bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prolongation of metallothionein induction combats Aß and α-synuclein toxicity in aged transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Pretsch Dagmar , Rollinger Judith Maria , Schmid Axel , Genov Miroslav , Wöhrer Teresa , Krenn Liselotte , Moloney Mark , Kasture Ameya , Hummel Thomas , Pretsch Alexander
Published: July 2020

Neurodegenerative disorders (ND) like Alzheimer’s (AD), Parkinson’s (PD), Huntington’s or Prion diseases share similar pathological features. They are all age dependent and are often associated with disruptions in analogous metabolic processes such as protein aggregation and oxidative stress, both of which involve metal ions like copper, manganese and iron. Bush and Tanzi proposed 2008 in the ‘metal hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease’ that a breakdown in metal homeostasis is the main cause of NDs, and drugs restoring metal homeostasis are promising novel therapeutic strategies. We report here that metallothionein (MT), an endogenous metal detoxifying protein, is increased in young amyloid ß (Aß) expressing Caenorhabditis elegans, whereas it is not in wild type strains. Further MT induction collapsed in 8 days old transgenic worms, indicating the age dependency of disease outbreak, and sharing intriguing parallels to diminished MT levels in human brains of AD. A medium throughput screening assay method was established to search for compounds increasing the MT level. Compounds known to induce MT release like progesterone, ZnSO4, quercetin, dexamethasone and apomorphine were active in models of AD and PD. Thioflavin T, clioquinol and emodin are promising leads in AD and PD research, whose mode of action has not been fully established yet. In this study, we could show that the reduction of Aß and α-synuclein toxicity in transgenic C. elegans models correlated with the prolongation of MT induction time and that knockdown of MT with RNA interference resulted in a loss of bioactivity.
Selection and validation of reliable reference genes for gene expression studies from Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi infected wild blueberry phenotypes
Authors: Jose Sherin , Abbey Joel , Jaakola Laura , Percival David
Published: July 2020

Monilinia blight disease caused by Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi (Reade) Honey (M.vc) causes severe damage and economic losses in wild blueberry growing regions. Molecular mechanisms regulating defence responses of wild blueberry phenotypes towards this causal fungus are not yet fully known. A reliable quantification of gene expression using quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) is fundamental for measuring changes in target gene expression. A crucial aspect of accurate normalisation is the choice of appropriate reference genes. This study evaluated the expression stability of seven candidate reference genes (GAPDH, UBC9, UBC28, TIP41, CaCSa, PPR and RH8) in floral tissues of diploid and tetraploid wild blueberry phenotypes challenged with M.vc. The expression stability was calculated using five algorithms: geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, deltaCt and RefFinder. The results indicated that UBC9 and GAPDH were the most stable reference genes, while RH8 and PPR were the least stable ones. To further validate the suitability of the analyzed reference genes, the expression level of a pathogenesis related protein gene (i.e., PR3) was analysed for both phenotypes at four time points of infection. Our results may be beneficial for future studies involving the quantification of relative gene expression levels in wild blueberry species.
Diagnosis of a model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in blood serum of mdx mice using Raman hyperspectroscopy
Authors: Ralbovsky Nicole M. , Dey Paromita , Galfano Andrew , Dey Bijan K. , Lednev Igor K.
Published: July 2020

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common and severe form of muscular dystrophy and affects boys in infancy or early childhood. Current methods for diagnosing DMD are often laborious, expensive, invasive, and typically diagnose the disease late in its progression. In an effort to improve the accuracy and ease of diagnosis, this study focused on developing a novel method for diagnosing DMD which combines Raman hyperspectroscopic analysis of blood serum with advanced statistical analysis. Partial least squares discriminant analysis was applied to the spectral dataset acquired from blood serum of a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (mdx) and control mice. Cross-validation showed 95.2% sensitivity and 94.6% specificity for identifying diseased spectra. These results were verified via external validation, which achieved 100% successful classification accuracy at the donor level. This proof-of-concept study presents Raman hyperspectroscopic analysis of blood serum as an easy, fast, non-expensive, and minimally invasive detection method for distinguishing control and mdx model mice, with a strong potential for clinical diagnosis of DMD.
Resistance training improves sleep quality, redox balance and inflammatory profile in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Corrêa Hugo Luca , Moura Sting Ray Gouveia , Neves Rodrigo Vanerson Passos , Tzanno-Martins Carmen , Souza Michel Kendy , Haro Anderson Sola , Costa Fernando , Silva José Adeirton Bezerra , Stone Whitley , Honorato Fernando Sousa , Deus Lysleine Alves , Prestes Jonato , Simões Herbert Gustavo , Vieira Elaine Cristina , de Melo Gislane Ferreira , Moraes Milton Rocha , Rosa Thiago Santos
Published: July 2020

