bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency of Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 1, 2, 3,6 and 7 and clinical profile of Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 3 in Malaysia
Authors: Mohamed Ibrahim Norlinah , Lau Yue Hui , Ariffin Noorasyikin , Md Desa Siti Hajar , Azizan Elena , Chin Long Kha , Md Rani Shahrul Azmin , Yakob Yusnita , Datuk Puvanarajah Santhi , van de Warrenburg Bart
Published: August 2020

Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) are highly heterogenous group of neurodegenerative diseases causing progressive cerebellar dysfunction. We report the first description of relative frequencies of the common SCA mutations and of phenotypic characteristics of SCA3 patients among Malaysians. Pooled data from adult Malaysian patients who had undergone genetic testing for SCA 1,2,3,6 and 7 at UKM Medical Centre and Institute for Medical Research from 2017 to 2020 were analysed. Fifteen patients with SCA 3 had detailed clinical phenotype evaluation using Inventory for Non -Ataxia Signs (INAS) and Ataxia Severity evaluation using the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). Out of 152 adults patients who were tested for common SCA mutations, 64(42.1%) patients were tested positive for either SCA 1,2,3,6 or 7. Of the 64 positive cases, 44 (68.9%) patients were diagnosed with SCA 3 followed by SCA 2 in 13(20.3%) patients and SCA 1 in 5 (7.8%) patients. Our findings suggest that Malay race had the highest frequency of SCA (n = 34, 50%), followed by the Chinese (n = 16, 23.5%) and approximately 60 (93.8%) SCA patients had first degree family history. In conclusion, SCA 3 is the commonest SCA in Malaysia, followed by SCA 2 and SCA 1. It is important to develop a proper registry of SCA patients to further understand the true prevalence and local impact of the disease in Malaysia.
Does peri-implant bone loss affect the LL-37 and proteinase 3 levels in peri-implant sulcus fluid?
Authors: Turkoglu Oya , Efeoglu Candan , Atmaca Harika
Published: August 2020

Background

Inactive human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide is present in neutrophils, and proteinase 3 activates this peptide by producing active LL-37 peptide. LL-37 acts as a defensive peptide in the oral tissues. In the present study, the aim was to evaluate LL-37 and proteinase 3 levels in peri-implant sulcus fluid (PISF) in implants with and without peri-implantitis.

Methods

Patients who simultaneously had dental implants with peri-implantitis and without peri-implantitis were included in the study. Forty-four samples with peri-implantitis and 34 samples without peri-implantitis from 16 patients were obtained. Intraoral evaluations such as pocket depth, modified sulcus bleeding index, and modified plaque index were noted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for the evaluation of PISF LL-37 and proteinase 3 levels.

Results

PISF volume was significantly increased in the implants with peri-implantitis than those without peri-implantitis (p< 0.05). No difference was present between PISF LL-37 and proteinase 3 total amounts between the implants with and without peri-implantitis (p> 0.05). Pocket depths and PISF LL-37 and proteinase 3 levels were not correlated in the groups (p> 0.05).

Conclusions

PISF volume might be increased in response to peri-implant bone destruction. However, peri-implant tissue destruction caused by peri-implantitis does not seem to affect PISF LL-37 and proteinase 3 levels.
Correction to: Feasibility and predictors of change of narrative exposure therapy for displaced populations: a repeated measures design
Authors: Ghafoerkhan Rina S. , van Heemstra Henriette E. , Scholte Willem F. , van der Kolk Joriene R. J. , ter Heide Jackie June F. , de la Rie Simone M. , Verhaak Linda M. , Snippe Evelien , Boelen Paul A.
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Reopening of dental clinics during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an evidence-based review of literature for clinical interventions
Authors: Keyhan Seied Omid , Fallahi Hamid Reza , Motamedi Amin , Khoshkam Vahid , Mehryar Paymon , Moghaddas Omid , Cheshmi Behzad , Firoozi Parsa , Yousefi Parisa , Houshmand Behzad
Published: August 2020

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes serious acute respiratory diseases including pneumonia and bronchitis with approximately 2.3% fatality occurrence.

Main body

This study argues the main concepts that need to be considered for the gradual reopening of dental offices include treatment planning approaches, fundamental elements needed to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus in dental healthcare settings, personal protection equipment (PPE) for dental health care providers, environmental measures, adjunctive measures, and rapid point of care tests in dental offices.

Conclusion

This article seeks to provide an overview of existing scientific evidence to suggest a guideline for reopening dental offices.
Executive Perspectives
Authors: Ford Linda
Published: August 2020

SEG's student programs are designed to encourage students to pursue careers in applied geophysics, provide them with hands-on experience using geophysical technologies, develop leadership potential, and expose them to a wide array of career opportunities. Our programs seek to connect students to a professional network beyond their universities and to engage them on regional and global levels, encouraging them to transition into professional members after graduation. Student engagement is a strategic function of a professional society. Our vision for SEG student programs is to provide opportunities that engage students in experiences and training that help make them resilient and ready for a career in the wider world of applied geophysics. Critical funding from the SEG Foundation, totaling more than US$750,000 annually, supports student programs as an investment in SEG's future.
Coastal and offshore provinces of Timor-Leste — Geophysics exploration and drilling
Authors: Fainstein Roberto , do Rosário Juvêncio De Deus Correia , Guterres Helio Casimiro , dos Reis Rui Pena , da Costa Luis Teófilo
Published: August 2020

