bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The lichen genusCoenogoniumin Tasmania
Authors: KANTVILAS G. , RIVAS PLATA E. , LüCKING R. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe genusCoenogoniumEhrenb. in Tasmania comprises seven species. New to science are:C. atherospermatisKantvilas, Rivas Plata & Lücking, endemic to Tasmania and characterized by pale yellowish beige apothecia and relatively small ascospores, 6–8·5×2·5–3 µm;C. urceolatumKantvilas, Rivas Plata & Lücking, likewise endemic to Tasmania and characterized by orange, urceolate apothecia, 0·3–0·4 mm wide, and uniseriate ascospores, 8·5–11×2·5–3 µm; andC. australienseKantvilas & Lücking, recorded from Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales, and characterized by orange apothecia, 0·5–2 mm wide, and relatively broad ascospores, 10–14×3–4·5 µm. Also treated areC. lutescens(Vĕzda & Malcolm) Malcolm (Tasmania and New Zealand) and three widespread taxa, namelyC. implexumNyl. (Southern Hemisphere),C. luteum(Dicks.) Kalb & Lücking andC. pineti(Schrad. ex Ach.) Lücking & Lumbsch (both subcosmopolitan). All species are described in full from Tasmanian collections and illustrated, and their ecology, variation and affinities to related species are discussed. The Tasmanian taxa are also discussed in the context of the Australasian lichen biota.
The effect of urbanization on the functional and scale-sensitive diversity of bird assemblages in Central India
Authors: Kale Manoj , Dudhe Nandkishor , Ferrante Marco , Ivanova Tatiana , Kasambe Raju , Trukhanova Irina S. , Bhattacharya Prosun , Lövei Gabor L. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract:Diversity changes can be evaluated at various spatial scales, and the relationship between changes in diversity at the local, landscape and regional scales is not evident. The overall patterns of functional and beta diversity of bird assemblages were evaluated along a five-stage urbanization gradient, censused over the months of January to April in the years 2010–2013, in and around Amravati city, Deccan Plateau, Central India. We expected the abundance of large and predatory species to decline along the gradient, and urbanization to homogenize species richness at the landscape level. Overall, 112,829 birds belonging to 89 species were identified in the region, and species richness decreased from the rural forest (73 species) to more urbanized areas (lowest at the centre of Amravaty city with 29 species). Along the urbanization gradient, bird assemblages contained more small species, and the share of frugivorous and omnivorous species also increased, while that of insectivorous species decreased. Diversity partitioning indicated that of the overall pattern, local (alpha) diversity accounted for 50.1% of the total (gamma) diversity, and urbanization stages another 36.2%; the contribution of within-stage, local diversity was rather small (2.7%), indicating fairly homogeneous assemblages.
Differences in magnitude and rate of change in adult obesity distribution by age and sex in Mexico, Colombia and Peru, 2005–2010
Authors: Yamada Goro , Castillo-Salgado Carlos , Jones-Smith Jessica C , Moulton Lawrence H 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectiveUnequal obesity distributions among adult populations have been reported in low- and middle-income countries, but mainly based on data of women of reproductive age. Moreover, incorporation of ever-changing skewed BMI distributions in analyses has been a challenge. Our study aimed to assess magnitude and rates of change in BMI distributions by age and sex.DesignShapes of BMI distributions were estimated for 2005 and 2010, and their changes were assessed, using the generalized additive model for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS) and assuming BMI follows a Box–Cox power exponential (BCPE) distribution.SettingNationally representative, repeated cross-sectional health surveys conducted between 2005 and 2013 in Mexico, Colombia and Peru.SubjectsAdult men and non-pregnant women aged 20–69 years.ResultsWhereas women had more right-shifted and wider BMI distributions than men in almost all age groups across the countries in 2010, men in their 30s–40s experienced more rapid increases in BMI between 2005 and 2010, notably in Peru. The highest increase in overweight and obesity prevalence was observed among Peruvian men of 35–39 years, with a 5-year increase of 21 percentage points.ConclusionsThe BCPE–GAMLSS method is an alternative to analyse measurements with time-varying distributions visually, in addition to conventional indicators such as means and prevalences. Consideration of differences in BMI distributions and their changes by sex and age would provide vital information in tailoring relevant policies and programmes to reach target populations effectively. Increases in BMI portend increases of obesity-associated diseases, for which preventive and preparative actions are urgent.