Patients in maintenance hemodialisys (HD) present sleep disorders, increased inflammation, unbalanced redox profiles, and elevated biomarkers representing endothelial dysfunction. Resistance training (RT) has shown to mitigate the loss of muscle mass, strength, improve inflammatory profiles, and endothelial function while decreasing oxidative stress for those in HD. However, the relation between those factors and sleep quality are inadequately described. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of 3 months of RT on sleep quality, redox balance, nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, inflammation profile, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in patients undergoing HD. Our primary goal was to describe the role of RT on sleep quality. Our secondary goal was to evaluate the effect of RT on NO, metabolism markers, and inflammatory and redox profiles as potential mechanisms to explain RT—induced sleep quality changes. Fifty-five men undergoing maintenance hemodialysis were randomized into either a control (CTL, n = 25) and RT group (RTG; n = 30). Participants in the RT group demonstrated an improvement in sleep pattern, redox, inflammatory profiles, and biomarkers of endothelial function (NO2− and ADMA). This group also increased muscle strength (total workload in RT exercises of upper and lower limbs). These findings support that RT may improve the clinical status of HD patients by improving their sleep quality, oxidative and inflammatory parameters.
Loss of chymotrypsin-like protease (CTRL) alters intrapancreatic protease activation but not pancreatitis severity in mice
Authors: Mosztbacher Dóra , Jancsó Zsanett , Sahin-Tóth Miklós
Published: July 2020

The digestive enzyme chymotrypsin protects the pancreas against pancreatitis by reducing harmful trypsin activity. Genetic deficiency in chymotrypsin increases pancreatitis risk in humans and pancreatitis severity in mice. Pancreatic chymotrypsin is produced in multiple isoforms including chymotrypsin B1, B2, C and chymotrypsin-like protease (CTRL). Here we investigated the role of CTRL in cerulein-induced pancreatitis in mice. Biochemical experiments with recombinant mouse enzymes demonstrated that CTRL cleaved trypsinogens and suppressed trypsin activation. We generated a novel CTRL-deficient strain (Ctrl-KO) using CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering. Homozygous Ctrl-KO mice expressed no detectable CTRL protein in the pancreas. Remarkably, the total chymotrypsinogen content in Ctrl-KO mice was barely reduced indicating that CTRL is a low-abundance isoform. When given cerulein, Ctrl-KO mice exhibited lower intrapancreatic chymotrypsin activation and a trend for higher trypsin activation, compared with C57BL/6N mice. Despite the altered protease activation, severity of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis was similar in Ctrl-KO and C57BL/6N mice. We conclude that CTRL is a minor chymotrypsin isoform that plays no significant role in cerulein-induced pancreatitis in mice.
Simple centrifugal fractionation to reduce the size distribution of cellulose nanofibers
Authors: Zhai Lindong , Kim Hyun Chan , Kim Jung Woong , Kim Jaehwan
Published: July 2020

Since cellulose nanofiber (CNF) has unique characteristics in terms of renewability, high specific elastic modulus and strength and transparency, it is attractive for a building block of future materials. CNF can be extracted from various natural resource by several means. However, the size of the extracted CNF is very broad and uniformity of the extracted CNF is very important for many applications. Thus, a fractionation process is necessary to obtain a uniformly sized CNF. In this paper, a simple centrifugal fractionation was carried out to reduce the size distribution of the extracted CNF suspension from hardwood pulp by the combination of TEMPO oxidation and aqueous counter collision methods. The original CNF suspension was diluted and centrifuged under low speed to remove cellulose microfibers then centrifuged under high speed to separate very small CNF. The centrifugation condition is 10 k rpm for 1 h followed by 45 k rpm for 4 h. The fractionated CNF was analyzed by an atomic force microscopy, and the length and width distribution histogram analysis was utilized. UV–visible analysis, FT-IR and XRD crystallinity analysis were carried out to analyze all fractionated CNFs and the original CNF. After centrifugal fractionation, the width and length distribution range were reduced by 62% and 70%, respectively. It is shown that the centrifugal fractionation is an easy and efficient method to fractionate a uniform CNF suspension.
Fabricating a Raman spectrometer using an optical pickup unit and pulsed power
Authors: Cho Young Chai , Ahn Sung Il
Published: July 2020

Although Raman spectroscopy is a major analytical tool in modern chemical experiments, commercial Raman spectrometers remain very pricey for educational and research purposes in individual university laboratories. Thus, this study focused on the structural similarity between the Raman spectrometer and an optical pickup unit (OPU), which is an inexpensive compact optical device used for a part of optical discs. The study investigated whether or not a full set of Raman spectrometer can be developed at a cost of less than 1,000 US$. The OPU-based Raman spectrometer was fabricated using 3D printer-made components, a Raman edge filter, and a laser diode with a wavelength of 520 nm as the light source. A function generator was used as a pulsed power source to analyze the characteristics of the OPU Raman spectrometer according to various frequencies and duty ratios. When using a pulsed DC power supply, the laser wavelength tended to move to a longer wavelength with increases in duty ratios. That is, the higher the frequency at the same duty ratio, the weaker the background light intensity compared with the scattered Raman signal intensity. The findings illustrate that Raman signal strength can be adjusted by adjusting the focal length of the objective lens of the OPU through an external adjustment of an additional DC power. In the Raman spectra of all solid and liquid samples used, the maximum error rate reached approximately 11 cm−1, whereas the maximum intensity deviation reached approximately ± 6%. The cost of the complete OPU Raman spectrometer is less than 1,100 US$ using a function generator as power source and less than 930 US$ using a DC adapter. If the optical density (OD) 6 filter can be replaced with the OD 4 filter, then the costs are expected to decrease to approximately 730 US$.
Early urinary protein changes during tumor formation in a NuTu-19 tail vein injection rat model
Authors: Wei Jing , Ni Na , Meng Wenshu , Huan Yuhang , Gao Youhe
Published: July 2020

