bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Author correction: Micromotor-enabled active drug delivery for in vivo treatment of stomach infection
Authors: de Ávila Berta Esteban-Fernández , Angsantikul Pavimol , Li Jinxing , Angel Lopez-Ramirez Miguel , Ramírez-Herrera Doris E. , Thamphiwatana Soracha , Chen Chuanrui , Delezuk Jorge , Samakapiruk Richard , Ramez Valentin , Obonyo Marygorret , Zhang Liangfang , Wang Joseph 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMarygorret Obonyo, who provided the H. pylori SS1 strain for this work and participated in the design of H. pylori infection studies, was inadvertently omitted from the author list. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Age is no barrier: predictors of academic success in older learners
Authors: Imlach Abbie-Rose , Ward David D. , Stuart Kimberley E. , Summers Mathew J. , Valenzuela Michael J. , King Anna E. , Saunders Nichole L. , Summers Jeffrey , Srikanth Velandai K. , Robinson Andrew , Vickers James C. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAlthough predictors of academic success have been identified in young adults, such predictors are unlikely to translate directly to an older student population, where such information is scarce. The current study aimed to examine cognitive, psychosocial, lifetime, and genetic predictors of university-level academic performance in older adults (50–79 years old). Participants were mostly female (71%) and had a greater than high school education level (M = 14.06 years, SD = 2.76), on average. Two multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. The first examined all potential predictors of grade point average (GPA) in the subset of participants who had volunteered samples for genetic analysis (N = 181). Significant predictors of GPA were then re-examined in a second multiple linear regression using the full sample (N = 329). Our data show that the cognitive domains of episodic memory and language processing, in conjunction with midlife engagement in cognitively stimulating activities, have a role in predicting academic performance as measured by GPA in the first year of study. In contrast, it was determined that age, IQ, gender, working memory, psychosocial factors, and common brain gene polymorphisms linked to brain function, plasticity and degeneration (APOE, BDNF, COMT, KIBRA, SERT) did not influence academic performance. These findings demonstrate that ageing does not impede academic achievement, and that discrete cognitive skills as well as lifetime engagement in cognitively stimulating activities can promote academic success in older adults.
Circadian preference towards morningness is associated with lower slow sleep spindle amplitude and intensity in adolescents
Authors: Merikanto Ilona , Kuula Liisa , Makkonen Tommi , Bódizs Róbert , Halonen Risto , Heinonen Kati , Lahti Jari , Räikkönen Katri , Pesonen Anu-Katriina 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIndividual circadian preference types and sleep EEG patterns related to spindle characteristics, have both been associated with similar cognitive and mental health phenotypes. However, no previous study has examined whether sleep spindles would differ by circadian preference. Here, we explore if spindle amplitude, density, duration or intensity differ by circadian preference and whether these associations are moderated by spindle location, frequency, and time distribution across the night. The participants (N = 170, 59% girls; mean age = 16.9, SD = 0.1 years) filled in the shortened 6-item Horne-Östberg Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. We performed an overnight sleep EEG at the homes of the participants. In linear mixed model analyses, we found statistically significant lower spindle amplitude and intensity in the morning as compared to intermediate (P < 0.001) and evening preference groups (P < 0.01; P > 0.06 for spindle duration and density). Spindle frequency moderated the associations (P < 0.003 for slow (<13 Hz); P > 0.2 for fast (>13 Hz)). Growth curve analyses revealed a distinct time distribution of spindles across the night by the circadian preference: both spindle amplitude and intensity decreased more towards morning in the morning preference group than in other groups. Our results indicate that circadian preference is not only affecting the sleep timing, but also associates with sleep microstructure regarding sleep spindle phenotypes.
