bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abundance of liana species in an Amazonian forest of Brazil reflects neither adventitious root nor foliar sprout production
Authors: Piovesan Paulo Ricardo Rodrigues , Camargo José Luís Campana , Burnham Robyn Jeanette , Ferraz Isolde Dorothea Kossmann
Published: July 2018

Liana abundance and size have increased in neotropical forests. High vegetative reproductive capacity (clonality) may be the cause of high abundance in some liana species. Correlations between vegetative propagation capacity and (1) relative abundance of liana species, (2) rooting and foliar sprouting potentials of congeneric species, and (3) phylogenetic position were determined. Species selection was based on the relative abundance of lianas in ten 0.5-ha parcels in continuous forest within the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project (BDFFP), Brazil. Five individuals per species were replicated with seven cuttings per individual. Cuttings placed in moistened sand and coconut fibre were observed for 5 mo in a humid greenhouse. Survival percentage, rooting percentage, potential regeneration index and longest root length were determined per species. The two most abundant species (9.3% and 4.1% relative abundance) had low vegetative regeneration capacity, contrary to expectations. However, a significant, positive relationship between vegetative propagation and relative abundance of liana species whose relative abundances were <4% was found. Congeneric species showed no difference in vegetative propagation between rare and abundant species, except congeners of Machaerium. Vegetative reproductive capacity occurred in all major evolutionary lineages, but was highest in Fabaceae and Bignoniaceae, families of high abundance both locally and broadly across Neotropical forests.
Real-time Terrain Matching Based on 3D Zernike Moments
Authors: Wang Kedong , Zhu Tongqian , Wang Jinling
Published: July 2018

Since the descriptors based on Three-Dimensional (3D) Zernike moments are robust to geometric transformations and noise, they have been proposed for terrain matching. However, terrain matching algorithms based on 3D Zernike Moments (3DZMs) are often difficult to implement in practice since they are computationally intensive. This paper presents a more efficient real-time terrain matching algorithm based on 3DZMs for land applications. Two efficient methods based on coordinate transformation and symmetry are proposed to compute the geometric moments. The impact of the sample difference on the matching result due to heading angle is investigated to prove the feasibility of using a circular template. Consequently, the terrain feature vectors of the reference map can be computed off-line with the circular template to significantly reduce on-line computation. Numerical experiments on a real digital elevation model demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is robust to the heading angle and can be implemented for real-time terrain matching operations.
Sequelae of tick-borne encephalitis in retrospective analysis of 1072 patients
Authors: Czupryna Piotr , Grygorczuk Sambor , Krawczuk Katarzyna , Pancewicz Sławomir , Zajkowska Joanna , Dunaj Justyna , Matosek Anna , Kondrusik Maciej , Moniuszko-Malinowska Anna
Published: July 2018

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an emerging vector-borne disease in Europe. The aim of the study was to evaluate sequelae and to analyse the potential risk factors predisposing to sequelae development. We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of 1072 patients who received a 1-month follow-up appointment after hospital discharge. Medical data, such as patients’ age, gender, place of living, subjective complaints, neurological and psychiatric sequelae were evaluated twice: at the moment of discharge and at follow-up visits 1 month after discharge. We observed that sequelae may affect 20.6% of TBE patients. Subjective sequelae were more frequent than subjective complaints during the hospitalisation (P < 0.001), while objective neurological symptoms during the hospitalisation were more pronounced than neurological sequelae (P < 0.001). Patients with meningoencephalomyelitis were predisposed to neurological complications, while subjective symptoms were more common in meningoencephalitis. Independent risk factors for sequelae development were: age and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein concentration. The risk of late neurological complications persisting was increased in patients with higher CSF protein concentration. Based on the results of our study we concluded that, there is a need for a better vaccination program, which would prevent the development of sequelae.
The challenge of rapid management of fever in children under 5 in Guinea
Authors: Guilavogui Timothé , Koïvogui Akoï , Camara Alioune , Delamou Daloka , Diallo Amadou Sadio , Lo Youssoufa
Published: July 2018

In 2013, the Guinean health authority had to reorganise and run a national response against malaria as a priority. The review of the National Strategic Plan to fight malaria in Guinea was carried out and one of its critical components was the prevention and rapid management of fever (RMF) attributable to malaria in children. The study reports on the demographic and health determinants of this rapid management in children under 5. The participants were 4786 children from 2874 representative households. RMF was defined in terms of recourse to primary care. The recourse was defined by child's reference for the treatment of fever which led or not to treatment of malaria. We found that 1491 children (31.2%) had a bout of fever within the 2 weeks that preceded the survey. The prevalence of malaria was 45.4% among those children who have a bout of fever. The recourse to traditional healers was estimated at 9.6% and the use of health facilities was estimated at 71.5%. Overall, 74.9% of children with fever received treatment within the recommended timeliness (24 h), with regional disparity in this rapid response. The high proportion of recourse to traditional healers is still a matter of concern. New control and prevention strategies should be extended to traditional healers for their training and involvement in directing febrile children to health facilities.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Problems and Needs of Violence Survivors in the Colombian Pacific Coast: A Qualitative Study in Buenaventura and Quibdó
Authors: Santaella-Tenorio Julián , Bonilla-Escobar Francisco J. , Nieto-Gil Luis , Fandiño-Losada Andrés , Gutiérrez-Martínez María I. , Bass Judy , Bolton Paul
Published: July 2018

