bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interspecific competition among aphid parasitoids: molecular approaches reveal preferential exploitation of parasitized hosts
Authors: Ortiz-Martínez Sebastián , Pierre Jean-Sébastien , van Baaren Joan , Le Lann Cécile , Zepeda-Paulo Francisca , Lavandero Blas 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWhen a guild of species exploit the same limited resources, interspecific competition induces the exclusion of inferior competitors, in which case, interspecific recognition mechanisms are needed. Here, we address resource partitioning and interspecific competition among three main solitary parasitoid species attacking the same host resource, the aphidSitobion avenaein wheat fields. Optimal host acceptance models predict that parasitoid species should prefer attacking unparasitized hosts when they are available in order to maximize their fitness, as already parasitized hosts are less valuable for laying eggs, especially for inferior competitors. Therefore, we expected the level of competition (multiparasitism) in the field to increase at low host density. By using a combination of taxonomical (determination) and molecular (PCR-based) approaches, we assessed the species of all parasitoid adults and immature stages within aphid hosts. Our results demonstrate that, early in the season, the multiparasitism rates were low, whereas they were high in the mid-late season, corresponding to an aphid density decrease over time. Moreover, parasitoid species could not have been exploiting host resources randomly and the better competitor,Aphidius ervi, seemed to be foraging preferentially on hosts already parasitized by the inferior competitorA.rhopalosiphi, even when unparasitized hosts were still available. This could be due to differences in their host detection capability, as species with a narrow host range may be better at detecting their hosts in comparison with species with a greater host range, such asA.ervi, with a greater host range within the guild. Our study suggests differences in the host exploitation of two prevalent parasitoid species through the main period of aphid colonization, which still allowed the coexistence of a third inferior competitor (A.rhopalosiphi) within the assemblage, in spite of some negative interactions (multiparasitism) and redundancies.
Dynamics and stabilization of the rumen microbiome in yearling Tibetan sheep
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Ke , Zhang Chenguang , Feng Yuzhe , Zhang Xiaowei , Wang Xiaolong , Wu Guofang 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe productivity of ruminants depends largely on rumen microbiota. However, there are few studies on the age-related succession of rumen microbial communities in grazing lambs. Here, we conducted 16 s rRNA gene sequencing for bacterial identification on rumen fluid samples from 27 Tibetan lambs at nine developmental stages (days (D) 0, 2, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, and 360, n = 3). We observed thatBacteroidetesandProteobacteriapopulations were significantly changed during the growing lambs’ first year of life.Bacteroidetesabundance increased from 18.9% on D0 to 53.9% on D360. On the other hand,Proteobacteriaabundance decreased significantly from 40.8% on D0 to 5.9% on D360.Prevotella_1established an absolute advantage in the rumen after 7 days of age. The co-occurrence network showed that the different microbial of the rumen presented a complex synergistic and cumbersome relationship. A phylogenetic tree was constructed, indicating that during the colonization process, may occur a phenomenon in which bacteria with close kinship are preferentially colonized. Overall, this study provides new insights into the colonization of bacterial communities in lambs that will benefit the development of management strategies to promote colonization of target communities to improve functional development.
Probabilistic Assessment of Nerve Regeneration with Diffusion MRI in Rat Models of Peripheral Nerve Trauma
Authors: Manzanera Esteve Isaac V. , Farinas Angel F. , Pollins Alonda C. , Nussenbaum Marlieke E. , Cardwell Nancy L. , Kang Hakmook , Does Mark D. , Thayer Wesley P. , Dortch Richard D. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNerve regeneration after injury must occur in a timely fashion to restore function. Unfortunately, current methods (e.g., electrophysiology) provide limited information following trauma, resulting in delayed management and suboptimal outcomes. Herein, we evaluated the ability of diffusion MRI to monitor nerve regeneration after injury/repair. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three treatment groups (sham = 21, crush = 23, cut/repair = 19) andex vivodiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) was performed 1–12 weeks post-surgery. Behavioral data showed a distinction between crush and cut/repair nerves at 4 weeks. This was consistent with DTI, which found that thresholds based on the ratio of radial and axial diffusivities (RD/AD = 0.40 ± 0.02) and fractional anisotropy (FA = 0.53 ± 0.01) differentiated crush from cut/repair injuries. By the 12thweek, cut/repair nerves whose behavioral data indicated a partial recovery were below the RD/AD threshold (and above the FA threshold), while nerves that did not recover were on the opposite side of each threshold. Additional morphometric analysis indicated that DTI-derived normalized scalar indices report on axon density (RD/AD: r = −0.54, p < 1e-3; FA: r = 0.56, p < 1e-3). Interestingly, higher-order DKI analyses did not improve our ability classify recovery. These findings suggest that DTI may provide promising biomarkers for distinguishing successful/unsuccessful nerve repairs and potentially identify cases that require reoperation.
