bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity decoupled from sulfur isotope fractionation in a sulfate reducing microbial community
Authors: Colangelo Jesse , Pelikan Claus , Herbold Craig W. , Altshuler Ianina , Loy Alexander , Whyte Lyle G. , Wing Boswell A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe extent of fractionation of sulfur isotopes by sulfate reducing microbes is dictated by genomic and environmental factors. A greater understanding of species-specific fractionations may better inform interpretation of sulfur isotopes preserved in the rock record. To examine whether gene diversity influences net isotopic fractionationin situ, we assessed environmental chemistry, sulfate reduction rates, diversity of putative sulfur metabolizing organisms by 16SrRNAand dissimilatory sulfite reductase (dsrB) gene amplicon sequencing, and net fractionation of sulfur isotopes along a sediment transect of a hypersaline Arctic spring.In situsulfate reduction rates yielded minimum cell-specific sulfate reduction rates <0.3 x 10−15moles cell−1day−1. Neither 16SrRNAnordsrBdiversity indices correlated with relatively constant (38 to 45‰) net isotope fractionation (ε34Ssulfide−sulfate). Measured ε34S values could be reproduced in a mechanistic fractionation model if 1-2% of the microbial community (10-60% of Deltaproteobacteria) were engaged in sulfate respiration, indicating heterogeneous respiratory activity within sulfate-metabolizing populations. This model indicated enzymatic kinetic diversity of Apr was more likely to correlate with sulfur fractionation than DsrB. We propose that, above a threshold alpha diversity value, the influence of the specific composition of the microbial community responsible for generating an isotope signal is overprinted by the control exerted by environmental variables on microbial physiology.Subject categoriesIntegrated genomics and post-genomics approaches in microbial ecologyMicrobial ecology and functional diversity of natural habitats
Prefrontal-posterior coupling mediates emotion transitions and their influence on executive function
Authors: Hao Yu , Yao Lin , Smith Derek. M. , Sorel Edward , Anderson Adam K. , Schumacher Eric H. , Evans Gary W. 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTAlthough emotions often result from dynamic experiences with self-regulation unfolding over time, most research has focused on responses to affective stimuli from a rather static perspective. We studied and analyzed emotion transitions, attempting to reveal brain functions related to affect dynamics. EEG responses were examined during exposure to stable versus changing emotion-eliciting images (static vs dynamic conditions) plus their impact on executive function (EF) assessed with the flanker task. During dynamic conditions, reduced prefrontal to posterior EEG coherence in the beta frequency band and greater left frontal activity occurred compared to the static conditions. Among individuals suffering higher chronic stress, subsequent EF was hindered after dynamic conditions. Furthermore, the adverse effects of emotion transitions on EF for more chronically stressed individuals were mediated by prefrontal-posterior coherence in low beta frequency band during emotional image sequences. Emotion appears to influence EF through changes in large-scale synchronization. Individuals high in chronic stress are vulnerable to these effects.
Short Tandem Repeats Information in TCGA is Statistically Biased by Amplification
Authors: Jain Siddharth , Mazaheri Bijan , Raviv Netanel , Bruck Jehoshua 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTThe current paradigm in data science is based on the belief that given sufficient amounts of data, classifiers are likely to uncover the distinction between true and false hypotheses. In particular, the abundance of genomic data creates opportunities for discovering disease risk associations and help in screening and treatment. However, working with large amounts of data is statistically beneficial only if the data is statistically unbiased. Here we demonstrate that amplification methods of DNA samples in TCGA have a substantial effect on short tandem repeat (STR) information. In particular, we design a classifier that uses the STR information and can distinguish between samples that have an analyte code D and an analyte code W. This artificial bias might be detrimental to data driven approaches, and might undermine the conclusions based on past and future genome wide studies.
Aphids can acquire the nitrogen delivered to plants by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Wilkinson Thomas D. J. , Ferrari Julia , Hartley Sue E. , Hodge Angela 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Above‐ and below‐ground organisms can interact by altering the quality of shared host plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) influence plant nutrient uptake, including nitrogen (N) acquisition. Under low N and phosphorus conditions, AMF delivery of N from organic sources not immediately available to the plant can have large impacts on plant N status, a limiting nutrient in the aphid diet.

