bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution, brain size, and variations in intelligence
Authors: Matzel Louis D. , Sauce Bruno 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAcross taxonomic subfamilies, variations in intelligence (G) are sometimes related to brain size. However, within species, brain size plays a smaller role in explaining variations in general intelligence (g), and the cause-and-effect relationship may be opposite to what appears intuitive. Instead, individual differences in intelligence may reflect variations in domain-general processes that are only superficially related to brain size.
It's time to move beyond the “Great Chain of Being”
Authors: Sternberg Robert J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe target article provides an anthropocentric model of understanding intelligence in nonhuman animals. Such an idea dates back to Plato and, more recently, Lovejoy: On Earth, humans are at the top and other animals at successively lower levels. We then evaluate these other animals by our anthropocentric folk theories of their intelligence rather than by their own adaptive requirements.
Disentangling learning from knowing: Does associative learning ability underlie performances on cognitive test batteries?
Authors: van Horik Jayden O. , Lea Stephen E. G. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAre the mechanisms underlying variations in the performance of animals on cognitive test batteries analogous to those of humans? Differences might result from procedural inconsistencies in test battery design, but also from differences in how animals and humans solve cognitive problems. We suggest differentiating associative-based (learning) from rule-based (knowing) tasks to further our understanding of cognitive evolution across species.
An all-positive correlation matrix is not evidence of domain-general intelligence
Authors: Arden Rosalind , Zietsch Brendan P. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe welcome the cross-disciplinary approach taken by Burkart et al. to probe the evolution of intelligence. We note several concerns: the uses of g and G, rank-ordering species on cognitive ability, and the meaning of general intelligence. This subject demands insights from several fields, and we look forward to cross-disciplinary collaborations.
Genomic data can illuminate the architecture and evolution of cognitive abilities
Authors: Lee James J. , Chabris Christopher F. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDoes general intelligence exist across species, and has it been a target of natural selection? These questions can be addressed with genomic data, which can rule out artifacts by demonstrating that distinct cognitive abilities are genetically correlated and thus share a biological substrate. This work has begun with data from humans and can be extended to other species; it should focus not only on general intelligence but also specific capacities like language and spatial ability.
A versatile platform for precise synthesis of asymmetric molecular brush in one shot
Authors: Xu Binbin , Feng Chun , Huang Xiaoyu 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAsymmetric molecular brushes emerge as a unique class of nanostructured polymers, while their versatile synthesis keeps a challenge for chemists. Here we show the synthesis of well-defined asymmetric molecular double-brushes comprising two different side chains linked to the same repeat unit along the backbone by one-pot concurrent atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and Cu-catalyzed azide/alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. The double-brushes are based on a poly(Br-acrylate-alkyne) homopolymer possessing an alkynyl for CuAAC reaction and a 2-bromopropionate initiating group for ATRP in each repeat unit. The versatility of this one-shot approach is demonstrated by CuAAC reaction of alkynyl/poly(ethylene oxide)-N3 and ATRP of various monomers. We also show the quantitative conversion of pentafluorophenyl ester groups to amide groups in side chains, allowing for the further fabrication of diverse building blocks. This work provides a versatile platform for facile synthesis of Janus-type double-brushes with structural and functional control, in a minimum number of reactions.
RNA-aptamers-in-droplets (RAPID) high-throughput screening for secretory phenotypes
Authors: Abatemarco Joseph , Sarhan Maen F. , Wagner James M. , Lin Jyun-Liang , Liu Leqian , Hassouneh Wafa , Yuan Shuo-Fu , Alper Hal S. , Abate Adam R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSynthetic biology and metabolic engineering seek to re-engineer microbes into “living foundries” for the production of high value chemicals. Through a “design-build-test” cycle paradigm, massive libraries of genetically engineered microbes can be constructed and tested for metabolite overproduction and secretion. However, library generation capacity outpaces the rate of high-throughput testing and screening. Well plate assays are flexible but with limited throughput, whereas droplet microfluidic techniques are ultrahigh-throughput but require a custom assay for each target. Here we present RNA-aptamers-in-droplets (RAPID), a method that greatly expands the generality of ultrahigh-throughput microfluidic screening. Using aptamers, we transduce extracellular product titer into fluorescence, allowing ultrahigh-throughput screening of millions of variants. We demonstrate the RAPID approach by enhancing production of tyrosine and secretion of a recombinant protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by up to 28- and 3-fold, respectively. Aptamers-in-droplets affords a general approach for evolving microbes to synthesize and secrete value-added chemicals.
