bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between the weights of seed beetles of the genus Megacerus Fåhraeus, 1839 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) and their host seeds of the family Convolvulaceae
Authors: Canto A. , Rodríguez R. , Reyes-Novelo E.
Published: June 2019

We studied seeds from a set of plant species from the Convolvulaceae family. Seeds collected from natural populations and infested with beetles of genus Megacerus were monitored until the beetle emergence. We analyze the relationship between body weight of beetles and seed weight of host plants, and its connection with between-species differences and sexual dimorphism. The results show that differences in the scaling of body weight of beetles are associated with sexual dimorphism. For the same species of beetle, the females tend to have heavier bodies than the males. Differences between host plants species in the weight of seeds are related to differences in the body weight Megacerus species, resulting in a distinctive pattern of seed infestation across hosts. Small-sized (lighter) species of beetles tended to infest small-sized (lighter) seed species and, correspondingly, heavier beetles species tended to do it in heavier seed species. Mechanisms of female oviposition preferences may be involved to generate that pattern. In general, the beetle weight showed an asymptotic relation with the host seed weight. The greater the weight of the seed, the greater the weight of adult beetle was. However, the proportion in weights reaches an asymptotic value probably because beetles reached the maximum possible weight for their species. We conclude that the process of specialization in the seed-beetle assemblage studied is influenced by intrinsic traits of the species involved in the interaction (beetles and seeds) and by differences between sexes in their sexual-allocation paths.
Autotaxin activity predicts transplant-free survival in primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Dhillon Amandeep K. , Kremer Andreas E. , Kummen Martin , Boberg Kirsten M. , Elferink Ronald P. Oude , Karlsen Tom H. , Beuers Ulrich , Vesterhus Mette , Hov Johannes R.
Published: June 2019

Autotaxin has been associated with liver disease severity and transplant-free survival. This study aimed to validate autotaxin as a biomarker in two cohorts of Norwegian large-duct PSC patients, one discovery panel (n = 165) and one validation panel (n = 87). Serum activity of autotaxin was measured in diluted sera by a fluorometric enzymatic assay. Patients reaching an end-point, liver transplantation or death, (discovery panel: n = 118 [71.5%]; validation panel: n = 35 [40.2%]), showed higher autotaxin activity compared with the other patients, P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses showed a strong association between increasing autotaxin activity and shorter liver transplant-free survival (discovery panel: P < 0.001, validation panel: P = 0.001). There was no relationship between autotaxin activity and the presence of inflammatory bowel disease or occurrence of hepatobiliary malignancy. In a multivariable analysis, high autotaxin activity was associated with an increased risk of liver transplantation or death (hazard ratio 2.03 (95% confidence interval 1.21–3.40), P < 0.01), independent from Mayo risk score, an in-house enhanced liver fibrosis score and interleukin-8 in serum. In conclusion, increased serum autotaxin activity is associated with reduced liver transplant-free survival independent from Mayo risk score and markers of inflammation and fibrosis.
Optimization of conformal whispering gallery modes in limaçon-shaped transformation cavities
Authors: Ryu Jung-Wan , Cho Jinhang , Kim Inbo , Choi Muhan
Published: June 2019

Directional light emission from high-Q resonant modes without significant Q-spoiling has been a long standing issue in deformed dielectric cavities. In limaçon-shaped gradient index dielectric cavities recently proposed by exploiting conformal transformation optics, the variation of Q-factors and emission directionality of resonant modes was traced in their system parameter space. For these cavities, their boundary shapes and refractive index profiles are determined in each case by a chosen conformal mapping which is taken as a coordinate transformation. Through the numerical exploration, we found that bidirectionality factors of generic high-Q resonant modes are not directly proportional to their Q-factors. The optimal system parameters for the coexistence of strong bidirectionality and a high Q-factor was obtained for anisotropic whispering gallery modes supported by total internal reflection.
Numerical simulation of novel concept 4D cardiac microtomography for small rodents based on all-optical Thomson scattering X-ray sources
Authors: Panetta Daniele , Labate Luca , Billeci Lucia , Di Lascio Nicole , Esposito Giuseppina , Faita Francesco , Mettivier Giovanni , Palla Daniele , Pandola Luciano , Pisciotta Pietro , Russo Giorgio , Sarno Antonio , Tomassini Paolo , Salvadori Piero A. , Gizzi Leonida A. , Russo Paolo
Published: June 2019

Accurate dynamic three-dimensional (4D) imaging of the heart of small rodents is required for the preclinical study of cardiac biomechanics and their modification under pathological conditions, but technological challenges are met in laboratory practice due to the very small size and high pulse rate of the heart of mice and rats as compared to humans. In 4D X-ray microtomography (4D μCT), the achievable spatio-temporal resolution is hampered by limitations in conventional X-ray sources and detectors. Here, we propose a proof-of-principle 4D μCT platform, exploiting the unique spatial and temporal features of novel concept, all-optical X-ray sources based on Thomson scattering (TS). The main spatial and spectral properties of the photon source are investigated using a TS simulation code. The entire data acquisition workflow has been also simulated, using a novel 4D numerical phantom of a mouse chest with realistic intra- and inter-cycle motion. The image quality of a typical single 3D time frame has been studied using Monte Carlo simulations, taking into account the effects of the typical structure of the TS X-ray beam. Finally, we discuss the perspectives and shortcomings of the proposed platform.
Dual binding mode of “bitter sugars” to their human bitter taste receptor target
Authors: Fierro Fabrizio , Giorgetti Alejandro , Carloni Paolo , Meyerhof Wolfgang , Alfonso-Prieto Mercedes
Published: June 2019

