bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening for highly transduced genes inStaphylococcus aureusreveals both lateral and specialized transduction
Authors: Bowring Janine Zara , Su Yue , Alsaadi Ahlam , Svenningsen Sine L. , Parkhill Julian , Ingmer Hanne 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBacteriophage-mediated transduction of bacterial DNA is a major route of horizontal gene transfer in the human pathogen,Staphylococcus aureus. Transduction involves packaging of bacterial DNA by viruses and enables transmission of virulence and resistance genes between cells. To learn more about transduction inS. aureus, we searched a transposon mutant library for genes and mutations that enhanced transfer mediated by the temperate phage, φ11. Using a novel screening strategy, we performed multiple rounds of transduction of transposon mutant pools selecting for an antibiotic resistance marker within the transposon element. When determining the locations of transferred mutations, we found that, within each pool of 96 mutants the screen had selected for just 1 or 2 transposon mutant(s). Subsequent analysis showed that the position of the transposon, rather than inactivation of bacterial genes, was responsible for the phenotype. Interestingly, from multiple rounds we identified a pattern of transduction that encompassed mobile genetic elements, as well as chromosomal regions both upstream and downstream of the phage integration site. The latter was confirmed by DNA sequencing of purified phage lysates. Importantly, transduction frequencies were lower for phage lysates obtained by phage infection rather than induction. Our results confirm previous reports of lateral transduction of bacterial DNA downstream of the integrated phage, but also indicate specialized transduction of DNA upstream of the phage, likely involving imprecise excision of the phage from the bacterial genome. These findings illustrate the complexity of transduction processes and increase our understanding of the mechanisms by which phages transfer bacterial DNA.ImportanceHorizontal transfer of DNA between bacterial cells contributes to the spread of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes in human pathogens. ForStaphylococcus aureus, bacterial viruses are particularly important. These viruses, termed bacteriophages, can transfer bacterial DNA between cells by a process known as transduction, which despite of its importance is only poorly characterized. Here, we employed a transposon mutant library to investigate transduction inS. aureus. We show that the location of bacterial DNA in relation to bacteriophages integrated in the bacterial genome is a key decider of how frequently that DNA is transduced. Based on serial transduction of transposon mutant pools and direct sequencing of bacterial DNA in bacteriophage particles, we demonstrate both lateral and specialized transduction. The use of mutant libraries to investigate the patterns of bacterial DNA transfer between cells could help understand how bacteria evolve virulence and resistance and may ultimately lead to new intervention strategies.
Increased orbitofrontal connectivity in misophonia
Authors: Cerliani Leonardo , Rouw Romke 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFor individuals with misophonia, specific innocuous sensory stimuli - such as hearing another person chewing or breathing - evoke strong negative emotional and physiological responses, such as extreme anger, disgust, stress and anxiety. Instead people with misophonia do not experience or display atypical reactions to generic aversive sounds such as screams or nails scratching on a blackboard. Misophonia appears to be unrelated to neurological trauma or hearing deficit, and features a characteristic developmental pattern. Its aetiology is currently unknown.The few previous fMRI studies on misophonia showed that sufferers feature increased dorsal anterior insula activity during trigger vs. generic aversive sounds. While this effect likely reflects the saliency associated with the perception of trigger sounds in people with misophonia, in the present fMRI study we investigate the neural mechanisms underlying the emotional reaction to trigger stimuli. To this aim, we probe the task-dependent connectivity of mid-cingulate, medial premotor and ventrolateral premotor cortex. We observe that only in participants with misophonia the presentation of trigger audio-visuals prompts an increased interaction of these three brain regions with the lateral orbitofrontal cortex. This brain region is crucial for behavioural inhibition mediated by cognitive and emotional content (such as in reward-reversal learning) and is part of the temporo-amygdala-orbitofrontal network, which integrates visceral and emotional states with cognition and behaviour. We also observe that in people with misophonia trigger sounds prompt a significant increase in the interaction between mid-cingulate and the primary auditory cortex.Our study replicates previous results and expands the network of brain regions involved in misophonia. The involvement of the orbitofrontal cortex suggests a defective functioning of high-order integrative processes allowing the reappraisal of experience-dependent negative emotional association with harmless sensory stimuli, and sheds light on the mechanisms underlying the compulsive nature of the misophonic reaction. The increased interaction, rather than the overall activity, of the primary auditory cortex with the mid-cingulate supports the hypothesis that the emotional response in misophonia is subserved by an indirect auditory-limbic pathway processing the subjective valence of specific sounds, rather than their physical properties alone.