Early detection of cancer is essential for effective intervention. Urine has been used to reflect early changes in various tumor-bearing models. However, urine has not been used to predict whether tumors will form in animal models. In this study, a cancer model was established by tail vein injection of 2 million NuTu-19 tumor cells. Urine samples were randomly selected from tumor-forming and non-tumor-forming rats on day 0/12/27/39/52 and were analyzed by label-free and parallel reaction monitoring targeted proteomic quantitative analyses. In tumor-forming rats, differential proteins were associated with tumor cell migration, TGF-β signaling and the STAT3 pathway. A total of 9 urinary proteins showed significant changes in the early phase of lung tumor formation in all eight tumor-bearing rats. Differential proteins in non-tumor-forming rats were associated with glutathione biosynthesis, IL-12 signaling and vitamin metabolism. A total of 12 urinary proteins changed significantly in the early phase in all seven non-tumor-forming rats. Our small-scale pilot study indicated that (1) the urinary proteome reflects early changes during lung tumor formation and that (2) the urinary proteome can distinguish early tumor-forming rats from non-tumor-forming rats.
An attraction–repulsion transition of force on two asymmetric wedges induced by active particles
Authors: Li Ke , Guo Fuchen , Zhou Xiaolin , Wang Xianghong , He Linli , Zhang Linxi
Published: July 2020

Effective interaction between two asymmetric wedges immersed in a two-dimensional active bath is investigated by computer simulations. The attraction–repulsion transition of effective force between two asymmetric wedges is subjected to the relative position of two wedges, the wedge-to-wedge distance, the active particle density, as well as the apex angle of two wedges. By exchanging the position of the two asymmetric wedges in an active bath, firstly a simple attraction–repulsion transition of effective force occurs, completely different from passive Brownian particles. Secondly the transition of effective force is symmetric for the long-range distance between two asymmetric wedges, while it is asymmetric for the short-range case. Our investigations may provide new possibilities to govern the motion and assembly of microscopic objects by taking advantage of the self-driven behaviour of active particles.
Surface phonons in topological insulator Bi2Te3 investigated by Brillouin light scattering
Authors: Trzaskowska Aleksandra , Mroz Boguslaw
Published: July 2020

High resolution Brillouin spectroscopy was used for the first time to study the dispersion and anisotropy of surface phonons in the single crystal of topological insulator Bi2Te3. Two surface acoustic waves have been observed, which distinguishes this material from other metals or nontransparent materials. The modes were assigned as Rayleigh waves. The obtained results were then simulated by Finite Element Method. The layered structure of the unit cell proposed in simulation reproduced quite well experimental results of the modes dispersion and anisotropy.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Synthesis and characterization of trimeric phosphazene based ionic liquids with tetrafluoroborate anions and their thermal investigations
Authors: Karadağ Ahmet , Akbaş Hüseyin , Destegül Ali , Çakırlar Çiğdem , Yerli Yusuf , Kılıç Zeynel , Sen Fatih
Published: July 2020

The quaternized compounds (PzIL1–9) reacted with sodium tetrafluoroborate (NaBF4) to generate phosphazene based ionic liquids (PzILs), PzIL1a–9a. The newly synthesized ionic compounds (PzIL1a–9a) were verified using elemental CHN analyses and functional and spectroscopic (FTIR and 1H, 13C, 31P-NMR) analyses techniques. The thermal properties of PzIL1a–9a were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). According to the initial decomposition temperature values calculated based on the TGA thermograms, PzIL7a (213 °C) was recognized to be more thermally stable than the other PzILs studied. PzIL1a–9a exhibited good solubility in the water and demonstrate a typical dielectric relaxation behavior, conductivity levels for both low and high-frequency regions. AC conductivity mechanisms and dielectric relaxation behavior of each sample are investigated by fabricating parallel plate capacitors.
What matters for cooperation? The importance of social relationship over cognition
Authors: Dale Rachel , Marshall-Pescini Sarah , Range Friederike
Published: July 2020

Cooperation is vital for the survival of many species and has been extensively researched at the ultimate level however, there is a considerable degree of variation within a given species in the extent of cooperative behaviours exhibited. Possible factors that have been discussed to contribute to this variation are the social relationship between the cooperating individuals, but also non-social factors such as inhibitory control. Investigating the performance of wolves, a highly cooperative species, in three experimental cooperative tasks; a coordination (string-pulling) task, a prosocial task and an inequity aversion task, we found that the social relationship between the partners had the largest effects on all tasks, while non-social factors (inhibition, learning speed, causal understanding and persistence) had rather unpredicted, or no effects. The results support the potential importance of relational factors, rather than motivation and cognitive abilities, in driving cooperative interactions.
Monoamine and genome-wide DNA methylation investigation in behavioral addiction
Authors: Asaoka Yui , Won Moojun , Morita Tomonari , Ishikawa Emi , Lee Young-A , Goto Yukiori
Published: July 2020