This study investigated the effect of AMF colonisation upon aphid number and determined the consequences of AMF directly accessing an organic nutrient patch that the plant cannot. We hypothesised that AMF colonisation of plants will increase plant and aphid N status, plant performance and aphid number, but only when the AMF had direct access to the added organic patch.

Barley plants hosting the grain aphid Sitobion avenae were colonised by the AMF, Funneliformis mosseae, or no AMF. A two‐compartment microcosm was used to separate the plant roots from a 15N‐labelled organic patch in a second compartment. AMF‐colonised plants, but without access to the second compartment, were used to examine the effect of AMF colonisation on aphid number. In a separate treatment, and to determine whether AMF access to a plant inaccessible N source modified the effect of AMF colonisation on aphid number, AMF hyphae were permitted access to the second compartment containing an organic patch. As a control for AMF accessing a larger substrate volume, AMF were allowed access to a second compartment without an organic patch.

When the AMF accessed the organic patch, more N from the patch was delivered to the plant resulting in a higher grain N concentration although plant growth was depressed. More N from the patch was also delivered to the aphids, but the N status of the aphid remained unchanged. Regardless of the level of access to the organic patch, AMF colonisation did not affect aphid number.

Our data show that by accessing N sources not readily available to plants, AMF can indirectly deliver N to above‐ground organisms, a finding which has major implications for N‐transfer between higher trophic levels.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Nutrient starvation impairs the trophic plasticity of reef‐building corals under ocean warming
Authors: Ezzat Leïla , Maguer Jean‐François , Grover Renaud , Rottier Cécile , Tremblay Pascale , Ferrier‐Pagès Christine 
Published: January 2019

AbstractGlobal warming of the world's oceans is driving reef‐building corals towards their upper thermal limit, inducing bleaching, nutrient starvation and mortality. In addition, corals are predicted to experience large fluctuations in seawater nutrient concentrations, following water column stratification or eutrophication problems, which can further alter their nutritional capacities and ultimately their resilience to global change.We investigated the effect of thermal stress and dissolved inorganic nutrient (DINUT) availability on the auto‐ and heterotrophic nutritional capacities of corals. In particular, we assessed the effect of nitrogen enrichment or DINUT depletion (both in nitrogen and in phosphorus) on the assimilation of heterotrophic nutrients and on the heat‐stress tolerance of the reef‐building coralStylophora pistillata.Here, we show that DINUT depletion enhanced coral bleaching under thermal stress and more importantly, significantly impaired rates of heterotrophic nutrient assimilation, inducing coral starvation. In contrast, corals grown under nitrogen enrichment maintained high rates of heterotrophic nutrient assimilation and avoided bleaching, although nutrient uptake rates were lowered. We therefore observed a positive coupling between auto‐ and heterotrophy within the coral–dinoflagellate symbiosis, indicating that heterotrophic processes require a minimum of autotrophically acquired nutrients to be functional.These findings show that the trophic plasticity of corals directly depends on the availability of dissolved inorganic nutrients in seawater. The lack of a shift towards greater heterotrophy under DINUT depletion may lead to substantial modifications of the role that feeding plays in the response of reef‐building corals to climate change.Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
Active buoyancy adjustment increases dispersal potential in benthic marine animals
Authors: Hamel Jean‐François , Sun Jiamin , Gianasi Bruno L. , Montgomery Emaline M. , Kenchington Ellen L. , Burel Benoit , Rowe Sherrylynn , Winger Paul D. , Mercier Annie 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

While the study of dispersal and connectivity in the ocean typically centres on pelagic species and planktonic larval stages of benthic species, the present work explores an overlooked locomotor means in post‐settlement benthic stages that redefines their dispersal potential.

Members of the echinoderm class Holothuroidea colonize a diversity of marine environments world‐wide, where they play key ecological and economical roles, making their conservation a priority. Holothuroids are commonly called sea cucumbers or sea slugs to reflect their slow movements and are assumed to disperse chiefly through pelagic larvae.

The present study documents and explores their unexpected ability to actively modify their buoyancy, leading them to tumble or float at speeds orders of magnitudes faster than through benthic crawling. Two focal species representing different taxonomic orders, geographic distributions and reproductive strategies were studied over several years.

