bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Invariant object recognition is a personalized selection of invariant features in humans, not simply explained by hierarchical feed-forward vision models
Authors: Karimi-Rouzbahani Hamid , Bagheri Nasour , Ebrahimpour Reza 
Published: October 2017

AbstractOne key ability of human brain is invariant object recognition, which refers to rapid and accurate recognition of objects in the presence of variations such as size, rotation and position. Despite decades of research into the topic, it remains unknown how the brain constructs invariant representations of objects. Providing brain-plausible object representations and reaching human-level accuracy in recognition, hierarchical models of human vision have suggested that, human brain implements similar feed-forward operations to obtain invariant representations. However, conducting two psychophysical object recognition experiments on humans with systematically controlled variations of objects, we observed that humans relied on specific (diagnostic) object regions for accurate recognition which remained relatively consistent (invariant) across variations; but feed-forward feature-extraction models selected view-specific (non-invariant) features across variations. This suggests that models can develop different strategies, but reach human-level recognition performance. Moreover, human individuals largely disagreed on their diagnostic features and flexibly shifted their feature extraction strategy from view-invariant to view-specific when objects became more similar. This implies that, even in rapid object recognition, rather than a set of feed-forward mechanisms which extract diagnostic features from objects in a hard-wired fashion, the bottom-up visual pathways receive, through top-down connections, task-related information possibly processed in prefrontal cortex.
Alzheimer’s disease and cigarette smoke components: effects of nicotine, PAHs, and Cd(II), Cr(III), Pb(II), Pb(IV) ions on amyloid-β peptide aggregation
Authors: Wallin Cecilia , Sholts Sabrina B. , Österlund Nicklas , Luo Jinghui , Jarvet Jüri , Roos Per M. , Ilag Leopold , Gräslund Astrid , Wärmländer Sebastian K. T. S. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractCigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is associated with extracellular brain deposits of amyloid plaques containing aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides. Aβ aggregation occurs via multiple pathways that can be influenced by various compounds. Here, we used AFM imaging and NMR, fluorescence, and mass spectrometry to monitor in vitro how Aβ aggregation is affected by the cigarette-related compounds nicotine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with one to five aromatic rings, and the metal ions Cd(II), Cr(III), Pb(II), and Pb(IV). All PAHs and metal ions modulated the Aβ aggregation process. Cd(II), Cr(III), and Pb(II) ions displayed general electrostatic interactions with Aβ, whereas Pb(IV) ions showed specific transient binding coordination to the N-terminal Aβ segment. Thus, Pb(IV) ions are especially prone to interact with Aβ and affect its aggregation. While Pb(IV) ions affected mainly Aβ dimer and trimer formation, hydrophobic toluene mainly affected formation of larger aggregates such as tetramers. The uncharged and hydrophilic nicotine molecule showed no direct interactions with Aβ, nor did it affect Aβ aggregation. Our Aβ interaction results suggest a molecular rationale for the higher AD prevalence among smokers, and indicate that certain forms of lead in particular may constitute an environmental risk factor for AD.
Low Levels of Fruit Nitrogen as Drivers for the Evolution of Madagascar’s Primate Communities
Authors: Donati Giuseppe , Santini Luca , Eppley Timothy M. , Arrigo-Nelson Summer J. , Balestri Michela , Boinski Sue , Bollen An , Bridgeman LeAndra L. , Campera Marco , Carrai Valentina , Chalise Mukesh K. , Derby Lewis Abigail , Hohmann Gottfried , Kinnaird Margaret F. , Koenig Andreas , Kowalewski Martin , Lahann Petra , McLennan Matthew R. , Nekaris Anna K. I. , Nijman Vincent , Norscia Ivan , Ostner Julia , Polowinsky Sandra Y. , Schülke Oliver , Schwitzer Christoph , Stevenson Pablo R. , Talebi Mauricio G. , Tan Chia , Tomaschewski Irene , Vogel Erin R. , Wright Patricia C. , Ganzhorn Jörg U. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe uneven representation of frugivorous mammals and birds across tropical regions – high in the New World, low in Madagascar and intermediate in Africa and Asia – represents a long-standing enigma in ecology. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain these differences but the ultimate drivers remain unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that fruits in Madagascar contain insufficient nitrogen to meet primate metabolic requirements, thus constraining the evolution of frugivory. We performed a global analysis of nitrogen in fruits consumed by primates, as collated from 79 studies. Our results showed that average frugivory among lemur communities was lower compared to New World and Asian-African primate communities. Fruits in Madagascar contain lower average nitrogen than those in the New World and Old World. Nitrogen content in the overall diets of primate species did not differ significantly between major taxonomic radiations. There is no relationship between fruit protein and the degree of frugivory among primates either globally or within regions, with the exception of Madagascar. This suggests that low protein availability in fruits influences current lemur communities to select for protein from other sources, whereas in the New World and Old World other factors are more significant in shaping primate communities.
