bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voxel-based morphometry and cortical thickness in combat veterans suffering from impulsive aggression
Authors: Varkevisser Tim , van Lutterveld Remko , Heesink Lieke , van Honk Jack , Geuze Elbert
Published: February 2020

Background

Problems with impulsive aggression occur in many forms of psychiatric dysfunction, and are a common complaint among combat veterans. The present study sought to examine the neuroanatomical correlates of combat-related impulsive aggression.

Methods

T1-weighted magnetic resonance images were acquired from 29 male veterans with impulsive aggression and 30 non-aggressive combat controls. Subcortical volumetry was conducted with the amygdala and hippocampus and their main constituent subdivisions as regions-of-interest (ROIs) (basolateral, centromedial amygdala; head, body, tail of hippocampus). Cortical thickness measurements were extracted for the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex. Within-group correlations with psychometric measures were also explored.

Results

No significant group differences in cortical thickness or subcortical grey matter volumes were observed for any of the ROIs. Also, no significant correlations with any of the psychometric measures were recorded. Exploratory whole-brain analysis of cortical thickness revealed a significant group × anxiety interaction effect in a cluster located in the left lingual gyrus.

Conclusions

The current findings indicate that problems with impulsive aggression may not be directly associated with alterations in cortical thickness or amygdalar/hippocampal (sub)volumes. The observed interplay between impulsive aggression problems and anxiety-related symptoms is consistent with prior work showing the two phenomena may share the same underlying (neural) mechanisms.
Sources of Uncertainty in Regional and Global Terrestrial CO2 Exchange Estimates
Authors: Bastos A. , O'Sullivan M. , Ciais P. , Makowski D. , Sitch S. , Friedlingstein P. , Chevallier F. , Rödenbeck C. , Pongratz J. , Luijkx I. T. , Patra P. K. , Peylin P. , Canadell J. G. , Lauerwald R. , Li W. , Smith N. E. , Peters W. , Goll D. S. , Jain A.K. , Kato E. , Lienert S. , Lombardozzi D. L. , Haverd V. , Nabel J. E. M. S. , Poulter B. , Tian H. , Walker A. P. , Zaehle S.
Published: February 2020

The Global Carbon Budget 2018 (GCB2018) estimated by the atmospheric CO
growth rate, fossil fuel emissions, and modeled (bottom‐up) land and ocean fluxes cannot be fully closed, leading to a “budget imbalance,” highlighting uncertainties in GCB components. However, no systematic analysis has been performed on which regions or processes contribute to this term. To obtain deeper insight on the sources of uncertainty in global and regional carbon budgets, we analyzed differences in Net Biome Productivity (NBP) for all possible combinations of bottom‐up and top‐down data sets in GCB2018: (i) 16 dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs), and (ii) 5 atmospheric inversions that match the atmospheric CO
growth rate. We find that the global mismatch between the two ensembles matches well the GCB2018 budget imbalance, with Brazil, Southeast Asia, and Oceania as the largest contributors. Differences between DGVMs dominate global mismatches, while at regional scale differences between inversions contribute the most to uncertainty. At both global and regional scales, disagreement on NBP interannual variability between the two approaches explains a large fraction of differences. We attribute this mismatch to distinct responses to El Niño–Southern Oscillation variability between DGVMs and inversions and to uncertainties in land use change emissions, especially in South America and Southeast Asia. We identify key needs to reduce uncertainty in carbon budgets: reducing uncertainty in atmospheric inversions (e.g., through more observations in the tropics) and in land use change fluxes, including more land use processes and evaluating land use transitions (e.g., using high‐resolution remote‐sensing), and, finally, improving tropical hydroecological processes and fire representation within DGVMs.
The 2019 MW 5.7 Changning Earthquake, Sichuan Basin, China: A Shallow Doublet With Different Faulting Styles
Authors: Liu Junqing , Zahradník Jiří
Published: February 2020

The increased seismic activity of the last ~10 years in Changning county of Sichuan Province comprised just small (mostly ML < 5.0) injection‐induced earthquakes. The MW 5.7 earthquake on June 17, 2019, is the largest event ever reported there. Moment tensor of the mainshock was remarkably dominated by a compensated linear vector dipole. We resolve its fine structure showing it was a doublet, allowing approximation by a thrust‐ and strike‐slip subevent. The mainshock nucleated as thrust faulting, which (together with the largest aftershocks) can be linked with previously known reverse faults, favorably oriented to regional stress field. Contrarily, the strike‐slip segment of the mainshock, less favorably oriented, was probably facilitated by elevated pore pressure due to previous injections. Shallow active strike‐slip faulting, not yet mapped in the region, is a new feature, important for future hazard assessment.
Inward Propagation of Flow‐Generated Pi2 Waves From the Plasma Sheet to the Inner Magnetosphere
Authors: Wang Chih‐Ping , Xing Xiaoyan , Bortnik Jacob , Chu Xiangning
Published: February 2020