Introduction/Problem

For more than 60 years, Colombia experienced an armed conflict involving government forces, guerrillas, and other illegal armed groups. Violence, including torture and massacres, has caused displacement of entire rural communities to urban areas. Lack of information on the problems displaced communities face and on their perceptions on potential solutions to these problems may prevent programs from delivering appropriate services to these communities. This study explores the problems of Afro-Colombian survivors from two major cities in Colombia; the activities they do to take care of themselves, their families, and their community; and possible solutions to these problems.

Methods

This was a qualitative, interview-based study conducted in Quibdó and Buenaventura (Colombia). Free-list interviews and focus groups explored the problems of survivors and the activities they do to take care of themselves, their families, and their community. Key-informant interviews explored details of the identified mental health problems and possible solutions.

Results

In Buenaventura, 24 free-list interviews, one focus group, and 17 key-informant interviews were completed. In Quibdó, 29 free-list interviews, one focus group, and 15 key-informant interviews were completed. Mental health problems identified included: (1) problems related to exposure to torture/violent events; (2) problems with adaptation to the new social context; and (3) problems related to current poverty, lack of employment, and ongoing violence. These problems were similar to trauma symptoms and features of depression and anxiety, as described in other populations. Solutions included psychological help, talking to friends/family, relying on God’s help, and getting trained in different task or jobs.

Conclusion:

Afro-Colombian survivors of torture and violence described mental health problems similar to those of other trauma-affected populations. These results suggest that existing interventions that address trauma-related symptoms and current ongoing stressors may be appropriate for improving the mental health of survivors in this population.

Santaella-TenorioJ, Bonilla-EscobarFJ, Nieto-GilL, Fandiño-LosadaA, Gutiérrez-MartínezMI, BassJ, BoltonP. Mental health and psychosocial problems and needs of violence survivors in the Colombian Pacific Coast: a qualitative study in Buenaventura and Quibdó. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(6):567–574.
Legitimizing Military Action through “Rape-as-a-Weapon” Discourse in Libya: Critical Feminist Analysis
Authors: Kolmasova Sarka , Krulisova Katerina
Published: July 2018

Contemporary discourse on sexual(ized) violence in armed conflicts represents a powerful source for legitimization of highly controversial military interventions. Recent gender-responsive security studies have called for enhanced protection of women and girls from widespread and systematic sexual(ized) violence. Yet military operations reproduce the Western masculine hegemony rather than providing inclusive and apolitical assistance to victims of sexual assault. The article aims to critically assess discourse on sexual violence in a case of military intervention in Libya initiated under the rubric of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P). The case study indicates a set of discursive strategies exercised by Western political representatives and nongovernmental organizations and even more expressively by the media to legitimize the military campaign. Typically, sexual(ized) violence is presented as a weapon of war, used by one of the conflicting parties without an adequate response of the state. This is followed by urgent calls for international action, willingly carried out by Western powers. The simplified narrative of civilized protectors versus savage aggressors must be challenged as it exploits the problem of sexual(ized) violence in order to legitimize politically motivated actions.
Two‐Phase Exhumation Along Major Shear Zones in the SE Tibetan Plateau in the Late Cenozoic
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhang Peizhen , Schoenbohm Lindsay M. , Zheng Wenjun , Zhang Bo , Zhang Jinjiang , Zheng Dewen , Zhou Renjie , Tian Yuntao
Published: July 2018

Three continent‐scale shear zones are arguably the most outstanding structural features in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, and therefore, their tectonic and landscape evolution have significant implications for understanding the history and mechanisms of intracontinental mountain building and plateau growth. This study presents low‐temperature thermochronology from the Gaoligong and Chongshan shear zones (GLSZ and CSSZ) and quantitative analyses of fluvial longitudinal profiles of tributaries in the Salween drainage, which lies between the shear zones. Apatite and zircon (U‐Th)/He data reveal a two‐stage exhumation history for both shear zones: rapid and prominent cooling in the middle Miocene followed by a second, lower magnitude cooling event in the late Miocene to early Pliocene. Ductile transpressional shearing is inferred to have caused the first cooling, continuing until ~11 Ma. The northward migration of the tectonic events along the Mogok metamorphic belt and GLSZ and synchronous dextral displacement along the Jiali fault indicate the dominant role of the north advancing eastern Himalayan syntaxis on the surrounding structures. Increased river incision is identified in the middle Salween drainage, leading to two‐segment river profiles and further exhumation along the GLSZ and CSSZ. The tributary transient response could result from temporal changes in uplift or adjustments of the trunk channel to climatic change. Furthermore, glaciers play an important role in shaping the landscape of the upper reaches of catchments in the northern segment of the shear zones. Different drivers for the two exhumation events may reflect distinct stages of plateau growth characterized by different crustal deformation patterns.
Role of RAC3 coactivator in the adipocyte differentiation
Authors: Lira María Cecilia , Rosa Francisco Damian , Panelo Laura Carolina , Costas Mónica Alejandra , Rubio María Fernanda
Published: July 2018

