bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-symptomatic Caspase-1 inhibitor delays cognitive decline in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease and aging
Authors: Flores Joseph , Noël Anastasia , Foveau Bénédicte , Beauchet Olivier , LeBlanc Andréa C.
Published: September 2020

Early therapeutic interventions are essential to prevent Alzheimer Disease (AD). The association of several inflammation-related genetic markers with AD and the early activation of pro-inflammatory pathways in AD suggest inflammation as a plausible therapeutic target. Inflammatory Caspase-1 has a significant impact on AD-like pathophysiology and Caspase-1 inhibitor, VX-765, reverses cognitive deficits in AD mouse models. Here, a one-month pre-symptomatic treatment of Swedish/Indiana mutant amyloid precursor protein (APPSw/Ind) J20 and wild-type mice with VX-765 delays both APPSw/Ind- and age-induced episodic and spatial memory deficits. VX-765 delays inflammation without considerably affecting soluble and aggregated amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) levels. Episodic memory scores correlate negatively with microglial activation. These results suggest that Caspase-1-mediated inflammation occurs early in the disease and raise hope that VX-765, a previously Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for human CNS clinical trials, may be a useful drug to prevent the onset of cognitive deficits and brain inflammation in AD.
Long-range focusing of magnetic bound states in superconducting lanthanum
Authors: Kim Howon , Rózsa Levente , Schreyer Dominik , Simon Eszter , Wiesendanger Roland
Published: September 2020

Quantum mechanical systems with long-range interactions between quasiparticles provide a promising platform for coherent quantum information technology. Superconductors are a natural choice for solid-state based quantum devices, while magnetic impurities inside superconductors give rise to quasiparticle excitations of broken Cooper pairs that provide characteristic information about the host superconductor. Here, we reveal that magnetic impurities embedded below a superconducting La(0001) surface interact via quasiparticles extending to very large distances, up to several tens of nanometers. Using low-temperature scanning probe techniques, we observe the corresponding anisotropic and giant oscillations in the LDOS. Theoretical calculations indicate that the quasi-two-dimensional surface states with their strongly anisotropic Fermi surface play a crucial role for the focusing and long-range extension of the magnetic bound states. The quasiparticle focusing mechanism should facilitate the design of versatile magnetic structures with tunable and directed magnetic interactions over large distances, thereby paving the way toward the design of low-dimensional magnet–superconductor hybrid systems exhibiting topologically non-trivial quantum states as possible elements of quantum computation schemes based on Majorana quasiparticles.
Protrudin and PDZD8 contribute to neuronal integrity by promoting lipid extraction required for endosome maturation
Authors: Shirane Michiko , Wada Mariko , Morita Keiko , Hayashi Nahoki , Kunimatsu Reina , Matsumoto Yuki , Matsuzaki Fumiko , Nakatsumi Hirokazu , Ohta Keisuke , Tamura Yasushi , Nakayama Keiichi I.
Published: September 2020

Endosome maturation depends on membrane contact sites (MCSs) formed between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and endolysosomes (LyLEs). The mechanism underlying lipid supply for this process and its pathophysiological relevance remains unclear, however. Here, we identify PDZD8—the mammalian ortholog of a yeast ERMES subunit—as a protein that interacts with protrudin, which is located at ER-LyLE MCSs. Protrudin and PDZD8 promote the formation of ER-LyLE MCSs, and PDZD8 shows the ability to extract various lipids from the ER. Overexpression of both protrudin and PDZD8 in HeLa cells, as well as their depletion in mouse primary neurons, impairs endosomal homeostasis by inducing the formation of abnormal large vacuoles reminiscent of those apparent in spastin- or REEP1-deficient neurons. The protrudin-PDZD8 system is also essential for the establishment of neuronal polarity. Our results suggest that protrudin and PDZD8 cooperatively promote endosome maturation by mediating ER-LyLE tethering and lipid extraction at MCSs, thereby maintaining neuronal polarity and integrity.
Site-specific electrodeposition enables self-terminating growth of atomically dispersed metal catalysts
Authors: Shi Yi , Huang Wen-Mao , Li Jian , Zhou Yue , Li Zhong-Qiu , Yin Yun-Chao , Xia Xing-Hua
Published: September 2020

The growth of atomically dispersed metal catalysts (ADMCs) remains a great challenge owing to the thermodynamically driven atom aggregation. Here we report a surface-limited electrodeposition technique that uses site-specific substrates for the rapid and room-temperature synthesis of ADMCs. We obtained ADMCs by the underpotential deposition of a non-noble single-atom metal onto the chalcogen atoms of transition metal dichalcogenides and subsequent galvanic displacement with a more-noble single-atom metal. The site-specific electrodeposition enables the formation of energetically favorable metal–support bonds, and then automatically terminates the sequential formation of metallic bonding. The self-terminating effect restricts the metal deposition to the atomic scale. The modulated ADMCs exhibit remarkable activity and stability in the hydrogen evolution reaction compared to state-of-the-art single-atom electrocatalysts. We demonstrate that this methodology could be extended to the synthesis of a variety of ADMCs (Pt, Pd, Rh, Cu, Pb, Bi, and Sn), showing its general scope for functional ADMCs manufacturing in heterogeneous catalysis.
Automated markerless pose estimation in freely moving macaques with OpenMonkeyStudio
Authors: Bala Praneet C. , Eisenreich Benjamin R. , Yoo Seng Bum Michael , Hayden Benjamin Y. , Park Hyun Soo , Zimmermann Jan
Published: September 2020

