bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trapped ion mobility spectrometry and PASEF enable in-depth lipidomics from minimal sample amounts
Authors: Vasilopoulou Catherine G. , Sulek Karolina , Brunner Andreas-David , Meitei Ningombam Sanjib , Schweiger-Hufnagel Ulrike , Meyer Sven W. , Barsch Aiko , Mann Matthias , Meier Florian
Published: January 2020

A comprehensive characterization of the lipidome from limited starting material remains very challenging. Here we report a high-sensitivity lipidomics workflow based on nanoflow liquid chromatography and trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS). Taking advantage of parallel accumulation–serial fragmentation (PASEF), we fragment on average 15 precursors in each of 100 ms TIMS scans, while maintaining the full mobility resolution of co-eluting isomers. The acquisition speed of over 100 Hz allows us to obtain MS/MS spectra of the vast majority of isotope patterns. Analyzing 1 µL of human plasma, PASEF increases the number of identified lipids more than three times over standard TIMS-MS/MS, achieving attomole sensitivity. Building on high intra- and inter-laboratory precision and accuracy of TIMS collisional cross sections (CCS), we compile 1856 lipid CCS values from plasma, liver and cancer cells. Our study establishes PASEF in lipid analysis and paves the way for sensitive, ion mobility-enhanced lipidomics in four dimensions.
Circular photogalvanic spectroscopy of Rashba splitting in 2D hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite multiple quantum wells
Authors: Liu Xiaojie , Chanana Ashish , Huynh Uyen , Xue Fei , Haney Paul , Blair Steve , Jiang Xiaomei , Vardeny Z. V.
Published: January 2020

The two-dimensional (2D) Ruddlesden−Popper organic-inorganic halide perovskites such as (2D)-phenethylammonium lead iodide (2D-PEPI) have layered structure that resembles multiple quantum wells (MQW). The heavy atoms in 2D-PEPI contribute a large spin-orbit coupling that influences the electronic band structure. Upon breaking the inversion symmetry, a spin splitting (‘Rashba splitting’) occurs in the electronic bands. We have studied the spin splitting in 2D-PEPI single crystals using the circular photogalvanic effect (CPGE). We confirm the existence of Rashba splitting at the electronic band extrema of 35±10 meV, and identify the main inversion symmetry breaking direction perpendicular to the MQW planes. The CPGE action spectrum above the bandgap reveals spin-polarized photocurrent generated by ultrafast relaxation of excited photocarriers separated in momentum space. Whereas the helicity dependent photocurrent with below-gap excitation is due to spin-galvanic effect of the ionized spin-polarized excitons, where spin polarization occurs in the spin-split bands due to asymmetric spin-flip.
Improved estimates on global carbon stock and carbon pools in tidal wetlands
Authors: Ouyang Xiaoguang , Lee Shing Yip
Published: January 2020

Tidal wetlands are global hotspots of carbon storage but errors exist with current estimates on their carbon density due to the use of factors estimated from other habitats for converting loss-on-ignition (LOI) to organic carbon (OC); and the omission of certain significant carbon pools. Here we show that the widely used conversion factor (LOI/OC = 1.724) is significantly lower than our measurements for saltmarsh sediments (1.92 ± 0.01) and oversimplifies the polynomial relationship between sediment OC and LOI for mangrove forests. Global mangrove OC stock in the top-meter sediment reaches 1.93 Pg when corrected for this bias, and is 20% lower than the previous estimates. Ecosystem carbon stock (living and dead biomass, sediment OC and inorganic carbon) is estimated at 3.7–6.2 Pg. Mangrove deforestation leads to carbon emission rates at 23.5–38.7 Tg yr−1 after 2000. Mangrove sediment OC stock has previously been over-estimated while ecosystem carbon stock underestimated.
Two-way tuning of structural order in metallic glasses
Authors: Lou Hongbo , Zeng Zhidan , Zhang Fei , Chen Songyi , Luo Peng , Chen Xiehang , Ren Yang , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Prescher Clemens , Zuo Xiaobing , Li Tao , Wen Jianguo , Wang Wei-Hua , Sheng Hongwei , Zeng Qiaoshi
Published: January 2020

Metallic glasses are expected to have quite tunable structures in their configuration space, without the strict constraints of a well-defined crystalline symmetry and large energy barriers separating different states in crystals. However, effectively modulating the structure of metallic glasses is rather difficult. Here, using complementary in situ synchrotron x-ray techniques, we reveal thermal-driven structural ordering in a Ce65Al10Co25 metallic glass, and a reverse disordering process via a pressure-induced rejuvenation between two states with distinct structural order characteristics. Studies on other metallic glass samples with different compositions also show similar phenomena. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of two-way structural tuning states in terms of their dramatic ordering and disordering far beyond the nearest-neighbor shells with the combination of temperature and pressure, extending accessible states of metallic glasses to unexplored configuration spaces.
Oil-in-water emulsion adjuvants for pediatric influenza vaccines: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Yu-Ju , Wen Chiao-Ni , Lin Ying-Ying , Hsieh Wen-Chi , Chang Chia-Chen , Chen Yi-Hsuan , Hsu Chian-Hui , Shih Yun-Jui , Chen Chang-Hsun , Fang Chi-Tai
Published: January 2020

