bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environment- and eye-centered inhibitory cueing effects are both observed after a methodological confound is eliminated
Authors: He Tao , Ding Yun , Wang Zhiguo 
Published: November 2015

AbstractInhibition of return (IOR), typically explored in cueing paradigms, is a performance cost associated with previously attended locations and has been suggested as a crucial attentional mechanism that biases orientation towards novelty. In their seminal IOR paper, Posner and Cohen (1984) showed that IOR is coded in spatiotopic or environment-centered coordinates. Recent studies, however, have consistently reported IOR effects in both spatiotopic and retinotopic (eye-centered) coordinates. One overlooked methodological confound of all previous studies is that the spatial gradient of IOR is not considered when selecting the baseline for estimating IOR effects. This methodological issue makes it difficult to tell if the IOR effects reported in previous studies were coded in retinotopic or spatiotopic coordinates, or in both. The present study addresses this issue with the incorporation of no-cue trials to a modified cueing paradigm in which the cue and target are always intervened by a gaze-shift. The results revealed that a) IOR is indeed coded in both spatiotopic and retinotopic coordinates and b) the methodology of previous work may have underestimated spatiotopic and retinotopic IOR effects.
Large diurnal temperature range increases bird sensitivity to climate change
Authors: Briga Michael , Verhulst Simon 
Published: November 2015

AbstractClimate variability is changing on multiple temporal scales and little is known of the consequences of increases in short-term variability, particularly in endotherms. Using mortality data with high temporal resolution of zebra finches living in large outdoor aviaries (5 years, 359.220 bird-days), we show that mortality rate increases almost two-fold per 1°C increase in diurnal temperature range (DTR). Interestingly, the DTR effect differed between two groups with low versus high experimentally manipulated foraging costs, reflecting a typical laboratory ‘easy’ foraging environment and a ‘hard’ semi-natural environment respectively. DTR increased mortality on days withlowminimum temperature in the easy foraging environment, but on days withhighminimum temperature in the semi-natural environment. Thus, in a natural environment DTR effects will become increasingly important in a warming world, something not detectable in an ‘easy’ laboratory environment. These effects were particularly apparent at young ages. Critical time window analyses showed that the effect of DTR on mortality is delayed up to three months, while effects of minimum temperature occurred within a week. These results show that daily temperature variability can substantially impact the population viability of endothermic species.
A novel resource for studying function and dysfunction of α-synuclein: mouse lines for modulation of endogenous Snca gene expression
Authors: Ninkina Natalia , Connor-Robson Natalie , Ustyugov Alexey A. , Tarasova Tatiana V. , Shelkovnikova Tatyana A. , Buchman Vladimir L. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPathological modification of α-synuclein is believed to be an important event in pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease and several other neurodegenerative diseases. In normal cells this protein has been linked to many intracellular processes and pathways. However, neither normal function of α-synuclein in neuronal and certain other types of cells nor its exact role in the disease pathogenesis is well understood, which is largely due to limitations of animal models used for studying this protein. We produced and validated several novel mouse lines for manipulating expression of the endogenousSncagene coding for α-synuclein. These include a line for conditional Cre-recombinase-driven inactivation of the gene; a line for conditional Flp-driven restoration of a neo-cassete-blocked α-synuclein expression; a new line with a “clean” constituent knockout of the gene as well as a line carrying this knockout locus andRosa26-stop-lacZreporter locus linked at the same mouse chromosome 6. Altogether these lines represent a set of new useful tools for studies of α-synuclein normal function and the role of this protein in disease pathogenesis.
We should be using nonlinear indices when relating heart-rate dynamics to cognition and mood
Authors: Young Hayley , Benton David 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBoth heart rate (HR) and brain functioning involve the integrated output of a multitude of regulatory mechanisms, that are not quantified adequately by linear approximations such as means and standard deviations. It was therefore considered whether non-linear measures of HR complexity are more strongly associated with cognition and mood. Whilst resting, the inter-beat (R-R) time series of twenty-one males and twenty-four females were measured for five minutes. The data were summarised using time, frequency and nonlinear complexity measures. Attention, memory, reaction times, mood and cortisol levels were assessed. Nonlinear HR indices captured additional information, enabling a greater percentage of the variance in behaviour to be explained. On occasions non-linear indices were related to aspects for behaviour, for example focused attention and cortisol production, when time or frequency indices were not. These effects were sexually dimorphic with HR complexity being more strongly associated with the behaviour of females. It was concluded that nonlinear rather than linear methods of summarizing the HR times series offers a novel way of relating brain functioning and behaviour. It should be considered whether non-linear measures of HR complexity can be used as a biomarker of the integrated functioning of the brain.
