bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurobiological differences in mental rotation and instrument interpretation in airline pilots
Authors: Sladky Ronald , Stepniczka Irene , Boland Edzard , Tik Martin , Lamm Claus , Hoffmann André , Buch Jan-Philipp , Niedermeier Dominik , Field Joris , Windischberger Christian 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAirline pilots and similar professions require reliable spatial cognition abilities, such as mental imagery of static and moving three-dimensional objects in space. A well-known task to investigate these skills is the Shepard and Metzler mental rotation task (SMT), which is also frequently used during pre-assessment of pilot candidates. Despite the intuitive relationship between real-life spatial cognition and SMT, several studies have challenged its predictive value. Here we report on a novel instrument interpretation task (IIT) based on a realistic attitude indicator used in modern aircrafts that was designed to bridge the gap between the abstract SMT and a cockpit environment. We investigated 18 professional airline pilots using fMRI. No significant correlation was found between SMT and IIT task accuracies. Contrasting both tasks revealed higher activation in the fusiform gyrus, angular gyrus and medial precuneus for IIT, whereas SMT elicited significantly stronger activation in pre- and supplementary motor areas, as well as lateral precuneus and superior parietal lobe. Our results show that SMT skills per se are not sufficient to predict task accuracy during (close to) real-life instrument interpretation. While there is a substantial overlap of activation across the task conditions, we found that there are important differences between instrument interpretation and non-aviation based mental rotation.
The use of platelet-rich fibrin combined with periodontal ligament and jaw bone mesenchymal stem cell sheets for periodontal tissue engineering
Authors: Wang Zhong-Shan , Feng Zhi-Hong , Wu Guo-Feng , Bai Shi-Zhu , Dong Yan , Chen Fa-Ming , Zhao Yi-Min 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPeriodontal regeneration involves the restoration of at least three unique tissues: cementum, periodontal ligament tissue (PDL) and alveolar bone tissue. Here, we first isolated human PDL stem cells (PDLSCs) and jaw bone mesenchymal stem cells (JBMSCs). These cells were then induced to form cell sheets using an ascorbic acid-rich approach, and the cell sheet properties, including morphology, thickness and gene expression profile, were compared. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) derived from human venous blood was then fabricated into bioabsorbable fibrin scaffolds containing various growth factors. Finally, the in vivo potential of a cell-material construct based on PDLSC sheets, PRF scaffolds and JBMSC sheets to form periodontal tissue was assessed in a nude mouse model. In this model, PDLSC sheet/PRF/JBMSC sheet composites were placed in a simulated periodontal space comprising human treated dentin matrix (TDM) and hydroxyapatite (HA)/tricalcium phosphate (TCP) frameworks. Eight weeks after implantation, the PDLSC sheets tended to develop into PDL-like tissues, while the JBMSC sheets tended to produce predominantly bone-like tissues. In addition, the PDLSC sheet/PRF/JBMSC sheet composites generated periodontal tissue-like structures containing PDL- and bone-like tissues. Further improvements in this cell transplantation design may have the potential to provide an effective approach for future periodontal tissue regeneration.
HIV-specific Th2 and Th17 responses predict HIV vaccine protection efficacy
Authors: Sauce Delphine , Gorochov Guy , Larsen Martin 
Published: June 2016

AbstractUnderstanding the factors that delineate the efficacy of T-cell responses towards pathogens is crucial for our ability to develop potent therapies and vaccines against infectious diseases, such as HIV. Here we show that a recently developed analytical tool, the polyfunctionality index (PI), not only enables prediction of protection after vaccination against HIV, but also allows identification of the immunological pathways involved. Our data suggest that induction of a synergistic network of CD4+ T-cell subsets is implicated in HIV-protection. Accordingly, we provide evidence that vaccine-induced protection is associated with CD40L expressing Th2 cells and IL-2 secreting Th17 cells. In conclusion, we describe a novel approach that is widely applicable and readily interpretable in a biological and clinical context. This approach could greatly impact our fundamental understanding of T-cell immunity as well as the search for effective vaccines.