Standard inactivated influenza vaccines are poorly immunogenic in immunologically naive healthy young children, who are particularly vulnerable to complications from influenza. For them, there is an unmet need for better influenza vaccines. Oil-in-water emulsion-adjuvanted influenza vaccines are promising candidates, but clinical trials yielded inconsistent results. Here, we meta-analyze randomized controlled trials with efficacy data (3 trials, n = 15,310) and immunogenicity data (17 trials, n = 9062). Compared with non-adjuvanted counterparts, adjuvanted influenza vaccines provide a significantly better protection (weighted estimate for risk ratio of RT-PCR-confirmed influenza: 0.26) and are significantly more immunogenic (weighted estimates for seroprotection rate ratio: 4.6 to 7.9) in healthy immunologically naive young children. Nevertheless, in immunologically non-naive children, adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted vaccines provide similar protection and are similarly immunogenic. These results indicate that oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant improves the efficacy of inactivated influenza vaccines in healthy young children at the first-time seasonal influenza vaccination.
Strain-controlled power devices as inspired by human reflex
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Ma Bei , Zhou Xingyu , Hua Qilin , Gong Jian , Liu Ting , Cui Xiao , Zhu Jiyuan , Guo Wenbin , Jing Liang , Hu Weiguo , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: January 2020

Bioinspired electronics are rapidly promoting advances in artificial intelligence. Emerging AI applications, e.g., autopilot and robotics, increasingly spur the development of power devices with new forms. Here, we present a strain-controlled power device that can directly modulate the output power responses to external strain at a rapid speed, as inspired by human reflex. By using the cantilever-structured AlGaN/AlN/GaN-based high electron mobility transistor, the device can control significant output power modulation (2.30–2.72 × 103 W cm−2) with weak mechanical stimuli (0–16 mN) at a gate bias of 1 V. We further demonstrate the acceleration-feedback-controlled power application, and prove that the output power can be effectively adjusted at real-time in response to acceleration changes, i.e., ▵P of 72.78–132.89 W cm−2 at an acceleration of 1–5 G at a supply voltage of 15 V. Looking forward, the device will have great significance in a wide range of AI applications, including autopilot, robotics, and human-machine interfaces.
The impact of adjusting for baseline in pharmacogenomic genome-wide association studies of quantitative change
Authors: Oni-Orisan Akinyemi , Haldar Tanushree , Ranatunga Dilrini K. , Medina Marisa W. , Schaefer Catherine , Krauss Ronald M. , Iribarren Carlos , Risch Neil , Hoffmann Thomas J.
Published: January 2020

In pharmacogenomic studies of quantitative change, any association between genetic variants and the pretreatment (baseline) measurement can bias the estimate of effect between those variants and drug response. A putative solution is to adjust for baseline. We conducted a series of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) response to statin therapy in 34,874 participants of the Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging (GERA) cohort as a case study to investigate the impact of baseline adjustment on results generated from pharmacogenomic studies of quantitative change. Across phenotypes of statin-induced LDL-C change, baseline adjustment identified variants from six loci meeting genome-wide significance (SORT/CELSR2/PSRC1, LPA, SLCO1B1, APOE, APOB, and SMARCA4/LDLR). In contrast, baseline-unadjusted analyses yielded variants from three loci meeting the criteria for genome-wide significance (LPA, APOE, and SLCO1B1). A genome-wide heterogeneity test of baseline versus statin on-treatment LDL-C levels was performed as the definitive test for the true effect of genetic variants on statin-induced LDL-C change. These findings were generally consistent with the models not adjusting for baseline signifying that genome-wide significant hits generated only from baseline-adjusted analyses (SORT/CELSR2/PSRC1, APOB, SMARCA4/LDLR) were likely biased. We then comprehensively reviewed published GWASs of drug-induced quantitative change and discovered that more than half (59%) inappropriately adjusted for baseline. Altogether, we demonstrate that (1) baseline adjustment introduces bias in pharmacogenomic studies of quantitative change and (2) this erroneous methodology is highly prevalent. We conclude that it is critical to avoid this common statistical approach in future pharmacogenomic studies of quantitative change.
A Silurian ancestral scorpion with fossilised internal anatomy illustrating a pathway to arachnid terrestrialisation
Authors: Wendruff Andrew J. , Babcock Loren E. , Wirkner Christian S. , Kluessendorf Joanne , Mikulic Donald G.
Published: January 2020

Scorpions are among the first animals to have become fully terrestrialised. Their early fossil record is limited, and fundamental questions, including how and when they adapted to life on land, have been difficult to answer. Here we describe a new exceptionally preserved fossil scorpion from the Waukesha Biota (early Silurian, ca. 437.5–436.5 Ma) of Wisconsin, USA. This is the earliest scorpion yet reported, and it shows a combination of primitive marine chelicerate and derived arachnid characteristics. Elements of the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems are preserved, and they are essentially indistinguishable from those of present-day scorpions but share similarities with marine relatives. At this early point in arachnid evolution, physiological changes concomitant with the marine-to-terrestrial transition must have occurred but, remarkably, structural change in the circulatory or respiratory systems appear negligible. Whereas there is no unambiguous evidence that this early scorpion was terrestrial, this evidence suggests that ancestral scorpions were likely capable of forays onto land, a behavior similar to that of extant horseshoe crabs.
Individual and interpersonal correlates of cardiorespiratory fitness in adults – Findings from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey
Authors: Zeiher Johannes , Manz Kristin , Kuntz Benjamin , Perumal Nita , Keil Thomas , Mensink Gert B. M. , Finger Jonas D.
Published: January 2020