A 3D Printed Hanging Drop Dripper for Tumor Spheroids Analysis Without Recovery
Authors: Zhao Liang , Xiu Jidong , Liu Yang , Zhang Tianye , Pan Wenjie , Zheng Xiaonan , Zhang Xueji 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCompared with traditional monolayer cell culture, the three-dimensional tumor spheroid has emerged as an essential in vitro model for cancer research due to the recapitulation of the architecture and physiology of solid human tumors. Herein, by implementing the rapid prototyping of a benchtop 3D printer, we developed a new strategy to generate and analyze tumor spheroids on a commonly used multi-well plate. In this method, the printed artifact can be directly mounted on a 96/384-well plate, enables hanging drop-based spheroid formation, avoiding the tedious fabrication process from micromechanical systems. Besides long-term spheroid culture (20 days), this method supports subsequent analysis of tumor spheroid by seamlessly dripping from the printed array, thereby eliminating the need for spheroids retrieval for downstream characterization. We demonstrated several tumor spheroid-based assays, including tumoroid drug testing, metastasis on or inside extracellular matrix gel, and tumor transendothelial (TEM) assay. Based on quantitative phenotypical and molecular analysis without any precarious retrieval and transfer, we found that the malignant breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell aggregate presents a more metastatic morphological phenotype than the non-malignant breast cancer (MCF-7) and colonial cancer (HCT-116) cell spheroid, and shows an up-regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) relevant genes (fold change > 2). Finally, we validated this tumor malignancy by the TEM assay, which could be easily performed using our approach. This methodology could provide a useful workflow for expediting tumoroid modeled in vitro assay, allowing the “Lab-on-a-Cloud” scenario for routine study.
Habitat selection patterns of a species at the edge – case study of the native racer goby population in Central Europe
Authors: Kukuła Krzysztof , Ortyl Bernadetta , Bylak Aneta 
Published: December 2019

AbstractInvasive alien species are regarded a nuisance. This extends into a lack of conservation efforts in their native range. As a consequence, conservation of e.g. range-edge populations is neglected. Gobiidae have many representatives of alien species in European freshwaters, and therefore they have a bad reputation. Objectives of this study were to: define the habitat selection patterns of a species at the edge, and examine the ontogenetic variation in its distributions, i.e. spatial distribution of different size classes. A racer goby Babka gymnotrachelus (syn. Neogobius gymnotrachelus) population was selected for the model. In numerous European river basins, Ponto-Caspian racer goby has been an invasive alien species of interest to researchers for many years. Recently, however, native populations of the species have been described in the Polish tributary of the upper Dniester River (Black Sea basin). We used habitat data and densities of racer goby to disentangle the habitat selection patterns of the species at a river reach at the edge of its native range. Evident preferences towards habitats with large submerged objects serving as hiding places were characteristic of the largest gobies. Adult, largest gobies were very likely to choose the ‘boulders’ site, while forcing smaller individuals to occupy places with faster water current, i.e. less suitable in terms of saving energy. At a larger geographic scale, a significant portion of the submountain river was unsuitable for racer gobies. At the edge of the racer goby range, patches providing habitats suitable for the species were scarce and scattered. With regard to invasive populations, the presence of stony bottoms, quite certainly cannot be considered as a factor excluding potential colonisation by racer goby, and in submountain rivers it might be the preferred kind of bottom.