Regional geophysics research provides for prospect assessment of Timor-Leste, part of the Southeast Asia Archipelago in a region embracing the Banda Arc, Timor Island, and the northwest Australia Gondwana continental margin edge. Timor Island is a microcontinent with several distinct tectonic provinces that developed initially by rifting and drifting away from the Australian Plate. A compressive convergence began in the Miocene whereby the continental edge of the large craton collided with the microcontinent, forming a subduction zone under the island. The bulk of Timor Island consists of a complex mélange of Tertiary, Cretaceous, Jurassic, Triassic, Permian, and volcanic features over a basal Gondwana craton. Toward the north, the offshore consists of a Tertiary minibasin facing the Banda Arc Archipelago, with volcanics interspersed onshore with the basal Gondwana pre-Permian. A prominent central overthrust nappe of Jurassic and younger layers makes up the mountains of Timor-Leste, terminating south against an accretionary wedge formed by this ongoing collision of Timor and Australia. The northern coast of the island is part of the Indonesian back arc, whereas the southern littoral onshore plus shallow waters are part of the accretionary prism. Deepwater provinces embrace the Timor Trough and the slope of the Australian continental margin being the most prospective region of Timor-Leste. Overall crust and mantle tectonic structuring of Timor-Leste is interpreted from seismic and potential field data, focusing mostly on its southern offshore geology where hydrocarbon prospectivity has been established with interpretation of regional seismic data and analyses of gravity, magnetic, and earthquake data. Well data tied to seismic provides focal points for stratigraphic correlation. Although all the known producing hydrocarbon reservoirs of the offshore are Jurassic sands, interpretation of Permian and Triassic stratigraphy provides knowledge for future prospect drilling risk assessment, both onshore and offshore.
The why, what, and how of virtual meetings: Our toolkit
Authors: Capello Maria Angela , Shaughnessy Anna
Published: August 2020

Now several months into the global COVID-19 pandemic, the return to work has started in many countries, at different speeds and with different approaches. Going forward, work will look different and be more challenging as we implement social distancing and new workflows to protect ourselves, our peers, and society at large.
Reviews
Authors: Treitel Sven , Avakian Robert W. , Sayers Colin M.
Published: August 2020

Beyond Extinction, the Eternal Ocean: Climate Change and the Continuity of Life, by Wolfgang Grulke, ISBN 978-1-916-03940-7, 2019, At One Communications, 224 p. Introduction to Seismology, third edition, by Peter M. Sharer, ISBN 978-1-316-63574-2, 2019, Cambridge University Press, 442 p. The Rock Physics Handbook, third edition, by Gary Mavko, Tapan Mukerji, and Jack Dvorkin, ISBN 978-1-108-42026-6, 2020, Cambridge University Press, 727 p.
Memorial
Authors: Filina Irina
Published: August 2020

Afif Hani Saad 1936–2020.
Poverty and mental health: policy, practice and research implications
Authors: Knifton Lee , Inglis Greig
Published: August 2020

This article examines the relationship between poverty and mental health problems. We draw on the experience of Glasgow, our home city, which contains some of Western Europe's areas of greatest concentrated poverty and poorest health outcomes. We highlight how mental health problems are related directly to poverty, which in turn underlies wider health inequalities. We then outline implications for psychiatry.
Acute inactivation of retromer and ESCPE-1 leads to time-resolved defects in endosomal cargo sorting
Authors: Evans Ashley J. , Daly James L. , Anuar Anis N. K. , Simonetti Boris , Cullen Peter J.
Published: August 2020

Human retromer, a heterotrimer of VPS26 (VPS26A or VPS26B), VPS35 and VPS29, orchestrates the endosomal retrieval of internalised cargo and promotes their cell surface recycling, a prototypical cargo being the glucose transporter GLUT1 (also known as SLC2A1). The role of retromer in the retrograde sorting of the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR, also known as IGF2R) from endosomes back to the trans-Golgi network remains controversial. Here, by applying knocksideways technology, we develop a method for acute retromer inactivation. While retromer knocksideways in HeLa and H4 human neuroglioma cells resulted in time-resolved defects in cell surface sorting of GLUT1, we failed to observe a quantifiable defect in CI-MPR sorting. In contrast, knocksideways of the ESCPE-1 complex – a key regulator of retrograde CI-MPR sorting – revealed time-resolved defects in CI-MPR sorting. Together, these data are consistent with a comparatively limited role for retromer in ESCPE-1-mediated CI-MPR retrograde sorting, and establish a methodology for acute retromer and ESCPE-1 inactivation that will aid the time-resolved dissection of their functional roles in endosomal cargo sorting.
Covid-19 Estimating the burden of symptomatic disease in the community and the impact of public health measures on physical, mental and social wellbeing: a study protocol
Authors: Troya M. Isabela , Khashan Ali , Kearney Patricia M. , Arensman Ella , Hoevel Philipp , Buckley Claire , Fitzgerald Margaret , Humphries Rory , Kiely Elizabeth , Mulchrone Kieran , Murphy Mike , O'Connor Lois , O'Donnell Joan , O’Reilly Eilis , O'Riordain Micheal , Spillane Mary , Wieczorek Sebastian , Perry Ivan J
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Covid-19 was declared a pandemic in March 2020. Since then, governments have implemented unprecedented public health measures to contain the virus. This study will provide evidence to inform responses to the pandemic by: i) estimating population prevalence and trends of self-reported symptoms of Covid-19 and the proportions of symptomatic individuals and household contacts testing positive for Covid-19; ii) describing acceptance and compliance with physical-distancing measures, explore effects of public health measures on physical, mental and social wellbeing; iii) developing a mathematical network model to inform decisions on the optimal levels of physical distancing measures.

