bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High BDNF serum levels are associated to good cognitive functioning in bipolar disorder
Authors: Mora Ester , Portella Maria J. , Piñol-Ripoll Gerard , López Ricard , Cuadras Daniel , Forcada Irene , Teres Montse , Vieta Eduard , Mur Maria 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackground:Neurotrophins such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), inflammation and oxidative damage may contribute to the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) in terms of illness activity. To date, there is a lack of studies linking the cognitive impairment observed in BD with these neurobiological mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the role of these neurobiological factors in clinical and cognitive outcomes in a sample of bipolar individuals.Methods:We measured serum BDNF, cytokines and oxidative stress markers in a sample of 133 individuals: 52 euthymic bipolar patients, 32 manic patients and 49 healthy controls. They were all assessed with a comprehensive cognitive battery. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Multiple linear regression models were built to study associations of neurotrophins and inflammatory and oxidative measures with cognitive functioning.Results:BDNF levels were decreased in euthymic (p = 0.039) and manic (p < 0.001) individuals. Conversely, inflammatory (interleukin 6 (IL-6)) (p = 0.019) and oxidative stress (p = 0.003) measures were increased in bipolar individuals compared to controls. BDNF levels were associated with executive functioning (β = 0.01, p = 0.02) and verbal memory (β = 0.013, p = 0.005), together with other demographic variables. In particular, verbal memory was also associated with obesity (β=-0.04, p = 0.005). Neither inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers nor other relevant clinical variables showed any association with cognitive outcome.Conclusions:Of all the peripheral neurobiological factors analysed, BDNF was the only one significantly associated with cognitive dysfunction in bipolar disorder individuals. This study emphasizes the role of BDNF not only across mood phases but also in cognitive functioning.
Implementation of a targeted HPV educational program in a population with HIV
Authors: Ayoub Noel , Sunwoo John B. , Starmer Heather M. 
Published: February 2019

Patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) are at higher risk of developing human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated malignancies. This prospective, longitudinal study evaluated the baseline knowledge of PLWH regarding HPV infection and its association with head neck cancer, and it aimed to determine whether a focused educational session could promote both short‐ and long‐term knowledge acquisition in this population. Twenty‐seven subjects participated in an interactive educational session and completed pre‐test and immediate and delayed (4‐month) post‐test questionnaires. When compared to their pre‐test answers, subjects demonstrated significant improvements in all 28 questions immediately following education. Knowledge preservation was demonstrated 4 months after initial evaluation, with subjects performing significantly better than their pre‐test scores in 24 of the original 28 questions. These results suggest that short, focused, educational programs for PLWH may promote a better understanding of HPV's association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HPV risk factors, methods of transmission, and prevention.
Still living with mortality: the longevity risk transfer market after one decade
Authors: Blake D. , Cairns A. J. G. , Dowd K. , Kessler A. R. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
This paper updates Living with Mortality published in 2006. It describes how the longevity risk transfer market has developed over the intervening period, and, in particular, how insurance-based solutions – buy-outs, buy-ins and longevity insurance – have triumphed over capital markets solutions that were expected to dominate at the time. Some capital markets solutions – longevity-spread bonds, longevity swaps, q-forwards and tail-risk protection – have come to market, but the volume of business has been disappointingly low. The reason for this is that when market participants compare the index-based solutions of the capital markets with the customised solutions of insurance companies in terms of basis risk, credit risk, regulatory capital, collateral and liquidity, the former perform on balance less favourably despite a lower potential cost. We discuss the importance of stochastic mortality models for forecasting future longevity and examine some applications of these models, e.g. determining the longevity risk premium and estimating regulatory capital relief. The longevity risk transfer market is now beginning to recognise that there is insufficient capacity in the insurance and reinsurance industries to deal fully with demand and new solutions for attracting capital markets investors are now being examined – such as longevity-linked securities and reinsurance sidecars.
A linear nonribosomal octapeptide from Fusarium graminearum facilitates cell-to-cell invasion of wheat
Authors: Jia Lei-Jie , Tang Hao-Yu , Wang Wan-Qiu , Yuan Ting-Lu , Wei Wan-Qian , Pang Bo , Gong Xue-Min , Wang Shou-Feng , Li Yu-Jie , Zhang Dong , Liu Wen , Tang Wei-Hua 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFusarium graminearum is a destructive wheat pathogen. No fully resistant cultivars are available. Knowledge concerning the molecular weapons of F. graminearum to achieve infection remains limited. Here, we report that deletion of the putative secondary metabolite biosynthesis gene cluster fg3_54 compromises the pathogen’s ability to infect wheat through cell-to-cell penetration. Ectopic expression of fgm4, a pathway-specific bANK-like regulatory gene, activates the transcription of the fg3_54 cluster in vitro. We identify a linear, C- terminally reduced and d-amino acid residue-rich octapeptide, fusaoctaxin A, as the product of the two nonribosomal peptide synthetases encoded by fg3_54. Chemically-synthesized fusaoctaxin A restores cell-to-cell invasiveness in fg3_54-deleted F. graminearum, and enables colonization of wheat coleoptiles by two Fusarium strains that lack the fg3_54 homolog and are nonpathogenic to wheat. In conclusion, our results identify fusaoctaxin A as a virulence factor required for cell-to-cell invasion of wheat by F. graminearum.
