bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of acute systemic inflammation on the interplay between sad mood and affective cognition
Authors: Benson Sven , Brinkhoff Alexandra , Lueg Larissa , Roderigo Till , Kribben Andreas , Wilde Benjamin , Witzke Oliver , Engler Harald , Schedlowski Manfred , Elsenbruch Sigrid 
Published: December 2017

AbstractExperimental endotoxemia is a translational model to study inflammatory mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of mood disorders including depression. Disturbed affective cognition constitutes a core aspect in depression, but has never been studied in the context of inflammation. We combined experimental endotoxemia with an established experimental mood induction procedure to assess the interaction between acute inflammation and sad mood and their effects on affective cognition. In this randomized cross-over study, N = 15 healthy males received endotoxin (0.8 ng/kg lipopolysaccharide iv) on one study day and placebo an otherwise identical study day. The affective Go/Nogo task was conducted after experimental induction of neutral and sad mood. Inflammatory markers were assessed hourly. Endotoxin application induced a transient systemic inflammation, characterized by increased leukocyte counts, TNF-alpha and interleukin-6 plasma concentrations (all p < 0.01, interaction effects). Mood induction led to greater sadness ratings, with highest ratings when sad mood was induced during inflammation (p < 0.05, interaction effect). Based on a 2 (endotoxin vs. placebo) × 2 (sad vs. neutral mood) × 2 (sad vs. happy Go/Nogo target words) factorial design, we observed a significant target × endotoxin condition interaction (p < 0.01) reflecting slower responses to sad targets during endotoxemia. Additionally, we found a valence × mood interaction (p < 0.05), reflecting slower reaction times to sad targets in sad mood. In summary, acute inflammation and sad mood are risk factors for disturbed affective cognition. The results may reflect a mood-congruency effect, with prolonged and sustained processing of mood-congruent information during acute inflammation, which may contribute to depression risk.
A multi-dimensional characterization of anxiety in monozygotic twin pairs reveals susceptibility loci in humans
Authors: Alisch Reid S. , Van Hulle Carol , Chopra Pankaj , Bhattacharyya Anita , Zhang Su-Chun , Davidson Richard J. , Kalin Ned H. , Goldsmith H. Hill 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe etiology of individual differences in human anxiousness is complex and includes contributions from genetic, epigenetic (i.e., DNA methylation) and environmental factors. Past genomic approaches have been limited in their ability to detect human anxiety-related differences in these factors. To overcome these limitations, we employed both a multi-dimensional characterization method, to select monozygotic twin pairs discordant for anxiety, and whole genome DNA methylation sequencing. This approach revealed 230 anxiety-related differentially methylated loci that were annotated to 183 genes, including several known stress-related genes such as NAV1, IGF2, GNAS, and CRTC1. As an initial validation of these findings, we tested the significance of an overlap of these data with anxiety-related differentially methylated loci that we previously reported from a key neural circuit of anxiety (i.e., the central nucleus of the amygdala) in young monkeys and found a significant overlap (P-value < 0.05) of anxiety-related differentially methylated genes, including GNAS, SYN3, and JAG2. Finally, sequence motif predictions of all the human differentially methylated regions indicated an enrichment of five transcription factor binding motifs, suggesting that DNA methylation may regulate gene expression by mediating transcription factor binding of these transcripts. Together, these data demonstrate environmentally sensitive factors that may underlie the development of human anxiety.
Nuclear lamin A/C harnesses the perinuclear apical actin cables to protect nuclear morphology
Authors: Kim Jeong-Ki , Louhghalam Arghavan , Lee Geonhui , Schafer Benjamin W. , Wirtz Denis , Kim Dong-Hwee 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe distinct spatial architecture of the apical actin cables (or actin cap) facilitates rapid biophysical signaling between extracellular mechanical stimuli and intracellular responses, including nuclear shaping, cytoskeletal remodeling, and the mechanotransduction of external forces into biochemical signals. These functions are abrogated in lamin A/C-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts that recapitulate the defective nuclear organization of laminopathies, featuring disruption of the actin cap. However, how nuclear lamin A/C mediates the ability of the actin cap to regulate nuclear morphology remains unclear. Here, we show that lamin A/C expressing cells can form an actin cap to resist nuclear deformation in response to physiological mechanical stresses. This study reveals how the nuclear lamin A/C-mediated formation of the perinuclear apical actin cables protects the nuclear structural integrity from extracellular physical disturbances. Our findings highlight the role of the physical interactions between the cytoskeletal network and the nucleus in cellular mechanical homeostasis.
