bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dichotic listening performance and interhemispheric integration after stress exposure
Authors: Berretz Gesa , Packheiser Julian , Wolf Oliver T. , Ocklenburg Sebastian 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFunctional hemispheric asymmetries (FHAs) have been thought to be relatively stable over time. However, past research has shown that FHAs are more plastic than initially thought. Endocrinological processes have been demonstrated to alter FHAs. As the product of the stress-activated hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis, cortisol influences information processing at every level from stimulus perception to decision making and action. To investigate the influence of acute stress on FHAs, 60 participants performed a Banich–Belger task, as well as a verbal and an emotional dichotic listening task in two sessions. One session included a stress induction via the Trier Social Stress Test, the other session included a control procedure. We calculated across-field advantages (AFAs) in the Banich–Belger task and lateralization quotients for reaction times and responses per side in both dichotic listening tasks. There were no significant differences between the stress and control session in the dichotic listening tasks. In contrast, there was evidence for an influence of cortisol and sympathetic activation indicated by salivary alpha amylase changes on AFAs in the Banich–Belger task. This indicates that acute stress and the related increase in cortisol do not influence dichotic listening performance. However, stress does seem to affect interhemispheric integration of information. Future research using EEG, fMRI and pharmacological interventions is needed to further characterize the relation of hemispheric asymmetries and acute stress.
Long-term molecular surveillance provides clues on a cattle origin for Mycobacterium bovis in Portugal
Authors: Reis Ana C. , Tenreiro Rogério , Albuquerque Teresa , Botelho Ana , Cunha Mónica V. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAnimal tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, is maintained in Portugal in a multi-host system, with cattle, red deer and wild boar, playing a central role. However, the ecological processes driving transmission are not understood. The main aim of this study was thus to contribute to the reconstruction of the spatiotemporal history of animal TB and to refine knowledge on M. bovis population structure in order to inform novel intervention strategies. A collection of 948 M. bovis isolates obtained during long-term surveillance (2002–2016, 15 years) of cattle (n = 384), red deer (n = 303) and wild boar (n = 261), from the main TB hotspot areas, was characterized by spoligotyping and 8 to 12-loci MIRU-VNTR. Spoligotyping identified 64 profiles and MIRU-VNTR distinguished 2 to 36 subtypes within each spoligotype, enabling differentiation of mixed or clonal populations. Common genotypic profiles within and among livestock and wildlife in the same spatiotemporal context highlighted epidemiological links across hosts and regions, as for example the SB0119-M205 genotype shared by cattle in Beja district or SB0121-M34 shared by the three hosts in Castelo Branco and Beja districts. These genomic data, together with metadata, were integrated in a Bayesian inference framework, identifying five ancestral M. bovis populations. The phylogeographic segregation of M. bovis in specific areas of Portugal where the disease persists locally is postulated. Concurrently, robust statistics indicates an association of the most probable ancient population with cattle and Beja, providing a clue on the origin of animal TB epidemics. This relationship was further confirmed through a multinomial probability model that assessed the influence of host species on spatiotemporal clustering. Two significant clusters were identified, one that persisted between 2004 and 2010, in Beja district, with Barrancos county at the centre, overlapping the central TB core area of the Iberian Peninsula, and highlighting a significant higher risk associated to cattle. The second cluster was predominant in the 2012–2016 period, holding the county Rosmaninhal at the centre, in Castelo Branco district, for which wild boar contributed the most in relative risk. These results provide novel quantitative insights beyond empirical perceptions, that may inform adaptive TB control choices in different regions.