RAC3 is a member of the p160 family of steroid receptor coactivators and it is highly expressed in several human cancers, contributing to enhanced cell proliferation and cellular transformation. In this work, we have studied the role of RAC3 in adipogenesis in L-929 cells. Adipogenesis is a highly regulated process, involving cell cycle arrest and changes in the gene expression pattern required for morphological remodelling. We found that RAC3 expression levels are downregulated during adipocyte differentiation induced by specific stimulus. In addition, cells constitutively expressing low levels of RAC3 (shRNA), showed enhanced adipocyte differentiation which was evidenced by the early detection of the adipocyte markers Perilipin, PPARγ and Oil Red O staining. Moreover, RAC3 downregulation favoured cell arrest and autophagy. Early and late autophagy inhibitors blocked adipocyte differentiation in control cells, but partially inhibited shRAC3 differentiation, demonstrating that although autophagy is required for adipogenesis, additional signals could be trigged by RAC3 downregulation. We conclude that RAC3 is a key regulator of adipogenesis, since its downregulation generates the cellular arrest and autophagic responses that are required steps for this process.
High protein copy number is required to suppress stochasticity in the cyanobacterial circadian clock
Authors: Chew Justin , Leypunskiy Eugene , Lin Jenny , Murugan Arvind , Rust Michael J.
Published: July 2018

Circadian clocks generate reliable ~24-h rhythms despite being based on stochastic biochemical reactions. The circadian clock in Synechococcus elongatus uses a post-translational oscillator that cycles deterministically in a test tube. Because the volume of a single bacterial cell is much smaller than a macroscopic reaction, we asked how clocks in single cells function reliably. Here, we show that S. elongatus cells must express many thousands of copies of Kai proteins to effectively suppress timing errors. Stochastic modeling shows that this requirement stems from noise amplification in the post-translational feedback loop that sustains oscillations. The much smaller cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus expresses only hundreds of Kai protein copies and has a simpler, hourglass-like Kai system. We show that this timer strategy can outperform a free-running clock if internal noise is significant. This conclusion has implications for clock evolution and synthetic oscillator design, and it suggests hourglass-like behavior may be widespread in microbes.
Regulation of T cell afferent lymphatic migration by targeting LTβR-mediated non-classical NFκB signaling
Authors: Piao Wenji , Xiong Yanbao , Famulski Konrad , Brinkman C. Colin , Li Lushen , Toney Nicholas , Wagner Chelsea , Saxena Vikas , Simon Thomas , Bromberg Jonathan S.
Published: July 2018

Lymphotoxin-beta receptor (LTβR) signaling in lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) regulates leukocyte afferent lymphatic transendothelial migration (TEM). The function of individual signaling pathways for different leukocyte subsets is currently unknown. Here, we show that LTβR signals predominantly via the constitutive and ligand-driven non-classical NIK pathway. Targeting LTβR-NIK by an LTβR-derived decoy peptide (nciLT) suppresses the production of chemokines CCL21 and CXCL12, and enhances the expression of classical NFκB-driven VCAM-1 and integrin β4 to retain T cells on LEC and precludes T cell and dendritic cell TEM. nciLT inhibits contact hypersensitivity (CHS) at both the sensitization and elicitation stages, likely by inhibiting leukocyte migration. By contrast, targeting LTβR-classical NFκB signaling during the elicitation and resolution stages attenuates CHS, possibly by promoting leukocyte egress. These findings demonstrate the importance of LTβR signaling in leukocyte migration and LEC and lymphatic vessel function, and show that antagonist peptides may serve as lead compounds for therapeutic applications.
2D perovskite stabilized phase-pure formamidinium perovskite solar cells
Authors: Lee Jin-Wook , Dai Zhenghong , Han Tae-Hee , Choi Chungseok , Chang Sheng-Yung , Lee Sung-Joon , De Marco Nicholas , Zhao Hongxiang , Sun Pengyu , Huang Yu , Yang Yang
Published: July 2018

