kiss1 promoter facilitating a repressive-to-permissive switch in chromatin landscape. Early-onset overnutrition accelerates these changes, enhances Kiss1 expression and advances puberty. In contrast, undernutrition raises SIRT1 levels, protracts Kiss1 repression and delays puberty. This delay is mimicked by central pharmacological activation of SIRT1 or SIRT1 overexpression, achieved via transgenesis or virogenetic targeting to the ARC. Our results identify SIRT1-mediated inhibition of Kiss1 as key epigenetic mechanism by which nutritional cues and obesity influence mammalian puberty.
Two high-risk susceptibility loci at 6p25.3 and 14q32.13 for Waldenström macroglobulinemia
Authors: McMaster Mary L. , Berndt Sonja I. , Zhang Jianqing , Slager Susan L. , Li Shengchao Alfred , Vajdic Claire M. , Smedby Karin E. , Yan Huihuang , Birmann Brenda M. , Brown Elizabeth E. , Smith Alex , Kleinstern Geffen , Fansler Mervin M. , Mayr Christine , Zhu Bin , Chung Charles C. , Park Ju-Hyun , Burdette Laurie , Hicks Belynda D. , Hutchinson Amy , Teras Lauren R. , Adami Hans-Olov , Bracci Paige M. , McKay James , Monnereau Alain , Link Brian K. , Vermeulen Roel C. H. , Ansell Stephen M. , Maria Ann , Diver W. Ryan , Melbye Mads , Ojesina Akinyemi I. , Kraft Peter , Boffetta Paolo , Clavel Jacqueline , Giovannucci Edward , Besson Caroline M. , Canzian Federico , Travis Ruth C. , Vineis Paolo , Weiderpass Elisabete , Montalvan Rebecca , Wang Zhaoming , Yeager Meredith , Becker Nikolaus , Benavente Yolanda , Brennan Paul , Foretova Lenka , Maynadie Marc , Nieters Alexandra , de Sanjose Silvia , Staines Anthony , Conde Lucia , Riby Jacques , Glimelius Bengt , Hjalgrim Henrik , Pradhan Nisha , Feldman Andrew L. , Novak Anne J. , Lawrence Charles , Bassig Bryan A. , Lan Qing , Zheng Tongzhang , North Kari E. , Tinker Lesley F. , Cozen Wendy , Severson Richard K. , Hofmann Jonathan N. , Zhang Yawei , Jackson Rebecca D. , Morton Lindsay M. , Purdue Mark P. , Chatterjee Nilanjan , Offit Kenneth , Cerhan James R. , Chanock Stephen J. , Rothman Nathaniel , Vijai Joseph , Goldin Lynn R. , Skibola Christine F. , Caporaso Neil E.
Published: October 2018

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM)/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) is a rare, chronic B-cell lymphoma with high heritability. We conduct a two-stage genome-wide association study of WM/LPL in 530 unrelated cases and 4362 controls of European ancestry and identify two high-risk loci associated with WM/LPL at 6p25.3 (rs116446171, near EXOC2 and IRF4; OR = 21.14, 95% CI: 14.40–31.03, P = 1.36 × 10−54) and 14q32.13 (rs117410836, near TCL1; OR = 4.90, 95% CI: 3.45–6.96, P = 8.75 × 10−19). Both risk alleles are observed at a low frequency among controls (~2–3%) and occur in excess in affected cases within families. In silico data suggest that rs116446171 may have functional importance, and in functional studies, we demonstrate increased reporter transcription and proliferation in cells transduced with the 6p25.3 risk allele. Although further studies are needed to fully elucidate underlying biological mechanisms, together these loci explain 4% of the familial risk and provide insights into genetic susceptibility to this malignancy.
Host-associated niche metabolism controls enteric infection through fine-tuning the regulation of type 3 secretion
Authors: Connolly James P. R. , Slater Sabrina L. , O’Boyle Nicky , Goldstone Robert J. , Crepin Valerie F. , Ruano-Gallego David , Herzyk Pawel , Smith David G. E. , Douce Gillian R. , Frankel Gad , Roe Andrew J.
Published: October 2018