An in silico approach to analyze HCV genotype-specific binding-site variation and its effect on drug–protein interaction
Authors: Khalid Ramsha , Anwar Muhammad Faraz , Raees Muhammad Aanish , Naeem Sadaf , Abidi Syed Hani , Ali Syed 
Published: November 2020

AbstractGenotype variation in viruses can affect the response of antiviral treatment. Several studies have established approaches to determine genotype-specific variations; however, analyses to determine the effect of these variations on drug–protein interactions remain unraveled. We present an in-silico approach to explore genotype-specific variations and their effect on drug–protein interaction. We have used HCV NS3 helicase and fluoroquinolones as a model for drug–protein interaction and have investigated the effect of amino acid variations in HCV NS3 of genotype 1a, 1b, 2b and 3a on NS3-fluoroquinolone interaction. We retrieved 687, 667, 101 and 248 nucleotide sequences of HCV NS3 genotypes 1a, 1b, 2b, and 3a, respectively, and translated these into amino acid sequences and used for genotype variation analysis, and also to construct 3D protein models for 2b and 3a genotypes. For 1a and 1b, crystal structures were used. Drug–protein interactions were determined using molecular docking analyses. Our results revealed that individual genotype-specific HCV NS3 showed substantial sequence heterogeneity that resulted in variations in docking interactions. We believe that our approach can be extrapolated to include other viruses to study the clinical significance of genotype-specific variations in drug–protein interactions.
Robust spatial ventriloquism effect and trial-by-trial aftereffect under memory interference
Authors: Park Hame , Kayser Christoph 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOur brain adapts to discrepancies in the sensory inputs. One example is provided by the ventriloquism effect, experienced when the sight and sound of an object are displaced. Here the discrepant multisensory stimuli not only result in a biased localization of the sound, but also recalibrate the perception of subsequent unisensory acoustic information in the so-called ventriloquism aftereffect. This aftereffect has been linked to memory-related processes based on its parallels to general sequential effects in perceptual decision making experiments and insights obtained in neuroimaging studies. For example, we have recently implied memory-related medial parietal regions in the trial-by-trial ventriloquism aftereffect. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the trial-by-trial (or immediate) ventriloquism aftereffect is indeed susceptible to manipulations interfering with working memory. Across three experiments we systematically manipulated the temporal delays between stimuli and response for either the ventriloquism or the aftereffect trials, or added a sensory-motor masking trial in between. Our data reveal no significant impact of either of these manipulations on the aftereffect, suggesting that the recalibration reflected by the trial-by-trial ventriloquism aftereffect is surprisingly resilient to manipulations interfering with memory-related processes.
Performance of polychaete assisted sand filters under contrasting nutrient loads in an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system
Authors: Jerónimo Daniel , Lillebø Ana Isabel , Santos Andreia , Cremades Javier , Calado Ricardo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPolychaete assisted sand filters (PASFs) allow to combine a highly efficient retention of particulate organic matter (POM) present in aquaculture effluent water and turn otherwise wasted nutrients into valuable worm biomass, following an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) approach. This study evaluated the bioremediation and biomass production performances of three sets of PASFs stocked with ragworms (Hediste diversicolor) placed in three different locations of an open marine land-based IMTA system. The higher organic matter (OM) recorded in the substrate of the systems which received higher POM content (Raw and Df PASFs – filtered raw and screened by drum filter effluent, respectively) likely prompted a superior reproductive success of stocked polychaetes (final densities 2–7 times higher than initial stock; ≈1000–3000 ind. m−2). Bioremediation efficiencies of ≈70% of supplied POM (≈1.5–1.8 mg L−1) were reported in these systems. The PASFs with lower content of OM in the substrate (Df + Alg PASFs – filtered effluent previously screened by drum filter and macroalgae biofilter) differed significantly from the other two, with stocked polychaetes displaying a poorer reproductive success. The PASFs were naturally colonized with marine invertebrates, with the polychaetes Diopatra neapolitana, Terebella lapidaria and Sabella cf. pavonina being some of the species identified with potential for IMTA.