Efficient Generation of Myostatin Mutations in Pigs Using the CRISPR/Cas9 System
Authors: Wang Kankan , Ouyang Hongsheng , Xie Zicong , Yao Chaogang , Guo Nannan , Li Mengjing , Jiao Huping , Pang Daxin 
Published: November 2015

AbstractGenetically modified pigs are increasingly used for biomedical and agricultural applications. The efficient CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system holds great promise for the generation of gene-targeting pigs without selection marker genes. In this study, we aimed to disrupt the porcine myostatin (MSTN) gene, which functions as a negative regulator of muscle growth. The transfection efficiency of porcine fetal fibroblasts (PFFs) was improved to facilitate the targeting of Cas9/gRNA. We also demonstrated that Cas9/gRNA can induce non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), long fragment deletions/inversions and homology-directed repair (HDR) at the MSTN locus of PFFs. Single-cell MSTN knockout colonies were used to generate cloned pigs via somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), which resulted in 8 marker-gene-free cloned pigs with biallelic mutations. Some of the piglets showed obvious intermuscular grooves and enlarged tongues, which are characteristic of the double muscling (DM) phenotype. The protein level of MSTN was decreased in the mutant cloned pigs compared with the wild-type controls and the mRNA levels of MSTN and related signaling pathway factors were also analyzed. Finally, we carefully assessed off-target mutations in the cloned pigs. The gene editing platform used in this study can efficiently generate genetically modified pigs with biological safety.
Akkermansia muciniphila inversely correlates with the onset of inflammation, altered adipose tissue metabolism and metabolic disorders during obesity in mice
Authors: Schneeberger Marc , Everard Amandine , Gómez-Valadés Alicia G. , Matamoros Sébastien , Ramírez Sara , Delzenne Nathalie M. , Gomis Ramon , Claret Marc , Cani Patrice D. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractRecent evidence indicates that the gut microbiota plays a key role in the pathophysiology of obesity. Indeed, diet-induced obesity (DIO) has been associated to substantial changes in gut microbiota composition in rodent models. In the context of obesity, enhanced adiposity is accompanied by low-grade inflammation of this tissue but the exact link with gut microbial community remains unknown. In this report, we studied the consequences of high-fat diet (HFD) administration on metabolic parameters and gut microbiota composition over different periods of time. We found that Akkermansia muciniphila abundance was strongly and negatively affected by age and HFD feeding and to a lower extend Bilophila wadsworthia was the only taxa following an opposite trend. Different approaches, including multifactorial analysis, showed that these changes in Akkermansia muciniphila were robustly correlated with the expression of lipid metabolism and inflammation markers in adipose tissue, as well as several circulating parameters (i.e., glucose, insulin, triglycerides, leptin) from DIO mice. Thus, our data shows the existence of a link between gut Akkermansia muciniphila abundance and adipose tissue homeostasis on the onset of obesity, thus reinforcing the beneficial role of this bacterium on metabolism.
Layered polymeric nitrogen in RbN3 at high pressures
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Li Jianfu , Xu Ning , Zhu Hongyang , Hu Ziyu , Chen Li 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe structural evolutionary behaviors of nitrogen in RbN3 have been studied up to 300 GPa using a particle swarm optimization structure searching method combined with density functional calculations. Three stable new phases with P-1, P6/mmm and C2/m structure at pressure of 30, 50 and 200 GPa are identified for the first time. The analysis of the crystal structures of three new predicated phases reveals that the transition of N3− ions goes from linear molecules to polymeric chains, benzene-like rings and then to polymeric layers induced by pressure. The electronic structures of three predicted phases reveal that the structural changes are accompanied and driven by the change of orbital hybridization of N atoms from sp to sp2 and finally to partial sp3. Most interestingly, the Rb atoms show obvious transition metal-like properties through the occupation of 4d orbitals in high-pressure phases. Moreover, the Rb atoms are characterized by strong hybridization between 4d orbitals of Rb and 2p orbitals of N in C2/m structure. Our studies complete the structural evolution of RbN3 under pressure and reveal for the first time that the Rb atoms in rubidium nitride possess transition element-like properties under pressure.
