bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-profile elastic exosuit reduces back muscle fatigue
Authors: Lamers Erik P. , Soltys Juliana C. , Scherpereel Keaton L. , Yang Aaron J. , Zelik Karl E.
Published: September 2020

We investigated the extent to which an un-motorized, low-profile, elastic exosuit reduced the rate of fatigue for six lumbar extensor muscles during leaning. Six healthy subjects participated in an A-B-A (withdrawal design) study protocol, which involved leaning at 45º for up to 90 s without exosuit assistance (A1), then with assistance (B), then again without assistance (A2). The exosuit provided approximately 12–16 Nm of lumbar extension torque. We measured lumbar muscle activity (via surface electromyography) and assessed fatigue rate via median frequency slope. We found that five of the six subjects showed consistent reductions in fatigue rate (ranging from 26% to 87%) for a subset of lumbar muscles (ranging from one to all six lumbar muscles measured). These findings objectively demonstrate the ability of a low-profile elastic exosuit to reduce back muscle fatigue during leaning, which may improve endurance for various occupations.
Antibodies from Sierra Leonean and Nigerian Lassa fever survivors cross-react with recombinant proteins representing Lassa viruses of divergent lineages
Authors: Heinrich Megan L. , Boisen Matthew L. , Nelson Diana K. S. , Bush Duane J. , Cross Robert W. , Koval Anatoliy P. , Hoffmann Andrew R. , Beddingfield Brandon J. , Hastie Kathryn M. , Rowland Megan M. , Aimukanova Irina , Koval Sophia , Lathigra Raju , Borisevich Viktoriya , Momoh Mambu , Sandi John Demby , Goba Augustine , Odia lkponmwosa , Baimba Francis , Aiyepada John O. , Ebo Benevolence , Eromon Philomena , Ugwu Chinedu , Folarin Onikepe , Olumade Testimony , Onyechi MacDonald N. , Etafo Johnson , Adeyemi Rashidat , Ella Elijah E. , Aminu Maryam , Gomerep Simji S. , Eke Matthew Afam , Ogunsanya Olusola , Akpede George O. , Asogun Danny O. , Okogbenin Sylvanus A. , Okokhere Peter O. , Holst Johan , Shaffer Jeffrey G. , Schieffelin John S. , Geisbert Thomas W. , Saphire Erica Ollmann , Happi Christian T. , Grant Donald S. , Garry Robert F. , Branco Luis M.
Published: September 2020

Lassa virus (LASV) is the causative agent of Lassa fever, an often-fatal hemorrhagic disease that is endemic in West Africa. Seven genetically distinct LASV lineages have been identified. As part of CEPI’s (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) Lassa vaccine development program, we assessed the potential of the human immune system to mount cross-reactive and cross-protective humoral immune responses to antigens from the most prevalent LASV lineages, which are lineages II and III in Nigeria and lineage IV in Sierra Leone. IgG and IgM present in the blood of Lassa fever survivors from Nigeria or Sierra Leone exhibited substantial cross-reactivity for binding to LASV nucleoprotein and two engineered (linked and prefusion) versions of the glycoproteins (GP) of lineages II–IV. There was less cross-reactivity for the Zinc protein. Serum or plasma from Nigerian Lassa fever survivors neutralized LASV pseudoviruses expressing lineage II GP better than they neutralized lineage III or IV GP expressing pseudoviruses. Sierra Leonean survivors did not exhibit a lineage bias. Neutralization titres determined using LASV pseudovirus assays showed significant correlation with titres determined by plaque reduction with infectious LASV. These studies provide guidance for comparison of humoral immunity to LASV of distinct lineages following natural infection or immunization.
Duration of cold exposure defines the rate of reactivation of a perennial FLC orthologue via H3K27me3 accumulation
Authors: Nishio Haruki , Iwayama Koji , Kudoh Hiroshi
Published: September 2020

Vernalisation is the process in which long-term cold exposure makes plants competent to flower. In vernalisation of Arabidopsis thaliana, a floral repressor, AtFLC, undergoes epigenetic silencing. Although the silencing of AtFLC is maintained under warm conditions after a sufficient duration of cold, FLC orthologues are reactivated under the same conditions in perennial plants, such as A. halleri. In contrast to the abundant knowledge on cold requirements in AtFLC silencing, it has remained unknown how cold duration affects the reactivation of perennial FLC. Here, we analysed the dynamics of A. halleri FLC (AhgFLC) mRNA, H3K4me3, and H3K27me3 over 8 weeks and 14 weeks cold followed by warm conditions. We showed that the minimum levels of AhgFLC mRNA and H3K4me3 were similar between 8 and 14 weeks vernalisation; however, the maximum level of H3K27me3 was higher after 14 weeks than after 8 weeks vernalisation. Combined with mathematical modelling, we showed that H3K27me3 prevents a rapid increase in AhgFLC expression in response to warm temperatures after vernalisation, which controls AhgFT expression and the initiation of flowering. Thus, the duration of cold defines the rate of AhgFLC reactivation via the buffering function of H3K27me3 against temperature increase.
Collective dynamics of repeated inference in variational autoencoder rapidly find cluster structure
Authors: Nagano Yoshihiro , Karakida Ryo , Okada Masato
Published: September 2020