Microbiota attenuates chicken transmission-exacerbated campylobacteriosis in Il10−/− mice
Authors: Fu Ying , Almansour Ayidh , Bansal Mohit , Alenezi Tahrir , Alrubaye Bilal , Wang Hong , Sun Xiaolun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCampylobacter jejuni is a prevalent foodborne pathogen mainly transmitting through poultry. It remains unknown how chicken-transmitted C. jejuni and microbiota impact on human campylobacteriosis. Campylobacter jejuni AR101 (Cj-P0) was introduced to chickens and isolated as passage 1 (Cj-P1). Campylobacter jejuni Cj-P1-DCA-Anaero was isolated from Cj-P0-infected birds transplanted with DCA-modulated anaerobic microbiota. Specific pathogen free Il10−/− mice were gavaged with antibiotic clindamycin and then infected with Cj-P0, Cj-P1, or Cj-P1-DCA-Anaero, respectively. After 8 days post infection, Il10−/− mice infected with Cj-P1 demonstrated severe morbidity and bloody diarrhea and the experiment had to be terminated. Cj-P1 induced more severe histopathology compared to Cj-P0, suggesting that chicken transmission increased C. jejuni virulence. Importantly, mice infected with Cj-P1-DCA-Anaero showed attenuation of intestinal inflammation compared to Cj-P1. At the cellular level, Cj-P1 induced more C. jejuni invasion and neutrophil infiltration into the Il10−/− mouse colon tissue compared to Cj-P0, which was attenuated with Cj-P1-DCA-Anaero. At the molecular level, Cj-P1 induced elevated inflammatory mediator mRNA accumulation of Il17a, Il1β, and Cxcl1 in the colon compared to Cj-P0, while Cj-P1-DCA-Anaero showed reduction of the inflammatory gene expression. In conclusion, our data suggest that DCA-modulated anaerobes attenuate chicken-transmitted campylobacteriosis in mice and it is important to control the elevation of C. jejuni virulence during chicken transmission process.
HIF1α activation in dendritic cells under sterile conditions promotes an anti-inflammatory phenotype through accumulation of intracellular lipids
Authors: Wood Elizabeth G. , Macdougall Claire E. , Blythe Hazel , Clément Marc , Colas Romain A. , Dalli Jesmond , Marelli-Berg Federica , Longhi M. Paula 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObesity is among the leading causes of elevated cardiovascular disease mortality and morbidity. Adipose tissue dysfunction, insulin resistance and inflammation are recognized as important risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disorders in obesity. Hypoxia appears to be a key factor in adipose tissue dysfunction affecting not only adipocytes but also immune cell function. Here we examined the effect of hypoxia-induced transcription factor HIF1α activation on classical dendritic cell (cDCs) function during obesity. We found that deletion of Hif1α on cDCs results in enhanced adipose-tissue inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque formation in a mouse model of obesity. This effect is mediated by HIF1α-mediated increased lipid synthesis, accumulation of lipid droplets and alter synthesis of lipid mediators. Our findings demonstrate that HIF1α activation in cDCs is necessary to control vessel wall inflammation.
Conserved interactions required for inhibition of the main protease of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Shitrit Alina , Zaidman Daniel , Kalid Ori , Bloch Itai , Doron Dvir , Yarnizky Tali , Buch Idit , Segev Idan , Ben-Zeev Efrat , Segev Elad , Kobiler Oren 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 requires a fast development of antiviral drugs. SARS-CoV-2 viral main protease (Mpro, also called 3C‐like protease, 3CLpro) is a potential target for drug design. Crystal and co-crystal structures of the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro have been solved, enabling the rational design of inhibitory compounds. In this study we analyzed the available SARS-CoV-2 and the highly similar SARS-CoV-1 crystal structures. We identified within the active site of the Mpro, in addition to the inhibitory ligands’ interaction with the catalytic C145, two key H-bond interactions with the conserved H163 and E166 residues. Both H-bond interactions are present in almost all co-crystals and are likely to occur also during the viral polypeptide cleavage process as suggested