To understand the inward propagation of the Pi2 waves generated by bursty bulk flows (BBFs) from the plasma sheet to the inner magnetosphere, we statistically investigate 137 midnight conjunction events with one satellite of the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) in the plasma sheet and one satellite of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) in the inner magnetosphere. All events have Pi2 wave enhancements associated with BBFs at THEMIS. In response, larger Pi2 wave enhancements at GOES are correlated with larger dipolarization associated with each BBF at THEMIS but not with stronger waves and flows at THEMIS. The larger wave enhancements at GOES occur preferentially under stronger solar wind driving. We discuss an explanation considering that BBFs are an earthward moving plasma sheet bubble having relatively lower flux tube entropy compared to that of the background plasma and that Pi2 waves are generated by the slowing down of the bubble. The stronger dipolarization of BBFs suggests a bubble of smaller entropy, while the stronger solar wind driving leads to higher background entropy in the inner magnetosphere, both favorable for a bubble to penetrate deeper, and thus, Pi2 waves generated by the bubble are more likely to propagate to the GOES location with less damping to result in larger wave enhancements. In addition, our analyses using empirical density and magnetic field models suggest that the strong Pi2 wave enhancements at GOES are less likely to be a cavity resonance driven inside the plasmasphere.
Impact Gardening as a Constraint on the Age, Source, and Evolution of Ice on Mercury and the Moon
Authors: Costello E. S. , Ghent R. R. , Hirabayashi M. , Lucey P. G.
Published: February 2020

We update an analytic impact gardening model (Costello et al., 2018, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2018.05.023) to calculate the depth gardened by impactors on the Moon and Mercury and assess the implications of our results for the age, extent, and source of water ice deposits on both planetary bodies. We show that if the water presently on the Moon has a primordial origin, it may have been 4–15 m thick. If ice deposits are buried, they may be as shallow as 3 cm or as deep as 10 m and provide a gradient of probability for ice gardened into a column. Our calculations for gardening on Mercury show that thermal lag deposits will be reworked into the background over 200 Myr, and, thus, the most recent large‐scale deposition of ice on Mercury must have occurred no more than 200 Myr ago. We also find that gardening mixes incremental layers of ice with underlying regolith and prevents the growth of pure ice deposits by continuous supply. We conclude that ice deposits on the Moon and Mercury are likely the result of sudden and voluminous deposition.
Is Past Variability a Suitable Proxy for Future Change? A Virtual Catchment Experiment
Authors: Stephens C.M. , Marshall L.A. , Johnson F.M. , Lin L. , Band L.E. , Ajami H.
Published: February 2020

To estimate the robustness of hydrologic models under projected future climate change, researchers test transferability between climatically contrasting observed periods. This approach can only assess the performance changes induced by altered precipitation and related environmental dynamics (e.g., greening under wet conditions), since the instrumental record does not contain temperatures or carbon dioxide levels that are similar to future climate change projections. Additionally, there is an inherent assumption that long‐term persistence of changes in precipitation will not further impact catchment response. In this study, we undertake a series of virtual catchment experiments using an ecohydrologic model that simulates dynamic vegetation growth, nutrient cycling, and subsurface hydrology. These experiments explore a number of climate change scenarios. We compare simulations based on persistent altered climate states against simulations designed to represent historical periods with the same precipitation but limited time for ecohydrologic adaptation. We find that persistence of precipitation changes as well as increased temperature and elevated carbon dioxide levels can all substantially impact streamflow under drier future conditions. For wetter future scenarios, simulated differences in the flow regime were smaller, but there was still notable divergence in modeled low flows and other hydrologic variables. The results suggest that historical periods with equivalent precipitation statistics cannot necessarily be used as proxies for future climate change when examining catchment runoff response and/or model performance. The current literature likely underestimates the potential for nonstationarity in hydrologic assessments, especially for drier future scenarios.
Targeting cancer stem cell pathways for cancer therapy
Authors: Yang Liqun , Shi Pengfei , Zhao Gaichao , Xu Jie , Peng Wen , Zhang Jiayi , Zhang Guanghui , Wang Xiaowen , Dong Zhen , Chen Fei , Cui Hongjuan
Published: February 2020

Since cancer stem cells (CSCs) were first identified in leukemia in 1994, they have been considered promising therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. These cells have self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential and contribute to multiple tumor malignancies, such as recurrence, metastasis, heterogeneity, multidrug resistance, and radiation resistance. The biological activities of CSCs are regulated by several pluripotent transcription factors, such as OCT4, Sox2, Nanog, KLF4, and MYC. In addition, many intracellular signaling pathways, such as Wnt, NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB), Notch, Hedgehog, JAK-STAT (Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription), PI3K/AKT/mTOR (phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin), TGF (transforming growth factor)/SMAD, and PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor), as well as extracellular factors, such as vascular niches, hypoxia, tumor-associated macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells, extracellular matrix, and exosomes, have been shown to be very important regulators of CSCs. Molecules, vaccines, antibodies, and CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T cell) cells have been developed to specifically target CSCs, and some of these factors are already undergoing clinical trials. This review summarizes the characterization and identification of CSCs, depicts major factors and pathways that regulate CSC development, and discusses potential targeted therapy for CSCs.
Acetylation of XPF by TIP60 facilitates XPF-ERCC1 complex assembly and activation
Authors: Wang Jiajia , He Hanqing , Chen Binbin , Jiang Guixing , Cao Liping , Jiang Haiping , Zhang Guofei , Chen Jianxiang , Huang Jun , Yang Bing , Zhou Chun , Liu Ting
Published: February 2020