Deep neural networks are good at extracting low-dimensional subspaces (latent spaces) that represent the essential features inside a high-dimensional dataset. Deep generative models represented by variational autoencoders (VAEs) can generate and infer high-quality datasets, such as images. In particular, VAEs can eliminate the noise contained in an image by repeating the mapping between latent and data space. To clarify the mechanism of such denoising, we numerically analyzed how the activity pattern of trained networks changes in the latent space during inference. We considered the time development of the activity pattern for specific data as one trajectory in the latent space and investigated the collective behavior of these inference trajectories for many data. Our study revealed that when a cluster structure exists in the dataset, the trajectory rapidly approaches the center of the cluster. This behavior was qualitatively consistent with the concept retrieval reported in associative memory models. Additionally, the larger the noise contained in the data, the closer the trajectory was to a more global cluster. It was demonstrated that by increasing the number of the latent variables, the trend of the approach a cluster center can be enhanced, and the generalization ability of the VAE can be improved.
Malpighamoeba infection compromises fluid secretion and P-glycoprotein detoxification in Malpighian tubules
Authors: Rossi Marta , Ott Swidbert R. , Niven Jeremy E.
Published: September 2020

Malpighian tubules, analogous to vertebrate nephrons, play a key role in insect osmoregulation and detoxification. Tubules can become infected with a protozoan, Malpighamoeba, which damages their epithelial cells, potentially compromising their function. Here we used a modified Ramsay assay to quantify the impact of Malpighamoeba infection on fluid secretion and P-glycoprotein-dependent detoxification by desert locust Malpighian tubules. Infected tubules have a greater surface area and a higher fluid secretion rate than uninfected tubules. Infection also impairs P-glycoprotein-dependent detoxification by reducing the net rhodamine extrusion per surface area. However, due to the increased surface area and fluid secretion rate, infected tubules have similar total net extrusion per tubule to uninfected tubules. Increased fluid secretion rate of infected tubules likely exposes locusts to greater water stress and increased energy costs. Coupled with reduced efficiency of P-glycoprotein detoxification per surface area, Malpighamoeba infection is likely to reduce insect survival in natural environments.
Re-establishment of the epigenetic state and rescue of kinome deregulation in Ts65Dn mice upon treatment with green tea extract and environmental enrichment
Authors: De Toma I. , Ortega M. , Catuara-Solarz S. , Sierra C. , Sabidó E. , Dierssen M.
Published: September 2020

Down syndrome (DS) is the main genetic cause of intellectual disability due to triplication of human chromosome 21 (HSA21). Although there is no treatment for intellectual disability, environmental enrichment (EE) and the administration of green tea extracts containing epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) improve cognition in mouse models and individuals with DS. Using proteome, and phosphoproteome analysis in the hippocampi of a DS mouse model (Ts65Dn), we investigated the possible mechanisms underlying the effects of green tea extracts, EE and their combination. Our results revealed disturbances in cognitive-related (synaptic proteins, neuronal projection, neuron development, microtubule), GTPase/kinase activity and chromatin proteins. Green tea extracts, EE, and their combination restored more than 70% of the phosphoprotein deregulation in Ts65Dn, and induced possible compensatory effects. Our downstream analyses indicate that re-establishment of a proper epigenetic state and rescue of the kinome deregulation may contribute to the cognitive rescue induced by green tea extracts.
Quantifying machine influence over human forecasters
Authors: Abeliuk Andrés , Benjamin Daniel M. , Morstatter Fred , Galstyan Aram
Published: September 2020

Crowdsourcing human forecasts and machine learning models each show promise in predicting future geopolitical outcomes. Crowdsourcing increases accuracy by pooling knowledge, which mitigates individual errors. On the other hand, advances in machine learning have led to machine models that increase accuracy due to their ability to parameterize and adapt to changing environments. To capitalize on the unique advantages of each method, recent efforts have shown improvements by “hybridizing” forecasts—pairing human forecasters with machine models. This study analyzes the effectiveness of such a hybrid system. In a perfect world, independent reasoning by the forecasters combined with the analytic capabilities of the machine models should complement each other to arrive at an ultimately more accurate forecast. However, well-documented biases describe how humans often mistrust and under-utilize such models in their forecasts. In this work, we present a model that can be used to estimate the trust that humans assign to a machine. We use forecasts made in the absence of machine models as prior beliefs to quantify the weights placed on the models. Our model can be used to uncover other aspects of forecasters’ decision-making processes. We find that forecasters trust the model rarely, in a pattern that suggests they treat machine models similarly to expert advisors, but only the best forecasters trust the models when they can be expected to perform well. We also find that forecasters tend to choose models that conform to their prior beliefs as opposed to anchoring on the model forecast. Our results suggest machine models can improve the judgment of a human pool but highlight the importance of accounting for trust and cognitive biases involved in the human judgment process.
Early prophylaxis of central venous catheter-related thrombosis using 1% chlorhexidine gluconate and chlorhexidine-gel-impregnated dressings: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yamashita Tomoko , Takamori Ayako , Nakagawachi Akira , Tanigawa Yoshinori , Hamada Yohei , Aoki Yosuke , Sakaguchi Yoshiro
Published: September 2020

To determine the prophylactic effect of using combined 1% alcoholic chlorhexidine gluconate and chlorhexidine gel-impregnated dressings (CGCD) on catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) in critically ill patients. This retrospective cohort study was performed in an intensive care unit from November 2009 to August 2014. The CRT incidence diagnosed with ultrasound examination was compared between patients applying CGCD and combined 10% aqueous povidone-iodine and standard transparent dressings (PITD) after central venous catheter insertion into the internal jugular vein for ≥ 48 h. CRT was stratified into early (within 7 days) and late (days 8–14) thromboses. Multivariate analyses using logistic regression models clarified the relationships between early- and late-CRT risks and skin antiseptic and catheter site dressing combinations. CRT occurred in 74 of 134 patients (55%), including 52 with early CRT and 22 with late CRT. Patients receiving CGCD had a significantly lower incidence of early CRT than those receiving PITD (odds ratio = 0.18; 95% confidence interval = 0.07–0.45, p  < .001). No significant association was evident between using CGCD and late CRT (p  = .514). Compared to PITD, CGCD reduced the CRT risk over 7 days in critically ill patients.

