bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fatty acid induced lipolysis influences embryo development, gene expression and lipid droplet formation in the porcine cumulus cells†
Authors: Pawlak Piotr , Malyszka Natalia , Szczerbal Izabela , Kolodziejski Pawel 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The pig oocyte maturation protocol differs from other mammalian species due to dependence on follicular fluid (FF) supplementation. One of the most abundant components of the porcine follicular fluid are fatty acids (FAs). Although evidence from other mammalian models revealed a negative impact of saturated fatty acids (SFA) on developmental competence of oocytes, pig has not yet been widely analyzed. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether supplementation of IVM medium with 150 μM of stearic acid (SA) and oleic acid (OA) affects lipid content and expression of genes related to fatty acid metabolism in porcine cumulus–oocyte complexes and parthenogenetic embryo development. We found significant influence of fatty acids on lipid metabolism in cumulus cells without affecting the oocyte proper. The expression of ACACA, SCD, PLIN2, FADS1, and FADS2 genes was upregulated (P &lt; 0.01) in cumulus cells, while their expression in oocytes did not change. The increase in gene expression was more pronounced in the case of OA (e.g., up to 30-fold increase in PLIN2 transcript level compared to the control). The number of lipid droplets and occupied area increased significantly in the cumulus cells and did not change in oocytes after SA treatment. Oleic acid improved the blastocyst rate (48 vs 32% in control), whereas stearic acid did not affect this parameter (27%). Additionally, we have discovered a phenotypic diversity of LD in cumulus cells in response to FA supplementation, suggesting extensive lipolysis in response to SA. Stearic acid excess in maturation media led to the formation of multiple micro lipid droplets in cumulus cells.
Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for the Diagnosis of Tuberculous Meningitis: A Small Step Forward
Authors: Donovan Joseph , Cresswell Fiona V , Thuong Nguyen Thuy Thuong , Boulware David R , Thwaites Guy E , Bahr Nathan C ,   Tuberculous Meningitis International Research Consortium, Aarnoutse Rob E , Anderson Suzanne T B , Bahr Nathan C , Bang Nguyen D , Boulware David R , Boyles Tom , te Brake Lindsey H M , Chandra Satish , Chow Felicia C , Cresswell Fiona V , van Crevel Reinout , Davis Angharad G , Dian Sofiati , Donovan Joseph , Dooley Kelly E , Figaji Anthony , Ganiem A Rizal , Garg Ravindra Kumar , Gibb Diana M , Hamers Raph L , Hiep Nguyen T T , Imran Darma , Imron Akhmad , Jain Sanjay K , Jain Sunil K , Kalita Jayantee , Kumar Rashmi , Kumar Vinod , van Laarhoven Arjan , Lai Rachel P-J , Manesh Abi , Marais Suzaan , Mave Vidya , Meintjes Graeme , Meya David B , Misra Usha K , Modi Manish , Ordonez Alvaro A , Phu Nguyen H , Pradhan Sunil , Prasad Kameshwar , Proust Alize M , Ramakrishnan Lalita , Rohlwink Ursula , Ruslami Rovina , Schoeman Johannes F , Seddon James A , Sharma Kusum , Siddiqi Omar , Solomons Regan S , Thuong Nguyen T T , Thwaites Guy E , van Toorn Ronald , Tucker Elizabeth W , Wasserman Sean A , Wilkinson Robert J , Aarnoutse Rob E , Anderson Suzanne T B , Bahr Nathan C , Bang Nguyen D , Boulware David R , Boyles Tom , te Brake Lindsey H M , Chandra Satish , Chow Felicia C , Cresswell Fiona V , van Crevel Reinout , Davis Angharad G , Dian Sofiati , Donovan Joseph , Dooley Kelly E , Figaji Anthony , Ganiem A Rizal , Garg Ravindra Kumar , Gibb Diana M , Hamers Raph L , Hiep Nguyen T T , Imran Darma , Imron Akhmad , Jain Sanjay K , Jain Sunil K , Kalita Jayantee , Kumar Rashmi , Kumar Vinod , van Laarhoven Arjan , Lai Rachel P-J , Manesh Abi , Marais Suzaan , Mave Vidya , Meintjes Graeme , Meya David B , Misra Usha K , Modi Manish , Ordonez Alvaro A , Phu Nguyen H , Pradhan Sunil , Prasad Kameshwar , Proust Alize M , Ramakrishnan Lalita , Rohlwink Ursula , Ruslami Rovina , Schoeman Johannes F , Seddon James A , Sharma Kusum , Siddiqi Omar , Solomons Regan S , Thuong Nguyen T T , Thwaites Guy E , van Toorn Ronald , Tucker Elizabeth W , Wasserman Sean A , Wilkinson Robert J 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe delayed diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) leads to poor outcomes, yet the current diagnostic methods for identifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are inadequate. The first comparative study of the new GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert Ultra) for TBM diagnosis suggested increased sensitivity of Xpert Ultra. Two subsequent studies have shown Xpert Ultra has improved sensitivity, but has insufficient negative predictive value to exclude TBM. Collecting and processing large volumes of CSF for mycobacterial testing are important for optimal diagnostic test performance. But clinical, radiological, and laboratory parameters remain essential for TBM diagnosis and empiric therapy is often needed. We therefore caution against the use of Xpert Ultra as a single diagnostic test for TBM; it cannot be used to “rule out” TBM.