The 25 human bitter taste receptors (hTAS2Rs) are responsible for detecting bitter molecules present in food, and they also play several physiological and pathological roles in extraoral compartments. Therefore, understanding their ligand specificity is important both for food research and for pharmacological applications. Here we provide a molecular insight into the exquisite molecular recognition of bitter β-glycopyranosides by one of the members of this receptor subclass, hTAS2R16. Most of its agonists have in common the presence of a β-glycopyranose unit along with an extremely structurally diverse aglycon moiety. This poses the question of how hTAS2R16 can recognize such a large number of “bitter sugars”. By means of hybrid molecular mechanics/coarse grained molecular dynamics simulations, here we show that the three hTAS2R16 agonists salicin, arbutin and phenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside interact with the receptor through a previously unrecognized dual binding mode. Such mechanism may offer a seamless way to fit different aglycons inside the binding cavity, while maintaining the sugar bound, similar to the strategy used by several carbohydrate-binding lectins. Our prediction is validated a posteriori by comparison with mutagenesis data and also rationalizes a wealth of structure-activity relationship data. Therefore, our findings not only provide a deeper molecular characterization of the binding determinants for the three ligands studied here, but also give insights applicable to other hTAS2R16 agonists. Together with our results for other hTAS2Rs, this study paves the way to improve our overall understanding of the structural determinants of ligand specificity in bitter taste receptors.
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and ischemic heart disease: a Mendelian Randomization study
Authors: Li Mengyu , Kwok Man Ki , Fong Shirley Siu Ming , Schooling Catherine Mary
Published: June 2019

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the rate-limiting enzyme in the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway, is positively associated with cardiac events, and may be relevant to cancer. We used Mendelian Randomization to obtain unconfounded estimates of the association of IDO1 with ischemic heart disease (IHD), ischemic stroke and their risk factors, all-cancer, cancer of the prostate, lung and bronchus, and breast. We obtained genetic instruments independently and strongly (p-value < 5 × 10−8) predicting plasma IDO1 from a proteome genome-wide association study (GWAS), and applied them to consortia GWAS of the outcomes, including the UK Biobank SOFT CAD GWAS (cases < = 76 014, non-cases < = 264 785) for IHD. Estimates were obtained using inverse variance weighting; with MR-Egger, weighted median and MR-PRESSO as sensitivity analyses. IDO1 was inversely associated with IHD (odds ratio (OR) 0.96 per standard deviation, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93 to 1.00, p-value = 0.04), diabetes (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.97) and prostate cancer (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.99) with a directionally consistent estimate for stroke (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.02) but not with blood pressure, or the other cancers considered. IDO1 might be a potential therapeutic target for IHD, diabetes and prostate cancer.
Spectral Photon-Counting Computed Tomography (SPCCT): in-vivo single-acquisition multi-phase liver imaging with a dual contrast agent protocol
Authors: Si-Mohamed Salim , Tatard-Leitman Valérie , Laugerette Alexis , Sigovan Monica , Pfeiffer Daniela , Rummeny Ernst J. , Coulon Philippe , Yagil Yoad , Douek Philippe , Boussel Loic , Noël Peter B.
Published: June 2019

Diagnostic imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) requires a liver CT or MRI multiphase acquisition protocol. Patients would benefit from a high-resolution imaging method capable of performing multi-phase imaging in a single acquisition without an increase in radiation dose. Spectral Photon-Counting Computed Tomography (SPCCT) has recently emerged as a novel and promising imaging modality in the field of diagnostic radiology. SPCCT is able to distinguish between two contrast agents referred to as multicolor imaging because, when measuring in three or more energy regimes, it can detect and quantify elements with a K-edge in the diagnostic energy range. Based on this capability, we tested the feasibility of a dual-contrast multi-phase liver imaging protocol via the use of iodinated and gadolinated contrast agents on four healthy New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. To perform a dual-contrast protocol, we injected the agents at different times so that the first contrast agent visualized the portal phase and the second the arterial phase, both of which are mandatory for liver lesion characterization. We demonstrated a sensitive discrimination and quantification of gadolinium within the arteries and iodine within the liver parenchyma. In the hepatic artery, the concentration of gadolinium was much higher than iodine (8.5 ± 3.9 mg/mL versus 0.7 ± 0.1 mg/mL) contrary to the concentrations found in the liver parenchyma (0.5 ± 0.3 mg/mL versus 4.2 ± 0.3 mg/mL). In conclusion, our results confirm that SPCCT allows in-vivo dual contrast qualitative and quantitative multi-phase liver imaging in a single acquisition.
Benefits of using genomic insulators flanking transgenes to increase expression and avoid positional effects
Authors: Pérez-González Ana , Caro Elena
Published: June 2019

