bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive ability and risk of death from lower respiratory tract infection: findings from UK Biobank
Authors: Gale Catharine R. , Deary Ian J. , Batty G. David 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDementia increases the risk of lower respiratory tract infection, but it is unclear whether risk varies across the normal range of cognitive ability. People with higher cognitive ability tend to behave in a healthier fashion as regards risk factors for lower respiratory tract infection and there is evidence that they have a lower risk of dying from respiratory disease as a whole. We therefore investigated the relationship between cognitive ability and mortality from lower respiratory tract infection. Participants were 434,413 people from UK Biobank (54% female). Cognitive ability was measured using tests of reaction time and reasoning. Data on deaths from lower respiratory infection were obtained from death certificates. Over a mean follow-up period of 6.99 years, 1,282 people died of lower respiratory infection. Mortality from lower respiratory tract infection fell as cognitive ability increased. For a standard deviation faster reaction time, the age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) was 0.80 (0.76, 0.83) and the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio was 0.87 (0.83, 0.91). There were similar though weaker associations when cognitive ability was assessed using a reasoning test. These findings suggest that variation across the normal range of cognitive ability increase risk of dying from lower respiratory tract infection.
Unsupervised feature extraction of anterior chamber OCT images for ordering and classification
Authors: Amil Pablo , González Laura , Arrondo Elena , Salinas Cecilia , Guell J. L. , Masoller Cristina , Parlitz Ulrich 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe propose an image processing method for ordering anterior chamber optical coherence tomography (OCT) images in a fully unsupervised manner. The method consists of three steps: Firstly we preprocess the images (filtering the noise, aligning and normalizing the resolution); secondly, a distance measure between images is computed for every pair of images; thirdly we apply a machine learning algorithm that exploits the distance measure to order the images in a two-dimensional plane. The method is applied to a large (~1000) database of anterior chamber OCT images of healthy subjects and patients with angle-closure and the resulting unsupervised ordering and classification is validated by two ophthalmologists.
Water Resources Utilization and Protection in the Coal Mining Area of Northern China
Authors: Dong Shuning , Xu Bin , Yin Shangxian , Han Yong , Zhang Xiaodong , Dai Zhenxue 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study investigates multiple types of water resources in the western mining area in China, their supply-demand balance by using the same dimension gray recurrence dynamic model GM (1, 1), and water content coefficients of mines to ease water supply-demand contradiction. A multi-objective programming model is proposed for optimal water resources allocation management. Optimal technical schemes for water resources allocation among different users are obtained. The optimization model improves upon the previous studies by using water demand and water supply forecast. Coordinated development for mining safety, mine water utilization, and remediation and control of water environment is achieved.
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition is mediated by both TGF-β canonical and non-canonical signaling during axolotl limb regeneration
Authors: Sader Fadi , Denis Jean-François , Laref Hamza , Roy Stéphane 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAxolotls have the amazing ability to regenerate. When compared to humans, axolotls display a very fast wound closure, no scarring and are capable to replace lost appendages perfectly. Understanding the signaling mechanism leading to this perfect healing is a key step to help develop regenerative treatments for humans. In this paper, we studied cellular pathways leading to axolotl limb regeneration. We focus on the wound closure phase where keratinocytes migrate to close the lesion site and how epithelial to mesenchymal transitions are involved in this process. We observe a correlation between wound closure and EMT marker expression. Functional analyses using pharmacological inhibitors showed that the TGF-β/SMAD (canonical) and the TGF-β/p38/JNK (non-canonical) pathways play a role in the rate to which the keratinocytes can migrate. When we treat the animals with a combination of inhibitors blocking both canonical and non-canonical TGF-β pathways, it greatly reduced the rate of wound closure and had significant effects on certain known EMT genes.
Ghrelin protects against contact dermatitis and psoriasiform skin inflammation by antagonizing TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathways
Authors: Qu Ruize , Chen Xiaomin , Hu Jing , Fu Yufeng , Peng Jiangfan , Li Yuhua , Chen Jingxi , Li Peng , Liu Long , Cao Jiankang , Wang Wenhan , Qiu Cheng , Guo Linlin , Vasilev Krasimir , Chen Jianying , Zhou Gengyin , Li Weiwei , Zhao Yunpeng 
Published: February 2019

