bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporospatial shifts in the human gut microbiome and metabolome after gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Ilhan Zehra Esra , DiBaise John K. , Dautel Sydney E. , Isern Nancy G. , Kim Young-Mo , Hoyt David W. , Schepmoes Athena A. , Brewer Heather M. , Weitz Karl K. , Metz Thomas O. , Crowell Michael D. , Kang Dae-Wook , Rittmann Bruce E. , Krajmalnik-Brown Rosa 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAlthough the etiology of obesity is not well-understood, genetic, environmental, and microbiome elements are recognized as contributors to this rising pandemic. It is well documented that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery drastically alters the fecal microbiome, but data are sparse on temporal and spatial microbiome and metabolome changes, especially in human populations. We characterized the structure and function (through metabolites) of the microbial communities in the gut lumen and structure of microbial communities on mucosal surfaces in nine morbidly obese individuals before, 6 months, and 12 months after RYGB surgery. Moreover, using a comprehensive multi-omic approach, we compared this longitudinal cohort to a previously studied cross-sectional cohort (n = 24). In addition to the expected weight reduction and improvement in obesity-related comorbidities after RYGB surgery, we observed that the impact of surgery was much greater on fecal communities in comparison to mucosal ones. The changes in the fecal microbiome were linked to increased concentrations of branched-chain fatty acids and an overall decrease in secondary bile acid concentrations. The microbiome and metabolome data sets for this longitudinal cohort strengthen our understanding of the persistent impact of RYGB on the gut microbiome and its metabolism. Our findings highlight the importance of changes in mucosal and fecal microbiomes after RYGB surgery. The spatial modifications in the microbiome after RYGB surgery corresponded to persistent changes in fecal fermentation and bile acid metabolism, both of which are associated with improved metabolic outcomes.
Risk factors of meconium-related ileus in very low birth weight infants: patients-control study
Authors: Byun Jeik , Han Ji-Won , Youn Joong Kee , Yang Hee-Beom , Shin Seung Han , Kim Ee-Kyung , Kim Hyun-Young , Jung Sung-Eun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractVery low birth weight (VLBW) neonates experience various problems, including meconium-related ileus (MRI). This study investigated the risk factors of MRI and surgical MRI in VLBW infants. VLBW neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Seoul National University Children’s Hospital from October 2002 to September 2016 were included in the study. The diagnostic criteria for MRI were a decreased frequency of defecation with intolerable feeding, vomiting, and increased gastric residue (>50%); meconium-filled bowel dilatation in an imaging study; and no evidence of necrotizing enteritis or spontaneous intestinal perforation. Medical MRIs and surgical MRIs were managed through conventional treatment and surgical intervention. Of 1543 neonates, 69 and 1474 were in the patient and control groups, respectively. The risk factors for MRI include low birth weight (BW), cesarean section delivery, fetal distress, maternal diabetes, maternal hypertension, and maternal steroid use. Low BW and fetal distress were independent risk factors for MRI. Compared to the medical MRI group (n = 44), the risk factors for surgical MRI (n = 25) included males, younger gestational age, low BW, and meconium located at the small bowel. Male gender and low BW were independent risk factors for surgical MRI. Low BW and fetal distress were independent risk factors for MRI and male gender and low BW were independent risk factors for surgical MRI. In VLBW neonates, careful attention to the risk factors for MRI could minimize or avoid surgical interventions.
