bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly nitrogen doped carbon nanofibers with superior rate capability and cyclability for potassium ion batteries
Authors: Xu Yang , Zhang Chenglin , Zhou Min , Fu Qun , Zhao Chengxi , Wu Minghong , Lei Yong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPotassium-ion batteries are a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries. However, it is challenging to achieve fast charging/discharging and long cycle life with the current electrode materials because of the sluggish potassiation kinetics. Here we report a soft carbon anode, namely highly nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers, with superior rate capability and cyclability. The anode delivers reversible capacities of 248 mAh g–1 at 25 mA g–1 and 101 mAh g–1 at 20 A g–1, and retains 146 mAh g–1 at 2 A g–1 after 4000 cycles. Surface-dominated K-storage is verified by quantitative kinetics analysis and theoretical investigation. A full cell coupling the anode and Prussian blue cathode delivers a reversible capacity of 195 mAh g–1 at 0.2 A g–1. Considering the cost-effectiveness and material sustainability, our work may shed some light on searching for K-storage materials with high performance.
The LetA/S two-component system regulates transcriptomic changes that are essential for the culturability of Legionella pneumophila in water
Authors: Mendis Nilmini , McBride Peter , Saoud Joseph , Mani Thangadurai , Faucher Sebastien P. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSurviving the nutrient-poor aquatic environment for extended periods of time is important for the transmission of various water-borne pathogens, including Legionella pneumophila (Lp). Previous work concluded that the stringent response and the sigma factor RpoS are essential for the survival of Lp in water. In the present study, we investigated the role of the LetA/S two-component signal transduction system in the successful survival of Lp in water. In addition to cell size reduction in the post-exponential phase, LetS also contributes to cell size reduction when Lp is exposed to water. Importantly, absence of the sensor kinase results in a significantly lower survival as measured by CFUs in water at various temperatures and an increased sensitivity to heat shock. According to the transcriptomic analysis, LetA/S orchestrates a general transcriptomic downshift of major metabolic pathways upon exposure to water leading to better culturability, and likely survival, suggesting a potential link with the stringent response. However, the expression of the LetA/S regulated small regulatory RNAs, RsmY and RsmZ, is not changed in a relAspoT mutant, which indicates that the stringent response and the LetA/S response are two distinct regulatory systems contributing to the survival of Lp in water.
Transcriptional landscape of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in macrophages
Authors: Roy Sugata , Schmeier Sebastian , Kaczkowski Bogumil , Arner Erik , Alam Tanvir , Ozturk Mumin , Tamgue Ousman , Parihar Suraj P. , Kawaji Hideya , Itoh Masayoshi , Lassmann Timo , Carninci Piero , Hayashizaki Yoshihide , Forrest Alistair R. R. , Guler Reto , Bajic Vladimir B. , Brombacher Frank , Suzuki Harukazu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection reveals complex and dynamic host-pathogen interactions, leading to host protection or pathogenesis. Using a unique transcriptome technology (CAGE), we investigated the promoter-based transcriptional landscape of IFNγ (M1) or IL-4/IL-13 (M2) stimulated macrophages during Mtb infection in a time-kinetic manner. Mtb infection widely and drastically altered macrophage-specific gene expression, which is far larger than that of M1 or M2 activations. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis for Mtb-induced differentially expressed genes revealed various terms, related to host-protection and inflammation, enriched in up-regulated genes. On the other hand, terms related to dis-regulation of cellular functions were enriched in down-regulated genes. Differential expression analysis revealed known as well as novel transcription factor genes in Mtb infection, many of them significantly down-regulated. IFNγ or IL-4/IL-13 pre-stimulation induce additional differentially expressed genes in Mtb-infected macrophages. Cluster analysis uncovered significant numbers, prolonging their expressional changes. Furthermore, Mtb infection augmented cytokine-mediated M1 and M2 pre-activations. In addition, we identified unique transcriptional features of Mtb-mediated differentially expressed lncRNAs. In summary we provide a comprehensive in depth gene expression/regulation profile in Mtb-infected macrophages, an important step forward for a better understanding of host-pathogen interaction dynamics in Mtb infection.