Heat hypersensitivity of ryanodine receptor type 1 mutants implicated in malignant hyperthermia
Authors: Oyama Kotaro , Zeeb Vadim , Yamazawa Toshiko , Murayama Takashi , Oyamada Hideto , Harada Yoshie , Fukuda Norio , Ishiwata Shin’ichi , Suzuki Madoka 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCellular heat-sensing is a universal strategy for avoiding thermal damage and adapting to environments by regulating thermogenic activities. If heat-sensing results in the acceleration of processes governing cellular thermogenesis, hyperthermia can occur. However, how this positive feedback loop contributes to hyperthermia development, especially the gap between heat-sensing and thermogenesis, remains largely unknown. Here, we show that an optically controlled local heat pulse induces an intracellular Ca2+burst in cultured HEK 293 cells overexpressing ryanodine-receptor-type-1 (RyR1) mutants related to the life-threatening illness malignant hyperthermia (MH), and that the Ca2+burst originates from heat-induced Ca2+-release (HICR) because of the mutant channels’ heat hypersensitivity. Furthermore, the heat hypersensitivity of the four RyR1 mutants was ranked, highlighting the complexity of MH. Our findings reveal the novel cellular heat-sensing mechanism, HICR, is essential for the functional positive feedback loop causing MH, suggesting a well-tuned HICR is fundamental for heat-mediated intracellular signaling.
Optogenetic interrogation of the role of striatal patches in habit formation and inhibition of striatal dopamine
Authors: Nadel J.A. , Pawelko S.S. , Scott J.R. , McLaughlin R. , Fox M. , Hollon N.G. , Howard C.D. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHabits are inflexible behaviors that can be maladaptive in diseases including drug addiction. The striatum is integral to habit formation, and interspersed throughout the striatum are patches, or striosomes, which are characterized by unique gene expression relative to the surrounding matrix. Recent work has indicated that patches are necessary for habit formation, but how patches contribute to habits remains partially understood. Here, using optogenetics, we modulated striatal patches in Sepw1-NP67 mice during habit formation. We find that patch activation during operant training impairs habit formation, and conversely, that acute patch stimulation after reward devaluation can drive habitual reward seeking. Patch stimulation invigorates general locomotion but is not inherently rewarding. Finally, we use fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to demonstrate that patch stimulation suppresses dopamine release in dorsal striatumin vivo. Overall, this work provides novel insight into the role of the patch compartment in habit formation, and potential interactions with dopamine signaling.
Role of an Atypical Cadherin Gene,Cdh23in Prepulse Inhibition and Implication ofCDH23in Schizophrenia
Authors: Balan Shabeesh , Ohnishi Tetsuo , Watanabe Akiko , Ohba Hisako , Iwayama Yoshimi , Toyoshima Manabu , Hara Tomonori , Hisano Yasuko , Miyasaka Yuki , Toyota Tomoko , Shimamoto-Mitsuyama Chie , Maekawa Motoko , Numata Shusuke , Ohmori Tetsuro , Shimogori Tomomi , Kikkawa Yoshiaki , Hayashi Takeshi , Yoshikawa Takeo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe previously identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for prepulse inhibition (PPI), an endophenotype of schizophrenia, on mouse chromosome 10 and reportedFabp7as a candidate gene from an analysis of F2 mice from inbred strains with high (C57BL/6N; B6) and low (C3H/HeN; C3H) PPI levels. Here, we reanalyzed the previously reported QTLs with increased marker density. The highest LOD score (26.66) peaked at a synonymous coding and splice-site variant, c.753G>A (rs257098870), in theCdh23gene on chromosome 10; the c.753G (C3H) allele showed a PPI-lowering effect. Bayesian multiple QTL mapping also supported the same variant with a posterior probability of 1. Thus, we engineered the c.753G (C3H) allele into the B6 genetic background, which led to dampened PPI. We also revealed an e-QTL (expression-QTL) effect imparted by the c.753G>A variant for theCdh23expression in the brain. In a human study, a homologous variant (c.753G>A; rs769896655) inCDH23showed a nominally significant enrichment in individuals with schizophrenia. We also identified multiple potentially deleteriousCDH23variants in individuals with schizophrenia. Collectively, the present study reveals a PPI-regulatingCdh23variant and a possible contribution ofCDH23to schizophrenia susceptibility.
