bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide association study identified candidate genes for seed size and seed composition improvement in M. truncatula
Authors: Chen Zhijuan , Lancon-Verdier Vanessa , Le Signor Christine , She Yi-Min , Kang Yun , Verdier Jerome
Published: February 2021

Grain legumes are highly valuable plant species, as they produce seeds with high protein content. Increasing seed protein production and improving seed nutritional quality represent an agronomical challenge in order to promote plant protein consumption of a growing population. In this study, we used the genetic diversity, naturally present in Medicago truncatula, a model plant for legumes, to identify genes/loci regulating seed traits. Indeed, using sequencing data of 162 accessions from the Medicago HAPMAP collection, we performed genome-wide association study for 32 seed traits related to seed size and seed composition such as seed protein content/concentration, sulfur content/concentration. Using different GWAS and postGWAS methods, we identified 79 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) as regulating seed size, 41 QTNs for seed composition related to nitrogen (i.e. storage protein) and sulfur (i.e. sulfur-containing amino acid) concentrations/contents. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation between seed size and protein content was revealed within the selected Medicago HAPMAP collection. In addition, several QTNs showed highly significant associations in different seed phenotypes for further functional validation studies, including one near an RNA-Binding Domain protein, which represents a valuable candidate as central regulator determining both seed size and composition. Finally, our findings in M. truncatula represent valuable resources to be exploitable in many legume crop species such as pea, common bean, and soybean due to its high synteny, which enable rapid transfer of these results into breeding programs and eventually help the improvement of legume grain production.
Disease progression modelling from preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to AD dementia
Authors: Cho Soo Hyun , Woo Sookyoung , Kim Changsoo , Kim Hee Jin , Jang Hyemin , Kim Byeong C. , Kim Si Eun , Kim Seung Joo , Kim Jun Pyo , Jung Young Hee , Lockhart Samuel , Ossenkoppele Rik , Landau Susan , Na Duk L. , Weiner Michael , Kim Seonwoo , Seo Sang Won
Published: February 2021

To characterize the course of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) over a longer time interval, we aimed to construct a disease course model for the entire span of the disease using two separate cohorts ranging from preclinical AD to AD dementia. We modelled the progression course of 436 patients with AD continuum and investigated the effects of apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE ε4) and sex on disease progression. To develop a model of progression from preclinical AD to AD dementia, we estimated Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale 13 (ADAS-cog 13) scores. When calculated as the median of ADAS-cog 13 scores for each cohort, the estimated time from preclinical AD to MCI due to AD was 7.8 years and preclinical AD to AD dementia was 15.2 years. ADAS-cog 13 scores deteriorated most rapidly in women APOE ε4 carriers and most slowly in men APOE ε4 non-carriers (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that disease progression modelling from preclinical AD to AD dementia may help clinicians to estimate where patients are in the disease course and provide information on variation in the disease course by sex and APOE ε4 status.
Vivid biofluorescence discovered in the nocturnal Springhare (Pedetidae)
Authors: Olson Erik R. , Carlson Michaela R. , Ramanujam V. M. Sadagopa , Sears Lindsay , Anthony Sharon E. , Anich Paula Spaeth , Ramon Leigh , Hulstrand Alissa , Jurewicz Michaela , Gunnelson Adam S. , Kohler Allison M. , Martin Jonathan G.
Published: February 2021

Biofluorescence has been detected in several nocturnal-crepuscular organisms from invertebrates to birds and mammals. Biofluorescence in mammals has been detected across the phylogeny, including the monotreme duck-billed platypus (Ornithorhyncus anatinus), marsupial opossums (Didelphidae), and New World placental flying squirrels (Gluacomys spp.). Here, we document vivid biofluorescence of springhare (Pedetidae) in both museum specimens and captive individuals—the first documented biofluorescence of an Old World placental mammal. We explore the variation in biofluorescence across our sample and characterize its physical and chemical properties. The striking visual patterning and intensity of color shift was unique relative to biofluorescence found in other mammals. We establish that biofluorescence in springhare likely originates within the cuticle of the hair fiber and emanates, at least partially, from several fluorescent porphyrins and potentially one unassigned molecule absent from our standard porphyrin mixture. This discovery further supports the hypothesis that biofluorescence may be ecologically important for nocturnal-crepuscular mammals and suggests that it may be more broadly distributed throughout Mammalia than previously thought.
CSF proteome in multiple sclerosis subtypes related to brain lesion transcriptomes
Authors: Elkjaer Maria L. , Nawrocki Arkadiusz , Kacprowski Tim , Lassen Pernille , Simonsen Anja Hviid , Marignier Romain , Sejbaek Tobias , Nielsen Helle H. , Wermuth Lene , Rashid Alyaa Yakut , Høgh Peter , Sellebjerg Finn , Reynolds Richard , Baumbach Jan , Larsen Martin R. , Illes Zsolt
Published: February 2021

