bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-color structured illumination microscopy for live cell imaging based on the enhanced image recombination transform algorithm
Authors: Zhao Tianyu , Hao Huiwen , Wang Zhaojun , Liang Yansheng , Feng Kun , He Minru , Yun Xue , Bianco Piero R. , Sun Yujie , Yao Baoli , Lei Ming
Published: May 2021

Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) has attracted considerable interest in super-resolution, live-cell imaging because of its low light dose and high imaging speed. Obtaining a high-quality reconstruction image in SIM depends on the precise determination of the parameters of the fringe illumination pattern. The image recombination transform (IRT) algorithm is superior to other algorithms in obtaining the precise initial phase without any approximation, which is promising to provide a considerable solution to address the difficulty of initial phase estimation at low-modulation-depth conditions. However, the IRT algorithm only considers a phase shift of π∕2, which limits its applications in general scenarios. In this letter, we present a general form of IRT algorithm suitable for arbitrary phase shifts, providing a powerful tool for parameter estimation in low signal-to-noise cases. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the enhanced IRT algorithm, we constructed a multicolor, structured illumination microscope and studied at super-resolution, the cargo traffic in HRPE cells, and monitored the movement of mitochondrial structures and microtubules in COS-7 cells. The custom SIM system using the enhanced IRT algorithm allows multicolor capability and a low excitation intensity fluorescence imaging less than 1 W/cm2. High-quality super-resolution images are obtained, which demonstrates the utility of this approach in imaging in the life sciences.
High-speed and widefield handheld swept-source OCT angiography with a VCSEL light source
Authors: Ni Shuibin , Wei Xiang , Ng Ringo , Ostmo Susan , Chiang Michael F. , Huang David , Jia Yali , Campbell J. Peter , Jian Yifan
Published: May 2021

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) enable noninvasive structural and angiographic imaging of the eye. Portable handheld OCT/OCTA systems are required for imaging patients in the supine position. Examples include infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and operating room (OR). The speed of image acquisition plays a pivotal role in acquiring high-quality OCT/OCTA images, particularly with the handheld system, since both the operator hand tremor and subject motion can cause significant motion artifacts. In addition, having a large field of view and the ability of real-time data visualization are critical elements in rapid disease screening, reducing imaging time, and detecting peripheral retinal pathologies. The arrangement of optical components is less flexible in the handheld system due to the limitation of size and weight. In this paper, we introduce a 400-kHz, 55-degree field of view handheld OCT/OCTA system that has overcome many technical challenges as a portable OCT system as well as a high-speed OCTA system. We demonstrate imaging premature infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in the NICU, a patient with incontinentia pigmenti (IP), and a patient with X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) in the OR using our handheld OCT system. Our design may have the potential for improving the diagnosis of retinal diseases and help provide a practical guideline for designing a flexible and portable OCT system.
High-flux, adjustable, compact cold-atom source
Authors: Ravenhall Sean , Yuen Benjamin , Foot Chris
Published: May 2021

Magneto-optical traps (MOTs) are widely used for laser cooling of atoms. We have developed a high-flux compact cold-atom source based on a pyramid MOT with a unique adjustable aperture that is highly suitable for portable quantum technology devices, including space-based experiments. The adjustability enabled an investigation into the previously unexplored impact of aperture size on the atomic flux, and optimisation of the aperture size allowed us to demonstrate a higher flux than any reported cold-atom sources that use a pyramid, LVIS, 3D-MOT or grating MOT. We achieved 2.1(1) × 1010 atoms/s of 87Rb with a mean velocity of 32(1) m/s, FWHM of 27.6(9) m/s and divergence of 59(4) mrad. Halving the total optical power to 195 mW caused only a 20% reduction of the flux, and a 30% decrease in mean velocity. Methods to further decrease the velocity as required have been identified. The low power consumption and small size make this design suitable for a wide range of cold-atom technologies.
Improving holographic particle characterization by modeling spherical aberration
Authors: Martin Caroline , Leahy Brian , Manoharan Vinothan N.
Published: May 2021

Holographic microscopy combined with forward modeling and inference allows colloidal particles to be characterized and tracked in three dimensions with high precision. However, current models ignore the effects of optical aberrations on hologram formation. We investigate the effects of spherical aberration on the structure of single-particle holograms and on the accuracy of particle characterization. We find that in a typical experimental setup, spherical aberration can result in systematic shifts of about 2% in the inferred refractive index and radius. We show that fitting with a model that accounts for spherical aberration decreases this aberration-dependent error by a factor of two or more, even when the level of spherical aberration in the optical train is unknown. With the new generative model, the inferred parameters are consistent across different levels of aberration, making particle characterization more robust.
Synchronization of polarization chaos in mutually coupled free-running VCSELs
Authors: Wang Ziruo , Li Pu , Jia Zhiwei , Wang Wenjie , Xu Bingjie , Shore K. Alan , Wang Yuncai
Published: May 2021