Human temporal voice areas are sensitive to chimpanzee vocalizations
Authors: Ceravolo Leonardo , Debracque Coralie , Gruber Thibaud , Grandjean Didier 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn recent years, research on voice processing, particularly the study of temporal voice areas (TVA), was dedicated almost exclusively to human voice. To characterize commonalities and differences regarding primate vocalization representations in the human brain, the inclusion of closely related primates, especially chimpanzees and bonobos, is needed. We hypothesized that commonalities would depend on both phylogenetic and acoustic proximity, with chimpanzees ranking the closest toHomo. Presenting human participants with four primate species vocalizations (rhesus macaques, chimpanzees, bonobos and humans) and taking into account acoustic distance or removing voxels explained solely by vocalization low-level acoustics, we observed within-TVA enhanced left and right anterior superior temporal gyrus activity for chimpanzee compared to all other species, and chimpanzee compared to human vocalizations. Our results provide evidence for a common neural basis in the TVA for the processing of phylogenetically and acoustically close vocalizations, namely those of humans and chimpanzees.
An aminoacylation independent activity of PheRS/FARS promotes growth and proliferation
Authors: Ho Manh Tin , Lu Jiongming , Suter Beat 
Published: October 2020

Summary / AbstractAminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) not only load the appropriate amino acid onto their cognate tRNA, but many of them perform additional functions that are not necessarily related to their canonical activities. Phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (PheRS/FARS) levels are elevated in various cancer cells compared to their normal cell counterparts. However, whether and how these levels might contribute to tumor formation was not clear. Here, we show that PheRS is required for cell growth and proliferation. Interestingly, elevated expression of the α-PheRS subunit alone stimulates cell growth and proliferation. In the wing discs system, this leads to a strong increase of mitotic cells. Clonal analysis of twin spots in dividing follicle cells revealed that elevated expression of theα-PheRSsubunit causes cells to grow and proliferate about 25% faster than their normal twin cells. Importantly, this stimulation of growth and proliferation neither required the β-PheRS subunit nor the aminoacylation activity, and it did not visibly stimulate translation. These results, therefore, revealed a non-canonical function of an ancient housekeeping enzyme, providing novel insight into its roles in health and diseases.
Dynamic influences on static measures of metacognition
Authors: Desender Kobe , Vermeylen Luc , Verguts Tom 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHumans differ in their capability to judge the accuracy of their own choices via confidence judgments. Signal detection theory has been used to quantify the extent to which confidence tracks accuracy via M-ratio, often referred to as metacognitive efficiency. This measure, however, is static in that it does not consider the dynamics of decision making. This could be problematic because humans may shift their level of response caution to alter the tradeoff between speed and accuracy. Such shifts could induce unaccounted-for sources of variation in the assessment of metacognition. Instead, evidence accumulation frameworks consider decision making, including the computation of confidence, as a dynamic process unfolding over time. We draw on evidence accumulation frameworks to examine the influence of response caution on metacognition. Simulation results demonstrate that response caution has an influence on M-ratio. We then tested and confirmed that this was also the case in human participants who were explicitly instructed to either focus on speed or accuracy. We next demonstrated that this association between M-ratio and response caution was also present in an experiment without any reference towards speed. The latter finding was replicated in an independent dataset. In contrast, when data were analyzed with a novel dynamic measure of metacognition, which we refer to as v-ratio, in all of the three studies there was no effect of speed-accuracy tradeoff. These findings have important implications for research on metacognition, such as its measurement, domain-generality, individual differences, and neural correlates.
Low nitrogen availability inhibits the phosphorus starvation response in maize (Zea maysssp.maysL.)
Authors: Vladimir Torres-Rodríguez J. , Nancy Salazar-Vidal M. , Montes Ricardo A. Chávez , Massange-Sánchez Julio A. , Gillmor C. Stewart , Sawers Ruairidh J. H. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundNitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are macronutrients essential for crop growth and productivity. In cultivated fields, N and P levels are rarely sufficient, contributing to the yield gap between realized and potential production. Fertilizer application increases nutrient availability, but not all farmers have access to fertilizers, nor are current rates of application sustainable or environmentally desirable. Transcriptomic studies of cereal crops have revealed dramatic responses to either low N or low P single stress treatments. In the field, however, levels of both N and P may be suboptimal. The interaction between N and P starvation responses remains to be fully characterized.ResultsWe characterized growth and root and leaf transcriptomes of young maize plants under nutrient replete, low N, low P or combined low NP conditions. We identified 1,555 genes to respond to our nutrient treatments, in one or both tissues. A large group of genes, including many classical P starvation response genes, were regulated antagonistically between low N and P conditions. An additional experiment over a range of N availability indicated that a mild reduction in N levels was sufficient to repress the low P induction of P starvation genes. Although expression of P transporter genes was repressed under low N or low NP, we confirmed earlier reports of P hyper accumulation under N limitation.ConclusionsTranscriptional responses to low N or P were distinct, with few genes responding in a similar way to the two single stress treatments. In combined NP stress, the low N response dominated, and the P starvation response was largely suppressed. A reduction in N availability was sufficient to repress the induction of P starvation associated genes. We conclude that activation of the transcriptional response to P starvation in maize is contingent on sufficient N availability.
