bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SNP‐skimming: A fast approach to map loci generating quantitative variation in natural populations
Authors: Wessinger Carolyn A. , Kelly John K. , Jiang Peng , Rausher Mark D. , Hileman Lena C. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractGenome‐wide association mapping (GWAS) is a method to estimate the contribution of segregating genetic loci to trait variation. A major challenge for applying GWAS to nonmodel species has been generating dense genome‐wide markers that satisfy the key requirement that marker data are error‐free. Here, we present an approach to map loci within natural populations using inexpensive shallow genome sequencing. This “SNP‐skimming” approach involves two steps: an initial genome‐wide scan to identify putative targets followed by deep sequencing for confirmation of targeted loci. We apply our method to a test data set of floral dimension variation in the plant Penstemon virgatus, a member of a genus that has experienced dynamic floral adaptation that reflects repeated transitions in primary pollinator. The ability to detect SNPs that generate phenotypic variation depends on population genetic factors such as population allele frequency, effect size and epistasis, as well as sampling effects contingent on missing data and genotype uncertainty. However, both simulations and the Penstemon data suggest that the most significant tests from the initial SNP skim are likely to be true positives—loci with subtle but significant quantitative effects on phenotype. We discuss the promise and limitations of this method and consider optimal experimental design for a given sequencing effort. Simulations demonstrate that sampling a larger number of individual at the expense of average read depth per individual maximizes the power to detect loci.
Amygdala volume is associated with risky probability cognition in gambling disorder
Authors: Takeuchi Hideaki , Tsurumi Kosuke , Murao Takuro , Mizuta Hiroto , Murai Toshiya , Takahashi Hidehiko 
Published: July 2018

AbstractGambling disorder (GD) is characterized by continual gambling despite negative consequences. Risky decision‐making is a hallmark of the disorder. We applied a tool from behavioral economics for assessing probability cognition in both gain and loss domains to GD. We aimed to examine the alteration of probability cognition and its relationship with brain structure in GD. Forty‐six GD patients and 52 age‐matched healthy controls (HCs) conducted a risky choice task in which subjects should choose between a sure and a risky option in both loss and gain domains. The distortion and elevation parameters of the probability weighting function were estimated. We compared the parameters between GD and HC and examined their relationships with the striatum and amygdala volumes in GD. GD showed greater elevation parameter in the gain domain and smaller regional gray matter volume in the left amygdala than HC. The elevation parameter in the gain domain showed a negative correlation with the left amygdala volume in GD. Altered probability cognition in the gain domain but not in the loss domain might be more relevant to risky decision‐making in GD. Our findings indicate that alteration in the amygdala might play a significant role in risky decision‐making of GD. Longitudinal studies are recommended to examine the causal relationship between brain abnormalities and risky decision‐making in GD.
Radiographic determination of pelvic limb orthopaedic measurements in maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
Authors: Siqueira Rafael C. , Rahal Sheila C. , Inamassu Leticia R. , Mamprim Maria J. , Teixeira Rodrigo H. F. , Teixeira Carlos R. , Rassy Fabricio B. , Mesquita Luciane R. , Monteiro Frederico O. B. , Felix Marcilio , Melchert Alessandra 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine some radiographic reference values for hip joint, femur and patella in maned wolves. Ten maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), five live (G1) and five cadavers (G2), were used. There were no statistically significant differences in the radiological measurements between right and left pelvic limbs of the G1 and G2, except for mechanical lateral proximal femoral angle (mLPFA) in both Groups. The comparison of the measurements between Groups showed difference only for mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA). Norberg angle values were 113.1° and 112.9° for G1 and G2. The values of femoral angle of inclination by Hauptman A and Hauptman B methods were 139.7° and 128.6° for G1, and 139.3° and 128.7° for G2. Femoral varus angle values were 5.5° for G1 and 3.9° for G2. The values of anatomic lateral distal femoral angle and anatomic lateral proximal femoral angle were 96.8° and 95.2° for G1, and 95.0° and 95.6° for G2. The values of mLDFA for G1 and G2 were 96.5° and 95.7°. The values of mLPFA were 95.8 (right) and 93.5 (left) for G1, and 95.7 (right) and 93.8 (left) for G2. The values of patellar ligament length, patellar length and L:P ratio were 4.6, 2.4 cm and 1.9 for G1, and 4.4, 2.3 cm and 1.8 for G2. In conclusion, the radiographic reference values described for the hip joint, the femur and the patella, may be useful in the diagnosis of diseases and deformities in maned wolves.
