bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From skylight input to behavioural output: a computational model of the insect polarised light compass
Authors: Gkanias Evripidis , Risse Benjamin , Mangan Michael , Webb Barbara 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMany insects navigate by integrating the distances and directions travelled on an outward path, allowing direct return to the starting point. Fundamental to the reliability of this process is the use of a neural compass based on external celestial cues. Here we examine how such compass information could be reliably computed by the insect brain, given realistic constraints on the sky polarisation pattern and the insect eye sensor array. By processing the degree of polarisation in different directions for different parts of the sky, our model can directly estimate the solar azimuth and also infer the confidence of the estimate. We introduce a method to correct for tilting of the sensor array, as might be caused by travel over uneven terrain. We also show that the confidence can be used to approximate the change in sun position over time, allowing the compass to remain fixed with respect to ‘true north’ during long excursions. We demonstrate that the compass is robust to disturbances and can be effectively used as input to an existing neural model of insect path integration. We discuss the plausibility of our model to be mapped to known neural circuits, and to be implemented for robot navigation.Author summaryWe propose a new hypothesis for how insects process polarised skylight to extract global orientation information that can be used for accurate path integration. Our model solves the problem of solar/anti-solar meridian ambiguity by using a biologically constrained sensor array, and includes methods to deal with tilt and time, providing a complete insect celestial compass output. We analyse the performance of the model using a realistic sky simulation and various forms of disturbances, and compare the results to both engineering approaches and biological data.
Salivary proteins ofPhloeomyzus passerinii, a plant-manipulating aphid, and their impact on early gene responses of susceptible and resistant poplar genotypes
Authors: Lemus Luis Portillo , Tricard Jessy , Duclercq Jérôme , Coulette Quentin , Giron David , Hano Christophe , Huguet Elisabeth , Lamblin Frédéric , Cherqui Anas , Sallé Aurélien 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSuccessful plant colonization by parasites requires the circumvention of host defenses, and sometimes a reprogramming of host metabolism, mediated by effector molecules delivered into the host. Using transcriptomic and enzymatic approaches, we characterized salivary glands and saliva ofPhloeomyzus passerinii, an aphid exhibiting an atypical feeding strategy. Plant genes responses to salivary extracts ofP. passeriniiandMyzus persicaewere assessed with poplar protoplasts of a susceptible and a resistant genotype, and in a heterologousArabidopsissystem. We predict thatP. passeriniisecretes a highly peculiar saliva containing effectors potentially interfering with host defenses, biotic stress signaling and plant metabolism, notably phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinases which seemed specific toP. passerinii. Gene expression profiles indicated that salivary extracts ofM. persicaemarkedly affected host defenses and biotic stress signaling, while salivary extracts ofP. passeriniiinduced only weak responses. The effector-triggered susceptibility was characterized by downregulations of genes involved in cytokinin signaling and auxin homeostasis. This suggests thatP. passeriniiinduces an intracellular accumulation of auxin in susceptible host genotypes, which is supported by histochemical assays inArabidopsis. This might in turn affect biotic stress signaling and contribute to host tissue manipulation by the aphid.
Complement C3- and CR3-dependent microglial clearance protects photoreceptors in retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Silverman Sean M. , Ma Wenxin , Wang Xu , Zhao Lian , Wong Wai T. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractComplement activation has been implicated as an inflammatory driver of neurodegeneration in retinal and brain pathologies. However, its involvement and influence of photoreceptor degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited, largely incurable blinding disease, is unclear. We discover that markedly upregulated retinal expression of multiple complement components coincided spatiotemporally with photoreceptor degeneration in both the rd10 mouse model and in human specimens of RP, with increased complement C3 expression and activation localizing to infiltrating microglia near photoreceptors. Genetic ablation of C3 in the rd10 background resulted in accelerated structural and functional photoreceptor degeneration and altered retinal expression of inflammatory genes. These effects were phenocopied by the genetic deletion of CR3, a microglia-expressed receptor for the C3 activation product C3b, implicating an adaptive microglial-mediation mechanism involving C3-CR3 interaction. Deficiency of either C3 or CR3 resulted in deficient microglial phagocytosis of apoptotic photoreceptors in vivo, as well as increased microglial neurotoxicity to photoreceptors in vitro. These findings demonstrate a novel adaptive role for complement activation in RP that facilitates microglial clearance of apoptotic photoreceptors, without which increased proinflammatory microglial neurotoxicity ensues. These positive contributions of complement via microglial-mediated mechanisms are important in the design of immunomodulatory therapeutic approaches to neurodegeneration.One Sentence SummaryComplement activation mediates adaptive neuroprotection for photoreceptors by facilitating C3-CR3 dependent microglial clearance of apoptotic cells.