To identify markers in the CSF of multiple sclerosis (MS) subtypes, we used a two-step proteomic approach: (i) Discovery proteomics compared 169 pooled CSF from MS subtypes and inflammatory/degenerative CNS diseases (NMO spectrum and Alzheimer disease) and healthy controls. (ii) Next, 299 proteins selected by comprehensive statistics were quantified in 170 individual CSF samples. (iii) Genes of the identified proteins were also screened among transcripts in 73 MS brain lesions compared to 25 control brains. F-test based feature selection resulted in 8 proteins differentiating the MS subtypes, and secondary progressive (SP)MS was the most different also from controls. Genes of 7 out these 8 proteins were present in MS brain lesions: GOLM was significantly differentially expressed in active, chronic active, inactive and remyelinating lesions, FRZB in active and chronic active lesions, and SELENBP1 in inactive lesions. Volcano maps of normalized proteins in the different disease groups also indicated the highest amount of altered proteins in SPMS. Apolipoprotein C-I, apolipoprotein A-II, augurin, receptor-type tyrosine-protein phosphatase gamma, and trypsin-1 were upregulated in the CSF of MS subtypes compared to controls. This CSF profile and associated brain lesion spectrum highlight non-inflammatory mechanisms in differentiating CNS diseases and MS subtypes and the uniqueness of SPMS.
Molecular features similarities between SARS-CoV-2, SARS, MERS and key human genes could favour the viral infections and trigger collateral effects
Authors: Maldonado Lucas L. , Bertelli Andrea Mendoza , Kamenetzky Laura
Published: February 2021

In December 2019, rising pneumonia cases caused by a novel β-coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) occurred in Wuhan, China, which has rapidly spread worldwide, causing thousands of deaths. The WHO declared the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern, since then several scientists are dedicated to its study. It has been observed that many human viruses have codon usage biases that match highly expressed proteins in the tissues they infect and depend on the host cell machinery for the replication and co-evolution. In this work, we analysed 91 molecular features and codon usage patterns for 339 viral genes and 463 human genes that consisted of 677,873 codon positions. Hereby, we selected the highly expressed genes from human lung tissue to perform computational studies that permit to compare their molecular features with those of SARS, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS genes. The integrated analysis of all the features revealed that certain viral genes and overexpressed human genes have similar codon usage patterns. The main pattern was the A/T bias that together with other features could propitiate the viral infection, enhanced by a host dependant specialization of the translation machinery of only some of the overexpressed genes. The envelope protein E, the membrane glycoprotein M and ORF7 could be further benefited. This could be the key for a facilitated translation and viral replication conducting to different comorbidities depending on the genetic variability of population due to the host translation machinery. This is the first codon usage approach that reveals which human genes could be potentially deregulated due to the codon usage similarities between the host and the viral genes when the virus is already inside the human cells of the lung tissues. Our work leaded to the identification of additional highly expressed human genes which are not the usual suspects but might play a role in the viral infection and settle the basis for further research in the field of human genetics associated with new viral infections. To identify the genes that could be deregulated under a viral infection is important to predict the collateral effects and determine which individuals would be more susceptible based on their genetic features and comorbidities associated.
Identification of novel neuroblastoma biomarkers in urine samples
Authors: Yokota Kazuki , Uchida Hiroo , Sakairi Minoru , Abe Mayumi , Tanaka Yujiro , Tainaka Takahisa , Shirota Chiyoe , Sumida Wataru , Oshima Kazuo , Makita Satoshi , Amano Hizuru , Hinoki Akinari
Published: February 2021

Urine is a complex liquid containing numerous small molecular metabolites. The ability to non-invasively test for cancer biomarkers in urine is especially beneficial for screening child patients. This study attempted to identify neuroblastoma biomarkers by comprehensively analysing urinary metabolite samples from children. A total of 87 urine samples were collected from 54 participants (15 children with neuroblastoma and 39 without cancer) and used to perform a comprehensive analysis. Urine metabolites were extracted using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and analysed by Metabolon, Inc. Biomarker candidates were extracted using the Wilcoxon rank sum test, random forest method (RF), and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). RF identified three important metabolic pathways in 15 samples from children with neuroblastoma. One metabolite was selected from each of the three identified pathways and combined to create a biomarker candidate (3-MTS, CTN, and COR) that represented each of the three pathways; using this candidate, all 15 cases were accurately distinguishable from the control group. Two cases in which known biomarkers were negative tested positive using this new biomarker. Furthermore, the predictive value did not decrease in cases with a low therapeutic effect. This approach could be effectively applied to identify biomarkers for other cancer types.
Potential impact of a nonavalent anti HPV vaccine in Italian men with and without clinical manifestations
Authors: Bosco Liana , Serra Nicola , Fasciana Teresa , Pistoia Daniela , Vella Marco , Di Gregorio Leonardo , Schillaci Rosaria , Perino Antonino , Calagna Gloria , Firenze Alberto , Capra Giuseppina
Published: February 2021

