bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Task-Modulated Corticocortical Synchrony in the Cognitive-Motor Network Supporting Handwriting
Authors: Saarinen Timo , Kujala Jan , Laaksonen Hannu , Jalava Antti , Salmelin Riitta 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Both motor and cognitive aspects of behavior depend on dynamic, accurately timed neural processes in large-scale brain networks. Here, we studied synchronous interplay between cortical regions during production of cognitive-motor sequences in humans. Specifically, variants of handwriting that differed in motor variability, linguistic content, and memorization of movement cues were contrasted to unveil functional sensitivity of corticocortical connections. Data-driven magnetoencephalography mapping (n = 10) uncovered modulation of mostly left-hemispheric corticocortical interactions, as quantified by relative changes in phase synchronization. At low frequencies (~2–13 Hz), enhanced frontoparietal synchrony was related to regular handwriting, whereas premotor cortical regions synchronized for simple loop production and temporo-occipital areas for a writing task substituting normal script with loop patterns. At the beta-to-gamma band (~13–45 Hz), enhanced synchrony was observed for regular handwriting in the central and frontoparietal regions, including connections between the sensorimotor and supplementary motor cortices and between the parietal and dorsal premotor/precentral cortices. Interpreted within a modular framework, these modulations of synchrony mainly highlighted interactions of the putative pericentral subsystem of hand coordination and the frontoparietal subsystem mediating working memory operations. As part of cortical dynamics, interregional phase synchrony varies depending on task demands in production of cognitive-motor sequences.
Transient Subgranular Hyperconnectivity to L2/3 and Enhanced Pairwise Correlations During the Critical Period in the Mouse Auditory Cortex
Authors: Meng Xiangying , Solarana Krystyna , Bowen Zac , Liu Ji , Nagode Daniel A , Sheikh Aminah , Winkowski Daniel E , Kao Joseph P Y , Kanold Patrick O 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
During the critical period, neuronal connections are shaped by sensory experience. While the basis for this temporarily heightened plasticity remains unclear, shared connections introducing activity correlations likely play a key role. Thus, we investigated the changing intracortical connectivity in primary auditory cortex (A1) over development. In adult, layer 2/3 (L2/3) neurons receive ascending inputs from layer 4 (L4) and also receive few inputs from subgranular layer 5/6 (L5/6). We measured the spatial pattern of intracortical excitatory and inhibitory connections to L2/3 neurons in slices of mouse A1 across development using laser-scanning photostimulation. Before P11, L2/3 cells receive most excitatory input from within L2/3. Excitatory inputs from L2/3 and L4 increase after P5 and peak during P9–16. L5/6 inputs increase after P5 and provide most input during P12–16, the peak of the critical period. Inhibitory inputs followed a similar pattern. Functional circuit diversity in L2/3 emerges after P16. In vivo two-photon imaging shows low pairwise signal correlations in neighboring neurons before P11, which peak at P15–16 and decline after. Our results suggest that the critical period is characterized by high pairwise activity correlations and that transient hyperconnectivity of specific circuits, in particular those originating in L5/6, might play a key role.
A Single Haplotype of IFNG Correlating With Low Circulating Levels of Interferon-γ Is Associated With Susceptibility to Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania guyanensis
Authors: da Silva George A V , Mesquita Tirza G , Souza Victor C , Junior José do Espírito Santo , Gomes de Souza Mara Lúcia , Talhari Anette Chrusciak , Talhari Sinésio , Naveca Felipe G , Ramasawmy Rajendranath 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background
Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) plays an important role in the control of Leishmania infection. Blockade of IFN-γ signaling in mice increases lesion size and parasite load. In endemic areas of Leishmaniasis, only a fraction of the population develop the disease. This suggest that host genetics may play a role in this response. We investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IFNG may be associated with elevated or decrease risk in the development of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL).

Methods
We assessed 9 SNP and cytosine-adenine (CA) repeats in IFNG by nucleotide sequencing in 647 patients with CL caused by Leishmania guyanensis and 629 controls. Circulating plasma IFN-γ levels were also assayed in 400 patients with CL and 400 controls.

