bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The cochlear ear horn: geometric origin of tonotopic variations in auditory signal processing
Authors: Altoè Alessandro , Shera Christopher A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWhile separating sounds into frequency components and subsequently converting them into patterns of neural firing, the mammalian cochlea processes signal components in ways that depend strongly on frequency. Indeed, both the temporal structure of the response to transient stimuli and the sharpness of frequency tuning differ dramatically between the apical and basal (i.e., the low- and high-frequency) regions of the cochlea. Although the mechanisms that give rise to these pronounced differences remain incompletely understood, they are generally attributed to tonotopic variations in the constituent hair cells or cytoarchitecture of the organ of Corti. As counterpoint to this view, we present a general acoustic treatment of the horn-like geometry of the cochlea, accompanied by a simple 3-D model to elucidate the theoretical predictions. We show that the main apical/basal functional differences can be accounted for by the known spatial gradients of cochlear dimensions, without the need to invoke mechanical specializations of the sensory tissue. Furthermore, our analysis demonstrates that through its functional resemblance to an ear horn (aka ear trumpet), the geometry of the cochlear duct manifests tapering symmetry, a felicitous design principle that may have evolved not only to aid the analysis of natural sounds but to enhance the sensitivity of hearing.
Parity predicts biological age acceleration in post-menopausal, but not pre-menopausal, women
Authors: Shirazi Talia N. , Hastings Waylon J. , Rosinger Asher Y. , Ryan Calen P. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractUnderstanding factors contributing to variation in ‘biological age’ is essential to understanding variation in susceptibility to disease and functional decline. One factor that could accelerate biological aging in women is reproduction. Pregnancy is characterized by extensive, energetically-costly changes across numerous physiological systems. These ‘costs of reproduction’ may accumulate with each pregnancy, accelerating biological aging. Despite evidence for costs of reproduction using molecular and demographic measures, it is unknown whether parity is linked to commonly-used clinical measures of biological aging. We use data collected between 1999 and 2010 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 4418) to test whether parity (number of live births) predicted four previously-validated composite measures of biological age and system integrity: Levine Method, homeostatic dysregulation, Klemera–Doubal method biological age, and allostatic load. Parity exhibited a U-shaped relationship with accelerated biological aging when controlling for chronological age, lifestyle, health-related, and demographic factors in post-menopausal, but not pre-menopausal, women, with biological age acceleration being lowest among post-menopausal women reporting between three and four live births. Our findings suggest a link between reproductive function and physiological dysregulation, and allude to possible compensatory mechanisms that buffer the effects of reproductive function on physiological dysregulation during a woman’s reproductive lifespan. Future work should continue to investigate links between parity, menopausal status, and biological age using targeted physiological measures and longitudinal studies.
Synaptic activity and strength are reflected by changes in the post-synaptic secretory pathway
Authors: Gürth Clara-Marie , Dankovich Tal M. , Rizzoli Silvio O. , D’Este Elisa 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNeurons are highly asymmetric cells that span long distances and need to react promptly to local demands. Consequently, neuronal secretory pathway elements are distributed throughout neurites, specifically in post-synaptic compartments, to enable local protein synthesis and delivery. Whether and how changes in local synaptic activity correlate to post-synaptic secretory elements is still unclear. To assess this, we used STED nanoscopy and automated quantitative image analysis of post-synaptic markers of the endoplasmic reticulum, ER-Golgi intermediate compartment, trans-Golgi network, and spine apparatus. We found that the distribution of these proteins was dependent on pre-synaptic activity, measured as the amount of recycling vesicles. Moreover, their abundance correlated to both pre- and post-synaptic markers of synaptic strength. Overall, the results suggest that in small, low-activity synapses the secretory pathway components are tightly clustered in the synaptic area, presumably to enable rapid local responses, while bigger synapses utilise secretory machinery components from larger, more diffuse areas.