For more than 20 years, plant biologists have tried to achieve complete control of transgene expression. Until the techniques to target transgenes to safe harbor sites in the genome become routine, flanking transgenes with genetic insulators, DNA sequences that create independent domains of gene expression, can help avoid positional effects and stabilize their expression. We have, for the first time, compared the effect of three insulator sequences previously described in the literature and one never tested before. Our results indicate that their use increases transgene expression, but only the last one reduces variability between lines and between individuals. We have analyzed the integration of insulator-flanked T-DNAs using whole genome re-sequencing (to our knowledge, also for the first time) and found data suggesting that chiMARs can shelter transgene insertions from neighboring repressive epigenetic states. Finally, we could also observe a loss of accuracy of the RB insertion in the lines harboring insulators, evidenced by a high frequency of truncation of T-DNAs and of insertion of vector backbone that, however, did not affect transgene expression. Our data supports that the effect of each genetic insulator is different and their use in transgenic constructs should depend on the needs of each specific experiment.
Dynamic biochemical tissue analysis detects functional selectin ligands on human cancer tissues
Authors: Martin Eric W. , Malgor Ramiro , Resto Vicente A. , Goetz Douglas J. , Burdick Monica M.
Published: June 2019

Cell adhesion mediated by selectins (expressed by activated endothelium, activated platelets, and leukocytes) binding to their resepective selectin ligands (expressed by cancer cells) may be involved in metastasis. Therefore, methods of characterizing selectin ligands expressed on human tissue may serve as valuable assays. Presented herein is an innovative method for detecting functional selectin ligands expressed on human tissue that uses a dynamic approach, which allows for control over the force applied to the bonds between the probe and target molecules. This new method of tissue interrogation, known as dynamic biochemical tissue analysis (DBTA), involves the perfusion of molecular probe-coated microspheres over tissues. DBTA using selectin-coated probes is able to detect functional selectin ligands expressed on tissue from multiple cancer types at both primary and metastatic sites.
Cartography of odor chemicals in the dengue vector mosquito (Aedes aegypti L., Diptera/Culicidae)
Authors: Wang Fengen , Delannay Christelle , Goindin Daniella , Deng Ligang , Guan Shuai , Lu Xiao , Fouque Florence , Vega-Rúa Anubis , Picimbon Jean-François
Published: June 2019

This study was aimed to identify the chemical compounds ofAedes aegyptithat can be potentially used to develop pheromone-based vector control methods. In this study, we compared the chemical compounds collected from the organs of mosquitoes at different developmental stages in the life cycle. We also compared the composition and amount of extracts from the different tissues of male and female adult mosquito. Interestingly, we found large amount of C17-C20 ethyl and methyl esters in the wings of female and antennae of male mosquito. We also found that isopropyl esters, dodelactone, octadecenoic acid and medium-chain fatty acid increase drastically during the late larval stage (L4). Old adult mosquitoes showed remarkable increase in production of C16:1 and C18:1 methyl esters, as a first example of chemical signatures specifically associated with aging in the animals. This knowledge may open the ground to find new behaviorally-important molecules with the ability to controlAedesspecifically.
Endocrine aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling is induced by moderate cutaneous exposure to ultraviolet light
Authors: Memari Babak , Nguyen-Yamamoto Loan , Salehi-Tabar Reyhaneh , Zago Michela , Fritz Jorg H. , Baglole Carolyn J. , Goltzman David , White John H.
Published: June 2019

Links between solar UV exposure and immunity date back to the ancient Greeks with the development of heliotherapy. Skin contains several UV-sensitive chromophores and exposure to sunlight can produce molecules, such as vitamin D3, that act in an endocrine manner. We investigated the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), an environmental sensor and ligand-regulated transcription factor activated by numerous planar compounds of endogenous, dietary or environmental origin. 15- to 30-minute exposure of cells to a minimal erythemal dose of UVB irradiation in vitro induced translocation of the AHR to the nucleus, rapidly inducing site-specific DNA binding and target gene regulation. Importantly, ex vivo studies with Ahr wild-type or null fibroblasts showed that serum from mice whose skin was exposed to a 15 min UVB dose, but not control serum, contained agonist activity within 30 min of UV irradiation, inducing AHR-dependent gene expression. Moreover, a 15-min cutaneous UVB exposure induced AHR site-specific DNA binding and target gene regulation in vivo within 3–6 hr post-irradiation in blood and in peripheral tissues, including intestine. These results show that cutaneous exposure of mice to a single minimal erythemic dose of UVB induces rapid AHR signaling in multiple peripheral organs, providing compelling evidence that moderate sun exposure can exert endocrine control of immunity through the AHR.
Biotelemetry reveals migratory behaviour of large catfish in the Xingu River, Eastern Amazon
Authors: Hahn Lisiane , Martins Eduardo G. , Nunes Leonardo D. , da Câmara Luís Fernando , Machado Leonardo S. , Garrone-Neto Domingos
Published: June 2019

We used a combination of radio and acoustic telemetry to assess the movements of large catfish (Pimelodidae) in the Xingu River, a clearwater tributary of the Amazon River in Brazil. A total of 121 Phractocephalus hemioliopterus and 61 Pseudoplatystoma punctifer were tagged for monitoring within a 685 km segment, including the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Complex (BMHC), between February 2013 and July 2015. Long distance upstream movements were detected for P. hemioliopterus (up to 347 km) and for P. punctifer (up to 164 km) mainly during the transition between dry season and the rising water period. Both species moved through a long segment of rapids previously thought to function as barriers to migration. Several individuals exhibited long-distance bidirectional movements. Some tagged fish never left the release zone, indicating mortality, tag loss or resident individuals, which would characterize partial migration. The findings show evidence of migratory behaviour for large catfish within the Xingu River, emphasizing the influence of the hydrologic cycle on their movements. As part of the study area has become partially dewatered due to the BMHC, findings support the need of adequate management strategies to allow the movements of large catfish between spawning and feeding sites in the Xingu River.
Discovery of novel genic-SSR markers from transcriptome dataset of an important non-human primate, Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Chang Wendy , EE-ULI J. , NG W. L. , Rovie-Ryan Jeffrine J. , Tan S. G. , Yong Christina S. Y.
Published: June 2019