Probing defect dynamics in monolayer MoS2 via noise nanospectroscopy
Authors: Song Seung Hyun , Joo Min-Kyu , Neumann Michael , Kim Hyun , Lee Young Hee 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMonolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has received intense interest as a strong candidate for next-generation electronics. However, the observed electrical properties of monolayer MoS2 exhibit several anomalies: samples universally exhibit unexpectedly low mobilities, n-type characteristics, and large contact resistances regardless of contact metal work function. These anomalies have been attributed to the presence of defects, but the mechanism behind this link has been elusive. Here we report the ionization dynamics of sulfur monovacancy defects in monolayer MoS2 probed via noise nanospectroscopy, realized by combining noise–current analysis with atomic force microscopy. Due to the nanoscale dimension of the in situ channel defined by the tip size, we probe a few monovacancy defects at a time. Monovacancy defects exhibit switching between three distinct ionization configurations, corresponding to charge states 0, −1, and −2. The most probable charge configurations are 0 and −1, providing a plausible mechanism to explain the observed anomalies of MoS2 monolayers.
Genome of the Tasmanian tiger provides insights into the evolution and demography of an extinct marsupial carnivore
Authors: Feigin Charles Y. , Newton Axel H. , Doronina Liliya , Schmitz Jürgen , Hipsley Christy A. , Mitchell Kieren J. , Gower Graham , Llamas Bastien , Soubrier Julien , Heider Thomas N. , Menzies Brandon R. , Cooper Alan , O’Neill Rachel J. , Pask Andrew J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe Tasmanian tiger or thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus) was the largest carnivorous Australian marsupial to survive into the modern era. Despite last sharing a common ancestor with the eutherian canids ~160 million years ago, their phenotypic resemblance is considered the most striking example of convergent evolution in mammals. The last known thylacine died in captivity in 1936 and many aspects of the evolutionary history of this unique marsupial apex predator remain unknown. Here we have sequenced the genome of a preserved thylacine pouch young specimen to clarify the phylogenetic position of the thylacine within the carnivorous marsupials, reconstruct its historical demography and examine the genetic basis of its convergence with canids. Retroposon insertion patterns placed the thylacine as the basal lineage in Dasyuromorphia and suggest incomplete lineage sorting in early dasyuromorphs. Demographic analysis indicated a long-term decline in genetic diversity starting well before the arrival of humans in Australia. In spite of their extraordinary phenotypic convergence, comparative genomic analyses demonstrated that amino acid homoplasies between the thylacine and canids are largely consistent with neutral evolution. Furthermore, the genes and pathways targeted by positive selection differ markedly between these species. Together, these findings support models of adaptive convergence driven primarily bycis-regulatory evolution.
Synthetic integrin-binding immune stimulators target cancer cells and prevent tumor formation
Authors: Brehs Manuel , Pötgens André J. G. , Steitz Julia , Thewes Karine , Schwarz Janett , Conibear Anne C. , Bartneck Matthias , Tacke Frank , Becker Christian F. W. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractImmuno-oncology approaches mainly utilize monoclonal antibodies or protein-based scaffolds that bind with high affinity to cancer cells and can generate an immune response. Peptides can also bind with high affinity to cancer cells and are intermediate in size between antibodies and small molecules. They are also synthetically accessible and therefore easily modified to optimize their stability, binding affinity and selectivity. Here we describe the design of immune system engagers (ISErs), a novel class of synthetic peptide-based compounds that bind specifically to cancer cells and stimulate the immune system. A prototype, Y9, targets integrin α3, which is overexpressed on several cancer cells, and activates the immune system via a formyl methionine-containing effector peptide. Injection of Y9 leads to immune cell infiltration into tissue and prevents tumor formation in a guinea pig model. The anti-tumor activity and synthetic accessibility of Y9 illustrate that ISErs could be applied to a wide variety of targets and diseases.
