bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐Term Dropout of Relativistic Electrons in the Outer Radiation Belt During Two Sequential Geomagnetic Storms
Authors: Wu H. , Chen T. , Kalegaev V. V. , Panasyuk M. I. , Vlasova N. A. , Duan S. , Zhang X. , He Z. , Luo J. , Wang C.
Published: October 2020

On 31 January 2016, the flux of >2 MeV electrons observed by Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)‐13 dropped to the background level during a minor storm main phase (−48 nT). Then, a second storm (−53 nT) occurred on 2 February; during the 3 days after its main phase, the flux remained at background level. Using data from various instruments on the GOES, Polar Operational Environmental Satellites (POES), Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP), Meteor‐M2, and Fengyun‐series spacecraft, we study this long‐term dropout of MeV electrons during two sequential storms of similar magnitude under lightly disturbed solar wind conditions. Observations from low‐altitude satellites show that the fluxes decreased first at higher L‐shells and then gradually propagated inward. Moreover, the fluxes were almost completely lost and dropped to the background level at L > 5, while the fluxes at 4 < L < 5 were partly lost, as observed by RBSP and low‐altitude satellites. Finally, observations show that on 5 February, only the fluxes at L > 5.5 recovered, while the fluxes at 4 < L < 5 did not return to the prestorm levels. These observations indicate that the loss and recovery processes developed first at higher L‐shells. Phase space density (PSD) analysis shows that radial outward diffusion was the main reason for the dropout at higher L‐shells. Regarding electron enhancement, stronger inward diffusion was accompanied by ultra‐low‐frequency (ULF) wave activities at higher L‐shells, and chorus waves observed at outer L‐shells provided conditions for relativistic electron flux recovery to the prestorm levels.
Energetic Ion Reflections at Interplanetary Shocks: First Observations From ARTEMIS
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyan , Gedalin Michael , Russell Christopher T. , Angelopoulos Vassilis , Drozdov Alexander Y.
Published: October 2020

Interplanetary shocks accelerate charged particles and have significant space weather effects. The widely accepted categorization of shocks uses the upstream plasma beta (βu), the shock angle (θBn), and the shock Mach number (M, i.e., the fast magnetosonic Mach number). In addition, two critical Mach numbers (Mc) classify shocks based on whether shock dissipation is provided by electron resistivity and conductance alone or also requires ion viscosity. The two critical Mach numbers were defined in studies by Edmiston and Kennel and by Kennel in the 1980s. The corresponding two transition points from subcritical to supercritical are referred to as critical Mach numbers Mc (EK84) and Mc(K87), respectively. In this study, we use the critical Mach numbers and magnetic overshoot as identifiers of supercritical shocks. When the ratio of M/Mc ≥ 1, and/or an overshoot presents, a shock is categorized as a supercritical shock. We found that in more than 80% of supercritical shocks (with M/Mc(K87) ≥ 1), in addition to the regular ion reflection around the magnetic foot, there is another group of ion reflections: energetic ion reflections (EIRs). Typically, regularly reflected ions range from ~1–4 keV, staying at or around the foot, while EIR ions range from ~4–25 keV (or higher), running minutes upstream of the shock, perhaps as a result of ion backstreaming and escaping. EIR is a newly discovered feature observed by Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence, and Electrodynamics of the Moon's Interaction with the Sun (ARTEMIS) at supercritical interplanetary shocks, occurring even when θBn > 60°, which is excluded by simulations due to a strong suppression of the backstreaming reflection in such circumstances. The close correlation between EIR occurrence and the critical Mach number Mc(K87) revealed that the conceptual ion viscosity in the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)‐derived criticality has a root in kinetic microphysics.
Statistical Study of Solar Wind, Magnetosheath, and Magnetotail Plasma and Field Properties: 12+ Years of THEMIS Observations and MHD Simulations
Authors: Ma Xuanye , Nykyri Katariina , Dimmock Andrew , Chu Christina
Published: October 2020

The solar wind plasma is a major plasma source for the Earth's magnetosphere, which has a strong influence on the magnetotail plasma and field properties. The relative importance of different plasma entry mechanisms and pathways is largely determined by the solar wind conditions. Therefore, the spatial and temporal dependence of magnetotail plasma and field properties under different kinds of solar wind conditions is critically important for understanding the Earth's magnetosphere. This study presents a statistical study of fundamental magnetotail plasma properties in a normalized reference frame by utilizing 12+ years of data from NASA's Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) mission. These statistical maps are mostly in agreement with the magnetosheath of MHD runs from the CCMC BATS‐R‐US model, but some features in the maps can be explained by kinetic particle physics, not present in the MHD. The results are also used to investigate the presence of any magnetotail plasma parameter asymmetries and their possible causes.
The Case for Improving the Robinson Formulas
Authors: Liemohn Michael W.
Published: October 2020

Auroral particle precipitation is the main source of ionization on the nightside, making it a critical factor in geospace physics. This magnetosphere‐ionosphere linkage directly contributes to, even controls, the nonlinear feedback within this coupled system. One study has dominated our understanding of this connection, presenting a pair of equations relating auroral particle precipitation to ionospheric Pedersen and Hall conductance, the famous Robinson formulas. This Commentary examines the history of the development and usage of the Robinson formulas and the recent studies exploring corrections and expansions to it. The conclusion is that more work needs to be done; the space physics research community should take up the task to develop improvements and enhancements to better quantify the connection of auroral precipitation to ionospheric conductance.
Miniscope3D: optimized single-shot miniature 3D fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Yanny Kyrollos , Antipa Nick , Liberti William , Dehaeck Sam , Monakhova Kristina , Liu Fanglin Linda , Shen Konlin , Ng Ren , Waller Laura
Published: October 2020

