bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cognitive profile of multi-sensory imagery, memory and dreaming in aphantasia
Authors: Dawes Alexei J. , Keogh Rebecca , Andrillon Thomas , Pearson Joel
Published: June 2020

For most people, visual imagery is an innate feature of many of our internal experiences, and appears to play a critical role in supporting core cognitive processes. Some individuals, however, lack the ability to voluntarily generate visual imagery altogether – a condition termed “aphantasia”. Recent research suggests that aphantasia is a condition defined by the absence of visual imagery, rather than a lack of metacognitive awareness of internal visual imagery. Here we further illustrate a cognitive “fingerprint” of aphantasia, demonstrating that compared to control participants with imagery ability, aphantasic individuals report decreased imagery in other sensory domains, although not all report a complete lack of multi-sensory imagery. They also report less vivid and phenomenologically rich autobiographical memories and imagined future scenarios, suggesting a constructive role for visual imagery in representing episodic events. Interestingly, aphantasic individuals report fewer and qualitatively impoverished dreams compared to controls. However, spatial abilities appear unaffected, and aphantasic individuals do not appear to be considerably protected against all forms of trauma symptomatology in response to stressful life events. Collectively, these data suggest that imagery may be a normative representational tool for wider cognitive processes, highlighting the large inter-individual variability that characterises our internal mental representations.
Analysis of the genes controlling three quantitative traits in three diverse plant species reveals the molecular basis of quantitative traits
Authors: Zhang Meiping , Liu Yun-Hua , Xu Wenwei , Smith C. Wayne , Murray Seth C. , Zhang Hong-Bin
Published: June 2020

Most traits of agricultural importance are quantitative traits controlled by numerous genes. However, it remains unclear about the molecular mechanisms underpinning quantitative traits. Here, we report the molecular characteristics of the genes controlling three quantitative traits randomly selected from three diverse plant species, including ginsenoside biosynthesis in ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), fiber length in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. and G. barbadense L.) and grain yield in maize (Zea mays L.). We found that a vast majority of the genes controlling a quantitative trait were significantly more likely spliced into multiple transcripts while they expressed. Nevertheless, only one to four, but not all, of the transcripts spliced from each of the genes were significantly correlated with the phenotype of the trait. The genes controlling a quantitative trait were multiple times more likely to form a co-expression network than other genes expressed in an organ. The network varied substantially among genotypes of a species and was associated with their phenotypes. These findings indicate that the genes controlling a quantitative trait are more likely pleiotropic and functionally correlated, thus providing new insights into the molecular basis underpinning quantitative traits and knowledge necessary to develop technologies for efficient manipulation of quantitative traits.
Urine 6-Bromotryptophan: Associations with Genetic Variants and Incident End-Stage Kidney Disease
Authors: Sekula Peggy , Tin Adrienne , Schultheiss Ulla T. , Baid-Agrawal Seema , Mohney Robert P. , Steinbrenner Inga , Yu Bing , Luo Shengyuan , Boerwinkle Eric , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Coresh Josef , Grams Morgan E. , Kӧttgen Anna
Published: June 2020

Higher serum 6-bromotryptophan has been associated with lower risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, implicating mechanisms beyond renal clearance. We studied genetic determinants of urine 6-bromotryptophan and its association with CKD risk factors and incident end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in 4,843 participants of the German Chronic Kidney Disease (GCKD) study. 6-bromotryptophan was measured from urine samples using mass spectrometry. Patients with higher levels of urine 6-bromotryptophan had higher baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, p < 0.001). A genome-wide association study of urine 6-bromotryptophan identified two significant loci possibly related to its tubular reabsorption, SLC6A19, and its production, ERO1A, which was also associated with serum 6-bromotryptophan in an independent study. The association between urine 6-bromotryptophan and time to ESKD was assessed using Cox regression. There were 216 ESKD events after four years of follow-up. Compared with patients with undetectable levels, higher 6-bromotryptophan levels were associated with lower risk of ESKD in models unadjusted and adjusted for ESKD risk factors other than eGFR (<median level: cause-specific hazard ratio [HR] 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51 to 0.97; ≥median level: HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.74). Upon adjustment for baseline eGFR, this association became attenuated, suggesting that urine 6-bromotryptophan may represent a correlated marker of kidney health.
An accurate and efficient method for occlusal tooth wear assessment using 3D digital dental models
Authors: Gkantidis Nikolaos , Dritsas Konstantinos , Ren Yijin , Halazonetis Demetrios , Katsaros Christos
Published: June 2020

Tooth or material wear in a dentition is a common finding that requires timely diagnosis for management and prevention of further loss or associated esthetic or functional impairment. Various qualitative and quantitative methods have been suggested to measure tooth or material wear, but they present with limitations, such as imprecision, subjectivity, or high complexity. Here we developed and assessed an efficient 3D superimposition method to accurately measure occlusal tooth wear on 3D digital dental models. For this purpose, teeth on plaster casts were manually grinded on their occlusal surfaces to simulate various degrees of tooth wear. The casts were scanned using a surface scanner. Grinded tooth crowns (T1) were segmented and compared to the original crowns (T0) using five 3D surface superimposition techniques and a gold standard technique (GS). GS measurements were obtained by using intact adjacent structures as superimposition references. The technique of choice (complete crown with 30% estimated overlap of meshes) showed the best reproducibility (maximum difference < 0.050 mm3) and excellent agreement with the GS technique (median difference: 0.032 mm3). The suggested 3D superimposition method offers a highly efficient and accurate tool for tooth wear assessment, which could be applicable to clinical conditions.
Adeno-associated virus-binding antibodies detected in cats living in the Northeastern United States lack neutralizing activity
Authors: Adachi Kei , Dissen Gregory A. , Lomniczi Alejandro , Xie Qing , Ojeda Sergio R. , Nakai Hiroyuki
Published: June 2020