Mycobacterium marinum infections in Denmark from 2004 to 2017: A retrospective study of incidence, patient characteristics, treatment regimens and outcome
Authors: Holden Inge K. , Kehrer Michala , Andersen Aase B. , Wejse Christian , Svensson Erik , Johansen Isik Somuncu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMycobacterium marinum (M. marinum) is a slowly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium. The incidence of M. marinum infections in Denmark is unknown. We conducted a retrospective nationwide study including all culture confirmed cases of M. marinum from 2004 to 2017 in Denmark. All available medical records were reviewed. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment regiments were analyzed. Fifty-five patients were identified, 40 (72.7%) were men with a median age of 50 years. Aquatic exposure was reported by 48 (90.6%) of the patients. Site of infection was upper extremities in 49 (92.5%) patients and 49 (92.5%) had superficial infection. The median time from symptom presentation to diagnosis was 194 days. All patients received antibiotics. Median time of treatment duration among all patients was 112 days. Treatment outcome was classified as improved in 40 (75%), improved with sequela in 4 (7.6%) patients and only 3 patients (3.8%) were classified as failed. Infection with M. marinum is rare and there is a long delay from symptom manifestation to diagnosis. The infection is predominantly related to aquatic exposure. M. marinum should be a differential diagnose in patients with slow-developing cutaneous elements and relevant exposure. Treatment outcomes are overall good and severe sequela are rare.
Association between maternal exposure to phthalates and lower language ability in offspring derived from hair metabolome analysis
Authors: Jones Beatrix , Han Ting-Li , Delplancke Thibaut , McKenzie Elizabeth J. , de Seymour Jamie V. , Chua Mei Chien , Tan Kok Hian , Baker Philip N. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe fetus undergoes a crucial period of neurodevelopment in utero. The maternal hair metabolome provides an integrated record of the metabolic state of the mother prior to, and during pregnancy. We investigated whether variation in the maternal hair metabolome was associated with neurodevelopmental differences across infants. Maternal hair samples and infant neurocognitive assessments (using the Bayley III Scales of Infant Development at 24 months) were obtained for 373 infant-mother dyads between 26–28 weeks’ gestation from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes cohort. The hair metabolome was analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Intensity measurements were obtained for 276 compounds. After controlling for maternal education, ethnicity, and infant sex, associations between metabolites and expressive language skills were detected, but not for receptive language, cognitive or motor skills. The results confirm previous research associating higher levels of phthalates with lower language ability. In addition, scores were positively associated with a cluster of compounds, including adipic acid and medium-chain fatty acids. The data support associations between the maternal hair metabolome and neurodevelopmental processes of the fetus. The association between phthalates and lower language ability highlights a modifiable risk factor that warrants further investigation.
Preliminary evidence of altered neural response during intertemporal choice of losses in adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Tanaka Saori C. , Yahata Noriaki , Todokoro Ayako , Kawakubo Yuki , Kano Yukiko , Nishimura Yukika , Ishii-Takahashi Ayaka , Ohtake Fumio , Kasai Kiyoto 
Published: April 2018

AbstractImpulsive behaviours are common symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although previous studies have suggested functional models of impulsive behaviour, a full explanation of impulsivity in ADHD remains elusive. To investigate the detailed mechanisms behind impulsive behaviour in ADHD, we applied an economic intertemporal choice task involving gains and losses to adults with ADHD and healthy controls and measured brain activity by functional magnetic resonance imaging. In the intertemporal choice of future gains, we observed no behavioural or neural difference between the two groups. In the intertemporal choice of future losses, adults with ADHD exhibited higher discount rates than the control participants. Furthermore, a comparison of brain activity representing the sensitivity of future loss in the two groups revealed significantly lower activity in the striatum and higher activity in the amygdala in adults with ADHD than in controls. Our preliminary findings suggest that an altered size sensitivity to future loss is involved in apparent impulsive choice behaviour in adults with ADHD and shed light on the multifaceted impulsivity underlying ADHD.