Active buoyancy adjustment (ABA) was achieved through a rapid increase in water‐to‐flesh ratio by up to 740%, leading to bloating, and simultaneously detachment from the substrate. It occurred as early as 6 months post settlement in juveniles and was recorded in wild adult populations. In experimental trials, ABA was triggered by high conspecific density, decreasing salinity and increasing water turbidity. Based on field video footage, ABA‐assisted movements generated speeds of up to 90 km/day.

These findings imply that displacement during planktonic larval stages may not supersede the locomotor capacity of benthic stages, challenging the notion of sedentarity. Combining the present results and anecdotal reports, ABA emerges as a generalized means of dispersal among benthic animals, with critical implications for world‐wide management and conservation of commercially and ecologically significant species.
Cefuroxime plasma and tissue concentrations in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery: Continuous vs bolus application. A pilot study
Authors: Skhirtladze‐Dworschak Keso , Hutschala Doris , Reining Georg , Dittrich Peter , Bartunek Anna , Dworschak Martin , Tschernko Edda M. 
Published: January 2019

AimsSurgical site infections contribute to morbidity and mortality after surgery. The authors hypothesized that higher antibiotic tissue concentrations can be reached for a prolonged time span by continuous administration of prophylactic cefuroxime compared to bolus administration.MethodsTwelve patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were investigated. Group A received 1.5 g cefuroxime as bolus infusions before surgery, and 12 and 24 hours thereafter. In group B, a continuous infusion of 3.0 g cefuroxime was started after a bolus of 1.5 g. Cefuroxim levels were determined in blood and tissue (microdialysis). T‐test, Wilcoxon signed rank test and χ2 test were used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe area under the curve (AUC) of plasma cefuroxime concentrations was greater in group B (399 [333–518]) as compared to group A (257 [177–297] h mg L−1, [median and interquartile range], P = .026). Furthermore, a significantly longer percentage of time > minimal inhibitory concentrations of 2 mg L−1 (100% vs 50%), 4 mg L−1 (100% vs 42%), 8 mg L−1 (100% vs 17%) and 16 mg L−1 (83% vs 8%) was found for free plasma cefuroxime in group B. In group B, area under the curve in subcutaneous tissue (78 [61–113] h mg L−1) and median peak concentration (33 [26–38] mg L−1) were markedly higher compared to group A (P = 0.041 and P = .026, respectively).ConclusionsHigher cefuroxime concentrations were measured in plasma and subcutaneously over a prolonged period of time when cefuroxime was administered continuously. The clinical implication of this finding still has to be elucidated.
Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, augments sphincter bursting and bladder afferent activity to enhance storage function and voiding efficiency in mice
Authors: Ito Hiroki , Chakrabarty Basu , Drake Marcus J. , Fry Christopher H. , Kanai Anthony J. , Pickering Anthony E. 
Published: January 2019

