bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal dynamics of complex ecological networks: Power-law scaling and implications for conservation planning
Authors: Wright Christopher 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSpatial constraints on the topology of complex networks are just beginning to be appreciated, both theoretically^1-3^ and in concrete examples like the Internet^4^ and global air transportation network^5^. Ecological networks, composed of habitat patches connected by species dispersal, are intrinsically spatial and show promise as a tool for conservation planning; but while habitat-loss effects on ecological networks have been simulated, such effects have not been directly measured in ecological networks varying over time^6-8^. In this study, I used satellite remote sensing to study ecological networks composed of wetland habitat in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of North America. I find power-law scaling of important topological properties as a function of dispersal ability and as wetland density varies with climate. Prairie wetland networks are 'meso-worlds' with mean topological distance increasing faster with network size than small-world networks^9^, but slower than regular lattices^10^. While similar dynamics have been shown in random spatial networks^1,3^, these results emphasize the importance of processes determining locations of nodes in a spatial network, with possible implications in other areas like wireless communication networks^11^ or disease transmission networks^12^. Wetland networks establish a climate envelope for landscape connectivity in the PPR, and I show that wetland-dependent species face a 'crisis of connectivity' with climate change. The global biodiversity crisis requires that conservation planners act quickly over large areas using limited resources^13,14^; a network-based approach to coarse-filter conservation planning in dynamic landscapes should be broadly applicable to this problem.
Second-Hand Stress: Neurobiological Evidence for a Human Alarm Pheromone
Authors: Mujica-Parodi Lilianne , Strey Helmut , Frederick Blaise , Savoy Robert , Cox David , Botanov Yevgeny , Tolkunov Denis , Rubin Denis , Weber Jochen 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAlarm pheromones are airborne chemical signals, released by an individual into the environment, which transmit warning of danger to conspecifics via olfaction. Using fMRI, we provide the first neurobiological evidence for a human alarm pheromone. Individuals showed activation of the amygdala in response to sweat produced by others during emotional stress, with exercise sweat as a control; behavioral data suggest facilitated evaluation of ambiguous threat.
Parrot proventricular dilatation disease: a possible model of Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Authors: Rossi Giacomo , Crosta Lorenzo , Pesaro Stefano 
Published: July 2019

AbstractProventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD) affects parrots with clinico-pathological aspects similar to those of the Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a human neurophathy. We observed that in sera of PPD-affected parrots antibodies to gangliosides were detectable, similarly to that observed for GBS, and that quantification of such antibodies could be diagnostic for PDD. Then, we proved that administration of purified gangliosides to parrots, elicited autoimmune response and a pathological outcome similar to that of natural PDD. We propose this model not only for better studying PDD, but also as the basis for developing a reliable animal model of GBS.
The Modified Pharaoh Approach: Stingless bees mummify beetle parasites alive
Authors: Greco Mark , Neumann Peter , Hoffmann Dorothee , Dollin Anne , Duncan Michael , Spooner-Hart Robert 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSocial insect colonies usually live in nests, which are often invaded by parasitic species^1^. Workers from these colonies use different defence strategies to combat invaders^1^. Nevertheless, some parasitic species are able to bypass primary colony defences due to their morphology and behaviour^1-3^. In particular, some beetle nest invaders cannot be killed or removed by workers of social bees^2-5^, thus creating the need for alternative social defence strategies to ensure colony survival. Here we show, using Diagnostic Radioentomology^6^, that stingless bee workers Trigona carbonaria, immediately mummify invading destructive nest parasites Aethina tumida alive, with a mixture of resin, wax and mud, thereby preventing severe damage to the colony. In sharp contrast to the responses of honeybee^7^ and bumblebee colonies^8^, the rapid live mummification strategy of T. carbonaria effectively prevents beetle parasite advancements and removes their ability to reproduce. The convergent evolution of live mummification by stingless bees and social encapsulation by honeybees^3^ suggests that colonies of social bees generally rely on, secondary defence mechanisms when harmful nest intruders cannot be killed or ejected easily. This process is analogous to immune responses in animals.
