bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatic fat content is a determinant of metabolic phenotypes and increased carotid intima-media thickness in obese adults
Authors: Zhang Huijie , Ma Zhimin , Pan Lingling , Xu Yanfang , Shao Jin , Huang Zhufeng , Chen Zheng , Sun Qian , Liu Changqin , Lin Mingzhu , Yang Shuyu , Li Xuejun 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIndividuals with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) are at relatively low risk for the development of metabolic abnormalities and subclinical atherosclerosis. This study aims to examine whether hepatic fat accumulation determines metabolic phenotype of obesity and associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. A total of 485 obese adults (aged 40–65 years) who received magnetic resonance spectroscopy were divided into metabolically abnormally obesity (MAO) and MHO groups according to metabolic status. MHO individuals had lower levels of intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) content and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) than MAO individuals. In multivariable linear regression analyses, IHTG content was independently associated with metabolic syndrome components and CIMT. Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the IHTG content displayed a higher area under the curve (AUC) for detecting the MAO phenotype (AUC = 0.70, 95%CI = 0.65–0.75) and increased CIMT (AUC = 0.60, 95%CI = 0.54–0.66) than BMI, waist circumference and body fat percent. MHO individuals were 1.9 times (p < 0.001) more likely to have metabolic syndrome per 1 SD change in IHTG content in multivariable-adjusted models. Likewise, the risk for high CIMT increased 29% per 1 SD change in IHTG content [OR (95% CI):1.29(1.01–1.64)]. These findings suggest that hepatic fat is a potential predictor of metabolically unhealthy obesity phenotype and subclinical atherosclerosis.
The Structural Basis of Oncogenic Mutations G12, G13 and Q61 in Small GTPase K-Ras4B
Authors: Lu Shaoyong , Jang Hyunbum , Nussinov Ruth , Zhang Jian 
Published: February 2016

AbstractRas mediates cell proliferation, survival and differentiation. Mutations in K-Ras4B are predominant at residues G12, G13 and Q61. Even though all impair GAP-assisted GTP → GDP hydrolysis, the mutation frequencies of K-Ras4B in human cancers vary. Here we aim to figure out their mechanisms and differential oncogenicity. In total, we performed 6.4 μs molecular dynamics simulations on the wild-type K-Ras4B (K-Ras4BWT-GTP/GDP) catalytic domain, the K-Ras4BWT-GTP–GAP complex, and the mutants (K-Ras4BG12C/G12D/G12V-GTP/GDP, K-Ras4BG13D-GTP/GDP, K-Ras4BQ61H-GTP/GDP) and their complexes with GAP. In addition, we simulated ‘exchanged’ nucleotide states. These comprehensive simulations reveal that in solution K-Ras4BWT-GTP exists in two, active and inactive, conformations. Oncogenic mutations differentially elicit an inactive-to-active conformational transition in K-Ras4B-GTP; in K-Ras4BG12C/G12D-GDP they expose the bound nucleotide which facilitates the GDP-to-GTP exchange. These mechanisms may help elucidate the differential mutational statistics in K-Ras4B-driven cancers. Exchanged nucleotide simulations reveal that the conformational transition is more accessible in the GTP-to-GDP than in the GDP-to-GTP exchange. Importantly, GAP not only donates its R789 arginine finger, but stabilizes the catalytically-competent conformation and pre-organizes catalytic residue Q61; mutations disturb the R789/Q61 organization, impairing GAP-mediated GTP hydrolysis. Together, our simulations help provide a mechanistic explanation of key mutational events in one of the most oncogenic proteins in cancer.
Disentangling the determinants of species richness of vascular plants and mammals from national to regional scales
Authors: Xu Haigen , Cao Mingchang , Wu Yi , Cai Lei , Cao Yun , Wu Jun , Lei Juncheng , Le Zhifang , Ding Hui , Cui Peng 
Published: February 2016

