bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Homodimerisation-independent cleavage of dsRNA by a pestiviral nicking endoribonuclease
Authors: Lussi Carmela , Sauter Kay-Sara , Schweizer Matthias 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe glycoprotein Erns plays a central role in the biology of the pestivirus bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). This soluble endonuclease mediates the escape from an interferon (IFN) response in the infected fetus, thereby permitting the establishment of persistent infection. Viral single-stranded (ss) and double-stranded (ds) RNA act as potent IFN inducing signals and we previously showed that Erns efficiently cleaves these substrates, thereby inhibiting an IFN response that is crucial for successful fetal infection. Considering that a large variety of RNases and DNases require dimerisation to cleave double-stranded substrates, the activity of Erns against dsRNA was postulated to depend on homodimer formation mediated by disulfide bonds involving residue Cys171. Here, we show that monomeric Erns is equally able to cleave dsRNA and to inhibit dsRNA-induced IFN synthesis as the wild-type form. Furthermore, both forms were able to degrade RNA within a DNA/RNA- as well as within a methylated RNA/RNA-hybrid, with the DNA and the methylated RNA strand being resistant to degradation. These results support our model that Erns acts as ‘nicking endoribonuclease’ degrading ssRNA within double-stranded substrates. This efficiently prevents the activation of IFN and helps to maintain a state of innate immunotolerance in persistently infected animals.
Patterns of species richness and the center of diversity in modern Indo-Pacific larger foraminifera
Authors: Förderer Meena , Rödder Dennis , Langer Martin R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSymbiont-bearing Larger Benthic Foraminifera (LBF) are ubiquitous components of shallow tropical and subtropical environments and contribute substantially to carbonaceous reef and shelf sediments. Climate change is dramatically affecting carbonate producing organisms and threatens the diversity and structural integrity of coral reef ecosystems. Recent invertebrate and vertebrate surveys have identified the Coral Triangle as the planet’s richest center of marine life delineating the region as a top priority for conservation. We compiled and analyzed extensive occurrence records for 68 validly recognized species of LBF from the Indian and Pacific Ocean, established individual range maps and applied Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) and Species Distribution Model (SDM) methodologies to create the first ocean-wide species richness maps. SDM output was further used for visualizing latitudinal and longitudinal diversity gradients. Our findings provide strong support for assigning the tropical Central Indo-Pacific as the world’s species-richest marine region with the Central Philippines emerging as the bullseye of LBF diversity. Sea surface temperature and nutrient content were identified as the most influential environmental constraints exerting control over the distribution of LBF. Our findings contribute to the completion of worldwide research on tropical marine biodiversity patterns and the identification of targeting centers for conservation efforts.
An orthogonal system for heterologous expression of actinobacterial lasso peptides in Streptomyces hosts
Authors: Mevaere Jimmy , Goulard Christophe , Schneider Olha , Sekurova Olga N. , Ma Haiyan , Zirah Séverine , Afonso Carlos , Rebuffat Sylvie , Zotchev Sergey B. , Li Yanyan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractLasso peptides are ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides produced by bacteria. They are characterized by an unusual lariat-knot structure. Targeted genome scanning revealed a wide diversity of lasso peptides encoded in actinobacterial genomes, but cloning and heterologous expression of these clusters turned out to be problematic. To circumvent this, we developed an orthogonal expression system for heterologous production of actinobacterial lasso peptides in Streptomyces hosts based on a newly-identified regulatory circuit from Actinoalloteichus fjordicus. Six lasso peptide gene clusters, mainly originating from marine Actinobacteria, were chosen for proof-of-concept studies. By varying the Streptomyces expression hosts and a small set of culture conditions, three new lasso peptides were successfully produced and characterized by tandem MS. The newly developed expression system thus sets the stage to uncover and bioengineer the chemo-diversity of actinobacterial lasso peptides. Moreover, our data provide some considerations for future bioprospecting efforts for such peptides.