Niche-adaptation of a bacterial pathogen hinges on the ability to recognize the complexity of signals from the environment and integrate that information with the regulation of genes critical for infection. Here we report the transcriptome of the attaching and effacing pathogen Citrobacter rodentium during infection of its natural murine host. Pathogen gene expression in vivo was heavily biased towards the virulence factor repertoire and was found to be co-ordinated uniquely in response to the host. Concordantly, we identified the host-specific induction of a metabolic pathway that overlapped with the regulation of virulence. The essential type 3 secretion system and an associated suite of distinct effectors were found to be modulated co-ordinately through a unique mechanism involving metabolism of microbiota-derived 1,2-propanediol, which dictated the ability to colonize the host effectively. This study provides novel insights into how host-specific metabolic adaptation acts as a cue to fine-tune virulence.
Relativistic and resonant effects in the ionization of heavy atoms by ultra-intense hard X-rays
Authors: Rudek Benedikt , Toyota Koudai , Foucar Lutz , Erk Benjamin , Boll Rebecca , Bomme Cédric , Correa Jonathan , Carron Sebastian , Boutet Sébastien , Williams Garth J. , Ferguson Ken R. , Alonso-Mori Roberto , Koglin Jason E. , Gorkhover Tais , Bucher Maximilian , Lehmann Carl Stefan , Krässig Bertold , Southworth Stephen H. , Young Linda , Bostedt Christoph , Ueda Kiyoshi , Marchenko Tatiana , Simon Marc , Jurek Zoltan , Santra Robin , Rudenko Artem , Son Sang-Kil , Rolles Daniel
Published: October 2018

An accurate description of the interaction of intense hard X-ray pulses with heavy atoms, which is crucial for many applications of free-electron lasers, represents a hitherto unresolved challenge for theory because of the enormous number of electronic configurations and relativistic effects, which need to be taken into account. Here we report results on multiple ionization of xenon atoms by ultra-intense (about 1019 W/cm2) femtosecond X-ray pulses at photon energies from 5.5 to 8.3 keV and present a theoretical model capable of reproducing the experimental data in the entire energy range. Our analysis shows that the interplay of resonant and relativistic effects results in strongly structured charge state distributions, which reflect resonant positions of relativistically shifted electronic levels of highly charged ions created during the X-ray pulse. The theoretical approach described here provides a basis for accurate modeling of radiation damage in hard X-ray imaging experiments on targets with high-Z constituents.
Mucins trigger dispersal of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms
Authors: Co Julia Y. , Cárcamo-Oyarce Gerardo , Billings Nicole , Wheeler Kelsey M. , Grindy Scott C. , Holten-Andersen Niels , Ribbeck Katharina
Published: October 2018

Mucus is a biological gel that lines all wet epithelia in the body, including the mouth, lungs, and digestive tract, and has evolved to protect the body from pathogenic infection. However, microbial pathogenesis is often studied in mucus-free environments that lack the geometric constraints and microbial interactions in physiological three-dimensional mucus gels. We developed fluid-flow and static test systems based on purified mucin polymers, the major gel-forming constituents of the mucus barrier, to understand how the mucus barrier influences bacterial virulence, particularly the integrity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, which can become resistant to immune clearance and antimicrobial agents. We found that mucins separate the cells in P. aeruginosa biofilms and disperse them into suspension. Other viscous polymer solutions did not match the biofilm disruption caused by mucins, suggesting that mucin-specific properties mediate the phenomenon. Cellular dispersion depended on functional flagella, indicating a role for swimming motility. Taken together, our observations support a model in which host mucins are key players in the regulation of microbial virulence. These mucins should be considered in studies of mucosal pathogenesis and during the development of novel strategies to treat biofilms.
Author Correction: Single compounds elicit complex behavioural responses in wild, free-ranging rats
Authors: Jackson Michael D. , Keyzers Robert A. , Linklater Wayne L.
Published: October 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Fabrication of buried nanostructures by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Ali Rizwan , Saleem Muhammad Rizwan , Roussey Matthieu , Turunen Jari , Honkanen Seppo
Published: October 2018

We present a method for fabricating buried nanostructures by growing a dielectric cover layer on a corrugated surface profile by atomic layer deposition of TiO2. Selecting appropriate process parameters, the conformal growth of TiO2 results in a smooth, nearly flat-top surface of the structure. Such a hard surface can be easily cleaned without damage, making the nanostructure reusable after contamination. The technique has wide applicability in resonance-domain diffractive optics and in realization of quasi-planar metamaterials. We discuss design issues of such optical elements and demonstrate the method by fabricating narrow-band spectral filters based on the guided-mode resonance effect. These elements have strong potential for, e.g., sensing applications in harsh conditions.
Deciphering molecular details in the assembly of alpha-type carboxysome
Authors: Liu Yilan , He Xinyuan , Lim Weiping , Mueller Joshua , Lawrie Justin , Kramer Levi , Guo Jiantao , Niu Wei
Published: October 2018

Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are promising natural protein structures for applications that require the segregation of certain metabolic functions or molecular species in a defined microenvironment. To understand how endogenous cargos are packaged inside the protein shell is key for using BMCs as nano-scale reactors or delivery vesicles. In this report, we studied the encapsulation of RuBisCO into the α-type carboxysome from Halothiobacillus neapolitan. Our experimental data revealed that the CsoS2 scaffold proteins engage RuBisCO enzyme through an interaction with the small subunit (CbbS). In addition, the N domain of the large subunit (CbbL) of RuBisCO interacts with all shell proteins that can form the hexamers. The binding affinity between the N domain of CbbL and one of the major shell proteins, CsoS1C, is within the submicromolar range. The absence of the N domain also prevented the encapsulation of the rest of the RuBisCO subunits. Our findings complete the picture of how RuBisCOs are encapsulated into the α-type carboxysome and provide insights for future studies and engineering of carboxysome as a protein shell.
The impact of frequent napping and nap practice on sleep-dependent memory in humans
Authors: McDevitt Elizabeth A. , Sattari Negin , Duggan Katherine A. , Cellini Nicola , Whitehurst Lauren N. , Perera Chalani , Reihanabad Nicholas , Granados Samantha , Hernandez Lexus , Mednick Sara C.
Published: October 2018

Napping benefits long-term memory formation and is a tool many individuals use to improve daytime functioning. Despite its potential advantages, approximately 47% of people in the United States eschew napping. The goal of this study was to determine whether people who endorse napping at least once a week (nap+) show differences in nap outcomes, including nap-dependent memory consolidation, compared with people who rarely or never nap (nap−). Additionally, we tested whether four weeks of nap practice or restriction would change sleep and performance profiles. Using a perceptual learning task, we found that napping enhanced performance to a greater degree in nap+ compared with nap− individuals (at baseline). Additionally, performance change was associated with different electrophysiological sleep features in each group. In the nap+ group, spindle density was positively correlated with performance improvement, an effect specific to spindles in the hemisphere contralateral to the trained visual field. In the nap− group, slow oscillatory power (0.5–1 Hz) was correlated with performance. Surprisingly, no changes to performance or brain activity during sleep emerged after four weeks of nap practice or restriction. These results suggest that individual differences may impact the potential benefits of napping on performance and the ability to become a better napper.
GOGO: An improved algorithm to measure the semantic similarity between gene ontology terms
Authors: Zhao Chenguang , Wang Zheng
Published: October 2018

Measuring the semantic similarity between Gene Ontology (GO) terms is an essential step in functional bioinformatics research. We implemented a software named GOGO for calculating the semantic similarity between GO terms. GOGO has the advantages of both information-content-based and hybrid methods, such as Resnik’s and Wang’s methods. Moreover, GOGO is relatively fast and does not need to calculate information content (IC) from a large gene annotation corpus but still has the advantage of using IC. This is achieved by considering the number of children nodes in the GO directed acyclic graphs when calculating the semantic contribution of an ancestor node giving to its descendent nodes. GOGO can calculate functional similarities between genes and then cluster genes based on their functional similarities. Evaluations performed on multiple pathways retrieved from the saccharomyces genome database (SGD) show that GOGO can accurately and robustly cluster genes based on functional similarities. We release GOGO as a web server and also as a stand-alone tool, which allows convenient execution of the tool for a small number of GO terms or integration of the tool into bioinformatics pipelines for large-scale calculations. GOGO can be freely accessed or downloaded from http://dna.cs.miami.edu/GOGO/.
Intravesical Mycobacterium brumae triggers both local and systemic immunotherapeutic responses against bladder cancer in mice
Authors: Noguera-Ortega Estela , Rabanal Rosa M. , Gómez-Mora Elisabet , Cabrera Cecilia , Luquin Marina , Julián Esther
Published: October 2018

The standard treatment for high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (BC) is the intravesical administration of liveMycobacterium bovisBCG. Previous studies suggest improving this therapy by implementing non-pathogenic mycobacteria, such asMycobacterium brumae, and/or different vehicles for mycobacteria delivery, such as an olive oil (OO)-in-water emulsion. While it has been established that BCG treatment activates the immune system, the immune effects of altering the mycobacterium and/or the preparation remain unknown. In an orthotopic murine BC model, local immune responses were assessed by measuring immune cells into the bladder and macromolecules in the urine by flow cytometry and multiplexing, respectively. Systemic immune responses were analyzed by quantifying sera anti-mycobacteria antibody levels and recall responses ofex vivosplenocytes cultured with mycobacteria antigens. In both BCG- andM. brumae-treated mice, T, NK, and NKT cell infiltration in the bladder was significantly increased. Notably, T cell infiltration was enhanced in OO-in-water emulsified mycobacteria-treated mice, and urine IL-6 and KC concentrations were elevated. Furthermore, mycobacteria treatment augmented IgG antibody production and splenocyte proliferation, especially in mice receiving OO-in-water emulsified mycobacteria. Our data demonstrate that intravesical mycobacterial treatment triggers local and systemic immune responses, which are most significant when OO-in-water emulsified mycobacteria are used.
Inactive matrix Gla protein is a novel circulating biomarker predicting retinal arteriolar narrowing in humans
Authors: Wei Fang-Fei , Huang Qi-Fang , Zhang Zhen-Yu , Van Keer Karel , Thijs Lutgarde , Trenson Sander , Yang Wen-Yi , Cauwenberghs Nicholas , Mujaj Blerim , Kuznetsova Tatiana , Allegaert Karel , Struijker-Boudier Harry A. J. , Verhamme Peter , Vermeer Cees , Staessen Jan A.
Published: October 2018