AbstractContact dermatitis and psoriasis are skin disorders caused by immune dysregulation, yet much remains unknown about their underlying mechanisms. Ghrelin, a recently discovered novel peptide and potential endogenous anti-inflammatory factor expressed in the epidermis, is involved in skin repair and disease. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern and therapeutic effect of ghrelin in both contact dermatitis and psoriasis mouse models induced by oxazolone (OXA) and imiquimod (IMQ), respectively, and in TNF-α-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, NHEKs and skin fibroblasts. Ghrelin expression was reduced in both the OXA-induced contact dermatitis and IMQ-induced psoriasis mouse models. Furthermore, treatment with ghrelin attenuated skin inflammation in both the contact dermatitis and psoriasis mouse models. Mice administered PBS after OXA- or IMQ-induced model generation exhibited typical skin inflammation, whereas ghrelin treatment in these mouse models substantially decreased the dermatitis phenotype. In addition, exogenous ghrelin attenuated the inflammatory reaction induced by TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, ghrelin administration limited activation of NF-κB signaling. In summary, ghrelin may represent a potential molecular target for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory skin diseases, including contact dermatitis and psoriasis.
ElectroMap: High-throughput open-source software for analysis and mapping of cardiac electrophysiology
Authors: O’Shea Christopher , Holmes Andrew P. , Yu Ting Y. , Winter James , Wells Simon P. , Correia Joao , Boukens Bastiaan J. , De Groot Joris R. , Chu Gavin S. , Li Xin , Ng G. Andre , Kirchhof Paulus , Fabritz Larissa , Rajpoot Kashif , Pavlovic Davor 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe ability to record and analyse electrical behaviour across the heart using optical and electrode mapping has revolutionised cardiac research. However, wider uptake of these technologies is constrained by the lack of multi-functional and robustly characterised analysis and mapping software. We present ElectroMap, an adaptable, high-throughput, open-source software for processing, analysis and mapping of complex electrophysiology datasets from diverse experimental models and acquisition modalities. Key innovation is development of standalone module for quantification of conduction velocity, employing multiple methodologies, currently not widely available to researchers. ElectroMap has also been designed to support multiple methodologies for accurate calculation of activation, repolarisation, arrhythmia detection, calcium handling and beat-to-beat heterogeneity. ElectroMap implements automated signal segmentation, ensemble averaging and integrates optogenetic approaches. Here we employ ElectroMap for analysis, mapping and detection of pro-arrhythmic phenomena in silico, in cellulo, animal model and in vivo patient datasets. We anticipate that ElectroMap will accelerate innovative cardiac research and enhance the uptake, application and interpretation of mapping technologies leading to novel approaches for arrhythmia prevention.
U-Th dated speleothem recorded geomagnetic excursions in the Lower Brunhes
Authors: Pozzi Jean-Pierre , Rousseau Louis , Falguères Christophe , Mahieux Geoffroy , Deschamps Pierre , Shao Qingfeng , Kachi Djemâa , Bahain Jean-Jacques , Tozzi Carlo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe study of geomagnetic excursions is key for understanding the behavior of the magnetic field of the Earth. In this paper, we present the geomagnetic record in a 2.29-m-long continuous core sampled in a flowstone in Liguria (Italy) and dated to the Lower Brunhes. The cored flowstone developed from Marine Isotopic Stage (MIS) 13 to MIS 7, according to 21 U-series dates. The mean growth rate is closely related to glacial and interglacial isotopic stages. Magnetic remanence was measured using u-channel and deconvolved. Four geomagnetic excursions were recorded at the same location, in a single flowstone, during interglacial MIS 11 and 13; Basura 1, 2, 3 and 4, at depths of 213 cm, 181, 160 and 92 cm, respectively. Due to the uncertainties of U-Th dating, the timing of the three events, namely Basura 1, 2 and 3 overlaps. The Basura 4 is well-dated to 417 + −7/8 ka and is clearly distinguishable from the others. It should therefore be considered as a possible excursion.
Enzyme Induced Biocementated Sand with High Strength at Low Carbonate Content