Human papilloma virus infection (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease. Little is known about male infection. Nonavalent vaccine against types 6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58 was approved and neutral gender immunization programs have been proposed. This study evaluates the potential impact of nonavalent vaccine compared to quadrivalent in male living in Sicily (Italy). 58.7% of samples were HPV positive and forty-four types of HPV were identified. A significant higher estimated coverage of nonavalent vaccine than quadrivalent was observed (64.3% vs. 45.8%), with absolute and relative additional impact of 20.1% and 47.2%, respectively. Low impact of the vaccine were calculated as the empirical probability of HPV genotypes 6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58 alone or in combination; the high impact as empirical probability of HPV6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58 genotypes alone or in association with other genotypes. The potential impact of the nonavalent vaccine vs quadrivalent was significant for low and high impact (29.7% > 18:8%; 34:6% > 26.6%, respectively). Particularly, in men with lesions and risky sexual contact was significant only for low impact (35.5% > 29.7%; 31.4% > 19.7%, respectively). In partners with positive females was significant for low impact (26.3% > 15.1%) and high impact (33.7% > 23.2%). Nonavalent vaccine offers broader protection in men with HPV positive partners, who would have a potential role in the transmission of the infection.
NIR light guided enhanced photoluminescence and temperature sensing in Ho3+/Yb3+/Bi3+ co-doped ZnGa2O4 phosphor
Authors: Monika  , Yadav Ram Sagar , Rai Anita , Rai Shyam Bahadur
Published: February 2021

The conversion of NIR light into visible light has been studied in Ho3+/Yb3+/Bi3+ co-doped ZnGa2O4 phosphor for the first time. The crystallinity and particles size of the phosphor increase through Bi3+ doping. The absorption characteristics of Ho3+, Yb3+ and Bi3+ ions are identified by the UV–vis-NIR measurements. The Ho3+ doped phosphor produces intense green upconversion (UC) emission under 980 nm excitations. The emission intensity ~ excitation power density plots show contribution of two photons for the UC emissions. The UC intensity of green emission is weak in the Ho3+ doped phosphor, which enhances upto 128 and 228 times through co-doping of Yb3+ and Yb3+/Bi3+ ions, respectively. The relative and absolute temperature sensing sensitivities of Ho3+/Yb3+/5Bi3+ co-doped ZnGa2O4 phosphor are calculated to be 13.6 × 10−4 and 14.3 × 10−4 K−1, respectively. The variation in concentration of Bi3+ ion and power density produces excellent color tunability from green to red via yellow regions. The CCT also varies with concentration of Bi3+ ion and power density from cool to warm light. The color purity of phosphor is achieved to 98.6% through Bi3+ doping. Therefore, the Ho3+/Yb3+/Bi3+:ZnGa2O4 phosphors can be suitable for UC-based color tunable devices, green light emitting diodes and temperature sensing.
The implications of subretinal fluid in pachychoroid neovasculopathy
Authors: Lee Geun Woo , Roh Hyeon Cheol , Kang Se Woong , Kim A. Young , Noh Hoon , Choi Kyung Jun
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics and longitudinal changes in exudative pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) and non-exudative PNV. This retrospective cohort study involved 81 eyes of PNV diagnosed by multimodal imaging including optical coherence tomography angiography. At baseline, they were divided into exudative PNV group and non-exudative PNV group depending on the presence of subretinal fluid. The clinical features of both groups and the longitudinal changes were investigated and compared. There were 55 eyes with non-exudative PNV and 26 eyes with exudative PNV. Individuals with non-exudative PNV were older, more frequently asymptomatic and had a higher prevalence of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in the opposite eye (all P’s < 0.05). Whereas individuals with exudative PNV showed thicker choroid and more frequent history of central serous chorioretinopathy (all P’s < 0.001). During about 12 months of longitudinal observation, the transformation into polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy was noted in 4 eyes of non-exudative PNV group, whereas in none of the exudative PNV group. Exudative PNV and non-exudative PNV seem to be separate entities with different epidemiological parameters. Non-exudative PNV, which is frequently found without symptoms at an older age, is suspected to be the significant precursor lesion of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. In contrast, exudative PNV may share the same pathophysiology as central serous chorioretinopathy.
Optical and surface energy probe of Hamaker constant in copper oxide thin films for NEMS and MEMS stiction control applications
Authors: Ogwu Abraham , Darma T. H.
Published: February 2021

Copper oxide films hold substantial promise as anti-stiction coatings in micro-electromechanical (MEMS) devices and with shrinking dimensions on the nanometre scale on nano electromechanical (NEMS) devices. The Hamaker constant will play a very significant role in understanding stiction and tribology in these devices. We used an approximate but sufficiently accurate form of the Lifshitz theory using the multiple oscillator model to calculate the Hamakers constant of symmetric copper oxide thin films based on experimentally obtained dielectric data in the wavelength range 190-850 nm using spectroscopic ellipsometry. We also used the Tabor–Winterton approximation (TWA) and Surface energy measurements to determine the Hamaker constant. There was better agreement in the Hamaker constant values obtained by the limited Lifshitz theory and TWA approach than with the Surface energy approach. The difference is explained through the influence of surface roughness on the surface energy using extensions of the stochastic KPZ growth model and the Family-Vicsek scaling relation and rigorous treatment of the Cassie-Baxter and Wenzel models as optimisations of a surface free energy functional linking roughness and surface tension. The dominance of the Cu2O phase in the films and of the London dispersion force on the surface of the films was previously confirmed by FTIR Cu(I)–O vibrational mode observation and XPS Cu 2p3/2 binding energy peak and its fitted satellites. The use of the limited Lifshitz theory and ellipsometry data would seem to provide a suitable best first approximation for determining the Hamaker constant of predominantly dispersive anti-stiction coatings in technologically important MEMS/NEMS devices.
Morphological features of large layer V pyramidal neurons in cortical motor-related areas of macaque monkeys: analysis of basal dendrites
Authors: Takata Yu , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Ninomiya Taihei , Yamanaka Hajime , Takada Masahiko
Published: February 2021

