bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple factors contribute to bimodal toxin gene expression in Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile
Authors: Ransom Eric M. , Kaus Gabriela M. , Tran Phuong M. , Ellermeier Craig D. , Weiss David S. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryClostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile produces two major toxins, TcdA and TcdB, upon entry into stationary phase. Transcription of tcdA and tcdB requires the specialized sigma factor, σTcdR, which also directs RNA Polymerase to transcribe tcdR itself. We fused a gene for a red fluorescent protein to the tcdA promoter to study toxin gene expression at the level of individual C. difficile cells. Surprisingly, only a subset of cells became red fluorescent upon entry into stationary phase. Breaking the positive feedback loop that controls σTcdR production by engineering cells to express tcdR from a tetracycline‐inducible promoter resulted in uniform fluorescence across the population. Experiments with two regulators of tcdR expression, σD and CodY, revealed neither is required for bimodal toxin gene expression. However, σD biased cells toward the Toxin‐ON state, while CodY biased cells toward the Toxin‐OFF state. Finally, toxin gene expression was observed in sporulating cells. We conclude that (i) toxin production is regulated by a bistable switch governed by σTcdR, which only accumulates to high enough levels to trigger toxin gene expression in a subset of cells, and (ii) toxin production and sporulation are not mutually exclusive developmental programs.
Biological parameters of the triatomine,Meccus phyllosomus pallidipennis, fed on two bloodmeal sources under laboratory conditions
Authors: Martínez‐Ibarra J. A. , Grant‐Guillén Y. , Nogueda‐Torres B. , Villagrán‐Herrera M. E. , de Diego‐Cabrera J. A. , Bustos‐Saldaña R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractChagas disease is one of the most important vector‐borne diseases in Latin America, including Mexico.Meccus phyllosomus pallidipennis(Stål), 1872 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is a Mexican triatomine vector that is commonly associated with hens and rabbits. The biological parameters of two cohorts fed on hens (H) and on rabbits (R) were evaluated. The median lifecycles of the two cohorts were 198 days (H) and 180 days (R). Moreover, mortality was around 30% in both cohorts. Time lapse for beginning of feeding was 0.5–1.9 (H) and 1.1–2.4 min (R). Feeding times of each instar in both cohorts were over 10 min. Most specimens fed on hens defecated immediately after feeding, whereas those that fed on rabbits defecated within 1–5 min post‐feeding. Similar numbers of males and females (50%) were obtained in both cohorts. An average of 2.1–2.3 eggs per female per day was noted in both cohorts, with eclosion rates of 95.4 (H) and 88.8% (R). Thus, it can be concluded thatM. phyllosomus pallidipennismay take advantage of feeding in hens, as in rabbits, which could imply a higher risk ofTrypanosoma cruzitransmission to humans and animals in its distribution area.
Probabilistic methods outperform parsimony in the phylogenetic analysis of data simulated without a probabilistic model
Authors: Puttick Mark N. , O'Reilly Joseph E. , Pisani Davide , Donoghue Philip C. J. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTo understand patterns and processes of the diversification of life, we require an accurate understanding of taxon interrelationships. Recent studies have suggested that analyses of morphological character data using the Bayesian and maximum likelihood Mk model provide phylogenies of higher accuracy compared to parsimony methods. This has proved controversial, particularly studies simulating morphology‐data under Markov models that assume shared branch lengths for characters, as it is claimed this leads to bias favouring the Bayesian or maximum likelihood Mk model over parsimony models which do not explicitly make this assumption. We avoid these potential issues by employing a simulation protocol in which character states are randomly assigned to tips, but datasets are constrained to an empirically realistic distribution of homoplasy as measured by the consistency index. Datasets were analysed with equal weights and implied weights parsimony, and the maximum likelihood and Bayesian Mk model. We find that consistent (low homoplasy) datasets render method choice largely irrelevant, as all methods perform well with high consistency (low homoplasy) datasets, but the largest discrepancies in accuracy occur with low consistency datasets (high homoplasy). In such cases, the Bayesian Mk model is significantly more accurate than alternative models and implied weights parsimony never significantly outperforms the Bayesian Mk model. When poorly supported branches are collapsed, the Bayesian Mk model recovers trees with higher resolution compared to other methods. As it is not possible to assess homoplasy independently of a tree estimate, the Bayesian Mk model emerges as the most reliable approach for categorical morphological analyses.
Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography may be helpful for characterizing and staging canine gastric tumors
Authors: Tanaka Toshiyuki , Akiyoshi Hideo , Mie Keiichiro , Okamoto Mari , Yoshida Yuuki , Kurokawa Shohei 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn humans, computed tomography (CT) is a widely performed technique for the diagnosis and staging of gastric tumors. The purpose of this retrospective case series study was to describe CT findings in a group of dogs with confirmed gastric tumors. For each included dog, the following CT parameters were recorded: gastric tumor location, tumor shape, gastric involvement pattern, tumor enhancement pattern in early and late phases, presence and location of lymphadenopathy, gastric tumor attenuation values, attenuation values of enlarged lymph nodes, maximum short‐axis diameter (mm) of enlarged lymph node, maximum long‐axis diameter (mm) of enlarged lymph node, and short‐axis diameter to long‐axis diameter ratio (short axis/long axis). A total of 16 dogs met inclusion criteria and had the following final diagnoses: five lymphoma, six adenocarcinoma, three inflammatory polyps, and two leiomyoma. In the early‐ and delayed‐phase postcontrast images, the mean CT attenuation value for lymphoma was lower than that of other gastric tumors. Lymphadenopathy was widespread in lymphomas and regional in adenocarcinomas. Lymphadenopathy was not detected in leiomyomas. Lymph node measurements in lymphoma were larger than lymph node measurements in adenocarcinoma. Although there were overlapping findings for the different types of gastric tumors, contrast‐enhanced CT provided helpful information for characterizing gastric tumors based on the following criteria: early and late enhancement patterns, the site of origin of the mass lesion, and extent of local invasion and distant metastases. Lymphoma should be considered for canine gastric tumors with low mean attenuation values during early‐ and delayed‐phase postcontrast images, and widespread, bulky, and rounded lymphadenopathy.
Incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular disease in English primary care: a cross-sectional and follow-up study of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research and Surveillance Centre (RSC)
Authors: Hinton William , McGovern Andrew , Coyle Rachel , Han Thang S , Sharma Pankaj , Correa Ana , Ferreira Filipa , de Lusignan Simon 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesTo describe incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), its risk factors, medication prescribed to treat CVD and predictors of CVD within a nationally representative dataset.DesignCross-sectional study of adults with and without CVD.SettingThe Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research and Surveillance Centre (RSC) is an English primary care sentinel network. RCGP RSC is over 50 years old and one of the oldest in Europe. Practices receive feedback about data quality. This database is primarily used to conduct surveillance and research into influenza, infections and vaccine effectiveness but is also a rich resource for the study of non-communicable disease (NCD). The RCGP RSC network comprised 164 practices at the time of study.ResultsData were extracted from the records of 1 275 174 adults. Approximately a fifth (21.3%; 95% CI 21.2% to 21.4%) had CVD (myocardial infarction (MI), angina, atrial fibrillation (AF), peripheral arterial disease, stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA), congestive cardiac failure) or hypertension. Smoking, unsafe alcohol consumption and obesity were more common among people with CVD. Angiotensin system modulating drugs, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) and calcium channel blockers were the most commonly prescribed CVD medications. Age-adjusted and gender-adjusted annual incidence for AF was 28.2/10 000 (95% CI 27.8 to 28.7); stroke/TIA 17.1/10 000 (95% CI 16.8 to 17.5) and MI 9.8/10 000 (95% CI 9.5 to 10.0). Logistic regression analyses confirmed established CVD risk factors were associated with CVD in the RCGP RSC network dataset.ConclusionsThe RCGP RSC database provides comprehensive information on risk factors, medical diagnosis, physiological measurements and prescription history that could be used in CVD research or pharmacoepidemiology. With the exception of MI, the prevalence of CVDs was higher than in other national data, possibly reflecting data quality. RCGP RSC is an underused resource for research into NCDs and their management and welcomes collaborative opportunities.
Contextual characteristics associated with the perceived neighbourhood scale in a cross-sectional study in a large urban centre in Brazil
Authors: de Almeida Célio Fabiano , Friche Amélia Augusta de Lima , Jennings M Zane , Andrade Amanda Cristina de Souza , Xavier Cesar Coelho , Proietti Fernando , Coulton Claudia J , Caiaffa Waleska Teixeira 
Published: August 2018

IntroductionHealth outcomes have been associated with physical and social characteristics of neighbourhoods, but little is known about the relationship between contextual factors and perceived neighbourhood scale.ObjectiveTo identify the contextual factors associated with self-perceived neighbourhood scale.MethodsWe analysed data from a cross-sectional population-based study in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, that took place in 2008–2009. The dependent variable was perceived neighbourhood, encoded as an ordinal scale based on a brief description of the concept of the neighbourhood, and two independent scales relating distance, expressed in terms of geography and time. Street connectivity, demographic density and residents’ perceptions of the neighbourhoods’ physical and social environment were used as contextual predictors. Individual characteristics were used as covariates. Multilevel ordinal logistic regression models estimated the association between perceived neighbourhood scale and contextual characteristics.ResultsResidents that perceive better walkability (OR 2.96; 95% CI 1.29 to 3.82) and high amounts of violence (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.62) perceived their neighbourhoods to be larger, even after adjusting for individual characteristics.ConclusionThere are contextual factors that are associated with self-perceived neighbourhood scale. Careful definition of neighbourhood scale is a key factor in improving the results of eco-epidemiological studies. Although these findings must be further explored in other studies, these results can contribute to a better understanding of an appropriate choice of neighbourhood scale, especially for cities in Latin America.
