bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of individual, social, and animated cue information by capuchin monkeys and children in a touchscreen task
Authors: Renner Elizabeth , Kean Donna , Atkinson Mark , Caldwell Christine A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe distinctiveness of human cumulative culture raises the question of whether humans respond differently to information originating from social sources, compared with information from other sources. Further, does any such differential responding set humans apart from other species? We studied how capuchin monkeys and 2- to 5-year-old children used information originating from their own actions, those of a human demonstrator, or an animated cue. This information, presented via a touchscreen, always revealed in the first trial (T1) the reward value (rewarded or unrewarded) of one stimulus from a 2- or 3-item array, and could be used in a follow-up trial (T2) involving the same stimulus array. Two monkeys achieved a level of proficiency indicating their appreciation of the T1–T2 relationship, i.e., reliably repeating rewarded (“win”) selections and actively avoiding repetition of unrewarded (“lose”) selections well above chance levels. Neither the two task-proficient monkeys nor the children showed overall performance differences between the three source conditions. Non-task-proficient monkeys, by contrast, did show effects of source, performing best with individually-acquired information. The overall pattern of results hints at an alternative perspective on evidence typically interpreted as showing a human advantage for social information use.
Detection of urban hidden faults using group-velocity ambient noise tomography beneath Zhenjiang area, China
Authors: Zheng Leiming , Fan Xiaoping , Zhang Peng , Hao Jingrun , Qian Hao , Zheng Tuo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe Mufushan-Jiaoshan fault (MJF) is a hidden active fault located on the north side of the Ningzhen Mountain Range and developed along the Yangtze River in Zhenjiang area, China. In this paper, the structure of MJF is detected and studied using group-velocity ambient noise tomography. In the study area (18 km × 25 km), 47 short-period seismic stations were deployed with the average station spacing of about 3 km and 24 days (from 27 February to 22 March 2019) of continuous ambient-noise recordings were collected. And 510 group velocity dispersion curves in the period band 0.5–5 s were extracted using the vertical component data. And then the three-dimensional shear-wave velocity structure was inverted using group dispersion data by the direct surface-wave tomographic method. Our results are consistent with the geological background of the study area, showing that in the depth range of 0.6–1.5 km, the north side of MJF presents a relatively high velocity, and the south side presents a distribution pattern of high and low velocity. While in the depth range of 1.5–2.0 km, the shear-wave velocity (Vs) model is relatively simple with relatively low velocity on the north side and relatively high velocity on the south side. And the gradient zone of Vs may be the location of the main fracture surface of MJF. The good correspondence between the Vs model and the fault structure indicates that the ambient noise tomography method can be used as an effective method for detecting hidden faults in urban environments.
Tick saliva-induced programmed death-1 and PD-ligand 1 and its related host immunosuppression
Authors: Sajiki Yamato , Konnai Satoru , Ikenaka Yoshinori , Gulay Kevin Christian Montecillo , Kobayashi Atsushi , Parizi Luís Fernando , João Benvindo Capela , Watari Kei , Fujisawa Sotaro , Okagawa Tomohiro , Maekawa Naoya , Logullo Carlos , da Silva Vaz Itabajara , Murata Shiro , Ohashi Kazuhiko 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe tick Rhipicephalus microplus is a harmful parasite of cattle that causes considerable economic losses to the cattle breeding industry. Although R. microplus saliva (Rm-saliva) contains several immunosuppressants, any association between Rm-saliva and the expression of immunoinhibitory molecules, such as programmed death (PD)-1 and PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1), has not been described. In this study, flow cytometric analyses revealed that Rm-saliva upregulated PD-1 expression in T cells and PD-L1 expression in CD14+ and CD11c+ cells in cattle. Additionally, Rm-saliva decreased CD69 expression in T cells and Th1 cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Furthermore, PD-L1 blockade increased IFN-γ production in the presence of Rm-saliva, suggesting that Rm-saliva suppresses Th1 responses via the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. To reveal the upregulation mechanism of PD-1/PD-L1 by Rm-saliva, we analyzed the function of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is known as an inducer of PD-L1 expression, in Rm-saliva. We found that Rm-saliva contained a high concentration of PGE2, and PGE2 treatment induced PD-L1 expression in CD14+ cells in vitro. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that PGE2 and PD-L1 expression was upregulated in tick-attached skin in cattle. These data suggest that PGE2 in Rm-saliva has the potential to induce the expression of immunoinhibitory molecules in host immune cells.
