bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anopheles Mosquitoes May Drive Invasion and Transmission of Mayaro Virus across Geographically Diverse Regions
Authors: Brustolin Marco , Pujhari Sujit , Henderson Cory A. , Rasgon Jason L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe Togavirus (Alphavirus) Mayaro virus (MAYV) was initially described in 1954 from Mayaro County (Trinidad) and has been responsible for outbreaks in South America and the Caribbean. Imported MAYV cases are on the rise, leading to invasion concerns similar to Chikungunya and Zika viruses. Little is known about the range of mosquito species that are competent MAYV vectors. We tested vector competence of 2 MAYV genotypes for six mosquito species (Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae, An. stephensi, An. quadrimaculatus, An. freeborni, Culex quinquefasciatus). Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus were poor MAYV vectors, and either were poorly infected or poorly transmitted. In contrast, all Anopheles species were able to transmit MAYV, and 3 of the 4 species transmitted both genotypes. The Anopheles species tested are divergent and native to widely separated geographic regions, suggesting that Anopheles may be important in the invasion and spread of MAYV across diverse regions of the world.
Major evolutionary transitions as Bayesian structure learning
Authors: Czégel Dániel , Zachar István , Szathmáry Eӧrs 
Published: June 2018

AbstractComplexity of life forms on Earth has increased tremendously, primarily driven by subsequent evolutionary transitions in individuality, a mechanism in which units formerly being capable of independent replication combine to form higher-level evolutionary units. Although this process has been likened to the recursive combination of pre-adapted subsolutions in the framework of learning theory, no general mathematical formalization of this analogy has been provided yet. Here we show, building on former results connecting replicator dynamics and Bayesian update, that (i) evolution of a hierarchical population under multilevel selection is equivalent to Bayesian inference in hierarchical Bayesian models, and (ii) evolutionary transitions in individuality, driven by synergistic fitness interactions, is equivalent to learning the structure of hierarchical models via Bayesian model comparison. These correspondences support a learning theory oriented narrative of evolutionary complexification: the complexity and depth of the hierarchical structure of individuality mirrors the amount and complexity of data that has been integrated about the environment through the course of evolutionary history.
Transcriptome analysis of differential gene expression inDichomitus squalensduring interspecific mycelial interactions and the potential link with laccase induction
Authors: Zhong Zixuan , Li Nannan , He Binghui , Igarashi Yasuo , Luo Feng 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTInterspecific mycelial interactions between white rot fungi are always accompanied by increased production of laccase. In this study, the potential of white rot fungiDichomitus squalensfor enhancing laccase production during interaction with two other white rot fungiTrametes versicolororPleurotus ostreatuswas identified. To probe the mechanism of laccase induction and the role of laccase played during the combative interaction, we analyzed the laccase induction response to stressful conditions during fungal interaction related to the differential gene expression profile. We further confirmed the expression patterns of 16 selected genes by qRT-PCR analysis. We noted that many differential expression genes (DEGs) encoding proteins were involved in xenobiotics detoxification and ROS generation or reduction, including aldo/keto reductase, glutathione S-transferases, cytochrome P450 enzymes, alcohol oxidases and dehydrogenase, manganese peroxidase and laccase. Furthermore, many DEG-encoding proteins were involved in antagonistic mechanisms of nutrient acquisition and antifungal properties, including glycoside hydrolase, glucanase, chitinase and terpenoid synthases. DEGs analysis effectively revealed that laccase induction was likely caused by protective responses to oxidative stress and nutrient competition during fungal interspecific interaction.
Identification of circulating protein biomarkers for pancreatic cancer cachexia
Authors: Shahda Safi , Narasimhan Ashok , Kays Joshua , Perkins Susan M. , Cheng Lijun , Hannaford Katheryn N. , Schloss Daniel E. I. , Koniaris Leonidas G. , Zimmers Teresa A. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundOver 80% of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) suffer from cachexia, characterized by severe muscle and fat loss. Although various model systems have improved our understanding of cachexia, translating the findings to human cachexia has remained a challenge. In this study, our objectives were to i) identify circulating protein biomarkers using serum for human PDAC cachexia, (ii) identify the ontological functions of the identified biomarkers and (iii) identify new pathways associated with human PDAC cachexia by performing protein co-expression analysis.MethodsSerum from 30 patients with PDAC was collected. Body composition measurements of skeletal muscle index (SMI), skeletal muscle density (SMD), total adipose index (TAI) were obtained from computed tomography scans (CT). Cancer associated weight loss (CAWL), an ordinal classification of history of weight loss and body mass index (BMI) was obtained from medical record. Serum protein profiles and concentrations were generated using SOMAscan, a quantitative aptamer-based assay. Ontological analysis of the proteins correlated with clinical variables (r≥ 0.5 and p<0.05) was performed using DAVID Bioinformatics. Protein co-expression analysis was determined using pairwise Spearman’s correlation.ResultsOverall, 111 proteins of 1298 correlated with these clinical measures, 48 proteins for CAWL, 19 for SMI, 14 for SMD, and 30 for TAI. LYVE1, a homolog of CD44 implicated in tumor metastasis, was the top CAWL-associated protein (r= 0.67, p=0.0001). Other proteins such as INHBA, MSTN/GDF11, and PIK3R1 strongly correlated with CAWL. Proteins correlated with cachexia included those associated with proteolysis, acute inflammatory response, as well as B cell and T cell activation. Protein co-expression analysis identified networks such as activation of immune related pathways such as B-cell signaling, Th1 and Th2 pathways, natural killer cell signaling, IL6 signaling, and mitochondrial dysfunction.ConclusionTaken together, these data both identify immune system molecules and additional secreted factors and pathways not previously associated with PDAC and confirm the activation of previously identified pathways. Identifying altered secreted factors in serum of PDAC patients may assist in developing minimally invasive laboratory tests for clinical cachexia as well as identifying new mediators.
Cortical responses to natural speech reflect probabilistic phonotactics
Authors: Di Liberto Giovanni M. , Wong Daniel , Melnik Gerda Ana , de Cheveigné Alain 
Published: June 2018