In primates, large layer V pyramidal neurons located in the frontal motor-related areas send a variety of motor commands to the spinal cord, giving rise to the corticospinal tract, for execution of skilled motor behavior. However, little is known about the morphological diversity of such pyramidal neurons among the areas. Here we show that the structure of basal dendrites of the large layer V pyramidal neurons in the dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) is different from those in the other areas, including the primary motor cortex, the supplementary motor area, and the ventral premotor cortex. In the PMd, not only the complexity (arborization) of basal dendrites, i.e., total dendritic length and branching number, was poorly developed, but also the density of dendritic spines was so low, as compared to the other motor-related areas. Regarding the distribution of the three dendritic spine types identified, we found that thin-type (more immature) spines were prominent in the PMd in comparison with stubby- and mushroom-type (more mature) spines, while both thin- and stubby-type spines were in the other areas. The differential morphological features of basal dendrites might reflect distinct patterns of motor information processing within the large layer V pyramidal neurons in individual motor-related areas.
Investigating an increase in Florida manatee mortalities using a proteomic approach
Authors: Lazensky Rebecca , Silva-Sanchez Cecilia , Kroll Kevin J. , Chow Marjorie , Chen Sixue , Tripp Katie , Walsh Michael T. , Denslow Nancy D.
Published: February 2021

Two large-scale Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) mortality episodes were reported on separate coasts of Florida in 2013. The east coast mortality episode was associated with an unknown etiology in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). The west coast mortality episode was attributed to a persistent Karenia brevis algal bloom or ‘red tide’ centered in Southwest Florida. Manatees from the IRL also had signs of cold stress. To investigate these two mortality episodes, two proteomic experiments were performed, using two-dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) LC–MS/MS. Manatees from the IRL displayed increased levels of several proteins in their serum samples compared to controls, including kininogen-1 isoform 1, alpha-1-microglobulin/bikunen precursor, histidine-rich glycoprotein, properdin, and complement C4-A isoform 1. In the red tide group, the following proteins were increased: ceruloplasmin, pyruvate kinase isozymes M1/M2 isoform 3, angiotensinogen, complement C4-A isoform 1, and complement C3. These proteins are associated with acute-phase response, amyloid formation and accumulation, copper and iron homeostasis, the complement cascade pathway, and other important cellular functions. The increased level of complement C4 protein observed in the red tide group was confirmed through the use of Western Blot.
Genome wide association analyses to understand genetic basis of flowering and plant height under three levels of nitrogen application in Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss
Authors: Akhatar Javed , Goyal Anna , Kaur Navneet , Atri Chhaya , Mittal Meenakshi , Singh Mohini Prabha , Kaur Rimaljeet , Rialch Indu , Banga Surinder S.
Published: February 2021

Timely transition to flowering, maturity and plant height are important for agronomic adaptation and productivity of Indian mustard (B. juncea), which is a major edible oilseed crop of low input ecologies in Indian subcontinent. Breeding manipulation for these traits is difficult because of the involvement of multiple interacting genetic and environmental factors. Here, we report a genetic analysis of these traits using a population comprising 92 diverse genotypes of mustard. These genotypes were evaluated under deficient (N75), normal (N100) or excess (N125) conditions of nitrogen (N) application. Lower N availability induced early flowering and maturity in most genotypes, while high N conditions delayed both. A genotyping-by-sequencing approach helped to identify 406,888 SNP markers and undertake genome wide association studies (GWAS). 282 significant marker-trait associations (MTA's) were identified. We detected strong interactions between GWAS loci and nitrogen levels. Though some trait associated SNPs were detected repeatedly across fertility gradients, majority were identified under deficient or normal levels of N applications. Annotation of the genomic region (s) within ± 50 kb of the peak SNPs facilitated prediction of 30 candidate genes belonging to light perception, circadian, floral meristem identity, flowering regulation, gibberellic acid pathways and plant development. These included over one copy each of AGL24, AP1, FVE, FRI, GID1A and GNC. FLC and CO were predicted on chromosomes A02 and B08 respectively. CDF1, CO, FLC, AGL24, GNC and FAF2 appeared to influence the variation for plant height. Our findings may help in improving phenotypic plasticity of mustard across fertility gradients through marker-assisted breeding strategies.
Infants with congenital heart defects have reduced brain volumes
Authors: Skotting Mikkel B. , Eskildsen S. F. , Ovesen A. S. , Fonov V. S. , Ringgaard S. , Hjortdal V. E. , Lauridsen M. H.
Published: February 2021