Optimum Sowing Date and Genotype Testing for Upland Rice Production in Brazil
Authors: Ferrari Samuel , Pagliari Paulo , Trettel Juliana 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA better understanding of widespread agricultural practices adopted in the region of Ribeira Valley, São Paulo, Brazil for upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) production is needed. The objectives of this study were to determine the optimum sowing date and highest yielding genotypes for rice production. Treatments included four upland rice genotypes (ANA 5011, AN-Cambará, Moti-Amarelo, and Moti-Branco) and four sowing dates (October, November, December, and January) in 2011 and 2012. The results of the study showed that genotype ANA 5011 had the earliest maturity, while the Moti genotypes had the latest maturity in all sowing dates. The Moti genotypes were found to have greater plant height and 1,000-grain weight than the other two genotypes. In contrast, the Moti genotypes had fewer panicles m−2, fewer total filled and total numbers of spikelets panicle−1, and lower final yield. The genotype AN-Cambará had the highest number of tillers, filled and total number of spikelets panicle−1, panicle m−2, and the highest yield. Sowing in either November or December was found to be the most suitable dates for rice cultivation for all genotypes. In conclusion, the AN-Cambará genotype was found to have the highest yield potential for the region among all genotypes studied.
Daily morning light therapy is associated with an increase in choroidal thickness in healthy young adults
Authors: Read Scott A. , Pieterse Emily C. , Alonso-Caneiro David , Bormann Rebekah , Hong Seentinie , Lo Chai-Hoon , Richer Rhiannon , Syed Atif , Tran Linda 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAmbient light exposure is one environmental factor thought to play a role in the regulation of eye growth and refractive error development, and choroidal thickness changes have also been linked to longer term changes in eye growth. Therefore in this study we aimed to examine the influence of a 1-week period of morning light therapy upon choroidal thickness. Twenty two healthy young adult subjects had a series of macular choroidal thickness measurements collected with spectral domain optical coherence tomography before, and then following a 7-day period of increased daily light exposure. Increased light exposure was delivered through the use of commercially available light therapy glasses, worn for 30 minutes in the morning each day. A significant increase in subfoveal choroidal thickness (mean increase of +5.4 ± 10.3 µm) was found following 7-days of increased daily light exposure (p = 0.02). An increase in choroidal thickness was also observed associated with light therapy across the central 5 mm macular region. This study provides the first evidence in the human eye that daily morning light therapy results in small magnitude but statistically significant increases in choroidal thickness. These changes may have implications for our understanding of the impact of environmental factors upon eye growth.
Evapotranspiration and favorable growing degree-days are key to tree height growth and ecosystem functioning: Meta-analyses of Pacific Northwest historical data
Authors: Liu Yang , El-Kassaby Yousry A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWhile temperature and precipitation comprise important ecological filtering for native ranges of forest trees and are predisposing factors underlying forest ecosystem dynamics, the extent and severity of drought raises reasonable concerns for carbon storage and species diversity. Based on historical data from common garden experiments across the Pacific Northwest region, we developed non-linear niche models for height-growth trajectories of conifer trees at the sapling stage using annual or seasonal climatic variables. The correlations between virtual tree height for each locality and ecosystem functions were respectively assessed. Best-fitted models were composed of two distinct components: evapotranspiration and the degree-days disparity for temperature regimes between 5 °C and 18 °C (effective temperature sum and growth temperature, respectively). Tree height prediction for adaptive generalists (e.g., Pinus monticola, Thuja plicata) had smaller residuals than for specialists (e.g., Pinus contorta, Pseudotsuga menziesii), albeit a potential confounding factor – tree age. Discernably, there were linearly positive patterns between tree height growth and ecosystem functions (productivity, biomass and species diversity). Additionally, there was a minor effect of tree diversity on height growth in coniferous forests. This study uncovers the implication of key ecological filtering and increases our integrated understanding of how environmental cues affect tree stand growth, species dominance and ecosystem functions.