Investigating tarps to facilitate organic no-till cabbage production with high-residue cover crops
Authors: Lounsbury Natalie P , Warren Nicholas D , Wolfe Seamus D , Smith Richard G 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHigh-residue cover crops can facilitate organic no-till vegetable production when cover crop biomass production is sufficient to suppress weeds (>8000 kg ha−1), and cash crop growth is not limited by soil temperature, nutrient availability, or cover crop regrowth. In cool climates, however, both cover crop biomass production and soil temperature can be limiting for organic no-till. In addition, successful termination of cover crops can be a challenge, particularly when cover crops are grown as mixtures. We tested whether reusable plastic tarps, an increasingly popular tool for small-scale vegetable farmers, could be used to augment organic no-till cover crop termination and weed suppression. We no-till transplanted cabbage into a winter rye (Secale cereale L.)-hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) cover crop mulch that was terminated with either a roller-crimper alone or a roller-crimper plus black or clear tarps. Tarps were applied for durations of 2, 4 and 5 weeks. Across tarp durations, black tarps increased the mean cabbage head weight by 58% compared with the no tarp treatment. This was likely due to a combination of improved weed suppression and nutrient availability. Although soil nutrients and biological activity were not directly measured, remaining cover crop mulch in the black tarp treatments was reduced by more than 1100 kg ha−1 when tarps were removed compared with clear and no tarp treatments. We interpret this as an indirect measurement of biological activity perhaps accelerated by lower daily soil temperature fluctuations and more constant volumetric water content under black tarps. The edges of both tarp types were held down, rather than buried, but moisture losses from the clear tarps were greater and this may have affected the efficacy of clear tarps. Plastic tarps effectively killed the vetch cover crop, whereas it readily regrew in the crimped but uncovered plots. However, emergence of large and smooth crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) appeared to be enhanced in the clear tarp treatment. Although this experiment was limited to a single site-year in New Hampshire, it shows that use of black tarps can overcome some of the obstacles to implementing cover crop-based no-till vegetable productions in northern climates.
Adoption of the Additional Protocols of 8 June 1977: A milestone in the development of international humanitarian law
Authors: Bugnion François 
Published: September 2018

AbstractOn 8 June 1977, the Diplomatic Conference on the Reaffirmation and Development of International Humanitarian Law Applicable in Armed Conflicts adopted two Protocols Additional to the 1949 Geneva Conventions. This was the result of nearly ten years of intensive and delicate negotiations. Additional Protocol I protects the victims of international armed conflicts, while Additional Protocol II protects the victims of non-international armed conflicts. These Protocols, which do not replace but supplement the 1949 Geneva Conventions, updated both the law protecting war victims and the law on the conduct of hostilities. This article commemorates the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the 1977 Additional Protocols.
Testgüte einer deutschen Version des Mehrdimensionalen Perfektionismus Kognitions-Inventars (MPCI-G)
Authors: Prestele Elisabeth , Altstötter-Gleich Christine 
Published: September 2018

Zusammenfassung. Gegenstand der vorliegenden Arbeit ist die Entwicklung einer deutschsprachigen Version des Mehrdimensionalen Perfektionismus Kognitions-Inventars (MPCI-G [G = German]). In einer ersten Studie wurde die faktorielle Validität des MPCI-G überprüft. Auf Basis der Ergebnisse aus Studie 1 wurde der MPCI-G revidiert (MPCI-G-R). In Studie 2 wurden die Reliabilität, faktorielle und Konstruktvalidität des MPCI-G-R untersucht. Die Ergebnisse aus konfirmatorischen Faktorenanalysen, Korrelations- und multiplen Regressionsanalysen sprechen für die Reliabilität, faktorielle und Konstruktvalidität der 3 (korrelierten) Dimensionen perfektionistischer Kognitionen: Personal Standards (PSK), Concern over Mistakes (CMK) und Pursuit of Perfection Kognitionen (PPK). Unter anderem fanden sich differentielle Zusammenhänge der 3 Dimensionen mit dispositionellem Perfektionismus (Perfectionistic Strivings und Concerns), Affekt (schlechte Stimmung und Unruhe), Depressivität und der Zielsetzung für eine bevorstehende Prüfungsphase. Die reliable und valide multidimensionale Erfassung perfektionistischer Kognitionen, die zwischen eher positiven (PSK) und negativen Dimensionen (CMK und PPK) differenziert, stellt eine wertvolle Ergänzung zur Erforschung des dispositionellen Perfektionismus dar, welche das Verständnis dafür fördern kann, wie Dimensionen des dispositionellen Perfektionismus mit psychischem und physischem Wohlbefinden zusammenhängen.