Methods: Two cross-sectional nationally-representative telephone surveys will be conducted in Ireland using random digit-dialling, with response rates estimates based on proportion of non-operational and non-answering numbers. The first survey with four waves in May and June will address adherence to social distancing measures and whether the respondent or other household members are or have been unwell during the preceding two weeks with one or more symptoms of Covid-19. The second survey with three waves in June, July and September will address knowledge, attitudes, and compliance towards physical-distancing measures and physical, mental and social wellbeing. The mathematical network model will be developed for all-Ireland (on various levels of spatial granularity including the scale of counties and electoral divisions) based on outputs from both cross-sectional surveys and relevant publicly available data to inform decisions on optimal levels and duration of physical distancing measures.

Discussion: This study will contribute to our understanding of the impact and sustainability of public health measures of the Covid-19 pandemic. Findings will have long-lasting benefits, informing decision-making on the best levels, and duration of physical-distancing measures, balancing a range of factors including capacity of the health service with the effects on individuals’ wellbeing and economic disruption. Findings will be shared with key policy-makers.
Deep Convolutional Neural Network with TensorFlow and Keras to Classify Skin Cancer Images
Authors: Benbrahim Houssam , Hachimi Hanaâ , Amine Aouatif
Published: August 2020

Skin cancer is a dangerous disease causing a high proportion of deaths around the world. Any diagnosis of cancer begins with a careful clinical examination, followed by a blood test and medical imaging examinations. Medical imaging is today one of the main tools for diagnosing cancers. It allows us to obtain precise images, internal organs and thus to visualize the possible tumours that they present. These images provide information on the location, size and evolutionary stage of tumour lesions. Automatic classification of skin tumours using images is an important task that can help doctors, laboratory technologists, and researchers to make the best decisions. This work has developed a classification model of skin tumours in images using Deep Learning with a Convolutional Neural Network based on TensorFlow and Keras model. This architecture is tested in the HAM10000 dataset consists of 10,015 dermatoscopic images. The results of the classification of the experiment show that the accuracy was achieved by our model, which is in order of 94.06% in the validation set and 93.93% in the test set.
Methodology of Motivation for Control Activities at the Enterprise
Authors: Aristarhova M. , Fahrutdinov V.
Published: August 2020

This article is devoted to the formation of a mechanism for motivating the implementation of control procedures in accordance with the developed design and algorithm for their implementation.
Token-Weighted Crowdsourcing
Authors: Tsoukalas Gerry , Falk Brett Hemenway
Published: August 2020

Blockchain-based platforms often rely on token-weighted voting (“τ-weighting”) to efficiently crowdsource information from their users for a wide range of applications, including content curation and on-chain governance. We examine the effectiveness of such decentralized platforms for harnessing the wisdom and effort of the crowd. We find that τ-weighting generally discourages truthful voting and erodes the platform’s predictive power unless users are “strategic enough” to unravel the underlying aggregation mechanism. Platform accuracy decreases with the number of truthful users and the dispersion in their token holdings, and in many cases, platforms would be better off with a “flat” 1/n mechanism. When, prior to voting, strategic users can exert effort to endogenously improve their signals, users with more tokens generally exert more effort—a feature often touted in marketing materials as a core advantage of τ-weighting—however, this feature is not attributable to the mechanism itself, and more importantly, the ensuing equilibrium fails to achieve the first-best accuracy of a centralized platform. The optimality gap decreases as the distribution of tokens across users approaches a theoretical optimum, which we derive, but tends to increase with the dispersion in users’ token holdings.

This paper was accepted by Gabriel Weintraub, revenue management and market analytics.
Shoulder biomechanics in normal and selected pathological conditions
Authors: Goetti Patrick , Denard Patrick J. , Collin Philippe , Ibrahim Mohamed , Hoffmeyer Pierre , Lädermann Alexandre
Published: August 2020

The stability of the glenohumeral joint depends on soft tissue stabilizers, bone morphology and dynamic stabilizers such as the rotator cuff and long head of the biceps tendon. Shoulder stabilization techniques include anatomic procedures such as repair of the labrum or restoration of bone loss, but also non-anatomic options such as remplissage or tendon transfers. Rotator cuff repair should restore the cuff anatomy, reattach the rotator cable and respect the coracoacromial arch whenever possible. Tendon transfer, superior capsular reconstruction or balloon implantation have been proposed for irreparable lesions. Shoulder rehabilitation should focus on restoring balanced glenohumeral and scapular force couples in order to avoid an upward migration of the humeral head and secondary cuff impingement. The primary goal of cuff repair is to be as anatomic as possible and to create a biomechanically favourable environment for tendon healing.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:508-518. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.200006
Efficient photocapacitors via ternary hybrid photovoltaic optimization for photostimulation of neurons
Authors: Srivastava Shashi Bhushan , Melikov Rustamzhon , Yildiz Erdost , Han Mertcan , Sahin Afsun , Nizamoglu Sedat
Published: August 2020