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry: UMIN000037492.
Systematic experimental investigation of the obstacle effect during non-competitive and extremely competitive evacuations
Authors: Feliciani Claudio , Zuriguel Iker , Garcimartín Angel , Maza Diego , Nishinari Katsuhiro
Published: September 2020

Although some experimental evidence showed that an obstacle placed in front of a door allows making people’s evacuations faster, the efficacy of such a solution has been debated for over 15 years. Researchers are split between those who found the obstacle beneficial and those who could not find a significant difference without it. One of the reasons for the several conclusions lies in the variety of the experiments performed so far, both in terms of competitiveness among participants, geometrical configuration and number of participants. In this work, two unique datasets relative to evacuations with/without obstacle and comprising low and high competitiveness are analyzed using state-of-the-art definitions for crowd dynamics. In particular, the so-called congestion level is employed to measure the smoothness of collective motion. Results for extreme conditions show that, on the overall, the obstacle does not reduce density and congestion level and it could rather slightly increase it. From this perspective, the obstacle was found simply shifting the dangerous spots from the area in front of the exit to the regions between the obstacle and the wall. On the other side, it was however confirmed, that the obstacle can stabilize longitudinal crowd waves, thus reducing the risk of trampling, which could be as important (in terms of safety) as improving the evacuation time. However, under urgent, competitive, but non-extreme conditions, the obstacle generally had a positive effect, helping channeling the flow of pedestrians through the exit while facilitating their interactions.
Giant controllable gigahertz to terahertz nonlinearities in superlattices
Authors: Pereira M. F. , Anfertev V. , Shevchenko Y. , Vaks V.
Published: September 2020

Optical nonlinearities are of perpetual importance, notably connected with emerging new materials. However, they are difficult to exploit in the gigahertz–terahertz (GHz–THz) range at room temperature and using low excitation power. Here, we present a clear-cut theoretical and experimental demonstration of real time, low power, room temperature control of GHz–THz nonlinearities. The nonlinear susceptibility concept, successful in most materials, cannot be used here and we show in contrast, a complex interplay between applied powers, voltages and asymmetric current flow, delivering giant control and enhancement of the nonlinearities. Semiconductor superlattices are used as nonlinear sources and as mixers for heterodyne detection, unlocking their dual potential as compact, room temperature, controllable sources and detectors. The low input powers and voltages applied are within the range of compact devices, enabling the practical extension of nonlinear optics concepts to the GHz–THz range, under controlled conditions and following a predictive design tool.
Identification of hybridization and introgression between Cinnamomum kanehirae Hayata and C. camphora (L.) Presl using genotyping-by-sequencing
Authors: Wu Chia-Chen , Chang Shu-Hwa , Tung Chih-Wei , Ho Cheng-Kuen , Gogorcena Yolanda , Chu Fang-Hua
Published: September 2020

Cinnamomum kanehirae Hayata and C. camphora (L.) Presl are important tree species in eastern Asia. The wood of C. kanehirae is in increasing demand for culturing Antrodia cinnamomea, a medicinal fungus that naturally grows inside the trunk of C. kanehirae. Putative hybrids between C. kanehirae and C. camphora were previously reported but with no scientific evidence, leading to confusion or misplanting. First, to identify the female parent of putative hybrids, the maternal inheritance InDel (insertion/deletion) markers were developed by using low-coverage sequencing. SNPs were developed by using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach in C. kanehirae, C. camphora and putative hybrids. The results indicated that the female parent of the studied hybrids was C. camphora. Eight hundred and forty of the 529,006 high-density SNPs were selected and used for analysis. Hybrids were classified as F1 (C. kanehirae × C. camphora), F2 and backcrosses. Hybridization has occurred in the human-developed area of eastern and southwestern Taiwan, and the introgression was bidirectional. For producing pure wood, buffering zones should be established around seed orchards to avoid cross-species pollination and to preserve the genetic purity of C. kanehirae. The DNA markers developed in this study will also be valuable for further wood identification, breeding and evolutionary research.
Dietary fatty acid intake and gut microbiota determine circulating endocannabinoidome signaling beyond the effect of body fat
Authors: Castonguay-Paradis Sophie , Lacroix Sébastien , Rochefort Gabrielle , Parent Lydiane , Perron Julie , Martin Cyril , Lamarche Benoît , Raymond Frédéric , Flamand Nicolas , Di Marzo Vincenzo , Veilleux Alain
Published: September 2020