Models of Saturn's Equatorial Ionosphere Based on In Situ Data From Cassini's Grand Finale
Authors: Moore L. , Cravens T. E. , Müller‐Wodarg I. , Perry M. E. , Waite J. H. , Perryman R. , Nagy A. , Mitchell D. , Persoon A. , Wahlund J.‐E. , Morooka M. W. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe present new models of Saturn's equatorial ionosphere based on the first in situ measurements of its upper atmosphere. The neutral spectrum measured by Cassini's Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer, which includes substantial methane, ammonia, and organics in addition to the anticipated molecular hydrogen, helium, and water, serves as input for unexpectedly complex ionospheric chemistry. Heavy molecular ions are found to dominate Saturn's equatorial low‐altitude ionosphere, with a mean ion mass of 11 Da. Key molecular ions include H3O+ and HCO+; other abundant heavy ions depend upon the makeup of the mass 28 neutral species, which cannot be uniquely determined. Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer neutral species lead to generally good agreement between modeled and observed plasma densities, though poor reproduction of measured H+ and H3+ variability and an overabundance of modeled H3+ potentially hint at missing physical processes in the model, including a loss process that affects H3+ but not H+.
Neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells by a novel gene therapy construct that achieves sustained enhancement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin-related kinase receptor-B signaling
Authors: Osborne Andrew , Khatib Tasneem Z. , Songra Lalana , Barber Amanda C. , Hall Katie , Kong George Y. X. , Widdowson Peter S. , Martin Keith R. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPrevious studies have demonstrated that intravitreal delivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by injection of recombinant protein or by gene therapy can alleviate retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss after optic nerve injury. BDNF gene therapy can improve RGC survival in experimental models of glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. However, the therapeutic efficacy of BDNF supplementation alone is time limited at least in part due to BDNF receptor downregulation. Tropomyosin-related receptor kinase-B (TrkB) downregulation has been reported in many neurological diseases including glaucoma, potentially limiting the effect of sustained or repeated BDNF delivery.Here, we characterize a novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy (AAV2 TrkB-2A-mBDNF) that not only increases BDNF production but also improves long-term neuroprotective signaling by increasing expression of the BDNF receptor (TrkB) within the inner retina. This approach leads to significant and sustained elevation of survival signaling pathways ERK and AKT within RGCs over 6 months and avoids the receptor downregulation which we observe with treatment with AAV2 BDNF alone. We validate the neuroprotective efficacy of AAV2 TrkB-2A-mBDNF in a mouse model of optic nerve injury, where it outperforms conventional AAV2 BDNF or AAV2 TrkB therapy, before showing powerful proof of concept neuroprotection of RGCs and axons in a rat model of chronic intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation. We also show that there are no adverse effects of the vector on retinal structure or function as assessed by histology and electroretinography in young or aged animals. Further studies are underway to explore the potential of this vector as a candidate for progression into clinical studies to protect RGCs in patients with glaucoma and progressive visual loss despite conventional IOP-lowering treatment.
Dereplication of microbial metabolites through database search of mass spectra
Authors: Mohimani Hosein , Gurevich Alexey , Shlemov Alexander , Mikheenko Alla , Korobeynikov Anton , Cao Liu , Shcherbin Egor , Nothias Louis-Felix , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Pevzner Pavel A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractNatural products have traditionally been rich sources for drug discovery. In order to clear the road toward the discovery of unknown natural products, biologists need dereplication strategies that identify known ones. Here we report DEREPLICATOR+, an algorithm that improves on the previous approaches for identifying peptidic natural products, and extends them for identification of polyketides, terpenes, benzenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and other classes of natural products. We show that DEREPLICATOR+ can search all spectra in the recently launched Global Natural Products Social molecular network and identify an order of magnitude more natural products than previous dereplication efforts. We further demonstrate that DEREPLICATOR+ enables cross-validation of genome-mining and peptidogenomics/glycogenomics results.