Results
The rs2069705TT genotype is associated with elevated risk of developing CL compared with the rs2069705CC genotype (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3–2.4; P = .0008). There is a 70% chance that this genotype raises the risk of developing CL. In a dominant model, carriers of the rs2069705T allele compared with the rs2069705CC genotype showed a 50% (range, 20–100%) increased risk of developing CL (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2–2.0; P = .0004). Haplotype analysis showed 1 haplotype (H1) associated with low levels of IFN-γ presented an increased risk of 60% of developing CL (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3–1.9; P = 5 × 10−5) compared with non-H1.

Conclusions
IFNG variant rs2069705 seems to be a genetic modifier of clinical outcome of Leishmania infection; individuals with the H1 haplotype, associated with low levels of IFN-γ, have a 60% risk of developing CL.
Left ventricular mechanical dispersion in a general population: Data from the Akershus Cardiac Examination 1950 study
Authors: Aagaard Erika N , Kvisvik Brede , Pervez Mohammad O , Lyngbakken Magnus N , Berge Trygve , Enger Steve , Orstad Eivind B , Smith Pål , Omland Torbjørn , Tveit Arnljot , Røsjø Helge , Steine Kjetil 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Aims
Increased left ventricular mechanical dispersion by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography predicts ventricular arrhythmias in ischaemic heart disease and heart failure. However, little is known about mechanical dispersion in the general population. We aimed to study mechanical dispersion in the general population and in diseases associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Methods and results
The present cross-sectional study consists of 2529 subjects born in 1950 included in the Akershus Cardiac Examination (ACE) 1950 study. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was assessed from 17 strain segments, and mechanical dispersion calculated as the standard deviation of contraction duration of all segments. The cohort was divided according to the median value of mechanical dispersion, and multivariable linear regression models were performed with mechanical dispersion as the dependent variable. The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, obesity, and diabetes (P < 0.01 for all) was significantly higher in subjects with supra-median mechanical dispersion. In a multivariable clinical model, CAD (B = 7.05), hypertension (B = 4.15; both P < 0.001), diabetes (B = 3.39), and obesity (B = 1.89; both P < 0.05) were independently associated with increasing mechanical dispersion. When echocardiographic indices were added to the multivariable model, CAD (B = 4.38; P < 0.01) and hypertension (B = 2.86; P < 0.001) remained significant in addition to peak early diastolic tissue velocity e’ (B = −2.00), GLS (B = 1.68), and ejection fraction (B = 0.22; P < 0.001 for all).

Conclusion
In a general middle-aged population, prevalent CAD and hypertension were associated with increasing mechanical dispersion, possibly indicating elevated risk of fatal arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Albeit weaker, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, were also associated with increasing mechanical dispersion.
Impact of functional orthodontic treatment on facial attractiveness of children with Class II division 1 malocclusion
Authors: Paduano Sergio , Rongo Roberto , Bucci Rosaria , Carvelli Giuseppe , Cioffi Iacopo 
Published: August 2019

Summary

Background/objectives
Whether orthodontic treatment with functional appliances improves facial aesthetics is still under debate. This study aimed to determine whether functional orthodontic treatment improves the facial attractiveness of patients with Class II division 1 malocclusion.

Materials/method
Extraoral lateral photographs of 20 children with Class I (CLI, 11.7 ± 0.8 years), and before (T1) and after treatment (T2) photographs of patients with Class II division 1 (CLII T1 and CLII T2; mean age ± SD = 11.1 ± 0.6 years) treated with functional appliances, were transformed into black silhouettes. Three panels of examiners including 30 orthodontists (39.0 ± 10.1 years), 30 dentists (40.0 ± 9.7) and 30 laypersons (39.0 ± 9.2) evaluated the attractiveness of patients’ silhouettes using a 100-mm visual analogue scale, and the sagittal position of patients’ upper lip, lower lip, and chin using a 3-point Likert scale. Two-way ANOVA and a chi-square test were used to test differences among groups. Statistically significance was set as P  &lt;  0.05.

Results
The silhouettes of CLII T2 individuals were more attractive than those of the other groups (all Ps &lt; 0.001). The upper lip, lower lip, and the chin of these individuals were judged to be normally positioned in 69.5 per cent, 74.9 per cent, and 72.3 per cent of the assessments, respectively (all Ps &lt; 0.05).