Glycoprotein 2 is a specific cell surface marker of human pancreatic progenitors
Authors: Cogger Kathryn F. , Sinha Ankit , Sarangi Farida , McGaugh Emily C. , Saunders Diane , Dorrell Craig , Mejia-Guerrero Salvador , Aghazadeh Yasaman , Rourke Jillian L. , Screaton Robert A. , Grompe Markus , Streeter Philip R. , Powers Alvin C. , Brissova Marcela , Kislinger Thomas , Nostro M. Cristina 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPDX1+/NKX6-1+ pancreatic progenitors (PPs) give rise to endocrine cells both in vitro and in vivo. This cell population can be successfully differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and hold the potential to generate an unlimited supply of β cells for diabetes treatment. However, the efficiency of PP generation in vitro is highly variable, negatively impacting reproducibility and validation of in vitro and in vivo studies, and consequently, translation to the clinic. Here, we report the use of a proteomics approach to phenotypically characterize hPSC-derived PPs and distinguish these cells from non-PP populations during differentiation. Our analysis identifies the pancreatic secretory granule membrane major glycoprotein 2 (GP2) as a PP-specific cell surface marker. Remarkably, GP2 is co-expressed with NKX6-1 and PTF1A in human developing pancreata, indicating that it marks the multipotent pancreatic progenitors in vivo. Finally, we show that isolated hPSC-derived GP2+ cells generate β-like cells (C-PEPTIDE+/NKX6-1+) more efficiently compared to GP2− and unsorted populations, underlining the potential therapeutic applications of GP2.
Treating the placenta to prevent adverse effects of gestational hypoxia on fetal brain development
Authors: Phillips Tom J. , Scott Hannah , Menassa David A. , Bignell Ashleigh L. , Sood Aman , Morton Jude S. , Akagi Takami , Azuma Koki , Rogers Mark F. , Gilmore Catherine E. , Inman Gareth J. , Grant Simon , Chung Yealin , Aljunaidy Mais M. , Cooke Christy-Lynn , Steinkraus Bruno R. , Pocklington Andrew , Logan Angela , Collett Gavin P. , Kemp Helena , Holmans Peter A. , Murphy Michael P. , Fulga Tudor A. , Coney Andrew M. , Akashi Mitsuru , Davidge Sandra T. , Case C. Patrick 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSome neuropsychiatric disease, including schizophrenia, may originate during prenatal development, following periods of gestational hypoxia and placental oxidative stress. Here we investigated if gestational hypoxia promotes damaging secretions from the placenta that affect fetal development and whether a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ might prevent this. Gestational hypoxia caused low birth-weight and changes in young adult offspring brain, mimicking those in human neuropsychiatric disease. Exposure of cultured neurons to fetal plasma or to secretions from the placenta or from model trophoblast barriers that had been exposed to altered oxygenation caused similar morphological changes. The secretions and plasma contained altered microRNAs whose targets were linked with changes in gene expression in the fetal brain and with human schizophrenia loci. Molecular and morphological changes in vivo and in vitro were prevented by a single dose of MitoQ bound to nanoparticles, which were shown to localise and prevent oxidative stress in the placenta but not in the fetus. We suggest the possibility of developing preventative treatments that target the placenta and not the fetus to reduce risk of psychiatric disease in later life.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Molecular Phylogeny and Revision of Copepod Orders (Crustacea: Copepoda)
Authors: Khodami Sahar , McArthur J. Vaun , Blanco-Bercial Leocadio , Martinez Arbizu Pedro 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFor the first time, the phylogenetic relationships between representatives of all 10 copepod orders have been investigated using 28S and 18S rRNA, Histone H3 protein and COI mtDNA. The monophyly of Copepoda (including Platycopioida Fosshagen, 1985) is demonstrated for the first time using molecular data. Maxillopoda is rejected, as it is a polyphyletic group. The monophyly of the major subgroups of Copepoda, including Progymnoplea Lang, 1948 (=Platycopioida); Neocopepoda Huys and Boxshall, 1991; Gymnoplea Giesbrecht, 1892 (=Calanoida Sars, 1903); and Podoplea Giesbrecht, 1892, are supported in this study. Seven copepod orders are monophyletic, including Platycopioida, Calanoida, Misophrioida Gurney, 1933; Monstrilloida Sars, 1901; Siphonostomatoida Burmeister, 1834; Gelyelloida Huys, 1988; and Mormonilloida Boxshall, 1979. Misophrioida (=Propodoplea Lang, 1948) is the most basal Podoplean order. The order Cyclopoida Burmeister, 1835, is paraphyletic and now encompasses Poecilostomatoida Thorell, 1859, as a sister to the family Schminkepinellidae Martinez Arbizu, 2006. Within Harpacticoida Sars, 1903, both sections, Polyarthra Lang, 1948, and Oligoarthra Lang, 1948, are monophyletic, but not sister groups. The order Canuelloida is proposed while maintaining the order Harpacticoidas. str. (Oligoarthra). Cyclopoida, Harpacticoida and Cyclopinidae are redefined, while Canuelloidaordo. nov., Smirnovipinidaefam. nov. and Cyclopicinidaefam. novare proposed as new taxa.