Macaca fascicularis, also known as the cynomolgus macaque, is an important non-human primate animal model used in biomedical research. It is an Old-World primate widely distributed in Southeast Asia and is one of the most abundant macaque species in Malaysia. However, the genetic structure of wild cynomolgus macaque populations in Malaysia has not been thoroughly elucidated. In this study, we developed genic-simple sequence repeat (genic-SSR) markers from an in-house transcriptome dataset generated from the Malaysian cynomolgus macaque via RNA sequencing, and applied these markers on 26 cynomolgus macaque individuals. A collection of 14,751 genic-SSRs were identified, where 13,709 were perfect SSRs. Dinucleotide repeats were the most common repeat motifs with a frequency of 65.05%, followed by trinucleotide repeats (20.55%). Subsequently, we designed 300 pairs of primers based on perfect di- and trinucleotide SSRs, in which 105 SSRs were associated with functional genes. A subset of 30 SSR markers were randomly selected and validated, yielding 19 polymorphic markers with an average polymorphism information content value of 0.431. The development of genic-SSR markers in this study is indeed timely to provide useful markers for functional and population genetic studies of the cynomolgus macaque and other related non-human primate species.
A catalog of single nucleotide changes distinguishing modern humans from archaic hominins
Authors: Kuhlwilm Martin , Boeckx Cedric
Published: June 2019

Throughout the past decade, studying ancient genomes has provided unique insights into human prehistory, and differences between modern humans and other branches like Neanderthals can enrich our understanding of the molecular basis of unique modern human traits. Modern human variation and the interactions between different hominin lineages are now well studied, making it reasonable to go beyond fixed genetic changes and explore changes that are observed at high frequency in present-day humans. Here, we identify 571 genes with non-synonymous changes at high frequency. We suggest that molecular mechanisms in cell division and networks affecting cellular features of neurons were prominently modified by these changes. Complex phenotypes in brain growth trajectory and cognitive traits are likely influenced by these networks and other non-coding changes presented here. We propose that at least some of these changes contributed to uniquely human traits, and should be prioritized for experimental validation.
Fibroblast growth factor 8b induces uncoupling protein 1 expression in epididymal white preadipocytes
Authors: Westphal Sören , Gantert Thomas , Kless Caroline , Hüttinger Kristina , Klingenspor Martin , Fromme Tobias
Published: June 2019

The number of brown adipocytes residing within murine white fat depots (brite adipocytes) varies a lot by depot, strain and physiological condition. Several endocrine fibroblast growth factors are implicated in the regulation of brite adipocyte abundance. The family of fibroblast growth factors can be categorized by their site of action into endocrine, paracrine and intracellular peptides. We here screened paracrine fibroblast growth factors for their potential to drive brite adipogenesis in differentiating epididymal white adipocytes and identified fibroblast growth factor 8b to induce uncoupling protein 1 expression, but at the same time to interfere in adipogenesis. In an in vivo trial, fibroblast growth factor 8b released into the epididymal fat depot failed to robustly increase the number of brite adipocytes. The specific action of fibroblast growth factor 8b on the uncoupling protein 1 promoter in cultured epididymal adipocytes provides a model system to dissect specific gene regulatory networks.
Effect of grinding, extraction time and type of coffee on the physicochemical and flavour characteristics of cold brew coffee
Authors: Cordoba Nancy , Pataquiva Laura , Osorio Coralia , Moreno Fabian Leonardo Moreno , Ruiz Ruth Yolanda
Published: June 2019

The effects of grinding (medium-coarse) and extraction time (14–22 h) on the physicochemical and sensorial properties of cold brew coffee produced using two types of Colombian specialty coffees (Huila and Nariño) were evaluated. Cold coffee brewed under coarse grinding and 22 h of extraction exhibited the highest values of total dissolved solids, extraction yield, pH, titratable acidity (TA), and total phenolic content. The type of coffee used mainly affected the TA and pH. All cold brew coffee samples had lower TA values than their hot counterparts. Nariño cold brew samples had higher TA values than those of Huila in all treatments evaluated. Higher scores were reported in the sensorial evaluation of cold brew coffee when prepared using the shortest time (14 h) and coarse grinding for both coffee types. These coffees were characterized by strong sweetness, fruity and floral flavours, medium bitterness and acidity, and a creamy body. Furans, pyrazines, ketones, aldehydes, pyrroles, esters, lactones, furanones, and phenols were detected as odour-active compounds. The findings of this study demonstrate that the particle size, contact time, and coffee type affect the physicochemical and sensorial characteristics of cold brew coffee, leading to cold brew coffees with different flavour profiles.
Analysis of Estonian surveillance in wild boar suggests a decline in the incidence of African swine fever
Authors: Schulz Katja , Staubach Christoph , Blome Sandra , Viltrop Arvo , Nurmoja Imbi , Conraths Franz Josef , Sauter-Louis Carola
Published: June 2019