We numerically demonstrate and analyze polarization chaos synchronization between two free-running vertical cavity surface emitting semiconductor lasers (VCSELs) in the mutual coupling configuration under two scenarios: parallel injection and orthogonal injection. Specifically, we investigate the effect of external parameters (the bias current, frequency detuning and coupling coefficient) and internal parameters (the linewidth enhancement factor, spin-flip relaxation rate, field decay rate, carrier decay rate, birefringence and dichroism) on the synchronization quality. Finally simulation results confirm that in the parallel injection, chaotic synchronization can reach a cross-correlation coefficient of 0.99 within a range of parameter mismatch ±12%. On the other hand, the chaos synchronization for orthogonal injection only reaches a cross-correlation coefficient of 0.95 within a range of parameter mismatch ±3%.
Strong coupling between excitons and magnetic dipole quasi-bound states in the continuum in WS2-TiO2 hybrid metasurfaces
Authors: Qin Meibao , Xiao Shuyuan , Liu Wenxing , Ouyang Mingyu , Yu Tianbao , Wang Tongbiao , Liao Qinghua
Published: May 2021

Enhancing the light-matter interactions in two-dimensional materials via optical metasurfaces has attracted much attention due to its potential to enable breakthrough in advanced compact photonic and quantum information devices. Here, we theoretically investigate a strong coupling between excitons in monolayer WS2 and quasi-bound states in the continuum (quasi-BIC). In the hybrid structure composed of WS2 coupled with asymmetric titanium dioxide nanobars, a remarkable spectral splitting and typical anticrossing behavior of the Rabi splitting can be observed, and such strong coupling effect can be modulated by shaping the thickness and asymmetry parameter of the proposed metasurfaces, and the angle of incident light. It is found that the balance of line width of the quasi-BIC mode and local electric field enhancement should be considered since both of them affect the strong coupling, which is crucial to the design and optimization of metasurface devices. This work provides a promising way for controlling the light-matter interactions in strong coupling regime and opens the door for the future novel quantum, low-energy, distinctive nanodevices by advanced meta-optical engineering.
Folded thin-film lithium niobate modulator based on a poled Mach–Zehnder interferometer structure
Authors: Hu Jinyao , Li Chijun , Guo Changjian , Lu Chao , Lau Alan Pak Tao , Chen Pengxin , Liu Liu
Published: May 2021

The thin-film lithium niobate structure has been used recently to construct compact and high-performance electro-optical modulators. Due to the moderate electro-optical coefficient of the lithium niobate material, the device length of such a modulator is still long, a few centimeters usually. Here, a folded Mach–Zehnder interferometer based modulator on

x

-cut thin-film lithium niobate is demonstrated. An effective poling procedure is developed to activate the device. The proposed modulator structure can shorten the device length without affecting its performance. The measured

V
π

L

product of a fabricated and completely poled folded modulator is about

2

.74

V

⋅

c
m

, and the 3 dB electro-optical bandwidth is about 55 GHz. They are close to those of a conventional Mach–Zehnder modulator with a straight modulation section.
Ventricular, atrial, and outflow tract heart progenitors arise from spatially and molecularly distinct regions of the primitive streak
Authors: Ivanovitch Kenzo , Soro-Barrio Pablo , Chakravarty Probir , Jones Rebecca A. , Bell Donald M. , Mousavy Gharavy S. Neda , Stamataki Despina , Delile Julien , Smith James C. , Briscoe James
Published: May 2021

The heart develops from 2 sources of mesoderm progenitors, the first and second heart field (FHF and SHF). Using a single-cell transcriptomic assay combined with genetic lineage tracing and live imaging, we find the FHF and SHF are subdivided into distinct pools of progenitors in gastrulating mouse embryos at earlier stages than previously thought. Each subpopulation has a distinct origin in the primitive streak. The first progenitors to leave the primitive streak contribute to the left ventricle, shortly after right ventricle progenitor emigrate, followed by the outflow tract and atrial progenitors. Moreover, a subset of atrial progenitors are gradually incorporated in posterior locations of the FHF. Although cells allocated to the outflow tract and atrium leave the primitive streak at a similar stage, they arise from different regions. Outflow tract cells originate from distal locations in the primitive streak while atrial progenitors are positioned more proximally. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrates that the primitive streak cells contributing to the ventricles have a distinct molecular signature from those forming the outflow tract and atrium. We conclude that cardiac progenitors are prepatterned within the primitive streak and this prefigures their allocation to distinct anatomical structures of the heart. Together, our data provide a new molecular and spatial map of mammalian cardiac progenitors that will support future studies of heart development, function, and disease.
Modulation of fungal virulence through CRZ1 regulated F-BAR-dependent actin remodeling and endocytosis in chickpea infecting phytopathogen Ascochyta rabiei
Authors: Sinha Manisha , Shree Ankita , Singh Kunal , Kumar Kamal , Singh Shreenivas Kumar , Kumar Vimlesh , Verma Praveen Kumar
Published: May 2021

