bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Effects of Temperature and Salinity on the Gene Expression and Physiology of Crassostrea virginica
Authors: Jones H R , Johnson K M , Kelly M W 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, forms reefs that provide critical services to the surrounding ecosystem. These reefs are at risk from climate change, in part because altered rainfall patterns may amplify local fluctuations in salinity, impacting oyster recruitment, survival, and growth. As in other marine organisms, warming water temperatures might interact with these changes in salinity to synergistically influence oyster physiology. In this study, we used comparative transcriptomics, measurements of physiology, and a field assessment to investigate what phenotypic changes C. virginica uses to cope with combined temperature and salinity stress in the Gulf of Mexico. Oysters from a historically low salinity site (Sister Lake, LA) were exposed to fully crossed temperature (20°C and 30°C) and salinity (25, 15, and 7 PSU) treatments. Using comparative transcriptomics on oyster gill tissue, we identified a greater number of genes that were differentially expressed (DE) in response to low salinity at warmer temperatures. Functional enrichment analysis showed low overlap between genes DE in response to thermal stress compared with hypoosmotic stress and identified enrichment for gene ontologies associated with cell adhesion, transmembrane transport, and microtubule-based process. Experiments also showed that oysters changed their physiology at elevated temperatures and lowered salinity, with significantly increased respiration rates between 20°C and 30°C. However, despite the higher energetic demands, oysters did not increase their feeding rate. To investigate transcriptional differences between populations in situ, we collected gill tissue from three locations and two time points across the Louisiana Gulf coast and used quantitative PCR to measure the expression levels of seven target genes. We found an upregulation of genes that function in osmolyte transport, oxidative stress mediation, apoptosis, and protein synthesis at our low salinity site and sampling time point. In summary, oysters altered their phenotype more in response to low salinity at higher temperatures as evidenced by a higher number of DE genes during laboratory exposure, increased respiration (higher energetic demands), and in situ differential expression by season and location. These synergistic effects of hypoosmotic stress and increased temperature suggest that climate change will exacerbate the negative effects of low salinity exposure on eastern oysters.
The concept of hedging and its application to Southeast Asia: a critique and a proposal for a modified conceptual and methodological framework
Authors: Haacke Jürgen 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn the context of the complex unipolar post-Cold War period that has witnessed China’s reemergence as an economic and military power, small and middle powers are increasingly considered to be hedging. This analysis is especially prevalent in relation to Southeast Asian countries, many of which face security challenges posed by China. However, as the literature on hedging has expanded, the concept’s analytical value is no longer obvious. Different understandings of hedging compete within the literature, and there are many criteria by which hedging is empirically ascertained, leading to confusion even over the basic question of which countries are hedging. In response, this article presents a modified conceptual and methodological framework that clearly delineates hedging from other security strategies and identifies key criteria to evaluate whether smaller powers are hedging when confronting a serious security challenge by one of the major powers. This framework is then applied to Malaysia and Singapore.
MSCs inhibits the angiogenesis of HUVECs through the miR-211/Prox1 pathway
Authors: Pan Jian , Wang Xianglong , Li Dequan , Li Jianmin , Jiang Zipei 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). MSCs were subconjunctival injected into rat corneal alkali burn models. Their impacts on the degree of corneal neovascularization (CNV) and corneal opacity were evaluated at 3, 6, 9 and 12 days after injection. An in vitro experiment of MSCs affecting HUVECs angiogenesis was performed and evaluated using the tube formation assay. The results showed that both CNV and corneal opacity were decreased in rats after MSCs injection. In HUVECs, angiogenesis of cells was inhibited by miR-211 overexpression. miR-211 negatively regulated Prox1 expression. Knockdown of miR-211 blocked the decrease of Prox1 expression induced by MSCs and the inhibitory effect of MSCs on the angiogenesis of HUVECs. The critical role of miR-211 in MSCs inhibition of corneal angiogenesis was confirmed in rat experiments. We concluded that MSCs inhibited the angiogenesis of HUVEC through miR-211 mediating the down-regulation of Prox1.
Lead by Example? Custom-Made Examples Created by Close Others Lead Consumers to Make Dissimilar Choices
Authors: D’Angelo Jennifer K , Diehl Kristin , Cavanaugh Lisa A 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Prior to customizing for themselves, consumers often encounter products customized by other people within their social network. Our research suggests that when encountering a custom-made example of an identity-related product created by an identified social other, consumers infer this social other was motivated to express uniqueness. After making this inference, consumers are also motivated to express uniqueness, particularly when the example was created by a close versus distant social other. Consumers express uniqueness through their own customization choices, choosing fewer options shown in the example or choosing fewer best-selling options. Consumers sometimes even pay a monetary cost or sacrifice preferred choices in order to make their own product unique. Further, this effect dissipates when motivations other than expressing uniqueness are inferred about a social other (e.g., for functionally related products). Across eight studies that span different product contexts, involve real choices, and isolate the underlying theoretical mechanism (i.e., motivation to express uniqueness), our research documents the unique role of custom-made examples, demonstrates the importance of social distance for customization choices, and identifies a novel path explaining when and why individuals express uniqueness.