Miniature fluorescence microscopes are a standard tool in systems biology. However, widefield miniature microscopes capture only 2D information, and modifications that enable 3D capabilities increase the size and weight and have poor resolution outside a narrow depth range. Here, we achieve the 3D capability by replacing the tube lens of a conventional 2D Miniscope with an optimized multifocal phase mask at the objective’s aperture stop. Placing the phase mask at the aperture stop significantly reduces the size of the device, and varying the focal lengths enables a uniform resolution across a wide depth range. The phase mask encodes the 3D fluorescence intensity into a single 2D measurement, and the 3D volume is recovered by solving a sparsity-constrained inverse problem. We provide methods for designing and fabricating the phase mask and an efficient forward model that accounts for the field-varying aberrations in miniature objectives. We demonstrate a prototype that is 17 mm tall and weighs 2.5 grams, achieving 2.76 μm lateral, and 15 μm axial resolution across most of the 900 × 700 × 390 μm3 volume at 40 volumes per second. The performance is validated experimentally on resolution targets, dynamic biological samples, and mouse brain tissue. Compared with existing miniature single-shot volume-capture implementations, our system is smaller and lighter and achieves a more than 2× better lateral and axial resolution throughout a 10× larger usable depth range. Our microscope design provides single-shot 3D imaging for applications where a compact platform matters, such as volumetric neural imaging in freely moving animals and 3D motion studies of dynamic samples in incubators and lab-on-a-chip devices.
Intranasal fluticasone furoate in pediatric allergic rhinitis: randomized controlled study
Authors: Zhang Yamei , Wei Ping , Chen Bobei , Li Xiaoyan , Luo Xianyang , Chen Xianming , Xiang Mingliang , Li Lan , Zhao Sijun , Xiao Xuping , Yang Xinmin , Chen Jie , Fu Yong , Xiao Shuifang , Liu Haixia , Cheng Lei , Yao Hongbing
Published: October 2020

Background

Intranasal corticosteroids are the most efficacious anti-inflammatory medications for allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the efficacy and safety of intranasal corticosteroids in children have not yet been subject to specific research in China. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of fluticasone furoate nasal spray (FFNS) in a Chinese pediatric population.

Methods

In this phase 4 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study, pediatric AR patients aged 2–12 years were randomized 1:1:1, receiving either FFNS 55 µg or 110 µg or placebo. Electronic diary cards were completed to record symptoms, rescue medication use, and treatment compliance. Anterior rhinoscopy and overall response to therapy were evaluated and recorded.

Results

Patients treated with FFNS at either dose experienced a significantly greater reduction in daily reflective total nasal symptom score compared with placebo. This was maintained in a younger subset of patients (2–6 years). Drug-related adverse events occurred in <20% of patients in all groups. FFNS was well tolerated at both doses.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates favorable efficacy and safety profiles for FFNS 55 µg or 110 µg in Chinese pediatric populations (2–12 years), supporting its use in clinical treatment for AR children, including younger children aged 2–6 years.

Impact

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of intranasal fluticasone furoate in Chinese pediatric allergic rhinitis.

This research not only addresses the deficiency in efficacy and safety data for intranasal corticosteroids in very young patients (aged 2–6 years) worldwide but also demonstrates that fluticasone furoate nasal spray shows a favorable benefit/risk profile at different dose levels.

Our data will be of interest to the broad readership of Pediatric Research and will positively contribute to the dialog regarding the treatment of allergic rhinitis in children aged 2–6 years.
COVID-19 patients managed in psychiatric inpatient settings due to first-episode mental disorders in Wuhan, China: clinical characteristics, treatments, outcomes, and our experiences
Authors: Xie Qin , Fan Fang , Fan Xue-Peng , Wang Xiao-Jiang , Chen Ming-Jian , Zhong Bao-Liang , Chiu Helen Fung-Kum
Published: October 2020