Optoelectronic photoelectrodes based on capacitive charge-transfer offer an attractive route to develop safe and effective neuromodulators. Here, we demonstrate efficient optoelectronic photoelectrodes that are based on the incorporation of quantum dots (QDs) into poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) and [6,6]-Phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) bulk heterojunction. We control the performance of the photoelectrode by the blend ratio, thickness, and nanomorphology of the ternary bulk heterojunction. The optimization led to a photocapacitor that has a photovoltage of 450 mV under a light intensity level of 20 mW.cm−2 and a responsivity of 99 mA/W corresponding to the most light-sensitive organic photoelectrode reported to date. The photocapacitor can facilitate action potential generation by hippocampal neurons via burst waveforms at an intensity level of 20 mW.cm−2. Therefore, the results point to an alternative direction in the engineering of safe and ultra-light-sensitive neural interfaces.
Optimizing up-conversion single-photon detectors for quantum key distribution
Authors: Yao Ni , Yao Quan , Xie Xiu-Ping , Liu Yang , Xu Peizhen , Fang Wei , Zheng Ming-Yang , Fan Jingyun , Zhang Qiang , Tong Limin , Pan Jian-Wei
Published: August 2020

High-performance single-photon detectors (SPDs) at 1550-nm band are critical for fiber-based quantum communications. Among many types of SPDs, the up-conversion SPDs based on periodically poled lithium niobate waveguides are of great interest. Combined with a strong pump laser, the telecom single-photons are converted into short wavelength ones and detected by silicon-based SPDs. However, due to the difficulty of precise controlling waveguide profile, the direct coupling between a single-mode fiber and the waveguide is not efficient. Here by utilizing fiber taper with proper diameter, optimal mode-matching is achieved and coupling efficiency up to 93% is measured. With an optimized design, a system detection efficiency of 36% and noise counting rate of 90 cps are realized. The maximum detection efficiency is characterized as 40% with a noise counting rate of 200 cps. Numerical simulation results indicate that our device can significantly improve the performance of QKD and extend the communication distance longer than 200 km.
HgCdTe-based quantum cascade lasers operating in the GaAs phonon Reststrahlen band predicted by the balance equation method
Authors: Ushakov Dmitrii , Afonenko Alexander , Khabibullin Rustam , Ponomarev Dmitry , Aleshkin Vladimir , Morozov Sergey , Dubinov Alexander
Published: August 2020

The lack of radiation sources in the frequency range of 7-10 THz is associated with strong absorption of the THz waves on optical phonons within the GaAs Reststrahlen band. To avoid such absorption, we propose to use HgCdTe as an alternative material for THz quantum cascade lasers thanks to a lower phonon energy than in III-V semiconductors. In this work, HgCdTe-based quantum cascade lasers operating in the GaAs phonon Reststrahlen band with a target frequency of 8.3 THz have been theoretically investigated using the balance equation method. The optimized active region designs, which are based on three and two quantum wells, exhibit the peak gain exceeding 100 cm−1 at 150 K. We have analyzed the temperature dependence of the peak gain and predicted the maximum operating temperatures of 170 K and 225 K for three- and two-well designs, respectively. At temperatures exceeding 120 K, the better temperature performance has been obtained for the two-well design, which is associated with a larger spatial overlap of weakly localized lasing wavefunctions, as well as, a higher population inversion. We believe that the findings of this work can open a pathway towards the development of THz quantum cascade lasers featuring a high level of optical gain due to the low electron effective mass in HgCdTe.
Distributed fiber-optic sensor for location based on polarization-stabilized dual-Mach-Zehnder interferometer
Authors: Huang Jingwei , Chen Yongchao , Song Qiuheng , Peng Hekuo , Zhou Pengwei , Xiao Qian , Jia Bo
Published: August 2020

A novel distributed fiber-optic sensor is proposed and demonstrated, in which two Mach-Zehnder interferometers are used to detect the interference signals with different wavelengths, and one 3 × 3 coupler is deployed to demodulate the time-varying phase change caused by vibration. The novel dual Mach-Zehnder interferometer (DMZI) is composed of two wavelength division multiplexers. Then, a time delay estimation algorithm is designed to construct two related signals using the phase difference, and the two constructed signals are used to obtain vibration position through cross-correlation. Experimental results show that the sensing distance can reach 100 km and the location error is within ±25 m.
Interferometric measurement of complex-field changes in transient detection imaging
Authors: Esteban-Martín A. , García-Monreal Javier , Silva Fernando , de Valcárcel Germán J.
Published: August 2020

