bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of temperature and growth phases on lipid composition and fatty acid profile of a thermophilic Bacillariophyta strain related to the genus Halamphora from north-eastern Tunisia
Authors: Bouzidi Nahla , Zili Fatma , García-Maroto Federico , López Alonso Diego , Ben Ouada Hatem
Published: June 2020

A thermo-tolerant diatom species has been isolated from Tunisian hot spring water (40°C). The isolated diatom has been molecularly identified and classified into the genus Halamphora. The growth kinetics, lipid content and distribution of fatty acids were assessed at 20 and 30°C temperature levels and constant irradiance in controlled batch cultures (11 days). Halamphora sp. showed better growth (μ = 0.53 day−1) and a higher lipid yield (25% of the dry weight) at a higher temperature (30°C). Under the two temperatures tested, the highest lipid and fatty acid contents were mainly reached during the stationary growth phase. The fatty acid profile showed a significant content of two essential fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6), reaching ~15% and ~21% of the total fatty acids, respectively, at 20°C and 30°C. The distribution of the different components of the fatty acids showed that EPA and AA were mainly located in the neutral lipid fraction in the stationary phase.
Frontal EEG asymmetry moderates the associations between negative temperament and behavioral problems during childhood
Authors: Liu Ran , Calkins Susan D. , Bell Martha Ann
Published: June 2020

Fearful inhibition and impulsivity-anger significantly predict internalizing and externalizing problems, respectively. An important moderator that may affect these associations is frontal EEG asymmetry (FA). We examined how temperament and FA at 6 years interactively predicted behavioral problems at 9 years. A community sample of 186 children (93 boys, 93 girls) participated in the study. Results indicated that the effect of fearful inhibition on parent-reported internalizing problems increased as children exhibited greater right FA. The effect of impulsivity-anger on parent-reported externalizing problems increased as children showed greater left FA. Because FA was allowed to vary rather than children being dichotomized into membership in left FA and right FA groups, we observed that children’s FA contributed to the resilience process only when FA reached specific asymmetry levels. These findings highlight the importance of considering the different functions of FA in combination with specific dimensions of temperament in predicting children’s socioemotional outcomes. Clinical implications include providing suggestions for intervention services by demonstrating the role of FA in developing behavioral problems and inspiring research on whether it is possible to alter EEG activation and thus potentially improve developmental outcomes.
Nitrogen fertilizer programs following rice exposure to a sub-lethal concentration of paraquat
Authors: Lawrence Benjamin H. , Bond Jason A. , Golden Bobby R. , Allen Thomas W. , Reynolds Daniel B. , Bararpour Taghi
Published: June 2020

Off-target paraquat movement to rice has become a major problem in recent years for rice producers in the midsouthern United States. Nitrogen (N) fertilizer is applied to rice in greater quantity and frequency than all other nutrients to optimize rice yield. Two separate field studies were conducted from 2015 to 2018 in Stoneville, MS, to assess whether starter N fertilizer can aid rice recovery from exposure to a sub-lethal concentration of paraquat and to evaluate rice response to different N fertilizer management strategies following exposure to a sub-lethal concentration of paraquat. In both studies, paraquat treatments consisted of paraquat at 0 and 84 g ai ha–1 applied to rice in the two- to three-leaf (EPOST) growth stage. In the starter fertilizer study, N fertilizer at 24 kg ha–1 as ammonium sulfate (AMS) was applied to rice at spiking- to one-leaf (VEPOST), two- to three-leaf (EPOST), or three- to four-leaf (MPOST) growth stages before and after paraquat treatment. In the N fertilizer timing study, N fertilizer at 168 kg N ha–1 was applied in a single four-leaf to one-tiller (LPOST) application or two-, three-, and two four-way split applications. Despite starter N fertilizer applications, paraquat injured rice ≥41%, reduced height 57%, reduced dry weight prior to flooding 77%, delayed maturity 10 d, reduced dry weight at maturity 33%, and reduced rough rice yield 35% in the starter fertilizer study. Similarly, in the N fertilizer timing study, paraquat injured rice ≥45%, reduced height 14%, delayed maturity 10 d, reduced dry weight at maturity 44%, and reduced rough rice yield 50% for all N fertilizer management strategies. Both studies indicate that severe complications in growth and development can occur from rice exposure to a sub-lethal concentration of paraquat. In both studies, manipulation of N fertilizer management did not facilitate rice recovery from early-season exposure to paraquat.
Radiogenic Power and Geoneutrino Luminosity of the Earth and Other Terrestrial Bodies Through Time
Authors: McDonough W. F. , Šrámek O. , Wipperfurth S. A.
Published: June 2020

We report the Earth's rate of radiogenic heat production and (anti)neutrino luminosity from geologically relevant short‐lived radionuclides (SLR) and long‐lived radionuclides (LLR) using decay constants from the geological community, updated nuclear physics parameters, and calculations of theβspectra. We track the time evolution of the radiogenic power and luminosity of the Earth over the last 4.57 billion years, assuming an absolute abundance for the refractory elements in the silicate Earth and key volatile/refractory element ratios (e.g., Fe/Al, K/U, and Rb/Sr) to set the abundance levels for the moderately volatile elements. The relevant decays for the present‐day heat production in the Earth (19.9 ± 3.0 TW) are from40K,87Rb,147Sm,232Th,235U, and238U. Given element concentrations in kg‐element/kg‐rock and densityρin kg/m3, a simplified equation to calculate the present‐day heat production in a rock isurn:x-wiley:ggge:media:ggge22244:ggge22244-math-0001