Behavioral addiction (BA) is characterized by repeated, impulsive and compulsive seeking of specific behaviors, even with consequent negative outcomes. In drug addiction, alterations in biological mechanisms, such as monoamines and epigenetic processes, have been suggested, whereas whether such mechanisms are also altered in BA remains unknown. In this preliminary study with a small sample size, we investigated monoamine concentrations and genome-wide DNA methylation in blood samples from BA patients and control (CT) subjects. Higher dopamine (DA) metabolites and the ratio between DA and its metabolites were observed in the BA group than in the CT group, suggesting increased DA turnover in BA. In the methylation assay, 186 hyper- or hypomethylated CpGs were identified in the BA group compared to the CT group, of which 64 CpGs were further identified to correlate with methylation status in brain tissues with database search. Genes identified with hyper- or hypomethylation were not directly associated with DA transmission, but with cell membrane trafficking and the immune system. Some of the genes were also associated with psychiatric disorders, such as drug addiction, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder. These results suggest that BA may involve alterations in epigenetic regulation of the genes associated with synaptic transmission, including that of monoamines, and neurodevelopment.
RT-qPCR analyses on the osteogenic differentiation from human iPS cells: an investigation of reference genes
Authors: Okamura Kensuke , Inagaki Yusuke , Matsui Takeshi K. , Matsubayashi Masaya , Komeda Tomoya , Ogawa Munehiro , Mori Eiichiro , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: July 2020

Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is used to quantify gene expression and require standardization with reference genes. We sought to identify the reference genes best suited for experiments that induce osteogenic differentiation from human induced pluripotent stem cells. They were cultured in an undifferentiated maintenance medium and after confluence, further cultured in an osteogenic differentiation medium for 28 days. RT-qPCR was performed on undifferentiation markers, osteoblast and osteocyte differentiation markers, and reference gene candidates. The expression stability of each reference gene candidate was ranked using four algorithms. General rankings identified TATA box binding protein in the first place, followed by transferrin receptor, ribosomal protein large P0, and finally, beta-2-microglobulin, which was revealed as the least stable. Interestingly, universally used GAPDH and ACTB were found to be unsuitable. Our findings strongly suggest a need to evaluate the expression stability of reference gene candidates for each experiment.
Dual SMAD inhibition and Wnt inhibition enable efficient and reproducible differentiations of induced pluripotent stem cells into retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Chavali Venkata R. M. , Haider Naqi , Rathi Sonika , Vrathasha Vrathasha , Alapati Teja , He Jie , Gill Kamaljot , Nikonov Roman , Duong Thu T. , McDougald Devin S. , Nikonov Sergei , O’Brien Joan , Mills Jason A.
Published: July 2020

Glaucoma is a group of progressive optic neuropathies that share common biological and clinical characteristics including irreversible changes to the optic nerve and visual field loss caused by the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The loss of RGCs manifests as characteristic cupping or optic nerve degeneration, resulting in visual field loss in patients with Glaucoma. Published studies on in vitro RGC differentiation from stem cells utilized classical RGC signaling pathways mimicking retinal development in vivo. Although many strategies allowed for the generation of RGCs, increased variability between experiments and lower yield hampered the cross comparison between individual lines and between experiments. To address this critical need, we developed a reproducible chemically defined in vitro methodology for generating retinal progenitor cell (RPC) populations from iPSCs, that are efficiently directed towards RGC lineage. Using this method, we reproducibly differentiated iPSCs into RGCs with greater than 80% purity, without any genetic modifications. We used small molecules and peptide modulators to inhibit BMP, TGF-β (SMAD), and canonical Wnt pathways that reduced variability between iPSC lines and yielded functional and mature iPSC-RGCs. Using CD90.2 antibody and Magnetic Activated Cell Sorter (MACS) technique, we successfully purified Thy-1 positive RGCs with nearly 95% purity.
Cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation for learning a novel split-belt treadmill task: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kumari Nitika , Taylor Denise , Rashid Usman , Vandal Alain C. , Smith Paul F. , Signal Nada
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to examine the effect of repeated anodal cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (ctDCS) on learning a split-belt treadmill task. Thirty healthy individuals randomly received three consecutive sessions of active or sham anodal ctDCS during split-belt treadmill training. Motor performance and strides to steady-state performance were evaluated before (baseline), during (adaptation), and after (de-adaptation) the intervention. The outcomes were measured one week later to assess absolute learning and during the intervention to evaluate cumulative, consecutive, and session-specific effects. Data were analysed using linear mixed-effects regression models. During adaptation, there was no significant difference in absolute learning between the groups (p > 0.05). During de-adaptation, a significant difference in absolute learning between the groups (p = 0.03) indicated slower de-adaptation with anodal ctDCS. Pre-planned secondary analysis revealed that anodal ctDCS significantly reduced the cumulative (p = 0.01) and consecutive-session effect (p = 0.01) on immediate adaptation. There were significant cumulative (p = 0.02) and session-specific effects (p = 0.003) on immediate de-adaptation. Repeated anodal ctDCS does not enhance motor learning measured during adaptation to a split-belt treadmill task. However, it influences the maintenance of learnt walking patterns, suggesting that it may be beneficial in maintaining therapeutic effects.
Concentrations and sources of heavy metals in shallow sediments in Lake Bafa, Turkey
Authors: Algül Fulya , Beyhan Mehmet
Published: July 2020