ObjectivesTo investigate the influence of low‐dose sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5‐I), on the function of the mouse lower urinary tract (LUT).Materials and MethodsAdult male mice were decerebrated and arterially perfused with a carbogenated Ringer's solution to establish the decerebrate arterially perfused mouse (DAPM). To allow distinction between central neural and peripheral actions of sildenafil, experiments were conducted in both the DAPM and in a ‘pithed’ DAPM, which has no functional brainstem or spinal cord. The action of systemic and intrathecal sildenafil on micturition was assessed in urethane‐anaesthetised mice.ResultsIn the DAPM, systemic perfusion of sildenafil (30 pm) decreased the voiding threshold pressure [to a mean (sem) 84.7 (3.8)% of control] and increased bladder compliance [to a mean (sem) 140.2 (8.3)% of control, an effect replicated in the pithed DAPM]. Sildenafil was without effect on most voiding variables but significantly increased the number of bursts of the external urethral sphincter (EUS) per void in DAPM [to a mean (sem) 130.1 (6.9)% of control at 30 pm] and in urethane‐anaesthetised mice [to a mean (sem) 117.5 (5.8)% of control at 14 ng/kg]. Sildenafil (10 and 30 pm) increased pelvic afferent activity during both bladder filling and the isovolumetric phase [to a mean (sem) 205.4 (30.2)% of control at 30 pm]. Intrathecal application of sildenafil (5 μL of either 150 pm or 1.5 nm) did not alter cystometry and EUS‐electromyography variables in urethane‐anaesthetised mice.ConclusionsLow‐dose sildenafil increases bladder compliance, increases pelvic nerve afferent activity, and augments the bursting activity of the EUS. We propose that the novel actions on afferent traffic and sphincter control may contribute to its beneficial actions to restore storage and voiding efficiency in LUT dysfunction.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of quinoxaline derivatives as tubulin polymerization inhibitors that elevate intracellular ROS and triggers apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway
Authors: Qi Jianguo , Huang Jing , Zhou Xiaomin , Luo Wen , Xie Jiaxin , Niu Linqiang , Yan Zhijie , Luo Yang , Men Yuhui , Chen Yanan , Zhang Yahong , Wang Jianhong 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA series of novel quinoxaline derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity in three human cancer cell lines. Compound 12 exhibited the most potent antiproliferative activity with IC50 in the range of 0.19–0.51 μM. The compound inhibited tubulin polymerization and disrupted the microtubule network, leading to G2/M phase arrest. Furthermore, compound 12 induced ROS production and malfunction of mitochondrial membrane potential. Compound 12 led to cancer cells apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner. Western blot analysis showed that compound 12 induced up‐regulation of p21 and affected the expression of cell cycle‐related proteins. The binding mode was also probed by molecular docking.
Bone response to porous tantalum implants in a gap‐healing model
Authors: Fraser David , Mendonca Gustavo , Sartori Elisa , Funkenbusch Paul , Ercoli Carlo , Meirelles Luiz 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine the relative osteogenic behavior of titanium implants with or without a porous tantalum modification when placed with a gap between the implant and existing bone.Materials and MethodsA gap‐healing model in the rabbit tibia was used for placement of titanium implants. Forty‐eight rabbits received 96 implants, with 48 of the implants containing a porous tantalum middle section and the remaining 48 implants were composed of solid titanium. After 4, 8, and 12 weeks of healing, biomechanical stability was measured with removal torque testing, implant‐adherent cells were isolated for analysis of osteogenic gene expression, and histomorphometric analysis was performed on sections of the implants and surrounding bone.ResultsIncreased osteogenic activity at 4 weeks was demonstrated by upregulation of key osteogenic genes at implants containing porous tantalum which was accompanied by greater bone–implant contact at 4, 8, and 12 weeks and significantly greater removal torque at 8 and 12 weeks.ConclusionsImplants containing porous tantalum demonstrated increased peri‐implant bone formation within this gap‐healing model as shown by significant differences in biomechanical and histomorphometric outcomes. Such implants may represent an alternative to influence bone healing in surgical sites with an existing gap.
The correlation between conventional coagulation tests and thromboelastography in each phase of liver transplantation
Authors: Yoon Ji‐Uk , Cheon Ji‐Hyun , Choi Yoon Ji , Byeon Gyeong‐Jo , Ahn Ji‐Hye , Choi Eun‐Ji , Park Ju Yeon 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIntroductionThromboelastography (TEG) is gaining increasing acceptance in liver transplantation (LT) with conventional coagulation tests (CCTs) such as prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), antithrombin III (ATIII), platelet count (PLT), and fibrinogen concentration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of TEG in LT and investigate the correlation between TEG and CCT values during each phase of LT.Materials and MethodsMedical records of patients who underwent deceased donor LT at a single, university hospital between October 2010 and July 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Blood samples were obtained at each phase of LT (pre‐anhepatic, anhepatic, and neo‐hepatic phase) according to our institutional LT protocol and utilized for analysis of TEG and CCTs. The Spearman correlation coefficient between TEG and CCT values were obtained.ResultsDuring the pre‐anhepatic phase, the reaction time (R), PT, and aPTT did not correlate with each other, but demonstrated a negative correlation with PLT. Clot formation time (K) demonstrated a similar correlation with R and a negative correlation with fibrinogen. The maximal amplitude (MA) and α‐angle (α) were positively correlated with PLT and fibrinogen and inversely correlated with aPTT. During the anhepatic phase, MA was significantly correlated with PLT and inversely correlated with aPTT; other parameters had weak or indistinct correlation. During the neo‐hepatic phase, R and K were significantly correlated with aPTT and inversely correlated with PLT and fibrinogen. A correlation of MA and α with PLT, aPTT, and fibrinogen was also observed. Clot lysis at 30 minutes and estimated percent lysis were inversely correlated with levels of ATIII and fibrinogen.ConclusionsConventional coagulation tests and TEG show particularly poor comparability during the anhepatic period of liver transplantation. TEG can be most reliable in the anhepatic phase, during which dynamic hemostatic changes occur.
Volume of motor area predicts motor impulsivity
Authors: Ai Hui , Xin Yuanyuan , Luo Yue-jia , Gu Ruolei , Xu Pengfei 
Published: January 2019

