bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Arf/Rab cascade controls the growth and invasiveness of glioblastoma
Authors: Kulasekaran Gopinath , Chaineau Mathilde , Piscopo Valerio E. , Verginelli Federica , Fotouhi Maryam , Girard Martine , Tang Yeman , Dali Rola , Lo Rita , Stifani Stefano , McPherson Peter S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractGlioblastoma is the most common and deadly malignant brain cancer. We now demonstrate that loss of function of the endosomal GTPase Rab35 in human brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs) increases glioblastoma growth and decreases animal survival following BTIC implantation in mouse brain. Mechanistically, we identify that the GTPase Arf5 interacts with the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rab35, DENND1/connecdenn and allosterically enhances its GEF activity towards Rab35. Knockdown of either Rab35 or Arf5 increases cell migration, invasiveness and self-renewal in culture and enhances the growth and invasiveness of BTIC-initiated brain tumors in mice. RNAseq of the tumors reveals upregulation of the tumor-promoting transcription factor SPOCD1, and disruption of the Arf5/Rab35 axis in glioblastoma cells leads to strong activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor with resulting enhancement of SPOCD1 levels. These discoveries reveal an unexpected cascade between an Arf and a Rab and indicate a role for the cascade, and thus endosomal trafficking, in brain tumors.
Body size variability across habitats in theBrachionus plicatiliscryptic species complex
Authors: Walczyńska Aleksandra , Serra Manuel 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe body size response to temperature is one of the most recognizable but still poorly understood ecological phenomena. Other covarying environmental factors are frequently invoked as either affecting the strength of that response or even driving this pattern. We tested the body size response in five species representing theBrachionus plicatiliscryptic species complex, inhabiting 10 brackish ponds with different environmental characteristics. Principal Component Analysis selected salinity and the oxygen concentration as the most important factors, while temperature and pH were less influential. Path analysis showed a positive interclonal effect of pH on body size. At the interspecific level, the size response was species and factor dependent. Under the lack of a thermos-oxygenic relationship, the expected negative response of size to temperature disappeared, but a positive response of size to oxygen remained. Our results confirm the driving role of oxygen in determining the size-to-temperature patterns observed in the field.
Shared Characteristics of Intrinsic Connectivity Networks Underlying Interoceptive Awareness and Empathy
Authors: Stoica T. , Depue B.E. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAwareness of internal bodily sensations (interoception, IA) and its connection to complex socioemotional phenomena like empathy have been postulated, yet its neural basis remains poorly understood. The present fMRI study employs independent component analysis (ICA) to investigate whether the Cognitive or Affective facets of empathy and IA share resting state network connectivity and/or variability (SDBOLD). Healthy participants viewed an abstract movie demonstrated to evoke strong connectivity in resting state brain networks (InScapes), and resultant connectivity and variability data was correlated with self-reported empathy and IA questionnaires. We demonstrate a bidirectional behavioral and neurobiological relationship between empathy and IA, depending on the type of empathy interrogated: Affective empathy and IA share both connectivity and variability, while Cognitive empathy and IA only share variability. Specifically, increased connectivity in the right inferior frontal operculum (rIFO) of a larger attention network was associated with increased vicarious experience but decreased awareness of inner body sensations. Furthermore, increased variability between brain regions of an interoceptive network was related to increased sensitivity to internal sensations along with discomfort alleviation arising from witnessing another’s distress. Finally, increased variability between brain regions subserving a mentalizing network related to not only an improved ability to take someone’s perspective, but also a better sense of mind-body interconnectedness. Overall, these findings suggest that the awareness of one’s own internal body changes (IA) is related to the ability to feel and understand another’s emotional state (empathy) and critically, that this relationship is not task-dependent, but is reflected in the brain’s resting state neuroarchitecture. Methodologically, this work highlights the importance of utilizing network variability as a complementary window alongside functional connectivity to better understand neurological phenomena. Our results may be beneficial in aiding diagnosis in clinical populations such as autism spectrum disorder, where participants may be unable to complete tasks or questionnaires due to the severity of their socioemotional symptoms.
Population genomic analyses of schistosome parasites highlight critical challenges facing end-game elimination efforts
Authors: Shortt Jonathan A. , Timm Laura E. , Hales Nicole R. , Nikolakis Zachary L. , Schield Drew R. , Perry Blair W. , Liu Yang , Zhong Bo , Castoe Todd A. , Carlton Elizabeth J. , Pollock David D. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSchistosomiasis persists in some Asian regions despite targeted end-game elimination measures. To determine the causes of this persistence, we performed reduced representation genome sequencing onSchistosoma japonicummiracidia collected across multiple years from transmission hotspots in Sichuan, China. We discovered strong geographic structure, suggesting that local rather than imported reservoirs are key sources of infection persistence. At the village level, parasites collected after praziquantel treatment are closely related to local pre-treatment populations. Schistosomes within villages are also highly related, suggesting that only a few parasites from a limited number of hosts drive re-infection. The close familial relationships among miracidia from different human hosts also implicates short transmission routes among humans. At the individual host level, genetic evidence indicates that multiple humans retain infections following referral for treatment. Our findings suggest that end-game schistosomiasis control measures should focus on completely extirpating local parasite reservoirs and confirming successful treatment of infected human hosts.One Sentence SummaryLocal reservoirs are the source for persistent schistosomiasis infections despite continuous efforts aimed at complete elimination.
Leveraging Tools from Autonomous Navigation for Rapid, Robust Neuron Connectivity
Authors: Drenkow Nathan , Joyce Justin , Matelsky Jordan , Larabi Reem , Heiko Jennifer , Kleissas Dean , Wester Brock , Johnson Erik C. , Gray-Roncal William 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAs biological imaging datasets continue to grow in size, extracting information from large image volumes presents a computationally intensive challenge. State-of-the-art algorithms are almost entirely dominated by the use of convolutional neural network approaches that may be diffcult to run at scale given schedule, cost, and resource limitations. We demonstrate a novel solution for high-resolution electron microscopy brain image volumes that permits the identification of individual neurons and synapses. Instead of conventional approaches whereby voxels are labelled according to the neuron or neuron segment to which they belong, we instead focus on extracting the underlying brain graph represented by synaptic connections between individual neurons while also identifying key features like skeleton similarity and path length. This graph represents a critical step and scaffold for understanding the structure of neuronal circuitry. Our approach recasts the segmentation problem to one of path-finding between keypoints (i.e., connectivity) in an information sharing framework using virtual agents. We create a family of sensors which follow local decision-making rules that perform computationally cheap operations on potential fields to perform tasks such as avoiding cell membranes and finding synapses. These enable a swarm of virtual agents to effciently and robustly traverse three-dimensional datasets, create a sparse segmentation of pathways, and capture connectivity information. We achieve results that meet or exceed state-of-the-art performance at a substantially lower computational cost. This tool offers a categorically different approach to connectome estimation that can augment how we extract connectivity information at scale. Our method is generalizable and may be extended to biomedical imaging problems such as tracing the bronchial trees in lungs or road networks in natural images.
Genetic, morphological, and niche variation in the widely hybridizingRhus integrifolia-Rhus ovataspecies complex
Authors: Barrett Craig F. , Lambert Joshua , Santee Mathilda V. , Sinn Brandon T. , Skibicki Samuel V. , Stephens Heather M. , Thixton Hana 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHybridization and introgression are common processes among numerous plant species that present both challenges and opportunities for studies of species delimitation, phylogenetics, taxonomy, and adaptation.Rhus integrifoliaandR. ovataare two ecologically important shrubs native to the southwestern USA and Mexico, and are known to hybridize frequently, but the morphological, genetic, and ecological implications of hybridization in these species are poorly studied on a broad geographic scale. Analyses were conducted using leaf morphology, genetic variation of plastid and nuclear loci, and species distribution models for both species and their putative hybrid introgressants across 19 localities in California and Arizona, USA. These analyses revealed evidence for morphological and genetic distinction among localities comprising putative parental species, but a high degree of morpho-genetic intermediacy among localities with putative hybrids. Comparison of morphological and genetic population structure among localities revealed evidence for putative local adaptation or widespread phenotypic plasticity. Multiple regression models identified a weak but statistically significant negative association between leaf area and precipitation. Finally, species distribution modeling inferred northward range shifts over time, with both species predicted to occupy more coastal regions in the future, possibly increasing the frequency of hybridization among them. These findings underscore the importance of integrative assessment of multiple data sources in the study of hybridizing species and highlight theRhus integrifolia-ovatacomplex as a powerful model for investigating the adaptive implications of hybridization.
isoTarget: a genetic method for analyzing the functional diversity of splicing isoformsin vivo
Authors: Liu Hao , Pizzano Sarah , Li Ruonan , Zhao Wenquan , Veling Macy W. , Hu Yujia , Yang Limin , Ye Bing 
Published: May 2020