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an established predictor of adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate potential behavioral, interpersonal and socioeconomic correlates of CRF among men and women living in Germany using data from a population-based nationwide cross-sectional study. 1,439 men and 1,486 women aged 18–64 participated in the German Health Interview and Examination Survey (2008–2011) and completed a standardized sub-maximal cycle ergometer test. Maximal oxygen consumption ($$\dot{V}{O}_{2}max$$

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) in ml·min−1·kg−1 was estimated. Mean values of VO2max for various anthropometric, behavioral, interpersonal, and sociodemographic variables were estimated. Linear regression analyses using multiple imputations technique for missing values was performed to analyze the influence of potential correlates on CRF. Women with high alcohol consumption had higher $$\dot{V}{O}_{2}max$$

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, (β = 2.20; 95% CI 0.98 to 3.42) than women with low alcohol consumption and women with high occupational status had higher $$\dot{V}{O}_{2}max$$

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(β = 1.83; 95% CI 0.21 to 3.44) in comparison to women with low occupational status. Among men, high fruit intake (β = 1.52; 95% CI 0.63 to 2.40), compared to low or medium fruit intake and performing at least 2.5 hours of total PA per week (β = 2.19; 95% CI 1.11 to 3.28), compared to less than 2.5 hours was associated with higher $$\dot{V}{O}_{2}max$$

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. Among both men and women, lower body mass index, lower waist circumference and higher levels of physical exercise were considerably associated with higher $$\dot{V}{O}_{2}max$$

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. Among women, those in higher age groups showed a considerably lower level of $$\dot{V}{O}_{2}max$$

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compared with those aged 18–24. Furthermore, mean estimated $$\dot{V}{O}_{2}max$$

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was higher among men (36.5; 95% CI 36.0 to 37.0) than among women (30.3; 95% CI 29.8 to 30.7). Despite the cross-sectional nature of the current study, we conclude that several behavioral, anthropometric, and sociodemographic factors are associated with CRF in the general adult population in Germany. These results can provide evidence to tailor prevention measures according to the needs of specific subgroups.
Electronics without bridging components
Authors: García-Suárez V. M.
Published: January 2020

We propose a new paradigm of electronic devices based only on two electrodes separated by a gap, i.e. without any functional element bridging them. We use a tight-binding model to show that, depending on the type of material of the electrodes and its structure, several electronic functionalities can be achieved: ohmic behaviour, rectification, negative differential resistance, spin-filtering and magnetoresistance. In particular, we show that it is possible to deliver a given functionality by changing the coupling between the surface and bulk states and between the surface states across the gap, which dramatically changes the current-voltage characteristics. These results prove that it is possible to have functional electronic and spintronic elements on the nanoscale without having physical components bridging the electrodes.
Predicting dissolution and transformation of inhaled nanoparticles in the lung using abiotic flow cells: The case of barium sulfate
Authors: Keller Johannes G. , Graham Uschi M. , Koltermann-Jülly Johanna , Gelein Robert , Ma-Hock Lan , Landsiedel Robert , Wiemann Martin , Oberdörster Günter , Elder Alison , Wohlleben Wendel
Published: January 2020

Barium sulfate (BaSO4) was considered to be poorly-soluble and of low toxicity, but BaSO4NM-220 showed a surprisingly short retention after intratracheal instillation in rat lungs, and incorporation of Ba within the bones. Here we show that static abiotic dissolution cannot rationalize this result, whereas two dynamic abiotic dissolution systems (one flow-through and one flow-by) indicated 50% dissolution after 5 to 6 days at non-saturating conditions regardless of flow orientation, which is close to thein vivohalf-time of 9.6 days. Non-equilibrium conditions were thus essential to simulatein vivobiodissolution. Instead of shrinking from 32 nm to 23 nm (to match the mass loss to ions), TEM scans of particles retrieved from flow-cells showed an increase to 40 nm. Such transformation suggested either material transport through interfacial contact or Ostwald ripening at super-saturating conditions and was also observedin vivoinside macrophages by high-resolution TEM following 12 months inhalation exposure. The abiotic flow cells thus adequately predicted the overall pulmonary biopersistence of the particles that was mediated by non-equilibrium dissolution and recrystallization. The present methodology for dissolution and transformation fills a high priority gap in nanomaterial hazard assessment and is proposed for the implementation of grouping and read-across by dissolution rates.
Root canal configuration and root wall thickness of first maxillary premolars in an Israeli population. A Cone-beam computed tomography study
Authors: Kfir Anda , Mostinsky Olga , Elyzur Orly , Hertzeanu Moran , Metzger Zvi , Pawar Ajinkya M.
Published: January 2020