Protein Kinase A: A Master Kinase of Granulosa Cell Differentiation
Authors: Puri Pawan , Little-Ihrig Lynda , Chandran Uma , Law Nathan C. , Hunzicker-Dunn Mary , Zeleznik Anthony J. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractActivation of protein kinase A (PKA) by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) transduces the signal that drives differentiation of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). An unresolved question is whether PKA is sufficient to initiate the complex program of GC responses to FSH. We compared signaling pathways and gene expression profiles of GCs stimulated with FSH or expressing PKA-CQR, a constitutively active mutant of PKA. Both FSH and PKA-CQR stimulated the phosphorylation of proteins known to be involved in GC differentiation including CREB, ß-catenin, AKT, p42/44 MAPK, GAB2, GSK-3ß, FOXO1, and YAP. In contrast, FSH stimulated the phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase but PKA-CQR did not. Microarray analysis revealed that 85% of transcripts that were up-regulated by FSH were increased to a comparable extent by PKA-CQR and of the transcripts that were down-regulated by FSH, 76% were also down-regulated by PKA-CQR. Transcripts regulated similarly by FSH and PKA-CQR are involved in steroidogenesis and differentiation, while transcripts more robustly up-regulated by PKA-CQR are involved in ovulation. Thus, PKA, under the conditions of our experimental approach appears to function as a master upstream kinase that is sufficient to initiate the complex pattern of intracellular signaling pathway and gene expression profiles that accompany GC differentiation.
Factors Affecting the Agreement Between Emergency Psychiatrists and General Practitioners Regarding Involuntary Psychiatric Hospitalizations
Authors: Geoffroy Pierre Alexis , Duhamel Alain , Behal Hélène , Zouitina-Lietaert Nadia , Duthilleul Julie , Marquette Louise , Ducrocq François , Vaiva Guillaume , Rolland Benjamin 
Published: June 2016

AbstractImportant discrepancies exist between physicians in deciding when to perform involuntary hospitalization measures (IHMs). The factors underlying these differences are poorly known.We conducted a two-year single-center retrospective study in France on patients who were referred to the emergency department (ED) with an IHM certificate written by a private-practice General Practitioner (GP). For each consultation, the official IHM motive was categorized into four groups: Suicide; Psychosis, Mania, or Melancholia (PMM); Agitation; and Other. The alcohol status of the patient was also noted. The factors underlying the ED psychiatrists’ confirmation of the use of IHMs were determined using a logistic regression model. One hundred eighty-nine cases were found (165 patients; 44.2 ± 16 years, 41.3% women). The ED psychiatrists confirmed the use of IHMs in 123 instances (65.1% agreement rate). Multivariate analyses found that IHM disagreement was significantly associated with patient alcohol status and the reason for referral. Specifically, there was an increased risk of IHM disagreement when the patient had an alcohol-positive status (OR = 15.80; 95% CI [6.45–38.67]; p < 0.0001) and when the motive for IHM was “agitation” compared with “suicide” (OR = 11.44; 95% CI[3.38–38.78]; p < 0.0001). These findings reflect significant disparities between GPs and ED psychiatrists regarding the decision to proceed to an IHM.
Rice Domestication Revealed by Reduced Shattering of Archaeological rice from the Lower Yangtze valley
Authors: Zheng Yunfei , Crawford Gary W. , Jiang Leping , Chen Xugao 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPlant remains dating to between 9000 and 8400 BP from a probable ditch structure at the Huxi site include the oldest rice (Oryza sativa) spikelet bases and associated plant remains recovered in China. The remains document an early stage of rice domestication and the ecological setting in which early cultivation was taking place. The rice spikelet bases from Huxi include wild (shattering), intermediate and domesticated (non-shattering) forms. The relative frequency of intermediate and non-shattering spikelet bases indicates that selection for, at the very least, non-shattering rice was underway at Huxi. The rice also has characteristics of japonica rice (Oryza sativa subsp. japonica), helping to clarify the emergence of a significant lineage of the crop. Seeds, phytoliths and their context provide evidence of increasing anthropogenesis and cultivation during the occupation. Rice spikelet bases from Kuahuqiao (8000–7700 BP), Tianluoshan (7000–6500 BP), Majiabang (6300–6000 BP) and Liangzhu (5300–4300 BP) sites indicate that rice underwent continuing selection for reduced shattering and japonica rice characteristics, confirming a prolonged domestication process for rice.