Efficacy of Modified Atmospheres on Trogoderma granarium (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) and Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Vassilakos Thomas N , Riudavets Jordi , Castañé Cristina , Iturralde-Garcia Rey D , Athanassiou Christos G 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
We investigated the efficacy of two types of modified atmospheres (MA) against adults of the khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium Everts, and the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, under laboratory conditions. Adults of the above species on wheat were exposed to a carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration of 70% or a low oxygen (O2) concentration of 0.1% for durations of 0.67 (16 h), 1, 2, 4, and 6 d and stored in an environmental chamber set at 28 ± 2°C, 70 ± 5% RH, and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. After each exposure interval, immediate mortality and knockdown were recorded, and the surviving or knocked down individuals were transferred to normal atmospheres and returned to the environmental chamber, where survival was recorded 7 d later. In addition, after the immediate and delayed mortality counts, all adults were removed from the substrate, and the number of progeny produced was recorded 60 d later. Both MA conditions totally controlled (100% mortality) the adults of T. granarium and S. zeamais immediately after a 6-d exposure or after a 4-d exposure when delayed mortality was taken into account, showing the postexposure effect of the MA. Moreover, high CO2 was more effective than low O2 for S. zeamais, whereas the reverse was true for T. granarium. The 4-d exposure period was crucial for the production of progeny of both species because after that period surviving insects did not produce offspring. Our results show that both MA conditions can be used with success to control these species.
ReVisiting the ICC Registry’s ReVision Project
Authors: Clements Richard 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The reorganization of the Registry of the International Criminal Court (ICC) — known as ReVision — remains the most comprehensive reform exercise undertaken by the Court in its 20-year history. Despite lawyers being at the forefront of calls for such reforms, few have analysed the context, achievements and limitations of this exercise. This article remedies that lack by analysing the context in which ReVision arose, and the main features of the project. It evaluates the project’s claim to have rendered the Registry a more efficient and effective organ. It also looks to ReVision’s impact on the independence of the ICC, as well as on key court participants including staff, victims and accused persons. Evaluating ReVision along these lines, the article paints a mixed picture of its results. Such ambiguity provides ICC officials and observers with an opportunity to reflect on the inherent value of managerial reform while also asking fundamental questions about the court’s priorities when pursuing reforms like ReVision.
Demography of the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) in the most arid part of its range
Authors: Hernandez-Santin Lorna , Dunlop Judy A , Goldizen Anne W , Fisher Diana O 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) is a carnivorous marsupial that has suffered severe population declines over the last 50 years and is now listed as Endangered. The Pilbara region of Western Australia is a semi-arid area that represents an extreme of the northern quoll’s range. The overall objective of this study was to assess population characteristics of northern quolls at two rocky sites in the Pilbara, focusing on body condition, reproductive timing, population size, and sex-specific survival. We interpret these in the context of variation in habitat quality and the harsh climate. We found that reproduction occurred later in the year than in populations at more mesic locations where quolls have been previously studied, although their life history and demography were otherwise similar to that in other parts of their range. Contrary to our expectations, post-mating mortality of males was not complete. Population sizes differed between sites, suggesting that these rocky habitats varied in habitat quality. We suggest that local population size estimates can guide decisions on the relative importance of sites to ensure the long-term conservation of the species, given impacts of mining and the imminent invasion of introduced cane toads (Rhinella marina).
Oral Narrow-Spectrum Antibiotics for the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection in Infants Younger Than 60 Days
Authors: Fernandez Marisol , Givens Merkel Kathyrn , Ortiz Julio D , Downey Quick Rachel 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Data on the outcome of infants younger than 60 days treated with a combination of intravenous and oral antibiotics for urinary tract infection are limited. This study examined susceptibility and successful outcomes of treatment with narrow-spectrum oral antibiotics. In addition, we describe the effects of antimicrobial stewardship education intervention on prescribing practices.