The rhesus macaque is an important model species in several branches of science, including neuroscience, psychology, ethology, and medicine. The utility of the macaque model would be greatly enhanced by the ability to precisely measure behavior in freely moving conditions. Existing approaches do not provide sufficient tracking. Here, we describe OpenMonkeyStudio, a deep learning-based markerless motion capture system for estimating 3D pose in freely moving macaques in large unconstrained environments. Our system makes use of 62 machine vision cameras that encircle an open 2.45 m × 2.45 m × 2.75 m enclosure. The resulting multiview image streams allow for data augmentation via 3D-reconstruction of annotated images to train a robust view-invariant deep neural network. This view invariance represents an important advance over previous markerless 2D tracking approaches, and allows fully automatic pose inference on unconstrained natural motion. We show that OpenMonkeyStudio can be used to accurately recognize actions and track social interactions.
South China Sea documents the transition from wide continental rift to continental break up
Authors: Deng Hongdan , Ren Jianye , Pang Xiong , Rey Patrice F. , McClay Ken R. , Watkinson Ian M. , Zheng Jingyun , Luo Pan
Published: September 2020

During extension, the continental lithosphere thins and breaks up, forming either wide or narrow rifts depending on the thermo-mechanical state of the extending lithosphere. Wide continental rifts, which can reach 1,000 km across, have been extensively studied in the North American Cordillera and in the Aegean domain. Yet, the evolutionary process from wide continental rift to continental breakup remains enigmatic due to the lack of seismically resolvable data on the distal passive margin and an absence of onshore natural exposures. Here, we show that Eocene extension across the northern margin of the South China Sea records the transition between a wide continental rift and highly extended (<15 km) continental margin. On the basis of high-resolution seismic data, we document the presence of dome structures, a corrugated and grooved detachment fault, and subdetachment deformation involving crustal-scale nappe folds and magmatic intrusions, which are coeval with supradetachment basins. The thermal and mechanical weakening of this broad continental domain allowed for the formation of metamorphic core complexes, boudinage of the upper crust and exhumation of middle/lower crust through detachment faulting. The structural architecture of the northern South China Sea continental margin is strikingly similar to the broad continental rifts in the North American Cordillera and in the Aegean domain, and reflects the transition from wide rift to continental breakup.
Identification of non-Fermi liquid fermionic self-energy from quantum Monte Carlo data
Authors: Xu Xiao Yan , Klein Avraham , Sun Kai , Chubukov Andrey V. , Meng Zi Yang
Published: September 2020

Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) simulations of correlated electron systems provide unbiased information about system behavior at a quantum critical point (QCP) and can verify or disprove the existing theories of non-Fermi liquid (NFL) behavior at a QCP. However, simulations are carried out at a finite temperature, where quantum critical features are masked by finite-temperature effects. Here, we present a theoretical framework within which it is possible to separate thermal and quantum effects and extract the information about NFL physics at T = 0. We demonstrate our method for a specific example of 2D fermions near an Ising ferromagnetic QCP. We show that one can extract from QMC data the zero-temperature form of fermionic self-energy Σ(ω) even though the leading contribution to the self-energy comes from thermal effects. We find that the frequency dependence of Σ(ω) agrees well with the analytic form obtained within the Eliashberg theory of dynamical quantum criticality, and obeys ω2/3 scaling at low frequencies. Our results open up an avenue for QMC studies of quantum critical metals.
Identification of the Wallenda JNKKK as an Alk suppressor reveals increased competitiveness of Alk-expressing cells
Authors: Wolfstetter Georg , Pfeifer Kathrin , Backman Mattias , Masudi Tafheem A. , Mendoza-García Patricia , Chen Sa , Sonnenberg Hannah , Sukumar Sanjay K. , Uçkun Ezgi , Varshney Gaurav K. , Uv Anne , Palmer Ruth H.
Published: September 2020

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (Alk) is a receptor tyrosine kinase of the insulin receptor super-family that functions as oncogenic driver in a range of human cancers such as neuroblastoma. In order to investigate mechanisms underlying Alk oncogenic signaling, we conducted a genetic suppressor screen in Drosophila melanogaster. Our screen identified multiple loci important for Alk signaling, including members of Ras/Raf/ERK-, Pi3K-, and STAT-pathways as well as tailless (tll) and foxo whose orthologues NR2E1/TLX and FOXO3 are transcription factors implicated in human neuroblastoma. Many of the identified suppressors were also able to modulate signaling output from activated oncogenic variants of human ALK, suggesting that our screen identified targets likely relevant in a wide range of contexts. Interestingly, two misexpression alleles of wallenda (wnd, encoding a leucine zipper bearing kinase similar to human DLK and LZK) were among the strongest suppressors. We show that Alk expression leads to a growth advantage and induces cell death in surrounding cells. Our results suggest that Alk activity conveys a competitive advantage to cells, which can be reversed by over-expression of the JNK kinase kinase Wnd.
Self-propelled droplet transport on shaped-liquid surfaces
Authors: Launay Gaby , Sadullah Muhammad Subkhi , McHale Glen , Ledesma-Aguilar Rodrigo , Kusumaatmaja Halim , Wells Gary G.
Published: September 2020

