bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barnacles, their molluscan hosts, and comparative ecology in the St. Mary’s Formation (late Miocene) of Maryland, USA
Authors: Vermeij Geerat J. , Ruch Sara K. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractFossils can inform the study of modern ecosystems by showing how species interactions in ancient communities compare with those today and how extinction is selective not only with respect to species but also with respect to entire modes of life. We studied the life habits and pattern of occurrence of the barnacleChesaconcavus chesapeakensisZullo, 1992 on the shells of the gastropodConradconfusus parilis(Conrad) and the bivalveChesapecten santamaria(Tucker) from Chancellor’s Point in the Windmill Point Member of the St. Mary’s Formation (late Miocene, Tortonian) of Maryland. Using several criteria, we show that the barnacle occupied living hosts only. The 59% incidence of the barnacle onConradconfusus parilisis high compared to known living associations between barnacles and gastropods. AlthoughConradconfusus pariliswith and without barnacles do not differ in size, suggesting that the barnacle had little effect on this gastropod, there is some indication thatChesapecten santamariawith barnacles are somewhat smaller than those without and may therefore have been adversely affected by the presence of barnacles. On the basis of morphology and the low (15%) incidence of repaired scars,Conradconfusus pariliswas a predator that did not use its shell lip to subdue prey. No ecological equivalents ofConradconfususandChesaconcavushave existed in the temperate northwestern Atlantic between Cape Cod and Cape Hatteras for the past three million years.
INFLUENCE OF THE NATIVE LANGUAGE ON SENSITIVITY TO LEXICAL STRESS
Authors: Segal Osnat , Kishon-Rabin Liat 
Published: January 2018

AbstractArabic stress is predictable, varies across words, and does not have a contrastive role, whereas, Hebrew stress although nonpredictable, carries contrastive value. Stress processing was assessed in speakers of the two languages at three processing levels: discrimination, short-term memory, and metalinguistic awareness. In Experiment 1, Arabic speakers with Hebrew as L2 (n = 15) and native Hebrew speakers (n = 15) were tested on discrimination and memory of stress placements. Arabic speakers had fewer correct responses and longer reaction times compared to Hebrew speakers. In Experiment 2, the influence of nonnative language acquisition on metalinguistic awareness of stress was assessed. Arabic speakers (n = 10) were less able to identify stress in their native and nonnative languages compared to Arabic speakers with advanced knowledge of English and Hebrew (n = 10) and Hebrew speakers (n = 10). Our findings support the assumption that variations in stress at the surface level of L1 are insufficient to facilitate awareness and memory for stress placement.
INCIDENTAL VOCABULARY ACQUISITION THROUGH VIEWING L2 TELEVISION AND FACTORS THAT AFFECT LEARNING
Authors: Peters Elke , Webb Stuart 
Published: January 2018

AbstractResearch has begun to demonstrate that L2 words can be learned incidentally through watching audio-visual materials. Although there are a large number of studies that have investigated incidental vocabulary learning through reading a single text, there are no studies that have explored incidental vocabulary learning through viewing a single full-length TV program. The present study fills this gap. Additionally, three word-related variables (frequency of occurrence, cognateness, word relevance) and one learner-related variable (prior vocabulary knowledge) that might contribute to incidental vocabulary learning were examined. Two experiments were conducted with Dutch-speaking EFL learners to measure the effects of viewing TV on form recognition and meaning recall (Experiment 1) and meaning recognition (Experiment 2). The findings showed that viewing TV resulted in incidental vocabulary learning at the level of meaning recall and meaning recognition. The research also revealed that learning was affected by frequency of occurrence, prior vocabulary knowledge, and cognateness.