A qualitative analysis of parturients’ experiences using nitrous oxide for labor analgesia: It is not just about pain relief
Authors: Richardson Michael G. , Raymond Britany L. , Baysinger Curtis L. , Kook Bradley T. , Chestnut David H. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundA vast majority of women who choose nitrous oxide for labor report high satisfaction despite variable analgesic effectiveness. We analyzed comments provided by women who used nitrous oxide for labor, to identify determinants of satisfaction in this population, and to better understand reasons for continuing with nitrous oxide despite variable analgesic effectiveness.MethodsWe conducted qualitative content analysis of comments in a quality improvement database of routine follow‐up assessments of women who delivered vaginally, using nitrous oxide as the sole labor analgesic. An inductive grounded approach was used and emergent themes and subthemes were identified.ResultsOf 6507 vaginal deliveries over 34 months in 2011‐2014, 753 (12%) used nitrous oxide as their sole analgesic. Analysis of 264 clarifying comments yielded six emergent themes. Parturients cited nonanalgesic benefits of nitrous oxide use (relaxation, distraction, focus on breathing), as well as partial analgesic effects that they deemed to be sufficient, or consistent with their expectations. Numerous women described their nitrous oxide experience as consistent with their birth plan, including 14 who equated it with natural childbirth. Several comments described nitrous oxide as a vital component of the parturients’ birth experience. Some described using nitrous oxide when neuraxial analgesia was not possible. Side effects were identified, as were difficulties using the apparatus/mask. Analysis highlighted importance of timely administration upon request and attention to technical aspects.ConclusionsAmong parturients who choose nitrous oxide as their sole labor analgesic, determinants of satisfaction are more variable than previously understood, and extend beyond analgesia.
It's time to listen: there is much to be learned from the sounds of tropical ecosystems
Authors: Deichmann Jessica L. , Acevedo‐Charry Orlando , Barclay Leah , Burivalova Zuzana , Campos‐Cerqueira Marconi , d'Horta Fernando , Game Edward T. , Gottesman Benjamin L. , Hart Patrick J. , Kalan Ammie K. , Linke Simon , Nascimento Leandro Do , Pijanowski Bryan , Staaterman Erica , Mitchell Aide T. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractKnowledge that can be gained from acoustic data collection in tropical ecosystems is low‐hanging fruit. There is every reason to record and with every day, there are fewer excuses not to do it. In recent years, the cost of acoustic recorders has decreased substantially (some can be purchased for under US$50, e.g., Hill et al. 2018) and the technology needed to store and analyze acoustic data is continuously improving (e.g., Corrada Bravo et al. 2017, Xie et al. 2017). Soundscape recordings provide a permanent record of a site at a given time and contain a wealth of invaluable and irreplaceable information. Although challenges remain, failure to collect acoustic data now in tropical ecosystems would represent a failure to future generations of tropical researchers and the citizens that benefit from ecological research. In this commentary, we (1) argue for the need to increase acoustic monitoring in tropical systems; (2) describe the types of research questions and conservation issues that can be addressed with passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) using both short‐ and long‐term data in terrestrial and freshwater habitats; and (3) present an initial plan for establishing a global repository of tropical recordings.
Spanish validation of the Spence Preschool Anxiety Scale
Authors: Orgilés Mireia , Penosa Patricia , Fernández‐Martínez Iván , Marzo Juan C. , Espada José P. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS) is a 28‐item measure designed to assess anxiety symptoms in preschoolers aged 31 to 83 months.MethodsThe present study aims to extend the literature by examining the psychometric properties and factorial structure of the PAS in a Spanish community sample of 274 preschoolers aged 3 to 7 years.ResultsFactor analysis confirmed the five‐factor original model after removing eight items, suggesting a shorter 20‐item version for the Spanish preschoolers. The scale demonstrated to have good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.84). Moderate but significant correlations with a measure of health‐related quality of life supported the convergent validity of the PAS.ConclusionsThe Spanish version of the PAS demonstrated to have good psychometric properties, providing these results initial support to its use for assessing a broad range of anxiety symptoms in Spanish‐speaking preschoolers.