Encoding of wind direction by central neurons inDrosophila
Authors: Suver Marie P. , Matheson Andrew M. M. , Sarkar Sinekdha , Damiata Matthew , Schoppik David , Nagel Katherine I. 
Published: December 2018

SUMMARYWind is a major navigational cue for insects, but how wind direction is decoded by central neurons in the insect brain is unknown. Here, we find that walking flies combine signals from both antennae to orient to wind during olfactory search behavior. Movements of single antennae are ambiguous with respect to wind direction, but the difference between left and right antennal displacements yields a linear code for wind direction in azimuth. Second-order mechanosensory neurons share the ambiguous responses of single antenna and receive input primarily from the ipsilateral antenna. Finally, we identify a novel set of neurons, which we call wedge projection neurons, that integrate signals across the two antennae and receive input from at least three classes of second-order neurons to produce a more linear representation of wind direction. This study establishes how a feature of the sensory environment – the wind direction – is decoded by single neurons that compare information across two sensors.
Network topology of neural systems supporting avalanche dynamics predicts stimulus propagation and recovery
Authors: Ju Harang , Kim Jason Z. , Bassett Danielle S. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMany neural systems display avalanche behavior characterized by uninterrupted sequences of neuronal firing whose distributions of size and durations are heavy-tailed. Theoretical models of such systems suggest that these dynamics support optimal information transmission and storage. However, the unknown role of network structure precludes an understanding of how variations in network topology manifest in neural dynamics and either support or impinge upon information processing. Here, using a generalized spiking model, we develop a mechanistic understanding of how network topology supports information processing through network dynamics. First, we show how network topology determines network dynamics by analytically and numerically demonstrating that network topology can be designed to propagate stimulus patterns for long durations. We then identify strongly connected cycles as empirically observable network motifs that are prevalent in such networks. Next, we show that within a network, mathematical intuitions from network control theory are tightly linked with dynamics initiated by node-specific stimulation and can identify stimuli that promote long-lasting cascades. Finally, we use these network-based metrics and control-based stimuli to demonstrate that long-lasting cascade dynamics facilitate delayed recovery of stimulus patterns from network activity, as measured by mutual information. Collectively, our results provide evidence that cortical networks are structured with architectural motifs that support long-lasting propagation and recovery of a few crucial patterns of stimulation, especially those consisting of activity in highly controllable neurons. Broadly, our results imply that avalanching neural networks could contribute to cognitive faculties that require persistent activation of neuronal patterns, such as working memory or attention.
Rap1 binding and a lipid-dependent helix in talin F1 domain promote integrin activation in tandem
Authors: Gingras Alexandre R. , Lagarrigue Frederic , Cuevas Monica N. , Valadez Andrew J. , Zorovich Marcus , McLaughlin Wilma , Lopez-Ramirez Miguel Alejandro , Seban Nicolas , Ley Klaus , Kiosses William B. , Ginsberg Mark H. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractRap1 GTPases bind effectors, such as RIAM, to enable talin1 to induce integrin activation. In addition, Rap1 binds directly to the talin1 F0 domain (F0); however, this interaction makes a limited contribution to integrin activation in CHO cells or platelets. Here, we show that talin1 F1 domain contains a previously undetected Rap1 binding site of similar affinity to that in F0. A structure-guided point mutant (R118E) in F1, which blocks Rap1 binding, abolishes the capacity of Rap1 to potentiate talin1-induced integrin activation. The capacity of F1 to mediate Rap1-dependent integrin activation depends on a unique loop in F1 that transforms into an helix upon binding to membrane lipids. Basic membrane-facing residues of this helix are critical as charge reversal mutations led to dramatic suppression of talin1-dependent activation. Thus, a novel Rap1 binding site and a lipid-dependent helix in talin1 F1 work in tandem to enable a direct Rap1-talin1 interaction to cause integrin activation.SummaryThis work reveals that Rap1 GTPases bind directly to talin1 F1 domain and by ooperating with a unique lipid-dependent amphipathic helix in the F1 domain effects lin1-mediated integrin activation.