Expatriate demographic characteristics and host country national support: an empirical investigation in Central/South America
Authors: Varma Arup , Yoon Young-Jae , Froese Fabian Jintae 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThe support of host country nationals (HCNs) is critical for expatriate adjustment and performance. Drawing from social identity theory and self-categorization theory, this study investigates the antecedents of HCNs' support toward expatriates in Central/South America, focusing on cultural similarities and expatriate race.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted a quasi-experimental study to understand the antecedents that promote the willingness of HCNs to offer required support to expatriates. Data were gathered from 117 Latin American participants, who were asked to respond to questions about their perceptions of expatriates from the USA and their willingness to offer support to those expatriates.FindingsOverall, our findings suggest that HCNs are likely to provide support to expatriates when they perceive the expatriates as similar in terms of culture and race. Specifically, African Americans received more positive attitudes and support than White Americans in South/Central America. The effect of cultural similarity on HCN willingness to support expatriates was mediated by perceived trustworthiness.Originality/valueThe present study extends the research on HCN support to expatriates, to Central/South America, an important region that has been under-studied in the expatriate–HCN context. Another novel feature of our study is that we investigate the role of expatriate race and cultural similarity and illuminate the underlying mechanism of the relationship between expatriate race and HCN support.
Technical trends of artificial intelligence in standard-essential patents
Authors: Chang Shu-Hao 
Published: October 2020

PurposeDefining key artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is especially fundamental because AI applications involve the development of multiple technical fields and have the potential to generate numerous business opportunities in the future. However, most related studies have examined patent grants granted by or patent applications filed to major patent offices; few studies have employed the perspective of standard-essential patents (SEPs) from a holistic technical view. In addition, because few studies have explored the status signals of countries in relation to SEPs, the present study integrated “country” into the model and determined differences among countries in terms of their technological focus.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, through patent technological network analysis in various periods, the author not only observed the focus fields of AI-related SEPs but also examined temporal trends to determine technical development trends.FindingsThis study identified technologies that have been key players in the SEP network in recent years; these technologies were centered on electric digital data processing, recognition of data and transmission of digital information. Moreover, many of these technologies have been applied in areas such as management and commerce and radio navigation. Furthermore, the USA plays a crucial role in the global development of AI technical network.Originality/valueThis study constructs a technical network model to identify key technologies and trends that can serve as a reference for national research and development resource allocation.
Experimental investigation and modeling study of the fiber orientation behavior
Authors: Li Maoyuan , Zhang Yun , Zhang Shi , Hou Binkui , Zhou Huamin 
Published: October 2020

Purpose
The orientation behavior of fiber is of great significance in improving the performance of fiber-reinforced polymer products. Generally, the Folgar–Tucker equation can accurately describe the variation of orientation vector of fiber, whereas the stability of numerical algorithms was the major challenge. This paper aims to propose an accurate, stable algorithm to solve the Folgar–Tucker equation for the fiber orientation behavior.

Design/methodology/approach
First, the mismatch problem between the strain rate and the pressure field was solved by using the integral transformation method. Then, an accurate, stable algorithm to solve the Folgar–Tucker equation based on the invariant-based optimal fitting method was proposed. The equation was discretized by finite element/finite difference method, and the Lagrange multiplier method was applied to ensure stability.

Findings
The proposed algorithm is proven to accurately and steadily coincide with the experimental results for different cases, including the fiber orientation behaviors under combined flow field, rectangular sheet, three-dimensional computed tomography imaging of tensile specimen and box cases.

Originality/value
The fiber orientation behavior during the injection molding can be accurately predicted, which plays a significant role in determining the mechanical properties of products.