bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An ultrafast synthesis method of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathodes by flash/field‐assisted sintering
Authors: Shi Peiran , Qu Guoxing , Cai Shikui , Kang Yijin , Fa Tao , Xu Chen 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 as a promising cathode material in lithium‐ion batteries was synthesized by flash/field‐assisted sintering technique for the first time. This study showed that the current‐limited synthesis of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 could be carried out at temperatures less than 400°C for only 8 minutes, compared with the conventional pressureless sintering at 850°C for 12 hours. X‐ray diffraction results showed the phase evolution from precursor mixtures to the final LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 products during flash/field‐assisted sintering process and a well‐layered structure without undesirable cation mixing in the as‐formed LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2. Combined with the lowered sintering temperatures and reduced sintering time, the excellent electrochemical performance of flash/field‐assisted sintered LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 materials suggested that this technique could be an energy‐efficient approach for the synthesis of lithium‐ion battery cathode materials and other materials requiring high‐temperature heat treatment.
Differences in the Information Needs of Parents With a Child With a Genetic Syndrome: A Cross‐Syndrome Comparison
Authors: Pearson Effie Victoria , Waite Jane , Oliver Christopher 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackground: Due to the rarity of some genetic syndromes, information about these syndromes may be difficult for parents of children who are affected to access. Moreover, due to specific behavioral phenotypes and these syndromes often being aggregated in large cohort studies, individual differences in informational needs and support across syndromes are not always reported. Specific aims: This study aimed to identify and contrast the most sought after information by parents on the behavioral characteristics of three genetic syndromes: Cri du Chat (CdCS), Cornelia de Lange (CdLS), and Angelman syndromes (AS). Method: Ninety‐eight parents (51 AS, 23 CdCS, and 24 CdLS) completed an online survey that explored informational needs. Parents selected their three main informational needs from the past 2 years from a list of 32 topics. Findings: Communication, health, and sleep were most frequently selected by parents of children with AS. In CdLS, behavioral changes with age, health, and self‐injury were selected by parents, and in CdCS, health, behavioral changes with age and daily living skills. Significant differences in informational needs of parents between the syndrome groups were found on the topics of behavioral changes with age, communication, autism spectrum disorder symptomatology, self‐injury, and daily living skills. Discussion: The findings show that parents require a wide variety of information regarding their child's genetic syndrome but importantly the most sought after topics of information differ between syndromes. Therefore, it is important to avoid aggregating rare syndromes under broader categories, as individual needs may be missed. Additionally policy and practice should take into consideration the differences in informational needs when tailoring support for families.
Social Achievement Goals and Social Adjustment in Adolescence: A Multiple‐Goal Perspective
Authors: Lee Eunju J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAdolescents approach social situations with different social achievement goals (i.e., social development goals, demonstration‐approach goals, and demonstration‐avoid goals). Applying a latent profile analysis (LPA), a person‐centered approach, this study identified four groups of adolescents with distinct social goal profiles: approach‐oriented, undifferentiated high, demonstration‐oriented, and undifferentiated low. Observed differences in various indicators of social adjustment, including social anxiety, friendship quality, prosocial behavior as well as aggressive behavior, indicated that the approach‐oriented and undifferentiated high profiles showed most adaptive outcomes, whereas the demonstration‐oriented and undifferentiated low profiles showed maladaptive patterns of social outcomes. Profiles with high levels of social development goals showed the most adaptive social outcomes regardless of the level of demonstration‐oriented goals (i.e., demonstration‐approach and demonstration‐avoid goals). These findings suggest that focusing on high‐quality relationships and developing social competence leads to adequately contending with social challenges, and it provides protection against the negative effects of demonstration‐oriented social goals.
Assessing changes in functional connectivity in a desert bighorn sheep metapopulation after two generations
Authors: Epps Clinton W. , Crowhurst Rachel S. , Nickerson Brandon S. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDetermining how species move across complex and fragmented landscapes and interact with human‐made barriers is a major research focus in conservation. Studies estimating functional connectivity from movement, dispersal or gene flow usually rely on a single study period and rarely consider variation over time. We contrasted genetic structure and gene flow across barriers for a metapopulation of desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) using genotypes collected 2000–2003 and 2013–2015. Based on the recently observed but unexpected spread of a respiratory pathogen across an interstate highway previously identified as a barrier to gene flow, we hypothesized that bighorn sheep changed how they interacted with that barrier, and that shifts in metapopulation structure influenced gene flow, genetic diversity and connectivity. Population assignment tests, genetic structure and genetic recapture demonstrated that bighorn sheep crossed the interstate highway in at least one location in 2013–2015, sharply reducing genetic structure between two populations, but supported conclusions of an earlier study that such crossings were very infrequent or unknown in 2000–2003. A recently expanded population established new links and caused decreases in genetic structure among multiple populations. Genetic diversity showed only slight increases in populations linked by new connections. Genetic structure and assignments revealed other previously undetected changes in movements and distribution, but much was consistent. Thus, we observed changes in both structural and functional connectivity over just two generations, but only in specific locations. Movement patterns of species should be revisited periodically to enable informed management, particularly in dynamic and fragmented systems.