Anatomical features of first maxillary premolars may greatly affect endodontic and following restorative treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate root canal configuration and root wall thickness of first maxillary premolars using a preexisting CBCT database. A CBCT database of 400 first maxillary premolar was used to study canal configuration, presence of furcation-facing groove on the buccal root and root wall thickness. Root wall thickness was measured from axial CBCT slices at three critical points of the root: The most coronal part of the furcation-facing groove in the buccal root, when present, the CEJ level of the palatal root and 5 mm apically to the CEJ level of the palatal root. Vertucci Type IV configuration was the most common among all teeth, but in single-rooted teeth, Vertucci Type II was predominant. The mean thickness of the buccal root in the area of a furcation-facing groove was 1.1 (±0.2) mm, but in 39% of the cases, it was thinner than 1 mm. The mean thickness of the palatal root at 5 mm from the CEJ was 1.1 (±0.2), but in 28% of the cases, it was thinner than 1 mm. Thickness of root dentin walls of first maxillary premolars varies and may be limited at critical points in both buccal and palatal roots. In case the patient has a previous CBCT scan it may be useful for planning treatment of first maxillary premolars, in order to recognize and avoid potential risks such as furcation-facing groove, thin dentin walls in critical areas and presence of Type II Verucci canal, all of which may dictate less invasive procedures, using smaller files.
Shelf sand supply determined by glacial-age sea-level modes, submerged coastlines and wave climate
Authors: Ribó Marta , Goodwin Ian D. , O’Brien Philip , Mortlock Thomas
Published: January 2020

Submerged paloeshorelines preserved on the continental shelf indicate the depths of the most frequent (modal) low sea-levels within the glacial stages of the Late Quaternary. Here we have determined the south-east Australian shelf configuration when sea level was 40 m and 60 m below present-day sea-level (depths of the most persistent paleoshorelines within the last 120 ka), and we resolve the wave climate variations influencing the sediment transport pathways over this period. We present evidence demonstrating that the combination of shelf morphological evolution, changes in sea-level and variations in wave climate is responsible for latitudinal changes in sediment transport and deposition during the interglacial states. The paleoshoreline and shelf evolution is key to understanding the distribution of present-day shelf sand deposits and the contemporary sand budget response to future wave climate changes.
Amniotic microvesicles impact hatching and pregnancy percentages of in vitro bovine embryos and blastocyst microRNA expression versus in vivo controls
Authors: Lange-Consiglio Anna , Lazzari Barbara , Pizzi Flavia , Idda Antonella , Cremonesi Fausto , Capra Emanuele
Published: January 2020

Embryo development and implantation are dynamic processes, responsive to external signals, and can potentially be influenced by many environmental factors. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of a culture medium supplemented with amniotic-derived microvesicles (MVs) on in vitro embryo hatching after cryopreservation, and pregnancy rate following embryo transfer. In addition, miRNA profiling of blastocysts produced in vitro, with or without (control; CTR) amniotic MV supplementation, was also evaluated using blastocysts produced in vivo. In vitro embryos were cultured with and without amniotic MV supplementation. In vivo blastocysts were obtained from superovulated cows. Samples for RNA isolation were obtained from three pools of 10 embryos each (in vivo, in vitro-CTR and in vitro + MVs). Our results show that the hatching percentage of cryopreserved in vitro + MVs embryos is higher (P < 0.05) than in vitro-CTR embryos and the pregnancy rate with fresh and cryopreserved in vitro + MVs embryos is higher than in vitro-CTR embryos. In addition, the analysis of differently expressed (DE) microRNAs showed that embryos produced in vivo are clearly different from those produced in vitro. Moreover, in vitro-CTR and in vitro + MVs embryos differ significantly for expression of two miRNAs that were found in higher concentrations in in vitro-CTR embryos. Interestingly, these two miRNAs were also reported in degenerated bovine embryos compared to good quality blastocysts. In conclusion, MV addition during in vitro production of embryos seems to counteract the adverse effect of in vitro culture and partially modulate the expression of specific miRNAs involved in successful embryo implantation.
Dynamics of opinion formation under majority rules on complex social networks
Authors: Nguyen Vu Xuan , Xiao Gaoxi , Xu Xin-Jian , Wu Qingchu , Xia Cheng-Yi
Published: January 2020

We study opinion dynamics on complex social networks where each individual holding a binary opinion on a certain subject may change her/his mind to match the opinion of the majority. Two rules of interactions between individuals, termed as classic majority and influence majority rules, respectively, are imposed on the social networks. The former rule allows each individual to adopt an opinion following a simple majority of her/his immediate neighbors, while the latter one lets each individual calculate the influence of each opinion and choose to follow the more influential one. In this calculation, the influences of different opinions are counted as the sum of the influences of their respective opinion holders in neighborhood area, where the influence of each individual is conveniently estimated as the number of social connections s/he has. Our study reveals that in densely-connected social networks, all individuals tend to converge to having a single global consensus. In sparsely-connected networks, however, the systems may exhibit rich properties where coexistence of different opinions, and more interestingly, multiple steady states of coexistence can be observed. Further studies reveal that low-degree and high-degree nodes may play different roles in formulating the final steady state, including multi-steady states, of the systems under different opinion evolution rules. Such observations would help understand the complex dynamics of opinion evolution and coexistence in social systems.
Insecticidal activity and biochemical composition of Citrullus colocynthis, Cannabis indica and Artemisia argyi extracts against cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.)
Authors: Ahmed Maqsood , Peiwen Qin , Gu Zumin , Liu Yuyang , Sikandar Aatika , Hussain Dilbar , Javeed Ansar , Shafi Jamil , Iqbal Mazher Farid , An Ran , Guo Hongxia , Du Ying , Wang Weijing , Zhang Yumeng , Ji Mingshan
Published: January 2020

