bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular signatures of neural connectivity in the olfactory cortex
Authors: Diodato Assunta , Ruinart de Brimont Marion , Yim Yeong Shin , Derian Nicolas , Perrin Sandrine , Pouch Juliette , Klatzmann David , Garel Sonia , Choi Gloria B , Fleischmann Alexander 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe ability to target subclasses of neurons with defined connectivity is crucial for uncovering neural circuit functions. The olfactory (piriform) cortex is thought to generate odour percepts and memories, and odour information encoded in piriform is routed to target brain areas involved in multimodal sensory integration, cognition and motor control. However, it remains unknown if piriform outputs are spatially organized, and if distinct output channels are delineated by different gene expression patterns. Here we identify genes selectively expressed in different layers of the piriform cortex. Neural tracing experiments reveal that these layer-specific piriform genes mark different subclasses of neurons, which project to distinct target areas. Interestingly, these molecular signatures of connectivity are maintained in reeler mutant mice, in which neural positioning is scrambled. These results reveal that a predictive link between a neuron’s molecular identity and connectivity in this cortical circuit is determined independent of its spatial position.
Plasma phospholipids and fatty acid composition differ between liver biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and healthy subjects
Authors: Ma D W L , Arendt B M , Hillyer L M , Fung S K , McGilvray I , Guindi M , Allard J P 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Background:
There is growing evidence that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with perturbations in liver lipid metabolism. Liver phospholipid and fatty acid composition have been shown to be altered in NAFLD. However, detailed profiles of circulating lipids in the pathogenesis of NAFLD are lacking.

Objective:
Therefore, the objective of the present study was to examine circulating lipids and potential mechanisms related to hepatic gene expression between liver biopsy-proven simple steatosis (SS), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and healthy subjects.

Subjects:
Plasma phospholipid and fatty acid composition were determined in 31 healthy living liver donors as healthy controls (HC), 26 patients with simple hepatic steatosis (SS) and 20 with progressive NASH. Hepatic gene expression was analyzed by Illumina microarray in a subset of 22 HC, 16 SS and 14 NASH.

Results:
Concentrations of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) increased relative to disease progression, HC<SS<NASH (170<210<250 μg ml−1), and was significantly different (P<0.05) between HC and NASH. Circulating phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylinositol were higher in SS and NASH compared with HC (P<0.05), but there was no difference between SS and NASH. Fatty acid composition of phospholipids was also remodeled. In particular, docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acid were higher (P<0.05) in SS and NASH relative to HC in PS. Differentially expressed hepatic genes included ETNK1 and PLSCR1 that are involved in PE synthesis and PS transport, respectively.

Conclusions:
The present study demonstrates that there is a disruption in phospholipid metabolism that is present in SS, but more pronounced in NASH. Intervention studies targeted at lipid metabolism could benefit SS and NASH.
Modular, Antibody-free Time-Resolved LRET Kinase Assay Enabled by Quantum Dots and Tb3+-sensitizing Peptides
Authors: Cui Wei , Parker Laurie L. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractFluorescent drug screening assays are essential for tyrosine kinase inhibitor discovery. Here we demonstrate a flexible, antibody-free TR-LRET kinase assay strategy that is enabled by the combination of streptavidin-coated quantum dot (QD) acceptors and biotinylated, Tb3+ sensitizing peptide donors. By exploiting the spectral features of Tb3+ and QD, and the high binding affinity of the streptavidin-biotin interaction, we achieved multiplexed detection of kinase activity in a modular fashion without requiring additional covalent labeling of each peptide substrate. This strategy is compatible with high-throughput screening, and should be adaptable to the rapidly changing workflows and targets involved in kinase inhibitor discovery.
Template Free and Binderless NiO Nanowire Foam for Li-ion Battery Anodes with Long Cycle Life and Ultrahigh Rate Capability
Authors: Liu Chueh , Li Changling , Ahmed Kazi , Mutlu Zafer , Ozkan Cengiz S. , Ozkan Mihrimah 
Published: July 2016