Design of planar distributed three beam electron gun with narrow beam separation for W band staggered double vane TWT
Authors: Ruan Cunjun , Wang Pengpeng , Zhang Huafeng , Su Yiyang , Dai Jun , Ding Yikun , Zhang Zheng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA novel planar distributed three-beam electron gun with narrow beam separations is designed based on grids loaded sheet beam method. The dimensions of the three-beam gun in the y–O-z plane are determined using our basic theoretical design method developed for sheet beam gun. The results show that the profile of focusing electrode in the y–O-z plane is related to the beam width in the x-O-z plane. Then, the characteristics and parameters of three-beam array formation with their stability are analyzed thoroughly by adjustment of control grids in the x-O-z plane. Each of the beamlet obtained is with a small axial deviation of the two transverse waists. Based on the theoretical analysis and simulations, the planar three-beam electron gun is constructed with the beam voltage of 22 kV and the current of 3 $$\times$$
×
0.15 A. The average radius of 0.08 mm at each beam waist is obtained with the compression factor of 4 for the 0.18 mm beam tunnel radius. The beam waist can be achieved at about 4.4 mm away from the cathode with the axis separation about 0.46 mm for each of beamlet. Thus, the design method can be generally used to construct such type of narrow beam separation and planar distributed multiple beam electron gun for the miniaturization and integrated vacuum electron devices in millimeter wave and terahertz band.
Mild systemic inflammation enhances response to OnabotulinumtoxinA in chronic migraineurs
Authors: Leira Yago , Domínguez Clara , Ameijeira Pablo , López-Arias Esteban , Ávila-Gómez Paulo , Pérez-Mato María , Sobrino Tomás , Campos Francisco , Blanco Juan , Leira Rogelio 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe anti-inflammatory effect of OnabotulinumtoxinA (OnabotA) has been a matter of discussion for many years. In chronic migraine, however, increased pro-inflammatory state is associated with good response to OnabotA. We aimed to investigate whether a mild systemic inflammatory state elicited by a common oral infection (periodontitis) could enhance treatment response to OnabotA. In this study, we included 61 chronic migraineurs otherwise healthy treated with OnabotA of which 7 were poor responders and 54 good responders. Before receiving OnabotA therapy, all participants underwent a full-mouth periodontal examination and blood samples were collected to determine serum levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10 and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Periodontitis was present in 70.4% of responders and 28.6% of non-responders (P = 0.042). Responders showed greater levels of inflammation than non-responders (IL-6: 15.3 ± 8.7 vs. 9.2 ± 4.7 ng/mL, P = 0.016; CGRP: 18.8 ± 7.6 vs. 13.0 ± 3.1 pg/mL, P = 0.002; and hs-CRP: 3.9 ± 6.6 vs. 0.9 ± 0.8 mg/L, P = 0.003). A linear positive correlation was found between the amount of periodontal tissue inflamed in the oral cavity and markers of inflammation (IL-6: r = 0.270, P = 0.035; CGRP: r = 0.325, P = 0.011; and hs-CRP: r = 0.370, P = 0.003). This report shows that in presence of elevated systemic inflammatory markers related to periodontitis, OnabotA seems to reduce migraine attacks. The changes of scheduled inflammatory parameters after treatment and subsequent assessment during an adequate period still need to be done.