Polarized hyphal growth of filamentous pathogenic fungi is an essential event for host penetration and colonization. The long-range early endosomal trafficking during hyphal growth is crucial for nutrient uptake, sensing of host-specific cues, and regulation of effector production. Bin1/Amphiphysin/Rvs167 (BAR) domain-containing proteins mediate fundamental cellular processes, including membrane remodeling and endocytosis. Here, we identified a F-BAR domain protein (ArF-BAR) in the necrotrophic fungus Ascochyta rabiei and demonstrate its involvement in endosome-dependent fungal virulence on the host plant Cicer arietinum. We show that ArF-BAR regulates endocytosis at the hyphal tip, localizes to the early endosomes, and is involved in actin dynamics. Functional studies involving gene knockout and complementation experiments reveal that ArF-BAR is necessary for virulence. The loss-of-function of ArF-BAR gene results in delayed formation of apical septum in fungal cells near growing hyphal tip that is crucial for host penetration, and impaired secretion of a candidate effector having secretory signal peptide for translocation across the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. The mRNA transcripts of ArF-BAR were induced in response to oxidative stress and infection. We also show that ArF-BAR is able to tubulate synthetic liposomes, suggesting the functional role of F-BAR domain in membrane tubule formation in vivo. Further, our studies identified a stress-induced transcription factor, ArCRZ1 (Calcineurin-responsive zinc finger 1), as key transcriptional regulator of ArF-BAR expression. We propose a model in which ArCRZ1 functions upstream of ArF-BAR to regulate A. rabiei virulence through a mechanism that involves endocytosis, effector secretion, and actin cytoskeleton regulation.
DEFECTIVE EMBRYO AND MERISTEMS genes are required for cell division and gamete viability in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lee Chin Hong , Hawker Nathaniel P. , Peters Jonathan R. , Lonhienne Thierry G. A. , Gursanscky Nial R. , Matthew Louisa , Brosnan Christopher A. , Mann Christopher W. G. , Cromer Laurence , Taochy Christelle , Ngo Quy A. , Sundaresan Venkatesan , Schenk Peer M. , Kobe Bostjan , Borges Filipe , Mercier Raphael , Bowman John L. , Carroll Bernard J.
Published: May 2021

TheDEFECTIVE EMBRYO AND MERISTEMS 1 (DEM1)gene encodes a protein of unknown biochemical function required for meristem formation and seedling development in tomato, but it was unclear whether DEM1’s primary role was in cell division or alternatively, in defining the identity of meristematic cells. Genome sequence analysis indicates that flowering plants possess at least twoDEMgenes.Arabidopsishas twoDEMgenes,DEM1andDEM2, which we show are expressed in developing embryos and meristems in a punctate pattern that is typical of genes involved in cell division. Homozygousdem1 dem2double mutants were not recovered, and plants carrying a single functionalDEM1allele and no functional copies ofDEM2, i.e.DEM1/dem1 dem2/dem2plants, exhibit normal development through to the time of flowering but during male reproductive development, chromosomes fail to align on the metaphase plate at meiosis II and result in abnormal numbers of daughter cells following meiosis. Additionally, these plants show defects in both pollen and embryo sac development, and produce defective male and female gametes. In contrast,dem1/dem1 DEM2/dem2plants showed normal levels of fertility, indicating thatDEM2plays a more important role thanDEM1in gamete viability. The increased importance ofDEM2in gamete viability correlated with higher mRNA levels ofDEM2compared toDEM1in most tissues examined and particularly in the vegetative shoot apex, developing siliques, pollen and sperm. We also demonstrate that gamete viability depends not only on the number of functionalDEMalleles inherited following meiosis, but also on the number of functionalDEMalleles in the parent plant that undergoes meiosis. Furthermore, DEM1 interacts with RAS-RELATED NUCLEAR PROTEIN 1 (RAN1) in yeast two-hybrid and pull-down binding assays, and we show that fluorescent proteins fused to DEM1 and RAN1 co-localize transiently during male meiosis and pollen development. In eukaryotes, RAN is a highly conserved GTPase that plays key roles in cell cycle progression, spindle assembly during cell division, reformation of the nuclear envelope following cell division, and nucleocytoplasmic transport. Our results demonstrate that DEM proteins play an essential role in cell division in plants, most likely through an interaction with RAN1.
Beyond the façade of generosity—Regional stereotypes within the same national culture influence prosocial behaviors
Authors: Gavreliuc Alin , Gavreliuc Dana , Semenescu Alin
Published: May 2021