Data are scarce regarding the comorbid mental disorders and their management among COVID-19 patients. This study described the clinical characteristics and management of COVID-19 patients treated in psychiatric inpatient settings due to comorbid first-onset mental disorders in Wuhan, China. This electronic medical records-based study included 25 COVID-19 patients with first-onset mental disorders and 55 patients with first-onset mental disorders without COVID-19 (control group). Data collected included ICD-10 diagnoses of mental disorders, psychiatric and respiratory symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. Adjustment disorder (n = 11, 44.0%) and acute and transient psychotic disorders, with associated acute stress (n = 6, 24.0%) were main clinical diagnoses in the COVID-19 group while serious mental illnesses (i.e., schizophrenia, 24.5%) and alcohol use disorders (10.9%) were overrepresented in the control group. On admission, the most common psychiatric symptom in COVID-19 patients was insomnia symptoms (n = 18, 72.0%), followed by aggressive behaviors (n = 16, 64.0%), delusion (n = 10, 40.0%), and severe anxiety (n = 9, 36.0%). In addition to respiratory treatments, 76.0% COVID-19 patients received antipsychotics, 40.0% sedative-hypnotics, and 24.0% mood stabilizers. At the end of inpatient treatment, 4 (16.0%) COVID-19 patients were transferred to other hospitals to continue respiratory treatment after their psychiatric symptoms were controlled while the remaining 21 (84.0%) all recovered. Compared to the control group, COVID-19 group had significantly shorter length of hospital stay (21.2 vs. 37.4 days, P < 0.001). Adjustment disorder and acute and transient psychotic disorders are the main clinical diagnoses of COVID-19 patients managed in psychiatric inpatient settings. The short-term prognosis of these patients is good after conventional psychotropic treatment.
AFP promotes HCC progression by suppressing the HuR-mediated Fas/FADD apoptotic pathway
Authors: Chen Tianke , Dai Xiaowei , Dai Juji , Ding Chaodong , Zhang Zheng , Lin Ziqi , Hu Jin , Lu Mei , Wang Zhanyu , Qi Yalei , Zhang Li , Pan Rulu , Zhao Zhu , Lu Liting , Liao Wanqin , Lu Xincheng
Published: October 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is reactivated in a majority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and associated with poor patient outcomes. Although increasing evidence has shown that AFP can regulate HCC cell growth, the precise functions of AFP in hepatocarcinogenesis and the associated underlying mechanism remain incompletely understood. In this study, we demostrated that depleting AFP significantly suppressed diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver tumor progression in an AFP gene-deficient mouse model. Similarly, knocking down AFP expression inhibited human HCC cell proliferation and tumor growth by inducing apoptosis. AFP expression level was inversely associated with the apoptotic rate in mouse and human HCC specimens. Investigation of potential cross-talk between AFP and apoptotic signaling revealed that AFP exerted its growth-promoting effect by suppressing the Fas/FADD-mediated extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Mechanistically, AFP bound to the RNA-binding protein HuR, increasing the accumulation of HuR in the cytoplasm and subsequent inhibition of Fas mRNA translation. In addition, we found that inhibiting AFP enhanced the cytotoxicity of therapeutics to AFP-positive HCC cells by activating HuR-mediated Fas/FADD apoptotic signaling. Conclusion: Our study defined the pro-oncogenic role of AFP in HCC progression and uncovered a novel antiapoptotic mechanism connecting AFP to HuR-mediated Fas translation. Our findings suggest that AFP is involved in the pathogenesis and chemosensitivity of HCC and that blockade of AFP may be a promising strategy to treat advanced HCC.
PQM-1 controls hypoxic survival via regulation of lipid metabolism
Authors: Heimbucher Thomas , Hog Julian , Gupta Piyush , Murphy Coleen T.
Published: October 2020

Animals have evolved responses to low oxygen conditions to ensure their survival. Here, we have identified theC. eleganszinc finger transcription factor PQM-1 as a regulator of the hypoxic stress response. PQM-1 is required for the longevity of insulin signaling mutants, but surprisingly, loss of PQM-1 increases survival under hypoxic conditions. PQM-1 functions as a metabolic regulator by controlling oxygen consumption rates, suppressing hypoxic glycogen levels, and inhibiting the expression of the sorbitol dehydrogenase-1 SODH-1, a crucial sugar metabolism enzyme. PQM-1 promotes hypoxic fat metabolism by maintaining the expression of the stearoyl-CoA desaturase FAT-7, an oxygen consuming, rate-limiting enzyme in fatty acid biosynthesis. PQM-1 activity positively regulates fat transport to developing oocytes through vitellogenins under hypoxic conditions, thereby increasing survival rates of arrested progeny during hypoxia. Thus, whilepqm-1mutants increase survival of mothers, ultimately this loss is detrimental to progeny survival. Our data support a model in which PQM-1 controls a trade-off between lipid metabolic activity in the mother and her progeny to promote the survival of the species under hypoxic conditions.
A petascale automated imaging pipeline for mapping neuronal circuits with high-throughput transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Yin Wenjing , Brittain Derrick , Borseth Jay , Scott Marie E. , Williams Derric , Perkins Jedediah , Own Christopher S. , Murfitt Matthew , Torres Russel M. , Kapner Daniel , Mahalingam Gayathri , Bleckert Adam , Castelli Daniel , Reid David , Lee Wei-Chung Allen , Graham Brett J. , Takeno Marc , Bumbarger Daniel J. , Farrell Colin , Reid R. Clay , da Costa Nuno Macarico
Published: October 2020

Electron microscopy (EM) is widely used for studying cellular structure and network connectivity in the brain. We have built a parallel imaging pipeline using transmission electron microscopes that scales this technology, implements 24/7 continuous autonomous imaging, and enables the acquisition of petascale datasets. The suitability of this architecture for large-scale imaging was demonstrated by acquiring a volume of more than 1 mm3 of mouse neocortex, spanning four different visual areas at synaptic resolution, in less than 6 months. Over 26,500 ultrathin tissue sections from the same block were imaged, yielding a dataset of more than 2 petabytes. The combined burst acquisition rate of the pipeline is 3 Gpixel per sec and the net rate is 600 Mpixel per sec with six microscopes running in parallel. This work demonstrates the feasibility of acquiring EM datasets at the scale of cortical microcircuits in multiple brain regions and species.
Functional role of Tet-mediated RNA hydroxymethylcytosine in mouse ES cells and during differentiation
Authors: Lan Jie , Rajan Nicholas , Bizet Martin , Penning Audrey , Singh Nitesh K. , Guallar Diana , Calonne Emilie , Li Greci Andrea , Bonvin Elise , Deplus Rachel , Hsu Phillip J. , Nachtergaele Sigrid , Ma Chengjie , Song Renhua , Fuentes-Iglesias Alejandro , Hassabi Bouchra , Putmans Pascale , Mies Frédérique , Menschaert Gerben , Wong Justin J. L. , Wang Jianlong , Fidalgo Miguel , Yuan Bifeng , Fuks François
Published: October 2020