Molecular characterization and prospective isolation of human fetal cochlear hair cell progenitors
Authors: Roccio Marta , Perny Michael , Ealy Megan , Widmer Hans Ruedi , Heller Stefan , Senn Pascal 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSensory hair cells located in the organ of Corti are essential for cochlear mechanosensation. Their loss is irreversible in humans resulting in permanent hearing loss. The development of therapeutic interventions for hearing loss requires fundamental knowledge about similarities and potential differences between animal models and human development as well as the establishment of human cell based-assays. Here we analyze gene and protein expression of the developing human inner ear in a temporal window spanning from week 8 to 12 post conception, when cochlear hair cells become specified. Utilizing surface markers for the cochlear prosensory domain, namely EPCAM and CD271, we purify postmitotic hair cell progenitors that, when placed in culture in three-dimensional organoids, regain proliferative potential and eventually differentiate to hair cell-like cells in vitro. These results provide a foundation for comparative studies with otic cells generated from human pluripotent stem cells and for establishing novel platforms for drug validation.
Molecular architecture and regulation of BCL10-MALT1 filaments
Authors: Schlauderer Florian , Seeholzer Thomas , Desfosses Ambroise , Gehring Torben , Strauss Mike , Hopfner Karl-Peter , Gutsche Irina , Krappmann Daniel , Lammens Katja 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe CARD11-BCL10-MALT1 (CBM) complex triggers the adaptive immune response in lymphocytes and lymphoma cells. CARD11/CARMA1 acts as a molecular seed inducing BCL10 filaments, but the integration of MALT1 and the assembly of a functional CBM complex has remained elusive. Using cryo-EM we solved the helical structure of the BCL10-MALT1 filament. The structural model of the filament core solved at 4.9 Å resolution identified the interface between the N-terminal MALT1 DD and the BCL10 caspase recruitment domain. The C-terminal MALT1 Ig and paracaspase domains protrude from this core to orchestrate binding of mediators and substrates at the filament periphery. Mutagenesis studies support the importance of the identified BCL10-MALT1 interface for CBM complex assembly, MALT1 protease activation and NF-κB signaling in Jurkat and primary CD4 T-cells. Collectively, we present a model for the assembly and architecture of the CBM signaling complex and how it functions as a signaling hub in T-lymphocytes.
A High-Speed SSVEP-Based BCI Using Dry EEG Electrodes
Authors: Xing Xiao , Wang Yijun , Pei Weihua , Guo Xuhong , Liu Zhiduo , Wang Fei , Ming Gege , Zhao Hongze , Gui Qiang , Chen Hongda 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA high-speed steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP)-based brain-computer interface (BCI) system using dry EEG electrodes was demonstrated in this study. The dry electrode was fabricated in our laboratory. It was designed as claw-like structure with a diameter of 14 mm, featuring 8 small fingers of 6 mm length and 2 mm diameter. The structure and elasticity can help the fingers pass through the hair and contact the scalp when the electrode is placed on head. The electrode was capable of recording spontaneous EEG and evoked brain activities such as SSVEP with high signal-to-noise ratio. This study implemented a twelve-class SSVEP-based BCI system with eight electrodes embedded in a headband. Subjects also completed a comfort level questionnaire with the dry electrodes. Using a preprocessing algorithm of filter bank analysis (FBA) and a classification algorithm based on task-related component analysis (TRCA), the average classification accuracy of eleven participants was 93.2% using 1-second-long SSVEPs, leading to an average information transfer rate (ITR) of 92.35 bits/min. All subjects did not report obvious discomfort with the dry electrodes. This result represented the highest communication speed in the dry-electrode based BCI systems. The proposed system could provide a comfortable user experience and a stable control method for developing practical BCIs.