Active matrix Gla protein (MGP), a potent inhibitor of calcification in large arteries, protects against macrovascular complications. Recent studies suggested that active MGP helps maintaining the integrity of the renal and myocardial microcirculation, but its role in preserving the retinal microcirculation remains unknown. In 935 randomly recruited Flemish participants (mean age, 40.9 years; 50.3% women), we measured plasma desphospho-uncarboxylated MGP (dp–ucMGP), a marker of poor vitamin K status using an ELISA-based assay at baseline (1996–2010) and retinal microvascular diameters using IVAN software (Vasculomatic ala Nicola, version 1.1) including the central retinal arteriolar (CRAE) and venular (CRVE) equivalent and the arteriole-to-venule ratio (AVR) at follow-up (2008–2015). CRAE (P = 0.005) and AVR (P = 0.080) at follow-up decreased across tertiles of the dp–ucMGP distribution. In unadjusted models, for a doubling of dp–ucMGP at baseline, CRAE and AVR at follow-up respectively decreased by 1.40 µm (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32 to 2.48; P = 0.011) and 0.006 (CI, 0.001 to 0.011; P = 0.016). In multivariable-adjusted models accounting for sex, baseline characteristics and follow-up duration, these estimates were −1.03 µm (CI, −1.96 to −0.11; P = 0.028) and −0.007 (CI, −0.011 to −0.002; P = 0.007). Additional adjustment for changes from baseline to follow-up in major baseline characteristics yielded as estimates −0.91 µm (CI, −1.82 to −0.01; P = 0.048) and −0.006 (95% CI, −0.011 to −0.001; P = 0.014), respectively. Circulating inactive dp–ucMGP is a long-term predictor of smaller retinal arteriolar diameter in the general population. Our observations highlight the possibility that vitamin K supplementation might promote retinal health.
Uni- and triaxial accelerometric signals agree during daily routine, but show differences between sports
Authors: Smith Maia P. , Horsch Alexander , Standl Marie , Heinrich Joachim , Schulz Holger
Published: October 2018

Accelerometers objectively monitor physical activity, and ongoing research suggests they can also detect patterns of body movement. However, different types of signal (uniaxial, captured by older studies, vs. the newer triaxial) and or/device (validated Actigraph used by older studies, vs. others) may lead to incomparability of results from different time periods. Standardization is desirable. We establish whether uniaxial signals adequately monitor routine activity, and whether triaxial accelerometry can detect sport-specific variations in movement pattern. 1402 adolescents wore triaxial Actigraphs (GT3X) for one week and diaried sport. Uni- and triaxial counts per minute were compared across the week and between over 30 different sports. Across the whole recording period 95% of variance in triaxial counts was explained by the vertical axis (5th percentile for R2, 91%). Sport made up a small fraction of daily routine, but differences were visible: even when total acceleration was comparable, little was vertical in horizontal movements, such as ice skating (uniaxial counts 41% of triaxial) compared to complex movements (taekwondo, 55%) or ambulation (soccer, 69%). Triaxial accelerometry captured differences in movement pattern between sports, but so little time was spent in sport that, across the whole day, uni- and triaxial signals correlated closely. This indicates that, with certain limitations, uniaxial accelerometric measures of routine activity from older studies can be feasibly compared to triaxial measures from newer studies. Comparison of new studies based on raw accelerations to older studies based on proprietary devices and measures (epochs, counts) will require additional efforts which are not addressed in this paper.
13C Pyruvate Transport Across the Blood-Brain Barrier in Preclinical Hyperpolarised MRI
Authors: Miller Jack J. , Grist James T. , Serres Sébastien , Larkin James R. , Lau Angus Z. , Ray Kevin , Fisher Katherine R. , Hansen Esben , Tougaard Rasmus Stilling , Nielsen Per Mose , Lindhardt Jakob , Laustsen Christoffer , Gallagher Ferdia A. , Tyler Damian J. , Sibson Nicola
Published: October 2018