Writing Groups as Models for Peer Mentorship among Female Faculty in Political Science
Authors: Cassese Erin C. , Holman Mirya R. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTWomen are underrepresented among political science faculty and leave academic careers at far greater rates than their male colleagues. Women’s lower research productivity is one reason for the declining number of women in advanced academic ranks. Mentoring can provide necessary advice and feedback to encourage scholarly production, but research shows that female scholars face challenges in traditional mentoring arrangements. We propose that peer mentoring can provide a missing link by supporting research productivity. Using a case study of an existing peer-mentoring group, we document how writing groups can provide flexible mechanisms for peer mentoring that circumvent the obstacles women face with mentoring and complement existing mentoring relationships. We discuss the structure of this group—as well as a survey-based assessment of it—to demonstrate how this approach can be readily adopted by other women in the profession who seek to expand their network of mentors to include peers in their subfield.
Lessons on Running a Laboratory Experiment (in Graduate School)
Authors: Mallinson Daniel J. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTExperimentation has taken on a new life in political science. As the use of experimental methods proliferates, it is important for researchers to share their experiences and best practices, particularly with early-career researchers. This article provides reflections from practical experience in the laboratory, particularly geared toward graduate students and early-career researchers who are conducting their first laboratory experiment. These lessons do not apply only to first-time experimenters. Experiences are presented regarding time management, using confederates and deception, incentivizing participation, and keeping a laboratory notebook. Finally, early-career researchers are encouraged to “go for it” if the methods are appropriate to their research question.
Genetic estimators of DNA methylation provide insights into the molecular basis of polygenic traits
Authors: Freytag Virginie , Vukojevic Vanja , Wagner-Thelen Holger , Milnik Annette , Vogler Christian , Leber Markus , Weinhold Leonie , Böhmer Anne C. , Riedel-Heller Steffi , Maier Wolfgang , de Quervain Dominique J.-F. , Ramirez Alfredo , Papassotiropoulos Andreas 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe large biological distance between genetic risk loci and their mechanistic consequences in the tissue of interest limits the ability to establish functionality of susceptibility variants for genetically complex traits. Such a biological gap may be reduced through the systematic study of molecular mediators of genomic action, such as epigenetic modification. Here, we report the identification of robust genetic estimators of whole-blood CpG methylation, which can serve as intermediate molecular traits amenable to association testing with other genetically complex traits. We describe the relationship between these estimators and gene expression, demonstrate their genome-wide applicability to association testing even in the absence of individual genotypic data, and show that these estimators powerfully identify methylation-related genomic loci associated with polygenic traits and common diseases, such as schizophrenia. The use of genetic estimators for blood DNA methylation, which are made publically available, can serve as a valuable tool for the identification of epigenetic underpinnings of complex traits.
Dopamine, psychosis and schizophrenia: the widening gap between basic and clinical neuroscience
Authors: Kesby JP , Eyles DW , McGrath JJ , Scott JG 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe stagnation in drug development for schizophrenia highlights the need for better translation between basic and clinical research. Understanding the neurobiology of schizophrenia presents substantial challenges but a key feature continues to be the involvement of subcortical dopaminergic dysfunction in those with psychotic symptoms. Our contemporary knowledge regarding dopamine dysfunction has clarified where and when dopaminergic alterations may present in schizophrenia. For example, clinical studies have shown patients with schizophrenia show increased presynaptic dopamine function in the associative striatum, rather than the limbic striatum as previously presumed. Furthermore, subjects deemed at high risk of developing schizophrenia show similar presynaptic dopamine abnormalities in the associative striatum. Thus, our view of subcortical dopamine function in schizophrenia continues to evolve as we accommodate this newly acquired information. However, basic research in animal models has been slow to incorporate these clinical findings. For example, psychostimulant-induced locomotion, the commonly utilised phenotype for positive symptoms in rodents, is heavily associated with dopaminergic activation in the limbic striatum. This anatomical misalignment has brought into question how we assess positive symptoms in animal models and represents an opportunity for improved translation between basic and clinical research. The current review focuses on the role of subcortical dopamine dysfunction in psychosis and schizophrenia. We present and discuss alternative phenotypes that may provide a more translational approach to assess the neurobiology of positive symptoms in schizophrenia. Incorporation of recent clinical findings is essential if we are to develop meaningful translational animal models.