The XPF-ERCC1 heterodimer is a structure-specific endonuclease that is essential for nucleotide excision repair (NER) and interstrand crosslink (ICL) repair in mammalian cells. However, whether and how XPF binding to ERCC1 is regulated has not yet been established. Here, we show that TIP60, also known as KAT5, a haplo-insufficient tumor suppressor, directly acetylates XPF at Lys911 following UV irradiation or treatment with mitomycin C and that this acetylation is required for XPF-ERCC1 complex assembly and subsequent activation. Mechanistically, acetylation of XPF at Lys911 disrupts the Glu907-Lys911 salt bridge, thereby leading to exposure of a previously unidentified second binding site for ERCC1. Accordingly, loss of XPF acetylation impairs the damage-induced XPF-ERCC1 interaction, resulting in defects in both NER and ICL repair. Our results not only reveal a mechanism that regulates XPF-ERCC1 complex assembly and activation, but also provide important insight into the role of TIP60 in the maintenance of genome stability.
Glycan repositioning of influenza hemagglutinin stem facilitates the elicitation of protective cross-group antibody responses
Authors: Boyoglu-Barnum Seyhan , Hutchinson Geoffrey B. , Boyington Jeffrey C. , Moin Syed M. , Gillespie Rebecca A. , Tsybovsky Yaroslav , Stephens Tyler , Vaile John R. , Lederhofer Julia , Corbett Kizzmekia S. , Fisher Brian E. , Yassine Hadi M. , Andrews Sarah F. , Crank Michelle C. , McDermott Adrian B. , Mascola John R. , Graham Barney S. , Kanekiyo Masaru
Published: February 2020

The conserved hemagglutinin (HA) stem has been a focus of universal influenza vaccine efforts. Influenza A group 1 HA stem-nanoparticles have been demonstrated to confer heterosubtypic protection in animals; however, the protection does not extend to group 2 viruses, due in part to differences in glycosylation between group 1 and 2 stems. Here, we show that introducing the group 2 glycan at Asn38HA1 to a group 1 stem-nanoparticle (gN38 variant) based on A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1) broadens antibody responses to cross-react with group 2 HAs. Immunoglobulins elicited by the gN38 variant provide complete protection against group 2 H7N9 virus infection, while the variant loses protection against a group 1 H5N1 virus. The N38HA1 glycan thus is pivotal in directing antibody responses by controlling access to group-determining stem epitopes. Precise targeting of stem-directed antibody responses to the site of vulnerability by glycan repositioning may be a step towards achieving cross-group influenza protection.
Statin-induced myopathic changes in primary human muscle cells and reversal by a prostaglandin F2 alpha analogue
Authors: Grunwald Stefanie Anke , Popp Oliver , Haafke Stefanie , Jedraszczak Nicole , Grieben Ulrike , Saar Kathrin , Patone Giannino , Kress Wolfram , Steinhagen-Thiessen Elisabeth , Dittmar Gunnar , Spuler Simone
Published: February 2020

Statin-related muscle side effects are a constant healthcare problem since patient compliance is dependent on side effects. Statins reduce plasma cholesterol levels and can prevent secondary cardiovascular diseases. Although statin-induced muscle damage has been studied, preventive or curative therapies are yet to be reported. We exposed primary human muscle cell populations (n = 22) to a lipophilic (simvastatin) and a hydrophilic (rosuvastatin) statin and analyzed their expressome. Data and pathway analyses included GOrilla, Reactome and DAVID. We measured mevalonate intracellularly and analyzed eicosanoid profiles secreted by human muscle cells. Functional assays included proliferation and differentiation quantification. More than 1800 transcripts and 900 proteins were differentially expressed after exposure to statins. Simvastatin had a stronger effect on the expressome than rosuvastatin, but both statins influenced cholesterol biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, eicosanoid synthesis, proliferation, and differentiation of human muscle cells. Cultured human muscle cells secreted ω-3 and ω-6 derived eicosanoids and prostaglandins. The ω-6 derived metabolites were found at higher levels secreted from simvastatin-treated primary human muscle cells. Eicosanoids rescued muscle cell differentiation. Our data suggest a new aspect on the role of skeletal muscle in cholesterol metabolism. For clinical practice, the addition of omega-n fatty acids might be suitable to prevent or treat statin-myopathy.
Plasma FABP4 is associated with liver disease recovery during treatment-induced clearance of chronic HCV infection
Authors: Gorin Jean-Baptiste , Malone David F. G. , Strunz Benedikt , Carlsson Tony , Aleman Soo , Björkström Niklas K. , Falconer Karolin , Sandberg Johan K.
Published: February 2020

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have dramatically improved the management of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). In this study, we investigated the effects of hepatitis C virus clearance on markers of systemic inflammation measured in plasma samples from CHC patients before, during and after DAA therapy. We identified a plasma soluble protein profile associated with CHC. Successful DAA therapy rapidly normalised the plasma inflammatory milieu, with the notable exception of soluble (s)CD163, a marker of macrophage activation, which remained elevated after viral clearance and segregated patients with high and low levels of cirrhosis. Patients who received DAA in combination with Ribavirin maintained elevated levels of CXCL10, consistent with an immune-stimulatory role of Ribavirin. As anticipated, DAA-treated patients experienced durable improvement in liver fibrosis measurements. Interestingly, pre-treatment levels of fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) were inversely associated with reduction of APRI and FIB-4 scores during treatment. Together, these results support the notion of a rapid restoration of many aspects of the inflammatory state in CHC patients in response to DAA therapy. Furthermore, the associations with sCD163 and FABP4 warrant further investigation into the role of macrophages in residual liver disease and fibrosis resolution after viral clearance.
Assembly and Folding Properties of Cytosolic IgG Intrabodies
Authors: Seo Youngsil , Lee Yeonjin , Kim Minjae , Park Hyunjoon , Kwon Myung-Hee
Published: February 2020