Effect of storage and preconditioning of healing rat Achilles tendon on structural and mechanical properties
Authors: Dietrich-Zagonel Franciele , Hammerman Malin , Bernhardsson Magnus , Eliasson Pernilla 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTendon tissue storage and preconditioning are often used in biomechanical experiments and whether this generates alterations in tissue properties is essential to know. The effect of storage and preconditioning on dense connective tissues, like tendons, is fairly understood. However, healing tendons are unlike and contain a loose connective tissue. Therefore, we investigated if storage of healing tendons in the fridge or freezer changed the mechanical properties compared to fresh tendons, using a pull-to-failure or a creep test. Tissue morphology and cell viability were also evaluated. Additionally, two preconditioning levels were tested. Rats underwent Achilles tendon transection and were euthanized 12 days postoperatively. Statistical analyzes were done with one-way ANOVA or Student’s t-test. Tissue force and stress were unaltered by storage and preconditioning compared to fresh samples, while high preconditioning increased the stiffness and modulus (p ≤ 0.007). Furthermore, both storage conditions did not modify the viscoelastic properties of the healing tendon, but altered transverse area, gap length, and water content. Cell viability was reduced after freezing. In conclusion, preconditioning on healing tissues can introduce mechanical data bias when having extensive tissue strength diversity. Storage can be used before biomechanical testing if structural properties are measured on the day of testing.
The alga Euglena gracilis stimulates Faecalibacterium in the gut and contributes to increased defecation
Authors: Nakashima Ayaka , Sasaki Kengo , Sasaki Daisuke , Yasuda Kosuke , Suzuki Kengo , Kondo Akihiko 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe alga Euglena gracilis (E. gracilis) has recently gained attention as a health food, but its effects on human gut microbiota remain unknown. This study aimed to determine the effect of E. gracilis on gut microbiota and defecation due to modulation of microbiota composition in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro model simulating human colonic microbiota revealed that E. gracilis addition stimulated the growth of commensal Faecalibacterium. Further, E. gracilis addition enhanced butyrate production by Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Paramylon, an insoluble dietary fibre that accumulates in E. gracilis and is the main component of E. gracilis, did not stimulate Faecalibacterium growth in vitro. Daily ingestion of 2 g of E. gracilis for 30 days increased bowel movement frequency as well as stool volume in 28 human participants. Collectively, these findings indicate that E. gracilis components other than paramylon, stimulate the growth of Faecalibacterium to improve digestive health as well as promote defecation by increasing butyrate production.
Simultaneously performed combined 24-2 and 10-2 visual field tests in glaucoma
Authors: Jung Kyoung In , Ryu Hee Kyung , Hong Ki Hoon , Kim Yong Chan , Park Chan Kee 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUsing either 24-2 or 10-2 visual field (VF) testing only is not enough to cover all the various types of glaucomatous VF defects. We investigated the performance of the combined 24-2 and 10-2 perimetry when conducted together and separately using the structure–function relationship. A total of 30 glaucoma patients with isolated peripheral nasal step, 37 patients with isolated paracentral scotoma, and 38 patients with both paracentral and nasal scotoma were included. To create the combined Humphrey VF test, a custom test pattern was established using the built-in custom point options, an example of the X, Y coordinate system. In glaucoma patients with peripheral nasal step, the superotemporal topographic structure–function relationship with peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was superior in relation to the combined or 24-2 perimetry relative to the 10-2 perimetry (both P < 0.05). The combined VF test showed more favorable inferotemporal or inferonasal structure–function correlation with the corresponding ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness when compared with results gleaned using the 24-2 VF test (P < 0.05). Simultaneously performed 24-2 and 10-2 VF tests demonstrated a superior topographic structure–function relationship when compared with them separately performed in some sectors.
Circulating tumor DNA is detectable in canine histiocytic sarcoma, oral malignant melanoma, and multicentric lymphoma
Authors: Prouteau Anaïs , Denis Jérôme Alexandre , De Fornel Pauline , Cadieu Edouard , Derrien Thomas , Kergal Camille , Botherel Nadine , Ulvé Ronan , Rault Mélanie , Bouzidi Amira , François Romain , Dorso Laetitia , Lespagnol Alexandra , Devauchelle Patrick , Abadie Jérôme , André Catherine , Hédan Benoît 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCirculating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has become an attractive biomarker in human oncology, and its use may be informative in canine cancer. Thus, we used droplet digital PCR or PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement, to explore tumor-specific point mutations, copy number alterations, and chromosomal rearrangements in the plasma of cancer-affected dogs. We detected ctDNA in 21/23 (91.3%) of histiocytic sarcoma (HS), 2/8 (25%) of oral melanoma, and 12/13 (92.3%) of lymphoma cases. The utility of ctDNA in diagnosing HS was explored in 133 dogs, including 49 with HS, and the screening of recurrent PTPN11 mutations in plasma had a specificity of 98.8% and a sensitivity between 42.8 and 77% according to the clinical presentation of HS. Sensitivity was greater in visceral forms and especially related to pulmonary location. Follow-up of four dogs by targeting lymphoma-specific antigen receptor rearrangement in plasma showed that minimal residual disease detection was concordant with clinical evaluation and treatment response. Thus, our study shows that ctDNA is detectable in the plasma of cancer-affected dogs and is a promising biomarker for diagnosis and clinical follow-up. ctDNA detection appears to be useful in comparative oncology research due to growing interest in the study of natural canine tumors and exploration of new therapies.