Higher physical fitness levels are associated with less language decline in healthy ageing
Authors: Segaert K. , Lucas S. J. E. , Burley C. V. , Segaert P. , Milner A. E. , Ryan M. , Wheeldon L. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHealthy ageing is associated with decline in cognitive abilities such as language. Aerobic fitness has been shown to ameliorate decline in some cognitive domains, but the potential benefits for language have not been examined. In a cross-sectional sample, we investigated the relationship between aerobic fitness and tip-of-the-tongue states. These are among the most frequent cognitive failures in healthy older adults and occur when a speaker knows a word but is unable to produce it. We found that healthy older adults indeed experience more tip-of-the-tongue states than young adults. Importantly, higher aerobic fitness levels decrease the probability of experiencing tip-of-the-tongue states in healthy older adults. Fitness-related differences in word finding abilities are observed over and above effects of age. This is the first demonstration of a link between aerobic fitness and language functioning in healthy older adults.
A low voltage nanopipette dielectrophoretic device for rapid entrapment of nanoparticles and exosomes extracted from plasma of healthy donors
Authors: Shi Leilei , Rana Ankit , Esfandiari Leyla 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAn insulator-based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) is a label-free method that has been extensively utilized for manipulation of nanoparticles, cells, and biomolecules. Here, we present a new iDEP approach that can rapidly trap nanoparticles at the close proximity of a glass nanopipette’s tip by applying 10 V/cm direct current (DC) across the pipette’s length. The trapping mechanism was systemically studied using both numerical modeling and experimental observations. The results showed that the particle trapping was determined to be controlled by three dominant electrokinetic forces including dielectrophoretic, electrophoretic and electroosmotic force. Furthermore, the effect of the ionic strength, the pipette’s geometry, and the applied electric field on the entrapment efficiency was investigated. To show the application of our device in biomedical sciences, we demonstrated the successful entrapment of fluorescently tagged liposomes and unlabeled plasma-driven exosomes from the PBS solution. Also, to illustrate the selective entrapment capability of our device, 100 nm liposomes were extracted from the PBS solution containing 500 nm polystyrene particles at the tip of the pipette as the voltage polarity was reversed.
Localization and Functional Characterization of an Occipital Visual Word form Sensitive Area
Authors: Zhang Bo , He Sheng , Weng Xuchu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn human occipitotemporal cortex, category-specific processing for visual objects seems to involve pairs of cortical regions, often with one located in the occipital cortex and another more anteriorly. We investigated whether such an arrangement might be the case for visual word processing. In addition to the Visual Word Form Area (VWFA) located in the occipitotemporal sulcus, we observed that another region in occipital lobe with robust responses to written words (Chinese characters). The current fMRI study investigated this area’s precise location and its functional selectivity using Chinese characters and other categories of visual images (cars, chairs and insects). In all the 13 subjects we could identify a cluster of voxels near the inferior occipital gyrus or middle occipital gyrus with stronger responses to Chinese characters than scrambled objects. We tentatively label this area as the Occipital Word Form Sensitive Area (OWA). The OWA’s response amplitudes showed similar preference to written words as the VWFA, with the VWFA showing a higher degree of word selectivity, which was confirmed by the result from spatial patterns of response. These results indicate that the OWA, together with the VWFA, are critical parts of the network for processing and representing the category information for word.