Intrabodies, antibodies expressed within cells, offer an interesting way to target intracellular molecules, making them potentially useful for biotechnology and medicine. However, it remains controversial whether full-size IgG intrabodies expressed in the reducing environment of the cytosol of mammalian cells are workable and structurally sound. Herein, we settle this issue with a systematic investigation of the structure and functionality of four chimeric IgG1s with distinct variable (V) domains but identical constant (C) domains. Full-size IgGs expressed in the cytosol of HEK293 cells were either assembly-competent or -incompetent, depending on the intrinsic properties of the V regions. Structural integrity of the C region is required for H:L association and the formation of a functional antigen-binding site. Partial intrachain disulfide bond formation occurs in both H and L chains of cytosolic IgG intrabodies, whereas interchain disulfide bond formation was absent and dispensable for functional assembly. IgG1s expressed in the cytosol and via the ER were shown to assemble differently. Our findings provide insight into the features and possible utilization of full-size IgGs as cytosolic antibodies in biotechnological and medical applications.
Contribution of Raman Spectroscopy to Diagnosis and Grading of Chondrogenic Tumors
Authors: D’Acunto Mario , Gaeta Raffaele , Capanna Rodolfo , Franchi Alessandro
Published: February 2020

In the last decade, Raman Spectroscopy has demonstrated to be a label-free and non-destructive optical spectroscopy able to improve diagnostic accuracy in cancer diagnosis. This is because Raman spectroscopic measurements can reveal a deep molecular understanding of the biochemical changes in cancer tissues in comparison with non-cancer tissues. In this pilot study, we apply Raman spectroscopy imaging to the diagnosis and grading of chondrogenic tumors, including enchondroma and chondrosarcomas of increasing histologic grades. The investigation included the analysis of areas of 50×50 μm2 to approximately 200×200 μm2, respectively. Multivariate statistical analysis, based on unsupervised (Principal Analysis Components) and supervised (Linear Discriminant Analysis) methods, differentiated between the various tumor samples, between cells and extracellular matrix, and between collagen and non-collagenous components. The results dealt out basic biochemical information on tumor progression giving the possibility to grade with certainty the malignant cartilaginous tumors under investigation. The basic processes revealed by Raman Spectroscopy are the progressive degrading of collagen type-II components, the formation of calcifications and the cell proliferation in tissues ranging from enchondroma to chondrosarcomas. This study highlights that Raman spectroscopy is particularly effective when cartilaginous tumors need to be subjected to histopathological analysis.
Efficient extraction of cucurbitacins from Diplocyclos palmatus (L.) C. Jeffrey: Optimization using response surface methodology, extraction methods and study of some important bioactivities
Authors: Patel S. B. , Attar U. A. , Sakate D. M. , Ghane S. G.
Published: February 2020

Diplocyclos palmatus(L.) C. Jeffrey is an important medicinal plant used in several reproductive medicines. It serves as a wide source of tetracyclic triterpens called cucurbitacins. Response surface methodology (RSM) with Box-Behnken design (BBD) was studied to optimize the production of cucurbitacins. RSM put forth the ideal conditions such as 1:30 SS ratio (g/mL), 80 rpm (mixing extraction speed), 150 µm mean particle size, 30 min extraction time and 50 °C using chloroform in continuous shaking extraction (CSE) and showed the highest cucurbitacin I (CUI) content (2.345 ± 0.1686 mg/g DW). Similarly, the highest yield of cucurbitacin B (CUB) (1.584 ± 0.15 mg/g DW) was recorded at ideal conditions (1:40 g/mL SS ratio and 60 min time and others similar to CUI). Among the tested extraction methods, the highest CUI, CUB, and CUI + B yield (1.437 ± 0.03, 0.782 ± 0.10, 2.17 ± 0.35 mg/g DW, respectively) as well as promising DPPH radical scavenging activity (25.06 ± 0.1 µgAAE/g DW) were recorded from the SBAE (steam bath assisted extraction). In addition, MAE and UAE revealed the highest inhibition of α-amylase (68.68%) and α-glucosidase (56.27%) enzymes, respectively. Fruit extracts showed potent anticancer activity against breast (MCF-7) and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines (LC50– 44.27 and 46.88 µg/mL, respectively). Our study proved that SS ratio, particle size and temperature were the most positively influencing variables and served to be the most efficient for the highest recovery of CUI and CUB. Based on the present study, the fruits ofD. palmatuswere revealed as a potent antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anticancer bio-resource that could be explored further to develop novel drug to manage diabetes, cancer and oxidative stress related disorders.
Endovascular procedures cause transient endothelial injury but do not disrupt mature neointima in Drug Eluting Stents
Authors: Autar Anouchska , Taha Aladdin , van Duin Richard , Krabbendam-Peters Ilona , Duncker Dirk J. , Zijlstra Felix , van Beusekom Heleen M. M.
Published: February 2020