Transcript levels of keratin 1/5/6/14/15/16/17 as potential prognostic indicators in melanoma patients
Authors: Han Wei , Hu Chan , Fan Zhao-Jun , Shen Guo-Liang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractKeratins (KRTs), the intermediate filament-forming proteins of epithelial cells, are extensively used as diagnostic biomarkers in cancers and associated with tumorigenesis and metastasis in multiple cancers. However, the diverse expression patterns and prognostic values of KRTs in melanoma have yet to be elucidated. In the current study, we examined the transcriptional and clinical data of KRTs in patients with melanoma from GEO, TCGA, ONCOMINE, GEPIA, cBioPortal, TIMER and TISIDB databases. We found that the mRNA levels of KRT1/2/5/6/8/10/14/15/16/17 were significantly differential expressed between primary melanoma and metastatic melanoma. The expression levels of KRT1/2/5/6/10/14/15/16/17 were correlated with advanced tumor stage. Survival analysis revealed that the high transcription levels of KRT1/5/6/14/15/16/17 were associated with low overall survival in melanoma patients. GSEA analysis indicated that the most involved hallmarks pathways were P53 pathway, KRAS signaling, estrogen response early and estrogen response late. Furthermore, we found some correlations among the expression of KRTs and the infiltration of immune cells. Our study may provide novel insights for the selection of prognostic biomarkers for melanoma.
Parameters optimization method for the time-delayed reservoir computing with a nonlinear duffing mechanical oscillator
Authors: Zheng T. Y. , Yang W. H. , Sun J. , Xiong X. Y. , Li Z. T. , Zou X. D. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractReservoir computing (RC) is a recently introduced bio-inspired computational framework capable of excellent performances in the temporal data processing, owing to its derivation from the recurrent neural network (RNN). It is well-known for the fast and effective training scheme, as well as the ease of the hardware implementation, but also the problematic sensitivity of its performance to the optimizable architecture parameters. In this article, a particular time-delayed RC with a single clamped–clamped silicon beam resonator that exhibits a classical Duffing nonlinearity is presented and its optimization problem is studied. Specifically, we numerically analyze the nonlinear response of the resonator and find a quasi-linear bifurcation point shift of the driving voltage with the driving frequency sweeping, which is called Bifurcation Point Frequency Modulation (BPFM). Furthermore, we first proposed that this method can be used to find the optimal driving frequency of RC with a Duffing mechanical resonator for a given task, and then put forward a comprehensive optimization process. The high performance of RC presented on four typical tasks proves the feasibility of this optimization method. Finally, we envision the potential application of the method based on the BPFM in our future work to implement the RC with other mechanical oscillators.
Carryover effects of long-distance avian migration are weaker than effects of breeding environment in a partially migratory bird
Authors: Buchan Claire , Gilroy James J. , Catry Inês , Bustamante Javier , Marca Alina D. , Atkinson Philip W. , González Juan Miguel , Franco Aldina M. A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMigration may expose individuals to a wide range of increasing anthropogenic threats. In addition to direct mortality effects, this exposure may influence post-migratory reproductive fitness. Partial migration—where a population comprises migrants and residents—represents a powerful opportunity to explore carryover effects of migration. Studies of partial migration in birds typically examine short-distance systems; here we studied an unusual system where residents breed in mixed colonies alongside long-distance trans-Saharan migrants (lesser kestrels (Falco naumanni) in Spain). Combining geolocator data, stable isotope analysis and resighting data, we examined the effects of this stark difference in migratory strategy on body condition, breeding phenology and breeding success. We monitored four colonies in two regions of southern Spain for five consecutive years (2014–2018), yielding 1962 captures, determining migratory strategy for 141 adult bird-years. Despite a 3000-km difference in distance travelled, we find no effect of strategy on breeding parameters. We find weak evidence for a short-term negative carryover effect of migration on body condition, but this was only apparent in the breeding region with lower primary productivity. Our results indicate that carryover effects of even highly divergent migratory strategies may be minimal relative to effects of conditions experienced on breeding grounds.