Predictors of learning outcomes for children with and without chronic illness: An Australian longitudinal study
Authors: Barnett Tony , Giallo Rebecca , Kelaher Margaret , Goldfeld Sharon , Quach Jon 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundChronically ill children are at increased risk of poor learning outcomes. Knowledge of the predictors of learning outcomes for this group of people is important to inform the development of education supports that stand the best chance of being effective. This study explored the child, family, and school risk and protective factors during the child's transition to elementary school (aged 6–7 years) that were associated with learning outcomes when children were aged 10–11 years for both children with and without a chronic illness.MethodsData from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children were used. Predictor variables were entered into separate multivariate regression models for children with and without a chronic illness.ResultsThe strongest predictors of learning outcomes were the child's approach to learning, a consistent parenting style, and family socioeconomic position and were common for both children with and without a chronic illness but strongest for children with a chronic illness.ConclusionA child's approach to learning and a consistent parenting style during the period of the child's transition to elementary school are important and potentially modifiable factors that are predictive of academic performance in later childhood. These factors are particularly relevant for children with a chronic illness, their parents/caregivers, teachers both hospital and school based, and pediatricians and can be used to inform interventions.
Physicochemical and microbiological assessment of soil quality on a chronosequence of a mine reclamation site
Authors: Li J. , Xin Z. , Yan J. , Li H. , Chen J. , Ding G. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryAssessment of the activity of the soil microbial community is essential to evaluate the success of reclamation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of reclamation on soil physiochemical, biological and microbial community properties. Soil samples were collected from 12 post‐mining sites with different lengths of time since reclamation (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 16, 19, 21, 23 and 26 years) at Pingshuo surface coal mine, China. Our results indicated soil organic and labile carbon, nitrogen, enzyme activities, microbial functional diversity, bacterial, archaeal and fungal abundances and taxonomic diversity improved with increasing time since reclamation. Soil pH and bulk density declined with increasing time after reclamation. Redundancy analysis revealed the importance of soil pH in microbial metabolic structure and bacterial genetic assemblages, and soil organic carbon in fungal genetic assemblages. The mine soil quality index (MSQI) was positively correlated with time since reclamation, and reclamation could be considered satisfactory at the 19‐year site with an MSQI >0.5. Soil enzyme activities were strongly correlated with microbial abundance. Our overall findings indicated that nutrition, microbial abundance and functional diversity of the soil ecosystem improved after reclamation.Highlights
Reclamation improved nutrition, microbial abundance and diversity in soil of a mining site.
Soil enzyme activities were correlated more strongly with microbial abundance than diversity.
Soil pH and SOC played important roles in bacterial and fungal genetic assemblages, respectively, with reclamation.
MSQI would take about 20 years to reach a satisfactory value after reclamation.
Inactivation of autophagy leads to changes in sebaceous gland morphology and function
Authors: Rossiter Heidemarie , Stübiger Gerald , Gröger Marion , König Ulrich , Gruber Florian , Sukseree Supawadee , Mlitz Veronika , Buchberger Maria , Oskolkova Olga , Bochkov Valery , Eckhart Leopold , Tschachler Erwin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe have reported recently that inactivation of the essential autophagy‐related gene 7 (Atg7) in keratinocytes has little or no impact on morphology and function of the epidermal barrier in experimental animals. When these mice aged, mutant males, (Atg7 ΔKC), developed an oily coat. As the keratin 14 promoter driven cre/LoxP system inactivates floxed Atg7 in all keratin 14 (K14) expressing cells, including sebocytes, we investigated whether the oily hair phenotype was the consequence of changes in function of the skin sebaceous glands. Using an antibody to the GFP‐LC3 fusion protein, autophagosomes were detected at the border of sebocyte disintegration in control but not in mutant animals, suggesting that autophagy was (a) active in normal sebaceous glands and (b) was inactivated in the mutant mice. Detailed analysis established that dorsal sebaceous glands were about twice as large in all Atg7 ΔKC mice compared to those of controls (Atg7 F/F), and their rate of sebocyte proliferation was increased. In addition, male mutant mice yielded twice as much lipid per unit hair as age‐matched controls. Analysis of sebum lipids by thin layer chromatography revealed a 40% reduction in the proportion of free fatty acids (FFA) and cholesterol, and a 5‐fold increase in the proportion of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). In addition, the most common diester wax species (58‐60 carbon atoms) were increased, while shorter species (54‐55 carbon atoms) were under‐represented in mutant sebum. Our data show that autophagy contributes to sebaceous gland function and to the control of sebum composition.