Prognosis of Hippocampal Function after Sub-lethal Irradiation Brain Injury in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Sharon Chia-Ju , Abe Yoshifumi , Fang Pen-Tzu , Hsieh Ya-Ju , Yang Yung-I , Lu Tzu-Ying , Oda Shoji , Mitani Hiroshi , Lian Shi-Long , Tyan Yu-Chang , Huang Chih-Jen , Hisatsune Tatsuhiro 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis work emphasizes the value of assessing hippocampal function by making a timely MRI-based prognosis following a minor dose of hippocampal irradiation after nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC) radiotherapy. A quasi-experiment with case-control design and functional assessments (e.g., neuroimaging analysis with fMRI) was conducted to assess hippocampal function after radiotherapy. We delivered 70 Gy of irradiation to nasopharyngeal carcinomas by 6MV helical radiotherapy and collected data from twenty NPC patients and 24 healthy age-matched subjects. Inevitably, hippocampi also received an average dose of 6.89 Gy (range, 2.0–14 Gy). Seed-based functional connectivity of the hippocampus was applied to estimate the cognitive alteration by time before, one month, and four months after irradiation. Afterward, longitudinal-and-cross-sessional statistical inference was determined with time-dependent measurement analysis of variance (ANOVA) with controlled covariance. Over time, there were longitudinal changes in the functional connectivity of hippocampal-related cortices, including the right middle frontal lobe, left superior temporal lobe, and left postcentral gyrus. The findings indicate the presence of functional plasticity, demonstrating how minor irradiation affects functional performance during the early delayed phase of irradiation-induced brain injury.
Belowground stressors and long-term seagrass declines in a historically degraded seagrass ecosystem after improved water quality
Authors: Fraser Matthew W. , Kendrick Gary A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractContinued seagrass declines in ecosystems with improved water quality may be driven by sediment stressors. One of the most cited examples of a seagrass ecosystem with declines is Cockburn Sound, Western Australia, where 75% of seagrasses (2169 ha) were lost in the 1960s–1980s due to poor water quality. Water quality has subsequently improved in Cockburn Sound, yet shoot density declines continue in some areas. Here, we investigated if sediment stressors (sulfide intrusion and heavy metals) contributed to decliningPosidonia sinuosashoot densities in Cockburn Sound. Seagrass δ34S were depleted at sites with a history of seagrass declines, indicating seagrasses at these sites were under sulfide stress. Heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cr, Cu and Cd) in sediments and seagrasses did not show clear patterns with shoot density or biomass, and largely decreased from similar measurements in the late 1970s. However, seagrass cadmium concentrations were negatively correlated to seagrass biomass and shoot density. High cadmium concentrations interfere with sulfur metabolism in terrestrial plants, but impacts on seagrasses remain to be explored. Given that sulfide intrusion can prevent recolonization and drive seagrass declines, management plans in degraded seagrass ecosystems should include management of sediment stressors and water quality to provide comprehensive management.
Placental trophoblast debris mediated feto-maternal signalling via small RNA delivery: implications for preeclampsia
Authors: Wei Jia , Blenkiron Cherie , Tsai Peter , James Joanna L. , Chen Qi , Stone Peter R. , Chamley Lawrence W. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractTo profile the small RNA cargo carried by trophoblast debris derived from the placenta during normal and preeclamptic pregnancies and to determine whether trophoblast debris can deliver its small RNAs to endothelial cells with functional consequences. We confirmed that trophoblast debris can deliver its small RNAs contents to recipient endothelial cells during the co-culture. Next generation sequencing was employed to profile the small RNA contents in both normotensive and preeclamptic trophoblast debris. We identified 1278 mature miRNAs and 2646 non-miRNA small RNA fragments contained. Differential expression analysis identified 16 miRNAs (including miR-145), 5 tRNA fragments from 3 different tRNAs, 13 snRNA fragments and 85 rRNA fragments that were present in different levels between preeclamptic and normotensive trophoblast debris. We loaded a miR-145 mimic into normotensive trophoblast debris via transfection of placental explants from which the debris was derived and found the miR-145 loaded debris induced transcriptomic changes in endothelial cells similar to those induced by preeclamptic trophoblast debris. Trophoblast debris deported into maternal circulation can deliver its small RNA contents to maternal cells thereby contributing to feto-maternal communication. Small RNAs that are dysregulated in preeclamptic trophoblast debris might contribute to the endothelial cell activation which is a hallmark of preeclampsia.