We analyzed prosocial behaviors in a field experiment (N = 307) conducted in an urban context (Timisoara, Banat region, Romania), starting from a classical Cross-Cultural Psychology research organized in UK and Iran by Collet & O’Shea in 1976. If the evoked study is focused on comparing prosocial behaviors in two very different national cultures (UK vs. Iran), we compared helping strangers strategies within the same national culture in relation to the regional identities of the help-seeking subjects. A behavioral scenario was created by asking naïve participants to offer support and give directions to a place even if they did not know its whereabouts. Drawing on social identity theory, it was tested whetherregional belongingof the help-seeker (in-group vs. out-group) predicts the availability of help-givers for offering help, their availability for giving wrong directions, as well as their emotional expressiveness. Results are interpreted within the perspective of social distance between groups and show that the more distant regional identities are perceived to be, the less generous help-givers are, both in terms of their decision to help and to give wrong directions, as well as in their expressed emotions.
Adapting for the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador, a characterization of hospital strategies and patients
Authors: Garzon-Chavez Daniel , Romero-Alvarez Daniel , Bonifaz Marco , Gaviria Juan , Mero Daniel , Gunsha Narcisa , Perez Asiris , Garcia María , Espejo Hugo , Espinosa Franklin , Ligña Edison , Espinel Mauricio , Quentin Emmanuelle , Teran Enrique , Mora Francisco , Reyes Jorge
Published: May 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) a global pandemic on 11 March 2020. In Ecuador, the first case of COVID-19 was recorded on 29 February 2020. Despite efforts to control its spread, SARS-CoV-2 overran the Ecuadorian public health system, which became one of the most affected in Latin America on 24 April 2020. The Hospital General del Sur de Quito (HGSQ) had to transition from a general to a specific COVID-19 health center in a short period of time to fulfill the health demand from patients with respiratory afflictions. Here, we summarized the implementations applied in the HGSQ to become a COVID-19 exclusive hospital, including the rearrangement of hospital rooms and a triage strategy based on a severity score calculated through an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted chest computed tomography (CT). Moreover, we present clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory data from 75 laboratory tested COVID-19 patients, which represent the first outbreak of Quito city. The majority of patients were male with a median age of 50 years. We found differences in laboratory parameters between intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU cases considering C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and lymphocytes. Sensitivity and specificity of the AI-assisted chest CT were 21.4% and 66.7%, respectively, when considering a score >70%; regardless, this system became a cornerstone of hospital triage due to the lack of RT-PCR testing and timely results. If health workers act as vectors of SARS-CoV-2 at their domiciles, they can seed outbreaks that might put 1,879,047 people at risk of infection within 15 km around the hospital. Despite our limited sample size, the information presented can be used as a local example that might aid future responses in low and middle-income countries facing respiratory transmitted epidemics.
Fullerenol changes metabolite responses differently depending on the iron status of cucumber plants
Authors: Bityutskii Nikolai P. , Yakkonen Kirill L. , Puzanskiy Roman , Lukina Kseniia A. , Shavarda Alexey L. , Semenov Konstantin N.
Published: May 2021

The unique properties of carbon-based nanomaterials, including fullerenol, have attracted great interest in agricultural and environmental applications. Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient for major metabolic processes, for which a shortage causes chlorosis and reduces the yield of many crops cultivated worldwide. In the current study, the metabolic responses of Cucumis sativus (a Strategy I plant) to fullerenol treatments were investigated depending on the Fe status of plants. Cucumber plants were grown hydroponically, either with [+FeII (ferrous) and +FeIII (ferric)] or in Fe-free (−FeII and −FeIII) nutrient solution, with (+F) or without (−F) a fullerenol supply. Iron species-dependent effects were observed in either Fe-fed or Fe-starved plants, with alteration of metabolites involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, organic acids, lipophilic compounds. Metabolic perturbations triggered by fullerenol in the FeIII-treated plants were in the opposite kind from those in the FeII-treated plants. Whereas in the FeIII-fed plants, fullerenol activated the metabolisation of carbohydrates and amino acids, in the FeII-fed plants, fullerenol activated the metabolisation of lipophilic compounds and repressed the metabolisation of carbohydrates and amino acids. In FeIII-deficient plants, fullerenol stimulated the metabolism of C3 carboxylates and lipophilic compounds while repressing the metabolism of amino acids, hexoses and dicarboxylates, while in FeII-deficient plants, activations of the metabolism of amino acids and dicarboxylates and repression of sterol metabolism by fullerenol were observed. The results indicated that the valence state of Fe sources is of importance for re-programming metabolome responses in cucumber to fullerenol either in Fe-sufficient or Fe-deficient conditions. These investigations are significant for understanding fullerenol interactions and risk assessment in plants with different Fe statuses.
Perioperative pupil size in low-energy femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery
Authors: Mirshahi Alireza , Schneider Astrid , Latz Catharina , Ponto Katharina A.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To assess potential changes in pupil size during femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) using a low-energy laser system.

Methods

The pupil sizes of eyes undergoing FLACS were measured using the Ziemer LDV Z8 by extracting images from the laser software after each of the following steps: application of suction, lens fragmentation, and capsulotomy. Furthermore, the pupil diameters were measured based on preoperative surgical microscope images and after releasing the suction. Paired t-test and the two one-sided tests (TOST) procedure were used for statistical analyses. The horizontal and vertical pupil diameters were compared in each of the steps with preoperative values.

Results

Data were available for 52 eyes (52 patients, mean age 73.4 years, range 51–87 years). The equivalence between mean preoperative pupil size and status immediately after femtosecond laser treatment was confirmed (p<0.001; 95% confidence interval [−0.0637, 0.0287] for horizontal and p<0.001; 95% CI [−0.0158, 0.0859] for vertical diameter). There was statistically significant horizontal and vertical enlargement of pupil diameters between 0.15 and 0.24 mm during the laser treatment steps as compared with preoperative values (all p values <0.001).