Dissociated skin cells regenerate hair follicles in a microwound, “The Punch Assay”
Authors: Leng Xue , Wang Ping , Chen Zhihong , Li Dingyang , Wen Jie , Zhang Xuan , Qian Hua , Guo Jing , Wu Xunwei 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to develop a new, easily executed hair follicle regeneration system and assay, which could be further developed for clinical or cosmetic applications. Dissociated epidermal and dermal progenitor cells, isolated either from neonatal C57BL/6 mice or human foetal scalp tissues, were suspended in (10 μL) F12 medium and pipetted into a 1 or 2 mm‐diameter punch biopsy wounds on the back skin of immunodeficient mice. At 3 weeks after transplantation, although pigmented mouse hairs could efficiently form at the injection sites with delivery of mouse cells, none hair formed on the host mouse skin at 3 months after delivery of human cells. Under the same conditions, human follicles could be regenerated when the human skin cells were delivered onto a 2 mm size punch created on a reconstituted human skin (hRSK), which previously generated on the back of an immunodeficient mouse, but the efficiency of hair formation was low. We demonstrated that both mouse and human regenerated follicles showed normal histology and differentiation markers; moreover, the cell chasing experiment confirmed that the regenerated hair follicles were formed from transplanted cells. Compared to other current hair reconstituted assays, the Punch Assay is relatively simple and generates normal hair follicles within a smaller wound. We suggest that the punch assay is a better in vivo assay of cell trichogenicity.
Corneocyte proteomics: Applications to skin biology and dermatology
Authors: Rice Robert H. , Durbin‐Johnson Blythe P. , Mann Selena M. , Salemi Michelle , Urayama Shiro , Rocke David M. , Phinney Brett S. , Sundberg John P. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAdvances in mass spectrometry‐based proteomics now permit analysis of complex cellular structures. Application to epidermis and its appendages (nail plate, hair shaft) has revealed a wealth of information about their protein profiles. The results confirm known site‐specific differences in levels of certain keratins and add great depth to our knowledge of site specificity of scores of other proteins, thereby connecting anatomy and pathology. An example is the evident overlap in protein profiles of hair shaft and nail plate, helping rationalize their sharing of certain dystrophic syndromes distinct from epidermis. In addition, interindividual differences in protein level are manifest as would be expected. This approach permits characterization of altered profiles as a result of disease, where the magnitude of perturbation can be quantified and monitored during treatment. Proteomic analysis has also clarified the nature of the isopeptide cross‐linked residual insoluble material after vigorous extraction with protein denaturants, nearly intractable to analysis without fragmentation. These structures, including the cross‐linked envelope of epidermal corneocytes, are comprised of hundreds of protein constituents, evidence for strengthening the terminal structure complementary to disulphide bonding. Along with other developing technologies, proteomic analysis is anticipated to find use in disease risk stratification, detection, diagnosis and prognosis after the discovery phase and clinical validation.
Loss of Gata6 causes dilation of the hair follicle canal and sebaceous duct
Authors: Swanson Jacob B. , Vagnozzi Alicia N. , Veniaminova Natalia A. , Wong Sunny Y. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe uppermost aspect of the hair follicle, known as the infundibulum or hair canal, provides a passageway for hair shaft egress and sebum secretion. Recent studies have indicated that the infundibulum and sebaceous ducts are lined by molecularly distinct differentiated cells expressing markers including Keratin 79 and Gata6. Here, we ablated Gata6 from the skin and observed dilation of both the hair canal and sebaceous ducts, independent of gender and hair cycle stage. Constitutive loss of Gata6 yielded only a mild delay in depilation‐induced entry into anagen, while unperturbed mutant mice possessed overtly normal skin and hair. Furthermore, we noted that Keratin 79 and Gata6 expression and localization did not depend upon each other. Our findings implicate Gata6 in maintaining the upper hair follicle and suggest that regulation of this transcription factor may be compromised in pathologies such as acne or infundibular cystic diseases that are characterized by abnormal expansion of this follicular domain.