Prognostic role of plasma fibrinogen in patients with uterine leiomyosarcoma – a multicenter study
Authors: Bekos Christine , Grimm Christoph , Brodowicz Thomas , Petru Edgar , Hefler Lukas , Reimer Daniel , Koch Horst , Reinthaller Alexander , Polterauer Stephan , Polterauer Mariella 
Published: October 2017

AbstractFibrinogen has an important pathophysiological role in tumor cell progression and development of metastases in different types of cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of pre-treatment fibrinogen plasma concentrations as a biomarker for tumor biology and prognosis in patients with uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS). Clinical data of patients with ULMS were assessed in this multi-center study Pre-therapeutic fibrinogen plasma concentrations were evaluated. We investigated the association between fibrinogen plasma levels and clinico-pathological parameters and performed univariate and multivariable survival analyses. In total, 70 women with ULMS were included into the analysis. Mean (SD) pre-treatment fibrinogen plasma levels were 480.2 (172.3) mg/dL. Patients with advanced tumor stage, increased tumor size and higher histological grading had higher fibrinogen levels (p = 0.02, p = 0.013, and p = 0.029, respectively). In ULMS patients with increased fibrinogen levels 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 25.0% compared to 52.9% in ULMS patients with normal fibrinogen, respectively. Univariate survival analyses revealed that elevated fibrinogen plasma levels (p = 0.030), advanced tumor stage (p < 0.001) and undifferentiated histology (p = 0.003) showed association with unfavorable OS. In multivariable analysis, histological grade (p = 0.03) and tumor stage (0.02) were independently associated with survival. Elevated fibrinogen plasma levels were associated with aggressive tumor biology and poor prognosis in women with ULMS. Fibrinogen might be useful as a novel biomarker in ULMS.
T cells upon activation promote endothelin 1 production in monocytes via IFN-γ and TNF-α
Authors: Shinagawa Shoshi , Okazaki Takahiro , Ikeda Mari , Yudoh Kazuo , Kisanuki Yaz Y. , Yanagisawa Masashi , Kawahata Kimito , Ozaki Shoichi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractEndothelin 1 (ET-1), mainly produced from vascular endothelial cells, induces vasoconstriction in physiological conditions. The endothelin receptor antagonist is among the most effective agents for pulmonary hypertension. However, little is known about the production source of ET-1 in inflammation and immunity. Here, we studied whether T cell-mediated ET-1 production system exists and operates independent of the production system in vascular endothelial cells. ET-1 production was readily detectable in the culture supernatant of human PBMCs and murine spleen cells stimulated with anti-CD3 antibody. Immunocytostaining showed that ET-1-producing cells emerged only in PBMCs stimulated with anti-CD3 antibody. Using the Transwell system, both murine and human monocytes sorted with magnetic beads in the inner chamber produced ET-1 when T cells were activated with antigen or anti-CD3 antibody in the outer chamber. This ET-1 production was inhibited by anti-IFN-γ and/or TNF-α antibody. Furthermore, monocytes purified from ETflox/flox;Tie2-Cre( + ) mice, which conditionally lack ET-1 in hematopoietic stem cells and vascular endothelial cells, did not produce ET-1 even when stimulated by antigen-specific T cell activation. This study demonstrates the existence of an immune-mediated ET-1 production induced by T cells upon activation through IFN-γ and TNF-α.
Acute induction of anxiety in humans by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol related to amygdalar cannabinoid-1 (CB1) receptors
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sagnik , Egerton Alice , Kim Euitae , Rosso Lula , Riano Barros Daniela , Hammers Alexander , Brammer Michael , Turkheimer Federico E. , Howes Oliver D. , McGuire Philip 
Published: October 2017

AbstractUse of Cannabis, the most widely used illicit drug worldwide, is associated with acute anxiety, and anxiety disorders following regular use. The precise neural and receptor basis of these effects have not been tested in man. Employing a combination of functional MRI (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), we investigated whether the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC), the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis, on anxiety and on amygdala response while processing fearful stimuli were related to local availability of its main central molecular target, cannabinoid-1 (CB1) receptors in man. Fourteen healthy males were studied with fMRI twice, one month apart, following an oral dose of either delta-9-THC (10 mg) or placebo, while they performed a fear-processing task. Baseline availability of the CB1 receptor was studied using PET with [11C]MePPEP, a CB1 inverse agonist radioligand. Relative to the placebo condition, delta-9-THC induced anxiety and modulated right amygdala activation while processing fear. Both these effects were positively correlated with CB1 receptor availability in the right amygdala. These results suggest that the acute effects of cannabis on anxiety in males are mediated by the modulation of amygdalar function by delta-9-THC and the extent of these effects are related to local availability of CB1 receptors.