Plant extracts contain many active compounds, which are tremendously fruitful for plant defence against several insect pests. The prime objectives of the present study were to calculate the extraction yield and to evaluate the leaf extracts of Citrullus colocynthis (L.), Cannabis indica (L.) and Artemisia argyi (L.) against Brevicoryne brassicae and to conduct biochemical analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results suggested that when using ethanol, C. colocynthis produced a high dry yield (12.45%), followed by that of C. indica and A. argyi, which were 12.37% and 10.95%, respectively. The toxicity results showed that A. argyi was toxic to B. brassicae with an LC50 of 3.91 mg mL−1, followed by the toxicity of C. colocynthis and C. indica, exhibiting LC50 values of 6.26 and 10.04 mg mL−1, respectively, which were obtained via a residual assay; with a contact assay, the LC50 values of C. colocynthis, C. indica and A. argyi were 0.22 mg mL−1, 1.96 and 2.87 mg mL−1, respectively. The interaction of plant extracts, concentration and time revealed that the maximum mortality based on a concentration of 20 mg L−1 was 55.50%, the time-based mortality was 55% at 72 h of exposure, and the treatment-based mortality was 44.13% for A. argyi via the residual assay. On the other hand, the maximum concentration-based mortality was 74.44% at 20 mg mL−1, the time-based mortality was 66.38% after 72 h of exposure, and 57.30% treatment-based mortality was afforded by A. argyi via the contact assay. The biochemical analysis presented ten constituents in both the A. argyi and C. colocynthis extracts and twenty in that of C. indica, corresponding to 99.80%, 99.99% and 97% of the total extracts, respectively. Moreover, the detected caryophylleneonides (sesquiterpenes), α-bisabolol and dronabinol (Δ9-THC) from C. indica and erucylamide and octasiloxane hexamethyl from C. colocynthis exhibited insecticidal properties, which might be responsible for aphid mortality. However, A. argyi was evaluated for the first time against B. brassicae. It was concluded that all the plant extracts possessed significant insecticidal properties and could be introduced as botanical insecticides after field evaluations.
Intestinal barrier function is maintained with aging – a comprehensive study in healthy subjects and irritable bowel syndrome patients
Authors: Wilms Ellen , Troost Freddy J. , Elizalde Montserrat , Winkens Bjorn , de Vos Paul , Mujagic Zlatan , Jonkers Daisy M. A. E. , Masclee Ad A. M.
Published: January 2020

Animal studies have shown that intestinal barrier function is compromised with aging. We aimed to assess the effects of aging on intestinal barrier function in humans in vivo and ex vivo. In this cross-sectional study, healthy subjects and subjects with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of older (65–75 years) and young adult age (18–40 years) were compared. In vivo gastrointestinal site-specific permeability was assessed by a multi-sugar test, taking into account potential confounders. Sigmoid biopsies were collected from subgroups of healthy young adults and elderly for ex vivo Ussing chamber experiments, gene transcription of barrier-related genes and staining of junctional proteins. No significant differences between healthy young adults and elderly were found for small intestinal, colonic and whole gut permeability (P ≥ 0.142). In IBS patients, gastroduodenal and colonic permeability did not differ significantly (P ≥ 0.400), but small intestinal and whole gut permeability were higher in elderly versus young adults (P ≤ 0.009), mainly driven by the IBS-diarrhea subtype. Ussing chamber experiments with or without stressor (P ≥ 0.052), and relative expression of intestinal barrier-related genes (P ≥ 0.264) showed no significant differences between healthy elderly and young adults, as confirmed by immunofluorescent stainings. Overall, the functional capacity of the intestinal barrier is maintained in elderly.
Genotypic variations in leaf and whole-plant water use efficiencies are closely related in bread wheat genotypes under well-watered and water-limited conditions during grain filling
Authors: del Pozo Alejandro , Méndez-Espinoza Ana María , Romero-Bravo Sebastián , Garriga Miguel , Estrada Félix , Alcaíno Marta , Camargo-Rodriguez Anyela V. , Corke Fiona M. K. , Doonan John H. , Lobos Gustavo A.
Published: January 2020