AbstractUnderstanding the spatial patterns in species richness gets new implication for biodiversity conservation in the context of climate change and intensified human intervention. Here, we created a database of the geographical distribution of 30,519 vascular plant species and 565 mammal species from 2,376 counties across China and disentangled the determinants that explain species richness patterns both at national and regional scales using spatial linear models. We found that the determinants of species richness patterns varied among regions: elevational range was the most powerful predictor for the species richness of plants and mammals across China. However, species richness patterns in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Region (QTR) are quite unique, where net primary productivity was the most important predictor. We also detected that elevational range was positively related to plant species richness when it is less than 1,900 m, whereas the relationship was not significant when elevational range is larger than 1,900 m. It indicated that elevational range often emerges as the predominant controlling factor within the regions where energy is sufficient. The effects of land use on mammal species richness should attract special attention. Our study suggests that region-specific conservation policies should be developed based on the regional features of species richness.
Combining brain stimulation and video game to promote long-term transfer of learning and cognitive enhancement
Authors: Looi Chung Yen , Duta Mihaela , Brem Anna-Katharine , Huber Stefan , Nuerk Hans-Christoph , Cohen Kadosh Roi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCognitive training offers the potential for individualised learning, prevention of cognitive decline and rehabilitation. However, key research challenges include ecological validity (training design), transfer of learning and long-term effects. Given that cognitive training and neuromodulation affect neuroplasticity, their combination could promote greater, synergistic effects. We investigated whether combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with cognitive training could further enhance cognitive performance compared to training alone and promote transfer within a short period of time. Healthy adults received real or sham tDCS over their dorsolateral prefrontal cortices during two 30-minute mathematics training sessions involving body movements. To examine the role of training, an active control group received tDCS during a non-mathematical task. Those who received real tDCS performed significantly better in the game than the sham group and showed transfer effects to working memory, a related but non-numerical cognitive domain. This transfer effect was absent in active and sham control groups. Furthermore, training gains were more pronounced amongst those with lower baseline cognitive abilities, suggesting the potential for reducing cognitive inequalities. All effects associated with real tDCS remained 2 months post-training. Our study demonstrates the potential benefit of this approach for long-term enhancement of human learning and cognition.
Colour Polymorphism Protects Prey Individuals and Populations Against Predation
Authors: Karpestam Einat , Merilaita Sami , Forsman Anders 
Published: February 2016

AbstractColour pattern polymorphism in animals can influence and be influenced by interactions between predators and prey. However, few studies have examined whether polymorphism is adaptive and there is no evidence that the co-occurrence of two or more natural prey colour variants can increase survival of populations. Here we show that visual predators that exploit polymorphic prey suffer from reduced performance and further provide rare evidence in support of the hypothesis that prey colour polymorphism may afford protection against predators for both individuals and populations. This protective effect provides a probable explanation for the longstanding, evolutionary puzzle of the existence of colour polymorphisms. We also propose that this protective effect can provide an adaptive explanation for search image formation in predators rather than search image formation explaining polymorphism.
Genetic variants in ultraconserved regions associate with prostate cancer recurrence and survival
Authors: Bao Bo-Ying , Lin Victor C. , Yu Chia-Cheng , Yin Hsin-Ling , Chang Ta-Yuan , Lu Te-Ling , Lee Hong-Zin , Pao Jiunn-Bey , Huang Chao-Yuan , Huang Shu-Pin 
Published: February 2016

AbstractUltraconserved regions (UCRs) are DNA segments of longer than 200 bp in length that are completely conserved between human, rat, and mouse genomes. Recent studies have shown that UCRs are frequently located at fragile sites involved in cancers, and their levels of transcription can be altered during human tumorigenesis. We systematically evaluated 14 common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within UCRs in three cohorts of prostate cancer patients, to test the hypothesis that these UCR SNPs might influence clinical outcomes. Examination using multivariate analysis adjusted for known clinicopathologic factors found association between rs8004379 and recurrence in localized disease [hazard ratio (HR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41–0.91, P = 0.015], which was confirmed in the replication set (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51–0.96, P = 0.027). Remarkably, a consistent association of rs8004379 with a decreased risk for prostate cancer-specific mortality was also observed in the advanced prostate cancer patient group (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.32–0.70, P < 0.001). Additional in silico analysis suggests that rs8004379 tends to affect NPAS3 expression, which in turn was found to be correlated with patient prognosis. In conclusion, our findings suggest that SNPs within UCRs may be valuable prognostic biomarkers for assessing prostate cancer treatment response and survival.
Anthropogenic disturbances are key to maintaining the biodiversity of grasslands
Authors: Yuan Z. Y. , Jiao F. , Li Y. H. , Kallenbach Robert L. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAlthough anthropogenic disturbances are often perceived as detrimental to plant biodiversity, the relationship between biodiversity and disturbance remains unclear. Opinions diverge on how natural diversity is generated and maintained. We conducted a large-scale investigation of a temperate grassland system in Inner Mongolia and assessed the richness-disturbance relationship using grazing intensity, the primary anthropogenic disturbance in the region. Vascular plant-species richness peaked at an intermediate level of anthropogenic disturbance. Our results support the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis, which provides a valid and useful measure of biodiversity at a metacommunity scale, indicating that anthropogenic disturbances are necessary to conserve the biodiversity of grassland systems.
Antipsychotic pharmacogenomics in first episode psychosis: a role for glutamate genes
Authors: Stevenson J M , Reilly J L , Harris M S H , Patel S R , Weiden P J , Prasad K M , Badner J A , Nimgaonkar V L , Keshavan M S , Sweeney J A , Bishop J R 
Published: February 2016