Cats are a critical pre-clinical model for studying adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene therapies. A recent study has described the high prevalence of anti-AAV neutralizing antibodies among domestic cats in Switzerland. However, our knowledge of pre-existing humoral immunity against various AAV serotypes in cats is still limited. Here, we show that, although antibodies binding known AAV serotypes (AAV1 to AAV11) are prevalent in cats living in the Northeastern United States, these antibodies do not necessarily neutralize AAV infectivity. We analyzed sera from 35 client-owned, 20 feral, and 30 specific pathogen-free (SPF) cats for pre-existing AAV-binding antibodies against the 11 serotypes. Antibody prevalence was 7 to 90% with an overall median of 50%. The AAV-binding antibodies showed broad reactivities with other serotypes. Of 44 selected antibodies binding AAV2, AAV6 or AAV9, none exhibited appreciable neutralizing activities. Instead, AAV6 or AAV9-binding antibodies showed a transduction-enhancing effect. AAV6-binding antibodies were highly prevalent in SPF cats (83%), but this was primarily due to cross-reactivity with preventive vaccine-induced anti-feline panleukopenia virus antibodies. These results indicate that prevalent pre-existing immunity in cats is not necessarily inhibitory to AAV and highlight a substantial difference in the nature of AAV-binding antibodies in cats living in geographically different regions.
Chemical signal is in the blend: bases of plant-pollinator encounter in a highly specialized interaction
Authors: Proffit Magali , Lapeyre Benoit , Buatois Bruno , Deng Xiaoxia , Arnal Pierre , Gouzerh Flora , Carrasco David , Hossaert-McKey Martine
Published: June 2020

In several highly specialized plant-insect interactions, scent-mediated specificity of pollinator attraction is directed by the emission and detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Although some plants engaged in such interactions emit singular compounds, others emit mixtures of VOCs commonly emitted by plants. We investigated the chemical ecological bases of host plant recognition in the nursery pollination mutualism between the dioeciousFicus caricaand its specific pollinatorBlastophaga psenes. Using Y-tube olfactometer tests, we show thatB. psenesfemales are attracted by VOCs of receptive figs of both sexes and do not exhibit preference for VOCs of either male or female figs. Electrophysiological tests and chemical analysis revealed that of all the VOCs emitted by receptive figs, only five were found to be active on female antennae. Behavioural tests show that, in contrast to VOCs presented alone, only a blend with a particular proportion of four of these VOCs is as attractive as the odour of receptive figs, and that if there is a very small change in this blend proportion, the pollinator is no longer attracted. This study revealed that in highly specialized mutualistic interactions specificity could be mediated by a particular blend of common compounds emitted by plants.
Microbiota-governed microRNA-204 impairs endothelial function and blood pressure decline during inactivity in db/db mice
Authors: Gaddam Ravinder Reddy , Jacobsen Veronica Peotta , Kim Young-Rae , Gabani Mohanad , Jacobs Julia S. , Dhuri Karishma , Kumar Santosh , Kassan Modar , Li Qiuxia , Bahal Raman , Roghair Robert , Irani Kaikobad , Vikram Ajit
Published: June 2020

An impaired decline in blood pressure at rest is typical in people with diabetes, reflects endothelial dysfunction, and increases the risk of end-organ damage. Here we report that microRNA-204 (miR-204) promotes endothelial dysfunction and impairment in blood pressure decline during inactivity. We show that db/db mice overexpress miR-204 in the aorta, and its absence rescues endothelial dysfunction and impaired blood pressure decline during inactivity despite obesity. The vascular miR-204 is sensitive to microbiota, and microbial suppression reversibly decreases aortic miR-204 and improves endothelial function, while the endothelial function of mice lacking miR-204 remained indifferent to the microbial alterations. We also show that the circulating miR-122 regulates vascular miR-204 as miR-122 inhibition decreases miR-204 in endothelial cells and aorta. This study establishes that miR-204 impairs endothelial function, promotes impairment in blood pressure decline during rest, and opens avenues for miR-204 inhibition strategies against vascular dysfunction.
Visual sense of number vs. sense of magnitude in humans and machines
Authors: Testolin Alberto , Dolfi Serena , Rochus Mathijs , Zorzi Marco
Published: June 2020

Numerosity perception is thought to be foundational to mathematical learning, but its computational bases are strongly debated. Some investigators argue that humans are endowed with a specialized system supporting numerical representations; others argue that visual numerosity is estimated using continuous magnitudes, such as density or area, which usually co-vary with number. Here we reconcile these contrasting perspectives by testing deep neural networks on the same numerosity comparison task that was administered to human participants, using a stimulus space that allows the precise measurement of the contribution of non-numerical features. Our model accurately simulates the psychophysics of numerosity perception and the associated developmental changes: discrimination is driven by numerosity, but non-numerical features also have a significant impact, especially early during development. Representational similarity analysis further highlights that both numerosity and continuous magnitudes are spontaneously encoded in deep networks even when no task has to be carried out, suggesting that numerosity is a major, salient property of our visual environment.
Effects of nitrogen additions on mesophyll and stomatal conductance in Manchurian ash and Mongolian oak
Authors: Zhu Kai , Wang Anzhi , Wu Jiabing , Yuan Fenghui , Guan Dexin , Jin Changjie , Zhang Yushu , Gong Chunjuan
Published: June 2020