Assessing the usefulness of B‐mode and colour Doppler sonography, and measurements of circulating progesterone concentrations for determining ovarian responses in superovulated ewes
Authors: Oliveira MEF , Ribeiro IF , Rodriguez MGK , Maciel GS , Fonseca JF , Brandão FZ , Bartlewski PM 
Published: April 2018

ContentsThe main goal of this study was to assess the usefulness of two imaging modalities, namely the B‐mode and colour Doppler sonography, and serum progesterone (P4) concentrations for determining the ovarian response in superovulated ewes. Twenty‐four sexually mature Santa Inês ewes underwent the superovulatory treatment consisting of eight injections of porcine FSH (total dose of 200 or 133 or 100 mg; n = 8 ewes/total dose) given at 12‐hr intervals and initiated 48 hr before CIDR® (Pfizer Inc., Auckland, New Zealand) removal. Six days after natural mating, the ovaries of all donor ewes were visualized and examined with transrectal ultrasonography and then with videolaparoscopy to identify and enumerate corpora lutea (CL) and luteinized unovulated follicles (LUFs). Jugular blood samples were collected just prior to ovarian examinations. The total number of CL (r = .78 and 0.83, p < .0001) and LUFs (r = .74 and 0.90, p < .0001) enumerated using the B‐mode and colour Doppler ultrasonographic technique, respectively, were correlated with that ascertained by videolaparoscopy. Circulating concentrations of P4 were related directly to the number of healthy CL (r = .73, p = .0002) and inversely to the number of prematurely regressing CL (r = −.46, p = .03), but the accuracy of predicting the number of short‐lived CL with serum P4 concentrations was very poor. The present results indicate that ultrasonographic imaging and serum P4 measurements on the day of embryo recovery are useful indicators of total/normal CL numbers and both ultrasonographic techniques can be used to quantify LUFs in superovulated ewes.
Increased risk of acute coronary syndrome in patients with bronchiectasis: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Hung Chin‐Tun , Li Shu‐Fen , Chung Wei‐Sheng 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveThere are few studies on the relationship between bronchiectasis and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We conducted a population‐based cohort study to assess whether bronchiectasis was associated with an increased risk of ACS.MethodsWe identified 3521 patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis between 2000 and 2010 (bronchiectasis cohort) and frequency matched them with 14 084 randomly selected people without bronchiectasis from the general population (comparison cohort) according to sex, age and index year using the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database. Both cohorts were followed until the end of 2010 to determine the ACS incidence. Hazard ratios of ACS were measured.ResultsBased on 17 340 person‐years for bronchiectasis patients and 73 639 person‐years for individuals without bronchiectasis, the overall ACS risk was 40% higher in the bronchiectasis cohort (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.20–1.62). Compared with those in the comparison cohort with one respiratory infection‐related emergency room (ER) visit per year, the ACS risk was 5.46‐fold greater in bronchiectasis patients with three or more ER visits per year (adjusted HR = 5.46, 95% CI: 4.29–6.96). Patients with bronchiectasis and three or more respiratory infection‐related hospitalizations per year had an 8.15‐fold higher ACS risk (adjusted HR = 8.15, 95% CI: 6.27–10.61).ConclusionBronchiectasis patients, particularly those experiencing frequent exacerbations with three or more ER visits and consequent hospitalization per year, are at an increased ACS risk.
Threshold Evaluation of Emergency Risk Communication for Health Risks Related to Hazardous Ambient Temperature
Authors: Liu Yang , Hoppe Brenda O. , Convertino Matteo 
Published: April 2018

AbstractEmergency risk communication (ERC) programs that activate when the ambient temperature is expected to cross certain extreme thresholds are widely used to manage relevant public health risks. In practice, however, the effectiveness of these thresholds has rarely been examined. The goal of this study is to test if the activation criteria based on extreme temperature thresholds, both cold and heat, capture elevated health risks for all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality and morbidity in the Minneapolis‐St. Paul Metropolitan Area. A distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) combined with a quasi‐Poisson generalized linear model is used to derive the exposure–response functions between daily maximum heat index and mortality (1998–2014) and morbidity (emergency department visits; 2007–2014). Specific causes considered include cardiovascular, respiratory, renal diseases, and diabetes. Six extreme temperature thresholds, corresponding to 1st–3rd and 97th–99th percentiles of local exposure history, are examined. All six extreme temperature thresholds capture significantly increased relative risks for all‐cause mortality and morbidity. However, the cause‐specific analyses reveal heterogeneity. Extreme cold thresholds capture increased mortality and morbidity risks for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and extreme heat thresholds for renal disease. Percentile‐based extreme temperature thresholds are appropriate for initiating ERC targeting the general population. Tailoring ERC by specific causes may protect some but not all individuals with health conditions exacerbated by hazardous ambient temperature exposure.