Genotype by Yield*Trait (GYT) Biplot: a Novel Approach for Genotype Selection based on Multiple Traits
Authors: Yan Weikai , Frégeau-Reid Judith 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGenotype selection based on multiple traits is a key issue in plant breeding; it has been dependent on setting a subjective weight for each trait in index selection and a subjective truncation point for each trait in independent culling, and the weights and truncation points can be highly subjective. In this paper we proposed and demonstrated a novel approach for genotype selection based on multiple traits, the genotype by yield*trait (GYT) biplot, where “trait” can be any breeding objective other than yield; it may be an agronomic trait, a grain quality, processing quality, or nutritional quality trait, or a disease resistance. The GYT biplot ranks genotypes based on their levels in combining yield with other target traits and at the same time shows their trait profiles, i.e., their strengths and weaknesses. Compared to existing methods, this approach is graphical, objective, effective, and straightforward. Underlying the GYT biplot approach is the paradigm shift that genotypes should be evaluated by their levels in combining yield with other traits as opposed to by their levels in individual traits. An oat dataset from multi-year multi-locations trials was used to demonstrate the GYT biplot approach.
Transient and local two-phase heat transport at macro-scales to nano-scales
Authors: Mehrvand Mehrdad , Putnam Shawn A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTwo-phase cooling has become a promising method for improving the sustainability and efficiency of high energy-density and power-density devices. Fundamentally, however, two-phase thermal transport is not well understood for local, transient processes, especially at critical to near-critical heat fluxes at the macro, micro, and nano-scales. Here we report spatiotemporal characterization of the single-bubble ebullition cycle in a hot-spot heating configuration with heat fluxes approaching 3 kW cm−2. In particular, we experimentally reconstruct the spatiotemporal heat transfer coefficient in terms of its proportionality at both the macro-scale (l >> 1 μm) and the micro-to-nanoscale (l < 1 μm). We show that the maximum rates of heat transfer occur during the microlayer evaporation stage of the ebullition cycle, corresponding to critical maxima in the heat transfer coefficient of ~160 ± 40 kW m−2 K−1 and ~5300 ± 300 kW m−2 K−1 at the macro-scale and micro-to-nanoscale, respectively.
The asthma mobile health study, smartphone data collected using ResearchKit
Authors: Chan Yu-Feng Yvonne , Bot Brian M. , Zweig Micol , Tignor Nicole , Ma Weiping , Suver Christine , Cedeno Rafhael , Scott Erick R. , Gregory Hershman Steven , Schadt Eric E. , Wang Pei 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWidespread adoption of smart mobile platforms coupled with a growing ecosystem of sensors including passive location tracking and the ability to leverage external data sources create an opportunity to generate an unprecedented depth of data on individuals. Mobile health technologies could be utilized for chronic disease management as well as research to advance our understanding of common diseases, such as asthma. We conducted a prospective observational asthma study to assess the feasibility of this type of approach, clinical characteristics of cohorts recruited via a mobile platform, the validity of data collected, user retention patterns, and user data sharing preferences. We describe data and descriptive statistics from the Asthma Mobile Health Study, whereby participants engaged with an iPhone application built using Apple's ResearchKit framework. Data from 6346 U.S. participants, who agreed to share their data broadly, have been made available for further research. These resources have the potential to enable the research community to work collaboratively towards improving our understanding of asthma as well as mobile health research best practices.
Response to the Letter to the Editor From Moncrieff (2017) Regarding de Wit et al. (2016), “Characteristics of Auditory Processing Disorders: A Systematic Review”
Authors: de Wit Ellen , Steenbergen Bert , Visser-Bochane Margot I. , van der Schans Cees P. , van Dijk Pim , Luinge Margreet R. 
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this letter is to respond to Moncrieff's (2017) letter to the editor, “Response to de Wit et al., 2016, ‘Characteristics of Auditory Processing Disorders: A Systematic Review,’” published in May 2017 by the
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research.

Conclusion
We believe that our original conclusions are valid given the limited evidence that is currently available about the etiology of auditory processing disorders (APD). The focus of our systematic review was to identify the characteristics of children with a diagnosis of APD or a suspicion of APD. The results of our study showed that the characteristics of these children are not specific or limited to the auditory modality but are multimodal instead. In our view, it is incorrect to use the diagnosis APD, because there is not necessarily a specific auditory deficit in a large group of children suffering from listening difficulties. Before we start using any new diagnoses, a better insight into how bottom-up and top-down processes are precisely involved in listening needs to be developed. In addition, more insight is needed with respect to the similarities and differences between the different developmental disorders of children.