Limitations
This study did not account for the psychological profile of the examiners, which may have affected the ratings.

Conclusions/implications
Orthodontic treatment with functional appliances is associated with a superior facial profile attractiveness. Functional treatment should be considered as a treatment option to improve the facial appearance of children with Class II division 1 malocclusion.
Impact of persistent left superior vena cava on radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kim Yun Gi , Han Seongwook , Choi Jong-Il , Lee Kwang-No , Baek Yong-Soo , Uhm Jae-Sun , Shim Jaemin , Kim Jin Seok , Park Sang Weon , Hwang Chun , Kim Young-Hoon 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Aims
The impact of persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is not well known. We performed this analysis to evaluate the electrophysiological characteristics of PLSVC and its role in triggering and maintaining AF.

Methods and results
Patients with AF referred to two tertiary hospitals were screened and patients with PLSVC in pre-RFCA imaging studies were enrolled. Among 3967 patients, PLSVC was present in 36 patients (0.9%). There were four morphological types of PLSVC: type 1, atresia of the right superior vena cava (SVC) (n = 2); type 2A, dual SVCs with an anastomosis between right and left SVCs (n = 15); type 2B, dual SVCs without an anastomosis (n = 16); type 3, PLSVC draining into the left atrium (LA; n = 2); and unclassified in one patient. Thirty-two patients underwent RFCA and electrophysiology study focusing on PLSVC: PLSVC was the trigger of AF in 48.4% of patients and the driver of AF in 46.9% of patients. Cumulatively, PLSVC was a trigger or driver of AF in 22 patients (68.8%). Whether to ablate PLSVC was determined by the results of electrophysiology study, and no significant difference in the late recurrence rate was observed between patients who did and did not have either trigger or driver from PLSVC.