AbstractHerein, NiO-decorated Ni nanowires with diameters ca. 30–150 nm derived from Ni wire backbone (ca. 2 μm in diameter) is directly synthesized on commercially available Ni foam as a renovated anode for Li-ion batteries. Excellent stability with capacity 680 mAh g−1 at 0.5C (1C = 718 mA g−1) is achieved after 1000 cycles. Superior rate capability is exhibited by cycling at extremely high current rates, such as 20C and 50C with capacities ca. 164 and 75 mAh g−1, respectively. The capacity can be recovered back to ca. 430 mAh g−1 in 2 cycles when lowered to 0.2C and stably cycled for 430 times with capacity 460 mAh g−1. The NiO nanowire foam anode possesses low equivalent series resistance ca. 3.5 Ω, resulting in superior power performance and low resistive losses. The NiO nanowire foam can be manufactured with bio-friendly chemicals and low temperature processes without any templates, binders and conductive additives, which possesses the potential transferring from lab scale to industrial production.
Electric control of superconducting transition through a spin-orbit coupled interface
Authors: Ouassou Jabir Ali , Di Bernardo Angelo , Robinson Jason W. A. , Linder Jacob 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWe demonstrate theoretically all-electric control of the superconducting transition temperature using a device comprised of a conventional superconductor, a ferromagnetic insulator and semiconducting layers with intrinsic spin-orbit coupling. By using analytical calculations and numerical simulations, we show that the transition temperature of such a device can be controlled by electric gating which alters the ratio of Rashba to Dresselhaus spin-orbit coupling. The results offer a new pathway to control superconductivity in spintronic devices.
Topographical functional connectivity patterns exist in the congenitally, prelingually deaf
Authors: Striem-Amit Ella , Almeida Jorge , Belledonne Mario , Chen Quanjing , Fang Yuxing , Han Zaizhu , Caramazza Alfonso , Bi Yanchao 
Published: July 2016

AbstractCongenital deafness causes large changes in the auditory cortex structure and function, such that without early childhood cochlear-implant, profoundly deaf children do not develop intact, high-level, auditory functions. But how is auditory cortex organization affected by congenital, prelingual and long standing deafness? Does the large-scale topographical organization of the auditory cortex develop in people deaf from birth? And is it retained despite cross-modal plasticity? We identified, using fMRI, topographic tonotopy-based functional connectivity (FC) structure in humans in the core auditory cortex, its extending tonotopic gradients in the belt and even beyond that. These regions show similar FC structure in the congenitally deaf throughout the auditory cortex, including in the language areas. The topographic FC pattern can be identified reliably in the vast majority of the deaf, at the single subject level, despite the absence of hearing-aid use and poor oral language skills. These findings suggest that large-scale tonotopic-based FC does not require sensory experience to develop and is retained despite life-long auditory deprivation and cross-modal plasticity. Furthermore, as the topographic FC is retained to varying degrees among the deaf subjects, it may serve to predict the potential for auditory rehabilitation using cochlear implants in individual subjects.
Distributed lag effects and vulnerable groups of floods on bacillary dysentery in Huaihua, China
Authors: Liu Zhi-Dong , Li Jing , Zhang Ying , Ding Guo-Yong , Xu Xin , Gao Lu , Liu Xue-Na , Liu Qi-Yong , Jiang Bao-Fa 
Published: July 2016