Conclusions

No progressive pupil narrowing was observed using low-energy FLACS. Although a suction-induced, slight increase in pupil area became apparent, this effect was completely reversible after removing the laser interface.
Minimally invasive brain injections for viral-mediated transgenesis: New tools for behavioral genetics in sticklebacks
Authors: James Noelle , Bell Alison
Published: May 2021

Behavioral genetics in non-model organisms is currently gated by technological limitations. However, with the growing availability of genome editing and functional genomic tools, complex behavioral traits such as social behavior can now be explored in diverse organisms. Here we present a minimally invasive neurosurgical procedure for a classic behavioral, ecological and evolutionary system: threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Direct brain injection enables viral-mediated transgenesis and pharmaceutical delivery which bypasses the blood-brain barrier. This method is flexible, fast, and amenable to statistically powerful within-subject experimental designs, making it well-suited for use in genetically diverse animals such as those collected from natural populations. Developing this minimally invasive neurosurgical protocol required 1) refining the anesthesia process, 2) building a custom surgical rig, and 3) determining the normal recovery pattern allowing us to clearly identify warning signs of failure to thrive. Our custom-built surgical rig (publicly available) and optimized anesthetization methods resulted in high (90%) survival rates and quick behavioral recovery. Using this method, we detected changes in aggression from the overexpression of either of two different genes, arginine vasopressin (AVP) and monoamine oxidase (MAOA), in outbred animals in less than one month. We successfully used multiple promoters to drive expression, allowing for tailored expression profiles through time. In addition, we demonstrate that widely available mammalian plasmids work with this method, lowering the barrier of entry to the technique. By using repeated measures of behavior on the same fish before and after transfection, we were able to drastically reduce the necessary sample size needed to detect significant changes in behavior, making this a viable approach for examining genetic mechanisms underlying complex social behaviors.
Structure-activity mapping of ARHGAP36 reveals regulatory roles for its GAP homology and C-terminal domains
Authors: Nano Patricia R. , Johnson Taylor K. , Kudo Takamasa , Mooney Nancie A. , Ni Jun , Demeter Janos , Jackson Peter K. , Chen James K.
Published: May 2021

ARHGAP36 is an atypical Rho GTPase-activating protein (GAP) family member that drives both spinal cord development and tumorigenesis, acting in part through an N-terminal motif that suppresses protein kinase A and activates Gli transcription factors. ARHGAP36 also contains isoform-specific N-terminal sequences, a central GAP-like module, and a unique C-terminal domain, and the functions of these regions remain unknown. Here we have mapped the ARHGAP36 structure-activity landscape using a deep sequencing-based mutagenesis screen and truncation mutant analyses. Using this approach, we have discovered several residues in the GAP homology domain that are essential for Gli activation and a role for the C-terminal domain in counteracting an N-terminal autoinhibitory motif that is present in certain ARHGAP36 isoforms. In addition, each of these sites modulates ARHGAP36 recruitment to the plasma membrane or primary cilium. Through comparative proteomics, we also have identified proteins that preferentially interact with active ARHGAP36, and we demonstrate that one binding partner, prolyl oligopeptidase-like protein, is a novel ARHGAP36 antagonist. Our work reveals multiple modes of ARHGAP36 regulation and establishes an experimental framework that can be applied towards other signaling proteins.
Neutrophil stimulation with citrullinated histone H4 slows down calcium influx and reduces NET formation compared with native histone H4
Authors: Shi Lai , Aymonnier Karen , Wagner Denisa D.
Published: May 2021

Peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) catalyzes posttranslational modification of many target proteins through converting protein arginine or mono-methylarginine to citrulline. Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation is the most dramatic manifestation of PAD4-mediated hypercitrullination reaction in neutrophils, which is characterized by the release of nuclear chromatin to form a chromatin network in the extracellular space. Histones H4, one of the major protein components of chromatin, is released into the extracellular space during sepsis, trauma, and ischemia-reperfusion injury and can also be released during the process of NET formation, along with its citrullinated form. The present study showed that histone H4 can induce NET formation in a calcium and PAD4 dependent manner. Histone H4 caused permeabilization of the neutrophil membrane and sustained rise in intracellular calcium that is necessary for activation of PAD4. In comparison, citrullinated histone H4 induced less calcium influx compared with its native form, leading to reduced NET formation. These studies suggest that citrullinated histone H4 could serve as a brake in the pathology of NETs, slowing down the vicious circle between histone H4 and NETs.
Targeting neovascularization and respiration of tumor grafts grown on chick embryo chorioallantoic membranes
Authors: Ademi Hyrije , Shinde Dheeraj A. , Gassmann Max , Gerst Daniela , Chaachouay Hassan , Vogel Johannes , Gorr Thomas A.
Published: May 2021