Beyond the dichotomy: Incarceration dosage and mental health*
Authors: Porter Lauren C. , DeMarco Laura M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe findings from a growing body of research reveal that incarceration is detrimental for both physical and mental health. Incarceration, however, is typically conceptualized and operationalized as a dichotomy; individuals either have, or have not, been incarcerated. Considering that incarceration can range from one day to several years, a dichotomous measure may be overlooking important variations across lengths of exposure. In addition, most inmates are incarcerated more than once. In this study, we help to fill this gap by examining the relationship between incarceration dosage, measured as time served and number of spells, and mental health among a sample of young adults from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth 1997. By using fixed‐effects modeling, we find that the number of spells and the months incarcerated are positively related to mental health symptoms and the likelihood of depression. The association, however, is contingent on whether a respondent is currently or formerly incarcerated. Among current inmates, more time served is expected to improve mental health and the number of spells is unrelated to either outcome.
Analysis of the associated factors for severe weight loss after minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy
Authors: Wang Peiyu , Li Yin , Sun Haibo , Zhang Ruixiang , Liu Xianben , Liu Shilei , Wang Zongfei , Zheng Yan , Yu Yongkui , Chen Xiankai , Li Haomiao , Zhang Jun , Liu Qi 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundThis study investigated the risk factors for severe weight loss (SWL) within one year after minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy.MethodsEsophageal cancer patients who underwent McKeown esophagectomy between January and July 2017 were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative body weight (PBW) was chosen as the initial body weight.ResultsForty‐four patients were enrolled and successfully followed up for one year. Median weight loss was 7.4% (quartile: 5.3–8.1%) and 12.6% (quartile: 8.8–17.7%) four weeks and one year after surgery, respectively. Accelerated weight loss occurred during the first two weeks after discharge, with median weight loss of 5.6% (quartile: 4.2–7.1%). Multivariable analysis showed that age ≥ 70 years (odds ratio [OR] 7.65; P = 0.030), preoperative sarcopenia (OR 7.18; P = 0.030), the first surgery in the daily schedule (OR 6.87; P = 0.032) and vocal cord paralysis (OR 12.30; P = 0.046) were independent risk factors for short‐term (4 weeks) SWL (> 7.5% PBW), while an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3–4 (OR 6.58; P = 0.047), a high fat‐free mass (OR 21.91; P = 0.003), and vocal cord paralysis (OR 25.83; P = 0.017) were independent risk factors for long‐term (1 year) SWL (> 13.0% PBW) after esophagectomy. Postoperative symptoms of insomnia, appetite loss, dysphagia, eating difficulties, and taste issues were also related to SWL.ConclusionsIn esophageal cancer patients who have undergone esophagectomy, the first two weeks after hospital discharge is a key period for nutrition intervention. Patients with associated factors for SWL require postoperative nutrition support.