African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar populations is difficult to control. In affected areas, samples from all wild boar shot and found dead are investigated. The use of laboratory tests allows estimating the duration of the infection in affected animals. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that the stage of the epidemic in different areas of Estonia can be assessed on the basis of prevalence estimates. ASF surveillance data of Estonian wild boar were used to estimate prevalences and compare them between the East and West of Estonia. The temporal trend of the estimated prevalence of ASF virus positive animals and of the estimated seroprevalence of wild boar showing antibodies against ASFV was analyzed. Due to the potential influence of population density on the course of ASF in wild boar, also population density data (number of wild boar/km2) were used to investigate the relationship with laboratory test results. In areas, where the epidemic had already lasted for a long time, a small number of new cases emerged recently. The prevalence of samples that were only seropositive was significantly higher in these regions as compared to areas, where the epidemic is in full progress. The observed course of the disease could be the beginning of an ASF endemicity in this region. However, the results may also indicate that ASF has started to subside in the areas that were first affected in Estonia.
Evaluation of ultra-low input RNA sequencing for the study of human T cell transcriptome
Authors: Wang Jingya , Rieder Sadiye Amcaoglu , Wu Jincheng , Hayes Susana , Halpin Rebecca A. , de los Reyes Melissa , Shrestha Yashaswi , Kolbeck Roland , Raja Rajiv
Published: June 2019

Deeper understanding of T cell biology is crucial for the development of new therapeutics. Human naïve T cells have low RNA content and their numbers can be limiting; therefore we set out to determine the parameters for robust ultra-low input RNA sequencing. We performed transcriptome profiling at different cell inputs and compared three protocols: Switching Mechanism at 5′ End of RNA Template technology (SMART) with two different library preparation methods (Nextera and Clontech), and AmpliSeq technology. As the cell input decreased the number of detected coding genes decreased with SMART, while stayed constant with AmpliSeq. However, SMART enables detection of non-coding genes, which is not feasible for AmpliSeq. The detection is dependent on gene abundance, but not transcript length. The consistency between technical replicates and cell inputs was comparable across methods above 1 K but highly variable at 100 cell input. Sensitivity of detection for differentially expressed genes decreased dramatically with decreased cell inputs in all protocols, support that additional approaches, such as pathway enrichment, are important for data interpretation at ultra-low input. Finally, T cell activation signature was detected at 1 K cell input and above in all protocols, with AmpliSeq showing better detection at 100 cells.
Neutrophils mediate early cerebral cortical hypoperfusion in a murine model of subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Neulen Axel , Pantel Tobias , Kosterhon Michael , Kramer Andreas , Kunath Sascha , Petermeyer Maximilian , Moosmann Bernd , Lotz Johannes , Kantelhardt Sven R. , Ringel Florian , Thal Serge C.
Published: June 2019

Cerebral hypoperfusion in the first hours after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a major determinant of poor neurological outcome. However, the underlying pathophysiology is only partly understood. Here we induced neutropenia in C57BL/6N mice by anti-Ly6G antibody injection, induced SAH by endovascular filament perforation, and analysed cerebral cortical perfusion with laser SPECKLE contrast imaging to investigate the role of neutrophils in mediating cerebral hypoperfusion during the first 24 h post-SAH. SAH induction significantly increased the intracranial pressure (ICP), and significantly reduced the cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). At 3 h after SAH, ICP had returned to baseline and CPP was similar between SAH and sham mice. However, in SAH mice with normal neutrophil counts cortical hypoperfusion persisted. Conversely, despite similar CPP, cortical perfusion was significantly higher at 3 h after SAH in mice with neutropenia. The levels of 8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α in the subarachnoid haematoma increased significantly at 3 h after SAH in animals with normal neutrophil counts indicating oxidative stress, which was not the case in neutropenic SAH animals. These results suggest that neutrophils are important mediators of cortical hypoperfusion and oxidative stress early after SAH. Targeting neutrophil function and neutrophil-induced oxidative stress could be a promising new approach to mitigate cerebral hypoperfusion early after SAH.
δ-MnO2 nanoflower/graphite cathode for rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries
Authors: Khamsanga Sonti , Pornprasertsuk Rojana , Yonezawa Tetsu , Mohamad Ahmad Azmin , Kheawhom Soorathep
Published: June 2019

Manganese oxide (MnO2) is one of the most promising intercalation cathode materials for zinc ion batteries (ZIBs). Specifically, a layered type delta manganese dioxide (δ-MnO2) allows reversible insertion/extraction of Zn2+ ions and exhibits high storage capacity of Zn2+ ions. However, a poor conductivity of δ-MnO2, as well as other crystallographic forms, limits its potential applications. This study focuses on δ-MnO2 with nanoflower structure supported on graphite flake, namely MNG, for use as an intercalation host material of rechargeable aqueous ZIBs. Pristine δ-MnO2 nanoflowers and MNG were synthesized and examined using X-ray diffraction, electron spectroscopy, and electrochemical techniques. Also, performances of the batteries with the pristine δ-MnO2 nanoflowers and MNG cathodes were studied in CR2032 coin cells. MNG exhibits a fast insertion/extraction of Zn2+ ions with diffusion scheme and pseudocapacitive behavior. The battery using MNG cathode exhibited a high initial discharge capacity of 235 mAh/g at 200 mA/g specific current density compared to 130 mAh/g which is displayed by the pristine δ-MnO2 cathode at the same specific current density. MNG demonstrated superior electrical conductivity compared to the pristine δ-MnO2. The results obtained pave the way for improving the electrical conductivity of MnO2 by using graphite flake support. The graphite flake support significantly improved performances of ZIBs and made them attractive for use in a wide variety of energy applications.
Single organelle analysis to characterize mitochondrial function and crosstalk during viral infection
Authors: Schneider Annika , Kurz Sandra , Manske Katrin , Janas Marianne , Heikenwälder Mathias , Misgeld Thomas , Aichler Michaela , Weissmann Sebastian Felix , Zischka Hans , Knolle Percy , Wohlleber Dirk
Published: June 2019