Extended amygdala connectivity changes during sustained shock anticipation
Authors: Torrisi Salvatore , Gorka Adam X. , Gonzalez-Castillo Javier , O’Connell Katherine , Balderston Nicholas , Grillon Christian , Ernst Monique 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and central amygdala (CeA) of the extended amygdala are small, anatomically interconnected brain regions. They are thought to mediate responses to sustained, unpredictable threat stimuli and phasic, predictable threat stimuli, respectively. They perform these operations largely through their interconnected networks. In two previous studies, we mapped and contrasted the resting functional connectivity networks of the BNST and CeA at 7 Tesla with high resolution. This follow-up study investigates the changes in functional connectivity of these structures during sustained anticipation of electric shock. Results show that the BNST and CeA become less strongly coupled with the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), cingulate, and nucleus accumbens in shock threat relative to a safety condition. In addition, the CeA becomes more strongly coupled with the thalamus under threat. An exploratory, whole-brain connectivity analysis reveals that, although the BNST/CeA exhibits generally decreased connectivity, many other cortical regions demonstrate greater coupling under threat than safety. Understanding the differential network structures of these two regions and how they contribute to processing under threat will help elucidate the building blocks of the anxious state.
Gs- versus Golf-dependent functional selectivity mediated by the dopamine D1 receptor
Authors: Yano Hideaki , Cai Ning-Sheng , Xu Min , Verma Ravi Kumar , Rea William , Hoffman Alexander F. , Shi Lei , Javitch Jonathan A. , Bonci Antonello , Ferré Sergi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe two highly homologous subtypes of stimulatory G proteins Gαs (Gs) and Gαolf (Golf) display contrasting expression patterns in the brain. Golf is predominant in the striatum, while Gs is predominant in the cortex. Yet, little is known about their functional distinctions. The dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) couples to Gs/olf and is highly expressed in cortical and striatal areas, making it an important therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric disorders. Using novel drug screening methods that allow analysis of specific G-protein subtype coupling, we found that, relative to dopamine, dihydrexidine and N-propyl-apomorphine behave as full D1R agonists when coupled to Gs, but as partial D1R agonists when coupled to Golf. The Gs/Golf-dependent biased agonism by dihydrexidine was consistently observed at the levels of cellular signaling, neuronal function, and behavior. Our findings of Gs/Golf-dependent functional selectivity in D1R ligands open a new avenue for the treatment of cortex-specific or striatum-specific neuropsychiatric dysfunction.
Ventromedial medulla inhibitory neuron inactivation induces REM sleep without atonia and REM sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Valencia Garcia Sara , Brischoux Frédéric , Clément Olivier , Libourel Paul-Antoine , Arthaud Sébastien , Lazarus Michael , Luppi Pierre-Hervé , Fort Patrice 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDespite decades of research, there is a persistent debate regarding the localization of GABA/glycine neurons responsible for hyperpolarizing somatic motoneurons during paradoxical (or REM) sleep (PS), resulting in the loss of muscle tone during this sleep state. Combining complementary neuroanatomical approaches in rats, we first show that these inhibitory neurons are localized within the ventromedial medulla (vmM) rather than within the spinal cord. We then demonstrate their functional role in PS expression through local injections of adeno-associated virus carrying specific short-hairpin RNA in order to chronically impair inhibitory neurotransmission from vmM. After such selective genetic inactivation, rats display PS without atonia associated with abnormal and violent motor activity, concomitant with a small reduction of daily PS quantity. These symptoms closely mimic human REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a prodromal parasomnia of synucleinopathies. Our findings demonstrate the crucial role of GABA/glycine inhibitory vmM neurons in muscle atonia during PS and highlight a candidate brain region that can be susceptible to α-synuclein-dependent degeneration in RBD patients.