AbstractHumans comprehend speech despite the various challenges of real-world environments, such as loud noise and mispronunciation. Our auditory system is robust to these thanks to the integration of the upcoming sensory input with prior knowledge and expectations built on language-specific regularities. One such regularity regards the permissible phoneme sequences, which determine the likelihood that a word belongs to a given language (phonotactic probability; “blick” is more likely to be an English word than “bnick”). Previous research suggested that violations of these rules modulate brain evoked responses such as the N400 and the late positive complex. Yet several fundamental questions remain unresolved, especially regarding the neural encoding and integration strategy of phonotactic information. Here, we used linear modelling approaches to assess the influence of phonotactic probabilities on the brain responses to narrative speech measured with non-invasive EEG. We found that the relationship between continuous speech and EEG responses is best described when the speech descriptor includes phonotactic probabilities. This provides us with a methodology to isolate and measure the brain responses to phonotactics using natural speech at the individual subject-level. Furthermore, such low-frequency signals showed the strongest speech-EEG interactions at latencies of 100-400 ms, supporting a pre-lexical role of phonotactic information.Significance StatementSpeech is composed of basic units, called phonemes, whose combinations comply with language-specific regularities determining whether a sequence “sounds” as a plausible word. Our ability to detect irregular combinations requires matching incoming sequences with our internal expectations, a process that supports speech segmentation and learning. However, the neural mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not yet been established. Here, we examine this in the human brain using narrative speech. We identified a brain signal reflecting the likelihood that a word belongs to the language, which may offer new opportunities to investigate speech perception, learning, development, and impairment. Our data also suggest a pre-lexical role of this phenomenon, thus supporting and extending current mechanistic perspectives.
Effect of chronic stimulation and stimulus level on temporal processing by cochlear implant listeners
Authors: Carlyon Robert P. , Guérit François , Billig Alexander J. , Tam Yu Chuen , Harris Frances , Deeks John M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA series of experiments investigated potential changes in temporal processing during the months following activation of a cochlear implant (CI) and as a function of stimulus level. Experiment 1 tested patients on the day of implant activation and two and six months later. All stimuli were presented using direct stimulation of a single apical electrode. The dependent variables were rate discrimination ratios (RDRs) for pulse trains with rates centred on 120 pulses per second (pps), obtained using an adaptive procedure, and a measure of the upper limit of temporal pitch, obtained using a pitch-ranking procedure.All stimuli were presented at their most comfortable level (MCL). RDRs decreased from 1.23 to 1.16 and the upper limit increased from 357 to 485 pps from 0 to 2 months post-activation, with no overall change from 2 to 6 months. Because MCLs and hence the testing level increased across sessions, two further experiments investigated whether the performance changes observed across sessions could be due to level differences. Experiment 2 re-tested a subset of subjects at 9 months post-activation, using current levels similar to those used at 0 months. Although the stimuli sounded softer, some subjects showed lower RDRs and/or higher upper limits at this re-test. Experiment 3 measured RDRs and the upper limit for a separate group of subjects at levels equal to 60%, 80%, and 100% of the dynamic range. RDRs decreased with increasing level. The upper limit increased with increasing level for most subjects, with two notable exceptions. Implications of the results for temporal plasticity are discussed, along with possible influences of the effects of level and of across-session learning.
Calcium-dependent reactive oxygen formation and blood-brain barrier breakdown by NOX5 limits post-reperfusion outcome in stroke
Authors: Casas Ana I , Kleikers Pamela WM , Geuss Eva , Langhauser Friederike , Egea Javier , Lopez Manuela G , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Schmidt Harald HHW 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIschemic stroke is a predominant cause of disability worldwide, with thrombolytic or mechanical removal of the occlusion being the only therapeutic options. Reperfusion bears the risk of an acute deleterious calcium-dependent breakdown of the blood-brain-barrier. Its mechanism, however, is unknown. Here we identify type 5 NADPH oxidase (NOX5), a calcium-activated, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-forming enzyme as missing link. Using a humanised knock-in mouse model and in vitro in organotypic cultures, we find re-oxygenation or calcium overload to increase brain ROS levels in a NOX5-dependent manner. In vivo, post-ischemic ROS formation, infarct volume and functional outcomes were worsened in NOX5 knock-in mice. Of clinical and therapeutic relevance, in a human blood-barrier model pharmacological NOX inhibition also prevented acute re-oxygenation induced leakage. Our data therefore identify NOX5 as sufficient to induce acute post-reperfusion calcium-dependent blood-brain-barrier breakdown. We suggest urgent clinical validation by conducting protective post-stroke re-canalisation in the presence of a NOX inhibitor.
Reduced gray matter volume in the orbitofrontal cortex is associated with greater body mass index: a coordinate-based meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Eunice Y. , Murray Susan , Giovannetti Tania , Smith David V. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMeta-analyses of neuroimaging studies have not found a clear relationship between the orbitofrontal cortex and obesity, despite animal and human studies suggesting the contrary. Our primary meta-analysis examined what regions are associated with reduced gray matter volume, given increased body mass index. We identified 23 voxel-based morphometry studies examining the association between gray matter volume and body mass index. In a sample of 6,788 participants, we found that greater body mass index is associated with decreased gray matter volume in the right Brodmanns’ area 10 and 11, forming part of the right orbitofrontal cortex (FWE, p=0.05). Use of Brodmanns’ areas 10 and 11 as seeds in a Neurosynth network coactivation and text decoding analysis revealed that these regions are associated with studies of emotional regulation and processing, clinical symptoms and disorder, ‘mentalizing’ and social cognition, and the Default mode network. Our finding uniquely contributes to the literature in showing a relationship between the orbitofrontal cortex and obesity and showing the wide-ranging impact these differences may have on social, mental, and emotional functioning as well as on the Default mode network. Exploratory analyses suggest the need for studies examining the effect of age on these findings.
The C.elegans AWA Olfactory Neuron Fires Calcium-Mediated All-or-None Action Potentials
Authors: Liu Qiang , Kidd Philip B. , Dobosiewicz May , Bargmann Cornelia I. 
Published: June 2018