Mitochondria are key for cellular metabolism and signalling processes during viral infection. We report a methodology to analyse mitochondrial properties at the single-organelle level during viral infection using a recombinant adenovirus coding for a mitochondrial tracer protein for tagging and detection by multispectral flow cytometry. Resolution at the level of tagged individual mitochondria revealed changes in mitochondrial size, membrane potential and displayed a fragile phenotype during viral infection of cells. Thus, single-organelle and multi-parameter resolution allows to explore altered energy metabolism and antiviral defence by tagged mitochondria selectively in virus-infected cells and will be instrumental to identify viral immune escape and to develop and monitor novel mitochondrial-targeted therapies.
Mass spectra alignment using virtual lock-masses
Authors: Brochu Francis , Plante Pier-Luc , Drouin Alexandre , Gagnon Dominic , Richard Dave , Durocher Francine , Diorio Caroline , Marchand Mario , Corbeil Jacques , Laviolette François
Published: June 2019

Mass spectrometry is a valued method to evaluate the metabolomics content of a biological sample. The recent advent of rapid ionization technologies such as Laser Diode Thermal Desorption (LDTD) and Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) has rendered high-throughput mass spectrometry possible. It is used for large-scale comparative analysis of populations of samples. In practice, many factors resulting from the environment, the protocol, and even the instrument itself, can lead to minor discrepancies between spectra, rendering automated comparative analysis difficult. In this work, a sequence/pipeline of algorithms to correct variations between spectra is proposed. The algorithms correct multiple spectra by identifying peaks that are common to all and, from those, computes a spectrum-specific correction. We show that these algorithms increase comparability within large datasets of spectra, facilitating comparative analysis, such as machine learning.
Auditory Steady State Response; nature and utility as a translational science tool
Authors: Kozono Naoki , Honda Sokichi , Tada Mariko , Kirihara Kenji , Zhao Zhilei , Jinde Seiichiro , Uka Takanori , Yamada Hiroshi , Matsumoto Mitsuyuki , Kasai Kiyoto , Mihara Takuma
Published: June 2019

The auditory steady-state response (ASSR) has been used to detect auditory processing deficits in patients with psychiatric disorders. However, the methodology of ASSR recording from the brain surface has not been standardized in preclinical studies, limiting its use as a translational biomarker. The sites of maximal ASSR in humans are the vertex and/or middle frontal area, although it has been suggested that the auditory cortex is the source of the ASSR. We constructed and validated novel methods for ASSR recording using a switchable pedestal which allows ASSR recording alternatively from temporal or parietal cortex with a wide range of frequencies in freely moving rats. We further evaluated ASSR as a translational tool by assessing the effect of ketamine. The ASSR measured at parietal cortex did not show clear event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) or inter-trial coherence (ITC) in any frequency bands or a change with ketamine. In contrast, the ASSR at temporal cortex showed clear ERSP and ITC where 40 Hz was maximal in both gamma-band frequencies. Ketamine exerted a biphasic effect in ERSP at gamma bands. These findings suggest that temporal cortex recording with a wide frequency range is a robust methodology to detect ASSR, potentially enabling application as a translational biomarker in psychiatric and developmental disorders.
Toll-like Receptor-4 Activation Boosts the Immunosuppressive Properties of Tumor Cells-derived Exosomes
Authors: Domenis Rossana , Cifù Adriana , Marinò Daniele , Fabris Martina , Niazi Kayvan R. , Soon-Shiong Patrick , Curcio Francesco
Published: June 2019

The biology of tumor-derived exosomes (TEX) is only partially understood and much remains to be studied in order to define the effect that the tumor microenvironment or the activation of tumor cells exerts on their composition and functions. Increased expression and activity of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in chronic infectious and inflammatory conditions is related with cancer progression: its activation induces an inflammatory signaling that increases the tumorigenic potential of cancer cells promoting their immune evasion. We investigated the immune modulatory properties of TEX released upon cell TLR4 activation, and we found that, although differences were observed depending on the type of the tumor, the treatment influences TEX composition and boosts their immunosuppressive ability. Our results suggest that the activation of TLR4 supports tumor progression by stimulating the release of more effective immunosuppressive exosomes, which allow tumor cells to escape immune surveillance and probably even play a role in the metastatic process.
Sex-differences in LPS-induced neonatal lung injury
Authors: Nguyen Leanna , Castro Odalis , De Dios Robyn , Sandoval Jeryl , McKenna Sarah , Wright Clyde J.
Published: June 2019

