bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humane Papillomviren und Schwangerschaft
Authors: Mau Marcus
Published: February 2019

Humane Papillomviren (HPV) gehören zu den am häufigsten übertragenen sexuellen Infektionserregern weltweit. Schätzungsweise drei von vier Menschen im sexuell aktiven Alter sind mit einem oder mehreren der über 200 HPV-Typen infiziert 1. Wichtig für Hebammen: Es gibt auch nicht-sexuelle Übertragungswege. Einige dieser Viren stehen zudem im Verdacht, die Fruchtbarkeit von Mann und Frau sowie den Verlauf einer Schwangerschaft negativ zu beeinflussen. Die HPV-Impfung schützt vor der Infektion und den gesundheitlichen Folgen einiger dieser HP-Viren. Doch ist die Impfung für Schwangere überhaupt sicher und damit empfehlenswert?
Resection of Cerebellopontine Angle Meningioma via Retrosigmoid Approach Aiming for Hearing Improvement
Authors: Shinya Yuki , Ono Hideaki , Inoue Tomohiro , Tamura Akira
Published: February 2019

We present a 71-year-old female case of left cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningioma who presented with progressive hearing loss. The tumor was 35 mm in maximum diameter, obviously compressed the brain stem and cerebellum, and also displaced cranial nerves 7th and 8th anteriorly (Fig. 1). Retrosigmoid approach was chosen to resect the tumor aiming for hearing improvement. We performed dissection of the tumor from cranial nerves 7th and 8th gently and resection of the tumor except for the part adhesive to these cranial nerves (Fig. 2). Postoperative course was good without any new neurological deficit. Postoperative examination also showed improvement of high-frequency hearing of the left side, and auditory brainstem response demonstrated wave 2 to 5, which was not identify on preoperative examination. These procedures enabled safe and effective resection of the tumor and contributed to hearing improvement.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/hkRSCxtV3bY.
Anterolateral Thigh Flap in a Chicken Model: A Novel Perforator Training Model
Authors: Costa Alfio Luca , Cucinotta Filippo , Fazio Antonina , Delia Gabriele , Galeano Mariarosaria , Stagno d'Alcontres Francesco , Battiston Bruno , Tos Pierluigi , Georgescu Alexandru , Colonna Michele Rosario
Published: February 2019

Background Preclinical training in perforator flap harvesting is typically conducted on living animal models; however, repeated training is not possible with these models because of ethical and/or economical constraints. We describe an anterolateral thigh flap (ALT flap) training model using chicken thigh that seems to be an appropriate training model prior, for example, to raise a perforator flap in a living rat or swine model.

Methods A total of 10 chicken legs were used in this study. Six chicken legs were anatomically dissected to confirm the presence of the perforator and to identify the main vascular tree. In four chicken legs, a skin flap was planned based on the perforator and intramuscular dissection was performed under magnification.

Results The perforator was identified in all dissections and was consistently found 3 cm above the line extending from the patella to the head of the femur in its third proximal. Proximally, the mean diameter of the artery and vein was 0.56 (σ = 0.04) and 0.84 (σ = 0.06) mm, respectively. The mean dissection time to raise the flap was 88 (σ = 7) min.

Conclusion This is the first description of a nonliving biological simulation model for training in perforator flap dissection that mimics an ALT flap. As an ex vivo chicken model, it is a cost effective and readily accessible model suitable for repeated practice.
Enhanced room temperature magneto-caloric effect in Ni-Mn-In films with Fe/Co substitution
Authors: Modak Rajkumar , Srinivasan Ananthakrishnan
Published: February 2019

The influence of small amounts of replacement of Mn with Co/Fe on the structural, magnetic, and magneto-caloric properties of polycrystalline off-stoichiometric Ni-Mn-In Heusler alloy films has been investigated. An enhancement in Curie temperature (TC) up to 317 K was observed upon Fe substitution. The change in magnetic entropy (ΔSM) and refrigeration capacity (RC) across the second order ferromagnetic to paramagnetic phase transition increased significantly upon substituting Fe/Co in Mn sites. ΔSM (RC) estimated for a magnetic field change of 18 kOe near TC increased from −7.93 × 104 erg/cc K (1.98 × 106 erg/cc) to −12.79 × 104 erg/cc K (2.82 × 106 erg/cc) and −9.99 × 104 erg/cc K (2.60 × 106 erg/cc) in ∼3 at. % Fe and Co substituted Ni-Mn-In films, respectively.
Different effects of cholesterol on membrane permeation of arginine and tryptophan revealed by bias-exchange metadynamics simulations
Authors: Cao Zanxia , Zhang Xiumei , Wang Chunling , Liu Lei , Zhao Liling , Wang Jihua , Zhou Yaoqi
Published: February 2019