Joining smallholder farmers’ traditional knowledge with metric traits to select better varieties of Ethiopian wheat
Authors: Mancini Chiara , Kidane Yosef G. , Mengistu Dejene K. ,   Melfa and Workaye Farmer Community, Amit  , Letegabriel  , Tsedal  , Tinasu B. , Letekiros  , Hadash  , Letemedhin  , Tinasu A. , Kiros  , Leteberhan  , Letekidan  , Hareya  , Letecheal  , Hiritu  , Ametezigu  , Amlak Yohannes G. , Slassie Priest Gebre G. , Girmay Priest G. Selamma , Gebre G. Micheal , Mesfin G. Slassie , Desta Kahsay , Teklay Solomon , Kidan Haftu G. , Egziabher Tesfay G. , Desalegn Priest Weldeslassie , Gebre Hailemariam , Micheal Hiluf G. , Mebrahtu Girmay , Hailemichael  , Teklay Amare , Tesfay Esit , Gitehun Asrebeb , Tadesse Endale , Asfaw Mariye , Aragaw Kassaye , Brku Tegaye , Tadasse Yeshi , Hailu Mariye , Kassun Adisse , Gel aw Guzguz , Emagn Melkam , Mitku Fenta , Mengste Asres , Yigzaw Bzunesh , Tesfaw Eset , Belay Tesfaw , Yirga Wodaje , Sisay Priest Agaju , Hailu Bewuketu , Wale Priest Tefera , Setegn Mulugeta , Tesfie Tilaye , Meretie Biset , Kassie Libay , Biset Tegaye , Hailu Yemataw , Agazu Libay , Yigzaw Mulatie , Yigzaw Adimasu , Abate Getachew , Pè Mario Enrico , Fadda Carlo , Dell’Acqua Matteo 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSmallholder farming communities face highly variable climatic conditions that threaten locally adapted, low-input agriculture. The benefits of modern crop breeding may fail to reach their fields when broadly adapted genetic materials do not address local requirements. To date, participatory methods only scratched the surface of the exploitability of farmers’ traditional knowledge in breeding. In this study, 30 smallholder farmers in each of two locations in Ethiopia provided quantitative evaluations of earliness, spike morphology, tillering capacity and overall quality on 400 wheat genotypes, mostly traditional varieties, yielding altogether 192,000 data points. Metric measurements of ten agronomic traits were simultaneously collected, allowing to systematically break down farmers’ preferences on quantitative phenotypes. Results showed that the relative importance of wheat traits differed by gender and location. Farmer traits were variously contributed by metric traits, and could only partially be explained by them. Eventually, farmer trait values were used to produce a ranking of the 400 wheat varieties identifying the trait combinations most desired by farmers. The study scale and methods lead to a better understanding of the quantitative basis of Ethiopian smallholder farmer preference in wheat, broadening the discussion for the future of local, sustainable breeding efforts accommodating farmers’ knowledge.
One-domain CD4 Fused to Human Anti-CD16 Antibody Domain Mediates Effective Killing of HIV-1-Infected Cells
Authors: Li Wei , Wu Yanling , Kong Desheng , Yang Hongjia , Wang Yanping , Shao Jiping , Feng Yang , Chen Weizao , Ma Liying , Ying Tianlei , Dimitrov Dimiter S. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBispecific killer cells engagers (BiKEs) which can bind to natural killer (NK) cells through the activating receptor CD16A and guide them to cells expressing the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) are a promising new weapon for elimination of infected cells and eradication of the virus. Here we report the design, generation and characterization of BiKEs which consist of CD16A binding human antibody domains fused through a flexible linker to an engineered one-domain soluble human CD4. In presence of cells expressing HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins (Envs), these BiKEs activated specifically CD16A-expressing Jurkat T cells, degranulated NK cells, induced cytokine production and killed Env-expressing cells. They also effectively mediated killing of chronically and acutely HIV-1 infected T cells by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The presumed ability of these CD4-based BiKEs to bind all HIV-1 isolates, their small size and fully human origin, combined with high efficacy suggest their potential for HIV-1 eradication.