G-395A polymorphism in the promoter region of the KLOTHO gene associates with frailty among the oldest-old
Authors: Hao Qiukui , Wang Yuting , Ding Xiang , Dong Biao , Yang Ming , Dong Birong , Wei Yuquan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractFrailty is characterized by a decline in physiological reserve and increased vulnerability. Previous studies have shown that KLOTHO (KL) plays a protective role in several age-related diseases. We hypothesize a probable protective effect of KL on frailty in the elderly population and included a cohort of Chinese nonagenarians and centenarians for our study. This study is part of a cross-sectional study and secondary analysis of the Project of Longevity and Aging in Dujiangyan (PLAD) study, which was conducted in Southwest China. Community-dwelling Chinese residents aged 90 years or older were included in this study. Frailty was determined using the FRAIL scale as proposed by the International Association of Nutrition and Aging. On the FRAIL scale, frailty was defined by a score of ≥3. G-395A (rs1207568) genotyping of the promoter region of the KL gene was performed using TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. A total of 632 participants (68.4% females; mean age: 93.5 ± 3.2 years) were included. KL G-395A polymorphism genotype frequencies were 1.7% AA, 25.6% GA, and 72.7% GG in our sample. GG genotype frequencies for the frailty and control groups were 83.6% and 71.2%, respectively. Frailty prevalence was significantly lower in the GA+AA group when compared to the GG genotype group (6.9% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.026). In addition, subjects with a GA+AA genotype had a significantly lower risk of frailty (odds ratio (OR): 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.23 to 0.97, P = 0.040) compared to the GG genotype after adjusting for age, gender, education level, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, body mass index (BMI), cognitive impairment, and other potential factors. KL-395A allele carrying genotypes (GA and AA) is associated with a lower risk of frailty relative to GG genotypes in a sample of Chinese nonagenarians and centenarians.
Toxicity evaluation of Wanzhou watershed of Yangtze Three Gorges Reservoir in the flood season in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Xiao Guosheng , Zhao Li , Huang Qian , Yang Junnian , Du Huihui , Guo Dongqin , Xia Mingxing , Li Guangman , Chen Zongxiang , Wang Dayong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThree Gorges Reservoir (TGR) in the upper stream of Yangtze River in China is a reservoir with the largest and the longest yearly water-level drop. Considering the fact that most of safety assessments of water samples collected from TGR region were based on chemical analysis, we here employedCaenorhabditis elegansto performin vivosafety assessment of original surface water samples collected from TGR region in the flood season in Wanzhou, Chongqing. Among the examined five original surface water samples, only exposure to original surface water sample collected from backwater area could induce the significant intestinal ROS production, enhance the intestinal permeability, and decrease the locomotion behavior. Additionally, exposure to original surface water sample collected from backwater area altered the expressions ofsod-2,sod-5,clk-1, andmev-1. Moreover, mutation ofsod-2orsod-5was susceptible to the potential toxicity of original surface water sample collected from backwater area on nematodes. Together, our results imply that exposure to surface water sample from the backwater area may at least cause the adverse effects on intestinal function and locomotion behavior in nematodes.
Low mean platelet volume is associated with critical limb ischemia in peripheral arterial occlusive disease
Authors: Rief Peter , Raggam Reinhard B. , Avian Alexander , Hafner Franz , Sareban Mahdi , Wehrschuetz Martin , Brodmann Marianne , Gary Thomas 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMean platelet volume (MPV) was recently published as a possible marker of coronary artery disease in patients at high risk for major adverse cardiac events. Because platelets play an important role in atherosclerosis, we examined the relationship between critical limb ischemia (CLI) and MPV in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). Our study comprised 2124 PAOD patients. Univariate logistic regression was performed to analyze potential predictors for CLI. Nagelkerke’s R² is reported. Cross validation was performed using the leave-one-out principle. ROC analyses were performed to identify the best cut off value for MPV predicting CLI; to this end, Youden’s index was calculated. For CLI diabetes (p < 0.001, OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.97–3.02), hsCRP (p < 0.001, OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.01), age (p < 0.001, OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.04–1.06), thrombocytosis (p = 0.025, OR 1.84, 95%CI 1.08–3.14), and MPV (p = 0.003, OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.75–0.94) were significant independent predictors for CLI. ROC analysis (AUC: 0.55, 95% CI 0.52–0.58, p < 0.001) showed ≤10.2 as the best cut off value for MPV to predict CLI. As there is a significant relationship between low MPV and a high risk for CLI in PAOD patients, MPV can be used to identify patients who are likely to develop CLI.