The endocannabinoidome encompasses several fatty acid (FA)-derived mediators, including the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG), which served as targets for anti-obesity drug development, and their congener N-acyl-ethanolamines (NAEs) and 2-monoacyl-glycerols (2‑MAGs), which are involved in food intake and energy metabolism. Body weight and fat distribution have been suggested as determinants of peripheral endocannabinoid levels. We aimed at investigating factors, beyond body fat composition, that are associated with circulating NAE and 2-MAG levels in a heterogeneous human population. Plasma NAEs and 2-MAGs were measured using LC–MS/MS in a cross-sectional sample of healthy men and women (n = 195) covering a wide range of BMI and individuals before and after a 2-day Mediterranean diet (n = 21). Circulating levels of all 2-MAGs and NAEs, other than N-oleoyl-ethanolamine (OEA), correlated with body fat mass and visceral adipose tissue (0.26 < r < 0.54). NAE levels were elevated in individuals with elevated fat mass, while 2-MAGs were increased in individuals with predominantly visceral body fat distribution. Dietary intakes of specific FAs were associated with 2-AG and omega-3-FA-derived NAEs or 2-MAGs, irrespective of the body fat distribution. Some gut bacterial families (e.g. Veillonellaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae and Akkermansiaceae) were associated with variations in most NAEs or omega-3-FA-derived 2‑MAGs, independently of fat mass and dietary FA intake. Finally, a 2-day Mediterranean diet intervention increased circulating levels of NAEs and 2-MAGs in agreement with changes in FA intake (p < 0.01). Self-reported intake and short-term dietary intervention increased in oleic acid and EPA and DHA intake as well as certain gut microbiota taxa are associated to circulating NAEs and 2‑MAGs independently of adiposity measures, thus highlighting the potential importance of these variables in determining endocannabinoidome signaling in humans.
Harnessing endogenous repair mechanisms for targeted gene knock-in of bovine embryos
Authors: Owen Joseph R. , Hennig Sadie L. , McNabb Bret R. , Lin Jason C. , Young Amy E. , Murray James D. , Ross Pablo J. , Van Eenennaam Alison L.
Published: September 2020

Introducing useful traits into livestock breeding programs through gene knock-ins has proven challenging. Typically, targeted insertions have been performed in cell lines, followed by somatic cell nuclear transfer cloning, which can be inefficient. An alternative is to introduce genome editing reagents and a homologous recombination (HR) donor template into embryos to trigger homology directed repair (HDR). However, the HR pathway is primarily restricted to actively dividing cells (S/G2-phase) and its efficiency for the introduction of large DNA sequences in zygotes is low. The homology-mediated end joining (HMEJ) approach has been shown to improve knock-in efficiency in non-dividing cells and to harness HDR after direct injection of embryos. The knock-in efficiency for a 1.8 kb gene was contrasted when combining microinjection of a gRNA/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complex with a traditional HR donor template or an HMEJ template in bovine zygotes. The HMEJ template resulted in a significantly higher rate of gene knock-in as compared to the HR template (37.0% and 13.8%; P < 0.05). Additionally, more than a third of the knock-in embryos (36.9%) were non-mosaic. This approach will facilitate the one-step introduction of gene constructs at a specific location of the bovine genome and contribute to the next generation of elite cattle.
Putative morphology of Neoehrlichia mikurensis in salivary glands of Ixodes ricinus
Authors: Ondruš Jaroslav , Kulich Pavel , Sychra Oldřich , Široký Pavel
Published: September 2020

Neoehrlichia mikurensis is an emerging tick-borne intracellular pathogen causing neoehrlichiosis. Its putative morphology was described in mammalian, but not in tick cells. In this study, we aim to show the presumptive morphology of N. mikurensis in salivary glands of engorged females of Ixodes ricinus. To accomplish this, we collected I. ricinus ticks in a locality with a high N. mikurensis prevalence, allowed them to feed in the artificial in vitro feeding system, dissected salivary glands and screened them by PCR for N. mikurensis and related bacteria. Ultrathin sections of salivary glands positive for N. mikurensis but negative for other pathogens were prepared and examined by transmission electron microscopy. We observed two individual organisms strongly resembling N. mikurensis in mammalian cells as described previously. Both bacteria were of ovoid shape between 0.5–0.8 μm surrounded by the inner cytoplasmic and the rippled outer membrane separated by an irregular electron-lucent periplasmic space. Detection of N. mikurensis in salivary glands of I. ricinus suggests that this bacterium uses the “salivary pathway of transmission” to infect mammals.
Activity-dependent compensation of cell size is vulnerable to targeted deletion of ion channels
Authors: Gorur-Shandilya Srinivas , Marder Eve , O’Leary Timothy
Published: September 2020

In many species, excitable cells preserve their physiological properties despite significant variation in physical size across time and in a population. For example, neurons in crustacean central pattern generators generate similar firing patterns despite several-fold increases in size between juveniles and adults. This presents a biophysical problem because the electrical properties of cells are highly sensitive to membrane area and channel density. It is not known whether specific mechanisms exist to sense membrane area and adjust channel expression to keep a consistent channel density, or whether regulation mechanisms that sense activity alone are capable of compensating cell size. We show that destabilising effects of growth can be specifically compensated by feedback mechanism that senses average calcium influx and jointly regulate multiple conductances. However, we further show that this class of growth-compensating regulation schemes is necessarily sensitive to perturbations that alter the expression of subsets of ion channel types. Targeted perturbations of specific ion channels can trigger a pathological response of the regulation mechanism and a failure of homeostasis. Our findings suggest that physiological regulation mechanisms that confer robustness to growth may be specifically vulnerable to deletions or mutations that affect subsets of ion channels.
miR-369-3p modulates inducible nitric oxide synthase and is involved in regulation of chronic inflammatory response
Authors: Scalavino Viviana , Liso Marina , Cavalcanti Elisabetta , Gigante Isabella , Lippolis Antonio , Mastronardi Mauro , Chieppa Marcello , Serino Grazia
Published: September 2020