Being of the male sex has been identified as a risk factor for multiple morbidities associated with preterm birth, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Exposure to inflammatory stress is a well-recognized risk factor for developing BPD. Whether there is a sex difference in pulmonary innate immune TLR4 signaling, lung injury and subsequent abnormal lung development is unknown. Neonatal (P0) male and female mice (ICR) were exposed to systemic LPS (5 mg/kg, IP) and innate immune signaling, and the transcriptional response were assessed (1 and 5 hours), along with lung development (P7). Male and female mice demonstrated a similar degree of impaired lung development with decreased radial alveolar counts, increased surface area, increased airspace area and increased mean linear intercept. We found no differences between male and female mice in the baseline pulmonary expression of key components of TLR4-NFκB signaling, or in the LPS-induced pulmonary expression of key mediators of neonatal lung injury. Finally, we found no difference in the kinetics of LPS-induced pulmonary NFκB activation between male and female mice. Together, these data support the conclusion that the innate immune response to early postnatal LPS exposure and resulting pulmonary sequelae is similar in male and female mice.
Leukocyte telomere length, lipid parameters and gestational diabetes risk: a case-control study in a Chinese population
Authors: Weng Qiao , Deng Keyong , Wu Fang , Gan Ming , Li Jie , Dai Yimin , Jiang Yue , Chen Jiaping , Dai Juncheng , Ma Hongxia , Hu Zhibin , Shen Hongbing , Du Jiangbo , Hu Yali , Jin Guangfu
Published: June 2019

Telomere length (TL) is linked to various age-related diseases, but little is known about telomeres in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We surveyed 509 subjects (113 GDM patients and 396 frequency matched controls) in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Jiangsu province of eastern China. Relative telomere length (RTL) of genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of GDM risk were calculated across tertiles of RTL using logistic regression model. Lipid parameters during the third trimesters of gestation (after 32 weeks) were collected from medical records. The general linear correlation test was used to explore the associations of lipid parameters with RTL. Our results showed that the RTL in GDM patients were significantly shorter than controls (0.302 ± 0.112 vs. 0.336 ± 0.164, P = 0.046). However, the GDM risk was significantly increased in subjects with median RTL (adjusted OR [aOR]: 1.936, 95% CI: 1.086, 3.453, P = 0.025) and the shortest RTL (aOR: 1.795, 95% CI: 1.004, 3.207, P = 0.048), compared to subjects with longest RTL. We also demonstrated that the lipid ratios (TC/TG, LDL/TG, HDL/TG, LDL/TC, TC/LDL) were significantly associated with RTL among controls. Overall, the present study indicated that attrition of telomeres would increase GDM risk among pregnant women, and the altered lipid levels may play an important role in RTL related GDM risk and pathogenesis.
Effects of Different Diets on Microbiota in The Small Intestine Mucus and Weight Regulation in Rats
Authors: Meng Yu , Li Xiaojun , Zhang Jie , Wang Chunlian , Lu Fanggen
Published: June 2019

While the microbial community of the small intestine mucus (SIM) may also play a role in human health maintenance and disease genesis, it has not been extensively profiled and whether it changes with diet is still unclear. To investigate the flora composition of SIM and the effects of diet on it, we fed SD rats for 12 weeks with standard diet (STD), high-fat diet (HFD), high-sugar diet (HSD) and high-protein diet (HPD), respectively. After 12 weeks, the rats were sacrificed, SIM and stool samples were collected, and high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the microbiota. We found that fecal microbiota (FM) was dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, while in SIM, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the two most abundant phyla and the level of Bacteroidetes dramatically decreased. The microbiota diversity of SIM was less than that of feces. The community composition of SIM varied greatly with different diets, while the composition of FM altered little with different diets. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Allobaculum in SIM were negatively correlated with weight gain. There was no significant correlation between FM and weight gain. In conclusion, the community profile of SIM is different from that of feces and susceptible to diet.
Time-based LC-MS/MS analysis provides insights into early responses to mechanical wounding, a major trigger to agarwood formation in Aquilaria malaccensis Lam
Authors: Hishamuddin Muhammad Syahmi , Lee Shiou Yih , Isa Nurulfiza Mat , Lamasudin Dhilia Udie , Zainal Abidin Syafiq Asnawi , Mohamed Rozi
Published: June 2019

Mechanical wounding triggers agarwood synthesis pathways in Aquilaria malaccensis.
FI-ICP-TOFMS for quantification of biologically essential trace elements in cerebrospinal fluid – high-throughput at low sample volume
Authors: Theiner Sarah , Schoeberl Anna , Fischer Lisa , Neumayer Sophie , Hann Stephan , Koellensperger Gunda
Published: June 2019

A high-throughput ICP-TOFMS method is presented for multi-element quantification in CSF material requiring low sample volume.
Imaging analysis of EGFR mutated cancer cells using peptide nucleic acid (PNA)–DNA probes
Authors: Shigeto Hajime , Ohtsuki Takashi , Iizuka Akira , Akiyama Yasuto , Yamamura Shohei
Published: June 2019

PNA–DNA probes for detecting different types of EGFR mRNA harboring single nucleotide gene mutation were developed.
Phenylboronic acid-modified polyamidoamine-mediated delivery of short GC rich DNA for hepatocarcinoma gene therapy
Authors: Yang Jiebing , Zhang Jiayuan , Liu Yong , Shi Zhiyuan , Han Haobo , Li Quanshun
Published: June 2019

Phenylboronic acid was introduced on the surface of polyamidoamine to construct a derivative PP, which was further used as a tumor-targeting carrier for realizing the delivery of short GC rich DNA (GCD).
Hydrophobicity-responsive engineered mesoporous silica nanoparticles: application in the delivery of essential nutrients to bacteria combating oil spills
Authors: Corvini Nora , El Idrissi Mohamed , Dimitriadou Eleni , Corvini Philippe F.-X. , Shahgaldian Patrick
Published: June 2019