Raman Analysis Reveals Biochemical Differences in Plasma of Crohn’s Disease Patients
Authors: Morasso Carlo , Truffi Marta , Vanna Renzo , Albasini Sara , Mazzucchelli Serena , Colombo Francesco , Sorrentino Luca , Sampietro Gianluca , Ardizzone Sandro , Corsi Fabio 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Backgrounds and Aims
There is no accurate and reliable circulating biomarker to diagnose Crohn’s disease [CD]. Raman spectroscopy is a relatively new approach that provides information on the biochemical composition of samples in minutes and virtually without any sample preparation. We aimed to test the use of Raman spectroscopy analysis of plasma samples as a potential diagnostic tool for CD.

Methods
We analysed by Raman spectroscopy dry plasma samples obtained from 77 CD patients [CD] and 45 healthy controls [HC]. In the dataset obtained, we analysed spectra differences between CD and HC, as well as among CD patients with different disease behaviours. We also developed a method, based on principal component analysis followed by a linear discrimination analysis [PCA-LDA], for the automatic classification of individuals based on plasma spectra analysis.

Results
Compared with HC, the CD spectra were characterised by less intense peaks corresponding to carotenoids [p &lt;10–4] and by more intense peaks corresponding to proteins with β-sheet secondary structure [p &lt;10–4]. Differences were also found on Raman peaks relative to lipids [p = 0.0007] and aromatic amino acids [p &lt;10–4]. The predictive model we developed was able to classify CD and HC subjects with 83.6% accuracy [sensitivity 80.0% and specificity 85.7%] and F1-score of 86.8%.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that Raman spectroscopy of blood plasma can identify metabolic variations associated with CD and it could be a rapid pre-screening tool to use before further specific evaluation.
Arthropod Granivory of Lime-Coated Cover Crop Seeds
Authors: Bredeson Michael M , Beck Dwayne , Lundgren Jonathan G 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Diversifying cropland plant communities is prerequisite to restoring ecosystem functions in agricultural habitats. Cover crops are one such way to improve biodiversity, and broadcasting calcium carbonate-coated (lime) seeds can be a viable method for plant establishment. In addition to improving seed-to-soil contact, calcium carbonate may also reduce arthropod granivory. Here we examine the effect of this seed-coating technology on arthropod granivory for seven cover crop species under field conditions. Carabidae, Gryllidae, and Staphylinidae were the three most frequently collected granivorous taxa in pitfall samples, and Pterostichus permundus and Gryllus pennsylvanicus represented 60.8% of all individual granivores. Cover crop seed damaged was variable among plant species. Among all plant species, the presence of a seed coating significantly reduced granivory by nearly 40% in the 7-d field exposure. Individually, hairy vetch and sorghum × sudan seeds were especially protected by calcium carbonate. No positive correlations were observed between invertebrate groups and the number of seeds consumed. Alternative methods for assessing the functionality of granivorous arthropod communities should be pursued, as activity-density measured from pitfall traps failed to reveal important cover crop seed consumers. Protection of cover crop seeds from granivory through a calcium carbonate coating may allow producers to adjust seeding rates and save on costs, increasing the rate of adoption for this conservation practice.