Loss of Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2 leads to impaired islet mass and beta cell survival
Authors: Villa Stephanie R. , Priyadarshini Medha , Fuller Miles H. , Bhardwaj Tanya , Brodsky Michael R. , Angueira Anthony R. , Mosser Rockann E. , Carboneau Bethany A. , Tersey Sarah A. , Mancebo Helena , Gilchrist Annette , Mirmira Raghavendra G. , Gannon Maureen , Layden Brian T. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe regulation of pancreatic β cell mass is a critical factor to help maintain normoglycemia during insulin resistance. Nutrient-sensing G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) contribute to aspects of β cell function, including regulation of β cell mass. Nutrients such as free fatty acids (FFAs) contribute to precise regulation of β cell mass by signaling through cognate GPCRs and considerable evidence suggests that circulating FFAs promote β cell expansion by direct and indirect mechanisms. Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2 (FFA2) is a β cell-expressed GPCR that is activated by short chain fatty acids, particularly acetate. Recent studies of FFA2 suggest that it may act as a regulator of β cell function. Here, we set out to explore what role FFA2 may play in regulation of β cell mass. Interestingly, Ffar2−/− mice exhibit diminished β cell mass at birth and throughout adulthood and increased β cell death at adolescent time points, suggesting a role for FFA2 in establishment and maintenance of β cell mass. Additionally, activation of FFA2 with Gαq/11-biased agonists substantially increased β cell proliferation in in vitro and ex vivo proliferation assays. Collectively, these data suggest that FFA2 may be a novel therapeutic target to stimulate β cell growth and proliferation.
Identification and Characterisation of a pH-stable GFP
Authors: Roberts Tania Michelle , Rudolf Fabian , Meyer Andreas , Pellaux Rene , Whitehead Ellis , Panke Sven , Held Martin 
Published: June 2016

AbstractGreen fluorescent proteins (GFPs) are invaluable tools for modern cell biology. Even though many properties of GFP have been successfully engineered, a GFP retaining brightness at low pH has not emerged. This limits the use of GFP in quantitative studies performed in fluctuating or acidic conditions. We report the engineering and characterisation of tandem dimer GFP (pH-tdGFP), a bright and stable GFP that can be efficiently excited and maintains its fluorescence properties in acidic conditions. Therefore, pH-tdGFP could act as a quantitative marker for cellular processes that occur at low pH, such as endocytosis, autophagy or starvation.
Increased Cumulative Incidence of Dermatomyositis in Ulcerative Colitis: a Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Tseng Chia-Chun , Chang Shun-Jen , Liao Wei-Ting , Chan Ya-Ting , Tsai Wen-Chan , Ou Tsan-Teng , Wu Cheng-Chin , Sung Wan-Yu , Hsieh Ming-Chia , Yen Jeng-Hsien 
Published: June 2016

AbstractOn a molecular level, two autoimmune diseases: ulcerative colitis (UC) and dermatomyositis share common genetic determinants. On a clinical level, case reports evidenced the co-occurrence of these two diseases. We therefore hypothesize that UC is potentially associated with increased cumulative incidence of dermatomyositis. The goals of this retrospective cohort study were to evaluate whether UC is associated with increased cumulative incidence of dermatomyositis independent of sex and age. For comparison, we also assessed the cumulative incidence of polymyositis in UC and control subjects. The study enrolled 3,133 UC subjects and 14,726 control subjects. The cumulative incidence of dermatomyositis was significantly higher in UC than that of control subjects (p = 0.026), but the cumulative incidence of polymyositis was comparable between UC and control subjects (p = 0.596). UC was independently associated with the increased incident dermatomyositis (hazard ratio: 6.19, 95% confidence interval = 1.77–21.59, p = 0.004) after adjusting for sex, age and concomitant rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. Similar trends of increased dermatomyositis in UC were observed when patients were stratified based on sex and age. In conclusion, our findings suggest that UC is probably associated with increased cumulative incidence of dermatomyositis, independent of sex, age and concomitant autoimmune diseases.