AbstractUnderstanding the potential links between floods and bacillary dysentery in China is important to develop appropriate intervention programs after floods. This study aimed to explore the distributed lag effects of floods on bacillary dysentery and to identify the vulnerable groups in Huaihua, China. Weekly number of bacillary dysentery cases from 2005–2011 were obtained during flood season. Flood data and meteorological data over the same period were obtained from the China Meteorological Data Sharing Service System. To examine the distributed lag effects, a generalized linear mixed model combined with a distributed lag non-linear model were developed to assess the relationship between floods and bacillary dysentery. A total of 3,709 cases of bacillary dysentery were notified over the study period. The effects of floods on bacillary dysentery continued for approximately 3 weeks with a cumulative risk ratio equal to 1.52 (95% CI: 1.08–2.12). The risks of bacillary dysentery were higher in females, farmers and people aged 15–64 years old. This study suggests floods have increased the risk of bacillary dysentery with 3 weeks’ effects, especially for the vulnerable groups identified. Public health programs should be taken to prevent and control a potential risk of bacillary dysentery after floods.
Enhanced performance of lipase via microcapsulation and its application in biodiesel preparation
Authors: Su Feng , Li Guanlin , Fan Yanli , Yan Yunjun 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn the present study, a surface-active enzyme, lipase was immobilized in polyethyleneimine (PEI) microcapsules and then modified with oxidized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The resulting lipase microcapsules exhibited higher activity and stability, since the activity of microcapsules was 21.9 folds than that of the free counterpart. Numerous interfaces which were created in polycondensation enhanced the performance of lipases. Illustrated by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), it was found that microcapsules, whose barrier properties against molecules with diameter >4.6 nm, were with a semipermeable and porous membrane structure. The lipases preferred to locate in the wall of the microcapsules. The oxidized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were further added to modify microcapsules, resulting in even higher activity. The nanocomposites were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and zeta-potential analyzer. The results indicated the superior catalytic performances were attributed to the augmented interface and decreased positive charge. Finally, the MWCNTs modified microcapsules were utilized in producing biodiesel with a 97.15% yield and retained nearly 90% yield after running 10 cycles. This approach of microcapsulation will be highly beneficial for preparing various bio-active microcapsules with excellent catalytic performance.
Strontium mineralization of shark vertebrae
Authors: Raoult Vincent , Peddemors Victor M. , Zahra David , Howell Nicholas , Howard Daryl L. , de Jonge Martin D. , Williamson Jane E. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractDetermining the age of sharks using vertebral banding is a vital component of management, but the causes of banding are not fully understood. Traditional shark ageing is based on fish otolith ageing methods where growth bands are assumed to result from varied seasonal calcification rates. Here we investigate these assumptions by mapping elemental distribution within the growth bands of vertebrae from six species of sharks representing four different taxonomic orders using scanning x-ray fluorescence microscopy. Traditional visual growth bands, determined with light microscopy, were more closely correlated to strontium than calcium in all species tested. Elemental distributions suggest that vertebral strontium bands may be related to environmental variations in salinity. These results highlight the requirement for a better understanding of shark movements, and their influence on vertebral development, if confidence in age estimates is to be improved. Analysis of shark vertebrae using similar strontium-focused elemental techniques, once validated for a given species, may allow more successful estimations of age on individuals with few or no visible vertebral bands.
EDN1 Gene Variant is Associated with Neonatal Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Mei Mei , Cheng Guoqiang , Sun Bijun , Yang Lin , Wang Huijun , Sun Jinqiao , Zhou Wenhao 
Published: July 2016

AbstractRecent studies have suggested associations between certain genetic variants and susceptibility to persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of EDN1, NOS3, ACE and VEGFA genes with PPHN. Neonates with respiratory distress were enrolled in the study, whose gestational age ≥34 weeks, age ≤3 days. They were divided into PPHN and non-PPHN group. The EDN1, NOS3, ACE and VEGFA genes were detected by next-generation sequencing and the results were validated by Sanger sequencing. Serum endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels were quantified by ELISA. A total of 112 neonates were enrolled (n = 55 in PPHN group; n = 57 in non-PPHN group). There is a significantly difference in the genotype distribution of EDN1 rs2070699 between the PPHN and non-PPHN group (P = 0). A higher frequency of the rs2070699 T allele was observed in the PPHN group (54.5% vs 27.2%; OR = 3.89; 95%CI 1.96–7.72). The rs2070699 T allele was associated with higher ET-1 levels (3.333 ± 2.517 pg/mL vs 1.223 ± 0.856 pg/mL; P = 0.002) and a longer ventilation period (5.8 ± 2.6 days vs 3.6 ± 3.3 days; P = 0). The results suggest there is an association between EDN1 and PPHN. The presence of the rs2070699 T allele increased the risk of PPHN in neonates with respiratory distress.
Predictability of Precipitation Over the Conterminous U.S. Based on the CMIP5 Multi-Model Ensemble
Authors: Jiang Mingkai , Felzer Benjamin S. , Sahagian Dork 
Published: July 2016