Hydrogen storage and stability properties of Pd–Pt solid-solution nanoparticles revealed via atomic and electronic structure
Authors: Kumara Loku Singgappulige Rosantha , Sakata Osami , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Song Chulho , Kohara Shinji , Ina Toshiaki , Yoshimoto Toshiki , Yoshioka Satoru , Matsumura Syo , Kitagawa Hiroshi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBimetallic Pd1−xPt
x
solid-solution nanoparticles (NPs) display charging/discharging of hydrogen gas, which has relevance for fuel cell technologies; however, the constituent elements are immiscible in the bulk phase. We examined these material systems using high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption fine structure and hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. Recent studies have demonstrated the hydrogen storage properties and catalytic activities of Pd-Pt alloys; however, comprehensive details of their structural and electronic functionality at the atomic scale have yet to be reported. Three-dimensional atomic-scale structure results obtained from the pair distribution function (PDF) and reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) methods suggest the formation of a highly disordered structure with a high cavity-volume-fraction for low-Pt content NPs. The NP conduction band features, as extracted from X-ray absorption near-edge spectra at the Pd and Pt L
III
-edge, suggest that the Pd conduction band is filled by Pt valence electrons. This behaviour is consistent with observations of the hydrogen storage capacity of these NPs. The broadening of the valence band width and the down-shift of the d-band centre away from the Fermi level upon Pt substitution also provided evidence for enhanced stability of the hydride (ΔH) features of the Pd1−xPt
x
solid-solution NPs with a Pt content of 8-21 atomic percent.
Active contours driven by difference of Gaussians
Authors: Akram Farhan , Garcia Miguel Angel , Puig Domenec 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn this paper, a novel edge-based active contour method is proposed based on the difference of Gaussians (DoG) to segment intensity inhomogeneous images. DoG is known as a feature enhancement tool, which can enhance the edges of an image. However, in the proposed energy functional it is used as an edge-indicator parameter, which acts like a balloon force during the level-set curve evolution process. In the proposed formulation, the internal energy term penalizes the deviation of the level-set function from a signed distance function and external energy term evolves the contour towards the boundaries of the objects. There are three main advantages of the proposed method. First, image difference computed using the DoG function provides the global structure of an image, which helps to segment the image globally that the traditional edge-based methods are unable to do. Second, it has a low time complexity compared to the state-of-the-art active contours developed in the context of intensity inhomogeneity. Third, it is not sensitive to the initial position of contour. Experimental results using both synthetic and real brain magnetic resonance (MR) images show that the proposed method yields better segmentation results compared to the state-of-the-art.
Reactivity and sensitivity of commercially available influenza rapid diagnostic tests in Japan
Authors: Sakai-Tagawa Yuko , Yamayoshi Seiya , Kawakami Chiharu , Le Mai Q. , Uchida Yuko , Saito Takehiko , Nidom Chairul A. , Humaira Ira , Toohey-Kurth Kathy , Arafa Abdel-Satar , Liu Ming-Tsan , Shu Yuelong , Kawaoka Yoshihiro 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSeasonal influenza virus routinely causes epidemic infections throughout the world. Sporadic infections by H5N1, H5N6, and H7N9 viruses are also reported. To treat patients suffering from such viral infections, broadly reactive and highly sensitive influenza rapid diagnostic tests (IRDTs) are required. Here, we examined the reactivity and sensitivity of 25 IRDTs available in Japan for the detection of seasonal H1N1pdm09, H3N2, and type B viruses, as well as highly pathogenic H5 and H7 viruses. All of the IRDTs tested detected the seasonal viruses and H5 and H7 viruses albeit with different sensitivities. Several IRDTs detected the H5 and H7 viruses and the seasonal viruses with similar (high) sensitivity.