Tet-enzyme-mediated 5-hydroxymethylation of cytosines in DNA plays a crucial role in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). In RNA also, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) has recently been evidenced, but its physiological roles are still largely unknown. Here we show the contribution and function of this mark in mouse ESCs and differentiating embryoid bodies. Transcriptome-wide mapping in ESCs reveals hundreds of messenger RNAs marked by 5hmC at sites characterized by a defined unique consensus sequence and particular features. During differentiation a large number of transcripts, including many encoding key pluripotency-related factors (such as Eed and Jarid2), show decreased cytosine hydroxymethylation. Using Tet-knockout ESCs, we find Tet enzymes to be partly responsible for deposition of 5hmC in mRNA. A transcriptome-wide search further reveals mRNA targets to which Tet1 and Tet2 bind, at sites showing a topology similar to that of 5hmC sites. Tet-mediated RNA hydroxymethylation is found to reduce the stability of crucial pluripotency-promoting transcripts. We propose that RNA cytosine 5-hydroxymethylation by Tets is a mark of transcriptome flexibility, inextricably linked to the balance between pluripotency and lineage commitment.
Identification of a pocket factor that is critical to Zika virus assembly
Authors: DiNunno Nadia M. , Goetschius Daniel J. , Narayanan Anoop , Majowicz Sydney A. , Moustafa Ibrahim , Bator Carol M. , Hafenstein Susan L. , Jose Joyce
Published: October 2020

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging mosquito borne flavivirus and a major public health concern causing severe disease. Due to the presence of a lipid membrane and structural heterogeneity, attaining an atomic resolution structure is challenging, but important to understand virus assembly and life cycle mechanisms that offer distinct targets for therapeutic intervention. We here use subvolume refinement to achieve a 3.4 Å resolution structure and identify two distinct lipid moieties. The first arises from the inner leaflet and is coordinated by hydrophobic residues of the M and E transmembrane helices that form a binding pocket not previously characterized. The second lipid arises from the outer leaflet coordinate between two E protein helices. Structure-based mutagenesis identifies critical hydrophobic interactions and their effect on the virus life cycle. Results show that lipids play an essential role in the ZIKV assembly pathway revealing a potential target of lipid based antiviral drug development.
Cooperatively rearranging regions change shape near the mode-coupling crossover for colloidal liquids on a sphere
Authors: Singh Navneet , Sood A. K. , Ganapathy Rajesh
Published: October 2020

The structure and dynamics of liquids on curved surfaces are often studied through the lens of frustration-based approaches to the glass transition. Competing glass transition theories, however, remain largely untested on such surfaces and moreover, studies hitherto have been entirely theoretical/numerical. Here we carry out single particle-resolved imaging of dynamics of bi-disperse colloidal liquids confined to the surface of a sphere. We find that mode-coupling theory well captures the slowing down of dynamics in the moderate to deeply supercooled regime. Strikingly, the morphology of cooperatively rearranging regions changed from string-like to compact near the mode-coupling crossover—a prediction unique to the random first-order theory of glasses. Further, we find that in the limit of strong curvature, Mermin–Wagner long-wavelength fluctuations are irrelevant and liquids on a sphere behave like three-dimensional liquids. A comparative evaluation of competing mechanisms is thus an essential step towards uncovering the true nature of the glass transition.
Selective inhibition of human translation termination by a drug-like compound
Authors: Li Wenfei , Chang Stacey Tsai-Lan , Ward Fred. R. , Cate Jamie H. D.
Published: October 2020

Methods to directly inhibit gene expression using small molecules hold promise for the development of new therapeutics targeting proteins that have evaded previous attempts at drug discovery. Among these, small molecules including the drug-like compound PF-06446846 (PF846) selectively inhibit the synthesis of specific proteins, by stalling translation elongation. These molecules also inhibit translation termination by an unknown mechanism. Using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and biochemical approaches, we show that PF846 inhibits translation termination by arresting the nascent chain (NC) in the ribosome exit tunnel. The arrested NC adopts a compact α-helical conformation that induces 28 S rRNA nucleotide rearrangements that suppress the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) catalytic activity stimulated by eukaryotic release factor 1 (eRF1). These data support a mechanism of action for a small molecule targeting translation that suppresses peptidyl-tRNA hydrolysis promoted by eRF1, revealing principles of eukaryotic translation termination and laying the foundation for new therapeutic strategies.
Platelet-derived microparticles enhance megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet generation via miR-1915-3p
Authors: Qu Mingyi , Zou Xiaojing , Fang Fang , Wang Shouye , Xu Lei , Zeng Quan , Fan Zeng , Chen Lin , Yue Wen , Xie Xiaoyan , Pei Xuetao
Published: October 2020