Endobronchial Ultrasound in Suspected Non-Malignant Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy
Authors: Eickhoff L. , Golpon H. , Zardo P. , Suhling H. , Welte T. , Jonigk D. , Gottlieb J. , Fuehner T. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Background Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) bronchoscopy with transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is a well-established tool in mediastinal staging in lung cancer and gains importance in exploration of non-malignant lymphadenopathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of EBUS-TBNA in suspected non-malignant diseases.
Methods A retrospective, single-center, observation analysis of endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy procedures was performed in a university medical center between March 2013 and July 2015. All patients with suspected non-malignant mediastinal lymphadenopathy were included. Cytopathological and microbiological results of EBUS were compared to clinical diagnosis 6 months after procedure and performance of EBUS was contrasted to malignant indications.
Results During study period, 333 EBUS bronchoscopies in 315 patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy were performed. 111 out of 315 (35 %) patients had neither primary signs nor history of a malignant disease, categorised as patients with suspected non-malignant disease. 245 lymph nodes were sampled (median size 15 mm [IQR10 – 19]). Preferred station for TBNA was lymph node station 7 (38 %). Cytopathological findings revealed non-specific inflammation (n = 81; 70 %), carcinoma (n = 7; 6 %), epithelioid cell granulomas (n = 20; 17 %). 7 samples (6 %) were non-representative. Microbiologic testing of lymph nodes identified 3 infections (Mycobacteria tuberculosis [n = 2] and Nocardia nova [n = 1]) relevant to antibiotic therapy. Minor adverse events were observed in 9 out of 115 (8 %) patients. Sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA intervention in suspected non-malignant disease was 76 % and specificity 96 %.
Conclusions EBUS-TBNA revealed a specific cause for suspected non-malignant lymphadenopathy in one-third of cases and was associated with excellent specificity. Predominant specific causes were granuloma, besides from tumor. In 3 patients pathogen could be isolated by TBNA.
Pflegerischer Bedarf bei geriatrischen Dialysepatienten
Authors: Essomé Dagmar , Reichardt Michael , Wiegard-Szramek Ina 
Published: May 2018

ZusammenfassungDie Alterung der Gesellschaft verändert das Aufgabenspektrum der Pflege in der Nephrologie. „Waren 2014 noch 27 % der Bevölkerung mindestens 60 Jahre alt, so
werden es 2030 voraussichtlich 35 % der Bevölkerung sein. […] Die fortschreitende Alterung der Gesellschaft zeigt sich besonders deutlich anhand der wachsenden
Zahl der Hochbetagten. 2014 lebten gut 4,5 Millionen Menschen in Deutschland, die mindestens 80 Jahre alt waren. Ihre Zahl wird in den kommenden Jahrzehnten
kontinuierlich steigen und 2050 etwa 9,9 Millionen erreichen“ 1. Der QIN Jahresbericht für 2015 zeigt auf, dass das Alter bei
Dialysebeginn für Hämodialysepatienten im Mittel bei 67,8 Jahren und für Peritonealdialysepatienten bei 61,0 Jahren lag 2.