Experiments have shown that cholesterol influences the membrane permeability of small molecules, amino acids, and cell-penetrating peptides. However, their exact translocation mechanisms under the influence of cholesterol remain poorly understood. Given the practical importance of cell-penetrating peptides and the existence of varied cholesterol contents in different cell types, it is necessary to examine the permeation of amino acids in cholesterol-containing membranes at atomic level of details. Here, bias-exchange metadynamics simulations were employed to investigate the molecular mechanism of the membrane permeation of two amino acids Arg and Trp important for cell-penetrating peptides in the presence of different concentrations of cholesterol. We found that the free energy barrier of Arg+ (the protonated form) permeation increased linearly as the cholesterol concentration increased, whereas the barrier of Trp permeation had a rapid increase from 0 mol. % to 20 mol. % cholesterol-containing membranes and nearly unchanged from 20 mol. % to 40 mol. % cholesterol-containing membranes. Arg0 becomes slightly more stable than Arg+ at the center of the dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) membrane with 40 mol. % cholesterol concentrations. As a result, Arg+ has a similar permeability as Trp at 0 mol. % and 20 mol. % cholesterol, but a significantly lower permeability than Trp at 40 mol. % cholesterol. This difference is caused by the gradual reduction of water defects for Arg+ as the cholesterol concentration increases but lack of water defects for Trp in cholesterol-containing membranes. Strong but different orientation dependence between Arg+ and Trp permeations is observed. These results provide an improved microscopic understanding of amino-acid permeation through cholesterol-containing DPPC membrane systems.
Photonic nanojets with mesoscale high-index dielectric particles
Authors: Pacheco-Peña V. , Beruete M.
Published: February 2019

In this work, we demonstrate the ability of high-index dielectric particles immersed in air to generate photonic nanojets with extreme resolution (∼0.06λ0). Both 2D (cylindrical) and 3D (spherical) particles are analyzed, and their profile is truncated using the Weierstrass formulation for solid immersion lenses to produce a photonic nanojet at the output surface under plane wave illumination. Their focusing capability is evaluated in terms of the spatial resolution achieving subwavelength values of ∼0.14λ0 and ∼0.06λ0 for a truncated cylinder and sphere, respectively. The capability of the truncated sphere to enhance the backscattering produced by two small metallic spherical scatterers placed near the photonic nanojet is evaluated by using a scanning-probe microscopy configuration. The imaging capabilities of this technique are also analyzed by moving the metallic spheres in the transversal plane where the photonic nanojet is produced. The results presented here improve greatly the typical resolution of photonic nanojets generated with dielectric particles with a small index contrast. In addition, the high-index material allows using mesoscale particles, leading to a more compact setup. These results may find applications in areas such as microscopy, imaging, and sensing devices where a subwavelength resolution below the diffraction limit is needed.
Rotating electroosmotic flow through a polyelectrolyte-grafted microchannel: An analytical solution
Authors: Kaushik P. , Mondal Pranab Kumar , Kundu Pranab Kumar , Wongwises Somchai
Published: February 2019

We investigate the flow dynamics of an incompressible fluid in a polyelectrolyte grafted rotating narrow fluidic channel under the influence of an externally applied electric field. Here, we invoke an analytical formalism to solve the transport equations governing the flow dynamics in the rotating environment. We bring out the rotational force driven complex flow dynamics in the channel as modulated by the soft layer induced alteration in the electrostatic potential under electrokinetic actuation. We observe that the flow reverses at the centre of the channel for higher rotational speeds, emerging from an intricate competition among the rotation induced Coriolis force and the electrical body force due to the electrical double layer phenomenon. We show that an increase in the thickness of the polyelectrolyte layer (PEL) increases the transverse electrostatic potential, which upon interacting with the externally applied electric field alters the flow dynamics non-trivially in a rotating platform. Furthermore, we show that the frictional drag, stemming from the presence of ions in polymeric chains in the PEL enhances the resistance to the flow field, leading to a reduction in flow velocities in the channel. Finally, we explain the consequential effects of grafted PEL as realized through the thickness of the layer and the PEL drag on the alteration in the volume transport rates in the channel.
Thermopile based on anisotropic magneto-Peltier effect
Authors: Das Raja , Uchida Ken-ichi
Published: February 2019

We propose thermopile structures for the anisotropic magneto-Peltier effect (AMPE) to enhance its heating/cooling power. The cross-shaped thermopile, one of the representative AMPE-based thermopile structures, consists of four L-shaped ferromagnetic metals arranged in a cross-shaped configuration, which allows the concentration of the AMPE-induced temperature modulation at the center of the cross structure. The AMPE-based thermopile does not require the use of any complicated junctions comprising different materials, enabling the design of compact and versatile temperature controllers for nanoscale devices.
LINC00116
codes for a mitochondrial peptide linking respiration and lipid metabolism
Authors: Chugunova Anastasia , Loseva Elizaveta , Mazin Pavel , Mitina Aleksandra , Navalayeu Tsimafei , Bilan Dmitry , Vishnyakova Polina , Marey Maria , Golovina Anna , Serebryakova Marina , Pletnev Philipp , Rubtsova Maria , Mair Waltraud , Vanyushkina Anna , Khaitovich Philipp , Belousov Vsevolod , Vysokikh Mikhail , Sergiev Petr , Dontsova Olga
Published: February 2019