The radiogenic heating rate of Earth‐like material at solar system formation was some 103to 104times greater than present‐day values, largely due to decay of26Al in the silicate fraction, which was the dominant radiogenic heat source for the first∼10 Ma. Assuming instantaneous Earth formation, the upper bound on radiogenic energy supplied by the most powerful short‐lived radionuclide26Al (t1/2= 0.7 Ma) is 5.5×1031 J, which is comparable (within a factor of a few) to the planet's gravitational binding energy.
Geomagnetic and Solar Dependency of MSTIDs Occurrence Rate: A Climatology Based on Airglow Observations From the Arecibo Observatory ROF
Authors: Terra Pedrina , Vargas Fabio , Brum Christiano G. M. , Miller Ethan S.
Published: June 2020

We employ in this work the first O(1D) 630.0‐nm airglow data set registered at the Remote Optical Facility (ROF) in Culebra, Puerto Rico, during the descending phase of the solar cycle #24. From 4 November 2015 to 26 September 2019, observations were carried out during 633 nights at ROF using a small all‐sky imager, while MSTID events were identified in 225 of 499 nights classified as clear. A quantitative analysis of these MSTIDs and their dependency by geophysical parameters (solar and geomagnetic activities) are the main focus of this study. We introduce an original statistical methodology that examines the unique features of the data set and minimizes the cross contamination of individual modulators onto one another, avoiding bias in the results. Our findings include a primary peak of MSTIDs occurrence in the December solstice and a secondary peak in the June solstice. We observed a remarkable correlation in the occurrence rate of the MSTIDs with the geomagnetic activity. A notable modulation of the MSTIDs occurrence rate with the solar activity is also found, which includes periods of correlation and anticorrelation depending on the season. This modulation has an annual component that is ~33% and ~83% stronger than the semiannual and terannual components, respectively. We discuss these findings based on a previous study of the thermospheric neutral winds derived from 30 years of Fabry‐Perot interferometer observations at Arecibo Observatory. Our results, which are valid for low to moderate solar activity, point out circumstances that might explain differences in previous climatological studies of nighttime MSTIDs.
How Sediment Thickness Influences Subduction Dynamics and Seismicity
Authors: Brizzi Silvia , van Zelst Iris , Funiciello Francesca , Corbi Fabio , van Dinther Ylona
Published: June 2020

It has long been recognized that sediments subducting along the megathrust influence the occurrence of giant (Mw ≥ 8.5) megathrust earthquakes. However, the limited observation span and the concurrent influence of multiple parameters on megathrust behavior prevent us from understanding how sediments affect earthquake size and frequency. Here, we address these limitations by using two‐dimensional, visco‐elasto‐plastic, seismo‐thermo‐mechanical numerical models to isolate how sediment thickness affects subduction geometry and seismicity. Our results show that increasing sediment thickness on the incoming plate results in a decrease of the slab dip, as the trench retreats due to the seaward growth of the sedimentary wedge that also unbends the slab. This decrease in megathrust dip results in a wider seismogenic zone, so that the maximum magnitude of megathrust earthquakes increases. Concurrently, the recurrence time of characteristic events increases and partial ruptures are introduced. The maximum magnitude estimated for subduction segments with the thickest sediment input (Makran, West‐Aegean, and Calabria) is distinctly higher than the instrumentally recorded magnitude. These segments may thus experience larger than as of yet observed earthquakes, albeit infrequently. Increasing sediment thickness also decreases megathrust normal stresses, as the seismogenic zone is more shallow and overlain by a lighter forearc structure. Thicker incoming plate sediments also favor more splay fault activity, whereas we observe more outer rise events for low sediment thickness. Finally, we demonstrate that modeling long‐term subduction dynamics and sediment subduction is crucial for understanding and quantifying megathrust seismicity and seismic potential of subduction zones.
Sources, Transformation, and Fate of Dissolved Organic Matter in the Gravel Bar of a Prealpine Stream
Authors: Boodoo Kyle S. , Fasching Christina , Battin Tom J.
Published: June 2020

Gravel bars (GBs) are hotspots of biogeochemical activity, likely impacting carbon dynamics in streams and rivers. However, it remains unclear how GBs process dissolved organic matter (DOM) received from stream water and groundwater. Here we investigate the spatial and temporal variability of DOM concentration and composition within a GB using DOM absorbance and fluorescence measurements. We found clear seasonal and diurnal patterns in DOM composition within the GB, indicating changing contributions of DOM sources and transformation processes. While DOM composition was characterized by more protein‐like DOM in summer, with increasing contributions of humic‐like DOM toward winter within the stream water and GB, groundwater DOM exhibited a strong aromatic and humic‐like character year‐round. DOM composition and concentration varied diurnally during autumn and winter within the GB and stream water, while seasonally higher groundwater inputs in summer likely muted the diurnal pattern, pointing to the importance of seasonal hydrological controls on DOM dynamics. Mixing model analysis showed GB DOM characteristics to differ from that predicted by stream water‐groundwater mixing within the GB, particularly in summer. Dissolved organic carbon concentration decreased along flow paths through the GB with increasing residence time, likely pointing to microbial uptake and/or adsorption to sediment surfaces within the GB, with concurrent clear shifts in DOM composition. While freshly produced and more humified DOM increased along GB flow paths, protein‐like fluorescence (C3) was removed, indicating the simultaneous production and removal of DOM. Together, our findings highlight the role of GBs in DOM removal and transformation, influenced by seasonal shifts in temperature and hydrodynamics.
Spatial and Temporal Heterogeneity Analysis of Water Conservation in Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei Urban Agglomeration Based on the Geodetector and Spatial Elastic Coefficient Trajectory Models
Authors: Chen Junhe , Wang Dongchuan , Li Guodong , Sun Zhichao , Wang Xiao , Zhang Xian , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2020