Compositional engineering has been used to overcome difficulties in fabricating high-quality phase-pure formamidinium perovskite films together with its ambient instability. However, this comes alongside an undesirable increase in bandgap that sacrifices the device photocurrent. Here we report the fabrication of phase-pure formamidinium-lead tri-iodide perovskite films with excellent optoelectronic quality and stability. Incorporation of 1.67 mol% of 2D phenylethylammonium lead iodide into the precursor solution enables the formation of phase-pure formamidinium perovskite with an order of magnitude enhanced photoluminescence lifetime. The 2D perovskite spontaneously forms at grain boundaries to protect the formamidinium perovskite from moisture and suppress ion migration. A stabilized power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.64% (certified stabilized PCE of 19.77%) is achieved with a short-circuit current density exceeding 24 mA cm−2 and an open-circuit voltage of 1.130 V, corresponding to a loss-in-potential of 0.35 V, and significantly enhanced operational stability.
A multi-ethnic meta-analysis confirms the association of rs6570507 with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Kou Ikuyo , Watanabe Kota , Takahashi Yohei , Momozawa Yukihide , Khanshour Anas , Grauers Anna , Zhou Hang , Liu Gang , Fan Yan-Hui , Takeda Kazuki , Ogura Yoji , Zhou Taifeng , Iwasaki Yusuke , Kubo Michiaki , Wu Zhihong , Matsumoto Morio ,   Japan Scoliosis Clinical Research Group (JSCRG), Kawakami Noriaki , Uno Koki , Suzuki Teppei , Sudo Hideki , Minami Shohei , Kotani Toshiaki , Ito Manabu , Yanagida Haruhisa , Taneichi Hiroshi , Yonezawa Ikuho , Chiba Kazuhiro , Hosogane Naobumi , Fujita Nobuyuki , Yagi Mitsuru , Kono Katsuki , Okada Eijiro , Nishida Kotaro , Kakutani Kenichiro , Sakuma Tsuyoshi , Harimaya Katsumi , Kaito Takashi , Watanabe Kei , Taniguchi Yuki , Tsuji Taichi , Akazawa Tsutomu ,   Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children Clinical Group (TSRHCCG), Karol Lori A. , Rathjen Karl E. , Sucato Daniel J. , Birch John G. , Johnston Charles E. , Richards Benjamin S. , Ramo Brandon , McIntosh Amy L. , Herring John A. , Einarsdottir Elisabet , Kere Juha , Huang Dongsheng , Qiu Guixing , Qiu Yong , Wise Carol A. , Song You-Qiang , Wu Nan , Su Peiqiang , Gerdhem Paul , Ikegawa Shiro
Published: July 2018

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common type of spinal deformity and has a significant genetic background. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) identified several susceptibility loci associated with AIS. Among them is a locus on chromosome 6q24.1 that we identified by a GWAS in a Japanese cohort. The locus is represented by rs6570507 located within GPR126. To ensure the association of rs6570507 with AIS, we conducted a meta-analysis using eight cohorts from East Asia, Northern Europe and USA. The analysis included a total of 6,873 cases and 38,916 controls and yielded significant association (combined P = 2.95 × 10−20; odds ratio = 1.22), providing convincing evidence of the worldwide association between rs6570507 and AIS susceptibility. In silico analyses strongly suggested that GPR126 is a susceptibility gene at this locus.
The influence of characteristic scales of convection on non-isothermal evaporation of a thin liquid layer
Authors: Misyura S. Y.
Published: July 2018

Here, the effect of convection in liquid on non-isothermal evaporation of a horizontal thin layer on a hot wall is investigated. It is considered that the evaporation rate of salts always decreases with the growth of salt concentration. Depending on the nature of evaporation rate, the aqueous salt solutions can be classified into two different types: (1) the equilibrium partial pressure of water vapor ps varies slightly with time; (2) with an increase in salt mass concentration, ps decreases many times, which leads to a sharp drop in evaporation rate j. The criteria for attributing the salt to characteristic types are proposed, and relation between j and thermodynamic properties of salt solutions is determined. Different approaches to modeling are proposed for each group. For the first time, a simple calculation method linking the Peclet and Marangoni criteria with convection in a liquid and non-stationary heat exchange is proposed. The analysis shows that it is impossible to simulate the heat transfer without knowing the local characteristics of the velocity field in the liquid phase and without clearly distinguishing the characteristic convective scales of the velocity and temperature fields. So far, it has been believed that the surface Marangoni flow can be neglected due to the negative impact of surfactants. However, the studies of this paper show that a noticeable increase in free convection relates to the thermal and solutal Marangoni flows. A strong influence of the Marangoni flow on liquid convection at high heat fluxes is extremely important for reliable simulation of layer evaporation in a wide range of modern technologies.
Identification, Characterization, and X-ray Crystallographic Analysis of a Novel Type of Lectin AJLec from the Sea Anemone Anthopleura japonica
Authors: Unno Hideaki , Nakamura Azusa , Mori Shingo , Goda Shuichiro , Yamaguchi Kenichi , Hiemori Keiko , Tateno Hiroaki , Hatakeyama Tomomitsu
Published: July 2018

A novel galactose-specific lectin, AJLec (18.5 kDa), was isolated from the sea anemone, Anthopleura japonica. AJLec was characterized using the hemagglutination assay, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and glycoconjugate microarray analysis and we found that AJLec has a specificity for galactose monomers and β-linked terminal galactose residues in complex carbohydrates, but not for N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), which is commonly recognized by galactose-binding lectins. The primary structure of AJLec did not show homology with known lectins, and a crystal structural analysis also revealed a unique homodimeric structure. The crystal structure of AJLec complexed with lactose was solved by measuring the sulfur single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (S-SAD) phasing with an in-house Cu Kα source method. This analysis revealed that the galactose residue in lactose was recognized via its O2, O3, and O4 hydroxyl groups and ring oxygen by calcium coordination and two hydrogen bonds with residues in the carbohydrate-binding site, which demonstrated strict specificity for the β-linked terminal galactose in this lectin.
Evidence supporting oxidative stress in a moderately affected area of the brain in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Youssef Priscilla , Chami Belal , Lim Julia , Middleton Terry , Sutherland Greg T. , Witting Paul K.
Published: July 2018