Significance

Short peptides are encoded in genomes of all organisms and have important functions. Due to the small size of such open reading frames, they are frequently overlooked by automatic genome annotation. We investigated the gene that was misannotated as long noncoding RNA
LINC00116
and demonstrated that this gene codes for a 56-amino-acid-long peptide, Mtln, which is localized in mitochondria. Inactivation of the Mtln coding gene leads to reduction of oxygen consumption attributed to respiratory complex I activity and perturbs lipid composition of the cell. This influence is mediated by Mtln interaction with NADH-dependent cytochrome b5 reductase. Disruption of the mitochondrial localization of the latter phenocopies Mtln inactivation.
Suppression of GABAergic neurons through D2-like receptor secures efficient conditioning in
Drosophila
aversive olfactory learning
Authors: Zhou Mingmin , Chen Nannan , Tian Jingsong , Zeng Jianzhi , Zhang Yunpeng , Zhang Xiaofan , Guo Jing , Sun Jinghan , Li Yulong , Guo Aike , Li Yan
Published: February 2019

Significance

Suppression of inhibitory interneurons, termed disinhibition, has been suggested as a conserved circuit mechanism crucial for associative learning. In
Drosophila
, a pair of GABAergic neurons negatively regulates aversive olfactory learning. Here we show that these neurons receive suppressive signals directly from a group of DA neurons through the inhibitory dopamine receptor DD2R. During odor-electric shock (ES) conditioning, ES-induced dopaminergic (DA) signal restrains GABAergic inhibition, thereby allowing efficient learning. Moreover, this inhibitory DA signal is required for learning-induced synaptic modification. Therefore, we propose that the suppressive DA signal provides a new twist on the
Drosophila
learning circuit, which is essential for accomplishing disinhibition in the learning center and sculpturing a memory trace in the GABAergic inhibitory neurons.
lex Iulia de Maritandis Ordinibus
Authors: Giltaij Jacob
Published: February 2019

The law of Augustus concerning the regulation of marriage (18 bce), a plebiscite often treated in conjunction with the consular law of Papius and Poppaeus (lex Papia Poppaea, 9 ce, together as lex Iulia et Papia), primarily obliges all Roman citizens to enter into marriage with the purpose of producing legitimate offspring. With this goal, the law probably contained set age limits at which point one was expected to have been married, an age likely reflective of the fertility age, and an extensive list of rewards and privileges for those producing (legitimate) offspring.
Integration of network models and evolutionary analysis into high-throughput modeling of protein dynamics and allosteric regulation: theory, tools and applications
Authors: Liang Zhongjie , Verkhivker Gennady M , Hu Guang
Published: February 2019

Proteins are dynamical entities that undergo a plethora of conformational changes, accomplishing their biological functions. Molecular dynamics simulation and normal mode analysis methods have become the gold standard for studying protein dynamics, analyzing molecular mechanism and allosteric regulation of biological systems. The enormous amount of the ensemble-based experimental and computational data on protein structure and dynamics has presented a major challenge for the high-throughput modeling of protein regulation and molecular mechanisms. In parallel, bioinformatics and systems biology approaches including genomic analysis, coevolution and network-based modeling have provided an array of powerful tools that complemented and enriched biophysical insights by enabling high-throughput analysis of biological data and dissection of global molecular signatures underlying mechanisms of protein function and interactions in the cellular environment. These developments have provided a powerful interdisciplinary framework for quantifying the relationships between protein dynamics and allosteric regulation, allowing for high-throughput modeling and engineering of molecular mechanisms. Here, we review fundamental advances in protein dynamics, network theory and coevolutionary analysis that have provided foundation for rapidly growing computational tools for modeling of allosteric regulation. We discuss recent developments in these interdisciplinary areas bridging computational biophysics and network biology, focusing on promising applications in allosteric regulations, including the investigation of allosteric communication pathways, protein–DNA/RNA interactions and disease mutations in genomic medicine. We conclude by formulating and discussing future directions and potential challenges facing quantitative computational investigations of allosteric regulatory mechanisms in protein systems.
Disaster Planning for Animals in Hazardous Agent Containment Units
Authors: Roble Gordon , Pullium Jennifer , Hester Takechia , Harvey Stephen
Published: February 2019

Disaster response planning for laboratory animal facilities is a time- and personnel-intensive undertaking. This article outlines numerous considerations in formulating a plan for disaster response in a high containment animal unit. The planning process is discussed around a set of elements: planning team formation, situational understanding, goal and objective determination, plan development, preparation, and rehearsal or implementation. The importance of an appropriate planning team and personnel development is explored in relationship to exemplary disaster scenarios such as natural disaster and terrorism. Specific risks such as hazardous agent and animal species type serve to delineate goal-setting methods. These goals provide the framework for an institutional disaster plan. The review further uses elements of the planning process to explore the difficulties of euthanasia of animals treated with hazardous agents. Ultimately, the pitfalls of handling media relations following disaster are examined. Proactive measures for preparing to speak to the media and mitigate negative perceptions of research are presented.
A Lyapunov-based design of dynamic feedback compensator for linear parabolic MIMO PDEs
Authors: Liu Ya-Qiang , Wang Jun-Wei , Sun Chang-Yin
Published: February 2019