To regulate regional water resources, it is essential to identify the relationships among the elements that influence water conservation. Taking the Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei urban agglomeration as the study area, the authors applied a new method in combination with a geodetector model and spatial elastic coefficient trajectory model to reveal factors controlling water conservation and to identify relationships among the elements driving water conservation, in which the water conservation capacity and its spatial distribution were achieved using an Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs model. The authors selected precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, temperature, land use, maximum burial depth of soil, plant‐available water content, soil‐saturated hydraulic conductivity, percentage slope, gross domestic product, and population as the spatial driving factors, which measured the influence on the distribution of water conservation capacity on the whole region, plateaus, mountains, and plains, respectively. On the basis of previous research results, the authors selected precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, and land use as time‐driven factors. The results indicated that the strong water conservation capacity was reflected primarily in the Yanshan and Taihang Mountains and the eastern coastal areas. The water conservation capacity of the entire region, mountains, plateaus, and plains was affected mainly by the soil‐saturated hydraulic conductivity, plant‐available water content, precipitation, and precipitation, respectively. Each driving factor exhibited a clearly interactive influence on the spatial distribution of water conservation in terms of space and time.
Extent and Cessation of the Mid‐Cretaceous Hikurangi Plateau Underthrusting: Impact on Global Plate Tectonics and the Submarine Chatham Rise
Authors: Riefstahl Florian , Gohl Karsten , Davy Bryan , Barrett Rachel
Published: June 2020

Subduction of oceanic plateaux are events that have occurred infrequently in Earth's history. Although rare, these events are thought to considerably influence regional tectonics and global plate motions. In the mid‐Cretaceous the oceanic Hikurangi Plateau collided with the formerly active East Gondwana margin: An event which falls into the same of a sudden change from subduction to extensional processes, including graben formation, development rift basin development, and exhumation of metamorphic core complexes in the Zealandia continent as well as a global‐scale plate reorganization event. In this study, we use recently acquired seismic refraction and gravity data along one profile across the submarine Chatham Rise, which represent a former accretionary wedge of the East Gondwana subduction zone. We demonstrate that the southward extent of the subducted Hikurangi Plateau in the lower crust beneath the submarine Chatham Rise along our profile is only ~150. This is ~150 km less than the previously suggested extent. Furthermore, we interpret that a slice of the subducted Phoenix Plate remains attached to the southern edge of the Hikurangi Plateau. We suggest that cessation of subduction in response to the Hikurangi Plateau jamming as well as the rollback and detachment of the Phoenix Plate slab played an important role in the changing tectonic forces across Zealandia in mid‐Cretaceous. Moreover, we suggest that the subduction cessation along the Hikurangi Plateau segment led to the fragmentation of the Gondwana subduction zone and Phoenix Plate, which significantly influenced and potentially prolonged the global mid‐Cretaceous plate reorganization event.
Correction: Isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 protects mice from high-fat diet-induced metabolic stress by limiting oxidative damage to the mitochondria from brown adipose tissue
Authors: Lee Jae-Ho , Go Younghoon , Kim Do-Young , Lee Sun Hee , Kim Ok-Hee , Jeon Yong Hyun , Kwon Taeg Kyu , Bae Jae-Hoon , Song Dae-Kyu , Rhyu Im Joo , Lee In-Kyu , Shong Minho , Oh Byung-Chul , Petucci Christopher , Park Jeen-Woo , Osborne Timothy F. , Im Seung-Soon
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Insights to the neural response to food cues in class III compared with class I and II obese adults using a sample of endometrial cancer survivors seeking weight loss
Authors: Nock Nora L. , Jiang Huangqi , Borato Lauren , Alberts Jay , Dimitropoulos Anastasia
Published: June 2020

Background

The rates of severe or Class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40.0 kg/m2) and endometrial cancer (EC) incidence and mortality have been increasing significantly in the United States. Adults with severe obesity are more likely to die and women with severe obesity have a higher risk of EC development and mortality than those with Class I/II obesity (BMI: 30–<40 kg/m2). However, no prior studies have evaluated the neural response to food cues by obesity severity/class in adults with or without cancer.

Methods

We conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging visual food cue task in 85 obese Stage I EC survivors who were seeking weight loss in a lifestyle intervention at baseline. We evaluated the neural response to high-calorie vs. non-food images after an overnight fast (fasted state) and after eating a standardized meal (fed state), and grouped patients by obesity class (Class I/II: n = 38; Class III: n = 47).