Hyperpolarised MRI with Dynamic Nuclear Polarisation overcomes the fundamental thermodynamic limitations of conventional magnetic resonance, and is translating to human studies with several early-phase clinical trials in progress including early reports that demonstrate the utility of the technique to observe lactate production in human brain cancer patients. Owing to the fundamental coupling of metabolism and tissue function, metabolic neuroimaging with hyperpolarised [1-13C]pyruvate has the potential to be revolutionary in numerous neurological disorders (e.g. brain tumour, ischemic stroke, and multiple sclerosis). Through the use of [1-13C]pyruvate and ethyl-[1-13C]pyruvate in naïve brain, a rodent model of metastasis to the brain, or porcine brain subjected to mannitol osmotic shock, we show that pyruvate transport across the blood-brain barrier of anaesthetised animals is rate-limiting. We show through use of a well-characterised rat model of brain metastasis that the appearance of hyperpolarized [1-13C]lactate production corresponds to the point of blood-brain barrier breakdown in the disease. With the more lipophilic ethyl-[1-13C]pyruvate, we observe pyruvate production endogenously throughout the entire brain and lactate production only in the region of disease. In thein vivoporcine brain we show that mannitol shock permeabilises the blood-brain barrier sufficiently for a dramatic 90-fold increase in pyruvate transport and conversion to lactate in the brain, which is otherwise not resolvable. This suggests that earlier reports of whole-brain metabolism in anaesthetised animals may be confounded by partial volume effects and not informative enough for translational studies. Issues relating to pyruvate transport and partial volume effects must therefore be considered in pre-clinical studies investigating neuro-metabolism in anaesthetised animals, and we additionally note that these same techniques may provide a distinct biomarker of blood-brain barrier permeability in future studies.
Revealing particle-scale powder spreading dynamics in powder-bed-based additive manufacturing process by high-speed x-ray imaging
Authors: Escano Luis I. , Parab Niranjan D. , Xiong Lianghua , Guo Qilin , Zhao Cang , Fezzaa Kamel , Everhart Wes , Sun Tao , Chen Lianyi
Published: October 2018

Powder spreading is a key step in the powder-bed-based additive manufacturing process, which determines the quality of the powder bed and, consequently, affects the quality of the manufactured part. However, powder spreading behavior under additive manufacturing condition is still not clear, largely because of the lack of particle-scale experimental study. Here, we studied particle-scale powder dynamics during the powder spreading process by using in-situ high-speed high-energy x-ray imaging. Evolution of the repose angle, slope surface speed, slope surface roughness, and the dynamics of powder clusters at the powder front were revealed and quantified. Interactions of the individual metal powders, with boundaries (substrate and container wall), were characterized, and coefficients of friction between the powders and boundaries were calculated. The effects of particle size on powder flow dynamics were revealed. The particle-scale powder spreading dynamics, reported here, are important for a thorough understanding of powder spreading behavior in the powder-bed-based additive manufacturing process, and are critical to the development and validation of models that can more accurately predict powder spreading behavior.
TRSP is dispensable for the Plasmodium pre-erythrocytic phase
Authors: Costa David Mendes , Sá Mónica , Teixeira Ana Rafaela , Loureiro Inês , Thouvenot Catherine , Golba Sylvain , Amino Rogerio , Tavares Joana
Published: October 2018

Plasmodium sporozoites deposited in the skin following a mosquito bite must migrate and invade blood vessels to complete their development in the liver. Once in the bloodstream, sporozoites arrest in the liver sinusoids, but the molecular determinants that mediate this specific homing are not yet genetically defined. Here we investigate the involvement of the thrombospondin-related sporozoite protein (TRSP) in this process using knockout Plasmodium berghei parasites and in vivo bioluminescence imaging in mice. Resorting to a homing assay, trsp knockout sporozoites were found to arrest in the liver similar to control parasites. Moreover, we found no defects in the establishment of infection in mice following inoculation of trsp knockout sporozoites via intravenous and cutaneous injection or mosquito bite. Accordingly, mutant sporozoites were also able to successfully invade hepatocytes in vitro. Altogether, these results suggest TRSP may have a redundant role in the completion of the pre-erythrocytic phase of the malaria parasite. Nonetheless, identifying molecules with paramount roles in this phase could aid in the search for new antigens needed for the design of a protective vaccine against malaria.
Volatiles from Aquilaria sinensis damaged by Heortia vitessoides larvae deter the conspecific gravid adults and attract its predator Cantheconidea concinna
Authors: Qiao Haili , Lu Pengfei , Liu Sai , Xu Changqing , Guo Kun , Xu Rong , Chen Jun
Published: October 2018