Application of Lysine-specific Labeling to Detect Transient Interactions Present During Human Lysozyme Amyloid Fibril Formation
Authors: Ahn Minkoo , Waudby Christopher A. , Bernardo-Gancedo Ana , De Genst Erwin , Dhulesia Anne , Salvatella Xavier , Christodoulou John , Dobson Christopher M. , Kumita Janet R. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPopulating transient and partially unfolded species is a crucial step in the formation and accumulation of amyloid fibrils formed from pathogenic variants of human lysozyme linked with a rare but fatal hereditary systemic amyloidosis. The partially unfolded species possess an unstructured β-domain and C-helix with the rest of the α-domain remaining native-like. Here we use paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) measured by NMR spectroscopy to study the transient intermolecular interactions between such intermediate species. Nitroxide spin labels, introduced specifically at three individual lysine residues, generate distinct PRE profiles, indicating the presence of intermolecular interactions between residues within the unfolded β-domain. This study describes the applicability to PRE NMR measurements of selective lysine labeling, at different sites within a protein, as an alternative to the introduction of spin labels via engineered cysteine residues. These results reveal the importance of the β-sheet region of lysozyme for initiating self-assembly into amyloid fibrils.
Marine heatwave causes unprecedented regional mass bleaching of thermally resistant corals in northwestern Australia
Authors: Le Nohaïc Morane , Ross Claire L. , Cornwall Christopher E. , Comeau Steeve , Lowe Ryan , McCulloch Malcolm T. , Schoepf Verena 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn 2015/16, a marine heatwave associated with a record El Niño led to the third global mass bleaching event documented to date. This event impacted coral reefs around the world, including in Western Australia (WA), although WA reefs had largely escaped bleaching during previous strong El Niño years. Coral health surveys were conducted during the austral summer of 2016 in four bioregions along the WA coast (~17 degrees of latitude), ranging from tropical to temperate locations. Here we report the first El Niño-related regional-scale mass bleaching event in WA. The heatwave primarily affected the macrotidal Kimberley region in northwest WA (~16°S), where 4.5–9.3 degree heating weeks (DHW) resulted in 56.6–80.6% bleaching, demonstrating that even heat-tolerant corals from naturally extreme, thermally variable reef environments are threatened by heatwaves. Some heat stress (2.4 DHW) and bleaching (<30%) also occurred at Rottnest Island (32°01’S), whereas coral communities at Ningaloo Reef (23°9’S) and Bremer Bay (34°25’S) were not impacted. The only other major mass bleaching in WA occurred during a strong La Niña event in 2010/11 and primarily affected reefs along the central-to-southern coast. This suggests that WA reefs are now at risk of severe bleaching during both El Niño and La Niña years.
Exfoliated WS2-Nafion Composite based Electromechanical Actuators
Authors: Loeian Masoud S. , Ziolkowska Dominika A. , Khosravi Farhad , Jasinski Jacek B. , Panchapakesan Balaji 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe ability to convert electrical energy into mechanical motion is of significant interest in many energy conversion technologies. Here, we demonstrate the first liquid phase exfoliated WS2-Nafion nanocomposite based electro-mechanical actuators. Highly exfoliated layers of WS2 mixed with Nafion solution, solution cast and doped with Li+ was studied as electromechanical actuators. Resonant Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photo-electron-spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and AC impedance spectroscopy were used to study the structure, photoluminescence, water uptake, mechanical and electromechanical actuation properties of the exfoliated nanocomposites. A 114% increase in elastic modulus (dry condition), 160% increase in proton conductivity, 300% increase in water uptake, cyclic strain amplitudes of ~0.15% for 0.1 Hz excitation frequency, tip displacements greater than nanotube-Nafion and graphene-Nafion actuators and continuous operation for more than 5 hours is observed for TMD-Nafion actuators. The mechanism behind the increase in water uptake is a result of oxygen atoms occupying the vacancies in the hydrophilic exfoliated flakes and subsequently bonding with water, not possible in Nafion composites based on carbon nanotube and graphene.