AbstractGenetic factors may underlie beneficial and adverse responses to antipsychotic treatment. These relationships may be easier to identify among patients early in the course of disease who have limited exposure to antipsychotic drugs. We examined 86 first episode patients (schizophrenia, psychotic bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder with psychotic features) who had minimal to no prior antipsychotic exposure in a 6-week pharmacogenomic study of antipsychotic treatment response. Response was measured by change in Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale total score. Risperidone monotherapy was the primary antipsychotic treatment. Pharmacogenomic association studies were completed to (1) examine candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes known to be involved with glutamate signaling, and (2) conduct an exploratory genome-wide association study of symptom response to identify potential novel associations for future investigation. Two SNPs in GRM7 (rs2069062 and rs2014195) were significantly associated with antipsychotic response in candidate gene analysis, as were two SNPs in the human glutamate receptor delta 2 (GRID2) gene (rs9307122 and rs1875705) in genome-wide association analysis. Further examination of these findings with those from a separate risperidone-treated study sample demonstrated that top SNPs in both studies were overrepresented in glutamate genes and that there were similarities in neurodevelopmental gene categories associated with drug response from both study samples. These associations indicate a role for gene variants related to glutamate signaling and antipsychotic response with more broad association patterns indicating the potential importance of genes involved in neuronal development.
Dopamine cross-sensitization between psychostimulant drugs and stress in healthy male volunteers
Authors: Booij L , Welfeld K , Leyton M , Dagher A , Boileau I , Sibon I , Baker G B , Diksic M , Soucy J-P , Pruessner J C , Cawley-Fiset E , Casey K F , Benkelfat C 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDysregulation of the stress response system is a potential etiological factor in the development of and relapse to multiple neuropsychiatric disorders. Previously we reported that repeated intermittent d-amphetamine administration can lead to progressively greater dopamine release, thereby providing evidence of drug-induced neurochemical sensitization. Here, we test the hypothesis that repeated exposure to d-amphetamine increases dopaminergic responses to stress; that is, produces cross-sensitization. Using positron emission tomography, we measured in 17 healthy male volunteers (mean±s.d.=22.1±3.4 years) [11C]raclopride binding responses to a validated psychosocial stress task before and 2 weeks after a regimen of repeated d-amphetamine (3 × 0.3 mg kg−1, by mouth; n=8) or placebo (3 × lactose, by mouth; n=9). Mood and physiological measurements were recorded throughout each session. Before the d-amphetamine regimen, exposure to the stress task increased behavioral and physiological indices of stress (anxiety, heart rate, cortisol, all P⩽0.05). Following the d-amphetamine regimen, the stress-induced cortisol responses were augmented (P<0.04), and voxel-based analyses showed larger stress-induced decreases in [11C]raclopride non-displaceable binding potential across the striatum. In the placebo group, re-exposure to stress led to smaller clusters of decreased [11C]raclopride binding, primarily in the sensorimotor striatum (P<0.05). Together, this study provides evidence for drug × stress cross-sensitization; moreover, random exposure to stimulants and/or stress cumulatively, while enhancing dopamine release in striatal areas, may contribute to a lowered set point for psychopathologies in which altered dopamine neurotransmission is invoked.
Core disgust is attenuated by ingroup relations
Authors: Reicher Stephen D. , Templeton Anne , Neville Fergus , Ferrari Lucienne , Drury John 
Published: February 2016