This paper discusses dynamic feedback compensator design for a linear parabolic partial differential equation (PDE) with multiple inputs and multiple outputs. Actuating control inputs are provided by actuators distributed over partial areas (or active at specified positions) of the spatial domain, and observation outputs are taken from the non-collocated sensors distributed over partial areas of the spatial domain. An observer-based dynamic feedback compensator is constructed via the observer-based feedback control technique to exponentially stabilize the multi-input–multi-output PDE in the spatial $\mathscr{L}^2$ norm. By constructing an appropriate Lyapunov function candidate and using two variants of Poincaré–Wirtinger inequality, sufficient conditions on the existence of such observer-based dynamic feedback compensator are developed and presented in terms of linear matrix inequalities. The well posedness of the closed-loop coupled PDEs is also analyzed within the framework of $C_0$ semigroup theory. Finally, numerical simulation results are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
‘The Revival of the Medal’
Authors: Seidel Anna
Published: February 2019

Alfred Lichtwark (1852–1914) was the first director (1886–1914) of the Hamburger Kunsthalle. At his personal instigation, a sculpture collection was founded. Focusing on contemporary sculpture, he became a pioneer in the museum world. Lichtwark aimed at introducing sculpture to a wider public: he considered contemporary medals and plaquettes to be the most suitable material for his purpose, and consequently he initiated the sculpture collection in 1891 by assembling ‘sculptures en miniature’ from Paris. In his practice he probed questions of the medals’ art historical context, as well as processes of making and display. When Lichtwark published his book on the revival of the medal – Die Wiedererweckung der Medaille – in 1897, his engagement and expertise in the field were already widely respected. While he is well known as an innovative museum director, his role as collector of contemporary sculpture has not been sufficiently appreciated. This paper suggests a re-evaluation of his achievements.
RoboPol: a four-channel optical imaging polarimeter
Authors: Ramaprakash A N , Rajarshi C V , Das H K , Khodade P , Modi D , Panopoulou G , Maharana S , Blinov D , Angelakis E , Casadio C , Fuhrmann L , Hovatta T , Kiehlmann S , King O G , Kylafis N , Kougentakis A , Kus A , Mahabal A , Marecki A , Myserlis I , Paterakis G , Paleologou E , Liodakis I , Papadakis I , Papamastorakis I , Pavlidou V , Pazderski E , Pearson T J , Readhead A C S , Reig P , Słowikowska A , Tassis K , Zensus J A
Published: February 2019

We present the design and performance of RoboPol, a four-channel optical polarimeter operating at the Skinakas Observatory in Crete, Greece. RoboPol is capable of measuring both relative linear Stokes parameters q and u (and the total intensity I) in one sky exposure. Though primarily used to measure the polarization of point sources in the R band, the instrument features additional filters (B, V, and I), enabling multiwavelength imaging polarimetry over a large field of view (13.6′ × 13.6′). We demonstrate the accuracy and stability of the instrument throughout its 5 yr of operation. Best performance is achieved within the central region of the field of view and in the R band. For such measurements the systematic uncertainty is below 0.1 per cent in fractional linear polarization, p (0.05 per cent maximum likelihood). Throughout all observing seasons the instrumental polarization varies within 0.1 per cent in p and within ∼1° in polarization angle.
Is Intraoperative Pathology Needed if 5-Aminolevulinic-Acid-Induced Tissue Fluorescence Is Found in Stereotactic Brain Tumor Biopsy?
Authors: Millesi Matthias , Kiesel Barbara , Wöhrer Adelheid , Mercea Petra A , Bissolo Marco , Roetzer Thomas , Wolfsberger Stefan , Furtner Julia , Knosp Engelbert , Widhalm Georg
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative histopathology and acquisition of multiple tissue samples in stereotactic biopsies results in a prolonged length of surgery and potentially increased complication rate.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical benefits of a novel strategy for stereotactic brain tumor biopsies with the assistance of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) induced fluorescence.

METHODS

Patients that received 5-ALA prior to stereotactic biopsy of a suspected brain tumor were included. According to our strategy, the procedure was terminated in the case of strong fluorescence of the biopsy samples. In contrast, intraoperative histology was demanded in the case of vague/no fluorescence. Length of surgery, number of biopsy samples, diagnostic rate, and periprocedural complications were compared between these 2 groups.

RESULTS

Altogether, 79 patients were included, and strong fluorescence was present in 62 cases (79%), vague fluorescence was in 4 cases (5%), and no fluorescence was in 13 cases (16%). The diagnostic rate was comparable in biopsies with strong fluorescence without intraoperative histopathology and cases with vague/no fluorescence with intraoperative histopathology (98% vs 100%; P = 1.000). A significantly shorter length of surgery (41 vs 77 min; P < .001) and reduced average number of biopsy samples (3.6 vs 4.9; P = .011) was found in patients with strong compared to vague/no fluorescence. However, no statically significant difference in periprocedural complications between cases with strong and vague/no fluorescence was found (7% vs 18%; P = .166).

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate the clinical benefits of a novel strategy for stereotactic brain tumor biopsies with assistance of 5-ALA. Thus, this biopsy strategy will increase the efficiency of this standard neurosurgical procedure in the future.
Involvement of Substance P in the Analgesic Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy in a Mouse Model of Chronic Widespread Muscle Pain
Authors: Han Der-Sheng , Lee Cheng-Han , Shieh Yih-Dar , Chen Chih-Cheng
Published: February 2019

Background

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is widely used in pain control in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation and is effective for fibromyalgia pain. However, its analgesic mechanism remains unknown. A possible mechanism for the effect of LLLT on fibromyalgia pain is via the antinociceptive signaling of substance P in muscle nociceptors, although the neuropeptide has been known as a neurotransmitter to facilitate pain signals in the spinal cord.