On the type species of Geophilus Gistel, 1834 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae)
Authors: NARDI GIANLUCA , DELLACASA GIOVANNI , DELLACASA MARCO 
Published: August 2018

Geophilus Gistel, 1834 (Insecta: Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae) is invalid being a junior homonym of Geophilus Leach, 1814 (Myriapoda: Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha: Geophilidae) and of Geophilus Schönherr, 1823 (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Scarabaeus asper Fabricius, 1775 was recently designated as type species of Geophilus Gistel, 1834, making Geophilus a junior synonym of Psammodius Fallén, 1807 (Insecta: Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Psammodiini: Psammodiina). However, there is clear evidence that Scarabaeus asper Fabricius, 1775 sensu Gistel, 1834 is Ptinus germanus Linnaeus, 1767, currently Rhyssemus germanus (Linnaeus, 1767) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Psammodiini: Rhyssemina). To resolve this issue, the type species of Geophilus Gistel, 1834 is here fixed (under Article 70.3.2 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature) as Ptinus germanus Linnaeus, 1767, misidentified as Scarabaeus asper Fabricius, 1775 in the original paper. Scarabaeus asper Fabricius, 1775 sensu Mulsant, 1842 (= Ptinus germanus Linnaeus, 1767) is the type species of Rhyssemus Mulsant, 1842, therefore Rhyssemus Mulsant, 1842 is a junior synonym of Geophilus Gistel, 1834 (new synonymy). Although it has priority, Geophilus Gistel, 1834 is a junior homonym and therefore invalid, so Rhyssemus Mulsant, 1842 remains the valid name of this taxon.
rocket temperature and wind sensors for synoptic observations1
Authors: Kays Marvin , Olsen Robert O. 
Published: August 2018

A comparative study is made of various rocket instrumentation and sensing techniques for collecting stratospheric wind and temperature data. The rocketsondes employed in synoptic studies in general use the spherical bead thermistor as the temperature sensing element. Different designs of sensors were launched in close proximity, and results agree within 3C.
Different parachute configurations and chaff are compared for their ability to sense winds. In most cases, wind velocities agree within reason (5 m sec−1) among the different types of sensors. The major corrections that are applied to wind and temperature data are discussed. The corrections are small (less than 2° and 10 mps) below 50 km but increase with height and in some extreme cases can reach values of 200 m sec−1 for winds and 11C for temperatures at 60–65 km.
a hybrid analog-digital computer for the atmospheric sciences1
Authors: Hewson E. Wendell , Brock Fred V. 
Published: August 2018

A hybrid analog-digital computer has been established in the Department of Meteorology and Oceanography of the University of Michigan. It comprises three medium size analog computers, a small, general purpose digital computer, and an analog/digital linkage so that all of the computers can be operated together as a hybrid system.
The primary functions of the computer are acquisition and reduction of field data and research in meteorological simulation. It is capable of accepting data acquired on-line from local instruments, or recorded in the field on analog magnetic tape, digital magnetic tape or punched paper tape. These data can then be processed in either analog or digital form or transmitted to a large digital computer via magnetic tape.
The analog computers are versatile and of sufficient capacity to be useful for many analog data processing tasks as well as for simulation of atmospheric models such as those used in the study of diffusion and micrometeorology.
Association between Upper Respiratory Infection and Idiopathic Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis
Authors: Bhatt Neel K. , Pipkorn Patrik , Paniello Randal C. 
Published: August 2018

Introduction: Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) without an identifiable cause is termed idiopathic unilateral vocal fold paralysis (IUVFP). Some authors have postulated that select cases of IUVFP have a viral etiology, but the causality has not been established. We set out to review institutional cases of IUVFP and determine if there is a correlation between upper respiratory infection symptoms and presentation of IUVFP. Methods: Cases of IUVFP were reviewed over a 10-year period (2002-2012). The history was investigated to review presenting symptoms. We specifically reviewed for symptoms of upper respiratory infection at the onset of UVFP and tallied the frequency. Symptoms included sore throat, laryngitis, cough, influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia, otalgia, and sinusitis. The seasonal onset (if possible) was determined based on the history provided from the initial consultation. Study Design: Case series. Results: Overall, 107 patients presented with IUVFP; 35.5% of patients reported symptoms of upper respiratory infection at the onset of UVFP. Among these individuals, pharyngitis/laryngitis was the most common presenting symptom; 34.2% reported cough. In total, 40.0% of patients with IUVFP reported an onset of symptoms between December and February. Conclusions: This study suggests that symptoms of upper respiratory infection frequently occur with the presentation of IUVFP. The onset of symptoms tended to occur between December and February. The mechanism of viral-mediated UVFP has not been established. Future studies to explore this pathophysiology are needed.