Antibiotics induce polarization of pleural macrophages to M2-like phenotype in patients with tuberculous pleuritis
Authors: Wang Sisi , Zhang Jian , Sui Liyan , Xu Hao , Piao Qianling , Liu Ying , Qu Xinglong , Sun Ying , Song Lei , Li Dan , Peng Liping , Hua Shucheng , Hu Guangan , Chen Jianzhu 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPleural macrophages play critical roles in pathogenesis of tuberculous pleuritis, but very little is known about their response to anti-tuberculosis antibiotics treatment. Here, we examined whether and how pleural macrophages change in phenotype, transcription and function following antibiotics treatment in patients with tuberculous pleuritis. Results show pro-inflammatory cytokines were down-regulated significantly post antibiotic treatment in the pleural effusions and pleural macrophages up-regulated markers characteristic of M2 macrophages such as CD163 and CD206. Differential expression analysis of transcriptomes from four paired samples before and after treatment identified 230 treatment-specific responsive genes in pleural macrophages. Functional analysis identified interferon-related pathway to be the most responsive genes and further confirmed macrophage polarization to M2-like phenotype. We further demonstrate that expression of a significant fraction of responsive genes was modulated directly by antibiotics in pleural macrophagesin vitro. Our results conclude that pleural macrophages polarize from M1-like to M2-like phenotype within a mean of 3.5 days post antibiotics treatment, which is dependent on both pleural cytokine environment and direct modulatory effects of antibiotics. The treatment-specific genes could be used to study the roles of pleural macrophages in the pathogenesis of tuberculous pleuritis and to monitor the response to antibiotics treatment.
Functional coupling of human pancreatic islets and liver spheroids on-a-chip: Towards a novel human ex vivo type 2 diabetes model
Authors: Bauer Sophie , Wennberg Huldt Charlotte , Kanebratt Kajsa P. , Durieux Isabell , Gunne Daniela , Andersson Shalini , Ewart Lorna , Haynes William G. , Maschmeyer Ilka , Winter Annika , Ämmälä Carina , Marx Uwe , Andersson Tommy B. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractHuman in vitro physiological models studying disease and drug treatment effects are urgently needed as more relevant tools to identify new drug targets and therapies. We have developed a human microfluidic two-organ-chip model to study pancreatic islet–liver cross-talk based on insulin and glucose regulation. We have established a robust co-culture of human pancreatic islet microtissues and liver spheroids maintaining functional responses up to 15 days in an insulin-free medium. Functional coupling, demonstrated by insulin released from the islet microtissues in response to a glucose load applied in glucose tolerance tests on different days, promoted glucose uptake by the liver spheroids. Co-cultures maintained postprandial glucose concentrations in the circulation whereas glucose levels remained elevated in both single cultures. Thus, insulin secreted into the circulation stimulated glucose uptake by the liver spheroids, while the latter, in the absence of insulin, did not consume glucose as efficiently. As the glucose concentration fell, insulin secretion subsided, demonstrating a functional feedback loop between the liver and the insulin-secreting islet microtissues. Finally, inter-laboratory validation verified robustness and reproducibility. Further development of this model using tools inducing impaired glucose regulation should provide a unique in vitro system emulating human type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Trabecular bone anisotropy imaging with a compact laser-undulator synchrotron x-ray source
Authors: Jud Christoph , Braig Eva , Dierolf Martin , Eggl Elena , Günther Benedikt , Achterhold Klaus , Gleich Bernhard , Rummeny Ernst , Noël Peter , Pfeiffer Franz , Muenzel Daniela 
Published: October 2017

AbstractConventional x-ray radiography is a well-established standard in diagnostic imaging of human bones. It reveals typical bony anatomy with a strong surrounding cortical bone and trabecular structure of the inner part. However, due to limited spatial resolution, x-ray radiography cannot provide information on the microstructure of the trabecular bone. Thus, microfractures without dislocation are often missed in initial radiographs, resulting in a lack or delay of adequate therapy. Here we show that x-ray vector radiography (XVR) can overcome this limitation and allows for a deeper insight into the microstructure with a radiation exposure comparable to standard radiography. XVR senses x-ray ultrasmall-angle scattering in addition to the attenuation contrast and thereby reveals the mean scattering strength, its degree of anisotropy and the orientation of scattering structures. Corresponding to the structural characteristics of bones, there is a homogenous mean scattering signal of the trabecular bone but the degree of anisotropy is strongly affected by variations in the trabecular structure providing more detailed information on the bone microstructure. The measurements were performed at the Munich Compact Light Source, a novel type of x-ray source based on inverse Compton scattering. This laboratory-sized source produces highly brilliant quasi-monochromatic x-rays with a tunable energy.