Aircraft events correspond with vocal behavior in a passerine
Authors: Injaian Allison S. , Lane Ethan D. , Klinck Holger 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAirports can affect birds by hindering acoustic communication. Here, we investigated the impacts of aircraft events on vocal behavior in wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) breeding one mile from an airport in Ithaca, NY, USA. We identified the number of wood thrush songs between 0500 and 0800 h at various distances from the airport and on days with various morning flight schedules. We also analyzed the number of sites from which birds sang during the peak of aircraft events (proxy of number of wood thrush). We found that birds sang more from 0600 to 0640 h when there were aircraft events during this period. This increased vocal behavior is likely explained by increased song output per individual wood thrush, rather than more wood thrush vocalizing. Increased song rate may negatively affect wood thrush fitness through increased energetic demands and/or time tradeoffs with other important behaviors, such as foraging. Identifying the noise thresholds associated with fitness costs (if any) and how different behavioral strategies (i.e. changing the pattern of vocalizations) may allow individuals to evade these costs would be useful for establishing conservation policy in breeding habitats used by passerines, such as the wood thrush.
Sex differences in the effects of prenatal bisphenol A exposure on autism-related genes and their relationships with the hippocampus functions
Authors: Thongkorn Surangrat , Kanlayaprasit Songphon , Panjabud Pawinee , Saeliw Thanit , Jantheang Thanawin , Kasitipradit Kasidit , Sarobol Suthathip , Jindatip Depicha , Hu Valerie W. , Tencomnao Tewin , Kikkawa Takako , Sato Tatsuya , Osumi Noriko , Sarachana Tewarit 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOur recent study has shown that prenatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) altered the expression of genes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, we further investigated the effects of prenatal BPA exposure on ASD-related genes known to regulate neuronal viability, neuritogenesis, and learning/memory, and assessed these functions in the offspring of exposed pregnant rats. We found that prenatal BPA exposure increased neurite length, the number of primary neurites, and the number of neurite branches, but reduced the size of the hippocampal cell body in both sexes of the offspring. However, in utero exposure to BPA decreased the neuronal viability and the neuronal density in the hippocampus and impaired learning/memory only in the male offspring while the females were not affected. Interestingly, the expression of several ASD-related genes (e.g.Mief2,Eif3h,Cux1, andAtp8a1) in the hippocampus were dysregulated and showed a sex-specific correlation with neuronal viability, neuritogenesis, and/or learning/memory. The findings from this study suggest that prenatal BPA exposure disrupts ASD-related genes involved in neuronal viability, neuritogenesis, and learning/memory in a sex-dependent manner, and these genes may play an important role in the risk and the higher prevalence of ASD in males subjected to prenatal BPA exposure.
The mitochondrial permeability transition phenomenon elucidated by cryo-EM reveals the genuine impact of calcium overload on mitochondrial structure and function
Authors: Strubbe-Rivera Jasiel O. , Schrad Jason R. , Pavlov Evgeny V. , Conway James F. , Parent Kristin N. , Bazil Jason N. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMitochondria have a remarkable ability to uptake and store massive amounts of calcium. However, the consequences of massive calcium accumulation remain enigmatic. In the present study, we analyzed a series of time-course experiments to identify the sequence of events that occur in a population of guinea pig cardiac mitochondria exposed to excessive calcium overload that cause mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). By analyzing coincident structural and functional data, we determined that excessive calcium overload is associated with large calcium phosphate granules and inner membrane fragmentation, which explains the extent of mitochondrial dysfunction. This data also reveals a novel mechanism for cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of MPT, in which it preserves cristae despite the presence of massive calcium phosphate granules in the matrix. Overall, these findings establish a mechanism of calcium-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and the impact of calcium regulation on mitochondrial structure and function.