Evidence of novel type of ribosome in eukaryotic intermediate flatworm
Authors: Wang Haoran , Gao Mary , Kenzo Sato , Hirai Kazumitsu 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn all organisms, messenger-directed protein synthesis is catalyzed by ribonucleoprotein particles called ribosomes. A ribosome is typically composed of one small and one large subunit which contain one short (18S) and one long (28S) rRNAs, respectively. Surprisingly, in this study, three similar size rRNAs (18-21S) were revealed in the electrophoresis profile of the total RNAs of tapeworm Spirometra erinaceiuropaei. Northern blot analysis shows that one of the three bands belongs to 18S rRNA, and the other two bands are of 28S rRNAs, implying structurally distinct ribosomes in this intermediate animal. Furthermore, similar, but not identical profiles were observed in two other tapeworms Diphyllobothrium hottai and Diphyllobothrium Nipponkaiizeme. Relevant to this finding, in flatworm Paragonimus westermani, 18S rRNAs were found much more numerous than 28S rRNAs. Moreover, consistent with this biochemical finding, transmission electron microscopy examinations show that the ribosomes isolated from Spirometra erinaceiuropaei are composed of either one ball or two similar size subunits (balls), while the structure of ribosomes isolated from control liver tissue exactly match the conventional large and small subunit ribosome model. Our study provides direct biochemical and biophysical evidence of structurally distinct novel type of ribosomes in intermediate eukaryotic flatworms. These finding may be important for re-recognition of biological protein synthesis and evolutionary process of living things.
Design and Implementation of the UniProt Website
Authors: Jain Eric , Phan Isabelle , Duvaud Severine , Gasteiger Elisabeth , Redaschi Nicole , Martin Maria , McGarvey Peter , Bairoch Amos 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe UniProt consortium is the main provider of protein sequence and annotation data for much of the life sciences community. The "www.uniprot.org":http://www.uniprot.org website is the primary access point to this data and to documentation and basic tools for the data. This paper discusses the design and implementation of the new website, which was released in July 2008, and shows how it improves data access for users with different levels of experience, as well as to machines for programmatic access.
Breast Cancer Associated Metastasis is Significantly Increased in a Model of Autoimmune Arthritis
Authors: Das Roy Lopamudra , Pathangey Latha , Tinder Teresa , Mukherjee Pinku 
Published: July 2019

AbstractChronic inflammation is known to play a role in cancer initiation, promotion,and metastasis. However, the mechanism by which inflammation promotes metastasis is still unclear. We evaluated if chronic inflammation induced by autoimmune arthritis may contribute to increased breast cancer-associated metastasis. We report a three-fold increase in lung metastasis and a significant increase in the incidence of bone metastasis in the pro-arthritic mice compared to control mice. The metastatic breast tumors in turn augment the severity of arthritis resulting in a vicious cycle that increases both bone destruction and metastasis. Enhanced neutrophilic and granulocytic infiltration in lungs and bone of the pro-arthritic mice and subsequent increase in circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17, IL-6, VEGF, and TNF-&x03B1; were the underlying factors contributing to the increased metastasis. The data clearly has important clinical implications for patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
Genetically modified Cotton species detection by LISS-III satellite data
Authors: Mukherjee Saumitra , Shashtri Satyanarayan , Kumar Singh Chander , Kumari Bindu , Kumari Reena , Avatar Ram , Mukherjee Anita , Singh Bhoop 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIt is possible to infer the genetically modified species by using remotely sensed data. Using ERDAS software the algorithm of BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) Cotton in Punjab, India was developed successfully. GPS enabled space technology has the potential to identify the exact location of Bt Cotton by generating Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for the calculation of total area covered by this species. It was possible to develop a correlation in between genetically modified Cotton crop and NDVI value. In parts of Bhatinda district of Punjab the yield of Bt Cotton and NDVI showing R2 value of more than 4.5 in regression analysis. A correlation matrix was also generated which shows that NDVI values of BT cotton has reasonably acceptable correlation with Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of soil and water also.