Party Politics or (Supra-)National Interest? External Relations Votes in the European Parliament
Authors: Raunio Tapio , Wagner Wolfgang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractParliamentary votes on foreign and security policy have often been demonstrations of patriotism and unity. This resonates with the notion that external relations are exempted from party politics, or that politics stops at the water's edge. Its supranational character makes the European Parliament (EP) a particularly interesting laboratory for subjecting this thesis to empirical scrutiny. Analyzing roll-call votes from 1979 to 2014, this article shows that group cohesion and coalition patterns are no different in external relations votes than in other issue areas. Members of the EP (MEPs) do not rally around a European Union flag, nor do MEPs vote as national blocs in votes on foreign and security policy, trade, and development aid. Based on statistical analyses and interviews with parliamentary civil servants, it concludes that the EP stands out by having party politics dominate all business, including external relations.
A smartphone game to prevent HIV among young Kenyans: local perceptions of mechanisms of effect
Authors: Winskell K , Sabben G , Akelo V , Ondeng’e K , Odero I , Mudhune V 
Published: April 2020

AbstractElectronic games delivered via smartphones have the potential to become valuable tools in HIV prevention in high-prevalence and low-resource international settings. To ground theoretical elaboration around novel mHealth interventions in contextual realities, it is important to understand the mechanisms of their effects as perceived by local populations. Such perspectives are particularly important when working cross-culturally. ‘Tumaini’ is an interactive narrative-based smartphone game that uses a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ format. It is designed to prevent HIV among young African adolescents (aged 11–14) by increasing age and condom use at first sex. It was developed with a US-based commercial game developer and is grounded in social behavioral theory, evidence-based practice and contextually relevant scenarios. In a 2017 randomized pilot study (n = 60) in Western Kenya, ‘Tumaini’ showed promising effects on behavioral mediators of sexual debut. In subsequent focus group discussions, adolescent participants and their parents shared their perceptions of the game’s mechanisms of effect, which included motivation to play, future orientation, decision-making, relationship to a diverse range of characters and a bridging of the virtual and real worlds. These findings align with our theoretical framework, confirm its successful translation into the intervention and will inform mediation analyses in an upcoming efficacy trial.
A rare genomic duplication in 2p14 underlies autosomal dominant hearing loss DFNA58
Authors: Lezirovitz Karina , Vieira-Silva Gleiciele A , Batissoco Ana C , Levy Débora , Kitajima Joao P , Trouillet Alix , Ouyang Ellen , Zebarjadi Navid , Sampaio-Silva Juliana , Pedroso-Campos Vinicius , Nascimento Larissa R , Sonoda Cindy Y , Borges Vinícius M , Vasconcelos Laura G , Beck Roberto M O , Grasel Signe S , Jagger Daniel J , Grillet Nicolas , Bento Ricardo F , Mingroni-Netto Regina C , Oiticica Jeanne 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHere we define a ~200 Kb genomic duplication in 2p14 as the genetic signature that segregates with postlingual progressive sensorineural autosomal dominant hearing loss (HL) in 20 affected individuals from the DFNA58 family, first reported in 2009. The duplication includes two entire genes, PLEK and CNRIP1, and the first exon of PPP3R1 (protein coding), in addition to four uncharacterized long non-coding (lnc) RNA genes and part of a novel protein-coding gene. Quantitative analysis of mRNA expression in blood samples revealed selective overexpression of CNRIP1 and of two lncRNA genes (LOC107985892 and LOC102724389) in all affected members tested, but not in unaffected ones. Qualitative analysis of mRNA expression identified also fusion transcripts involving parts of PPP3R1, CNRIP1 and an intergenic region between PLEK and CNRIP1, in the blood of all carriers of the duplication, but were heterogeneous in nature. By in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence, we showed that Cnrip1, Plek and Ppp3r1 genes are all expressed in the adult mouse cochlea including the spiral ganglion neurons, suggesting changes in expression levels of these genes in the hearing organ could underlie the DFNA58 form of deafness. Our study highlights the value of studying rare genomic events leading to HL, such as copy number variations. Further studies will be required to determine which of these genes, either coding proteins or non-coding RNAs, is or are responsible for DFNA58 HL.
Prescribing Centro-Affine Curvature From One Convex Body to Another
Authors: Stancu Alina 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
We study a curvature flow on smooth, closed, strictly convex hypersurfaces in $\mathbb{R}^n$, which commutes with the action of $SL(n)$. The flow shrinks the initial hypersurface to a point that, if rescaled to enclose a domain of constant volume, is a smooth, closed, strictly convex hypersurface in $\mathbb{R}^n$ with centro-affine curvature proportional, but not always equal, to the centro-affine curvature of a fixed hypersurface. We outline some consequences of this result for the geometry of convex bodies and the logarithmic Minkowski inequality.