Teaching to make stone tools: new experimental evidence supporting a technological hypothesis for the origins of language
Authors: Lombao D. , Guardiola M. , Mosquera M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe relationship between lithic technology, learning and language is a topic of growing interest in human evolution studies, and has therefore been the subject of numerous scientific papers in recent years. To evaluate the role of language in the social transmission of lithic technology, we designed and developed an experimental protocol through which we compared the acquisition of knapping skills in thirty non-experts in the early stages of learning, by means of three mechanisms of social transmission: imitation-emulation, gestural communication, and verbal communication. All the apprentice knappers carried out the experimental task with blanks that were equal in shape and size, and were requested to replicate what the expert knapper was doing: the alternating method, a sufficiently simple, but systematic technique for detaching flakes from a core. We analysed each participant’s actions, including those of the master knapper, the final products (flakes and cores), and the knapping sequences, by analysing the refits. Our results show that the apprentices improved their knapping skills in teaching conditions -both gestural and verbal communication-, and specially through the latter. In conclusion, our study supports the hypothesis of co-evolution between lithic technology and social learning, which could have favoured the emergence of verbal language.
Microstructure and properties of deposited metal for SUPER304H steel
Authors: Yanchang QI. , Zhiquan WU. , Xin Zhang , Chengyong MA. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe microstructure and properties of Super304H weld joints were developed and studied. The Creq and Nieq composition points of the deposited metal were all located in the austenite region. The quantity and size of the Nb-phase in the deposited metal with 0.28wt.% Nb were lower than tnat in the other two deposited metals. The phases were mainly γ and Nb(C, N). The content of Nb(C, N) phases in the deposited metal with the 0.6 wt.% Nb content was approximately 2.2 times of the deposited metal with the 0.28 wt.% Nb content. The Nb-phases in the deposited metal with 0.28 wt.% Nb content were lower in quantity, weaker in the strengthening effect, of lower yield strength and lower in size than that the deposited metal with the 0.6 wt.% Nb content.
Roles of dopamine neurons in mediating the prediction error in aversive learning in insects
Authors: Terao Kanta , Mizunami Makoto 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn associative learning in mammals, it is widely accepted that the discrepancy, or error, between actual and predicted reward determines whether learning occurs. The prediction error theory has been proposed to account for the finding of a blocking phenomenon, in which pairing of a stimulus X with an unconditioned stimulus (US) could block subsequent association of a second stimulus Y to the US when the two stimuli were paired in compound with the same US. Evidence for this theory, however, has been imperfect since blocking can also be accounted for by competitive theories. We recently reported blocking in classical conditioning of an odor with water reward in crickets. We also reported an “auto-blocking” phenomenon in appetitive learning, which supported the prediction error theory and rejected alternative theories. The presence of auto-blocking also suggested that octopamine neurons mediate reward prediction error signals. Here we show that blocking and auto-blocking occur in aversive learning to associate an odor with salt water (US) in crickets, and our results suggest that dopamine neurons mediate aversive prediction error signals. We conclude that the prediction error theory is applicable to both appetitive learning and aversive learning in insects.
Converting of CO2 into low-molecular-weight organic compounds with the TiO2/ZrO2 composites under solar irradiation
Authors: Moriya Ichiro 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe preparation of a specially modified titanium dioxide/zirconium oxide (TiO2/ZrO2) composite and its subsequent application using a unique method are described. Specifically, after the whole surface of the composite was covered with a very thin layer of water, solar light was irradiated onto it. This method is unique because the reduction of CO2 was performed in air (gas phase). The light source was real solar light. In this study, novel composites comprising nanometre-sized TiO2 and micrometre-sized zirconium oxide (ZrO2) increased the amount of reduced CO2. And, suitable weight ratio of TiO2/ZrO2 was 6/4-5/5. Thin water layer on the composite offered catalytic-reaction medium, and, catalytic-reaction cite existed at interface of TiO2 and ZrO2 particles, and, this reaction was catalytic reaction enhanced by photocatalytic effect. A large amount of reduced products (maximum: approximately 300 μmol/(g·300 s) of formaldehyde and methanol)was obtained under only 300 s of irradiation of solar light.
Investigation of thermal energy transport interface of hybrid graphene-carbon nanotube/polyethylene nanocomposites
Authors: Liu Feng , Liu Xuyang , Hu Ning , Ning Huiming , Atobe Satoshi , Yan Cheng , Mo Fuhao , Fu Shaoyun , Zhang Jianyu , Wang Yu , Mu Xiaojing 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIt is well known the thermal properties of three-dimensional (3-D) hybrid graphene (GR)-carbon nanotube (CNT) structures are not superior to that of the individual GR and CNT, however, the 3-D hybrid GR-CNT structures can effectively improve the thermal properties of polymer matrix. Therefore, understanding the thermal energy transport in the interface between polymer matrix and 3-D hybrid GR-CNT structure is essential. Here, the enhancement mechanism of interfacial thermal transport of hybrid GR-CNT structure was explored by applying non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations. Three different types of hybrid GR-CNT structures were built. The influences of CNT radius and CNT type for the hybrid GR-CNT on the interfacial thermal properties were also analyzed. Computational results show that among the three different types of hybrid GR-CNT structures, the Model-I, i.e., the covalent bond hybrid GR-CNT structures are of the best interfacial thermal properties. Meanwhile, the CNT radius of hybrid GR-CNT structure has a great influence on the interfacial thermal properties.