Children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) have increased risk of cognitive disabilities for reasons not fully understood. Previous studies have indicated signs of disrupted fetal brain growth from mid-gestation measured with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and infants with CHDs have decreased brain volumes at birth. We measured the total and regional brain volumes of infants with and without CHDs using MRI to investigate, if certain areas of the brain are at particular risk of disrupted growth. MRI brain volumetry analyses were performed on 20 infants; 10 with- (postmenstrual age 39–54 weeks, mean 44 weeks + 5 days) and 10 without CHDs (postmenstrual age 39–52 weeks, mean 43 weeks + 5 days). In six infants with- and eight infants without CHDs grey and white matter were also differentiated. Infants with CHDs had smaller brains (48 ml smaller; 95% CI, 6.1–90; p = 0.03), cerebrums (37.8 ml smaller; 95% CI, 0.8–74.8; p = 0.04), and cerebral grey matter (25.8 ml smaller; 95% CI, 3.5–48; p = 0.03) than infants without CHD. Brain volume differences observed within weeks after birth in children with CHDs confirm that the brain impact, which increase the risk of cognitive disabilities, may begin during pregnancy.
Unsteady MHD natural convection flow of Casson fluid incorporating thermal radiative flux and heat injection/suction mechanism under variable wall conditions
Authors: Anwar Talha , Kumam Poom , Watthayu Wiboonsak
Published: February 2021

Unsteady magnetohydrodynamic flow of Casson fluid over an infinite vertical plate is examined under ramped temperature and velocity conditions at the wall. Thermal radiation flux and heat injection/suction terms are also incorporated in the energy equation. The electrically conducting fluid is flowing through a porous material and these phenomena are governed by partial differential equations. After employing some adequate dimensionless variables, the solutions are evaluated by dint of Laplace transform. In addition, the physical contribution of substantial parameters such as Grashof number, radiation parameter, heat injection/suction parameter, porosity parameter, Prandtl number, and magnetic parameter is appropriately elucidated with the aid of graphical and tabular illustrations. The expressions for skin friction and Nusselt number are also derived to observe wall shear stress and rate of heat transfer. A graphical comparison between solutions corresponding to ramped and constant conditions at the wall is also provided. It is observed that graphs of the solutions computed under constant conditions are always superior with respect to graphs of ramped conditions. The magnetic field decelerates the flow, whereas the radiative flux leads to an upsurge in the flow. Furthermore, the shear stress is a decreasing function of the magnetic parameter.
Photosynthetic apparatus efficiency, phenolic acid profiling and pattern of chosen phytohormones in pseudometallophyte Alyssum montanum
Authors: Muszyńska Ewa , Tokarz Krzysztof M. , Dziurka Michał , Labudda Mateusz , Dziurka Kinga , Tokarz Barbara
Published: February 2021

The present study investigated the response of non-metallicolous (NM) and metallicolous (M)Alyssum montanumshoots cultured in vitro on a medium supplemented simultaneously with heavy metals (HMs) to identify mechanisms involved in alleviating metal-induced damage. Plant status in respect to photosynthetic apparatus efficiency was determined and linked with changes in biochemical composition of shoots, namely phenolic acids’ and stress-related phytohormones. Results showed the considerable inter-ecotype differences in (1) the photosynthetic pigments’ amount, (2) the functioning of membrane electron transporters as well as (3) the linear and alternative electron transport pathways, whose lower values were reported in NM than in M HM-treated culture. Photosynthetic apparatus protection in M specimens was assured by the activation of cinnamic acid synthesis (by phenylalanine ammonia lyase) and its further transformations to benzoic acid derivatives with high ability to counteract oxidative stress, that was accompanied by the overexpression of jasmonic acid stimulating antioxidant machinery. In turn, detrimental HM effects on NM shoots could result from the diminution of most phenolics’ accumulation, and only the content of coumarate (produced by bifunctional phenylalanine/tyrosine ammonia lyase) and rosmarinic acid increased. All these together with an enhanced concentration of abscisic acid might suggest that NM strategy to cope with HMs is based mostly on a restriction of metal movement with transpiration flow and their limited distribution in leaves. Summarizing, our findings for the first time point out the physiological and metabolic adaptation of pseudometallophyteA. montanumto adverse conditions.
In situ IR spectroscopy during oxidation process of cobalt Prussian blue analogues
Authors: Niwa Hideharu , Moriya Toshiaki , Shibata Takayuki , Fukuzumi Yuya , Moritomo Yutaka
Published: February 2021

Cobalt Prussian blue analogues (Co-PBA; NaxCo[Fe(CN)6]y), consisting of cyano-bridged transition metal network, –Fe–CN–Co–NC–Fe–, are promising cathode materials for Na-ion secondary batteries. In the oxidation process, oxidization of Fe and/or Co are compensated by Na+ deintercalation. Here, we investigated the oxidization process of three Co-PBAs by means of in situ infrared absorption (IR) spectroscopy. With use of an empirical rule of the frequencies of the CN− stretching mode in ferrocyanide ([FeII(CN)6]4−) and ferricyanide ([FeIII(CN)6]3−), the oxidation processes of Co-PBAs were determined against the Fe concentration (y) and temperature (T). We will discuss the interrelation between the oxidation processes and Fe concentration (y).
Universal lasing condition
Authors: Doronin Ilya V. , Zyablovsky Alexander A. , Andrianov Evgeny S. , Pukhov Alexander A. , Lozovik Yurii E. , Vinogradov Alexey P.
Published: February 2021