The metabolic syndrome- associated small G protein ARL15 plays a role in adipocyte differentiation and adiponectin secretion
Authors: Rocha Nuno , Payne Felicity , Huang-Doran Isabel , Sleigh Alison , Fawcett Katherine , Adams Claire , Stears Anna , Saudek Vladimir , O’Rahilly Stephen , Barroso Inês , Semple Robert K. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCommon genetic variants at the ARL15 locus are associated with plasma adiponectin, insulin and HDL cholesterol concentrations, obesity, and coronary atherosclerosis. The ARL15 gene encodes a small GTP-binding protein whose function is currently unknown. In this study adipocyte-autonomous roles for ARL15 were investigated using conditional knockdown of Arl15 in murine 3T3-L1 (pre)adipocytes. Arl15 knockdown in differentiated adipocytes impaired adiponectin secretion but not adipsin secretion or insulin action, while in preadipocytes it impaired adipogenesis. In differentiated adipocytes GFP-tagged ARL15 localized predominantly to the Golgi with lower levels detected at the plasma membrane and intracellular vesicles, suggesting involvement in intracellular trafficking. Sequencing of ARL15 in 375 severely insulin resistant patients identified four rare heterozygous variants, including an early nonsense mutation in a proband with femorogluteal lipodystrophy and non classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and an essential splice site mutation in a proband with partial lipodystrophy and a history of childhood yolk sac tumour. No nonsense or essential splice site mutations were found in 2,479 controls, while five such variants were found in the ExAC database. These findings provide evidence that ARL15 plays a role in adipocyte differentiation and adiponectin secretion, and raise the possibility that human ARL15 haploinsufficiency predisposes to lipodystrophy.
Long noncoding RNA expression profile reveals lncRNAs signature associated with extracellular matrix degradation in kashin-beck disease
Authors: Wu Cuiyan , Liu Huan , Zhang Feng’e , Shao Wanzhen , Yang Lei , Ning Yujie , Wang Sen , Zhao Guanghui , Lee Byeong Jae , Lammi Mikko , Guo Xiong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractKashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a deformative, endemic osteochondropathy involving degeneration and necrosis of growth plates and articular cartilage. The pathogenesis of KBD is related to gene expression and regulation mechanisms, but long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in KBD have not been investigated. In this study, we identified 316 up-regulated and 631 down-regulated lncRNAs (≥ 2-fold change) in KBD chondrocytes using microarray analysis, of which more than three-quarters were intergenic lncRNAs and antisense lncRNAs. We also identified 232 up-regulated and 427 down-regulated mRNAs (≥ 2-fold change). A lncRNA-mRNA correlation analysis combined 343 lncRNAs and 292 mRNAs to form 509 coding-noncoding gene co-expression networks (CNC networks). Eleven lncRNAs were predicted to have cis-regulated target genes, including NAV2 (neuron navigator 2), TOX (thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box), LAMA4 (laminin, alpha 4), and DEPTOR (DEP domain containing mTOR-interacting protein). The differentially expressed mRNAs in KBD significantly contribute to biological events associated with the extracellular matrix. Meanwhile, 34 mRNAs and 55 co-expressed lncRNAs constituted a network that influences the extracellular matrix. In the network, FBLN1 and LAMA 4 were the core genes with the highest significance. These novel findings indicate that lncRNAs may play a role in extracellular matrix destruction in KBD.
Memory-less response and violation of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem in colloids suspended in an active bath
Authors: Maggi Claudio , Paoluzzi Matteo , Angelani Luca , Di Leonardo Roberto 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe investigate experimentally and numerically the stochastic dynamics and the time-dependent response of colloids subject to a small external perturbation in a dense bath of motile E. coli bacteria. The external field is a magnetic field acting on a superparamagnetic microbead suspended in an active medium. The measured linear response reveals an instantaneous friction kernel despite the complexity of the bacterial bath. By comparing the mean squared displacement and the response function we detect a clear violation of the fluctuation dissipation theorem.