Asymmetrical subcortical plasticity entails cognitive progression in older individuals
Authors: Esteves Madalena , Moreira Pedro S. , Marques Paulo , Castanho Teresa C. , Magalhães Ricardo , Amorim Liliana , Portugal‐Nunes Carlos , Soares José M. , Coelho Ana , Almeida Armando , Santos Nadine C. , Sousa Nuno , Leite‐Almeida Hugo 
Published: December 2018

AbstractStructural brain asymmetries have been associated with cognition. However, it is not known to what extent neuropsychological parameters and structural laterality covary with aging. Seventy‐five subjects drawn from a larger normal aging cohort were evaluated in terms of MRI and neuropsychological parameters at two moments (M1 and M2), 18 months apart. In this time frame, asymmetry as measured by structural laterality index (ΔLI) was stable regarding both direction and magnitude in all areas. However, a significantly higher dispersion for this variation was observed in subcortical over cortical areas. Subjects with extreme increase in rightward lateralization of the caudate revealed increased M1 to M2 Stroop interference scores, but also a worsening of general cognition (MMSE). In contrast, subjects showing extreme increase in leftward lateralization of the thalamus presented higher increase in Stroop interference scores. In conclusion, while a decline in cognitive function was observed in the entire sample, regional brain asymmetries were relatively stable. Neuropsychological trajectories were associated with laterality changes in subcortical regions.
Identification of programmed cell death 1 and its ligand in the testicular tissue of mice
Authors: Wang Li‐Ling , Li Zhi‐Hui , Duan Yong‐Gang , Yuan Shui‐Qiao , Mor Gil , Liao Ai‐Hua 
Published: December 2018

ProblemThis study aims to determine the expression and localization of programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD‐L1) in the testes of mice at different developmental stages.Method of studyBy means of RT‐qPCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence, the expression and localization of PD‐1 and PD‐L1 were detected in the testicular tissues of mice at different postnatal times: P7, P14, P21, P28, P35, and adulthood. Meanwhile, the level of soluble PD‐L1 (sPD‐L1) was evaluated by ELISA in the testicular interstitial fluid (IF) of the adult mice, culture supernatants of TM4 cell lines (Sertoli cells lines), and primary Sertoli cells at P14.ResultsPd‐1 mRNA levels were unexpectedly low. From P7 to P21, there was limited PD‐1 protein detected while PD‐1 was evident at P28 and afterward at significantly higher levels than at P14 and P21 (P < 0.05). Despite being found in the interstitial area at P7, P14, and P21, PD‐1 was also detected in the germ cells of the seminiferous tubules after P28. Pd‐l1 mRNA exhibited age‐related changes, peaking at P21, while PD‐L1 protein was constitutively expressed at any stage, specifically localized in the nucleus of Sertoli cells. Moreover, the level of sPD‐L1 in IF was significantly higher than that in the culture supernatants of both TM4 and primary Sertoli cells at P14.ConclusionsPD‐1 and PD‐L1 were present in the testicular tissue of adult mice. The expression and localization of PD‐1 fluctuated with age, and PD‐1 was mainly localized to advanced germ cells, suggesting that it may play a role in spermiogenesis. PD‐L1 was constitutively expressed in the nucleus of Sertoli cells, which could secrete sPD‐L1 into the testicular interstitial space and thus may be involved in testicular immune privilege.
Incidence of testicular tumor subtypes according to the updated WHO classification, North Rhine‐Westphalia, Germany, 2008–2013
Authors: Stang A. , Rusner C. , Trabert B. , Oosterhuis J. W. , McGlynn K. A. , Heidinger O. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundIn 2016, the WHO introduced an updated classification for testicular tumors. The application of this updated classification to cancer registry data requires some recoding of tumors.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to provide up‐to‐date population‐based incidence estimates of subtypes of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) according to the updated classification.Material and methodsWe reviewed 2251 pathology reports (42.9%) out of 5252 testicular tumors at the cancer registry of North Rhine‐Westphalia for the years 2008–2013. We used population counts to estimate age‐standardized incidence rates per million person‐years (EUROSTAT revised European Standard Population).ResultsThe application of the updated WHO classification resulted in a recoding of 8.9% of all testicular tumors. While the recodings have no influence on the incidence of seminomatous and non‐seminomatous TGCTs that include mixed TGCTs, they influence the incidence of individual histological types of seminomatous and non‐seminomatous TGCTs. Among the 4935 testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT), 23.7% were mixed TGCTs. Overall, 46.9% of all mixed TGCTs included seminoma and age‐standardized incidence rates were highest for the combination seminoma plus embryonal carcinoma (5.9 per million person‐years) and embryonal carcinoma plus teratoma (4.9 per million person‐years). The median age at diagnosis was higher for mixed TGCTs including seminoma (31 years) than those that did not include seminoma (28 years).Discussion and conclusionsPopulation‐based incidence time trends for seminomatous and non‐seminomatous TGCTs that include mixed TGCTs are not distorted by the introduction of the WHO update. Trend distortions can only be expected if time trends of individual histological subtypes of the seminomatous and non‐seminomatous TGCTs are examined.