Usually, the cavity is considered an intrinsic part of laser design to enable coherent emission. For different types of cavities, it is assumed that the light coherence is achieved by different ways. We show that regardless of the type of cavity, the lasing condition is universal and is determined by the ratio of the width of the atomic spectrum to the product of the number of atoms and the spontaneous radiation rate in the laser structure. We demonstrate that cavity does not play a crucial role in lasing since it merely decreases the threshold by increasing the photon emission rate thanks to the Purcell effect. A threshold reduction can be achieved in a cavity-free structure by tuning the local density of states of the electromagnetic field. This paves the way for the design of laser devices based on cavity-free systems.
Broad cross protection by recombinant live attenuated influenza H3N2 seasonal virus expressing conserved M2 extracellular domain in a chimeric hemagglutinin
Authors: Park Bo Ryoung , Kim Ki-Hye , Kotomina Tatiana , Kim Min-Chul , Kwon Young-Man , Jeeva Subbiah , Jung Yu-Jin , Bhatnagar Noopur , Isakova-Sivak Irina , Mezhenskaya Daria , Rudenko Larisa , Wang Bao-Zhong , Kang Sang-Moo
Published: February 2021

Hemagglutinin (HA)-based current vaccines provide suboptimum cross protection. Influenza A virus contains an ion channel protein M2 conserved extracellular domain (M2e), a target for developing universal vaccines. Here we generated reassortant influenza virus rgH3N2 4xM2e virus (HA and NA from A/Switzerland/9715293/2013/(H3N2)) expressing chimeric 4xM2e-HA fusion proteins with 4xM2e epitopes inserted into the H3 HA N-terminus. Recombinant rgH3N2 4xM2e virus was found to retain equivalent growth kinetics as rgH3N2 in egg substrates. Intranasal single inoculation of mice with live rgH3N2 4xM2e virus was effective in priming the induction of M2e specific IgG antibody responses in mucosal and systemic sites as well as T cell responses. The rgH3N2 4xM2e primed mice were protected against a broad range of different influenza A virus subtypes including H1N1, H3N2, H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2. The findings support a new approach to improve the efficacy of current vaccine platforms by recombinant influenza virus inducing immunity to HA and cross protective M2e antigens.
Caloric restriction, physical exercise, and CB1 receptor blockade as an efficient combined strategy for bodyweight control and cardiometabolic status improvement in male rats
Authors: Lopez Trinidad Luisa M. , Martinez Rosario , Kapravelou Garyfallia , Galisteo Milagros , Aranda Pilar , Porres Jesus M. , Lopez-Jurado Maria
Published: February 2021

Obesity is critically associated with the development of insulin resistance and related cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Several strategies for weight loss have been developed but most of them exhibit a post-intervention rebound effect. Here, we aimed to design combined weight-loss strategies of caloric restriction, physical exercise, and administration of a CB1 receptor blocker to inhibit food intake that also accomplish the objectives of lost-weight maintenance and improvement of cardiovascular and renal function. Diet-induced obesity (DIO) was generated in Sprague Dawley rats for 12 weeks to test the effects of single or combined strategies (i.e. caloric restriction, mixed training protocol, and/or administration of appetite suppressant) on caloric intake, body weight, cardiovascular and renal functionality resulting from a weight-loss intervention period of 3 weeks followed by 6 weeks of weight maintenance. Consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) caused a significant increase in body weight (5th week of the experimental period) and led to the development of insulin resistance, cardiovascular, and renal alterations. The different interventions tested, resulted in a significant body weight loss and improved glucose metabolism, aerobic capacity, electrocardiographic parameters, vascular expression of adhesion molecules and inflammatory mediators, and renal functionality, reaching values similar to the control normocaloric group or even improving them. Successful maintenance of lost weight was achieved along a 6-week maintenance period in addition to adequate health status. In conclusion, the weight-loss and maintenance intervention strategies tested were efficient at reversing the obesity-related alterations in body weight, glucose metabolism, aerobic capacity, cardiovascular and renal functionality. The beneficial action was very consistent for caloric restriction and physical exercise, whereas administration of a CB1 receptor blocker complemented the effects of the prior interventions in some parameters like body weight or aerobic capacity, and showed specific actions in renal status, increasing glomerular filtration rate and diuresis. Overall, the novelty of our study relies on the easy implementation of combined strategies for effective weight management that resulted in significant health benefits.
Surgical results of the resection of spinal meningioma with the inner layer of dura more than 10 years after surgery
Authors: Tominaga Hiroyuki , Kawamura Ichiro , Ijiri Kosei , Yone Kazunori , Taniguchi Noboru
Published: February 2021

Most spinal meningiomas arise from the thoracic dura in middle-aged and elderly women. Simpson grade 1 resection is recommended to avoid recurrence. For ventral and ventrolateral tumors, reconstruction after total dural resection is difficult, and spinal fluid leakage is likely. To overcome this concern, Saito et al. developed the technique of resecting the tumor with the inner dural layer, preserving the outer dural layer. Although meningioma rarely recurs, the recurrence period is approximately 8 years postoperatively. No studies have evaluated long-term (> 10-year) outcomes of the Saito method. Here, we report 10 cases of the Saito method with > 10-year follow-up and compare outcomes with those of other standard approaches. Twenty-nine pathology-confirmed meningioma patients underwent surgery in our department, ten with the Saito method. We investigated resection method (dura mater treatment), pathological type, and recurrence and compared pre- and postoperative clinical findings. The median follow-up was 132 months. Recurrence occurred after Simpson grades 3 and 4 resection. Simpson grades 1, 2, and the Saito method resulted in no recurrence. Neurological symptoms improved in all patients at final follow-up. This is the first report of long-term outcomes of the Saito method. The method achieved good neurological improvement with no recurrence in > 10-year follow-up.
Contrasting capabilities of two ungulate species to cope with extremes of aridity
Authors: Boyers Melinda , Parrini Francesca , Owen-Smith Norman , Erasmus Barend F. N. , Hetem Robyn S.
Published: February 2021