The concentrations and sources of heavy metals in shallow sediments in Lake Bafa were investigated. The concentrations of nine heavy metals and the total organic carbon content in sediment samples were determined for between Summer 2015 and Spring 2016. The mean contents of heavy metals were in decreasing order Fe > Mn > Ni > Cr > Zn > Cu > Co > Pb > Cd. Sediment quality guidelines indicate that Cr, Cu, and Ni pose a considerable threat to the aquatic ecosystem in Lake Bafa. Site L3 was found to be contaminated with Cd, Cr, and Ni, and the pollution load indices suggest that these metals had anthropogenic sources. The sediment samples were notably enriched with Cd and Ni. There is no consistent trend for seasonal effect in terms of the sample locations. However, at all sampling points, an increase in heavy metal concentrations was observed in the autumn. The results of a multivariate analysis indicate that the sources of Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn were all natural, the sources of Cd were anthropogenic, and the sources of Ni and Cr were both anthropogenic and natural. These results highlight that Cd, Cr, and particularly Ni represent the most serious threat in terms of heavy metal pollution in the ecosystem of the lake.
Nucleosome binding by the pioneer transcription factor OCT4
Authors: Echigoya Kenta , Koyama Masako , Negishi Lumi , Takizawa Yoshimasa , Mizukami Yuka , Shimabayashi Hideki , Kuroda Akari , Kurumizaka Hitoshi
Published: July 2020

Transcription factor binding to genomic DNA is generally prevented by nucleosome formation, in which the DNA is tightly wrapped around the histone octamer. In contrast, pioneer transcription factors efficiently bind their target DNA sequences within the nucleosome. OCT4 has been identified as a pioneer transcription factor required for stem cell pluripotency. To study the nucleosome binding by OCT4, we prepared human OCT4 as a recombinant protein, and biochemically analyzed its interactions with the nucleosome containing a natural OCT4 target, the LIN28B distal enhancer DNA sequence, which contains three potential OCT4 target sequences. By a combination of chemical mapping and cryo-electron microscopy single-particle analysis, we mapped the positions of the three target sequences within the nucleosome. A mutational analysis revealed that OCT4 preferentially binds its target DNA sequence located near the entry/exit site of the nucleosome. Crosslinking mass spectrometry consistently showed that OCT4 binds the nucleosome in the proximity of the histone H3 N-terminal region, which is close to the entry/exit site of the nucleosome. We also found that the linker histone H1 competes with OCT4 for the nucleosome binding. These findings provide important information for understanding the molecular mechanism by which OCT4 binds its target DNA in chromatin.
A novel three-dimensional magnetic particle imaging system based on the frequency mixing for the point-of-care diagnostics
Authors: Choi Seung-Min , Jeong Jae-Chan , Kim Jinsun , Lim Eul-Gyoon , Kim Chang-beom , Park Sang-Jin , Song Dae-Yong , Krause Hans-Joachim , Hong Hyobong , Kweon In So
Published: July 2020

The magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a technology that can image the concentrations of the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) which can be used in biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics as non-radioactive tracers. We proposed a point-of-care testing MPI system (PoCT-MPI) that can be used for preclinical use for imaging small rodents (mice) injected with SPIONs not only in laboratories, but also at emergency sites far from laboratories. In particular, we applied a frequency mixing magnetic detection method to the PoCT-MPI, and proposed a hybrid field free line generator to reduce the power consumption, size and weight of the system. The PoCT-MPI is $$20 \times 33 \times 45\,{\hbox{cm}}^3$$20×33×45cm3 in size and weighs less than 100 kg. It can image a three-dimensional distribution of SPIONs injected into a biosample with less than 120 Wh of power consumption. Its detection limit is $$0.13\,\upmu {\hbox{L}}$$0.13μL, 10 mg/mL, $$1.3\,\upmu {\hbox{g}}$$1.3μg (Fe).
Genetically modified macrophages accomplish targeted gene delivery to the inflamed brain in transgenic Parkin Q311X(A) mice: importance of administration routes
Authors: Haney Matthew J. , Zhao Yuling , Fay James , Duhyeong Hwang , Wang Mengzhe , Wang Hui , Li Zibo , Lee Yueh Z. , Karuppan Mohan K. , El-Hage Nazira , Kabanov Alexander V. , Batrakova Elena V.
Published: July 2020

Cell-based drug delivery systems have generated an increasing interest in recent years. We previously demonstrated that systemically administered macrophages deliver therapeutics to CNS, including glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and produce potent effects in Parkinson’s disease (PD) mouse models. Herein, we report fundamental changes in biodistribution and brain bioavailability of macrophage-based formulations upon different routes of administration: intravenous, intraperitoneal, or intrathecal injections. The brain accumulation of adoptively transferred macrophages was evaluated by various imaging methods in transgenic Parkin Q311(X)A mice and compared with those in healthy wild type littermates. Neuroinflammation manifested in PD mice warranted targeting macrophages to the brain for each route of administration. The maximum amount of cell-carriers in the brain, up to 8.1% ID/g, was recorded followed a single intrathecal injection. GDNF-transfected macrophages administered through intrathecal route provided significant increases of GDNF levels in different brain sub-regions, including midbrain, cerebellum, frontal cortex, and pons. No significant offsite toxicity of the cell-based formulations in mouse brain and peripheral organs was observed. Overall, intrathecal injection appeared to be the optimal administration route for genetically modified macrophages, which accomplished targeted gene delivery, and significant expression of reporter and therapeutic genes in the brain.
Effects of Yersinia ruckeri invasion on the proteome of the Chinook salmon cell line CHSE-214
Authors: Menanteau-Ledouble Simon , Nöbauer Katharina , Razzazi-Fazeli Ebrahim , El-Matbouli Mansour
Published: July 2020