Reduced TRPM8 expression underpins reduced migraine risk and attenuated cold pain sensation in humans
Authors: Gavva Narender R. , Sandrock Robert , Arnold Gregory E. , Davis Michael , Lamas Edwin , Lindvay Chris , Li Chi-Ming , Smith Brian , Backonja Miroslav , Gabriel Kristin , Vargas Gabriel 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMultiple genome-wide association studies have identified non-coding single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) near (e.g., rs10166942[C]) or within (rs17862920[T]) the TRPM8 gene that encodes a cold thermosensor is associated with reduced migraine risk. Furthermore, rs10166942[C]) and rs10166942[T]) are more prevalent in populations that reside in hotter and colder climates, respectively. Here we assessed whether these alleles affect TRPM8 expression in humans and human physiologic responses to cold challenge. Here we show that TRPM8 expression is decreased from the chromosome harboring the rs10166942[C] allele in the human dorsal root ganglia. Moreover, carriers of rs10166942[C] required significantly lower temperatures and longer duration of exposure to reach a cold pain threshold (CPTh), which correlated with decreased TRPM8 expression expected in the carriers. This study provides evidence for a genotype-dependent influence on cold pain sensation suggesting that carriers of the reduced migraine risk allele have reduced sensitivity to cold stimuli and that TRPM8 acts as a cold thermosensor and cold pain transducer in humans. Reduced TRPM8 expression and function underpins the migraine protection in carriers of rs10166942[C]; thus, the evaluation of TRPM8 antagonists as migraine therapeutics is warranted. Furthermore, these results provide mechanistic insights for evolutionary positive selection of rs10166942[T] allele in adaptation along latitudinal cline to colder climates.
Premotor dorsal white matter integrity for the prediction of upper limb motor impairment after stroke
Authors: Boccuni Leonardo , Meyer Sarah , D’cruz Nicholas , Kessner Simon S. , Marinelli Lucio , Trompetto Carlo , Peeters André , Van Pesch Vincent , Duprez Thierry , Sunaert Stefan , Feys Hilde , Thijs Vincent , Nieuwboer Alice , Verheyden Geert 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCorticospinal tract integrity after stroke has been widely investigated through the evaluation of fibres descending from the primary motor cortex. However, about half of the corticospinal tract is composed by sub-pathways descending from premotor and parietal areas, to which damage may play a more specific role in motor impairment and recovery, particularly post-stroke. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to investigate lesion load within corticospinal tract sub-pathways as predictors of upper limb motor impairment after stroke. Motor impairment (Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity score) was evaluated in 27 participants at one week and six months after stroke, together with other clinical and demographic data. Neuroimaging data were obtained within the first week after stroke. Univariate regression analysis indicated that among all neural correlates, lesion load within premotor fibres explained the most variance in motor impairment at six months (R2 = 0.44,p < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis resulted in three independent, significant variables explaining motor impairment at six months; Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity score at one week, premotor dorsal fibre lesion load at one week, and age below or above 70 years (total R2 = 0.81;p < 0.001). Early examination of premotor dorsal fibre integrity may be a promising biomarker of upper limb motor impairment after stroke.
Bleomycin induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via bFGF/PI3K/ESRP1 signaling in pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Weng Chang-Mei , Li Qing , Chen Kui-Jun , Xu Cheng-Xiong , Deng Meng-Sheng , Li Tao , Zhang Dong-Dong , Duan Zhao-Xia , Chen Zhi-Qiang , Li Guan-Hua , Chen Jing , Wang Jian-Min 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal and chronic disease with a high rate of infection and mortality; however, its etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear. Studies have revealed that epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial cellular event in IPF. Here, we identified that the pulmonary fibrosis inducer bleomycin simultaneously increased the expression of bFGF and TGF-β1 and inhibited epithelial-specific regulatory protein (ESRP1) expression in vivo and in vitro. In addition, in vitro experiments showed that bFGF and TGF-β1 down-regulated the expression of ESRP1 and that silencing ESRP1 promoted EMT in A549 cells. Notably, we determined that bFGF activates PI3K/Akt signaling, and treatment with the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 inhibited bleomycin-induced cell morphology changes and EMT. In addition, the effects of LY294002 on bleomycin-induced EMT were inhibited by ESRP1 silencing in A549 cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that bleomycin induced EMT through down-regulating ESRP1 by simultaneously increasing bFGF and TGF-β1 in pulmonary fibrosis. Additionally, our findings indicated that bFGF inhibits ESRP1 by activating PI3K/Akt signaling.