Authors: Almajed Abdullah , Tirkolaei Hamed Khodadadi , Kavazanjian Edward , Hamdan Nasser 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSpecimens of silica sand treated via enzyme induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) showed surprisingly high strength at a relatively low carbonate content when non-fat powdered milk was included in the treatment solution. EICP is a biologically-based soil improvement technique that uses free urease enzyme to catalyze the hydrolysis of urea in an aqueous solution, producing carbonate ions and alkalinity that in the presence of calcium cations leads to precipitation of calcium carbonate. The strength achieved at less than 1.4% carbonate content via a single cycle of treatment was unprecedented compared to results reported in the literature from both EICP and microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP). Scanning electron microscope images show that in the specimens treated with the solution containing powdered milk the carbonate precipitate was concentrated at interparticle contacts. The impact of these results include reductions in the concentration of substrate and enzyme required to achieve a target compressive strength, reduction in the undesirable ammonium chloride by-product, and, depending on the desired strength, reduction in the number of cycles of EICP treatment. These advantages enhance the potential for development of a sustainable method of soil improvement via hydrolysis of urea.
Short-term response of the soil bacterial community to differing wildfire severity in Pinus tabulaeformis stands
Authors: Li Weike , Niu Shukui , Liu Xiaodong , Wang Jianming 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn recent years, the investigation of fire disturbance of microbial communities has gained growing attention. However, how the bacterial community varies in response to different severities of fire at different soil depths is largely unknown. We utilized Illumina MiSeq sequencing to illustrate the changing patterns of the soil bacterial community following low-, moderate- and high-severity wildfire in the topsoil (0–10 cm) and subsoil (10–20 cm), 6 months after the fire. Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia and Chloroflexi were the dominant phyla among all samples. Bacterial alpha diversity (i.e. Shannon and Simpson indices) in the topsoil was significantly higher than that in the subsoil after a high-severity wildfire. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) revealed significant differences in the bacterial community structure between the two soil layers. Soil pH, ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) and total nitrogen were the main factors in shaping the bacterial community structure, of which soil pH was the most robust in both soil layers. Our study reveals that wildfire results in short-term changes in soil bacterial community. However, a long-term monitoring of microbial variation after burning is also essential.
Emerging patterns of genome organization in Notopteridae species (Teleostei, Osteoglossiformes) as revealed by Zoo-FISH and Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH)
Authors: Barby Felipe Faix , Bertollo Luiz Antônio Carlos , de Oliveira Ezequiel Aguiar , Yano Cassia Fernanda , Hatanaka Terumi , Ráb Petr , Sember Alexandr , Ezaz Tariq , Artoni Roberto Ferreira , Liehr Thomas , Al-Rikabi Ahmed B. H. , Trifonov Vladimir , de Oliveira Edivaldo H. C. , Molina Wagner Franco , Jegede Oladele Ilesanmi , Tanomtong Alongklod , de Bello Cioffi Marcelo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNotopteridae (Teleostei, Osteoglossiformes) represents an old fish lineage with ten currently recognized species distributed in African and Southeastern Asian rivers. Their karyotype structures and diploid numbers remained conserved over long evolutionary periods, since African and Asian lineages diverged approximately 120 Mya. However, a significant genetic diversity was already identified for these species using molecular data. Thus, why the evolutionary relationships within Notopteridae are so diverse at the genomic level but so conserved in terms of their karyotypes? In an attempt to develop a more comprehensive picture of the karyotype and genome evolution in Notopteridae, we performed comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and cross-species (Zoo-FISH) whole chromosome painting experiments to explore chromosome-scale intergenomic divergence among seven notopterid species, collected in different African and Southeast Asian river basins. CGH demonstrated an advanced stage of sequence divergence among the species and Zoo-FISH experiments showed diffuse and limited homology on inter-generic level, showing a temporal reduction of evolutionarily conserved syntenic regions. The sharing of a conserved chromosomal region revealed by Zoo-FISH in these species provides perspectives that several other homologous syntenic regions have remained conserved among their genomes despite long temporal isolation. In summary, Notopteridae is an interesting model for tracking the chromosome evolution as it is (i) ancestral vertebrate group with Gondwanan distribution and (ii) an example of animal group exhibiting karyotype stasis. The present study brings new insights into degree of genome divergence vs. conservation at chromosomal and sub-chromosomal level in representative sampling of this group.
Diffusion Control of Organic Cathode Materials in Lithium Metal Battery
Authors: Belanger Rachel L. , Commarieu Basile , Paolella Andrea , Daigle Jean-Christophe , Bessette Stéphanie , Vijh Ashok , Claverie Jerome P. , Zaghib Karim 
Published: February 2019