Since growing tumors stimulate angiogenesis, via vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiogenesis inhibitors (AIs, blockers of the VEGF signaling pathway) have been introduced to cancer therapy. However, AIs often yielded only modest and short-lived gains in cancer patients and more invasive tumor phenotypes in animal models. Combining anti-VEGF strategies with lactate uptake blockers may boost both efficacy and safety of AIs. We assessed this hypothesis by using theex ovochorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. We show that AI-based monotherapy (Avastin®, AVA) increases tumor hypoxia in human CAM cancer cell xenografts and cell spread in human as well as canine CAM cancer cell xenografts. In contrast, combining AVA treatment with lactate importer MCT1 inhibitors (α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHC) or AZD3965 (AZD)) reduced both tumor growth and cell dissemination of human and canine explants. Moreover, combining AVA+AZD diminished blood perfusion and tumor hypoxia in human explants. Thus, theex ovoCAM assay as an easy, fast and cheap experimental setup is useful for pre-clinical cancer research. Moreover, as an animal-free experimental setup the CAM assay can reduce the high number of laboratory animals used in pre-clinical cancer research.
Extracts of native forest species of the southern amazon in the control of Aphis craccivora koch (Hemiptera: aphididae)
Authors: Sanches Laura Araujo , Oliveira Simone de Bitencourt , Sasaya Mariane Kaori , Garlet Juliana
Published: May 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the mortality of Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae) submitted to different extracts with different concentrations of leaves of the native forest species: Tetragastris altissima (Aubl.) Swart (Burseraceae), Metrodorea flavida K. Krause (Rutaceae) and Cheiloclinium cognatum (Miers) AC Sm (Celastraceae) under laboratory conditions. Adults of Aphis craccivora were collected in Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunthe Walp. (Fabaceae), and separated into groups of ten individuals, transferred to Petri dishes and exposed to topical application of aqueous, alcoholic and leaf infusion extracts of Cheiloclinium cognatum, Metrodorea flavida and Tetragastris altissima. The extracts were applied at concentrations of: 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15%, with 1% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), using a control treatment 1 (distilled water + DMSO 1%) and control treatment 2 (fipronil). Evaluations were performed at 24, 48 and 72 hours after the application of the extracts by counting the dead insects. The experimental design was completely randomized, with five replicates, three types of extracts and five concentrations with controls. In all the studied species, the aqueous and infusion extracts presented a lower mortality (less than 52%), whereas the alcoholic extract in higher concentrations of Cheiloclinium cognatum, Metrodorea flavida showed a mortality of up to 100%. The species Tetragastris altissima reached an average mortality of 92%. The lethal concentration for the alcoholic extract of Cheiloclinium cognatum was LC50 6.43% and LC90 12.22%, Metrodorea flavida LC50 was 3.08% and LC90 7.05% and that for Tetragastris altissima LC50 5.58% and LC90 17.47%, after 72 hours. The use of the alcoholic extract of the species Metrodorea flavida at a concentration of 9% in the control of Aphis craccivora is indicated.
Genetic diversity and fragmentation of Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco (Apocynaceae) natural habitats, conservation issues in Chaco forest and savanna biomes
Authors: Botelho Thomáz S. Guerreiro , Paggi Gecele Matos , Farinaccio Maria Ana
Published: May 2021

The present study analyses the first data on genetic diversity of A. quebracho-blanco with the fragmentation of its natural habitat, supporting conservation strategies such as the definition of priority areas for conservation. DNA was extracted from 25 individuals of five populations of A. quebracho-blanco from Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. Six ISSR primers were used to characterize the genetic diversity and structure of this species. The genotypes were grouped according to a distance matrix, considering the genetic diversity indices of Nei (He), Shannon (H’), polymorphic information content (PIC), and heterozygosis (H). The populations showed an average genetic diversity that ranged from 0.09 to 0.15 for the Shannon index and from 0.19 to 0.31 for the Nei index; the Mantel test was not significant (r2 = 0.25, P = 0.106). The results obteined for the sampled populations reveal that conservation units are indispensable for conserving the species genetic resources. In addition, it would be essential to construct a germplasm bank for the Cordoba (Argentina) population, which is a population with high genetic diversity in a region of lower fragmentation compared to other regions evaluated, to ensure the conservation of A. quebracho-blanco.
Parsing Associations Between Dimensions of Empathy and Reactive and Proactive Aggression
Authors: Palumbo Isabella M. , Latzman Robert D.
Published: May 2021

The broad dimension of empathy has been shown to underlie various forms of psychopathology, most extensively studied for the externalizing spectrum of psychopathology. However, associations between subdimensions of empathy and functions of aggression remain unclear. The current study (N = 409) aimed to investigate common and specific associations between a higher-order model of aggression, comprising reactive aggression (RA) and proactive aggression (PA) factors with an overarching general aggression factor, and item-level factor analytically derived dimensions of empathy: affective/self-oriented empathy and cognitive/other-oriented empathy. Results demonstrated specific and opposing associations between dimensions of empathy and the general aggression factor, such that affective/self-oriented empathy was positively associated, and cognitive/other-oriented empathy was negatively associated with general aggression. Affective/self-oriented empathy was positively associated with RA, whereas cognitive/other-oriented empathy was negatively associated with RA and PA. Results confirm the importance of considering the multidimensionality of empathy and aggression and suggest both common and distinct pathways from empathy to aggression.
Empathy: Expanding the Capacity for Humanness and Freedom
Authors: Hagman George
Published: May 2021

This paper elaborates on the implications of Heinz Kohut's radical revision of the concepts of introspection and empathy for psychoanalytic practice and therapeutics. I focus on three of Kohut's papers: “Introspection, Empathy, and Psychoanalysis,” published in 1959, and its follow-up, “On Empathy”, and “Introspection, Empathy, and the Semi-Circle of Mental Health,” both published in 1981. Specifically, I address the importance of the analysand's introspective capacity as an active element in the therapeutic process augmented by the empathy of the analyst in the form of understanding and interpretation. Analysands enter psychoanalysis because they are aware that they cannot solve the problems with which they suffer or access the selfobject milieu that would help them. Through analysis patients' capacity for introspection and action is broadened and deepened, allowing them to understand and deal creatively with their problems, particularly their inability to fulfill the potential of their self.
Sleep Loss Drives Brain Region-Specific and Cell Type-Specific Alterations in Ribosome-Associated Transcripts Involved in Synaptic Plasticity and Cellular Timekeeping
Authors: Puentes-Mestril Carlos , Delorme James , Wang Lijing , Donnelly Marcus , Popke Donald , Jiang Sha , Aton Sara J.
Published: May 2021

