bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Task-specific roles of local interneurons for inter -and intraglomerular signaling in the insect antennal lobe
Authors: Fusca Debora , Kloppenburg Peter 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLocal interneurons (LNs) mediate complex interactions within the antennal lobe, the primary olfactory system of insects, and the functional analog of the vertebrate olfactory bulb. In the cockroachPeriplaneta Americana, as in other insects, several types of LNs with distinctive physiological and morphological properties can be defined. Here, we combined whole-cell patch clamp recordings and Ca2+imaging of individual LNs to analyze the role of spiking and nonspiking LNs in inter- and intraglomerular signaling during olfactory information processing. Spiking GABAergic LNs reacted to odorant stimulation with a uniform rise in[Ca2+]iin the ramifications of all innervated glomeruli. In contrast, in nonspiking LNs, glomerular Ca2+signals were odorant specific and varied between glomeruli, resulting in distinct, glomerulus-specific tuning curves. The cell type-specific differences in Ca2+dynamics support the idea that spiking LNs play a primary role in interglomerular signaling, while they assign nonspiking LNs an essential role in intraglomerular signaling.
Red Wood Ants prefer mature Pine Forests in Variscan Granite Environments (Formica rufa-group)
Authors: Berberich Gabriele M. , Berberich Martin B. , Gibhardt Matthias 
Published: November 2020

0AbstractWe used presence/absence data of 5,160 red wood ant nests (RWA; Formica polyctena) acquired in a systematic large-scale area-wide survey in two study areas (≈350 ha) in the Oberpfalz, NE Bavaria, Germany to explore for the first time the influence of variable (e.g., forest type, tree age) and quasi-invariant factors (e.g., tectonics, geochemical composition of the bedrock) on nest size, spatial distribution and nest density for Variscan granites. A combination of the forest type (mature pine-dominated forests (≥80–140 years) as main variable factor and the geochemical property of the Variscan granites with their high natural Radon potential and moderate heat production as main quasi-invariant factor could explain the high nest numbers in both study areas. In addition, the spatially clustered distribution patterns of the observed nests suggest a strong interaction between nests and their quasi-invariant environment, especially the directionality of the present-day stress field and the direction of the tectonically formed “Erbendorfer Line”. In general, such a combination of variable and quasi-invariant factors can be addressed as particularly favorable RWA habitats.
Structural and biochemical analysis of OrfG: the VirB8-like component of the integrative and conjugative element ICESt3 from Streptococcus thermophilus
Authors: Cappele Julien , Mohamad-Ali Abbas , Leblond-Bourget Nathalie , Mathiot Sandrine , Dhalleine Tiphaine , Payot Sophie , Savko Martin , Didierjean Claude , Favier Frédérique , Douzi Badreddine 
Published: November 2020

AbstractConjugative transfer is a major threat to global health since it contributes to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors among commensal and pathogenic bacteria. To allow their transfer, mobile genetic elements including Integrative and Conjugative Elements (ICEs) use a specialized conjugative apparatus related to Type IV secretion systems (Conj-T4SS). Therefore, Conj-T4SSs are excellent targets for strategies that aim to limit the spread of antibiotic resistance. In this study, we combined structural, biochemical and biophysical approaches to study OrfG, a protein that belongs to Conj-T4SS of ICESt3 from Streptococcus thermophilus. Structural analysis of OrfG by X-ray crystallography revealed that OrfG central domain is similar to VirB8-like proteins but displays a different quaternary structure in the crystal. To understand, at a structural level, the common and the diverse features between VirB8-like proteins from both Gram-negative and -positive bacteria, we used an in silico structural alignment method that allowed us to identify different structural classes of VirB8-like proteins. Biochemical and biophysical characterizations of purified OrfG soluble domain and its central and C-terminal subdomains indicated that they are mainly monomeric in solution but able to form an unprecedented 6-mer oligomers. Our study provides new insights into the structural and assembly mode of VirB8-like proteins, a component essential for conjugative transfer and improves our understanding on these under-examined bacterial nanomachines.