Farnesol increases the activity of echinocandins against Candida auris biofilms
Authors: Nagy Fruzsina , Tóth Zoltán , Daróczi Lajos , Székely Adrien , Borman Andrew M , Majoros László , Kovács Renátó 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Candida auris biofilms exhibit decreased susceptibility to echinocandins, which is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Farnesol is a quorum-sensing molecule enhancing the activity of antifungals; therefore, we evaluated the in vitro effect of farnesol with anidulafungin, caspofungin, or micafungin against biofilms using fractional inhibitory concentration indexes (FICI), Bliss independence model, LIVE/DEAD-assay and scanning electron microscopy. Based on mathematical models, farnesol caused synergism in eleven out of twelve cases (FICIs range 0.133-0.507; Bliss synergy volume range 70.39–204.6 μM2%). This was confirmed by microscope images of combination-exposed biofilms. Our study showed the prominent effect of farnesol with echinocandins against C. auris biofilms.
Response to Comment on “microRNAs in the Same Clusters Evolve to Coordinately Regulate Functionally Related Genes”
Authors: Wang Yirong , Zhang Hong , Lu Jian 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Metazoan miRNAs are significantly enriched in clusters. In a previous study (Wang, et al. 2016), we proposed a “functional co-adaptation” model to explain how clustering helps new miRNAs survive and develop functions during long-term evolution. Recently, Marco re-analyzed our data and came to a different conclusion. The major concern Marco raised is whether the observed number of genes targeted by at least two conserved miRNAs with different seeds from the same miRNA clusters is statistically higher than the number obtained under the assumption of randomness. Marco claimed that our approach of shuffling miRNA–target interactions would lead to spuriously low P values. Marco also argued our observation that clustered miRNAs have more common targets than expected is mostly contributed by seeds with similar sequences. However, we found his analyses were conducted in an inappropriate approach and do not refute our model. We also provide new evidences to reaffirm our model.
On the Effects of Restricting Short-Term Investment
Authors: Crouzet Nicolas , Dew-Becker Ian , Nathanson Charles G 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe study the effects of policies proposed to address “short-termism” in financial markets. We examine a noisy rational expectations model in which investors’ exposures and information about fundamentals endogenously vary across horizons. In this environment, taxing or outlawing short-term investment doesn’t negatively affect the information in prices about long-term fundamentals. However, such a policy reduces short- and long-term investors’ profits and utility. Changing policies about the release of short-term information can help long-term investors—an objective of some policy makers—at the expense of short-term investors. Doing so also makes prices less informative and increases costs of speculation.Received June 24, 2018; editorial decision February 19, 2019 by Editor Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh. Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Enhanced Quality Metrics for Assessing RNA Derived From Archival Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Samples
Authors: Wehmas Leah C , Wood Charles E , Chorley Brian N , Yauk Carole L , Nelson Gail M , Hester Susan D 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues provide an important resource for toxicogenomic research. However, variability in the integrity or quality of RNA obtained from archival FFPE specimens can lead to unreliable data and wasted resources, and standard protocols for measuring RNA integrity do not adequately assess the suitability of FFPE RNA. The main goal of this study was to identify improved methods for evaluating FFPE RNA quality for whole-genome sequencing. We examined RNA quality metrics conducted prior to RNA-sequencing in paired frozen and FFPE samples with varying levels of quality based on age in block and time in formalin. RNA quality was measured by the RNA integrity number (RIN), a modified RIN called the paraffin-embedded RNA metric, the percentage of RNA fragments >100–300 nucleotides in size (DV100–300), and 2 quantitative PCR-based methods. This information was correlated to sequencing read quality, mapping, and gene detection. Among fragmentation-based methods, DV and PCR-based metrics were more informative than RIN or paraffin-embedded RNA metric in determining sequencing success. Across low- and high-quality FFPE samples, a minimum of 80% of RNA fragments >100 nucleotides (DV100 > 80) provided the best indication of gene diversity and read counts upon sequencing. The PCR-based methods further showed quantitative reductions in amplifiable RNA of target genes related to sample age and time in formalin that inform input quantity of FFPE RNA for sequencing. These results should aid in screening and prioritizing archival FFPE samples for retrospective analyses of gene expression.
Activity-dependent lateral inhibition signals for synaptic competition
Authors: Fujimoto Satoshi , Leiwe Marcus N. , Aihara Shuhei , Sakaguchi Richi , Muroyama Yuko , Kobayakawa Reiko , Kobayakawa Ko , Saito Tetsuichiro , Imai Takeshi 
Published: May 2019

SUMMARYIn developing brains, activity-dependent remodeling facilitates the formation of precise neuronal connectivity. Synaptic competition is known to facilitate synapse elimination; however, it has remained unknown how different synapses compete to each other within a postsynaptic cell. Here we investigate how a mitral cell in the olfactory bulb prunes all but one primary dendrite during the developmental remodeling process. We find that spontaneous activity generated within the olfactory bulb is essential. We show that strong glutamatergic inputs to one dendrite trigger branch-specific changes in RhoA activity to facilitate the pruning of the remaining dendrites: NMDAR-dependent local signals suppress RhoA to protect it from pruning; however, the subsequent neuronal depolarization induces neuron-wide activation of RhoA to prune non-protected dendrites. NMDAR-RhoA signals are also essential for the synaptic competition in the barrel cortex. Our results demonstrate a general principle whereby activity-dependent lateral inhibition across synapses establishes a discrete receptive field of a neuron.