The transport of small amounts of liquids on solid surfaces is fundamental for microfluidics applications. Technologies allowing control of droplets of liquid on flat surfaces generally involve the generation of a wettability contrast. This approach is however limited by the resistance to motion caused by the direct contact between the droplet and the solid. We show here that this resistance can be drastically reduced by preventing direct contact with the help of dual-length scale micro-structures and the concept of “liquid-surfaces”. These new surfaces allow the gentle transport of droplets along defined paths and with fine control of their speed. Moreover, their high adhesion permits the capture of impacting droplets, opening new possibilities in applications such as fog harvesting and heat transfer.
Differentiated ovine tracheal epithelial cells support the colonisation of pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains of Mannheimia haemolytica
Authors: O’Boyle Nicky , Berry Catherine C. , Davies Robert L.
Published: September 2020

Mannheimia haemolytica is the primary bacterial species associated with respiratory disease of ruminants. A lack of cost-effective, reproducible models for the study of M. haemolytica pathogenesis has hampered efforts to better understand the molecular interactions governing disease progression. We employed a highly optimised ovine tracheal epithelial cell model to assess the colonisation of various pathogenic and non-pathogenic M. haemolytica isolates of bovine and ovine origin. Comparison of single representative pathogenic and non-pathogenic ovine isolates over ten time-points by enumeration of tissue-associated bacteria, histology, immunofluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed temporal differences in adhesion, proliferation, bacterial cell physiology and host cell responses. Comparison of eight isolates of bovine and ovine origin at three key time-points (2 h, 48 h and 72 h), revealed that colonisation was not strictly pathogen or serotype specific, with isolates of serotype A1, A2, A6 and A12 being capable of colonising the cell layer regardless of host species or disease status of the host. A trend towards increased proliferative capacity by pathogenic ovine isolates was observed. These results indicate that the host-specific nature of M. haemolytica infection may result at least partially from the colonisation-related processes of adhesion, invasion and proliferation at the epithelial interface.
Single-step genome-wide association study for social genetic effects and direct genetic effects on growth in Landrace pigs
Authors: Hong Joon-Ki , Lee Jae-Bong , Ramayo-Caldas Yuliaxis , Kim Si-Dong , Cho Eun-Seok , Kim Young-Sin , Cho Kyu-Ho , Lee Deuk-Hwan , Park Hee-Bok
Published: September 2020

In livestock social interactions, social genetic effects (SGE) represent associations between phenotype of one individual and genotype of another. Such associations occur when the trait of interest is affected by transmissible phenotypes of social partners. The aim of this study was to estimate SGE and direct genetic effects (DGE, genetic effects of an individual on its own phenotype) on average daily gain (ADG) in Landrace pigs, and to conduct single-step genome-wide association study using SGE and DGE as dependent variables to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and their positional candidate genes. A total of 1,041 Landrace pigs were genotyped using the Porcine SNP 60K BeadChip. Estimates of the two effects were obtained using an extended animal model. The SGE contributed 16% of the total heritable variation of ADG. The total heritability estimated by the extended animal model including both SGE and DGE was 0.52. The single-step genome-wide association study identified a total of 23 QTL windows for the SGE on ADG distributed across three chromosomes (i.e., SSC1, SSC2, and SSC6). Positional candidate genes within these QTL regions included PRDM13, MAP3K7, CNR1, HTR1E, IL4, IL5, IL13, KIF3A, EFHD2, SLC38A7, mTOR, CNOT1, PLCB2, GABRR1, and GABRR2, which have biological roles in neuropsychiatric processes. The results of biological pathway and gene network analyses also support the association of the neuropsychiatric processes with SGE on ADG in pigs. Additionally, a total of 11 QTL windows for DGE on ADG in SSC2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 17 were detected with positional candidate genes such as ARL15. We found a putative pleotropic QTL for both SGE and DGE on ADG on SSC6. Our results in this study provide important insights that can help facilitate a better understanding of the molecular basis of SGE for socially affected traits.
A carotenoid-deficient mutant of the plant-associated microbe Pantoea sp. YR343 displays an altered membrane proteome
Authors: Vijaya Kumar Sushmitha , Abraham Paul E. , Hurst Gregory B. , Chourey Karuna , Bible Amber N. , Hettich Robert L. , Doktycz Mitchel J. , Morrell-Falvey Jennifer L.
Published: September 2020

Membrane organization plays an important role in signaling, transport, and defense. In eukaryotes, the stability, organization, and function of membrane proteins are influenced by certain lipids and sterols, such as cholesterol. Bacteria lack cholesterol, but carotenoids and hopanoids are predicted to play a similar role in modulating membrane properties. We have previously shown that the loss of carotenoids in the plant-associated bacteria Pantoea sp. YR343 results in changes to membrane biophysical properties and leads to physiological changes, including increased sensitivity to reactive oxygen species, reduced indole-3-acetic acid secretion, reduced biofilm and pellicle formation, and reduced plant colonization. Here, using whole cell and membrane proteomics, we show that the deletion of carotenoid production in Pantoea sp. YR343 results in altered membrane protein distribution and abundance. Moreover, we observe significant differences in the protein composition of detergent-resistant membrane fractions from wildtype and mutant cells, consistent with the prediction that carotenoids play a role in organizing membrane microdomains. These data provide new insights into the function of carotenoids in bacterial membrane organization and identify cellular functions that are affected by the loss of carotenoids.
The relationship between alertness and spatial attention under simulated shiftwork
Authors: Chandrakumar D. , Dorrian J. , Banks S. , Keage H. A. D. , Coussens S. , Gupta C. , Centofanti S. A. , Stepien J. M. , Loetscher T.
Published: September 2020