from docking of the Mpro cleavage recognition sequence. We screened in silico a library of 6900 FDA-approved drugs (ChEMBL) and filtered using these key interactions and selected 29 non-covalent compounds predicted to bind to the protease. Additional screen, using DOCKovalent was carried out on DrugBank library (11,414 experimental and approved drugs) and resulted in 6 covalent compounds. The selected compounds from both screens were tested in vitro by a protease activity inhibition assay. Two compounds showed activity at the 50 µM concentration range. Our analysis and findings can facilitate and focus the development of highly potent inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Ingestive behaviors in bearded capuchins (Sapajus libidinosus)
Authors: Laird Myra F. , Wright Barth W. , Rivera Annie O. , Fogaça Mariana Dutra , van Casteren Adam , Fragaszy Dorothy M. , Izar Patricia , Visalberghi Elisabetta , Scott Robert S. , Strait David S. , Ross Callum F. , Wright Kristin A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe biomechanical and adaptive significance of variation in craniodental and mandibular morphology in fossil hominins is not always clear, at least in part because of a poor understanding of how different feeding behaviors impact feeding system design (form–function relationships). While laboratory studies suggest that ingestive behaviors produce variable loading, stress, and strain regimes in the cranium and mandible, understanding the relative importance of these behaviors for feeding system design requires data on their use in wild populations. Here we assess the frequencies and durations of manual, ingestive, and masticatory behaviors from more than 1400 observations of feeding behaviors video-recorded in a wild population of bearded capuchins (Sapajus libidinosus) at Fazenda Boa Vista in Piauí, Brazil. Our results suggest that ingestive behaviors in wildSapajus libidinosuswere used for a range of food material properties and typically performed using the anterior dentition. Coupled with previous laboratory work indicating that ingestive behaviors are associated with higher mandibular strain magnitudes than mastication, these results suggest that ingestive behaviors may play an important role in craniodental and mandibular design in capuchins and may be reflected in robust adaptations in fossil hominins.
Wide-ranging transcriptomic analysis of Poncirus trifoliata, Citrus sunki, Citrus sinensis and contrasting hybrids reveals HLB tolerance mechanisms
Authors: Curtolo Maiara , de Souza Pacheco Inaiara , Boava Leonardo Pires , Takita Marco Aurélio , Granato Laís Moreira , Galdeano Diogo Manzano , de Souza Alessandra Alves , Cristofani-Yaly Mariângela , Machado Marcos Antonio 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHuanglongbing (HLB), caused mainly by ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (CLas), is the most devastating citrus disease because all commercial species are susceptible. HLB tolerance has been observed in Poncirus trifoliata and their hybrids. A wide-ranging transcriptomic analysis using contrasting genotypes regarding HLB severity was performed to identify the genetic mechanism associated with tolerance to HLB. The genotypes included Citrus sinensis, Citrus sunki, Poncirus trifoliata and three distinct groups of hybrids obtained from crosses between C. sunki and P. trifoliata. According to bacterial titer and symptomatology studies, the hybrids were clustered as susceptible, tolerant and resistant to HLB. In P. trifoliata and resistant hybrids, genes related to specific pathways were differentially expressed, in contrast to C. sinensis, C. sunki and susceptible hybrids, where several pathways were reprogrammed in response to CLas. Notably, a genetic tolerance mechanism was associated with the downregulation of gibberellin (GA) synthesis and the induction of cell wall strengthening. These defense mechanisms were triggered by a class of receptor-related genes and the induction of WRKY transcription factors. These results led us to build a hypothetical model to understand the genetic mechanisms involved in HLB tolerance that can be used as target guidance to develop citrus varieties or rootstocks with potential resistance to HLB.