The response of plant CO2 diffusion conductances (mesophyll and stomatal conductances, gm and gsc) to soil drought has been widely studied, but few studies have investigated the effects of soil nitrogen addition levels on gm and gsc. In this study, we investigated the responses of gm and gsc of Manchurian ash and Mongolian oak to four soil nitrogen addition levels (control, low nitrogen, medium nitrogen and high nitrogen) and the changes in leaf anatomy and associated enzyme activities (aquaporin (AQP) and carbonic anhydrase (CA)). Both gm and gsc increased with the soil nitrogen addition levels for both species, but then decreased under the high nitrogen addition level, which primarily resulted from the enlargements in leaf and mesophyll cell thicknesses, mesophyll surface area exposed to intercellular space per unit leaf area and stomatal opening status with soil nitrogen addition. Additionally, the improvements in leaf N content and AQP and CA activities also significantly promoted gm and gsc increases. The addition of moderate levels of soil nitrogen had notably positive effects on CO2 diffusion conductance in leaf anatomy and physiology in Manchurian ash and Mongolian oak, but these positive effects were weakened with the addition of high levels of soil nitrogen.
Ocular Perfusion Pressure and the Risk of Open-Angle Glaucoma: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Ko Eun , Oh Sohee , Baek Sung Uk , Ahn Seong Joon , Park Ki Ho , Jeoung Jin Wook
Published: June 2020

Low ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) has been proposed as an important risk factor for glaucoma development and progression, but controversy still exists between studies. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the association between OPP and open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Studies were identified by searching PubMed and EMBASE databases. The pooled absolute and standardised mean difference in OPP between OAG patients and controls were evaluated using the random-effects model. Meta-regression analysis was conducted to investigate the factors associated with OPP difference between OAG patients and controls. A total of 43 studies were identified including 3,009 OAG patients, 369 patients with ocular hypertension, and 29,502 controls. The pooled absolute mean difference in OPP between OAG patients and controls was −2.52 mmHg (95% CI −4.06 to −0.98), meaning significantly lower OPP in OAG patients (P = 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that OAG patients with baseline IOP > 21 mmHg (P = 0.019) and ocular hypertension patients also had significantly lower OPP than controls (P < 0.001), but such difference in OPP was not significant between OAG patients with baseline IOP of ≤21 mmHg and controls (P = 0.996). In conclusion, although no causal relationship was proven in the present study, our findings suggest that in patients with high baseline IOP, who already have a higher risk of glaucoma, low OPP might be another risk factor.
Determining the thermal characteristics of breast cancer based on high-resolution infrared imaging, 3D breast scans, and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Lozano Adolfo , Hayes Jody C. , Compton Lindsay M. , Azarnoosh Jamasp , Hassanipour Fatemeh
Published: June 2020

For over the three decades, various researchers have aimed to construct a thermal (or bioheat) model of breast cancer, but these models have mostly lacked clinical data. The present study developed a computational thermal model of breast cancer based on high-resolution infrared (IR) images, real three-dimensional (3D) breast surface geometries, and internal tumor definition of a female subject histologically diagnosed with breast cancer. A state-of-the-art IR camera recorded IR images of the subject’s breasts, a 3D scanner recorded surface geometries, and standard diagnostic imaging procedures provided tumor sizes and spatial locations within the breast. The study estimated the thermal characteristics of the subject’s triple negative breast cancer by calibrating the model to the subject’s clinical data. Constrained by empirical blood perfusion rates, metabolic heat generation rates reached as high as 2.0E04 W/m3 for normal breast tissue and ranged between 1.0E05–1.2E06 W/m3 for cancerous breast tissue. Results were specific to the subject’s unique breast cancer molecular subtype, stage, and lesion size and may be applicable to similar aggressive cases. Prior modeling efforts are briefly surveyed, clinical data collected are presented, and finally thermal modeling results are presented and discussed.
Expression regulation of MALATE SYNTHASE involved in glyoxylate cycle during protocorm development in Phalaenopsis aphrodite (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Wu Wan-Lin , Hsiao Yu-Yun , Lu Hsiang-Chia , Liang Chieh-Kai , Fu Chih-Hsiung , Huang Tian-Hsiang , Chuang Ming-Hsiang , Chen Li-Jun , Liu Zhong-Jian , Tsai Wen-Chieh
Published: June 2020

Orchid (Orchidaceae) is one of the largest families in angiosperms and presents exceptional diversity in lifestyle. Their unique reproductive characteristics of orchid are attracted by scientist for centuries. One of the synapomorphies of orchid plants is that their seeds do not contain endosperm. Lipids are used as major energy storage in orchid seeds. However, regulation and mobilization of lipid usage during early seedling (protocorm) stage of orchid is not understood. In this study, we compared transcriptomes from developing Phalaenopsis aphrodite protocorms grown on 1/2-strength MS medium with sucrose. The expression of P. aphrodite MALATE SYNTHASE (PaMLS), involved in the glyoxylate cycle, was significantly decreased from 4 days after incubation (DAI) to 7 DAI. On real-time RT-PCR, both P. aphrodite ISOCITRATE LYASE (PaICL) and PaMLS were down-regulated during protocorm development and suppressed by sucrose treatment. In addition, several genes encoding transcription factors regulating PaMLS expression were identified. A gene encoding homeobox transcription factor (named PaHB5) was involved in positive regulation of PaMLS. This study showed that sucrose regulates the glyoxylate cycle during orchid protocorm development in asymbiotic germination and provides new insights into the transcription factors involved in the regulation of malate synthase expression.
Replication of Equine arteritis virus is efficiently suppressed by purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis inhibitors
Authors: Valle-Casuso José-Carlos , Gaudaire Delphine , Martin-Faivre Lydie , Madeline Anthony , Dallemagne Patrick , Pronost Stéphane , Munier-Lehmann Hélène , Zientara Stephan , Vidalain Pierre-Olivier , Hans Aymeric
Published: June 2020