AbstractOrganic cathode materials for lithium batteries are becoming increasingly popular because they have high theoretical redox voltage, high gravimetric capacity, low cost, easy processing and sustainability. However, their development is limited by their solubility in the electrolyte, which leads to rapid deterioration of the battery upon cycling. We developed a Janus membrane, which consists of two layers – a commercial polypropylene separator (Celgard) and a 300–600 nm layer of exfoliated graphite that was applied by a simple and environmentally friendly process. The submicron graphite layer is only permeable to Li+ and it drastically improves the battery performance, as measured by capacity retention and high coulombic efficiency, even at 2C rates. Post-mortem analysis of the battery indicates that the new membrane protects the anode against corrosion, and cathode dissolution is reduced. This graphite-based membrane is expected to greatly expedite the deployment of batteries with organic cathodes.
Biochemical and structural investigation of sulfoacetaldehyde reductase from Klebsiella oxytoca
Authors: Zhou Yan , Wei Yifeng , Lin Lianyun , Xu Tong , Ang Ee Lui , Zhao Huimin , Yuchi Zhiguang , Zhang Yan 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Sulfoacetaldehyde reductase (IsfD) is a member of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) family, involved in nitrogen assimilation from aminoethylsulfonate (taurine) in certain environmental and human commensal bacteria. IsfD catalyzes the reversible NADPH-dependent reduction of sulfoacetaldehyde, which is generated by transamination of taurine, forming hydroxyethylsulfonate (isethionate) as a waste product. In the present study, the crystal structure of Klebsiella oxytoca IsfD in a ternary complex with NADPH and isethionate was solved at 2.8 Å, revealing residues important for substrate binding. IsfD forms a homotetramer in both crystal and solution states, with the C-terminal tail of each subunit interacting with the C-terminal tail of the diagonally opposite subunit, forming an antiparallel β sheet that constitutes part of the substrate-binding site. The sulfonate group of isethionate is stabilized by a hydrogen bond network formed by the residues Y148, R195, Q244 and a water molecule. In addition, F249 from the diagonal subunit restrains the conformation of Y148 to further stabilize the orientation of the sulfonate group. Mutation of any of these four residues into alanine resulted in a complete loss of catalytic activity for isethionate oxidation. Biochemical investigations of the substrate scope of IsfD, and bioinformatics analysis of IsfD homologs, suggest that IsfD is related to the promiscuous 3-hydroxyacid dehydrogenases with diverse metabolic functions.
Collaborative Goals for Communicative Life Participation in Aphasia: The FOURC Model
Authors: Haley Katarina L. , Cunningham Kevin T. , Barry Jennifer , de Riesthal Michael 
Published: January 2019