Protracted vacuum extraction and neonatal intracranial hemorrhage among infants born at term: a nationwide case‐control study
Authors: Åberg Katarina , Norman Mikael , Pettersson Karin , Järnbert‐Pettersson Hans , Ekéus Cecilia 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe association between vacuum extraction and intracranial hemorrhage has been debated. We sought to investigate the impact of protracted vacuum extraction on the risk for neonatal intracranial hemorrhage in term infants.Material and methodsThis nationwide case‐control study covered Swedish maternity wards from 1999 to 2013. All term, live‐born infants diagnosed with neonatal intracranial hemorrhage after vacuum‐assisted delivery were included as cases (n = 167). For each case, 3 vacuum‐delivered controls, without a diagnosis for intracranial hemorrhage, were selected (n = 546 controls). Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to study the association between protracted extraction (defined as vacuum duration > 15 min, > 6 pulls or > 2 cup detachments), and neonatal intracranial hemorrhage.ResultsExtractions exceeded 15 min among 33% of the cases, vs 5% of the controls. More than six pulls were used in 25% of the cases and in 4% of the controls, and more than two cup detachments occurred in 3.6% of the cases and in 0.6% of the controls. Compared with extractions adhering to safety recommendations, the odds for intracranial hemorrhage were nine‐fold (OR 8.91, 95%, CI 5.22‐15.20) among infants exposed to a protracted extraction. After adjustments for potential confounders, the OR decreased to 8.04 (95% CI 4.49‐14.38).ConclusionsThe strong association between protracted extraction and intracranial hemorrhage suggests that adherence to safety recommendations may reduce the risk for intracranial hemorrhage in infants delivered by vacuum extraction. However, safe limits for vacuum duration and number of pulls are still unknown and intracranial hemorrhage may occur even when performed in accordance with safety recommendations.
In‐hospital cost analysis of prostatic artery embolization compared with transurethral resection of the prostate: post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Müllhaupt Gautier , Hechelhammer Lukas , Engeler Daniel S. , Güsewell Sabine , Betschart Patrick , Zumstein Valentin , Kessler Thomas M. , Schmid Hans‐Peter , Mordasini Livio , Abt Dominik 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesTo perform a post hoc analysis of in‐hospital costs incurred in a randomized controlled trial comparing prostatic artery embolization (PAE) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).Patients and MethodsIn‐hospital costs arising from PAE and TURP were calculated using detailed expenditure reports provided by the hospital accounts department. Total costs, including those arising from surgical and interventional procedures, consumables, personnel and accommodation, were analysed for all of the study participants and compared between PAE and TURP using descriptive analysis and two‐sided t‐tests, adjusted for unequal variance within groups (Welch t‐test).ResultsThe mean total costs per patient (±sd) were higher for TURP, at €9137 ± 3301, than for PAE, at €8185 ± 1630. The mean difference of €952 was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). While the mean procedural costs were significantly higher for PAE (mean difference €623 [P = 0.009]), costs apart from the procedure were significantly lower for PAE, with a mean difference of €1627 (P < 0.001). Procedural costs of €1433 ± 552 for TURP were mainly incurred by anaesthesia, whereas €2590 ± 628 for medical supplies were the main cost factor for PAE.ConclusionsSince in‐hospital costs are similar but PAE and TURP have different efficacy and safety profiles, the patient's clinical condition and expectations – rather than finances – should be taken into account when deciding between PAE and TURP.