The effects of induced plant responses on herbivores are categorised as direct, by reducing herbivore development, or indirect, by affecting the performance of natural enemies. Here, we investigated a tritrophic system, which included the herbivore Heortia vitessoides, its host plant Aquilaria sinensis, and its predator Cantheconidea concinna. Herbivore-damaged A. sinensis plants released significantly greater amounts of volatiles than undamaged and mechanically damaged plants, with an obvious temporal trend. One day after initial herbivore damage, A. sinensis plants released large amounts of volatile compounds. Volatile compounds release gradually decreased over the next 3 d. The composition and relative concentrations of the electroantennographic detection (EAD)-active compounds, emitted after herbivore damage, varied significantly over the 4-d measurement period. In wind tunnel bioassays, mated H. vitessoides females showed a preference for undamaged plants over herbivore and mechanically damaged A. sinensis plants. In Y-tube bioassays, C. concinna preferred odours from herbivore-damaged plants to those from undamaged plants, especially after the early stages of insect attack. Our results indicate that the herbivore-induced compounds produced in response to attack by H. vitessoides larvae on A. sinensis plants could be used by both the herbivores themselves and their natural enemies to locate suitable host plants and prey, respectively.
Expression analysis of Cell wall invertase under abiotic stress conditions influencing specialized metabolism in Catharanthus roseus
Authors: Nishanth M. J. , Sheshadri S. A. , Rathore Sudarshan Singh , Srinidhi S. , Simon Bindu
Published: October 2018

Catharanthus roseus is a commercial source for anti-cancer terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs: vincristine and vinblastine). Inherent levels of these TIAs are very low, hence research studies need to focus on enhancing their levels in planta. Since primary metabolism provides precursors for specialized-metabolism, elevating the former can achieve higher amounts of the latter. Cell Wall Invertase (CWIN), a key enzyme in sucrose-metabolism catalyses the breakdown of sucrose into glucose and fructose, which serve as carbon-skeleton for specialized-metabolites. Understanding CWIN regulation could unravel metabolic-engineering approaches towards enhancing the levels of TIAs in planta. Our study is the first to characterize CWIN at gene-expression level in the medicinal plant, C. roseus. The CWINs and their inter-relationship with sucrose and TIA metabolism was studied at gene and metabolite levels. It was found that sucrose-supplementation to C. roseus leaves significantly elevated the monomeric TIAs (vindoline, catharanthine) and their corresponding genes. This was further confirmed in cross-species, wherein Nicotiana benthamiana leaves transiently-overexpressing CrCWIN2 showed significant upregulation of specialized-metabolism genes: NbPAL2, Nb4CL, NbCHS, NbF3H, NbANS, NbHCT and NbG10H. The specialized metabolites- cinnamic acid, coumarin, and fisetin were significantly upregulated. Thus, the present study provides a valuable insight into metabolic-engineering approaches towards augmenting the levels of therapeutic TIAs.
Trypsinogen isoforms in the ferret pancreas
Authors: Hegyi Eszter , Sahin-Tóth Miklós
Published: October 2018

The domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) recently emerged as a novel model for human pancreatic diseases. To investigate whether the ferret would be appropriate to study hereditary pancreatitis associated with increased trypsinogen autoactivation, we purified and cloned the trypsinogen isoforms from the ferret pancreas and studied their functional properties. We found two highly expressed isoforms, anionic and cationic trypsinogen. When compared to human cationic trypsinogen (PRSS1), ferret anionic trypsinogen autoactivated only in the presence of high calcium concentrations but not in millimolar calcium, which prevails in the secretory pathway. Ferret cationic trypsinogen was completely defective in autoactivation under all conditions tested. However, both isoforms were readily activated by enteropeptidase and cathepsin B. We conclude that ferret trypsinogens do not autoactivate as their human paralogs and cannot be used to model the effects of trypsinogen mutations associated with human hereditary pancreatitis. Intra-pancreatic trypsinogen activation by cathepsin B can occur in ferrets, which might trigger pancreatitis even in the absence of trypsinogen autoactivation.
High extinction ratio super pixel for long wavelength infrared polarization imaging detection based on plasmonic microcavity quantum well infrared photodetectors
Authors: Zhou Yu Wei , Li Zhi Feng , Zhou Jing , Li Ning , Zhou Xiao Hao , Chen Ping Ping , Zheng Yuan Liao , Chen Xiao Shuang , Lu Wei
Published: October 2018