Yersinia ruckeri is an important bacterial pathogen of fish, in particular salmonids, it has been associated with systemic infections worldwide and, like many enteric bacteria, it is a facultative intracellular pathogen. However, the effect of Y. ruckeri’s interactions with the host at the cellular level have received little investigation. In the present study, a culture of Chinook Salmon Embryo (CHSE) cell line was exposed to Y. ruckeri. Afterwards, the proteins were investigated and identified by mass spectrometry and compared to the content of unexposed cultures. The results of this comparison showed that 4.7% of the identified proteins were found at significantly altered concentrations following infection. Interestingly, infection with Y. ruckeri was associated with significant changes in the concentration of surface adhesion proteins, including a significantly decreased presence of β-integrins. These surface adhesion molecules are known to be the target for several adhesion molecules of Yersiniaceae. The concentration of several anti-apoptotic regulators (HSP90 and two DNAj molecules) appeared similarly downregulated. Taken together, these findings suggest that Y. ruckeri affects the proteome of infected cells in a notable manner and our results shed some light on the interaction between this important bacterial pathogen and its host.
Combination of apolipoprotein-A-I/apolipoprotein-A-I binding protein and anti-VEGF treatment overcomes anti-VEGF resistance in choroidal neovascularization in mice
Authors: Zhu Lingping , Parker Mackenzie , Enemchukwu Nduka , Shen Megan , Zhang Guogang , Yan Qing , Handa James T. , Fang Longhou , Fu Yingbin
Published: July 2020

Many patients of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) are unresponsive to the current anti-VEGF treatment. The mechanisms for anti-VEGF resistance are poorly understood. We explore the unique property of the apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) binding protein (AIBP) that enhances cholesterol efflux from endothelial cells and macrophages to thereby limit angiogenesis and inflammation to tackle anti-VEGF resistance in CNV. We show that laser-induced CNV in mice with increased age showed increased resistance to anti-VEGF treatment, which correlates with increased lipid accumulation in macrophages. The combination of AIBP/apoA-I and anti-VEGF treatment overcomes anti-VEGF resistance and effectively suppresses CNV. Furthermore, macrophage depletion in old mice restores CNV sensitivity to anti-VEGF treatment and blunts the synergistic effect of combination therapy. These results suggest that cholesterol-laden macrophages play a critical role in inducing anti-VEGF resistance in CNV. Combination therapy by neutralizing VEGF and enhancing cholesterol removal from macrophages is a promising strategy to combat anti-VEGF resistance in CNV.
Collective motion of chiral Brownian particles controlled by a circularly-polarized laser beam
Authors: Hernández Raúl Josué , Sevilla Francisco J. , Mazzulla Alfredo , Pagliusi Pasquale , Pellizzi Nicola , Cipparrone Gabriella
Published: July 2020

Remote switching from passive to collective chiral-active motion by circularly-polarized light is shown for spherical polymeric Brownian particles. Light-propulsion is triggered by the coupling between the particle's chirality and the light helicity.
In situ growth of porous TiO2 with controllable oxygen vacancies on an atomic scale for highly efficient photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Yang Fan , Yang Ruizhuang , Yan Lin , Liu Xiaolin , Luo Xuan , Zhang Lin
Published: July 2020

In situ regulation of oxygen vacancies of porous TiO2 at atomic scale with promoting photocatalytic efficiency.
Visible light-driven, external mediator-free H2 production by a combination of a photosensitizer and a whole-cell biocatalyst: Escherichia coli expressing [FeFe]-hydrogenase and maturase genes
Authors: Honda Yuki , Shinohara Yuka , Fujii Hiroshi
Published: July 2020

A new visible light-driven, external mediator-free, and highly efficient H2 production system is developed based on the combination of a photosensitizer and a living whole-cell biocatalyst: genetically engineered Escherichia coli.
Effects of probiotic therapy on cardio-metabolic parameters and autonomic modulation in hypertensive women: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Romão da Silva Larissa de Fátima , de Oliveira Yohanna , de Souza Evandro Leite , de Luna Freire Micaelle Oliveira , Braga Valdir de Andrade , Magnani Marciane , de Brito Alves José Luiz
Published: July 2020

We assessed the effects of probiotic therapy for 8 weeks on cardiometabolic variables and autonomic function in women medically diagnosed with arterial hypertension.
Cycloaliphatic epoxidized ionic liquids as new versatile monomers for the development of shape memory PIL networks by 3D printing
Authors: Radchenko Alexei V. , Duchet-Rumeau Jannick , Gérard Jean-François , Baudoux Jérôme , Livi Sébastien
Published: July 2020

Efficient synthesis of cycloaliphatic epoxy IL monomers followed by thermal curing to obtain shape-memory hydrophobic PIL networks is reported for the first time.
A new protocol for the preparation of superconducting KBi2
Authors: Li Huan , Wang Yanan , Aoki Yutaro , Nishiyama Saki , Yang Xiaofan , Taguchi Tomoya , Miura Akari , Suzuki Ai , Zhi Lei , Goto Hidenori , Eguchi Ritsuko , Kambe Takashi , Liao Yen-Fa , Ishii Hirofumi , Kubozono Yoshihiro
Published: July 2020