Results

In the fasted state, we found increased activation in several regions including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in Class III and Class I/II patients (whole brain cluster corrected (WBCC), p < 0.05), which was significantly higher in Class III vs. Class I/II (p < 0.05). We found decreased activation in the insula in the fasted state, which was significantly lower in Class I/II vs. Class III (p = 0.03). In the fed state, we found increased activation in the DLPFC in Class III and Class I/II (WBCC, p < 0.05). The increased activation in cognitive control/inhibition regions (DLPFC) is consistent with the summative literature; however, the decreased activation in taste information processing regions (insula) was unexpected.

Conclusions

Our results provide novel insights on food cue response between different classes of obesity and highlight the importance of targeting the DLPFC in weight loss interventions, particularly in severely obese patients. Additional studies examining food-related neural circuitry between different classes of obesity are needed.
Attenuated reward activations associated with cannabis use in anxious/depressed individuals
Authors: Spechler Philip A. , Stewart Jennifer L. , Kuplicki Rayus ,   the Tulsa 1000 Investigators, Aupperle Robin , Bodurka Jerzy , Feinstein Justin , Khalsa Sahib S. , Kuplicki Rayus , Paulus Martin P. , Savitz Jonathan , Stewart Jennifer , Victor Teresa A. , Paulus Martin P.
Published: June 2020

Individuals with mood/anxiety disorders may use cannabis for “self-medication,” i.e., to induce positive mood or attenuate aversive mood states. However, little neurobiological evidence supports such use. The goal of this investigation was to test the hypothesis that cannabis use attenuates striatal response to reward in those with mood/anxiety disorders. Reward-related processing was measured using a monetary incentive delay task under functional MRI. Individuals with any lifetime mood/anxiety disorder diagnoses and problematic cannabis use (“Mood/Anxiety+CB”;n = 41) were compared with a propensity score-matched group of similar subjects without cannabis use (“Mood/Anxiety−CB”;n = 41), and a cannabis-naïve healthy control group (n = 35). Activations during win- and loss-anticipations were extracted from bilateral nucleus accumbens, dorsal caudate, and dorsolateral putamen. Mixed models were estimated for each region separately for win- and loss-anticipations, with a test for the main effect of group, condition (e.g., high-win, low-win, neutral), and their interaction. A significant main effect of group for win- and loss-anticipation was observed for each striatal region. Specifically, the Mood/Anxiety+CB group exhibited the lowest striatal activations across condition levels relative to both the Mood/Anxiety-CB and healthy group. A significant group-by-condition interaction was only observed for the dorsolateral putamen and indicated divergent activation modulation as a function of win and loss-magnitude for Mood/Anxiety+CB subjects. Finally, individuals with heavier recent cannabis use showed greater attenuation of gain-related activation in all three striatal regions. There was no such relationship for other illicit drugs. These data support the hypothesis that cannabis use in individuals with mood/anxiety disorders is associated with attenuated brain processing of reward magnitude, which may contribute to persistent affective symptoms.
Roseotoxin B alleviates cholestatic liver fibrosis through inhibiting PDGF-B/PDGFR-β pathway in hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Wang Xingqi , Gao Yuzhi , Li Yu , Huang Yuqing , Zhu Yawen , lv Wei , Wang Ruzeng , Gou Lingshan , Cheng Chao , Feng Zhaojun , Xie Jun , Tian Jun , Yao Ruiqin
Published: June 2020

Identifying effective anti-fibrotic therapies is a major clinical need that remains unmet. In the present study, roseotoxin B was shown to possess an improving effect on cholestatic liver fibrosis in bile duct–ligated mice, as proved by histochemical and immunohistochemical staining, hepatic biochemical parameters, and TUNEL apoptotic cell detection in tissue sections. Using cellular thermal shift assay, computational molecular docking, microscale thermophoresis technology, and surface plasmon resonance biosensor, we confirmed that PDGFR-β was a direct target of roseotoxin B in fibrotic livers. Of note, human tissue microarrays detected pathologically high expression of p-PDGFR-β in liver samples of ~80% of patients with liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. PDGF-B/PDGFR-β pathway promotes transdifferentiation and excessive proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which is a very crucial driver for liver fibrosis. Meaningfully, roseotoxin B blocked the formation of PDGF-BB/PDGFR-ββ complex by targeting the D2 domain of PDGFR-β, thereby inhibiting the PDGF-B/PDGFR-β pathway in HSCs. In summary, our study provided roseotoxin B as a unique candidate agent for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Oncogene PRR14 promotes breast cancer through activation of PI3K signal pathway and inhibition of CHEK2 pathway
Authors: Ren Xiaolei , Long Meijun , Li Zhihong , Wu Boda , Jin Tao , Tu Chao , Qi Lin , Yang Mei
Published: June 2020