Snow Mountain Virus recovery by synthetic human histo-blood group antigens is heavily influenced by matrix effects
Authors: Kirby Amy E. , Kienast Yvonne , Aldeco Milagros , Steele Molly , Dhawane Abasaheb N. , Liu Dandan , Cui Xikai , Das Amrita , Iyer Suri , Moe Christine L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNoroviruses are known to bind to histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) and the specific binding patterns depend on the virus genotype. However, the development of point-of-care diagnostic assays based on this binding has been challenging due to low assay sensitivity. This study utilized a well-defined stool collection from a GII.2 Snow Mountain Virus (SMV) human challenge study to investigate virus recovery from stool and emesis samples using HBGA-coated beads. SMV was recovered from H type III-coated beads for 13 stool specimens out of 27 SMV-positive specimens tested. After adjusting for non-specific binding to PEG-coated beads, the mean percent recovery by H type III-coated beads was 308.11% +/− 861.61. Recovery by H type III ligands was subject-specific and weakly correlated with stool consistency. Input virus titer was not correlated with SMV recovery. The results suggest that the generally low virus recovery we observed may be due to bead saturation or hindrance by existing glycans in the matrix that precluded the virus from being captured by the synthetic glycans. These results indicate a strong role for subject-specific and matrix effects in HBGA binding by SMV. Further investigation of the nature of this interference is needed to facilitate development of high sensitivity diagnostic assays.
Input attributes optimization using the feasibility of genetic nature inspired algorithm: Application of river flow forecasting
Authors: Afan Haitham Abdulmohsin , Allawi Mohammed Falah , El-Shafie Amr , Yaseen Zaher Mundher , Ahmed Ali Najah , Malek Marlinda Abdul , Koting Suhana Binti , Salih Sinan Q. , Mohtar Wan Hanna Melini Wan , Lai Sai Hin , Sefelnasr Ahmed , Sherif Mohsen , El-Shafie Ahmed 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn nature, streamflow pattern is characterized with high non-linearity and non-stationarity. Developing an accurate forecasting model for a streamflow is highly essential for several applications in the field of water resources engineering. One of the main contributors for the modeling reliability is the optimization of the input variables to achieve an accurate forecasting model. The main step of modeling is the selection of the proper input combinations. Hence, developing an algorithm that can determine the optimal input combinations is crucial. This study introduces the Genetic algorithm (GA) for better input combination selection. Radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is used for monthly streamflow time series forecasting due to its simplicity and effectiveness of integration with the selection algorithm. In this paper, the RBFNN was integrated with the Genetic algorithm (GA) for streamflow forecasting. The RBFNN-GA was applied to forecast streamflow at the High Aswan Dam on the Nile River. The results showed that the proposed model provided high accuracy. The GA algorithm can successfully determine effective input parameters in streamflow time series forecasting.
From antagonism to synergism: Extreme differences in stressor interactions in one species
Authors: Straub Lars , Minnameyer Angela , Strobl Verena , Kolari Eleonora , Friedli Andrea , Kalbermatten Isabelle , Merkelbach Antoine Joseph Willem Marie , Victor Yañez Orlando , Neumann Peter 
Published: March 2020

AbstractInteractions between stressors are involved in the decline of wild species and losses of managed ones. Those interactions are often assumed to be synergistic, and per se of the same nature, even though susceptibility can vary within a single species. However, empirical measures of interaction effects across levels of susceptibility remain scarce. Here, we show clear evidence for extreme differences in stressor interactions ranging from antagonism to synergism within honeybees, Apis mellifera. While female honeybee workers exposed to both malnutrition and the pathogen Nosema ceranae showed synergistic interactions and increased stress, male drones showed antagonistic interactions and decreased stress. Most likely sex and division of labour in the social insects underlie these findings. It appears inevitable to empirically test the actual nature of stressor interactions across a range of susceptibility factors within a single species, before drawing general conclusions.
Temperature-related body size change of marine benthic macroinvertebrates across the Early Toarcian Anoxic Event
Authors: Piazza Veronica , Ullmann Clemens V. , Aberhan Martin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (TOAE, Early Jurassic, ~182 Ma ago) was characterised by severe environmental perturbations which led to habitat degradation and extinction of marine species. Warming-induced anoxia is usually identified as main driver, but because marine life was also affected in oxygenated environments the role of raised temperature and its effects on marine life need to be addressed. Body size is a fundamental characteristic of organisms and is expected to decrease as a response to heat stress. We present quantitative size data of bivalves and brachiopods across the TOAE from oxygenated habitats in the Iberian Basin, integrated with geochemical proxy data (δ13C and δ18O), to investigate the relationship between changes in temperature and body size. We find a strong negative correlation between the mean shell size of bivalve communities and isotope-derived temperature estimates, suggesting heat stress as a main cause of body size reduction. While within-species size changes were minor, we identify changes in the abundance of differently sized species as the dominant mechanism of reduced community shell size during the TOAE. Brachiopods experienced a wholesale turnover across the early warming phase and were replaced by a virtually monotypic assemblage of a smaller-sized, opportunistic species.