Wheat plants growing under Mediterranean rain-fed conditions are exposed to water deficit, particularly during the grain filling period, and this can lead to a strong reduction in grain yield (GY). This study examines the effects of water deficit after during the grain filling period on photosynthetic and water-use efficiencies at the leaf and whole-plant level for 14 bread wheat genotypes grown in pots under glasshouse conditions. Two glasshouse experiments were conducted, one in a conventional glasshouse at the Universidad de Talca, Chile (Experiment 1), and another at the National Plant Phenomics Centre (NPPC), Aberystwyth, UK (Experiment 2), in 2015. Plants were grown under well-watered (WW) and water-limited (WL) conditions during grain filling. The reductions in leaf water potential (Ψ), net CO2 assimilation (An) and stomatal conductance (gs) due to water deficit were 79, 35 and 55%, respectively, during grain filling but no significant differences were found among genotypes. However, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (as determined on dark-adapted and illuminated leaves) and chlorophyll content (Chl) were significantly different among genotypes, but not between water conditions. Under both water conditions, An presented a positive and linear relationship with the effective photochemical quantum yield of Photosystem II (Y(II)) and the maximum rate of electron transport (ETRmax), and negative with the quantum yield of non-photochemical energy conversion in Photosystem II (Y(NPQ)). The relationship between An and Chl was positive and linear for both water conditions, but under WL conditions An tended to be lower at any Chl value. Both, instantaneous (An/E) and intrinsic (An/gs) water-use efficiencies at the leaf level exhibited a positive and linear relationship with plant water-use efficiency (WUEp = plant dry weight/water use). Carbon discrimination (Δ13C) in kernels presented a negative relationship with WUEp, at both WW and WL conditions, and a positive relationship with GY. Our results indicate that during grain filling wheat plants face limitations to the assimilation process due to natural senesce and water stress. The reduction in An and gs after anthesis in both water conditions was mainly due a decline in the chlorophyll content (non-stomatal limitation), whereas the observed differences between water conditions were mainly due to a stomatal limitation.
Blockade of Arginine Vasopressin receptors prevents blood-brain barrier breakdown in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Viñuela-Berni Verónica , Gómez-González Beatriz , Quintanar-Stephano Andrés
Published: January 2020

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a significant pathophysiological role in multiple sclerosis (MS). Vasopressin (AVP) is released after brain injury and contributes to the inflammatory response. We propose that AVP may be modulating BBB permeability and hence affecting EAE clinical signs. Female Lewis rats were immunized s.c. with guinea-pig brain extract suspended in complete Freund’s adjuvant. Prior to that, animals were subjected to Neurointermediate pituitary lobectomy (NIL) or treated with AVP receptor antagonist (conivaptan). BBB permeability assays were performed. Western blot for claudin-5 and histological analysis were performed in conivaptan treated EAE rats. EAE increase in BBB permeability to Evans blue was reverted by the NIL surgery. AVP receptor blockade reverted the EAE BBB hyperpermeability to Evans blue and 10-kDa FITC-dextran in almost all brain regions. Both, AVP low levels and AVP receptor blockade attenuated EAE clinical signs. Conivaptan reduced perivascular cuffs in EAE rats. A decrease in claudin-5 expression was observed in EAE rats and conivaptan treatment partially restored normal levels. Our data indicate that V1a and V2 AVP receptors can modulate BBB permeability and consequently are involved in the CNS inflammatory process during EAE. Future research is required to characterize the utility of vasopressin antagonist in MS treatment.
Microenvironmental analysis of two alternating hosts and their impact on the ecological adaptation of the horned sumac gall aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis (Hemiptera, Pemphiginae)
Authors: Wang Chao , Liu Ping , Chen Xiaoming , Liu Juan , Lu Qin , Shao Shuxia , Yang Zixiang , Chen Hang , King-Jones Kirst
Published: January 2020

The aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis(Bell) induces horned galls on their primary host Rhus chinensis(Mill). These galls serve as closed habitats to support thousands of aphids per gall. Ecological parameters inside a gall are unknown. In this study, we showed that the microclimate inside galls was reltively stable, with nearly 100% humidity and 30–50 lux light regardless of outside environmental conditions. Gall-residing aphids produce waste gas and honeydew. A gall contained 26 organic volatiles inside with acetic acid as the largest component. Honeydew is rich in sugars and may provide nutrients for microbial growth. However, no evidence for pathogenic microorganisms was found inside a gall. The acidic environment in a gall may curb microbial growth. On the secondary host, the moss Plagiomnium maximoviczii (Lindb.) T. J. Kop., the microclimate is unstable and humidity fluctuated at 45~100%, while light ranged from 150 to 500 lux on different environmental conditions. Aphid alternated in two different habitats, the gall generation increased from a single fundatrix to thousands of aphids, however, survival rate of the moss generation is less 3%. A comparison of the environmental traits between gall and moss revealed that a stable habitat with dark and moist is advantageous for aphid reproduction.
The fatigue-induced alteration in postural control is larger in hypobaric than in normobaric hypoxia
Authors: Degache Francis , Serain Émilie , Roy Sophie , Faiss Raphael , Millet Grégoire P.
Published: January 2020

To test the hypothesis that postural control would be more affected by plantar flexors fatigue during acute exposure in hypobaric (HH) than in normobaric (NH) hypoxia or normobaric normoxia (NN). Twelve young male adults performed in a random order three experimental sessions (in HH and NH (FiO2 0.139) at an altitude of 2950 m, and in NN at 500 m) composed of a bipedal postural control with eyes open on a posturographic platform before and after a plantar flexors fatiguing protocol. Center of pressure (CoP) trajectory and stabilogramm diffusion analyses (SDA) parameters were assessed. A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to identify differences by examination of the group and time interaction. Surface of CoP trajectory analysis, increased at POST in HH (p < 0.001) and in NH (p < 0.01) compared to NN. SDA confirmed that PC was more altered in HH than in NH (p < 0.001) and NN (p < 0.05) at POST. The plantar flexor fatigue-induced alteration in postural control increased to a larger extent in HH than in NH or NN, suggesting an alleviating influence of the decreased barometric pressure per se and a mechanical influence of the higher breathing frequency in HH.
Leukocyte-derived extracellular DNA contributes to abnormal pressure elevation in the extracorporeal circulation circuit
Authors: Yashima Nozomi , Ito Takashi , Kajiyama Kenji , Maeda Hiroyuki , Kakihana Yasuyuki , Maruyama Ikuro
Published: January 2020