Southern Africa is expected to experience increased frequency and intensity of droughts through climate change, which will adversely affect mammalian herbivores. Using bio-loggers, we tested the expectation that wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), a grazer with high water-dependence, would be more sensitive to drought conditions than the arid-adapted gemsbok (Oryx gazella gazella). The study, conducted in the Kalahari, encompassed two hot-dry seasons with similar ambient temperatures but differing rainfall patterns during the preceding wet season. In the drier year both ungulates selected similar cooler microclimates, but wildebeest travelled larger distances than gemsbok, presumably in search of water. Body temperatures in both species reached lower daily minimums and higher daily maximums in the drier season but daily fluctuations were wider in wildebeest than in gemsbok. Lower daily minimum body temperatures displayed by wildebeest suggest that wildebeest were under greater nutritional stress than gemsbok. Moving large distances when water is scarce may have compromised the energy balance of the water dependent wildebeest, a trade-off likely to be exacerbated with future climate change.
Simultaneous attenuation of trace organics and change in organic matter composition in the hyporheic zone of urban streams
Authors: Mueller Birgit M. , Schulz Hanna , Danczak Robert E. , Putschew Anke , Lewandowski Joerg
Published: February 2021

Trace organic compounds (TrOCs) enter rivers with discharge of treated wastewater. These effluents can contain high loads of dissolved organic matter (DOM). In a 48 h field study, we investigated changes in molecular composition of seven DOM compound classes (FTICR-MS) and attenuation of 17 polar TrOCs in a small urban stream receiving treated wastewater. Correlations between TrOCs and DOM were used to identify simultaneous changes in surface water and the hyporheic zone. Changes in TrOC concentrations in surface water ranged between a decrease of 29.2% for methylbenzotriazole and an increase of 152.2% for the transformation product gabapentin-lactam. In the hyporheic zone, only decreasing TrOC concentrations were observed, ranging from 4.9% for primidone to 93.8% for venlafaxine . TrOC attenuation coincided with a decline of molecular diversity of easily biodegradable DOM compound classes while molecular diversity of poorly biodegradable DOM compound classes increased. This concurrence indicates similar or linked attenuation pathways for biodegradable DOM and TrOCs. Strong correlations between TrOCs and DOM compound classes as well as high attenuation of TrOCs primarily occurred in the hyporheic zone. This suggests high potential for DOM turnover and TrOC mitigation in rivers if hyporheic exchange is sufficient.
Dietary supplementation of silver-silica nanoparticles promotes histological, immunological, ultrastructural, and performance parameters of broiler chickens
Authors: Dosoky Waleed M. , Fouda Moustafa M. G. , Alwan Ali B. , Abdelsalam Nader R. , Taha Ayman E. , Ghareeb Rehab Y. , El-Aassar M. R. , Khafaga Asmaa F.
Published: February 2021

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been used as a promising alternative to antibiotics in poultry feed. In this study, silver-doped silica nanoparticles (SiO2@AgNPs) were prepared in powder form, using starch, via the chemical reduction method and sol–gel technique followed by full characterization. SiO2@AgNPs were added to the poultry diet at three doses (2, 4, and 8 mg/kg diet). The safety of the oral dietary supplementation was estimated through the evaluation of the growth performance and hematological, biochemical, and oxidative parameters of birds. Moreover, the immunohistochemical examination of all body organs was also performed. Results of this study showed that SiO2@AgNPs have no negative effects on the growth performance and hematological, biochemical, and oxidative parameters of birds. Moreover, the immunohistochemical examination revealed the minimum inflammatory reactions and lymphoid depletion under a dose level of 8 mg/kg. In conclusion, SiO2@AgNPs could be considered as a promising and safe nano-growth promoter in broilers when added to poultry diet under a dose level of 4 mg/kg diet.
Impact of early-life feeding on local intestinal microbiota and digestive system development in piglets
Authors: Choudhury R. , Middelkoop A. , de Souza J. G. , van Veen L. A. , Gerrits W. J. J. , Kemp B. , Bolhuis J. E. , Kleerebezem M.
Published: February 2021