Sleep and sleep loss are thought to impact synaptic plasticity, and recent studies have shown that sleep and sleep deprivation (SD) differentially affect gene transcription and protein translation in the mammalian forebrain. However, much less is known regarding how sleep and SD affect these processes in different microcircuit elements within the hippocampus and neocortex, for example, in inhibitory versus excitatory neurons. Here, we use translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) andin situhybridization to characterize the effects of sleep versus SD on abundance of ribosome-associated transcripts in Camk2a-expressing (Camk2a+) pyramidal neurons and parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) interneurons in the hippocampus and neocortex of male mice. We find that while both Camk2a+neurons and PV+interneurons in neocortex show concurrent SD-driven increases in ribosome-associated transcripts for activity-regulated effectors of plasticity and transcriptional regulation, these transcripts are minimally affected by SD in hippocampus. Similarly, we find that while SD alters several ribosome-associated transcripts involved in cellular timekeeping in neocortical Camk2a+and PV+neurons, effects on circadian clock transcripts in hippocampus are minimal, and restricted to Camk2a+neurons. Taken together, our results indicate that SD effects on transcripts associated with translating ribosomes are both cell type-specific and brain region-specific, and that these effects are substantially more pronounced in the neocortex than the hippocampus. We conclude that SD-driven alterations in the strength of synapses, excitatory-inhibitory (E-I) balance, and cellular timekeeping are likely more heterogeneous than previously appreciated.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSleep loss-driven changes in transcript and protein abundance have been used as a means to better understand the function of sleep for the brain. Here, we use translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) to characterize changes in abundance of ribosome-associated transcripts in excitatory and inhibitory neurons in mouse hippocampus and neocortex after a brief period of sleep or sleep loss. We show that these changes are not uniform, but are generally more pronounced in excitatory neurons than inhibitory neurons, and more pronounced in neocortex than in hippocampus.
Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels Ensure Action Potential Shape Fidelity in Distal Axons
Authors: Gonzalez Sabater Victoria , Rigby Mark , Burrone Juan
Published: May 2021

The initiation and propagation of the action potential (AP) along an axon allows neurons to convey information rapidly and across distant sites. Although AP properties have typically been characterized at the soma and proximal axon, knowledge of the propagation of APs toward distal axonal domains of mammalian CNS neurons remains limited. We used genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) to image APs with submillisecond temporal resolution simultaneously at different locations along the long axons of dissociated hippocampal neurons from rat embryos of either sex. We found that APs became sharper and showed remarkable fidelity as they traveled toward distal axons, even during a high-frequency train. Blocking voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv) with 4-AP resulted in an increase in AP width in all compartments, which was stronger at distal locations and exacerbated during AP trains. We conclude that the higher levels of Kv channel activity in distal axons serve to sustain AP fidelity, conveying a reliable digital signal to presynaptic boutons.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe AP represents the electrical signal carried along axons toward distant presynaptic boutons where it culminates in the release of neurotransmitters. The nonlinearities involved in this process are such that small changes in AP shape can result in large changes in neurotransmitter release. Since axons are remarkably long structures, any distortions that APs suffer along the way have the potential to translate into a significant modulation of synaptic transmission, particularly in distal domains. To avoid these issues, distal axons have ensured that signals are kept remarkably constant and insensitive to modulation during a train, despite the long distances traveled. Here, we uncover the mechanisms that allow distal axonal domains to provide a reliable and faithful digital signal to presynaptic terminals.
Three Pillars of Physical Distancing: Anxiety, Prosociality, and Rule Compliance During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Twardawski Mathias , Steindorf Lena , Thielmann Isabel
Published: May 2021

The outbreak of a global pandemic such as COVID-19 poses a challenge for societies across the world. Lacking both vaccination and medical treatment, the only way to combat the spread of a virus in its early stages are behavioral measures, particularly physical distancing behavior. The present work proposes three pillars of individuals’ engagement in physical distancing: anxiety, prosociality, and rule compliance. In a large (N = 1,504), pre-registered study among German adults, we studied both situation-specific tendencies and stable personality traits that are theoretically associated with these pillars in relation to self-reported physical distancing behavior and underlying motives. Results supported the importance of each of the proposed pillars for physical distancing behavior. That is, for each pillar, we found (some) relations of the corresponding tendencies and personality traits with physical distancing (motives) as expected. Overall, the project provides a comprehensive picture of physical distancing behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Evaluation of modifiable factors and polygenic risk score in thyroid cancer
Authors: Hoang Tung , Nguyen Ngoc Quy , Lee Jeonghee , Lee Eun Kyung , Hwangbo Yul , Kim Jeongseon
Published: May 2021