A superconducting KBi2 sample was successfully prepared using a liquid ammonia (NH3) technique.
Membrane permeability to water measured by microfluidic trapping of giant vesicles
Authors: Bhatia Tripta , Robinson Tom , Dimova Rumiana
Published: July 2020

A microfluidic method to measure membrane permeability by trapping giant vesicles and performing quick solution exchange together with confocal microscopy.
KOBRA: a fluctuating elastic rod model for slender biological macromolecules
Authors: Welch Robert , Harris Sarah A. , Harlen Oliver G. , Read Daniel J.
Published: July 2020

KOBRA is a coarse-grained algorithm for parameterising and simulating slender proteins using Kirchoff rods.
Mechanical properties of subisostatic random networks composed of nonlinear fibers
Authors: Hatami-Marbini Hamed , Rohanifar Milad
Published: July 2020

The effects of nonlinearity at the fiber level on the nonlinearity at the network level in subisostatic random network structures.
Analytical prediction of logarithmic Rayleigh scattering in amorphous solids from tensorial heterogeneous elasticity with power-law disorder
Authors: Cui Bingyu , Zaccone Alessio
Published: July 2020

A tensorial replica-field theory is developed to solve the elastic wave scattering problem in amorphous solids, which leads to the logarithmic correction to the Rayleigh scattering law.
Exploring How Initial Response to Instruction Predicts Morphology Outcomes Among Students With Decoding Difficulties
Authors: Park Yujeong , Brownell Mary T. , Reed Deborah K. , Tibi Sana , Lombardino Linda J.
Published: July 2020

Children with weak decoding skills often struggle to learn multisyllabic words during reading instruction. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which initial response to morphological awareness instruction, along with specific language and cognitive variables (i.e., phonological awareness, rapid naming, orthographic knowledge/awareness, verbal comprehension, working memory), predicts responsiveness to morphological awareness instruction for third-grade students who were at risk for reading disabilities. Thirty-nine third-grade students with decoding deficits were assessed on five independent variables identified as critical predictors of future performance on morphological tasks. A series of regression analyses showed that initial response to instruction, compared to other cognitive and language variables, predicted the most variance in students' morphological skills with prefixes. Furthermore, two cognitive variables, verbal working memory and comprehension, were predictive of performance on morphological tasks after accounting for initial response to instruction. Findings from this study suggest that students with decoding deficits may benefit from morphological instruction and those who demonstrate low response to initial morphological instruction or have weak verbal comprehension and verbal working memory abilities could be risk for failing to acquire morphological instruction as expected.
Tidal tails of open star clusters as probes of early gas expulsion
Authors: Dinnbier František , Kroupa Pavel
Published: July 2020

Context.Star clusters form in the densest parts of infrared dark clouds. The emergence of massive stars expels the residual gas that has not formed stars yet. Gas expulsion lowers the gravitational potential of the embedded cluster, unbinding many of the cluster stars. These stars then move on their own trajectories in the external gravitational field of the Galaxy, forming a tidal tail.

Aims.We investigate, for the first time, the formation and evolution of a tidal tail that forms due to expulsion of primordial gas. We contrast the morphology and kinematics of this tail with that of another tidal tail that forms by gradual dynamical evaporation of the star cluster. We intend to provide predictions that can determine the dynamical origin of possibly observed tidal tails around dynamically evolved (age  ≳  100 Myr) galactic star clusters by theGaiamission. These observations might estimate the fraction of the initial cluster population that gets released in the gas expulsion event. The severity of the initial gas expulsion is given by the star formation efficiency and the timescale of gas expulsion for the cluster when it was still embedded in its natal gas. A study with a more extended parameter space of the initial conditions is performed in the follow up paper.

Methods.We provide a semi-analytical model for the tail evolution. The model is compared against direct numerical simulations usingNBODY6.

Results.Tidal tails released during gas expulsion have different kinematic properties than the tails gradually forming due to evaporation; the latter kind have been extensively studied. The gas expulsion tidal tail shows non-monotonic expansion with time, where longer epochs of expansion are interspersed with shorter epochs of contraction. The tail thickness and velocity dispersions vary strongly, but not exactly periodically, with time. The times of minima of tail thickness and velocity dispersions are given only by the properties of the galactic potential, and not by the properties of the cluster. The estimates provided by the (semi-)analytical model for the extent of the tail, the minima of tail thickness, and velocity dispersions are in a very good agreement with theNBODY6 simulations. This implies that the semi-analytic model can be used to estimate the properties of the gas expulsion tidal tail for a cluster of a given age and orbital parameters without the necessity of performing numerical simulations.
The milliarcsecond-scale radio structure of AB Doradus A
Authors: Climent J. B. , Guirado J. C. , Azulay R. , Marcaide J. M. , Jauncey D. L. , Lestrade J.-F. , Reynolds J. E.
Published: July 2020

Context. The fast rotator, pre-main sequence star AB Dor A is a strong and persistent radio emitter. The extraordinary coronal flaring activity is thought to be the origin of compact radio emission and other associated phenomena, such as large slingshot prominences.

Aims. We aim to investigate the radio emission mechanism and the milliarcsecond radio structure around AB Dor A.

Methods. We performed phase-referenced VLBI observations at 22.3 GHz, 8.4 GHz, and 1.4 GHz over more than one decade using the Australian VLBI array.