Arousal influences olfactory abilities in adults with different degree of food neophobia
Authors: Menghi Leonardo , Khomenko Iuliia , Pedrotti Michele , Cliceri Danny , Aprea Eugenio , Endrizzi Isabella , Cavazzana Annachiara , Biasioli Franco , Giacalone Davide , Gasperi Flavia 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFood neophobia, i.e., the aversion to novel foods, and olfaction are both factors strongly affecting food choices. Mounting evidence suggests a higher arousal towards food as a key factor underlying the reluctance to eat what is unfamiliar to us. As the role of olfaction behind this phenomenon is poorly understood, we explored the associations between food neophobia and trait anxiety, olfactory functions (odor threshold, discrimination and identification) and retronasal aroma release from a reference food in a healthy cohort of 83 adult volunteers. We grouped participants in Low-Neophobics or neophilics (n = 35), Medium-Neophobics (n = 32) and High-Neophobics (n = 16) according to the widely recognized Food Neophobia Scale. Participants with higher neophobic tendencies were found to have marginally higher trait anxiety levels than neophilics (p = 0.10). A lower global olfactory functioning and odor discrimination abilities characterized High-Neophobics, while Medium-Neophobics showed a higher odor sensitiveness than Low-Neophobics. Lastly, High-Neophobics showed a lower extent of retronasal aroma release, likely due to a shorter duration of oral processing and higher anxiety-related physiological responses (such as breathing rate). In summary, this study supports the assumption that the conflicting relationship that neophobics have with food may be led by higher levels of arousal toward foods, rather than different chemosensory functions.
Automated measurement of long-term bower behaviors in Lake Malawi cichlids using depth sensing and action recognition
Authors: Johnson Zachary V. , Arrojwala Manu Tej Sharma , Aljapur Vineeth , Lee Tyrone , Lancaster Tucker J. , Lowder Mark C. , Gu Karen , Stockert Joseph I. , Lecesne Rachel L. , Moorman Jean M. , Streelman Jeffrey T. , McGrath Patrick T. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn the wild, behaviors are often expressed over long time periods in complex and dynamic environments, and many behaviors include direct interaction with the environment itself. However, measuring behavior in naturalistic settings is difficult, and this has limited progress in understanding the mechanisms underlying many naturally evolved behaviors that are critical for survival and reproduction. Here we describe an automated system for measuring long-term bower construction behaviors in Lake Malawi cichlid fishes, in which males use their mouths to sculpt sand into large species-specific structures for courtship and mating. We integrate two orthogonal methods, depth sensing and action recognition, to simultaneously track the developing bower structure and the thousands of individual sand manipulation behaviors performed throughout construction. By registering these two data streams, we show that behaviors can be topographically mapped onto a dynamic 3D sand surface through time. The system runs reliably in multiple species, across many aquariums simultaneously, and for up to weeks at a time. Using this system, we show strong differences in construction behavior and bower form that reflect species differences in nature, and we gain new insights into spatial, temporal, social dimensions of bower construction, feeding, and quivering behaviors. Taken together, our work highlights how low-cost tools can automatically quantify behavior in naturalistic and social environments over long timescales in the lab.
Depositional patterns constrained by slope topography changes on seamounts
Authors: Du Dewen , Yan Shijuan , Yang Gang , Shi Fengdeng , Zhu Zhiwei , Song Qinglei , Yang Fengli , Cui Yingchun , Shi Xuefa 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSlope topography is known to control the spatial distribution of deposits on intraplate seamounts; however, relatively little is known about how slope topography changes constrain those depositional patterns. In this study, we analyse data on four lithotypes found on seamount slopes, including colloidal chemical deposits comprising mainly cobalt-rich crusts, and examine the relationships between the spatial distribution of these lithotypes and current slope topography. We use these relationships to discuss depositional patterns constrained by slope topography changes. Some depositional units in drill core samples are interpreted to have resulted from past topographic changes that created the current slope topography. Two or more types of deposits that accumulated at the same location implies that the slope topography changed over time and that the depositional patterns on seamount slopes are constrained by changes in slope topography.