Objective

To establish an animal model of LLLT in chronic muscle pain and to determine the role of substance P in LLLT analgesia.

Methods

We employed the acid-induced chronic muscle pain model, a fibromyalgia model proposed and developed by Sluka et al., and determined the optimal LLLT dosage.

Results

LLLT with 685 nm at 8 J/cm2 was effective to reduce mechanical hyperalgesia in the chronic muscle pain model. The analgesic effect was abolished by pretreatment of NK1 receptor antagonist RP-67580. Likewise, LLLT showed no analgesic effect on Tac1-/- mice, in which the gene encoding substance P was deleted. Besides, pretreatment with the TRPV1 receptor antagonist capsazepine, but not the ASIC3 antagonist APETx2, blocked the LLLT analgesic effect.

Conclusions

LLLT analgesia is mediated by the antinociceptive signaling of intramuscular substance P and is associated with TRPV1 activation in a mouse model of fibromyalgia or chronic muscle pain. The study results could provide new insight regarding the effect of LLLT in other types of chronic pain.
An Exploratory Study of Endogenous Pain Modulatory Function in Patients Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Carey Christopher , Saxe Jonathan , White Fletcher A , Naugle Kelly M
Published: February 2019

Background. Recent animal research suggests that mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) facilitates abnormal endogenous modulation of pain, potentially underlying the increased risk for persistent headaches following injury. However, no human studies have directly assessed the functioning of endogenous facilitory and inhibitory systems in the early stages after an mTBI. Objective. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine trigeminal sensitization and endogenous pain inhibitory capacity in mTBI patients in the acute stage of injury compared with matched controls. We also examined whether post-traumatic headache pain intensity within the mTBI sample was related to sensitization and pain inhibitory capacity. Methods. Twenty-four mTBI patients recruited from emergency departments and 21 age-, race-, and sex-matched controls completed one experimental session. During this session, participants completed quantitative sensory tests measuring trigeminal sensitization (pressure pain thresholds and temporal summation of pain in the head) and endogenous pain inhibition (conditioned pain modulation). Participants also completed validated questionnaires measuring headache pain, depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing. Results. The results revealed that the mTBI group exhibited significantly decreased pressure pain thresholds of the head and decreased pain inhibition on the conditioned pain modulation test compared with the control group. Furthermore, correlational analysis showed that the measures of trigeminal sensitization and depression were significantly associated with headache pain intensity within the mTBI group. Conclusions. In conclusion, mTBI patients may be at risk for maladaptive changes to the functioning of endogenous pain modulatory systems following head injury that could increase risk for post-traumatic headaches.
Samuel Johnson’s Charity Sermon During War: St Paul’s Cathedral 2 May 1745
Authors: Weinbrot Howard D
Published: February 2019

Samuel Johnson’s first ghost-written sermon was for Henry Hervey Aston at the annual Sons of the Clergy Festival on 2 May 1745. Hervey Aston was the fourth son of the Earl of Bristol, long knew Johnson, and entertained him in Lichfield and Johnson and Tetty in London. Hervey paid £12 interest on Johnson’s mother’s home in Lichfield and was, Johnson said, ‘a vicious man but very kind to me. If you call a dog Hervey, I shall love him’. He learned nothing at Christ Church, Oxford, during 18 raucous months, performed poorly as an army officer before selling his commission, and was ordained as a last hope in 1743 by the Bishop of Ely. Henry’s father the Earl of Bristol appointed him Rector of Shotley, in Suffolk, which he soon abandoned for London. Why was such a man asked to present an important sermon at England’s most impressive venue, before the Archbishop of Canterbury, eight other bishops, and many of the Great and the Good in order to raise funds for the widows and orphans of deceased Anglican clergy? This essay suggests reasons for that choice and how Johnson’s early practical sermon is part of his body of sermons. It also shows how Johnson establishes Hervey Aston’s credibility in the pulpit when he had no credibility in life, and how Johnson blends sublime theology with the quotidian. Along the way, he alludes to and politely censures the unpopular War of the Austrian Succession.
Over-activation of BMP signaling in neural crest cells precipitates heart outflow tract septation
Authors: Darrigrand Jean-François , Valente Mariana , Martinez Pauline , Comai Glenda , Petit Maxime , Nishinakamura Ryuichi , Osorio Daniel S. , Ribes Vanessa , Cadot Bruno
Published: February 2019

Establishment of separated pulmonary and systemic circulations in vertebrates relies on the key role of neural crest cells (NCC) for the septation of the embryonic cardiac outflow tract (OFT). Absence of NCCs induces OFT septation defects, analogous to a loss of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) activity, though it remains unclear how BMPs control cardiac NCC differentiation and behaviour. To address this question, we monitored cardiac NCC state upon gain in BMP signaling, caused by the deletion ofDullard, using 3D-imaging and single cell transcriptomics. Specific loss ofDullardin the NCC results in premature OFT septation, pulmonary artery obstruction and embryonic death. This is caused by uncontrolled NCC convergence towards the endocardium and asymmetrical myocardial differentiation, promoted by elevated levels of the guiding cueSema3cand decreased levels in mesenchymal trait markers. Furthermore, we unraveled the molecular basis of the zipper-like OFT septation where graded Sema3c expression follow a gradient of BMP activation in NCC along the OFT length.
Pool walking may temporarily improve renal function by suppressing renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in pregnant women
Authors: Yoshihara Tatsuya , Zaitsu Masayoshi , Kubota Shiro , Arima Hisatomi , Sasaguri Toshiyuki
Published: February 2019

Background

This study aimed to examine the effect of pool walking on renal function in pregnant women.