Polarization imaging detection has its unique advantage in discriminating the man-made objects from natural objects. Grating integrated super pixel for polarization imaging detection can simultaneously obtain the first three elements of the Stokes vector, which is the trend of infrared polarization imaging detection in recent years. Here, we demonstrate the first super pixel for long wavelength infrared polarization imaging detection with the extinction ratio of its four polarization directions more than 100. The measured highest polarization extinction ratio is as high as 136, which is the highest reported value of long wavelength infrared polarization imaging detection super pixel. The mechanism is attributed to the excellent mode selectivity of plasmonic microcavity according to the results of three-dimensional theoretical simulation. The experimental responses of the super pixel with four polarization directions are in good agreement with the Malus’ Law. In addition, the super pixel can accurately resolve the Stokes parameters at the same time. It is expected to develop the super pixel into a new generation of practical high-polarization-discriminating long wavelength infrared focal plane array.
Structural Analysis of an Epitope Candidate of Triosephosphate Isomerase in Opisthorchis viverrini
Authors: Son Jonghyeon , Kim Sulhee , Kim So Eun , Lee Haemin , Lee Myoung-Ro , Hwang Kwang Yeon
Published: October 2018

Opisthorchis viverrini, a parasitic trematode, was recategorized as a group 1 biological carcinogen because it causes opisthorchiasis, which may result in cholangiocarcinoma. A new strategy for controlling opisthorchiasis is needed because of issues such as drug resistance and reinfection. Triosephosphate isomerase (TIM), a key enzyme in energy metabolism, is regarded as a potential drug target and vaccine candidate against various pathogens. Here, we determined the crystal structures of wild-type and 3 variants of TIMs fromO. viverrini(OvTIM) at high resolution. The unique tripeptide of parasite trematodes, the SAD motif, was located on the surface of OvTIM and contributed to forming a 310-helix of the following loop in a sequence-independent manner. Through thermal stability and structural analyses of OvTIM variants, we found that the SAD motif induced local structural alterations of the surface and was involved in the overall stability of OvTIM in a complementary manner with another parasite-specific residue, N115. Comparison of the surface characteristics between OvTIM andHomo sapiensTIM (HsTIM) and structure-based epitope prediction suggested that the SAD motif functions as an epitope.
Oxaliplatin induces pH acidification in dorsal root ganglia neurons
Authors: Riva Beatrice , Dionisi Marianna , Potenzieri Alberto , Chiorazzi Alessia , Cordero-Sanchez Celia , Rigolio Roberta , Carozzi Valentina Alda , Lim Dmitry , Cavaletti Guido , Marmiroli Paola , Distasi Carla , Genazzani Armando A.
Published: October 2018

Oxaliplatin induced peripheral neurotoxicity is characterized by an acute cold-induced syndrome characterized by cramps, paresthesias/dysesthesias in the distal limbs and perioral region, that develops rapidly and lasts up to one week affecting nearly all the patients as well as by long-lasting symptoms. It has been previously shown that pharmacological or genetic ablation of TRPA1 responses reduces oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neurotoxicity in mouse models. In the present report, we show that treatment with concentrations of oxaliplatin similar to those found in plasma of treated patients leads to an acidification of the cytosol of mouse dorsal root ganglia neurons in culture and this in turn is responsible for sensitization of TRPA1 channels, thereby providing a mechanistic explanation to toxicity of oxaliplatin. Reversal of the acidification indeed leads to a significantly reduced activity of TRPA1 channels. Last, acidification occurs also in vivo after a single injection of therapeutically-relevant doses of oxaliplatin.
A Reversible Rocksalt to Amorphous Phase Transition Involving Anion Redox
Authors: Sakuda Atsushi , Ohara Koji , Kawaguchi Tomoya , Fukuda Katsutoshi , Nakanishi Koji , Arai Hajime , Uchimoto Yoshiharu , Ohta Toshiaki , Matsubara Eiichiro , Ogumi Zempachi , Kuratani Kentaro , Kobayashi Hironori , Shikano Masahiro , Takeuchi Tomonari , Sakaebe Hikari
Published: October 2018

The charge-discharge capacity of lithium secondary batteries is dependent on how many lithium ions can be reversibly extracted from (charge) and inserted into (discharge) the electrode active materials. In contrast, large structural changes during charging/discharging are unavoidable for electrode materials with large capacities, and thus there is great demand for developing materials with reversible structures. Herein, we demonstrate a reversible rocksalt to amorphous phase transition involving anion redox in a Li2TiS3 electrode active material with NaCl-type structure. We revealed that the lithium extraction during charging involves a change in site of the sulfur atom and the formation of S−S disulfide bonds, leading to a decrease in the crystallinity. Our results show great promise for the development of long-life lithium insertion/extraction materials, because the structural change clarified here is somewhat similar to that of optical phase-change materials used in DVD-RW discs, which exhibit excellent reversibility of the transition between crystalline and amorphous phase.
Current noninvasive liver reserve models do not predict histological fibrosis severity in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ho Shu-Yein , Liu Po-Hong , Hsu Chia-Yang , Hsia Cheng-Yuan , Su Chien-Wei , He Yi-Jhen , Lee Yun-Hsuan , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Hou Ming-Chih , Huo Teh-Ia
Published: October 2018