RNA viruses are responsible for a large variety of animal infections. Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) is a positive single-stranded RNA virus member of the family Arteriviridae from the order Nidovirales like the Coronaviridae. EAV causes respiratory and reproductive diseases in equids. Although two vaccines are available, the vaccination coverage of the equine population is largely insufficient to prevent new EAV outbreaks around the world. In this study, we present a high-throughput in vitro assay suitable for testing candidate antiviral molecules on equine dermal cells infected by EAV. Using this assay, we identified three molecules that impair EAV infection in equine cells: the broad-spectrum antiviral and nucleoside analog ribavirin, and two compounds previously described as inhibitors of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), the fourth enzyme of the pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway. These molecules effectively suppressed cytopathic effects associated to EAV infection, and strongly inhibited viral replication and production of infectious particles. Since ribavirin is already approved in human and small animal, and that several DHODH inhibitors are in advanced clinical trials, our results open new perspectives for the management of EAV outbreaks.
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells provide B-cell help in vaccinated and subsequently SIV-infected Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Arif , Ko Eun-Ju , Bhuyan Farzana , Enyindah-Asonye Gospel , Hunegnaw Ruth , Helmold Hait Sabrina , Hogge Christopher James , Venzon David J. , Hoang Tanya , Robert-Guroff Marjorie
Published: June 2020

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells help combat opportunistic infections. Thus, MAIT cells are of interest in HIV/SIV vaccination and infection. We investigated MAIT cell dynamics and function in rhesus macaque blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) following mucosal adenovirus (Ad)-SIV recombinant priming, intramuscular SIV envelope boosting and infection following repeated low-dose intravaginal SIV exposures. Increased frequencies of blood MAIT cells over the course of vaccination were observed, which were maintained even 12-weeks post-SIV infection. BAL MAIT cells only increased after the first Ad immunization. Vaccination increased MAIT cell levels in blood and BAL expressing the antiviral cytokine IFN-γ and TNF-α and the proliferation marker Ki67. Upon T cell-specific α-CD3, α-CD28 stimulation, MAIT cells showed a greater capacity to secrete cytokines/chemokines associated with help for B cell activation, migration and regulation compared to CD3+MR1−cells. Culture of MAIT cell supernatants with B cells led to greater tissue like memory B cell frequencies. MAIT cell frequencies in blood and BAL correlated with SIV-specific antibody levels in rectal secretions and with SIV-specific tissue resident memory B cells. Overall, SIV vaccination influenced MAIT cell frequency and functionality. The potential for MAIT cells to provide help to B cells was evident during both vaccination and infection.
Comparison of surgical correction rates between titanium and cobalt-chrome-alloy as rod materials in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Yang Jae Hyuk , Suh Seung Woo , Chang Dong-Gune
Published: June 2020

Numerous biomechanical studies comparing titanium (Ti) and cobalt-chrome-alloy (CCM) rods are described in the literature. However, there is a dearth of literature comparing the two rod materials in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare the correction rates of Ti and CCM rods in the treatment of AIS with double major curves. We enrolled 45 patients with AIS who underwent surgery between 2009 and 2012. We divided patients into two groups, Group A (n = 29) treated with six-millimeter Ti rods and Group B (n = 16) treated with six-millimeter CCM rods. The rod-derotation maneuver was used for correction. We measured pre- and postoperative indices of coronal alignment (Cobb’s angle, coronal balance, T1-tilt, clavicle angle) and sagittal alignment (sagittal vertical axis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis). In our study, there were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to demographics or curve characteristics (P > 0.05). In Group A, thoracic and lumbar curvature correction rates were 71.2% and 66.8% respectively, and in Group B they were 71.2% and 73.3%, respectively (P = 0.664 and 0.09). There were no significant differences between the two groups in coronal or sagittal factors (P > 0.05) except for greater postoperative lumbar lordosis in the CCM group (P < 0.001). In conclusion, Ti and CCM rods showed similar correction rates in the sagittal and coronal planes for the surgical correction of AIS with double major curves. Biomechanical studies of Ti and CCM rods in vitro is different in biological condition.
Histological scoring system for subchondral bone changes in murine models of joint aging and osteoarthritis
Authors: Nagira Keita , Ikuta Yasunari , Shinohara Masahiro , Sanada Yohei , Omoto Takenori , Kanaya Haruhisa , Nakasa Tomoyuki , Ishikawa Masakazu , Adachi Nobuo , Miyaki Shigeru , Lotz Martin
Published: June 2020