Nuclear envelope component PRR14 has been detected to be upregulated in varieties of cancers, especially in breast cancer. But its role in breast carcinogenesis is poorly understood. In this study, we show PRR14 contributes to breast carcinogenesis mainly through overexpression, which derives from elevated transcription and gene amplification. Increased PRR14 expression promotes breast cancer cell proliferation and tumor formation. Biochemical analysis reveals, in addition to previously reported activation of PI3-kinase/Akt/mTOR pathway, PRR14 overexpression regulates cell cycle in breast cancer by inhibiting CHEK2’s activation, followed with the deregulation of DNA damage pathway. In correspondence, CHEK2 and PRR14 show opposite impact on breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Collectively, our study is the first to document the oncogenetic role of PRR14 in breast cancer, which protects cells from apoptosis and stimulates proliferation by activating the PI3-kinase/Akt/mTOR pathway and inhibiting the CHEK2 pathway. Both of these pathways are of great influence in breast cancer and PRR14 appears to be their novel interacting node, which renders patients more resistance to chemotherapy and provides a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.
Brd4 inhibition ameliorates Pyocyanin-mediated macrophage dysfunction via transcriptional repression of reactive oxygen and nitrogen free radical pathways
Authors: Zhu Feimei , Xiong Feng , He Jinchen , Liu Keyun , You Yuanyuan , Xu Qian , Miao Junming , Du Yu , Zhang Lijuan , Ren Hongyu , Wang Xiaoying , Chen Junli , Li Jingyu , Chen Shanze , Liu Xiaokang , Huang Ning , Wang Yi
Published: June 2020

Macrophages play critical roles in the first-line immune defense against airway infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). The redox-active phenazine-pyocyanin (PCN), as one of the most essential virulence factors, facilities PA-related infection via a wide spectrum of cellular oxidative damages. However, little is known for PCN cytotoxicity in macrophages. In this study, besides showing PCN-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) indeed involved in macrophage viability and function impairment, we at the first time demonstrated a novel role of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) pathway causing cellular damage in PCN-challenged macrophages. Using small molecule inhibitor JQ1 targeting Bromodomain and extra-terminal family proteins, we showed restrained iNOS-dependent nitric oxide (NO) production correlated with abolished Brd4 recruitment to the NOS2 (encoding inducible nitric oxide synthase-iNOS) promoter. Application of JQ1 diminished PCN-mediated peroxynitrite (ONOO−) that followed ROS and NO induction, restored macrophage survival and bacteria clearance as well as repressed local inflammation in PA/PCN-challenged mice lungs. Our results uncover a novel link between PCN-mediated macrophage dysfunction and reactive free radicals that rely on Brd4-dependent transcription modulation of multiple stress-response genes, suggesting Brd4 could be a promising therapeutic target in treating PA-related lung infection.
Convergence of therapy-induced senescence (TIS) and EMT in multistep carcinogenesis: current opinions and emerging perspectives
Authors: Faheem Mir Mohd , Seligson Nathan D. , Ahmad Syed Mudabir , Rasool Reyaz Ur , Gandhi Sumit G. , Bhagat Madhulika , Goswami Anindya
Published: June 2020

Drug induced resistance is a widespread problem in the clinical management of cancer. Cancer cells, when exposed to cytotoxic drugs, can reprogram their cellular machinery and resist cell death. Evasion of cell death mechanisms, such as apoptosis and necroptosis, are part of a transcriptional reprogramming that cancer cells utilize to mediate cytotoxic threats. An additional strategy adopted by cancer cells to resist cell death is to initiate the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) program. EMT is a trans-differentiation process which facilitates a motile phenotype in cancer cells which can be induced when cells are challenged by specific classes of cytotoxic drugs. Induction of EMT in malignant cells also results in drug resistance. In this setting, therapy-induced senescence (TIS), an enduring “proliferative arrest”, serves as an alternate approach against cancer because cancer cells remain susceptible to induced senescence. The molecular processes of senescence have proved challenging to understand. Senescence has previously been described solely as a tumor-suppressive mechanism; however, recent evidences suggest that senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) can contribute to tumor progression. SASP has also been identified to contribute to EMT induction. Even though the causes of senescence and EMT induction can be wholly different from each other, a functional link between EMT and senescence is still obscure. In this review, we summarize the evidence of potential cross-talk between EMT and senescence while highlighting some of the most commonly identified molecular players. This review will shed light on these two intertwined and highly conserved cellular process, while providing background of the therapeutic implications of these processes.
Building on the success of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy: a vision for the next decade
Authors: Adamis Anthony P. , Brittain Christopher J. , Dandekar Atul , Hopkins J. Jill
Published: June 2020

This article aims to identify key opportunities for improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of retinal disease, and describe recent innovations that will potentially facilitate improved outcomes with existing intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies and lay the groundwork for new treatment approaches. The review begins with a summary of the key discoveries that led to the development of anti-VEGF therapies and briefly reviews their impact on clinical practice. Opportunities for improvements in diagnosis, real-world outcomes with existing therapies, long-acting therapeutics and personalised health care are discussed, as well as the need to identify new targets for therapeutic intervention. Low-cost, remote patient screening and monitoring using artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies can help improve diagnosis rates and enable remote disease monitoring with minimal patient burden. AI-based tools can be applied to generate patient-level prognostic data and predict individual treatment needs, reducing the time needed to optimise a patient’s treatment regimen. Long-acting therapeutics can help improve visual outcomes by reducing the treatment burden. When paired with AI-generated prognoses, long-acting therapeutics enable the possibility of vision loss prevention. Dual-acting drugs may help improve efficacy and/or durability beyond what is possible with anti-VEGF agents alone. Recent developments and ongoing innovations will help build upon the success of anti-VEGF therapies to further reduce vision loss owing to retinal disease while lowering the overall burden of care.
Design and Computational Modeling of Fabric Soft Pneumatic Actuators for Wearable Assistive Devices
Authors: Nguyen Pham Huy , Zhang Wenlong
Published: June 2020