Assortative human pair-bonding for partner ancestry and allelic variation of the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene
Authors: Eisenberg Dan , Apicella Coren , Campbell Benjamin , Dreber Anna , Garcia Justin , Lum J. Koji 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe 7R allele of the dopamine receptor D4 gene has been associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and risk taking. On the cross-population scale, 7R allele frequencies have been shown to be higher in populations with more of a history of long-term migrations. It has also been shown that the 7R allele is associated with individuals having multiple-ancestries. Here we conduct a replication of this latter finding with two independent samples. Measures of subjects’ ancestry are used to examine past reproductive bonds. The individuals’ history of inter-racial/ancestral dating and their feelings about this are also assessed. Tentative support for an association between multiple ancestries and the 7R allele were found. These results are dependent upon the method of questioning subjects about their ancestries. Inter-racial dating and feelings about inter-racial pairing were not related to the presence of the 7R allele. This might be accounted for by secular trends that might have substantively altered the decision-making process employed when considering relationships with individuals from different groups. This study provides continued support for the 7R allele playing a role in migration and/or mate choice patterns. However, replications and extensions of this study are needed and must carefully consider how ancestry/race is assessed.
Strategies for identifying exact structure of neural circuits with broad light microscopy connectivity probes
Authors: Mishchenko Yuriy 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDissecting the structure of neural circuits in the brain is one of the central problems of neuroscience. Until present day, the only way to obtain complete and detailed reconstructions of neural circuits was thought to be the serial section Electron Microscopy, which could take decades to complete a small circuit. In this paper, we develop a mathematical framework that allows performing such reconstructions much faster and cheaper with existing light microscopy and genetic tools. In this framework, a collection of genetically targeted light probes of connectivity is prepared from different animals and then used to systematically deduce the circuit&apos;s connectivity. Each measurement is represented as mathematical constraint on the circuit architecture. Such constraints are then computationally combined to identify the detailed connectivity matrix for the probed circuit. Connectivity here is understood broadly, such as that between different identifiable neurons or identifiable classes of neurons, etc. This paradigm may be applied with connectivity probes such as ChR2-assisted circuit mapping, GRASP or transsynaptic viruses, and genetic targeting techniques such as Brainbow, MARCM/MADM or UAS/Gal4, in model organisms such as C. Elegans, Drosophila, zerbafish, mouse, etc. In particular, we demonstrate how, by using this paradigm, the wiring diagram between all neurons in C. Elegans may be reconstructed with GRASP and Brainbow and off-the-shelf light microscopy tools in the time span of one week or less. Described approach allows recovering exact connectivity matrix even if neurons may not be targeted individually in ~Np*log(N) time (Np is the number of nonzero entries and N is the size of the connectivity matrix). For comparison, the minimal time that would be necessary to determine connectivity matrix directly by probing connections between individual neurons when one knows a-priory which pairs should be tested, e.g. with whole-cell patches, is ~Np.
Cross-modal facilitation of visual and tactile motion
Authors: Burr David , Sandini Giulio , Gori Monica 
Published: July 2019

AbstractRobust and versatile perception of the world is augmented considerably when information from our five separate sensory systems is combined. Much recent evidence has demonstrated near-optimal integration across senses, but it remains unclear at what level the integration occurs, at a &quot;sensory&quot; or &quot;decisional&quot; level. Here we show that non-informative &quot;pedestal&quot; motion stimuli in one sensory modality (vision or touch) selectively lowers thresholds in the other, to the same degree as pedestals in the same modality: strong evidence for functionally important cross-sensory integration at early levels of sensory processing.