SUMMARYProtein isoforms generated by alternative splicing contribute to proteome diversity. Due to the lack of effective techniques, isoform-specific functions, expression, localization, and signaling mechanisms of endogenous proteinsin vivoare unknown for most genes. Here we report a genetic method, termedisoTarget, for blocking the expression of a targeted isoform without affecting the other isoforms and for conditional tagging the targeted isoform for multi-level analyses in select cells. ApplyingisoTargetto two mutually exclusive isoforms ofDrosophilaDscam, Dscam[TM1] and [TM2], we found that endogenous Dscam[TM1] is localized in dendrites while Dscam[TM2] is in both dendrites and axons. We demonstrate that the difference in subcellular localization between Dscam[TM1] and [TM2], rather than any difference in biochemical properties, leads to the two isoforms’ differential contributions to dendrite and axon development. Moreover, withisoTarget, we discovered that the subcellular enrichment of functional partners results in a DLK/Wallenda-Dscam[TM2]-Dock signaling cascade specifically in axons.isoTargetis an effective technique for studying how alternative splicing enhances proteome complexity.
Novel Loss-of-Function Mutations inCOCHCause Autosomal Recessive Nonsyndromic Deafness
Authors: Booth Kevin T , Ghaffar Amama , Rashid Muhammad , Hovey Luke T , Hussain Mureed , Frees Kathy , Renkes Erika M , Nishimura Carla J , Shahzad Mohsin , Smith Richard J , Ahmed Zubair , Azaiez Hela , Riazuddin Saima 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCOCHis the most abundantly expressed gene in the cochlea. Unsurprisingly, mutations inCOCHunderly deafness in mice and humans. Two forms of deafness are linked to mutations inCOCH, the well-established autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss, with or without vestibular dysfunction (DFNA9) via a gain-of-function/dominant-negative mechanism, and more recently autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (DFNB110) via nonsense variants. Using a combination of targeted gene panels, exome sequencing and functional studies, we identified four novel pathogenic variants (two nonsense variants, one missense and one inframe deletion) inCOCHas the cause of autosomal recessive hearing loss in a multi-ethnic cohort. To investigate whether the non-truncating variants exert their effect via a loss-of-function mechanism, we used mini-gene splicing assays. Our data showed both the missense and inframe deletion variants altered RNA-splicing by creating an exon splicing silencer and abolishing an exon splicing enhancer, respectively. Both variants create frameshifts and are predicted to result in a null allele. This study confirms the involvement of loss-of-function mutations inCOCHin autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss, expands the mutational landscape of DFNB110 to include coding variants that alter RNA-splicing, and highlights the need to investigate the effect of coding variants on RNA-splicing.
SARS-CoV2 quantification using RT-dPCR: a faster and safer alternative to assist viral genomic copies assessment using RT-qPCR
Authors: de Almeida Paula Rodrigues , Demoliner Meriane , Antunes Eisen Ana Karolina , Heldt Fágner Henrique , Hansen Alana Witt , Schallenberger Karoline , Fleck Juliane Deise , Spilki Fernando Rosado 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this study, serial dilutions of SARS-CoV 2 RNA extract were tested using RT-dPCR using three different primer-probe assays aiming SARS-CoV 2 nucleocapsid coding region. Narrower confidence intervals, indicating high quantification precision were obtained in 100 and 1000-fold serial dilution and RT-dPCR results were equivalent between different assays in the same dilution. High accuracy of this test allowed conclusions regarding the ability of this technique to evaluate precisely the amount of genomic copies present in a sample. We believe that this fast and safe method can assist other researchers in titration of SARS-CoV2 controls used in RT-qPCR without the need of virus isolation.
Developing process and product innovation through internal and external knowledge sources in manufacturing Malaysian firms: the role of absorptive capacity
Authors: Ramayah T. , Soto-Acosta Pedro , Kheng Khoo Kah , Mahmud Imran 
Published: May 2020