Disintegrating over space and time: Paraphyly and species delimitation in the Wehrle's Salamander complex
Authors: Kuchta Shawn R. , Brown Ashley D. , Highton Richard 
Published: April 2018

Accurate species delimitation is critical for biodiversity studies. However, species complexes characterized by introgression, high levels of population structure and subtle phenotypic differentiation can be challenging to delimit. Here, we report on a molecular systematic investigation of the woodland salamanders Plethodon wehrlei and Plethodon punctatus, which traditionally have been placed in the Plethodon wehrlei species group. To quantify patterns of genetic variation, we collected genetic samples from throughout the range of both species, including 22 individuals from nine populations of P. punctatus, and 60 individuals from 26 populations of P. wehrlei. From these samples, we sequenced three mtDNA loci (5596 base pairs) and five nuclear loci (3377 base pairs). We inferred time‐calibrated gene trees and species trees using BEAST 2.4.6, and we delimited putative species using a Bayesian implementation of the general mixed Yule‐coalescent model (bGMYC) and STRUCTURE. Finally, we validated putative species using the multispecies coalescent as implemented in Bayesian Phylogenetics and Phylogeography (BPP). We found substantial phylogeographic diversity in P. wehrlei, including multiple geographically cohesive clades and an inferred mitochondrial common ancestor at 11.5 myr (95% HPD: 9.6–13.6 myr) that separated populations formerly assigned to P. dixi from all other populations. We also found that P. punctatus is deeply nested within P. wehrlei, rendering the latter paraphyletic. After discussing the challenges faced by modern species delimitation methods, we recommend retaining P. punctatus because it is ecologically and phenotypically distinct. We further recommend that P. dixi be recognized as a valid species.
Evolutionary relationships of two balitorids (Cypriniformes, Balitoridae) revealed by comparative mitogenomics
Authors: Shi Li‐Xia , Zhang Chen , Wang Yin‐Ping , Tang Qiong‐Ying , Danley Patrick D. , Liu Huan‐Zhang 
Published: April 2018

Balitoridae, a family within the Cypriniformes, inhabit torrential mountain streams in Asia. Although they have long fascinated ichthyologists for their numerous adaptations to this tumultuous environment, the evolutionary history of this group remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigate the evolutionary relationships of the balitorids with particular attention to the phylogenetic placement of two balitorid species,Yaoshania pachychulisandErromyzon kalotaenia. Both species have extremely limited distributions, they are limited to Mt. Dayaoshan of the Pearl River in China and require dedicated conservation plans. However, little is known about their evolutionary relationships to other balitorids. Here, we examined the evolutionary relationships ofY. pachychulisandE. kalotaeniato each other and other balitorids through sequencing the complete mitochondrial genomes of nine balitorid individuals. For the newly sequenced balitorids, the length of the whole mitogenome, gene arrangement and their base composition are similar to those of other bony fishes. Analyses based on these newly sequenced mitogenomes and an additional 50 previously published mitogenomes show thatY. pachychulisandE. kalotaeniacluster as different clade within the subfamily Gastromyzontinae. The genetic distance between these two species ranges from 0.127 ± 0.003 to 0.132 ± 0.004 which is slightly higher than that between some genera (e.g. the distance betweenVanmaneniaandMetahomalopterais 0.127 ± 0.004). Therefore, it is reasonable to assignY. pachychulisandE. kalotaeniato different genera. Phylogenetic signal assessment suggested thatND1,ND4andND5genes as well as their concatenated subsets perform relatively well in reconstructing the Cobitoidea phylogeny. The divergence time estimation indicated that the balitorids distributed in Mt. Dayaoshan might have originated and evolved following the flattening and uplifting of the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau during the late Miocene to late Pliocene.