Methods

Fifteen pregnant women (mean gestational age, 37.8 weeks) walked in a pool (depth 1.3 m) for 1 h. A few days later, they walked on a street for 1 h. Within each activity, the starting and ending levels of plasma renin activity (PRA) and serum aldosterone (SA) were compared using paired t-test. Total urine volume, creatinine clearance, and change in PRA levels between each activity were compared by t-test. Regression coefficients for total urine volume and creatinine clearance during pool walking were estimated by linear regression and additionally controlled for the change in PRA levels. Land walking served as the reference group.

Results

Within each activity, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone levels were suppressed during pool walking: the mean starting and ending values of PRA and SA were 6.8 vs. 5.5 ng/mL/h (p=0.002) and 654 vs. 473 pg/mL (p=0.02), respectively. Compared to land walking, the decrease in PRA level was more evident in pool walking (−1.27 vs. 0.81 ng/mL/h, p=0.004), resulting in higher total urine volume and creatinine clearance in pool walking (both p<0.05). In regression analysis, after controlling for the change in PRA levels, the significantly elevated regression coefficients for total urine volume and creatinine clearance in pool walking were attenuated.

Conclusions

Pool walking may temporarily improve renal function in pregnant women, partly through the suppressed renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-bin/ctr/ctr_view_reg.cgi?recptno=R000010618

Unique Identifier: UMIN000009051
Genomic analysis reveals a functional role for myocardial trabeculae in adults
Authors: Meyer Hannah V , Dawes Timothy JW , Serrani Marta , Bai Wenjia , Tokarczuk Paweł , Cai Jiashen , de Marvao Antonio , Rueckert Daniel , Matthews Paul M , Costantino Maria L , Birney Ewan , Cook Stuart A , O’Regan Declan P
Published: February 2019

Since being first described by Leonardo da Vinci in 1513 it has remained an enigma why the endocardial surfaces of the adult heart retain a complex network of muscular trabeculae – with their persistence thought to be a vestige of embryonic development. For causative physiological inference we harness population genomics, image-based intermediate phenotyping andin silicomodelling to determine the effect of this complex cardiovascular trait on function. Using deep learning-based image analysis we identified genetic associations with trabecular complexity in 18,097 UK Biobank participants which were replicated in an independently measured cohort of 1,129 healthy adults. Genes in these associated regions are enriched for expression in the fetal heart or vasculature and implicate loci associated with haemodynamic phenotypes and developmental pathways. A causal relationship between increasing trabecular complexity and both ventricular performance and electrical activity are supported by complementary biomechanical simulations and Mendelian randomisation studies. These findings show that myocardial trabeculae are a previously-unrecognised determinant of cardiovascular physiology in adult humans.
Rift Valley fever virus minigenome system for investigating the role of L protein residues in viral transcription and replication
Authors: Jérôme Hanna , Rudolf Martin , Lelke Michaela , Pahlmann Meike , Busch Carola , Bockholt Sabrina , Wurr Stephanie , Günther Stephan , Rosenthal Maria , Kerber Romy
Published: February 2019

Replicon systems are important molecular tools for investigating the function of virus proteins and regulatory elements involved in viral RNA synthesis. We developed an ambisense minigenome system for Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) to dissect the effects of L gene mutations on viral transcription versus replication. The S RNA segment with regulatory elements for ambisense gene expression served as backbone for the minigenome. Expression of the luciferase reporter gene allowed the overall activity of the RVFV replication complex to be assessed, while northern blot analysis enabled differentiation between synthesis of viral mRNA and replication intermediates. The functionality of the system was demonstrated by probing residues predictably involved in the active site of the cap-snatching endonuclease in the N-terminus of the L protein. Corresponding mutations led to a selective defect in the viral mRNA synthesis as described for other viruses of theBunyaviralesorder. The analysis of further L gene mutants revealed an essential and specific role of a C-terminal region in the RVFV L protein in viral transcription. In summary, the established minigenome system is suitable for functional testing of the relevance of residues for viral transcription and replication. It may be used to validate hypotheses arising from structural or biochemical investigations of the RVFV replication complex.
Neuronal network activity controls microglial process surveillance in awake mice via norepinephrine signaling
Authors: Liu Yong , Li Yujiao , Eyo Ukpong B. , Chen Tingjun , Umpierre Anthony D. , Zhu Jia , Bosco Dale B. , Dong Hailong , Wu Long-Jun
Published: February 2019