Genomic selection for white spot syndrome virus resistance in whiteleg shrimp boosts survival under an experimental challenge test
Authors: Lillehammer Marie , Bangera Rama , Salazar Marcela , Vela Sergio , Erazo Edna C. , Suarez Andres , Cock James , Rye Morten , Robinson Nicholas Andrew 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWhite spot syndrome virus (WSSV) causes major worldwide losses in shrimp aquaculture. The development of resistant shrimp populations is an attractive option for management of the disease. However, heritability for WSSV resistance is generally low and genetic improvement by conventional selection has been slow. This study was designed to determine the power and accuracy of genomic selection to improve WSSV resistance in Litopenaeus vannamei. Shrimp were experimentally challenged with WSSV and resistance was evaluated as dead or alive (DOA) 23 days after infestation. All shrimp in the challenge test were genotyped for 18,643 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Breeding candidates (G0) were ranked on genomic breeding values for WSSV resistance. Two G1 populations were produced, one from G0 breeders with high and the other with low estimated breeding values. A third population was produced from “random” mating of parent stock. The average survival was 25% in the low, 38% in the random and 51% in the high-genomic breeding value groups. Genomic heritability for DOA (0.41 in G1) was high for this type of trait. The realised genetic gain and high heritability clearly demonstrates large potential for further genetic improvement of WSSV resistance in the evaluated L. vannamei population using genomic selection.
Functional characterisation of the transcriptome from leaf tissue of the fluoroacetate-producing plant, Dichapetalum cymosum, in response to mechanical wounding
Authors: Sooklal Selisha A. , Mpangase Phelelani T. , Tomescu Mihai-Silviu , Aron Shaun , Hazelhurst Scott , Archer Robert H. , Rumbold Karl 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDichapetalum cymosum produces the toxic fluorinated metabolite, fluoroacetate, presumably as a defence mechanism. Given the rarity of fluorinated metabolites in nature, the biosynthetic origin and function of fluoroacetate have been of particular interest. However, the mechanism for fluorination in D. cymosum was never elucidated. More importantly, there is a severe lack in knowledge on a genetic level for fluorometabolite-producing plants, impeding research on the subject. Here, we report on the first transcriptome for D. cymosum and investigate the wound response for insights into fluorometabolite production. Mechanical wounding studies were performed and libraries of the unwounded (control) and wounded (30 and 60 min post wounding) plant were sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq platform. A combined reference assembly generated 77,845 transcripts. Using the SwissProt, TrEMBL, GO, eggNOG, KEGG, Pfam, EC and PlantTFDB databases, a 69% annotation rate was achieved. Differential expression analysis revealed the regulation of 364 genes in response to wounding. The wound responses in D. cymosum included key mechanisms relating to signalling cascades, phytohormone regulation, transcription factors and defence-related secondary metabolites. However, the role of fluoroacetate in inducible wound responses remains unclear. Bacterial fluorinases were searched against the D. cymosum transcriptome but transcripts with homology were not detected suggesting the presence of a potentially different fluorinating enzyme in plants. Nevertheless, the transcriptome produced in this study significantly increases genetic resources available for D. cymosum and will assist with future research into fluorometabolite-producing plants.
c-Fos expression following context conditioning and deep brain stimulation in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in rats
Authors: Luyck Kelly , Scheyltjens Isabelle , Nuttin Bart , Arckens Lutgarde , Luyten Laura 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDeep brain stimulation (DBS) in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST), a region implicated in the expression of anxiety, shows promise in psychiatric patients, but its effects throughout the limbic system are largely unknown. In male Wistar rats, we first evaluated the neural signature of contextual fear (N = 16) and next, of the anxiolytic effects of high-frequency electrical stimulation in the BST (N = 31), by means of c-Fos protein expression. In non-operated animals, we found that the left medial anterior BST displayed increased c-Fos expression in anxious (i.e., context-conditioned) versus control subjects. Moreover, control rats showed asymmetric expression in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) (i.e., higher intensities in the right hemisphere), which was absent in anxious animals. The predominant finding in rats receiving bilateral BST stimulation was a striking increase in c-Fos expression throughout much of the left hemisphere, which was not confined to the predefined regions of interest. To conclude, we found evidence for lateralized c-Fos expression during the expression of contextual fear and anxiolytic high-frequency electrical stimulation of the BST, particularly in the medial anterior BST and BLA. In addition, we observed an extensive and unexpected left-sided c-Fos spread following bilateral stimulation in the BST.