Capsaicin protects neuromuscular junctions from the inhibitory effects of botulinum neurotoxin A
Authors: Thyagarajan Baskaran , Garcia Carmen , Potian Joseph , Krivitskaya Natalia , Hognason Kormakur , McArdle Joseph 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWithin 24 hrs after injecting botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) into the hindlimb, mice lost the toe spread reflex and developed progressive muscle weakness. At the same time, the compound muscle action potential amplitude decreased. Injection of capsaicin before BoNT/A significantly reduced these affects and protected the muscle twitch tension of the Extensor digitorum longus (EDL) nerve muscle preparation. Acute in vitro exposure of isolated nerve muscle preparations, as well as Neuro 2a cells, to capsaicin prevented uptake of Alexa 647 BoNT/A. Motor nerve endings as well as Neuro 2a cells express the capsaicin receptor, a transient receptor potential channel of the vanilloid family (TRPV1). Capsaicin as well as disruption of clathrin coated pits (CCPs) reduced Neuro 2a cell uptake of BoNT/A. FM1-43 uptake indicated that exocytosis persists for BoNT/A treated Neuro 2a cells pretreated with capsaicin. Pre-injection of wortmannin (WMN), a PI3Kinase inhibitor, also protected mice from the paralytic effects of BoNT/A. When applied alone, either WMN or capsaicin selectively reduced stimulus-evoked transmitter release from motor nerve endings. We hypothesize that TRPV1 activation reduces PI(4,5)P2 level within the membrane. This prevents CCP formation and uptake of BoNT/A.
The Hepatocellular Hypoxia Criteria:2’Nitroimidazole Effect on Hepatocyte Carbohydrate Metabolizing Enzymes
Authors: Sharma Rakesh 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAim: to understand the 2’-nitroimidazole induced hypoxia and liver cell interaction, we proposed a “Hapatocellular Hypoxia Criteria”. Hypothesis: The nitroimidazole induced metabolic energy loss and oxygen depletion (hypoxia) in liver cell mitochondria causes the phagocytosis. Based on it, ten control subjects with 2’-nitroimidazole therapy were studied for their carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes in serum and hepatocellular enzymes in liver biopsy tissues.
Materials and Methods:
Proven ten control subjects were studied for hypoxia by enzyme assays. The 2’nitroimidazole treated paired ten subjects were studied for hypoxia using enzyme assays and hepatocellular cytomorphology by electron microscopy.

Results and Discussion:
Out of ten subjects on 2’-nitroimidazole, nine showed elevated carbohydrate metabolizing and lysosomal enzyme levels in serum. The enzymes glucokinase (in 80% samples), aldolase (in 80% samples), phosphofructokinase (in 80% samples), malate dehydrogenase (in 75% samples), isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) (in 60% patients) were elevated while succinate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels remained unaltered. Lysosomal enzymes β-glucuronidase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, showed enhanced levels in the serum samples. In control ten liver biopsies, the hepatocytes and Kupffer cell preparations showed altered enzyme levels. Hepatocytes showed lowered glucokinase (in 80%), LDH (in 80%), and higher content of aldolase (in 80%), pyruvate kinase (in 100%), malate dehydrogenase (in 80%), ICDH (in 80%), citrate dehydrogenase (in 70%), phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (in 80%). Kupffer cells showed higher enzyme levels of β-glucuroronidase (in 80%), leucine aminopeptidase (in 70%), acid phosphatase (in 80%) and aryl sulphatase (in 88%). In these 10 biopsy samples from subjects on 2’-nitronidazole clinical trial, the electron microscopy cytomorphology observations showed swollen bizarre mitochondria, proliferative endoplasmic reticulum, and anisonucleosis after 2’-Nitroimidazole effect in liver cell damage.

Conclusion:
The proposed “Hepatocellular Hypoxia Criteria” served to define origin of liver hypoxia and showed altered hepatic enzyme activities with active phagocytosis and cytotoxicity in subjects after 2’-nitroimidazole treatment. The study suggests the enzyme based evaluation of nitroimidazole induced hypoxia monitoring and treatment of hepatic tumors and infected liver.