Training Effects of Alternated and Pulsed Currents on the Quadriceps Muscles of Athletes
Authors: Oliveira Pedro , Modesto Karenina , Bottaro Martim , Babault Nicolas , Durigan João 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of 6 weeks training with different neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) currents (medium alternated and low-frequency pulsed current) on muscle architecture and neuromuscular performance of competitive athletes. A double-blind controlled and randomized experimental study was carried out with 33 athletes (22.2±2.6 yrs, 74.7±9.8 kg, 176.8±6.0 cm), divided into 3 groups: mid-frequency current (MF, n=12), pulsed current (PC, n=11) and the control group (CG, n=10). Quadriceps maximal voluntary peak torque (PT) and corresponding vastus lateralis electromyographic activity, evoked torque (PT-NMES), vastus lateralis muscle thickness, fascicle length, pennation angle, and level of discomfort were assessed before and after the interventions. NMES training was performed 3 times per week and consisted of 18 sessions, 15 min/session, 6 s duration in each contraction interspersed with 18 s rest. After the training period, muscle thickness increased in the MF and PC groups (p<0.05). PT-NMES increased only in the PC group (p<0.05). All currents produced similar levels of discomfort (p>0.05). Quadriceps NMES training applied through alternated or pulsed currents produced similar effects in architecture and neuromuscular performance in competitive athletes.
Pilot Study of the Gait Deviation Index in Quantifying Overweight Children's Mobility
Authors: Liu Xue-Cheng , Hainsworth Keri , Simpson Pippa , Lyon Roger , Tassone Channing , Weisman Steven 
Published: May 2018

AbstractChildhood obesity in the United States has more than tripled in the past three decades. Differences in lower extremity kinematics between obese and nonobese children during walking have been investigated, but the validity of using the gait deviation index (GDI) for measuring gait in obese children has not been explored. Nine obese children (13.9 ± 2.4 years old) with a body mass index of 33.3 ± 3.5 participated in the study. Reflective markers were placed on all children in a widely used standard lower extremity marker configuration. All participants walked along a 20-foot walkway at a self-selected speed. The kinematic and kinetic measurements for all children were taken, and the GDI for each subject was calculated. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) GDI of the nine obese children was 88.5 ± 12, which was significantly lower than the GDI of the typically developing children (100 ± 10, p < 0.002). There were no statistically significant correlations between the GDI and the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) Total score or PedsQL Physical Functioning score. Obese children had a significantly increased anterior pelvic tilt, hip flexion, hip adduction, hip adduction moment, knee flexion, knee valgus, and plantar flexion in stance phase (p < 0.05). While in swing phase, obese children had increased hip adduction and knee varus. The kinematic differences may reveal lower limb mal-alignment in obese children during walking. Overall, the GDI can play a major role in evaluating gait pathology in obese children. Future studies will increase the sample size to further evaluate the correlation between the GDI and functional outcomes.
Dopamine receptors mediate strategy abandoning via modulation of a specific prelimbic cortex–nucleus accumbens pathway in mice
Authors: Cui Qiaoling , Li Qian , Geng Hongyan , Chen Lei , Ip Nancy Y. , Ke Ya , Yung Wing-Ho 
Published: May 2018

Significance
Strategy-switching flexibility is a critical executive function necessary for living in an ever-evolving environment, and this ability is often impaired in attentional deficit and hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, and early Parkinson’s disease. To date, the underlying brain circuitry and receptor mechanisms are not entirely clear. The results of the present study suggest the essential role of a specific projection from prelimbic cortex to nucleus accumbens (NAc) D2 medium spiny neurons as well as NAc dopamine and presynaptic dopamine receptors of this projection in controlling the strategy-switching flexibility. These findings promote a better understanding of circuitry and neurobiology of strategy-switching flexibility and could contribute to identifying novel therapeutic targets for patients suffering from strategy-switching inflexibility.
LRRK2 phosphorylation of auxilin mediates synaptic defects in dopaminergic neurons from patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Nguyen Maria , Krainc Dimitri 
Published: May 2018

Significance
Identifying dysfunctional cellular mechanisms in sporadic neurodegenerative diseases has been challenging. Therefore, in-depth investigation of genetic forms of disease can provide valuable insight into pathogenic disease mechanisms. Here, we demonstrate the novel interaction between two Parkinson’s disease-linked genes, LRRK2 and auxilin. Additionally, as both genes have described roles at the synapse, we identify synaptic dysfunction as a contributor of dopamine-mediated toxic effects in human dopaminergic neurons. Together, these results highlight the importance of the mechanistic dissection of genetic forms of Parkinson’s disease to identify converging pathways and targets for therapeutic intervention.