Emergence of Visual Center-Periphery Spatial Organization in Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Mohsenzadeh Yalda , Mullin Caitlin , Lahner Benjamin , Oliva Aude 
Published: March 2020

AbstractResearch at the intersection of computer vision and neuroscience has revealed hierarchical correspondence between layers of deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) and cascade of regions along human ventral visual cortex. Recently, studies have uncovered emergence of human interpretable concepts within DCNNs layers trained to identify visual objects and scenes. Here, we asked whether an artificial neural network (with convolutional structure) trained for visual categorization would demonstrate spatial correspondences with human brain regions showing central/peripheral biases. Using representational similarity analysis, we compared activations of convolutional layers of a DCNN trained for object and scene categorization with neural representations in human brain visual regions. Results reveal a brain-like topographical organization in the layers of the DCNN, such that activations of layer-units with central-bias were associated with brain regions with foveal tendencies (e.g. fusiform gyrus), and activations of layer-units with selectivity for image backgrounds were associated with cortical regions showing peripheral preference (e.g. parahippocampal cortex). The emergence of a categorical topographical correspondence between DCNNs and brain regions suggests these models are a good approximation of the perceptual representation generated by biological neural networks.
Streptococcus gallolyticus abrogates anti-carcinogenic properties of tannic acid on low-passage colorectal carcinomas
Authors: Oehmcke-Hecht Sonja , Mandl Vanessa , Naatz Lukas Tim , Dühring Lara , Köhler Juliane , Kreikemeyer Bernd , Maletzki Claudia 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe tannase-producing Gram-positive bacterial species Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus (Sgg) is an opportunistic pathogen of the human gut and strongly associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). A unique feature of Sgg is its ability to degrade tannic acids (TA). TA constitute an important part of the human diet with known anti-tumorigenic properties. Here, we examined whether Sgg is able to protect tumor cells from the toxic effect of TA and thus drive tumorigenesis indirectly. Human CRC cell lines (n = 8) were treated with increasing concentrations of TA. We confirmed the cytotoxic activity of TA in a dose-dependent manner. In virtually all cell lines, viability decreased significantly (>60% inhibition). Moreover, pyrogallol, the degradation product of TA, had no effect on the tested cell lines. This suggests a specific effect of TA. Cytotoxicity was due to necrosis and induction of senescence in residual cells. Finally, when TA was degraded by Sgg, the cytotoxic effect could be abolished. Tumor cells even responded with boosted cell proliferation, highlighting the impact of Sgg on CRC progression. We here provide another piece of evidence for the active interplay between Sgg and cancer preventive components. These data will help to move forward in designing concepts for therapeutic and eventually also prophylactic approaches to combat gastrointestinal malignancies.
Circulating CD34+ cells and active arterial wall thickening among elderly men: A prospective study
Authors: Shimizu Yuji , Kawashiri Shin-Ya , Kiyoura Kairi , Koyamatsu Jun , Fukui Shoichi , Tamai Mami , Nobusue Kenichi , Yamanashi Hirotomo , Nagata Yasuhiro , Maeda Takahiro 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAge-related physical changes, such as low-grade inflammation and increased oxidative stress, induce endothelial repair and cause active arterial wall thickening by stimulating the production of CD34+ cells (the principal mediators of atherosclerosis). Despite this, aggressive endothelial repair (progressing atherosclerosis) might cause a wasting reduction in CD34+ cells, which could result in a lower capacity of endothelial repair and hypertension. As yet, no prospective study has clarified the association of circulating CD34+ cells with active arterial wall thickening. We conducted a prospective study of 363 men aged 60–69 years who participated in a general health check-up at least twice from 2014–2017. The circulating CD34+ cell count was significantly positively associated with active arterial wall thickening among subjects without hypertension (n = 236), but not among subjects with hypertension (n = 127). The fully adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of active arterial wall thickening for the logarithmic circulating CD34+ cell count were 1.83 (1.19, 2.84) and 0.69 (0.36, 1.32) for subjects without and with hypertension, respectively. Circulating CD34+ cells are positively associated with active arterial wall thickening in subjects without hypertension. This study demonstrates a means to clarify the mechanisms of endothelial repair in elderly subjects.