Extensive application of coronary intravascular procedures has led to the increased need of understanding the injury inflicted to the coronary arterial wall. We aimed to investigate acute and prolonged coronary endothelial injury as a result of guidewire use, repeated intravascular imaging and stenting. These interventions were performed in swine (N = 37) and injury was assessed per coronary segment (n = 81) using an Evans Blue dye-exclusion-test. Scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy were then used to visualize the extent and nature of acute (<4 hours) and prolonged (5 days) endothelial injury. Guidewire and imaging injury was mainly associated with denudation and returned to control levels at 5 days. IVUS and OCT combined (Evans Blue staining 28 ± 16%) did not lead to more acute injury than IVUS alone (33 ± 15%). Stent placement caused most injury (85 ± 4%) and despite early stent re-endothelialization at 5 days, the endothelium proved highly permeable (97 ± 4% at 5 days; p < 0.001 vs acute). Imaging of in-stent neointima at 28 days after stent placement did not lead to neointimal rupture. Guidewire, IVUS and OCT induce acute endothelial cell damage, which does not increase during repeated imaging, and heals within 5 days. Interestingly, endothelial permeability increases 5 days post stenting despite near complete re-endothelialization.
Synchronized Biventricular Heart Pacing in a Closed-chest Porcine Model based on Wirelessly Powered Leadless Pacemakers
Authors: Lyu Hongming , John Mathews , Burkland David , Greet Brian , Post Allison , Babakhani Aydin , Razavi Mehdi
Published: February 2020

About 30% of patients with impaired cardiac function have ventricular dyssynchrony and seek cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). In this study, we demonstrate synchronized biventricular (BiV) pacing in a leadless fashion by implementing miniaturized and wirelessly powered pacemakers. With their flexible form factors, two pacemakers were implanted epicardially on the right and left ventricles of a porcine model and were inductively powered at 13.56 MHz and 40.68 MHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) bands, respectively. The power consumption of these pacemakers is reduced to µW-level by a novel integrated circuit design, which considerably extends the maximum operating distance. Leadless BiV pacing is demonstrated for the first time in both open-chest and closed-chest porcine settings. The clinical outcomes associated with different interventricular delays are verified through electrophysiologic and hemodynamic responses. The closed-chest pacing only requires the external source power of 0.3 W and 0.8 W at 13.56 MHz and 40.68 MHz, respectively, which leads to specific absorption rates (SARs) 2–3 orders of magnitude lower than the safety regulation limit. This work serves as a basis for future wirelessly powered leadless pacemakers that address various cardiac resynchronization challenges.
Developmental and sexual divergence in the olfactory system of the marine insect Clunio marinus
Authors: Missbach Christine , Vogel Heiko , Hansson Bill S. , Große-Wilde Ewald , Vilcinskas Andreas , Kaiser Tobias S.
Published: February 2020

An animal’s fitness strongly depends on successful feeding, avoidance of predators and reproduction. All of these behaviours commonly involve chemosensation. As a consequence, when species’ ecological niches and life histories differ, their chemosensory abilities need to be adapted accordingly. The intertidal insect Clunio marinus (Diptera: Chironomidae) has tuned its olfactory system to two highly divergent niches. The long-lived larvae forage in a marine environment. During the few hours of terrestrial adult life, males have to find the female pupae floating on the water surface, free the cryptic females from their pupal skin, copulate and carry the females to the oviposition sites. In order to explore the possibility for divergent olfactory adaptations within the same species, we investigated the chemosensory system of C. marinus larvae, adult males and adult females at the morphological and molecular level. The larvae have a well-developed olfactory system, but olfactory gene expression only partially overlaps with that of adults, likely reflecting their marine vs. terrestrial lifestyles. The olfactory system of the short-lived adults is simple, displaying no glomeruli in the antennal lobes. There is strong sexual dimorphism, the female olfactory system being particularly reduced in terms of number of antennal annuli and sensilla, olfactory brain centre size and gene expression. We found hints for a pheromone detection system in males, including large trichoid sensilla and expression of specific olfactory receptors and odorant binding proteins. Taken together, this makes C. marinus an excellent model to study within-species evolution and adaptation of chemosensory systems.
Tritrophic interactions follow phylogenetic escalation and climatic adaptation
Authors: Kergunteuil Alan , Humair Laureline , Maire Anne-Laure , Moreno-Aguilar María Fernanda , Godschalx Adrienne , Catalán Pilar , Rasmann Sergio
Published: February 2020

One major goal in plant evolutionary ecology is to address how and why tritrophic interactions mediated by phytochemical plant defences vary across species, space, and time. In this study, we tested three classical hypotheses about plant defences: (i) the resource-availability hypothesis, (ii) the altitudinal/elevational gradient hypothesis and (iii) the defence escalation hypothesis. For this purpose, predatory soil nematodes were challenged to hunt for root herbivores based on volatile cues from damaged or intact roots of 18 AlpineFestucagrass species adapted to distinct climatic niches spanning 2000 meters of elevation. We found that adaptation into harsh, nutrient-limited alpine environments coincided with the production of specific blends of volatiles, highly attractive for nematodes. We also found that recently-diverged taxa exposed to herbivores released higher amounts of volatiles than ancestrally-diverged species. Therefore, our model provides evidence that belowground indirect plant defences associated with tritrophic interactions have evolved under two classical hypotheses in plant ecology. While phylogenetic drivers of volatile emissions point to the defence-escalation hypothesis, plant local adaptation of indirect defences is in line with the resource availability hypothesis.
The oxytocin-prostaglandins pathways in the horse (Equus caballus) placenta during pregnancy, physiological parturition, and parturition with fetal membrane retention
Authors: Rapacz-Leonard Anna , Leonard Mark , Chmielewska-Krzesińska Małgorzata , Siemieniuch Marta , Janowski Tomasz E.
Published: February 2020