To establish a histopathological scoring system for changes in subchondral bone in murine models of knee osteoarthritis (OA), three key parameters, subchondral bone plate (Subcho.BP) consisting of the combination of Subcho.BP.thickness (Subcho.BP.Th) and angiogenesis, bone volume (BV/TV) and osteophytes, were selected. The new grading system was tested in two mouse OA models, (1) senescence accelerated mouse (SAM)-prone 8 (SAMP8) as spontaneous OA model with SAM-resistant 1 (SAMR1) as control; (2) destabilization of the medial meniscus in C57BL/6 mice as surgical OA model. Results of the spontaneous OA model showed that Subcho.BP.Th was significantly wider, angiogenesis was greater, and BV/TV was higher in SAMP8 than SAMR1. Notably, subchondral bone score was dramatically higher in SAMP8 at 6 weeks than SAMR1, while OARSI cartilage scores became higher only at 14 weeks. In the surgical OA model, the results were similar to the spontaneous OA model, but osteophytes appeared earlier. There were strong correlations both in Subcho.BP.Th and BV/TV between this scoring system and µCT (r = 0.89, 0.84, respectively). Inter-rater reliabilities for each parameter using this system were more than 0.943. We conclude that this new histopathological scoring system is readily applicable for evaluating the early changes in aging and OA-affected murine subchondral bone.
A new safety index based on intrapulse monitoring of ultra-harmonic cavitation during ultrasound-induced blood-brain barrier opening procedures
Authors: Novell A. , Kamimura H. A. S. , Cafarelli A. , Gerstenmayer M. , Flament J. , Valette J. , Agou P. , Conti A. , Selingue E. , Aron Badin R. , Hantraye P. , Larrat B.
Published: June 2020

Ultrasound-induced blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening using microbubbles is a promising technique for local delivery of therapeutic molecules into the brain. The real-time control of the ultrasound dose delivered through the skull is necessary as the range of pressure for efficient and safe BBB opening is very narrow. Passive cavitation detection (PCD) is a method proposed to monitor the microbubble activity during ultrasound exposure. However, there is still no consensus on a reliable safety indicator able to predict potential damage in the brain. Current approaches for the control of the beam intensity based on PCD employ a full-pulse analysis and may suffer from a lack of sensitivity and poor reaction time. To overcome these limitations, we propose an intra-pulse analysis to monitor the evolution of the frequency content during ultrasound bursts. We hypothesized that the destabilization of microbubbles exposed to a critical level of ultrasound would result in the instantaneous generation of subharmonic and ultra-harmonic components. This specific signature was exploited to define a new sensitive indicator of the safety of the ultrasound protocol. The approach was validated in vivo in rats and non-human primates using a retrospective analysis. Our results demonstrate that intra-pulse monitoring was able to exhibit a sudden appearance of ultra-harmonics during the ultrasound excitation pulse. The repeated detection of such a signature within the excitation pulse was highly correlated with the occurrence of side effects such as hemorrhage and edema. Keeping the acoustic pressure at levels where no such sign of microbubble destabilization occurred resulted in safe BBB openings, as shown by MR images and gross pathology. This new indicator should be more sensitive than conventional full-pulse analysis and can be used to distinguish between potentially harmful and safe ultrasound conditions in the brain with very short reaction time.
Matriptase processing of APLP1 ectodomain alters its homodimerization
Authors: Lanchec Erwan , Désilets Antoine , Béliveau François , Fontaine-Carbonneau Cloé , Laniel Andréanne , Leduc Richard , Lavoie Christine
Published: June 2020

The amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) is derived from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by secretase processing. APP is also cleaved by numerous other proteases, such as the type II transmembrane serine protease matriptase, with consequences on the production of Aβ. Because the APP homolog protein amyloid-like protein 1 (APLP1) shares similarities with APP, we sought to determine if matriptase also plays a role in its processing. Here, we demonstrate that matriptase directly interacts with APLP1 and that APLP1 is cleaved in cellulo by matriptase in its E1 ectodomains at arginine 124. Replacing Arg124 with Ala abolished APLP1 processing by matriptase. Using a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay we found that matriptase reduces APLP1 homodimeric interactions. This study identifies matriptase as the first protease cleaving APLP1 in its dimerization domain, potentially altering the multiple functions associated with dimer formation.
Four Loci Are Associated with Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Endurance Performance in Young Chinese Females
Authors: Zhao Ying , Huang Guoyuan , Chen Zuosong , Fan Xiang , Huang Tao , Liu Jinsheng , Zhang Qing , Shen Jingyi , Li Zhiqiang , Shi Yongyong
Published: June 2020

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and endurance performance are characterized by a complex genetic trait with high heritability. Although research has identified many physiological and environmental correlates with CRF, the genetic architecture contributing to CRF remains unclear, especially in non-athlete population. A total of 762 Chinese young female participants were recruited and an endurance run test was used to determine CRF. We used a fixed model of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for CRF. Genotyping was performed using the Affymetrix Axiom and illumina 1 M arrays. After quality control and imputation, a linear regression-based association analysis was conducted using a total of 5,149,327 variants. Four loci associated with CRF were identified to reach genome-wide significance (P < 5.0 × 10-8), which located in 15q21.3 (rs17240160, P = 1.73 × 10-9, GCOM1), 3q25.31 (rs819865, P = 8.56 × 10-9, GMPS), 21q22.3 (rs117828698, P = 9.59 × 10-9, COL18A1), and 17q24.2 (rs79806428, P = 3.85 × 10-8, PRKCA). These loci (GCOM1, GMPS, COL18A1 and PRKCA) associated with cardiorespiratory fitness and endurance performance in Chinese non-athlete young females. Our results suggest that these gene polymorphisms provide further genetic evidence for the polygenetic nature of cardiorespiratory endurance and be used as genetic biomarkers for future research.
Factors associated with immunosenescence during early adulthood in HIV-infected patients after durable efficient combination antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Quiros-Roldan Eugenia , Properzi Martina , Paghera Simone , Raffetti Elena , Castelli Francesco , Imberti Luisa
Published: June 2020