PurposeFirms' knowledge-processing capabilities have a central role in achieving innovation performance and competitive advantage. Absorptive capacity capabilities and innovation are viewed as essential for enterprise success. Absorptive capacity is deemed as a highly important organizational capability to recognize value and assimilate both external and internal knowledge in order to enhance firm innovation. The aim of this study is to determine if innovation performance can be improved through absorptive capacity (knowledge acquisition, dissemination and utilization), when it is supported by internal (firm experience) and external knowledge sources (R&D cooperation and contracted R&D).Design/methodology/approachA quantitative methodology based on employing a structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The proposed research model and its associated hypotheses are tested by using Partial Least Squares (PLS) structural equation modelling (SEM) on a data set of 248 manufacturing companies located in the Northern Region of Malaysia.FindingsResults showed that firms' experience is significantly related to absorptive capacity, while for R&D cooperation and contracted R&D findings were mixed. In addition, absorptive capacity was found as a strong predictor of innovation performance.Originality/valueOne of the defining features of competition in many industries has been the extremely rapid pace of technological change, marked by a continuous stream of innovations. Manufacturing firms, therefore, face the challenge of nurturing existing knowledge and developing novel knowledge in order to create new business opportunities. This study makes valuable contributions with regard to understanding the behavioural of manufacturing firms towards process and product innovation.
Developing a new BWM-based GMAFMA approach for evaluation of potential risks and failure modes in production processes
Authors: Kolagar Milad , Hosseini Seyed Mohammad Hassan , Felegari Ramin 
Published: May 2020