Hybridization is a recurrent evolutionary stimulus in wild yeast speciation
Authors: Eberlein Chris , Hénault Mathieu , Fijarczyk Anna , Charron Guillaume , Bouvier Matteo , Kohn Linda M. , Anderson James B. , Landry Christian R. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHybridization can result in reproductively isolated and phenotypically distinct lineages that evolve as independent hybrid species. How frequently hybridization leads to speciation remains largely unknown. Here we examine the potential recurrence of hybrid speciation in the wild yeast Saccharomyces paradoxus in North America, which comprises two endemic lineages SpB and SpC, and an incipient hybrid species, SpC*. Using whole-genome sequences from more than 300 strains, we uncover the hybrid origin of another group, SpD, that emerged from hybridization between SpC* and one of its parental species, the widespread SpB. We show that SpD has the potential to evolve as a novel hybrid species, because it displays phenotypic novelties that include an intermediate transcriptome profile, and partial reproductive isolation with its most abundant sympatric parental species, SpB. Our findings show that repetitive cycles of divergence and hybridization quickly generate diversity and reproductive isolation, providing the raw material for speciation by hybridization.
Model selection may not be a mandatory step for phylogeny reconstruction
Authors: Abadi Shiran , Azouri Dana , Pupko Tal , Mayrose Itay 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDetermining the most suitable model for phylogeny reconstruction constitutes a fundamental step in numerous evolutionary studies. Over the years, various criteria for model selection have been proposed, leading to debate over which criterion is preferable. However, the necessity of this procedure has not been questioned to date. Here, we demonstrate that although incongruency regarding the selected model is frequent over empirical and simulated data, all criteria lead to very similar inferences. When topologies and ancestral sequence reconstruction are the desired output, choosing one criterion over another is not crucial. Moreover, skipping model selection and using instead the most parameter-rich model, GTR+I+G, leads to similar inferences, thus rendering this time-consuming step nonessential, at least under current strategies of model selection.
Isothermal Analysis of ThermoFluor Data can readily provide Quantitative Binding Affinities
Authors: Bai Nan , Roder Heinrich , Dickson Alex , Karanicolas John 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDifferential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), also known as ThermoFluor or Thermal Shift Assay, has become a commonly-used approach for detecting protein-ligand interactions, particularly in the context of fragment screening. Upon binding to a folded protein, most ligands stabilize the protein; thus, observing an increase in the temperature at which the protein unfolds as a function of ligand concentration can serve as evidence of a direct interaction. While experimental protocols for this assay are well-developed, it is not straightforward to extract binding constants from the resulting data. Because of this, DSF is often used to probe for an interaction, but not to quantify the corresponding binding constant (Kd). Here, we propose a new approach for analyzing DSF data. Using unfolding curves at varying ligand concentrations, our “isothermal” approach collects from these the fraction of protein that is folded at a single temperature (chosen to be temperature near the unfolding transition). This greatly simplifies the subsequent analysis, because it circumvents the complicating temperature dependence of the binding constant; the resulting constant-temperature system can then be described as a pair of coupled equilibria (protein folding/unfolding and ligand binding/unbinding). The temperature at which the binding constants are determined can also be tuned, by adding chemical denaturants that shift the protein unfolding temperature. We demonstrate the application of this isothermal analysis using experimental data for maltose binding protein binding to maltose, and for two carbonic anhydrase isoforms binding to each of four inhibitors. To facilitate adoption of this new approach, we provide a free and easy-to-use Python program that analyzes thermal unfolding data and implements the isothermal approach described herein (https://sourceforge.net/projects/dsf-fitting).