Assistive wearable soft robotic systems have recently made a surge in the field of biomedical robotics, as soft materials allow safe and transparent interactions between the users and devices. A recent interest in the field of soft pneumatic actuators (SPAs) has been the introduction of a new class of actuators called fabric soft pneumatic actuators (FSPAs). These actuators exploit the unique capabilities of different woven and knit textiles, including zero initial stiffness, full collapsibility, high power-to-weight ratio, puncture resistant, and high stretchability. By using 2D manufacturing methods we are able to create actuators that can extend, contract, twist, bend, and perform a combination of these motions in 3D space. This paper presents a comprehensive simulation and design tool for various types of FSPAs using finite element method (FEM) models. The FEM models are developed and experimentally validated, in order to capture the complex non-linear behavior of individual actuators optimized for free displacement and blocked force, applicable for wearable assistive tasks.
Anticipatory control of human gait following simulated slip exposure
Authors: Swart Sander B. , den Otter Rob , Lamoth Claudine J. C.
Published: June 2020

A cautious gait (CG), marked by wider and shorter steps, is typically employed to mitigate expected perturbations proactively. However, it is not well understood if and how CG is informed by the task requirements. Therefore, we assessed how CG is adjusted to these requirements. Three groups of ten healthy young adults were exposed to a single uninterrupted protocol of treadmill walking that consisted of three distinct phases. Spatiotemporal step characteristics and margins of stability of the unperturbed strides were compared when participants were (i) only warned of a perturbation, (ii) exposed to fifty unilateral (right) slip-like perturbations and (iii) kept unaware of perturbation removal. Only the perturbation intensity predictability differed between groups. This was either kept consistent or pseudo-randomly or randomly varied. Participants walked with wider and shorter steps following the perturbation warning. However, this extinguished in continuing perturbation absence. Next, during perturbation exposure, participants shortened the step of the perturbed but increased the step of the unperturbed leg. This did not differ between groups. Finally, participants persisted in displaying CG on perturbation removal, but this extinguished over time. Collectively, we show that CG is functionally adjusted to the task requirements. These findings may have practical implications for fall-prevention training.
Signature of topological states in antiferromagnetic Sm-substituted Bi2Te3
Authors: Jun Jin-Hyeon , Kim Jinsu , Kim Soo-Whan , Jung Myung-Hwa
Published: June 2020

An antiferromagnetic topological insulator has been predicted to be preserved by breaking both time-reversal symmetry and primitive lattice translational symmetry. However, the topological surface state has often been observed to disappear in an antiferromagnetic phase because the doped magnetic impurity acts as an extrinsic defect. In this study, we report the experimental signature of topological surface states coexisting with antiferromagnetic order in Sm-doped Bi2Te3. We fabricate single crystals of SmxBi2−xTe3 with x = 0.004, 0.010, and 0.025, where the Curie-Weiss law is satisfied at low temperatures but is violated at high temperatures due to the influence of the high energy states of J multiplets of Sm. For x = 0.025, e xotic physical properties are observed, such as the antiferromagnetic phase with the Néel temperature TN = 3.3 K, multi-band Hall effect with two conduction channel, and anisotropic Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations. In the antiferromagnetic phase, we detect the signature of nontrivial topological surface states with surface electron density ns = 7.9 × 1011 cm−2 and its high mobility μs = 2,200 cm2/Vs, compared to nb = 2.0 × 1019 cm−3 and μb = 2.3 cm2/Vs for bulk electrons. These observations suggest that SmxBi2−xTe3 is a candidate creating the new stage for the potential application of topological antiferromagnetic spintronics.
Microstructure and Thermoelectric Characterization of Composite Nanofiber Webs Derived from Polyacrylonitrile and Sodium Cobalt Oxide Precursors
Authors: Ryu Kyoung Moon , Kang Young Hun , Cho Song Yun , Lee Sang Hoon , Choi Young Chul , Kim Min Su , Jeong Young Gyu
Published: June 2020

We report the microstructure and thermoelectric properties of composite nanofiber webs, which were fabricated by dual-electrospinning of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and sodium cobalt oxide (NaCo2O4) precursor solutions with different input compositions and following heat-treatment at 600–900 °C for simultaneous carbonation and calcination. The SEM and EDS mapping images revealed that PAN-derived carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and NaCo2O4-based ceramic nanofibers coexisted in the composite nanofiber webs and that their relative contents could be controlled by the input compositions. The Seebeck coefficient increased from ~26.77 to ~73.28 μV/K and from ~14.83 to ~40.56 μV/K with increasing the relative content of NaCo2O4 nanofibers in the composite nanofiber webs fabricated at 700 and 800 °C, respectively. On the other hand, the electrical conductivity of the composite nanofiber webs increased with the decrement of the relative content of NaCo2O4 nanofibers as well as the increment of the heat-treatment temperature. Owing to the opposite contributions of NaCo2O4 nanofibers and CNFs to the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, a maximum power factor of ~5.79 μW/mK2 and a figure of merit of ~0.01 were attained for CNF/NaCo2O4-based composite nanofiber webs fabricated at 45 wt% input composition of NaCo2O4 and at heat-treatment of 700 °C.
The non-visual opsins expressed in deep brain neurons projecting to the retina in lampreys
Authors: Kawano-Yamashita Emi , Koyanagi Mitsumasa , Wada Seiji , Saito Tomoka , Sugihara Tomohiro , Tamotsu Satoshi , Terakita Akihisa
Published: June 2020