Dendritic cells are the most important antigen-presenting cells that link the innate and acquired immune system. In our previous study, we identified that the upregulation of miR-369-3p suppresses the LPS-induced inflammatory response, reducing C/EBP-β, TNFα and IL-6 production. With the aim of gaining further insight into the biological function of miR-369-3p during acute inflammatory response, in the present study we identified novel gene targets of miR-369-3p and demonstrated the suppressive ability of these genes on the inflammatory dendritic cells. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that iNOS is a potential target of miR-369-3p. We demonstrated that the ectopic induction of miR-369-3p markedly reduced iNOS mRNA and protein as well as NO production. Moreover, we found that the upregulation of miR-369-3p decreased the release of TNFα, IL-6, IL-12, IL-1α, IL-1β in response to LPS, and increased the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and IL-1RA. In addition, LPS-induced nuclear translocation of NF-kB was inhibited by miR-369-3p. Levels of miR-369-3p were decreased in human inflamed regions of human intestine obtained from IBD patients. Our results provide novel additional information on miR-369-3p as a potential core of the signaling regulating the inflammatory response. These findings suggest that miR-369-3p should be considered as a potential target for the future development of new molecular therapeutic approaches.
Cecal metabolome fingerprint in a rat model of decompression sickness with neurological disorders
Authors: de Maistre Sébastien , Gaillard Sandrine , Martin Jean-Charles , Richard Simone , Boussuges Alain , Rives Sarah , Desruelle Anne-Virginie , Blatteau Jean-Eric , Tardivel Catherine , Risso Jean-Jacques , Vallée Nicolas
Published: September 2020

Massive bubble formation after diving can lead to decompression sickness (DCS), which can result in neurological disorders. We demonstrated that hydrogen production from intestinal fermentation could exacerbate DCS in rats fed with a standard diet. The aim of this study is to identify a fecal metabolomic signature that may result from the effects of a provocative hyperbaric exposure. The fecal metabolome was studied in two groups of rats previously fed with maize or soy in order to account for diet effects. 64 animals, weighing 379.0_20.2 g on the day of the dive, were exposed to the hyperbaric protocol. The rats were separated into two groups: 32 fed with maize (Div MAIZE) and 32 fed with soy (Div SOY). Gut fermentation before the dive was estimated by measuring exhaled hydrogen. Following hyperbaric exposure, we assessed for signs of DCS. Blood was analyzed to assay inflammatory cytokines. Conventional and ChemRICH approaches helped the metabolomic interpretation of the cecal content. The effect of the diet is very marked at the metabolomic level, a little less in the blood tests, without this appearing strictly in the clinic status. Nevertheless, 37 of the 184 metabolites analyzed are linked to clinical status. 35 over-expressed compounds let suggest less intestinal absorption, possibly accompanied by an alteration of the gut microbial community, in DCS. The decrease in another metabolite suggests hepatic impairment. This spectral difference of the ceca metabolomes deserves to be studied in order to check if it corresponds to functional microbial particularities.
Cortical gyrification and its relationships with molecular measures and cognition in children with the FMR1 premutation
Authors: Wang Jun Yi , Danial Merna , Soleymanzadeh Cyrus , Kim Bella , Xia Yiming , Kim Kyoungmi , Tassone Flora , Hagerman Randi J. , Rivera Susan M.
Published: September 2020

Neurobiological basis for cognitive development and psychiatric conditions remains unexplored in children with the FMR1 premutation (PM). Knock-in mouse models of PM revealed defects in embryonic cortical development that may affect cortical folding. Cortical-folding complexity quantified using local gyrification index (LGI) was examined in 61 children (age 8–12 years, 19/14 male/female PM carriers, 15/13 male/female controls). Whole-brain vertex-wise analysis of LGI was performed for group comparisons and correlations with IQ. Individuals with aberrant gyrification in 68 cortical areas were identified using Z-scores of LGI (hyper: Z ≥ 2.58, hypo: Z ≤ − 2.58). Significant group-by-sex-by-age interaction in LGI was detected in right inferior temporal and fusiform cortices, which correlated negatively with CGG repeat length in the PM carriers. Sixteen PM boys (hyper/hypo: 7/9) and 10 PM girls (hyper/hypo: 2/5, 3 both) displayed aberrant LGI in 1–17 regions/person while 2 control boys (hyper/hypo: 0/2) and 2 control girls (hyper/hypo: 1/1) met the same criteria in only 1 region/person. LGI in the precuneus and cingulate cortices correlated positively with IQ scores in PM and control boys while negatively in PM girls and no significant correlation in control girls. These findings reveal aberrant gyrification, which may underlie cognitive performance in children with the PM.
Cognitive impairment and C-reactive protein in clinically stable schizophrenia outpatients: a focus on sex differences
Authors: Dal Santo Francesco , González-Blanco Leticia , García-Álvarez Leticia , de la Fuente-Tomás Lorena , Velasco Ángela , Álvarez-Vázquez Clara María , Martínez-Cao Clara , Sáiz Pilar A. , García-Portilla María Paz , Bobes Julio
Published: September 2020