Higher and lower levels of alertness typically lead to a leftward and rightward bias in attention, respectively. This relationship between alertness and spatial attention potentially has major implications for health and safety. The current study examined alertness and spatial attention under simulated shiftworking conditions. Nineteen healthy right-handed participants (M = 24.6 ± 5.3 years, 11 males) completed a seven-day laboratory based simulated shiftwork study. Measures of alertness (Stanford Sleepiness Scale and Psychomotor Vigilance Task) and spatial attention (Landmark Task and Detection Task) were assessed across the protocol. Detection Task performance revealed slower reaction times and higher omissions of peripheral (compared to central) stimuli, with lowered alertness; suggesting narrowed visuospatial attention and a slight left-sided neglect. There were no associations between alertness and spatial bias on the Landmark Task. Our findings provide tentative evidence for a slight neglect of the left side and a narrowing of attention with lowered alertness. The possibility that one’s ability to sufficiently react to information in the periphery and the left-side may be compromised under conditions of lowered alertness highlights the need for future research to better understand the relationship between spatial attention and alertness under shiftworking conditions.
Grouping strategies in number estimation extend the subitizing range
Authors: Maldonado Moscoso Paula A. , Castaldi Elisa , Burr David C. , Arrighi Roberto , Anobile Giovanni
Published: September 2020

When asked to estimate the number of items in a visual array, educated adults and children are more precise and rapid if the items are clustered into small subgroups rather than randomly distributed. This phenomenon, termed “groupitizing”, is thought to rely on the recruitment of the subitizing system (dedicated to the perception of very small numbers), with the aid of simple arithmetical calculations. The aim of current study is to verify whether the advantage for clustered stimuli does rely on subitizing, by manipulating attention, known to strongly affect attention. Participants estimated the numerosity of grouped or ungrouped arrays in condition of full attention or while attention was diverted with a dual-task. Depriving visual attention strongly decreased estimation precision of grouped but not of ungrouped arrays, as well as increasing the tendency for numerosity estimation to regress towards the mean. Additional explorative analyses suggested that calculation skills correlated with the estimation precision of grouped, but not of ungrouped, arrays. The results suggest that groupitizing is an attention-based process that leverages on the subitizing system. They also suggest that measuring numerosity estimation thresholds with grouped stimuli may be a sensitive correlate of math abilities.
Hydrochemical composition and potentially toxic elements in the Kyrgyzstan portion of the transboundary Chu-Talas river basin, Central Asia
Authors: Ma Long , Li Yaoming , Abuduwaili Jilili , Abdyzhapar uulu Salamat , Liu Wen
Published: September 2020

Water chemistry and the assessment of health risks of potentially toxic elements have important research significance for water resource utilization and human health. However, not enough attention has been paid to the study of surface water environments in many parts of Central Asia. Sixty water samples were collected from the transboundary river basin of Chu-Talas during periods of high and low river flow, and the hydrochemical composition, including major ions and potentially toxic elements (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, and As), was used to determine the status of irrigation suitability and risks to human health. The results suggest that major ions in river water throughout the entire basin are mainly affected by water–rock interactions, resulting in the dissolution and weathering of carbonate and silicate rocks. The concentrations of major ions change to some extent with different hydrological periods; however, the hydrochemical type of calcium carbonate remains unchanged. Based on the water-quality assessment, river water in the basin is classified as excellent/good for irrigation. The relationship between potentially toxic elements (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, and As) and major ions is basically the same between periods of high and low river flow. There are significant differences between the sources of potentially toxic elements (Zn, Pb, Cu, and As) and major ions; however, Cr may share the same rock source as major ions. The risk assessment revealed low non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for human health; however, the maximum carcinogenic risk for As exceeded the allowable value, which requires further consideration. These results provide a scientific basis for the management of agricultural irrigation uses and also infill existing gaps regarding the hydrochemical composition in the Chu-Talas river basin, Central Asia.
Predicting county-scale maize yields with publicly available data
Authors: Jiang Zehui , Liu Chao , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar , Hayes Dermot J. , Sarkar Soumik
Published: September 2020

Maize (corn) is the dominant grain grown in the world. Total maize production in 2018 equaled 1.12 billion tons. Maize is used primarily as an animal feed in the production of eggs, dairy, pork and chicken. The US produces 32% of the world’s maize followed by China at 22% and Brazil at 9% (https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/app/index.html#/app/home). Accurate national-scale corn yield prediction critically impacts mercantile markets through providing essential information about expected production prior to harvest. Publicly available high-quality corn yield prediction can help address emergent information asymmetry problems and in doing so improve price efficiency in futures markets. We build a deep learning model to predict corn yields, specifically focusing on county-level prediction across 10 states of the Corn-Belt in the United States, and pre-harvest prediction with monthly updates from August. The results show promising predictive power relative to existing survey-based methods and set the foundation for a publicly available county yield prediction effort that complements existing public forecasts.
Effects of polydopamine coatings on nucleation modes of surface mineralization from simulated body fluid
Authors: Murari Giovannimaria , Bock Nathalie , Zhou Huan , Yang Lei , Liew Teresa , Fox Kate , Tran Phong A.
Published: September 2020