Thrombosis leads to platelet activation and subsequent degradation; therefore, replenishment of platelets from hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) is needed to maintain the physiological level of circulating platelets. Platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) are protein- and RNA-containing vesicles released from activated platelets. We hypothesized that factors carried by PMPs might influence the production of platelets from HSPCs, in a positive feedback fashion. Here we show that, during mouse acute liver injury, the density of megakaryocyte in the bone marrow increases following an increase in circulating PMPs, but without thrombopoietin (TPO) upregulation. In vitro, PMPs are internalized by HSPCs and drive them toward a megakaryocytic fate. Mechanistically, miR-1915-3p, a miRNA highly enriched in PMPs, is transported to target cells and suppresses the expression levels of Rho GTPase family member B, thereby inducing megakaryopoiesis. In addition, direct injection of PMPs into irradiated mice increases the number of megakaryocytes and platelets without affecting TPO levels. In conclusion, our data reveal that PMPs have a role in promoting megakaryocytic differentiation and platelet production.
Author Correction: Rapid breeding of parthenocarpic tomato plants using CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Ueta Risa , Abe Chihiro , Watanabe Takahito , Sugano Shigeo S. , Ishihara Ryosuke , Ezura Hiroshi , Osakabe Yuriko , Osakabe Keishi
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Crawl positioning improves set-up precision and patient comfort in prone whole breast irradiation
Authors: Deseyne Pieter , Speleers Bruno , De Neve Wilfried , Boute Bert , Paelinck Leen , Vakaet Vincent , Van Hulle Hans , Schoepen Max , Stouthandel Michael , Van Greveling Annick , Post Giselle , Detand Jan , Monten Chris , Depypere Herman , Veldeman Liv
Published: October 2020

Prone positioning for whole-breast irradiation (WBI) reduces dose to organs at risk, but reduces set-up speed, precision, and comfort. We aimed to improve these problems by placing patients in prone crawl position on a newly developed crawl couch (CrC). A group of 10 right-sided breast cancer patients requiring WBI were randomized in this cross-over trial, comparing the CrC to a standard prone breastboard (BB). Laterolateral (LL), craniocaudal (CC) and anterioposterior (AP) set-up errors were evaluated with cone beam CT. Comfort, preference and set-up time (SUT) were assessed. Forty left and right-sided breast cancer patients served as a validation group. For BB versus CrC, AP, LL and CC mean patient shifts were − 0.8 ± 2.8, 0.2 ± 11.7 and − 0.6 ± 4.4 versus − 0.2 ± 3.3, − 0.8 ± 2.5 and − 1.9 ± 5.7 mm. LL shift spread was reduced significantly. Nine out of 10 patients preferred the CrC. SUT did not differ significantly. The validation group had mean patient shifts of 1.7 ± 2.9 (AP), 0.2 ± 3.6 (LL) and − 0.2 ± 3.3 (CC) mm. Mean SUT in the validation group was 1 min longer (P < 0.05) than the comparative group. Median SUT was 3 min in all groups. The CrC improved precision and comfort compared to BB. Set-up errors compare favourably to other prone-WBI trials and rival supine positioning.
Diffusion and perfusion MRI of normal, preeclamptic and growth-restricted mice models reveal clear fetoplacental differences
Authors: Bao Qingjia , Hadas Ron , Markovic Stefan , Neeman Michal , Frydman Lucio
Published: October 2020

Diffusion-weighted MRI on rodents could be valuable to evaluate pregnancy-related dysfunctions, particularly in knockout models whose biological nature is well understood. Echo Planar Imaging’s sensitivity to motions and to air/water/fat heterogeneities, complicates these studies in the challenging environs of mice abdomens. Recently developed MRI methodologies based on SPatiotemporal ENcoding (SPEN) can overcome these obstacles, and deliver diffusivity maps at ≈150 µm in-plane resolutions. The present study exploits these capabilities to compare the development in wildtype vs vascularly-altered mice. Attention focused on the various placental layers—deciduae, labyrinth, trophoblast, fetal vessels—that the diffusivity maps could resolve. Notable differences were then observed between the placental developments of wildtype vs diseased mice; these differences remained throughout the pregnancies, and were echoed by perfusion studies relying on gadolinium-based dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Longitudinal monitoring of diffusivity in the animals throughout the pregnancies also showed differences between the development of the fetal brains in the wildtype and vascularly-altered mice, even if these disparities became progressively smaller as the pregnancies progressed. These results are analyzed on the basis of the known physiology of normal and preeclamptic pregnancies, as well as in terms of the potential that they might open for the early detection of disorders in human pregnancies.
A combined physical–chemical and microbiological approach to unveil the fabrication, provenance, and state of conservation of the Kinkarakawa-gami art
Authors: Piacenza Elena , Presentato Alessandro , Di Salvo Francesca , Alduina Rosa , Ferrara Vittorio , Minore Valeria , Giannusa Antonio , Sancataldo Giuseppe , Chillura Martino Delia Francesca
Published: October 2020