We report an experimental method that combines nonlinear-crystal-based transient detection imaging (TDI) with interferometric complex-field retrieval. The system allows measuring both phase and amplitude of a dynamic scene while suppressing stationary background. Theoretical and experimental results prove the linear relation existing between input and output phases, as well as the benefits of phase analysis for both detection and measurement with high resolutions of λ/30, even under noisy conditions. Additionally, we present experimental evidence of the remarkable ability of the technique to detect phase sign changes in the scene —what we call differential-phase TDI— showing great detection sensitivity and no calibration requirements.
Absolute frequency stabilization of a QCL at 8.6  µm by modulation transfer spectroscopy
Authors: Vicentini Edoardo , Gambetta Alessio , Coluccelli Nicola , Di Sarno Valentina , Maddaloni Pasquale , De Natale Paolo , Castrillo Antonio , Gianfrani Livio , Laporta Paolo , Galzerano Gianluca
Published: August 2020

Modulation transfer spectroscopy is used to demonstrate absolute frequency stabilization of an 8.6-µm-wavelength quantum cascade laser against a sub-Doppler absorption of the

C
H
F

3

molecule. The obtained spectral emission properties are thoroughly characterized through a self-referenced optical frequency comb, stabilized against either a GPS-disciplined Rb clock or a 1.54-µm Er-fiber laser locked to a high-finesse ultra-low-expansion optical cavity. Fractional long-term stability and accuracy at a level of

4
×

10

−
12

(at 100 s) and

3
×

10

−
10

, respectively, are demonstrated, along with an emission linewidth as narrow as 10 kHz for observation times of 0.1 s.
Homeobox genes in endometrium: from development to decidualization
Authors: Ashary Nancy , Laheri Saniya , Modi Deepak
Published: August 2020

The eutherian species evolved an elaborate uterus to allow viviparity. For successful pregnancy, the uterus must not only be differentiated, but must also function optimally and any defects in uterus differentiation and/or function can lead to infertility. The homoebox gene HOXA10 has emerged to be a key player in both uterine development and its optimal functioning in adulthood. Within the Abd-B family, the posterior Hoxa genes play a dominant role in anterio-posterior segmentation of the Müllerian ducts in mammals, with Hoxa10 having a central role in uterine segmentation. In the adult endometrium, HOXA10 is expressed by endometrial cells and is regulated in a cyclic manner under the influence of ovarian steroids. During embryo implantation, expression of HOXA10 is increased in endometrial stromal cells by signals from the embryo to govern stromal cell transformation to decidual cells. Once decidualization is initiated, HOXA10 is rapidly downregulated to activate expression of pro-invasive factors to promote trophoblast invasion. We propose that HOXA10 governs embryo implantation in a three-step process: 1) acquisition of endometrial receptivity, 2) responding to signals from the blastocyst to modify receptive endometrium for decidualization 3) making the decidua conductive for trophoblast invasion and placentation. There is currently ample evidence that expression of HOXA10 is deregulated in a variety of “endometriopathies” such as endometriosis and endometrial cancers. Overall, HOXA10 appears to be the master regulator of endometrial health and a central determinant of fertility in mammals.
Neural cells and their progenitors in regenerating zebrafish spinal cord
Authors: Hui Subhra Prakash , Nag Tapas Chandra , Ghosh Sukla
Published: August 2020

The zebrafish (Danio rerio), among all amniotes is emerging as a powerful model to study vertebrate organogenesis and regeneration. In contrast to mammals, the adult zebrafish is capable of regenerating damaged axonal tracts; it can replace neurons and glia lost after spinal cord injury (SCI) and functionally recover. In the present paper, we report ultrastructural and cell biological analyses of regeneration processes after SCI. We have focused on event specific analyses of spinal cord regeneration involving different neuronal and glial cell progenitors, such as radial glia, oligodendrocyte progenitors (OPC), and Schwann cells. While comparing the different events, we frequently refer to previous ultrastructural analyses of central nervous system (CNS) injury in higher vertebrates. Our data show (a) the cellular events following injury, such as cell death and proliferation; (b) demyelination and remyelination followed by target innervation and regeneration of synaptic junctions and c) the existence of different progenitors and their roles during regeneration. The present ultrastructural analysis corroborates the cellular basis of regeneration in the zebrafish spinal cord and confirms the presence of both neuronal and different glial progenitors.
Surviving nutritional deprivation during development: neuronal intracellular calcium signaling is critical
Authors: Megha  , Hasan Gaiti
Published: August 2020

Developing cells and tissues in a growing animal need to sense food quality and integrate this information with on-going time-bound developmental programs. The integration of metabolism with development requires cellular and systemic coordination. Work in our laboratory has focused on Ca2+ signaling arising from the release of Ca2+ stored in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which triggers store-operated Ca2+ entry. We describe a role for ER-store Ca2+ that operates at the cellular level in various classes of neurons, and eventually drives the systemic coordination required to survive and complete development under conditions of nutritional deprivation. In the model system Drosophila melanogaster, we have developed a paradigm to induce nutritional stress during the larval stage and used pupariation as a read-out for development. Applying the vast genetic tool kit available in Drosophila to this paradigm, we have uncovered novel roles for intracellular Ca
2+ signaling in regulating neuronal activity, at the level of transcription in glutamatergic neurons, and translation in neuropeptidergic neurons. We find that such regulation of cellular processes is critical for integrating information across a neural circuit at multiple levels, starting from the point of sensing systemic and environmental levels of amino acids to finally connecting with neuropeptide secreting neurons, that communicate with the prothoracic gland, an organ that makes the key developmental hormone, ecdysone. This work underscores the importance of ER-store Ca2+ for neuronal health, with consequences for animal development.
Drosophila Mon1 and Rab7 interact to regulate glutamate receptor levels at the neuromuscular junction
Authors: Basargekar Anagha , Yogi Shweta , Mushtaq Zeeshan , Deivasigamani Senthilkumar , Kumar Vimlesh , Ratnaparkhi Girish S. , Ratnaparkhi Anuradha
Published: August 2020