Polydopamine (PDA) has been recently used as a versatile priming layer for further functionalization of a biomaterial surface, particularly in biomimetic mineralization of biomaterials. Yet most of the existing literature is on inorganic substrates and the underlying effects of the PDA layer coatings on the nucleation and mineralization process and the mineral-substrate interface have not been clearly identified. Here we aimed to investigate the effects of the PDA layer on the nucleation and growth and interfacial morphology of calcium phosphate mineral layer (CaP) from 10× simulated body fluid (10× SBF) on polymeric substrates. It is found that the nucleation of CaP on PDA-coated surface favors a mixed “islanding” and planar growth mode (Stranski–Krastanov) while the “islanding” mode (Volmer–Weber) was observed on the surface without PDA. This different early nucleation stage of mineralization was found to correlate with a more “bonded” interface between the mineral layer and the PDA-coated substrates, a slight increase in the interfacial strength and a different delamination mode. This study therefore provided new insights on how polydopamine priming layer influenced the mineralization process and the interface between the mineral layer and the substrate.
The interplay of emotion expressions and strategy in promoting cooperation in the iterated prisoner’s dilemma
Authors: de Melo Celso M. , Terada Kazunori
Published: September 2020

The iterated prisoner’s dilemma has been used to study human cooperation for decades. The recent discovery of extortion and generous strategies renewed interest on the role of strategy in shaping behavior in this dilemma. But what if players could perceive each other’s emotional expressions? Despite increasing evidence that emotion signals influence decision making, the effects of emotion in this dilemma have been mostly neglected. Here we show that emotion expressions moderate the effect of generous strategies, increasing or reducing cooperation according to the intention communicated by the signal; in contrast, expressions by extortionists had no effect on participants’ behavior, revealing a limitation of highly competitive strategies. We provide evidence that these effects are mediated mostly by inferences about other’s intentions made from strategy and emotion. These findings provide insight into the value, as well as the limits, of behavioral strategies and emotion signals for cooperation.
Central serous chorioretinopathy and heart rate variability analysis with a smartphone application
Authors: Takeshima Keigo , Tanaka Koji , Mori Ryusaburo , Wakatsuki Yu , Onoe Hajime , Sakakibara Takuya , Kitagawa Yorihisa , Nakashizuka Hiroyuki , Tsuchiya Norihiro
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to quantitatively analyze heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) by using a smartphone-based application (ANBAI: DUMSCO Inc.) for measurement, and to clarify its relationships with CSC. The subjects were 64 CSC patients (mean age 48.7 ± 7.6 years, 57 males and 7 females). After providing consent, the patients downloaded ANBAI apps to their smartphones. HRV was measured by photoelectric volume pulse wave measurement with a smartphone camera each morning for a minimum of 1 week. The primary outcome was to analyze HRV by calculating log LF/HF (Low Frequency/High Frequency components), an index of autonomic tone, which was then compared with a control group of 35,226 individuals from the application. Secondary outcome measures included disease duration, body mass index, exercise habits, smoking history, steroid use, occupation, lifestyle regularity, psychological fatigue, physical fatigue, and average sleep time. The log LF/HF was significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (P < 0.001). Log LF/HF was significantly lower in patients with exercise habits as a factor contributing to log LF/HF in the patient group (P = 0.019). Analysis of HRV in CSC patients showed an impairment of the autonomic nervous system. Exercise habits may also be associated with CSC.
In vivo assessment of cerebrospinal fluid efflux to nasal mucosa in humans
Authors: Melin Erik , Eide Per Kristian , Ringstad Geir
Published: September 2020

Extra-vascular molecular clearance routes from the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) remain insufficiently characterized in humans. Animal studies consistently suggest that the cribriform plate and nasal lymphatic vessels are crucial for molecular clearance from CSF. In this study, we aimed to examine human in vivo transport of a CSF tracer from CSF to nasal mucosa. We hypothesised a CSF tracer would enrich in nasal mucosa provided that nasal lymphatic drainage has a significant role in CSF molecular clearance. Consecutive magnetic resonance imaging during 48 h after intrathecal administration of a tracer (gadobutrol) was performed in 24 patients. Despite a strong enrichment of CSF tracer in CSF spaces nearby the cribriform plate, there was no significant enrichment of CSF tracer in nasal mucosa, as measured in superior, medial and inferior turbinates, or in the nasal septum. Therefore, this in vivo study questions the importance of CSF drainage to the human nasal mucosa and emphasizes the need of further human studies.
Diagnostic value of four neuroendocrine markers in small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas of the cervix: a meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Rui , Yu Li , Zheng Chunying , Liang Qingchun , Suye Suye , Yang Xue , Yin Huan , Ren Zhen , Shi Liye , Zhang Zhibang , Chen Hongliang , Fu Chun
Published: September 2020