An abnormal elevation in pressure is a serious complication involving the extracorporeal circulation circuit. Clot formation might be associated with this complication, but the precise mechanism of an abnormal elevation in pressure has not been identified. We investigated sufficient conditions for in-circuit elevation in pressure using anex vivore-circulation circuit with porcine blood. Specifically, we investigated the effect of blood conditions, the type of anticoagulation, and pro-inflammatory stimulation on in-circuit pressure. We also examined the cause of an abnormal elevation of in-circuit pressure by specifically degrading DNA, RNA, or protein components of an obstructed filter and by using immunofluorescent techniques. Neither a change in temperature nor change in pH in the blood increased in-circuit pressure. In contrast, long-term storage of blood, pro-inflammatory stimulation by phorbol myristate acetate, and heparin administration significantly increased in-circuit pressure. Abnormal in-circuit elevation in pressure was associated with deposition of extracellular DNA on the outlet surface of the filter. Administration of DNase resulted in a rapid decline of in-circuit pressure. In anex vivore-circulation circuit system, extracellular DNA deposition on the filter is responsible for an abnormal in-circuit elevation in pressure. Senescent leukocytes, stimulated leukocytes, and heparin exposure are associated with extracellular DNA deposition.
Proton pump inhibitors act synergistically with fluconazole against resistant Candida albicans
Authors: Lu Mengjiao , Yan Haiying , Yu Cuixiang , Yuan Lei , Sun Shujuan
Published: January 2020

The incidence of resistant Candida isolates, especially Candida albicans, has increased continuously. To overcome the resistance, research on antifungal agent sensitizers has attracted considerable attention. Omeprazole and lansoprazole were found to inhibit the growth of sensitive C. albicans and hyphae formation in a high dose, respectively. This study aimed to determine the interactions of common clinically proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and fluconazole both in vitro and in vivo and to further explore the possible mechanisms. In vitro, the tested PPIs all acted synergistically with fluconazole against both resistant C. albicans planktonic cells and biofilms preformed for ≤12 h with the minimum inhibitory concentration of fluconazole decreased from >512 μg/mL to 1–4 μg/mL. In vivo, PPIs plus fluconazole prolonged the survival rate of infected Galleria mellonella larvae by two-fold compared with that for the fluconazole monotherapy group and significantly reduced the tissue damage of infected larvae. Mechanism studies showed that PPIs significantly suppressed efflux pump activity, which is the common resistance mechanism of C. albicans, and significantly inhibited the virulence factors: phospholipase activity and morphology switching. These findings will provide new insights into antifungal agent discovery and potential approaches for the treatment of candidiasis caused by resistant C. albicans.
Quantitative and Fast Sterility Assurance Testing of Surfaces by Enumeration of Germinable Endospores
Authors: Yung Pun To , Lester Elizabeth , Ponce Adrian
Published: January 2020

A fast Endospore Germinability Assay (EGA) was validated with traditional plate counts to enumerate single endospore germination events for monitoring surface sterilization. The assay is based on a time-gated luminescence microscopy technique enabling visualization and enumeration of individual germinating endospores. Germinating endospores release calcium dipicolinate to form highly luminescent terbium dipicolinate complexes surrounding each germinating endospore. EGA and heterotrophic plate counting (HPC) were used to evaluate the swab/rinse recovery efficiency of endospores from stainless steel surfaces. EGA and HPC results were highly correlated for endospore recovery from stainless steel coupons inoculated with range of 1,000 endospores per coupon down to sterility. Dosage-dependent decrease of surface endospore germinability were observed in dry heat, UV irradiation, oxygen plasma and vaporized hydrogen peroxide treatments, measured with EGA and HPC. EGA is a fast and complementary method to traditional HPC for quantitative sterility assurance testing of surfaces. This work introduces and validates a 15-minute or faster assay for germinable endospores to complement the conventional lengthy, culture-based surface sterility validation, which is critical in hospitals, food and pharmaceutical industries to help minimize nosocomial infection, food spoilage, and pharmaceutical contamination.
Deformation analysis of lipid membranes subjected to general forms of intra-membrane viscous flow and interactions with an elliptical-cross-section substrate
Authors: Liu Zhe , Kim Chun-il
Published: January 2020

We study the morphology of lipid membranes subjected to intra-membrane viscous flows and interactions with elliptical cylinder substrates. From the non-linear theory of elastic surfaces, a linearized shape equation and admissible boundary conditions are formulated in elliptical coordinates via the Monge representation of a surface. In particular, the intra-membrane viscosity terms are linearized and mapped into elliptic coordinates in order to accommodate more general forms of viscous flow. The assimilated viscous flow is characterized by potential functions which satisfies the continuity condition. A complete solution in terms of Mathieu function is then obtained within the prescription of incremental deformations superposed on large. The results describe smooth morphological transitions over the domain of interest and, more importantly, predicts wrinkle formations in the presence of intra-membrane viscous flow in the surface. Lastly, the obtained solution accommodates the results from the circular cases in the limit of vanishing eccentricity and intra-membrane viscous flow.
Decision-making process during collective movement initiation in golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana)
Authors: Wang Chengliang , Pan Ruliang , Wang Xiaowei , Qi Xiaoguang , Zhao Haitao , Guo Songtao , Ren Yi , Fu Weiwei , Zhu Zirui , Li Baoguo
Published: January 2020