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains to be elucidated. Oxidative damage and excessive beta-amyloid oligomers are components of disease progression but it is unclear how these factors are temporally related. At post mortem, the superior temporal gyrus (STG) of AD cases contains plaques, but displays few tangles and only moderate neuronal loss. The STG at post mortem may represent a brain region that is in the early stages of AD or alternately a region resistant to AD pathogenesis. We evaluated expression profiles and activity of endogenous anti-oxidants, oxidative damage and caspase activity in the STG of apolipoprotein ε4-matched human AD cases and controls. Total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was increased, whereas total glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT) and peroxiredoxin (Prx) activities, were decreased in the AD-STG, suggesting that hydrogen peroxide accumulates in this brain region. Transcripts of the transcription factor NFE2L2 and inducible HMOX1, were also increased in the AD-STG, and this corresponded to increased Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF-2) and total heme-oxygenase (HO) activity. The protein oxidation marker 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), remained unchanged in the AD-STG. Similarly, caspase activity was unaltered, suggesting that subtle redox imbalances in early to moderate stages of AD do not impact STG viability.
Author Correction: Decreased expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 is correlated with biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer: Immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Tae Bum Sik , Cho Seok , Kim Hyun Cheol , Kim Cheol Hwan , Kang Seok Ho , Lee Jeong Gu , Kim Je Jong , Park Hong Seok , Cheon Jun , Oh Mi Mi , Kang Sung Gu
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Structural elucidation of Tsukamurella pulmonis neutral polysaccharide and its visualization in infected mouse tissues by specific monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Saeed Adnan , Paściak Mariola , Górska Sabina , Ceremuga Ireneusz , Gamian Elżbieta , Ziółkowski Piotr , Drab Marek , Gamian Andrzej
Published: July 2018

Tsukamurella pulmonis is an opportunistic actinomycetal pathogen associated with a variety of rarely diagnosed human infections. In clinical cases of infection, T. pulmonis usually accompanies other bacterial pathogens. Because of these mixed infections, a robust diagnostic assay is important. The bacteria cell surface polysaccharides are considered not only useful targets for diagnostics but also intriguing subjects for analysis of the interactions that regulate the host response in general. Here, the structure of the polysaccharide component of the T. pulmonis cell wall was established. Sugar and methylation analysis and 2D-NMR techniques revealed that its polysaccharide belongs to the class of arabinomannan composed of branched tetrasaccharide repeating units, with addition of linear →6)-α-D-Manp-(1→ mannan. Rabbit polyclonal sera against T. pulmonis and T. paurometabola bacterial cells revealed cross reactivity between their antigens. Tissue samples from mice infected with T. pulmonis revealed liver abscesses and pathologic granules located intracellularly when immunohistochemically stained with monoclonal antibodies raised against T. pulmonis polysaccharide. Ultrastructural studies revealed that these granules contain T. pulmonis cells. These observations indicate that T. pulmonis is a pathogenic species capable of spreading within the organism, presumably through the blood.
STAT3 signaling stimulates miR-21 expression in bovine cumulus cells during in vitro oocyte maturation
Authors: Tscherner Allison , Brown Alyssa C. , Stalker Leanne , Kao Jennifer , Dufort Isabelle , Sirard Marc-André , LaMarre Jonathan
Published: July 2018

MicroRNAs are potent regulators of gene expression that have been widely implicated in reproduction and embryo development. Recent studies have demonstrated that miR-21, a microRNA extensively studied in the context of disease, is important in multiple facets of reproductive biology including folliculogenesis, ovulation, oocyte maturation and early mammalian development. Surprisingly, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate miR-21 and no studies have characterized these regulatory pathways in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). We therefore investigated miR-21 in anin vitromodel of bovine oocyte maturation. Levels of the primary transcript of miR-21 (pri-miR-21)and mature miR-21 increased markedly in COCs over the maturation period. Cloning of the bovinepri-miR-21gene and promoter by 5′3′RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) revealed a highly conserved region immediately upstream of the transcription start site and two alternatively-spliced variants ofpri-miR-21. The promoter region contained several putative transcription factor binding sites, including two for signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Mutation of these sites significantly decreased both the intrinsic activity ofpri-miR-21promoter-luciferase constructs and the response to leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) (a STAT3 activator) in cultured MCF7 cells. In COCs, treatment with a STAT3 pathway inhibitor markedly decreasedpri-miR-21expression and prevented cumulus expansion.Pri-miR-21expression was also inhibited by the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, suggesting that a protein ligand or signaling cofactor synthesized during maturation is necessary for transcription. Together these studies represent the first investigation of signaling pathways that directly influence miR-21 expression in bovine oocytes and cumulus cells.
Testing the influence of testosterone administration on men’s honesty in a large laboratory experiment
Authors: Henderson Austin , Thoelen Garrett , Nadler Amos , Barraza Jorge , Nave Gideon
Published: July 2018