In Vivo Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Atherosclerosis Using Local Delivery of Novel Targeted Molecular Probes
Authors: Bertrand Marie-Jeanne , Abran Maxime , Maafi Foued , Busseuil David , Merlet Nolwenn , Mihalache-Avram Teodora , Geoffroy Pascale , Tardif Pier-Luc , Abulrob Abedelnasser , Arbabi-Ghahroudi Mehdi , Ni Feng , Sirois Martin , L’Allier Philippe L. , Rhéaume Éric , Lesage Frédéric , Tardif Jean-Claude 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of a technique for atherosclerosis imaging using local delivery of relatively small quantities (0.04–0.4 mg/kg) of labeled-specific imaging tracers targeting ICAM-1 and unpolymerized type I collagen or negative controls in 13 rabbits with atheroma induced by balloon injury in the abdominal aorta and a 12-week high-cholesterol diet. Immediately after local infusion, in vivo intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS)-NIRF imaging was performed at different time-points over a 40-minute period. The in vivo peak NIRF signal was significantly higher in the molecular tracer-injected rabbits than in the control-injected animals (P < 0.05). Ex vivo peak NIRF signal was significantly higher in the ICAM-1 probe-injected rabbits than in controls (P = 0.04), but not in the collagen probe-injected group (P = 0.29). NIRF signal discrimination following dual-probe delivery was also shown to be feasible in a single animal and thus offers the possibility of combining several distinct biological imaging agents in future studies. This innovative imaging strategy using in vivo local delivery of low concentrations of labeled molecular tracers followed by IVUS-NIRF catheter-based imaging holds potential for detection of vulnerable human coronary artery plaques.
Lévy like patterns in the small-scale movements of marsupials in an unfamiliar and risky environment
Authors: Ríos-Uzeda B. , Brigatti E. , Vieira M. V. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe investigate the movement patterns of three different Neotropical marsupials in an unfamiliar and risky environment. Animals are released in a matrix from which they try to reach a patch of forest. Their movements, performed on a small spacial scale, are best approximated by Lévy flights. Patterns of oriented and non-oriented individuals - with forest patches within or beyond their perceptual range - differ only slightly in the value of their exponents. These facts suggest that, for these species, the appearance of Lévy flights is the product of animals innate behaviour that emerges spontaneously, as a neutral characteristic proper of a default movement mode for alerted animals.
A machine learning model to classify aortic dissection patients in the early diagnosis phase
Authors: Huo Da , Kou Bo , Zhou Zhili , Lv Ming 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAortic dissection is one of the most clinical-challenging and life-threatening cardiovascular diseases associated with high morbidity and mortality. Aortic dissection requires fast diagnosis and timely therapy. Any delay or misdiagnosis can cause severe consequence to aortic dissection patients with even higher mortality. To better help physicians identify the potential dissection within the scope of all misdiagnosed patients, this paper describes a method which is developed with data mining methods for aortic dissection patient classification and prediction in the phase of early diagnosis. Various machine learning algorithms were used to build the models which were all trained and tested on the patient dataset with cross validation. Among them, Bayesian Network model achieved the best performance by predicting at a precision rate of 84.55% with Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.857. On this basis, the Bayesian Network model can help physicians better with early diagnosis of aortic dissection in clinical practice. Beyond this study, more data from diverse regions and the internal pathology can be crucial to further build a universal model with broader predictive power.
By-Products of Heparin Production Provide a Diverse Source of Heparin-like and Heparan Sulfate Glycosaminoglycans
Authors: Taylor Sarah L. , Hogwood John , Guo Wei , Yates Edwin A. , Turnbull Jeremy E. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractGlobal production of pharmaceutical heparin (Hp) is increasing, and the production process from raw mucosal material results in large amounts of waste by-products. These contain lower sulfated Hp-like and heparan sulfate (HS), as well as other glycosaminoglycans, which are bioactive entities with pharmaceutical potential. Here we describe the first purification, structural and functional characterisation of Hp-like and HS polysaccharides from the four major by-product fractions of standard heparin production. Analysis of the by-products by disaccharide composition analysis and NMR demonstrated a range of structural characteristics which differentiate them from Hp (particularly reduced sulfation and sulfated disaccharide content), and that they are each distinct. Functional properties of the purified by-products varied, each displaying distinct anticoagulant profiles in different assays, and all exhibiting significantly lower global and specific inhibition of the coagulation pathway than Hp. The by-products retained the ability to promote cell proliferation via fibroblast growth factor receptor signalling, with only minor differences between them. These collective analyses indicate that they represent an untapped and economical source of structurally-diverse Hp-like and HS polysaccharides with the potential for enhancing future structure-activity studies and uncovering new biomedical applications of these important natural products.