Genetics of nodulation in Aeschynomene evenia uncovers new mechanisms of the rhizobium-legume symbiosis
Authors: Quilbé Johan , Lamy Léo , Brottier Laurent , Leleux Philippe , Fardoux Joël , Rivallan Ronan , Benichou Thomas , Guyonnet Rémi , Becana Manuel , Villar Irene , Garsmeur Olivier , Hufnagel Bárbara , Delteil Amandine , Gully Djamel , Chaintreuil Clémence , Pervent Marjorie , Cartieaux Fabienne , Bourge Mickaël , Valentin Nicolas , Martin Guillaume , Fontaine Loïc , Droc Gaëtan , Dereeper Alexis , Farmer Andrew , Libourel Cyril , Nouwen Nico , Gressent Frédéric , Mournet Pierre , D’Hont Angélique , Giraud Eric , Klopp Christophe , Arrighi Jean-François 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAmong legumes (Fabaceae) capable of nitrogen-fixing nodulation, several Aeschynomene spp. use a unique symbiotic process that is independent of Nod factors and infection threads. They are also distinctive in developing root and stem nodules with photosynthetic bradyrhizobia. Despite the significance of these symbiotic features, their understanding remains limited. To overcome such limitations, we conducted genetic studies of nodulation in Aeschynomene evenia, supported by the development of a genome sequence for A. evenia and transcriptomic resources for 10 additional Aeschynomene spp. Comparative analysis of symbiotic genes substantiated singular mechanisms in the early and late nodulation steps. A forward genetic screen also showed that AeCRK, coding a novel receptor-like kinase, and the symbiotic signaling genes AePOLLUX, AeCCamK, AeCYCLOPS, AeNSP2 and AeNIN, are required to trigger both root and stem nodulation. This work demonstrates the utility of the A. evenia model and provides a cornerstone to unravel new mechanisms underlying the rhizobium-legume symbiosis.
Plant provenance affects pollinator network: implications for ecological restoration
Authors: Bucharova Anna , Lampei Christian , Conrady Malte , May Emilia , Matheja Janis , Meyer Michael , Ott David 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe selection of plant provenance for ecological restoration is an intensively debated topic. Throughout this debate, arguments mostly focus on plant performance, but little attention is paid to the effects of provenance on other members of the restored ecosystem. On the other hand, in restoration projects that focus specifically on supporting interacting biota, for example flower stripes among fields to support pollinators, the provenance choice is often not considered, partly because the effect of provenance on pollinators is unknown. In this pioneering case study, we tested whether pollinators differentiate between experimental plant communities of different provenances.We established experimental plant communities with the same species composition but with plants originating from three different provenances. We then recorded plant phenology and observed pollinators and flower visitors interacting with these experimental communities and related the pollinator visitation to the provenance identity.The provenances of the experimental plant communities had a strong and significant effect on the diversity and abundance of flower-pollinator interactions, with one provenance interacting twice as often as the other two provenances. The effect was driven by the differences in flowering phenology among provenances.Synthesis and applicationsPlant provenances substantially differ in their interactions with local pollinators. Therefore, the selection of plant provenance should be considered when planning restoration projects for the support of pollinators.