The impact of testosterone on decision-making is a growing literature, with several reports of economically relevant outcomes. Similar to Wibral et al. (2012), we investigate the effects of exogenous testosterone administration on deception in a double-blind placebo controlled study. Participants (N = 242) were asked to roll a die in private and were paid according to their reported roll, which creates the opportunity to lie about the outcome to increase earnings. We find evidence for self-serving lying in both treatment and control groups and a statistically insignificant negative effect (d = −0.17, 95% CI[−0.42, 0.08]) indicating more honest behavior (i.e., lower reports) following testosterone administration. Although insignificant, the direction was the same as in the Wibral et al. study, and the meta-analytic effect of the two studies demonstrates lower reporting (i.e., more honesty) following testosterone (vs. placebo) administration, significant at the 0.05 level (d = −0.27, 95% CI[−0.49, −0.06]). We discuss how our results and methodology compare with Wibral et al. and identify potential causes for differences in findings. Finally, we consider several plausible connections between testosterone and lying that may be further investigated using alternative methodologies.
Evolution of high pathogenicity of H5 avian influenza virus: haemagglutinin cleavage site selection of reverse-genetics mutants during passage in chickens
Authors: Luczo Jasmina M. , Tachedjian Mary , Harper Jennifer A. , Payne Jean S. , Butler Jeffrey M. , Sapats Sandra I. , Lowther Suzanne L. , Michalski Wojtek P. , Stambas John , Bingham John
Published: July 2018

Low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) are generally asymptomatic in their natural avian hosts. LPAIVs can evolve into highly pathogenic forms, which can affect avian and human populations with devastating consequences. The switch to highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) from LPAIV precursors requires the acquisition of multiple basic amino acids in the haemagglutinin cleavage site (HACS) motif. Through reverse genetics of an H5N1 HPAIV, and experimental infection of chickens, we determined that viruses containing five or more basic amino acids in the HACS motif were preferentially selected over those with three to four basic amino acids, leading to rapid replacement with virus types containing extended HACS motifs. Conversely, viruses harbouring low pathogenicity motifs containing two basic amino acids did not readily evolve to extended forms, suggesting that a single insertion of a basic amino acid into the cleavage site motif of low-pathogenic viruses may lead to escalating selection for extended motifs. Our results may explain why mid-length forms are rarely detected in nature. The stability of the short motif suggests that pathogenicity switching may require specific conditions of intense selection pressure (such as with high host density) to boost selection of the initial mid-length HACS forms.
A phenotypic small-molecule screen identifies halogenated salicylanilides as inhibitors of fungal morphogenesis, biofilm formation and host cell invasion
Authors: Garcia Carlos , Burgain Anaïs , Chaillot Julien , Pic Émilie , Khemiri Inès , Sellam Adnane
Published: July 2018

A poorly exploited paradigm in the antimicrobial therapy field is to target virulence traits for drug development. In contrast to target-focused approaches, antivirulence phenotypic screens enable identification of bioactive molecules that induce a desirable biological readout without making a priori assumption about the cellular target. Here, we screened a chemical library of 678 small molecules against the invasive hyphal growth of the human opportunistic yeast Candida albicans. We found that a halogenated salicylanilide (N1-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzamide) and one of its analogs, Niclosamide, an FDA-approved anthelmintic in humans, exhibited both antifilamentation and antibiofilm activities against C. albicans and the multi-resistant yeast C. auris. The antivirulence activity of halogenated salicylanilides were also expanded to C. albicans resistant strains with different resistance mechanisms. We also found that Niclosamide protected the intestinal epithelial cells against invasion by C. albicans. Transcriptional profiling of C. albicans challenged with Niclosamide exhibited a signature that is characteristic of the mitochondria-to-nucleus retrograde response. Our chemogenomic analysis showed that halogenated salicylanilides compromise the potential-dependant mitochondrial protein translocon machinery. Given the fact that the safety of Niclosamide is well established in humans, this molecule could represent the first clinically approved antivirulence agent against a pathogenic fungus.
High cognitive load enhances the susceptibility to non-speech audiovisual illusions
Authors: Michail Georgios , Keil Julian
Published: July 2018

The role of attentional processes in the integration of input from different sensory modalities is complex and multifaceted. Importantly, little is known about how simple, non-linguistic stimuli are integrated when the resources available for sensory processing are exhausted. We studied this question by examining multisensory integration under conditions of limited endogenous attentional resources. Multisensory integration was assessed through the sound-induced flash illusion (SIFI), in which a flash presented simultaneously with two short auditory beeps is often perceived as two flashes, while cognitive load was manipulated using an n-back task. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed that increased cognitive demands had a significant effect on the perception of the illusion while post-hoc tests showed that participants’ illusion perception was increased when attentional resources were limited. Additional analysis demonstrated that this effect was not related to a response bias. These findings provide evidence that the integration of non-speech, audiovisual stimuli is enhanced under reduced attentional resources and it therefore supports the notion that top-down attentional control plays an essential role in multisensory integration.
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor-Receptor is Dispensable for Prenatal Testis Development but is Required in Sertoli cells for Normal Spermatogenesis in Mice
Authors: Curley Michael , Milne Laura , Smith Sarah , Atanassova Nina , Rebourcet Diane , Darbey Annalucia , Hadoke Patrick W. F. , Wells Sara , Smith Lee B.
Published: July 2018