Association patterns of urinary sodium, potassium, and their ratio with blood pressure across various levels of salt-diet regions in China
Authors: Yin Lu , Deng Guijuan , Mente Andrew , Sun Yi , Liu Xiaoyun , Zhang Xinhua , Wang Xingyu , Wang Yang , Bo Jian , Chen Hui , Liu Xu , Gao Nan , Bai Xiulin , Rangarajan Sumathy , Li Wei 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe aim to evaluate the association of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) with estimated urinary sodium (Na) and potassium(K) excretions, and their gram-to-gram Na/K ratio across various salt-diet regions during 2005–2009 in China. A prospective cohort study was conducted to recruit 46,285 participants in China. A single fasting morning urine specimen was collected to estimate 24-hour urinary Na and K excretion using Kawasaki formula. Means of estimated Na and K were 5.7 ± 1.7 and 2.1 ± 0.5 grams/day, respectively, and mean estimated Na/K ratio was 2.8 ± 0.8. Adjusted analyses showed 1.70 mmHg SBP and 0.49 mmHg DBP increase per 1-g increment of estimated Na, while 1.10 mmHg SBP and 0.91 mmHg DBP decrease for one-gram increase of K. A significant increase in SBP (4.33 mmHg) and DBP (1.54 mmHg) per 1 unit increase in Na/K ratio was observed. More changes of SBP (4.39 mmHg) and DBP (1.67 mmHg) per one-unit increase of Na/K ratio were observed in low-salt regions, though significant changes were also found in moderate- and heavy-salt regions (P for heterogeneity < 0.01). Conclusively, decreasing sodium combined with increasing potassium is likely to have a more beneficial effect than decreasing sodium alone, even if those were living in low-salt regions.
Place preference and vocal learning rely on distinct reinforcers in songbirds
Authors: Murdoch Don , Chen Ruidong , Goldberg Jesse H. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn reinforcement learning (RL) agents are typically tasked with maximizing a single objective function such as reward. But it remains poorly understood how agents might pursue distinct objectives at once. In machines, multiobjective RL can be achieved by dividing a single agent into multiple sub-agents, each of which is shaped by agent-specific reinforcement, but it remains unknown if animals adopt this strategy. Here we use songbirds to test if navigation and singing, two behaviors with distinct objectives, can be differentially reinforced. We demonstrate that strobe flashes aversively condition place preference but not song syllables. Brief noise bursts aversively condition song syllables but positively reinforce place preference. Thus distinct behavior-generating systems, or agencies, within a single animal can be shaped by correspondingly distinct reinforcement signals. Our findings suggest that spatially segregated vocal circuits can solve a credit assignment problem associated with multiobjective learning.
Functional and structural characterization of osteocytic MLO-Y4 cell proteins encoded by genes differentially expressed in response to mechanical signals in vitro
Authors: Meng Fanchi , Murray Graeme F. , Kurgan Lukasz , Donahue Henry J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe anabolic response of bone to mechanical load is partially the result of osteocyte response to fluid flow-induced shear stress. Understanding signaling pathways activated in osteocytes exposed to fluid flow could identify novel signaling pathways involved in the response of bone to mechanical load. Bioinformatics allows for a unique perspective and provides key first steps in understanding these signaling pathways. We examined proteins encoded by genes differentially expressed in response to fluid flow in murine osteocytic MLO-Y4 cells. We considered structural and functional characteristics including putative intrinsic disorder, evolutionary conservation, interconnectedness in protein-protein interaction networks, and cellular localization. Our analysis suggests that proteins encoded by fluid flow activated genes have lower than expected conservation, are depleted in intrinsic disorder, maintain typical levels of connectivity for the murine proteome, and are found in the cytoplasm and extracellular space. Pathway analyses reveal that these proteins are associated with cellular response to stress, chemokine and cytokine activity, enzyme binding, and osteoclast differentiation. The lower than expected disorder of proteins encoded by flow activated genes suggests they are relatively specialized.