Sleep quality among individuals with ketamine use and the mediating role of craving
Authors: Yen Cheng-Fang , Lin Huang-Chi , Ko Chih-Hung , Wu Hung-Chi , Hsu Chih-Yao , Wang Peng-Wei 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSleep problems are common in Taiwan. Poor sleep may be associated with many illnesses, including substance use disorders. Ketamine use disorder has significantly increased in Taiwan in recent years and may lead to physical and cognitive problems. Craving for ketamine is a risk factor for ketamine use and relapse, and poor sleep quality may increase craving. This study aimed to explore the mediating effects of craving on the relationship between poor sleep quality and ketamine use. Demographic data, sleep quality, severity of dependence and craving were recorded for current ketamine users and abstinent ketamine users. Mediation analysis was used to examine the mediating effect of craving on the relationship between poor sleep and ketamine use. This study enrolled 414 current ketamine users with ketamine use disorder, 238 current ketamine users without ketamine use disorder, and 102 abstinent ketamine users with ketamine use disorder. Compared with healthy controls, all ketamine users had poor sleep quality. Poor sleep quality was associated with the initiation of and dependence on ketamine use. Craving can mediate the relationship between poor sleep quality and ketamine use. Poor sleep quality remains a problem for those abstaining from ketamine use. Poor sleep quality in ketamine users is an important issue because it is directly and indirectly through craving associated with ketamine use.
Both sedentary time and physical activity are associated with cardiometabolic health in overweight adults in a 1 month accelerometer measurement
Authors: Sjöros Tanja , Vähä-Ypyä Henri , Laine Saara , Garthwaite Taru , Lahesmaa Minna , Laurila Sanna M. , Latva-Rasku Aino , Savolainen Anna , Miikkulainen Annika , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Sievänen Harri , Kalliokoski Kari K. , Knuuti Juhani , Vasankari Tommi , Heinonen Ilkka H. A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the associations of cardiometabolic health markers with device-measured sedentary behavior (SB) duration and different intensities of physical activity (PA) among overweight working-aged adults with low self-reported PA levels. This cross-sectional analysis included 144 subjects (42 men) with mean age of 57 (SD 6.5) years and mean BMI of 31.7 (SD 4) kg/m2. SB and standing time, breaks in sedentary time, light PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were measured for 4 consecutive weeks (mean 25 days, SD 4) with hip-worn accelerometers. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, HbA1c, triglycerides and total cholesterol, HDL and LDL were measured from venous blood samples. HOMA-IR index was calculated as a surrogate of insulin resistance. The associations were examined using linear models. LPA, MVPA, and daily steps associated with better insulin sensitivity and favorable plasma lipid profile, when adjusted for age, sex and BMI, whereas greater proportion of SB associated with insulin resistance and unfavorable lipid profile. As all PA intensities associated with better cardiometabolic health, the total daily duration of PA may be more relevant than intensity in maintaining metabolic health in overweight adults, if the current guidelines for PA are not met.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03101228, registered 05/04/2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03101228.
Prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus in Africa in one health approach: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alemayehu Tsegaye , Hailemariam Mengistu 
Published: November 2020

AbstractVancomycin-resistant enterococci are a global challenge currently as reported by the World Health Organization. It is also important to recognize that combating antimicrobial resistance needs to recognize the interconnections between people, animals, plants and their shared environment in creating public health, the so-called One Health approach. Although the presence of VRE has been described in many regions of the world, there is a lack of comprehensive data indicating their prevalence of in Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to aggregate the result of studies describing VRE reported across multiple regions in Africa. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Google scholar, and Hinari with the term “Vancomycin resistance enterococcus in Africa” on August 1–3, 2019. All available articles were downloaded to “Endnote version 7.1” then to Microsoft Word 2013. Articles determined to meet our criteria for the review was extracted to Microsoft Excel 2013. Those articles that reported the prevalence of vancomycin resistance Enterococcus obtained from all sample types and published from 2010 to 2019 in the English language were included for the review. A meta-analysis was conducted with OpenMetaAnalyst version R.3.1.0 software. The effect size was determined using a binary random effect model and statically significant considered when p < 0.05. Heterogeneity determined with the inconsistency index. A leave one out analysis used to perform the sensitivity analysis. There were 151 articles identified from the database searches; of this, 36 articles included after extensive review with two independent authors. Out of 4073 samples collected, 1488 isolates identified with an overall pooled prevalence of VRE 26.8% (95% CI; 10.7–43.0%) in Africa with a one-health perspective. The analysis showed that considerable heterogeneity among the studies (I2 = 99.97%; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis in-country, African region, laboratory method, year of publication, and sample source showed that a high prevalence was identified from South Africa (74.8%), South African regions (74.8%), PCR (959.2%), 2010–2015 years (30.3%) and environmental (52.2%), respectively. This meta-analysis indicates that there was a high-pooled prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in African. A lot should be done to prevent and control the transmission of vancomycin resistance enterococci to a human being from the environment in the continent.
Persistent biotic interactions of a Gondwanan conifer from Cretaceous Patagonia to modern Malesia
Authors: Donovan Michael P. , Wilf Peter , Iglesias Ari , Cúneo N. Rubén , Labandeira Conrad C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMany plant genera in the tropical West Pacific are survivors from the paleo-rainforests of Gondwana. For example, the oldest fossils of the Malesian and Australasian coniferAgathis(Araucariaceae) come from the early Paleocene and possibly latest Cretaceous of Patagonia, Argentina (West Gondwana). However, it is unknown whether dependent ecological guilds or lineages of associated insects and fungi persisted on Gondwanan host plants likeAgathisthrough time and space. We report insect-feeding and fungal damage on PatagonianAgathisfossils from four latest Cretaceous to middle Eocene floras spanning ca. 18 Myr and compare it with damage on extantAgathis. Very similar damage was found on fossil and modernAgathis, including blotch mines representing the first known Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary crossing leaf-mine association, external foliage feeding, galls, possible armored scale insect (Diaspididae) covers, and a rust fungus (Pucciniales). The similar suite of damage, unique to fossil and extantAgathis, suggests persistence of ecological guilds and possibly the component communities associated withAgathissince the late Mesozoic, implying host tracking of the genus across major plate movements that led to survival at great distances. The living associations, mostly made by still-unknown culprits, point to previously unrecognized biodiversity and evolutionary history in threatened rainforest ecosystems.
Comprehensive assessment of COVID‐19 impact on Saskatchewan power system operations
Authors: Safari Nima , Price George , Chung C.Y. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis paper presents lessons learned to date during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic from the viewpoint of Saskatchewan power system operations. A load estimation approach is developed to identify how the closures affecting businesses, schools, and other non‐critical businesses due to COVID‐19 changed the electricity consumption. Furthermore, the impacts of COVID‐19 containment measures and re‐opening phases on load uncertainty are examined. Changes in CO2 emissions resulting from an increased proportion of renewable energy generation and the change in load pattern are discussed. In addition, the influence of COVID‐19 on the balancing authority's power control performance is investigated. Analyses conducted here are based on data from SaskPower Corporation, which is the principal electric utility in Saskatchewan, Canada. Some recommendations for future power system operation and planning are developed.