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a pleiotropic cytokine belonging to the interleukin-6 family, is most often noted for its role in maintaining the balance between stem cell proliferation and differentiation. In rodents, LIF is expressed in both the fetal and adult testis; with the peritubular myoid (PTM) cells thought to be the main site of production. Given their anatomical location, LIF produced by PTM cells may act both on intratubular and interstitial cells to influence spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis respectively. Indeed, the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) is expressed in germ cells, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, PTM cells and testicular macrophages, suggesting that LIF signalling via LIFR may be a key paracrine regulator of testicular function. However, a precise role(s) for testicular LIFR-signalling in vivo has not been established. To this end, we generated and characterised the testicular phenotype of mice lacking LIFR either in germ cells, Sertoli cells or both, to identify a role for LIFR-signalling in testicular development/function. Our analyses reveal that LIFR is dispensable in germ cells for normal spermatogenesis. However, Sertoli cell LIFR ablation results in a degenerative phenotype, characterised by abnormal germ cell loss, sperm stasis, seminiferous tubule distention and subsequent atrophy of the seminiferous tubules.
The Discrimination Ratio derived from Novel Object Recognition tasks as a Measure of Recognition Memory Sensitivity, not Bias
Authors: Sivakumaran Magali H. , Mackenzie Andrew K. , Callan Imogen R. , Ainge James A. , O’Connor Akira R.
Published: July 2018

Translational recognition memory research makes frequent use of the Novel Object Recognition (NOR) paradigm in which animals are simultaneously presented with one new and one old object. The preferential exploration of the new as compared to the old object produces a metric, the Discrimination Ratio (DR), assumed to represent recognition memory sensitivity. Human recognition memory studies typically assess performance using signal detection theory derived measures; sensitivity (d′) and bias (c). How DR relates to d′ and c and whether they measure the same underlying cognitive mechanism is, however, unknown. We investigated the correspondence between DR (eye-tracking-determined), d′ and c in a sample of 37 humans. We used dwell times during a visual paired comparison task (analogous to the NOR) to determine DR, and a separate single item recognition task to derive estimates of response sensitivity and bias. DR was found to be significantly positively correlated to sensitivity but not bias. Our findings confirm that DR corresponds to d′, the primary measure of recognition memory sensitivity in humans, and appears not to reflect bias. These findings are the first of their kind to suggest that animal researchers should be confident in interpreting the DR as an analogue of recognition memory sensitivity.
Proteomics Unravels the Regulatory Mechanisms in Human Tears Following Acute Renouncement of Contact Lens Use: A Comparison between Hard and Soft Lenses
Authors: Manicam Caroline , Perumal Natarajan , Wasielica-Poslednik Joanna , Ngongkole Yong Cajetan , Tschäbunin Alexandra , Sievers Marcel , Lisch Walter , Pfeiffer Norbert , Grus Franz H. , Gericke Adrian
Published: July 2018

Contact lenses (CLs) provide a superior alternative to spectacles. Although beneficial, the global burden of ocular dysfunctions attributed to regular use of CLs remains a topic of much challenge in ophthalmic research owing to debilitating clinical repercussions on the ocular surface, which are often manifested as breach in tear film integrity. This study elucidated the intricate tear proteome changes attributed to the use of different CLs (hard and soft) and unravelled, for the first time, the restorative mechanisms of several protein clusters following acute renouncement of CL use employing the label-free mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics approach. The expression patterns of certain proteins clusters were specific to the use of a particular lens type and a large majority of these actively regulates cell death and survival and, modulates cellular movement on the ocular surface. Noteworthy, CL use also evoked a significant upregulation of glycolytic enzymes associated with hypoxia and corresponding cognate metabolic pathways, particularly glucose metabolism and FXR/RXR pathways. Importantly, the assessment of CL renouncement unravelled the restorative properties of several clusters of proteins involved mainly in organismal injury and abnormalities and, cellular function and maintenance. These proteins play key roles in restoring tear homeostasis and wound-healing mechanisms post-CL use-elicited injury.
Synthetic colloid resuscitation in severely injured patients: analysis of a nationwide trauma registry (TraumaRegister DGU)
Authors: Hilbert-Carius Peter , Schwarzkopf Daniel , Reinhart Konrad , Hartog Christiane S. , Lefering Rolf , Bernhard Michael , Struck Manuel F.
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of synthetic colloid resuscitation among severely injured patients. Fluid resuscitation of trauma patients of a nationwide trauma registry was analysed between 2002 and 2015. Effects of synthetic colloid resuscitation in the pre-hospital setting and emergency department on renal failure, renal replacement therapy and multiple organ failure were analysed among patients with ≥2 days intensive care unit stay, and in-hospital mortality was analysed among all patients. 48,484 patients with mean age of 49 years and mean injury severity score of 23 points were included; 72.3% were male and 95.5% had blunt trauma. Risk-adjusted analyses revealed that patients receiving >1,000 ml synthetic colloids experienced an increase of renal failure and renal replacement therapy rates (OR 1.42 and 1.32, respectively, both p ≤ 0.006). Any synthetic colloid use was associated with an increased risk of multiple organ failure (p < 0.001), but there was no effect on hospital mortality (p = 0.594). Between 2002 and 2015 usage of synthetic colloids dropped, likewise did total fluid intake and usage of blood products. The data from this analysis suggests that synthetic colloid resuscitation provides no beneficial effects and might be harmful in patients with severe trauma.
Hookworm exposure decreases human papillomavirus uptake and cervical cancer cell migration through systemic regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker expression
Authors: Jacobs Brittany-Amber , Chetty Alisha , Horsnell William Gordon Charles , Schäfer Georgia , Prince Sharon , Smith Katherine Ann
Published: July 2018

Persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for nearly all new cervical cancer cases worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), infection with helminths has been linked to increased HPV prevalence. As the incidence of cervical cancer rises in helminth endemic regions, it is critical to understand the interaction between exposure to helminths and the progression of cervical cancer. Here we make use of several cervical cancer cell lines to demonstrate that exposure to antigens from the hookworm N. brasiliensis significantly reduces cervical cancer cell migration and global expression of vimentin and N-cadherin. Importantly, N. brasiliensis antigen significantly reduced expression of cell-surface vimentin, while decreasing HPV type 16 (HPV16) pseudovirion internalization. In vivo infection with N. brasiliensis significantly reduced vimentin expression within the female genital tract, confirming the relevance of these in vitro findings. Together, these findings demonstrate that infection with the hookworm-like parasite N. brasiliensis can systemically alter genital tract mesenchymal markers in a way that may impair cervical cancer cell progression. These findings reveal a possible late-stage treatment for reducing cervical cancer progression using helminth antigens.
Transformations of terpenes and terpenoids via carbon–carbon double bond metathesis
Authors: Bruneau Christian , Fischmeister Cédric , Mandelli Dalmo , Carvalho Wagner A. , dos Santos Eduardo N. , Dixneuf Pierre H. , Sarmento Fernandes Luciana
Published: July 2018

The review reports on transformations of unsaturated terpenes and terpenoids via olefin metathesis processes including ring closing metathesis of dienes, cross metathesis with functional olefins and ethenolysis, and ring opening metathesis as well as ring opening/cross metathesis.
The intervention effect of licorice in d-galactose induced aging rats by regulating the taurine metabolic pathway
Authors: Zhao Fanfan , Gao Li , Qin Xuemei , Du Guanhua , Zhou Yuzhi
Published: July 2018

A potential protective mechanism of licorice in d-galactose induced aging rats.
Phenothiazine antioxidants increase mitochondrial biogenesis and frataxin levels in Friedreich's ataxia cells
Authors: Khdour Omar M. , Bandyopadhyay Indrajit , Visavadiya Nishant P. , Roy Chowdhury Sandipan , Hecht Sidney M.
Published: July 2018

Two series of lipophilic phenothiazine derivatives were designed, synthesized and studied for their ability to enhance antioxidant capacity, increase frataxin levels, and induce mitochondrial biogenesis in vitro.
Correction: Porous cobalt sulfide hollow nanospheres with tunable optical property for magnetic resonance imaging-guided photothermal therapy
Authors: Guan Guoqiang , Wang Xin , Huang Xiaojuan , Zhang Wenlong , Cui Zhe , Zhang Yongfang , Lu Xinwu , Zou Rujia , Hu Junqing
Published: July 2018

Correction for ‘Porous cobalt sulfide hollow nanospheres with tunable optical property for magnetic resonance imaging-guided photothermal therapy’ by Guoqiang Guan et al., Nanoscale, 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c8nr01926f.
No association between HMGB1 polymorphisms and cancer risk: evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Xing-yan , Liang Chun-hua , Yang Ye-jing , Liu Lei , Du Yong-jun , Liang Hong-suo , Li Lin , Zhang Bo , Li Jian-min , Zhao Jin-min
Published: July 2018

The aim of the present study was to determine whether High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) polymorphism was associated with cancer susceptibility. PubMed, Embase, and ISI Web of Science were extensively searched without language restriction. Data were extracted using a standardized data collection sheet after two reviewers scanned studies independently. The association between HMGB1 polymorphism and cancer risks was indicated as odds ratio (OR) along with its related 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Meta-analysis was conducted via RevMan 5.3 software. A total of ten studies comprising 4530 cases and 5167 controls were included in our study. Meta-analysis revealed no statistical association between rs1045411, rs1360485, rs1412125, or rs2249825 polymorphisms in HMGB1 gene and risk of cancer, either did subgroup analysis of rs1045411 stratified by cancer types and ethnic groups. Our results revealed no statistical association between current four polymorphism loci and cancer risks, suggesting that the attempt of applying HMGB1 variants as a therapeutic target or a prognosis predictor might still require a second thought. However, HMGB1 is deemed to play pleiotropic roles in cancers, we strongly call for large-scale studies with high evidence level to uncover the exact relationship between HMGB1 gene variants and cancer progression.