Despite their importance in mammalian reproduction, substances in the oxytocin-prostaglandins pathways have not been investigated in the horse placenta during most of pregnancy and parturition. Therefore, we quantified placental content of oxytocin (OXT), oxytocin receptor (OXTR), and prostaglandin E2 and F2 alpha during days 90–240 of pregnancy (PREG), physiological parturition (PHYS), and parturition with fetal membrane retention (FMR) in heavy draft horses (PREG = 13, PHYS = 11, FMR = 10). We also quantified OXTR and prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 (PTGS2) mRNA expression and determined the immunolocalization of OXT, OXTR, and PTGS2. For relative quantification of OXT and OXTR, we used western blotting with densitometry. To quantify the prostaglandins, we used enzyme immunoassays. For relative quantification of OXTR and PTGS2, we used RT-qPCR. For immunolocalization of OXT, OXTR, and PTGS2, we used immunohistochemistry. We found that OXT was present in cells of the allantochorion and endometrium in all groups. PTGS2 expression in the allantochorion was 14.7-fold lower in FMR than in PHYS (p = 0.007). These results suggest that OXT is synthesized in the horse placenta. As PTGS2 synthesis is induced by inflammation, they also suggest that FMR in heavy draft horses may be associated with dysregulation of inflammatory processes.
Revealing the Improved Catalytic Properties of Modified Graphene-like Structures
Authors: Kim Ki-jeong , Kim Hyun Sung , Lee Hangil
Published: February 2020

The surface morphology and electronic structure of hexagonal graphene onion rings (HGORs), a modified graphene structure, were investigated to confirm the possibility as an efficient catalyst when compared to graphene. After confirming the formation of HGORs with a smaller width (~4.2 μm) from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy images, we compared the catalytic activities of HGORs and graphene by measuring the rate of oxidation of thiophenol using high-resolution photoemission spectroscopy (HRPES). In addition, we also assessed in 4-chlorophenol degradation and the OH radical formation with a benzoic acid to confirm the possibility for photocatalytic activities of HGORs. As a result, we confirmed that HGORs, which has an increased active site due to its three-dimensional structure formed by the reaction of graphene with hydrogen, can act as an effective catalyst. In addition, we could also realize the possibility of optical applicability by observing the 0.13 eV of band gap opening of HGORs.
Analysis of Optic Chiasmal Compression Caused by Brain Tumors Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Lee Ga-In , Park Kyung-Ah , Oh Sei Yeul , Kong Doo-Sik
Published: February 2020

We have quantitatively evaluated the macular and peripapillary microvascular changes in eyes with chiasmal compression caused by brain tumors compared with healthy control eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) and correlated them with other ocular parameters. This cross-sectional study involved the analysis of 36 eyes of 36 patients with chiasmal compression and age and refractive error-matched 35 healthy control eyes. OCT-A was used to generate microvascular images of the superficial and deep retinal capillary plexus (SRCP, DRCP) and the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) segment in the macula and peripapillary areas. Automated segmentation and vessel density measurements facilitated the analysis of each layer. Macular OCT-A analysis revealed a significant reduction in vessel density in the SRCP (P = 0.004) of the nasal quadrant (P < 0.001) and in the same quadrant of the DRCP (P = 0.019) in the eyes with chiasmal compression compared with the control eyes. The RPC segment vessel density has also been significantly reduced in the eyes with chiasmal compression (P < 0.001). The RPC segment and the SRCP vessel densities were correlated with the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and the ganglion cell layer complex thicknesses. The RPC segment and the nasal quadrant SRCP and the DRCP vessel densities were correlated with visual field defect. Significant microvascular alterations have been detected in the eyes with chiasmal compression compared with the control eyes. This study confirmed that chiasmal compression caused by brain tumors not only induced a loss of ganglion cells but also resulted in intra-retinal microvascular changes.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhanced the growth, yield, fiber quality and phosphorus regulation in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Gao Xinpeng , Guo Huihui , Zhang Qiang , Guo Haixia , Zhang Li , Zhang Changyu , Gou Zhongyuan , Liu Yan , Wei Junmei , Chen Aiyun , Chu Zhaohui , Zeng Fanchang
Published: February 2020

We previously reported on the strong symbiosis of AMF species (Rhizophagus irregularis CD1) with the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) which is grown worldwide. In current study, it was thus investigated in farmland to determine the biological control effect of AMF on phosphorus acquisition and related gene expression regulation, plant growth and development, and a series of agronomic traits associated with yield and fiber quality in cotton. When AMF and cotton were symbiotic, the expression of the specific phosphate transporter family genes and P concentration in the cotton biomass were significantly enhanced. The photosynthesis, growth, boll number per plant and the maturity of the fiber were increased through the symbiosis between cotton and AMF. Statistical analysis showed a highly significant increase in yield for inoculated plots compared with that from the non inoculated controls, with an increase percentage of 28.54%. These findings clearly demonstrate here the benefits of AMF-based inoculation on phosphorus acquisition, growth, seed cotton yield and fiber quality in cotton. Further improvement of these beneficial inoculants on crops will help increase farmers’ income all over the world both now and in the future.
Post-mortem Plasma Cell-Free DNA Sequencing: Proof-of-Concept Study for the “Liquid Autopsy”
Authors: Takai Erina , Maeda Daichi , Li Zhuo , Kudo-Asabe Yukitsugu , Totoki Yasushi , Nakamura Hiromi , Nakamura Akiko , Nakamura Rumi , Kirikawa Misato , Ito Yukinobu , Yoshida Makoto , Inoue Takamitsu , Habuchi Tomonori , Ikoma Shohei , Katoh Hiroto , Kato Mamoru , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Ishikawa Shumpei , Yachida Shinichi , Goto Akiteru
Published: February 2020