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix (SCNECC) is a highly invasive cervical cancer. The immunohistochemical criteria is an important aspect for assistant diagnosis of SCNECC. However, which markers can be appropriate selection for diagnosing SCNECC were not determined. The aim was to systematically evaluate expression levels of four neuroendocrine markers (containing synaptophysin (Syn), neural cell adhesion molecules (CD56), neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and chromograninA (CgA)) and to find out the appropriate selection for diagnosing SCNECC. Four English and three Chinese libraries were retrieved between 1984 and 2020. 23 studies about NSE, 36 studies about Syn, 23 studies about CD56 and 36 studies about CgA (all studies containing 581 patients) were eligible for meta-analyses. The pooled positive expression percentages (95% CI; I2) were as follows: 84.84% (79.41–90.27%; 76.7%) for Syn, 84.53% (79.43–89.96%; 37.5%) for CD56, 77.94% (69.13–86.76%; 83.5%) for NSE, and 72.90% (67.40–78.86%; 59.7%) for CgA. The positive proportions (95% CI; I2) ranked top three of simultaneous expressions of two markers were 87.75% (82.03–93.87%, 33.3%) for Syn and CD56, 70.92% (50.50–87.68%, 82.7%) for Syn and NSE, 65.65% (53.33–76.98%, 73.5%) for Syn and CgA. This confirms that Syn and CD56 are reliable indicators for diagnosing SCNECC.
A comprehensive p75 neurotrophin receptor gene network and pathway analyses identifying new target genes
Authors: Sajanti Antti , Lyne Seán B. , Girard Romuald , Frantzén Janek , Rantamäki Tomi , Heino Iiro , Cao Ying , Diniz Cassiano , Umemori Juzoh , Li Yan , Takala Riikka , Posti Jussi P. , Roine Susanna , Koskimäki Fredrika , Rahi Melissa , Rinne Jaakko , Castrén Eero , Koskimäki Janne
Published: September 2020

P75 neurotrophic receptor (p75NTR) is an important receptor for the role of neurotrophins in modulating brain plasticity and apoptosis. The current understanding of the role of p75NTR in cellular adaptation following pathological insults remains blurred, which makes p75NTR’s related signaling networks an interesting and challenging initial point of investigation. We identifiedp75NTRand related genes through extensive data mining of a PubMed literature search including published works related to p75NTR from the past 20 years. Bioinformatic network and pathway analyses of identified genes (n = 235) were performed using ReactomeFIViz in Cytoscape based on the highly reliable Reactome functional interaction network algorithm. This approach merges interactions extracted from human curated pathways with predicted interactions from machine learning. Genome-wide pathway analysis showed total of 16 enriched hierarchical clusters. A total of 278 enriched single pathways were also identified (p < 0.05, false discovery rate corrected). Gene network analyses showed multiple known and new targets in thep75NTRgene network. This study provides a comprehensive analysis and investigation into the current knowledge of p75NTR signaling networks and pathways. These results also identify several genes and their respective protein products as involved in the p75NTR network, which have not previously been clearly studied in this pathway. These results can be used to generate novel hypotheses to gain a greater understanding of p75NTR in acute brain injuries, neurodegenerative diseases and general response to cellular damage.
Soil erodibility indices under different land uses in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya (India)
Authors: Olaniya Manish , Bora Pradip Kumar , Das Susanta , Chanu Pukhrambam Helena
Published: September 2020

In absence of soil erosion plots for determination of erodibility index (K) for erosion models like Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) or Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) to estimate soil erosion, empirical relations are used. In the present study, soil erodibility index was determined for entire Ri-bhoi district of Meghalaya based on soil physical and chemical properties through empirical relationship and presented in a map form. Dominant land uses of the district were identified through geo-spatial tools which were viz. agriculture, forest, jhum land and wasteland. Soil samples from surface depth (01–15 cm) were collected from areas of different dominant land uses. Twenty five sampling points were selected under each land use type and geo-coded them on the base map of Ri-bhoi district. Apart from K-index, Clay Ratio, Modified Clay Ratio and Critical Soil Organic Matter were also determined for understanding the effect of primary soil particles on erodibility. In agriculture land use system K-index values were found in the range of 0.08–0.41 with an average of 0.25 ± 0.02. In case of jhum, forest and wasteland these were in the range of 0.08–0.42 with an average of 0.20 ± 0.01; 0.09–0.40 with an average of 0.22 ± 0.02, and 0.10–0.34 with an average value of 0.23 ± 0.02, respectively. Clay ratio (2.74) and Modified clay ratio (2.41) were observed to be higher in forest LUS, lower clay ratio (1.97) and modified clay ratio (1.81) were found in the wasteland indicating erosion susceptibility in forested area. The values of Critical Level of Organic Matter (CLOM) for the district ranged from 4.72 to 16.56. Out of 100 samples, only one sample had CLOM value less than 5 and rest 99 samples had values more than 5 indicating that the soils of the district had moderate to stable soil structure and offer resistance to erosion. All the indices values of geo-coded points were then interpolated in the Arc-GIS environment to produce land use based maps for Ri-bhoi district of Meghalaya. As K-index is a quantitative parameter which is used in models, the index can be then interpolated for estimation of soil erosion through USLE or RUSLE for any given situation.
Increased blood BACE1 activity as a potential common pathogenic factor of vascular dementia and late onset Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zuliani Giovanni , Trentini Alessandro , Rosta Valentina , Guerrini Remo , Pacifico Salvatore , Bonazzi Stefania , Guiotto Anna , Passaro Angelina , Seripa Davide , Valacchi Giuseppe , Cervellati Carlo
Published: September 2020