Clinical implications of the plasma EphA2 receptor level in critically ill patients with septic shock
Authors: Lee Su Hwan , Shin Ju Hye , Song Joo Han , Leem Ah Young , Park Moo Suk , Kim Young Sam , Chang Joon , Chung Kyung Soo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe Eph/ephrin receptor ligand system is known to play a role in inflammation induced by infection, injury, and inflammatory diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate plasma EphA2 receptor levels in critically ill patients with sepsis. This study was a prospective cohort study evaluating samples and clinical data from the medical intensive care unit (MICU) of a 2000-bed university tertiary referral hospital in South Korea. Positive correlations of the plasma EphA2 receptor level with the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score and the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score were observed. The area under the curve (AUC) for the plasma EphA2 receptor level on a receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.690 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.608–0.764); the AUCs for the APACHE II score and SOFA scores were 0.659 (95% CI, 0.576–0.736) and 0.745 (95% CI, 0.666–0.814), respectively. A Cox proportional hazard model identified an association between an increased plasma EphA2 receptor level (>51.5 pg mL−1) and increased risk of 28-day mortality in the MICU (hazard ratio = 3.22, 95% CI, 1.709–6.049). An increased plasma EphA2 receptor level was associated with sepsis severity and 28-day mortality among sepsis patients.
Characterising the nicotine metabolite ratio and its association with treatment choice: A cross sectional analysis of Stop Smoking Services in England
Authors: Shahab Lion , Mortimer Emily , Bauld Linda , McGowan Jennifer A. , McNeill Ann , Tyndale Rachel F. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPharmacotherapy provision based on Nicotine Metabolite Ratio (NMR) status (slow/normal metabolism) may improve smoking cessation rates. However, it is unclear whether NMR status is consistent across patient characteristics and current treatment choice. Data come from 1,826 participants attending Stop Smoking Services (SSS) across England in 2012/13. Sociodemographic, mental/physical health, smoking and treatment characteristics (nicotine replacement therapy vs. other pharmacotherapy; group vs. one-to-one behavioural support) were assessed. Salivary nicotine metabolites were measured and NMR (3-hydroxycotinine/cotinine) computed, characterising smokers as slow (NMR < 0.31) or normal (NMR ≥ 0.31) metabolisers. Normal metabolisers were older than slow metabolisers (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.49, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.32–1.69) but no other characteristics were associated with NMR status. Overall, predictors accounted for only 7.3% of NMR variance. In adjusted analysis, pharmacotherapy type was not associated with NMR status, but normal metabolisers were less likely to use group support (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.51–0.89). NMR status does not vary substantially across sociodemographic characteristics. Given its impact on pharmacotherapy efficacy, the lack of an association with pharmacotherapy choice suggests there is scope to use NMR status to optimise the selection and efficacy of smoking cessation pharmacotherapy. The unexpected association of NMR status with behavioural support should be explored further.
Nitrogen fixation in two coastal upwelling regions of the Taiwan Strait
Authors: Wen Zuozhu , Lin Wenfang , Shen Rong , Hong Haizheng , Kao Shuh-Ji , Shi Dalin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractRecent studies have demonstrated that dinitrogen fixation can be important in nutrient-rich coastal upwelling regions. During a cruise to the Taiwan Strait in summer 2015, we found that the nitrogen fixation rate in surface waters ranged from below detection limits to 7.51 nmol N L−1 d−1. Higher rates accompanied by low N:P ratios (1–10.4:1) associated with low temperatures occurred in the surface water where the Pingtan and the Dongshan upwelling regions met (the NE area). In contrast, insignificant rates were observed in the southwest area of the Dongshan upwelling region (the SW area) with sufficient N and deficient P, and therefore high N:P ratios (e.g., >43 at station C2) due largely to the influence of the Pearl River plume. Diatom-associated symbionts (het-1; 104–106 copies L−1) that are efficient in organic matter export were found to dominate the other diazotrophic groups that were surveyed, which may represent a direct relationship between new nitrogen input and export in the upwelling regions. Our results suggest a hydrographical influence on the diazotroph community and N2 fixation in coastal upwelling regions.