Regulation of post-synaptic receptors plays an important role in determining synaptic strength and plasticity. The Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction (nmj) has been used extensively as a model to understand some of these processes. In this context, we are interested in the role of Drosophila Monensin sensitivity protein 1 (DMon1) in regulating glutamate receptor (GluRIIA) levels at the nmj. DMon1 is an evolutionarily conserved protein which, in complex with calcium caffeine zinc sensitivity1 (CCZ1), regulates the conversion of early endosomes to late endosomes through recruitment of Rab7. C-terminal deletion mutants of Dmon1 (Dmon1Δ181) exhibit lethality. The escapers have a short life span and exhibit severe motor defects. At the nmj, these mutants show defects in synaptic morphology and a strong increase in GluRIIA levels. The mechanism by which Dmon1 regulates GluRIIA is unclear. In this study, we have characterized an EMS mutant referred to as pog
1 and demonstrate it to be an allele of Dmon1. Further, we have examined the role of rab7 in regulating GluRIIA. We show that similar to Dmon1, knock-down of rab7 using RNAi in neurons, but not muscles, leads to an increase in GluRIIA. Loss of one copy each of Dmon1 and rab7 leads to a synergistic increase in receptor expression. Further, overexpression of an activated Rab7 can rescue the GluRIIA phenotype observed in Dmon1Δ181 mutants. Together, these results highlight a neuronal role for Rab7 in GluRIIA regulation and underscore the importance of the endo-lysosomal pathway in this process.
Developmental biology of dispersed pollen grains
Authors: Shivanna Kundaranahalli R. , Tandon Rajesh
Published: August 2020

Professor Panchanan Maheshwari served as Professor and Head of the Department of Botany, University of Delhi, from 1950 to 1966 and built an internationally reputed School of integrated plant embryology. Studies carried out during and after Maheshwari’s period from this School have enormously advanced our knowledge of the structural, developmental and functional aspects of embryological processes. This review covers studies carried out at the Delhi School on the developmental biology of dispersed pollen grains which operate from pollen dispersal from the anthers until pollen tubes discharge the male gametes in the embryo sac for fertilization. These events include pollen viability and vigour, pollen germination and pollen tube growth, structural details of the pistil relevant to pollen function, pollination and pollen-pistil interaction.
Cyto-architecture constrains the spread of photoactivated tubulin in the syncytial Drosophila embryo
Authors: Thukral Sameer , Kaity Bivash , Dey Bipasha , Sharma Swati , Nandi Amitabha , Mitra Mithun K. , Rikhy Richa
Published: August 2020

Drosophila embryogenesis begins with nuclear division in a common cytoplasm forming a syncytial cell. Morphogen gradient molecules spread across nucleo-cytoplasmic domains to pattern the body axis of the syncytial embryo. The diffusion of molecules across the syncytial nucleo-cytoplasmic domains is potentially constrained by association with the components of cellular architecture. However, the extent of restriction has not been examined. Here we use photoactivation (PA) to generate a source of cytoplasmic or cytoskeletal molecules in order to monitor the kinetics of their spread in the syncytial Drosophila embryo. Photoactivated PA-GFP and PA-GFP-Tubulin generated within a fixed anterior area diffused along the antero-posterior axis. These molecules were enriched in the cortical cytoplasm above the yolk-filled center, suggesting that the cortical cytoplasm is phase separated from the yolk-filled center. The length scales of diffusion were extracted using exponential fits under steady state assumptions. PA-GFP spread a greater distance as compared to PA-GFP-Tubulin. Both molecules were more restricted when generated in the center of the embryo. The length scale of spread for PA-GFP-Tubulin increased in mutant embryos containing short plasma membrane furrows and a disrupted tubulin cytoskeleton. PA-GFP spread was unaffected by cyto-architecture perturbation. Taken together, these data show that PA-GFP-Tubulin spread is restricted by its incorporation in the microtubule network and intact plasma membrane furrows. This photoactivation based analysis of protein spread allows for interpretation of the dependence of gradient formation on syncytial cyto-architecture.
Transcriptome profiling identifies multistep regulation through E93, Forkhead and Ecdysone Oxidase in survival of Malpighian tubules during metamorphosis in Drosophila
Authors: Ojha Shainy , Tapadia Madhu G.
Published: August 2020