Recent genomic studies on cancer tissues obtained during rapid autopsy have provided insights into the clonal evolution and heterogeneity of cancer. However, post-mortem blood has not been subjected to genetic analyses in relation to cancer. We first confirmed that substantial quantities of cell-free DNA were present in the post-mortem plasma of 12 autopsy cases. Then, we focused on a pilot case of prostate cancer with multiple metastases for genetic analyses. Whole-exome sequencing of post-mortem plasma-derived cell-free DNA and eight frozen metastatic cancer tissues collected during rapid autopsy was performed, and compared their mutational statuses. The post-mortem plasma cell-free DNA was successfully sequenced and 344 mutations were identified. Of these, 160 were detected in at least one of the metastases. Further, 99% of the mutations shared by all metastases were present in the plasma. Sanger sequencing of 30 additional formalin-fixed metastases enabled us to map the clones harboring mutations initially detected only in the plasma. In conclusion, post-mortem blood, which is usually disposed of during conventional autopsies, can provide valuable data if sequenced in detail, especially regarding cancer heterogeneity. Furthermore, post-mortem plasma cell-free DNA sequencing (liquid autopsy) can be a novel platform for cancer research and a tool for genomic pathology.
Autofluorescence Lifetime Reports Cartilage Damage in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Lagarto João L. , Nickdel Mohammad B. , Kelly Douglas J. , Price Andrew , Nanchahal Jagdeep , Dunsby Chris , French Paul , Itoh Yoshifumi
Published: February 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common arthritis and its hallmark is degradation of articular cartilage by proteolytic enzymes leading to loss of joint function. It is challenging to monitor the status of cartilage in vivo and this study explores the use of autofluorescence lifetime (AFL) measurements to provide a label-free optical readout of cartilage degradation that could enable earlier detection and evaluation of potential therapies. We previously reported that treatment of ex vivo porcine cartilage with proteolytic enzymes resulted in decreased AFL. Here we report changes in AFL of ex vivo mouse knee joints, porcine metacarpophalangeal joints, normal human metatarsophalangeal articular tissue and human OA tibial plateau tissues measured with or without treatment using a compact single-point time resolved spectrofluorometer. Our data show that proteolytically damaged areas in porcine metacarpophalangeal joints present a reduced AFL and that inducing aggrecanases in mouse and human joints also significantly reduces AFL. Further, human cartilage from OA patients presents a significantly lower AFL compared to normal human cartilage. Our data suggest that AFL can detect areas of cartilage erosion and may potentially be utilised as a minimally-invasive diagnostic readout for early stage OA in combination with arthroscopy devices.
The effects of handedness on sensorimotor rhythm desynchronization and motor-imagery BCI control
Authors: Zapała Dariusz , Zabielska-Mendyk Emilia , Augustynowicz Paweł , Cudo Andrzej , Jaśkiewicz Marta , Szewczyk Marta , Kopiś Natalia , Francuz Piotr
Published: February 2020

Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) allow control of various applications or external devices solely by brain activity, e.g., measured by electroencephalography during motor imagery. Many users are unable to modulate their brain activity sufficiently in order to control a BCI. Most of the studies have been focusing on improving the accuracy of BCI control through advances in signal processing and BCI protocol modification. However, some research suggests that motor skills and physiological factors may affect BCI performance as well. Previous studies have indicated that there is differential lateralization of hand movements’ neural representation in right- and left-handed individuals. However, the effects of handedness on sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) distribution and BCI control have not been investigated in detail yet. Our study aims to fill this gap, by comparing the SMR patterns during motor imagery and real-feedback BCI control in right- (N = 20) and left-handers (N = 20). The results of our study show that the lateralization of SMR during a motor imagery task differs according to handedness. Left-handers present lower accuracy during BCI performance (single session) and weaker SMR suppression in the alpha band (8–13 Hz) during mental simulation of left-hand movements. Consequently, to improve BCI control, the user’s training should take into account individual differences in hand dominance.
Publisher Correction: Modelling Duchenne muscular dystrophy in MYOD1-converted urine-derived cells treated with 3-deazaneplanocin A hydrochloride
Authors: Takizawa Hotake , Hara Yuko , Mizobe Yoshitaka , Ohno Taisuke , Suzuki Sadafumi , Inoue Ken , Takeshita Eri , Shimizu-Motohashi Yuko , Ishiyama Akihiko , Hoshino Mikio , Komaki Hirofumi , Takeda Shin’ichi , Aoki Yoshitsugu
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: An exome-wide rare variant analysis of Korean men identifies three novel genes predisposing to prostate cancer
Authors: Oh Jong Jin , Shivakumar Manu , Miller Jason , Verma Shefali , Lee Hakmin , Hong Sung Kyu , Lee Sang Eun , Lee Younghee , Lee Soo Ji , Sung Joohon , Kim Dokyoon , Byun Seok-Soo
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Structure and optical properties of perovskite-embedded dual-phase microcrystals synthesized by sonochemistry
Authors: Cho Sangyeon , Yun Seok Hyun
Published: February 2020