Kinkarakawa-gamiwallpapers are unique works of art produced in Japan between 1870 and 1905 and exported in European countries, although only few examples are nowadays present in Europe. So far, neither the wallpapers nor the composing materials have been characterised, limiting the effective conservation–restoration of these artefacts accounting also for the potential deteriogen effects of microorganisms populating them. In the present study, fourKinkarakawa-gamiwallpapers were analysed combining physical–chemical and microbiological approaches to obtain information regarding the artefacts’ manufacture, composition, dating, and their microbial community. The validity of these methodologies was verified through a finein blindstatistical analysis, which allowed to identify trends and similarities within these important artefacts. The evidence gathered indicated that these wallpapers were generated between 1885 and 1889, during the so-called industrial production period. A wide range of organic (proteinaceous binders, natural waxes, pigments, and vegetable lacquers) and inorganic (tin foil and pigments) substances were used for the artefacts’ manufacture, contributing to their overall complexity, which also reflects on the identification of a heterogeneous microbiota, often found in Eastern environmental matrices. Nevertheless, whether microorganisms inhabiting these wallpapers determined a detrimental or protective effect is not fully elucidated yet, thus constituting an aspect worth to be explored to deepen the knowledge needed for the conservation ofKinkarakawa-gamiover time.
A dynamic role for dopamine receptors in the control of mammalian spinal networks
Authors: Sharples Simon A. , Burma Nicole E. , Borowska-Fielding Joanna , Kwok Charlie H. T. , Eaton Shane E. A. , Baker Glen B. , Jean-Xavier Celine , Zhang Ying , Trang Tuan , Whelan Patrick J.
Published: October 2020

Dopamine is well known to regulate movement through the differential control of direct and indirect pathways in the striatum that express D1 and D2 receptors respectively. The spinal cord also expresses all dopamine receptors; however, how the specific receptors regulate spinal network output in mammals is poorly understood. We explore the receptor-specific mechanisms that underlie dopaminergic control of spinal network output of neonatal mice during changes in spinal network excitability. During spontaneous activity, which is a characteristic of developing spinal networks operating in a low excitability state, we found that dopamine is primarily inhibitory. We uncover an excitatory D1-mediated effect of dopamine on motoneurons and network output that also involves co-activation with D2 receptors. Critically, these excitatory actions require higher concentrations of dopamine; however, analysis of dopamine concentrations of neonates indicates that endogenous levels of spinal dopamine are low. Because endogenous levels of spinal dopamine are low, this excitatory dopaminergic pathway is likely physiologically-silent at this stage in development. In contrast, the inhibitory effect of dopamine, at low physiological concentrations is mediated by parallel activation of D2, D3, D4 and α2 receptors which is reproduced when endogenous dopamine levels are increased by blocking dopamine reuptake and metabolism. We provide evidence in support of dedicated spinal network components that are controlled by excitatory D1 and inhibitory D2 receptors that is reminiscent of the classic dopaminergic indirect and direct pathway within the striatum. These results indicate that network state is an important factor that dictates receptor-specific and therefore dose-dependent control of neuromodulators on spinal network output and advances our understanding of how neuromodulators regulate neural networks under dynamically changing excitability.
Nanoscopic changes in the lattice structure of striated muscle sarcomeres involved in the mechanism of spontaneous oscillatory contraction (SPOC)
Authors: Kono Fumiaki , Kawai Seitaro , Shimamoto Yuta , Ishiwata Shin’ichi
Published: October 2020

Muscles perform a wide range of motile functions in animals. Among various types are skeletal and cardiac muscles, which exhibit a steady auto-oscillation of force and length when they are activated at an intermediate level of contraction. This phenomenon, termed spontaneous oscillatory contraction or SPOC, occurs devoid of cell membranes and at fixed concentrations of chemical substances, and is thus the property of the contractile system per se. We have previously developed a theoretical model of SPOC and proposed that the oscillation emerges from a dynamic force balance along both the longitudinal and lateral axes of sarcomeres, the contractile units of the striated muscle. Here, we experimentally tested this hypothesis by developing an imaging-based analysis that facilitates detection of the structural changes of single sarcomeres at unprecedented spatial resolution. We found that the sarcomere width oscillates anti-phase with the sarcomere length in SPOC. We also found that the oscillatory dynamics can be altered by osmotic compression of the myofilament lattice structure of sarcomeres, but they are unchanged by a proteolytic digestion of titin/connectin—the spring-like protein that provides passive elasticity to sarcomeres. Our data thus reveal the three-dimensional mechanical dynamics of oscillating sarcomeres and suggest a structural requirement of steady auto-oscillation.
Author Correction: End-to-end vascular anastomosis using a novel magnetic compression device in rabbits: a preliminary study
Authors: Lu Qiang , Liu Kang , Zhang Wei , Li Tao , Shi Ai-Hua , Ding Hong-Fan , Yan Xiao-Peng , Zhang Xu-Feng , Wu Rong-Qian , Lv Yi , Wang Shan-Pei
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
GC–MS analysis of phytoconstituents from Amomum nilgiricum and molecular docking interactions of bioactive serverogenin acetate with target proteins
Authors: Konappa Narasimhamurthy , Udayashankar Arakere C. , Krishnamurthy Soumya , Pradeep Chamanalli Kyathegowda , Chowdappa Srinivas , Jogaiah Sudisha
Published: October 2020