Drosophila metamorphosis is associated with substantial metabolic activity involving cell death and cell proliferation leading to differentiation of adult tissues and structures. Unlike other larval tissues, Malpighian tubules (MTs) exhibit apoptotic immunity and do not undergo cell death but are carried over to the adult with some cell reorganisation. They persist despite the fact that they express apoptotic proteins and caspases. In the present study, we analysed the global transcription changes in MTs and compared with salivary glands, to decipher the biology of MTs. Gene set enrichment analysis indicated reduced expression of many ecdysone induced genes, including the critical regulator of cell death, E93 in MTs. We hypothesize that reduction of E93 could be because of over expression of ecdysone oxidase, which is high in MTs and is responsible for regulation of hormone titer by degradation of ecdysone. Ectopic expression of E93 in MTs results in cell death through autophagy. Fork head, which is crucial for survival, is enriched in the MT transcriptome, and its down regulation in MTs could be consequent to over expression of E93. Together our data suggests that the cascade of events initiated by ecdysone mediates survival of MTs through concerted action of multiple factors.
Understanding brain development – Indian researchers’ past, present and growing contribution
Authors: Muralidharan Bhavana
Published: August 2020

The brain is the seat of all higher-order functions in the body. Brain development and the vast array of neurons and glia it produces is a baffling mystery to be studied. Neuroscientists using a vast number of model systems have been able to crack many of the nitty-gritty details using various model systems. One way has been to size down the problem by utilizing the power of genetics using simple model systems such as Drosophila to create a fundamental framework in order to unravel the basic principles of brain development. Scientists have used simpler organisms to uncover the fundamental principles of brain development and also to study the evo-devo angle to brain development. Complex circuitry has been unraveled in complex model systems, such as the mouse, to reveal the intricacies and regional specialization of brain function. This is an ever-growing field, and with newer genetic and molecular tools, together with several new centers of excellence, India’s contribution to this fascinating field of study is continually rising. Here, I review the pioneering work done by Indian developmental neurobiologists in the past and their mounting contribution in the present.
Drosophila metamorphosis involves hemocyte mediated macroendocytosis and efferocytosis
Authors: Ghosh Saikat , Ghosh Sushmit , Mandal Lolitika
Published: August 2020

Drosophila hemocytes are majorly associated with immune responses, but they also undertake several non-immune functions that are crucial during various stages of development. The activity and behaviour of hemocytes are least documented during the metamorphic phase of fly development. Here we describe the activity, form and behaviour of the most abundant type of hemocyte in Drosophila melanogaster, the “plasmatocyte,” throughout pupal development. Our study reveals different forms of plasmatocytes laden with varying degrees of histolyzing debris (muscle and fat) which extend beyond the size of the cell itself, highlighting the phagocytic capacity of these plasmatocytes. Interestingly, the engulfment of apoptotic debris by plasmatocytes is an actin-dependent process, and by the end of metamorphosis, clearance is achieved. The uptake of apoptotic debris consisting of muscles and lipids by the plasmatocytes provides us a model that can be employed to dissect out the relevant components of macroendocytosis and lipid-loaded phagocytosis. This understanding, by itself, is crucial for addressing the emerging role of phagocytes in physiology and pathophysiology.
A new tension induction paradigm unravels tissue response and the importance of E-cadherin in the developing epidermis
Authors: Lewis Natasha Steffi , Chouhan Geetika , Belapurkar Vivek , Arora Prateek , Satyanarayan  , Ainavarapu Sri Rama Koti , Sonawane Mahendra
Published: August 2020

The epidermis, being the outermost epithelial layer in metazoans, experiences multiple external and self-generated mechanical stimuli. The tissue-scale response to these mechanical stresses has been actively studied in the adult stratified epidermis. However, the response of the developing bi-layered epidermis to differential tension and its molecular regulation has remained poorly characterised. Here we report an oil injection based method, which in combination with atomic force microscopy (AFM), allows manipulation as well as estimation of tension in the developing epidermis. Our results show that the injection of mineral oil into the brain ventricle of developing zebrafish embryos stretches the overlying epidermis. The epidermal tension increases linearly with the injected volume of oil and the injection of 14-17 nL oil results in a two-fold increase in epidermal tension. This increase in epidermal tension is sufficient to elicit a physiological response characterised by temporal changes in the cell cross-sectional area and an increase in cell proliferation. Our data further indicate that the depletion of E-cadherin in the epidermis is detrimental for tissue integrity under increased mechanical stress. The application of this experimental paradigm in a genetically tractable organism such as zebrafish can be useful in uncovering mechanisms of tension sustenance in the developing epidermis.
Studies on tail regeneration and homeotic transformation in anuran tadpoles
Authors: Mohanty-Hejmadi Priyambada , Mahapatra Pravati Kumari
Published: August 2020

Anuran tadpoles are excellent models for regeneration studies. The tail, an organ essential for swimming for the aquatic tadpole, regenerates completely following injury or amputation. However, treatment with the morphogen, vitamin A or retinoic acid inhibits normal tail regeneration and induces homeotic transformation of tail to limbs. This phenomenon was discovered for the first time in the Indian marbled balloon frog Uperodon systoma in the Developmental Biology laboratory of Utkal University (Odisha, India) in the year 1992. In this paper, we present the results of morphological, histological, biochemical and molecular (immonohistochemistry) investigations of vitamin A induced homeotic transformation in different anuran species. In addition, we discuss the putative role of fibroblast growth factor 1 during spinal cord regeneration in the tadpoles of the Indian tree frog, Polypedates maculatus, an ideal model for regeneration studies in an Indian context.
A brief history of the Indian Society of Developmental Biologists (InSDB)
Authors: Niazi Iqbal Ahmad , Ghaskadbi Surendra
Published: August 2020