MAOA variants differ in oscillatory EEG & ECG activities in response to aggression-inducing stimuli
Authors: Im SeungYeong , Jeong Jinju , Jin Gwonhyu , Yeom Jiwoo , Jekal Janghwan , Lee Sang-im , Cho Jung Ah , Lee Sukkyoo , Lee Youngmi , Kim Dae-Hwan , Bae Mijeong , Heo Jinhwa , Moon Cheil , Lee Chang-Hun 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAmong the genetic variations in the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene, upstream variable number tandem repeats (uVNTRs) of the promoter have been associated with individual differences in human physiology and aggressive behaviour. However, the evidence for a molecular or neural link betweenMAOAuVNTRs and aggression remains ambiguous. Additionally, the use of inconsistent promoter constructs in previous studies has added to the confusion. Therefore, it is necessary to demonstrate the genetic function ofMAOAuVNTR and its effects on multiple aspects of aggression. Here, we identified threeMAOAalleles in Koreans: the predominant 3.5R and 4.5R alleles, as well as the rare 2.5R allele. There was a minor difference in transcriptional efficiency between the 3.5R and 4.5R alleles, with the greatest value for the 2.5R allele, in contrast to existing research. Psychological indices of aggression did not differ amongMAOAgenotypes. However, our electroencephalogram and electrocardiogram results obtained under aggression-related stimulation revealed oscillatory changes as novel phenotypes that vary with theMAOAgenotype. In particular, we observed prominent changes in frontal γ power and heart rate in 4.5R carriers of men. Our findings provide genetic insights intoMAOAfunction and offer a neurobiological basis for various socio-emotional mechanisms in healthy individuals.
Passive broadband full Stokes polarimeter using a Fresnel cone
Authors: Hawley R. D. , Cork J. , Radwell N. , Franke-Arnold S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractLight’s polarisation contains information about its source and interactions, from distant stars to biological samples. Polarimeters can recover this information, but reliance on birefringent or rotating optical elements limits their wavelength range and stability. Here we present a static, single-shot polarimeter based on a Fresnel cone - the direct spatial analogue to the popular rotating quarter-wave plate approach. We measure the average angular accuracy to be 2.9° (3.6°) for elliptical (linear) polarization states across the visible spectrum, with the degree of polarisation determined to within 0.12 (0.08). Our broadband full Stokes polarimeter is robust, cost-effective, and could find applications in hyper-spectral polarimetry and scanning microscopy.
Phylogeography of the threatened tetraploid fish, Schizothorax waltoni, in the Yarlung Tsangpo River on the southern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: implications for conservation
Authors: Guo Xiang-Zhao , Zhang Gui-Rong , Wei Kai-Jian , Ji Wei , Yan Ruo-Jin , Wei Qi-Wei , Gardner Jonathan P. A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe phylogeography of Schizothorax waltoni, an endemic and endangered tetraploid schizothoracine fish in the Yarlung Tsangpo River (YLTR) on southern margin of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), was investigated using two mitochondrial DNA regions and eleven microsatellite loci. Analyses of concatenated sequences of cytochrome b (1141 bp) and the control region (712 bp) revealed high haplotype diversity and moderate nucleotide diversity. High genetic diversity was observed based on microsatellite variation. Both mtDNA and microsatellite analyses revealed significant genetic differentiation between the eastern population (Mainling) and the other four populations to the west, and non-significant genetic differentiation amongst the three central populations in the west. Significant genetic differentiation was observed between the western population (Shigatse) and the three central populations based on microsatellite analyses alone. Bayesian skyline plot analyses showed that S. waltoni experienced a pronounced population expansion 0.05 to 0.10 Ma. Hierarchical structure analyses of microsatellite data indicated that S. waltoni could be split into three groups (western, central and eastern YLTR). The results indicate that three management units should be considered for S. waltoni. Our findings highlight the need for the conservation and effective management of S. waltoni, which is a key member of the endemic and highly threatened fishes of the QTP.
Tobacco mosaic virus infection triggers an RNAi-based response in Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Mascia Tiziana , Labarile Rossella , Doohan Fiona , Gallitelli Donato 
Published: February 2019

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) is a sequence identity-dependent RNA degradation mechanism conserved in eukaryotic organisms. One of the roles of RNAi is as a defense system against viral infections, which has been demonstrated in filamentous fungi but not in oomycetes. We investigated the virus-RNAi interplay in the oomycete Phytophthora infestans using a crucifer-infecting strain of the plant virus tobacco mosaic virus (TMVcr) and its derivative TMVcr-Δ122 that is mutated in the sequence of the p122 replicase subunit and thus inhibited in RNA suppression activity. In this study we provide evidence that replication of TMVcr-Δ122 but not of TMVcr was impaired in P. infestans as well as in tobacco plants used as positive control. The interference was associated with induction of high transcription of dicer-like genes Pidcl2 and NtDCL2 and of RNA-dependent-RNA-polymerase Pirdr1 and NtRDR1 in P. infestans and tobacco, respectively. These high transcription levels suggest an RNAi-based response that TMVcr-Δ122 mutant was not able to suppress. Taken altogether, results of this study demonstrated that an antiviral silencing activity operates also in P. infestans and that a plant virus could be a simple and feasible tool for functional studies also in oomycetes.