Improving understanding of carbon stock characteristics of Eucalyptus and Acacia trees in southern China through litter layer and woody debris
Authors: Zhang Hui , Jiang Yinhua , Song Mingwei , He Jiajun , Guan Dongsheng 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSurveying the quality and quantity of carbon stock in litter layer and woody debris of Eucalyptus and Acacia plantations is critical in understanding their carbon pools. Here, the focus of the present study was on a number of Eucalyptus and Acacia plantations of different stand aged in the Pearl River Delta region of southern China. The plantation type proved to be a crucial driver of the carbon concentration in litter layer and woody debris, with Acacia exhibiting a superior ability to Eucalyptus to accumulate carbon with stand age in both these materials. The relative contribution of the litter layer and woody debris to the carbon stock of the ecosystem was also significantly higher under mature Acacia (8% and 7%, respectively) than that under mature Eucalyptus (4% and 1%, respectively). Most of the carbon stock within the litter layer was present in the leaf debris. The carbon stock in woody debris was mainly contained in the components within the 10–20 cm diameter class during the primary decay stage, represented as snags in middle-aged and mature Acacia, and as logs for mature Eucalyptus, respectively. The results indicate that both plantation type and stand age influence the characteristics of carbon stored in litter layer and woody debris significantly.
Tead transcription factors differentially regulate cortical development
Authors: Mukhtar Tanzila , Breda Jeremie , Grison Alice , Karimaddini Zahra , Grobecker Pascal , Iber Dagmar , Beisel Christian , van Nimwegen Erik , Taylor Verdon 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNeural stem cells (NSCs) generate neurons of the cerebral cortex with distinct morphologies and functions. How specific neuron production, differentiation and migration are orchestrated is unclear. Hippo signaling regulates gene expression through Tead transcription factors (TFs). We show that Hippo transcriptional coactivators Yap1/Taz and the Teads have distinct functions during cortical development. Yap1/Taz promote NSC maintenance and Satb2+ neuron production at the expense of Tbr1+ neuron generation. However, Teads have moderate effects on NSC maintenance and do not affect Satb2+ neuron differentiation. Conversely, whereas Tead2 blocks Tbr1+ neuron formation, Tead1 and Tead3 promote this early fate. In addition, we found that Hippo effectors regulate neuronal migration to the cortical plate (CP) in a reciprocal fashion, that ApoE, Dab2 and Cyr61 are Tead targets, and these contribute to neuronal fate determination and migration. Our results indicate that multifaceted Hippo signaling is pivotal in different aspects of cortical development.
Accelerated identification of serine racemase inhibitor from Centella asiatica
Authors: Rani Komal , Tyagi Mitali , Mazumder Mohit , Singh Akanksha , Shanmugam Annaian , Dalal Krishna , Pillai Manoj , Samudrala Gourinath , Kumar Saroj , Srinivasan Alagiri 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSerine racemase (SR) converts the free form of L-serine into D-serine (DS) in the mammalian brain. The DS functions as a co-agonist of N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. The over- activation of NMDA receptor leads to many neurological disorders like stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and an effective inhibitor of SR could be a corrective method for the receptor over-activation. We report for the first time here a rapid way of purifying and identifying an inhibitor from medicinal plants known to have the neuro-protective effect. We have purified SR inhibitor from the methanolic extract ofCentella asiaticaby affinity method. High resolution mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy were used to identify the ligand to be madecassoside. We have shown the madecassoside bindingin silicoand its inhibition of recombinant human serine racemasein vitroandex vivo.