CircRNA circPDSS1 promotes bladder cancer by down-regulating miR-16
Authors: Yu Qinnan , Liu Pei , Han Guangye , Xue Xiangdong , Ma Derong 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Circular RNA (circRNA) circPDSS1 is a recently identified oncogene in gastric cancer, while its roles in other types of cancer are unknown. We investigated the functions of circPDSS1 in urothelial bladder cancer (UBC).
Materials and methods: Seventy-two patients (50 males and 22 females, age 38–69 years, mean: 52.3 ± 6.3 years) with UBC were enrolled in Gansu Provincial People’s Hospital from August 2015 to August 2018. RT-qPCR was used to measure gene expression levels in both biopsies from UBC patients and in vitro cultivated HT-1197 and UMUC3 cells. Cell transfections were performed to analyze gene interactions. Cell proliferation, transwell migration and invasion assays were performed to analyze the effects of transfections on HT-1197 and UMUC3 cell proliferation, migration and invasion, respectively.
Results: We found that circPDSS1 was up-regulated in UBC. Expression levels of circPDSS1 were increased with increase in clinical stages. MiR-16 was down-regulated and correlated with circPDSS1 in UBC. Overexpression of circPDSS1 led to down-regulation of miR-16, while miR-16 overexpression failed to significantly affect circPDSS1. Overexpression of circPDSS1 led to increased proliferation, invasion and migration rates of UBC cells. Overexpression of miR-16 not only led to inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration of UBC cells, but also attenuated the effects of circPDSS1 overexpression.
Conclusion: Therefore, circRNA circPDSS1 may promote UBC by down-regulating miR-16.
Obesity associated with a novel mitochondrial tRNACys 5802A&gt;G mutation in a Chinese family
Authors: Wang Jinling , Zhao Ningning , Mao Xiaoting , Meng Feilong , Huang Ke , Dong Guanping , Ji Yanchun , Fu JunFen 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
A Chinese family with matrilineally inherited obesity was assessed and its clinical, genetic, and molecular profiling was conducted. Obesity was observed in matrilineal relatives (3 out of 7) of a single generation (of 3 alive generations) in this family. On pedigree analysis and sequencing of their mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), a novel homoplasmic mutation of the mitochondrial tRNACys gene (5802A&gt;G) was identified in these individuals. This mutation correlated with a destabilized conserved base pair in this tRNA anticodon stem. Position 30 is known to be crucial for carrying out effective codon recognition and stability of tRNA. In accordance with the importance of this conserved site, we observed that the predicted structure of tRNACys with the mutation was noticeably remodeled in a molecular dynamics simulation when compared with the isoform of the wild-type. All other 46 mutations observed in the individual’s mtDNA were known variants belonging to haplogroup D4. Thus, this is the first report that provides evidence of the association between a mutation in tRNA and an enhanced risk of maternally transmissible obesity, offering more insights into obesity and its underlying nature.
Notch3 signalling and vascular remodelling in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Morris Hannah E. , Neves Karla B. , Montezano Augusto C. , MacLean Margaret R. , Touyz Rhian M. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Notch signalling is critically involved in vascular morphogenesis and function. Four Notch isoforms (Notch1–4) regulating diverse cellular processes have been identified. Of these, Notch3 is expressed almost exclusively in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), where it is critically involved in vascular development and differentiation. Under pathological conditions, Notch3 regulates VSMC switching between the contractile and synthetic phenotypes. Abnormal Notch3 signalling plays an important role in vascular remodelling, a hallmark of several cardiovascular diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Because of the importance of Notch3 in VSMC (de)differentiation, Notch3 has been implicated in the pathophysiology of pulmonary vascular remodelling in PAH. Here we review the current literature on the role of Notch in VSMC function with a focus on Notch3 signalling in pulmonary artery VSMCs, and discuss potential implications in pulmonary artery remodelling in PAH.