Fabrication of hyaline-like cartilage constructs using mesenchymal stem cell sheets
Authors: Thorp Hallie , Kim Kyungsook , Kondo Makoto , Grainger David W. , Okano Teruo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCell and tissue engineering approaches for articular cartilage regeneration increasingly focus on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as allogeneic cell sources, based on availability and innate chondrogenic potential. Many MSCs exhibit chondrogenic potential as three-dimensional (3D) cultures (i.e. pellets and seeded biomaterial scaffolds) in vitro; however, these constructs present engraftment, biocompatibility, and cell functionality limitations in vivo. Cell sheet technology maintains cell functionality as scaffold-free constructs while enabling direct cell transplantation from in vitro culture to targeted sites in vivo. The present study aims to develop transplantable hyaline-like cartilage constructs by stimulating MSC chondrogenic differentiation as cell sheets. To achieve this goal, 3D MSC sheets are prepared, exploiting spontaneous post-detachment cell sheet contraction, and chondrogenically induced. Results support 3D MSC sheets’ chondrogenic differentiation to hyaline cartilage in vitro via post-contraction cytoskeletal reorganization and structural transformations. These 3D cell sheets’ initial thickness and cellular densities may also modulate MSC-derived chondrocyte hypertrophy in vitro. Furthermore, chondrogenically differentiated cell sheets adhere directly to cartilage surfaces via retention of adhesion molecules while maintaining the cell sheets’ characteristics. Together, these data support the utility of cell sheet technology for fabricating scaffold-free, hyaline-like cartilage constructs from MSCs for future transplantable articular cartilage regeneration therapies.
Characteristics of banana B genome MADS-box family demonstrate their roles in fruit development, ripening, and stress
Authors: Zheng Yunke , Liu Mengting , Jia Caihong , Wang Jingyi , Xu Biyu , Jin Zhiqiang , Li Wen , Liu Juhua 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMADS-box genes are critical regulators of growth and development in flowering plants. Sequencing of the Musa balbisiana (B) genome has provided a platform for the systematic analysis of the MADS-box gene family in the important banana ancestor Musa balbisiana. Seventy-seven MADS-box genes, including 18 type I and 59 type II, were strictly identified from the banana (Pisang Klutuk Wulung, PKW, 2n = 2x = 22) B genome. These genes have been preferentially placed on the banana B genome. Evolutionary analysis suggested that M. balbisiana MCM1-AGAMOUS-DEFICIENS-SRF (MbMADS) might be organized into the MIKCc, MIKC*, Mα, Mβ, and Mγ groups according to the phylogeny. MIKCc was then further categorized into 10 subfamilies according to conserved motif and gene structure analyses. The well-defined MADS-box genes highlight gene birth and death in banana. MbMADSes originated from the same ancestor as MaMADSes. Transcriptome analysis in cultivated banana (ABB) revealed that MbMADSes were conserved and differentially expressed in several organs, in various fruit developing and ripening stages, and in stress treatments, indicating the participation of these genes in fruit development, ripening, and stress responses. Of note, SEP/AGL2 and AG, as well as other several type II MADS-box genes, including the STMADS11 and TM3/SOC1 subfamilies, indicated elevated expression throughout banana fruit development, ripening, and stress treatments, indicating their new parts in controlling fruit development and ripening. According to the co-expression network analysis, MbMADS75 interacted with bZIP and seven other transcription factors to perform its function. This systematic analysis reveals fruit development, ripening, and stress candidate MbMADSes genes for additional functional studies in plants, improving our understanding of the transcriptional regulation of MbMADSes genes and providing a base for genetic modification of MADS-mediated fruit development, ripening, and stress.
Octopus arms exhibit exceptional flexibility
Authors: Kennedy E. B. Lane , Buresch Kendra C. , Boinapally Preethi , Hanlon Roger T. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe octopus arm is often referred to as one of the most flexible limbs in nature, yet this assumption requires detailed inspection given that this has not been measured comprehensively for all portions of each arm. We investigated the diversity of arm deformations in Octopus bimaculoides with a frame-by-frame observational analysis of laboratory video footage in which animals were challenged with different tasks. Diverse movements in these hydrostatic arms are produced by some combination of four basic deformations: bending (orally, aborally; inward, outward), torsion (clockwise, counter-clockwise), elongation, and shortening. More than 16,500 arm deformations were observed in 120 min of video. Results showed that all eight arms were capable of all four types of deformation along their lengths and in all directions. Arms function primarily to bring the sucker-lined oral surface in contact with target surfaces. Bending was the most common deformation observed, although the proximal third of the arms performed relatively less bending and more shortening and elongation as compared with other arm regions. These findings demonstrate the exceptional flexibility of the octopus arm and provide a basis for investigating motor control of the entire arm, which may aid the future development of soft robotics.