Amomum nilgiricumis one of the plant species reported from Western Ghats of India, belonging to the familyZingiberaceae, with ethno-botanical values, and is well-known for their ethno medicinal applications. In the present investigation, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts ofA. nilgiricumwere analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to identify the important functional groups and phytochemical constituents. The FTIR spectra revealed the occurrence of functional characteristic peaks of aromatic amines, carboxylic acids, ketones, phenols and alkyl halides group from leaf and rhizome extracts. The GC–MS analysis of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from leaves, and methanol extract from rhizomes ofA. nilgiricumdetected the presence of 25 phytochemical compounds. Further, the leaf and rhizome extracts ofA. nilgiricumshowed remarkable antibacterial and antifungal activities at 100 mg/mL. The results of DPPH and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay recorded maximum antioxidant activity inA. nilgiricummethanolic leaf extract. While, ethyl acetate leaf extract exhibited maximum α-amylase inhibition activity, followed by methanolic leaf extract exhibiting aldose reductase inhibition. Subsequently, these 25 identified compounds were analyzed for their bioactivity through in silico molecular docking studies. Results revealed that among the phytochemical compounds identified, serverogenin acetate might have maximum antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant and antidiabetic properties followed by 2,4-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane and (1,3-13C2)propanedioic acid. To our best knowledge, this is the first description on the phytochemical constituents of the leaves and rhizomes ofA. nilgiricum, which show pharmacological significance, as there has been no literature available yet on GC–MS and phytochemical studies of this plant species. The in silico molecular docking of serverogenin acetate was also performed to confirm its broad spectrum activities based on the binding interactions with the antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant and antidiabetic target proteins. The results of the present study will create a way for the invention of herbal medicines for several ailments by usingA. nilgiricumplants, which may lead to the development of novel drugs.
Deterioration risk of dryland earthen heritage sites facing future climatic uncertainty
Authors: Richards Jenny , Bailey Richard , Mayaud Jerome , Viles Heather , Guo Qinglin , Wang Xudong
Published: October 2020

Uncertainties over future climatic conditions pose significant challenges when selecting appropriate conservation strategies for heritage sites. Choosing effective strategies is especially important for earthen heritage sites located in dryland regions, as many are experiencing rapid environmentally-driven deterioration. We use a newly developed cellular automaton model (ViSTA-HD), to evaluate the environmental deterioration risk, over a 100-year period, under a range of potential climate and conservation scenarios. Results show increased wind velocities could substantially increase the overall deterioration risk, implying the need for wind-reducing conservation strategies. In contrast, predicted increases in rainfall are not likely to increase the overall deterioration risk, despite greater risk of rain-driven deterioration features. Of the four conservation strategies tested in our model, deterioration risk under all climatic scenarios was best reduced by increasing the coverage of natural, randomly-distributed vegetation to 80%. We suggest this approach could be an appropriate long-term conservation strategy for other earthen sites in dryland regions.
Ecotoxicity of soil contaminated with diesel fuel and biodiesel
Authors: Hawrot-Paw Małgorzata , Koniuszy Adam , Zając Grzegorz , Szyszlak-Bargłowicz Joanna
Published: October 2020

Fuels and their components accumulate in soil, and many soil organisms are exposed to this pollution. Compared to intensive research on the effect of conventional fuel on soil, very few studies have been conducted on soil ecotoxicity of biofuels. Considering the limited information available, the present study evaluated the changes caused by the presence of biodiesel and diesel fuel in soil. The reaction of higher plants and soil organisms (microbial communities and invertebrates) was analysed. Conventional diesel oil and two types of biodiesel (commercial and laboratory-made) were introduced into the soil. Two levels of contamination were applied—5 and 15% (w/w per dry matter of soil). The plate method was used to enumerate microorganisms from soil contaminated with biodiesel and diesel fuel. Phytotoxicity tests were conducted by a 3-day bioassay based on the seed germination and root growth of higher plant species (Sorghum saccharatum and Sinapis alba). Fourteen-day ecotoxicity tests on earthworm were performed using Eisenia fetida. Based on the results of the conducted tests it was found out that the organisms reacted to the presence of fuels in a diverse manner. As to the microorganisms, both the growth and reduction of their number were noted. The reaction depended on the group of microorganisms, type of fuel and dose of contamination. The lipolytic and amylolytic microorganisms as well as Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria were particularly sensitive to the presence of fuels, especially biodiesel. Fuels, even at a high dose, stimulated the growth of fungi. Monocotyledonous sugar sorghum plants were more sensitive to the presence of fuels than dicotyledonous white mustard. There was also a significant negative impact of contamination level on plant growth and development. Biodiesel, to a greater extent than conventional fuel, adversely affected the survival and volume of earthworms.
Development of an electronic navigation system for elimination of examiner-dependent factors in the ultrasound screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip in newborns
Authors: Kolb Alexander , Chiari Catharina , Schreiner Markus , Heisinger Stephan , Willegger Madeleine , Rettl Gregor , Windhager Reinhard
Published: October 2020