Rapid amplification of four retrotransposon families promoted speciation and genome size expansion in the genus Panax
Authors: Lee Junki , Waminal Nomar Espinosa , Choi Hong-Il , Perumal Sampath , Lee Sang-Choon , Nguyen Van Binh , Jang Woojong , Kim Nam-Hoon , Gao Li-zhi , Yang Tae-Jin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractGenome duplication and repeat multiplication contribute to genome evolution in plants. Our previous work identified a recent allotetraploidization event and five high-copy LTR retrotransposon (LTR-RT) families PgDel, PgTat, PgAthila, PgTork, and PgOryco in Panax ginseng. Here, using whole-genome sequences, we quantified major repeats in five Panax species and investigated their role in genome evolution. The diploids P. japonicus, P. vietnamensis, and P. notoginseng and the tetraploids P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius were analyzed alongside their relative Aralia elata. These species possess 0.8–4.9 Gb haploid genomes. The PgDel, PgTat, PgAthila, and PgTork LTR-RT superfamilies accounted for 39–52% of the Panax species genomes and 17% of the A. elata genome. PgDel included six subfamily members, each with a distinct genome distribution. In particular, the PgDel1 subfamily occupied 23–35% of the Panax genomes and accounted for much of their genome size variation. PgDel1 occupied 22.6% (0.8 Gb of 3.6 Gb) and 34.5% (1.7 Gb of 4.9 Gb) of the P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius genomes, respectively. Our findings indicate that the P. quinquefolius genome may have expanded due to rapid PgDel1 amplification over the last million years as a result of environmental adaptation following migration from Asia to North America.
The complex evolutionary history and phylogeography of Caridina typus (Crustacea: Decapoda): long-distance dispersal and cryptic allopatric species
Authors: Bernardes Samuel C. , Pepato Almir R. , von Rintelen Thomas , von Rintelen Kristina , Page Timothy J. , Freitag Hendrik , de Bruyn Mark 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe evolutionary history of the old, diverse freshwater shrimp genus Caridina is still poorly understood, despite its vast distribution – from Africa to Polynesia. Here, we used nuclear and mitochondrial DNA to infer the phylogeographic and evolutionary history of C. typus, which is one of only four species distributed across the entire range of the genus. Despite this species’ potential for high levels of gene flow, questions have been raised regarding its phylogeographic structure and taxonomic status. We identified three distinct lineages that likely diverged in the Miocene. Molecular dating and ancestral range reconstructions are congruent with C. typus’ early dispersal to Africa, possibly mediated by the Miocene Indian Ocean Equatorial Jet, followed by back dispersal to Australasia after the Jet’s closure. Furthermore, several different species delimitation methods indicate each lineage represents a distinct (cryptic) species, contradicting current morphospecies delimitation of a single C. typus taxon. The evolutionary history of C. typus lineages is complex, in which ancient oceanic current systems and (currently unrecognised) speciation events preceded secondary sympatry of these cryptic species.
Recovery of hippocampal functions and modulation of muscarinic response by electroacupuncture in young diabetic rats
Authors: Soligo Marzia , Piccinin Sonia , Protto Virginia , Gelfo Francesca , De Stefano Maria Egle , Florenzano Fulvio , Berretta Erica , Petrosini Laura , Nisticò Robert , Manni Luigi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe muscarinic receptor response to acetylcholine regulates the hippocampal-related learning, memory, neural plasticity and the production and processing of the pro-nerve growth factor (proNGF) by hippocampal cells. The development and progression of diabetes generate a mild cognitive impairment reducing the functions of the septo-hippocampal cholinergic circuitry, depressing neural plasticity and inducing proNGF accumulation in the brain. Here we demonstrate, in a rat model of early type-1 diabetes, that a physical therapy, the electroacupuncture, counteracts the diabetes-induced deleterious effects on hippocampal physiology by ameliorating hippocampal-related memory functions; recovering the impaired long-term potentiation at the dentate gyrus (DG-LTP) and the lowered expression of the vesicular glutamate transporter 1; normalizing the activity-dependent release of proNGF in diabetic rat hippocampus. Electroacupuncture exerted its therapeutic effects by regulating the expression and activity of M1- and M2-acetylcholine muscarinic receptors subtypes in the dentate gyrus of hippocampus. Our results suggest that a physical therapy based on repetitive sensory stimulation could promote hippocampal neural activity, neuronal metabolism and functions, and conceivably improve the diabetes-induced cognitive impairment. Our data can support the setup of therapeutic protocols based on a better integration between physical therapies and pharmacology for the cure of diabetes-associated neurodegeneration and possibly for Alzheimer’s disease.