Assembly of Schizosaccharomyces cryophilus chromosomes and their comparative genomic analyses revealed principles of genome evolution of the haploid fission yeasts
Authors: Ács-Szabó Lajos , Papp László Attila , Antunovics Zsuzsa , Sipiczki Matthias , Miklós Ida 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe fission yeast clade, which has a distinct life history from other yeasts, can provide important clues about evolutionary changes. To reveal these changes the large S. cryophilus supercontigs were assembled into chromosomes using synteny relationships and the conserved pericentromeric, subtelomeric genes. Togetherness of the supercontigs was confirmed by PCR. Investigation of the gene order revealed localisation of the rDNA arrays, more than 300 new conserved orthologues and proved that S. cryophilus supercontigs were mosaics of collinear blocks. PFGE analysis showed that size of the S. cryophilus chromosomes differ from the S. pombe chromosomes. Comparative genomic analyses of the newly assembled chromosomes confirmed that the closest relative of S. cryophilus was S. octosporus not just in sequence similarity but also in a structural way, and revealed that preservation of the conserved regions did not arise from the lower number of chromosomal rearrangements. Translocations were more typical in the closely related species, while the number of inversions increased with the phylogenetic distances. Our data suggested that sites of the chromosomal rearrangements were not random and often associated with repetitive sequences, structural- and nucleotide evolution might correlate. Chromosomal rearrangements of the fission yeasts compared to other lineages were also discussed.
A genetic perspective on the relationship between eudaimonic –and hedonic well-being
Authors: Baselmans B. M. L. , Bartels M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWhether hedonism or eudaimonia are two distinguishable forms of well-being is a topic of ongoing debate. To shed light on the relation between the two, large-scale available molecular genetic data were leveraged to gain more insight into the genetic architecture of the overlap between hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Hence, we conducted the first genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of eudaimonic well-being (N = ~108 K) and linked it to a GWAS of hedonic well-being (N = ~222 K). We identified the first two genome-wide significant independent loci for eudaimonic well-being and six independent loci for hedonic well-being. Joint analyses revealed a moderate phenotypic correlation (r = 0.53) and a high genetic correlation (rg = 0.78) between eudaimonic and hedonic well-being. This indicates that the genetic etiology of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being is substantially shared, with divergent (environmental) factors contributing to their phenotypic divergence. Loci regulating expression showed significant enrichment in the brain cortex, brain cerebellum, frontal cortex, as well as the cerebellar hemisphere for eudaimonic well-being. No significant enrichment for hedonic well-being is observed, although brain tissues were top ranked. Genetic correlations patterns with a range of positive and negative related phenotypes were largely similar for hedonic –and eudaimonic well-being. Our results reveal a large overlap between the genes that influence hedonism and the genes that influence eudaimonia.
Clinical value of bioelectrical properties of cancerous tissue in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Cunnea Paula , Gorgy Tommy , Petkos Konstantinos , Gowers Sally A.N. , Lu Haonan , Morera Cristina , Wu Wen , Lawton Phillip , Nixon Katherine , Leong Chi Leng , Sorbi Flavia , Domenici Lavinia , Paterson Andrew , Curry Ed , Gabra Hani , Boutelle Martyn G. , Drakakis Emmanuel M. , Fotopoulou Christina 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCurrently, there are no valid pre-operatively established biomarkers or algorithms that can accurately predict surgical and clinical outcome for patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). In this study, we suggest that profiling of tumour parameters such as bioelectrical-potential and metabolites, detectable by electronic sensors, could facilitate the future development of devices to better monitor disease and predict surgical and treatment outcomes. Biopotential was recorded, using a potentiometric measurement system, in ex vivo paired non-cancerous and cancerous omental tissues from advanced stage EOC (n = 36), and lysates collected for metabolite measurement by microdialysis. Consistently different biopotential values were detected in cancerous tissue versus non-cancerous tissue across all cases (p < 0.001). High tumour biopotential levels correlated with advanced tumour stage (p = 0.048) and tumour load, and negatively correlated with stroma. Within our EOC cohort and specifically the high-grade serous subtype, low biopotential levels associated with poorer progression-free survival (p = 0.0179, p = 0.0143 respectively). Changes in biopotential levels significantly correlated with common apoptosis related pathways. Lactate and glucose levels measured in paired tissues showed significantly higher lactate/glucose ratio in tissues with low biopotential (p < 0.01, n = 12). Our study proposes the feasibility of biopotential and metabolite monitoring as a biomarker modality profiling EOC to predict surgical and clinical outcomes.