The Indian Society of Developmental Biologists (InSDB) was founded in 1977 to promote regular interactions between all those interested in how organisms develop. Conferences and training workshops are regularly held in different parts of the country. In addition to Indian developmental biologists, InSDB invites participants from different parts of the globe every year, which allows exchange of ideas with the international community. The Society, which currently has over 400 members, holds meetings every two years. For updated information, visit http://www.devbioindia.org.
PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF TRIFOLIUM PANNONICUM JACQ. IN THE FOREST-STEPPE OF WESTERN SIBERIA
Authors: Khramova Yelena Petrovna , Bogolyubova Yelena Vasil'yevna , Kukushkina Tat'yana Ablulhailovna , Shaldaeva Tat'yana Mihajlovna , Zvereva Galina Kimovna
Published: August 2020

The article presents data on the content of biologically active compounds and the total activity of phenolic antioxidants in the leaves and inflorescences of the valuable forage plant Trifolium pannonicum Premier cultivar grown in different agroclimatic subareas of the Novosibirsk region – moderately warm, moist and moderately warm, not sufficiently moist. It is shown that, depending on the plant growth, biologically active substances are synthesized in differently: the content of flavonols, catechins, carotenoids and pectin substances is 1.1–1.6 times higher in plants from a more humid area. Tannins maximally (up to 17.43%) accumulate in the leaves of T. pannonicum, grown in an area with insufficient moisture. All samples of T. pannonicum variety Premier are characterized by high antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts from leaves and inflorescences (1.50–2.20 mg/g). The maximum of the total activity of antioxidants was found in the inflorescences of T. pannonicum from an area with insufficient moisture. Plant material T. pannonicum variety Premier is characterized by a fairly high content of biologically active substances.
COMPARATIVE PHARMACOGNOSTIC RESEARCH OF CENTAUREA SCABIOSA L. WILD-GROWING AND CULTI-VATED IN THE CONDITIONS OF TOMSK
Authors: Kaminskii Il'ya Petrovich , Kadyrova Tatiana Vladimirovna , Kalinkina Galina Ilinichna , Larkina Maria Sergeevna , Ermilova Elena Vasilievna , Belousov Mikhail Valerievich
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is: on the basis of a comparative study of the biological characteristics and chemical composition of Centaurea scabiosa L. wild-growing and cultivated, to assess the prospects for its introduction into culture as an additional source of raw materials for the anthelmintic drug development. It has been established that the Centaurea scabiosa L. cultivated under the conditions of the Tomsk city in terms of developmental phenology is close to a wild-growing plant. The vegetative organs ratios of wild-growing and cultivated plants were determined: leaves constitute 10% and 24%; baskets – 37% and 24%; stems up to 0.5 cm of thick –18% and 20%; stems with a thickness of more than 0.5 cm – 34% and 31%, respectively (beginning of flowering phase). The cultivated Centaurea scabiosa L. is comparable to a wild-growing plant according to the sesquiterpene lactones content in separated organs. The sesquiterpene lactones maximum amount accumulates in the budding phase, decreases slightly at the beginning of flowering, and significantly decreases at the mass flowering phase. The Centaurea scabiosa L. harvesting periods (the leafiest shoots with a stem diameter of not more than 0.5 cm) are experimentally substantiated – the phase of flowering onset.
ANTIRADICAL ACTIVITY OF SEPARATE FRACTIONS OF ESSENTIAL OIL OF ACORUS CALAMUS ROOTS
Authors: Zykova Irina Dement'yevna , Efremov Aleksandr Alekseyevich , Naimushina Liliya Viktorovna
Published: August 2020

Essential oil from the roots of calamus marsh (Acorus calamus L) was isolated by the method of exhaustive hydroparodistillation, growing on the Krasnoyarsk territory. Separate fractions of essential oil were obtained depending on the duration of isolation. The component composition of the essential oil, the main components of which are acorenone, butyrate α-terpineol, germacrene B, camphor. The antiradical properties of the essential oil of A. сalamus roots growing in the Siberian region, as well as the antiradical properties of its individual fractions were studied for the first time in order to determine the most promising samples as sources of biologically active complexes. To determine the antiradical activity, the reaction of the essential oil components with a stable free 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical was used. The antiradical activity of all studied samples of essential oils was established. There was an increase in antiradical activity with a decrease in the content of monoterpenes in the composition of the essential oil. The lowest antiradical activity (17.5%) was shown by the fraction of essential oil with a high content of monoterpenes, the highest (~100%) – fractions with a high content of oxygen-containing compounds. It was revealed that the ability of components of individual fractions of A. сalamus essential oil to inhibit DPPH radicals is comparable with the antiradical activity of ascorbic acid solutions of equivalent concentration.