Dose-dependent role of Gfi1 in murine hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation
Authors: Schütte Judith , Thivakaran Aniththa , Al-Matary Yahya , Patnana Pradeep Kumar , Frank Daria , Engel Daniel R. , Dührsen Ulrich , Khandanpour Cyrus 
Published: May 2019

AbstractGfi1 (Growth factor independence 1) is a transcription factor that influences the stem cell capacity of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) as well as their differentiation into the myeloid and lymphoid lineage. Loss of Gfi1 impedes the repopulation capacity of HSCs and leads to a block in granulocyte generation causing severe neutropenia and monocytosis. Competitive transplantation assays showed that Gfi1-deficient cells were not able to reconstitute myeloid and lymphoid hematopoiesis in competition with Gfi1-wildtype (GFI1-36S) cells. Low Gfi1 levels (GFI1-knockdown = GFI1-KD) in blasts of myelodysplastic neoplasms, acute and chronic myeloid leukemia patients are associated with poor patient survival. To understand how reduced levels or loss of Gfi1 contribute to hematopoiesis, we analyzed the effect of GFI1-KD and Gfi1-KO on HSCs and more mature cell types in mice. GFI1-KD and Gfi1-KO led to strong decrease in HSC numbers, while the numbers of early progenitors (Lin− Sca1+cKit+ cells) were slightly increased. Competitive transplantation assays showed that GFI1-KD and Gfi1-KO HSCs can still engraft and expand, but they cannot contribute to myeloid and lymphoid differentiation.
Bacterial longevity requires protein synthesis and a stringent response
Authors: Yin Liang , Ma Hongyu , Nakayasu Ernesto S. , Payne Samuel H. , Morris David R. , Harwood Caroline S. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTGram-negative bacteria in infections, biofilms and industrial settings often stop growing due to nutrient depletion, immune responses or environmental stresses. Bacteria in this state tend to be tolerant to antibiotics and are often referred to as dormant.Rhodopseudomonas palustris, a phototrophic α-proteobacterium, can remain fully viable for more than four months when growth is arrested. Here, we show that protein synthesis, specific proteins involved in translation and a stringent response are required for this remarkable longevity. Because it can generate ATP from light during growth arrest,R. palustrisis an extreme example of a bacterial species that will stay alive for long periods of time as a relatively homogeneous population of cells and it is thus an excellent model organism for studies of bacterial longevity. There is evidence that other Gram-negative species also continue to synthesize proteins during growth arrest and that a stringent response is required for their longevity as well. Our observations challenge the notion that growth-arrested cells are necessarily dormant and metabolically inactive, and suggest that such bacteria may have a level of metabolic activity that is higher than many would have assumed. Our results also expand our mechanistic understanding of a crucial but understudied phase of the bacterial life cycle.IMPORTANCEWe are surrounded by bacteria; but they do not completely dominate our planet despite the ability of many to grow extremely rapidly in the laboratory. This has been interpreted to mean that bacteria in nature are often in a dormant state. We investigated life in growth arrest ofRhodopseudomonas palustris, a proteobacterium that stays alive for months when it is not growing. We found that cells were metabolically active; they continued to synthesize proteins and mounted a stringent response, both of which were required for their longevity. Our results suggest that long-lived bacteria are not necessarily inactive but have an active metabolism that is well adjusted to life without growth.
Alpha oscillations govern interhemispheric spike timing coordination in the honey bee brain
Authors: Popov Tzvetan , Szyszka Paul 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn 1929 Hans Berger discovered the alpha oscillations: a prominent, ongoing 10 Hz rhythm in the human electroencephalogram (EEG). These alpha oscillations are amongst the most widely studied cerebral signals, related to cognitive phenomena such as attention, memory, and consciousness. However, the mechanisms by which alpha oscillations affect human cognition await demonstration. Here we suggest the honey bee brain as an experimentally more accessible model system for investigating the functional roles of alpha oscillations. We found a prominent alpha wave-like spontaneous neural activity (~ 18 Hz) that is reduced in amplitude upon stimulus presentation. The phase of this alpha activity biased both timing of neuronal spikes and amplitude of high-frequency gamma activity (~ 30 Hz). These results suggest a common role of oscillatory neuronal activity across phyla and provide an unprecedented new venue for causal studies on the relationship between neuronal spikes, brain oscillations, and cognition.