Gated mesoporous particles, capable of hydrophobicity-triggered release, successfully deliver nutrients to an oil phase and assist bacterial degradation of hydrocarbons.
Metoprolol: solid forms of a top selling antihypertensive
Authors: Ciciliati Mariani A. , Eusébio M. Ermelinda S. , Silva Manuela Ramos , Cavalheiro Éder T. G. , Castro Ricardo A. E.
Published: June 2019

A new polymorph of metoprolol base, form II, was identified and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. A new salt of metoprolol and nicotinic acid was also obtained and characterized.
Metallic glass ultrathin films with hierarchical structure and their dynamic and thermodynamic behavior
Authors: Liu Xinbang , Huang Xinyan , Li Jiaqi , Yadav Sudheer Kumar , Gleiter Herbert , Kong Huihui , Feng Tao , Fuchs Harald
Published: June 2019

Metallic glass ultrathin films with hierarchical structure have been achieved which exhibit relatively high mobility and a large supercooled liquid region.
Exploiting scaling laws for designing polymeric bottle brushes: a theoretical coarse-graining for homopolymeric branched polymers
Authors: Corsi Pietro , Roma Elia , Gasperi Tecla , Bruni Fabio , Capone Barbara
Published: June 2019

Scaling multiscale approach to coarse grain bottle brushes polymeric macromolecules as effective chains of tethered star polymers.
Excitation wavelength dependence of the fluorescence lifetime of anisole
Authors: Baranowski Thomas , Dreier Thomas , Schulz Christof , Endres Torsten
Published: June 2019

Excitation-wavelength-dependent fluorescence lifetime measurements of anisol as a representative for practically important gas-phase fluorescence tracers are used to investigate the performance and further improve photo-physical models.
Anab initiobased full-dimensional potential energy surface for OH + O2⇄ HO3and low-lying vibrational levels of HO3
Authors: Hu Xixi , Zuo Junxiang , Xie Changjian , Dawes Richard , Guo Hua , Xie Daiqian
Published: June 2019

A full-dimensional potential energy surface for HO3, including the HO + O2dissociation asymptote, is developed and rigorous quantum dynamics calculations based on this PES have been carried out to compute the vibrational energy levels of HO3.
A molecular contact theory for simulating polarization: application to dielectric constant prediction
Authors: Gaudin Théophile , Ma Haibo
Published: June 2019

Contacts between molecular surfaces give good insight to local polarization and predict dielectric constant for both pure liquids and binary mixtures with ∼20% error, leading to new perspectives of efficient rationalization of electrolyte solutions.
Boosting the activity of hydrogen release from liquid organic hydrogen carrier systems by sulfur-additives to Pt on alumina catalysts
Authors: Auer Franziska , Blaumeiser Dominik , Bauer Tanja , Bösmann Andreas , Szesni Normen , Libuda Jörg , Wasserscheid Peter
Published: June 2019

Liquid organic hydrogen carriers represent an interesting alternative for hydrogen storage and transport. We demonstrate a method to simultaneously increase the activity of LOHC dehydrogenation catalysts and reduce side product formation.
Combating selective ionization in the high resolution mass spectral characterization of complex mixtures
Authors: Rodgers Ryan P. , Mapolelo Mmilili M. , Robbins Winston K. , Chacón-Patiño Martha L. , Putman Jonathan C. , Niles Sydney F. , Rowland Steven M. , Marshall Alan G.
Published: June 2019

Here, we describe three separations that can help overcome selective ionization in the analysis of petroleum samples.
Insight into catalyst speciation and hydrogen co-evolution during enantioselective formic acid-driven transfer hydrogenation with bifunctional ruthenium complexes from multi-technique operando reaction monitoring
Authors: Berry Daniel B. G. , Codina Anna , Clegg Ian , Lyall Catherine L. , Lowe John P. , Hintermair Ulrich
Published: June 2019

Operando spectroscopy shows a transition from dehydrogenation to hydrogen transfer during the reaction, and allows measuring optimal conditions for maximum rate and efficiency.
Mild and facile synthesis of formamide: reduction and functionalization of CO2 using NaBH(OAc)3 under atmospheric pressure
Authors: Liu Huan , Nie Zhuang , Shao Jiaan , Chen Wenteng , Yu Yongping
Published: June 2019

An approach for N-formylation of amines was developed using NaBH(OAc)3 as a reductant under an atmospheric pressure of CO2 at 50 °C.
Accurate modelling of small-scale linear ion trap operating mode using He buffer gas to improve sensitivity and resolution for in-the-field mass spectrometry
Authors: Janulyte Aurika , Zerega Yves , Brkić Boris , Taylor Stephen , Andre Jacques
Published: June 2019

Improved sensitivity and resolution of a small-scale linear ion trap is observed using He buffer.
A honeycomb-like ZnO/SnO2 nanocomposite on nickel foam for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Ali Awais , Ammar Muhammad , Yahya Zaid , Waqas Muhammad , Jamal Muhammad Ali , Salhabi Esmail Husein M.
Published: June 2019

In this work, a honeycomb-like ZnO/SnO2 nanocomposite was synthesized on nickel foam (NF) using a single-step hydrothermal route for achieving good electrochemical performance.
Effect of ceria loading on Zr-pillared clay catalysts for selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3
Authors: Cheng Jin , Ye Qing , Zheng Changkun , Cheng Shuiyuan , Kang Tianfang , Dai Hongxing
Published: June 2019

The effect of ceria loading on Zr-pillared clay catalysts was investigated and its reaction mechanism was explored.