Early-life gut microbial colonisation is known to influence host physiology and development, shaping its phenotype. The developing gastro-intestinal tract of neonatal piglets provides a “window of opportunity” for programming their intestinal microbiota composition and corresponding intestinal development. Here, we investigated the impact of early feeding on jejunum and colon microbiota composition, and intestinal maturation in suckling piglets. From two days of age, early-fed (EF; n = 6 litters) piglets had access to solid feed containing a mixture of fibres till weaning (day29) in addition to sow’s milk, whereas the control (CON; n = 6 litters) piglets exclusively fed on sow’s milk. Early feeding elicited a significant impact on the colon microbiota, whereas no such effect was seen in the jejunal and ileal microbiota. Quantified eating behavioural scores could significantly explain the variation in microbiota composition of EF piglets and support their classification into good, moderate, and bad eaters. Members of the Lachnospiraceae family, and the generaEubacterium, Prevotella, andRuminococcuswere quantitatively associated with eating scores. EF piglets were found to have a decreased pH in caecum and colon, which coincided with increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations. Moreover, they also had increased weights and lengths of several intestinal tract segments, as well as a decreased villus-crypt ratio in jejunal mucosa and an increased abundance of proliferative cells in colon mucosa. The approaches in this study indicate that early feeding of a mixed-fibre (pre-weaning) diet changes the microbiota composition, pH, and fermentation products in the distal gut of piglets, while it also alters both macroscopic and microscopic intestinal measurements. These results exemplify the potential of early feeding to modulate intestinal development in young piglets.
Feral swine as sources of fecal contamination in recreational waters
Authors: McKee Anna M. , Bradley Paul M. , Shelley David , McCarthy Shea , Molina Marirosa
Published: February 2021

Recreational waters are primary attractions at many national and state parks where feral swine populations are established, and thus are possible hotspots for visitor exposure to feral swine contaminants. Microbial source tracking (MST) was used to determine spatial and temporal patterns of fecal contamination in Congaree National Park (CONG) in South Carolina, U.S.A., which has an established population of feral swine and is a popular destination for water-based recreation. Water samples were collected between December 2017 and June 2019 from 18 surface water sites distributed throughout CONG. Host specific MST markers included human (HF183), swine (Pig2Bac), ruminant (Rum2Bac), cow (CowM3), chicken (CL), and a marker for shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC; stx2). Water samples were also screened for culturable Escherichia coli (E. coli) as part of a citizen science program. Neither the cow nor chicken MST markers were detected during the study. The human marker was predominantly detected at boundary sites or could be attributed to upstream sources. However, several detections within CONG without concurrent detections at upstream external sites suggested occasional internal contamination from humans. The swine marker was the most frequently detected of all MST markers, and was present at sites located both internal and external to the Park. Swine MST marker concentrations ≥ 43 gene copies/mL were associated with culturable E. coli concentrations greater than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency beach action value for recreational waters. None of the MST markers showed a strong association with detection of the pathogenic marker (stx2). Limited information about the health risk from exposure to fecal contamination from non-human sources hampers interpretation of the human health implications.
Publisher Correction: Epifluorescence-based three-dimensional traction force microscopy
Authors: Hazlett Lauren , Landauer Alexander K. , Patel Mohak , Witt Hadley A. , Yang Jin , Reichner Jonathan S. , Franck Christian
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: In vitro metabolomic footprint of the Echinococcus multilocularis metacestode
Authors: Ritler Dominic , Rufener Reto , Li Jia V. , Kämpfer Urs , Müller Joachim , Bühr Claudia , Schürch Stefan , Lundström-Stadelmann Britta
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Freestanding few-layer sheets of a dual topological insulator
Authors: Lê Anh Mai , Potapov Pavel , Lubk Axel , Doert Thomas , Ruck Michael
Published: February 2021

The emergence of topological insulators (TIs) raised high expectations for their application in quantum computers and spintronics. Being bulk semiconductors, their nontrivial topology at the electronic bandgap enables dissipation-free charge and spin transport in protected metallic surface states. For application, crystalline thin films are requested in sufficient quantity. A suitable approach is the liquid phase exfoliation (LPE) of TI crystals that have layered structures. Bi2TeI is a weak 3D TI, which leads to protected edge states at the side facets of a crystal, as well as a topological crystalline insulator, which is responsible for protected states at the top and bottom faces. We developed an effective, scalable protocol for LPE of freestanding nanoflakes from Bi2TeI crystals. By heat treatment and sonication in isopropyl alcohol and poly(vinylpyrrolidone), crystalline Bi2TeI sheets with a thickness of ~50 nm were obtained and can therefore be considered for further processing toward microelectronic applications.
Fossil evidence for vampire squid inhabiting oxygen-depleted ocean zones since at least the Oligocene
Authors: Košťák Martin , Schlögl Ján , Fuchs Dirk , Holcová Katarína , Hudáčková Natalia , Culka Adam , Fözy István , Tomašových Adam , Milovský Rastislav , Šurka Juraj , Mazuch Martin
Published: February 2021

A marked 120 My gap in the fossil record of vampire squids separates the only extant species (Vampyroteuthis infernalis) from its Early Cretaceous, morphologically-similar ancestors. While the extant species possesses unique physiological adaptations to bathyal environments with low oxygen concentrations, Mesozoic vampyromorphs inhabited epicontinental shelves. However, the timing of their retreat towards bathyal and oxygen-depleted habitats is poorly documented. Here, we document a first record of a post-Mesozoic vampire squid from the Oligocene of the Central Paratethys represented by a vampyromorph gladius. We assignNecroteuthis hungaricato the family Vampyroteuthidae that links Mesozoic loligosepiids with RecentVampyroteuthis. Micropalaeontological, palaeoecological, and geochemical analyses demonstrate thatNecroteuthis hungaricainhabited bathyal environments with bottom-water anoxia and high primary productivity in salinity-stratified Central Paratethys basins. Vampire squids were thus adapted to bathyal, oxygen-depleted habitats at least since the Oligocene. We suggest that the Cretaceous and the early Cenozoic OMZs triggered their deep-sea specialization.