In lower vertebrates, brain photoreceptor cells express vertebrate-specific non-visual opsins. We previously revealed that a pineal-related organ-specific opsin, parapinopsin, is UV-sensitive and allows pineal wavelength discrimination in lampreys and teleost. The Australian pouched lamprey was recently reported as having two parapinopsin-related genes. We demonstrate that a parapinopsin-like opsin from the Japanese river lamprey exhibits different molecular properties and distribution than parapinopsin. This opsin activates Gi-type G protein in a mammalian cell culture assay in a light-dependent manner. Heterologous action spectroscopy revealed that the opsin forms a violet to blue-sensitive pigment. Interestingly, the opsin is co-localised with green-sensitive P-opsin in the cells of the M5 nucleus of Schober (M5NS) in the mesencephalon of the river and brook lamprey. Some opsins-containing cells of the river lamprey have cilia and others an axon projecting to the retina. The opsins of the brook lamprey are co-localised in the cilia of centrifugal neurons projecting to the retina, suggesting that cells expressing the parapinopsin-like opsin and P-opsin are sensitive to violet to green light. Moreover, we found neural connections between M5NS cells expressing the opsins and the retina. These findings suggest that the retinal activity might be modulated by brain photoreception.
Effects of photobiomodulation on annulus fibrosus cells derived from degenerative disc disease patients exposed to microvascular endothelial cells conditioned medium
Authors: Hwang Min Ho , Lee Jae Won , Son Hyeong-Guk , Kim Joohan , Choi Hyuk
Published: June 2020

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration with chronic low back pain is associated with neo-vascularisation into the deeper IVD regions. During this process, endothelial cells (ECs), which are primarily responsible for angiogenesis, interact with the adjacent annulus fibrosus (AF) cells, which are the first line of defence against the invasion of vascular structures into deeper IVD regions. However, the accumulation of inflammatory and catabolic enzymes that results from this interaction promotes matrix degradation and an inflammatory response. Thus, regulating the production of these mediators and catabolic enzymes could ameliorate IVD degeneration. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is a non-invasive stimulation known to have biologically beneficial effects on wound healing, tissue repair, and inflammation. Here, we examined the effects of PBM, administered at various wavelengths (645, 525, and 465 nm) and doses (16, 32, and 64 J/cm2), on EC-stimulated human AF cells. Our results show that PBM selectively inhibited the EC-mediated production of inflammatory mediators, catabolic enzymes, and neurotrophins by human AF cells in a dose- and wavelength-dependent manner. These results suggest that PBM could be a superior and advanced treatment strategy for IVD degeneration.
The breeding strategy of female jumbo squid Dosidicus gigas: energy acquisition and allocation
Authors: Chen Xinjun , Han Fei , Zhu Kai , Punt André E. , Lin Dongming
Published: June 2020

Reproductive investment generally involves a trade-off between somatic growth and energy allocation for reproduction. Previous studies have inferred that jumbo squid Dosidicus gigas support growth during maturation through continuous feeding (an “income” source). However, our recent work suggests possible remobilization of soma during maturation (a “capital” source). We used fatty acids as biochemical indicators to investigate energy acquisition and allocation to reproduction for female D. gigas. We compared the fatty acid profiles of the ovary to those of the mantle muscle (slow turnover rate tissue, representing an energy reserve) and the digestive gland (fast turnover rate organ, reflecting recent consumption). For each tissue, the overall fatty acids among maturity stages overlapped and were similar. The changes with maturation in fatty acid composition in the ovary consistently resembled those of the digestive gland, with the similarity of fatty acids in the mantle muscle and the ovary increasing during maturation, indicating some energy reserves were utilized. Additionally, squid maintained body condition during maturation regardless of increasing investment in reproduction and a decline in feeding intensity. Cumulatively, D. gigas adopt a mixed income-capital breeding strategy in that energy for reproduction is mainly derived from direct food intake, but there is limited somatic reserve remobilization.
Effects of prescribed fire and social insects on saproxylic beetles in a subtropical forest
Authors: Ulyshen Michael D. , Lucky Andrea , Work Timothy T.
Published: June 2020

We tested the immediate and delayed effects of a low-intensity prescribed fire on beetles, ants and termites inhabiting log sections cut from moderately decomposed pine trees in the southeastern United States. We also explored co-occurrence patterns among these insects. Half the logs were placed at a site scheduled for a prescribed fire while the rest were assigned to a neighboring site not scheduled to be burned. We then collected insects emerging from sets of logs collected immediately after the fire as well as after 2, 6, 26 and 52 weeks. The fire had little effect on the number of beetles and ants collected although beetle richness was significantly higher in burned logs two weeks after the fire. Both beetle and ant communities differed between treatments, however, with some species preferring either burned or unburned logs. We found no evidence that subterranean termites (Reticulitermes) were influenced by the fire. Based on co-occurrence analysis, positive associations among insect species were over two times more common than negative associations. This difference was significant overall as well for ant × beetle and beetle × beetle associations. Relatively few significant positive or negative associations were detected between termites and the other insect taxa, however.
Human cytomegalovirus pp65 peptide-induced autoantibodies cross-reacts with TAF9 protein and induces lupus-like autoimmunity in BALB/c mice
Authors: Hsieh Ao-Ho , Kuo Chang-Fu , Chou I-Jun , Tseng Wen-Yi , Chen Yen-Fu , Yu Kuang-Hui , Luo Shue-Fen
Published: June 2020