To develop an electronic navigation system to increase reliability and comparability in the ultrasound screening of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The impact of the navigation system on transducer positioning and on sonographic measurements according to Graf was analyzed. Twenty hips in newborns were examined sonographically using a new navigation system capable of detecting the transducer and pelvis position in order to calculate the relative tilt in the frontal, axial, and sagittal-plane. In each newborn an ultrasound image was obtained conventionally according to Graf and a second image using the sonographic navigation system. Relative roll and pitch angles and sonographic measurements were analyzed using paired T-tests and Levene-tests. Relative tilt angles in the conventional group ranged from − 8.9° to 14.3° (frontal-plane) and − 23.8° to 14.2° (axial-plane). In the navigation-assisted group ranges from − 3.0° to 3.5° and − 2.8° to 4.5° were observed. Variances were significantly lower in the navigation-assisted group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004 respectively). The navigation system allowed for a significant reduction of relative tilt angles between the transducer and the newborn pelvis, thus supporting an optimal transducer positioning. This is a promising approach to improve reproducibility and reliability in the ultrasound screening for DDH.
Research on PM2.5 concentration based on dissipative structure theory: a case study of Xi’an, China
Authors: Sun Xiaoke , Chen Hong , Liu Zhizhen , Chen Hengrui
Published: October 2020

PM2.5 pollution has become a serious urban environmental problem, especially in developing countries with increasing urbanization. Understanding the proportion of PM2.5 generation sources has laid a foundation for better PM2.5 concentration reduction This paper used Point of Interesting (POI)data, building profile data of Xi’an, PM2.5 concentration and wind monitoring data of five provinces near Xi’an as the basic data. And this paper studied the spatial distribution of various buildings in Xi’an, the temporal and spatial distribution of PM2.5 in Xi’an and the five provinces, and found that the spatial distribution of PM2.5 concentration in Xi’an and the building distribution in Xi’an does not match. Based on this, a quantitative model of PM2.5 concentration in Xi’an, energy consumption, wind, and other factors is established through the qualitative and quantitative analysis of PM2.5 concentration in Xi’an. Entropy theory and dissipative structure theory are applied to analyze this phenomenon. The results show PM2.5 in Xi’an mainly comes from the spread of PM2.5 in the five provinces. The PM2.5 generated by energy consumption in Xi’an is not enough to cause serious PM2.5 pollution. And further suggestions on how to reduce PM2.5 concentration in Xi’an are put forward.
Spectral–temporal biphoton waveform of photon pairs from cascade-type warm atoms
Authors: Park Jiho , Jeong Taek , Moon Han Seb
Published: October 2020

We investigate the spectral–temporal biphoton waveforms of the photon pairs emitted from cascade-type two-photon-coherent warm 87Rb atoms via the spontaneous four-wave mixing process in the 5S1/2–5P3/2–5D5/2 transition, under the condition of the different detuning frequencies (symmetric detuning conditions of ± 1 GHz) of the pump and coupling lasers relative to the 5P3/2 state. In both detuning cases corresponding to ± 1 GHz, the biphoton temporal waveforms and biphoton spectral waveforms of the photon pairs are measured by means of time-resolved coincidence photon counting and stimulated measurements, respectively. Although photon-pairs were generated using opposite detunings, we confirm that the spectral–temporal biphoton waveforms of the photon pairs are very similar. Furthermore, we observe Hong–Ou–Mandel interference with 82% visibility with the two independent heralded single photons.
A tube-source X-ray microtomography approach for quantitative 3D microscopy of optically challenging cell-cultured samples
Authors: Tamminen Ilmari , Lehto Kalle , Hannula Markus , Ojansivu Miina , Johansson Laura , Kellomäki Minna , Miettinen Susanna , Aula Antti , Ihalainen Teemu , Hyttinen Jari
Published: October 2020

Development and study of cell-cultured constructs, such as tissue-engineering scaffolds or organ-on-a-chip platforms require a comprehensive, representative view on the cells inside the used materials. However, common characteristics of biomedical materials, for example, in porous, fibrous, rough-surfaced, and composite materials, can severely disturb low-energy imaging. In order to image and quantify cell structures in optically challenging samples, we combined labeling, 3D X-ray imaging, and in silico processing into a methodological pipeline. Cell-structure images were acquired by a tube-source X-ray microtomography device and compared to optical references for assessing the visual and quantitative accuracy. The spatial coverage of the X-ray imaging was demonstrated by investigating stem-cell nuclei inside clinically relevant-sized tissue-engineering scaffolds (5x13 mm) that were difficult to examine with the optical methods. Our results highlight the potential of the readily available X-ray microtomography devices that can be used to thoroughly study relative large cell-cultured samples with microscopic 3D accuracy.
The genetic framework of shoot regeneration in Arabidopsis comprises master regulators and conditional fine-tuning factors
Authors: Lardon Robin , Wijnker Erik , Keurentjes Joost , Geelen Danny
Published: October 2020

Clonal propagation and genetic engineering of plants requires regeneration, but many species are recalcitrant and there is large variability in explant responses. Here, we perform a genome-wide association study using 190 natural Arabidopsis accessions to dissect the genetics of shoot regeneration from root explants and several related in vitro traits. Strong variation is found in the recorded phenotypes and association mapping pinpoints a myriad of quantitative trait genes, including prior candidates and potential novel regeneration determinants. As most of these genes are trait- and protocol-specific, we propose a model wherein shoot regeneration is governed by many conditional fine-tuning factors and a few universal master regulators such as WUSCHEL, whose transcript levels correlate with natural variation in regenerated shoot numbers. Potentially novel genes in this last category are AT3G09925, SUP, EDA40 and DOF4.4. We urge future research in the field to consider multiple conditions and genetic backgrounds.