Late onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD) is traditionally considered as a separate disease from vascular dementia (VAD). However, growing evidence suggests that β-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation, that initiates LOAD-related neurodegeneration, is preceded by vascular events. Previous in vitro studies showed that β-secretase 1 (BACE1), the key-enzyme of amyloidogenesis, is upregulated by cerebrovascular insult; moreover, its activity is increased both in brain and serum of LOAD patients. We aimed to investigate whether BACE1 serum activity is altered also in dementias related, or not, to cerebrovascular disease. Thus, we evaluated serum BACE1 activity in a sample of individuals, including patients with LOAD (n. 175), VAD (n. 40), MIXED (LOAD/VAD) dementia (n. 123), other types of dementia (n. 56), and healthy Controls (n. 204). We found that BACE1 was significantly higher not only in LOAD (+ 30%), but also in VAD (+ 35%) and MIXED dementia (+ 22%) (p < 0.001 for all), but not in the other types of dementia (+ 10%). Diagnostic accuracy was 77% for LOAD, 83% for VAD, and 77% for MIXED dementia. In conclusion, we showed for the first time that the increase in peripheral BACE1 activity is a common feature of LOAD and VAD, thus underlying a further pathogenic link between these two forms of dementia.
Analysis of single-cell transcriptomes links enrichment of olfactory receptors with cancer cell differentiation status and prognosis
Authors: Kalra Siddhant , Mittal Aayushi , Gupta Krishan , Singhal Vrinda , Gupta Anku , Mishra Tripti , Naidu Srivatsava , Sengupta Debarka , Ahuja Gaurav
Published: September 2020

Ectopically expressed olfactory receptors (ORs) have been linked with multiple clinically-relevant physiological processes. Previously used tissue-level expression estimation largely shadowed the potential role of ORs due to their overall low expression levels. Even after the introduction of the single-cell transcriptomics, a comprehensive delineation of expression dynamics of ORs in tumors remained unexplored. Our targeted investigation into single malignant cells revealed a complex landscape of combinatorial OR expression events. We observed differentiation-dependent decline in expressed OR counts per cell as well as their expression intensities in malignant cells. Further, we constructed expression signatures based on a large spectrum of ORs and tracked their enrichment in bulk expression profiles of tumor samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). TCGA tumor samples stratified based on OR-centric signatures exhibited divergent survival probabilities. In summary, our comprehensive analysis positions ORs at the cross-road of tumor cell differentiation status and cancer prognosis.
Unforeseen crystal forms of the natural osmolyte floridoside
Authors: Maneffa Andrew J. , Whitwood Adrian C. , Whitehouse A. Steve , Powell Hugh , Clark James H. , Matharu Avtar S.
Published: September 2020

Floridoside (2-α-O-D-galactopyranosyl glycerol) is a glycerol glycoside that is biosynthesised by most species of red algae and has been implicated as an intracellular regulator of various homeostatic functions. Here, we report the identification of two unforeseen crystal forms of the ubiquitous natural osmolyte floridoside including a seemingly unheralded second anhydrous conformational polymorph and the unambiguous description of an elusive monohydrated variant. By employing a variety of thermal and spectroscopic techniques, we begin to explore both their macro and molecular physicochemical properties, which are notably different to that of the previously reported polymorph. This work advances the characterisation of this important natural biomolecule which could aid in facilitating optimised utilisation across a variety of anthropocentric applications and improve comprehension of its role in-vivo as a preeminent compatible solute.
Rewetting strategies to reduce nitrous oxide emissions from European peatlands
Authors: Liu Haojie , Wrage-Mönnig Nicole , Lennartz Bernd
Published: September 2020

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is approximately 265 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2) in atmospheric warming. Degraded peatlands are important sources of N2O. The more a peat soil is degraded, the higher the N2O-N emissions from peat. In this study, soil bulk density was used as a proxy for peat degradation to predict N2O-N emissions. Here we report that the annual N2O-N emissions from European managed peatlands (EU-28) sum up to approximately 145 Gg N year−1. From the viewpoint of greenhouse gas emissions, highly degraded agriculturally used peatlands should be rewetted first to optimally reduce cumulative N2O-N emissions. Compared to a business-as-usual scenario (no peatland rewetting), rewetting of all drained European peatlands until 2050 using the suggested strategy reduces the cumulative N2O-N emissions by 70%. In conclusion, the status of peat degradation should be made a pivotal criterion in prioritising peatlands for restoration.
Eco-friendly development of an ultrasmall IONP-loaded nanoplatform for bimodal imaging-guided cancer theranostics
Authors: Li Yulin , Zheng Ling , Xiao Lan , Wang Liudi , Cui Jingyuan , Sha Dongyong , Liu Changsheng
Published: September 2020

Ultrasmall IONP-decorated graphene oxide (GO) nanohybrids present T1/T2 dual MRI imaging-guided photothermal-chemo combined anticancer theranostics efficacy.
Cascade reaction-mediated efficient ferroptosis synergizes with immunomodulation for high-performance cancer therapy
Authors: Li Zhaowei , Rong Long
Published: September 2020

Graphical abstract of the cascade reaction-mediated efficient ferroptosis which synergizes with immunomodulation/immunotherapy for high-performance tumor ablation.
A simple self-adjuvanting biomimetic nanovaccine self-assembled with the conjugate of phospholipids and nucleotides can induce a strong cancer immunotherapeutic effect
Authors: Liu Dan , Liu Jiale , Ma Bing , Deng Bo , Leng Xigang , Kong Deling , Liu Lanxia
Published: September 2020

The biomimetic nanovaccines not only promoted antigens endocytosis into dendritic cells via receptor-mediated pathways but also induced antigens cross-presentation eliciting CD8+ T-cell responses. CPG-ODN as an adjuvant further enhanced the anti-tumor immune responses.
Diagonal Born–Oppenheimer corrections to the ground electronic state potential energy surfaces of ozone: improvement of ab initio vibrational band centers for the 16O3, 17O3 and 18O3 isotopologues
Authors: Tajti Attila , Szalay Péter G. , Kochanov Roman , Tyuterev Vladimir G.
Published: September 2020