Collective decision-making is important for coordination and synchronization of the activities among group-living animals and the mechanisms guiding such procedure involve a great variety of characteristics of behavior and motivation. This study provides some evidence investigating collective movement initiation in a multi-level social band of the golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) located in the Mts. Qinling, China. We collect 1223 datum records relevant to decision initiation from six OMUs. The results indicate that collective movement initiation could be divided into two continual but relatively independent processes: decisions on moving direction and movement implementation. In both processes, adult individuals are more likely to initiate the decision-making, while other adults vote on initiator’s preference, with a threshold, a supporting number required for a success. Thus, voting behavior and quorum fulfillment contribute to a successful decision-making. Adult individuals play important role in making decisions for moving direction and implementation. For a successful collective movement initiation, the individuals being more central in grooming network initiate decisions more frequently than the others, and attract voters more easily. Furthermore, following the initiation, at least four positive voters are required for a direction decision and at least three positive voters are needed for the decision on movement implementation, which could be considered as the threshold of quorum numbers required for a successful decision. This study has provided some very interesting information and scientific evidence in understanding social structure and behaviors of the nonhuman primates with a social structure very similar to humans’. Thus, some results can directly be referred to the comprehension of human social structure and behavior.
Neural Networks Mediating Perceptual Learning in Congenital Blindness
Authors: Chebat Daniel-Robert , Schneider Fabien C. , Ptito Maurice
Published: January 2020

Despite the fact that complete visual deprivation leads to volumetric reductions in brain structures associated with spatial learning, blind individuals are still able to navigate. The neural structures involved in this function are not fully understood. Our study aims to correlate the performance of congenitally blind individuals (CB) and blindfolded sighted controls (SC) in a life-size obstacle-course using a visual-to-tactile sensory substitution device, with the size of brain structures (voxel based morphometry-VBM-) measured through structural magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI). VBM was used to extract grey matter volumes within several a-priori defined brain regions in all participants. Principal component analysis was utilized to group brain regions in factors and orthogonalize brain volumes. Regression analyses were then performed to link learning abilities to these factors. We found that (1) both CB and SC were able to learn to detect and avoid obstacles; (2) their learning rates for obstacle detection and avoidance correlated significantly with the volume of brain structures known to be involved in spatial skills. There is a similar relation between regions of the dorsal stream network and avoidance for both SC and CB whereas for detection, SC rely more on medial temporal lobe structures and CB on sensorimotor areas.
Transcriptome analyses revealed molecular responses of Cynanchum auriculatum leaves to saline stress
Authors: Zhang Ming , Hong Li-Zhou , Gu Min-Feng , Wu Cheng-Dong , Zhang Gen
Published: January 2020

Cynanchum auriculatum is a traditional herbal medicine in China and can grow in saline soils. However, little is known in relation to the underlying molecular mechanisms. In the present study, C. auriculatum seedlings were exposed to 3.75‰ and 7.5‰ salinity. Next, transcriptome profiles of leaves were compared. Transcriptome sequencing showed 35,593 and 58,046 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in treatments with 3.75‰ and 7.5‰, compared with the control, respectively. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of these DEGs enriched various defense-related biological pathways, including ROS scavenging, ion transportation, lipid metabolism and plant hormone signaling. Further analyses suggested that C. auriculatum up-regulated Na+/H+ exchanger and V-type proton ATPase to avoid accumulation of Na+. The flavonoid and phenylpropanoids biosynthesis pathways were activated, which might increase antioxidant capacity in response to saline stress. The auxin and ethylene signaling pathways were upregulated in response to saline treatments, both of which are important plant hormones. Overall, these results raised new insights to further investigate molecular mechanisms underlying resistance of C. auriculatum to saline stress.
Biodegradability of woody film produced by solvent volatilisation of Japanese Beech solution
Authors: Nishiwaki-Akine Yuri , Kanazawa Sui , Matsuura Norihisa , Yamamoto-Ikemoto Ryoko
Published: January 2020

To address the problem of marine pollution from discarded plastics, we developed a highly biodegradable woody film, with almost the same components as wood, from the formic acid solution of ball-milled wood. We found that the woody film was not easily degraded by cultured solution of hand bacteria (phylum Proteobacteria was dominant). However, the film was easily biodegraded when in cultured solution of soil (Firmicutes, especially class Bacilli, was dominant) for 4 weeks at 37 °C, or when buried in the soil itself, both under aerobic conditions (Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria were dominant) for 40 days at room temperature and under anaerobic conditions (Firmicutes, especially family Ruminococcaceae, was dominant) for 5 weeks at 37 °C. Moreover, when film was buried in the soil, more carbon dioxide was generated than from soil alone. Therefore, the film was not only brittle but formed of decomposable organic matter. We showed that the film does not decompose at the time of use when touched by the hand, but it decomposes easily when buried in the soil after use. We suggest that this biodegradable woody film can be used as a sustainable raw material in the future.