Perinatally HIV-infected patients face the consequences of both chronic infection effects per se and long-term combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) on immunosenescence. Aims of our study were to evaluate which factors independently contribute to immunosenescence in HIV-infected young adults with a very different HIV infection duration (perinatally HIV-infected young individuals -pHIVy- and age-matched non perinatally HIV-infected youths –npHIVy), after durable  efficient cART. We considered low thymic and bone marrow output, respectively evaluated by quantifying T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs), K-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs), and shorter telomeres lenght (TL) as surrogate biomarkers of immunosenescence. Twenty-one pHIVy and 19 npHIVy (with a mean HIV duration of 3–8 years) were included; mean age was 27 years for both groups. Immunosenescence biomarkers were comparable between pHIVy and npHIVy (despite longer HIV-infection, higher frequency of AIDS events, past cART-free periods and concomitant chronic viral infections in pHIVy). At the multivariate analysis, CD4+ was the only variable independently associated with TRECs and TL. Our data suggest that a good level of thymic activity can compensate the deleterious effects of past periods without cART, if HIV replication is suppressed for a sufficient time.
Projection of meteorological droughts in Nigeria during growing seasons under climate change scenarios
Authors: Shiru Mohammed Sanusi , Shahid Shamsuddin , Dewan Ashraf , Chung Eun-Sung , Alias Noraliani , Ahmed Kamal , Hassan Quazi K.
Published: June 2020

Like many other African countries, incidence of drought is increasing in Nigeria. In this work, spatiotemporal changes in droughts under different representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios were assessed; considering their greatest impacts on life and livelihoods in Nigeria, especially when droughts coincide with the growing seasons. Three entropy-based methods, namely symmetrical uncertainty, gain ratio, and entropy gain were used in a multi-criteria decision-making framework to select the best performing General Circulation Models (GCMs) for the projection of rainfall and temperature. Performance of four widely used bias correction methods was compared to identify a suitable method for correcting bias in GCM projections for the period 2010–2099. A machine learning technique was then used to generate a multi-model ensemble (MME) of the bias-corrected GCM projection for different RCP scenarios. The standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) was subsequently computed to estimate droughts from the MME mean of GCM projected rainfall and temperature to predict possible spatiotemporal changes in meteorological droughts. Finally, trends in the SPEI, temperature and rainfall, and return period of droughts for different growing seasons were estimated using a 50-year moving window, with a 10-year interval, to understand driving factors accountable for future changes in droughts. The analysis revealed that MRI-CGCM3, HadGEM2-ES, CSIRO-Mk3-6-0, and CESM1-CAM5 are the most appropriate GCMs for projecting rainfall and temperature, and the linear scaling (SCL) is the best method for correcting bias. The MME mean of bias-corrected GCM projections revealed an increase in rainfall in the south-south, southwest, and parts of the northwest whilst a decrease in the southeast, northeast, and parts of central Nigeria. In contrast, rise in temperature for entire country during most of the cropping seasons was projected. The results further indicated that increase in temperature would decrease the SPEI across Nigeria, which will make droughts more frequent in most of the country under all the RCPs. However, increase in drought frequency would be less for higher RCPs due to increase in rainfall.
Raman Spectroscopy vs Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction In Early Stage Huanglongbing Diagnostics
Authors: Sanchez Lee , Pant Shankar , Mandadi Kranthi , Kurouski Dmitry
Published: June 2020

Raman spectroscopy (RS) is an emerging analytical technique that can be used to develop and deploy precision agriculture. RS allows for confirmatory diagnostic of biotic and abiotic stresses on plants. Specifically, RS can be used for Huanglongbing (HLB) diagnostics on both orange and grapefruit trees, as well as detection and identification of various fungal and viral diseases. The questions that remain to be answered is how early can RS detect and identify the disease and whether RS is more sensitive than qPCR, the “golden standard” in pathogen diagnostics? Using RS and HLB as case study, we monitored healthy (qPCR-negative) in-field grown citrus trees and compared their spectra to the spectra collected from healthy orange and grapefruit trees grown in a greenhouse with restricted insect access and confirmed as HLB free by qPCR. Our result indicated that RS was capable of early prediction of HLB and that nearly all in-field qPCR-negative plants were infected by the disease. Using advanced multivariate statistical analysis, we also showed that qPCR-negative plants exhibited HLB-specific spectral characteristics that can be distinguished from unrelated nutrition deficit characteristics. These results demonstrate that RS is capable of much more sensitive diagnostics of HLB compared to qPCR.
T-cell responses following Natural Influenza Infection or Vaccination in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: L’Huillier Arnaud G. , Ferreira Victor H. , Hirzel Cedric , Nellimarla Srinivas , Ku Terrance , Natori Yoichiro , Humar Atul , Kumar Deepali
Published: June 2020