DNA metabarcoding successfully quantifies relative abundances of arthropod taxa in songbird diets: a validation study using camera-recorded diets
Authors: Verkuil Yvonne I. , Nicolaus Marion , Ubels Richard , Dietz Maurine M. , Samplonius Jelmer M. , Galema Annabet , Kiekebos Kim , de Knijff Peter , Both Christiaan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractEcological research is often hampered by the inability to quantify animal diets. Large-scale changes in arthropod diversity, abundance and phenologies urge the need to understand the consequences for trophic interactions. Diet composition of insectivorous predators can be tracked through DNA metabarcoding of faecal samples, but to validate the quantitative accuracy of metabarcoding, validation using free-living animals for which their diet can be approximated, is needed.This validation study assesses the use of DNA metabarcoding in quantifying diets of an insectivorous songbird. Using camera footage, we documented food items delivered to nestling Pied Flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca, and subsequently sequenced the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) in their faeces. Our special interest was to retrieve the relative contribution of arthropod taxa with a PCR-based protocol.Assessment of taxonomic coverage of the invertebrate COI primers LCO1490 and HCO1777, previously applied in insectivorous songbirds, demonstrated that COI barcodes were predominantly assigned to arthropod taxa, however, substantial amounts of reads (2–60%) were assigned to flycatchers. Modified primers reduced vertebrate reads to 0.03%, and yielded more spider DNA without significant changing the recovery of other arthropod taxa.To explore digestive biases, contents of stomachs and lower intestines were compared in eight adult male flycatchers, victims of competitors for nest boxes. Similarity in arthropod community composition between stomach and intestines confirmed limited digestive bias.With nest box cameras in 2013, 2015 and 2016, size-adjusted counts of prey items fed to nestlings were recorded, to approximate provided biomass of arthropod orders and families which allowed comparison with abundance of COI barcode reads in nestling faeces. The relative abundances of size-adjusted prey counts and COI reads correlated at R = 0.85 (CI:0.68-0.94) at order level and at R=0.75 (CI:0.67-0.82) at family level. Each common order and all common taxa within Lepidoptera, Diptera and Coleoptera were retrieved in similar proportions, while the taxonomic resolution was higher in barcodes than in camera records.This DNA metabarcoding validation demonstrates that quantitative arthropod diet analyses is possible in songbirds. We discuss the ecological application of our approach in approximating the arthropod diets in insectivorous birds.
Capturing the transcription factor interactome in response to sub-lethal insecticide exposure
Authors: Ingham Victoria A , Elg Sara , Nagi Sanjay C , Dondelinger Frank 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe increasing levels of pesticide resistance in agricultural pests and disease vectors represents a threat to both food security and global health. As insecticide resistance intensity strengthens and spreads, the likelihood of a pest encountering a sub-lethal dose of pesticide dramatically increases. Here, we apply dynamic Bayesian networks to a transcriptome time-course generated using sub-lethal pyrethroid exposure on a highly resistantAnopheles coluzziipopulation. The model accounts for circadian rhythm and ageing effects allowing high confidence identification of transcription factors with key roles in pesticide response. The associations generated by this model show high concordance with lab-based validation and identifies 44 transcription factors regulating insecticide-responsive transcripts. We identify six key regulators, with each displaying differing enrichment terms, demonstrating the complexity of pesticide response. The considerable overlap of resistance mechanisms in agricultural pests and disease vectors strongly suggests that these findings are relevant in a wide variety of pest species.
Semi-automated background removal limits loss of data and normalises the images for downstream analysis of imaging mass cytometry data
Authors: Ijsselsteijn Marieke E. , Somarakis Antonios , Lelieveldt Boudewijn P.F. , Hollt Thomas , de Miranda Noel F.C.C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractImaging mass cytometry (IMC) allows the detection of multiple antigens (approximately 40 markers) combined with spatial information, making it a unique tool for the evaluation of complex biological systems. Due to its widespread availability and retained tissue morphology, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues are often a material of choice for IMC studies. However, antibody performance and signal-to-noise ratio can differ considerably between FFPE tissues as a consequence of variations in tissue processing, including fixation. We investigated the effect of immunodetection-related signal intensity fluctuations on IMC analysis and phenotype identification in a cohort of twelve colorectal cancer tissues. Furthermore, we explored different normalisation strategies and propose a workflow to normalise IMC data by semi-automated background removal, using publicly available tools. This workflow can be directly applied to previously obtained datasets and considerably improves the quality of IMC data, thereby supporting the analysis and comparison of multiple samples.