Although previous findings identified an association between C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and impaired cognitive functions in patients with schizophrenia (SZ), little is currently known about the relationship between inflammation, cognition, and sex in SZ. The current study aimed to explore the association between peripheral inflammation and cognitive impairment in SZ as a function of sex. The sample included 132 clinically stable patients with SZ, of whom 82 were males (62.1%) and 50 females (37.9%). Sociodemographic data were collected, an accurate assessment was performed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome (PANSS), Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS), and Calgary Depression (CDS) scales, and the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), and CRP levels were tested. A Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses, including potential confounding factors, were performed. We found an inverse association between CRP levels and performance on visual learning (r = − 0.386, p = 0.006) domain in female patients only, whereas no correlations were found in males. The regression model for women retained age (β = − 0.319, p = 0.017), the CAINS-MAP score (β = − 0.247, p = 0.070), and the CRP (β = − 0.321, p = 0.013) as predictors of visual learning. Our results suggest the possible existence of sex-specific modulation of the association between systemic inflammation and the cognitive features of the illness.
Cholinergic axons regulate type I acini in salivary glands of Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes scapularis ticks
Authors: Mateos-Hernandéz Lourdes , Defaye Baptiste , Vancová Marie , Hajdusek Ondrej , Sima Radek , Park Yoonseong , Attoui Houssam , Šimo Ladislav
Published: September 2020

Regulatory factors controlling tick salivary glands (SGs) are direct upstream neural signaling pathways arising from the tick’s central nervous system. Here we investigated the cholinergic signaling pathway in the SG of two hard tick species. We reconstructed the organization of the cholinergic gene locus, and then used in situ hybridization to localize mRNA encoding choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) in specific neural cells in the Ixodes synganglion. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that cholinergic axonal projections exclusively reached type I acini in the SG of both Ixodes species. In type I acini, the rich network of cholinergic axons terminate within the basolateral infoldings of the lamellate cells. We also characterized two types (A and B) of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), which were expressed in Ixodes SG. We pharmacologically assessed mAChR-A to monitor intracellular calcium mobilization upon receptor activation. In vivo injection of vesamicol—a VAChT blocker—at the cholinergic synapse, suppressed forced water uptake by desiccated ticks, while injection of atropine, an mAChR-A antagonist, did not show any effect on water volume uptake. This study has uncovered a novel neurotransmitter signaling pathway in Ixodes SG, and suggests its role in water uptake by type I acini in desiccated ticks.
The exact analytical solution of the dual-phase-lag two-temperature bioheat transfer of a skin tissue subjected to constant heat flux
Authors: Youssef Hamdy M. , Alghamdi Najat A.
Published: September 2020

This work is dealing with the temperature reaction and response of skin tissue due to constant surface heat flux. The exact analytical solution has been obtained for the two-temperature dual-phase-lag (TTDPL) of bioheat transfer. We assumed that the skin tissue is subjected to a constant heat flux on the bounding plane of the skin surface. The separation of variables for the governing equations as a finite domain is employed. The transition temperature responses have been obtained and discussed. The results represent that the dual-phase-lag time parameter, heat flux value, and two-temperature parameter have significant effects on the dynamical and conductive temperature increment of the skin tissue. The Two-temperature dual-phase-lag (TTDPL) bioheat transfer model is a successful model to describe the behavior of the thermal wave through the skin tissue.
Landscape configuration and habitat complexity shape arthropod assemblage in urban parks
Authors: Peng Ming-Hsiao , Hung Yuan-Chen , Liu Kuan-Ling , Neoh Kok-Boon
Published: September 2020

The urbanization process systematically leads to the loss of biodiversity. Only certain arthropods are resilient to the urbanization process and can thrive in the novel conditions of urbanized landscapes. However, the degree to which arthropod communities survive in urban habitats depends on landscape and local effects and biological interactions (e.g., trophic interactions). In the present study, we examined the relative importance of various factors at landscape (isolation, edge density and area of surrounding greenery) and local (size of park, canopy cover, understory vegetation cover, defoliation depth, weight of dried leaves, soil temperature, soil moisture, and soil pH) spatial scales on the diversity of ants, beetles and spiders in urban parks. Our results indicated that park edge density was negatively correlated with diversity metrics in ants, beetles, and spiders in urban parks relative to the degree of proximity with the peri-urban forest. In other words, parks that located adjacent to the peri-urban forest may not necessarily have high biodiversity. The results suggested that man-made structures have been effective dispersal barriers that limit the spillover effects of ants and spiders but not the spillover of comparatively strong fliers, such as beetles. However, the area of surrounding greenery may have facilitated the colonization of forest-dependent taxa in distant parks. Large parks with reduced edge density supported a higher arthropod diversity because of the minimal edge effect and increased habitat heterogeneity. Vegetation structure consistently explained the variability of ants, beetles, and spiders, indicating that understory plant litter is crucial for providing shelters and hibernation, oviposition, and foraging sites for the major taxa in urban parks. Therefore, efforts should focus on the local management of ground features to maximize the conservation of biological control in urban landscapes.
Medium cut-off dialyzer improves erythropoiesis stimulating agent resistance in a hepcidin-independent manner in maintenance hemodialysis patients: results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lim Jeong-Hoon , Jeon Yena , Yook Ju-Min , Choi Soon-Youn , Jung Hee-Yeon , Choi Ji-Young , Park Sun-Hee , Kim Chan-Duck , Kim Yong-Lim , Cho Jang-Hee
Published: September 2020