The Ishak scoring system has been used to stage liver fibrosis. Ten noninvasive liver reserve models were proposed to assess the severity of liver fibrosis, but their performance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between these models and severity of fibrosis in patients with HCC. A total 464 patients with HCC undergoing surgical resection were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent factors associated with advanced fibrosis (Ishak score 4 or higher). There were no significant correlations between all noninvasive models and severity of fibrosis in HCC (p for trend all >0.1). In subgroup analysis, cirrhosis discriminant index (CDS) and Lok’s index in hepatitis B-, and fibrosis index based on 4 factors (FIB-4), CDS and Lok’s index in hepatitis C-associated HCC, best correlated with the severity of liver fibrosis. Low platelet count, prolonged prothrombin time, hepatitis C and multiple tumors were independently associated with advanced fibrosis. Among the 10 models, CDS was the best model to predict cirrhosis. Currently used noninvasive liver reserve models do not well correlate with severity of histological fibrosis in HCC. New noninvasive models are required to improve the predictive accuracy of liver fibrosis in HCC.
Facile synthesis, biofilm disruption properties and biocompatibility study of a poly-cationic peptide functionalized graphene–silver nanocomposite
Authors: Parandhaman Thanusu , Das Sujoy K.
Published: October 2018

Safe-by-design synthesis of a poly-cationic functionalized graphene–silver nanocomposite as a novel eco-benign antibacterial, biofilm inhibiting and disrupting agent.
DFT exploration of active site motifs in methane hydroxylation by Ni-ZSM-5 zeolite
Authors: Mahyuddin Muhammad Haris , Yoshizawa Kazunari
Published: October 2018

DFT calculations suggest [Ni2(μ-O)2]2+ and [Ni3(μ-O)3]2+ species as two possible active sites in methane hydroxylation by Ni-ZSM-5 zeolite. Both of them are predicted to activate methane and desorb the formed methanol with low activation and desorption energies.
Formaldehyde–isobutene Prins condensation over MFI-type zeolites
Authors: Vasiliadou Efterpi S. , Li Sha , Caratzoulas Stavros , Lobo Raul F.
Published: October 2018

H-ZSM-5 was identified as the most efficient catalyst for the liquid phase Prins condensation of formaldehyde with isobutene to 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol and subsequently isoprene.
Donor-stabilised molecular Mg/Al-bimetallic hydrides
Authors: Stuhl Christoph , Katzenmayer Markus M. , Maichle-Mössmer Cäcilia , Anwander Reiner
Published: October 2018

Low-molecular organometallic hydride complexes of the type [(do)xMg{(μ2-H)(AlMe3)}2] form in ethereal solvents and display inherent reactivity of existing magnesium hydrido bonding.
Copper(ii) complexes for cysteine detection using 19F magnetic resonance
Authors: Enriquez José S. , Yu Meng , Bouley Bailey S. , Xie Da , Que Emily L.
Published: October 2018

Fluorinated Cu(ii) complexes react with cysteine and display a turn-on response by both 19F NMR and MRI.
Non-target mass spectrometry analysis of NDMA precursors in advanced treatment for potable reuse
Authors: Roback Shannon L. , Ferrer Imma , Thurman E. Michael , Ishida Kenneth P. , Plumlee Megan H. , Poustie Andrew , Westerhoff Paul , Hanigan David
Published: October 2018

Non-target high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to track the occurrence and removal of NDMA precursors during advanced treatment for reuse.
Effects of different methionine levels on offspring piglets during late gestation and lactation
Authors: Azad Md. Abul Kalam , Bin Peng , Liu Gang , Fang Jun , Li Tiejun , Yin Yulong
Published: October 2018

Maternal dietary supplementation during gestation and lactation improves the health of piglets.
Explorative investigation of the anti-glycative effect of a rapeseed by-product extract
Authors: Navarro Marta , de Falco Bruna , Morales Francisco J. , Daliani Despoina , Fiore Alberto
Published: October 2018

A high potential use of rapeseed cake extracts in the treatment against AGE formation. Rapeseed cake extract could be considered a suitable candidate for the prevention of glycation-associated complications of age-related pathologies.