Nanoparticulated hydrophobic CdO coatings deposited by microwave procedure
Authors: Rashidzadeh Mehrdad , Carbajal‐Franco Guillermo , Tiburcio‐Silver Arturo 
Published: November 2015

A novel and inexpensive way to deposit nanostructured cadmium oxide (CdO) coatings is described. Metallic Cd is evaporated by heating a silicon carbide crucible, via microwave radiation at standard atmosphere conditions. The Cd vapour rises from the crucible and reacts with the atmospheric oxygen depositing on a glass substrate. CdO coating is homogeneously distributed above the glass surface and it presents a well‐defined cubic‐shaped nanostructure. The as‐deposited CdO coatings showed good hydrophobic properties and achieved symmetric contact angles of 112°. The hydrophobic behaviour was lost after a 75 min of heat treatment at 723 K.
Patterns of Fish Assemblage Structure and Habitat Use among Main‐ and Side‐Channel Environments in the Lower Kootenai River, Idaho
Authors: Watkins Carson J. , Stevens Bryan S. , Quist Michael C. , Shepard Bradley B. , Ireland Susan C. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe lower Kootenai River, Idaho, was sampled during the summers of 2012 and 2013 to evaluate its fish assemblage structure at seven sites within main‐ and side‐channel habitats where large‐scale habitat rehabilitation was undertaken. Understanding the current patterns of fish assemblage structure and their relationships with habitat is important for evaluating the effects of past and future rehabilitation projects on the river. Species‐specific habitat associations were modeled, and the variables that best explained the occurrence and relative abundance of fish were identified in order to guide future habitat rehabilitation so that it benefits native species. The results indicated that the side‐channel habitats supported higher species richness than the main‐channel habitats and that nonnative fishes were closely associated with newly rehabilitated habitats. This research provides valuable insight on the current fish assemblages in the Kootenai River and the assemblage‐level responses that may occur as a result of future rehabilitation activities.
New application ofBacillusstrains for optically purel-lactic acid production: general overview and future prospects
Authors: Poudel Pramod , Tashiro Yukihiro , Sakai Kenji 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMembers of the genus Bacillus are considered to be both, among the best studied and most commonly used bacteria as well as the most still unexplored and the most wide-applicable potent bacteria because novel Bacillus strains are continuously being isolated and used in various areas. Production of optically pure l-lactic acid (l-LA), a feedstock for bioplastic synthesis, from renewable resources has recently attracted attention as a valuable application of Bacillus strains. l-LA fermentation by other producers, including lactic acid bacteria and Rhizopus strains (fungi) has already been addressed in several reviews. However, despite the advantages of l-LA fermentation by Bacillus strains, including its high growth rate, utilization of various carbon sources, tolerance to high temperature, and growth in simple nutritional conditions, it has not been reviewed. This review article discusses new findings on LA-producing Bacillus strains and compares them to other producers. The future prospects for LA-producing Bacillus strains are also discussed.
Illness Severity and Work Productivity Loss Among Working Adults With Medically Attended Acute Respiratory Illnesses: US Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network 2012–2013
Authors: Petrie Joshua G. , Cheng Caroline , Malosh Ryan E. , VanWormer Jeffrey J. , Flannery Brendan , Zimmerman Richard K. , Gaglani Manjusha , Jackson Michael L. , King Jennifer P. , Nowalk Mary Patricia , Benoit Joyce , Robertson Anne , Thaker Swathi N. , Monto Arnold S. , Ohmit Suzanne E. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Background.  Influenza causes significant morbidity and mortality, with considerable economic costs, including lost work productivity. Influenza vaccines may reduce the economic burden through primary prevention of influenza and reduction in illness severity.