Circulating leptin levels are associated with adiposity in survivors of childhood brain tumors
Authors: Sims E. Danielle , Jennings William J. , Empringham Brianna , Fleming Adam , Portwine Carol , Johnston Donna L. , Zelcer Shayna M. , Rassekh Shahrad Rod , Burrow Sarah , Thabane Lehana , Samaan M. Constantine 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSurvivors of Childhood Brain Tumors (SCBT) are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes compared to the general population. Adiposity is an important risk factor for the development of these outcomes, and identifying biomarkers of adiposity may help the stratification of survivors based on their cardiovascular risk or allow for early screening and interventions to improve cardiometabolic outcomes. Leptin is an adipokine that positively correlates with the adipose mass in the general population and is a predictor of adverse cardiometabolic outcomes, yet its association with adiposity in SCBT has not been studied. The aim of this study was to determine if leptin levels are associated with the adipose mass in SCBT, and to define its predictors. This cross-sectional study included 74 SCBT (n = 32 females) with 126 non-cancer controls (n = 59 females). Total adiposity was measured using Bioelectrical Impendence Analysis (BIA) and central adiposity was measured using waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). We used multivariable linear regression analysis to determine if leptin predicts adiposity in SCBT and adjusted for age, sex, puberty, and cancer status. Leptin correlated strongly with total (p < 0.001) and central (WHR p = 0.001; WHtR p < 0.001) adiposity in SCBT and non-cancer controls. In conclusion, leptin is a potential biomarker for adiposity in SCBT, and further investigation is needed to clarify if leptin is a predictor of future cardiometabolic risk in SCBT.
Unraveling the Origin of Social Bursts in Collective Attention
Authors: De Domenico Manlio , Altmann Eduardo G. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn the era of social media, every day billions of individuals produce content in socio-technical systems resulting in a deluge of information. However, human attention is a limited resource and it is increasingly challenging to consume the most suitable content for one’s interests. In fact, the complex interplay between individual and social activities in social systems overwhelmed by information results in bursty activity of collective attention which are still poorly understood. Here, we tackle this challenge by analyzing the online activity of millions of users in a popular microblogging platform during exceptional events, from NBA Finals to the elections of Pope Francis and the discovery of gravitational waves. We observe extreme fluctuations in collective attention that we are able to characterize and explain by considering the co-occurrence of two fundamental factors: the heterogeneity of social interactions and the preferential attention towards influential users. Our findings demonstrate how combining simple mechanisms provides a route towards understanding complex social phenomena.
Chiral supramolecular architecture of stable transmembrane pores formed by an α-helical antibiotic peptide in the presence of lyso-lipids
Authors: Strandberg Erik , Bentz David , Wadhwani Parvesh , Ulrich Anne S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe amphipathic α-helical antimicrobial peptide MSI-103 (aka KIA21) can form stable transmembrane pores when the bilayer takes on a positive spontaneous curvature, e.g. by the addition of lyso-lipids. Solid-state 31P- and 15N-NMR demonstrated an enrichment of lyso-lipids in these toroidal wormholes. Anionic lyso-lipids provided additional stabilization by electrostatic interactions with the cationic peptides. The remaining lipid matrix did not affect the nature of the pore, as peptides maintained the same orientation independent of lipid charge, and a change in membrane thickness did not considerably affect their tilt angle. Under optimized conditions (i.e. in the presence of lyso-lipids and appropriate bilayer thickness), stable and well-aligned pores could be obtained for solid-state 2H-NMR analysis. These data revealed for the first time the complete 3D alignment of this representative amphiphilic peptide in fluid membranes, which is compatible with either monomeric helices as constituents, or left-handed supercoiled dimers as building blocks from which the overall toroidal wormhole is assembled.