Conclusion
Pre-RFCA cardiac imaging revealed PLSVC in 0.9% of AF patients. This study demonstrated that PLSVC has an important role in initiating and maintaining AF in substantial proportion of patients. Electrophysiology study focusing on PLSVC can help to decide whether to ablate PLSVC.
Decomposition of spruce wood and release of volatile organic compounds depend on decay type, fungal interactions and enzyme production patterns
Authors: Mali Tuulia , Mäki Mari , Hellén Heidi , Heinonsalo Jussi , Bäck Jaana , Lundell Taina 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTEffect of three wood-decaying fungi on decomposition of spruce wood was studied in solid-state cultivation conditions for a period of three months. Two white rot species (Trichaptum abietinum and Phlebia radiata) were challenged by a brown rot species (Fomitopsis pinicola) in varying combinations. Wood decomposition patterns as determined by mass loss, carbon to nitrogen ratio, accumulation of dissolved sugars and release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were observed to depend on both fungal combinations and growth time. Similar dependence of fungal species combination, either white or brown rot dominated, was observed for secreted enzyme activities on spruce wood. Fenton chemistry suggesting reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ was detected in the presence of F. pinicola, even in co-cultures, together with substantial degradation of wood carbohydrates and accumulation of oxalic acid. Significant correlation was perceived with two enzyme activity patterns (oxidoreductases produced by white rot fungi; hydrolytic enzymes produced by the brown rot fungus) and wood degradation efficiency. Moreover, emission of four signature VOCs clearly grouped the fungal combinations. Our results indicate that fungal decay type, either brown or white rot, determines the loss of wood mass and decomposition of polysaccharides as well as the pattern of VOCs released upon fungal growth on spruce wood.
Association of circulatory Tfh-like cells with neutralizing antibody responses among chronic HIV-1 subtype C infected long-term nonprogressors and progressors
Authors: Swathirajan Chinnambedu Ravichandran , Nandagopal Pannerselvam , Vignesh Ramachandran , Srikrishnan Aylur Kailasam , Goyal Rajat , Qureshi Huma , Saravanan Shanmugam , Solomon Sunil Suhas , Hanna Luke Elizabeth , Sivasankaran Munusamy Ponnan , Singla Nikhil , Mukherjee Joyeeta , Chatrath Shweta , Kopycinski Jakub , Murugavel Kailapuri Gangatharan 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT
HIV-1 vaccine functioning relies on successful induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). CXCR3− circulatory T-follicular helper (cTfh) cells are necessary for inducing B-cells for generating bNAbs. Recent studies have suggested that CXCR3+ Tfh cells might also influence bNAb production. Plasma samples from 34 ART-Naïve HIV-1 infected individuals [long-term nonprogressors (LTNP)—19; Progressors—13] were tested against a heterologous virus panel (n = 11) from subtypes A, B, C, G, AC, BC and AE. Frequencies of CXCR3+ and CXCR3− cTfh-like cells in peripheral circulation were studied using flow cytometry. LTNP showed significantly lower CXCR3+ and higher CXCR3− cTfh-like cell frequencies, while neutralization breadth was observed to be broader in progressors. A positive correlation was observed between bNAb breadth and potency with CXCR3+PD-1+ cTfh-like cells in LTNP. Based on neutralization breadth, 9 HIV-1 infected individuals were classified as ‘top neutralizers’ and 23 as ‘low neutralizers’ and they did not show any correlations with CXCR3+ and CXCR3− cTfh-like cells. These preliminary data suggest that CXCR3+ similar to CXCR3− might possess significant functional properties for driving B-cells to produce bNAbs. Hence, an HIV vaccine which is capable of optimal induction of CXCR3+ cTfh cells at germinal centers might confer superior protection against HIV.
Genome Organization and Adaptive Potential of Archetypal Organophosphate Degrading Sphingobium fuliginis ATCC 27551
Authors: Azam Sarwar , Parthasarathy Sunil , Singh Chhaya , Kumar Shakti , Siddavattam Dayananda 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSphingobium fuliginis ATCC 27551, previously classified as Flavobacterium sp. ATCC 27551, degrades neurotoxic organophosphate insecticides and nerve agents through the activity of a membrane-associated organophosphate hydrolase. This study was designed to determine the complete genome sequence of S. fuliginis ATCC 27551 to unravel its degradative potential and adaptability to harsh environments. The 5,414,624 bp genome with a GC content of 64.4% is distributed between two chromosomes and four plasmids and encodes 5,557 proteins. Of the four plasmids, designated as pSF1, pSF2, pSF3, and pSF4, only two (pSF1 and pSF2) are self-transmissible and contained the complete genetic repertoire for a T4SS. The other two plasmids (pSF3 and pSF4) are mobilizable and both showed the presence of an oriT and relaxase-encoding sequences. The sequence of plasmid pSF3 coincided with the previously determined sequence of pPDL2 and included an opd gene encoding organophosphate hydrolase as a part of the mobile element. About 15,455 orthologous clusters were identified from among the cumulatively annotated genes of 49 Sphingobium species. Phylogenetic analysis done using the core genome consisting of 802 orthologous clusters revealed a close relationship between S. fuliginis ATCC 27551 and bacteria capable of degradation of polyaromatic hydrocarbon compounds. Genes coding for transposases, efflux pumps conferring resistance to heavy metals, and TonR-type outer membrane receptors are selectively enriched in the genome of S. fuliginis ATCC 27551 and appear to contribute to the adaptive potential of the organism to challenging and harsh environments.
Age, Period, and Cohort Effects on Activities of Daily Living, Physical Performance, and Cognitive Functioning Impairment Among the Oldest-Old in China