Working memory accuracy for multiple targets is driven by reward expectation and stimulus contrast with different time-courses
Authors: Klink P. Christiaan , Jeurissen Danique , Theeuwes Jan , Denys Damiaan , Roelfsema Pieter R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe richness of sensory input dictates that the brain must prioritize and select information for further processing and storage in working memory. Stimulus salience and reward expectations influence this prioritization but their relative contributions and underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we investigate how the quality of working memory for multiple stimuli is determined by priority during encoding and later memory phases. Selective attention could, for instance, act as the primary gating mechanism when stimuli are still visible. Alternatively, observers might still be able to shift priorities across memories during maintenance or retrieval. To distinguish between these possibilities, we investigated how and when reward cues determine working memory accuracy and found that they were only effective during memory encoding. Previously learned, but currently non-predictive, color-reward associations had a similar influence, which gradually weakened without reinforcement. Finally, we show that bottom-up salience, manipulated through varying stimulus contrast, influences memory accuracy during encoding with a fundamentally different time-course than top-down reward cues. While reward-based effects required long stimulus presentation, the influence of contrast was strongest with brief presentations. Our results demonstrate how memory resources are distributed over memory targets and implicates selective attention as a main gating mechanism between sensory and memory systems.
Modal beam splitter: determination of the transversal components of an electromagnetic light field
Authors: Mazilu Michael , Vettenburg Tom , Ploschner Martin , Wright Ewan M. , Dholakia Kishan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe transversal profile of beams can always be defined as a superposition of orthogonal fields, such as optical eigenmodes. Here, we describe a generic method to separate the individual components in a laser beam and map each mode onto its designated detector with low crosstalk. We demonstrate this with the decomposition into Laguerre-Gaussian beams and introduce a distribution over the integer numbers corresponding to the discrete orbital and radial momentum components of the light field. The method is based on determining an eigenmask filter transforming the incident optical eigenmodes to position eigenmodes enabling the detection of the state of the light field using single detectors while minimizing cross talk with respect to the set of filter masks considered.
Identification of candidate genes involved in isoquinoline alkaloids biosynthesis in Dactylicapnos scandens by transcriptome analysis
Authors: He Si Mei , Song Wan Ling , Cong Kun , Wang Xiao , Dong Yang , Cai Jing , Zhang Jia Jin , Zhang Guang Hui , Yang Jian Li , Yang Sheng Chao , Fan Wei 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDactylicapnos scandens (D. Don) Hutch (Papaveraceae) is a well-known traditional Chinese herb used for treatment of hypertension, inflammation, bleeding and pain for centuries. Although the major bioactive components in this herb are considered as isoquinoline alkaloids (IQAs), little is known about molecular basis of their biosynthesis. Here, we carried out transcriptomic analysis of roots, leaves and stems of D. scandens, and obtained a total of 96,741 unigenes. Based on gene expression and phylogenetic relationship, we proposed the biosynthetic pathways of isocorydine, corydine, glaucine and sinomenine, and identified 67 unigenes encoding enzymes potentially involved in biosynthesis of IQAs in D. scandens. High performance liquid chromatography analysis demonstrated that while isocorydine is the most abundant IQA in D. scandens, the last O-methylation biosynthesis step remains unclear. Further enzyme activity assay, for the first time, characterized a gene encoding O- methyltransferase (DsOMT), which catalyzes O-methylation at C7 of (S)-corytuberine to form isocorydine. We also identified candidate transcription factor genes belonging to WRKY and bHLH families that may be involved in the regulation of IQAs biosynthesis. Taken together, we first provided valuable genetic information for D. scandens, shedding light on candidate genes involved in IQA biosynthesis, which will be critical for further gene functional characterization.