The response to erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) is affected by inflammation linked to middle molecules in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We evaluated the effect of a medium cut-off (MCO) dialyzer on ESA resistance in maintenance HD patients. Forty-nine patients who underwent high-flux HD were randomly allocated to the MCO or high-flux group. The primary outcome was the changes of erythropoietin resistance index (ERI; U/kg/wk/g/dL) between baseline and 12 weeks. The MCO group showed significant decrease in the ESA dose, weight-adjusted ESA dose, and ERI compared to the high-flux group at 12 weeks (p < 0.05). The generalized estimating equation models revealed significant interactions between groups and time for the ESA dose, weight-adjusted ESA dose, and ERI (p < 0.05). Serum iron and transferrin saturation were higher in the MCO group at 12 weeks (p < 0.05). The MCO group showed a greater reduction in TNF-α and lower serum TNF-α level at 12 weeks compared to the high-flux group (p < 0.05), whereas no differences were found in the reduction ratio of hepcidin and serum levels of erythropoietin, erythroferrone, soluble transferrin receptor and hepcidin between groups. HD with MCO dialyzer improves ESA resistance over time compared to high-flux HD in maintenance HD patients. The MCO dialyzer provides superior removal of the inflammatory cytokine and thus improves iron metabolism in a hepcidin-independent manner.
Decrease of T-cells exhaustion markers programmed cell death-1 and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 and plasma IL-10 levels after successful treatment of chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Osuch Sylwia , Laskus Tomasz , Berak Hanna , Perlejewski Karol , Metzner Karin J. , Paciorek Marcin , Radkowski Marek , Caraballo Cortés Kamila
Published: September 2020

During chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, both CD4+and CD8+T-cells become functionally exhausted, which is reflected by increased expression of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (Tim-3), and elevated anti-inflammatory interleukin 10 (IL-10) plasma levels. We studied 76 DAA-treated HCV-positive patients and 18 non-infected controls. Flow cytometry measured pretreatment frequencies of CD4+PD-1+, CD4+PD-1+Tim-3+and CD8+PD-1+Tim-3+T-cells and IL-10 levels measured by ELISA were significantly higher and CD4+PD-1−Tim-3−and CD8+PD-1−Tim-3−T-cells were significantly lower in patients than in controls. Treatment resulted in significant decrease of CD4+Tim-3+, CD8+Tim-3+, CD4+PD-1+Tim-3+and CD8+PD-1+Tim-3+T-cell frequencies as well as IL-10 levels and increase in CD4+PD-1−Tim-3−and CD8+PD-1−Tim-3−T-cells. There were no significant changes in the frequencies of CD4+PD-1+T-cells, while CD8+PD-1+T-cells increased. Patients with advanced liver fibrosis had higher PD-1 and lower Tim-3 expression on CD4+T-cells and treatment had little or no effect on the exhaustion markers. HCV-specific CD8+T-cells frequency has declined significantly after treatment, but their PD-1 and Tim-3 expression did not change. Successful treatment of chronic hepatitis C with DAA is associated with reversal of immune exhaustion phenotype, but this effect is absent in patients with advanced liver fibrosis.
Extending effective microwave absorbing bandwidth of CoNi bimetallic alloy derived from binary hydroxides
Authors: Gu Weihua , Chen Jiabin , Zhao Yue , Wang Gehuan , Wang Fan , Zhang Tengze , Zhang Baoshan
Published: September 2020

Effectively broadening microwave absorbing frequency of pure magnetic substances remains a huge challenge. Herein, micro-perspective structures can be controlled through a calcination route. Satisfactorily, the composites prepared at the calcination temperature of 900 °C exhibit excellent microwave attenuation performance with a broad working frequency and appropriate paraffin filling ratio. Remarkably, the composites can reach an extremely high reflection loss (RL) value of − 49.79 dB, and the extended effective working frequency range (RL < − 10 dB) of 6.84 GHz can also be obtained. Superb magnetic loss, admirable dielectric loss, sufficient dipole polarization, as well as superior impedance matching should be band together for obtaining ideal microwave absorbers. The CoNi hydroxides derived bimatallic alloy composites were fabricated via a cost-effective and facile synthesis process, and this work aroused inspirations of designing high-performance microwave absorbers for mataining the sustainable development.
Characterization of a new case of XMLV (Bxv1) contamination in the human cell line Hep2 (clone 2B)
Authors: Loiseau Vincent , Cordaux Richard , Giraud Isabelle , Beby-Defaux Agnès , Lévêque Nicolas , Gilbert Clément
Published: September 2020

The use of misidentified cell lines contaminated by other cell lines and/or microorganisms has generated much confusion in the scientific literature. Detailed characterization of such contaminations is therefore crucial to avoid misinterpretation and ensure robustness and reproducibility of research. Here we use DNA-seq data produced in our lab to first confirm that the Hep2 (clone 2B) cell line (Sigma-Aldrich catalog number: 85011412-1VL) is indistinguishable from the HeLa cell line by mapping integrations of the human papillomavirus 18 (HPV18) at their expected loci on chromosome 8. We then show that the cell line is also contaminated by a xenotropic murine leukemia virus (XMLV) that is nearly identical to the mouse Bxv1 provirus and we characterize one Bxv1 provirus, located in the second intron of the pseudouridylate synthase 1 (PUS1) gene. Using an RNA-seq dataset, we confirm the high expression of the E6 and E7 HPV18 oncogenes, show that the entire Bxv1 genome is moderately expressed, and retrieve a Bxv1 splicing event favouring expression of the env gene. Hep2 (clone 2B) is the fourth human cell line so far known to be contaminated by the Bxv1 XMLV. This contamination has to be taken into account when using the cell line in future experiments.
Analytical validation using a gas mixing system for the determination of gaseous formaldehyde
Authors: Souza Murilo de O. , Sánchez Benigno , Fuentes Marta , Gilaranz Juan , Canela Maria C.
Published: September 2020