Authors: Zhang Pei-Dong , Lv Yue-Bin , Li Zhi-Hao , Yin Zhao-Xue , Li Fu-Rong , Wang Jiao-Nan , Zhang Xi-Ru , Zhou Jin-Hui , Wu Xian-Bo , Duan Jun , Mao Chen , Shi Xiao-Ming 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to examine the trends in impairment regarding activities of daily living (ADL), physical performance, and cognitive function among the oldest-old (those aged 80 and older) in China between 1998 and 2014.MethodsWe used data on 34,297 oldest-old individuals from the seven waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study. We estimated age, period, and cohort effects on the prevalence of self-reported ADL impairment, tested physical performance and cognitive function impairment using the age–period–cohort model.ResultsRegarding age, the prevalence of ADL, physical performance, and cognitive function impairment were highest in the centenarians, but they did not increase with age in this population. Among the literate subgroup, the prevalence of cognitive impairment increased more rapidly with age than that in the illiterate subgroup. Regarding period, the prevalence of self-reported and tested physical impairment slowly increased between 1998 and 2014, but cognitive impairment remained stable. Regarding cohort, ADL impairment continuously decreased. However, physical and cognitive impairment remained stable after a brief decline in the early birth cohorts.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the age effect is still the most obvious effect regarding several types of functional impairment. The likelihood of a younger person experiencing functional impairment may not change significantly, but ADL is likely to be amenable to improvement resulting from improved medical and social care. Therefore, increased care for the oldest-old may considerably improve their quality of life, particularly regarding their basic ADL.
Bioinformatics analysis of diversity in bacterial glycan chain-termination chemistry and organization of carbohydrate-binding modules linked to ABC transporters
Authors: Mann Evan , Kimber Matthew S , Whitfield Chris 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe structures of bacterial cell surface glycans are remarkably diverse. In spite of this diversity, the general strategies used for their assembly are limited. In one of the major processes, found in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, the glycan is polymerized in the cytoplasm on a polyprenol lipid carrier and exported from the cytoplasm by an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter. The ABC transporter actively participates in determining the chain length of the glycan substrate, which impacts functional properties of the glycoconjugate products. A subset of these systems employs an additional elaborate glycan capping strategy that dictates the size distribution of the products. The hallmarks of prototypical capped glycan systems are a chain-terminating enzyme possessing a coiled-coil molecular ruler and an ABC transporter possessing a carbohydrate-binding module, which recognizes the glycan cap. To date, detailed investigations are limited to a small number of prototypes, and here, we used our current understanding of these processes for a bioinformatics census of other examples in available genome sequences. This study not only revealed additional instances of existing terminators but also predicted new chemistries as well as systems that diverge from the established prototypes. These analyses enable some new functional hypotheses and offer a roadmap for future research.
What is the cost of integration? Evidence from an integrated health and agriculture project to improve nutrition outcomes in Western Kenya
Authors: Levin Carol E , Self Julie L , Kedera Ellah , Wamalwa Moses , Hu Jia , Grant Frederick , Girard Amy Webb , Cole Donald C , Low Jan W 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Integrated nutrition and agricultural interventions have the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of investments in food security and nutrition. This article aimed to estimate the costs of an integrated agriculture and health intervention (Mama SASHA) focused on the promotion of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) production and consumption in Western Kenya. Programme activities included nutrition education and distribution of vouchers for OFSP vines during antenatal care and postnatal care (PNC) visits. We used expenditures and activity-based costing to estimate the financial costs during programme implementation (2011–13). Cost data were collected from monthly expense reports and interviews with staff members from all implementing organizations. Financial costs totalled US$507 809 for the project period. Recruiting and retaining women over the duration of their pregnancy and postpartum period required significant resources. Mama SASHA reached 3281 pregnant women at a cost of US$155 per beneficiary. Including both pregnant women and infants who attended PNC services with their mothers, the cost was US$110 per beneficiary. Joint planning, co-ordination and training across sectors drove 27% of programme costs. This study found that the average cost per beneficiary to implement an integrated agriculture, health and nutrition programme was substantial. Planning and implementing less intensive integrated interventions may be possible, and economies of scale may reduce overall costs. Empirical estimates of costs by components are critical for future planning and scaling up of integrated programmes.
Hybrid high-order discretizations combined with Nitsche’s method for Dirichlet and Signorini boundary conditions
Authors: Cascavita Karol L , Chouly Franz , Ern Alexandre 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
We present two primal methods to weakly discretize (linear) Dirichlet and (nonlinear) Signorini boundary conditions in elliptic model problems. Both methods support polyhedral meshes with nonmatching interfaces and are based on a combination of the hybrid high-order (HHO) method and Nitsche’s method. Since HHO methods involve both cell unknowns and face unknowns, this leads to different formulations of Nitsche’s consistency and penalty terms, either using the trace of the cell unknowns (cell version) or using directly the face unknowns (face version). The face version uses equal-order polynomials for cell and face unknowns, whereas the cell version uses cell unknowns of one order higher than the face unknowns. For Dirichlet conditions, optimal error estimates are established for both versions. For Signorini conditions, optimal error estimates are proven only for the cell version. Numerical experiments confirm the theoretical results and also reveal optimal convergence for the face version applied to Signorini conditions.