Hepatitis C Among High-Risk Alabamians: Disease Burden and Screening Effectiveness
Authors: Lee Anthony B , Karumberia Sandra , Gilmore Ashley , Williams Ebony , Bruner Nichole , Overton Edgar Turner , Saag Michael S , Franco Ricardo A 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe effectiveness of hepatitis C testing and linkage-to-care (LTC) is poorly characterized in low-resource jurisdictions facing gaps in harm reduction, including illegality of syringe exchange services. Effectiveness of a community-based test/LTC program was evaluated in Alabama.MethodsIn 2016–2018, shelters, drug treatment centers (DTCs), AIDS organizations, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) engaged in screening/LTC. A coordinator navigated individuals to confirm viremia and link to substance use treatment or primary care with hepatitis C prescribers.ResultsPoint-of-care (POC) tested 4293 individuals (10% [427] antibody-positive, 71% [299/419] RNA performed, 80% [241/299] viremia confirmed) and 93% linked to care (225/241). Electronic medical record (EMR)-based reflex strategy screened 4654 (15% [679] antibody positive, 99% [670/679] RNA performed, 64% [433/679] viremia confirmed) and 85% linked to care (368/433). We observed higher odds of RNA confirmation in EMR-based reflex versus POC (OR, 2.07; P &lt; .0001) and higher odds of LTC in EMR-based reflex versus POC (OR, 1.51; P &lt; .0001). Overall, 53% individuals tested were nonbaby boomers.ConclusionsIn Alabama, screening at high-risk settings identified significant hepatitis C burden and reflex testing outperformed point-of-care linkage indicators. Colocating testing in DTCs and treatment in FQHCs provided key LTC venues to at-risk younger groups.
Light Traps in Shipping Containers: A New Tool for the Early Detection of Insect Alien Species
Authors: Marchioro Matteo , Battisti Andrea , Faccoli Massimo 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Insects are one of the most successful groups of invasive species, and the number of new introductions has been increasing in the last decades. Insect invasions are affected mainly by the increase in international trade, as most of them travel across the world inside shipping containers. The effectiveness of sticky light traps was tested for the interception of alien pests inside the containers. The tested hypotheses were that light traps have a valuable broad-spectrum attraction and their trapping performance differs between empty or loaded containers. The optimal trap density in a container was also investigated. Trapping tests were conducted on four model species: Cadra cautella Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae), Sitophilus zeamais, Motschulsky and Ips typographus L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Insects were released within a standard shipping container, in either empty or loaded conditions, where sticky light traps were deployed for 15 h. Traps were tested with light on (activated) or off (control). Activated traps captured more Lepidoptera and Diptera than control ones, with no differences between empty and loaded container. Instead, Coleoptera were rarely caught, probably because of their ability to escape from traps. Results show that higher trap density in the container (from 1 to 8) increases the probability of insect capture. In conclusion, positive results on C. cautella and D. melanogaster suggest a possible application of sticky light traps against some small Lepidoptera and Diptera species flying in containers and infesting seeds, grains, and fruits, while traps need improvement for application against beetles.
A Guide and Toolbox to Replicability and Open Science in Entomology
Authors: Wittman Jacob T , Aukema Brian H 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The ability to replicate scientific experiments is a cornerstone of the scientific method. Sharing ideas, workflows, data, and protocols facilitates testing the generalizability of results, increases the speed that science progresses, and enhances quality control of published work. Fields of science such as medicine, the social sciences, and the physical sciences have embraced practices designed to increase replicability. Granting agencies, for example, may require data management plans and journals may require data and code availability statements along with the deposition of data and code in publicly available repositories. While many tools commonly used in replicable workflows such as distributed version control systems (e.g., ‘git’) or script programming languages for data cleaning and analysis may have a steep learning curve, their adoption can increase individual efficiency and facilitate collaborations both within entomology and across disciplines. The open science movement is developing within the discipline of entomology, but practitioners of these concepts or those desiring to work more collaboratively across disciplines may be unsure where or how to embrace these initiatives. This article is meant to introduce some of the tools entomologists can incorporate into their workflows to increase the replicability and openness of their work. We describe these tools and others, recommend additional resources for learning more about these tools, and discuss the benefits to both individuals and the scientific community and potential drawbacks associated with implementing a replicable workflow.