Little is known about cell-mediated immune responses to natural influenza infection in solid organ transplant (SOT) patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the CD4+ and CD8+ responses to influenza A and B infection in a cohort of SOT patients. We collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells at influenza diagnosis and four weeks later from 31 SOT patients during the 2017–2018 influenza season. Infection-elicited influenza-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses were measured using flow cytometry and intracellular cytokine staining and compared to responses following influenza vaccine in SOT patients. Natural infection was associated with a significant increase in CD4+ T-cell responses. For example, polyfunctional cells increased from 21 to 782 and from 193 to 1436 cells per 106 CD4+ T-cells among influenza A/H3N2 and B-infected patients (p = 0.006 and 0.004 respectively). Moreover, infection-elicited CD4+ responses were superior than vaccine-elicited responses for influenza A/H1N1 (931 vs 1; p = 0.026), A/H3N2 (647 vs 1; p = 0.041) and B (619 vs 1; p = 0.004). Natural influenza infection triggers a significant increase in CD4+ T-cell responses in SOT patients. Infection elicits significantly stronger CD4+ responses compared to the influenza vaccine and thereby likely elicits better protection against reinfection.
Emergent cholecystectomy in patients on antithrombotic therapy
Authors: Yoshimoto Masashi , Hioki Masayoshi , Sadamori Hiroshi , Monden Kazuteru , Ohno Satoshi , Takakura Norihisa
Published: June 2020

The Tokyo Guidelines 2018 (TG18) recommend emergent cholecystectomy (EC) for acute cholecystitis. However, the number of patients on antithrombotic therapy (AT) has increased significantly, and no evidence has yet suggested that EC should be performed for acute cholecystitis in such patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether EC is as safe for patients on AT as for patients not on AT. We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent EC from 2007 to 2018 at a single center. First, patients were divided into two groups according to the use of antithrombotic agents: AT; and no-AT. Second, the AT group was divided into three sub-groups according to the use of single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT), double antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), or anticoagulant with or without antiplatelet therapy (AC ± APT). We then evaluated outcomes of EC among all four groups. The primary outcome was 30- and 90- day mortality rate, and secondary outcomes were morbidity rate and surgical outcomes. A total of 478 patients were enrolled (AT, n = 123, no-AT, n = 355) patients. No differences in morbidity rate (6.5% vs. 3.7%, respectively; P = 0.203), 30-day mortality rate (1.6% vs. 1.4%, respectively; P = 1.0) or 90-day mortality rate (1.6% vs. 1.4%, respectively; P = 1.0) were evident between AT and no-AT groups. Between the no-AT and AC ± APT groups, a significant difference was seen in blood loss (10 mL vs. 114 mL, respectively; P = 0.017). Among the three AT sub-groups and the no-AT group, no differences were evident in morbidity rate (3.7% vs. 8.9% vs. 0% vs. 6.5%, respectively; P = 0.201) or 30-day mortality (1.4% vs. 0% vs. 0% vs. 4.3%, respectively; P = 0.351). No hemorrhagic or thrombotic morbidities were identified after EC in any group. In conclusion, EC for acute cholecystitis is as safe for patients on AT as for patients not on AT.
Catechol-O-methyltransferase rs4680 and rs4818 haplotype association with treatment response to olanzapine in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Nikolac Perkovic Matea , Sagud Marina , Zivkovic Maja , Uzun Suzana , Nedic Erjavec Gordana , Kozumplik Oliver , Svob Strac Dubravka , Mimica Ninoslav , Mihaljevic Peles Alma , Pivac Nela
Published: June 2020

Antipsychotic drugs target primarily dopaminergic system which makes catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) an interesting target in studies searching for treatment response predictors in schizophrenia. The study assessed the association of the COMT rs4680 and rs4818 polymorphisms with therapeutic response to olanzapine, risperidone, clozapine or other antipsychotic medication after 8 weeks of monotherapy in patients with schizophrenia. 521 Caucasian patients with schizophrenia received a monotherapy with olanzapine (10–20 mg/day; N = 190), risperidone (3–6 mg/day; N = 99), or clozapine (100–500 mg/day; N = 102). The fourth group (N = 130) consisted of patients receiving haloperidol (3–15 mg/day), fluphenazine (4–25 mg/day) or quetiapine (50–800 mg/day). Treatment response was defined as a 50% reduction from the baseline positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) total and subscale scores, but also as an observed percentage reduction from the initial PANSS0–6 total and subscale scores. Carriers of the COMT rs4680 A allele and carriers of the COMT rs4680–rs4818 C-A haplotype block had greater reduction in the PANSS total scores following olanzapine treatment, compared to carriers of the COMT rs4680 GG genotype and other COMT rs4680–rs4818 haplotypes. The COMT rs4680 A allele, and COMT rs4680–rs4818 C-A haplotype, were significantly associated with therapeutic response in patients treated with olanzapine, but not in patients treated with other antipsychotics.
Publisher Correction: Discovery of novel biomarkers for atherosclerotic aortic aneurysm through proteomics-based assessment of disease progression
Authors: Yagi Hiroaki , Nishigori Mitsuhiro , Murakami Yusuke , Osaki Tsukasa , Muto Sayaka , Iba Yutaka , Minatoya Kenji , Ikeda Yoshihiko , Ishibashi-Ueda Hatsue , Morisaki Takayuki , Ogino Hitoshi , Tanaka Hiroshi , Sasaki Hiroaki , Matsuda Hitoshi , Minamino Naoto
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Portable glucose meter-utilized label-free and washing-free telomerase assay
Authors: Kim Hyo Yong , Lee Chang Yeol , Kim Hansol , Park Ki Soo , Park Hyun Gyu
Published: June 2020