The accuracy of variationally calculated vibrational levels of ozone can be greatly improved by adding diagonal Born–Oppenheimer correction to the best available ab initio potential.
Structural heterogeneity yet high similarity of the microbial community on reverse osmosis membrane-driven biofilms during seawater desalination
Authors: Kim Hyunjung , Kim Taeyoung , Aziz Azilah Abd , Choi Donggeon , Lovitt Robert W. , Kang Dae-Wook , Chang In Seop
Published: September 2020

Heterogeneous morphologies and similar microbial communities of fouled reverse osmosis membranes were investigated between first and last membrane elements.
Protective effect of olive oil polyphenol phase II sulfate conjugates on erythrocyte oxidative-induced hemolysis
Authors: Fernandes Sara , Ribeiro Catarina , Paiva-Martins Fátima , Catarino Cristina , Santos-Silva Alice
Published: September 2020

The consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has been associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases partly due to its polyphenol content.
Development of phthalocyanine functionalised TiO2and ZnO nanofibers for photodegradation of methyl orange
Authors: Mapukata Sivuyisiwe , Nyokong Tebello
Published: September 2020

Due to their wide band gaps the use of semiconductor based catalysts for water purification is limited, hence in this work phthalocyanine functionalised TiO2and ZnO nanofibers were employed for efficient degradation of organic pollutants.
2-(N,N-Diethylaminomethyl)-6,7-trihydroquinolinyl-8-ylideneamine-Ni(ii) chlorides: application in ethylene dimerization and trimerization
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Ma Yanping , Hu Xinquan , Flisak Zygmunt , Tongling Liang , Sun Wen-Hua
Published: September 2020

The unusual influence of co-catalysts on the oligomerization of ethylene is observed with the title nickel complexes, indicating major dimerization and major trimerization with the co-catalysts MAO and MMAO, respectively.
Mixed ligand complexes of silver(i) supported by highly fluorinated pyrazolates, and chelating and bridging N-heterocycles
Authors: Dias H. V. Rasika , Palehepitiya Gamage Chammi S. , Jayaratna Naleen B. , Hettiarachchi Champika V.
Published: September 2020

A range of silver complexes featuring all nitrogen coordination environments involving pyrazolates and chelating and non-chelating bidentate N-heterocycles are reported.
A highly atom-economical bioactive nanocarrier for synergistically enhanced antitumor with reduced liver injury
Authors: Wang Jiacheng , Qiao Wenshu , Zhao Haitian , Cheng Jianjun , Han Ying , Yang Xin
Published: September 2020

The drug-cum-carrier-type delivery system makes up for conventional nanocarriers that have no therapeutic efficacy and health benefits.
KMnO4-catalyzed chemoselective deprotection of acetate and controllable deacetylation–oxidation in one pot
Authors: Gurawa Aakanksha , Kumar Manoj , Rao Dodla S. , Kashyap Sudhir
Published: September 2020

A highly chemoselective and facile protocol for deacetylation of a diverse range of substrates tolerating several sensitive functionalities was accomplished under environmentally friendly conditions.
Discovery of new pyrimidine-5-carbonitrile derivatives as anticancer agents targeting EGFRWTand EGFRT790M
Authors: Nasser Ahmed A. , Eissa Ibrahim H. , Oun Mohamed R. , El-Zahabi Mohamed A. , Taghour Mohammed S. , Belal Amany , Saleh Abdulrahman M. , Mehany Ahmed B. M. , Luesch Hendrik , Mostafa Ahmad E. , Afifi Wael M. , Rocca James R. , Mahdy Hazem A.
Published: September 2020

A new series of pyrimidine-5-carbonitrile derivatives has been designed as ATP mimicking tyrosine kinase inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).
Double charge carrier mechanism through 2D/2D interface-assisted ultrafast water reduction and antibiotic degradation over architectural S,P co-doped g-C3N4/ZnCr LDH photocatalyst
Authors: Sahoo Dipti Prava , Das Kundan Kumar , Patnaik Sulagna , Parida Kulamani
Published: September 2020

S,P co-doped g-C3N4/ZnCr LDH 2D/2D heterostructure for photocatalytic ciprofloxacin degradation and H2 evolution under the visible light irradiation.
Research progress on the inhibition of enzymes by polyoxometalates
Authors: Zhao Meijuan , Chen Xiangsong , Chi Guoxiang , Shuai Die , Wang Li , Chen Bingnian , Li Jian
Published: September 2020

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are a kind of inorganic cluster metal complex with various biological activities, such as anti-Alzheimer's disease, antibacterial, anti-cancer, anti-diabetes, anti-virus and so on.
Recent advancements in synthesis and property control of graphene quantum dots for biomedical and optoelectronic applications
Authors: Kadian Sachin , Sethi Sushanta K. , Manik Gaurav
Published: September 2020

This review summarizes the recent progress in synthetic, functional, structural and property control strategies of GQDs and their current potential applications in biomedical and optoelectronic domain.
Fabrication of microcapsule-type composites with the capability of underwater self-healing and damage visualization
Authors: Feng Hengyu , Yu Fei , Zhou Yu , Li Ming , Xiao Linghan , Ao Yuhui
Published: September 2020

Self-healing materials that can be repaired in high humidity or underwater are rarely studied. By mixing fluorescent latent curing agent with epoxy resin microcapsules, the material can be repaired underwater and have the ability to show the location of damage.