The catalytic activity of serine hydroxymethyltransferase is essential for de novo nuclear dTMP synthesis in lung cancer cells
Authors: Giardina Giorgio , Paone Alessio , Tramonti Angela , Lucchi Roberta , Marani Marina , Magnifico Maria Chiara , Bouzidi Amani , Pontecorvi Valentino , Guiducci Giulia , Zamparelli Carlotta , Rinaldo Serena , Paiardini Alessandro , Contestabile Roberto , Cutruzzolà Francesca 
Published: July 2018

Cancer cells reprogramme one‐carbon metabolism (OCM) to sustain growth and proliferation. Depending on cell demands, serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) dynamically changes the fluxes of OCM by reversibly converting serine and tetrahydrofolate (THF) into 5,10‐methylene‐THF and glycine. SHMT is a tetrameric enzyme that mainly exists in three isoforms; two localize in the cytosol (SHMT1/SHMT2α) and one (SHMT2) in the mitochondria. Both the cytosolic isoforms can also translocate to the nucleus to sustain de novo thymidylate synthesis and support cell proliferation. Finally, the expression levels of the different isoforms are regulated to a certain extent by a yet unknown crosstalk mechanism. We have designed and fully characterized a set of three SHMT1 mutants, which uncouple the oligomeric state of the enzyme from its catalytic activity. We have then investigated the effects of the mutations on SHMT1 nuclear localization, cell viability and crosstalk in lung cancer cells (A549; H1299). Our data reveal that in these cell lines de novo thymidylate synthesis requires SHMT1 to be active, regardless of its oligomeric state. We have also confirmed that the crosstalk between the cytosolic and mitochondrial SHMT actually takes place and regulates the expression of the two isoforms. Apparently, the crosstalk mechanism is independent from the oligomeric state and the catalytic activity of SHMT1.DatabaseStructural data are available in the PDB under the accession number 6FL5
From microbial eukaryotes to metazoan vertebrates: Wide spectrum paleo‐diversity in sedimentary ancient DNA over the last ~14,500 years
Authors: Kisand Veljo , Talas Liisi , Kisand Anu , Stivrins Normunds , Reitalu Triin , Alliksaar Tiiu , Vassiljev Jüri , Liiv Merlin , Heinsalu Atko , Seppä Heikki , Veski Siim 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMost studies that utilize ancient DNA have focused on specific groups of organisms or even single species. Instead, the whole biodiversity of eukaryotes can be described using universal phylogenetic marker genes found within well‐preserved sediment cores that cover the post‐glacial period. Sedimentary ancient DNA samples from Lake Lielais Svētiņu, eastern Latvia, at a core depth of 1,050 cm in ~150 year intervals were used to determine phylotaxonomy in domain Eukaryota. Phylotaxonomic affiliation of >1,200 eukaryotic phylotypes revealed high richness in all major eukaryotic groups—Alveolata, Stramenopiles, Cercozoa, Chlorophyta, Charophyta, Nucletmycea, and Holozoa. The share of organisms that originate from terrestrial ecosystems was about one third, of which the most abundant molecular operational taxonomic units were Fungi and tracheal/vascular plants, which demonstrates the usefulness of using lake sediments to reconstruct the terrestrial paleoecosystems that surround them. Phylotypes that originate from the lake ecosystem belonged to various planktonic organisms; phyto‐, proto,‐ and macrozooplankton, and vascular aquatic plants. We observed greater richness of several planktonic organisms that can be associated with higher trophic status during the warm climate period between 4,000 and 8,000 years ago and an increase in eukaryotic richness possibly associated with moderate human impact over the last 2,000 years.