AbstractCharacterizing precipitation seasonality and variability in the face of future uncertainty is important for a well-informed climate change adaptation strategy. Using the Colwell index of predictability and monthly normalized precipitation data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) multi-model ensembles, this study identifies spatial hotspots of changes in precipitation predictability in the United States under various climate scenarios. Over the historic period (1950–2005), the recurrent pattern of precipitation is highly predictable in the East and along the coastal Northwest, and is less so in the arid Southwest. Comparing the future (2040–2095) to the historic period, larger changes in precipitation predictability are observed under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 8.5 than those under RCP 4.5. Finally, there are region-specific hotspots of future changes in precipitation predictability, and these hotspots often coincide with regions of little projected change in total precipitation, with exceptions along the wetter East and parts of the drier central West. Therefore, decision-makers are advised to not rely on future total precipitation as an indicator of water resources. Changes in precipitation predictability and the subsequent changes on seasonality and variability are equally, if not more, important factors to be included in future regional environmental assessment.
Life-history trait plasticity and its relationships with plant adaptation and insect fitness: a case study on the aphid Sitobion avenae
Authors: Dai Peng , Shi Xiaoqin , Liu Deguang , Ge Zhaohong , Wang Da , Dai Xinjia , Yi Zhihao , Meng Xiuxiang 
Published: July 2016

AbstractPhenotypic plasticity has recently been considered a powerful means of adaptation, but its relationships with corresponding life-history characters and plant specialization levels of insects have been controversial. To address the issues, Sitobion avenae clones from three plants in two areas were compared. Varying amounts of life-history trait plasticity were found among S. avenae clones on barley, oat and wheat. In most cases, developmental durations and their corresponding plasticities were found to be independent, and fecundities and their plasticities were correlated characters instead. The developmental time of first instar nymphs for oat and wheat clones, but not for barley clones, was found to be independent from its plasticity, showing environment-specific effects. All correlations between environments were found to be positive, which could contribute to low plasticity in S. avenae. Negative correlations between trait plasticities and fitness of test clones suggest that lower plasticity could have higher adaptive value. Correlations between plasticity and specialization indices were identified for all clones, suggesting that plasticity might evolve as a by-product of adaptation to certain environments. The divergence patterns of life-history plasticities in S. avenae, as well as the relationships among plasticity, specialization and fitness, could have significant implications for evolutionary ecology of this aphid.
Systematic analysis of an evolved Thermobifida fusca muC producing malic acid on organic and inorganic nitrogen sources
Authors: Deng Yu , Lin Jia , Mao Yin , Zhang Xiaojuan 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThermobifida fusca is a thermophilic actinobacterium. T. fusca muC obtained by adaptive evolution preferred yeast extract to ammonium sulfate for accumulating malic acid and ammonium sulfate for cell growth. We did transcriptome analysis of T. fusca muC on Avicel and cellobiose with addition of ammonium sulfate or yeast extract, respectively by RNAseq. The transcriptional results indicate that ammonium sulfate induced the transcriptions of the genes related to carbohydrate metabolisms significantly more than yeast extract. Importantly, Tfu_2487, encoding histidine-containing protein (HPr), didn’t transcribe on yeast extract at all, while it transcribed highly on ammonium sulfate. In order to understand the impact of HPr on malate production and cell growth of the muC strain, we deleted Tfu_2487 to get a mutant strain: muCΔ2487, which had 1.33 mole/mole-glucose equivalent malate yield, much higher than that on yeast extract. We then developed an E. coli-T. fusca shuttle plasmid for over-expressing HPr in muCΔ2487, a strain without HPr background, forming the muCΔ2487S strain. The muCΔ2487S strain had a much lower malate yield but faster cell growth than the muC strain. The results of both mutant strains confirmed that HPr was the key regulatory protein for T. fusca’s metabolisms on nitrogen sources.
Porous core photonic crystal fibre for ultra‐low material loss in THz regime
Authors: Islam Md.Saiful , Rana Sohel , Islam Mohammad Rakibul , Faisal Mohammad , Rahman Hasan , Sultana Jakeya 
Published: July 2016

An extremely low‐loss porous core circular photonic crystal fibre is presented for terahertz (THz) wave guidance. Much of attention is given to the geometries of the fibre to increase the fraction of power transmitted through core air holes. The finite‐element method has been used to compute the modal characteristics of the fibre. Simulation results exhibit an ultra‐low material loss of −0.05 cm−1 which is one‐fourth of the bulk material loss and almost half of the useful power goes through core air holes at a frequency f = 1 THz. Besides, single‐mode properties, confinement loss and dispersion of the fibre are rigorously discussed. The proposed fibre can be fabricated using capillary stacking or sol–gel technique and is useful for transmission applications in the THz frequency band.
Abgrenzungskonzeption zur Definition Landarzt
Authors: Marschner C. , Wasem J. , Heymann R. 
Published: July 2016