Formaldehyde levels in the atmosphere are a concern in the indoor and outdoor air and the DNPH-tubes are enable to analyse it with confiability.
Hydrogel facilitated bioelectronic integration
Authors: Vo Richard , Hsu Huan-Hsuan , Jiang Xiaocheng
Published: September 2020

Functional hydrogels show great potential for promoting the structural integration and signal transduction at bio/electronic interfaces.
NIR/photoacoustic imaging of multitype gallbladder cancer using carboxyl/amino functionalized polymer dots
Authors: Yang Yidian , Zhou Di , Zhang Yufan , Zhang Chunfu , Tang Shiyi , Guo Yixiao , Ma Fei , Yang Hong , Xiong Liqin
Published: September 2020

In this work, we systematically screened and imaged multitype gallbladder cancer bothin vitroandin vivousing carboxyl/amino functionalized polymer dots as a dual-modal NIR/photoacoutic probe for the first time.
Second-order nonlinear optical materials with a benzene-like conjugated π system
Authors: Liu Hongkun , Zhang Bingbing , Wang Ying
Published: September 2020

This feature article highlights the strategies used to design UV/DUV NLO materials based on benzene-like π-conjugated units.
Intercalation and flexibility chemistries of soft layered materials
Authors: Oaki Yuya
Published: September 2020

Intercalation and flexibility as two new chemical perspectives are introduced in soft layered materials for designing the structures and dynamic functions.
Thermodynamics of cell penetrating peptides on lipid membranes: sequence and membrane acidity regulate surface binding
Authors: Ramírez Pedro G. , Del Pópolo Mario G. , Vila Jorge A. , Longo Gabriel S.
Published: September 2020

Acidic lipids respond to pH in ways that fully promote or deplete the surface accumulation of cell penetrating peptides.
Structures, electronic properties, and superconductivities of alkaline-earth metal-doped phenanthrene and charge transfer characteristics of metal-doped phenanthrene
Authors: Gao Lei , Zhong Guo-Hua , Lin Hai-Qing
Published: September 2020

The relations among superconducting critical temperature (Tc) of metal-doped phenanthrene, metal atomic radius, and metal electronegativity.
Spotting aged dyes on paper with SERS
Authors: Zoleo Alfonso , Rossi Cecilia , Poggi Giovanna , Rossi Marta , Meneghetti Moreno , Baglioni Piero
Published: September 2020

Aging prevents dye–hotspot interaction, a condition for SERS (1). Suitable protocols allow dye molecules to enter hotspots, with SERS (2).
Quantifying how step-wise fluorination tunes local solute hydrophobicity, hydration shell thermodynamics and the quantum mechanical contributions of solute–water interactions
Authors: Robalo João R. , Mendes de Oliveira Denilson , Imhof Petra , Ben-Amotz Dor , Vila Verde Ana
Published: September 2020

Locally tuning solute–water interactions with fluorination.
Pyrolysis-driven synthesis of nanoscale carambola-like carbon decorated with atomically dispersed Fe sites toward efficient oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Han Hongsa , Zhang Yunlong , Cong Yuanyuan , Qin Jiaqi , Zhai Zihui , Wang Xueliang , Gao Rui , Zhang Guanghui , Guo Xinwen , Song Yujiang
Published: September 2020

We report the pyrolysis-driven structural evolution of nanocapsule-shaped FeIII porphyrin MOFs into nanocarambolas decorated with atomically dispersed Fe suitable for the ORR.
The tunable electric and magnetic properties of 2D MXenes and their potential applications
Authors: Shukla Vineeta
Published: September 2020

This review paper is focused on the electrical and magnetic property based applications of MXenes such as cancer theranostics, spintronics, and shielding against electromagnetic pollution.
Fluorescent biosensor based on magnetic cross-linking enzyme aggregates/CdTe quantum dots for the detection of H2O2-bioprecursors
Authors: Chen Guoning , Hu Qianqian , Shu Hua , Wang Lu , Cui Xia , Han Jili , Bashir Kamran , Luo Zhimin , Chang Chun , Fu Qiang
Published: September 2020

A fluorescent sensing system for H2O2-bioprecursors based on CdTe quantum dots and magnetic cross-linking enzyme aggregates was designed.
Unusually large hyperfine structure of the electron spin levels in an endohedral dimetallofullerene and its spin coherent properties
Authors: Zaripov Ruslan B. , Kandrashkin Yuri E. , Salikhov Kev M. , Büchner Bernd , Liu Fupin , Rosenkranz Marco , Popov Alexey A. , Kataev Vladislav
Published: September 2020

Sc2@C80(CH2Ph) with giant45Sc hyperfine coupling constant yields fully-resolved EPR spectra and maintains spin coherence in a broad temperature range.
Non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma assisted degradation of the pharmaceutical drug valsartan: influence of catalyst and degradation environment
Authors: Raji A. , Pandiyaraj K. Navaneetha , Vasu D. , Ramkumar M. C. , Deshmukh R. R. , Kandavelu V.
Published: September 2020

Degradation of valsartan by plasma combined with various environmental conditions.
Room-temperature AIE ionic liquid crystals based on diphenylacrylonitrile-imidazole salts
Authors: Guo Hongyu , Yu Qi , Xiong Yuzhi , Yang Fafu
Published: September 2020

The first room-temperature AIE ILCs with excellent mesomorphic, photophysical and electrochemical properties were reported.