PurposeNowadays, the risk assessment and reliability engineering of various production processes have become an inevitable necessity. Because if these risks are not going to be evaluated and no solution is going to be taken for their prevention, managing them would be really hard and costly in case of their occurrence. The importance of this issue is much higher in producing healthcare products due to their quality's direct impact on the health of individuals and society.Design/methodology/approachOne of the most common approaches of risk assessment is the failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), which is facing some limitations in practice. In this research, a new generalized multi-attribute failure mode analysis approach has been proposed by utilizing the best–worst method and linguistic 2-tuple representation in order to evaluate the production process of hemodialysis solution in a case of Tehran, Iran.FindingsAccording to the results, entry of waste to the mixing tanker, impurity of raw materials and ingredients and fracture of the mixer screw have been identified as the most important potential failures. At last, the results of this research have been compared with the previous studies.Originality/valueSome reinforcement attributes have been added to the traditional FMEA attributes in order to improve the results. Also, the problems of identical weights for attributes, inaccuracy in experts' opinions and the uncertainties in prioritizing the potential failures were improved. Furthermore, in addition to the need for less comparative data, the proposed approach is more accurate and comprehensive in its results.
Pest control potential of adjacent agri‐environment schemes varies with crop type and is shaped by landscape context and within‐field position
Authors: Boetzl Fabian A. , Schuele Maren , Krauss Jochen , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Increasing natural pest control in agricultural fields is an important aim of ecological intensification. Combined effects of landscape context and local placement of agri‐environmental schemes (AES) on natural pest control and within‐field distance functions of natural pest control agents have rarely been addressed but might affect the distribution of biocontrol providers. Importantly, it is currently unknown whether ecosystem services provided by adjacent AES are consistent for different crop types during crop rotation.

In this study, we assessed whether crop rotation from oilseed rape to cereals altered within‐field distance functions of ground‐dwelling predators from adjacent agri‐environmental fields along a gradient in landscape context. Additionally, we recorded crop pests, predation rates, parasitoids as well as crop yields on a total of 30 study sites.

Distance functions varied between trophic levels: Carabid richness decreased while densities of carabid beetles, staphylinid beetles as well as crop yields increased towards the field centres. Distance functions of parasitoids and pests were modulated by the amount of semi‐natural habitat in the surrounding landscape, while the effects of adjacent AES were limited.

Distance decay functions found for ground‐dwelling predators in oilseed rape in the previous year were not always present in cereals. Increasing distance to the field edge also increased effects of crop rotation on carabid beetle assemblages, indicating a source habitat function of field edges.

Synthesis and applications. Distance functions of natural pest control are not universal and the effects of agri‐environmental schemes (AES) in different adjacent crops during crop rotation vary and depend on ecological contrasts. A network of semi‐natural habitats and spatially optimized AES habitats can benefit pest control in agricultural landscapes, but constraints as a result of crop type need to be addressed by annually targeted, spatially shifting agri‐environment schemes for different crops.
Domestic and family violence, non‐lethal strangulation and social work intervention in the emergency department
Authors: Marks Jacqueline , Markwell Alexandra , Randell Thomas , Hughes James 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo review domestic and family violence (DFV) and non‐lethal strangulation (NLS) presentations to an ED with 24‐h social work.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of 12 months of DFV presentations comparing demographics, perpetrator relationship, social work review, injuries and NLS incidence and assessment.ResultsWomen represent 90% of DFV presentations. In 26% of DFV presentations NLS was identified, with 47.5% clinically assessed appropriately. Social work did not review 34% of DFV presentations, 64% due to no referral.ConclusionsSocial work referral for DFV is regularly missed despite 24‐h access. Assessment of NLS in ED requires improvement and standardised national guidelines.
Immunity and Hypertension
Authors: Zhang Rong M. , McNerney Kyle P. , Riek Amy E. , Bernal‐Mizrachi Carlos 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHypertension is the primary cause of cardiovascular mortality. Despite multiple existing treatments, only half of those with the disease achieve adequate control. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms causing hypertension is essential for the development of novel therapies. Many studies demonstrate that immune cell infiltration of the vessel wall, kidney and central nervous system, as well as their counterparts of oxidative stress, the renal renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) and sympathetic tone play a critical role in the development of hypertension. Genetically modified mice lacking components of innate and/or adaptive immunity confirm the importance of chronic inflammation in hypertension and its complications. Depletion of immune cells improves endothelial function, decreases oxidative stress, reduces vascular tone and prevents renal interstitial infiltrates, sodium retention and kidney damage. Moreover, the ablation of microglia or central nervous system perivascular macrophages reduces RAS‐induced inflammation and prevents sympathetic nervous system activation and hypertension. Therefore, understanding immune cell functioning and their interactions with tissues that regulate hypertensive responses may be the future of novel antihypertensive therapies.