Results. Our 8.4 GHz images show a double core-halo morphology, similar at all epochs, with emission extending at heights between 5 and 18 stellar radii. Furthermore, the sequence of the 8.4 GHz maps shows a clear variation of the source structure within the observing time. However, images at 1.4 GHz and 22.3 GHz are compatible with a compact source. The phase-reference position at 8.4 GHz and 1.4 GHz are coincident with those expected from the well-known milliarcsecond-precise astrometry of this star, meanwhile the 22.3 GHz position is 4σ off the prediction in the north-west direction. The origin of this offset is still unclear.

Conclusions. We have considered several models to explain the morphology and evolution of the inner radio structure detected in AB Dor A. These models include emission from the stellar polar caps, a flaring, magnetically-driven loop structure, and the presence of helmet streamers. We also investigated a possible close companion to AB Dor A. Our results confirm the extraordinary coronal magnetic activity of this star, capable of producing compact radio structures at very large heights that have so far only been seen in binary interacting systems.
Near-infrared emission lines trace the state-independent accretion disc wind of the black hole transient MAXI J1820+070
Authors: Sánchez-Sierras J. , Muñoz-Darias T.
Published: July 2020

The black hole transient MAXI J1820+070 displayed optical P Cyg profiles and other wind-related emission line features during the hard state of its discovery outburst. We present near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy covering the different accretion states of the system during this event. Our eight-epoch data set (VLT/X-shooter) reveals strong variability in the properties of the NIR emission lines. This includes absorption troughs and extended emission line wings with kinetic properties that are remarkably similar to those inferred from the wind signatures observed in optical emission lines, indicating that they most likely trace the same accretion disc wind. Unlike the optical features, these NIR signatures are not exclusive of the hard state, as they are also witnessed across the soft state with similar observational properties. This supports the presence of a relatively steady outflow during the entire outburst of the system, and it represents the first detection of an accretion disc wind in a black hole soft state at energies other than X-rays. We discuss the visibility of the wind as a function of the spectral band and the potential of NIR spectroscopy for wind studies, in particular during luminous accretion phases.
Sonografie – von der Forschung zur physiotherapeutischen Praxis
Authors: Hides Julie A. , Mendis Dilani , Franettovich Smith Melinda M.
Published: July 2020

Weltweit setzen Physiotherapeuten die Sonografie sowohl in der klinischen Praxis als auch zu Forschungszwecken ein. Die Autorinnen erläutern die wichtigsten Anwendungsmöglichkeiten und beschreiben drei klinische Anwendungsgebiete, bei denen sich die Untersuchung per Ultraschall in der Physiotherapie lohnen könnte.
Dorsalextension beim SLR hat im proximalen Oberschenkel nur Einfluss auf den Nerv
Authors: Vielitz Arne
Published: July 2020

Bueno-Gracia E, Pérez-Bellmunt A, Estébanez-de-Miguel E et al. Differential Movement of the Sciatic Nerve and Hamstrings during the Straight Leg Raise with Ankle Dorsiflexion: Implications for Diagnosis of Neural Aspect to Hamstring Disorders. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2019; 43: 91–95. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2019.07.011
Bei zervikaler Radikulopathie ist die MDT eine geeignete Methode
Authors: Vielitz Arne
Published: July 2020

Yarznbowicz R, Wlodarski M, Dolutan J. Classification by Pain Pattern for Patients with Cervical Spine Radiculopathy. J Man Manip Ther 2019: 27: 1–10. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2019.1587135
Risk Factors for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: A Proposed Framework
Authors: Phelps Alyssa , Mez Jesse , Stern Robert A. , Alosco Michael L.
Published: July 2020

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that has been neuropathologically diagnosed in contact and collision sport athletes, military veterans, and others with a history of exposure to repetitive head impacts (RHI). Identifying methods to diagnose and prevent CTE during life is a high priority. Timely diagnosis and implementation of treatment and preventative strategies for neurodegenerative diseases, including CTE, partially hinge upon early and accurate risk characterization. Here, we propose a framework of risk factors that influence the neuropathological development of CTE. We provide an up-to-date review of the literature examining cumulative exposure to RHI as the environmental trigger for CTE. Because not all individuals exposed to RHI develop CTE, the direct and/or indirect influence of nonhead trauma exposure characteristics (e.g., age, sex, race, genetics) on the pathological development of CTE is reviewed. We conclude with recommendations for future directions, as well as opinions for preventative strategies that could mitigate risk.
Polarization Coulomb field scattering with the electron systems in AlGaN/GaN heterostructure field-effect transistors
Authors: Jiang Guangyuan , Lv Yuanjie , Lin Zhaojun , Yang Yongxiong , Liu Yang , Guo Shuoshuo , Zhou Yan
Published: July 2020

AlGaN/GaN heterostructure field-effect transistors (HFETs) with three kinds of gate lengths were fabricated, and the theory of polarization Coulomb field (PCF) scattering with the electron systems in the AlGaN/GaN HFETs was studied. There are two methods of analysis and calculation of the PCF scattering in AlGaN/GaN HFETs: one is by considering the 2-dimensional electronic gas (2DEG) of the gate-source, gate-drain, and gate regions as three independent electron systems and the other is by considering the 2DEG of the drain–source channel as a unified electron system. The calculation and analysis of the additional polarization charges underneath the gate region for the prepared AlGaN/GaN HFETs indicate that the theory of PCF scattering in AlGaN/GaN HFETs with three independent electron systems is more accurate.