Purpose
Collaborative goal setting is at the heart of person-centered rehabilitation but can be challenging, particularly in the area of aphasia. The purpose of this clinical focus article is to present a step-by-step model for forming a collaborative partnership with clients to develop an intervention plan that follows the client's lead, addresses communicative participation, and integrates multiple treatment strategies.

Method
We introduce the rationale and core features of a 4-step and 4-pronged process (the FOURC model) and illustrate its application through 3 cases of people with aphasia who were treated in outpatient rehabilitation.

Conclusions
The model invites client initiative in a clinically feasible manner while supporting the clinician's role in guiding the intervention based on professional expertise and growing familiarity with the case. Outcomes observed in case studies include strengthened motivation and improved real-life communication.
The Effect of Short-Term Noise Exposure on Audiometric Thresholds, Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions, and Electrocochleography
Authors: Lake Alyson Butler , Stuart Andrew 
Published: January 2019

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to examine the effect of short-term noise exposure on audiometric thresholds, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), and electrocochleography (ECochG) as a function of ear and sex.MethodPreexposure and postexposure measures of audiometric thresholds, DPOAEs, and ECochG indices were examined. Sixteen male and 16 female adults participated. Participants were exposed to a 2000-Hz narrowband noise presented at 105 dBA for 10 min.ResultsFollowing noise exposure, significantly (p< .0001) larger auditory threshold differences were observed for left ears. Larger auditory threshold differences were also observed for 3000 and 4000 Hz versus 2000 and 6000 Hz. DPOAE absolute amplitude differences increased with decreasingL1,L2level (p< .0001). DPOAE absolute amplitude differences also significantly rose with increasing f2frequencies (p< .0001). Females generally had larger DPOAE absolute amplitude differences than males (p< .05). Summating potential amplitudes were significantly larger for female left ears following noise exposure (p= .03). Left-ear summating potential/action potential amplitude ratios and summating potential/action potential area ratios were increased following noise exposure (p< .05).ConclusionsUtilizing a test battery to examine the effects of short-term noise exposure can reveal the functional status of different structures in the cochlea. There appears to be a susceptibility of the left ear to short-term loud noise exposure. Findings with respect to a sex susceptibility to short-term loud noise exposure were not strong, as sex differences were only observed for a subset of the conditions.
The Impact of Manipulating Attentional Shifting Demands on Preschool Children With Specific Language Impairment
Authors: Aljahlan Yara , Spaulding Tammie J. 
Published: January 2019

Purpose
This study investigated attentional shifting in preschool children with specific language impairment (SLI) compared to their typically developing peers. Children's attentional shifting capacity was assessed by varying attentional demands.

Method
Twenty-five preschool children with SLI and 25 age-matched, typically developing controls participated. A behavioral task measuring attentional shifting within and across multiple dimensions (auditory, linguistic, and visual) was employed. Demands on attentional shifting were increased based on input dimension (low load: staying within dimension; medium load: shifting between 2 dimensions; and high load: shifting among 3 dimensions).

Results
Compared to controls, the group with SLI made more erroneous responses and exhibited longer response times. Although both groups' error rates were similarly affected by shifting compared to nonshifting trials, their response speed was not. The group with SLI exhibited a larger comparative decrement to their response speed in the high–attentional load condition.

Discussion
When demands on attentional shifting increase, children with SLI struggle to shift their attention as efficiently to changing stimuli as their unimpaired peers. Potential implications for the assessment and treatment of this population are discussed.
Bilingual Preschoolers' Spontaneous Productions: Considering Jamaican Creole and English
Authors: Washington Karla N. , Fritz Kristina , Crowe Kathryn , Kelly Brigette , Wright Karem Rachel 
Published: January 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to characterize grammatical production in Jamaican Creole (JC) and English using the Index of Productive Syntax (IPSyn; Scarborough,1990) in a sample of typically developing bilingual Jamaicans.MethodSpontaneous language samples were collected in JC and English from 62 preschoolers aged 4–6 years. Language samples were analyzed for IPSyn subdomains (Total Score, Noun Phrases, Verb Phrases, Questions/Negations, Sentence Structures), mean length of utterance in morphemes, and number of different words. Child and family demographic information were also collected along with nonverbal IQ performance.ResultsIPSyn Total Score in JC and English were significantly correlated, and significant correlations were found between IPSyn subdomains in each language for Noun Phrases, Verb Phrases, and Sentence Structures, but not Questions/Negations. Item analysis for the IPSyn items showed that only 7 of the 56 items did not perform similarly in both languages, with performance on only 2 of these being significantly different. IPSyn scores in both languages were correlated with mean length of utterance in morphemes and number of different words, but only IPSyn JC was correlated with nonverbal IQ and age.ConclusionThe IPSyn shows promise as a mainstream tool useful in characterizing grammatical productions across languages in typically developing bilingual Jamaican preschoolers.