Landscape of genomic imprinting and its functions in the mouse mammary gland
Authors: Xu Haibo , Zhao Lina , Feng Xu , Ma Yujie , Chen Wei , Zou Li , Yang Qin , Sun Jihong , Yu Hong , Jiao Baowei 
Published: April 2020

AbstractGenomic imprinting is an epigenetic modification of DNA, whereby gene expression is restricted to either maternally or paternally inherited alleles. Imprinted genes (IGs) in the placenta and embryo are essential for growth regulation and nutrient supply. However, despite being an important nutrition delivery organ, studies on mammary gland genomic imprinting remain limited. In this study, we found that both the number of IGs and their expression levels decreased during development of the mouse mammary gland. IG expression was lineage-specific and related to mammary gland development and lactation. Meta-analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed that mammary gland IGs were co-expressed in a network that regulated cell stemness and differentiation, which was confirmed by our functional studies. Accordingly, our data indicated that IGs were essential for the self-renewal of mammary gland stem cells and IG decline was correlated with mammary gland maturity. Taken together, our findings revealed the importance of IGs in a poorly studied nutrition-related organ, i.e. the mammary gland, thus providing a reference for further studies on genomic imprinting.
Membrane-associated xylanase-like protein OsXYN1 is required for normal cell wall deposition and plant development in rice
Authors: Tu Bin , Zhang Tao , Wang Yuping , Hu Li , Li Jin , Zheng Ling , Zhou Yi , Li Jialian , Xue Fengyin , Zhu Xiaobo , Yuan Hua , Chen Weilan , Qin Peng , Ma Bingtian , Li Shigui 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The rice (Oryza sativa) genome encodes 37 putative β-1,4-xylanase proteins, but none of them has been characterized at the genetic level. In this work, we report the isolation of slim stem (ss) mutants with pleiotropic defects, including dwarfism, leaf tip necrosis, and withered and rolled leaves under strong sunlight. Map-based cloning of the ss1 mutant identified the candidate gene as OsXyn1 (LOC_03g47010), which encodes a xylanase-like protein belonging to the glycoside hydrolase 10 (GH10) family. OsXyn1 was found to be widely expressed, especially in young tissues. Subcellular localization analysis showed that OsXyn1 encodes a membrane-associated protein. Physiological analysis of ss1 and the allelic ss2 mutant revealed that water uptake was partially compromised in these mutants. Consistently, the plant cell wall of the mutants exhibited middle lamella abnormalities or deficiencies. Immunogold assays revealed an unconfined distribution of xylan in the mutant cell walls, which may have contributed to a slower rate of plant cell wall biosynthesis and delayed plant growth. Additionally, water deficiency caused abscisic acid accumulation and triggered drought responses in the mutants. The findings that OsXyn1 is involved in plant cell wall deposition and the regulation of plant growth and development help to shed light on the functions of the rice GH10 family.
Simulating diverse instabilities of dust in magnetized gas
Authors: Hopkins Philip F , Squire Jonathan , Seligman Darryl 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT
Recently, Squire & Hopkins showed that charged dust grains moving through magnetized gas under the influence of a uniform external force (such as radiation pressure or gravity) are subject to a spectrum of instabilities. Qualitatively distinct instability families are associated with different Alfvén or magnetosonic waves and drift or gyro motion. We present a suite of simulations exploring these instabilities, for grains in a homogeneous medium subject to an external acceleration. We vary parameters such as the ratio of Lorentz-to-drag forces on dust, plasma β, size scale, and acceleration. All regimes studied drive turbulent motions and dust-to-gas fluctuations in the saturated state, rapidly amplify magnetic fields into equipartition with velocity fluctuations, and produce instabilities that persist indefinitely (despite random grain motions). Different parameters produce diverse morphologies and qualitatively different features in dust, but the saturated gas state can be broadly characterized as anisotropic magnetosonic or Alfvénic turbulence. Quasi-linear theory can qualitatively predict the gas turbulent properties. Turbulence grows from small to large scales, and larger scale modes usually drive more vigorous gas turbulence, but dust velocity and density fluctuations are more complicated. In many regimes, dust forms structures (clumps, filaments, sheets) that reach extreme overdensities (up to ≫109 times mean), and exhibit substantial substructure even in nearly incompressible gas. These can be even more prominent at lower dust-to-gas ratios. In other regimes, dust self-excites scattering via magnetic fluctuations that isotropize and amplify dust velocities, producing fast, diffusive dust motions.