Microglia are resident immune cells that dynamically survey the brain parenchyma, interacting with neurons in both health and disease. However, it is still unclear how neuronal network activity drives microglial dynamics. Utilizing in vivo two-photon imaging of microglia in awake mice, we found that inhibition of neuronal activity under general anesthesia dramatically increased microglial process surveillance. Accordingly, both sensory deprivation and optogenetic inhibition of local neuronal network activity in awake mice resulted in similar increases in microglial process surveillance. We further determined that reduced norepinephrine signaling is responsible for the observed increase in microglial process surveillance. Our results demonstrate that microglial process dynamics are directly influenced by neural activities through norepinephrine signaling in awake animals and indicate the importance of awake imaging for studying microglia-neuron interactions.
Galectin-3 inhibits Paracoccidioides brasiliensis growth and impacts paracoccidioidomycosis through multiple mechanisms
Authors: Hatanaka Otavio , Rezende Caroline Patini , Moreno Pedro , Fernandes Fabrício Freitas , Oliveira Brito Patrícia Kellen Martins , Martinez Roberto , Coelho Carolina , Roque-Barreira Maria Cristina , Casadevall Arturo , Almeida Fausto
Published: February 2019

The thermodimorphic pathogenic fungi Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Paracoccioidioides lutzii are the etiologic causes of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. Galectin-3 (Gal-3), an animal β-galactoside-binding protein, modulates important roles during microbial infections, such as triggering a Th2-polarized immune response in PCM. Herein, we demonstrate that Gal-3 also plays other important roles in P. brasiliensis infection. We verified Gal-3 levels are upregulated in human and mice infections and establish that Gal-3 inhibits P. brasiliensis growth by inhibiting budding. Furthermore, Gal-3 affects disruption and internalization of extracellular vesicles (EV) from P. brasiliensis by macrophages. Our results suggest important roles for Gal-3 in P. brasiliensis infection, indicating that increased Gal-3 production during P. brasiliensis infection may account for affecting the fungal growth and EV stability, promoting a benefic course of experimental PCM.

IMPORTANCE

Paracoccidiodomycosis (PCM) is the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. Although the immune mechanisms to control PCM are still not fully understood, several events of the host innate and adaptive immunity are crucial to determine the progress of the infection. Mammalian β-galactoside-binding protein Galectin-3 (Gal-3) plays significant roles during microbial infections, and has been studied for its immunomodulatory roles but it can also have direct antimicrobial effects. We asked whether this protein plays a role in P. brasiliensis. We report herein that Gal-3 indeed has direct effects on fungal pathogen, inhibiting fungal growth and reducing extracellular vesicles stability. Our results suggest a direct role for Gal-3 in P. brasiliensis infection, with beneficial effects for the mammalian host.
Therapeutic Challenges of Multidrug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in Eastern Africa: Systematic Review
Authors: Geteneh Alene , Demissew Assalif , Adimas Alemale , Alemu Derbie , Girma Lencho
Published: February 2019

Acinetobacter baumannii, an opportunistic gram negative bacterium, is known to emerge as a major health threat in Eastern Africa. Clinical isolates exhibit resistance to carbapenems and most or all available antibiotics. This review is intended to present concerns about resistance and therapeutic challenges of multi drug resistance Acinetobacter baumannii in Eastern Africa. Data was obtained from PubMed and Google scholar, and from free goggle access and web Medline for facts about Acinetobacter baumannii and its resistance pattern. Moreover, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) flow chart was used to guide the selection of study materials. Total of 98 articles identified, 13 fit the criteria and were included for the final analysis. In East Africa the overall prevalence of Acinetobacter baumannii was 4.95%, while the overall rate of multi drug resistance, carbapenem and pan resistance was 87.3%, 64.8% and 25.2% respectively. Colistin resurges as potential therapeutic options to overcome the lack of new antibiotic treatment of Acinetobacter baumannii. There needs a collaborative effort in researches targeted for Acinetobacter baumannii treatment and respond for call of “Research and Development of new antibiotics” to control its damning impact.
Mouse navigation strategies for odor source localization
Authors: Liu Annie , Papale Andrew E , Hengenius James , Patel Khusbu , Ermentrout Bard , Urban Nathaniel N
Published: February 2019

Navigating an odor landscape is a critical behavior for the survival of many species, including mice. One ethologically relevant mouse behavior is locating food using odor concentration gradients. To model this behavior, we use a naturalistic open field odor-based spot-finding task, examining navigation strategies as mice search for and approach an odor source. Mice were trained to navigate to odor sources paired with food reward. We detected behavioral changes consistent with localization of the odor source when mice were ∼10cm away from the source. These behaviors included both orientation towards the source and increased exploration time. We found that the amplitude of ‘casting,’ lateral back and forth head movement, increased exponentially with proximity to the source. We then created concentration-dependent models to simulate mouse behavior, which provided evidence for a serial-sniffing strategy (sampling concentration, moving in space, then sampling again) and a stereo-sniffing strategy (inter-nostril comparison of concentration in a single sniff). Together, these results elucidate key components of behavioral strategies for odor-based navigation.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Use of a naturalistic odor-source localizing task uncovers key strategies underlying successful mouse navigation. Concentration-dependent models successfully recapitulate mouse behavior and reveal important behavioral components.
Rapid, multiplexed, whole genome and plasmid sequencing of foodborne pathogens using long-read nanopore technology
Authors: Taylor Tonya L. , Volkening Jeremy D. , DeJesus Eric , Simmons Mustafa , Dimitrov Kiril M. , Tillman Glenn E. , Suarez David L. , Afonso Claudio L.
Published: February 2019