ZusammenfassungVor dem Hintergrund der wissenschaftlichen Diskussion im Rahmen der Versorgungsforschung mangelt es nach wie vor an einer konkreten und einheitlichen Landarztdefinition. Diese wäre aber für die zukünftige Gestaltung der medizinischen Versorgungsstruktur in Deutschland dringend notwendig. Insbesondere die anhaltenden Diskussionen über den prognostizierten und bereits in Teilen Deutschlands gegenwärtigen Ärztemangel in ländlichen, zumeist strukturschwachen Regionen, stützen die Forderung nach einer Präzisierung des Landarztbegriffs. Nur auf Basis einer einheitlichen Definition erscheint es möglich, effiziente Lösungen regionsübergreifend entwickeln, diskutieren und zielgerichtet einsetzen zu können. Die Vielzahl bereits existierender Lösungsansätze wie z. B. die Telemedizin, Gesundheitszentren, Gemeindeschwestern, Übernahme ambulanter Versorgungsleistungen durch Krankenhäuser, Nachwuchsförderung usw., müssen evaluiert und dem tatsächlichen Bedarf entsprechend angepasst werden. Der zugrunde liegende Artikel stellt einen neu entwickelten Stufenplan zur Differenzierung zwischen Land- und Stadtärzten vor, welcher die Definition „Landarzt“ regionsadaptiert ermöglicht. Unter zur Hilfenahme der Definition kann dann eine Überprüfung und Weiterentwicklung der zuvor genannten Lösungsansätze stattfinden. Darüber hinaus besteht durch die Anwendung der Abgrenzungskonzeption die Chance, völlig neue Ideen und Lösungen im Rahmen der Versorgungsforschung zu kreieren. Die Grundlage der neuen Konzeption zur Land- und Stadtarztabgrenzung besteht im Wesentlichen aus den Abgrenzungsschritten: Grundzentrum (Schritt I), ländliche Besiedelung (Schritt II) sowie räumlich zentrale Lage (Schritt III). Diese 3 aufeinander aufbauenden Abgrenzungsschritte werden im Folgenden zunächst einzeln theoretisch hergeleitet. Im Anschluss erfolgt die praktische Anwendung der vorgestellten Konzeption an der Beispielregion Westfalen/Lippe. Das entwickelte Modell bietet zusammenfassend eine standardisierte Vorgehensweise, die unter zeitlichen und finanziellen Aspekten als realisierbar gilt. Ziel des vorliegenden Papiers ist vor allem ein Beitrag zur anhaltenden Diskussion der ambulanten Versorgungsforschung und insbesondere der Definition Landarzt zu leisten, die mit Hilfe des hier vorgestellten Modellansatzes auch Vergleiche zwischen verschiedenen Regionen Deutschlands ermöglicht.
Regulatory effects of the L-lysine metabolites, L-2-aminoadipic acid and L-pipecolic acid, on protein turnover in C2C12 myotubes
Authors: Sato Tomonori , Ito Yoshiaki , Nagasawa Takashi 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
We previously showed that L-lysine (Lys) and a metabolite of Lys, L-saccharopine, suppressed autophagic proteolysis in C2C12 myotubes. However, the effects of other metabolites of Lys on protein turnover were unknown. We here investigated the effect of the Lys metabolites, L-2-aminoadipic acid (2-AA) and L-pipecolic acid (Pip), on protein turnover in C2C12 myotubes. 2-AA suppressed myofibrillar protein degradation evaluated by the 3-methylhistidine and autophagy activity evaluated by light chain 3-II at lower concentration (100 μM) than did Lys. On the other hand, Pip stimulated the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling activity. Additionally, 100 μM Pip significantly increased the rates of protein synthesis whereas 100 μM Lys had no effect. These results indicate that in C2C12 myotubes, 2-AA could suppress autophagy and Pip could stimulate the rates of protein synthesis, and these metabolites may contribute to exert effect of Lys on protein turnover.