Narrow genetic and apparent phenetic diversity in Jatropha curcas: initial success with generating low phorbol ester interspecific hybrids
Authors: Popluechai Siam , Breviario Diego , Mulpuri Sujatha , Makkar Harinder , Raorane Manish , Reddy Attipalli , Palchetti Enrico , Gatehouse Angharad , Syers Keith , O'Donnell Anthony , Kohli Ajay 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDue to the increasing popularity of Jatropha curcas as a feedstock for biodiesel, generating non-toxic and high yielding varieties of the plant requires genotypic characterization towards identifying breeding lines. There is little information on the phylogenetic relationships between its global accessions and species. Assessing genetic variation by RAPD, AFLP and combinatorial tubulin based polymorphism (cTBP) in 38 J. curcas accessions from 13 countries on 3 continents revealed narrow genetic diversity. However, 6 different species of Jatropha from India exhibited pronounced genetic diversity indicating possibilities of improving J. curcas by interspecific breeding. The relatively unexplored cTBP approach we used was a highly efficient and cost effective genotyping tool. Using such tools towards breeding J. curcas for low phorbol ester (PE) content is highly desirable because of the co-carcinogenic nature of the PEs present in all the commercially relevant parts such as seeds, seed-cake and biodiesel. We report initial success in obtaining interspecific F1 and back cross (BC1) plants with low PE and improved agronomic traits.Further efforts will lead to generating varieties with targeted traits. Despite the limited genetic diversity within J. curcas accessions, appreciable variability was noticed in important phenotypic, physiological and biochemical traits such as seed size, water use efficiency and seed oil content respectively. This implicates fundamental epigenetic regulatory mechanisms and posits J. curcas as a unique system to study them.
Palaeobathymetry of the Abderaz Formation using foraminifera, Iran
Authors: Shafiee Ardestani Meysam , Ghasemi-Nejad Ebrahim 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAbderaz Formation at its type section with an age of Turonian-early Campanian and a thickness of 300 m contains light grey shale and marl. The study of the planktonic foraminifera in isolated form led to differentiate three morphotype groups. The first group is characterized by trochospiral tests usually indicate shallow waters, the second group contains forms with strong ornamentations and the primary keels representing mid waters and finally compact trochospiral tests with keels known as deep water indices are included in the third group. Studies on the morphotypes showed a regressive cycle for Abderaz Formation. Also the planktonic to benthic ratio was calculated using Depth = e^(3.58718 + (0.03534 × %*p)^ equilibrium which explains that at the deposits 400 meter at total part of in this Formation. This study was intended to explore the marine sedimentation of Abderaz Formation in (outer neritic-upper bathyal) restrict and the provided curves from morphotypes changes are in full agreement with the curves of the sea level changes and planktonic foraminifer to epifauna benthic ratio.
Reaction time to judge the temporal inequality of digits numbers
Authors: Vicario Carmelo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSeveral studies had consistently lighted mechanisms about the relation between spatial and numerical cognition; parallel to this, a separate research line begin to document similar relationships for the representation of time and quantity as well. However there are still few studies that explore cognitive mechanisms subserving this relation. Starting from the evidence of the SNARC effect (Dehaene et al., 1993), here we investigate about the presence of similar effect in the processing of temporal and numerical information. We studied the effects of numerical exposure when participants are asked to perform a visual detection task in which temporal information is explicitly or implicitly conveyed. The main result shows that, during explicit timing, low digits exposure improve reaction time in the judgment of shorter duration whereas big digits exposure improve reaction time in judgment of longer duration. No interaction between temporal and numerical information is documented when participants perform implicit timing task. Results suggest a role quantity exposure for timing task-dependent attentional orientation.
Inhibition of pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1) expression in Leishmania promastigotes using a full-length antisense construct
Authors: Kheirandish Farnaz , Bandehpour Mojgan , Davoudi Nushin , Mosaffa Nariman , Mahboudi Fereydoun , Kazemi Bahram , Haghighi Ali , Mohebali Mehdi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractLeishmania exhibit many unusual features, one of which is the pteridine metabolic pathway essential for the growth for these parasites. Leishmania have evolved a complex and versatile pteridine salvage network capable of scavenging a wide array of conjugated and unconjugated pteridines. The L. major PTR1 gene was cloned into pcDNA3 digested with KpnI and BamHI. The gene was cloned antiparallel to the promoter and named pcDNA-Rptr. L. major promastigotes were divided into two groups. One group was transfected with 50 &x03BC;g of pcDNA-Rptr, whereas the other group was electroporated with pcDNA3. Mentioned cells were cultured and plated onto semi-solid media.Western blotting was performed on extracts from transfected promastigotes of L. major using an leishmania major PTR1 antibody. The PTR1 protein was not expressed in pcDNA-Rptr-tansfected promastigotes, &apos;Our results indicate that our system may be useful for studying the pteridine salvage pathway in Leishmania as a possible drug target.