Significance
Two experiments showed that where there is shared identity with others in a group the disgust experienced at smelling their sweat is significantly attenuated, and willingness to interact with them increased, compared with when the sweat was from an outgroup member or another individual. This difference is explained by the similarity to self of ingroup members. The analysis points to both the importance of social group boundaries in moderating the experience of “core” physical disgust and also the importance of disgust in the analysis of basic group processes, including the ability of group members to cohere and work together.
Regularities in positronium formation for atoms and molecules
Authors: Machacek J R , Blanco F , Garcia G , Buckman S J , Sullivan J P 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
In an effort to aid the modelling of positron and positronium (Ps) transport in biological media we have compiled recent experimental results for the total Ps formation in positron scattering from atoms and molecules. A simple function was found to adequately describe the total Ps formation cross section for both atoms and molecules. The parameters of this function describe the magnitude and shape of the Ps formation cross section and are compared to physical characteristics of the target atoms and molecules. A general trend in the magnitude of the total Ps formation cross section is observed as a function of the target atom/molecule dipole polarisability. The functional form may enable quick estimation of the Ps cross section for molecules for which experimental measurements or theoretical estimates do not exist.
Self-Portrait in a Library: Charles d'Orléans and his Books
Authors: Frieden Philippe 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Like most cultivated nobles of his time, Charles d'Orléans possessed a large library, partly inherited from his parents, Louis d'Orléans and Valentina Visconti. Charles's library is fascinating due to its multiple origins: books were received as gifts, or purchased during Charles's captivity in England, or copied by him or his brother during the same period, or written by him, as in the case of his ‘notebook’. As such, this library represents a lifetime and reflects its collector. Taking into consideration the medieval catalogues of the collection, details held within books made for Charles, and his own book of poetry, this article shows how the figure of the duke as owner or collector appears in a variety of forms. But it also argues that genealogy offers a powerful lens through which to understand the collection's successive iterations; unity is seen to rest more on a series of social, especially familial, interactions than on the identity of any one individual. The late medieval library can thus be considered the result of a network of genealogical relationships, and a powerful expression of the intimate links connecting manuscripts, medieval libraries, and their owners.
Language evolution and climate: the case of desiccation and tone
Authors: Everett Caleb , Blasí Damián E. , Roberts Seán G. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
We make the case that, contra standard assumption in linguistic theory, the sound systems of human languages are adapted to their environment. While not conclusive, this plausible case rests on several points discussed in this work: First, human behavior is generally adaptive and the assumption that this characteristic does not extend to linguistic structure is empirically unsubstantiated. Second, animal communication systems are well known to be adaptive within species across a variety of phyla and taxa. Third, research in laryngology demonstrates clearly that ambient desiccation impacts the performance of the human vocal cords. The latter point motivates a clear, testable hypothesis with respect to the synchronic global distribution of language types. Fourth, this hypothesis is supported in our own previous work, and here we discuss new approaches being developed to further explore the hypothesis. We conclude by suggesting that the time has come to more substantively examine the possibility that linguistic sound systems are adapted to their physical ecology.
No evidence for [O iii] variability in Mrk 142
Authors: Barth Aaron J. , Bentz Misty C. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Using archival data from the 2008 Lick AGN Monitoring Project, Zhang & Feng claimed to find evidence for flux variations in the narrow [O iii] emission of the Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 142 over a two-month time span. If correct, this would imply a surprisingly compact size for the narrow-line region. We show that the claimed [O iii] variations are merely the result of random errors in the overall flux calibration of the spectra. The data do not provide any support for the hypothesis that the [O iii] flux was variable during the 2008 monitoring period.
Low Serum Vitamin D
Authors: Ahmad Imad I. , Trikudanathan Guru , Feinn Richard , Anderson Joseph C. , Nicholson Marie , Lowe Samantha , Levine Joel B. 
Published: February 2016

Aims:To examine the association between low 25-OH Vitamin D levels and prevalence of advanced adenomas (AAs) in screening/surveillance colonoscopy patients.Rationale:Low serum 25-OH Vitamin D has been associated with an increased risk for colon cancer. In the Adenoma-Carcinoma pathway, a subset of colon polyps (AA) have been regarded as high-risk precursor lesions. We used a retrospective case-control design to examine the association between Vitamin D deficiency and the prevalence of AA in a high-risk population.Materials and Methods:We examined a total of 354 patients who presented for initial screening or surveillance colonoscopy at our Colon Cancer Prevention Program. Our main exposure variable was serum Vitamin D levels and the outcome was AAs defined as those adenomas that were large (≥1 cm) or had advanced pathology (>25% villous components or high-grade dysplasia). Known risk factors were also collected from the patients’ charts including gender, age, smoking, and family history. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the relationship between serum 25-OH Vitamin D levels and AAs. A total of 354 patients [(males, 188; females, 166); average age, 61 y] charts were reviewed. Vitamin D levels ranged between 4 and 70 ng/mL, with a mean of 25 ng/mL (clinical laboratory normal>30 ng/mL). There was no significant association between serum levels and time of the year of blood draw. Risk for tubular adenoma and AA increased as Vitamin D levels decreased to <30 ng/mL (P=0.002). In total, 80% of AAs were detected in patients whose levels were below this value (odds ratio, 3.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-8.03;P=0.007). Bivariate analysis also showed a positive association between smokers with AA as well as those with a family history of colon cancer (P=0.011) and low Vitamin D levels (P=0.001). A multivariate analysis using quintiles of Vitamin D levels demonstrated an increased risk of AAs for patients with levels in the second quintile (33 ng/mL) (odds ratio, 4.3;P=0.01)Main Conclusions:Most patients presenting in our Colon Cancer Prevention Program have low levels of serum 25-OH Vitamin D. Analysis of the results of both screening and surveillance colonoscopies demonstrated an inverse relation between serum 25-OH Vitamin D level and AAs.