Instagram, Flickr, or Twitter: Assessing the usability of social media data for visitor monitoring in protected areas
Authors: Tenkanen Henrikki , Di Minin Enrico , Heikinheimo Vuokko , Hausmann Anna , Herbst Marna , Kajala Liisa , Toivonen Tuuli 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSocial media data is increasingly used as a proxy for human activity in different environments, including protected areas, where collecting visitor information is often laborious and expensive, but important for management and marketing. Here, we compared data from Instagram, Twitter and Flickr, and assessed systematically how park popularity and temporal visitor counts derived from social media data perform against high-precision visitor statistics in 56 national parks in Finland and South Africa in 2014. We show that social media activity is highly associated with park popularity, and social media-based monthly visitation patterns match relatively well with the official visitor counts. However, there were considerable differences between platforms as Instagram clearly outperformed Twitter and Flickr. Furthermore, we show that social media data tend to perform better in more visited parks, and should always be used with caution. Based on stakeholder discussions we identified potential reasons why social media data and visitor statistics might not match: the geography and profile of the park, the visitor profile, and sudden events. Overall the results are encouraging in broader terms: Over 60% of the national parks globally have Twitter or Instagram activity, which could potentially inform global nature conservation.
Regulation of hyperoxia-induced social behaviour in Pristionchus pacificus nematodes requires a novel cilia-mediated environmental input
Authors: Moreno Eduardo , Sieriebriennikov Bogdan , Witte Hanh , Rödelsperger Christian , Lightfoot James W. , Sommer Ralf J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSocial behaviours are frequently utilised for defence and stress avoidance in nature. BothCaenorhabditis elegansandPristionchus pacificusnematodes display social behaviours including clumping and bordering, to avoid hyperoxic stress conditions. Additionally, both species show natural variation in social behaviours with “social” and “solitary” strains. While the single solitaryC. elegansN2 strain has evolved under laboratory domestication due to a gain-of-function mutation in the neuropeptide receptor genenpr-1,P. pacificussolitary strains are commonplace and likely ancestral.P. pacificustherefore provides an opportunity to further our understanding of the mechanisms regulating these complex behaviours and how they evolved within an ecologically relevant system. Using CRISPR/Cas9 engineering, we show thatPpa-npr-1has minimal influence on social behaviours, indicating independent evolutionary pathways compared toC. elegans. Furthermore, solitaryP. pacificusstrains show an unexpected locomotive response to hyperoxic conditions, suggesting a novel regulatory mechanism counteracting social behaviours. By utilising both forward and reverse genetic approaches we identified 10 genes of the intraflagellar transport machinery in ciliated neurons that are essential for this inhibition. Therefore, a novel cilia-mediated environmental input adds an additional level of complexity to the regulation of hyperoxia-induced social behaviours inP. pacificus, a mechanism unknown inC. elegans.
Effects of maternal obesity on Wharton’s Jelly mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Badraiq Heba , Cvoro Aleksandra , Galleu Antonio , Simon Marisa , Miere Cristian , Hobbs Carl , Schulz Reiner , Siow Richard , Dazzi Francesco , Ilic Dusko 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe investigated whether maternal metabolic environment affects mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) from umbilical cord’s Wharton’s Jelly (WJ) on a molecular level, and potentially render them unsuitable for clinical use in multiple recipients. In this pilot study on umbilical cords post partum from healthy non-obese (BMI = 19–25; n = 7) and obese (BMI ≥ 30; n = 7) donors undergoing elective Cesarean section, we found that WJ MSC from obese donors showed slower population doubling and a stronger immunosuppressive activity. Genome-wide DNA methylation of triple positive (CD73+CD90+CD105+) WJ MSCs found 67 genes with at least one CpG site where the methylation difference was ≥0.2 in four or more obese donors. Only one gene, PNPLA7, demonstrated significant difference on methylome, transcriptome and protein level. Although the number of analysed donors is limited, our data suggest that the altered metabolic environment related to excessive body weight might bear consequences on the WJ MSCs.