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been linked to the triggering of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We proposed that B cell epitope region of HCMV phosphoprotein 65 (HCMVpp65)422–439 mimics an endogenous antigen and initiates lupus-like autoimmunity. Amino acid homology between HCMVpp65422-439 and TAF9134-144 (TATA-box binding protein associated factor 9, TAF9) was investigated using a similarity search in NCBI protein BLAST program (BLASTP). A murine model was used to confirm their antigenicity and ability to induce lupus-like symptoms. HCMVpp65422-439 induced immune responses with the presence of specific antibodies against HCMVpp65422-439 and TAF9134-144, as well as anti-nuclear and anti-double-stranded (ds)DNA antibodies that are characteristic of SLE. In addition, the majority of HCMVpp65422-439 and TAF9134-144 immunized mice developed proteinuria, and their renal pathology revealed glomerulonephritis with typical abnormalities, such as mesangial hypercellularity and immune complex deposition. Immunoglobulin eluted from the glomeruli of HCMVpp65422-439 immunized mice showed cross-reactivity with TAF9134-144 and dsDNA. Increased anti-TAF9 antibody activity was also observed in the sera from SLE patients compared with healthy people and disease controls. Molecular mimicry between HCMVpp65 peptide and host protein has the potential to drive lupus-like autoimmunity. This proof-of-concept study highlights the mechanisms underlying the link between HCMV infection and the induction of SLE.
Machine learning approaches to drug response prediction: challenges and recent progress
Authors: Adam George , Rampášek Ladislav , Safikhani Zhaleh , Smirnov Petr , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Goldenberg Anna
Published: June 2020

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Identifying the best treatment using computational models to personalize drug response prediction holds great promise to improve patient’s chances of successful recovery. Unfortunately, the computational task of predicting drug response is very challenging, partially due to the limitations of the available data and partially due to algorithmic shortcomings. The recent advances in deep learning may open a new chapter in the search for computational drug response prediction models and ultimately result in more accurate tools for therapy response. This review provides an overview of the computational challenges and advances in drug response prediction, and focuses on comparing the machine learning techniques to be of utmost practical use for clinicians and machine learning non-experts. The incorporation of new data modalities such as single-cell profiling, along with techniques that rapidly find effective drug combinations will likely be instrumental in improving cancer care.
A pragmatic randomized waitlist-controlled effectiveness and cost-effectiveness trial of digital interventions for depression and anxiety
Authors: Richards Derek , Enrique Angel , Eilert Nora , Franklin Matthew , Palacios Jorge , Duffy Daniel , Earley Caroline , Chapman Judith , Jell Grace , Sollesse Sarah , Timulak Ladislav
Published: June 2020

Utilization of internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) for treating depression and anxiety disorders in stepped-care models, such as the UK’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT), is a potential solution for addressing the treatment gap in mental health. We investigated the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of iCBT when fully integrated within IAPT stepped-care settings. We conducted an 8-week pragmatic randomized controlled trial with a 2:1 (iCBT intervention: waiting-list) allocation, for participants referred to an IAPT Step 2 service with depression and anxiety symptoms (Trial registration: ISRCTN91967124). The primary outcomes measures were PHQ-9 (depressive symptoms) and GAD-7 (anxiety symptoms) and WSAS (functional impairment) as a secondary outcome. The cost-effectiveness analysis was based on EQ-5D-5L (preference-based health status) to elicit the quality-adjust life year (QALY) and a modified-Client Service Receipt Inventory (care resource-use). Diagnostic interviews were administered at baseline and 3 months. Three-hundred and sixty-one participants were randomized (iCBT, 241; waiting-list, 120). Intention-to-treat analyses showed significant interaction effects for the PHQ-9 (b = −2.75, 95% CI −4.00, −1.50) and GAD-7 (b = −2.79, 95% CI −4.00, −1.58) in favour of iCBT at 8-week and further improvements observed up to 12-months. Over 8-weeks the probability of cost-effectiveness was 46.6% if decision makers are willing to pay £30,000 per QALY, increasing to 91.2% when the control-arm’s outcomes and costs were extrapolated over 12-months. Results indicate that iCBT for depression and anxiety is effective and potentially cost-effective in the long-term within IAPT. Upscaling the use of iCBT as part of stepped care could help to enhance IAPT outcomes. The pragmatic trial design supports the ecological validity of the findings.
Nanotechnology for angiogenesis: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Kargozar Saeid , Baino Francesco , Hamzehlou Sepideh , Hamblin Michael R. , Mozafari Masoud
Published: June 2020

The progress, opportunities, and challenges of nanotechnology-based strategies for angiogenesis inhibition, angiogenesis stimulation, theranostic and imaging purposes are summarized.
The design of zinc-substituted cobalt (pyro)phosphates as efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for zinc–air batteries
Authors: Baby Aravind , Singh Deepa , Murugesan Chinnasamy , Barpanda Prabeer
Published: June 2020

Rationally designed economic zinc substituted cobalt (pyro)phosphate bifunctional electrocatalysts were prepared by facile template-free solution combustion route.