Diagnostic and prognostic potential of serum miR-132/212 cluster in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Feng , Wang Jun , Ju Linlin , Chen Lin , Cai Weihua , Yang Jialin 
Published: August 2018

Background It has been reported that both of the miR-132/212 (micro-RNA) cluster members, miR-132 and miR-212, are downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nevertheless, the expression pattern and clinical utility of serum miR-132/212 in hepatocellular carcinoma are still unknown. Methods In this study, serum concentrations of miR-132 and miR-212 were measured in 80 hepatocellular carcinoma patients, 51 controls with chronic liver diseases and 42 healthy volunteers by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results In hepatocellular carcinoma patients, serum concentrations of miR-132 and miR-212 were significantly reduced and strongly correlated (r = 0.603, p < 0.001). Receiver operator characteristic analyses showed that serum miR-132 and miR-212 might have a potential role in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Moreover, the combination of serum miR-132, miR-212 and alpha-fetoprotein improved the diagnostic efficiency for hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in sensitivity and negative predictive value. Serum miR-132 was associated with tumour differentiation degree ( p = 0.021) and tumour–node–metastasis stage ( p = 0.002); serum miR-212 correlated with tumour size ( p = 0.023) and tumour–node–metastasis stage ( p = 0.007). Kaplan–Meier analyses indicated poorer overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with lower serum concentrations of miR-132 ( p < 0.001) and miR-212 ( p = 0.005). Conclusions Our results suggest that both components of the miR-132/212 cluster have potential roles as non-invasive serum biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
GILZ-dependent modulation of mTORC1 regulates spermatogonial maintenance
Authors: La Hue M. , Chan Ai-Leen , Legrand Julien M. D. , Rossello Fernando J. , Gangemi Christina G. , Papa Antonella , Cheng Qiang , Morand Eric F. , Hobbs Robin M. 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT
Male fertility is dependent on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that self-renew and produce differentiating germ cells. Growth factors produced within the testis are essential for SSC maintenance but intrinsic factors that dictate the SSC response to these stimuli are poorly characterised. Here, we have studied the role of GILZ, a TSC22D family protein and spermatogenesis regulator, in spermatogonial function and signalling. Although broadly expressed in the germline, GILZ was prominent in undifferentiated spermatogonia and Gilz deletion in adults resulted in exhaustion of the GFRα1+ SSC-containing population and germline degeneration. GILZ loss was associated with mTORC1 activation, suggesting enhanced growth factor signalling. Expression of deubiquitylase USP9X, an mTORC1 modulator required for spermatogenesis, was disrupted in Gilz mutants. Treatment with an mTOR inhibitor rescued GFRα1+ spermatogonial failure, indicating that GILZ-dependent mTORC1 inhibition is crucial for SSC maintenance. Analysis of cultured undifferentiated spermatogonia lacking GILZ confirmed aberrant activation of ERK MAPK upstream mTORC1 plus USP9X downregulation and interaction of GILZ with TSC22D proteins. Our data indicate an essential role for GILZ-TSC22D complexes in ensuring the appropriate response of undifferentiated spermatogonia to growth factors via distinct inputs to mTORC1.
Role of SmcHD1 in establishment of epigenetic states required for the maintenance of the X-inactivated state in mice
Authors: Sakakibara Yuki , Nagao Koji , Blewitt Marnie , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Obuse Chikashi , Sado Takashi 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT
X inactivation in mammals is regulated by epigenetic modifications. Functional deficiency of SmcHD1 has been shown to cause de-repression of X-inactivated genes in post-implantation female mouse embryos, suggesting a role of SmcHD1 in the maintenance of X inactivation. Here, we show that de-repression of X-inactivated genes accompanied a local reduction in the enrichment of H3K27me3 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts deficient for SmcHD1. Furthermore, many of these genes overlapped with those having a significantly lower enrichment of H3K27me3 at the blastocyst stage in wild type. Intriguingly, however, depletion of SmcHD1 did not compromise the X-inactivated state in immortalized female mouse embryonic fibroblasts, in which X inactivation had been established and maintained. Taking all these findings together, we suggest that SmcHD1 facilitates the incorporation of H3K27me3 and perhaps other epigenetic modifications at gene loci that are silenced even with the lower enrichment of H3K27me3 at the early stage of X inactivation. The epigenetic state at these loci would, however, remain as it is at the blastocyst stage in the absence of SmcHD1 after implantation, which would eventually compromise the maintenance of the X-inactivated state at later stages.