Carrot Juice Fermentations as Man-Made Microbial Ecosystems Dominated by Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Wuyts Sander , Van Beeck Wannes , Oerlemans Eline F. M. , Wittouck Stijn , Claes Ingmar J. J. , De Boeck Ilke , Weckx Stefan , Lievens Bart , De Vuyst Luc , Lebeer Sarah 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Spontaneous vegetable fermentations, with their rich flavors and postulated health benefits, are regaining popularity. However, their microbiology is still poorly understood, therefore raising concerns about food safety. In addition, such spontaneous fermentations form interesting cases of man-made microbial ecosystems. Here, samples from 38 carrot juice fermentations were collected through a citizen science initiative, in addition to three laboratory fermentations. Culturing showed that
Enterobacteriaceae
were outcompeted by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) between 3 and 13 days of fermentation. Metabolite-target analysis showed that lactic acid and mannitol were highly produced, as well as the biogenic amine cadaverine. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that mainly species of
Leuconostoc
and
Lactobacillus
(as identified by 8 and 20 amplicon sequence variants [ASVs], respectively) mediated the fermentations in subsequent order. The analyses at the DNA level still detected a high number of
Enterobacteriaceae
, but their relative abundance was low when RNA-based sequencing was performed to detect presumptive metabolically active bacterial cells. In addition, this method greatly reduced host read contamination. Phylogenetic placement indicated a high LAB diversity, with ASVs from nine different phylogenetic groups of the
Lactobacillus
genus complex. However, fermentation experiments with isolates showed that only strains belonging to the most prevalent phylogenetic groups preserved the fermentation dynamics. The carrot juice fermentation thus forms a robust man-made microbial ecosystem suitable for studies on LAB diversity and niche specificity.

IMPORTANCE
The usage of fermented food products by professional chefs is steadily growing worldwide. Meanwhile, this interest has also increased at the household level. However, many of these artisanal food products remain understudied. Here, an extensive microbial analysis was performed of spontaneous fermented carrot juices which are used as nonalcoholic alternatives for wine in a Belgian Michelin star restaurant. Samples were collected through an active citizen science approach with 38 participants, in addition to three laboratory fermentations. Identification of the main microbial players revealed that mainly species of
Leuconostoc
and
Lactobacillus
mediated the fermentations in subsequent order. In addition, a high diversity of lactic acid bacteria was found; however, fermentation experiments with isolates showed that only strains belonging to the most prevalent lactic acid bacteria preserved the fermentation dynamics. Finally, this study showed that the usage of RNA-based 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing greatly reduces host read contamination.
Genomic and Transcriptomic Insights into How Bacteria Withstand High Concentrations of Benzalkonium Chloride Biocides
Authors: Kim Minjae , Hatt Janet K. , Weigand Michael R. , Krishnan Raj , Pavlostathis Spyros G. , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Benzalkonium chlorides (BAC) are commonly used biocides in broad-spectrum disinfectant solutions. How microorganisms cope with BAC exposure remains poorly understood, despite its importance for disinfection and disinfectant-induced antibiotic resistance. To provide insights into these issues, we exposed two isolates of an opportunistic pathogen,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, to increasing concentrations of BAC. One isolate was preadapted to BAC, as it originated from a bioreactor fed with subinhibitory concentrations of BAC for 3 years, while the other originated from a bioreactor that received no BAC. Replicated populations of both isolates were able to survive high concentrations of BAC, up to 1,200 and 1,600 mg/liter for the non- and preadapted strains, respectively, exceeding typical application doses. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis revealed upregulation of efflux pump genes and decreased expression of porins related to BAC transport as well as reduced growth rate. Increased expression of spermidine (a polycation) synthase genes and mutations in the
pmrB
(polymyxin resistance) gene, which cause a reduction in membrane negative charge, suggested that a major adaptation to exposure to the cationic surfactant BAC was to actively stabilize cell surface charge. Collectively, these results revealed that
P. aeruginosa
adapts to BAC exposure by a combination of mechanisms and provided genetic markers to monitor BAC-resistant organisms that may have applications in the practice of disinfection.

IMPORTANCE
BAC are widely used as biocides in disinfectant solutions, food-processing lines, domestic households, and health care facilities. Due to their wide use and mode of action, there has been rising concern that BAC may promote antibiotic resistance. Consistent with this idea, at least 40 outbreaks have been attributed to infection by disinfectant- and antibiotic-resistant pathogens such as
P. aeruginosa
. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that bacteria use to deal with BAC exposure remain poorly elucidated. Elucidating these mechanisms may be important for monitoring and limiting the spread of disinfectant-resistant pathogens. Using an integrated approach that combined genomics and transcriptomics with physiological characterization of BAC-adapted isolates, this study provided a comprehensive understanding of the BAC resistance mechanisms in
P. aeruginosa
. Our findings also revealed potential genetic markers to detect and monitor the abundance of BAC-resistant pathogens across clinical or environmental settings. This work contributes new knowledge about high concentrations of benzalkonium chlorides disinfectants-resistance mechanisms at the whole-cell genomic and transcriptomic level.