SummaryWe find, unexpectedly, that C. elegans neurons can encode information through regenerative all-or-none action potentials. In a survey of current-voltage relationships in C. elegans neurons, we discovered that AWA olfactory neurons generate membrane potential spikes with defining characteristics of action potentials. Ion substitution experiments, pharmacology, and mutant analysis identified a voltage-gated CaV1 calcium channel and a Shaker-type potassium channel that underlie action potential dynamics in AWA. Simultaneous patch-clamp recording and calcium imaging in AWA revealed spike-associated calcium signals that were also observed after odor stimulation of intact animals, suggesting that natural odor stimuli induce AWA action potentials. The stimulus regimes that elicited action potentials match AWA’s proposed specialized function in climbing odor gradients. Our results provide evidence that C. elegans can use digital as well as analog coding schemes, expand the computational repertoire of its nervous system, and inform future modeling of its neural coding and network dynamics.
A multi-modal study into students’ timing and learning regulation: time is ticking
Authors: Tempelaar Dirk , Rienties Bart , Nguyen Quan 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
This empirical study aims to demonstrate how the combination of trace data derived from technology-enhanced learning environments and self-response survey data can contribute to the investigation of self-regulated learning processes.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a showcase based on 1,027 students’ learning in a blended introductory quantitative course, the authors analysed the learning regulation and especially the timing of learning by trace data. Next, the authors connected these learning patterns with self-reports based on multiple contemporary social-cognitive theories.

Findings
The authors found that several behavioural facets of maladaptive learning orientations, such as lack of regulation, self-sabotage or disengagement negatively impacted the amount of practising, as well as timely practising. On the adaptive side of learning dispositions, the picture was less clear. Where some adaptive dispositions, such as the willingness to invest efforts in learning and self-perceived planning skills, positively impacted learning regulation and timing of learning, other dispositions such as valuing school or academic buoyancy lacked the expected positive effects.