Cesium lead halide perovskite (CsPbX3, X=Cl, Br, I) nanocrystals embedded in Cs4PbX6 or CsPb2X5 matrices have received interests due to their excellent optical properties. However, their precise endotaxial structures are not known, and the origin of photoluminescence remains controversial. Here we report a sonochemistry technique that allowed us to synthesize high-quality CsPbBr3-based microcrystals in all ternary phases, simply by adjusting precursor concentrations in a polar aprotic solvent, N,N-dimethylformamide. The microcrystals with diverse morphologies enabled us to visualize the lattice alignments in the dual-phase composites and confirm CsPbBr3 nanocrystals being the photoluminescent sites. We demonstrate high solid-state quantum yield of >40% in Cs4PbBr6/CsPbBr3 and lasing of CsPbBr3 microcrystals as small as 2 µm in size. Real-time optical analysis of the reaction solutions provides insights into the formation and phase transformation of different CsPbBr3-based microcrystals.
Cold clouds as cosmic-ray detectors
Authors: Bialy Shmuel
Published: February 2020

Low energy cosmic-rays (CRs) are responsible for gas heating and ionization of interstellar clouds, which in turn introduces coupling to Galactic magnetic fields. So far the CR ionization rate (CRIR) has been estimated using indirect methods, such as its effect on the abundances of various rare molecular species. Here we show that the CRIR may be constrained from line emission of H2 rovibrational transitions, excited by CRs. We derive the required conditions for CRs to dominate line excitation, and show that CR-excited lines may be detected with the Very Large Telescope (VLT) over 8 hours integration. Our method, if successfully applied to a variety of clouds at different Galactic locations, will provide improved constraints on the spectrum of low energy CRs and their origins.
Principles, mechanisms, and application of carbon quantum dots in sensors: a review
Authors: Molaei Mohammad Jafar
Published: February 2020

The mechanism of the CQDs-based sensors.
An Mn2+-mediated construction of rhombicuboctahedral Cu2O nanocrystals enclosed by jagged surfaces for enhanced enzyme-free glucose sensing
Authors: Ren Haoqi , Zhang Xin , Zhang Xiaochuan , Cui Jie , Yang Qing , Kong Chuncai , Yang Zhimao , Sun Shaodong
Published: February 2020

A rhombicuboctahedral (26-facet) Cu2O single crystal, with well-developed {100}, {110} and {111} crystallographic planes, has attracted considerable attention due to its faceted synergistic effects in catalysis, sensing, and energy conversion.
Structural stress and extra optical absorption induced by the intrinsic cation defects in KDP and ADP crystals: a theoretical study
Authors: Sui Tingting , Wei Liening , Lian Yafei , Xu Mingxia , Zhang Lisong , Li Yanlu , Zhao Xian , Xu Xinguang , Sun Xun
Published: February 2020

VP5− defects are regarded as one of the main sources for the initial structural breakdown in KDP compared with ADP.
Amplified photo-responses in sequentially polymerized azobenzene-containing polymer networks: the role of isomer interconnection
Authors: Li Chenzhe , Kim Hyunsu , An Jongwon , Cho Maenghyo
Published: February 2020

Sequentially polymerized azobenzene-containing polymer networks with isomer-interconnected features can greatly enhance photo-actuation responses.
Robust and recyclable sodium carboxymethyl cellulose–ammonium phosphomolybdate composites for cesium removal from wastewater
Authors: Zhang Ningluo , Chen Shangqing , Hu Jiayin , Shi Jian , Guo Yafei , Deng Tianlong
Published: February 2020

A novel, facilely prepared, recyclable sodium carboxymethyl cellulose–ammonium phosphomolybdate composite (CMC–AMP) was synthesized by chemical cross-linking and used for Cs+ removal.
Crystallization of colourless hexanitratoneptunate(iv) with anhydrous H+ countercations trapped in a hydrogen bonded polymer with diamide linkers
Authors: Takao Koichiro , März Juliane , Matsuoka Moe , Mashita Takanori , Kazama Hiroyuki , Tsushima Satoru
Published: February 2020

Centrosymmetric hexanitratoneptunate(iv) crystallizes with anhydrous proton countercations trapped in a hydrogen bonded polymer with diamide linker molecules to give colourless crystals.
Progress in silicon microwire solar cells
Authors: Um Han-Don , Lee Kangmin , Hwang Inchan , Park Jeonghwan , Choi Deokjae , Kim Namwoo , Kim Hyungwoo , Seo Kwanyong
Published: February 2020

This review introduces recent progress in silicon microwire solar cells, including the strategies toward achieving low-cost and high-efficiency silicon solar cells.
Exploiting flow analysis as a tool for monitoring the leaching process of micronutrients using laboratory scale soil columns (LSSCs)
Authors: Costa Carolina F. F. A. , Mesquita Letícia S. , Rocha Filipa V. , Mesquita Raquel B. R. , Rangel António O. S. S.
Published: February 2020

Laboratory scale soil columns (LSSCs) proved to be an effective method to study the leaching process and the developed SI method enabled efficient monitoring of both leachates and simulated rain.
Correction: Calculation of vibrationally resolved absorption and fluorescence spectra of the rylenes
Authors: Greiner Jonas , Sundholm Dage
Published: February 2020

Correction for ‘Calculation of vibrationally resolved absorption and fluorescence spectra of the rylenes’ by Jonas Greiner et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2020, 22, 2379–2385.