Ceres observed at low phase angles by VIR-Dawn
Authors: Ciarniello M. , De Sanctis M. C. , Raponi A. , Rousseau B. , Longobardo A. , Li J.-Y. , Schröder S. E. , Tosi F. , Zambon F. , Ammannito E. , Carrozzo F. G. , Frigeri A. , Rognini E. , Raymond C. A. , Russell C. T. 
Published: December 2019

Context.Particulate surfaces exhibit a surge of reflectance at low phase angles, a phenomenon referred to as the opposition effect (OE). Two mechanisms are recognized as responsible for the OE: shadow hiding (SH) and coherent backscattering. The latter is typically characterized by a small angular width of a few degrees at most and according to the theoretical prediction should exhibit wavelength and albedo dependence.Aims.We characterize the OE on the surface of Ceres using Dawn Visible InfraRed mapping spectrometer hyperspectral images at low phase angles. Furthermore, this dataset, coupled with previous observations, allows us to perform a complete spectrophotometric modeling at visual-to-infrared (VIS-IR) wavelengths (0.465–4.05μm) in the broad phase angle range ≈0°−132°.Methods.We applied Hapke’s theory to the average phase curve for Ceres. Disk-resolved properties of the OE were investigated through an empirical model.Results.Across the investigated phase angle interval, Ceres’ average phase curve exhibits a smaller back-scattering contribution for increasing wavelengths. This determines a progressive spectral reddening at larger phase angles that we hypothesize as being related to the effect of submicron roughness on the grain surface. In the OE region, the shape of the phase curves is fairly constant across the VIS range and no sharp opposition surge at very small phase angles (α< 2°) can be recognized. This would suggest a major contribution from SH to Ceres’ OE. Assuming SH as the dominant mechanism, from the OE angular width we infer a high surface porosity (≈0.9), which appears in good qualitative agreement with Ceres’ low thermal inertia. Thanks to the OE observations we derive Ceres’ VIS-IR geometric albedo with a reference value at 0.55μm of 0.098 ± 0.007. Mapping of the VIS normal albedo and OE angular width across a portion of the surface of Ceres does not reveal a spatial correlation between these quantities, consistent with SH dominating in theα= 0°−7° interval. The comparison of Ceres’V-band magnitude curve with that of other asteroids indicates that Ceres’ OE is typical of a low-albedo object and compatible with the C-class type.
Novel Biology of Tachykinins in Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Secretion
Authors: Leon Silvia , Navarro Víctor M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe tachykinin family of peptides, composed of the neurokinins A and B (NKA, NKB) and substance P are involved in the central control of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release through a variety of neuronal circuitries that mediate the activation of Kiss1 neurons and the synchronization of their activity within the arcuate nucleus. The major outcome of this role is the precise regulation of the pulsatile pattern of GnRH release. In addition, tachykinins are involved in the maturation of the reproductive axis by determining the optimal timing of puberty onset, as well as in the timing of the preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge in females. Therefore, the action of tachykinins in reproduction appears to extend to all the critical aspects required for the successful attainment and maintenance of fertility. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in our understanding of the biology of tachykinins in the control of GnRH release, addressing the existing controversies, open questions, and future perspectives.
Choosing Discourse Outcome Measures to Assess Clinical Change
Authors: Boyle Mary 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSurveys of speech-language pathologists who work with people with aphasia indicate that they view the large number of existing measures to be a barrier to using discourse analysis in their practice. This article provides a process that can help determine whether a particular discourse outcome measure might be useful with a particular client. The process involves answering questions about the client, the treatment, the work setting, and the psychometric properties of the discourse outcome measure in question. By following this systematic process, clinicians can eliminate outcome measures that are not likely to provide useful data and can focus on those that can help them demonstrate treatment-related change.