United States public health agencies are focusing on next-generation sequencing (NGS) to quickly identify and characterize foodborne pathogens. Here, the MinION nanopore, long-read sequencer was used to simultaneously sequence the entire chromosome and plasmids of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Bareilly and Escherichia coli O157:H7. A rapid, random sequencing approach, coupled with de novo genome assembly within a customized data analysis workflow, that can resolve highly-repetitive genomic regions, was developed. In sequencing runs, as short as four hours, using nanopore data alone, full-length genomes were obtained with an average identity of 99.87% for Salmonella Bareilly and 99.89% for E. coli in comparison to the respective MiSeq references. These long-read assemblies provided information on serotype, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance genes. Using a custom-developed, SNP-selection workflow, the potential of the nanopore-only assemblies (after only 30 minutes of sequencing) for rapid phylogenetic inference, with identical topology compared to the published dataset, was demonstrated. To achieve maximum quality assemblies, the developed bioinformatics workflow employed additional polishing steps to correct the systematic errors produced by the nanopore-only assemblies. Nanopore sequencing provided a shorter (10 hours library preparation and sequencing) turnaround time compared to other NGS technologies.
Post-decision processing in primate prefrontal cortex influences subsequent choices on an auditory decision-making task
Authors: Tsunada Joji , Cohen Yale E. , Gold Joshua I.
Published: February 2019

Perceptual decisions do not occur in isolation but instead reflect ongoing evaluation and adjustment processes that can affect future decisions. However, the neuronal substrates of these across-decision processes are not well understood, particularly for auditory decisions. We measured and manipulated the activity of choice-selective neurons in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) while monkeys made decisions about the frequency content of noisy auditory stimuli. As the decision was being formed, vlPFC activity was not modulated strongly by the task. However, after decision commitment, vlPFC population activity encoded the sensory evidence, choice, and outcome of the current trial and predicted subject-specific choice biases on the subsequent trial. Consistent with these patterns of neuronal activity, electrical microstimulation in vlPFC tended to affect the subsequent, but not current, decision. Thus, distributed post-commitment representations of graded decision-related information in prefrontal cortex can play a causal role in evaluating past decisions and biasing subsequent ones.
Loss of function mutation of mouse Snap29 on a mixed genetic background phenocopy abnormalities found in CEDNIK and 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome patients
Authors: Keser Vafa , Boisclair Lachance Jean-François , Alam Sabrina Shameen , Lim Youngshin , Scarlata Eleonora , Kaur Apinder , Fang Zhang Tian , Lv Shasha , Lachapelle Pierre , O’Flaherty Cristian , Golden Jefferey A. , Jerome-Majewska Loydie A.
Published: February 2019

Synaptosomal-associated protein 29 (SNAP29) is a member of the SNARE family of proteins involved in maintenance of various intracellular protein trafficking pathways. SNAP29 maps to the 22q11.2 region and is deleted in 90% of patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). However, the contribution of hemizygosity of SNAP29 to developmental abnormalities in 22q11.2DS remains to be determined. Mutations in SNAP29 are responsible for the developmental syndrome called CEDNIK (cerebral dysgenesis, neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratoderma). On an inbred C57Bl/6J genetic background, only the ichthyotic skin defect associated with CEDNIK was reported. In this study, we show that loss of function mutation of Snap29 on a mixed genetic background not only models skin abnormalities found in CEDNIK, but also phenocopy ophthalmological, neurological, and motor defects found in these patients and a subset of 22q11.2DS patients. Thus, our findings indicate that mouse models of human syndromes should be analyzed on a mixed genetic background. Our work also reveals an unanticipated requirement for Snap29 in male fertility, and support contribution of hemizygosity for SNAP29 to the phenotypic spectrum of abnormalities found in 22q11.2DS patients.
Negative Affect Induces Rapid Learning of Counterfactual Representations: A Model-based Facial Expression Analysis Approach
Authors: Haines Nathaniel , Rass Olga , Shin Yong-Wook , Brown Joshua W. , Ahn Woo-Young
Published: February 2019

Whether we are making life-or-death decisions or thinking about the best way to phrase an email, counterfactual emotions including regret and disappointment play an ever-present role in how we make decisions. Functional theories of counterfactual thinking suggest that the experience and future expectation of counterfactual emotions should promote goal-oriented behavioral change. Although many studies find empirical support for such functional theories, the generative cognitive mechanisms through which counterfactual thinking facilitates changes in behavior are underexplored. Here, we develop generative models of risky decision-making that extend regret and disappointment theory to experience-based tasks, which we use to examine how people incorporate counterfactual information into their decisions across time. Further, we use computer-vision to detect positive and negative affect (valence) intensity from participants’ faces in response to feedback, which we use to explore how experienced emotion may correspond to cognitive mechanisms of learning, outcome valuation, or exploration/exploitation—any of which could result in functional changes in behavior. Using hierarchical Bayesian modeling and Bayesian model comparison methods, we found that a model assuming: (1) people learn to explicitly represent and subjectively weight counterfactual outcomes with increasing experience, and (2) people update their counterfactual expectations more rapidly as they experience increasingly intense negative affect best characterized empirical data. Our findings support functional accounts of regret and disappointment and demonstrate the potential for generative modeling and model-based facial expression analysis to enhance our understanding of cognition-emotion interactions.