Methods.  We examined illness severity and work productivity loss among working adults with medically attended acute respiratory illnesses and compared outcomes for subjects with and without laboratory-confirmed influenza and by influenza vaccination status among subjects with influenza during the 2012–2013 influenza season.
Results.  Illnesses laboratory-confirmed as influenza (ie, cases) were subjectively assessed as more severe than illnesses not caused by influenza (ie, noncases) based on multiple measures, including current health status at study enrollment (≤7 days from illness onset) and current activity and sleep quality status relative to usual. Influenza cases reported missing 45% more work hours (20.5 vs 15.0; P &lt; .001) than noncases and subjectively assessed their work productivity as impeded to a greater degree (6.0 vs 5.4; P &lt; .001). Current health status and current activity relative to usual were subjectively assessed as modestly but significantly better for vaccinated cases compared with unvaccinated cases; however, no significant modifications of sleep quality, missed work hours, or work productivity loss were noted for vaccinated subjects.
Conclusions.  Influenza illnesses were more severe and resulted in more missed work hours and productivity loss than illnesses not confirmed as influenza. Modest reductions in illness severity for vaccinated cases were observed. These findings highlight the burden of influenza illnesses and illustrate the importance of laboratory confirmation of influenza outcomes in evaluations of vaccine effectiveness.
The impact of approximations and arbitrary choices on geophysical images
Authors: Valentine Andrew P. , Trampert Jeannot 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWhenever a geophysical image is to be constructed, a variety of choices must be made. Some, such as those governing data selection and processing, or model parametrization, are somewhat arbitrary: there may be little reason to prefer one choice over another. Others, such as defining the theoretical framework within which the data are to be explained, may be more straightforward: typically, an ‘exact’ theory exists, but various approximations may need to be adopted in order to make the imaging problem computationally tractable. Differences between any two images of the same system can be explained in terms of differences between these choices. Understanding the impact of each particular decision is essential if images are to be interpreted properly—but little progress has been made towards a quantitative treatment of this effect. In this paper, we consider a general linearized inverse problem, applicable to a wide range of imaging situations. We write down an expression for the difference between two images produced using similar inversion strategies, but where different choices have been made. This provides a framework within which inversion algorithms may be analysed, and allows us to consider how image effects may arise. In this paper, we take a general view, and do not specialize our discussion to any specific imaging problem or setup (beyond the restrictions implied by the use of linearized inversion techniques). In particular, we look at the concept of ‘hybrid inversion’, in which highly accurate synthetic data (typically the result of an expensive numerical simulation) is combined with an inverse operator constructed based on theoretical approximations. It is generally supposed that this offers the benefits of using the more complete theory, without the full computational costs. We argue that the inverse operator is as important as the forward calculation in determining the accuracy of results. We illustrate this using a simple example, based on imaging the density structure of a vibrating string.
The Impact of Direct-Acting Antivirals in the Hepatitis C-Sustained Viral Response in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients With Ongoing Barriers to Care
Authors: Cachay Edward R. , Wyles David , Hill Lucas , Ballard Craig , Torriani Francesca , Colwell Bradford , Kuo Alexander , Schooley Robert , Mathews Christopher W. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackground.  Access to hepatitis C virus (HCV) medications for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with ongoing barriers to care is restricted by healthcare payers in the absence of HCV treatment outcomes data in the era of direct-acting antivirals (DAA).Methods.  Retrospective analysis of HCV treatment outcomes using interferon (IFN)-free DAA regimens and an inclusive treatment protocol in an urban HIV clinic where ongoing barriers to care (drug or alcohol use, psychiatric disease, and/or unstable housing) are common. Then, using logistic regression analysis, we compared the proportion of HIV-infected patients who achieved HCV sustained viral response (SVR) in the pegylated-IFN plus ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV, 2008–2011), pegylated-IFN plus ribavirin and telaprevir (PEG-IFN/RBV/PI, 2011–2013), and IFN-free DAA therapy eras (2014). Results are displayed using forest plots.Results.  The proportion of patients who achieved HCV SVR in the PEG-IFN/RBV, PEG-IFN/RBV/PI, and IFN-free DAA therapy eras increased from 38.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.2–53.7) and 48% (95% CI, 28.4–67.6) to 83.3% (95% CI, 70.0–96.7), respectively. Similar proportions of patients with ongoing barriers to care were treated during the PEG-IFN/RBV (25 of 39 [64%]), PEG-IFN/RBV/PI (14 of 25 [56%]), and IFN-free DAA (16 of 30 [53%]) eras. Hepatitis C virus SVR among patients with ongoing barriers to care improved from 40% (95% CI, 21–59) to 76.5% (95% CI, 56–97) in the PEG-IFN/RBV and IFN-free DAA eras, respectively. After stratification for factors associated with HCV SVR such as HCV genotype and cirrhosis, HCV SVR were similar in patients regardless of the presence of ongoing barriers to care.Conclusions.  Using IFN-free DAA and an inclusive HCV treatment protocol, 76.5% of HIV/HCV-treated patients with ongoing barriers to care achieved HCV SVR.
Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy Versus Quinine or Other Combinations for Treatment of Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in the Second and Third Trimester of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Burger Renée J. , van Eijk Anna M. , Bussink Milena , Hill Jenny , ter Kuile Feiko O. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
The World Health Organization recommends artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare efficacy, safety and tolerability of ACTs versus quinine and other non-ACT antimalarials. The median PCR-adjusted failure rate by days 28 to 63 in the non-ACT group was 6 (range 0–37) per 100 women, lower in the ACT group overall (pooled risk ratio [PRR] random effects, 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16–1.05; 6 trials), and significantly lower compared with oral quinine (PRR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.08–0.49; 4 trials). There were no differences in fetal deaths and congenital abnormalities. Compared with quinine, artemisinin-based combinations therapies were associated with less tinnitus (PRR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.03–1.11; 4 studies), dizziness (PRR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.44–0.93; 3 trials), and vomiting (PRR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.15–0.73; 3 trials). Artemisinin-based combination therapies are better than quinine in the second and third trimesters; their use should be encouraged among health workers.
Influence of FcγRIIa-Expressing Cells on the Assessment of Neutralizing and Enhancing Serum Antibodies Elicited by a Live-Attenuated Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine
Authors: Byers Anthony M. , Broder Ryan , Haupfear Kelly , Timiryasova Tatyana M. , Hu Branda T. , Boaz Mark , Warren William L. , Jackson Nicholas , Moser Janice M. , Guy Bruno 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Background.  Recent trials of recombinant, live-attenuated chimeric yellow fever-dengue tetravalent dengue vaccine (CYD-TDV) demonstrated efficacy against symptomatic, virologically confirmed dengue disease with higher point estimates of efficacy toward dengue virus (DENV)3 and DENV4 and moderate levels toward DENV1 and DENV2. It is interesting to note that serotype-specific efficacy did not correlate with absolute neutralizing antibody (nAb) geometric mean titer (GMT) values measured in a Vero-based plaque reduction neutralization test assay. The absence of Fcγ receptors on Vero cells may explain this observation.
Methods.  We performed parallel seroneutralization assays in Vero cells and CV-1 cells that express FcγRIIa (CV-1-Fc) to determine the neutralizing and enhancing capacity of serotype-specific DENV Abs present in CYD-TDV clinical trial sera.
Results.  Enhancement of DENV infection was observed in CV-1-Fc cells in naturally exposed nonvaccine sera, mostly for DENV3 and DENV4, at high dilutions. The CYD-TDV-vaccinated sera showed similar enhancement patterns. The CV-1-Fc nAb GMT values were 2- to 9-fold lower than Vero for all serotypes in both naturally infected individuals and CYD-TDV-vaccinated subjects with and without previous dengue immunity. The relative (CV-1-Fc/Vero) GMT decrease for anti-DENV1 and anti-DENV2 responses was not greater than for the other serotypes.
Conclusions.  In vitro neutralization assays utilizing FcγRIIa-expressing cells provide evidence that serotype-specific Ab enhancement may not be a primary factor in the serotype-specific efficacy differences exhibited in the CYD-TDV trials.