A cell cycle kinase-phosphatase module restrains PI3K-Akt activity in an mTORC1-dependent manner
Authors: Sanz-Castillo Belén , Hurtado Begoña , El Bakkali Aicha , Hermida Dario , Salvador-Barbero Beatriz , Martínez-Alonso Diego , González-Martínez José , Santiveri Clara , Campos-Olivas Ramón , Ximénez Pilar , Muñoz Javier , Álvarez-Fernández Mónica , Malumbres Marcos 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe AKT-mTOR pathway is a central regulator of cell growth and metabolism. Upon sustained mTOR activity, AKT activity is attenuated by a feedback loop that restrains upstream signaling. However, how cells control the signals that limit AKT activity is not fully understood. Here we show that MASTL/Greatwall, a cell-cycle kinase that supports mitosis by phosphorylating the PP2A/B55 inhibitors ENSA/ARPP19, inhibits PI3K-AKT activity by sustaining mTORC1- and S6K1-dependent phosphorylation of IRS1 and GRB10. Genetic depletion ofMASTLresults in an inefficient feedback loop and AKT hyperactivity. These defects are rescued by expression of phospho-mimetic ENSA/ARPP19 or inhibition of PP2A/B55 phosphatases. MASTL is directly phosphorylated by mTORC1, thereby limiting the PP2A/B55-dependent dephosphorylation of IRS1 and GRB10 downstream of mTORC1. Downregulation ofMASTLresults in increased glucose uptake in vitro and increased glucose tolerance in adult mice, suggesting the relevance of the MASTL-PP2A/B55 kinase-phosphatase module in controlling AKT and maintaining metabolic homeostasis.
Hippocampal Egr1-dependent neuronal ensembles negatively regulate motor learning
Authors: Brito Veronica , Montalban Enrica , Pupak Anika , Masana Mercè , Ginés Silvia , Alberch Jordi , Martin Claire , Girault Jean-Antoine , Giralt Albert 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMotor skills learning is classically associated with brain regions including cerebral and cerebellar cortices and basal ganglia. Less is known about the role of the hippocampus in the acquisition and storage of motor skills. Here we show that mice receiving a long-term training in the accelerating rotarod display marked transcriptional changes in the striatum and hippocampus when compared with short-term trained mice. We identify Egr1 as a modulator of gene expression in the hippocampus during motor learning. Using mice in which neural ensembles are permanently labeled in an Egr1 activity-dependent fashion we identify ensembles of Egr1-expressing pyramidal neurons in CA1 activated in short- and long-term trained mice in the rotarod task. When Egr1 is downregulated or these neuronal ensembles are depleted, motor learning is improved whereas their chemogenetic stimulation impairs motor learning performance. Thus, Egr1 organizes specific CA1 neuronal ensembles during the accelerating rotarod task that limit motor learning.
The vascular niche controlsDrosophilahematopoiesis via Fibroblast Growth Factor signaling
Authors: Destalminil-Letourneau Manon , Morin-Poulard Ismaël , Tian Yushun , Vanzo Nathalie , Crozatier Michèle 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn adult mammals, hematopoiesis, the production of blood cells from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), is tightly regulated by extrinsic signals from the microenvironment called “niche”. Bone marrow HSPCs are heterogeneous and controlled by both endosteal and vascular niches. TheDrosophilahematopoietic lymph gland is located along the cardiac tube which corresponds to the vascular system. In the lymph gland, the niche called Posterior Signaling Center controls only a subset of the heterogeneous hematopoietic progenitor population indicating that additional signals are necessary. Here we report that the vascular system acts as a second niche to control lymph gland homeostasis. The FGF ligand Branchless produced by vascular cells activates the FGF pathway in hematopoietic progenitors. By regulating intracellular calcium levels, FGF signaling maintains progenitor pools and prevents blood cell differentiation. This study reveals that two niches contribute to the controlof Drosophilablood cell homeostasis through their differential regulation of progenitors.