Stability of an adaptive hybrid community
Authors: Mougi A. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractContrary to stable natural ecosystems, the classical ecological theory predicts that complex ecological communities are fragile. The adaptive switching of interaction partners was proposed as a key factor to resolve the complexity–stability problem. However, this theory is based on the food webs that comprise predator–prey interactions alone; thus, the manner in which adaptive behavior affects the dynamics of hybrid communities with multiple interaction types remains unclear. Here, using a bipartite community network model with antagonistic and mutualistic interactions, I show that adaptive partner shifts by both antagonists and mutualists are crucial to the persistence of communities. The results show that adaptive behavior destabilizes the dynamics of communities with a single interaction type; however, the hybridity of multiple interaction types within a community greatly improves the stability. Moreover, adaptive behavior does not create a positive complexity–stability relationship in communities with a single interaction type but it does in the hybrid community. The diversity of interaction types is predicted to play a crucial role in community maintenance in an adaptive world.
A Self-Limiting Electro-Ablation Technique for the Top-Down Synthesis of Large-Area Monolayer Flakes of 2D Materials
Authors: Das Saptarshi , Bera Mrinal K. , Tong Sheng , Narayanan Badri , Kamath Ganesh , Mane Anil , Paulikas Arvydas P. , Antonio Mark R. , Sankaranarayanan Subramanian K. R. S. , Roelofs Andreas K. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractWe report the discovery of an electrochemical process that converts two dimensional layered materials of arbitrary thicknesses into monolayers. The lateral dimensions of the monolayers obtained by the process within a few seconds time at room temperature were as large as 0.5 mm. The temporal and spatial dynamics of this physical phenomenon, studied on MoS2 flakes using ex-situ AFM imaging, Raman mapping and photoluminescence measurements trace the origin of monolayer formation to a substrate-assisted self-limiting electrochemical ablation process. Electronic structure and atomistic calculations point to the interplay between three essential factors in the process: (1) strong covalent interaction of monolayer MoS2 with the substrate; (2) electric-field induced differences in Gibbs free energy of exfoliation; (3) dispersion of MoS2 in aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. This process was successful in obtaining monolayers of other 2D transition metal dichalcogenides, like WS2 and MoTe2 as well.
Pro-haloacetate Nanoparticles for Efficient Cancer Therapy via Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase Modulation
Authors: Misra Santosh K. , Ye Mao , Ostadhossein Fatemeh , Pan Dipanjan 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAnticancer agents based on haloacetic acids are developed for inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK), an enzyme responsible for reversing the suppression of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Through molecular docking studies mono- and dihaloacetates are identified as potent PDK2 binders and matched their efficiency with dichloroacetic acid. In silico screening directed their conversion to phospholipid prodrugs, which were subsequently self-assembled to pro-haloacetate nanoparticles. Following a thorough physico-chemical characterization, the functional activity of these novel agents was established in wide ranges of human cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo in rodents. Results indicated that the newly explored PDK modulators can act as efficient agent for cancer regression. A Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) assay mechanistically confirmed that these agents trigger their activity through the mitochondria-dependent apoptosis.
Negative autoregulation of BMP dependent transcription by SIN3B splicing reveals a role for RBM39
Authors: Faherty Noel , Benson Matthew , Sharma Eshita , Lee Angela , Howarth Alison , Lockstone Helen , Ebner Daniel , Bhattacharya Shoumo 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBMP signalling is negatively autoregulated by several genes including SMAD6, Noggin and Gremlin and autoregulators are possible targets for enhancing BMP signalling in disorders such as fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension. To identify novel negative regulators of BMP signalling, we used siRNA screening in mouse C2C12 cells with a BMP-responsive luciferase reporter. Knockdown of several splicing factors increased BMP4-dependent transcription and target gene expression. Knockdown of RBM39 produced the greatest enhancement in BMP activity. Transcriptome-wide RNA sequencing identified a change in Sin3b exon usage after RBM39 knockdown. SIN3B targets histone deacetylases to chromatin to repress transcription. In mouse, Sin3b produces long and short isoforms, with the short isoform lacking the ability to recruit HDACs. BMP4 induced a shift in SIN3B expression to the long isoform and this change in isoform ratio was prevented by RBM39 knockdown. Knockdown of long isoform SIN3B enhanced BMP4-dependent transcription, whereas knockdown of the short isoform did not. We propose that BMP4-dependent transcription is negatively autoregulated in part by SIN3B alternative splicing and that RBM39 plays a role in this process.