The cumulative effect of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on thyroid cancer has been adequately defined in individuals of European ancestry; however, similar evidence in the Korean population is limited. This study aimed to investigate the influence of modifiable factors and the polygenic risk score (PRS) and their interactive and combined effects on thyroid cancer. Using data from the cancer screenee cohort, this study included 759 thyroid cancer cases and 759 age- and sex-matched controls. We examined the effects of tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and regular exercise habits, BMI, and the PRS of six SNPs on thyroid cancer. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations were obtained using a conditional logistic regression model. The results indicated that family history, obesity, and the unweighted and weighted PRS were independently associated with susceptibility to thyroid cancer, with ORs (95% CIs) of 2.96 (1.63–5.36), 1.72 (1.20–2.48), 1.46 (1.10–1.93), and 1.56 (1.19–2.03), respectively, whereas the effect of smoking, drinking, and regular exercise was not significant. The contribution of the PRS remained after stratifying participants with healthy behaviors, such as nonsmokers/nondrinkers, and regular exercise. Although the PRS did not significantly contribute to the risk for thyroid cancer when participants were stratified according to BMI, BMI and the PRS had a cumulative effect on thyroid cancer risk. The combined effect of genetic polymorphisms on predisposition to thyroid cancer may differ based on tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, regular exercise behaviors and cumulative BMI. Larger population-based studies are needed to validate these findings.
Mechanisms of ovarian aging
Authors: Park Selena U , Walsh Leann , Berkowitz Karen M
Published: May 2021

Ovarian aging in women correlates with the progressive loss of both the number and quality of oocytes. When these processes occur early or are accelerated, their clinical correlates are diminished ovarian reserve and/or premature ovarian insufficiency. Both these conditions have important consequences for the reproductive and general health of women, including infertility. Although there are many contributing factors, the molecular mechanisms underlying many of the processes associated with ovarian aging have not been fully elucidated. In this review, we highlight some of the most critical factors that impact oocyte quantity and quality with advancing age. We discuss chromosomal factors including cohesion deterioration and mis-segregation, errors in meiotic recombination, and decreased stringency of the spindle assembly checkpoint. DNA damage, telomere changes, reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial dysfunction as they relate to ovarian aging, and well-known gene mutations associated with primary ovarian insufficiency and diminished ovarian reserve are also discussed. Additionally, studies investigating recently acknowledged cytoplasmic factors associated with ovarian aging including protein metabolic dysregulation and microenvironmental alterations in the ovary are presented. We use both mouse and human studies to support the roles these factors play in physiologic and expedited ovarian aging, and we propose directions for future studies. A better understanding of the molecular basis of ovarian aging will ultimately lead to diagnostic and therapeutic advancements that would provide women with information to make earlier choices about their reproductive health.
Properties of bacterial cellulose and its influence on the physical properties of paper
Authors: Gao Wen-Hua , Chen Ke-Fu , Yang Ren-Dang , Yang Fei , Han Wen-Jia
Published: May 2021

Bacterial cellulose is a promising source of biodegradable polymers having high purity. The time required to disperse bacterial cellulose wet membranes was studied, along with evaluation by infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis of the dispersed bacterial fiber and tests of the physical properties of the sheet. The results showed that bacterial cellulose wet membrane can be dispersed well, forming fibers when the dispersing time was 3 minutes at a suitable concentration. FT-IR results showed that the composition of bacterial fiber is similar to that of bleached softwood fibers. Thus, the morphology, thermal performance, and the length of bacterial fibers are significantly different. The sheets’ physical properties show that with the increasing dosage of bacterial fibers (relative to softwood fiber), the properties of tensile index, tear index, burst index, and stiffness greatly improve, while the porosity and the relative water absorption decrease.
Application of alkaline sulfite pulping on corn stalks
Authors: Latibari Ahmad Jahan , Hossein Mohammad Ali , Hosseinpour Reza
Published: May 2021

Alkaline sulfite pulping of corn stalks was investigated to produce supplementary pulp for corrugating board manufacture. Three pulping temperatures (125, 145, and 165°C) and five active alkali charges (10, 12, 14, 16, and 18%) were used. Cooking time at 30 minutes, Na2SO3/ NaOH ratio at 50:50, and liquor to residue ratio of 8:1 were kept constant. The highest total yield (61.9%) was reached applying the treatment combination of 125°C and 10% active alkali, and the lowest total yield (42.5%) was related to 165°C and 16% chemical. The influence of sodium sulfite/sodium hydroxide ratios was studied applying different ratios (30:70, 40:60, 50:50, 60:40, and 70:30) at constant time and temperature of 30 minutes and 145°C respectively and 14 and 16% active alkali. Pulping condition; 16% active alkali, 30 minutes time, 145°C pulping temperature and varying ratios of sodium sulfite/sodium hydroxide were selected for pulp strength evaluation. The results of handsheet evaluation indicated that 16% active alkali, 30 minutes pulping at 145ºC and sodium sulfite/sodium hydroxide ratio of 50:50 is the optimum pulping condition for corn stalks. Tear, tensile, and burst indices and breaking length of this pulp were measured as 10.53 mN.m2g-1, 62.4 N.mg-1, 3.80 kPa.m2g-1, and 6.07 km, respectively.