AbstractImpulsivity is a personality trait associated with many maladaptive behaviors. Trait impulsivity is typically divided into three different dimensions, including attentional impulsiveness, motor impulsiveness, and non‐planning impulsiveness. In the present study, we examined the neuroanatomical basis of the multidimensional impulsivity trait. Eighty‐four healthy participants were studied with structural magnetic resonance imaging. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the score of motor impulsiveness was negatively correlated with gray matter volumes of the right supplementary motor area and paracentral lobule. A machine‐learning‐based prediction analysis indicated that decreased gray matter volumes of the supplementary motor area and paracentral lobule strongly predicted the decrease in motor impulsiveness control. Our findings provide insights into the predictive role of motor brain structures in motor impulsivity and inhibition control.
Melanoma types by in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy correlated with protein and molecular genetic alterations: A pilot study
Authors: Beretti Francesca , Bertoni Laura , Farnetani Francesca , Pellegrini Cristina , Gorelli Greta , Cesinaro Anna Maria , Reggiani Bonetti Luca , Di Nardo Lucia , Kaleci Shaniko , Chester Johanna , Longo Caterina , Massi Daniela , Fargnoli Maria C. , Pellacani Giovanni 
Published: January 2019

AbstractCutaneous melanoma (CM) is one of the most prevalent skin cancers, which lacks both a prognostic marker and a specific and lasting treatment, due to the complexity of the disease and heterogeneity of patients. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in vivo analysis is a versatile approach offering immediate morphological information, enabling the identification of four primary cutaneous RCM CM types. Whether RCM CM types are associated with a specific protein and molecular genetic profiles at the tissue level remains unclear. The current pilot study was designed to identify potential correlations between RCM CM types and specific biological characteristics, combining immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular analyses. Eighty primary CMs evaluated at patient bedside with RCM (type 1 [19, 24%], type 2 [12, 15%], type 3 [7, 9%] and type 4 [42, 52%]) were retrospectively evaluated by IHC stains (CD271, CD20, CD31, cyclin D1), fluorescence in situ hybridization FISH for MYC gain and CDKN2A loss and molecular analysis for somatic mutations (BRAF, NRAS and KIT). RCM CM types correlated with markers of stemness property, density of intra‐tumoral lymphocytic B infiltrate and cyclin D1 expression, while no significant association was found with blood vessel density nor molecular findings. RCM CM types show a different marker profile expression, suggestive of a progression and an increase in aggressiveness, according to RCM morphologies.
Vitiligo as a skin memory disease: The need for early intervention with immunomodulating agents and a maintenance therapy to target resident memory T cells
Authors: Boniface Katia , Seneschal Julien 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe understanding of the immune mechanisms of vitiligo has profoundly improved over the past years. The recent discovery of a new population of antigen‐experienced memory T cells called resident memory T cells (TRM) has changed the concept of immune surveillance in peripheral tissue as skin, and the presence of melanocyte‐specific TRM is clearly demonstrated in vitiligo, a disease that could be now seen such as a memory skin disease. This review summarizes the recent knowledge on skin TRM and their role in vitiligo. Future management or therapies for this disease will have the goal to block their migration/differentiation, to dampen their activation and/or their accumulation in the vitiligo skin to prevent flare‐up or to promote repigmentation.