A portable glucose meter (PGM)-utilized method relying on kinase-catalyzed cascade enzymatic reaction (KCER) for the facile determination of telomerase activity was developed.
High-precision identification of the actual storage periods of edible oil by FT-NIR spectroscopy combined with chemometric methods
Authors: He Yingchao , Jiang Hui , Chen Quansheng
Published: June 2020

The actual storage period of edible oil is one of the important indicators of edible oil quality.
Dual aminoquinolate diarylboron and nickel catalysed metallaphotoredox platform for carbon–oxygen bond construction
Authors: Zu Weisai , Day Craig , Wei Lanfeng , Jia Xin , Xu Liang
Published: June 2020

A new boron-based photocatalyst has been applied in metallaphotoredox catalyzed carbon–oxygen bond construction reactions.
Iron- and cobalt-catalyzed C(sp3)–H bond functionalization reactions and their application in organic synthesis
Authors: Liu Yungen , You Tingjie , Wang Hai-Xu , Tang Zhou , Zhou Cong-Ying , Che Chi-Ming
Published: June 2020

This review highlights the developments in iron and cobalt catalyzed C(sp3)–H bond functionalization reactions with emphasis on their applications in organic synthesis, i.e. natural products and pharmaceuticals synthesis and/or modification.
Aqueous phase semihydrogenation of alkynes over Ni–Fe bimetallic catalysts
Authors: Rai Rohit K. , Awasthi Mahendra K. , Singh Vipin K. , Barman Sudipta Roy , Behrens Silke , Singh Sanjay K.
Published: June 2020

Bimetallic Ni–Fe catalysts (Ni/Fe, 1 : 1, 1 : 3, and 3 : 1) are synthesized and explored for their catalytic activity in semihydrogenation of internal alkynes using H2 gas in water–ethanol solution.
Reversible thermo-induced spin crossover in a mononuclearcis-dicyanamido-cobalt(ii) complex containing a macrocyclic tetradentate ligand
Authors: Ghosh Subrata , Selvamani Subramani , Mehta Sakshi , Mondal Abhishake
Published: June 2020

For the first time, a mononuclear cobalt(ii) complex with dicyanamide coligands exhibiting reversible spin crossover behavior at high temperature is reported.
Self-powered electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis directly from air as driven by dual triboelectric nanogenerators
Authors: Han Kai , Luo Jianjun , Feng Yawei , Xu Liang , Tang Wei , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: June 2020

Driven by dual triboelectric nanogenerators, nitrogen fixation from the air can proceed simultaneously with electrocatalytic reduction for self-powered ammonia synthesis.
The exogenous natural phospholipids, EPA-PC and EPA-PE, contribute to ameliorate inflammation and promote macrophage polarization
Authors: Tian Yingying , Liu Yanjun , Xue Changhu , Wang Jingfeng , Wang Yuming , Xu Jie , Li Zhaojie
Published: June 2020

Dietary eicosapentaenoic acid in the form of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine attenuates chronic inflammation by promoting the M2-dominant polarization of macrophages.
Buoyancy-driven step emulsification on pneumatic centrifugal microfluidic platforms
Authors: Clime Liviu , Malic Lidija , Daoud Jamal , Lukic Luke , Geissler Matthias , Veres Teodor
Published: June 2020

We present here a new method for controlling the droplet size in step emulsification processes on a centrifugal microfluidic platform, which, in addition to the centrifugal force, uses pneumatic actuation for fluid displacement.
Transcriptome analysis of Cryptococcus humicola under aluminum stress revealed the potential role of the cell wall in aluminum tolerance
Authors: Dai Mengyao , Liu Jia , Zhang Lei , Tan Yong , Yan Jinping , Wang Juyuan , Nian Hongjuan
Published: June 2020

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is one of the most important limiting factors for crop yield in acidic soils. Bound Al gets converted into a toxic ionic state (Al3+) in acidic soil. Recent studies have shown that Al can act on the cell walls, cell membranes, organelles, and nuclei of microorganisms and affect substance and energy metabolism. To explore the gene expression at the transcriptional level under Al stress, we sequenced the transcriptome of Cryptococcus humicola, which is a highly Al-resistant yeast strain isolated from acidic soil and tolerates up to 200 mM Al3+. The screening conditions for genes from the control and experimental group were a false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05 and log 2|FC| > 1. A total of 4760 genes were differentially expressed, among which 3066 were upregulated and 1694 were downregulated. These genes control glycometabolism, protein synthesis, lipid metabolism and signalling pathways. Eleven selected differentially expressed genes were further validated using qRT-PCR. The results suggested that Al stress leads to complex responses in C. humicola. The effects of Al on the β-d-glucan and mannose contents and Al accumulation in the cell wall were determined. With an increase in the Al treatment time and concentration, the contents of β-d-glucan and mannose showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. Under Al treatment, the Al content of the cell wall also showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. These results suggested that Al accumulates in the cell wall and the cell wall plays a vital role in the Al resistance of C. humicola. The differentially expressed genes provide a foundation for the further study of Al tolerance in C. humicola.
Enhancement of exciton emission in WS2based on the Kerker effect from the mode engineering of individual Si nanostripes
Authors: Yan Jiahao , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Lou Zaizhu , Li Juan , Mao Bijun , Li Baojun
Published: June 2020

Coupling between nanostructures and excitons has attracted great attention for potential applications in quantum information technology.