Research limitations/implications
Due to the blended design, there is a strong asymmetry between what one can observe on learning in both modes.

Practical implications
This study demonstrates that in a blended setup, one needs to distinguish the grand effect on learning from the partial effect on learning in the digital mode: the most adaptive students might be less dependent for their learning on the use of the digital learning mode.

Originality/value
The paper presents an application of embodied motivation in the context of blended learning.
Adaptive decision support for suggesting a machine tool maintenance strategy
Authors: Shagluf Abubaker , Parkinson Simon , Longstaff Andrew Peter , Fletcher Simon 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to produce a decision support aid for machine tool owners to utilise while deciding upon a maintenance strategy. Furthermore, the decision support tool is adaptive and capable of suggesting different strategies by monitoring for any change in machine tool manufacturing accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach
A maintenance cost estimation model is utilised within the research and development of this decision support system (DSS). An empirical-based methodology is pursued and validated through case study analysis.

Findings
A case study is provided where a schedule of preventative maintenance actions is produced to reduce the need for the future occurrences of reactive maintenance actions based on historical machine tool accuracy information. In the case study, a 28 per cent reduction in predicted accuracy-related expenditure is presented, equating to a saving of £14k per machine over a five year period.

Research limitations/implications
The emphasis on improving machine tool accuracy and reducing production costs is increasing. The presented research is pioneering in the development of a software-based tool to help reduce the requirement on domain-specific expert knowledge.

Originality/value
The paper presents an adaptive DSS to assist with maintenance strategy selection. This is the first of its kind and is able to suggest a preventative strategy for those undertaking only reactive maintenance. This is of value for both manufacturers and researchers alike. Manufacturers will benefit from reducing maintenance costs, and researchers will benefit from the development and application of a novel decision support technique.
Sleeping with the enemy
Authors: Huang Ming-Chang , Chang Bau-Jung 
Published: July 2018

PurposeThis paper highlights cooperation as an important moderating condition of competitive action and response. Drawing on a new perspective of collective identity on competitive dynamics, the purpose of this paper is to stress the impacts of market commonalities and resource similarities on competitive actions and responses and focus on the moderating effect of cooperation on the relationships mentioned above.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs logistic regression analysis to test the hypotheses in the Taiwanese flour industry at the period 2002–2005.FindingsThe results indicate market commonalities and resource similarities have a negative effect on the likelihood of a price-competitive action and a price-competitive response. Moreover, the level of cooperation among firms moderates the relationships among market commonalities, resource similarities, price-competitive actions, and price-competitive responses.Practical implicationsTo understand and predict competitive behavior help firms to control and avoid unnecessary rivalry and therefore maintain mutual forbearance with competitors.Originality/valueThis study provides a new angle on cooperation-level analysis, contributing the use of collective identity theory to analyze the moderating effects of cooperation on competitive actions and responses.
Optimization of laboratory procedures for intrauterine insemination: survey of methods in relation to clinical outcome
Authors: Lemmens L. , Kos S. , Beijer C. , Braat D. D. M. , Jonker M. A. , Nelen W. L. D. M. , Wetzels A. M. M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundThere is a wide practice variation of used methods and outcomes in IUI in fertility laboratories. Standardization of the IUI procedure is important for reducing inconsistency among laboratories in counseling infertile couples and in pregnancy results. The aim of the study was to evaluate the currently used laboratory procedures of IUI in Dutch fertility laboratories and their effect on IUI pregnancy results. Additionally, the methods for semen analysis (SA) were evaluated, as SA is related to IUI in terms of inseminated sperm number and IUI counseling.Material and MethodsThis questionnaire survey study was sent to laboratories participating in the Dutch external quality control program for semen analysis (SKML) and consisted of 46 questions concerning laboratory management, methods for semen analysis and IUI, and clinical results. The results were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsA total of 52 laboratories (out of 99) provided information on used methodologies for SA or laboratory procedures of IUI and the organization of the laboratory. A wide variability was confirmed in used methods for both SA and IUI. Evaluation of pregnancy results obtained during 3 years (2013‐2015) showed that specific used laboratory methods have a significant effect on the probability of becoming pregnant.Discussion and conclusionImportant to remark is that in this survey study cycle‐specific data, including variables of the individual couples (age, stimulation protocol, etc), were not included and may have effects on the results. The reported results provide an overview of the current practice performance; however, the organization of fertility laboratories is changing rapidly. The use of standardized methods in IUI is important for optimizing the performance of care and improving pregnancy results. The knowledge on used procedures, however, is limited, and further research on factors involving SA and the IUI procedure is necessary.