Genome-wide discovery of G-quadruplex forming sequences and their functional relevance in plants
Authors: Garg Rohini , Aggarwal Jyoti , Thakkar Bijal 
Published: June 2016

AbstractDNA, in addition to the canonical B-form, can acquire a variety of alternate structures, such as G-quadruplexes. These structures have been implicated in several cellular processes in animals. In this study, we identified different types of G-quadruplex forming sequences (GQSes) in 15 sequenced plants and analyzed their distribution in various genomic features, including gene body, coding, intergenic and promoter regions. G2-type GQSes were most abundant in all the plant species analyzed. A strong association of G3-type GQSes with intergenic, promoter and intronic regions was found. However, G2-type GQSes were enriched in genic, CDS, exonic and untranslated regions. Further, we identified GQSes present in the conserved genes among monocots and dicots. The genes involved in development, cell growth and size, transmembrane transporter and regulation of gene expression were found to be significantly enriched. In the promoter region, we detected strong co-occurrence of Telobox, ERF, MYB, RAV1B and E2F motifs with GQSes. Further, we validated the structure formation of several plant GQSes, demonstrated their effect on stalling in-vitro replication and revealed their interaction with plant nuclear proteins. Our data provide insights into the prevalence of GQSes in plants, establish their association with different genomic features and functional relevance.
MtrA of the sodium ion pumping methyltransferase binds cobalamin in a unique mode
Authors: Wagner Tristan , Ermler Ulrich , Shima Seigo 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn the three domains of life, vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is primarily used in methyltransferase and isomerase reactions. The methyltransferase complex MtrA–H of methanogenic archaea has a key function in energy conservation by catalysing the methyl transfer from methyl-tetrahydromethanopterin to coenzyme M and its coupling with sodium-ion translocation. The cobalamin-binding subunit MtrA is not homologous to any known B12-binding proteins and is proposed as the motor of the sodium-ion pump. Here, we present crystal structures of the soluble domain of the membrane-associated MtrA from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii and the cytoplasmic MtrA homologue/cobalamin complex from Methanothermus fervidus. The MtrA fold corresponds to the Rossmann-type α/β fold, which is also found in many cobalamin-containing proteins. Surprisingly, the cobalamin-binding site of MtrA differed greatly from all the other cobalamin-binding sites. Nevertheless, the hydrogen-bond linkage at the lower axial-ligand site of cobalt was equivalently constructed to that found in other methyltransferases and mutases. A distinct polypeptide segment fixed through the hydrogen-bond linkage in the relaxed Co(III) state might be involved in propagating the energy released upon corrinoid demethylation to the sodium-translocation site by a conformational change.
Porous Tantalum Implant in Treating Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: Still a Viable Option?
Authors: Ma Jinhui , Sun Wei , Gao Fuqiang , Guo Wanshou , Wang Yunting , Li Zirong 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the survivorship and risk factors for radiographic progression and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) after porous tantalum implant surgery in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). The study comprised 90 ONFH patients (104 consecutive hips) who were treated with a porous tantalum implant combined with bone grafting between June 2008 and December 2013. The patients were 19–61 years of age (mean age, 38 years). The mean follow-up was 42 months. The outcome measures included Harris hip score (HHS), radiographic outcome measures and survivorship analysis with conversion to THA as the endpoint. The mean postoperative HHS was significantly lower than the mean preoperative HHS (P < 0.001). The Cox proportional hazards model showed that age and Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage were independent risk factors for conversion to THA, while age, China-Japan Friendship Hospital (CJFH) type and ARCO stage were independent risk factors for radiological progression. Ultimately, only 52.9% hips survived. Porous tantalum implant surgery combined with bone grafting is not a viable option for treating ONFH, especially in patients >35 years of age with preoperative ARCO stage III and CJFH type L3.