A selective projection from the subthalamic nucleus to parvalbumin-expressing interneurons of the striatum
Authors: Kondabolu Krishnakanth , Doig Natalie M. , Ayeko Olaoluwa , Khan Bakhtawer , Torres Alexandra , Calvigioni Daniela , Meletis Konstantinos , Magill Peter J. , Koós Tibor 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe striatum and subthalamic nucleus (STN) are considered to be the primary input nuclei of the basal ganglia. Projection neurons of both striatum and STN can extensively interact with other basal ganglia nuclei, and there is growing anatomical evidence of direct axonal connections from the STN to striatum. There remains, however, a pressing need to elucidate the organization and impact of these subthalamostriatal projections in the context of the diverse cell types constituting the striatum. To address this, we carried out monosynaptic retrograde tracing from genetically-defined populations of dorsal striatal neurons in adult male and female mice, quantifying the connectivity from STN neurons to spiny projection neurons, GABAergic interneurons, and cholinergic interneurons. In parallel, we used a combination of ex vivo electrophysiology and optogenetics to characterize the responses of a complementary range of dorsal striatal neuron types to activation of STN axons. Our tracing studies showed that the connectivity from STN neurons to striatal parvalbumin-expressing interneurons is significantly higher (~ four-to eight-fold) than that from STN to any of the four other striatal cell types examined. In agreement, our recording experiments showed that parvalbumin-expressing interneurons, but not the other cell types tested, commonly exhibited robust monosynaptic excitatory responses to subthalamostriatal inputs. Taken together, our data collectively demonstrate that the subthalamostriatal projection is highly selective for target cell type. We conclude that glutamatergic STN neurons are positioned to directly and powerfully influence striatal activity dynamics by virtue of their enriched innervation of GABAergic parvalbumin-expressing interneurons.
CoVid-19: The Second Wave is not due to Cooling-down in Autumn
Authors: Langel Walter 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn analogy to influenza the second wave of the CoVid-19 disease is generally considered as being triggered by cooling-down in autumn and enhanced aerosol distribution. Here, the time histories of the total case numbers in three European states are quantitatively compared with those of Argentina by a generally applicable fit procedure. It turns out that Argentina on the southern hemisphere sees the second wave simultaneously with similar parameters as Europe. This discards the assumption of the influence of atmospheric cooling in winter and puts into question present models of SARS-CoV-2 spreading.
Demographics and Employment of Max-Planck Society’s Postdocs
Authors: Vallier M. , Mueller M. , Alcami P. , Bellucci G. , Grange M. , Lu YX. , Duponchel S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe recently founded Max Planck PostdocNet brings together postdoctoral researchers (or postdocs) from the Max Planck Society (MPS), provides representation for the postdoctoral community across all Max Planck Institutes (MPI) and associated institutes, and advocates for their interests on their behalf.At the 2019 founding meeting, MPS postdocs quickly raised their concerns about their employment situation and their associated social and working conditions. Subsequently, the PostdocNet conducted the first survey targeting exclusively postdoctoral researchers to gather information on their demographics, employment situations and social conditions.This report presents the results of this survey, providing a thorough characterization of the postdoc demographics as well as the working conditions experienced by the postdoctoral community of the MPS. Remarkably, the survey analysis revealed a number of disparities in the access to employment type, wage level and social benefits. These results will guide future and present MPS postdoctoral researchers and their employers at the MPS to thrive for equality and fairness. Moreover, these results should be of help to the MPS to establish, improve and maintain optimal working conditions for MPS postdocs.
Functional localization and categorization of intentional decisions in humans: a meta-analysis of brain imaging studies
Authors: Si Ruoguang , Rowe James B , Zhang Jiaxiang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBrain-imaging research on intentional decision-making often employs a “free-choice” paradigm, in which participants choose among options with identical values or outcomes. Although the medial prefrontal cortex has commonly been associated with choices, there is no consensus on the wider network that underlies diverse intentional decisions and behaviours. Our systematic literature search identified 39 fMRI/PET experiments using various free-choice paradigms, with appropriate control conditions using external instructions. An Activation-Likelihood-Estimate (ALE) meta-analysis showed that, compared with external instructions, intentional decisions consistently activate the medial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the right insula and the inferior parietal lobule. We then categorized the studies into four different types according to their experimental designs: reactive motor intention, perceptual intention, inhibitory intention and cognitive intention. We conducted conjunction and contrast meta-analyses to identify consistent and selective brain activations within each specific category of intentional decision. Finally, we used meta-analytic decoding to probe cognitive processes underlying free choices. Our findings suggest that the neurocognitive process underlying intentional decision incorporates anatomically separated components subserving distinct cognitive and computational roles.