Characterization of an industry-grade CMOS camera well suited for single molecule localization microscopy – high performance super-resolution at low cost
Authors: Diekmann Robin , Till Katharina , Müller Marcel , Simonis Matthias , Schüttpelz Mark , Huser Thomas 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMany commercial as well as custom-built fluorescence microscopes use scientific-grade cameras that represent a substantial share of the instrument’s cost. This holds particularly true for super-resolution localization microscopy where high demands are placed especially on the detector with respect to sensitivity, noise, and also image acquisition speed. Here, we present and carefully characterize an industry-grade CMOS camera as a cost-efficient alternative to commonly used scientific cameras. Direct experimental comparison of these two detector types shows widely similar performance for imaging by single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). Furthermore, high image acquisition speeds are demonstrated for the CMOS detector by ultra-fast SMLM imaging.
Molecular Insights into Antimicrobial Resistance Traits of Multidrug Resistant Enteric Pathogens isolated from India
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Bag Satyabrata , Ghosh Tarini Shankar , Dey Prasanta , Dayal Mayanka , Saha Bipasa , Verma Jyoti , Pant Archana , Saxena Shruti , Desigamani Anbumani , Rana Preety , Kumar Dhirendra , Sharma Naresh C. , Hanpude Pranita , Maiti Tushar K. , Mukhopadhyay Asish K. , Bhadra Rupak K. , Nair G. Balakrish , Ramamurthy Thandavarayan , Das Bhabatosh 
Published: October 2017

AbstractEmergence of antimicrobial resistant Gram-negative bacteria has created a serious global health crisis and threatens the effectiveness of most, if not all, antibiotics commonly used to prevent and treat bacterial infections. There is a dearth of detailed studies on the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns in India. Here, we have isolated and examined AMR patterns of 654 enteric pathogens and investigated complete genome sequences of isolates from six representative genera, which in aggregate encode resistance against 22 antibiotics representing nine distinct drug classes. This study revealed that ~97% isolates are resistant against ≥2 antibiotics, ~24% isolates are resistant against ≥10 antibiotics and ~3% isolates are resistant against ≥15 antibiotics. Analyses of whole genome sequences of six extensive drug resistant enteric pathogens revealed presence of multiple mobile genetic elements, which are physically linked with resistance traits. These elements are therefore appearing to be responsible for disseminating drug resistance among bacteria through horizontal gene transfer. The present study provides insights into the linkages between the resistance patterns to certain antibiotics and their usage in India. The findings would be useful to understand the genetics of resistance traits and severity of and difficulty in tackling AMR enteric pathogens.
Knockout of OsNramp5 using the CRISPR/Cas9 system produces low Cd-accumulating indica rice without compromising yield
Authors: Tang Li , Mao Bigang , Li Yaokui , Lv Qiming , Zhang LiPing , Chen Caiyan , He Hanjie , Wang Weiping , Zeng Xiongfeng , Shao Ye , Pan Yinlin , Hu Yuanyi , Peng Yan , Fu Xiqin , Li Hongqing , Xia Shitou , Zhao Bingran 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRice grain with excessive cadmium (Cd) is a major source of dietary Cd intake and a serious threat to health for people who consume rice as a staple food. The development of elite rice cultivars with consistently low Cd content is challenging for conventional breeding approaches, and new strategies urgently need to be developed. Here, we report the development of new indica rice lines with low Cd accumulation and no transgenes by knocking out the metal transporter gene OsNramp5 using CRISPR/Cas9 system. Hydroponic culture showed that Cd concentrations in shoots and roots of osnramp5 mutants were dramatically decreased, resulting in rescue of impaired growth in high Cd condition. Cd-contaminated paddy field trials demonstrated that Cd concentration in osnramp5 grains was consistently less than 0.05 mg/kg, in contrast to high Cd concentrations from 0.33 mg/kg to 2.90 mg/kg in grains of Huazhan (the wild-type indica rice). In particular, the plant yield was not significantly affected in osnramp5 mutants. Furthermore, we developed promising hybrid rice lines with extremely low Cd content in grains. Our work supplies a practical approach to developing Cd pollution-safe indica rice cultivars that minimizes Cd contamination risk in grains.