The effects of death and post-mortem cold ischemia on human tissue transcriptomes
Authors: Ferreira Pedro G. , Muñoz-Aguirre Manuel , Reverter Ferran , Sá Godinho Caio P. , Sousa Abel , Amadoz Alicia , Sodaei Reza , Hidalgo Marta R. , Pervouchine Dmitri , Carbonell-Caballero Jose , Nurtdinov Ramil , Breschi Alessandra , Amador Raziel , Oliveira Patrícia , Çubuk Cankut , Curado João , Aguet François , Oliveira Carla , Dopazo Joaquin , Sammeth Michael , Ardlie Kristin G. , Guigó Roderic 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPost-mortem tissues samples are a key resource for investigating patterns of gene expression. However, the processes triggered by death and the post-mortem interval (PMI) can significantly alter physiologically normal RNA levels. We investigate the impact of PMI on gene expression using data from multiple tissues of post-mortem donors obtained from the GTEx project. We find that many genes change expression over relatively short PMIs in a tissue-specific manner, but this potentially confounding effect in a biological analysis can be minimized by taking into account appropriate covariates. By comparing ante- and post-mortem blood samples, we identify the cascade of transcriptional events triggered by death of the organism. These events do not appear to simply reflect stochastic variation resulting from mRNA degradation, but active and ongoing regulation of transcription. Finally, we develop a model to predict the time since death from the analysis of the transcriptome of a few readily accessible tissues.
Higher-generation type III-B rotaxane dendrimers with controlling particle size in three-dimensional molecular switching
Authors: Kwan Chak-Shing , Zhao Rundong , Van Hove Michel A. , Cai Zongwei , Leung Ken Cham-Fai 
Published: January 2018

AbstractType III-B rotaxane dendrimers (T3B-RDs) are hyperbranched macromolecules with mechanical bonds on every branching unit. Here we demonstrate the design, synthesis, and characterization of first to third (G1–G3), and up to the fourth (G4) generation (MW > 22,000 Da) of pure organic T3B-RDs and dendrons through the copper-catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. By utilizing multiple molecular shuttling of the mechanical bonds within the sphere-like macromolecule, a collective three-dimensional contract-extend molecular motion is demonstrated by diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The discrete T3B-RDs are further observed and characterized by AFM, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and mass spectrometry (MS). The binding of chlorambucil and pH-triggered switching of the T3B-RDs are also characterized by 1H-NMR spectroscopy.
No evidence that carotenoid pigments boost either immune or antioxidant defenses in a songbird
Authors: Koch Rebecca E. , Kavazis Andreas N. , Hasselquist Dennis , Hood Wendy R. , Zhang Yufeng , Toomey Matthew B. , Hill Geoffrey E. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDietary carotenoids have been proposed to boost immune system and antioxidant functions in vertebrate animals, but studies aimed at testing these physiological functions of carotenoids have often failed to find support. Here we subject yellow canaries (Serinus canaria), which possess high levels of carotenoids in their tissue, and white recessive canaries, which possess a knockdown mutation that results in very low levels of tissue carotenoids, to oxidative and pathogen challenges. Across diverse measures of physiological performance, we detect no differences between carotenoid-rich yellow and carotenoid-deficient white canaries. These results add further challenge to the assumption that carotenoids are directly involved in supporting physiological function in vertebrate animals. While some dietary carotenoids provide indirect benefits as retinoid precursors, our observations suggest that carotenoids themselves may play little to no direct role in key physiological processes in birds.
Breast cancer risk factors and mammographic density among high-risk women in urban China
Authors: Sung Hyuna , Ren Jiansong , Li Jing , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Wang Yong , Guida Jennifer L. , Fang Yi , Shi Jufang , Zhang Kai , Li Ni , Wang Shen , Wei Luopei , Hu Nan , Gierach Gretchen L. , Dai Min , Yang Xiaohong R. , He Jie 
Published: January 2018

AbstractElevated mammographic density (MD) is an established breast cancer risk factor. Studies examining relationships between MD and breast cancer risk factors are limited in China, where established breast cancer risk factors are less prevalent but dense breasts are more prevalent than Western countries. This study included 11,478 women (45-69 years; 36% premenopausal) participating in an ongoing national cancer screening program in 11 urban provinces in China and predicted as having high-risk for breast cancer. Polytomous logistic regression was performed to assess associations between MD and risk factors by comparing each higher Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category (2, 3, or 4) to the lowest category (BI-RADS, 1). We found associations of increasing age, body mass index, weight, postmenopausal status, and parity with lower MD. Higher levels of education, increasing height, and later first birth were associated with higher MD. These associations did not vary by menopausal status. Additionally, the association between longer period of breastfeeding and lower MD was seen among postmenopausal women only (Pinteraction = 0.003). Having first-degree relatives with breast cancer diagnosed before 50 years was associated with lower MD only among premenopausal women (Pinteraction = 0.061). We found effects of established breast cancer risk factors on MD showed similar directions in Chinese and Western women, supporting the hypothesis that MD represents cumulative exposure to breast cancer risk factors over the life course. Our findings help to understand the biological basis of the association of MD with breast cancer risk and have implications for breast cancer prevention research in China.
Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of 2014 Dengue Outbreak in Guangdong, China
Authors: Sanna Mattia , Wu Jianyong , Zhu Yanshan , Yang Zhicong , Lu Jiahai , Hsieh Ying-Hen 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe record-breaking number of dengue cases reported in Guangdong, China in 2014 has been topic for many studies. However, the spatial and temporal characteristics of this unexpectedly explosive outbreak are still poorly understood. We adopt an integrated approach to ascertain the spatial-temporal progression of the outbreak in each city in Guangdong as well as in each district in Guangzhou, where the majority of cases occurred. We utilize the Richards model, which determines the waves of reported cases at each location and identifies the turning point for each wave, in combination with a spatial association analysis conducted by computing the standardized G* statistic that measures the degree of spatial autocorrelation of a set of geo-referenced data from a local perspective. We found that Yuexiu district in Guangzhou was the initial hot spot for the outbreak, subsequently spreading to its neighboring districts in Guangzhou and other cities in Guangdong province. Hospital isolation of cases during early stage of outbreak in neighboring Zhongshan (in effort to prevent disease transmission to the vectors) might have played an important role in the timely mitigation of the disease. Integration of modeling approach and spatial association analysis allows us to pinpoint waves that spread the disease to communities beyond the borders of the initially affected regions.
Loss-of-function uORF mutations in human malignancies
Authors: Schulz Julia , Mah Nancy , Neuenschwander Martin , Kischka Tabea , Ratei Richard , Schlag Peter M. , Castaños-Vélez Esmeralda , Fichtner Iduna , Tunn Per-Ulf , Denkert Carsten , Klaas Oliver , Berdel Wolfgang E. , von Kries Jens P. , Makalowski Wojciech , Andrade-Navarro Miguel A. , Leutz Achim , Wethmar Klaus 
Published: January 2018

AbstractRibosome profiling revealed widespread translational activity at upstream open reading frames (uORFs) and validated uORF-mediated translational control as a commonly repressive mechanism of gene expression. Translational activation of proto-oncogenes through loss-of-uORF mutations has been demonstrated, yet a systematic search for cancer-associated genetic alterations in uORFs is lacking. Here, we applied a PCR-based, multiplex identifier-tagged deep sequencing approach to screen 404 uORF translation initiation sites of 83 human tyrosine kinases and 49 other proto-oncogenes in 308 human malignancies. We identified loss-of-function uORF mutations in EPHB1 in two samples derived from breast and colon cancer, and in MAP2K6 in a sample of colon adenocarcinoma. Both mutations were associated with enhanced translation, suggesting that loss-of-uORF-mediated translational induction of the downstream main protein coding sequence may have contributed to carcinogenesis. Computational analysis of whole exome sequencing datasets of 464 colon adenocarcinomas subsequently revealed another 53 non-recurrent somatic mutations functionally deleting 22 uORF initiation and 31 uORF termination codons, respectively. These data provide evidence for somatic mutations affecting uORF initiation and termination codons in human cancer. The insufficient coverage of uORF regions in current whole exome sequencing datasets demands for future genome-wide analyses to ultimately define the contribution of uORF-mediated translational deregulation in oncogenesis.